This movie has all the standard western tropes but elevates them by layering in meaning via Christian metaphor. It’s not nearly as gritty as many of its peers, which allows a less muddied overall experience with a more fulfilling story and ultimate resolution.
Closest comparison: It’s like Shane by way of The Outlaw Josey Wales.
Setting: Western
Plot: Western
Tone: Western
This movie is a weaker example of Wes Anderson’s directoral abilities, and holds a strange in-between status. Everything from the plot and dialogue, to the acting and cinematography is nothing special, and Wes Anderson’s distinctive style is muted here, likely because it’s his directoral debut. It’s cute and quirky, but isn’t firing on all cylinders.
Closest comparison: It’s like American Heist by way of Napoleon Dynamite.
Setting: Road Trip
Plot: Heist
Tone: Wes Anderson
This is a fun family classic that doesn’t have staying power beyond the superficial. It wisely adopts a simple, straightforward plot, instead of the more complicated storylines of the novel by the same name or The Once And Future King. Instead the bulk of the film is dedicated to training antics which allows it to show off its main fantasy element: Merlin’s magic. The wizard’s duel is the most iconic scene and rightly so, as the rest of the movie is basically an extension of those few minutes, and makes it a solid entry in the catalog of classic Disney films.
Closest comparison: It’s like The Jungle Book (1967) by way of The Black Cauldron (1985).
Setting: Adventure
Plot: Fantasy
Tone: Family Comedy
This delightful film has the spirit of adventure all through. It’s the preeminent French Foreign Legion film, with a curious mystery constantly looming in the background. The whole movie has an old-timey feel, which is not bad but is an acquired taste. It’s not as epic and timeless as something like Lawrence of Arabia, though by focusing on a band of three brothers it keeps the story and stakes relatable. If you like old adventure movies, definitely check this one out.
Closest comparison: It’s like Treasure of the Sierra Madre by way of Lawrence of Arabia.
Setting: Adventure
Plot: Mystery/Tragedy
Tone: Adventure
This is a young adult book turned into a movie, and it is a mess. The story is poorly written, leaving many plot points confused with unsatisfactory explanations. The acting is passable but bland, better only than the writing which is equally dull. The only interesting parts of the movie were one single character, and the visuals. The costuming and vehicle design did a great job of building a world for the charactes to inhabit, if only there were a story and three-dimensional characters to go with them.
It does so many things right. Great action flick with amazing choreography and one of the best performances from Keanu Reeves ever. At the end of the third act the pace drops and there isn't a clear motivation as to why the last fight takes place. The two main combatants have only moderate motivation that's been set up beforehand as to why they're fighting, since they could have fought before but chose not to. But that's light criticism, all things considered.
