Gran Torino

2000

Director: Clint Eastwood

Distributor: Warner Brothers

Key Elements: Story – Lines – Characters – Message – Symbolism – Music

My Review:

When this movie ended, my friends and I were speechless.

It’s dark. Really dark. But it's good writing and great acting.

But the best part is how it illustrates the Gospel.

[Spoiler]

Eastwood’s character lets himself get shot, knowing that his sacrifice will draw the attention of witnesses. This ensures that the gang attacking his friends will be arrested – the most decisive victory he can have over them.

His sacrifice frees his friends from the gang, satisfies justice, and incidentally gives his friend a new car. It reflects the way Jesus’ sacrifice frees us from sin, satisfies God’s law, and provides us with new life. Eastwood's body is even laid out as though on a cross ...with blood prominantly shown on his hands of all places (nail marks).

Amazing movie!

And listen to Eastwood’s song at the end.

Trailer:

Quotes:

• Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have fucked with? That's me.
• Get off my lawn!
• You should quit. Those things are bad for you.
  - Yeah? So's being in a gang.
• Take these three items, some WD-40, a vice grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone.
• Get me another beer, Dragon Lady!
• What was it like to kill someone?
  - You don't want to know.
• You're a good man.
• You know, Thao and Sue are never going to find peace in this world as long as that gang's around.
• What are you gonna do, Walt?
  - Whatever it is, they won't have a chance.
• And I'd like to leave my 1972 Gran Torino to... my friend... Thao Vang Lor. On the condition that you don't chop-top the roof like one of those beaners, don't paint any idiotic flames on it like some white trash hillbilly, and don't put a big, gay spoiler on the rear end like you see on all the other zipperheads' cars. It just looks like hell. If you can refrain from doing any of that... it's yours.

Stills:

Loser

2000

Director: Amy Heckerling

Distributor: Columbia Pictures

Key Elements: Characters – Message

My Review:

I feel like this movie shouldn’t be that big a deal to me, but there’s something I love about it.

It may be the way Paul mixes gentle naivety with steadfast character. He doesn’t know how to dress, act or talk. But he knows how to love a girl - respect her, appreciate her and protect her. He is at once, one of the dorkiest and coolest movie characters I can think of.

Or maybe it’s that Dora is completely adorable.

I think it’s both.

...And Paul's haircut.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• I love self-loathing complaint rock you can dance to.
• Do you have a girlfriend?
  - Ex-girlfriend. We dated in high school.
  Do you still see her?
  - She lost weight, so she's dating a lot more now.
• Oh yeah? Well if Kafka were alive I'm sure he'd say stop misinterpreting my novels you pretentious bonehead!
• It seems like this whole city is one big orgy and if you actually care about someone you're some kind of chump
• You know how there are couples that stay together just because they feel they can't do any better or there are people who are sad and miserable and live alone, but then there are this microscopically tiny group of people who get to be with the person they are madly in love with.
• I hope someday I get to be one of those lucky people.

Stills:

The Blues Brothers

1980

Director: John Landis

Distributor: Universal Pictures

Key Elements: Lines – Characters – Music

My Review:

Elwood picks up his brother, Jake, from prison and they visit their childhood home, A Roman Catholic Orphanage. They learn that the orphanage is going to have to close unless it can come up with $5,000. The brothers decide to reunite their blues band and play a concert to raise the money. But as they pursue their goal, havoc erupts.

The Blues Brothers are iconic characters and the movie has become a cult classic. The humor comes from their off-beat behavior and coolly delivered hyperbole. I never fail to laugh while watching this one.

Also, the movie is filled with amazing musical cameos – James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles to name just a few.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• Well thank you, pal. The day I get outta prison, my own brother picks me up in a *police* car!
• We're on a mission from God.
• Ya see, me and the Lord have an understanding.
• Are you the police?
  - No, ma'am. We're musicians.
• Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail us now.
• They're not gonna catch us. We're on a mission from God.
• Book us for tomorrow night.
  - Hold it, hold it. Tomorrow night? What are you talking about? A gig like that, you gotta prepare the proper exploitation. I know all about that stuff. I have been exploited all my life.
• Use of unnecessary violence in the apprehension of the Blues Brothers HAS been approved.
• It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.
  - Hit it.
• Maury, we need $5,000 fast.
  - $5,000? Who do you guys think you are, The Beatles?
• That Night Train's a mean wine.
• Who *is* that girl?
• People, when you do find that special somebody, you gotta hold that man, hold that woman! Love him, please him, squeeze her, please her! Signify your feelings with every gentle caress, because it's so important to have that special somebody to hold, to kiss, to miss, to squeeze, and please!

Still: