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Blade Runner (1982)
visionary sci-fi, never surpassed.
I first saw "Blade Runner" on TV, with Harrison's dull narration (which did not help) and the so-called "Happy Ending". I have since seen all the later director's cut versions and "definitive" versions. All are worth checking out, the movie is more interesting the more you watch it.
Set in 2019 Los Angeles, (somewhat ironically now) the film details a cop recommissioned to take out replicants, illegal clones of human beings. Harrison Ford play Rick Deckard, his initial reluctance and extreme accuracy are major clues to an essential plot revelation that is unsettling. Sean Young, arguably her best performance, is Rachael, a very special replicant made by Tyrell, the head of the corp. that makes them. Rutger Hauer, absolutely brilliant here, is Batty, the leader of a small group that hijacked a ship off world and returned to earth to get answers.
The visual effects and set designs are among the best ever, the fact that this was made in '82 is astounding, it is in fact so wonderfully made that one must pay attention or be lost. Apparently many have been lost. The Replicants crime is simply wanting to be human, pure and simply, Zhora is trying to hide, Leon is trying to help Batty get answers from Tyrell, same for Priss. None of them act out of maliciousness or greed. Deckard is very good as his job, doesn't mean he likes it, notice his sidekick Gaff, played well by Edward James Olmos in an almost unreadable part, he knows more than he says. Deckard could deal with the replicants and even his empty, meaningless life in a cyber-punk LA, if not for Rachael. Note Harrison's line, "How can it not know what it is?" Telling her this is one of the cruelest acts in the movie, but Deckard barely cares, at first.
One of the main points of this film, that many miss, is that the bad guys aren't bad and the good guy not really all that good. The noir feel and the mystery are spellbinding and the more you view it, the better it gets. Since I think it helps the viewer understand the film here goes for all those who wonder, Deckard is a replicant. There are several clues in the film, the unicorn that Gaff makes twice! the replicants are referred to as Nexus 5 and sometimes 6, my guess is Deckard is a nexus 4 and Rachael a 7. Note also that Batty knows who Deckard is and when he's about to fall him saying "kinship!" This plot point makes the whole story work, but it is rather subliminal.
Much has been made about the revised cuts, like I said, I like them all. The quick ending is a abrupt but more in sync with the film, the "made for each other ending" more intriguing and gives a nice cap to the romance between Deckard and Rachael. the unique style of Ridley Scott and the heavy-snyth score of Vangelis plus a supporting cast that includes; Daryl Hannah, William Sanderson, M. Emmet Walsh and the late, great Brion James, "Blade Runner" is a classic sci-fi film that should not be missed and never dismissed.
Mojave Moon (1996)
Jolie shines in quirky comedy
I was kind of held back from this movie, not being big on Danny Aiello, but actually he's well cast here a s a good natured schlump who can't help but be smitten by the nubile charms of a very young and very good Angelina Jolie. Being a soft-hearted lug he gives her a ride deep into the Mojave desert, Big mistake! First he falls for her mom, sweetly played by Anne Archer, then realizes her boyfriend is a psycho! He tires to high tail it out of there only to find a dead body in his trunk! There's a shoot out at a gas station, a very funny "Rambo" spoof by Alfred Molina, and plenty of sweet moments sprinkled in as it all get sorted out.
I really enjoyed this film and it isn't the type I'm normally drawn too, but Angelina was delightful and it moved along really well to a satisfying conclusion. If you're looking for something off beat, this a good bet.
Aquamarine (2006)
absolutely irresistible!
Aquamarine is exactly what it proposes to be, a fish-out-of-water comedy. It's funny, sweet and utterly charming. Joanna Levesque and Emma Roberts play Hayley and Claire, respectively and though Roberts is clearly the more comfortable actress of the two, "jojo" is okay too! Sara Paxton plays the title character, normally the bitch or the victim, it's really nice to see her play a different role here and she makes this movie.
I love this movie more and more each time I watch it. It's pure and unpretentious and just plain fun! The three girls always feel genuine and natural together and nothing feels forced on the audience. There is some awkwardness at the beginning and end, re-writes?, but it too joyous to knock the stuff in between. We need more wonderful films like this that the whole family can truly enjoy.
There are three scenes in Aquamarine that always make me cry. 1. Jojo talking about love to Aqua on the beach. 2. When Aqua asks Raymond if he loves her and he....Well, just watch Sara's face! That's called acting people! 3. When Claire and Hayley tell Aqua they love her by the buoy. I just well up and weep. And no, I'm not an easy crier. This movie is super sweet and fun and just gets better every time I watch it. Another plus is the great music, it fits really well with the film. A special nod should go to Bruce Spence, i.e. Leonard the mis=understood maintenance man, he's the unsung hero here. Give Aquamarine a chance and keep your cynicism at the door, you'll have a great time. Aqua, Aqua, Aqua!