Almost to 100! Next post will have my third recap of favorites.

What did we watch today?

89. All That Heaven Allows
90. Eye of the Tiger
91. Things to Come
92. Wayne's World
93. The Long Goodbye
94. Daria: Is it Fall Yet?
95. Daria: Is it College Yet?

All That Heaven Allows (1955)

The very first thing I need to say about this film is that it is as pretty as a storybook. The colors and frames are masterfully crafted. Its technicolor processing makes the film seem plastic and fake, but in the best possible way. As far as the film itself, it is also very sly and subversive. Douglas Sirk is only matched Paul Verhoeven when it comes to making films that pretend to be say one thing while really saying another.

Standout Moment: I can't stop laughing every time the deer shows up.

Eye of the Tiger (1986)

Essentially, this film is a feature-length "very special episode" of Walker Texas Ranger. Chuck Norris is nowhere to be found, but in his place is a young Gary Busey. After watching this film, I did a little research about the use of the song. Apparently, this movie was named after the song, over four years after it was originally written and used in the Rocky series. The phrase, "Eye of the tiger" is never used in the film, nor does it have anything to do with eyes or tigers. The plot is nothing more than an extended American masculine fantasy, with Busey playing the tough nice guy pushed over the edge. His character is such a perfect guy in every way that the brutal ways he exacts revenge upon the evil biker gang (who are all wearing matching uniforms and helmets) come accross as psychotic, almost like the desire to kill was always there, and only now is he given the chance. When Trump thumpers talk about making America great again, they mean that they want to be Gary Busey in this film. Better than the law, smarter than those in charge, blue collar workers, and owners of a vast array of weapons and trucks.

Standout Moment: Gary Busey decapitates some guys with a wire pulled taught accross a darkened street with nary a grimace of remorse.

Things to Come (1936)

This film is notable for several reasons. Firstly, it's place in the sci-fi film genre is extremely important. Although it isn't as well known as Metropolis, A Trip to The Moon, or other early sci-fi, the design and it's place as an early sci-fi adaption helped shape the post apocalyptic genre as we know it today. The film is more than a post-apocalyptic fairy tale, though. It predates 2001: A Space Odyssey in its attempt to explore the near future of humanity, all the way into the next evolution of its existence. The 2nd noteworthy thing about this film is that it was released before World War II, as was the book that it was based on. Some of what the film prophecies about the following decade is chilling, although not surprising considering the Hell that Europe endured during the First World War.

Standout Moment: The conceptualization of how tribes will be formed in the aftermath of apocalyptic destruction has been used as a reference point for every piece of post-apocalyptic art since, whether the creators know it or not.

Wayne's World (1992)

Wayne's World is one of the rare SNL films that is worth watching. I don't know how many times I've seen it. There is just something very innocent and fun about it all, or at least something about Garth. This is also a film that can be considered very much of its time, but still fun to watch today. There are very few references that only connect with a 1992 audience. There is nothing life changing to find here, but it is a great source of silliness, which is more important than most people realize.

Standout Moment: I love the fake product placement sequence.

The Long Goodbye (1973)

Robert Altman is one of the blank spots in my cinema viewing (hopefully rectified this year, as well as Werner Herzog and Fassbender). Other than The Long Goodbye, I have only seen Secret Honor. This film is a lot of fun. Elliot Gould is incredible in the main role. The rumor is that PT Anderson watched this film for inspiration for Inherent Vice, which makes a lot of sense. The visual and performance style of Vice is very similar to this one. Even specific themes and plot points are shared. Anyway, this film is definitely worth watching, and not only for the non-speaking Arnold Schwarzenegger role.

Standout Moment: What a great cat actor!

Daria: Is It Fall Yet? (2000)

Daria is one of the best shows ever to air on television. It had solidly funny and thoughtful writing. The characters all had moments to shine. This film was released as a lead up to what would be the final season of the show. I have never seen any other media get what it feels like to be alone in a group of people nor celebrate those who are different as well as this show. It makes me equally laugh and cry.

Standout Moment: Daria's connection to the angry little boy is very touching and well written for the character.

Daria: Is It College Yet? (2002)

I went light on the first Daria film, because this is the one that I love the most (although they are both wonderful). I think one of the reasons it's so great is because it knows, ultimately, that the most important relationship in the show is the one between Daria and Jane. While we get a lot of entertaining side stories that help give us a sense of what will happen to the characters after the show ends, the real dilemma is whether our two favorite friends will be happy and remain close even after high school is over. It's never a question if they'll still be friends, but whether they can be there for each other forever and ever. As far as final episodes go, this is one of the very best.

Standout Moment: Quinn's realization of how the real world work is especially effective. Like everything else, it feels very true to her character, which already had a lot of room to grow in the show's final season.

365 Films- Post 15