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Reviews
State of Grace (1990)
Simply One of The Best Films Ever Made
The credits have just begun rolling on what has been my 7th full viewing of State of Grace. (This number doesn't count the times I've watched it after having missed some portion of the film.) I first saw this film as a rental some time around 1992, and it has not lost a bit of its relevance. It is nothing short of mesmerizing. Every time I watch it I'm pulled in completely. The performances are the reason this is one of my all-time favorite films. Gary Oldman was so convincing that I was surprised the first time I heard him speak in his native dialect. His performance in this film, as in virtually every film he's been in, was a thesis on acting. Sean Penn turned in a masterful performance that was complex and nuanced. And Ed Harris displayed his usual laser beam intensity. Everyone in this ensemble piece resonated perfectly to create this vivid story. I hope this film comes to be recognized as the classic I already believe it is.
The Wild Bunch (1969)
What a disappointment
I'm 41 years old and have always heard people refer to the masterpiece that this film is supposed to be. I finally saw it for the first time, and couldn't believe what a terrible film this is. The story is ridiculous, the plot convoluted, and there were so many continuity and technical mistakes that the film was rendered un-watchable. I kept waiting for the payoff, but it never came. Sometimes I think that a film is made that nobody understands so critics decide that it's high art. Then everyone else assumes the critics must be right. I'm not buying in. This was 2 1/2 hours of my life that I'll never get back, and would have been better spent watching grass grow. Avoid this film at all cost, and instead watch "Unforgiven" to see what a truly great Western is all about.