A Month Of Cinematic Discovery

A MONTH OF CINEMATIC DISCOVERY
(A.K.A - ''How Have I Never Seen These Before?'' July)

Over the past 8 years I have been running this website, trying to review as many of the new releases as possible, I have sorely neglected some of the most important, most influential and most beloved motion pictures ever made. So this July what with all of the cinemas still closed due to the pandemic, I took the oppurtunity to spend each day of the month watching a film that I really should have by now - and the results have been very, very enlightening and invigorating. Voted for by the members of my favourite Facebook movie group, The Mark Kermode Appreciation Society, these 24 films, while not all great, certainly have provided me with some of the best viewing experiences I have ever had. Listed alphabetically (X and Z have been omitted), here are my short reviews for each of them -

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AWAKENINGS (1990)

Dir. Penny Marshall

Rating : ****

This was certainly an emotional way to kick things off. Based on the extraordinary work of Dr. Oliver Sacks and his best selling memoir, this heartbreaking drama from 'Big' director Penny Marshall features some of the best work from both Robert De Niro and Robin Williams as a patient and doctor respectively and the amazing work they did together in the 1960's to fight the hideous disease of encephalitis. Nominated for numerous Academy Awards but sadly winning none, 'Awakenings' is one of the best movies of the 90's and once again proves that Robin Williams was just as good a serious actor as he was a tremendous comedian.

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BILL & TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE (1989)

Dir. Stephen Herek

Rating : **

Maybe it's due to the fact that I didn't grow up with this but I got very little from this fan-favourite cult comedy. Much has been written and said about the joys of this time-travelling Keanu Reeves vehicle but few laughs were to be had from me. That being said, Napoleon on the water slides did give me a chuckle.

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COMMANDO (1987)

Dir. Mark L. Lester

Rating : ****

It might seem strange that I'm giving this critically divisive action classic the same rating I gave to 'Awakenings' but this Arnold Schwarzenegger gem gave me everything that I could possibly want from an overblown 80's film and so much more. Amazing stunts, crazy set pieces, a highly quotable script and a sly self-awareness that is beyond charming, 'Commando' is definitely the action highlight of this movie marathon and I can't wait to experience it's explosive joy time and time in the future.

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THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951)

Dir. Robert Wise

Rating : *****

Out of all of the films I watched and enjoyed this July, none can compare to this. This is the definitive sci-fi movie of the 1950's and it's very easy to see why. From it's beautiful black and white cinematography to it's expert direction from Robert Wise, 'The Day The Earth Stood Still' is a sombre science-fiction masterpiece whose harsh lessons and optimistic messages of solidarity are just as pertinent today as they were nearly 70 years ago.

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ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ (1979)  -

Dir. Don Siegel 

Rating : ***1/2

'Commando' may be my favourite action movie of the month but this Clint Eastwood thriller was the film which got my pulse racing the fastest. Chronicling the truth behind the most daring prison escape in history, this taut, exciting and nail-biting star-studded classic is a must-see for those who like to watch cinema from the edge of their seat and with their heart in their mouth.

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THE FIFTH ELEMENT (1996)

Dir. Luc Besson

Rating : *1/2

I really wanted to like this Luc Besson sci-fi adventure but it was just too weird, too loud and far too annoying for me. On the plus side, it does look amazing but that's all their really is to admire here. It's performances are bad, particularly those of the irritating Chris Tucker and the usually brilliant Gary Oldman, it's way too long and it's story is so incoherent that I had to read a plot summary afterwards to try and remotely understand it. Not one I'll be revisiting any time soon. Or ever.

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GIRL, INTERRUPTED (2000)

Dir. James Mangold

Rating : ***1/2

It may borrow heavily from the superior 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest', there is just something so sincere about James Mangold's moving psycho-drama that I can completely overlook any of it's major flaws. Winona Ryder may be the star of the show but it is the Oscar winning Angelina Jolie who truly shines here in her role of a severely disturbed young girl. With a supporting cast which includes Whoopi Goldberg, Brittany Murphy and Elizabeth Moss, 'Girl, Interrupted' is a truthful, respectful and often very painful exploration of psychosis in all of it's malicious guises.

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THE HANDMAIDEN (2016)

Dir. Park Chan-Wook

Rating : ****1/2

Bong Joon-Ho may be the talk of South Korean cinema right now but Park Chan-Wook is the undisputed king. From 'Oldboy' to 'Stoker' to 'Joint Security Area', every single one of his films are distinct and utterly unique and 'The Handmaiden' might just be his very best. There are certainly more than a few eyebrow raising moments in this frequently graphic adaptation of Sarah Water's best selling erotic thriller 'Fingersmith' but it is kept grounded thanks to some terrific performances, one hell of a script and a dark sense of humour that makes it one of the most entertaining movies of recent years. It's not as good as  'Parasite' but 'The Handmaiden' definitely deserves to be mentioned in the same sentence.

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IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (2018)

Dir. Barry Jenkins

Rating : *****

Wow, and I thought 'Moonlight' was good. There is no doubt that if I had seen this extraordinary drama upon it's release, it would have definitely made my top 10 of that year because it is a flawless masterpiece. I loved every single thing about it from the stunning direction, the pitch-perfect performances, the soul-stirring music, the heart-wrenching story, just.....everything. Barry Jenkins is a true cinematic genius and I can't wait to see what he does next.

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JERRY MAGUIRE (1996)

Dir. Cameron Crowe

Rating : ***1/2

There are few actors in the world as likeable as Tom Cruise and this hugely romantic sports comedy from Cameron Crowe knows it. Coupled with the beautiful Renee Zellwegger who delivers one of her very best performances as well as a super cute Jonathan Lipnicki and an Academy Award winning Cuba Gooding Jr., Cruise completely charms as the down-on-his-luck sports agent whose good nature and kindness makes him the laughing stock of his industry. It may not be as cinematically prestigious as a number of the films I watched over July but I had a big, dumb smile on my face from start to finish. 

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KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (1949)
Dir. Robert Hamer
Rating : *****

You wouldn't think that a British black and white comedy made in the latter half of the 1940's could be so dark and twisted but the deceptively titled 'Kind Hearts And Coronets' revels in the blackest of humour from start to finish. From jokes about hanging and homicide to even gags about infant death, I was often shocked by just how mean-spirited this film was. And I loved every single second. Alec Guinness is as always a total joy in his 8 roles, the impeccable Dennis Price is delightfully cruel as the central protagonist(?) and Joan Greenwood is wonderfully sultry as the soft spoken femme fatale. A macabre masterpiece which I will be recommending to absolutely everyone.

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LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1968)
Dir. David Lean
Rating : ****

The film that gave me the impetus to embark on this journey of unseen cinematic treasures, David Lean's octo-Oscar winner was well worth the wait. Epic is the only word to adequately describe this continent-trekking biopic which sees the legendary Peter O' Toole in his greatest ever role as the fabled war veteran who rose through the ranks of the British army to become the hero of an entire nation. Phenomenally directed by Lean and featuring a cast of some of our country's finest acting talent including Anthony Quinn, Claude Rains, Anthony Quayle and Alec Guinness as well as the iconic Omar Sharif, 'Lawrence Of Arabia' is a stunning, thrilling, captivating and hugely uplifting way to spend 3 and a half hours - one of the finest triumphs of British cinema.

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MILLER'S CROSSING (1990)
Dir. Joel Coen
Rating : ***1/2

Only the Coen Brother's could make a gangster picture as odd, as convoluted and as blackly comic as 'Miller's Crossing'. Featuring some of the best work from Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, Albert Finney and Jon Turturro, this sprawling and often bloody farce is as brutal, as twisted and as funny as any of the brothers finest work. With double crossing, betrayal, murder and laughs at every unexpected turn, 'Miller's Crossing' is one of the biggest jewel's in the Coen's considerably sized crown.

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THE NINTH CONFIGURATION (1990)
Dir. William Peter Blatty
Rating : ***

As a huge fan of 'The Exorcist', I was very much looking forward to watching William Peter Blatty's first directorial effort and while I don't think it compares to it's head-spinning cousin, I still enjoyed it. Set in a psychiatric ward for Vietnam soldiers, 'The Ninth Configuration' focuses on the same spiritual ethics which were so central to 'The Exorcist'. But unlike it's 1973 predecessor which played it's hand in a very serious manner, this is a far more laid back affair that has it's fair share of laughs - many of which are provided by 'Exorcist' alum Jason Miller who shines as an inmate who attempts to put on an adaptation of Shakespeare for dogs. I may be somewhat agnostic on it's apparent cult following but maybe with a few more watches, I could become something of a convert to this very strange but very unique picture.

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THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (1976)

Dir. Clint Eastwood

Rating : **1/2

The second Eastwood picture to feature in this movie marathon, this grim Western tale is an overlong but often entertaining adventure which sees Eastwood as the titular scar-faced anti-hero who crosses the country to bring vengeance to those who killed his family. Somewhat generic in it's story but elevated by it's performances, 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' is by no means my favourite Western but it's certainly an interesting one which is now sadly soured by the legacy surrounding the on and off screen relationship between Eastwood and his co-star and former lover Sandra Locke. Could have done without so much spitting too, dirty git.

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PREDESTINATION (2016)

Dirs. The Spierig Brothers

Rating : ****1/2

Having directed both the fun vampire romp 'Daybreakers' and the utterly dreadful 'Winchester', I was somewhat apprehensive about this Spierig Brothers helmed sci-fi thriller. However, it is a truly astonishing piece of work, the likes of which rarely come around these days. In a plot as convoluted yet as intricate as a spiderweb, Ethan Hawke is just terrific as a time-travelling agent who must journey to the past to prevent a horrific terrorist attack in the future. Aided by a star-making turn by newcomer Sarah Snook and a brilliantly conceived script, Hawke delivers his finest performance since 'Boyhood' and it is a huge shame that this hugely ambitious movie was completely overlooked upon it's release. Beautifully shot, consistently exciting and with one heck of a great concept, 'Predestination' is a film as difficult to unravel as a big bowl of spaghetti - and it's just as fulfilling and nourishing.

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Q (1982)

Dir. Larry Cohen

Rating : **

I love a good monster movie but sometimes I love a bad monster movie ever more. And 'Q' (or 'Q The Winged Serpent' as it's also known) is the definition of a so bad it's good monster movie. Starring David Carradine, Michael Moriarty, Candy Clark and Richard Roundtree, 'Q' sees a giant bird-like beast munching on the inhabitants of Manhattan while the hapless police scramble around to work out how to catch and kill it. Oh, and there's also a subplot surrounding an ancient Aztec God and it's loyal followers. Yeah, it's a mess for sure and director Larry Cohen actively dispenses with any character development or emotional investment to make way for more unconvincing monster madness. But it's enjoyable monster madness with plenty of enjoyably rubbish shots of the titular leviathan flying around many of New York's most iconic landmarks. It may have bad writing, bad performances and terrible special effects throughout but if you like your creature features with gallons of gore and more than a few glimpses of gratuitous nudity, then this daft slice of 80's schlock might just tickle your fancy. 

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THE RUNNING MAN (1987)

Dir. Paul Michael Glaser

Rating : **

Unlike 'Commando' which was an unexpected treat, this second Arnie outing is a lot more in line with what I had expected. Adapted from the Stephen King novella of the same name, this futuristic action thriller sees the Austrian Oak fighting for his life on a sadistic game show run by an equally sadistic Richard Dawson. Production wise its pretty amazing to watch and as expected with a Schwarzenegger picture, there are more than a few outrageous deaths and even more outrageous one liners. But when compared to similarly themed dystopian movies such as 'The Hunger Games' and particularly 'Battle Royale', 'The Running Man' doesn't quite go the distance. With all of the Stephen King remakes being made recently, this is one that could definitely do with a modern facelift.

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SPARTACUS (1960)

Dir. Stanley Kubrick

Rating : ****1/2

Just when I thought that 'Lawrence Of Arabia' would be the biggest cinematic experience of the month, 'Spartacus' came along and said ''Hold my wine goblet''. Originally set to be directed by 'Lawrence's David Lean, Stanley Kubrick lends his distinctive eye to this sweeping historical saga that may lack the unmistakable idiosyncrasies of his later movies such as '2001 : A Space Odyssey' and 'A Clockwork Orange' but which more than makes up for it's lack of visual invention with stunning environments and sets, a rousing score by Alex North and a bunch of terrific performances from the likes of star Kirk Douglas, Charles Laughton, Jean Simmons, Laurence Olivier and Peter Ustinov who would subsequently win the first of his two Academy Awards for his delightful portrayal of the unctious Roman businessman Batiatus. 

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TOMBSTONE (1993)

Dir. George P. Cosmatos

Rating : ***1/2

A favourite of my father-in-laws, this energetic Western biopic is certainly more fun than the sometimes lacklustre 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' - even if there is still spitting. Kurt Russell leads an all star cast as the iconic lawman Wyatt Earp who came to the eponymous silver town to seek his fortune but who soon became embroiled in a bloody war between the locals, culminating in the now infamous shootout at the OK Corrall. As usual, Russell is a charismatic screen prescence but it is Val Kilmer who truly stands out here as the drunkard Doc Holliday. With a formidable supporting cast including the missed Bill Paxton, the unmistakable moustache of Sam Elliot and a whole host of familiar names and faces, 'Tombstone' is a Western for those who don't usually like Westerns. 

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UPGRADE (2016)

Dir. Leigh Whannell

Rating : ****

Ingeniously simple in it's concept and brilliantly executed by it's writer/director Leigh Whannell, 'Upgrade' is a thoroughly entertaining sci-fi thriller which intentionally calls to mind the early successes of the great John Carpenter. Playing out like an extended episode of 'Black Mirror', 'Upgrade' tells the story of a quadriplegic man who becomes a vicious killing machine after a miraculous AI device is inserted into his spine. Costing 20 times less than the similarly themed 'Venom', 'Upgrade' boasts better characters, better visuals and better performances than it's miserable antihero counterpart. But while it may be less successful than the Sony/Marvel cashcow, this cheaper alternative is infinitely superior in every way possible. Brimming with imagination, chock-full of exciting action and ripe with humour, 'Upgrade' is a seriously cool film which absolutely demands a sequel in the near future.

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THE VOICES (2014)

Dir. Marjane Sartrapi

Rating : ***

Having made the delightful 2007 animation 'Persepolis', it was something of a shock to see Marjane Sartrapi make a movie as twisted and as blackly comic as 'The Voices'. Ryan Reynolds delivers what may be his best performance here as a socially-awkward introvert who is driven to insane and savage murder by the imagined voices of his pets, also voiced by an ultra sweary Reynolds. What ensues is a thoroughly warped horror comedy as the 'Deadpool' star mercilessly chops, cuts, butchers and mangles his way through the female supporting cast which includes Gemma Arterton, Anna Kendrick and Ella Smith. Containing as much blood, guts and severed heads as the most ferocious European torture porn, 'The Voices' is certainly not for the fainthearted. However, as someone who regularly relishes in the darkest of humour and the bloodiest of exploitation cinema, I found it to be a surprisingly brutal but often hilarious farce with just enough charm to dilute the fountains of gore which regularly spurt off the screen.

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WIDOWS (2018)

Dir. Steve McQueen

Rating : ***

When compared to his earlier films such as 'Hunger', 'Shame' and '12 Years A Slave', Steve McQueen's cinematic adaptation of the 1980's British TV series may pale. However, this female-led crime thriller is still well worth watching thanks to it's fine performances from the central quartet of Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez, Cynthia Erivo who make the most of McQueen and Gillian Flynn's juicy screenplay, the former's typically dynamic direction and the stunning cinematography by regular McQueen collaborator Sean Bobbitt who beautifully captures the movie's striking Chicago backdrop.

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YELLOW SUBMARINE (1968)

Dir. George Dunning

Rating : ****1/2

The penultimate movie to feature The Beatles before their acrimonious break-up in 1970, this strange, surreal and dazzling animated movie is a true treat for the eyes and the imagination. Inspired by John Lennon and Paul McCartney's number one selling single, 'Yellow Submarine' sees the Fab Four travelling in the eponymous vessel to rid the distant world of Pepperland of the diabolical blue meanies. Drawn in a distinct art style which perfectly captures the crazed psychedelia which defined much of The Beatles later albums and featuring many wonderful and dreamlike visualisations of some of the bands most iconic songs, it is very easy to see why this unique gem is considered to be one of the most influential and most beloved cartoons ever made. 

And that is how I spent my July. Not a bad month really.