Movies Seen in November 2013

Memories of Murder (2003) Joon-Ho Bong [2:12]

One of the best crime films I’ve seen in quite awhile, this one coming from South Korea. If you haven’t seen this one, check it out now. 

4.5/5

Hitler’s Children (NF 2011) Chanoch Zeevi [1:20]

No, Hitler had no children, but several of those in his inner circle - such as Goering, Himmler and Goeth - did. This documentary examines the lives of the descendants of those men. Currently streaming on Netflix.

4/5

12 Monkeys (1995) Terry Gilliam [2:07] 2x

Syfy may be working on a TV series based on the 1995 movie, but I’d rather just watch the Gilliam movie again. Although this film could’ve been tighter (Heck, all of Gilliam’s films stray and veer off-course frequently), I think it’s one of his best. 

4.5/5

The King of Marvin Gardens (1972) Bob Rafelson [1:43] 2x

I’ve revisited several films this year that have been major let-downs and The King of Marvin Gardens may literally be the king of them. There’s a great movie in here trying to get out, but it’s so loaded with pretension and vagueness, it never reaches its potential. Nicholson plays against type as a mild-mannered radio show host with his brother (Bruce Dern) trying to talk him into a shady business opportunity. I’ll probably keep the movie if only because it’s the only role of consequence in Julia Anne Robinson’s tragically short career. 

3/5

It Might Get Loud (NF 2008) Davis Guggenheim [1:38]

No doubt, it gets loud... Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White. A look at any one of these guys by themselves would be worth watching, but all three? A no-brainer for guitar freaks. 

4/5

Babette’s Feast (1987) Gabriel Axel [1:47] 2x

Even better after watching it a second time. This belongs in my permanent Top 10. The new Criterion Blu-ray is gorgeous. 

5/5

Nosferatu (1922) F.W. Murnau [1:36] 2x

This restored edition from Kino is fabulous. I haven’t even begun to explore all the extras, but if you’re a fan of horror films at all, this silent classic is a must-own. 

4.5/5

Pacific Rim (2013) Guillermo del Toro [2:11]

No, this is not great filmmaking, but it is fun. Pure and simple, it’s two hours of robots and aliens beating the crap out of each other. Know that going in, expect little else, and you’ll be fine. 

4/5