THE DANMAN CAN

Much less talking involved in this Criterion Collection Night . Although Rygar & I did manage to miss a somewhat crucial plot point of Revanche  (2008), but only because it wasn't overtly obvious. This didn't detract from the film watching experience though. Oh, if only America weren't so afraid of sex in movies - Europeans just present it as it is. Recommended if you want to watch the worst execution of a bank robbery ever, multiples sequences of a mustachioed man chopping wood, and/or an old man playing accordion.

Iron Man 2  (2010) is just as good as the first film , IMO. What's funny is I realized that I've seen the first film once, while I've now seen the second film twice.

Bogie at his most unsympathetic. Starring a legendary  father , directed by his legendary  son . Parodied by Brooks . TTOTSM   (1948)  is classic.

Mary And Max  (2009) is a fantastic film. Beautiful claymation. Wonderful score. Poignant, but not sappy. Funny, but doesn't pander. Loved it. Thank you to Victoria for the suggestion.

It's funny how some of the acting in The Manchurian Candidate  (1962) is what dates it and not the actual content/events. That said, most of the acting is superb and most of the shots/editing is as well. I don't understand why Janet Leigh , who is barely in the film and is serviceable at best (she's not given much to work with) is billed before Angela Lansbury , who steals the movie. The subject matter is timeless. A powerful film that still contains moments of shock. Now repeat after me: "Daniel Sardella is the bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life."

I forgot how beautiful and creepy Jacob's Ladder  (1990) is. It should really be held in higher regard. A whole lot of talent involved here. This movie deserves better treatment (visual/supplemental) on Blu-ray!

One word review: Underrated.

Catfish   (2010)  is a fascinating film. Everyone is saying to go into it knowing as little as possible. I would have to agree, that is what I did. All I'll say is that it's about internet relationships vs real relationships.

Summertime   (1955) is my first "non-epic" David Lean film.  Rygar & I began our first, and hopefully regular, Criterion Collection Night with this title. We really should have paid more attention and talked less though...

The American  (2010) is a great, deliberately slow "suspense thriller" (more of a drama), in the vein of The Limey , filled with beautifully framed shots (many of which are amazing landscapes) and extremely attractive people.

I know Shutter Island  (2010) has gotten a lot of flack but I really like it. Great acting, sets, cinematography, editing, musical selection and atmosphere. I think people complaining about the ending are not appreciating the process which leads to the ending and how that is more important. Some day I'll get around to reading the novel.

Buried (2010)   is a good film with a creative use of a limited setting and a nice   performance by Ryan Reynolds . I'm not sure how much repeat value there is though.