Psycho (1960) REVIEW

Psycho

#1 of the Alfred Hitchcock Series

Well, I’ve done it. I’ve finally seen Psycho. Often referred to as the “greatest horror film of all time”, I don’t really know what else to say about it that hasn’t been said already. I will say that Psycho did not fail to impress me and was more than I expected. It’s definitely not the cheesy-1960’s-slasher-film you might expect from that era. I mean, it wasn’t really “scary” by modern horror’s standards but it is definitely thrilling right up to the last shot of the movie. And of course, Psycho is said to be Alfred Hitchcock’s biggest contribution to cinema and after viewing it, it’s not hard to see why. Continue reading

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

“Please don’t make fun of me. I just wanted to flirt with you.”

#4 of Wes Anderson Series

Anderson comes in full throttle with The Life Aquatic, showing off a hilarious cast, stylized fishies, and another story that will pull on your heartstrings via Bill Murray. People criticized this film a lot for having too much of that Wes Anderson style that we know and love, but personally I liked it just as much in this movie if not more. Otherwise, this movie would not be nearly as memorable without it.

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The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

“All memory of the brilliance of the young Tenenbaums had been erased by two decades of betrayal, failure, and disaster.”

#3 of Wes Anderson Series

In Wes Anderson’s third film, he brings together an ensemble cast to portray the unique and vibrant Tenenbaum family. The younger Tenenbaums are brought together again after two decades when their father has announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer.The Royal Tenenbaums is a different kind of dramedy that focuses on family and it’s importance, without falling into the usual clichés of those types of films. Although quite exaggerated, the Tenenbaums become a family that anyone can identify with and have all sorts of quirks that make them all the more lovable.

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Rushmore (1998)

“Maybe I’m spending too much of my time starting up clubs and putting on plays. I should probably be trying harder to score chicks.”

#2 of Wes Anderson Series

Rushmore is known as the film that really put Wes Anderson on the map. It showcased all of the things that people currently expect and love from the director, including great writing, witty humor, perfect music selections, and unique characters. Rushmore is the tale of Max Fischer, a 15 year old who devotes all of his time to an assortment of extra curricular activities but is currently flunking every class. Anderson puts us inside of Max’s world and will have you absorbed in the his relationships with some unlikely people. 

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Bottle Rocket (1996)

“I don’t think your happiness is quite appropriate.”

#1 of Wes Anderson Series

Wes Anderson’s first feature film, and also only the second film I have seen from the director. The first being last year’s Moonrise Kingdom that I enjoyed very much. It was interesting to go from the director’s latest film to his very first because you can definitely see how far he has come. Bottle Rocket, although no masterpiece is a quirky and fun little gem that was the mark of some very promising careers among Anderson and the Wilsons.

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The Social Network (2010)

“Let the hacking begin”

#4 of David Fincher Series

The Social Network is not a film about a website. In fact, Facebook is really near the bottom of the list of what this movie is about. It’s a huge component of course, but really this a movie that is centered around ambition, deceit, friendship, and enemies. No one will know for sure whether it is truly an accurate portrayal to how Facebook really began, but it’s a thought provoking story for sure that Fincher executed perfectly.
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Se7en (1995)

“The world is a fine place and worth fighting for. I agree with the second part.”

#3 of David Fincher Series

As one of the director’s most recognized and appraised movies, Se7en is pretty much where Fincher started from. His second huge movie, after he did Alien 3, it’s easy to see how he has become the big name in directing that he is today. Se7en is probably one of the most chilling serial killer movies to ever be made, without showing us murder actually taking place in one single scene. Just like the killer in the movie it seeks to disturb you, and boy, does it. Continue reading

Zodiac (2007)

“Man is the most dangerous animal of all.”

#2 of David Fincher Series

Zodiac is not the usual serial killer film. The serial killer murders actually take a backseat in the film and instead we focus on the people involved with solving the case. This brings an interesting perspective to the most infamous serial killer of the Bay area in the 60’s and 70’s. Along with the “David Fincher touch” and a very talented cast, this makes for a truly engrossing recounting of the terrible crimes that actually took place 50 years ago. Continue reading

The Game (1997)

“Discovering the object of the game is the object of the game.”

#1 of David Fincher Series

Fincher’s third feature film, following Se7en and right before Fight Club, this movie has Fincher written all over it. As the viewer, you yourself are part of The Game, trying to figure out who is behind the game and what the objective of it is. Impressively directed, The Game is a thriller that keeps you on your toes scene after scene and has you guessing until the very end. Continue reading