Friday Night Round-Up

It's that time again. What all did I watch this week?

Ninth Gate - A- , a thoroughly enjoyable movie from Johnny Depp that was way better than Secret Window

Clay Pigeons - C- , Vince Vaughn plays a creepy guy from Montana in a city that is very offbeat. You think this might play in the same way a Coen brothers movie like Fargo does. But it gets lost somewhere along the way.

His Girl Friday - B+, classic romantic comedy with Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell

Pan's Labyrinth - A, it may have some slow spots but there isn't anything I walked out hating about this Spanish Civil War pic that is spiced up by some dark fairy tale magic. This movie is a gem that is full of originality and brilliance. See it just for the dinner table scene.

Belle de Jour - A, this could be the most pornographic film you ever watch where nobody ever takes off their clothes. The movie is an enthralling piece of French cinema.

M- A, I love this Fritz Lang classic for it's story line and how applicable it is to today. Like the flap says, except for it being in black and white, this could have been told and released today and still had the same effect.

Conformist - B, a thriler on Italian fascism. The thing about Italian fascism flicks is that they are sophisticated more so than, oh, 24. And I think I expected something else going into this film due to what I had read about it.

True Romance - A, how does this stack up against Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs? This film written by Quentin Tarantino features a star-studded cast and a director named Tony Scott and seriously kicks ass.

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning- B+, good piece of work thanks to British actor Albert Finney

Inland Empire- A, as moviegoers we often hate films we cannot understand. I love this David Lynch film, like most people, for how it plays with your mind.

La Sorta- B+, a cult-y Italian fascism thriller about bodyguards who guard a judge. With some pulp scenes, it's pretty cool. But it doesn't quite spark like you want it ever.

Coffy- A, love this! This soul cinema classic with Pam Grier is a slice of unforgettable entertainment.

That's this week. I recently got in to checking out some grindhouse and cult films and also have been checking out some of Quentin Tarantino's favorite films courtesy of this posted list.