Six movies over this weekend; some new and some old.

Up first on Friday I watched The Lego Movie since it is now out on DVD. If you did not check out my review where I praised it highly. The movie is just plain fun. It is original, funny, smart, and has enough heart to not be too overbearing. The sequel has officially been announced, but it is not for a couple years. Until then, just enjoy the first film.

I watched L.A. Confidential Saturday morning, a gem of the 90s starring Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, and Guy Pearce. Unfortunately, it was up against Titanic at the Oscars, and we all know how that one turned out. Had it not been, I think it would have been a sweep. It is a fantastic neo-noir film with some great performances from actors who had yet to truly make it huge. Over the next couple years, Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey would both become breakout stars in films like American Beauty and Gladiator. This film was an indicator of future successes in all of its performances.

That afternoon, in honor of its 20th anniversary, I rewatched Tombstone, one of the better known westerns from the 90s. It is a fine movie. It has certainly shown its age with some parts being exceptionally cheesy and some of the acting a little over the top. It was at a time when westerns were on the way out. Unforgiven had won several years prior, but westerns did not hold the same status they once did. The movie eventually leads up to the famous shootout at the OK Corral, and it is very exciting.

The next morning, yesterday, I had enough time to watch the epic cops and robbers film, Heat. I have previously showcased it on MotW. Heat is such a fantastic film. Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are on the top of their games, and they are supported by the likes of Val Kilmer, a young Natalie Portman, and Tom Sizemore. The film builds up to the great bank heist scene, which has been referenced by numerous other movies and even Dane Cook. The scene with Pacino and De Niro in the diner was a scene 20-odd years in the making. If you haven’t seen it, go check it out.

This morning I watched two quick films on Hulu Plus’ Criterion Collection. The first was an interesting little war film from Britain in the 70s. It combined archival footage with a story following a mans entry into WWII. It was very surreal and odd. The archival footage was haunting, showing some truly devastating and unforgettable pictures.

The other film I watched was called George Washington, from director David Gordon Green (most famous for Pineapple Express) and it is about a small town where young kids face some tough choices after some tragic accidents occur. The film is very reminiscent of a Malick film with its narration and haunting cinematography. It is a movie that sticks with you. I am most certainly going to watch it again.