Kiss Me Deadly

I previously watched this film last year in my Film Noir class, but seeing it as a reference for the Tarantino film Pulp Fiction puts it in a really interesting context. The main idea that Pulp Fiction takes from this film is the idea of the mysterious briefcase, but I won't give anything away as to where that idea comes from in Kiss Me Deadly. Another reference from this movie in Pulp Fiction is the character of Butch. Butch is a version of the main character of this film, Mike Hammer. This is a really interesting Film Noir, and while the main character is supposed to be a rough, tough, and manly main character, a lot of what he does to emphasize this part of his personality, it can be comedic at times. Overall, this is a decent movie and film noir. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in seeing a film noir or looking for something different to watch.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss4AF91KOFw

Pulp Fiction

This is only the second time that I have seen this movie, and I can say that I liked it a lot more the second time around. I did enjoy it the first time I watched it, but the second time I appreciated it even more. I really like the non-chronological storyline, because while it does jump around, it all comes together in the end. All of the characters are incredibly well-acted, especially Samuel L. Jackson. The film also has really interesting references to other films (which is a common trait in Tarantino films), especially the film Kiss Me Deadly, where the idea of the mysterious briefcase appears. Overall, I really liked this film and highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in seeing a good movie and anyone who enjoys or is interested in watching a Tarantino movie.

Oscar Nominee: Best Picture 1995, Best Actor 1995 for John Travolta, Best Supporting Actor 1995 for Samuel L. Jackson, Best Supporting Actress 1995 for Uma Thurman, Best Director 1995 for Quentin Tarantino
Oscar Winner: Best Original Screenplay 1995 for Quentin Tarantino

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7EdQ4FqbhY

Star Trek (2009 Version)

This was the first time I had ever seen this movie all the way through, and I enjoyed it. The action sequences were really cool and the majority of the characters were well-acted. The plot was interesting, though it was a tiny bit confusing. I won't tell what happens but it took me some time to adjust to this part of the plot. While it was slightly confusing, it was still a cool idea for a plot and it was interesting to see how it played out. There is a good amount of action and a lot of lens flares (sometimes to the point where it is pretty distracting). Overall, I enjoyed this movie and I would recommend this to anyone who likes Science Fiction films or is looking for a decent action movie.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyJszxnJydA

The Killing

This was another film that was watched in the Tarantino class I am taking as one of his influences. This specific film was the major influence for Reservoir Dogs, and there are many similarities between the two. I found this film to be really well done and I really liked the plot. In seeing Reservoir Dogs the week before, it was really cool to see all the influence The Killing made on it. This film focused more time on the crime than Reservoir Dogs, and it was really cool to see a heist taking place at a horse racetrack. I also really liked how the film went through each individual character in setting up the heist as well as the aftermath after the heist. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a good crime drama (or a Film Noir) to watch.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiDUFG56wT4

Step Brothers

This is one of those movies that I have seen multiple times and one that I quote with my sister on almost a daily basis. I usually like most of Will Ferrell's films, and this just happens to be one of them. I would say that this is a movie that I find stupid yet funny. There are some funny lines and scenes and the plot is interesting. I really enjoyed the concept of two men who never really grow up and are extremely immature, and both main actors portray it really well. Overall, this movie is kind of dumb, but if you are entertained by these sort of movies, you might like it. I would recommend it to those who like Will Ferrell movies and those who are looking for a silly comedy to watch.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CewglxElBK0

Bande a part ("Band of Outsiders")

I watched this in my Tarantino film class to understand what influenced Tarantino as a filmmaker. One filmmaker that was influential was Jean-Luc Godard, who was one of the main figures in the French New Wave film movement. This film is one of Godard's more accessible films, meaning that American audiences would connect to it better than some of his other films. I personally am not a big fan of French New Wave, so I didn't find this movie that entertaining overall. There are some high points, and the plot is well-thought out, but I just found myself kind of bored. Overall, I found the movie pretty average but I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys watching French New Wave and anyone who is interested in seeing a French New Wave film.

Fun Fact: Quentin Tarantino's production company A Band Apart, is based on this movie.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzVNh8glTok