182. Judgment at Nuremberg

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

Director: Stanley Kramer

Starring: Spencer Tracy

Burt Lancaster

Maximilian Schell

Judy Garland

Marlene Dietrich

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 8.5

"What you suggest may very well happen. It is logical, in view of the times in which we live. But to be logical is not to be right, and nothing on God's earth could ever make it right."

Synopsis

American judge Dan Haywood (Spencer Tracy) is sent to Germany at the end of World War II to try four German judges. The judges have been accused of legalization of Nazi practices and executions. With the threat of the Cold War growing larger, both sides are becoming eager to forget the past mistakes. Judge Haywood must now decide whether the indiscretions of these men should be allowed to slip by. The film is based upon the actual events of the Nazi trials at Nuremberg.

What's so great about Judgment at Nuremberg?

Judgment at Nuremberg does an amazing job of telling a familiar story of world history with little bias, while still making it entertaining. Most impressive in this film is the unforgettable performance of Maximilian Schell, who plays Hans Rolfe, the defense for the four German judges on trial.

Anything not so great?

While the story is an extremely detailed one, it's three hour and six minute run time can feel a bit long winded at times.

Best Scene

Dr. Ernst Janning is one of the judges on trial. He refrains from speaking for a good majority of the film. Although when he finally speaks, it is both a powerful and thought provoking scene that really defines the performances of Burt Lancaster.

Does Judgment at Nuremberg belong in the 250?

I believe that it does. This film stands as one of the greatest courtroom dramas I have seen.

Final Words

While reflecting on this film, the thing that sticks in my mind the most is Maximilian Schell. He plays his role with a feeling of great intelligence. He is defending these four German judges for crimes that in our hearts we do feel are morally wrong. Although he finds a way to actually make you listen to his defense and not just write him off. It reminded me very much of Christoph Waltz's performance in Inglourious Basterds. Overall, the film is very well done and a benchmark of the courtroom genre.

A Letter To My Readers... All Four of You

Hello Readers.

As I am sure you have noticed, my posting has been quite infrequent as of late. That does not mean I have given up on the film watching project. I hope that what I have seen and written about has lead some of you to seek out some of the films. It has been one of the most rewarding projects of my life. It's lead me to seek out other works from the directors and actors that I've been exposed to. So far this year I have watched two hundred and sixty-nine films. Only one hundred and fifty-three are on the 250. So you can see that I have indeed ventured outside the lines a little. I am getting back to the reviews starting tomorrow, although the format is going to change. From the feedback I've received from friends and readers, I think this new way of writing will give you just the information you need to see the film. It's much more structured and is actually a much simpler to work through. My hope is that this allows me to focus more on the films and not just filling up a page. To those of you who have kept reading, thanks a million. As far as watching the films goes, I am actually ahead of schedule. It's been nothing short of a joy and I greatly look forward to sharing my thoughts with you again very soon.

THANK YOU EVERYONE !

Joey Wright

not 250- Inception

Ten Things I Absolutely Loved About Inception Without Giving Away One Thing:

1. i haven't heard this many conspiracy theories since Kennedy was shot.

2. that I believe Christopher Nolan is smart enough not to screw this up with sequels like the Wachowski's did with The Matrix.

3. that sometimes taking chances works.

4. the best director Academy Award was decided in July.

5. visual effects that served a point, other than just to look pretty.

6. no political agendas.

7. people clapped at the end like it was a theater prodcution.

8. that during the film you could hear a pin drop as far as the audience was concerned.

9. james cameron will learn what a real game changer looks like.

10. that i cannot wait to see it again.

183. In Bruges

In Bruges (2008)

Director: Martin McDonagh

Starring: Colin Ferrell

Brenden Gleeson

Ralph Finnes

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 8.5

"Ken, I grew up in Dublin. I love Dublin. If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me, but I didn't, so it doesn't."

After a fatal mishap during an assassination attempt, hit men Ken (Brenden Gleeson) and Ray (Colin Ferrell) are sent to Bruges by their boss Harry Waters (Ralph Finnes). Ray immediately finds Bruges to be boring, but history lover Ken encourages him to come along to see the sites. Early in their hideout, Ray meets drug dealer Chloe and the two embark on a very unique relationship. While Ken is given a troubling assignment from Harry while hiding out in Bruges. When things don't pan out how Harry wants, he must make a trip to Bruges to take matter into his own hands.

This film might sound like some ultra serious drama, but it's actually darkly hilarious. There are of course those serious moments in the film, especially with the final showdown on the streets of Bruges. Although, this film at the heart is a comedy, mind you a dark one, but a comedy none the less. Colin Ferrell brings a good majority of the humor to the film, in what is hands down my favorite of his performances. His comedic timing is perfect, proving why his Golden Globe for Best Actor was well deserved. Another great contributor to the comedic value of the film is Jordan Prentice who plays a foul mouth drug addicted dwarf.

As I have said in past posts, one of the keys for me to a great film is a solid screenplay. Writer and director Martin McDonagh brings forth both a clever and original script. It rarely falters in weaving together witty one liners and tragic moments. This film finds strength in it's script knowing what the appropriate line or event that is suitable for the moment. Also, the creative and almost poetic ending is the perfect final touch to such a great film.

Overall, I remember being pleasantly surprised by this film. This was my second viewing and it stands up just as well as it did the first time. It's not too complicated of a film, so it makes for an easy watch for a group of friends. While the Adam Sandler-esque comedies might have become outdated for some, films like In Bruges pave new roads for comedy. If you liked movies like Burn After Reading or Trainspotting you would greatly enjoy this film.

184. Grave of the Fireflies

The Grave of Fireflies (1988)

Director: Isao Takahata

Voice Talent: Tsutomu Tatsumi

Ayano Shiraishi

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 7.5

"Why must fireflies die so young."

Before the 1980's animation in the United States was pretty much solely intended for children. The few animated films that were intended for adults like Heavy Metal and Fritz the Cat, also lacked any type of cinematic depth. Although in Japan directors like Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata were using animation to craft amazing films. Once such film from Takahata, Grave of the Fireflies, stands as one of the first animated films from Japan to really break ground in America.

The story of brother and sister Setsuko and Seita who lose their mother during World War II is just as touching as many other live action war stories. After their mother's death, the siblings move in with their aunt. Although problems soon arise and the two soon venture out on their own. Now they must leaning on each other to find food and shelter. When all else fails for them, the two find joy in the evenings were they get to watch the fireflies.

This film is by no means a happy one. It is actually mighty depressing. Although, at the conclusion of the film, you do find some inspiration. Almost immediately you forget the film is animated, as it's rather violent and raw tones bluntly burst onto the screen leaving the viewer caught off guard. Unlike a film like Toy Story 3, this film's effects take a much more authentic and somber tone. So much in fact that at the end of the film, I actually found myself a little fatigued.

Personally, I liked this film. I wouldn't say that I loved it though. It's story is definitely it's strongest element. I am not sure how much replay value there would be in this film. While I enjoyed it, it would be one of the films that I wouldn't really need to go back and see. That being said, If you enjoyed films like Empire of the Sun or director John Boorman's Hope and Glory, you would probably really enjoy this film.

not 250 - Toy Story 3

In previous years, I had probably seen about twenty or thirty movies in the theater by June. Although with my project this year, I've seen maybe ten. Last night was one of the ten that had been on my calender since I heard it was being made. Without getting into the details of what the film is about, let me say that Toy Story 3 is brilliant. It stands as the perfect goodbye to characters we have grown to love and appreciate, almost as much as the actors who provide their voices. With the addition of Toy Story 3, Pixar has assembled one of the greatest trilogies in film history. The final scene of this film completely surpasses any moment of the previous two, and will be sure to leave even the coldest heart in tears. If for some odd reason you have never seen any of the Toy Story films, I suggest you see them first so that you can appreciate the final chapter for the brilliant piece of cinema that it is. I am greatly anticipating Toy Story 3's home entertainment release so that I can have a marathon of all three films. A crowning achievement in animation and film. I could not recommend a film of it's kind higher. 10/10. 10/10. 10/10!

185. The Exorcist

The Exorcist (1973)

Director: William Friedkin

Starring: Ellen Burstyn

Jason Miller

Linda Blair

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 9

"The power of Christ compels you."

The year was 1997 and I was living on an Air Force Base outside of Great Falls, Montana. At that time in my life, I was very active in my families' church. Although being fifteen, all I really wanted to do was give my parents hell. One evening I walked into the living room and pronounced to my father that I didn't believe in God and would no longer be attending church. He just smiled and said, "Okay." He then left the house for about thirty minutes and returned with a VHS copy of William Friedkin's The Exorcist. He made me watch it that evening. I was terrified to say the very least, but somehow managed to fall asleep. Around two o'clock in the morning, my father sneaked into my room and crawled under my bed. Then he proceeded to make it shake just as poor Linda Blair's did in the film. It is safe to say that I did not sleep a wink the rest of night, and was in church that very next Sunday. So I guess you could say that my belief in God exists today partly because of a demon possessed little girl and a father with a cruel sense of humor.

Movie actress Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) is living in Washington D.C. with her daughter Regan (Linda Blair), while she works on her latest film. Things haven't been going so well for Chris. Her films script isn't to her liking and Regan's father is frustratingly absent. Added to these problems, Regan's behavior starts to change rapidly soon after moving in. At first her problems seem minor like some sort of depression, but it isn't long before she starts becoming violent. Doctors have not been able to explain any of Regan's behaviors including even a few supernatural occurrences. Chris not knowing where to turn talks to Father Karras (Jason Miller) about possibly performing an exorcism. At first he declines such an offer, but once he meets with Regan, he realizes that something must be done.

The Exorcist ranks on many lists as the essential horror classic. When it was first released in 1973, it shocked, terrified, and repulsed audiences. I would have to say for an almost forty year old film, it holds up quite well. The scenes of Regan's possession are just as iconic as they are scary. Much of the film's longevity can be credited to young Linda Blair. At the age of thirteen, she took on a role with subject matter that most actresses twice her age would turn away from even today. Blair's career never really took off, as most child stars seem not to. Although, her performance in The Exorcist will always be remembered for it's shocking content and mature approach to the role.

I have always really enjoyed The Exorcist. It provides a great story and was really the first film to use a child to scare the living daylights out of us. The only thing that I really dislike about this film is the cheap scare tactic they take when they cut the white demon face into random scenes of the picture. I have heard the director's defense in using it, but I still feel like it was out of place in an otherwise excellent picture. Overall, this film really thrives because of how serious it takes it self, which means that the typical "rules of scary movies" don't apply. If you have never seen this film, you owe it to yourself to do so... just don't plan on eating any split pea soup while doing so.