90s Movie Review - Random Hearts

Director: Sydney Pollack
Genre: Drama/ Romance/ Mystery
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Harrison Ford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Charles S. Dutton, Bonnie Hunt, Dennis Haysbert, Sydney Pollack, Richard Jenkins, Paul Guilfoyle, Peter Coyote, Dylan Baker, Bill Cobbs, Kate Mara

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 46: A FILM FROM YOUR TEEN YEARS
 
Description: Police Seargeant Dutch Van den Broeck (Harrison Ford) and U.S. Representative Kay Chandler (Kristin Scott Thomas) lose their spouses in a plane crash, and they soon discover that their partners were having an affair with each other.

Review: The wife of tough Internal Affairs Sergeant Dutch was killed in a plane crash, as was the husband of politician Kay. Kay and Dutch find out that their spouses were sitting next to each other on the plane, but were also having an affair. Dutch wants to find out why.

On paper, this film sounds interesting. But in practice, it doesn’t work. Mainly because it does not really know in which direction it wants to go. At first, it’s a drama. Two people losing their other half in a tragic accident. Then it turns into a mystery, when they are trying to discover why they were on that plane and why Dutch’s wife didn’t use her real name. And eventually some romance is sprinkled in as well. And it has some strange side-plot of this case that Dutch is working on, that has nothing to do with the actual plot. It just feels very messy. And it’s also very boring, especially given that this film is over two hours long.

Great cast, making the best of it. But really a dull film with little to interest me.

Rating: 2/ 5

80s Movie Review - Witness

Director: Peter Weir
Genre: Drama/ Romance/ Thriller
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 1985
Starring: Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Earl W. Wallace, Lukas Haas, Josef Sommer, Danny Glover, Brent Jennings, Alexander Godunov, Jan Rubes, Viggo Mortenson, Patti LuPone

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 4: A FILM FROM THE 1980S
 
Description: While protecting an Amish Boy (Lukas Haas) - who is the sole witness to a brutal murder - and his mother (Kelly McGillis), a detective is forced to seek refuge within their community when his own life is threatened.

Review: We meet Rachel, who has just lost her husband. Together with her son Samuel, she lives in an Amish community. She is going to visit her sister and while waiting for their train in Philadelphia, young Samuel witnesses a murder. Detective John Book comes in and has to find out what Samuel saw. When he realizes, a cop was involved and even the man at the top can’t be trusted, John has to go in hiding. While protecting Rachel and Samuel, he takes refuge in their community.

I believe “Witness” is an underappreciated and overlooked movie. It’s a highly suspenseful thriller where the contrast between the city and the quiet and sober life of the Amish runs like a thread. The drama gets a bit woeful at times, but Harrison Ford’s brilliant, non-verbal, acting fills the gaps flawlessly.

I really enjoyed this movie, I never hear anyone talk about it.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Director: James Mangold
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 154 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Toby Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, John Rhys-Davies, Antonio Banderas, Boyd Holbrook, Olivier Richter, Thomas Kretschmann, Karen Allen
 
Description: Archeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.

Review: When it comes to film, Indiana Jones is the adventurer. Harrison Ford gives the iconic character heart and soul.

In this final Indiana Jones adventure, Indy is after an artifact that could change the course of history. He is accompanied by his goddaughter Helena. But we start the movie in the past, where Ford has been made digitally younger. Here is explained what this artifact, a dial made by Archimedes, means to his friend Basil Shaw, Helena’s father.

Even though “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is a big step up from “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, it is the first film without Steven Spielberg as a director. James Mangold takes over and does a good job, but you do miss Spielberg at times. It is entertaining and I always like going on an adventure with Dr. Jones. He is my favorite male movie character for a reason. And Ford hasn’t lost it. But this movie never reaches the level of the first three films in the franchise.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

80s Movie Review - Raiders of the Lost Ark

Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Actie/ Thriller/ Adventure/ Romance
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 1981
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott, Alfred Molina, Wolf Kahler, Anthony Higgins, Vic Tablian, Don Fellows, William Hootkins, Bill Reimbold, Fred Sorenson, Patrick Durkin

Description: Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis.

Review: When you think of adventure and action, you automatically think of Indiana Jones. The first installment, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is still the best in the franchise and also the best adventure movie ever made.
Indiana Jones is an archeologist who is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant, before the Nazis do. Director Steven Spielberg and his companion George Lucas, who came up with Indiana Jones, aren’t the only reasons for the success of this film. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Indiana Jones is perfect. Charismatic, tough, funny. With that he has created my favorite movie character of all-time.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a perfect movie. It has it all: adventure, action, humor, romance. It’s a movie you just can’t hate, that’s impossible. Everyone loves this film!  The film is filled with memorable and iconic scenes. The boobytraps at the start, the monkey, the drinking game, shooting the guy with the sword, the fight between Indy and the mechanic and the opening of the Ark.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is a timeless adventure, that I still enjoy to this day.

 Rating: 5/ 5

90s Movie Review - Clear and Present Day

Director: Phillip Noyce
Genre: Crime/ Thriller/ Action
Runtime: 141 minutes
Year: 1993
Starring: Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, Anne Archer, Henry Czerny, Benjamin Bratt, Thora Birch, Harris Yulin, James Moffat, James Earl Jones, Greg Germann, Rex Linn

Description: CIA Analyst Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) is drawn into an illegal drug war fought by the US government against a Colombian drug cartel.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 14: A MOVIE RELEASED IN THE YEAR YOU WERE 10 YEARS OLD

Review: CIA agent Jack Ryan is called in by his boss Admiral James Greer to investigate the brutal murder on a personal friend of the US President, by a Colombian drug cartel on Hardin. Ryan learns that Hardin was laundering money for the drug cartel. When Greer falls seriously ill, Jack must take over as head of the CIA.
The trail soon leads to the powerful Colombian drug lord Ernesto Escobada. In his sleuthing Jack is hampered by people, both within the CIA and close to Escobada, who plays a mysterious double game. It turns out that National Security Advisor James Cutter has started a war against drug lords in Colombia. An action that threatens to make Jack a political victim. When a visit to Colombia almost kills Jack, he must pull out all the stops to ensure the sincerity and integrity cherished by Greer. A personal visit to Escobada seems the only solution, although not without danger.
In “Patriot Games”, Harrison Ford played the role of CIA agent Jack Ryan for the first time. Despite the somewhat weaker plot, “Patriot Games” proved to be a successful film. In this film, Ford was portrayed as the new Jack Ryan, after Alec Baldwin did it in “The Hunt for Red October”. For this reason, “Patriot Games” was a film that focused more on the person Jack Ryan. With “Clear and Present Danger” director Philip Noyce made a very different film. It is still widely regarded as one of  the best Tom Clancy film adaptations. It has an intriguing story with various angels, a political conspiracy and great action. The film remains exciting and entertaining until the end.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Ranking the Franchise - Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones is one of my favorite movie characters of all-time and I love the movies.  And with four films out, I decided to take a closer look and rank them.  
 

4. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
This is without a doubt the worst one in the series. The rest of the franchise is very consistent, but this one really disappointed the audience. It was criticized and I do understand why. And although the film does have its moments and I really liked the comradery between Indiana and Mutt, the film overuses CGI and not in a good way (remember that awful scene where Mutt is swinging from the trees like Tarzan).
 

3. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
“Indiana Jones and Temple of Doom” is the second film and also the darkest one. Officially this film is a prequel and is set before “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (I didn’t even realize that after having seen it already over 10 times, haha). The story follows Indiana, singer Willie Scott and the young Short Round, who visit a village that has children mysteriously disappearing. They find a cult that sacrifices humans and they kidnap children to be their slaves. Like I said, the story is dark but filled with action and adventure.
 

2. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The story is interesting. The film starts with a young Indiana who steals a relic from a grave robber. We get a little backstory and see how he got his infamous hat and how he started fearing snakes. When we see adult Indiana, he hears that his father, Henry Jones, has been kidnapped. Sean Connery plays father Henry, a great addition and I loved the fact that is focuses on the father-son bond instead of another love interest. My favorite moment is the chair scene, where Indiana and Henry are bound to chairs and the wall turns. Inventive and very funny.
 

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
Close call, but the first film is till my favorite and although it’s from 1981, it really holds up. This is the equivalent of an adventure movie. The Nazis are trying to find the Ark of the Covenant, which will give them powers. Indiana Jones tries to find it before they do. “Raiders of the Lost Ark” has one of the coolest opening scenes ever and I love the scene with the swordsman and how Indiana just shoots him without even bothering. A film with high rewatchability.

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

10s Movie Review - Blade Runner 2049

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 163 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Sylvia Hoeks, Jared Leto, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Dave Bautista

Description: A young blade runner's (Ryan Gosling) discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who's been missing for thirty years.

Review: In 1982 director Ridley Scott brought us “Blade Runner”, a film loosely based on “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. After “Alien” he took another big step in the sci-fi genre. The film was, because of the combination of film noir and a philosophical take, not for everyone. Even critics weren’t agreeing at the time.
In 2017, the opinions about the sequel, are extremely positive. Some even call it an instant classic and a masterpiece. “Blade Runner 2049” will still not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I do agree with the positive responses. And I even think it’s better then the film from 1982.
Ridley Scott passed the directorial position over to Denis Villeneuve, a talented director that yet has to make his first mistake (let’s hope not off course). After “Arrival”, from 2016, Villeneuve showed the audience he knows his way around science fiction. But “Blade Runner 2049” is so very different.
Villeneuve asked all the journalists not to talk about the plot to much in their reviews. He wanted all the moviegoers to experience this film to the fullest and give them the same experience as he critics.
“Blade Runner 2049” is a film filled with emotion, beautiful shots, deeper layers and fascinating characters. So I will not share any plot details with you either, you really have to see for yourself. I do think it’s a shame that I didn’t get to see it in theaters at the time. Literally no one around was talking about this film and I simply missed it. And now, I don’t understand why and how.
Villeneuve often manages to make your jaw drop. And that’s also happening here. The images of misty cities filled with big in-your-face billboard commercials, immense garbage piles and abandoned factories. But also the ochre colored field with giant statues of women.
The role of K, was written for Ryan Gosling. He gives his role depth and he proofs again that he chooses his projects wisely. Harrison Ford’s role isn’t as big, but noteworthy, just like in the first film.
Like I stated before, “Blade Runner 2049” is not for everyone, just like the first film. The slow sci-fi by Denis Villeneuve is not to everybody’s taste. The film is hard to grab and its unpredictability could trouble the average moviegoer. All those things are just why I love “Blade Runner 2049”. Besides the gorgeous images and great performances, it’s very pleasant to see a sequel this good and this surprising. Better then “Blade Runner”, mission accomplished!

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 143: Patriot Games

Director: Phillip Noyce
Genre: Action/ Thriller
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 1992
Starring: Harrison Ford, Anne Archer, Patrick Bergin, Sean Bean, Thora Birch, James Fox, Samuel L. Jackson, James Earl Jones, Richard Harris

Description: When CIA Analyst Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) interferes with an IRA assassination, a renegade faction targets him and his family for revenge.

Review: When you’re looking for the American version of James Bond, we often think of Jason Bourne. But Jack Ryan could also be that man. Writer Tom Clancy passed away in 2013, but a left a great collection of stories. And Hollywood has used them a couple of times already. In “Patriot Games”, Harrison Ford takes on the role of Jack Ryan.
Jack Ryan is a CIA analyst, who works more behind the scenes. But he does have the best insights in certain cases and is very driven to enter the field. He isn’t an action hero, but determined to solve cases. Tom Clancy’s stories are more pollical inspired. “Patriot Games” is about the IRA. One fo the IRA men gets personal, when Ryan kills his brother.
“Patriot Games” is exciting and has a realistic tone. And the story is solid, because of Tom Clancy’s great work. Because of that, the movie rises above average, but it never overwhelms.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 70: American Graffiti

Director: George Lucas
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 1973
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, WOlfman Jack, Harrison Ford, Bo Hopkins, Kathy Quinlan, Suzanne Somers, Manuel Padilla Jr. Beau Gentry, Jim Bohan, Jana Bellan, Deby Celiz

Description: A couple of high school grads spend one final night cruising the strip with their buddies before they go off to college.

Review: “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” are the first movies that come to mind when thinking of George Lucas. But he also directed “American Graffiti”, a film that cost less than it made. And it even got five Academy Award nominations.
We follow a group of friends on the night before their adulthood starts. Curt and Steven will go to college. Both got a scholarship. Steve is excited to go to college, but Curt isn’t to happy about leaving his secure environment.
The characters feel realistic, which makes you care for them. The film takes place over the course of one night and we follow several storylines. “American Graffiti” feels a bit slow sometimes, because every storyline gets an equal amount of attention. But it doesn’t reallt bother you.
“American Graffiti” is a fun teen film that is relatable.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 27: The Age of Adaline

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Runtime: 110 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Baker

Description: A young woman (Blake Lively), born at the turn of the 20th century, is rendered ageless after an accident. After many solitary years, she meets a man (Michiel Huisman) who complicates the eternal life she has settled into.

Review: Many people wish to stay young forever, but by watching movies about immortality you know it’s never the life you dream of. When young Adaline gets into a car accident and hits the water, she gets into a coma. When lightning hits the water, she is brought back. The side effect: she will never age a day. This all happens in the 1930s and we meet Adaline again in the twenty first century. Because Adaline is technically 107 years old, she is forced to move around and take on a new identity.

For a young actress like Blake Lively it’s a challenge to portray an elderly woman. She succeeds, because even though she looks very young, she often makes us realize she is actually an older woman. We get some flashbacks, so we understand Adaline’s life more. This is narrated, like a children’s movie. It somehow bothered me.

Michiel Huisman (Dutch like me) plays Adaline’s love interest Ellis in the 21st century. He has charisma. But from the moment his character enters the story, the film turns into a more standard romance movie. Here it’s immortality, but it could easily be replaced by fear of commitment. Harrison Ford, who plays Ellis’ father, is surprising in the film. His role is much warmer than we are used to see him in these days. He was sadly introduced way too late into the story.

“The Age of Adaline” is a solid romantic drama, which is a bit more standard then I had hoped for. But overall it’s a nice film to watch if you like the genre.

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

Movie Moments: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones is my favorite male movie character of all time and I just love these movies (pretending the fourth one was never made). “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is still my favorite in the series, so I decided to pick my favorite moments from that movie. Here they are.

Moment # 1: Opening scene

We meet Indiana Jones while he is trying to capture an important relic from a hidden temple. This scene shows us everything we want from an adventure movie.

Moment # 2: Drinking game

We meet Marion Ravenwood, the owner of a bar. She is in the middle of a drinking game. Just when it looks like she’s about to give up, she wins!

Moment # 3: Bar fight

Indiana Jones is trying to find one of the pieces Marion’s father collected. But more people are after it. Dr. René Beloq, a rival archeologist, wants it too.

Moment # 4: Show off

On a busy market a man is trying to show his sword skills and he wants to fight Indiana Jones. Well, Indiana isn’t in the mood and just shoots him. Just like that.

Moment # 5: “Why did it have to be snakes?”

While still on a mission , Indiana Jones has to face what he fears and hates most: snakes! A pit full of snakes.

Moment # 6: Brutal beheading

Indiana and Marion are trying to get on a plane, but someone is in the way. The big guy is putting up a fight, but Indiana is smarter. One of the propellers is coming towards the bad guy, beheading him. Which is a very brutal scene by the way for this movie anyway.

Moment # 7: Truck chase

One of the most awesome chases ever. Especially the part where Indiana Jones is hanging at the back of a truck and then manages to climb back up on it again.

Moment # 8: The ark revealed

The ark is finally revealed by René Beloq and his men, but it probably wasn’t a good idea. Because they, well…. They melt.

 

 

Favorite Moment: Moment # 4: Show off

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 49: The Expendables 3

Director: Patrick Hughes

Genre: Action/ Adventure

Runtime: 126 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Kelsey Grammer, Antonio Banderas, Glen Powell, Victor Ortiz, Ronda Rousey, Kellan Lutz, Jet Li 

Description: Barney (Sylvester Stallone) augments his team with new blood for a personal battle: to take down Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), the Expendables co-founder and notorious arms trader who is hell bent on wiping out Barney and every single one of his associates.

Review: It’s again time for an adventure with some of our favorite action stars: “The Expendables 3”. As the driving engine behind the film series, Sylvester Stallone managed to find some new actors. Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford are added to the cast. Alongside the ‘oldies’, we also get some new young stars. Kellan Lutz is probably the only one that will ring a bell. Bruce Willis isn’t part of it anymore.

The movie starts with a lot of action. Barney and his team have to save an ex-Expendable, named Doctor Death. During their next mission, Barney finds out that Stonebanks, an Expendable gone bad, is still alive. All he wants is to go up against him one more time, especially after severely injuring Caesar. Barney doesn’t want his other friends to get hurt, so he decides to set up a new team. But it’s not that easy to exchange experience.

Just like how The Rolling Stones still keep coming back and fill concert halls, “The Expendables 3” will attract audience. The storyline is never the strong point, although there is a more emotional side to it this time.

Introducing Wesley Snipes and Antonio Banderas to the franchise is a smart move. Their loud characters often manage to make you laugh. The search for the new generation, led by Kelsey Grammer, is more fun than the new group itself. All of them are easily replaceable. Mel Gibson is very convincing as the villain.

The action is again of a high level. If you liked the previous movies in this series, “The Expedables 3” gives you again what you expect. The formula hasn’t stopped working yet and another sequel isn’t unthinkable.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 94: Paranoia

Director: Robert Luketic

Genre: Thriller

Runtime: 115 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Gary Oldman, Harrison Ford, Amber Heard, Richard Dreyfuss, Embeth Davidtz, Josh Holloway, Julian McMahon

Description: Adam Cassidy (Liam Hemsworth) is an entry-level employee at a powerful corporation. He finds himself occupying a corner office, but at a dangerous price: he must spy on his boss's old mentor to secure for him a multi-billion dollar advantage.

Review: Adam Cassidy is a young and ambitious man working for a company that specializes in smartphones. When he stuffs up a presentation, he and his co-workers end up on the street. Because Adam is angry, he uses the company’s credit card and buys his colleagues a fun night out. Adam’s boss Nicholas Wyatt finds out and leaves him with two options: They turn him in to the police or he has to spy on Wyatts old mentor, Jock Goddard. Adam, who doesn’t have a penny to spare and is struggling with a sick father, takes the job. What seems like an easy job, turns out to be his worst nightmare.

A thriller doesn’t need to have a good developed story to captivate you. With the correct mix of a good script, pace and the right actors you get a long way. “Paranioa” seems to have all those things: a script about corruption within the current crisis, acting legends Ford and Oldman and hot talent Liam Hemsworth. But “Paranoia” hits and misses.

The movie starts out just fine. But things get very improbable. Everything is high-tech, but the competition easily breaks through each other’s security. And there are very bad dialogues. This movie lacks originality.

Liam Hemsworth looks great, like his brother Chris, but doesn’t have that same charisma and talent. He is a bit superficial. Amber Heard shows us that looking good doesn’t mean you can’t act. Harrison Ford is doing a routine job, nothing noteworthy there. But Gary Oldman shows us that he can still pull of the villain role.

“Paranoia” misses its chance with the mediocre script and the lack of intensity from the actors. Even Ford and Oldman can’t save it. It’s a standard thriller that you won’t remember for long.

Rating: 1,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 75: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Director: Adam McKay

Genre: Komedie

Runtime: 113 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, James Marsden, Dylan Baker, Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, Kristen Wiig

Description: With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.

Review: Ron Burgundy and his wife Veronica have left San Diego behing and live in New York with their son. They work as a team anchoring for a news show. When Veronica Is promoted and Ron is fired, his life falls apart. Ron and Veronica separate and he returns to San Diego. When he manages to get a job at a 24 hour news channel, he decides to assemble to old news team.

Ten years ago “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” was a small success, but Will Ferrell’s character Ron Burgundy grew to be a cult hero. The somewhat idiotic anchorman from the 70’s, with his fancy mustache and hilarious one-liners has always been popular among fans. And how happy those fans where when a long awaited sequel finally happened.

Like the first movie, the sequel is a chain of fun moments. Will Ferrell excels as Ron Burgundy and you sometimes feel ashamed for him. Paul Rudd and especially Steve Carell reprise their roles very well. How I love Brick, who is hopefully not based on a real person. Like many comedy sequels, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” lacks pacing in the story. There are also varieties on scenes from part one and many cameos.

“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” can’t live up to the first, but it was again highly enjoyable. Just because it’s so silly and you know the characters so well. Stay classy San Diego!

Rating: 3,5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 73: Blade Runner

Director: Ridley Scott

Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller

Runtime: 112 minutes

Year: 1982

Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Darryl Hannah, Edward James Olmos

Description: In a cyberpunk vision of the future, man has developed the technology to create replicants, human clones used to serve in the colonies outside Earth but with fixed lifespans. In Los Angeles, 2019, Deckard (Harrison Ford)is a Blade Runner, a cop who specializes in terminating replicants. Originally in retirement, he is forced to re-enter the force when four replicants escape from an off-world colony to Earth.

Review: The plot for “Blade Runner” seems simple, but due to the development is a pleasure to watch. Who expects just science fiction is wrong. There is more than meets the eye.

The first thing you notice is the great special effects, especially when you realize this dates from 1982. Director Ridley Scott managed to present a futuristic Los Angeles. This is a good example of a classic dystopian world, which is very popular nowadays. Because of the great visuals and the music by Vangelis, “Blade Runner” reaches an iconic status.

The movie has the right pacing. It isn’t very fast, but every minute the story unravels. There is also a good balance between action sequences and more dramatic moments.

This is science fiction at its best, very close to perfection. Sadly nowadays they don’t make them like this anymore.

Rating: 4 / 5

Best of... Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford portrayed my all-time favorite movie character Indiana Jones. But he's more then that. Here are some of Ford's best movies in my opinion.

"American Graffiti"
Maybe this was the start for all the succesful (and less succesful) teen movies that followed. A lot of movies within the genre were inspired by "American Graffiti", so it must have been good.

"Star Wars IV - VI"
The original "Star Wars"-trilogy is still better and I think Han Solo is also my favorite characters from all the movies. Of the three, the second one is the one I like the most.

"Apocalypse Now"
This is one of the best movies ever made and definitely in its genre. It's an absolute classic and Ford isn't even the most memorable aspect of the film.

"Raiders of the lost Ark"
Like I said in the beginning, Indiana Jones is my favorite movie character of all-time. This movie has so many great ingredients to be a good movie. Action, adventure, humor and romance. Ford does such a great job as Dr. Jones and he has great chemistry with Karen Allen.

"Blade Runner"
This is one of the best sci-fi movies made. And not because it's straight forward, it needs a thinking viewer. Then you appreciate it more. "Blade Runner" avoids the typical Hollywood style.

"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"
The first one was better, but this one is far out the most entertaining of the series. I don't know, maybe it's the over-the-top part I like about it. When that creepy voodoo guy removes the heart and it's still beating and then followed by a great chase in miner carts. I like it!

"The Mosquito Coast"
I have only seen it once and I remember liking it very much. It's a while ago, so I will definitely rewatch it when I have the chance.

"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"
Same ingredients as the previous two. This quadrilogy is the only one I rank the way they were released, so this one comes third.

"Patriot Games"
Just a very good and solid action thriller. Not a movie you should watch over and over again, but very enjoyable to watch.

"The Fugitive"
This movie always gave me that feeling, that later on "Prison Break" gave me. You also feel like the hunted and this movie makes me nervous. It's very exciting.

"What Lies Beneath"
I saw it in the cinema and I thought it was pretty scary. Bathrooms were never the same again. Maybe the twist ending is a bit strange, bit I really liked the idea of the film and the suspense in it.

"Morning Glory"
I won tickets to go see this film and the main reason I wanted to see it was Rachel McAdams. Both Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford were great too and I really liked the way Ford portrayed his very grumpy and negative character. I enjoyed this movie very much.

I haven't seen "Cowboys and Alien" yet and I've read mixed reviews about the movie. But I really want to watch it some day.