Welcome to Part 2 of July’s movie reviews! I’m hoping to make this a regular segment, as I continue my 900+ movie journey. I’ll keep you updated at the end of August!

The Purge

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A wealthy family are held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legal.

My rating: 6.5/10

Notes: I’ve been avoiding this film for a while because I had absolutely no interest in watching it. After 2 sequels, a prequel, and a TV series, I decided to finally give this franchise a chance. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this film! I do love the overall concept, and I love how it dives deeper, dealing with morals and social classes. Plus, the ending absolutely sold it for me. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the rest of the Purge films!

 

Dragnet

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): The equally-straight-laced and “by the book” nephew of Joe Friday must work with his more laid-back partner to solve a mystery.

My rating: 3/10

Notes: I really wanted to enjoy this film! I love Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks, and I thought this was going to be a hidden gem. The truth is I was very bored with this film. Not even this duo could’ve saved it. The mystery was forgettable, the jokes fell flat, and the whole film just dragged on.

 

Clerks

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A day in the lives of two convenience clerks named Dante and Randal as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store roof.

My rating: 9/10

Notes: This was one of the best films I’ve seen in a long time and I’m kicking myself for not watching it sooner. Kevin Smith created such a simple yet entertaining story. I’m very impressed, especially considering it was his first film. The dialogue kept my attention, the characters were hilarious, and I loved how random it was.

 

Burn After Reading

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A disk containing mysterious information from a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous and daft gym employees who attempt to sell it.

My rating: 4/10

Notes: This was another film that had an epic cast, but greatly disappointed me. It was random, depressing, and just plain confusing. I do give it props for making me laugh from time to time. Brad Pitt and George Clooney were hilarious! Other than that, the film just wasn’t worth watching.

 

Chaplin

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A movie about the troubled and controversial life of the master comedy filmmaker, Charlie Chaplin.

My rating: 8/10

Notes: I honestly don’t understand why people didn’t like this film. I thought Robert Downey Jr. was fantastic as Charlie Chaplin. I also thought having Charlie’s daughter, Geraldine Chaplin portray his mother in the film was so touching. It was a fantastic biopic that brought a real Chaplin style to it.

 

Spider Baby

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A caretaker devotes himself to three demented siblings after their father’s death.

My rating: 6.5/10

Notes: I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this film, but it was still pretty interesting. Beverly Washburn and Jill Banner were marvelous little psychopaths. I also can’t leave out the legends Lon Chaney Jr. and Sid Haig. These four were amazing and I would definitely see this film again.

 

Chinatown

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A private detective hired to expose an adulterer finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.

My rating: 7/10

Notes: This was definitely one of those films that ran a little long, but it was still very entertaining. Jack Nicholson was superb as the main protagonist. The ending of the film was spoiled for me long before I finally watched it, so the shock factor was ruined. It was still a very good mystery.

 

Isle of Dogs

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): Set in Japan, Isle of Dogs follows a boy’s odyssey in search of his lost dog.

My rating: 7/10

Notes: This film was so unique, but didn’t lose Wes Anderson’s touch. It took me on such an emotional roller coaster. It was heartfelt, quirky, and very intense. Plus the claymation was very well done and perfect for this story. It’s definitely my favorite film of Wes Anderson’s so far.

 

Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.

My rating: 8.5/10

Notes: This was the perfect film to end the month with! It’s just been released so I can’t say too much about it. I will say that Quentin Tarantino hasn’t lost his touch at all. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt create the perfect duo. The end of the film was absolutely perfect and I’m very happy with the choices Tarantino made!