Burden of Dreams

Burden of Dreams follows famous filmmaker/documentarian Werner Herzog, though as the subject, as he makes his epic Fitzcarraldo. This with the same mad ambition as his protagonist of the fictional film he is making. Filmmaking can be a madness in its own right, later also shown with Heart of Darkness for Coppola/Apocalypse Now, but featured here as well in following a true eccentric, followed by insanity. In a way that is already more than enough. This as Herzog alone is endlessly fascinating, combined with the even madder Kinski, all the more fascinating, combined with the insanity of his endeavor all the greater.
5/5

Rocky III

Rocky III once again is a strong representation of Stallone himself as his fame rose so did the ridiculousness of some of his prospects. Rocky III is the first step in a most curious transition for the series, a transition that somehow the series successfully performs, as the series moves away from the harsher realities of the first film to become more of well a bit of cartoon. Now Rocky III's leap is a bit lighter in this step than its sequel, but hey you have to lead to that. As now instead of a charismatic three dimensional opponent of Apollo Creed we get Mr. T's absurd, yet enjoyable so, monster man Clubber Lang who solely seems to exist in order to destroy Rocky and call him a "sucka". Rocky in his spare time wrestles with Thunder Lips and gets giant statues of himself. There is still some reality to this series here, anchors for the film in the final scenes of Burgess Meredith's Mickey and still in the character of Apollo Creed. Rocky's emotional journey still exists but now it is far more operatic in tone in his major declarations, and his sunset runs along the beach with Apollo in order to perfect himself to fight his physically realized demon. I would be lying if I didn't say it kind of works. In fact it is a whole lot of fun, if not even occasionally rather emotional. Not only that it introduced all to the "Eye of the Tiger" a song that successfully primes one for action almost as well as "Gonna Fly Now". It is a major change, but you know you have to change with sequels. This film successfully does so. Is it a bit silly yes, but the entertainment value more than makes up for that.
3.5/5

Blade Runner

Blade Runner is unquestionably a visual masterpiece. Again like in Alien, Ridley Scott's vision is awe inspiring. As he utilizes the visual effects, the lighting, his camerawork, his production design, his costumes all to craft a spellbinding world, that feels absolutely lived in as well. The appearance of the film is one of the most, if not  the most, influential elements of cinema from the 1980's. Now the film has been accused  of style over substance by some, which that  criticism in itself I  don't think is necessarily that damning to a film. The film I feel does  provide substance though in a way you don't  expect, and is even a trick of sorts. The main story of the policeman Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, hunting down rogue replicants may seem rather cold for the most part even within the romantic  element given the closing of the film. This seems an intentional juxtaposition against the far more emotional story of the lead replicant, played brilliantly by Rutger Hauer, who seems the villain but might just  be his story after all. The ideas exploring the humanity of the artificial life are fascinating and in the end rather powerful with a death  scene that ranks among the very best ever to grace the screen. I will admit  the first  time I watched the film I was perhaps taken aback by its style and approach, which is far more cerebral in nature. On subsequent re-watches  though I've come to appreciate the inner emotional substance within the visuals, which in the end may be as daring as its stunning surface.
5/5

The Secret of Nimh

The Secret Of Nimh is unfortunately an underrated animated film, too often forgotten perhaps due to not being Disney as well as perhaps due to director Don Bluth's later efforts which were not exactly stellar. It's my favorite animated film of all time though as I love every single second of the film. It's astonishing to look at so many of sequences as such fine detail is given to every frame, while the animation always feels fluid and natural. It's grand yet subtle in the best way. The film itself goes past just looking great with a wonderful score, and a great song by Paul Williams. The film would be nothign though if the story did not work. I love the sense of mystery, fitting to the film's tittle, created by this society of oddly intelligent rats. The film is directed brilliantly by Bluth even past the beauty of the animation as there is such palatable atmosphere in the film, as well as even a certain dread as there are so many great dark moments in there. It of course has a heart and that is found with the lead character of Mrs. Brisby perfectly brought to life by Elizabeth Hartman's voice. I love the character in that it always shows her to be shy by nature, but her conviction to save her family is what allows her to be so brave. The heartfelt moments truly work and every one of them is wholly earned. It's a masterpiece, if you ask me.
5/5