MrLucasWarHero Reviews

Strawberry Mansion (2021)

A Dream-Infused Masterpiece

[9/10 · 25 September 2022]

The greatest surrealist love story since Brazil.

This film takes you on a chaoticly beautiful journey through a fantastical dreamscape that leaves you mesmerized and pondering throughout the entire feature. This movie is quirky, odd, funny, imaginative and above all hopeful. If you have the ability to embrace the abstract and bizarre you will love the journey that it takes you on.

The writing/directing duo of Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney manage to navigate through dreams in an unpretentiously fun manner without sacrificing the narrative (too much).

Watch this weirdness and know beauty.

The Feast (2021)

A Lot to Digest

[8/10 · 23 August 2022]

It's so refreshing to see a horror film with a message. The Feast does a superb job of using unsettling imagery to convey its meaning and shock the viewer (but not without purpose). So many horror films these days rely on incessant jump scares and this one prefers to slowly build tension through its unnerving narrative, which fits perfectly with the theme of the picture.

With fantastic performances by its compact cast of seven and stunning cinematography, this feature is sure to impress horror fans across the globe. I have always said a great film is one that makes you think and The Feast does just that. Dark, grotesque and above all original, this film poses questions not half as terrifying as the answers. Not for the faint of heart, this film will leave its impact on you.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Sam Raimi Doing What He Does Best

[8/10 · 4 May 2022]

While this film has a more grim tone than its predecessors it's still a Marvel film at heart. Of course it would take Sam Raimi to find the perfect blend of comic-book-movie, horror, fantasy and slapstick. He might be working with a massive budget now, but the man stays true to his roots and sticking with what he knows pays off.

The pacing may seem disjointed or fragmented at times, but I feel that only reflects the complex nature of the multiverse within the film. Maybe it's not like other groundbreaking MCU films, but ultimately this is an entertaining feature.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

An Incredible Adaptation

[9/10 · 18 January 2022]

This film has reinvigorated my love of Shakespear.

It can be so difficult to breathe new life into something that has been done time and time again for over four centuries, but Joel Coen manages to do exactly that. In a rare solo effort by the eldest Coen Brother, this film plays out like a maddening fever dream as the masterful use of sound stages and surreal imagery perfectly captures the psychosis and delusions of the lead character. Bruno Delbonnel's cinematography is second to none in this epic feature and shines as one of the highlights of this masterwork.

It is no surprise that heavy hitters like Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand give astounding performances, but the portrayal that really impressed me was Kathryn Hunter's interpretation of the three witches, which was the best I've ever seen.

Even if you're not fond of Shakespeare I would highly recommend you give this one a watch.

Napoleon (1927)

This Is One of the Most Incredible Cinematic Achievements I Have Ever Seen

[9/10 · 31 July 2021]

I had originally read about this film due to the famous "triptych sequence" (later re-labelled as Polyvision, a precursor to Cinerama) where three cameras filmed side by side and when shown the images were attached using three separate projectors (all done nearly 100 years ago).

The idea of a 5 1/2 hour film may seem daunting to some, but this feature is perfectly split into four acts that pointedly tell of significant moments in Napoleon's early life. One can only imagine what brilliant document we might have if Gance was able to complete his vision of five more Napoleon films following this one.

Both the opening and closing scenes are among the greatest of their kind that I'd ever seen in any film before. This film opens with a masterful performance by Vladimir Roudenko as a young Napoleon engaged in a snowball fight with his classmates that torment him for his Corsican identity. During the climax of the sequence Gance establishes one thing that continued to ring true throughout the entirety of the film; he is a master of montage. Not only was his ability to produce quick cuts, split screens and multiple exposure ahead of its time, it was impressive even by today's standards.

The stoic Albert Diedonné gives a marvellous performance as the adult Napoleon and as the audience we're able to witness his courage, leadership and charisma as the weight of France rests on this young man's shoulders.

The final sequence is nothing short of astounding. Although I knew a little bit about some of the techniques used to create the triptych sequence, experiencing it in the context of the film gave me the full effect and I found it to be immeasurably moving. To be able to do some impressive things with a camera is incredible enough, but Gance is actually able to exploit those techniques to the utmost of their ability. During the final minutes I found I was actually moved to tears, not by the emotional weight of the scene, but by the cinematic beauty before me (the first time this has ever happened).

I would call this feature nothing short of a masterpiece.

The Last Detail (1973)

An Incredibly Moving Comedy-Drama About the Human Experience.

[9/10 · 31 July 2021]

Jack Nicholson (before he reached worldwide fame with Chinatown and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) gives a marvelous performance with his role of Billy "Badass" Buddusky and is paired perfectly with the stoic Otis Young as Richard "Mule" Mulhall, who brings a solid dose of realism to their chemistry. A young Randy Quaid in one of his first film roles is just phenomenal in his child-like performance of Seaman Larry Meadows, condemned to eight years in military prison for petty theft at the age of 18.

We navigate through one week as Badass and Mule guide this wayward youth through the trials and tribulations of manhood, attempting to give him one last hurrah before he loses eight years of his life to incarceration.

This is one of the best films I've seen in a very long time and if you're reading this I would strongly urge you to see it and report back to me.

Cooley High (1975)

An Underrated Coming-of-Age Classic

[9/10 · 3 March 2021]

This film is the most underrated coming-of-age classic I have ever seen.

An outstanding, honest, funny and vibrant screenplay lays the groundwork for this incredible piece of cinema. The movie follows two high school best friends in 1964 Chicago as they navigate through their adolescence with moments of hilarity and drama.

I was left incredibly moved by this film and am completely dumbfounded I had not heard of it before. I urge you, if you are reading this, to make an effort to find a way to watch this film as I believe it should be considered essential viewing. One of the greatest cinematic depictions of youth culture I have ever seen and probably my favorite film set in Chicago.

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

True Passion and Genius

[10/10 · 20 July 2020]

This film moved me. I mean, it really moved me. Witnessing the harrowing tale of this young, brave and feverishly passionate girl through the eye of ingenious director Carl Theodor Dreyer was so much more emotionally touching than just watching a film. It was a religious experience. There is a fine line between madness and enlightenment. Renée Falconetti's performance brings that raw personage to life with an emblazoned look upon her face of the fervent young lady who has devoted her life to only God and expelling the English from France. Her gaze tells us that only she knows the truths that lie beyond the sight of mortal man and the complexity of her delivery makes it seem as if she also wonders why she should ever be put on trial for that which is an indisputable verity to her. Her gaze alone will grip you and hold you until the film is finished. The cinematography of Rudolph Maté is astoundingly beautiful. The way the camera surveys the male judges, creeps along the courtroom and stalks the townspeople truly brings the film to life. Joan of Arc often appears in closeup during moments so intense that we see the hope inside her eyes. The motley crew of priests with their politically motivated religious regime always seem to have empty space in every frame alluding to their lack of awareness. We're there with Joan. We feel for her. We yearn to help her. But she does not want absolution from an unenlightened gang of men who know nothing of her struggles. She only wants the love of God. She shows us how painful it is to know truth and beauty and live in a world that seems to be blind to it. Do yourself a favor. Watch this film and know beauty.

Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

This Film Doesn't Mess Around

[9/10 · 14 May 2020]

Dog Day Afternoon has some of the best cinematic pacing I've ever seen. No frills, no dancin' around, it just kicks off with a bang and let's you follow the events as they unfold with the characters. This plus a lack of a musical score help create a superbly real feature film. Al Pacino's finest performance I've ever seen him in and he's wonderfully complimented by the talents of the late great John Cazale. All of the supporting actors did a remarkable job as well under the brilliant directing of Sidney Lumet. This film grips you from the beginning and doesn't let go.

Pain and Glory (2019)

His Most Personal Film Yet

[8/10 · 10 September 2019]

Moving away from the mad arrays of soap operatic narratives that Almodóvar is used to and more towards a linear story structure, this film reads more as a beautiful sonnet addressed to the pain that motivates creativity.

Guiding us through this narrative is an ageing filmmaker (brilliantly played by Antonio Banderas) coming to terms with the fact that he feels too unwell to continue working. As he struggles with physical ailments we are taken through his depression and his coping mechanisms as he also begins to look back on his career and pivotal moments in his childhood. The flashbacks are shot perfectly and wonderfully capture the atmosphere of his young life while seamlessly interwoven with the moments of present day.

As with most of Almodóvar's films, the cinematography is breathtaking and moves more like a four dimensional painting, even opening with a gorgeous title sequence as well as some clever animation montages.

Though I have loved all of Almodóvar's films on some level, this one seems to have hit a much deeper chord than the others, and more than any we can see the biggest piece of Pedro Almodóvar himself in it.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

Subpar Plot With Great Monsters

[8/10 · 27 August 2019]

A mediocre story with some truly impressive monster designs.

Driven by a plot that's nothing special but gets the job done, this film stays solid throughout with the exception of a lackluster ending. The performances were a bit poor throughout, but ultimately the film delivered what I expected.

Peppermint Soda (1977)

A Perfectly Captured Coming-of-Age Tale

[9/10 · 27 August 2019]

A truly brilliant look into a year in the life of two sisters at an all-girl school in France, 1963.

Kurys does an amazing job of spinning a narrative out of a string of separate occurrences as we follow these characters through a significant time in their life.

One can't help but be reminded of their crucial years growing up and amazed out how seamlessly the director was able to put all of these emotions into one film.

Wonderfully shot through the ingenious eye of cinematographer Philippe Rousselot, this film is a shining gem that leaves an impression.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

Tarantino Over-Indulges and the Audience Has to Pay for It

[5/10 · 21 August 2019]

It's official: Quentin Tarantino has gone so far up his own ass that there is no coming back. The director who created brilliant epics such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction has been replaced by a snivelling mess that merely lives off a name he has created for himself and spends his current career wanking over how great he thinks he is at everything.

This film is a great example of everything that is wrong with a narrative, showcased by the lack of a struggle and happenstance achievements that are rewarded whilst underserved. On top of all that I watched probably an hour of what should actually have been the film and another hour and forty minutes of Tarantino meandering through moments in the lives of characters that actually have no reason to interweave and only join together in a sequence of events that are crude and tasteless.

Once the film was over and I collected myself after enduring the whole plodding affair I was overcome with the realisation that I got nothing from the film. Nothing. Even the cheapest of films should leave you with something, a lesson, entertainment, a new perspective, whatever, just something. But not this film. This film had no value. Some entertaining moments here and there, but ultimately stale and cheap. Very cheap.

Blinded by the Light (2019)

A Great Story of Race, Rock 'n' Roll & Rebellion

[9/10 · 18 August 2019]

A film like this could have never been anything less than a love song, and that is just perfect.

I didn't expect much from this film originally, thinking that it would be a bit cheesy, but a fun feature with a nice story. It was all of those things, sure, but it also spoke to me on a much deeper level.

One can only imagine that the way we feel connected to this character's story is the exact same way that he feels connected to the music of Bruce Springsteen. Although he is a Pakistani boy living in Britain, he finds solace in the music of a working class child from New Jersey. In the same way any person could watch this film and, although we may not have endured the same prejudice, we can relate to the themes of struggle, belonging, acceptance, youth and understanding.

Through this character's story and his love letter to Bruce Springsteen we can share in a story as old as time itself.

Lady Bird (2017)

A Great Film Is One That You Can Connect With

[9/10 · 8 August 2019]

I didn't initially have an interest in seeing this film (I don't think the trailers I saw represented it well) and ten minutes in I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but I can't resist a coming-of-age tale and this one woke up a lot of feelings inside me. I'm sure a lot of us can bond on a similar teenage experience and the fact that it took place in the mid-2000s in America brought on a lot of nostalgia, but I also connected to a lot of stories that I didn't directly relate to through brilliant storytelling. A truly beautiful film.

The Skin I Live In (2011)

Almodóvar Directs Yet Another Twisted and Beautiful Shot Film

[8/10 · 8 August 2019]

I noticed what seems to set this one apart from the other ones of his I've seen was a much more muted color palette, although it seemed to fit the tone of this feature more than any of his others. This one moves away from his usual dark humor and focus solely on the dark, but still delivers solidly.

8½ (1963)

8.5/10

[8/10 · 8 August 2019]

It moves at a wildly pragmatic and chaotic pace, perfectly blending the narrative with beautiful surrealistic imagery. I absolutely loved the coupling of the protagonist's issues in his adult life with his fears from childhood and the inability he has to put his ideas and memories forward, struggling to accept whether or not it's the kind of film anyone would be interested in. One of the most brilliant films I've ever seen on the creative process.

Green Book (2018)

Brilliant Acting Shines Through This Story of an Unlikely Friendship

[9/10 · 8 August 2019]

Thought this would be a good one already, but was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. Masterful performances by Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. Brilliant chemistry between the two actors really drove the show with wonderful subtleties in the acting style of Ali especially. A beautiful tale of not only healing racial divides but particularly a profound story of two clashing personality types learning from each other.

Vice (I) (2018)

McKay Hits His Peak With This Brilliant Biopic

[9/10 · 8 August 2019]

Adam McKay first cut his teeth directing screwball comedies such as Talladega Nights and Anchorman, so when he made his first foray into more dramatic work (with The Big Short) I was unsure how it would play out. While I do think that The Big Short was good, I think Vice is definitely a film where this director finds his niche. Shot in almost a pseudo-documentary style with comic narration, breaking of the fourth wall and collages of moments from pop culture and history, this film keeps you ensnared in the story of a man who could be considered a political mastermind, a loving father and family man, an amoral octogenarian zombie or all of the above. Brilliantly written, wonderful acting job from an all-star cast and some truly astounding editing work by Hank Corwin.

A Star Is Born (2018)

Quite Honestly The Worst Film I Have Ever Seen

[1/10 · 8 August 2019]

Extremely disjointed storytelling with a very poor flow to it. At no point did I ever connect with any of the characters or feel for them in any way. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper seemed to have little to no chemistry and I was unsure why I was ever supposed to care about there love story or the main characters rise to stardom. Everything felt empty and flat with all of the scenes that were supposed to be emotionally gripping somehow coming out half-assed AND forced all at the same time, which is perhaps the most impressive thing about the film. I will forever be baffled and dismayed that this film received the acclaim that it did.

Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)

Lots of Fun Without Sparing Substance

[9/10 · 8 August 2019]

One of the most endearing stories of an unlikely friendship I've seen in a long time. Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant share an amazing amount of on-screen chemistry as a duo of loveable rejects with wonderful subtle acting as McCarthy plays wannabe loner Lee Israel and Grant nails it as her eccentric partner in crime. The film invokes all the right emotions and keeps you interested in its character's lives every step of the way. A truly splendid comedy of errors.

Withnail & I (1987)

A Brilliantly Dark Cult Classic Stewing in the Death of the '60s

[8/10 · 8 August 2019]

Finally got around to watching this British classic and it absolutely did not disappoint. Superbly dark, dry and utterly comical madness. Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann's chemistry oozes through the melancholic setting and baptises the viewer awash with emphatic declarations and paranoid ramblings. One of the best films I've seen about the death of the '60s and further solidifies Richard E. Grant as one of my favorite actors.

Simple Men (1992)

Simply Bizarre, Surreal and Hilarious

[8/10 · 8 August 2019]

It's like somebody took a piece of classic cinema and emphasized just how ridiculous and surreal every cliché and stereotype really is. Hal Hartley does a masterful job of giving a classic film narrative a fresh perspective with a hilariously sharp, convoluted, wild and gripping screenplay directed in a style that appears reminiscent of the French New Wave. Loaded with unabashedly random monologues, hysterically quotable moments and a beautifully chaotic plot, this film is certainly a classic in its own right.

Sullivan's Travels (1941)

A Perfect Blend of Light-Hearted Comedy and Morose Realism

[8/10 · 8 August 2019]

This is a whimsical film with a protagonist from a priveledged background attempting to experience what it's like to be disenfranchised and the pratfalls that come with such an experiment My favorite film of all time is O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which gets its namesake from the fictional project that the film directing main character wants to make in Sullivan's Travels, so it's amazing it's taken me this long to see this one but it absolutely did not disappoint.

They Live (1988)

A Tremendously Fun and Original Idea With Only Some Minor Problems in Execution

[7/10 · 8 August 2019]

John Carpenter is a great go-to for straightforward solid entertainment. This film has a great plot behind it although suffers on a minor level from poor pacing and some deus ex machina moments toward the end. Although Rowdy Roddy Piper does a nice job, one can't help but wonder if it would've been a little bit better with Kurt Russell in the starring role.