Month: December 2023

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 91, Jojo Rabbit (2019)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

91. Jojo Rabbit (2019) Directed by Taika Waititi

The Movie: In the wanning days of World War II, Nazi Germany is on the verge of collapse. But that doesn’t stop a young German boy, Johannes “Jojo” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) from joining the Deutsches Jungvolk, more commonly known as the junior Hitler’s Youth. Jojo loves Hitler and Germany. In fact, he loves Hitler so much that he has his own imaginary Hitler (Taika Waititi). Jojo also has a friend named Yorki (Archie Yates) who is as a precocious youth as well. Jojo goes to a training camp, where he meets Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell). Jojo earns the nickname “Jojo Rabbit” after he refuses to kill a rabbit and is bullied for it.

Hitler attempts to encourage Jojo, which leads him to run through the other youths and throw a grenade. This ends horribly as the grenade bounces back to him, blowing up at his feet. This leaves Jojo injured. Jojo’s mother, Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) pleads with Klenzendorf to let Jojo stay and give him jobs he can complete. Klezendorf relents and Jojo is now tasked with delivering propaganda.

Back at home, Jojo is shocked to discover one day that his mother has hidden a young Jewish girl named Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in his late sister’s bedroom cupboard. At first, Jojo is scared of the young girl, but he decides that he is going to learn her “Jew secrets” and make a book called “Yoohoo Jew”.

Despite what he thinks he knows about Elsa, he forms a friendship with her. Jojo soon falls in love with Elsa, and writes phony letters from her fiancé Nathan. This leads Jojo to questions his belief’s which does not sit well with “Adolf”.

Rosie is revealed to be part of the anti-Nazism movement which leads the Gestapo lead by Captain Deertz (Stephen Merchant) to pay a visit to her house. Captain Deertz confronts Jojo and Elsa about their loyalty to the Nazi’s and Hitler. Jojo and Elsa are helped by Captain Klenzendorf to hide Elsa’s identity.

After sometime, Jojo is walking through the town square, where he finds his mother has been executed. Enraged, Jojo returns home and attacks Elsa. Jojo breaks down in tears and is comforted by Elsa who reveals not only has his mother helped fight against the Nazi’s but so too has his missing father. Jojo and Elsa learn to survive by helping each other.

Hitler commits suicide and the city of Falkenheim must help the German cause which includes the children. Jojo runs into Yorki and the two embrace. They go their separate ways and soon the Allies have victory over the Nazis.

Because Jojo is a Hitler Youth he is seized by the Russians. Captain Klenzendorf, tears off Jojo’s jacket and starts screaming at him that he is a Jew. This leads the Russians to push Jojo away, grab Klensendorf and execute him.

Jojo runs home and lies to Elsa. He tells her that the Nazi’s have won the war. Jojo forges one last letter from Nathan and tells Elsa they can escape to Paris. Elsa tells Jojo that Nathan died of a disease the year prior. Jojo confesses his love for Elsa, Elsa says she loves him too, but as a brother. Jojo also frees himself from Hitler by kicking him out of the window.

Elsa and Jojo go outside and she realizes that Jojo lied to her when she sees American soldiers. She slaps Jojo. Elsa takes a beat and starts to dance. So too does Jojo.

Why I Love Jojo Rabbit (2019): A funny, emotional film that examines how we make friendships, follow leaders blindly and the innocence of children. Poking fun at the real atrocities of Hitler and the Nazi regime is a dangerous line to walk. But in the hands of a skilled filmmaker like Taika Waititi it works. What is equally brilliant is his portrayal is funny but also terrifying when it needs to be.

Of course the burden of the film rests on the young and able shoulders of Roman Griffin Davis. Who is marvelous. When he speaks of his love of Hitler and his hate of the Jewish people it is heartbreaking. His innocence is conveyed through smart writing and brilliant acting that showcases his vulnerability in each of his scenes. Thomasin McKenzie is equally amazing as her teasing of what Jojo believes are facts about the Jewish people is scary and funny all at the time. And the quiet MVP of the whole picture is Scarlett Johansson. As a mother trying to protect her son and fight against the Nazi’s is a subtle moving performance. I cried like a baby when it was revealed only by her shoes that she has been executed.

Jojo Rabbit also mirrors what’s happening in the real world today as well adding to its brilliance. Blindly following a leader without facts or the truth will only leave you hurt and confused. As Jojo navigates the final third of the film, realizing everything he believed was a lie is relatable to almost everyone.

Smart writing, great direction and a talented cast make Jojo Rabbit an absolute winner.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 92, WALL*E (2008)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

92. WALL*E (2008) Directed by Andrew Stanton

The Movie: In the 29th Century, the Earth we know no longer exists. It now is a barren wasteland with no signs of life. And, the Earth could not support it.

There is one last robot on Earth. Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth Class or WALL*E. WALL*E has taken refuge in a truck with his only companion, a cockroach. WALL*E spends his days collecting and compacting the trash. Also, WALL*E collects anything he finds interesting to take back to his truck.

One day as WALL*E is out and about he observes a probe that is flying around, the probe named EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator) is scanning Earth for signs of life. WALL*E falls for EVE and shows her his belongings, which includes a living plant.

By doing this, WALL*E inadvertently triggers EVE’s standby mode, which leads to a ship arriving to collect EVE and the plant. Desperate, WALL*E clings to EVE and is pulled onto the ship, which returns to its base, the mothership, Axiom.

On board we learn that humanity has left Earth centuries ago and now live onboard as morbidly obese people who are scooted around on hoverscooters and have robots do all “physical activity” for them. EVE is brought to the ship’s Captain, McCrea. McCrea learns that if life is found on Earth, the Axiom will return to Earth with the hopes of life starting there again. When McCrea checks EVE for the plant, it’s gone. McCrea believes that EVE must be broken and sends her to be checked.

When WALL*sees what might happen to EVE, he intervenes, saving her and releasing all the other “faulty” robots in the process. EVE grows frustrated with WALL*E and tries to send WALL*E back to Earth. EVE observes that the plant is in the possession of a robot that is attempting to destroy the plant in a self-destructing escape pod. WALL*E attempts to get the plant but is launched into space. EVE goes after WALL*E and the plant. EVE is shocked when the pod explodes, but WALL*E survives, he has the plant safe and sound. EVE realizing that WALL*E did not take the plant from her, starts to have feelings for WALL*E as well. The two robots dance outside the Axiom.

EVE returns to McCrea and gives him the plant. McCrea is excited to return to Earth, but AUTO, the AI auto-pilot, reveals to the Captain that, they will never return to Earth. The big corporation Buy N Large has programmed AUTO to override any attempt to return to Earth as the company wants everyone to be reliant on them for their greedy needs. McCrea, decides to override this order, which triggers AUTO and GO-4 to attack the Captain. The robots throw McCrea in his living quarters, electrocute WALL*E, put EVE in standby mode and throw the robots down a chute.

Almost thrown out of the Axiom, EVE was activated by a robot and both she and WALL*E were saved by a cleaning robot who was following WALL*E’s dirt trail.

With the humans and robots working together now to stop AUTO and Buy N Large from keeping them in space, WALL*E, EVE and McCrea confront AUTO and fight him to gain control of the ship. AUTO is able to smash WALL*E seemingly killing the robot. McCrea is able to overpower AUTO with EVE inserting the plant into the ship which triggers the ship to go into hyperspace and return to Earth.

On Earth, EVE is able to repair WALL*E but at a terrible cost. WALL*E does not have any memory of his time with EVE and his personality is gone. Devastated, EVE gives WALL*E one last kiss. This reverts WALL*E back to his former self.

Why I Love WALL*E (2008): The artistry of PIXAR has never been more perfectly captured than in WALL*E. The amount of emotion that WALL*E and EVE convey with minimal noises is nothing short of astonishing.

Not only is the film beautiful to look at, but it might be the most beautifully animated film, ever. The drab colors of an Earth long dead and the beauty of space are brought to vivid life by the artists at PIXAR. The fluidity of the robots gives the characters each a distinct look and feel.

I cried multiple times watching this film. From the beginning of EVE and WALL*E’s relationship, to the beautiful dance through the stars and finally to the sweet kiss at the end, WALL*E tugs at the heartstrings.

WALL*E is an achievement that few studios can accomplish. The film, to this day sets the standard of what a moving picture can do with no words, just incredible artists at the top of their game telling a story that not only touches on the longing for companionship and love, but also what happens when greed and over commercialism takes over.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 93, Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

93. Trick ‘r Treat (2007) Directed by Michael Dougherty

The Movie: It’s Halloween night. Emma (Leslie Bibb) and her husband Henry (Tahmoh Penikett) return home after celebrating the holiday. As they return home, Emma is already over Halloween and blows out the candle jack-o-lantern. Henry tells her that she shouldn’t do that, there’s rules. Emma ignores him and quells his superstitions by telling him to go and put on a dirty movie and she will be up soon.

Emma commences in taking down the decorations. Emma is attacked by someone, or something.

Henry wakes after he passed out and goes to the front yard looking for Emma. He finds her. Underneath a sheet. Dead. Murdered with a lollipop sticking out of her mouth.

We next pick up Charlie (Brett Kelly) as he wakes down the street, knocking over and breaking jack-o-lanterns. Charlie does not care for the rules of Halloween and steals candy from a bowl that asks to only take one. Charlie is caught by his principal, Mr. Wilkins (Dylan Baker). Mr. Wilkins lectures the boy and gives him a candy bar. Charlie eats the bar and soon vomits and dies. We learn that Wilkins is a serial killer and he laced the candy with cyanide.

Wilkins drags Charlie’s body inside and is interrupted by trick-or-treaters. There is one peculiar trick-or-treater, Sam (Quinn Lord). A child with a round burlap sack and orange footie pajamas.

Wilkins takes Charlie’s body to the backyard and attempts to bury it back there. Wilkins is interrupted by his son Billy (Connor Christopher Levins) and his cranky neighbor Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox).

As Wilkins finally finishes burying Charlie, he hears Mr. Kreeg yell for help. Wilkins ignores him and continues inside his home. Mr. Kreeg is then attacked, by someone or something.

Wilkins goes downstairs with his son Billy and he tells them it’s time to carve jack-o-lanterns. Wilkins raises his knife and stabs it into his son! Or does he? The knife instead goes into Charlie’s severed head. Charlie is the jack-o-lantern that Wilkins and Billy are carving.

A group of teenagers are trick-or-treating and collecting jack-o-lanterns for a scavenger hunt. Macy (Britt McKillip), Chip (Alberto Ghisi) Schrader (Jean-Luc Bilodeau) and Sara (Isabelle Deluce) have bigger plans too. They meet Rhonda (Samm Todd) who loves Halloween and they take her to the local quarry. There Macy tells everyone about the “Halloween School Bus Massacre.” The story is about special needs children and a bus driver who was paid by the parents in town to “get rid” of he children. When one of the children realizes that the bus is not going where it is supposed to, attempts to turn the bus around. The bus out of control drives off a cliff and sinks into the quarry. The bus driver escapes his death. The children do not.

The children take an elevator down to the shore of the quarry and Macy places on the ground eight jack-o-lanterns. One for each of the victims of the crash. The kids split up and as Rhonda and Chip wonder off together. Suddenly, the dead children start to attack Rhonda who is terrified and in shock on what she has seen.

But it was all a prank. Rhonda was part of a cruel joke played on her by the other kids. Schrader tells the others that their prank has gone too far. Macy ignores him and kicks a jack-o-lantern into the water.

The actual dead children rise from their watery graves and have their sights set on the pranksters. Rhonda gets to the elevator, shuts the door and leaves the other children to their fate.

Rhonda leaves the quarry and sees Sam. He nods at her.

In downtown Warren Valley a group of twenty something women are looking for costumes and boys. Laurie (Anna Paquin) doesn’t seem interested in either. Laurie’s sister Danielle (Lauren Lee Smith) pleads with Laurie to find a date for their party. Danielle and Laurie are joined by their friends Janet (Moneca Delian) and Maria (Rochelle Aytes). Laurie reluctantly agrees to go to the party. Her sister and her friends are princesses. Laurie chooses “Little Red Riding Hood.”

Laurie’s friends find dates and head towards their party in the woods. Laurie stays behind for the town festival. Laurie leaves the festival and as she walks to her party she is attacked by a “vampire”.

Laurie arrives and throws the “vampire” by the bonfire and tells her sister that he bit her. The “vampire” is unmasked revealing Wilkins, who earlier had killed a woman at the festival.

Laurie and all her friends rip off their clothes and their skin to reveal they are werewolves. And they eat all their dates. Sitting on a log Sam likes what he sees.

Back in town, Mr. Kreeg the grumpy neighbor to Wilkins hates Halloween. He dresses up his dog to scare away any trick-or-treaters that might come to his door. Kreeg however won’t escape this Halloween unpunished. Supernatural happenings are terrorizing him at his home. His house is egged, his lawn is full of jack-o-lanterns and the inside of his home is scribbled and marked by Samhain and Halloween words.

Kreeg is soon attacked by Sam, who was hiding in Kreeg’s bedroom. The fight wages on with Sam cutting Kreeg’s ankle and other nasty things. Sam and Kreeg’s fight takes them downstairs where Kreeg unmasks Sam. Underneath Sam’s burlap sack is a face that resembles both a jack-o-lantern and a skull. Kreeg is able to shoot Sam whose blood looks like the inside of a pumpkin.

Sam doesn’t die though. His body comes back together and attacks Kreeg one last time by stabbing him in the leg with candy. Sam leaves Kreeg alone as he has done his Halloween tradition of handing out candy. Sam puts his mask back on and leaves.

Kreeg’s night isn’t over. After being attacked by Sam, Kreeg is now handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. The doorbell rings again and at his door are the dead children from the bus massacre. Kreeg was their bus driver and at long last he gets what he deserves as the children kill him.

Why I Love Trick ‘r Treat (2007): One of the great travesties in the last 20 years in the film world is the way Trick ‘r Treat was treated before it was released. Regulated to direct to video, and not until 2 years after it was completed. The film however was so good that it won over the horror movie crowd and has become a Halloween staple in my family.

From an icon in the making of Sam and the fun way the film presents an anthology everything works. And there isn’t a weak story in the bunch. A lot of times with anthologies one segment might not be as good as the others. Not the case with Trick ‘r Treat. All of them are fun with clever twists.

There’s gore. There’s laughs. There’s bad people getting what they deserve. I am so amazed and happy when Halloween rolls around and there is as much Sam merch as there is of Freddy, Jason and Michael. He has the strength of only one film, but that film has gained so much of a following that you cannot ignore it the way Warner Bros did when it came out.

All that being said the movie is great. Dougherty understands the genre so well. His camera moves where it needs to. The fun reveal of Sam at the end of all the stories and the way it all ties together is part of the enjoyment from the film.

Trick ‘r Treat is my favorite anthology film. It is funny, scary and gory. Add in a classic movie “villain” and you have a Halloween classic that I watch every year.

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