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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Movies: Number 143, Day of the Dead (1985)

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!***

143. Day of the Dead (1985) (Directed by George A. Romero)

The Movie: The Dead Walk! So cries the headline on a newspaper as it blows down an empty Florida street. The zombie apocalypse has taken over the world. A handful of survivors live in an underground bunker. The scientists who are doing experiments on the dead that are captured in the bunker and the soldiers who risk their lives capturing the dead and protecting the scientists.

The people living there are at constant odds with one another. You have the scientists, lead by Dr. Logan (Richard Liberty) who the soldiers call, “Dr. Frankenstein” due to his unusual experiments. His team is comprised of Dr. Sarah Bowman (Lori Cardille) and Dr. Ted Fisher (John Amplas).

This doesn’t sit well with the remaining men in the bunker. Namely, Captain Rhodes (Joseph Pilato) who thinks trying to do experiments on the dead is a waste of time and his men’s lives, as evidenced that he is now in charge after the death of Major Cooper.

But that’s not all, Dr. Bowman and Dr. Logan also disagree. Logan believes he can condition the dead to live in peace with the living. Sarah believes that the only way forward is a cure.

Also in the bunker are two pilots who do not get mixed up in any of the politics. John (Terry Alexander) and McDermott (Jarlath Conroy). They know that even though Rhodes and the other soldiers are unhinged, they are safe because they are the only ones that know how to operate the helicopter. John warns Sarah not to push Rhodes too hard, it may end up in her death.

Sarah is also seeing Miguel (Anthony Dileo Jr.) who is burnt out and on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Miguel is conflicted as he hates going to the surface to find survivors and does not sleep at night creating a dangerous situation for the team. Sarah tranquilizes Miguel without his consent, which leads to Miguel’s growing resentment and bitterness.

After Miguel falls asleep, Sarah visits Logan in his lab. She is horrified to learn that Logan has dug up Major Cooper and is experimenting on his living corpse. Logan is undeterred and introduces Sarah to a zombie he calls “Bub” (Sherman Howard).

Bub responds to Logan and does not attack him. Logan shows Sarah and Fisher that Bub is not dangerous, and Sarah and Fisher cannot believe that Logan appears correct as Bub remembers things from his past life and allows Logan to take headphones of of his head without even attempting to bite him.

In an effort to get more dead for experiments, the soldiers and Sarah go to the mines where they keep the dead. Sarah pleads with them not to use Miguel as he is too weak, Miguel balks at this and tells them he is fine. Miguel loses control of one of the dead and it kills two soldiers and bites Miguel on the arm.

Miguel has his arm amputated to stop the infection, which Sarah believes she has done. Rhodes tells everyone that the experiments will stop, and orders all of the dead killed.

Sarah and Fisher head to Logan’s lab to get medicine for Miguel. There they find that Bub is docile because Logan is feeding him human body parts, which are of the two men just killed by the other zombie. Rhodes discovers this and kills Logan. He demands that John fly him out of the bunker. When John refuses, he kills Fisher and throws Sarah and McDermott into the zombie corral.

Private Steel (Gary Howard Klar) attempts to beat John so badly that he will comply.

Bub’s chains become loose and he leaves his lab, on his way out he sees that Logan is dead. Bub becomes angry and sets out to find Rhodes. Unbeknownst to everyone, Miguel has escaped to the top, unlocked the perimeter fence, and has a horde of zombies follow him to the elevator lift. Miguel lies down on the lift, pushes the button to lower it and is eaten by the zombies.

The dead have no entered the bunker and start feasting on the soldiers down there. Bub assists in killing Rhodes and John, Sarah and McDermott escape to a secluded island to live out the rest of their lives.

Why I Love Day of the Dead (1985): This is by far the bleakest film that George Romero has ever made. None of the characters are particularly redeeming, with all of them having baggage.

It is understandable however as the dead have completely overtaken the world and people are forced to live each other underground with no end in sight to their nightmare.

The trajectory of the “Dead” films have lead to this. The initial horror of “Night of the Living Dead” and the wink to consumerism in “Dawn of the Dead” has paved way for a way to live with the dead. The zombies have slowly gotten smarter in the Romero films. In “Night” they were pretty mindless, except for eating the living. In “Dawn”, the zombies would assemble in places they knew, like a mall. In “Day” it explores this further as Bub is able to communicate and be controlled, albeit with human flesh.

Romero gets the best out of the actors and this is no easy film to be a part of. Emotionally it is always bubbling on the surface, of anger, confusion and fear. Making the zombie Bub the most sympathetic character is a risk, one that Romero pulls of beautifully.

The makeup effects are gruesome and not for the weak stomached. Right away the zombies in the beginning of the film signal their evolution. In “Dawn” they were slightly cartoony, here they look like real rotting corpses, some complete without a lower jaw and a wiggling tongue.

Although, “Day of the Dead” isn’t as fondly remembered as Romero’s earlier work, it deserves a spot on the greatest horror films ever, because sometimes the scariest things in the world are not the monsters but the people that live in it.

Rod Stewart: Year by Year, Track by Track Part 5 1975-1978

Part 5: In Which Our Hero Polishes HIs Sound, Falls in Love with a Bond Girl and Other Musings of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Superstar

It wasn’t official, but The Faces were for the most part broken up. With Ron Wood being on “loan” to The Rolling Stones the writing was on the wall. Rod Stewart also was looking to change. It started with Britain’s crippling taxes, 83%. Rod decided to pack up and leave for Los Angeles, with his new girlfriend in tow.

Britt Ekland was a beautiful Swedish model/actress who had appeared in lots of films, including The Wicker Man and perhaps most famously as Goodnight in The Man with the Golden Gun. Rod had met Britt through Joan Collins backstage at a Faces gig in 1975. Rod and Britt became tabloid fodder and they ate up the celebrity life style of Los Angeles.

Stewart had grown tired of the sound of his earlier albums. Although Smiler wasn’t a total failure, it did seem like his creative juices were stuck. Stewart had essentially in five years made nine albums with the same musicians and while they were all brilliant he felt that he needed to change his sound.

In comes producer Tom Dowd. Dowd felt The Faces could not be flexible enough to play the sound that Rod was looking for. In fact, The Faces would go on record on not liking Rod’s new approach to music and when they played their final gigs, the only song from Atlantic Crossing they would play live was Three Time Loser.

So Tom Dowd enlisted help from musicians that he had worked with and they were doozy’s. The MG’s, Al Jackson, “Duck” Dunn and Steve Cropper. Dowd also got the Memphis Horns, giving Rod a much more layered and rich sound to his first album released on Warner Bros. Before Stewart hunkered down to really make his sixth studio album, he and his new studio band, headed into the studio and produced three songs.

The MG’s Sessions April, 1975

158. To Love Somebody (Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb)

A hit song for The Bee Gees would seem like an odd choice for the newly formed frontman and studio band but it was right up their alley. From Booker T and the MG’s playing on Stax records and Rod’s soulful voice, it seemed like a perfect get to know each other.

In fact, this song seemed lost until 1990s Storyteller, where Rod says he discovered it in an old jacket pocket. Two other mixes of this song have been found since, each is pretty close to one another, with some added strings to the 2009 extended Atlantic Crossing and it also appears on The Rod Stewart Sessions. Rod losses the backing vocals on the chorus and just sings with his heart on his sleeve. I prefer the Rod Stewart Sessions version as it brings Stewart’s vocals out more and he owns the song.

Grade: B+

159. Holy Cow (Allen Toussaint)

First released by Lee Dorsey in 1966 in a much more big band style, which you should seek out. Rod funks it up and speeds it up. And in doing so freaking crushes it. I am not sure if this was ever intended for Atlantic Crossing or more of just a jam and putting something on record to see how it sounds, but it doesn’t matter, I love it. The fun bass line, and Stewart’s fun reading and phrasing make this song an absolute winner.

Plus, bonus points for Stewart yelling, “Shit!” At the end.

Grade: A

160. Return to Sender (Otis Blackwell, Scott Winfield)

When you think of Return to Sender your mind goes to to Elvis and his movie Girls! Girls! Girls! And you would be right. An early rock ‘n’ roll classic from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Stewart had covered Presley before and here the bass line carries it again. Stewart decides to have a more laid back reading of this song. It is lazy and fun. Rod has grown musically since his Jailhouse Rock days of The Jeff Beck Group, but it totally works here.

Grade: B+

The early returns on our Hero’s new sound were extremely positive. Rod, Tom Dowd would spend the three months putting together a new sound for Stewart and bringing him closer to the sound he had always craved.

Atlantic Crossing August 15, 1975

161. Three Time Loser (Rod Stewart)

“How dare you have a party, In a Chelsea basement, when an poor excited Jezebel said come outside. She felt me up and kissed my face, put her dirty hands down in my pants…” so goes the story of a man three times stricken by venereal disease. Yes, a song about an STD.

Any concern that Rod might lose his wild ways without his Boys from previous records is immediately dismissed on his first song on Atlantic Crossing.

Not only is the music catchy, but so too are the lyrics. They are funny and clever and I am also not 100% certain our Hero is singing the lyrics that are printed in the official music sheet book my dad gave me.

It doesn’t matter, Three Time Loser rocks.

A slightly different mix appears on disc 2 on the deluxe version released in 2009, which Stewart’s vocals are a little more out front.

Grade: A+

162. Alright for an Hour (Rod Stewart, Jesse Ed Davis)

Guitarist Jesse Ed Davis lends Rod a hand in writing Alright for an Hour. An infectious song about not caring if you have a woman when you have “my dog and my car, the best friends I’ve found so far.”

Too many times on Rod Stewart albums his clever writing is over shadowed by the man himself. A lot of his reviews, the “reviewer” is reviewing Rod Stewart the jet setting, blonde chasing superstar, not his incredible catchy and often times heart wearing on your sleeve song writing. On this track he is at his witty best. I am not sure if Britt Ekland approved of this song, but you can’t change the man.

Grade: B+

A different version of Alright for an Hour appears on disc 2 of the 2009 deluxe version. Slightly different lyrics, which aren’t quite as good as the finished product, the meat and potatoes are there however.

163. All in the Name of Rock ‘N’ Roll (Rod Stewart)

Drums and guitars open a song about what it’s like in the day of a rock ‘n’ roll band. From getting high, looking good and causing trouble, Rod touches pretty much all that there is.

Not quite as good as the opening two tracks, All in the Name of Rock ‘N’ Roll, is nevertheless another catchy song that keeps Atlantic Crossing going.

Grade: B

A less polished version with appears on disc 2 of the 2009 deluxe version of Atlantic Crossing

164. Drift Away (Mentor Williams)

A pretty straight forward cover of a song made popular by Dobie Gray in 1973. The best part of Rod’s version is the sudden stop of the chorus after the third verse, where our Hero sings his heart out.

Rod doesn’t bring anything new to the recording, but he does bring his A-game in the voice department which makes it fine cover.

Grade: B

On the 2009 deluxe version disc 2, the mix is slightly different but sounds really close to what is on the original album.

165. Stone Cold Sober (Rod Stewart, Steve Cropper)

Rod teams up with Steve Cropper for a rollicking good time. Rod again flexes his incredible song writing ability to make a song catchy, funny and straight up rock ‘n’ roll. Atlantic Crossing was recorded in part in a “dry county”, meaning no booze. Which I am sure is the inspiration for the song.

Rod has fun with the second verse, which is my favorite on the album;

“Never found a dime in the gutter, always get my best friends drunk, if the president tries to calls me, say “Rodney come on over for lunch, I’d say “Gentlemen excuse me please, but I am busy with my buddies up on cloud thirty-three.”

Grade: A+

166. I Don’t Want to Talk About It (Danny Whitten)

Rod divided Atlantic Crossing into a “fast half” that opened the album and a “slow half”. The second half of the album opens with a stunning reading of the late Danny Whitten’s I Don’t Want to Talk About It. Although Rod ditched the drums for this song, letting the guitars and strings fill the listeners ears with powerful music.

Rod breaks your heart with a haunting reading, phrasing the words in a way that I am sure Danny Whitten would’ve been proud. Rod himself said “this is one of the most poignant songs written in the rock & roll genre.”

Still played at his concerts to this day, it doesn’t leave a dry eye.

Grade: A+

The alternate mix that appears on DIsc 2 of the deluxe version adds more guitar flourishes which take away from the impact of the song, I am glad that Rod and company decided to strip it down.

167. It’s Not the Spotlight (Barry Goldberg, Gerry Goffin)

Longing for a return to the spotlight, Rod sings of wishing for it to shine again him, and how the fame has slipped away.

A mellow guitar and a nice beat of the drums pepper It’s Not the Spotlight which make it catchy but it doesn’t quite deliver the punch of the other songs on the album. Rod is however in top vocal form which makes it an essential listen.

Grade: B

A slightly different mix appears on disc 2 of the 2009 deluxe version, it really just strips the album version of the over produced moments, allowing the guitars to heard more, I prefer this version.

168. This Old Heart of Mine (Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, Sylvia May)

A song that Stewart obviously adores as he loves the line, “this old heart of mine” as he would use it as a place holder for lyrics when he was trying to work through new songs.

On Atlantic Crossing, our Hero slows it down from the Isley Brothers hit, drops a verse and makes it much more romantic and almost as if he wrote a letter and is trying to when his girl back.

Grade: A

In 2009, two more versions of “This Old Heart of Mine” appear on both the deluxe version of Atlantic Crossing and the compilation, The Rod Stewart Sessions. The deluxe version is a more stripped down version, and not quite finished. On The Rod Stewart Sessions, we hear a little background studio chatter and the song then picks up. I actually prefer The Rod Stewart Sessions version as it is stripped down and beautifully sung.

169. Still Love You (Rod Stewart)

A sweet song about losing your love and reminiscing about the good times you had. Rod’s tender reading, and infectious chorus makes this mellow song a winner.

Rod again uses his boyish charm to sell the song,

“Oh darlin, didn’t I promise, I’d never go so far away again, but here I am writing this letter, goodbye to you my love, see you again…”

Grade: B+

A different mix appears on disc 2 of the deluxe version. Again we hear a much stripped down version, some different lyrics and phrasing, with Rod’s voice being front and center. It makes a mellow song mellower, it’s a winner.

170. Sailing (Gavin Sutherland)

If you wanted to have a song to close your night as a performer, it would be Sailing. Longing for someone that is separated by an ocean, Stewart gives an impassioned reading with his heart on his sleeve.

A massive hit in England, it never fully gained traction in the United States. Rod owns this song and it feels like he is singing it to you, or singing it to your love, in words you could never express.

Grade: A+

Two other versions of Sailing appear on both The Rod Stewart Sessions and Atlantic Crossings deluxe version. On the deluxe version, we get basically the same song, but it loses some of the embellishments. But for my money, the version on The Rod Stewart Sessions will give you goose bumps. Almost all the instruments are gone except a few, with Rod pleading his heart out, it is an absolute barn burner.

A couple of songs where lost to us fans, but dug up for the 2009 deluxe release of Atlantic Crossing.

171. Skye Boat Song (The Atlantic Crossing Drum & Pipe Band) (Harold Boulton, Annie MacLeod)

There are many versions of this song, most in a traditional Celtic style. Rod delivers a a hymn style with lots of back up singers and bagpipes and drums.

The song tells the story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, his journey and how he escaped capture after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden.

I don’t think Rod’s version was released until 2009, but I could be wrong, as I can’t find any other mentions of the song before then. I had heard of it from a totally legitimate website that listed songs that Rod had recorded but were not released, I can’t remember the actual website and I am sure it doesn’t exist anymore.

Anyways, there are two versions of the song on the deluxe version of Atlantic Crossing. I prefer the version on disc 2 as it is just Stewart, no back up singers.

Grade: B

172. Too Much Noise (Early Version of Stone Cold Sober) (Rod Stewart, Steve Cropper)

Rod was working through the lyrics of “Stone Cold Sober” and landed on the chorus, “Too Much Noise”. The music is the same, but the lyrics are totally different. With the first two verses lifted from Stewart’s “True Blue” which both songs open with “Never been a millionaire”. I am sure Rod was trying to get the feel of the song and used lyrics he knew.

“Too Much Noise” is not quite done, in fact it probably was abandoned when Stewart thought of the title “Stone Cold Sober” and what the finished song was about. “Too Much Noise” is a blast however, and it would’ve been fun to hear a finished version, but I wouldn’t replace “Stone Cold Sober” in a million years.

Grade: B

Rod Stewart released Atlantic Crossing in the summer of 1975. The album shot to the top of the UK Albums chart and reached number 9 on the Billboard charts, vindicating Stewart’s desire for a new sound and a new direction.

The Faces were not quite done yet however and embarked on a tour. The last Faces show took place in Minneapolis on November 1, 1975. The other Faces members were not a fan of Stewart’s new sound and Rod was getting tired of making the same sounding album. Their split was inevitable.

Rod wasted no time getting back into the studio. In December 1975, Stewart started work on A Night on the Town. Rod also recorded some of the album in Colorado, my home state at the Caribou Ranch in Nederland.

A Night on the Town June 18, 1976

173. Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright) (Rod Stewart)

Stewart changed things up for A Night on the Town and opened the album with the “slow half”. The first song on the album is also the first single. The story in which our Hero tries to seduce a virgin and get her “upstairs before the night’s too old”.

Lyrically Rod sings lines that would make you blush and get it banned from the radio, especially “spread your wings and let me come inside.” It did not stop the public form adoring the song as it reached number 1 on the Billboard Charts.

The music is exquisite with a complicated opening which Stewart stated in Storyteller “We spent more time working on the somewhat complicated intro than the song itself.”

Grade: A+

Two different versions of “Tonight’s the Night” appear in 2009, one on the deluxe version of “A Night on the Town” and the other on “The Rod Stewart Sessions”. The opening on the deluxe version we learn that it was originally called “Golden Times” which Rod corrects the engineer by saying “It’s called “Tonight’s the Night”. It must have been a long time because he snaps back,”Well, make up your mind!”

Both versions have a slightly different intro, which Rod was eluding to in “Storyteller”. The opening two verses are nearly identical, with some slight variations on the lyrics, the last verse is completely different as Stewart sings; “Oo, baby when the daylight breaks, I walk you home and ease all your aches, but the sun should turn into rain, we will stay home and do it all again.”

Also these two version omit Britt Ekland’s French cooing for an extended play out by the band.

174. The First Cut is the Deepest (Cat Stevens)

To cover a song and make your own is something Rod Stewart is really great at. The First Cut is the Deepest is such a song. Rod’s version is so well known that when people cover it now they use the Rod Stewart version. On Cat Stevens’ version the chorus goes like this “when it comes to being lucky she is cursed, when it comes to loving me she’s worst, but when it comes to being loved she’s first.”

Rod drops the last part making the song much more heartbreaking. So so everybody else who has recorded it since. Sheryl Crow’s version completely apes Rod’s from the intro to the whole song’s arena ready sing along. But I can see why maybe people do not know Stevens’ version, Rod stated in Storyteller, “As I recall, nobody knew how the song went, apart from myself, so a phone call was made to L.A. and some madman had to go out and buy it, rush back, and play it on the phone with seven guys crowded ‘round the receiver on the other end.”

Stewart sings his heart out and gives yet another world class performance on how to be a rock star.

Grade: A+

Two different versions of “The First Cut is the Deepest” appear on the deluxe version of “A Night on the Town” and another on “The Rod Stewart Sessions”. On the deluxe version the lyrics are slightly different, the opening is more haunting, skewing he guitar for an organ. On “The Rod Stewart Sessions” the production is scaled way back, just Rod and a guitar, it is stunningly beautiful and I implore you to listen to this version.

175. Fool for You (Rod Stewart)

A mid-tempo song in which our Hero leaves his lover behind. Rod excels at these songs. His voice is in top form. I love the guitar work on this track. Rod yet again wears his heart on his sleeve with lyrics like “You’re my everything, but now you’re my end, it may be over, but just before I go, I can make a new start, But I can’t mend a broken heart.”

Grade: A-

176. Fool for You (Alternate Version) (Rod Stewart)

On the deluxe release of “A Night on the Town” a completely different version of “Fool for You” appears. Musically it is similar but the lyrics are not. Rod opens with “Ain’t love a bitch…” which us fans know Stewart will return to in two years on the album, “Blondes Have More Fun”. This version is not quite finished but it is so good lyrically. I love how he ends each verse with more of his under appreciated song writing, “Over and over again, you say that you won’t get hurt again, but here it comes, round and round on a carousel, you wanna get off but you know damn well that you like it.”

Grade: A-

177. The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II) (Rod Stewart)

Stewart’s telling of the murder of a gay friend is one of his most beautiful songs ever. The upbeat style to the song paints a vivid picture of a life gone too soon. The wistful and hopeful nature of the song is replaced with a senseless murder and the song never loses it’s upbeat tempo, which stylistically is a bold choice which makes the song more impactful.

Rod reached a crescendo and a sense of urgency and driving force behind the lyrics. It propels the song to its finish line, breaking your heart, while also making it race with the hope that his friend might survive, the nonchalant way Stewart sings “Georgie’s life ended there, but I ask who really cares?” Gives the listener i peek into the treatment of the LGBTQ community in the late 1970’s.

Part 2 pleads with Georgie to not leave, giving the song one last bittersweet moment.

Grade: A+

The deluxe version of “A Night on the Town” contains a stripped down version of Part 1 of “The Killing of Georgie” and with just a a guitar accompanying Stewart, this song would fit on to any of his early 1970’s album. Listening to the outtakes from Stewart’s career you soon realize he truly had never left his roots behind, he just added flourishes to the songs. In any event, seek this version out it makes a classic song that much better.

178. The Balltrap (Rod Stewart)

If Stewart was reflective on the “slow side” he wastes no time on the “fast side” telling us listeners that he hasn’t left The Faces completely behind. “The Balltrap” refers to a man’s manhood, lusting after a woman who doesn’t reciprocate the lust.

If “Tonight’s the Night” made you blush, then “The Balltrap” will have you in church asking for forgiveness, with deliciously inappropriate lyrics like “the first time I had you up on old Park Lane, you didn’t know my name, even when I came, as I recall, you let me walk home in the rain. You say I’m cute, but tell the truth, it’s my body you want with the red hot juice…” some one get the fire extinguisher!

Grade: A-

179. The Balltrap (Alternate Version) (Rod Stewart)

The deluxe version of “A Night on the Town” contains an unfinished version of “The Balltrap” with different lyrics, instead of being overtly sexual, this version is more about our Hero being tricked by a “big old girl who said do you wanna dance?”

It’s not quite finished, but it’s really funny.

Grade: B

180. Pretty Flamingo (Mark Barkan)

Manfred Mann scored a hit with “Pretty Flamingo” in 1966, Rod decides to lose some of the poppy-ness of the original, changing into more of a boogie.

It is fun, light song that I will never listen to without my mom saying this to me one day when she was riding with me in my car and “Pretty Flamingo” came on, and my mother said “I saw a male stripper perform to this song.” Um barf mom.

Grade: B

The deluxe version of “A Night on the Town” contains an alternate mix to “Pretty Flamingo” which is nearly identical.

181. Big Bayou (Gib Guilbeau)

Horns and violins pepper Stewart’s cover of a Cajun favorite, in fact Rod’s mate Ronnie Wood cut it the year before on his solo album, “Now Look”.

Rod’s version is more driving and goes without saying sung better as well. Wood has fun with it, but I think Rod’s band is tighter and sounds better.

Grade: B

A nearly identical version of “Big Bayou” that isn’t finished also appears on the deluxe version of “A Night on the Town”

182. The Wild Side of Life (Arlie Carter, William Warren)

Hank Thompson released “The Wild Side of Life” in 1952, as a country song. Stewart dirties it up nicely and adds a nice southern boogie to the song with fighting guitars.

And who can’t love the chorus “I didn’t know God made Honky Tonk Angels, I might have known you’d never make a wife, you gave up the only one that ever loved you, and went on back to the wild side of life.”

Rod transforms the song from heartbreaking to a fun bar sing along. You should listen to Thompson’s original to hear the contrast. It is quite eye opening.

Grade: A+

“Wild Side of Life” has a nearly identical alternate mix version that appears on the deluxe version of “A Night on the Town”.

183. Trade Winds (Ralph MacDonald, William Salter)

There are very few Rod Stewart songs I dislike, even fewer that I would skip. “Trade Winds” is my least favorite Rod Stewart song. He sings well, but the lyrics are dorky, the song is overproduced, and the wailing of the back up singers drive me crazy…some people like it, I am not one of them.

Grade: F

The alternate version of “Trade Winds” is not as intrusive as the finished product on the plus side it ditches the obnoxious back up singers, but I still am not a fan. If you want to compare the two, you can find it on disc 2 of the deluxe version of “A Night on the Town”.

Stewart had a few songs trickle out of his A Night on the Town sessions, some from 1976, and one that was lost until it was unearthed, and it is a doozy.

184. Rosie (Rod Stewart)

Of all the songs regulated to the b-side of a single and a missed opportunity for it to be on an album, “Rosie” to me is the biggest miss. How a song about our Hero running away with a woman named Rosie with a lively band, funny lyrics with my favorite being “but no more head behind the bicycle shed, I’m getting married on a state welfare!”

Every time, I hear “Rosie” I rack my brain with the question “how in the world was this left off the album and the dredge that is “Trade Winds” make the cut. Oh, well with modern technology I can add it to the proper album and leave “Trade Winds” off.

Grade: A+

Two more versions of “Rosie” pop up on the deluxe version of “A Night on the Town” and “The Rod Stewart Sessions”. On the deluxe version, the lyrics are still being worked on, with it almost resembling the finished product.

My favorite version is the acoustic version on “The Rod Stewart Sessions” where the song loses the big band feel, leaving behind just Stewart singing his heart out with a guitar. Chills!

185. Get Back (John Lennon, Paul McCartney)

Rod contributed to the soundtrack of an odd film where stitched together footage from World War II is shown with covers of Beatles songs. The critics hated the film, the soundtrack did not fair much better. Rod was singled out however as delivering a winning version of “Get Back”.

Rod wasn’t a fan though, when it appeared for the first time on a Rod Stewart collection all he had to say was “What’s this doin’ ere?”

Grade: B+

An alternate take of “Get Back” appears on the deluxe version of “A Night on the Town”.

186. Share (Rod Stewart)

Wow. Another song written by Stewart that was strangely left of the album and I had to endure over 20 years of “Trade Winds”. You see I started really getting into Rod Stewart around 1988 when I was seven and I only had what he had released to that point, it would not be until 2009 “Share” was released to the delight of this Rod Stewart fan.

I keep harping on Stewart’s writing because he doesn’t get enough credit, take this nugget from our Hero “Someone else, there may well be, who could steal your heart away but in your heart she was the only one”

Just like the producer at the end of this song, “ya, lovely!”

Grade: A+

A Night on the Town was another Rod Stewart hit. Reaching number 1 in the UK and number 2 here in the States. Selling over 3 million copies in those two countries alone. Stewart was riding high. I am sure in his eyes he made the right decision to leave The Faces and his old way of making records behind. I agree with Stewart as well. His sound is more polished and his albums were starting to have much more depth. His Mercury days are fondly remembered for a reason, but Rod would continue to evolve and continue to make hit records.

Rod jumped right back into writing songs and recoding in the studio, in between world tours. Rod would record his next album, Footloose and Fancy Free from late 1976 to early 1977.

Footloose and Fancy Free November 4, 1977

187. Hot Legs (Rod Stewart, Gary Grainger)

Rod had ditched (that’s a little harsh) Britt Ekland and the format of his last two albums for a more straight rock ‘n’ roll album. No longer divided into two halves, Stewart dives into funk and hard rock.

Hot Legs was my favorite Rod Stewart song for a long time. It’s funny, pure rock ‘n’ roll of fighting guitars and with new drummer Carmine Appice a really driving beat.

Rod’s sense of humor is on full display. With the opening of the song gets you in the right mood, “Who’s that knockin’ on my door, it’s gotta be a quarter to four, is it you again coming ‘round for more?”

Grade: A+

An early take of “Hot Legs” appears on “The Rod Stewart Sessions”. It’s nearly identical with a slightly different mix and ends more abruptly.

188. You’re Insane (Rod Stewart, Phil Chen)

The funk and rock are on full display on “You’re Insane”. I don’t want to make any assumptions, but this song seems to be calling out Britt Ekland. She and Rod had a very public and nasty split. She sued him saying she is responsible for his new wealth…

Rod is nasty to the woman on question on the track, but the catchy music and chorus make this track a winner.

Grade: A-

189. You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim) (Rod Stewart)

The sing along to end all sing alongs. Rod sings sweetly and gently to the love of his life. It is up to the listener if that love is a woman, or football (soccer). I think it’s both.

Stewart name checks his favorite clubs in the song, but my favorite bit is “the big-bosomed lady, with the Dutch accent who tried to change my point of view.”

I adore this song and is always a highlight live.

Grade: A+

An acoustic version of “You’re in My Heart” appears on “The Rod Stewart Sessions”

190. Born Loose (Rod Stewart, Gary Grainger, Jim Cregan)

The wistful “You’re in My Heart” gives way to Stewart declaring he is not going to be faithful because he was “Born Loose”. This song feels like another response to Britt Ekland, who wanted to marry Stewart. Stewart had other ideas, in fact he told reporters in 1976, “Britt and I will never marry. I value my freedom. Britt is closer than any woman has ever been to me, but there is no question of marriage.” (I don’t know which newspaper this came from. It was in a poster book my dad gave me of Rod Stewart. When I asked my dad where he got the newspaper clipping from, he couldn’t remember.) Britt was not amused and told Midnight “It was very hurtful to hear Rod talk about not marrying me.”

Yikes.

Grade: B+

191. You Keep Me Hangin’ On (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland)

Rod took The Supremes monster hit and adds some sinister music to it. By doing this he strips it down to its emotional core.

Stewart also slows it way down, giving the song an organ intro that seems at home with the Phantom of the Opera. When the song kicks into gear it is a heavy rock song sung with gusto by Stewart. It might not be for everyone, especially with The Supremes version so etched into our minds.

Stewart delivers a hell of a performance, give the song a chance, it’s a brilliant cover.

Grade: A

192. (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right (Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, Raymond Jackson)

Stewart revisits a song that he first tried with The Faces that was to appear on “Ooh La La”. It didn’t make the cut.

A piano tinkle opens the song and it serves as a nice one-two punch with “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”.

Rod again is in top vocal form and you can tell by his singing that he adores this song. I don’t think it is quite as good as “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” but it is powerful. You should seek out the live version of this song that appears on “Absolutely Live: Deluxe Edition” it is awesome.

Grade: B

193. You Got a Nerve (Rod Stewart, Gary Grainger)

Another haunting break up song, sung with emotion and hurt by Stewart. If “Born Loose” and “You’re Insane” are hateful responses to his break up with Ekland, “You Got a Nerve” looks back more remorsefully at a crumbling relationship.

You can hear the hurt in Rod’s voice when he pleads, “Go away, go away, please please go away, I loved you once I don’t love you now, please please go away…”

Grade: A-

194. I Was Only Joking (Rod Stewart, Gary Grainger)

Two of Rod Stewart’s best written songs are on Footloose and Fancy Free. The previously mentioned “You’re in My Heart” and the absolute show stopper that is “I Was Only Joking”.

Conjuring up images of growing up, falling in love and just hanging with your friends is something we all relate to. Our Hero puts it into a wonderful song that has him”pouring his heart out in a song”.

This song touches me in my heart in a way I could never fully explain. A lot of my past loves and and I am sure my wife heard from me many times, “I was only joking”. When I think about my early life and where I am now, this song is always playing in the background of my slide show. I relate to it so much, with lyrics like, “now you ask me if I’m sincere, that’s the question that I always fear…”

Grade: A+

An acoustic version of “I Was Only Joking” appears on “The Rod Stewart Sessions”.

If A Night on the Town signaled the “new” Rod Stewart, Footloose and Fancy Free fully embraced it. The United Stated fully embraced this album as well as it sold over 3 million copies here alone. It soared to number 3 in the UK and number 2 on the Billboard Charts.

On The Rod Stewart Sessions us fans were promised a deluxe version of Footloose and Fancy Free. So on that compilation only one unheard song from those sessions was put on the album. We never got it due to supposedly weak sales of the deluxe versions of Atlantic Crossing and A Night on the Town. And while the song that was found is brilliant it wouldn’t be until 2021 that we would hear some of the promised songs.

195. Innocent (The Killing of Georgie Part III) (Rod Stewart)

Rod continues the journey of his friends death, this time detailing the other side, the murderer Billy’s trial. Rod details Billy’s plead of innocent with a driving rock beat, forgoing the acoustic feeling of the original “The Killing of Georgie”.

Another song I would love to have heard in its finished version, as the song as it appears on “The Rod Stewart Sessions” is somewhat drowned out by Appice’s drums, which Andy Zax explains they couldn’t bring Rod’s vocals up anymore.

It doesn’t matter though as the song is still brilliant.

Grade: A

196. You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me (Smokey Robinson)

A winning cover of Smokey Robinson’s 1962 hit. Here Rod Stewart’s band is playing restrained and in control with Rod’s vocals matching the performance of his band.

Rod would cover this song again over 30 years later, on his album Soulbook.

Grade: A

197. Honey, Let Me Be Your Man (Rod Stewart)

A super cool funky rock track that is so close to being finished. “Honey, Let Me Be Your Man” has a catchy chorus with some clever lyrics.

I feel like dancing every time the chorus starts, “Honey, let me be your man, do the best that I can.” It just has such a fun vibe to it. Oh, what might have been…

Grade: B+

198. Lost Love (Rod Stewart)

Rod returns to a bitter, jilted lover in “Lost Love”. Rod explains that he doesn’t need the love of a woman because “she’s gone and I am not too pleased, it doesn’t matter, I’ll move in with someone else by tomorrow.”

“Lost Love” is almost finished, more so than “Honey, Let Me Be Your Man”.

I do love the end verse where after the song and singer become longing and Rod snaps out of it telling us “Fuck her, I can do without her tomorrow”.

Grade: B+

Rod Stewart was riding a wave of highly successful albums, little did he and the public know that he was about to unleash his biggest, most divisive song ever.

Stay tuned for Part 6: In Which Our Hero Sells His Rock ‘N’ Roll Soul to the Disco Devil and Laughs All the Way to Hell and a Number One Smash Hit

Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 18 Zack Snyder’s Justice League 4K

18. Zack Snyder’s Justice League

The journey that Justice League took to the big screen was one of legend. Even more so after the film was released and panned, not only by critics but also fans. Joss Whedon took over for director Zack Snyder following a family tragedy. Whedon reportedly said the movie was garbage and reshot much of the film while trimming some of its core story.

Fans begged Warner Bros to release the “Snyder Cut”, and to everyone’s surprise not only did they release the film, they allowed Snyder to release his film as a 4-hour epic.

Superman (Henry Cavill) is dead. Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) starts recruiting more heroes, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Flash (Ezra Miller) and Aquaman (Jason Mamoa) to help him stop the threat of Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) as he attempts to bring Darkseid to Earth to transform it into Apokolips. The heroes soon learn that they are overmatched by the parademons and Steppenwolf. If they have any chance to save Earth, they must find a way to bring Superman back to life.

Right away, Snyder’s Justice League is leaps and bounds better than the theatrical release. The over four hour runtime gives each hero more time and story to breath. The hero who benefits the most is Cyborg. But there is a rub with that as well. The Cyborg story is just not that interesting. Fisher is fine as the conflicted hero, but his journey is not compelling. I was much more interested in Affleck’s torn and beat down Bruce Wayne. He anchors the film and when he is not on screen his absence is felt. Gadot is a standout as well, her Diana is well rounded and she is full of charisma.

Superman is absent in the film for about 3/4 of its runtime, making his return that much more impactful. Flash is given a sweet scene saving a woman with some truly impressive visual effects.

There is still some issues with the film. There is too much slow motion. It looks cool but it really drags the film down. Although the four hour runtime is warranted there is a bit of fluff and pacing issues throughout the film. Which I actually think is a problem in a lot of the streaming movies, where the filmmakers are given a slate to make their film as they see it. Which is a double edged sword. On one hand I love the creative freedom the filmmakers are given, on the other hand they sometimes need to be pulled in and make their films tighter. The film looks incredible and Snyder is a talented director with a great eye.

Of all the scenes that are added the end Knightmare scene with Batman and the Joker is cool and totally unnecessary. It doesn’t really add anything to the story, it’s just cool. Same can be said for the reveal of Martian Manhunter. It’s cool in theory but not needed in the film. It feels like fan service and nothing more.

The film does correct a lot that is wrong with the theatrical release of Justice League. And although it does suffer from pacing issues and some underdeveloped ideas, it is a winning film not only for fans but for Snyder as well.

Grade: B-

Zack Snyder’s Justice League Video Quality

Justice League takes the fight to your home system with an impressive 4K UHD picture. The film is framed in IMAX-style 1.33:1 open matte. It gives the film a unique look which is not commonplace for home viewing. Justice League is not really colorful as Snyder’s film has a washed out quality to it, but it is highly detailed and stunning to look at. The details in the slo-mo shots, especially Flash breaking through a window highlight the depth and beauty of this release.

Grade: A

Zack Snyder’s Justice League Audio Quality

Justice League kicks all sorts of ass in a sonic delight of sound design. Like most Snyder DC films, JL fills your room with music, sound effects and crystal clear dialogue. Justice League is a film that will have your living room shaking and quaking.

Grade: A+

Zack Snyder’s Justice League Bonus Features

Man, I wish this release had a commentary by Snyder. I would’ve loved to hear him talk about the film and the process of making it after being away from it for over three years. Instead we do get a solid, albeit short making of called The Road To Justice League. Snyder is joined by several stars and crew members that just scratches the surface of the production.

Grade: C-

Zack Snyder’s Justice League deserved to be released. The turmoil that surrounded the production and the tragic passing of Snyder’s daughter made the viewing experience an essential one. Snyder earned the right to have his film released and hats off to all the fans that pestered Warner Bros into making it happen. Although it’s not without its faults, Justice League more than makes up for it in telling a stirring and solid superhero epic.

Overall: B+

GROWLS AND ‘SWELLS’: A CLINT EASTWOOD ANALYSIS (PART 15)

EPISODE 15: SADDLE UP

A shot of the prairie landscape with a lonely rider intruding on the serene space is the best way to start this. For it will ultimately be the way we recollect the memory of Eastwood for better or for worse. And one does have to wonder if that recollection is too closely held to heart as this lionized genres impact continues in different shapes and forms.

In a film career that spans 62 years at minimum, Clint’s image is solidly planted in the mythos of the old west and the stories they behold within. Its an image that in many ways disrupts tradition for this genre and has defined its approach up to and probably beyond the present. The Western is the oldest form of storytelling film has realistically. This came out of practicality in the early days of Hollywood, where the then widely undisturbed landscape of California was suitable and cheap for Westerns to dominate the film output over any multitude of genres that required more complicated sets and controlled environments. As it progressed through the earliest parts of the 20th Century, the Western stamp was firmly defined by traditional heroics that now seem either cheesy or completely outdated. If there was a world where Clints Westerns were not around; we’d probably still have grown beyond the Ford/Wayne image, but it would have taken time. The Ford/Wayne image of the west defined lines of good and bad with a strict line down the middle, not too mention relied heavily on severely outdated notions of gender roles and race relations. It’s an image that sadly still persists in the memory of some as the definitive Western mythos.

It would be a fools errand to suggest that Clint’s Westerns solved the aforementioned issue with the Old Western tropes. The films that are at hand here are very much of a time and place culturally that several things will make you cringe within the current sphere. Undeniably though, what Clints films in the Western genre do accomplish are the breaking of many barriers from aesthetic on down to characterization. Gone are the clean cut, only slightly dirty, noble hero ethics. No, these Westerns are dirty. They inherently ask a loyal fan base to question their love of a genre that had inherently never understood the reality of their backdrop. An unrelenting free for all where everything could and probably would happen. The randomness of life and death, the amoral selfishness, and the lack of control are what define the Western atmosphere. It frankly wasnt until Clints films that we actually saw what the west was (barring some exceptions prior).

So going forward, we are tackling the stories of Clint saddling up to adventures unknown on the lone prairie. The best place to kick it off is with the Westerns he made with Universal. The three films at hand today each show a unique aspect to how Clint, whether as actor or director, handled the west in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Each shows a great desire to break convention, and in their own way they do just that.

So lets get along little doggies, as we discuss a drunk gunslinger, a mercenary with mules, and a vengeful spirit.

JOE KIDD
3 OUTTA 4 BAR SANDWICHES

With a script by the legendary Elmore Leonard, JOE KIDD is the closest to to traditional western in regards to it’s approach. In the town of Sinola, former bounty hunter Joe Kidd (Eastwood) is arrested for drunk and disorderly by the Sheriff and about to serve 10 days rather than pay his ten dollar fine. His sentence is interrupted by the disruption of a Mexican Revolutionary named Luis Chama (weirdly played by John Saxon), who becomes the target of the villainous and land hungry Frank Harlan (Robert Duvall). Harlan hires Kidd to dispose of Chama so that his acquisition of Native land will remain undisturbed by legal claim, thus pushing our reluctant gunslinger to a pulpy adventure where all is made right by Kidd refusing to go along with his employers scheme. Joe Kidd is a quick 87 minutes that gets in and out with enough action and tension to satiate, yet it revels in its desire to be anything but a fun ride. It’s glossing over of key thematic potential is almost necessary to it’s function as a good guys vs bad guys story. Clint is fun in the film, clearly having the time of his life sticking it to authority and going his own way, even if there is little depth in the process. It’s a performance that has all the Clint tropes without thematic baggage, and in a way is closer to the icon of Clint rather than the reality. Nevertheless, it’s complete fun watching his character swing into action and his final shootout with Robert Duvall is Pulp Gold.

TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA
3.5 OUTTA 4 “NUNS”

TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA is an interesting beast because it dares to balance comedy with tense action in a way that many viewers may think is closest to a Tarantino film than anything else they can recall. Directed by Clint mainstay Don Siegel, Clint plays a mercenary for hire who saves a nun, Sister Sara (Shirley MacClaine) from four undesirables in the desert. He then teams up with Sister Sara to help Mexican Revolutionaries in their struggle against French Soldiers during the French intervention of Mexico, and along the way develop feelings for each other. SISTER SARA’S strength in the film is putting Shirley MacClaine on almost equal footing with Eastwood in terms of grit, ability, and wit. To be honest, it is astounding that they didnt do more films together, as they are almost a match made in heaven, with their squabbling debates on religion and morals providing for some excellent character moments. In a scene where he is instructing MacClaine on how to remove an arrow from his shoulder, we see him get progressively drunk and numb while she attempts to follow steps. It’s a prolonged sequence that is worth every frame. For Clint’s part, it’s a delight to watch the character develop with the help of his co-star, and provides for some memorable moments and one liners. He definitely shows us why we would follow him for so long beyond the silent drifter. In addition, Don Siegels direction is unsurprisingly masterful, with the climatic battle at the French Army camp being an exhilarating and bombastic watch. Plus, if you ever wanted to see Shirley MacClaine eat a rattlesnake and declare it good grub, this is your movie.

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER
4 OUTTA 4 BUCKETS OF RED PAINT

Clint Eastwood should have made a truly traditional horror film. I think he would have done fantastic with the genre. Previously we discussed PLAY MISTY FOR ME, and how it operates as a supreme slasher film worthy of that distinction. With HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER, Clint makes a Horror Western that operates on a similar level to the art house horror films we gobble up like candy today. A stranger (Eastwood) enters the seemingly timid town of Lago and from that point forward, raises hell. Despite a very disturbing first impression, the townsfolk ask The Stranger for assistance with gunning down three killers who are due to be released from prison and will undoubtedly return to the town. It is truly best, if you havent seen the film, to not go beyond this point plot wise. While the fact of it being a scary ghost story has already been spoiled, the story as it develops and plays out is much more spoiler- filled from and aesthetic and thematic sense. HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER is a brutal and unrelenting film supremely directed by Eastwood who utilizes his standard dark and shadowy imagery to full effect. It’s beats hit hard and by the end you have gone on a dizzying yet endlessly fascinating and effective horror ride. Clints performance as The Stranger, for that matter, is a horror performance that is nearly iconic and should not go unnoticed. The same praise goes to the ensemble cast, particularly the recently passed Verna Bloom and the always amazing Geoffrey Lewis. I would love to do a whole podcast episode on HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER at this point. Revisiting it for this series left me speechless in a way I never acknowledged the first time I saw it years ago.

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All right, we’re gonna stop and camp here for the night. Next time we arise and head out on the trail, we shall visit more of Clint’s journeys on the wild frontier.

GROWLS AND ‘SWELLS’: A CLINT EASTWOOD ANALYSIS (PART 14)

Episode 14: The Final “Clint Catch Up” Roundup

Alrighty folks, I’m a massive liar… well, I guess it’s only massive in the scheme of this Filmography Breakdown.

We are going to get to the Westerns and the final articles in the series, but in going through the list of Clint’s massive (and I mean, Massive) filmography, there are two films that I neglected to put on other respective entries in the analysis. Human error has been frequent as of late in regards to this 3 years running series of dissection. It’s not unlike the errors in some of Clint’s characters. The best laid plans usually falter, leaving only reflection and regret regardless of tiny victories.

The final two films of “Clint Catch Up” definitely mirror those sentiments, as they show very unique looks at Clints range in acting. The two films on their own could not be further apart if you drive them to different planets in a rocket ship, yet their commonality lies in how whether you are a good guy in the military or a bank robber on the lamb, the specter of regret and frustration lingers.

All right, enough introspection, lets dive into the final “Clint Catch Up” as we watch a Marine learn to use his words and Jeff Bridges in a dress.

HEARTBREAK RIDGE

3 outta 4 Members of Recon Platoon

Heartbreak Ridge, at its most audacious, must be seen within the context of the time it was made and released. Centering on Sgt. Highway (Clint) and his attempts to mold the minds of the young Marines in the Reconnaissance Platoon, the film unfolds in an Old Fashioned “Rising to the Occasion” fashion that does remain an interesting watch. The film’s only real crutch may honestly lie in its final moments, recreating the invasion of Greneda. It is not to say it is an error on a technical level by any means, but it plays out (especially today) as a Pro-Regan hurrah. The finale aside, the film as a whole does a wonderfully tight job of creating characters you want to follow and care about. The Sgt. Highway character is most interesting when he is attempting to reconcile with the wife he neglected (a strong and confident Marsha Mason ) and watching him fumble through the attempts at getting in touch with his “feminine side” (which the way this films figures is severely outmoded thinking). It is a film very much of its time, but expertly made enough to be worth a glance, especially if you have an interest in war films.

THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT
4 outta 4 Cars Stolen

Without THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT, you dont have THE DEER HUNTER or HEAVENS GATE (the latter of which can be amongst yourselves to debate about). Michael Cimon’s feature directorial debut is one that gets oft under looked by the noteworthy entries previously mentioned, primarily because it does not demand attention from you whether you’re a film scholar or a casual movie buff. Set in and around Montana, the film follows Clint as “The Thunderbolt”, a bank robber on the run from a gang that thinks he betrayed them. He encounters Lightfoot (the always astounding Jeff Bridges) and the two set off on a search to find the hidden loot Thunderbolt claims to not have squealed about. What follows is a rather reflective film around male bonds and the decisive divide of the reliable past and the ever evolving present. The film has a cycle to it and takes delight in humiliating its two leads along with Thunderbolts bandit compatriots (George Kennedy and Geoffrey Lewis). Its almost omniscient of the films Clint himself would later direct. The film is low key despite having a steady supply of action and a 20mm Cannon being shot at a bank wall, an incredible feat that is entirely thanks to Ciminos script and direction. Clints performance is more subtle than most of this era, and takes on a mentor mentality that feels more in line from something you really notice come the time of Unforgiven. It’s almost as if he was already drawing out in his mind how he would like to be remembered: Cool and tough but also sad and wise. In addition, you cannot leave this film without loving Jeff Bridges. Even this early, Bridges is full of the charm and lively energy that counts among the reasons we still enjoy seeing him in films today.

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Good, it’s finished… no more catch up. Stay tuned Clints western material (Fucking Finally) .

GROWLS AND ‘SWELLS’: AN ANALYSIS OF CLINT EASTWOOD (PART 5)

EPISODE 5: BASED ON A TRUE STORY

It was bound to happen folks. I could not avoid it for long. We found a group of films that DON’T… HAVE… CLINT!

(Cue Dramatic Look Gopher or whatever this generation uses as it’s cue of suspense)

Granted, 2 of the films in Episode Three did not have Clint in them, but now they take up an entire article.

As it turns out, these films share a common thread: inspired by true events. When it comes to biopics and true life stories, Clint has managed to show off what he can do without his charisma in front of the camera. In these, as with any of his off screen endeavors, he shows a distinct style thats driven toward what can either be described as ‘new wave noir’ or ‘melodrama throwback in glorious technicolor.’ Regardless of the label, Clints visual style is enticing and at many times downright brilliant in its simplicity and use of shadows. He brings an air of mystery to the proceedings, and in the case of these films manages to provide true suspense out of something where the ending is widely known going in. He paints a rather interesting view of history that has surprising amount of balance if you sit down and watch the film without any prior convictions going in, and if you do have said convictions he still manages to present both sides in a fair light.

So join us as we explore the exploits of an FBI director, a South African President, an oppressed mother who’s child is missing, an affluent and shady antiques dealer, and an American hero…. These are, as Joe Friday would say, “Just the facts ma’am.”

(Cue Dragnet theme)

________________

INVICTUS

3 outta 4 Rugby balls

A film about Nelson Mandela seems like a better fit in the form of what eventually was made into the superb 2013 film LONG WALK TO FREEDOM.
Still, INVICTUS provides a different and in many ways more intriguing look at Mandela from a character stand point. How does this man whos journey landed him in prison then brought him to the presidency of South Africa affect him in the retrospect. What has Mandela lost in the long struggle for equality? What convinces him that a rugby match is the important lynchpin in uniting the country? What drives him to the decisions he makes?. You could answer all these rather simply, but the way Morgan Freeman plays Mandela one is more content and thrilled to watch him act it out then be handed a some bullet points on a napkin.

The films carries around an extreme amount of uplifting music laden across the Rugby matches and while not a big problem, probably would have been better in scarce use. It suffers the same problem that any true story faces: we know it turns out all right. So its really about building the tension rather than relying on too many uplifting moments. The strongest points in the film are when everything seems its darkest and we see Freeman and Damon really dig into the heart of the matter, which seems to be only shown in quick montage rather than more elaborated moments of reflection. You do really want to understand the tension in South Africa in addition to the inspiring Rugby game.

But, beggars cant be choosers, and INVICTUS is still a worthy watch with great performances and a wonderful heart that Clint beautifully brings to life on the screen.

J.EDGAR

3 outta 4 G-Men Badges in every box of Post Toasties

Leonardo DiCaprio has made a solid career of portraying real life figures after breaking free of the constraints of heartthrob of the moment. In an eloquent and stunning stretch he has played Frank Abignale Jr., Howard Hughes, and Jordan Belfort, and soon he will play fur trapper Hugh Glass.

Then theres the one people like to forget about… The one with the “interesting make up”.

J. EDGAR stands on a strong biopic premise that aptly covers the life and significant events of the controversial FBI Director who essentially brought criminal investigation into the realms of science and technology to aid in the catching of criminals while also running around believing that Bolshevik Communists would tear our country apart.

The film has two hiccups: the smaller one you dont notice off hand is the difficulty at times to find out if it wants to demonize Edgar or find sympathy and heroism in his story. Its a very difficult balancing act that divides generations, which while bold also nearly looses it’s footing. The second hiccup that everyone hears and says “Hey pal, want me to scare you so they’ll go away” is the old age make up on Leo and Armie Hammer. No matter how realistic it looks, it detracts from getting a good facial response from the actors delivering very powerful material dealing with Edgar and Tolson.

Still, the performances sell the film, and in a testament to Clints directorial approach, he lets the actors go into a very intriguing grey area where the audience has to decide where their sympathy is going to lie emotionally rather than politically. Leos performance is good and further shows that he deserves his mantle in the top tier of dramatic actors.

Props also go to the script by Dustin Lance Black, who’s clever writing addresses the subject with elegance and poise rather than typical “corrupt guy” movie.

CHANGELING

4 outta 4 Counts of Fuck Da Police

Gone is purely great ‘weepy’ in the US, so much so that when it succeeds, it gets relegated to the league of its inferior brothers and sisters. Some recent attempts fail to capture pure honesty and frustration out of its audience because they fall back on safe choices.

If there is one fault in Changeling, Im not seeing it. From the opening archived Universal logo and the dissolve from black and white to color, Clint Eastwood is aptly pointing us to a salute to the heartbreaking and frustrating dramas of the 40s, and for all but a few shots he succeeds in creating the closest modern day equivalent to those “Weepies” of the 30s and 40s. The cinematography, set well against the very dark and disturbing plot, never captures terrible acts. Rather it relies on a sort of Hays code restriction that forces us to merely imagine the worst rather than see it (save for flashes of violence that barely go beyond a quick cut of a bloody axe being lifted upward). Clints choices in the film are absolutely astounding.

The story follows Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) searching for her son. When the LAPD returns mother to son there is a problem: they did not bring back the right child. This sets a story into motion that deals with police corruption, female disempowerment, male chauvinism, and ultimately terrible reality. The writer is J. Michael Stracyzinski. He has a background of film and comic book writing. There are elements of both through key monologues and characterizations where the line is clearly drawn between the persecuted and the corrupt. Its a move that never fumbles through even the very scarce over the top moments .

As for Jolie? I can not understate how powerful she is, bringing all the pure and utter horror and tragedy of a parent with a missing child without over doing it is a tough job that she handles with ease.

It’s a film that received mediocre acclaim upon release, but not even 7 years of time to ponder has seem to have convinced any one in this country of the films brilliance. Europe seems to get it though, as they usually do.

MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL

4 outta 4 Mint Juleps

Imagine a world where this film got a lot more credit than it initially received…. Im serious, do it, because that is the type of world I’d like to live in.

MIDNIGHT tells the true life story of the trials of Jim Williams, who was eventually acquitted of murder.

Its premise is simple but it’s setting, characters, and execution are not. Clint paints a portrait of the south that seems like the oddest of wonderlands filled with absolute focus on how the town functions and deals with mundane local gossip and questions of morality. Amidst this, he piles on a nice layer of spiritual nature that puts everyone on screen in a realm far beyond the constraints of a typical courtroom drama.

Adapting the books sense of humor amidst a dark situation is a huge gamble, a gamble that films FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS took when lifting liberally from the source material. The gamble pays off in strides in one goes in with an open mind.

It is a film that really asks you, the viewer, to step beyond its simple crime and explore the environment; described thusly by John Cusack as, “Gone With The Wind on mescaline.”

With any adaptation as prolific as this, there is room for dismissal. However MIDNIGHT (now approaching its 20th anniversary) must be left to the judgement of todays audience, which in the wake of the post-theatrical love of FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS might find charm and spellbound notions in this fascinating motion picture.

AMERICAN SNIPER

3.5 outta 4 Plastic Babies

The amount of controversy surrounding the most current Clint Eastwood directorial effort seems steeped in a national desire to pick a fight for the sake of picking a fight to garner political points on either side. Clints films will do that sometimes. The same attitude faced MILLION DOLLAR BABY back in 2004.

Regardless of any opinion within the realms of politics or patriotism, AMERICAN SNIPER is a damn powerful film that’s heart doesnt lie in what the rhetoric pundits dish out on. The film is about PTSD in the long run, and it does an amazing job of showing the small details that soldiers face with this affliction. In an incredible scene, Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) pounds hard on the glass of the room full of new arrivals, attempting to get the nurses to attend to his newborn daughter. It is a tense moment that says more than any monologue can on the subject of PTSD.

As for the war element… Well we are thrown into Kyles perspective, which indicates that we do need to step into shoes that feel uncomfortable, but you also see him through a transformation that is enticing to watch Bradley Cooper pull off with grace and grit.

There are really only two flaws with the films over all execution: a) it may have been best to show just a little more of the civilian life, even if that meant a 3 hour film (id easily sit down for it).
and b)….. That plastic baby…. I… If you…. And other thing…… ITS A PLASTIC BABY!!!!!

__________________

Man, you’d think this would all be getting old after 21 films. But we still got 36 more films to go. The only thing that will be getting old will be Clint himself, as next article we will tackle his recent status as resident grumpy old man.

2013: BEST WTF! MOMENTS

The Way, Way Back seems a little odd on this list until I remember that’s it’s Steve Carell delivering the line. I wasn’t expecting Steve Carell to be such a dick in this movie, or to be so viciously good at it, or for that to be how the movie starts. It’s an unbelievably uncomfortable scene that sets the tone for the entire first act. It really makes you feel trapped in the situation the way that Duncan does so you immediately relate with him in your joint hatred of Steve Carell’s face. I hope Steve Carell never hurts me like this again.

Kruger seems like a pretty normal bad guy for the first two-thirds of Elysium, a badass bad guy but normal none-the-less. Until, that is, his face gets blown off and they put it back together. The practical effects used to punch a hole the size of large boot through the side of Sharlto Copley’s face is super impressive and the way it’s edited in is shocking. It completely changes who that character is and gives him some staying power in your mind when you walk out of the theater. I didn’t want to include the real images of the face because they might be disturbing, but you can find them on the internet here.

Anchorman II is a really funny movie and whatever you might feel about it by comparison to the original you have to admit that you did not see any of that coming. The pet shark, the song about the pet shark, Brick with a future laser gun, Kanye West, Will Smith, Liam Neeson, the ghost of Stonewall Jackson, Harrison Ford turning into a Werewolf–need I go on?

I don’t think it’s the premise that made this one so shocking, it was the silhouette. Sure we can make jokes about people getting raped by demons, and they might get weirder in a movie where the actors are all playing themselves, but to see the rape is another matter entirely. Not only did you not expect to see that, you probably didn’t want to either. In the context of the movie I think it’s handled “tastefully” but once you’re out of the theater and you say to your buddy, “Did we just see Jonah Hill get raped by a giant red demon?” that’s when it hits you.

Evil Dead is a visual smorgasbord of trauma. Once the horror starts it is ruthless and original. It goes beyond just showing you really amazing gore effects and punishing its characters in inventive ways, because Fede Alvarez builds and maintains tension so well that even without the visuals you would still feel trapped. I could give you a list of all the horrible things you see in this movie but… Heck, why not? The branch attack, the jaw, the tongue, the arm, the nails, the rest of the nails, the knee, the saw, the opening sequence, and I’m still forgetting things. What’s cool looking at that list too, is that if you haven’t seen the movie you can’t quite put together what I’m referring to, but if you have, you and I are speaking the same language. We’ve been stuck with horror movies like this year’s Texas Chainsaw “Sequel” and the Paranormal Activities and so it’s “nice” so see someone really making a horror movie that is both character driven and about as shocking and crazy as you can get.

Check out our other awards for 2013:

Use of The Rock

Worst Criminals

On Friday, January 3rd we’ll be recording this year’s Filmsplosion where we celebrate all the movies of 2013. Be sure to send in your votes for best film or your top ten lists or any other comments you have from this year and be entered to win free tickets to the Alamo Drafthouse and other awesome prizes.

2013: Use of The Rock

Empire State

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It’s one thing to use an actor like The Rock in a cameo so that you can put him front and center on the box art and hopefully get more people to buy your little movie, but at least give that actor something interesting to work with so that they don’t come off like they’re just phoning it in for a paycheck. I don’t know that that’s why The Rock did this movie but no matter how much he might have really wanted to be involved in Empire State, no matter how much he might have thought that the story of the movie was something unique, the character he plays is so one-dimensional that they basically could have just used an old standee from his wrestling days and pulled the audio of trite platitudes he’s said in his previous movies–maybe a good line from Walking Tall about doing the right thing-and still kept their plot on track. At least when Liam Hemsworth’s other completely forgettable movie from this year, Paranoia, enlisted Harrison Ford it gave him a super badass line to deliver that they even used in the trailer. Empire State gives The Rock nothing to play with.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

I’m one of those weird people who really loves GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, so I actually lament the more realistic sequel–yes, rocket motorcycles and nano-tech dopplegangers and ninja cliff battles are too realistic–but The Rock is a welcome addition. But while GI Joe sounds exactly like something that The Rock would be perfect for, this is really a set-piece driven action movie, which means that The Rock doesn’t really get to show off. The Rock is coolest in very physical, one-on-one scenes where he can maybe throw in some wrastlin’ moves and you can inter-cut close-ups of him making serious, threatening looking faces by frowning and flexing his forehead-muscles. Watch through the trailer and you’ll notice that The Rock only ever stands somewhere while the camera looks at him, and then ninjas fight and big CG explosions happen. Sure this movie is decently fun, but it doesn’t live up to The Rock’s potential. I hope he returns with Channing Tatum for GI Joe: Sitting on the Couch Playing XBox and Drinking Beers.

Snitch

Snitch is not the most interesting movie but it’s fun and it gives The Rock some light drama to play with. The plot is silly and the dramatic scenes are easily forgettable, but somehow The Rock makes those scenes entertaining enough that you don’t find yourself bored. You could easily compare this to Empire State because it is almost equally forgettable, except that it allows The Rock just enough dramatic room that he can illuminate an otherwise lackluster script. I’m basically saying that Snitch uses The Rock well because by not being a very good movie, it lets The Rock show off how good he is by improving the film overall. He has the kind of charisma that doesn’t win Oscars but is always entertaining. He’s been compared to Arnold Schwarzeneggar before and that’s not just because they are both big, bulky guys, but because they are both real movie stars. If you flipped past Snitch on cable one day, you might stop and watch it and really enjoy it, simply because of how fun it is to watch The Rock work.

Fast & Furious 6

This is the kind of action movie that The Rock is most impressive in. Furious 6 is one of my biggest disappointments of the year–mostly due to the over-use of Michelle Rodriguez–but the action scenes are among the year’s most impressive. And while those crazy over-the-top action scenes have big set pieces to them, with tanks or cars driving through planes, it still knows exactly what The Rock is best at. Sure, there are cars driving all over a runway shooting harpoons into the wings of a plane and flipping over and shit, but where is The Rock, he’s inside the plane beating up on dudes and picking up heavy things and hitting giant Russians with them. This movie knows how to make The Rock come off like a badass and it doesn’t disappoint. He was a welcome addition to the series in Fast Five and when Furious 6 started to get too melodramatic for its own good, The Rock helped keep it afloat.

Pain & Gain

The Rock is a super funny dude and we don’t get to see that often enough. Even in a mediocre movie like Be Cool he was able to steal every scene he was in and Pain & Gain is no different. His character is super wacky and manic which let’s The Rock just completely let loose. He’s hardly tied to the plot so his only real purpose is for comic relief, and because he gets to play around with his bizarre religious motivations and his obsession with “being fit” you tend to find yourself waiting for his character to come back on screen. But perhaps the trait that serves The Rock best when he’s taking on one of these comedic roles is that overly-exaggerated face of his. The same cartoonish face that let him push one eyebrow way up high in an attempt at intimidation in the ring serves him well now in these kinds of roles. The Rock doesn’t chew scenery, The Rock cooks it.

Check out our other awards for 2013:

Best WTF! Moments

Worst Criminals

Be Part of the Celebration

Brad’s Top Ten (and more!) of 2012

I feel like I enjoyed movies in 2012 more than last. But I was surprised that I enjoyed blockbuster popcorn fare more than my niche indie flicks. I don’t know, maybe I just didn’t see the right ones. Most of the ones I did see I enjoyed, but not enough to include most of them in my top ten. Instead, mainstream ruled my list. So hats off to the studios for stepping up their game.

Like last year, I’m providing brief thoughts about each film. There are just too many films to work through and, honestly you wouldn’t get through reading paragraphs about them all anyway. My more in depth opinions can be found on the podcast. I’ve included trailers for some of the more obscure films so that there’s a little better frame of reference. So without further adieu…

Statistics

Total theater viewings: 93

Total repeat viewings: 14

Total different movies watched at the theater: 79

Total new release movies: 67

Total re-release movies: 12

Estimated money spent: $976.50 (@avg $10.50 per ticket)

2012 New Releases

Raiders of the Lost Ark (IMAX)

It’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. What else can I say about it? Didn’t feel like the IMAX format improved the film quality though.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Would have been better as one film, as the setup takes too long. We know Bilbo is going to agree to the journey… move along. But the second half engaged me. I’m in for the next one.

Hyde Park on Hudson

There’s a hand job in the first 10 minutes. And then the movie alternates between period piece and FDR’s cousin acting bummed out because she wasn’t invited to spend time with the President.

Butter

Qwirky and off-beat, and Olivia Wilde steals the show in this fun story about competitive butter sculpting.

Killing Them Softly

Great when it’s shocking, boring the rest of the time.

Lincoln

Not the biopic I expected. But that’s probably good. We get to know Lincoln through the string of events involving the creation of the 13th amendment. I appreciated how familiar events were depicted in unexpected ways. And of course, Day-Lewis’ performance is transcendent.

Wreck-It Ralph

Tons of fun and has real emotional weight to it. Visually astounding with a creative story.

Flight

Well acted, but Washington’s character is so unlikeable I didn’t care what happened to him at the end.

V/H/S

Got to see this as a sneak preview. The individual stories are hit or miss, but the last one alone is worth a watch.

Cloud Atlas

Probably the most epic movie I’ve ever seen, and by the end I was into it, but there’s a lot to follow all at once and the super future dialog is corny.

Argo

Pretty good dramatization of a real-life event. Enjoyed the retro Warner Bros. logo and the seventies-filter.

Taken 2

If you just wanna see Liam Neeson escape from some shallow villains, this is your movie.

Paranorman

Wonderfully animated, beautiful visuals, and a touching story make this a recommended watch.

Dredd

Pleasantly surprised this was as good as it was. Creative and action-packed but marred by some awful dialog and a couple bad visual effects.

Sleepwalk With Me

Mike Birbiglia’s biopic comedy is worth a watch. Funny and insightful.

Resident Evil: Retribution

After watching this, it’s obvious they don’t know what else to do with this franchise except make another in 3D.

Compliance

Uncomfortable and so absurd at times, it’s hard to believe the story actually happened. Convincing actors really sell it.

Lawless

Has entertaining moments and is well acted, but never really distinguishes itself as something special.

Klown

Raunchy foreign comedy. Pushes the envelope for gross-out humor.

Premium Rush

Silly. Combines itself with a 3D GPS map to look cooler than it is. Characters are mostly charicatures.

Total Recall

Better than I expected, but achieves less than the original. It’s stylish and grandiose without going to Mars.

The Expendables 2

Lots of fun! Glad they embraced the absurd aspects of 80’s action movies. Everything I hoped the first was going to be.

Ruby Sparks

Cute, but you hate the main character so much by the end you want to distance yourself from the movie.

The Bourne Legacy

Has the action set-pieces you’d expect but the abrupt, kinda unresolved ending leaves you unsatisfied.

The Watch

I actually liked this one. Has really funny scenes.

Ted

Really funny. Pretty much live-action Family Guy.

The Amazing Spider-Man

If the Sam Raimi movies didn’t exist, I might have liked this more. In his movies you feel like someone wanted to make the best Spider-Man movie possible. Here, you feel like they just made another Spider-Man movie, by the book.

A Cat in Paris

Pretty visuals and animation, but the story didn’t capture my attention.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

A good movie, has funny moments, but I didn’t buy the characters falling in love and it’s just too depressing by the end.

Brave

Another beautiful and creative Pixar endeavor, but it still felt incomplete or didn’t quite achieve it’s full potential.

Safety Not Guaranteed

Enjoyed the grounded, mysterious beginning and middle, was a bit surprised by how they ended it. Still conflicted about the conclusion this many months later, but worth a watch.

That’s My Boy

I actually thought this was funny too. Crude and outrageous.

Rock of Ages

Like I said on the show, cheesy as fuck.

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope

A great way to see inside the phenomenon of Comic-Con. Holds a special place because of the doors it opened for us this year.

Prometheus

Beautiful and well-crafted by a master, but doesn’t stray from the Alien formula. We still get scientists who make stupid decisions and I would have appreciated it if we got at least a few answers before the movie was over.

The Dictator

Funny at the time. But I’ll probably never see it again.

Snow White and the Huntsman

Visually spectacular, but the half-hearted heroine dragged the movie down.

Men In Black 3

I was excited they were giving this franchise another shot, but again, they don’t seem to know what else to do with it except embrace Will Smith’s improvising. Josh Brolin’s Tommy Lee Jones impersonation is fun to watch and the emotional climax makes up for the uninspired plot.

Dark Shadows

Stylish like most Tim Burton fare, and devoid of a story you could care about. Two hours of tame humor and a witch crying about not getting the guy she wants. And surprise, let’s throw in a daughter who’s a werewolf cuz whatever, why not?

The Pirates!

Not the movie they marketed. Did you know most of the plot revolves around Charles Darwin?

The Five-Year Engagement

A romantic comedy I could actually get behind.

Goon

Brutal hockey flick with lots of heart. Could have been one of my top-ten.

The Cabin in the Woods

This movie won me over with the unicorn impailment death.

American Reunion

Yet another Pie movie that’s funny at the moment.

Wrath of the Titans

That complex maze wasn’t very difficult was it? The only thing I liked was the lava monster.

The Hunger Games

So much of this is arbitrary I was bored. I mean, if the arena can generate killer dogs, why not more food? Oh yeah, it’s also Battle Royale for pussies.

Casa de mi Padre

Sometimes ridiculous doesn’t translate into funny for me I guess. Pretty much a one-note joke.

Jeff Who Lives at Home

A sweet little story about discovering where you fit into the world.

The Innkeepers

Sorta like Clerks if Dante and Randal ran a haunted hotel.

John Carter

I understand that this is the inspiration for the stuff we love like Star Wars, but that doesn’t mean it’s any good. I was pretty bored and didn’t care about anything going on.

Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie

This movie is pretty stupid, but that’s okay because it’s supposed to be. It’s so ridiculous it makes me laugh and laugh and laugh.

The Lorax

Aside from a certain song in the third act, this was pretty enjoyable. I think Dr. Seuss movies would be better if they stopped trying to pad them with shit Dr. Seuss didn’t create.

Wanderlust

It was funny in the way you’d expect it.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

The trailer got me excited to see this. The movie I ended up seeing was terrible. I’m not even sure how to describe how bizarre some of the moments in this movie are. One point finds Ghost Rider spinning on his back in mid-air for no reason, like a Looney Tunes gag. I’d say you’d have to see it to believe it, but I don’t encourage seeing it.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D

This is actually my favorite of the prequels, so seeing it in 3D was a must. Unfortunately, the 3D wasn’t the best.

The Theatre Bizarre

The first of two horror anthologies I watched this year. This one felt more like a collection of student films.

Chronicle

The premise was going to be done eventually, found-footage superheroes, and this was an okay execution of it. They are just too many moments where a camera if forced into a scene where it doesn’t belong just to get the shots they want.

Haywire

This was pretty boring and you could tell her voice was dubbed.

My Week With Marilyn

The first movie I saw this year. My memory is pretty hazy but I think it was a decent film. Wasn’t as invested in it as the other guys. Marilyn Monroe has never really captured my imagination.

Midnight Madness

Miami Connection

I looked forward to this for months only to discover it was cheesy but not funny cheesy. I even fell asleep through part of it.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

I don’t need to explain how good this is, so I’m not. It was cool to introduce Ryan to it in a theater.

Super Mario Bros.

I never would have imagined I’d get to see this in a theater again. Yeah, it’s barely a Super Mario Bros movie, but I think they did the best with what they could at the time. I really don’t think a faithful Super Mario Bros. adaptation would ever work in the real world anyway.

The Evil Dead

Yeah, it’s the fucking Evil Dead. Nuff’ said.

Back to the Future

I couldn’t pass up another chance to watch one of my all-time favorite films on the big screen.

Back to the Future Part II

This comes back to theaters so rarely, how could I pass it up?

The Royal Tenenbaums

Well, I like Wes Anderson movies, so what do you expect?

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Delighted this came back to theaters because I don’t remember if I saw it during it’s original release. Even today I marvel at the live action/animation compositing and it’s even more impressive because it was done just before CGI took off. Amazing.

Robocop

Dead or alive, I was going to see this movie in a theater for the first time.

Ghostbusters

This one I’d seen in theaters before. Still a classic. Moving on.

Pulp Fiction

Even though I’d seen this plenty of times at home, something about the theater experience made it a fresh watch as I found new things to enjoy in it and lamented that it couldn’t continue after the end.

The Top Ten

10. Seven Psychopaths

Fresh and different, this film is fun and surprising.

9. Looper

Inventive and challenging, Looper is an impressive and meticulous time-travel adventure.

8. 21 Jump Street

Still makes me laugh everytime I watch it. Funniest film of the year and the first one this year I really enjoyed.

7. Skyfall

Exciting and haunting, Skyfall feels like a classic Bond film and Bardem’s revenge obsessed villain always has your attention.

6. Django Unchained

Saying this movie is totally badass says it all.

5. Robot & Frank

Kleptomaniac Frank recruits a robot accomplice and we slowly discover more about Frank than I expected.

4. Father’s Day

A terrible film, but that’s the fun of it. Funny and shocking, this one pushes the envelope as far as it can.

3. The Avengers

This exceeded my expectations. I didn’t believe a movie like this could work, but it did. It was lots of fun.

2. Moonrise Kingdom

I love Wes Anderson’s whimsical world and characters and again he transports me back into it with this sweet little film.

1. The Dark Knight Rises

For me, The Dark Knight Rises is a satisfying conclusion to the story Nolan and company set out to tell. I was worried a film that looked this epic could work in Batman’s world. There’s plenty of fan service and I’m impressed with how much of the comics they managed to revise and incorporate into the film. The initial Bane showdown is awesome! The score is relentless! Yeah, there are plot-holes and unresolved issues but I’m too engrossed by the film to notice until much later. Almost three hours go by and I feel like a 5 hour story was told in only one. And they made Bane a formidable big-screen villain. This movie is all win to me.

Well, that’s it for 2012. Feel free to submit your thoughts, opinions, questions as always.

– Brad

Ryan’s Top 100 Video Games of All Time! Just kidding I miss counted there are 99

While waiting for Brad to recover from his 48hr Film Festival, I thought I would treat my loyal followers to something unique. I have loved video games for as long as I can remember. And I have developed a love for all types of games. The one genre that might be missing here is traditional RPG’s. I am terrible at them so I do not play them often, sorry Final Fantasy fans. This list is not based on any critical love for the games, but rather my love for these games. There are no Madden games because I had better memories with two other ones. You can listen to me talk about video games on my movie podcast, they are under the title “Reel Gamers”. They are with my good buddy Joe, which I have had many video game adventures with. So turn on your Playstation or whatever console you own and let’s play!

100. Tapper (arcade): This is a simple game where you pour customers a beer and collect your tips. Of course you also have to be quick and recover the glasses that they just slide down the bar with no regard if they break or not. I loved this game when I was little and still play it when I see it in arcades.

99. Evil Dead: Hail To The King (Dreamcast): This game is crazy hard. The controls are terrible. And the camera always seems to be on the wrong place. But as a long time Evil Dead fan it was so cool to play as Ash and kill a bunch of Deadites. Also bonus points for Bruce Campbell playing Ash again. I still have a Dreamcast and will still play this game if I want to get annoyed and happy at the same time.

98. Skiing (Intellivision): This game is so fun but really simple. I remember playing this at my cousin Chad’s house when we were little and would try to beat each others time, great time.

97. Mortal Kombat: Deception (PS2): This Mortal Kombat game had a great story and expanded on the already solid fighting 3D engine. It was cool seeing the genesis of the Mortal Kombat story and how all the stories came to be. I love the MK series and you will see many more on this list.

96. Heavy Rain (PS3) : A truly unique game which has to be played to understand. The game follows the story of the Origami Killer and a mans search for his son. There are no redos in this game and every decision you make has an impact on the game. Don’t fuck up!

95. Donkey Kong Country (SNES): The one time geniuses at Rare made this awesome platforming game starring the one time enemy of Mario. What I loved about this game is it wasn’t easy and the graphics were really cool, it looked like a claymation movie.

94. Scribblenauts (DS): A clever puzzle game which is only limited by your imagination. To solve each worlds puzzle you write any word you can think of to achieve your goal. Get a kitty out of the tree, how about a Trex that eats it, kitty is dead, but it’s also out of the tree! Bonus points for creativity!

93. WWF: No Mercy (N64): The standard for all wrestling games. Loads of game modes and tight controls make this a super fun fighting game. I loved the ladder matches.

92. Super Ghouls N Ghosts (SNES): Fuck this game! I don’t know how many times my 10 year old self said it to this game, but I’m pretty sure this game lead to my filthy mouth, it is that hard. It is also fun and cool to be a knight fighting all types of monsters.

91. The Simpsons (arcade): There was a time when 4 player beat’em up games ruled the arcades and this is one of my favorite. Basically a repainted port of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this game still featured great animation and the voice talent from the show. Loads of fun.

90. NFL Football ‘94 (Genesis)

This game was one of the first that I remember playing religiously. Again, my cousin Chad and I played this game for hours a day. We couldn’t believe that a video game had play by play announcing! And we would always laugh when you played it too long because the announcer would say the most ridiculous things, like saying you just kicked a 104 yard field goal, oh what great memories.

89. Mickey Mousecapades (NES): Being able to control Mickey Mouse in a quality game was an early highlight for this Mickey fan. You controlled both Mickey and Minnie in their attempt to stop the evil Peg Legged Pete. Truly innovative at the time.

88. Duck Hunt (NES): Shooting ducks with a bright orange Zapper was one of my first video game experiences. The laughing dog and super fast flying ducks are another.

87. Donkey Kong Jr. (arcade): This game is another seemingly simple premise but super difficult to master. Also one of the only games where Mario is portrayed as a villain.

86. Mega Man (NES): Another series I absolutely adore is Mega Man. The one that started it all is very difficult but really rewarding when you master it. The awesome level design that started with this game would continue throughout the series.

85. Adventures of Batman and Robin (Genesis): Based on the cartoon this game had sweet Batarang power ups and all the villains you love in themed levels. Hell even Robin is cool in this game.

84. Ms. Pac Man (arcade): I know this is higher on a lot of “official” lists but this is my personal list so sorry. This game does have clever mazes and is insanely difficult as it progresses. Still loads of fun to play.

83. Beyond Good and Evil (Gamecube): Armed with a camera you must take down evil pigs by taking their picture and wacking them with a stick! Sounds lame but this game rocks.

82. Crash Bandicoot (PSX): Before Jax and Daxter, before Nathan Drake, Naughty Dog made this gem. Crash no longer is an icon but at the time his games were amazing and fun. Try this again I promise you will enjoy it.

81. Rock Band 2 (PS3): The ultimate party game. Tons of songs and tons of options make this one have a lot of replay value. I have had many fun nights with friends playing this game.

80. Luigi’s Mansion (Gamecube): Although the Gamecube launched with no Mario game Luigi’s Mansion great gameplay made up for it. Somewhat forgotten I am super excited that a sequel is on the way.

79. Excitebike (NES): One of my favorite racing games ever. You can even make your own tracks. I can still hum the victory screen misic.

78. God Of War (PS2): Brutal. Amazing. The story of Kratos is both. The pleasure of ripping someone in half is fully realized in this game. Tight controls and crazy combos and epic boss battles make this a truly memorable game.

77. Epic Mickey (Wii): The love for Mickey and all things Disney bursts through every corner of this game. I loved the journey and can’t wait for the sequel.

76. Dig Dug (arcade): Early arcade games were so simple in design, but so much fun to play and so hard to master. Dig Dug is one of my favorites and trying to smash those damn dragons with a rock for more points is as frustrating as it is rewarding.

75. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii): Take the awesome level design of NSMB from the DS and combine it with crazy multiplayer fun and you have one amazing game. I love that Nintendo has embraced 2D Mario games again.

74. The Lion King (Genesis): There was a time when licensed games were good, there are a few on this list. This one was difficult, but it had beautiful graphics and some truly cool “3D” style levels. I loved the level design on this game.

73. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii): Zelda games are always epic and this is one of most epic. Killer graphics and great controls this game not only gave gamers a new Zelda game but got all of us used to the Wii controls.

72. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (PS3): One of the games that truly surprised me it also happens to be my favorite Spidey game. Taking the role of 4 different Spider-Men from different worlds sounds like a disaster but it works really well. Props to having Spidey voiced by actors who have portrayed the web slinger at one time.

71. Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis (PS2): Build your own Jurassic Park, ‘nuff said.

70. Skitchin’ (Genesis): My friend Cliff and I played this game like crazy. On rollerblades you hitch rides on the back of cars to win a race and make money to get cooler blades and clothes. Great fun. Anyone still use rollerblades?

69. Resident Evil 3 (PSX): Taking place between Resident Evil and Resident Evil 2 you control Jill Valentine as she tries to escape Raccoon City. What makes this game really intense is you are continually hunted by a giant monster called the Nemesis. You never knew when he would show up.

68. Battletoads (NES): Although you could dismiss this as a TMNT clone the game stood on it’s own and was lots of fun. Another challenging game this had loads of attitude. 90’s style!

67. Pinocchio (Genesis): Another winning Disney game. Great graphics, amazing soundtrack and down right cute as hell.

66. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Genesis): Sonic hit his stride with his second game. Also letting a second player join at the same time was really cool at the time. I loved the bonus stages as well. All around great game.

65. Jak and Daxter (PS2): Really remarkable adventure game from Naughty Dog. Lush graphics cool story and a long quest make this game a must own for any fan of adventure games.

64. Perfect Dark (N64): Do you remember when Nintendo and Rare ruled the first person genre? Well they did and this was their amazing follow up to Goldeneye. I still have hope that Joanna Dark will make a return, come on Rare you can do it! (I am not counting the Xbox game, Rare needs Nintendo).

63. Mortal Kombat: Shoalin Monks (PS2): MK has not had great success in spin off games. This was an exception. Fluid controls and 10 Fatalities per character means there is no let up in terms of brutality in the game.

62. Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels (NES): Holy almost unbeatable game! This game was so hard that Nintendo did not release in the USA until Super Mario All-Stars on the Super Nintendo. Try it and you will pull out your hair, but also super rewarding when you advance through levels.

61. Uncharted (PS3): This is the game that sold PS3’s. Nathan Drake is this generations Indiana Jones. Between the epic cut scenes with amazing voice talent, to the crazy all out action sets make this an unforgettable experience.

60. Conker’s Bad Fur Day (N64): Oh how great this game is. Between spot on movie parodies to the crude and funny humor this is a truly unique game. Plus there is a huge musical number with a big pile of crap that has corn for teeth, too awesome to make up.

59. Aladdin (Genesis): I know, I know another Disney game, but again amazing graphics and a huge variety in game play make this another stand out game.

58. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii): Another example on how Nintendo is almost untouchable when it comes to game design. Stellar graphics an epic score, tight controls and Mario make this a winner.

57. Mortal Kombat (arcade): Heart rips, thunder gods, and ninjas. What a debut for a video game. The controversy only added to it’s legend and this was the start of a series that has lasted 20 years!

56. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES): Some think this is the greatest Zelda game ever, I’m not one to argue but I like others more. This game is awesome and built on the already legendary series.

55. Mario vs Donkey Kong (GBA): Awesome puzzle game that slipped under the radar but is super fun. If you can track down a copy pick it up, you will not be sorry.

54. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Xbox): The only Xbox game on my list has a special place in my heart. It exposed me to the awesome world of Buffy and Joss Whedon, the game isn’t great but I had fun playing it and was an eye opening moment in my life.

53. Sonic and Knuckles (Genesis): What a cool game. One you get some sweet Sonic,two, you also can connect Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 to it and play the games as Knuckles. Something unheard of at the time of its release.

52. Mega Man 4 (NES): The first Mega Man game I ever beat. I remember playing this all weekend long when I went with my friend Jimmy Bollinger to his family cabin in Steamboat Springs. To answer your question, yes I would much rather beat Mega Man 4 then be outside in Steamboat.

51. Rayman Origins (PS3): A gorgeous update of one of my favorite game series. Beautiful hand drawn graphics with spot on controls make this one of the gems of last year.

50. Life Force (NES): This is a hidden gem of a shooter. Some levels are 2D others are top down views. The monsters are sweet so too are the power ups. This should be available on the Wii shopping channel. Freaking classic game.

49. Mega Man 5 (NES): Another Mega Man with more to come. I love the robot masters in this game. My favorite is Gravity Man. His level would change gravity all the time, making it one trippy adventure.

48. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (arcade): Some of my favorite memories are playing this game at the $1 movie theater in Arvada, CO. And I was still excited to play it just a few weeks ago with Brad. And I experienced something for the first time, all 4 players in on the game, sweetness.

47. Donkey Kong (arcade): Fun, challenging, and classic. Not sure what’s in DK’s barrels that make evil fire balls, but damn they’re scary.

46. Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS): Great entry into the RE series and a truly amazing 3D game. The graphics are almost as good as RE 4’s and the controls are spot on. Buy this now if you own a 3DS.

45. Batman: Arkham Asylum: One of the greatest comic book games ever. Killer graphics, epic battles and a true sense of being Batman is everything a Batfan could ask for, well at least until the sequel came out.

44. Yoshi’s Island (SNES): Some of the most beautiful graphics in the 16-Bit generation and crazy levels with lots of secerts make this one super game.

43. Paper Mario and The Thousand Year Door (Gamecube): The Paper Mario series are action RPG’s that use clever graphics and a really fun story. This game also has Fawful, a truly funny and awesome villain.

42. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3: (arcade): Crazy combos, sleek graphics and of course bigger and badder Fatalities make this one of the coolest games in the MK series.

41. Resident Evil 5 (PS3): Upping the action and adding co-op make this a fun entry in the series. Not quite as good as the ones that came before, nevertheless it still rocks.

40. Parappa The Rapper (PSX): I can still rap most of the songs from this game. It’s funny and clever, plus the songs are damn catchy, hey Sony make another one.

39. Contra (NES): Up,up,down,down,left,right,left,right,B,A select, start, 2 players, 30 lives.

38. Ducktales (NES): Cool side scroller based on a cool cartoon. Scrooge hunts for treasures while using his cane as a pogo stick. I still remember that damn Yeti.

37. Super Mario Land 3D (3DS): If there was ever a game that was a showcase about how cool 3D gaming is, it would be Super Mario Land 3D. The 3D effect is stunning and has to be seen to be believed. The game also rocks, so win win.

36. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii): Another stand out title for the series that seems to never take a step back. Yes there are better games but they are all great. Plus the Wii motion plus gives you some of the most accurate motion controls ever.

35. Mega Man 9 (PSN): Bringing back the classic feel of Mega Man was a great move by Capcom and it paid off. This is one of the Blue Bombers best games.

34. Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception (PS3) Drakes latest continues his winning ways with an amazing game. The action gets bigger and the character moments stay strong, the wait for new Uncharted games keeps getting longer.

33. Mickey Mania (Genesis): This game captures the greatness of Mickey by making you a part of his most famous cartoons. This side scrolling adventure has amazing graphics and tight controls so far Mickey’s crowing achievement in video games.

32. Mike Tyson’s Punch Out!! (NES): The best boxing game ever is over 25 years old and still fun to play. All the boxers are colorful if not a little politically incorrect, which adds to it’s awesomeness. Hey here’s a hint on how to last the first round against Tyson, he throws an uppercut every 6 seconds for the first 1:30, hang in there Mac, Join the Nintendo Fan Club!

31. Super Tecmo Bowl (Genesis) Simple controls, only 8 plays but damn fun. I love that you can run backwards to avoid a sack and throw the ball 99 yards for a TD.

30. Soul Reaver 2 (PS2): The original Soul Reaver was an amazing bit of storytelling. Raziel’s fall from grace is heartbreaking, but it makes his revenge that much more sweet. I love the characters of Kain and Raziel and their story is told through great cut scenes. My dream is for an HD collection of this series but I will not hold my breath…

29. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PSX): Alucard is Dracula’s son and you play as him in this side scrolling adventure. Amazing 2D sprites, great controls, and an epic score make this a game that has few equals, I wish Konami would make another one just like it instead of the 3D crap they have been pushing out.

28. The Legend of Zelda (NES): The original Zelda game set the standard for many action RPG’s to come. Links journey is full of secrets and dungeons. And hands down one of the greatest theme songs ever, in fact I can think of only one better.

27. Super Mario Bros 2. (NES): Vegetable picking at its best. When the original Super Mario Bros 2 was deemed to hard (see no. 62) Nintendo added Mario characters to Doki, Doki, Panic! and sent it over to us not as talented US gamers. SMB2 however is awesome and a weird entry into the legendary series.

26. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 (arcade): Tons of fighters and crazy combos make this one hell of a fighter. Bright and big 2D sprites and tight controls just add to the awesomeness. And hey who doesn’t want to have Spidey and Dr. Doom team up to take down E. Honda and Ryu.

25. Mass Effect 2 (PS3):I was late to the Mass Effect party but I’m glad I finally arrived. From the opening moments to the intense gun battles this game is truly remarkable. Voice acting, graphics, music,and controls are all top notch.

24. Mario Kart: Double Dash: (Gamecube): This is my favorite Mario Kart game. I love the strategy of what teammates to use and the tracks are all cool. My favorite team, Toad and Bowser Jr.

23. Resident Evil (remake) (Gamecube): Taking a great game and making it 10x better is something that is special. This is the rare occasion that the remake is superior in every way. Better controls, unbelievable graphics and much better voice acting make this a game not worth missing.

22. Super Street Fighter II: Turbo (Genesis): More hours at my cousins house playing this classic. My cousin is the only person I know that uses Guile to extreme effectiveness.

21. Goldeneye (N64): A sweet game made better by awesome multiplayer that had a ton of game modes. I played this with friends for hours. If I could I would hook up my N64 and have a Goldeneye party. That sounds like a great idea!

20. Jet Grind Radio (Dreamcast): A gem from a system that didn’t last that long. I love the cell shaded graphics and the music. Also the cool way you tagged walls was fun. There was a sequel but this one blew me away when I played it, it’s now on PSN and I am going to get it when I am done writing this blog.

19. God of War 2 (PS2): Taking what was great about God of War and making it better was no small feat but Sony did it. The opening battle between Kratos and the Colossus is worth the a play alone, but it gets better from there as well.

18. NHL ‘94 (Genesis): Classic sports games are always dated. This one however seems to still be engaging and fun. I loved the lowly Senators before there was an Avalanche. I would trade for Wayne Gretzky and pair him with Alexi Yashin, we were unstoppable!

17. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (Gamecube): Yes this is one of my favorite Zelda games. With jaw dropping graphics and an adventure that is so fun I’m not sure why everyone is down on this game. Play it again or for the first time I think you will be shocked on how great it is.

16. Resident Evil 4 (Gamecube): Ditching zombies and “tank controls” Capcom scored again with an impressive Resident Evil game. Not an easy sell form longtime RE fans once you started playing you wouldn’t stop.

15. Super Mario 64 (N64): One of the most innovative games ever, this game introduced us to analog controls, true 3D worlds and again fun level design make this a winner.

14. Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA): Mario and Luigi games are funny and really fun. I think this is the best one. You will laugh out loud at some parts and smile the whole time you are playing.

13. Super Mario World (SNES): Mario’s last adventure on the NES was Super Mario Bros 3, and Nintendo launched the SNES with a new Mario game that followed the same formula. Lots of levels in themed worlds added to the fun of this Mario game.

12. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64): Clever story, following Link from boy to hero is classic. All the dungeons are designed so well and the side quests are engaging, this is the best Zelda game, hands down.

11. Rayman 2 (Dreamcast): Great 3D platformer. So much fun and the levels have so much personality. Rayman the armless hero is easy to control, with super slick graphics. You may have missed this but you can get it on PSN, so you totally should.

10. Batman: Arkham City (PS3): Bigger, better, and damn awesome, Batman: AC is like Arkham Asylum but at level 10. Everything that was great about Arkham Asylum was added upon for this game. Graphics, controls, story, voice acting, are all top notch. If you haven’t play this game now.

9. Paper Mario (N64): If you couldn’t tell by my list I love these games. The first one set the standard for everyone that followed and they haven’t strayed too far from its winning formula. Unique graphics, tight controls, and a funny story makes this one great game.

8. Mortal Kombat II (arcade): This was my favorite MK game for 19 years. I still play it once a week and I still love it. It introduced my favorite character Kung Lao and made everything I loved about MK better. Fun Fact I won a MK II tournament when I was 11 at an old mall where I lived. Not bragging but I went 16-0 with Kung Lao, I know I am great.

7. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES): What a great game. Sweet graphics. Same old reliable controls, but with a inventory of power ups and huge worlds SMB 3 is one of the best Nintendo games ever. I begged my dad for this game when it came out and I got it one night after football practice and have been playing it ever since.

6. Mega Man 2 (NES): I love this game. I will still play it start to finish when I need a Mega Man fix. I’m not sure why I rented this game for my annual video game sleepover party that my mom would throw for me and Jimmy. I would be allowed two games pizza and soda. One birthday I choose Mega Man 2, and I’ve loved it ever since.

5. Mortal Kombat 2011 (PS3) Yes I have a new favorite Mortal Kombat. This game is crazy good and awesome. From brutal Fatalities to great replay value this is the MK that all others will be judged.

4. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3): The crowing achievement for not only Naughty Dog but also the Playstation brand. Everything in this game is great. Story, control, action, graphics. I love this game and if you own a Playstation and don’t have it, shame on you.

2. Resident Evil 2 (PSX): I have beaten this game I think more then any other one. I have tried to beat my best time so many times I lost count. My friend Adam Smith and I would have contests on who could beat it faster and with only a handgun, I can’t remember who won but those were great battles.

1. Super Mario Bros (NES): The first video game I played is still my favorite. I always will play this game the level design is second to none. I recently discovered that the arcade version levels are different at some parts. Yet another reason to play the greatest game of all time.

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