1986 Review Blog
Aliens
Grade: B 05/01/2009
James Cameron's sequel to Ridley Scott's classic is as exciting and innovative as its predecessor. I still don't think it is the masterpiece that it is hailed as, but Weaver's Ripley is certainly an iconic action heroine. That shot of the aliens up in the ceiling will definitely give me nightmares. The Alien franchise, including the Alien Vs. Predator installment, is a lot of fun.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: B 05/01/2009
James Cameron's sequel to Ridley Scott's classic is as exciting and innovative as its predecessor. I still don't think it is the masterpiece that it is hailed as, but Weaver's Ripley is certainly an iconic action heroine. That shot of the aliens up in the ceiling will definitely give me nightmares. The Alien franchise, including the Alien Vs. Predator installment, is a lot of fun.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
The Fly
Grade: A- 06/01/2010
Just as when I saw THE THING for the first time, I was horrified, grossed out, and totally enamored with David Cronenberg's THE FLY. I loved how the creation of the "Telepods" were taken for granted and that we realize that this genius scientist worked for years and years before we first meet him at the cocktail party in the beginning of the film. Jeff Goldblum's deterioration throughout this film is a marvel of makeup and atmosphere. The various levels of his decay are definitely the things nightmares are formed around. Not only that, but the themes that Cronenberg brings up in this film (jealousy, abortion, journalistic responsibility, empathy) are all poignant and not at all forced. Loved this film!!
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: A- 06/01/2010
Just as when I saw THE THING for the first time, I was horrified, grossed out, and totally enamored with David Cronenberg's THE FLY. I loved how the creation of the "Telepods" were taken for granted and that we realize that this genius scientist worked for years and years before we first meet him at the cocktail party in the beginning of the film. Jeff Goldblum's deterioration throughout this film is a marvel of makeup and atmosphere. The various levels of his decay are definitely the things nightmares are formed around. Not only that, but the themes that Cronenberg brings up in this film (jealousy, abortion, journalistic responsibility, empathy) are all poignant and not at all forced. Loved this film!!
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Hannah and Her Sisters
Grade: B 01/09/2009
Not quite my favorite of Allen's films, and I certainly don't understand the ridiculous amount of attention the Oscars gave it. I can buy both Michael Caine and Dianne Weist getting Supporting Actor/Actress wins...but Best Pic, Best Director, Best ART DIRECTION noms? Not quite. I generally enjoy Allen's films in which he stars, but he seems imported from another film in this one. Regardless...it is a lot of fun and entertaining. But it's no ANNIE HALL.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: B 01/09/2009
Not quite my favorite of Allen's films, and I certainly don't understand the ridiculous amount of attention the Oscars gave it. I can buy both Michael Caine and Dianne Weist getting Supporting Actor/Actress wins...but Best Pic, Best Director, Best ART DIRECTION noms? Not quite. I generally enjoy Allen's films in which he stars, but he seems imported from another film in this one. Regardless...it is a lot of fun and entertaining. But it's no ANNIE HALL.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Manhunter
Grade: A- 08/11/2009
I am a huge fan of the Brett Ratner film, RED DRAGON...but this original version of the Thomas Harris novel is excellent in its own right. This film was made before Hannibal Lecter was a cinematic icon, and Brian Cox does quite a superb job as the imprisoned doctor. I also enjoyed the rest of the cast, William Peterson, Thomas Noonan, Denis Farina, Joan Allen....great stuff. Also, directed by Michael Mann in 1986, the story is all about Will Graham and the psychological weight he carries while trying to solve these horrendus murders. 2002's Red Dragon was all about giving us Anthony Hopkins again and shocking us. 1986's Manhunter is all about disturbing us. And it certainly does.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: A- 08/11/2009
I am a huge fan of the Brett Ratner film, RED DRAGON...but this original version of the Thomas Harris novel is excellent in its own right. This film was made before Hannibal Lecter was a cinematic icon, and Brian Cox does quite a superb job as the imprisoned doctor. I also enjoyed the rest of the cast, William Peterson, Thomas Noonan, Denis Farina, Joan Allen....great stuff. Also, directed by Michael Mann in 1986, the story is all about Will Graham and the psychological weight he carries while trying to solve these horrendus murders. 2002's Red Dragon was all about giving us Anthony Hopkins again and shocking us. 1986's Manhunter is all about disturbing us. And it certainly does.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die