A very lazy weekend called for a box set view. This time, The Matrix.
I’ve never been the biggest fan of the sequels however, I’ve always loved the original.
I also saw The Animatrix for the first time, a great companion piece. Couldn’t tell you which story I liked the most, though.
I’d still like to see other stories from this universe.
Of course I was aware of Roberto Rossellini but it wasn’t until this year that I’d seen any of his work. The War Trilogy fell into my hands (two movies on it are part of my 1001 film challenge) and of course I watched it.
Rome, Open City
When I learned how the movie was made in secret during the Nazi occupation, I really wanted to watch it. You can’t really tell when watching, this doesn’t distract from amazing storytelling going on.
Paisan
I knew absolutely nothing about this one. To be honest, I struggeled the most with this movie. A couple of weeks have passed since the viewing and I can barely remember anything about it.
Germany, Year Zero
For a short (ish) movie, this certainly packs a punch. A look at the effects the defeat had on the Berliner population, all through the eyes of a twelve year old boy. Not one to censor himself, Rossellini deals with themes such as pedophilia and patricide.
I would definitely recommend these movies, especially if you have an interest in World War II.
Viewed as part of Halloween Horrorfest:
Such a disappointment.
Or to give it its full name, The Stanley Kubrick Visionary Filmmaker Collection.
It’s no secret that I find his work vastly overrated and it’ll come as no surprise that I struggled to complete this.
If you’re new to Kubrick then this is a good starting point and I suppose also good for fans to have some favourites on Blu Ray.
A thumbs down from me.
My only quibble here is that the stories aren’t connected. Otherwise, prepare yourself for a bumpy ride that’s ultimately very rewarding.
In anticipation of the release of Fury Road, I set out to watch the original trilogy.
It’s been on my radar for a while, especially as Mad Max is on the 1001 challenge list.
So I sit down and… I’m not impressed. At all.
Mad Max seems to build up to the climax forever. Not a lot of bang for your buck.
This brings me to The Road Warrior – where the whole of the first movie is covered in the opening scene! Bang! Didn’t need to see that!
Although a far superior movie, it still doesn’t amount to that much.
The less said about Thunderdome, the better. What a waste of time. And Tina, babes, heart you muchly but you can’t act so please don’t.
I did love the song at the end. With the credits rolling.
With all this, you may understand how sceptical I was when I went to see Fury Road.
However.
This was a different kettle of fish.
A little bit of exposition and away we go!
It’s practically a non-stop chase through the desert, just what the doctor ordered.
The casting’s superb (love Tom Hardy), great story and very entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Not Another Movie Blog 