The Quarantine Collection: Week 9

As restrictions have eased and I have been able to see a few friends this week, this will be the final lockdown log. I saw 57 films during this time, as well as numerous seasons / series of a range of TV shows. Great success. 

Fri. 15th May : War of the Worlds (2005)

DVD. 

Steven Spielberg directs this modern adaptation of the famous novel and radio show with some razor sharp tension and impressive effects. I was captivated throughout the runtime; and my resistance to naming Spielberg as a 'great' was severely tested. This is the only 21st century film of his that feels on par with his more acclaimed works. The basement scene, opening invasion and a taut crowd scene make for some heart pounding set pieces, all the while Spielberg keeps the camera at eye level. There is an annoying scene with the son character, and the ending feels sudden, but a lot of excitement in the first two acts ensures an enjoyable time. 

Also check out : Minority Report (2002)

Sat. 16th : Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Netflix,

Crafted as an anti-Iraq War allegory, this Studio Ghibli film has all the classic hallmarks: an imaginative story (based off an English novel), entertaining characters, gorgeous animation and a stirring message. Again, its climax is not as exciting as the rest of it, but the characters and humour maintain interest. Christian Bale voices Howl. 

Also check out : Castle in the Sky (1986)

Sun. 17th : All About My Mother (1999)

Box of Broadcasts. 

This Spanish film comes from acclaimed director Pedro Almodovar, who uses his position to platform such pressing issues as AIDS, transgender identity and homosexuality. The result is a film totally bewildering in its sexual politics. Most of the cast are women, and the men in it want to be women. Its relatively entertaining, with a young Penelope Cruz. 

Also check out : All About Eve (1950)

Mon, 18th : In the Line of Fire (1993)

DVD. 

Wolfgang Peterson (one of the coolest director names) helms this political thriller, revolving around Clint Eastwood's Frank, a Secret Service agent who failed to prevent Kennedy's assassination in thr 1960s, so now feels it his duty to protect the president of the 1990s from a crazed and chameleonic John Malkovich. This is a straightforward film but it also has brains and wit to match its style and energetic tone. There is also a nice conversation about giving up your job for someone you love, which is a lovely sentiment. 

Also check out : Absolute Power (1997)

Tue. 19th : Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Blu-ray. 

This re-watch sealed my verdict that this is my favourite Tarantino film. The golden photography, casual tone to the scenes and pacing, instantly iconic characters and period detail through lavish production design and radio stations form a bittersweet historical experience. It still makes me chuckle, its filled with nods to Westerns and there is some brilliant acting from DiCaprio and Pitt in this. I may not have had that knot in my stomach the second viewing, but the climax is still one of those scenes that elicits both a satisfying cheer and an 'oh fuck me' simultaneously. It is QT's most mature piece, with an effective final shot. 

Tarantino ranking : Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Hateful Eight, Inglorious Basterds, Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, Jackie Brown, Reservoir Dogs, Deathproof.  

Also check out : Dazed and Confused (1993)

Wed. 20th : Finding Dory (2016)

DVD. 

A textbook definition of a harmless sequel, Finding Dory looks top notch, has some good belly laughs and has an emotional punch. But it also functions as a parable for the hardships, and the potential joy, that living with someone with disabilities can have. Director Andrew Stanton endeavours to steer the story away from repeating the same beats as Finding Nemo (2003) and it mostly works, though it is noticeable. And the truck driving is absurd. 

Also check out : Moana (2016)

Thu. 21st : How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Netflix.

My second favourite Dreamworks film after Kung fu Panda (2008), this is also a key demonstration on a film being far greater than the book. Its message about acceptance and preconceptions is potent, but its John Powell's terrific music and the Hiccup / Toothless dynamic that really soars. The test drive scene, forbidden friendship scene and Astrid's ride above the clouds are standout scenes, but the final boss fight has some exciting amounts. And it is not afraid to maim its lead character. 

Also check out : How to Train Your Dragon 2! (2014)