A Reel Review: NOSFERATU

In 1922, German film director F.W. Murnau delivered an unauthorized and unofficial adaption of Bram Stoker’s horror novel, Dracula…called NOSFERATU. The film would go on to become an influential masterpiece of horror and in overall cinema, while setting the template for horror films for the next 100 years. This year, acclaimed horror director Robert Eggers rises again with his own masterful take on NOSFERATU. 

 

In Germany, 1834, Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), accepts an offer to travel to Transylvania to close a real estate deal with the mysterious and reclusive Count Orlock (Bill Skarsgard), who has a connection to Thomas’ wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp). Once the deal is set, Thomas is imprisoned and Orlock travels to find Ellen, bringing a deadly plague with him. 

 

Written and directed by Robert Eggers, who thus far has delivered three chilling films (THE WITCH, THE LIGHTHOUSE, THE NORTHMAN), NOSFERATU follows the familiar tale of the vampire from Transylvania causing chaos and death from the shadows. Ellen, staying with friends (Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Emma Corrin), suffers from sleepwalking and horrific visions. As her condition worsens, her doctor (Ralph Ineson), summons his old professor (Willem Dafoe)…who discovers the coming threat of Orlock. 

 

It's the story that we’ve read and seen on the big screen many times over the last 100 years; from Bela Lugosi’s classic take in 1931 to Francis Ford Coppola’s stunning version in 1992. But Robert Eggers, using his unique touch and vision, gives this NOSFERATU a personality of its own. Twists and turns come that make the story fresh and give the film serious depth; this works not just as horror but a psychological mind-messer-upper. The film looks bloody amazing with every shot and edit meticulously edited. The scares are well-executed, and the sense of atmosphere is thick and hangs over the film. Eggers takes influences from the 1992 film and from ancient history, and the film is finely woven with it all; it feels like the history of cinema and folklore right before our eyes. 

 

Performances are tremendous. Bill Skarsgard (son of Stellan), is chilling with his accent and provides a voice that will be heard our heads long after the credits roll, and his look is as grotesque as it is fascinating. Lily Rose-Depp (daughter of Johnny), is fantastic. The rest of the cast is equally excellent; Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Willem Dafoe, Ralph Ineson, and Emma Corrin. 

 

There is a lot of greatness packed into NOSFERATU in its directing, acting, and overall craftmanship. It will take oceans of time before we know if this film will be regarded as influential as its 1922 predecessor, but for now we can still call it a masterpiece.  

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

A Reel 20: THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU

“…I’m going to go on an overnight drunk, and in 10 days I’m going to set out and find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it.”

 

This week marks the 20^th anniversary of THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU. 

 

The fourth feature film from Wes Anderson, THE LIFE AQUATIC told the sea-story of washed-up oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray), who sets out on a revenge mission against a rare shark with cameras rolling. Along the way he flirts with a journalist (Cate Blanchett), loses his wife (Anjelica Huston), and looks for a new relationship with his probably-maybe son (Owen Wilson). 

 

Written by Anderson and Noah Baumbach, THE LIFE AQUATIC was heavily inspired by one of Anderson’s childhood heroes, famed French filmmaker and oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. This would be Anderson’s most ambitious adventure, with a script that called for exotic locations across the globe, including over and under the water, movie premieres, pirate raids, rescue missions, and a collection of fictional sea creatures. Filming locations would include Rome, Naples, Ponza, and the Italian Riviera. Zissou’s crew would need a ship, and a decommission minesweeper would be brought in. In one iconic scene, a nearly-full scale cutaway of the ship, the Belafonte, would be built. 

 

In addition to Murray, Huston, Blanchett, and Wilson, THE LIFE AQUATIC would crew up an impressive cast which included Jeff Goldblum, Willem Dafoe, Michael Gambon, Bud Cort, Robyn Cohen, and Waris Ahluwalia. Brazilian actor and musician Seu Jorge would also star, and would provide cover versions of David Bowie songs in Portuguese. 

 

THE LIFE AQUATIC would open on Christmas Day in 2004. It would be met with mixed reviews and be a box office flop, although it did receive nominations from several Guilds and Blanchett took home some minor awards. In the last two decades the film has developed a cult following, and has been reevaluated as one of Anderson’s best. 

 

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There is an old rule (or guideline), in screenwriting: spend your first two acts putting your character up a tree, and the last act getting him down. This is a rule that has worked for 100 years in cinema, but in true Anderson style, THE LIFE AQUATIC begins with his character already up the tree. Zissou at the start, like many of Anderson’s characters, find themselves in some sort of mid-life crisis, and the following adventure that is about to unspool is about them finding their way out. For Zissou, this was about getting his career back on track while reconnecting with those that love or idolize him. Age is a factor here. We understood it on the surface in 2004, and two decades later, we understand its deeper meaning.  

 

THE LIFE AQUATIC wears it’s love for Cousteau on its sleeves, but it also takes classic cues from Moby Dick and The Old Man and the Sea. These guiding stars, along with the locations, stop-motion creatures, and stunning use of color, gives the film a timeless feel. And although the Belafonte doesn’t quite reach the heights of cinematic vehicles like the Enterprise or Titanic, it is still designed in such a way that makes us love her. This is one of this Blogger’s favorite all-time films, and its closing quote sails with me every day: 

 

“This is an adventure.” 

A Reel Opinion: The Top 10 Best Films of 1999

2024 is about to become history. Which means it has now been nearly 25 years since the glorious year of 1999 came to a close. In this year when we were all fearing Y2K coming down to destroy us, we were treated to some fantastic films…which brings us to Reel Speak’s Top 10 Films of 1999. 

 

1999 was a year of transition. Only two years removed from the success that was TITANIC, Hollywood was now planning to roll out big-budget, effects-driven films…a new movement that would eventually bring us THE LORD OF THE RINGS, HARRY POTTER, and the mighty MCU. STAR WARS would aid in that movement, returning to the big screen after a 16-year absence. But despite the wizardry of CGI and inflated budgets, there was still room for small films to make waves, such as M. Night Shyamalan’s THE SIXTH SENSE, Paul Thomas Anderson’s MAGNOLIA, and the eventual Best Picture winner, AMERICAN BEAUTY. 1999 would also see the on-screen debuts of Amy Adams, Idris Elba, Zooey Deschanel, Kathryn Hahn, Regina Hall, Hugh Jackman, Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson, Simon Pegg, and Ben Whishaw. 

 

The best films of 1999 are the ones that are still talked about today. The acclaimed movies that have proven longevity across our culture; quoted often, parodied, debated, and fondly remembered. Here is the best of 1999: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. AMERICAN BEAUTY

 

Sam Mendes has made some great movies in the last 25 years, ranging from James Bond and WWI…and this Best Picture winner of 1999 is one of them. A black-comedy about an ad-executive infatuated with his teenage daughter’s best friend, AMERICAN BEAUTY sported an excellent cast, and was one of the last big box office earners that wasn’t attached to a franchise. Much of this film’s praise has waned over the years, for many reasons, but if we look past those reasons and just focus on what’s on the screen…this is an excellent package of acting, directing, and writing. 

 

 

 

9. THE IRON GIANT

 

1999 was a big year for animation, and some of its biggest steps were taken by this Brad Bird sci-fi flick that bombed at first, but has gained a huge following and re-appraisal over the years...and today is considered to be one of the best animated films of all time. 

 

 

 

 

8. TOY STORY 2

 

Disney was at the front of the great year for animation. TARZAN swung into theatres and closed out their Renaissance Era, and with TOY STORY 2 they set their course for the next 25 years. This direct sequel to the 1995 Pixar film became a classic on its own, once again injecting adult themes into a “kids” movie. TOY STORY 2 introduced new characters into the Pixar catalog and provided depth to the existing ones. How good is it? Have fun holding back the tears when Sarah McLachlan starts singing When She Loved Me. 

 

 

 

7. THE INSIDER

 

When the conversation moves to the best films of Michael Mann, most of it moves towards HEAT (1995), or THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (1992). And sitting in third place would be this real-life drama about a whistleblower in the tobacco industry. Al Pacino and Russell Crowe are outstanding, and the themes and story (whistleblowing and journalism), are even more relevant today. 

 

 

 

 

6. FIGHT CLUB

 

We don’t talk about FIGHT CLUB. 

 

 

 

 

 

5. STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE

 

George Lucas brought STAR WARS back to the big screen with this special-effects assault on the senses that would finish as the highest grossing film of the year. Although met with mixed reviews and fan-hate at the time, it has gained new respect; rightfully finding praise for its action (best lightsaber fight ever), universe and lore building, and one of John Williams’ greatest scores.  It also prepared the franchise for the next 25 years of films and TV series. 

 

 

 

 

4. THE GREEN MILE

   

 

Frank Darabont helmed this adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name, which continued Tom Hanks’ remarkable run in the Nineties and made the late great Michael Clarke Duncan one of the most beloved actors of the era. Set in a prison in the deep south and centered around some remarkable events, THE GREEN MILE was a commercial success and sent everyone staggering home with its emotional punches.

 

 

 

 

3. THE SIXTH SENSE

 

The movie that sent chills down everyone’s spine with just one line about dead people. M. Night Shyamalan redefined the twist ending with this psychological thriller and ghost story that had everyone talking in 1999, and had many people running back to the theatre to see it again. Nominated for six Oscars, it was the second-highest grossing film of the year behind STAR WARS. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. THE MATRIX

 

When something odd happens, or if someone needs to make a comment on the state of the world today, they just might say “there’s a glitch in the matrix”. That ongoing reference to this sci-fi action film by the Wachowskis speaks volumes to its longevity. Although loaded with action, the Wachowskis showed that sci-fi could still belong to the thinking-man and gave the genre new life. Keanu Reeves, Lawrence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving starred in roles that would make them pop culture icons, and the visual effects would revolutionize the industry. A generation-defining film. 

 

 

 

 

 

1. THE MUMMY 

 

It took more than one generation of waiting for this remake of the 1932 classic which is everything that a big-screen adventure should be. Treasure hunter and adventurer Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), and librarian Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), accidently awaken Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo); a cursed ancient Egyptian priest who threatens to cover the world in darkness. A high-energy film with the old-school feelings of Errol Flynn, the Golden Age of Hollywood, Indiana Jones, and even the style of David Lean…THE MUMMY packed in several genres; action, adventure, romance, and horror…and presents them in a classic way that is timeless. Famed composer Jerry Goldsmith turns in one of his best scores, and the visual effects were a leap forward at the time. When Fraser had his Oscar run to Best Actor in 2022, most of social media referenced or resurrected THE MUMMY, and the film stands as one of the best remakes in history. When a film does all that and more, it’s an easy pick for the best of 1999. 

 

 

 REEL SPEAK'S TOP 10 BEST FILMS OF 1999

1. THE MUMMY
2. THE MATRIX
3. THE SIXTH SENSE
4. THE GREEN MILE
5. STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE
6. FIGHT CLUB
7. THE INSIDER
8. TOY STORY 2
9. THE IRON GIANT
10. AMERICAN BEAUTY

A Reel Review - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM

All of this Earth knows the tale of the War of the Ring, as told by J.R.R. Tolkien in his epic fantasy The Lord of the Rings, and adapted for the big screen by Peter Jackson in his equally-epic trilogy of films in 2001 through 2003. Set within that war is the pivotal skirmish known as the Battle of Helm’s Deep, set around the ancient stronghold of the same name within the kingdom of Edoras; home of the horselords. Helm’s Deep has a long history in Middle-Earth, and here in 2024 it is brought to the big screen for the first time in THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM. 

 

Set nearly 200 years before the War of the Ring, King Helm the Hammerhand (Brian Cox), flees with his people and heirs to the stronghold of Helm’s Deep, while being pursued by the vengeful Wulf (Luke Pasqualino), and his army of wildmen. When Helm falls ill during the long siege through a brutal winter, the responsibility of protecting his kingdom falls to his only daughter, Hera (Gaia Wise). 

 

Directed by Kenji Kamlyama, THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM is an epic story, told in stunning anime style, set firmly within the Middle-Earth that was created for the screen by Peter Jackson (Jackson serves as a producer here). While some story beats that we see in Jackson’s second film, THE TWO TOWERS, are done again here, ROHIRRIM does enough with it to make it new. The key here is character; Helm’s actions and ego alone lead to Wulf’s thirst for revenge, and Hera’s childhood history with Wulf adds to the drama. For a film set in a fantasy world, it is surprisingly character-driven. 

 

Battles, chases, and duels are presented in breathtaking animation. Every shot is a painting and sometimes it’s hard to know exactly where to look. The film is consistent in look and design to Jackson’s films; the buildings and settings are recreated down to the smallest detail, and the re-use of certain cues from Howard Shore’s iconic score brings it all together. Call it nostalgia maybe, but it does feel like going home again. 

 

The entire cast is excellent. Brian Cox brings the thunder and eventual grief to Helm. Gaia Wise is fantastic as Hera, and gives us a new Middle-Earth hero to remember. Luke Pasqualino is great as Wulf. Miranda Otto reprises her role as Eowyn, who serves as the narrator. 

 

THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM is a packed film, and the 134-minute running time is felt…but that’s what epic films are supposed to do. It serves as a prequel and a sequel, and is a solid entry into the library of Middle-Earth on the big screen. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

Reel Facts & Opinions: The History of Middle-Earth Animation

This week, J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world of Middle-Earth returns to the big screen with THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM. This anime style epic will be the fourth time Middle-Earth has been presented in animation on the big and small screen. The history of Middle-Earth in animation has as many peaks and valleys as the Misty Mountains. Here is how it unfolded: 

 

 

THE HOBBIT (1977)

It began with the adaptation of Tolkien’s The Hobbit by famed animation company Rankin/Bass, who was famous for their beloved TV specials RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, FROSTY THE SNOWMAN, and SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN. Orson Bean would voice Bilbo, and famed actor John Huston would provide the voice of Gandalf. Folk singer Glenn Yarbrough would provide music. The 78-minute movie would air on NBC in November of 1977, and despite mixed reviews, its teleplay would win a Peabody Award. Over time, THE HOBBIT has become a beloved and favored adaptation of Tolkien’s book. And maybe most importantly...for a generation it was their gateway to Tolkien. 

 

 

THE LORD OF THE RINGS (1978)

Divisive and controversial animator and filmmaker Ralph Bakshi would be the first to bring Middle-Earth to the big screen with this ambitious attempt. Early work aimed for three movies, but eventually settled on two two-and-a-half hour films. The voice-cast included Christopher Guard (Frodo), John Hurt (Aragorn), William Squire (Gandalf), and Anthony Daniels (Legolas). The film used a process called rotoscoping, a technique where scenes are first shot live-action and then traced onto animation cells. The result was a bizarre presentation that boggles the eyeballs. Despite mixed reviews and hostility from fans, THE LORD OF THE RINGS was a box office success, but a sequel would never be made…leaving Bakshi’s vision incomplete. 

 

 

THE RETURN OF THE KING (1980)

After the wacko mushroom-induced visions of Bakshi’s Middle-Earth, Rankin/Bass went back under the mountain with this TV special that adapted the very back half of the third book, The Return of the King. Done in the same animation style as THE HOBBIT from 1977, along with returning actors, THE RETURN OF THE KING was a loose sequel, despite the huge gap in the story. Reviews were mixed, and today the movie is barely recalled in the halls of Middle-Earth entertainment. 

 

 

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM (2024)

Middle-Earth goes anime style this year, with this 134-minute epic that serves as a prequel to Peter Jackson’s live-action LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Set 183 years before Jackson’s films, ROHIRRIM tells the story of Helm Hammerhand, a legendary king of Rohan defending his people from an invading army. The cast includes Brian Cox, and Miranda Otto reprises her role as Eowyn/the narrator. Christopher Lee posthumously voices Saruman through archival recordings. It is directed by anime artist and director Kenji Kamiyama. This will be only the second time an animated Middle-Earth film will see the big screen, and that makes it a journey worth taking. 

 

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THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM arrives December 13^th, with screenings on the 12^th in standard and IMAX formats. 

A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2024 - Episode XII

2024 is about to exit stage-right, and it is going out with a bang. The final month of the year is a packed one, with some of the most anticipated films and Award-seekers lined up. Here’s what’s coming to the big screen in December: 

 

 

THE RETURN – A retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, with Ralph Fiennes (THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL), playing Odysseus arriving home after 20 years of fighting the Trojan War. The cast includes Juliette Binoche and Charlie Plummer. 

 

 

 

WEREWOLVES – In this action/horror flick, a supermoon event turns everyone exposed to moonlight into a werewolf. Frank Grillo (THE WINTER SOLDIER), stars. 

 

 

 

KRAVEN THE HUNTER – Aaron Taylor-Johnson (NOCTURNAL ANIMALS), plays the most feared hunter in this adaptation of the Marvel Comics Character by Sony Pictures. Ariana DeBose and Russell Crowe co-star. 

 

 

 

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM – This anime film is set 183 years before the events of Peter Jackson’s THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, and tells the story of the famed Helm the Hammerhand and the early days of Helm’s Deep. 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 5 – This historical drama recounts the events of the 1972 Munich Olympic hostage crisis from the perspective of the broadcast crew. 

 

 

 

MUFASA: THE LION KING – This photorealistic-animated film serves as a prequel and sequel to the 2019 remake of THE LION KING. It is directed by Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins (MOONLIGHT). 

 

 

 

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 – Sonic and his pals return for a third outing, this time teaming up with Dr. Robotnik to battle a new adversary. Ben Schwartz returns as Sonic, Jim Carrey reprises Dr. Robotnik, and Idris Elba is back as Knuckles. Keanu Reeves also joins the cast.

 

 

 

THE BRUTALIST – In this historical epic that has been gaining awards buzz all year, Adrien Brody plays a Hungarian-Jewish architect who emigrates to America after WWII. The cast includes Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones. 

 

 

 

BABYGIRL – In this erotic thriller, Nicole Kidman plays a CEO who starts a secret romance with an office intern. 

 

 

 

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN – Timothee Chalamet (DUNE), plays Bob Dylan in this biopic. It is directed by James Mangold (WALK THE LINE, LOGAN), and co-stars Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Boyd Holbrook. 

 

 

 

BETTER MAN – In one of the most eye-catching films of the year: this is a biopic of British pop-singer Robbie Williams, with Williams portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee. 

 

 

 

NOSFERATU – Robert Eggers (THE WITCH, THE LIGHTHOUSE, THE NORTHMAN), directs this much-anticipated remake of the famed 1922 horror film, based loosely on Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The cast includes Bill Skarsgard, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe. 

 

 

 

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Next week, Reel Speak previews the first month of 2025. 

A Reel Review: MOANA 2

In 2016, Walt Disney Animation Studios took the world by surprise with its massive hit, MOANA. Based on ancient Polynesian myths, the film made instant icons out of its lead characters, and provided earworm tunes by Lin-Manuel Miranda that everyone seems to know. Eight years after Moana’s first adventure, she returns in MOANA 2. 

 

Moana (Auli’i Cravalho), seeks to bring all the peoples of the ocean together. She reunites with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), to find the legendary island Motufetu, which was sunk by the storm god Nalo. 

 

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, MOANA 2 is another fun adventure across the ocean, with sea-monster battles, wild chases, unexpected allies, and voyages under the surface of the ocean…all wrapped up in ancient Polynesian lore. Not looking to repeat itself, Moana this time sets out on her journey by assembling a crew (a ship-builder, farmer, and historian), and first needs to rescue her ally Maui from the clutches of another god (Awhimai Frase). The stakes are high; Moana, through a series of visits from her ancestors, is warned that the ocean will become empty of peoples unless they can reunite at Motufetu. 

 

The story works and is centered on Moana’s desire to save everyone and her family (including her adorable little sister), but does have its lumps. MOANA 2 was first put together as a series and then reworked into a film, and the seams are noticeable. The early goals for Moana and Maui aren’t clear, and Moana’s stepping-off point involves repetitive, revolving-door visits from the afterlife. 

 

All that is balanced out by a boat-load of fun. The action scenes of chases and battles are very well staged and executed, and the emotional scenes and the funny scenes really work; there are plenty of LOL and tissue-grabbing moments. The crew Moana assembles is very well done, and the character beats are perfect. The animation is amazing (the water scenes are breathtakingly real), and cinematography is excellent; some of the shots are simply stunning. 

 

The entire cast is excellent and seem to be having fun behind the scenes, but MOANA 2 does fall short in the musical numbers. The absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda is felt here (likely an omission due to the original start as a streaming series), as the songs are just okay. They are mostly forgettable, but even worse is they don’t serve much of a purpose in the film; take them away and not much changes. 

 

MOANA 2 has its rough patches, but it is worth seeing thanks to its strong story (which is very relevant to our times), character beats, and a welcome return to Moana’s world. It’s a gorgeous film to look at, and its heart beats to that Disney magic. This is a journey that should be taken, rough seas and all. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it