In an attempt to catch up, this post will be a super-packed extravaganza of films. The next post will have a rundown of my favorite films from this block. 

Today we're looking at: 

102. I Can't Sleep
103. True Detective
104. The French Connection
105. Mr. Freedom
106. The Dreamers
107. Bertolucci Makes the Dreamers
108. A taste of Cherry
109. Napoleon Dynamite
110. This is Spinal Tap
111. The Vanishing
112. Capote
113. All About My Mother
114. Purple Rain
115. Dancer in the Dark
116. Entertainment
117. Pee Wee's Big Adventure
118. Pee Wee's Big Holiday
119. In the Mood For Love
120. Lemmy

Repeat Viewings: 

*True Detective*
*L'avventura*

I Can't Sleep (1994)

This is an exceptional film. Claire Denis, the director, has created some of the most thought provoking, creative works over the last two decades. This is a film that is about a serial killer in the loosest sense. What is more important in the eyes of the film is the very essence of what it means to be human. These are all fleshed out characters living in tandem. It is a very different movie, but hard to dismiss. 

Standout Moment: The night on the roof between father and son and estranged mother is incredible. 

True Detective Season 1 (2014)

I gave a lot of thought as to whether I should include True Detective in my list of films. In the end it came down to two factors. Firstly, although it is a series rather than a film, it had an intended ending to the story. It was not meant to continue on indefinitely like most television. Secondly, this is my list and I can do whatever I please without real consequence. So, there we are. This is an amazing show. I know I am two years late to the party, but I really cannot get enough of True Detective. This show produced some of the the best work from either of its leads, extremely memorable cinematography, and a story that is only simple on the surface. The very last episode wrapped it up in a way that I wasn't sure would be possible. It was a very affecting, and incredibly satisfying way to conclude the story. 

Standout Moment: The last twenty minutes of the last episode are incredible. 

The French Connection (1971)

What is there to say that hasn't been said about this film? It is a classic for a reason. It is masterful at creating suspense, as well as creating empathy for an objectively terrible person. Both sides of this drug war are unlikable shells of men. They don't care who is hurt as long as they get their way. 

Standout Moment:  I loved watching Popeye try and outsmart the guy he was trailing onto the subway. It was a nicely packed, tense, and quiet scene. 

Mr. Freedom (1969)

William Klein is one of the most underrated Film Directors in my opinion. His comedies are equal parts wacky and thought provoking. Mr. Freedom is perhaps his best work. I had the opportunity to see a 35mm print of this at BAM and I jumped at the chance. It was fun seeing the insanity of this film in the context of a large audience. This is definitely one to look up- especially if you are into strange comedy.

Standout Moment: The American Embassy as department store is perfect. 

The Dreamers (2004)

The Dreamers is definitely not a film for everyone. It is a dense, complex film about the interconnection between sex and social and personal revolution. This is a film for artists and film-lovers. In many ways this film explains a world I wish could exist. It is also actively ugly and off-putting. It pushes the audience to the extreme, and then makes them wish they were part of that extreme. There is something inherently hopeful in this film, although you wouldn't be able to see it on paper. 

Standout Moment: The very end is haunting. 

Bertolucci Makes The Dreamers (2004)

Bertolucci has directed some of the greatest films ever made. This rare opportunity to see him work on a project is incredibly valuable for anyone who is interested in filmmaking or artistry of any kind. This was a straightforward 'making of' doc, but it didn't really need to be anymore than that.

Standout Moment: Seeing Bertolucci direct his actors 1-on-1 is insightful. 

A Taste of Cherry (1997)

Taste of Cherry runs the gamut of emotions. There is humor, sadness, anger, and despair. What is, on paper, a simple premise, draws out a complex understanding of the nature of life and death, as well as what it means to be a man. In many ways this is a reverse Christmas Carol. In this version, the Scrooge character searches out the ghosts, wishing for their help to end his weary, miserable life. Instead of ghosts, the guides take on the form of men from completely different age and ethnic groups. We complete the same motions over and over again, but to a varied effect. this film never feels repetitive. It is a real masterpiece of cinema. 

Standout Moment: My favorite of the three guides is the old taxidermist. 

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

I remember when this blew up. I rented it on a whim over Christmas break and by the time I came back to school everyone had suddenly started asking for tots and telling each other to vote for Pedro. I think most of the animosity towards this film has to do with the relentless quoting that everyone was doing after it came out. I loved the movie and I tired of it. I didn't watch it again for nearly a decade, which happened to be the magic amount of time needed to love it again. It honestly is a heartwarming and funny film. I watched it with my kids, and they both loved it. 

Standout Moment: "I bet I could throw a football over those mountains."

This is Spinal Tap (1984)

At this point in my life I think it is safe to assume that this movie will never get old. I will be 80 years old and still popping it into the holodeck player that I use on my escape craft I'm riding on to get to Earth-2. I think this film is such a classic of the comedy genre for one reason: it has some of the very best performances in cinema history. The actors really became their roles for this movie. In fact they were so convincing that they were able to trick the media into thinking that they were actually making a documentary. 

Standout Moment: The first time I watched this film, the pod scene made me laugh so hard that I cried. 

The Vanishing (1988)

This film is chilling. It accomplishes horror without looking or acting like a horror film. It is honestly very banal. The horror is in the meaninglessness of the antagonists actions. It is evil for the sake of evil. The ending is terrifying and necessary to the story. It is truly the only ending that could make sense for this brutal story. 

Standout Moment: When the vanishing first happens. 

Capote (2005)

This film went in a very different direction than I thought it would. I say that as the highest of praise. It began as a typical fish-out-of-water story, and ended as a complex discussion of crime and deviance. The performances are also complex and nuanced. Each of the characters has a fully realized life beyond the frame of the camera. I watched this film with no real desire to see it, but it ended up surprising me. 

Standout Moment: The moment after the execution. 

All About My Mother (1999)

The thing I like best about All About My Mother is the feeling of joyful inclusiveness. Everyone is accepted for who they are in this film. No one laughs at another's expense. Despite the tragedy that occurs, there is also great hope. The vision is almost utopic. As far as films focused on sexual inclusivity, this one is far from my favorite (hopefully I will write about my favorite later this year...), but it still fun to watch. I would never be adverse to seeing this movie. 

Standout Moment: The conversation between the four women on the couch is wonderful. 

Purple Rain (1984)

I watched this the night that after Prince passed away. I really think it embodies everything that Prince was known for-- especially during this era. Although the non-concert scenes are cheesy and over-the-top, they are also engaging and charming. The concert footage is amazing, and the soundtrack is one of the best ever made. He was a true star and talent.

Standout Moment: "I Would Die 4 U"

Dancer in the Dark (2000)

Before I write about this film I want to begin by saying that I love Bjork and all of her work. Her music and performance in this film is no exception. She captures the childlike naïveté in a way that would be difficult for someone else. I also think that the last ten minutes are well constructed and provoking. Sadly, the rest of this film leaves me with little to enjoy. As with most of Lars von Trier's work, the emotional beats are both overwrought and juvenile. They are dramatic for the sake drama instead of attempting to be true to his own characters. There is a desperation to make people cry in this film, and it seems as if he will go to any length to achieve it. I know this is not a popular opinion, but it is how I feel about the film. 

Standout Moment: As I pointed out, the last ten minutes are really well made. 

Entertainment (2015)

I was completely unprepared for this film. I had heard about it over the last year and was excited to see it, although I had no clue as to what it was really about. This film conveyed the mind-state of depression better than any other film I have ever seen. The quiet meaninglessness of life is constructed in such a bitter and oppressive way that it is hard not to collapse under the film's weight. There are moments of real humor, but they are quickly contrasted to the moments of self-defeat and pain. This movie messed me up, and I've been thinking about it ever since. 

Standout Moment: The very end wraps up the whole movie with an intensity that is at once unexpected and necessary. 

Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985)

I decided that it was time. My boys were old enough to really get into Pee Wee. We watched both This film and the new one, as well as several episodes of the show. The boys loved it, as did I. There is something wonderfully innocent and genuinely funny about Pee Wee. Despite the winks to the adults (which are much better than any found in the post Shrek era of family films), there is a charming naiveté to Pee Wee's antics that's hard to not like. This is a fun movie from start to finish, it's hard to see a movie like this getting made today (or at least with a new character, as a new Pee Wee movie came out this year). 

Standout Moment: Large Marge all the way.

Pee Wee's Big Holiday (2016)

I expected a film that attempted to reclaim a star's former glory, and instead I found a movie that was hilarious and fun. This movie fits perfectly in the Pee Wee world. Its mixture of childish humor, understanding of b-movie schlock, and unending optimism makes it a perfect comeback for Paul Reubens. I watched it for the sake of my kids, but I ended up laughing more than they did. 

Standout Moment: Pee Wee's gift to the Amish. 

In the Mood For Love (2000)

Every piece of this film is beautiful. The cinematography, music, art design, costumes, actors: everything is gorgeous. This is a film that will make me cry whenever I see it. The build up of emotion and the refusal to allow the audience closure makes this a love story that is much braver than any other romantic film out there. The film posits: sometimes love is impossible, yet potent and often the relationships that are unable to coalesce are much more meaningful than those that do. Everything is close, but nothing is claustrophobic. We are in the most intimate of spaces with the characters, forced to experience every moment of their awkward and powerful relationship with them. 

Standout Moment: The cinematography is to die for. 

Lemmy (2015)

As far as filmmaking goes, this doc was alright. The structure and filmmaking methods were fairly average. As far Lemmy goes, he is one hell of a documentary subject. Despite the blandness of the presentation, Lemmy is still a thoroughly entertaining film. I watched this film for the same reason I watched Purple Rain, it is an in depth look at the artist as a person. Lemmy is such a specific type of artist and specific type of personality thing that it's revealing to see what he means to the metal culture. 

Standout Moment: I loved watching Lemmy interact with his son. 

101 films and counting! Here we go!

*NOTE: This post is extremely late, so in order to get caught up on my writing, most of my blurbs will be shorter than usual. I have been keeping up with my films viewing, just not my writing.*

This week's films: 

96. Mad Max: Fury Road
97. Zootopia
98. Bay of Angels
99. Videodrome
100. M.A.S.H.
101. Hellboy

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

This was one of my very favorite films of 2015. I saw it in the theatre twice. It is exciting from start to finish. The art direction, prop design, and cinematography are all incredible. The cars are especially amazing. I love what the film is able to say about gender through its exciting premise.

Standout Moment: I love the scene where they get bogged down in mud.

Zootopia (2016)

We took the boys to see this film when it was the theatre (just to show you how late this post is) and we had a really great time. What seems like it should be a light film about anthropomorphic animals is actually a very complex and astute comment on race. The film plays out like a film noir riff. It is really exciting and funny all the way through. The adults in the theatre liked it just as much as the kids. 

Standout Moment: This universe's version of the mafia works as a really great gag.

Bay of Angels (1963)

I decided to watch this at random, and I never really could get into it. There are interesting moments in the film, but I find the overall structure of the film to be repetitive and uninteresting. The whole premise seems weak from the get go, and the main character's sudden desire to gamble feels like it comes from After School Special logic. 

Standout Moment: The sound design of the casinos is really inventive. 

Videodrome (1983)

Videodrome is one of the best films ever made in my opinion. It expertly discusses the rise of technology in the human experience. The special effects are some of the best ever made. One of my favorite things to do is watch this film with people who have never heard of it before. It is bizarre and terrifying in ways that are still shocking.

Standout Moment: The breathing television is a singular moment in film history. 

MASH (1970)

The performances in this film are energetic and great to watch, but I have some real issues with the film. I like the other Altman films I've seen, and I like the tv show based on this film. The movie is extremely mean spirited towards women, however. The "fun" bro-ish pranks that were supposed to demonstrate how clever the protagonists are just come off as harassing and mean. I enjoyed the lack of structure to the film, I just wish that it was more inclusive to its characters.

Standout Moment: The scene where they ape The Last Supper is pretty funny. 

Hellboy (2004)

Guillermo del Toro is consistently entertaining. Even his lesser films are fun to watch. This movie is not perfect by any means, but what works in it has so much heart that it is easy to forgive the parts that don't work as well. Creature design is top notch, and Ron Perlman is perfectly cast as Hellboy. Every time I watch this film I end up having to watch through all of the special features, as well. 

Standout Moment: The first big fight between Hellboy and Sammael is great fun. 

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.

I made my goal of 85 films... a day too late. Oh well! This post takes all the way up to 88. For the first time this year I had a 2nd viewing of a film, as well. I won't be counting re-viewings in my final count, but I will be listing them separately as they happen. 

Today we have:
81. Scream Blacula Scream
82. Zazie dans le metro
83. Holy Motors
84. Jellyfish Eyes
85. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
86. Gone Girl
87. The Pink Panther Strikes Again
88. Blue is the Warmest Color

Rewatches:
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul

Scream Blacula Scream (1973)

One of the few sequels that are even more solid than the original. The filmmakers had more money and leverage to make what they wanted with this one. On top of it being a better film, it also has the distinction of having Pam Grier in it. These films walk a strange line between funny, campy, and "scary." They aren't for everyone, but any horror aficionados should definitely check them out at least once.

Standout Moment: The Climactic Voodoo ritual is great.

Zazie dans le metro (1960)

Ah, Zazie... Louise Malle is one of my favorite directors. He could pull off the absurd with the same relish and energy as a quiet period piece. His documentaries are also incredible works of journalism and art. This is his first real foray into the absurd. It is based off of a popular French novel from the time. When it was adapted, many thought that it couldn't be put to film because of the importance of the language to the humor of the piece. Watching the movie, I can't imagine how it would play out in a book. If you ever wanted to know what Bugs Bunny would be like as a live action character, it would be Zazie. Her antics and intelligence are so much fun to watch, and the world, although absurd, is so perfectly realized that you can't help but feel energized by the film.

Standout Moment: Because of my 7 year old's love for this movie (even though it's entirely in French, it's so visually arresting that he laughs the whole time) I have seen it somewhere between 20 and 30 times, but I still find something new to love every time. The funnest thing to do is to try and find the small little pickpocket hiding in the background. He's in most scenes, and his subtle and often unsuccessful thievery is one of the best running jokes I've seen in a film. 

Holy Motors (2012)

I won't hide it. This is one of my favorite films of all time. I saw it a couple of times when it came to theatres, and pre-ordered the DVD. There is no real good way to describe this film. It is about one man living one life after another all through the course of one day. It is about film itself and the changing technology that we use to make it, but not in a way that seems cheap or self-reflexive. Most of all, this movie is fun. You don't know what's happening, but it really doesn't matter. there is enough internal logic and energy that you are willing to take the ride. 

Standout Moment: The music intermission always makes me want to get up and of my seat and dance.

Jellyfish Eyes (2013)

I bought this one with the hope that my boys would like it. We watched the trailer together and they seemed pretty excited to see it. Luckily they weren't disappointed. This movie is definitely for kids, but it is really energetic and fun (seems to be the theme today, right?). The creature designs are weird and cool, and the way the film discusses trauma is simple and subtle enough for children to understand. 

Standout Moment: The big two-on-one fight in the forest is fun enough for adults to like. 

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

You've seen this movie. We both know it. It is exactly what it says it is, and it doesn't try to be any more or less. I think it's funny how much staying power it has had. It seems like a toatlly heinous premise, but instead is extremely excellent. Maybe Wyld Stallyns will still reign supreme in our future? 

Standout Moment: The actor playing Napoleon is just perfect. I love how the film never asks whether Napoleon would willingly hang out with a 13 year old, and instead jumps right into him being a total jerk to be around. 

Gone Girl (2014)

I think this film will go down in history as one of David Fincher's best. The controversy surrounding it, the very little award season love, the way that it was pushed from the publics mind; it has all of the signs of reemerging in a decade as a more understood and appreciated film. Fincher was smart to leave Gillian Flynn's novel greatly untouched. Her pacing and story structure play out like Hitchcock's long lost film. Also, the casting is top notch. 

Standout Moment: Every new revelation in this film feels like a revelation. As twisty and turny as the story gets, you never feel like it is trying to trick you or cheat you. 

The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)

Peter Sellers is one of histories greatest actors. I say this not only because his best work is phenomenal, but because he is one of the few actors that have the ability to elevate the worst films that he performed in. Much of the Pink Panther series is only watchable because of his incredible performance. To be honest, the gags are usually puerile, the story is ridiculous, and as the series continues it gets stranger and stranger. This film, one of the weirdest in the series, is also one of the best-- mostly because of Peter Sellers' and Herbert Lom's performances. I absolutely loved the Pink Panther movies when I was a kid, and my sons are huge fans, as well. 

Standout Moment: "That is not my dog."

Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)

I can't get over how gorgeous this film is. Every frame is bursting with color and depth. The performances of the two leads are some of the best in film history. While it may seem strange to have a film about a relationship last three hours, this movie is never boring. I cannot imagine what would be taken out. The scenes feel important. Even if they seem like small moments, the length of time we are with them is directly proportional to the weight they have in the character's lives. We are watching Adele grow up and become an adult, and all of these small moments along the way are what help shape her into the person she will eventually become.

Standout Moment: I love the importance dancing has on the characters. Every time Adele dances, she is always on the cusp of a huge change. The dance sequences are shot intimately, and allow us to see her character morph through them.