The French Connection
Dir. William Friedkin
DoP. William Fraker
I've given one A+ this decade, I think I've given a dozen to the 70s. This is one of those films. I've seen this 10 times or more now and it never fails to thrill me and keep me on the edge of my seat. The way information is revealed to the audience, or even with held from them amazes me. This film requires acute attention and active participation from the audience and that excites me more than the incredible filmmaking.
Grade A+
Casion Royale (2006)
Dir.Martin Campbell
One of the best action movies of the last decade. A great script, great acting, exciting from beginning to middle, then again in the end. The third act slows up a bit, but its still a freaking great flick.
Grade A
Quantum of Solace
Dir Marc Forester
THis jockeys for postion as my favorite Bond film. I LOVE the story and the way its told. I DO NOT care for the filmmaking, specifically the editing and action direction. BUT, again the story comes through so strong that I don't care. The scene in the Opera House is astounding, still. But this viewing was miserable. I watched it waith a bunch of friends who all HATED it. And they talked and made snarky, less than funny remarks, than complained at the end that they had no idea what was going on, couldn't follow the story, and other rude comments. I lost it. I didn't yell, but I let fly a bunch of my own snarky comments that basically amounted to me saying if they'd all have shut the CINECAST! up and payed attention instead of talking they'd have followed it. When they brought up each flaw in the plot or story, but I had the answer, they seemed a little shocked. Its all there, and I love the way its presented. Another story that demands attention and participation. It requires some work on the audience's part, but its totally worth it.
Grade A