A Week of Kubrick - Day 3: Eyes Wide Shut

It's day 3 of "A Week of Kubrick" and so far I've taken a look back and rewatched Full Metal Jacket from 1987 and Lolita from 1962. Today's movie was the last film Kubrick ever made and was actually released shortly after his death. The film is, of course, 1999's Eyes Wide Shut. 

1999 is often considered one of the great years in the history of cinema with films like The Matrix, Fight Club, American Beauty, The Green Mile, The Sixth Sense, and Magnolia all coming out that year. Kubrick's final directorial outing is among those memorable films that closed out the 90's.

The film stars Tom Cruise as Dr. Bill Harford and Nicole Kidman as his wife Alice. It starts out simple enough with the two attending a Christmas party where they are both seen by each other flirting with other guests. The next evening while having an argument Bill receives a call about a patient of his passing away, and this is really what sets off a chain of events that drives the whole film; When Bill visits the dead man's daughter she tries, unsuccessfully, to seduce him. On the way back home Bill engages a prostitute but changes his mind at the last second. After that he notices an old college acquaintance, Nick, is playing piano at night club he decides to go inside. The two start up a conversation but are quickly interrupted when Nick receives a phone call about playing piano at a secret event where everyone wears masks. Intrigued by this, Bill rents a costume and heads to the party. What he finds when he arrives is a secret society and sexual rituals. It doesn't take long for the members to realize that Bill is an unwelcome outsider. They kick him out of the party and basically tell him to forget the whole thing. Of course he doesn't, and the rest of the film mostly revolves around the events of that night.

 It's a film of mystery and intrigue, all the while maintaining a sort of dream-like quality as Christmas lights give so many scenes a warm glow. While I don't think many would consider it one of Kubrick's best, it's still a solid film that is well acted and beautifully shot.
I give Eyes Wide Shut a 4 out of 5.

Lions for Lambs

Released in 2007, Lions for Lambs is an interesting time capsule with regards to the War on Terror at the six year point. While not the critical darling those involved probably had hoped it would be (the film currently holds a 6.2 /10 on IMDb), it does star a good cast who all give respectable performances. Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise and Andrew Garfield all make the film watchable and it is an interesting approach with Meryl Streep playing a liberal reporter, Tom Cruise playing a Republican senator, and Robert Redford playing a college professor that served in Vietnam. However, it just doesn't capitalize on it's own premise and the majority of movie consists mostly of people just sitting in offices talking about morality and philosophical view points regarding the war. If done just a little better it could've ben compelling but, as is, it ends up feeling like a series of lectures and it wears thin after about 45 mins with the movie never really going anywhere. 

I give this one a 2 out of 5

Ranking the Mission:Impossible films

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE

Mission: Impossible is one of my all-time favorite film franchises and, with a new entry in the series now in theaters, it seemed like a good time to take a look back, rewatch, and rank the films.

#6 Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

By far the low point of the franchise, Mission: Impossible 2 at times doesn't feel like it belongs among the other films. I still enjoy it, but wouldn't call it good.

#5 Mission: Impossible 3 (2006)

M:I 3 is a good movie and there is a lot to like. It's well paced with some fun action scenes and a solid villain. While it's a nice addition to the Mission: Impossible franchise, it's also the most forgettable.

#4 Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

I've gone back and forth on where this one should rank. When I first saw it I didn't like it as much as Mission: Impossible 3 and after a second viewing I would've put it above the original. Over time though it settled into the #3 slot.

#3 Mission: Impossible (1996)

The first in the series still holds up as one of my favorites. Rogue Nation is probably a better movie overall, but it's my list and when I feel like watching a Mission: Impossible film I'm more likely to put on the original. 



#2 Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) 
The latest Mission: Impossible film is one of the best yet. It takes a lot what I liked about Rogue Nation and builds on it to deliver a fun, action-packed flick.

#1 Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

This is the high water mark of the franchise for me. The film is exciting, Simon Pegg gets a bigger role than he had in M:I 3, and Tom Cruise climbing the Burj Kalifa is still my favorite Mission: Impossible sequence.

A look back at 'The Firm'

 

Released in 1993, The Firm is an entertaining thriller based on a best-selling John Grisham novel.

Despite boasting a solid cast consisting of actors like Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Holly Hunter, and Ed Harris, I think this is an under-seen and probably under-appreciated movie. 

At approximately 2 1/2 hrs. it does drag a tad at a couple of points, but the plot is interesting and the acting is good.

 

The film is about a young lawyer named Mitch (played by Cruise) who accepts a too-good-to-be-true a job with a law firm in Memphis. He very quickly learns that the firm is involved in all sorts of shady activities including laundering money for the Mafia. Of course, the more Mitch looks into these dealings the more the higher ups at the firm grow suspicious. Pretty soon the FBI is also contacting Mitch hoping that he'll be their "man on the inside" feeding them the information needed for an ongoing investigation. Stuck between what the firm will do to him if they find out, and what the FBI will do if he refuses to cooperate results in an intriguing, tension-filled film.

 

Overall, while the movie isn't a masterpiece, I do think it's good. If you haven't seen it, or at least haven't seen it for a while, I recommend giving it a watch.

It's a solid 4 out of 5.

 

Movie Review: American Made (2017)

Those who frequent this blog may remember that I wrote a piece a few months back titled "10 Tom Cruise Movies Everyone Should See" (you can check that out by clicking here). Obviously 'American Made' wasn't out at the time I wrote that but if I ever decided to update or redo that list of films, this one would be hard to leave off.

Without giving too much away here's a sort overview:

Tom Cruise plays Barry Seal, an airline pilot, who is recruited by the CIA to gather reconnaissance information regarding a communist threat in Central America. It isn't long before Barry finds himself not only in charge of a massive covert CIA operation, but also flying drugs into the U.S. from a South American cartel. Tensions ramp up with Barry caught between the CIA, the DEA, and the cartel. It's a wild ride.

 The film is well directed and Cruise turns in a really solid performance. The movie is fun, exciting and even the little moments of comedy sprinkled throughout all hit the mark. It was definitely nice to go to the theater and watch a film that felt like something fresh among the vast landscape of prequels, sequels, reboots, and re-imaginings.

Overall, this is one I definitely recommend seeing.

 I give it a 4.5 out of 5


Have a suggestion for a review?
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Movie Review: Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

About a month ago I added to my ongoing '10 Movies Everyone Should See' series with a look at 10 Tom Cruise movies (you can check out that blog entry by clicking the link here: http://onlyinthemoviesblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/10-tom-cruise-movies-everyone-should-see.html). 

However, as always when I make those lists, there are films that are deserving but get left off for one reason or another. One of the films I just didn't have a place for on the list was 2014's 'Edge of Tomorrow', but that's not to say I don't enjoy it. It's a really cool sci-fi/action movie that I found entertaining it when I saw it in the theaters and have since rewatched a few times. Interestingly, despite a 91% critic rating and a 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film wasn't a box-office hit and a lot of people I know haven't seen it. Also, for some reason, after originally being titled 'Edge of Tomorrow' for the theatrical release when it was released on DVD and Blu-ray it was retitled 'Live. Die. Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow'. 

The film stars Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt and takes place during an alien invasion. Cruise plays Bill Cage, an Army officer that reluctantly gets sent to fight on the front line. After killing one of the aliens, some of the blood gets on Cage and he ends up stuck in a time loop, leaving him to fight and die over and over again while he tries to find a way win the battle and break the cycle. Think of it like an action-packed "Groundhog's Day". There are some great action scenes, and just about all of the comedy that's sprinkled in hits the mark. Additionally, the chemistry between Cruise and Blunt is pretty good and the plot moves along a brisk, entertaining pace during a runtime just shy of 2 hours.

Overall, if you haven't seen this one then I recommend giving it a try.
I give this one a 4.5 out of 5.


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10 Tom Cruise Movies Everyone Should See

With Tom Cruise's latest film having just come out recently (You can check out my review of that here: 'The Mummy' 2017) it seemed like a good time to add a new entry to my '10 Movies Everyone Should See' series. I have previously written similar posts about Sean Connery, Tom Hanks, Alfred Hitchcock, and others and I'll leave links to those at the bottom of this one. If you're not familiar with how I make these lists, they aren't necessarily a 'Best Of' or 'Top 10', It's merely 10 films that I feel would be the best representation of someone's total career.


#10 Knight and Day (2010)

'Knight and Day' isn't a fantastic movie, in fact parts of it are kinda dumb. However, I think the goal the filmmakers were shooting for was to make a fun, action-filled, romp with a couple bankable movie stars. That is exactly what they achieved.

#9 The Last Samurai (2003)

If you like war movies then this one has some pretty good battle scenes between those who still practice the ways of the ancient Samurai and a Japanese military that is trying to adapt to the type of weaponry the U.S. was using at the time. I thinks it's also one of Tom's more complex performances.

#8 Risky Business (1983)

The oldest movie to make this list, 'Risky Business' was a breakout film for Cruise and it's still a pretty entertaining watch.

#7 Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

You won't find many sequels on Tom Cruise's filmography but, the 'Mission: Impossible' series has been going strong since '96 and this one is certainly in the discussion for best 'Mission: Impossible' film.

#6 Far and Away (1992)

The plot is a little thin and Tom's attempt at an Irish accent is a bit dodgy but, it's directed by Ron Howard, there's some really good cinematography, a solid John Williams score, and great chemistry between the two leads.

#5 Days of Thunder (1990)

If you've ever seen Top Gun and thought "I'd like to see a version of this, but with race cars instead of fighter jets" then you'll probably enjoy Days of Thunder.

#4 Rain Man (1988)

Even though most people associate Cruise with action movies, he is capable of putting in solid performances in critically acclaimed films as well. The best example of this is the multi-Oscar winning film 'Rain Man' (winner of the 1989 Oscars for Best Picture, best Screenplay, Best Leading Actor: Dustin Hoffman, and Best Director: Barry Levinson).

#3 Mission: Impossible (1996)

The first film in the 'Mission Impossible' franchise may not have as much over the top action as some of the later entries in the series but, its still a really enjoyable flick.

#2 Top Gun (1986)

If I were just ranking film quality, then 'Top Gun' wouldn't have landed as high as #2. However, it is one of Tom Cruise's most iconic roles. Yes, parts of it are dumb and cheesy but it's also just an overall fun movie.

#1 Minority Report (2002)

It was a bit of a close call on some of these and there were a few films that I went back and forth on. That was not the case with the #1 spot. I think this one is hands down the best film starring Cruise.


Honorable Mentions: A Few Good Men (1992), Jerry Maguire (1996), Jack Reacher (2012), and Edge of Tomorrow (2014)


 If you have a suggestion for another "10 Movies Everyone Should See" leave it in the comments below.

Also, check out these other entries:
 10 Sean Connery Movies Everyone Should See
10 James Stewart Movies Everyone Should See
10 Alfred Hitchcock Movies Everyone Should See
10 John Travolta Movies Everyone Should See
10 Tom Hanks Movies Everyone Should See
10 Chuck Norris Movies Everyone Should See 
10 Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies Everyone Should See

The Mummy (2017)

"The Mummy" is the most recent attempt by Universal to kick start a connected Avengers-style universe featuring all the classic monsters (Frankenstein's monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, etc.). Now, I'm a big fan of all the classic Universal monster films including 1932's 'The Mummy' starting Boris Karloff. Additionally, I enjoyed 2 out of the 3 Mummy films with Brendan Fraser. Were they great like the original with Karloff? No,  but they were fun adventure flicks.

So,  is this latest Mummy film any good -or- does it deserve much of the hate it's getting from critics? 

Well, a little of both. Again, I'm a fan of monster movies and, anyone who reads this blog regularly will know, I'm a fan of Tom Cruise so I was excited to see this. 

Well, I enjoyed it. Is it perfect? Definitely not, but it was entertaining and I thought it was a decent mashup of action and horror. Some of the world-building to established the connected universe was slightly distracting. The action is mostly good, and the CGI is pretty solid. There are a few comedic moments as well, some good and some of which don't stick the landing but it never took me out of the film. 

Overall, It's entertaining. I definitely enjoyed it more than the last film I reviewed... (you can check out my Wonder Woman review by clicking here). Despite a few flaws, I actually had a blast watching this one

I give it a 4 out of 5.

Have a suggestions for a review? Leave it in the comments below. 

80's Month Day 3: Top Gun

"I feel the need... the need for speed"

There are a lot of 80's movies that I love and rewatch time and time again so I don't know if I can ever pick an overall favorite, but one of the films high on the list would definitely be 1986's Top Gun.

 To describe the plot in any real detail would probably make it sound pretty boring because talking about this character being a United States Naval Aviator, and that one being a Radar Intercept Officer, and so on doesn't make it sound like the fun, high-flying, 80's-tastic, action flick that it is. So, I'll just give anyone who hasn't seen it the short version. Tom Cruise plays Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a hot-shot and often reckless F-14A Tomcat pilot who, along with his good buddy Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (played by Anthony Edwards), gets sent to attend 'Top Gun' school. Top Gun is where the military's best pilot go for some specialized air combat training, and there is some competition among the students to be the best and win the Top Gun award.
 A rivalry immediately develops between Maverick and fellow student/pilot Tom "Iceman" Kazanski (played by Val Kilmer). Maverick also ends up in a romantic relationship with an astrophysicist and civilian Top Gun instructor named Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood (played by Kelly McGillis). All this, plus a pretty solid soundtrack highlighted by Kenny Loggins' Danger Zone and some cool aerial action scenes, result in a fun and entertaining movie with some memorably chessy quotes.

Overall, I'm not sure that anyone would necessarily call Top Gun a cinematic masterpiece but, it's and enjoyable popcorn movie.
I give it a 4 out of 5.


Have a suggestion for a review?
Leave it in the comments below.
 

Today's Movie: Days of Thunder

 

 

Days of Thunder is a 1990 sports movie with Tom Cruise playing Cole Trickle, a somewhat reckless, and too competitive for his own good, NASCAR driver. If you've ever seen Top Gun and thought "I'd like to see a version of this, but with race cars instead of fighter jets" then you'll probably enjoy Days of Thunder. 

In the film Cole is a young racer who's experience has primarily been in open-wheel racing and, after having a bit of success with that, he wants to make the transition to stock-cars. So, he's recruited by Tim Daland (played by Randy Quaid) to race for his team, and former crew chief/car builder Harry Hogge (played by Robert Duvall) even comes out of retirement to lead the pit crew. Early on a rivalry begins to brew between Cole and NASCAR veteran Rowdy Burns (played by Michael Rooker). The two crash and bang race after race, until one day there is a major accident and both men are hospitalized. Even while recovering, the two are bitter rivals; they race wheelchairs in the hospital and destroy some rental cars while on they way to a dinner with a racing executive. It's also around this time that Cole ends up in a romantic relationship with a neurosurgeon from the hospital named Dr. Claire Lewicki (played by Nicole Kidman). Cole ends up recovering from his injuries just fine but Rowdy, on the other hand, has to undergo brain surgery and he asks Cole to race the Daytona 500 in his place. Of course Cole wins at Daytona for a nice, happy ending.

 This isn't Tom Cruise's best movie and I wouldn't even call it a great film overall but, if you don't take it too seriously and just accept it as dumb-fun, then you'll probably be entertained.

I give it a 3 out of 5.

Have a suggestion for a review?

Leave it in the comments below.

Today's Movie: Knight and Day (2010)

Knight and Day is a 2010 action/comedy starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.

The film clicks along at a brisk pace, keeps it entertaining, and provides quite a bit of action. There are car chases, shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, cool stunts and all the other stuff you’d expect in a big-budget action flick. That’s where one of my issues with it comes in; it’s a bit formulaic and feels like a dozen other action movies. I enjoy the movie and there isn’t a dull moment throughout, but you’re going to get a pretty average, MacGuffin driven, plot.

The basic setup involves June Havens (played by Diaz) who is on a flight from Kansas to Boston for her sister’s wedding. In her travels she meets Roy Miller (played by Cruise) who, as she quickly finds out, is a covert agent and June soon finds herself in the middle of the action. It turns out Miller was double-crossed by a fellow agent because there is a new perpetual energy battery (called a ‘Zephyr’) that will change the world. Roy is in possession of the battery and the CIA wants it. There is also an arms dealer that wants the battery, because why not? 

Now, while it is a fairly predictable movie, there are some positives that make it enjoyable. First off, this one is right in Tom Cruise’s wheelhouse, he plays charismatic secret agent-type better than just about anyone. Also, there is a good chemistry between Cruise and Diaz, and while the twists and turns of the plot are pretty conventional, it’s still a fun ride.

Overall, I give this one 3.5 out of 5.

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