Again, the highlight is Pacino in an acting feast comprised of nothing but ham sandwiches.
(The term “childlike” is also very important to the truly batshit conclusion to this film.)
(Note: rewatchWaterlooto confirm.)
Image via 20th Century Fox
In a word:Excellent.
Like, it just looks weird!
As an audience member, you loseyourcertainty of where reality meets hallucination.
Image via Warner Bros.
The fact I’m still justifying this film’s placement in the ranking is, quite frankly, bogus.
Without a strong personal undercurrent, the relies mostly on spectacle.
But holy actual shit, what a spectacle it is.
Image via Orion Pictures
A ballet of bloodshed.
The key to this movie is how tight the choreography is while giving off the appearance of chaos.
This movie stacks all-timer set-pieces together and makes it look easy.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
A close-quarters knife fight aboard New York’s PATH train.
A shoot-out inside a hall of mirrors that turn eyelines into unending tunnels.
Written byBilly Bob ThorntonandTom Epperson,The Giftis something of a return to paranormal roots for Raimi.
Image via Warner Independent Pictures
(Plus,J.K.
Simmonsas a local sheriff who is havingnoneof these psychic shenanigans.)
It’s easy to forget he’sreallygood at turning chill into ice and his quietness into intensity.
Image via Orion Pictures
The quiet is key toThe Gift.
Yes, this is one of those movies where you absolutely know what it’d taste like.
There’s nothing in this film that isn’t etched in the dictionary next to “lavish”.
Image via Lionsgate
The makeup won an Oscar.
The production design won an Oscar.
The wardrobe looks like it was unearthed from some ungodly Transylvania tomb the day before filming.
Image via Paramount
CinematographerMichael Ballhausshoots the sets like they were actually built from shadow and candle light.
And in this context, even Reeves' performance works.
It’s still a bad performance, but one that sells the descent into darkness that is this movie.
Image via Columbia Pictures
I honestly can’t recommend the experience enough.
Just give yourself over to the Goth-opera of it all and the result is bliss.
The classic tale of weddings gone wrong also boasts the kind of cast you’d kill for.
Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
(No, Jesus Christ is not in the cast but man, look at that list.
Dude would be like sixth-billed.)
Don John’s first words in the film?
Image via Lionsgate
“I am not of many words.”
Even the staunchest of Reeves devotees (devoReeves?)
I wasn’t ready.
We weren’t ready.
Dog owners across the nation rejoiced.
It’s also more than a professional comeback for Keanu Reeves.
