North

North is the very worst kind of horrible film, a terrible comedy. The "humor" stemming from a boy trying to find a new family, being helped along by modern day Bruce Willis in 1994, by visiting one stereotype after another. Of course this is not just a comedy where they don't land. The jokes go into a tail spin, run through a crowded skyscraper, killing all, fall into a nuclear test facility and cause a meltdown. The level of atrociousness is truly uh astonishing that anyone could have felt a single line in the film was good idea. As the film is not only unfunny it has a terrible mean spirited quality that makes one's stomach churn watching it. The problem is the film doesn't seem even aware of its own offensive nature, after all how could it given it ends with "it was all a dream". No one can save their rotten material, most don't even try, and the entire film is a festering pile of waste which contaminants all that it touches.
0/5

Pulp Fiction

Although Reservoir Dogs put Quentin Tarantino on the map as an up and coming filmmaker, Pulp Fiction made him a landmark of cinema that was to be revisited for years to come. It interesting to examine how Tarantino's style matured with this film, and how it possibly caused him to be such a phenomenon. This is in terms of a stronger eye in terms of aesthetics, but also the way Tarantino allows his characters to breath a bit more, giving the film a far more relaxed story, even though there are three tension causing plot points behind the three main stories. All three stories that offer their own little flavor. Whether it is the forbidden romance of the first story, the complications of a man on the run, or just the hilarity following an accidental murder, yeah that's right hilarity. Tarantino allows his dialogue to shine and almost every conversation is a little gem. Tarantino manages to make them engaging, often entertaining, and most importantly helps to flesh out the characters. Well that is all except the painfully slow scene of the boxer Butch (Bruce Willis), and his girlfriend as she waxes on forever about her desire for a pot belly. That scene stops the movie right in its tracks, and I dread it whenever watching the film. Luckily Howard Hawks's apparent statement that a good film had to have three good scenes and no bad ones isn't true. A film can survive a bad scene if it has enough great ones to make up for. Pulp Fiction has those in overabundance. Whether it is the initial banter between the two hitman, taking out the mob boss's wife, the adrenaline needle, Christopher Walken's one scene wonder, the samurai sword showdown, Harvey Keitel's sorta one scene wonder, and of course the diner robbery finale. The film is pieced together brilliantly as it is bursting with unforgettable moments which add up to something truly special.  
5/5

The Shawshank Redemption

Although Forrest Gump proved to be the crowd pleaser of 1994, the then box office flop, The Shawshank Redemption proved to be the all pleaser of all time. It is notable that on the top of just about every online poll stands this film. It has one one would expect from a great film. The production design, and costumes are both immaculate. Technically subtle yet absolutely accentuate the sense of place within the prison throughout the film. The score and cinematography capture brilliantly both the harshness and beauty of life itself. The acting is excellent across the board. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are both exceptional in their leading roles, while every small supporting performance adds a bit more character to the titular prison. How is it that the film goes beyond though? It is fascinating that this story about two men's friendship in a prison in the 40's apparently transcends all walks of life in terms of its appeal. Well Frank Darabont's masterfully crafts his story as a director but especially as a writer. If one desire a direct plot it has it. That being in terms of Andy's innocence, and his association with the corrupt prison warden. That certainly brings the needed tension to the proceedings, and a real menace through the villain well played by Bob Gunton. The characters are never forgotten as you feel you get to genuinely know both leads, and even have a proper association with those smaller character especially the old prisoner Brooks. It feels like you've spent time with them when the film is over and they never seem like mere ideas. Now this is one of the most inspirational films of all time, yet never feels manipulative. Darabont earns his grand moments that portray the true joys of life and freedom, as the film does not shy away from depicting the grim realities of prison life either. It depicts the struggle, it shows despair, but it allows one to see all that makes that worthwhile in the end. I hate that the film gets any backlash for its "best of all time status", since you don't need to accept it as your personal best of all time. It's just a great film.
5/5

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump tells the story of one man Forrest who jumps happens to stumble on an assortment of important historical events. A true crowd pleaser in its day, which brought the film Oscar glory, but later disdain all the same. This has come in part due to interpretation of its exact themes, is Forrest a conformist hero? Is Jenny's story meant to be a cautionary tale against being a hippie? Does it really matter for this film? I say that because the film treats its historical connections with such a light touch. It acts more like a nostalgia trip than a deep analysis of historical events. There is some fun to be had, though some of the visual effects are awkwardly handled. Quite frankly Woody Allen pulled of the technique far more effectively with Zelig several years before. The rest of the film deals with often harsh subject matter, child abuse, AIDS, War, all with a similar levity. It is not that it does not care but it stays strict to the perspective of Forrest who sees things in his own way. This allows the film's development to be especially simplistic, which are always underlined by its sentimental score for an extra bit of emphasis. The film strives for broad emotional feeling. This is best shown through Forrest's testimony on the Vietnam war where the sound is cut off. We just hear that he said some important words about, and that we should simply be affected by it. It avoids detail much like the film despite the variety of complex topics it covers. I understand the film's appeal, it makes one feel, but I prefer a bit more depth in my emotion.
2.5/5

The Lion King

The Lion King is one of Disney's most popular animated features, though I can't ever been a particular favorite of mine. It's well animated to be sure the songs are pretty good, particularly the villain song, and the score is quite great. It's one that I feel does work wholly in its story in that's it's moving when it needs to be and funny at least enough of the time. Though it certainly tries that more often that it is given that it has three different sets of comic relief. Scar of course is great thanks in large part due to Jeremy Irons's voice work. However even Scar skirts greatness due to the odd decision to have him basically do nothing once he's in power, and due to his underwhelming defeat. The film never quite adds up in the end to something truly special as the story wavers a bit too much particularly in its message which is not particularly well realized. It's still good though, so I can't complain too much.
4/5