#125 - The Road Warrior

Directed by George Miller
1981 Science-Fiction Western
Rated R

*** 1/2

I know the huge cult status of this film (and the series in general), but I found myself surprisingly underwhelmed. Definitely had a bit of fun, but overall, was disappointed. Hopefully it rewards with repeated viewings.

#124 - After the Thin Man

Directed by W.S. Van Dyke
1936 Screwball Comedy Mystery
Not Rated

**** 1/2

While I don't think ANYTHING will touch the original, this came about as close as it could. Loy and Powell are perfect together as usual, and Jimmy Stewart, in a small but pivotal role, makes the most of every second he's on-screen.

#123 - The Omega Man

Directed by Boris Sagal
1971 Science Fiction Thriller
Rated PG

**

#122 - Jag är nyfiken - en film i blått

Directed by Vilgot Sjöman
1968 Drama
Not Rated

*

More of the same. Earns a half a point for being fourteen merciful minutes shorter than its predecessor.

#121 - Jag är nyfiken - en film i gult

Directed by Vilgot Sjöman
1967 Drama
Not Rated

1/2 star

Sjöman's controversial I Am Curious (Yellow) was banned for a long time in the United States, due to the excessive amount of nudity and for being the first film to show sexual intercourse on-screen. Too bad that ban didn't last. This is one of the most boring, self-indulgent, vapid, mightier-than-thou, and pathetic attempts to be "edgy" I have ever seen. The fact that I was able to sit through two hours of this (and then nearly two more with the "sequel") is a testament to how much I love film, I think. The only way I could recommend this is if you are trying to watch every Criterion release. Otherwise, stay as far away as possible.

#120 - Awake

Directed by Joby Harold
2007 Thriller
Rated R

* 1/2

Those one and a half stars are for the pure balls the screenwriter had to introduce twists that made absolutely no sense and could likely be easily torn to shreds, and nothing else.

#119 - Diary of the Dead

Directed by George A. Romero
2008 Horror
Rated R

*** 1/2

Romero's fifth entry into the "Dead" series introduces a concept that has become increasingly popular in recent years; it's shot like a documentary, with the group of kids trying to survive recording everything they see. Unlike a film such as Cloverfield, however, where no one really seemed to say "put the camera down," that is all they are saying to the cameraman here. As usual, the acting isn't great, and the satire is sometimes ridiculously overbearing (there's a scene where someone picks up a camera, hands it to someone else, and says, "Here, take this. It's too easy to use."), if you're a fan of the previous films in the series, you'll have a good time.

#118 - The Thin Blue Line

Directed by Errol Morris
1988 Documentary
Not Rated

**** 1/2

Errol Morris' landmark documentary about a man wrongfully convicted of the murder of a Dallas police officer and sentenced to life in prison was (to the best of my knowledge) the first time a film has caused a court case to not only be reopened, but the ruling overturned and the innocent man set free. If you think our justice system is perfect, just watch this film.

#117 - The Bank Job

Directed by Roger Donaldson
2008 Crime Drama
Rated R

****

Jason Statham proves once again that he is one of the most underappreciated actors working today with The Bank Job. A call back to the straightforward heist films of the 1970s, this tells the story of what one person thinks could've happened during a famous bank heist in the early 70s. Aside from being a whole hell of a lot of fun, Statham proves that he can do more than just straightforward action pictures.

#116 - Le Carosse d'or

Directed by Jean Renoir
1953 Romantic Comedy
Not Rated

****

While neither as fascinating as The Rules of the Game nor as invigorating as Grand Illusion, Renoir's 1953 period piece (shot three times in English, French and Italian - I watched the English version (the one Renoir supposedly preferred)) is still a very funny look at the world of acting. Probably one of the best films about acting ever made, actually. Anna Magnani's performance often goes from hilarious to annoying without a moment's notice, but overall, the film is worth checking out, especially for fans of Renoir. The use of color is incredible.

#115 - Suna no onna

Directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara
1964 Drama
Not Rated

****