As a film and Blu-ray reviewer for SandwichJohnFilms.com, I get to impart my thoughts to the public on at least 100 mainstream releases each year. But once in awhile, I like to delve into my own collection, revisiting and reminiscing about which films have stuck with me over the years. But, with a collection of well over 1000, it can be tough to decide which to watch, until I came up with an idea. I would daisy-chain my films by actor or director, uncovering the connections behind my collection in an inventive way. I have no idea if anyone has come up with a similar system, and am only going a few films ahead to keep it fun.
Hopefully, I'll inspire you to dig deeper into your collection, or perhaps investigate your ill-used On Demand portal.
Today's Selections: Body of Lies (2008) and Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Connection: Films Starring Mark Strong
Body of Lies is a complicated political thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, and the aforementioned Strong. While not one of Director Ridley Scott's best or most well-known works, Lies is an entertaining and emphatic commentary about America's foreign policy post-9/11. This isn't anything so brilliant as 2012's Zero Dark Thirty, but DiCaprio, Crowe, and Strong all turn in electrifying performances. Speaking of Zero Dark Thirty - which Strong also appears - he is amazing as the Jordanian Intelligence director Hami, transforming from his British roots into a cold-blooded killer. The home release features near reference-quality video and audio transfers, along with several good supplements.
Continuing our Strong Super Set, Sherlock Holmes is a rip-roaring reboot of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle series starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law. Say what you want about the movie's faithfulness to the original stories, but it's a more rugged affair, one that our troupe exceeds at bringing Holmes into the 21st Century. Holmes is the classic intellectual action hero, always thinking 5 steps ahead of everyone else, while Watson is smarter and better-looking than Doyle's frankly boorish version. Downey and Law engage in comedic hari-kari and well-choreographed fist fights, as their breezy and instantly classic chemistry makes Director Guy Ritche's stylish and nightmarish cutaways even more effective. Strong is deliciously devilish as the criminal Lord Blackwood, along with the underrated Rachel McAdams as Holmes' love interest. The home release features excellent video and superior audio, which booms across the soundfield, although some of the muttered British accents don't come across as clear as I would have liked. Warner Bros. busts out the Maximum Movie Mode, with Ritche delivering one of the best commentaries around. If you haven't seen MMM, the purchase of this disc is absolutely required just for that.
Next time, we'll find a connection from Sherlock Holmes to launch into our next two films. Can you guess which one I'll choose WITHOUT looking at my posts? Got a list you want to share based on your own collection?
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