It likely won't come as a surprise that Ridley Scott's iteration of the famous folk hero embodies a more serious, and historically minded, tone than any of the remakes before or after.
While this looks like an Oscar winner next to the 2018 film, they share the unwanted distinction of playing so clearly as the first in a franchise, each ending in cliffhanger like fashions, never to be revisited after financial and critical rejection.
I'll chalk up the fact that…
Desolation of Smaug was shaping up to be a decent adventure flick but eventually just seemed to run way too long when considering my tastes with regard to the genre.
I was totally digging the barrel battle and found myself enthralled with the Laketown set up but my stamina failed me around the halfway point. That isn't to say there weren't some decent scenes in the second half, more that the length of this film created a fatigue that made…
This cast was impressive, led by an outstanding Cate Blanchett who created a unique level of curiosity in me in her role as the titular character. Blanchett's performance kept me continuously engaged and interested in her story, as her past is revealed piecemeal, during flashbacks throughout the film.
There were a few scenes that felt out of place and a performance or two that even felt a little unnecessary, but I really appreciated the way this film was concluded in the end. 7.5/10
Binging Blanchett #20
Binging Blanchett - January 2023 boxd.it/jW9DE
While I am not as familiar with this source material as I was with the original LOTR film trilogy, Peter Jackson's technical achievements, and visual presentation, almost outweigh the actual narrative.
This story seemed pretty simple and basic, and yet almost three hours still went by fairly quickly. I have the utmost respect for Tolkien's world buidling, however Middle Earth will never approach a Dune or a Hogwarts for me with regard to the storytelling, so I really appreciate Jackson making these film's so accessible in other ways. 6.5/10
Binging Blanchett #19
Binging Blanchett - January 2023 boxd.it/jW9DE
Daniel provides a prime example why I don't usually rate films based off books I had already read.
Aside from a harrowing couple of scenes towards the conclusion the film really didn't offer much that wasn't explored more fully in Doctorow's novel. It was actually a wonder I felt anything at all as the pacing and use of flashbacks kept taking me out of this.
It often felt like Lumet, along with some of the actors, believed they were making a much more profound film than Daniel would ultimately become.
Sidney Lumet Ranked boxd.it/gpC38
While the lack of a cohesive narrative has probably made this film less memorable for me over the years it is still an absolute beauty to look at and listen to, possibly providing the clearest example of Malick's uniquely engrossing style.
I love the score, along with the dream like state it promotes, and certain scenes definitely hit hard, but I never feel invested in this in the same way other work by Malick has totally entranced me emotionally. 6.5/10
Binging Blanchett #18
Binging Blanchett - January 2023 boxd.it/jW9DE
Nothing like a positive and uplifting film to start your day...
I distinctly remember really disliking Babel when I saw it shortly after the release but have since come to greatly appreciate much of Inarritu's work, and have been curious if a rewatch all these years later would alter my original impressions. It thankfully did, and while still towards the bottom of the small list of Inarritu films I have seen, I would now never call this a bad movie.…
Benjamin Button provides an engaging and unique story as a vehicle to explore some of the most common and universally shared experiences.
The film was well cast and featured some bigger names than I remembered. Brad Pitt is most engaging at the outset, with Cate Blanchett growing into her role as the film goes on, eventually proving the more impressive performance for me. I've always loved Taraji P. Henson as well and she lights up the screen per usual, bringing…
I wish I could say this is the first time I have not realized I was watching a different remake of the film I had intended until about halfway through, and not sure why the absence of Russell Crowe did not immediately clue me in as well.
I remember calling this one of the worst films to come out in a theater the year it was released and, while it actually wasn't as awful as I remember, it is still…
I've had a passion for history since I can remember, and have always stated Art History was the most interesting class I took during college, so naturally this story appealed to me on multiple levels.
I am surprised I had never watched this until now, especially considering the robust cast, but despite the star power the Monuments Men never really rose above a predictable, paint by numbers, historical drama.
Binging Blanchett #15
Binging Blanchett - January 2023 boxd.it/jW9DE
Carol is easily the peak of my Blanchett binge to this point, when ranking both her performance or the overall film, and I am actually glad I missed this when it came out because I probably wouldn't have appreciated this Todd Haynes period piece as much as I did today. Carol is a story showcasing the developing mutual attraction of two outwardly different woman in 1950s New York, and although this is a historical drama, many themes still remain relevant…
This had actually looked quite intriguing and right up my alley but I had lost all focus by the end of this, although it had never really captured my attention from the start.
The premise and set up definitely sounded interesting and I'd be willing to give this another try sometime in the hope this was more of a me problem.
Binging Blanchett #13
Binging Blanchett - January 2023 boxd.it/jW9DE