Episode Nine (Amélie / American Beauty)

Amélie (2001)

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Writers: Guillaume Laurant (scenario), Jean-Pierre Jeunet (scenario), and 

Guillaume Laurant (dialogue)

Stars: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus

It most likely won't have you rolling on the floor while clutching your sides, it probably won't bring tears to your eyes and it certainly won't leave you pondering its message and meaning. This film's aims are much smaller - desiring only to bring you a chuckle and a fuzzy feeling in your heart, and at this it surely succeeds. Sweet and stylish, exuding warmth and charm in every facet of its production, from the music to the acting and from the story to the cinematography. Show me the person who can sit through this without cracking a smile and I'll show you the perfect casting for the 347,843rd version of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Score: 9 / 10


American Beauty (1999)

Director: Sam Mendes

Writer: Alan Ball

Stars: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch

Throughout the film I sense that we're teetering on the brink and one false move will send the entire thing crashing in on itself and failing utterly. Whether or not the film crosses that line is up for debate, but I feel it stays upright (though just barely). The main problem is that the characters in this black comedy / satire are written (mostly) as one-dimensional stereotypes and played as "phony" by the actors. Going in either direction is fine, but doubling up on the "phony" factor puts you dangerously close to unintentional self-parody at times. That said, Spacey is incredible to watch going through the ultimate mid-life crisis and Mendes directs like a seasoned pro in his debut.

Score: 7 / 10

Episode Eight (All About Eve / Almost Famous)

All About Eve (1950)

Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Writer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz (screenplay)

Stars: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders

If not the single greatest script of all time, All About Eve certainly earns itself a spot in that conversation. Featuring a solid story with stellar dialogue, the film plays out as a nearly constant exchange of verbal barbs, which makes for great drama and humor. Some might accuse the dialogue of being a little too perfect and witty, thereby stripping the characters and situations of their reality. However, considering the nature of these characters as actors and writers (along with the simple fact that it is so much fun to watch), I'm entirely willing to disregard that particular complaint. Fantastic performances all around - especially from Bette Davis whose turn as an aging star is probably the best of her career. Plus, the mere presence of George Sanders in a film will automatically boost its score by at least a point in my book. Absolutely amazing movie.

Score: 10 / 10

Almost Famous (2000)

Director: Cameron Crowe
Writer: Cameron Crowe
Stars: Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson

The film plays best when it is going for funny and heartwarming - the times when it goes for drama are the times where it starts to fall flat. I don't particularly care for Fugit in the central role - in fact, I'd almost rather remove his character altogether and just follow the band, except that this would mean we wouldn't get to enjoy McDormand playing the eccentric, overprotective mom, who is a definite highlight of the film for me. Guess I'm just going to have to deal. Hudson and the soundtrack are phenomenal and the film does a great job of recreating the feeling of the period in which is is set. Oh, and that "Tiny Dancer" scene is indeed great.

Score: 6 / 10

Episode Seven (Alien / Aliens)

We're back to the DVD / Blu-Ray collection for the time being.


Alien (1979)

Director: Ridley Scott

Writers: Dan O'Bannon (story and screenplay), and Ronald Shusett (story)

Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt

Awesome mixture of horror and sc-fi. The art direction and overall atmosphere are absolutely top notch. I know that people debate back and forth whether Alien or Aliens is better, but I have to give the edge to the original. I think it is all about the setting, in the sequel they have to escape to the ship - in this one, there may be fewer villains but there is nowhere to escape to. Feels so much more tense and claustrophobic knowing that the menace must be dealt with directly. And has there ever been a more menacing creature designed for the screen than the xenomorph? Setting aside the fact that the franchise has been ridden into the ground by now, the original concept is still brilliant.

Score: 9 / 10


Aliens (1986)

Director: James Cameron

Writers: James Cameron (story and screenplay), David Giler (story), Walter Hill (story)

Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn

Barely falls short of the original, but is still great in its own right. More of the same would have been a bad idea (especially considering how perfectly it was executed during the first go 'round), but anything other than the original concept doesn't play quite as well. A catch-22 to be sure. Nonetheless, Cameron manages to keep things very entertaining with this more "action-y" take on the material. Fun side characters, highly quotable, solid action... pass the popcorn, man.

Score: 9 / 10