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Reviews
Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
Pro military average film
Eastwood stars (and directed) the film as Thomas "Gunny" Highway, a very seasoned and highly decorated, but a troublesome U.S. Marine gunnery sergeant. Highway begins what may be his last tour of duty and along the way, he deals with a rowdy and undisciplined bunch of recruits (Mario Van Peebles being the most sarcastic and cocky one among the bunch) and turns them into reliable soldiers, Major Powers (Everett McGill), a higher-ranking officer who totally dislikes Highway, and tries to revive his relationship with Aggie (Marsha Mason), his ex-wife who isn't afraid to tell him about the misery that she has suffered. If you are a fan of Clint I suppose you can give this film a shot.
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Underrated Eastwood Western
Much like High Plains Drifter this is one of the more underrated Clint Eastwood westerns. This is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that will stand the test of time. It's a story about personal redemption in the face of stark tragedy, injustice and revenge. Although it is set more than 130 years ago, the key elements are played out every night on the news in many parts of the world, most recently in Kosovo. This movie is about a lot more than the post-Civil War period. Wales had a long, violent journey to find people he could make peace with and want to give his life serving. The texture of this film was deep and rich with fine colorful characterizations from Eastwood's supporting cast, particularly the Lone Waite and Fletcher parts. I consider it Clint Eastwood's finest film, both in front of and behind the camera.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
Almost as good as Chinatown
Crooked cops. The mystery and allure of Hollywood in the '50s. Death, double-crossing, and secret alliances. Paparazzi waiting to get that one breakthrough picture. These are just some of the elements that make Curtis Hanson's L.A. Confidential one of the most exhilarating noir thrillers to reach the screen in recent memory. With a script that pays homage to the films of the '40s and '50s and may remind some viewers of the likes of Chinatown, L.A. Confidential proves that every period piece thriller doesn't have to go the way of travesties like Mulholland falls. It takes L.A. Confidential nearly two and one-half hours to spin its tale, but the time passes remarkably quickly. There's hardly a wasted moment in the entire movie, and director Hanson maintains tight control of every scene.
Over the Top (1987)
Only watch if you are a Stallone fan
This isn't a bad movie but just an alright one about a trucker(played by Sly) who wishes to get close to his kid- who sort of doesn't like him, as they go about on a road trip of sorts. There are some nice scenery and lets be honest- Stallone has that face, or perhaps its his eyes- which make you want to root for him, and feel sorry for him. This is a decent film to watch, especially if you wanna go through Stallone's filmography but it isn't a great Stallone movie.
Apocalypto (2006)
Mel Gibson's underrated masterpiece
Apocalypto is a masterpiece. In twenty odd years it will be considered the most underrated film of the noughties. Mel Gibson sets the film during the last phase of the great Mayan civilization and you, as an audience are literally transported to the time and location. The story follows one person- a young man named Jaguar Paw who has his entire village razed to the ground by an enemy clan. He is taken as a prisoner and the entire film is an escape journey featuring some of the most raw and graphic images ever put on film. The filmmakers went so far as to even create a new language- now this is dedication. If you haven't seen Apocalypto you owe it to yourself to see it as soon as you can- this is art.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
The film that made Eddie Murphy
The film that made Eddie Murphy into a bona fide superstar, Beverly Hills Cop is a great example of 80s mixing comedy and drama. The script is great, pacing is natural and the performances, especially Murphy as Alex Folly is really good. Though watching it today people may wonder what the big deal is, this film was massive in 1984. To Think that Sly Stallone was originally slated to play the main character just boggles the mind. If you haven't seen Beverly Hills cop, and only heard the very famous theme, its time to give it a watch.