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Old Henry (2021)
Yes, a 10. Great self-contained story... but read further.
The film presents as a more than adequate character study, a shoot 'em up, and a great vehicle for Nelson and Dorf. But the twist makes it so much more.
A great, entertaining, self-contained film is further elevated and becomes an unforgettable commentary on the Western and the Old West, on legends and hero worship, and on many aspects of the human condition.
It asks some of the Great Questions: Can individuals change? Can we ever leave the past behind? What do we tell and teach our children? What is our responsibility to them and to other people? Can the good we do make up for the bad?
I'm not going to describe what happens in the film. Others here have and you should watch it for yourself. I did look into the famous character referenced in the film to see if the film did his story justice - it did. I'm no historian and I'm sure that a true historian of the period may have much to argue with, but I don't think that's the point. It's not a documentary. It's a fictional construct and a "what-if" on a life that has long ceased to be remembered with any accuracy by the public at large. The irony of the movie's title is clever, but a story like this could be written about many historical figures.
Don't pick it apart. Enjoy the film, enjoy the twist, enjoy the performances. I wish this film could get a wider audience. Who is this director? They both deserve more attention.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
better than you think
On the surface, Napoleon Dynamite doesn't begin to reach the quality of other movies, 'cult' or otherwise. The dialogue, the characters, and the cinematography are dull. Nothing really happens. None of the characters are appealing. (You want to like Napoleon, but then you also just want him to open his eyes!!) Its message, such as it is, seems to be that if white nerdy types want to find happiness, all they need is an injection of black soul. Hmm.
But that doesn't begin to cover it.
I'm not going to launch into some deep critique of the hidden meaning or structure of the film. Read the comment of tedg (tedg@alum.mit.edu) if you want that.
I'm writing about the experience of seeing this movie. The worst thing you could do is download it or wait for it to come out on tape or DVD and then watch it alone. Most people would be bored and wonder what the heck all the fuss is about. The viewing has to be shared, preferably with people who have already seen it and loved it. You will laugh your keister off, even as you are wondering why you actually spent money on this.
Napoleon is such an extreme case of arrested development that it's painful to watch him. In the first few minutes, he gets pushed around at school and calls home for a rescue. You begin to squirm uncomfortably, partly out of boredom, partly out of fear that this may be too close to your own high school experience. (Am I, was I, as pathetic as that?) It is so painful, some people begin to leave. But then experienced members of the audience jump in. 'Sit down!' they yell. 'Watch the movie!' What's happening now? Is ND really asking his brother to drive him over some Chapstick? 'But my lips hurt real bad.' The theater erupts in laughter. You will laugh, too.
And you will keep laughing. The laughs are always unexpected. The movie never goes where you think it will. (Do llama's really eat ham?) It really isn't boring or painful after all. Before you even walk back to your car, you find yourself quoting Napoleon, Pedro, and Kip. And you'll do that long after you've seen this flick. And you keep thinking about the movie. And you want to see it again.
And one more thing. It was incredibly refreshing to see a teen comedy that's hysterically funny, popular with teens, and yet could still earn a PG rating. The thing didn't have an expletive harsher than gosh. There were no fart jokes - imagine! And the teens still laughed. And the laughter wasn't cruel. Hollywood, please, please take notice.
No Love for Johnnie (1961)
One of the best political dramas ever
Spoiler - though the title says it all.
A very powerful film, unforgettable to any serious viewer. Peter Finch gives a full performance of a man searching for two things in life, love and political success.
The movie is a study of how much a person is willing to give up for political power and respect. Finch sells his heart and soul for a pathetically small piece of this power, as an MP moving from the upper, and less influential, benches to a coveted spot in the lower or front bench. The final frame is one of the most chilling moments in film history.
A must see for anyone thinking about entering politics or anyone who wants to understand politicians.