80s Movie Review - The 'Burbs

Director: Joe Dante
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 1989
Starring: Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Rick Ducommun, Corey Feldman, Bruce Dern, Wendy Schaal, Henry Gibson, Brother Theodore, Courtney Gains, Gale Gordon, Dick miller, Robert Picardo, Cory Danzinger, Franklyn Ajaye, Rance Howard

Description: An overstressed suburbanite (Tom Hanks) and his paramilitaric neighbor (Bruce Dern) struggle to prove their paranoid theory that the new family in town is a front for a cannibalistic cult.

Review: Before Tom Hanks got his fame and showed his acting talent in movies like “Saving Private Ryan”, “Forrest Gump” and “The Green Mile”, he was known for his comedies. “The ‘Burbs” is a typical example. It’s a light somewhat dark comedy, with themes like xenophobia, suburbia and neighborly fights. The movie is set in the American suburbs. It’s a quiet street, almost idyllic. But that peace is disturbed when the mysterious Klopek family moves in. Some of the neighbors don’t trust the Klopeks and decide to investigate it.
The story is simple and not spectacular. But the movie has more to offer than meets the eye. The power is in the lively characters. They all look like ordinary people, living their life in the suburbs. The arrival of the Klopeks, who have a different way of life, show us the true colors of the other neighbors. It all starts with the always hungry Art Weingartner and the eccentric and patriotic soldier Mark Rumsfeld. They drag Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks), the most sceptic of the three, into this too. Soon they don’t only see the Klopeks as strange and eccentric, but also as devil worshippers and killers who bury people in their yard. The fun thing is that as a viewer you’re constantly shifting between two thoughts: Are the Klopeks really murderers or are they just a little different from the rest and need their privacy.
The humor is hilarious and sometimes even in the category slapstick. But thanks to Tom Hanks it’s never absurd.
“The ‘Burbs” is a fun and very good comedy, that I can enjoy over and over again. It’s an underestimated movie and probably also overlooked. Definitely the funniest movie Tom Hanks has been in.

Rating: 5/ 5

80s Movie Review - When Harry Met Sally...

Director: Rob Reiner
Genre: Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 1989
Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby, Steven Ford, Lisa Jane Persky, Michelle Nicastro, Gretchen Palmer, Robert Alan Beuth, David Burdick, Joe Viviani, Harley Jane Kozak

Description: Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) have known each other for year, and are very good friends, but they fear sex would ruin their friendship.

Review: Harry and Sally meet for the first time when they travel to New York together. It doesn’t really click at first, but over the years they keep crossing paths and even become good friends. But Harry claims, during their first meeting, that men and women can’t be friends because one of them always ends up wanting to have sex with the other. Can Harry and Sally actually remain friends without sex being an issue?
“When Harry Met Sally” is one of the films that set the foundation for the modern romcom and one of the few in the genre that I can really appreciate and call a favorite. Because let’s be honest, most of them are sugar sweet and way too predictable. The film is famous for the scene in which Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm in a crowded restaurant and it’s one of the best scenes in a comedy, ever. Although it’s clearly a movie from the eighties, looking at the cloths and hair, the film is timeless and still holds up to date. “When Harry Met Sally” is a classic within the genre, it’s funny, romantic and has a big heart. Because the focus is on the comedy here, not the romance. And without absurd situations or sex jokes. It’s not sugar sweet, so it’s no your typical chick-flick. I can actually safely say that this is one of the few romantic comedies that men will also enjoy.
Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are a great couple, they work well together and have great, believable chemistry. Even if you’re not a fan of romcom, this movie is a must-see. I have seen it over and over again and I generally dislike the genre, but this is actually one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s one of the best films made in the genre and it will always be.

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker

Director: J.J. Abrams
Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Ian McDiarmid, Lupita Nyong’o, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Billy Dee Williams, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Daniels, Greg Grunberg, Dominic Monaghan, Keri Russell

Description: The surviving members of the resistance face the First Order again, and the legendary conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its peaks bringing the Skywalker saga to its end.

Review: The resurrected Emperor Palpatine recruits Kylo Ren to restore his empire. Jedi-apprentice Rey and her rebel friends are the only ones tat can stop them.
In 2015 director J.J. Abrams had a challenge. He had the tough task to bring new life to the Star Wars franchise. And he managed with “Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens”. And in my opinion the second film in this trilogy, directed by Rian Johnson, was also good and I really liked it (I know this is an unpopular opinion).
For the finale, Abrams returns, but “Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” is not as sleek as its predecessors. The story goes by so fast and important plot development hardly have any time to settle in.
A lot that happens isn’t that new or original, “Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” stays in its comfort zone. The story plays a lot with family bonds and many elements are expected and predictable.
But the heart of the series hasn’t gone and I did enjoy this film. The emotional connection between Rey and Kylo Ren is strong and the moments where Abrams decided to focus on his characters are the best. And the film again looks fantastic, visually it’s great.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

80s Review - Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Director: Richard Marquand
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 1983
Starring: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Peter Mayhew, Frank Oz, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Alec Guinness

Description: After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from Jaba the Hutt, the Rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke (Mark Hamill) struggle to help Darth Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor’s trap.

Review: To start off, this is my least favorite of the original three “Star Wars” films, but by no means do I hate this movie. I love anything “Star Wars”.
This was, at the time, the last chapter in the “Star Wars” saga. And it is for most people their least favorite and it’s noticeable not the best in this series. When it comes to the story, the characters and the setting, it’s just as good as the other two. But those Ewoks really bring this film down. And although they look pretty adorable, they are actually a bit creepy and annoying and take all the tempo out of the film.
That final fight between Luke, Darth Vader and the Emperor is really cool and this is what all “Star Wars” fans want. And this fight has many layers, since it’s between a father and son. They are trying to get Luke to join the dark side, but Luke still knows there is something good in his father and he tries to do the opposite. Luke is a Jedi now, he has come a long way since the first film.
“Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” is a great end to a wonderful saga, which we all know eventually continued, but it tied all these storylines together and rounded them off. It’s the least of all three, but still a joy to watch.

Rating: 4/ 5

80s Movie Review - Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Director: Irvin Kerschner
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 1980
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Alec Guinness, Jeremy Bulloch, John Hollis, Jack Purvis, Des Webb, Clive Revill

Description: After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.

Review: The rebels have found the perfect hiding place on ice planet Hoth. The location is discovered by Darth Vader anyway and he attacks the planet. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Princess Leia manage to escape. Luke goes to planet Dagobah to train with master Yoda, to become a Jedi. Han, Chewbacca and Leia go to Han’s friend Lando for help.
The second film in the first “Star Wars” trilogy is probably the most popular one of all and seen as the best film of the franchise. The atmosphere is darker, there is more action and no unnecessary side plots. There is a love story here, between Han and Leia, but it never dominates the story.
It still amazes me, after so many years and so many viewings. This world created by George Lucas. I really wished I came up with all this. “Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” is a fantastic film and a must see. Not just for movie fans, for everyone.

Rating: 5/ 5

Oldies Review - Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Director: George Lucas
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 1977
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, James Earl Jones, Phil Brown, Shelagh Fraser, Jack Purvis, Alex McCrindle, Eddie Byrne

Description: Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) joins forces with a Jedi Knight (Alec Guinness), a cocky pilot (Harrison Ford), a wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from the evil Darth Vader.

Review: If you’re young or old, a fan or not. Everyone know the “Star Wars” series. The franchise knows many unique characters and all the great adventures. The first film, “Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope” is a legendary and timeless science fiction film and the start of what probably is the most popular movie franchise ever.
After Darth Vader intercepts Princes Leia’s spaceship, she asks Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi for help. Together with the young Luke Skywalker and pilot Han Solo, Obi-Wan goes after Leia who is the leader of the rebel alliance.
In 1977 there was no advanced technology, something many film makers use nowadays. George Lucas had his fantasy, imagination and a creative crew. Although you can see that it’s an older film, the visual effects are still stunning.
Although the performances feel somewhat forced, it never bothers you. The interaction between Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher is fun to watch and it adds a lot of humor to the film.
“Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope” is a joy to watch, every time.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 131: Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Director: Rian Johnson
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 152 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Domhnall Gleeson, Andy Serkis, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, Lupita Nyong’o, Warwick Davis, Peter Mayhew, Kelly Marie Tran

Description: Rey (Daisy Ridley) develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.

Review: As a fan of the Star Wars franchise, I am relieved. It’s a good one! “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was already a great start of a new Star Wars series and I was extremely excited for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. Director Rian Johnson took over from J.J. Abramds and manages to impress with a good mix of action, character moments, humor and drama.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” showed that the franchise still had the magic, we saw old heroes and new ones stole our hearts. Rian Johnson had a difficult task. He clearly respects and loves the Star Wars universe, but is also not scared to make it his own, especially with the humor he adds to it. The meeting between Rey and Luke Skywalker is great, but really nothing like you’d expect.
The film doesn’t focus on the training that Rey is undergoing, but more the inner struggle and insecurities of Rey. Daisy Ridley really does a great job. She is looking for her identity and in this she has a connection with Kylo Ren, who is also dealing with some struggles. How much are they alike and which character trade will eventually dominate?
I loved the fact that Poe Damercon, played by Oscar Isaac, had a bigger role in this film. He’s a character a liked from the start, also thanks to his sidekick BB-8, but his character was a little underused in the previous film. We got to know him better and he had a more important role too.
The return of Mark Hamill to the franchise probably made every nerd heart beat a little faster. And I have to say he was the best Luke Skywalker ever. I loved him in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. Also in combination with Daisy Ridley.
The addition of the Porgs was exactly right. I expected them to be as annoying as Jar Jar Binks in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”, but they were in it just enough to make them loveable and not annoying.
The storyline of Finn and Rose is probably my only negative of the film. It took the pace out of the film a little bit and wasn’t as interesting. And off course the last performance of Carrie Fisher. It’s a bit heart breaking, but I loved seeing her one last time as Leia.
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” was really good. I enjoyed it very much and wasn’t disappointed one bit. It’s not better than “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, but certainly an excellent sequel. I would say they are equal.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Kick-Ass Female Characters of the "Star Wars" Franchise

We still have to wait until the end of 2017 for a new “Star Wars” film and everyone is always focusing on the male characters of the films. I decided to list my favorite female characters of the franchise, because they matter just as much.

5. Padmé Amidala
Although the prequels are universally hated by many, there is one bright spot: The mother of Darth Vader’s kids, Padmé Amidala. Be honest, without her we wouldn’t have Luke or Leia.

4. Maz Kanata
She may have had only a minor role in “The Force Awakens”, but with her sharp tongue she left an unforgettable impression. Even on a hero like Han Solo. And she is also something to trust, because she was trusted to keep Luke Skywalker’s light saber safe.

3. Jyn Erso
Jyn isn’t a damsel in distress nor is she a great jedi. She is a rebel with a job to do. And nothing is going to stop her from doing it. Jyn is not afraid to fight dirty, hides her emotions and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of hope alone.

2. Leia Organa
Leia is probably one of cinema’s most iconic characters ever to be created. A princess that fights her own battles.

1. Rey
Every new story needs a hero. And for this trilogy we get ours in the form of Rey. A scavenger from a desert planet. She eventually accepts the force within, while at first against the fate laid out before her.

They Almost Made the Top 5: -

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 54: The Man with One Red Shoe

Director: Stan Dragoti
Genre: Comedy/ Crime
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 1985
Starring: Tom Hanks, Jim Belushi, Carrie Fisher, Dabney Coleman, Lori Singer, Tom Noonan

Description: A man (Tom Hanks) picked randomly out of a crowd is made the target of CIA surveillance and pursuit.

Review: Tom Hanks plays Richard Drew, a violinist. He is randomly picked out of a crowd to become the target of CIA surveillance.
It’s Tom Hanks in his early comedy days. The film is definitely not a masterpiece or one of the better comedies. But it’s a perfect view for a Sunday afternoon. It’s just a fun spy comedy, that only works because of Tom Hanks brilliant comedic timing. It’s watchable, but never laugh-out-loud-comedy.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 169: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Director: J.J. Abrams

Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Fantasy/ Adventure

Runtime: 135 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Mark Hamill, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Max von Sydow, Greg Grunberg, Warwick Davis, Gwendoline Christie, Ken Leung, Simon Pegg

Description: Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

Review: With new additions to many great franchises, like “Jurassic Park”, “Mad Max”, “The Terminator” and now “Star Wars”, 2015 has become an iconic year. Not every franchise found the right balance between nostalgia and an interesting new story. I’m so glad “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” turned out this good.

Off course there is the nostalgia, by bringing back Han, Leia and Chewbacca and seeing the Millenium Falcon makes our hearts skip a beat. And it’s clear that writer Lawrence Kasdan and director J.J. Abrams know the original trilogy very well. This is all combined very well with a good new story and new characters. I loved BB-8, the droid. He had a bit more character then R2-D2 had.

Stormtrooper Finn, X-wingpilot Poe Dameron and Jedi fangirl Rey are all great characters and are a breath of fresh air. They form an unusual yet diverse group of protagonists. Epecially Daisy Ridley as Rey. She was the star of the film, what a great discovery. The main villain is Kylo Ren, who seems to pay tribute to Darth Vader. He is a strong and believable villain. Captain Phasma isn’t though, she doesn’t get enough screen time to convince us.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is a great film, the movie we’ve all been waiting for. And we got exactly what we wanted and hoped for. Definitely a 2015 favorite.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 90: Maps to the Stars

Director: David Cronenberg

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 111 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson, Olivia Williams, Sarah Gadon, Carrie Fisher

Description: A tour into the heart of a Hollywood family chasing celebrity, one another and the relentless ghosts of their pasts.

Review: They may be loved by the audience, but the life of a movie star isn’t all that glamourous as you might think. Classics like “All About Eve” and “Sunset Boulevard” showed us this and also “Mulholland Drive”. Director David Cronenberg gives us an insight on the life of film stars, in his very own way. Dark with a little satire.

Croneneberg’s movie, which was selected in Cannes, looks like a dark comedy. It’s a movie that shows us the ideal Hollywood life, which is not that perfect at all. The base is a serious drama, but it’s filled with irony.

The characters that are introduced in the first half hour of “Maps of the Stars” seem to have nothing to do with each other in the first place. Along the way the characters intertwine and we see that they all try to use or take advantage of the other. They all want to keep their status and their glory days are already behind them.

Julianne Moore plays a great role as Havana Segrand, a maniacal actress who still thinks she is one of the best in Hollywood. Moore has a strong opponent in Mia Wasikowska, who plays a film fan with a dark past. John Cusack, who is one of my favorites, doesn’t get enough to do. He has great moments, but his role is simply too small. The role of child star Benji is a bit too much of a caricature instead of an actual person. Robert Pattinson’s role is practically useless.

The Hollywood in “Maps to the Stars” is a nasty, rotten place filled with shameless and egocentric people. I didn’t like the movie very much and it’s really hard to explain why. It was a strange film, unpleasant to watch. Not bad, but not a movie I will ever rewatch either.

Rating: 2,5/ 5