Dr. Strangelove

"Mein Fuhrer! I can walk!"

     I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this film and I still can't tell if I am satisfied by the ending or baffled about the entire movie.  I considered the fact that it was sort of a parody film but I wasn't sure how I was meant to feel while screening it. I laughed during a few parts, creased my brow during others and just straight up looked around the room baffled at the very end. Stanley Kubrick was genius in this film though, the War Room was an excellent space to film and he did an amazing job capturing the mood of it. Though intimidating, the cast brought a humorous air to the War Room and kept it from ever getting dull on screen. I suppose at the time the film came out it had a different purpose than it does today, it's a satire on war and at the time there was paranoia in the world summoning from the nuclear context.
     Can we talk about Peter Sellers in this film? He was FANTASTIC, tackling three roles in one film and perfecting them all to a tee! I had no prior knowledge of this film before screening it and it actually took me about a third of the film to figure out that he was playing all 3 roles, you really cannot see the actor behind his 3 characters. All very different yet still charming in only a way Sellers could pull off.
      I feel that Kubrick conveyed the parody with a great use of ironic music. Along with the soundtrack was his keen eye and use of imagery. Who can forget the image of Slim Pickens riding a nuclear warhead like a bronco?

Princess Bride

I felt a little embarassed having never seen this movie while it's considered to be such a cult classic. I must say at first I was like... "Really?" but the characters silly jokes and constant banter grew on me and by the end of the movie, I felt exactly like the Grandson hearing the story for the first time.  Not only did every character have such a unique personality, they all had a great sense of humor. I feel like the movie somehow fit all great things about cinema into the hour and a half or so that it ran. Romance, parody, action and adventure seal the deal on this being on the top of best movie lists everywhere.
     One of the first things I thought of after the film finished was that the casting really was spot-on. Robin Wright had that perfect combination of the beautiful princess essence mixed with the fearless warrior inside of her that seeks to be brave and not helpless.
   

"My name is Inigo Montoya... You killed my father. Prepare to die!" He was the most lovable character to me. Passionate about his father's revenge, yet has the kindest heart in the world. He goes on this journey to find the man who killed his father but ends up getting dragged around on this escapade where he proves to only be fiercely goofy and friendly.
     I can't say too much for the special effects in this movie; I did noticed a few continuity errors during the first time I saw it. Nonetheless it is still a charming film that has an enchanted soundtrack and plays the farce fairytale card perfectly.