Repo Man (1984)

 

One From the Heart (1981)

 

The five-year romance of a window dresser and her boyfriend breaks up, as each of them finds a more interesting partner.

From memory: An expensive, audacious, but failed experiment by Francis Ford Coppola, it's visually stunning,  but narrative (and music) are simply not quite from the heart; it's all too obviously artificial.

Halliwell*: "Extraordinarily slim (for its cost) romantic fantasy which makes one wonder why, of all stories in the world, its creator chose this one. It does however boast attractive visuals."

Maltin**: "Lavishly produced but practically plotless romantic comedy...Dean Tavoularis' stylized Las Vegas set and the cinematography by Vittorio Storaro and Ronald V. Garcia are astonishing! Unfortunately, pretty images do not make a film...one of Coppola's most surreal entertainments. A must for the curious - others beware." 

Alien (1979)

 

After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun. 

Superbly directed and highly suspenseful sci-fi thriller, the decrepit spaceship design and especially the truly abhorrent creation of the alien still influence sci-fi and horror movies to this day.

On re-watching: a classic of its genre that reveals new details on every new viewing.

Halliwell****: "Deliberately scarifying and highly commercial shocker. On its own terms, a classic of suspense - and art direction."

Maltin***1/2: "Space-age horror film reverts to 1950s formula, but unfolds at a deliberate pace, populates the story with interesting, colorful characters, and plants its (genuine) shock moments with exceptional skill. Imitated but seldom equaled." 

Wise Blood (1979)

A Southerner--young, poor, ambitious but uneducated--determines to become something in the world and decides that the best way to do that is to become a preacher and start up his own church.

Quite loyal adaptation of Flannery O'Connor's novel with some good performances which brings the grotesqueness of plot and the characters to full power.

Halliwell***: "Odd story, not easy to like but with many impressive moments."

Maltin***1/2: "Brilliant translation of Flannery O'Connor's peculiar hell-and-salvation tale. Flawless cast, ledd by Dourif..inhabits Southern Gothic world as though born in it."

The Rose (1979)

The tragic life of a self-destructive female rock star who struggles to deal with the constant pressures of her career and the demands of her ruthless business manager.

From memory: Revved-up musical biopic overdoes its simulation of the wild rock showbiz life on the edge, but Bette Midler is great in the title role.

Halliwell (no star): "An unattractive, hysterical, foul-mouthed show business biopic roughly based on Janis Joplin, this does afford an undisciplined night-club talent a role get her teeth into."

Maltin**: "Spin-off of the Janis Joplin saga equates showbiz with hell, then concentrates on giving the audience too much of the latter. Midler...and Forrest deliver dynamic performances, but film leaves a lot to be desired. Impressive photography by Vilmos Zsigmond."

Blue Tiger (1994)

A woman dedicates her life to seeking revenge after her son is killed by crossfire as Japanese gangsters perform a hit.

Solid, but a bit crude Yakuza crime thriller; always good to see Harry Dean Stanton, even if it is just a small role.

Halliwell (no star): "On its own undemanding level, an enjoyable and well-made thriller."

La Mort en direct (1980)

In a future where dying of illness is exceedingly rare, a terminally ill woman becomes a celebrity and a man with camera implants goes to secretly record her for a morbid TV show.

Unusual, but awkward sci-fi satire is right on with its social predictions, but the plot treads along somewhat haphazardly, and there are some memorable scenes of over-acting along the way.

Halliwell**: "Grim fable of media manipulation and sensationalist pressures on popular entertainment that retains its resonance."

Maltin***: "Intelligent sci-fi drama...A biting commentary on media abuse and manipulation, with solid performances, direction."

Paris, Texas (1984)

The Straight Story (1999)

An old man makes a long journey by lawn-mover tractor to mend his relationship with an ill brother.

Another surprising masterpiece by David Lynch, unusual in its simplicity and obvious celebration of Americana, although there are still tinges of his typical images and soundscapes; this time around its and uplifting and touching story, and Richard Farnsworth's performance in itself is worth the watch.

Halliwell***: "A gentle, folksy road movie that takes its time but establishes a mood of quiet enjoyment of simple pleasures, mixed with a little regret for some past events; Farnsworth epitomises a man who knows his own worth and that of the others he meets on his journey."

Maltin***1/2: "Wonderful, deceptively simple slice of Americana...Its measured pace and episodic quality may not appeal to everyone, but its charm and belief in the basic decency of people make it very special indeed. Farnsworth shines in the leading role. Director Lynch's most benign film."

Christine (1983)

A nerdish boy buys a strange car with an evil mind of its own and his nature starts to change to reflect it.

Although very well produced, this Stephen King adaptation is ultimately disappointing, doesn't quite deliver the expected thrills and is overlong.

Halliwell (no star): "Thin and gruesomely extended horror flick which never begins to be convincing. For teenagers only."

Maltin**: "...never hits bull's-eye, despite a promising start that captures teenage life quite nicely."