Ridley Scott has had one of the longest, most successful, and diverse careers of any modern director. He can hop between genres and themes with absolutely no problem. He takes his time between films so every time one comes out, it feels like an event, even if it turns out to be terrible (I'm looking at you, "Robin Hood").
"The Counselor," directed by Scott and penned by Cormac McCarthy, comes out today. Reviews have been mixed so far, but I still look forward to seeing it. Basically, I will see any movie that has a third act filled with monologues as well as Javier Bardem dressed like Hunter S. Thompson.
After the jump, check out my five favorite Ridley Scott movies:
Ridley
Scott's "Prometheus" is like a sci-fi opus from a better time in the
history of sci-fi films. And I would know, because I like to pretend I grew up
then.
"Prometheus"
rises above because for once, it is a movie interested in actually exploring
what lies in space, as opposed to just killing everything not from our home
planet. If you give Ridley Scott a space ship and weird space creatures that
like to impregnate people, he will create his best work. Basically, he needs to
stay out of Medieval England and French vineyards.
Summer is supposedly blockbuster season, so maybe it doesn't seem right to have a Wes Anderson movie on top. However, I have always held a special place in my heart for Anderson's work ever since I first saw "The Royal Tenenbaums" in theaters when I was too young to understand references to Jacques Cousteau. Every once in a while, it's nice to take a break from the loud explosions of the usual summer fare for something a little more character driven and down to earth. So far, the trailer has promised yellow font and a possibly deranged Bill Murray carrying an ax. I'm sold.
2. The Dark Knight Rises
This one just seems to go without saying. I get chills every time I watch this trailer, from the image of the football field blowing up, to Catwoman's (Anne Hathaway) prophecy of doom. It might be hard to live up to Heath Ledger's The Joker as a villain, but then again, that would be hard for any movie to do. Christopher Nolan has found a way to save the summer blockbuster. Here's hoping the midnight showings aren't sold out already.
3. The Campaign
This new political comedy does not have a poster or even a trailer yet. However, it really doesn't need either. Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis will play rivaling southern politicians. Jason Sudekis, Brian Cox, and Dan Aykroyd co-star. Chris Henchy and Shawn Harwell of "Eastbound & Down" penned it. There is no way I am not seeing this.
4. The Amazing Spider-Man
It may be too soon for a "Spider-Man" reboot, as "Spider-Man 3" graced theaters with its franchise-ruining abilities just five years ago. However, director Marc Webb ("500 Days of Summer") has admirable ambitions for this project. It certainly helps that "The Amazing Spider-Man" plans to bring a Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) who is much more faithful to the Peter Parker of the original comic book. A Spider-Man who creates a web shooting device is a lot more intriguing than a Spider-Man standing on top of a roof yelling, "Go web, go!"
5. Prometheus
I fear that supporting "Prometheus" is in effect supporting the sequel/remake/prequel/reboot culture that currently runs Hollywood. However, this "Alien" prequel brings back Ridley Scott, who directed the original movie in 1979. He brought a slow, creeping suspense that is typically no longer allowed in movies nowadays. Here's hoping he can return to that form, and influence all other filmmakers who want to make the next great science fiction movie.
This year is the one in every four years that's a leap year, meaning February gets one extra day. I don't remember the last Leap Day very well, but apparently its a new national holiday. It would be next in line for a movie with the caliber of "New Year's Eve" and "Valentine's Day," but "30 Rock" already beat Hollywood to the chase. Don't forget to wear blue and yellow and thank Leap Dave Williams today.
While a lot of people are deciding to use this extra day to do something spontaneous and unpredictable (I smell a rom-com!), I've just decided to write an extra blog post. This Leap Day, you will be treated to a new clip promoting Ridley Scott's upcoming "Alien" prequel, "Prometheus." It shows Guy Pearce, Australia's new national treasure, in character at the recent TED Conference. I am not one to be sucked in to Hollywood's obsession with sequels and prequels but when I do, it's for "Prometheus."
Happy Leap Day to all, and happy fifth birthday to all of my friends turning 20 today. Watch the "Prometheus" clip below, so you can feel educated about Greek Mythology today:
