THE TWO ESCOBARS (2010, directors Jeff & Michael
Zimbalist)
Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime
This Friday,
Colombia plays host country Brazil in the knockout round of the World Cup,
marking the first time in 16 years that the country qualified for the
tournament and nearly a quarter-century since the last time they had made the
round of 16. Whether you’re tired of The World Cup or ecstatic that America is
interested in the sport again, The Two Escobars is a fascinating
documentary look at the rise and fall of Colombia’s national soccer team as it
relates to Team Captain Andres Escobar and notorious drug lord/team owner Pablo
Escobar. Their stories prove more intertwined than you would expect, and
although the brothers Zimbalist rely heavily on camera movement during the
talking head portions (the story is dynamic enough on its own), this is an
absolutely enthralling look at a nation through the prism of sport.
THE GENERAL (1926, directors Clyde Bruckman &
Buster Keaton)
Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime
This Friday also
brings the celebration of American independence/barbecued meat that is the 4th
of July. And while there is no limit to the number of movies available online
that encapsulate the American experience (unfortunately Team America: World Police
is not free to stream), I thought I would opt for what remains one of our
greatest cinematic achievements nearly 90 years after it was made. You know how
good The
General is? It’s so good, we’re able to ignore the queasiness of
rooting for a protagonist who is battling in the service of the Confederate
army – granted, we’re rooting for Buster Keaton, whose willingness to serve is
based entirely around the pursuit of a woman, all while any other members of
the military are painted with a buffoonish brush. This will more likely remain
among the greatest accomplishments made by American cinema and is exhibit A for
anyone who is firmly on Team Buster in the endless Chaplin v. Keaton debate
among cinephiles.
>
DOGVILLE (2003, director Lars Von Trier)
Available on Amazon Prime
If you’re
feeling a little less patriotic than most this holiday season, might I
recommend to you this more jaundiced view of America from director/provocateur
Lars Von Trier. With its minimalist staging, punishing length and what some
consider strident anti-American outlook (hard to argue, given the end credits)
this pick is sure to inspire the opposite of national pride if you set aside
the three hours to indulge yourself this holiday season. If you’re willing to
listen to the film and its portrayal of the banality of evil you’ll find it downright
mesmerizing – the quickness with which the sparse staging and set design are
accepted as cinematic reality is fascinating, and there can be no fault found
in the performances, which has to be considered among Nicole Kidman’s finest
work. Eminently worthwhile if you’re willing to take the plunge.
PLANET OF THE APES (1968, director Franklin Schaffner)
Available on Amazon Prime
Rise of the Planet of the
Apes was one of
2011’s biggest surprises. Tim Burton’s attempt at restarting the Apes
franchise appeared to deliver the five-point-palm-exploding-heart technique to
anyone with an affinity for the series, so the fact that it could be so
entertainingly and smartly brought back was a gift. And if advanced word holds
true, it looks like this month’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is
not just one of the best summer movies but one of the year’s best movies full
stop. What better time to reflect back on where the series started, all the way
back in 1968, than with the original Planet of the Apes. Yes, Heston’s
performance is big and subsequent pop culture appropriation of the film’s
‘twist’ has robbed it of some of its power, but the movie is still
philosophically stimulating and outright thrilling. All of the other films in
the original series are available on Amazon Prime, but why not start from the
beginning and work your way forwards in preparation of what looks to be this
summer’s surest ticket.
THE FIFTH ELEMENT (1997, director Luc Besson)
Available on Netflix
Later this
month, Luc Besson’s Lucy hits theaters and it looks bugnuts crazy –filled
with bad science, ludicrous action and a delightfully butt-kicking female
protagonist–it is yet another in a long line of works from
writer/director/producer Luc Besson to feature these attributes. I find Besson
utterly fascinating (despite his having made just as many movies I dislike than
I like) as he follows his muse and creative impulses no matter what, attempting
to blend broad comedy with bone-crunching action to often delirious (The
Professional) or nauseating (Lockout) effect. The
Fifth Element might be the skeleton key that unlocks his entire oeuvre,
featuring all of these trademarks in the service of a massive science fiction
spectacle (the most expensive European film ever made) with Bruce Willis in the
lead. As a film and as an object of study, it’s utterly bananas. Between the
bizarre 1914 prologue set starring Luke Perry, Gary Oldman’s amazing haircut
and Chris Tucker’s next-level performance as Ruby Rhod, this will either be
right up your alley or headache-inducing hogwash. It’s been both to me at
different times in my life, but right now I’m firmly in the “love it” camp and
am excited to see Besson back in the director’s chair in service of something
so nutty yet again.
