Mimic - Director's Cut (1997) ***
"Mr. Funny Shoes." Guillermo del Toro Feature Films Ranked
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The Sugarland Express (1974) ***1/2 [1974 UHD Double Feature Pt. 2]
Steven Spielberg 's theatrical feature debut (1971's Duel ( review ) was a TV movie), The Sugarland Express (1974), is better than I remembered (this was only my second time watching the film). Right out of the gate, Spielberg's direction was assured. John Williams ' score (his first for Spielberg) is excellent, Vilmos Zsigmond 's cinematography is impressive (also better than I remembered, probably thanks to the new 4K UHD), and the cast is great. I really enjoyed my rewatch of this (gentler) Bonnie and Clyd e-like story. Steven Spielberg Feature Films Ranked Top 20 Directors
Crimson Peak (2015) ***1/2
Crimson Peak (2015) is absolutely gorgeous—the cinematography, lighting, costumes, and production design are all exquisite. Guillermo del Toro in full gothic mode is quite pleasing. Having rewatched both Mario Bava 's Black Sabbath (1963) ( review ) and Peter Medak 's The Changeling (1980) ( review ) earlier this year (and thus having them both relatively fresh in mind), the influences of (and references to) those two films on this one were readily apparent. Peak also reminds me a lot of Francis Ford Coppola 's Dracula (1992) ( review ), though it's nowhere near as good. Still, there's solid acting all around and a sumptuous score. The CGI stands out a bit too much for my tastes but doesn't bother me enough to detract too much. Peak is a feast for the eyes but falls short in some respects. It's not a perfect movie by any means, but it's an extremely entertaining, bloody, Blue...