TRON (1982)

 

A computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program.

From memory: An imaginative and innovative sci-fi tale set as a thrilling sound-and-light show within the innards of a computer; all new and exciting to watch at the time, the plot itself, not so much.

Halliwell*: "Complicated science fantasy chiefly interesting for its computerized blend of live action and animation, which isn't always successful."

Maltin**: "State-of-the-art special effects are stunning, but the story runs out of steam too soon, with only Bridges' charisma to keep it afloat.. Disappointing Disney production." 

 

The Big Lebowski (1998)

 

Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.

Easy-going (like its titular character), serendipitous drama, full of black humor and numerous memorable sequences and with a colorful ensemble of eccentric characters is thoroughly entertaining; an instant cult classic.

Halliwell**: "A meandering thriller that provides a great deal of incidental pleasures on a journey to nowhere in particular."

Maltin**1/2: "One big shaggy-dog joke, courtesy of the Coen brothers...Mostly an excuse for off-the-wall character vignettes, some of which are amusing, some of which are just...strange. Minor Coen concoction with a most agreeable cast. Turturro is a standout as Jesus the bowler, but Bridges' Dave the Dude has become a pop culture icon." 

Crazy Heart (2009)

 

 

A faded country music musician is forced to reassess his dysfunctional life during a doomed romance that also inspires him.

 

What could have been yet another all too familiar tearjerker is fully uplifted by Jeff Bridges' convincing (and entertaining) performance - amidst a good cast and solid direction.

Maltin***: "Amiable film admirably flirts with cliches at every turn, but Bridges' true, empathetic performance...makes this film worth seeing." 

 

 

Fat City (1972)

Two men, working as professional boxers, come to blows when their careers each begin to take opposite momentum.

Great performances, especially Susan Tyrell, and great faded color photography. The downbeat story was slightly lost on me, though, since I've seen worse fates depicted on screen before.

True Grit (2010)

A tough U.S. Marshal helps a stubborn young woman track down her father's murderer.

Solid and tasteful remake of a John Wayne classic with a great central performance, but the movie doesn't add anything new or unique.

On rewatching: Entertaining and well-made, but not better than the original; perfect role for Jeff Bridges, though.

Maltin***: "Remake of the 1969 hit allows Bridges to put his own stamp on the role...The Coens' script calls on their love for language..., while cinematographer Roger Deakins fills the screen with beautiful imagery. Entertaining, to be sure, but being as unsentimental as it is, there isn't any emotional resonance when it's all over."

Only the Brave (2017)

Based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a group of elite firefighters who risk everything to protect a town from a historic wildfire.

Good firefighter tragedy with a solid cast is more focused on the protagonists' personal lives, but also offers some exciting firefighting scenes.

Hell or High Water (2016)

A divorced father and his ex-con older brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family's ranch in West Texas.

Modern-day Western gives its cops-and-robbers story depth with excellent scenery photography, love for detail and strong characters and some social commentary.

On rewatching:  good movie, fully worth the while.

Wild Bill (1995)

The early career of legendary lawman Wild Bill Hickock is telescoped and culminates in his relocation in Deadwood and a reunion with Calamity Jane.

Ambitious, but in the end failed attempt to demystify a Wild West legend is well produced, but lacks coherence and a stringent plot; Jeff Bridges is good in the title role, but most of the star cast is condemned to playing sallow bit parts.

Halliwell*: "A complex, fragmentary look at the life of Wild Bill Hickock that strips away the heroics to present a confused and unhappy killer; spasmodically interesting, if rather too glum."

Maltin**: "Odd revisionist take on Wild Bill Hickock, told in episodic form that creates distance from - rather than understanding of - the legendary hell-raiser of the Old West...Barkin is fun as Calamity Jane, but other characters are superficially drawn at best."

Hell or High Water (2016)

A divorced father and his ex-con older brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family's ranch in West Texas.

Modern-day Western gives its cops-and-robbers story depth with excellent scenery photography, love for detail and strong characters and some social commentary.

The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)

The lives of two struggling musicians, who happen to be brothers, inevitably change when they team up with a beautiful, up-and-coming singer.

Not particularly original and a bit slovenly paced, this movie comes alive by its star cast - Michelle Pfeiffer is especially convincing - and sure-handed direction.

Halliwell*: "Enjoyable excursion into the lower depths of show business."

Maltin**1/2: "Writer Kloves' directing debut is stylish and self-assured, but it skimps on story - and never really fleshes out Jeff Bridges' sullen character. The real-life Bridges brothers are perfectly cast, Pfeiffer is ideal. Her steamy rendition of "Makin' Whoopee" atop piano considered a minor classic."

King Kong (1976)

 

 

A petroleum exploration expedition comes to an isolated island and encounters a colossal giant gorilla.

 

Superfluous remake of the beloved classic isn't too bad, but dumbs down the original's charming qualities - basically it's a highly expensive B picture.

 

Halliwell (no star): "Semi-spoof remake with added sexual overtones; though launched on a massive wave of publicity, it lacks both the charm and the technical resources of its predecessor."

 

Maltin*1/2: "Addle-brained remake...has great potential but dispels all the mythic, larger-than-life qualities of the original with idiotic characters and campy approach. highly touted special effects...run hot-and-cold..."

 

 

Seventh Son (2014)

When the queen of evil witches escapes the pit she was imprisoned in by professional monster hunter  decades ago and kills his apprentice, he recruits a young man, the seventh son of the seventh son, to help him.

Silly fantasy extravaganza with some nice visual effects; interesting to see what top stars do in between their more serious jobs.

TRON (1982)

The Door in the Floor (2004)

A writer's young assistant becomes both pawn and catalyst in his boss's disintegrating household.

A marriage drama with some great performances, but a predictable plot.

On second view: still true, simply not that exciting.

Maltin***: "...moving, multi-layered drama. Despite superficial echoes of other stories, it has a feeling of its own...Bridges is at the top of his form."