Directors of Legend art done by Julian Rentzsch... These are AWESOME!!

Legendary Filmmakers as seen through the eyes of Julian Rentzsch.

Came across a batch of these beauties the other day, I thought they were amazing and they're all in my top ten favorite directors of all time. These are just so great I am definitely buying one....or five. Under each filmmaker is my top three favorite film they've done. If you're interested in his work here's a link to his website. He has other amazing art showcasing these masterful directors.

      

The G.O.A.T Martin Scorsese

• Goodfellas
• Wolf of Wall Street
• The Aviator

Christopher Nolan

• The Dark Knight
• Inception
• Interstellar

 Quentin Tarantino

• Django Unchained
• Inglorious bastards
• Reservoir Dogs

Steven Spielberg

• Jurassic Park
• The Color Purple
• Minority Report

Tim Burton

• Sweeny Todd
• Beetlejuice
• Batman Returns

The color creator Wes Anderson

• The Grand Budapest Hotel

• The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

• The Darjeeling Limited

The Shape of Water

⭐⭐⭐⭐


Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Written by: Guillermo del Toro &     Vanessa Taylor
Gross Revenue: $110.7 mil



Guillermo Del Toro is a glorious master at his craft.  There is just something about a film that is developed with passion. The love and creativity is viewed in every frame. There is nothing like a Del Toro film, he puts his heart into every piece of art he directs and writes.

 I say everything, from cronos on down, even hellboy II which I believed the flack was highly undeserved. It all was brilliant. The Shape of Water is beyond astonishing and he, as with everything else executed this project with perfection and precision. From the opening credits I was in awe, it provoked a phenomenal feeling I only seem to get with his films. The ability to perfect the use of  darkness is always something I look forward to.

His vision of the "monster" is   
something I can understand seeming as I too have an affinity for fantasy of the dark persuasion.  I just love how he deals with very dreary subjects  and somehow makes it amazingly beautiful. There's poetry in his films and it's evident more so in The Shape of Water. It was such a great movie with an unbelievable cast, cinematography and score that was so good I got misty eyed. Del Toros mind is just beautiful and I'm so envious of it. He has the ability to create beings that would be seen as monsters and horrid creatures and make you fall in love with them. You empathize with them, you want them to thrive, live and love. My heart was with "the Asset" the entire time I wanted to free him as bad as Elisa did.

  Speaking of which, let's give Sally Hawkins a standing ovation please. Also, a moment of silence for the actresses in the same leading category for the Oscars. Cause she's got it, there's no doubt in my mind she'll win. To convey the amount of emotion needed without saying a word is TALENT and not everyone can do that.  She perfected the art of body language and facial expression down to a science and she deserves up most recognition.

  Michael Shannon and Octavia Spencer were more than good and I've always enjoyed them both. Shannon isnt new to playing no nonsense off the cuff characters and I genuinely love it when he does them. He does the antagonist so very well. However, this one was disturbingly amazing and made my stomach churn but he was fantastic.  Octavia is just adorable and her performances are always full of heart and sass and I love that.

The cast and crew executed this film masterfully . I felt at home watching this and I seldom feel that way with films so when the feeling does arrive I get emotionally attached and that's what happened here! Sweet, stunning and smart! Bravo! c'est magnifique!

Den of Thieves

⭐⭐

Directed by: Christian Gudegast

Written by:  Christian Gudegast Paul Scheuring

Gross Revenue : $34.4 mil

mis·lead·ing

giving the wrong idea or impression:

I WAS IN FACT  MISLEAD!! When I went into Den of Thieves I was expecting an action packed "cops and robbers"  type of situation. I mean, that is what the trailer LEAD me to believe as it did everyone, now I'm no stickler for action, its like my 6th favorite genre I think. However, when you show me something like this, which is what I have a soft spot for.....you know heist films. I expect just that! Not some half baked idea that sluggishly got off the ground. The trailer had me under the impression this would be a gun fighting non stop race against time type of movie and IT WAS NOT! One thing I hate most is when they edit trailers in a way  that totally contradicts the entire film.

Its starts with guns and ends with guns. But the middle is filled with lengthy character development and scenes that serve no purposes. Like the prom date, what exactly was that for? The divorce? It was personal but Gerard's character seemed unaffected by it, it didn't have any psychological ramifications. In my opinion, this film had no business being 2hr and 13 minutes. A good 3 scenes could have been easily thrown out. This entire story could have been done in 90 minutes. There was entirely too much of nothing going on for a good chunk of it. I enjoy the story, the premise is exactly the kind of thing I'd watch. However the execution was riddled with flaws and the directing even made the movie seem more boring then it could have been.

As far as performances go? Well Gerard Butler for me, was the only saving grace and he even seemed a bit off center in this role. Assuming you'd get a decent performance from  50 cent or  O'shea is like assuming you can squeeze water from a rock. I've seen 50 shine more in his show "Power" then in any movie he's ever done. As far as O'shea is concerned, well I'd rather watch his dad, Ice Cube in "Are We There Yet?" (which for me is the worst movie he's ever done) three times in a row rather then watch him ever. 

It was my fault for jumping to conclusions and thinking Den of Thieves was going to be the high grossing year opener. Word of mouth is powerful and chatter surrounding it was nothing short of disappointing, It dragged over the 7 day finish line with a $20 mil in the bank, which would surprise me if the month of January wasn't a nightmare for all releases. Let me just say that for fun, for entertainment and for a "okay" heist movie this would be a good choice, more so if you were really bored and stuck in the house with nothing else to watch yeah.

The Darjeeling Limited

    

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Directed by: Wes Anderson
Written by: Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman, Roman Coppola
Gross Revenue: $35 mil





         Last year I made a vow that I'd see ever Wes Anderson movie ever made and I'm still at it. Every time I go into one of his movies I say "oh my gosh what if I don't like it?" I say this only because I've yet to see one I haven't enjoyed. He has a way of bringing every environment to life in a way I don't see anywhere else. His vision is unmatched, it's something I am very happy to say I am addicted to and will be anticipating from now on. I feel like, I missed out on great in theater experiences that I could have witnessed if I wasn't such a mainstream junkie. However, as the saying goes, "you know better you do better" 

     I knew I was in for a treat by just reading the description of The Darjeeling Limited. The moment I saw the trailer I said    "yep, okay I'm gonna watch it and oh lort I hope I like it" and of course I fell in love with it. Only Wes can capture the tight quarters of a train and make it into something so magical. Each shot was beautifully done and well executed. Death! Is all the rage in Wes's films but its done so elegantly and so lighthearted you find a peace in that person passing rather than sadness. The message he gives is very direct but not in a preachy, in your face way which I love.

     I often envy those who flawlessly create dialogue that is both witty, fresh and amazing. Somehow Anderson does it every time and I am just in awe of his literary skills. Words, just words can leave me unable to blink when watching his films, I never want to miss one sentence, one word, one syllable . The comedy is always so awkward, strange a little dark by oh man is it remarkable. I often find myself wanting Wes humor in other films and I'm sure that's weird but I admire his writing that much. Its always a cut above and something that wont ever be replicated.
    

 

Adrian Brody, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman  are Andersons golden boys and I have zero complaints about that and I love them all individually. So, this was a treat for me because the brotherly dynamic was so well done, the chemistry was through the roof. Alone, well they were as always perfect in the most awkward way. Only Wes Anderson can make this cast as astonishing as it was.

The Mountain Between Us

🌟🌟

Directed by: Hany Abu-Assad
Written by: Chris Weitz - J. Mills Goodloe
Gross revenue: $54.7 mil

Charismatic, the term cannot be any less relevant when you're dealing with Idris Elba & Kate Winslet. I love these two as separate beings, but when they come together my lort it was like a spark ignited. The mountain between us takes two very normal people and throws them into a survivalist type of situation. Now I'm all for snow and the elements, but I feel that's all this movie had going for itself. Kate & Idris ? Phenom....as usual, story??? Not so much.  Being based off of the Novel written by Charles Martin, I'm almost entirely sure - though I've never read it - this film didn't do it justice.

This movie had a 2 man writing team, and not one could shell out a decent plot?? One of which, Chris Weitz who's been behind, Star Wars: Rouge One, The Golden Comapss and About a Boy should have been able to help with the dull romance.  Given how much I like Idris and Kate this movie deserves 2 stars and a half star simply because I loved the idea of those two in an on screen romance.

The unrealistic story line from the very beginning rubbed me entirely wrong. Then the whole "cmon" factor never crossed, it was was one mistake after another and besides their cute flirty banter, I wasn't really thrilled about it. I wasn't bored watching it so it wasn't awful.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (Official Trailer)

I love this franchise, but when I heard another was being pushed out I was wondering, what else could be done? Seems universal has surprised me again! Next year is going to be amazing for cinema!!!

 I've never been so emotionally connected to fictionalized beings before. This trailer brought on such an amount of "awwwww" it was alarming. The Dino's I once loathed, I now feel unbelievably bad for. I have a feeling I may cry when I see it! However, here it is the much anticipated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom!

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (teaser trailer)

Behold!! The ninth wonder of the world!! Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom teaser now available!!! I love the fact that the last has not changed!!

Avengers: infinity War (official trailer)

   


      This is what the good life looks like!! From the start I was drawn in, this made me so anxious to see the movie.  Truth be told I'm not a snob, I am not particular about CGI. True, I'd like it to look better then something  "made for TV" but other than that I'm no stickler in that regard. I see nothing wrong with how it looks, it gave me chills, the whole bit. I literally got misty eyed. Only a few films have me so emotionally invested. Guardias though??? at the end was so beautiful!!! May 4th cannot come fast enough!!!

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

 

⭐⭐⭐


Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Written by: Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman
Gross Revenue: $310 mil






     I'm so upset that I have to write this review, because I am a huge Kingsman fan and I still watch the first one at least twice a month. Sad, is the only word I can to describe how I'm feeling at this moment. Seriously, when I say I was excited for this movie I mean it. I had the Kingsman as my wallpaper for a good 2 months. I am not going to sugar coat it, I went in with extremely high expectations and that was my mistake. I wanted to fall in love with this as much as I did the first but oh man, that so didn't happen. Who knows w what happened with Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman, they wrote such an amazing story the first time it was close to perfect. The dialogue was great and the story? Even better, the golden circle seems like it was written by someone else, it didn't have the same energetic feel the first had.

     For one, the promotion made it seem like the new cast was going to be incredible and that wasn't the case. Channing Tatum could have been a non mention cameo, hell Jeff Bridges  was seen all of maybe three times and Halle Barry? Well she sat the entire film. Not to mention, in my opinion eggsy got diluted, he wasn't as bad ass as he was in the first and harry? We all know how disappointing that was. The villain was horribly weak, and I love Julianne Moore, but that was not a good choice for an antagonist role. Elton John had more of a part than any of the newly promoted cast members!!! The one saving grace this movie had was the unbelievably  amazing fight scenes that you come to expect with a Kingsman movie.


     The last and final pet peeve I have with the movie is the ending, that was a hot dumpster fire and I absolutely loathed it....... A wedding??? Really Matthew Vaughn? And Merlin, was that necessary???!!! I know it seems I hated it judging by my complaints but I didn't hate it, I was.......amused by it. I really, really hope the next (if it happens) is better than this huge misstep.

Atomic Blond

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Directed by: David Leitch
Written by: Antony Johnston & Kurt Johnstad
Gross Revenue: $95 mil

David leitch has Atomic Blonde & John Wick under his belt, and I must say this is a very very good start. His style and his shots are amazing. I love love love john wick and this movie feels like a film made 10 years ago which is fantastic, this is cinema. Regardless of the accuracy, the film itself was magnificent the scene cuts and the fights were glorious.

Though I love Charlize, her accent could have used some work but thats petty much my only complaint. Something about the last shot of her in the interrogation room made me misty eyed, it was beautiful. The visual and colors were so great & the costume designer?!

I'm a woman, so let me just say I couldn't not get enough of her outfits my lawd talk about a slay. I really really enjoyed it I will defiantly watch it again. The soundtrack? Don't even get me started on how amazing that was! The dialouge wasn't as air tight as I'd hoped but thats not what this film was about. The actors executed their roles with precision and accuracy
I truly couldnt ask for a better cast. Look, if you dont like action and strong female presence then you are aolrely missing out, this....is a gem. Who needs diana?? This is what MY WONDER WOMAN LOOKS LIKE!!!

Official Trailer Wes Anderson's Isle Of Dogs 2017

 I am more than sure i have stressed my love for Wes Anderson, so it comes as no surprise I bring to you his new creation. Isle Of Dogs, the official trailer has me more than excited to see it. If you adore stop motion like I do this should be a real awesome movie!! Enjoy!!

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Directed by: Wes Anderson

Written by: Wes Anderson & NoahBaumbach
Gross Revenue: $50 mil

It took me years to see this movie! I suppose it was due partially to when it was released I could care less about weird but brilliant films like these. I was all movie of the month, big blockbuster "franchises" back then. Cate blanchette, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, and Willem I found to be so amusing it hurt. I mean really what's not to love about this movie??

This is my first time seeing it, I loved Grand Budapest so I figured why not see every other Wes Anderson movie ever made. His movies make me so happy. I love his style, his use of color and environment its always so amazing!! I really really love this movie, the dialogue as usual is a precious commodity and I couldn't get enough!! Isle of dogs is going to be fantastic!! Wes Anderson is so amazing!

Blade Runner

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Directed by: Ridley Scott
Written by: Hampton Fancher, David Peoples
Gross Revenue: $27 mil

I've seen reviews from all sides, some claiming this to be a masterpiece others saying it's the worst. Most of the nay Sayers.....most, not all seem to be young. I have yet to see it but, they praise 2049 for being art and unlike anything we've ever seen. However, I believe there is just a disconnect and with so many years in between for this generation it may just be outdated. Seeming as the term "slow" seems to be used a lot when people review it, but I didn't see an issue with it.

It may be because I was born in the 80s and I was raised on this generation of cinema.If you watch classics, were born in the 80's, or before you know what I am talking about, every movie back then didn't move at light speed.However, you must take into account this is not an action movie it is sci-fi.

All in all I liked it, I truly did, I liked Harrison Ford he did good...he was Harrison Ford. I just don't know where all the performance bashing is coming from as far as he's concerned. The graphics well, it was magnificent for its time I still think it looked amazing. I've seen worse when it comes to visuals and 1980's cinema.

American Made

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Directed b\y: Doug Liman
Written by: Gary Spinelli

Gross Revenue: $80 mil

Isn't it great seeing Tom Cruise in something other than mission impossible?? (the mummy aside) His onscreen charisma just doesn't fade, I mean he can put people in seats just to hear him speak. This was one crazy almost unbelievable turn of events that I don't think you could possibly make up. Though I am sure this film only scratched the surface on what "truly" took place between Barry and his multiple dark dealings. However, I enjoyed it immensely and Doug Liman did an okay job in capturing this off the wall recount of events. Whoever this Gary Spenelli is I dig his writing just a bit, it wasn't a masterpiece but it did flow in a very appealing way.

I find that this was more of the Tom Cruise we haven't seen in a long time. Even though this was a good movie he still carried it on his back, as he does with most other movies he stars in.  Now I am not complaining about that, unlike most I'm not ashamed to say I love Tom cruise, I have since The Firm. Hes the man with the magnetic charm and 1000 dollar smile that will sell ticket no matter what the movie is about. Is this flick worth 5 stars? No, but it I feel 4 is generous enough.

(Official Trailer) Pacific Rim 2 Uprising

I loved the first Pacific Rim I've seen it about 7 times and it never gets old. This sequel is something I wasn't all too happy about seeming as there was no Guillermo at the helm or Charlie Hunnam on screen but now seeing the trailer I can honestly say I am thrilled. Lets not take away the fact that John Boyega who I am coming to enjoy more and more is headlining this new Jaeger crew. Along side him is Scott Eastwood, who is proving hes more than just a pretty face. The cast isn't too shabby especially since they kept charlie Day, who is always a treat to watch...for me at least.  

I am such a sucker for these kinds of movies I mean transformers and CBM'S are the stuff dreams are made of. I know its not art and it's no "best picture" nomination, but it is escapism in its rawest form and that's what brought me to film in the first place. A little reminder, there is no Guillermo in on this so it wont have his finesse or style. Its directed by Steven S. DeKnight,  if it doesn't ring any bells that's because he's virtually unknown. He's directed episodes for Smallville, Angel and Buffy the vampire slayer,  I know most of those are making some of you cringe with fear. However,  I watched each and every one of those shows from the pilot to the series finale and they are not that bad. He also did some work on Starz's Spartecus which I've never seen.  

I'm a little nervous on the execution, seeming as they have a FIVE MAN WRITTING TEAM...yes you heard that right. Five, and you know what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen. Anyway, without further interruption with my constant blabbering, here is the very awesome and well scored Pacific Rim Uprising trailer...ENJOY!

Drive

⭐⭐⭐

Directed by:Nicolas Winding Refn

Written by: Hossein Amini (Screenplay)

Gross Revenue:$76.1 mil

So it took me 6 years to see it but it was worth the wait. Dialogue was scarce but that's not what this was about in my opinion. Ryan honestly didn't need to say much. His on screen intensity said enough all on its own. I really wish he'd do more films like this he's great at it. He loves to bounce between incredible roles like this and the leading heartthrob in a romance piece. He should really stick with this, he's far too intense for the romantic films at least to me. I love this movie

Baby Driver

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Directed by: Edgar Wright
Written by: Edgar Wright
Gross Revenue: $224 mil

      

        This movie is absolutely amazing! I love baby so much and the originality of the film is so refreshing in a world of reboots. I crave for something new, untouched & fresh. Baby driver is definitely a re-watch for me Edgar Write has done it again. As with all his movies this one will be a classic, he hasn't failed me yet. This was so well written and executed with finesse I no longer see too often & its just not fair.

        This movie reminded me of a time when  we would be in awe by the sheer brilliance of something we had never seen before. When the mainstream box office wasnt choking on big budgets and the next big CBM. When filmmakers weren't afraid to think outside the box and render their own ideas onsceen. Movies made in the good Ol' days of cinema pushed the bounds of our imagination and it was astonishing. If you want something beyond the usual flicks, well you've gotta dig through the indie world.  I shall reiterate it is not fair.

       Baby driver gave me something I missed. It gave me nostalgia almost for the old film industry and how they took risks and didn't care about common interest. This movie is not a movie for everyone  but they promoted it as such and it did pretty well. The soundtrack? Oh dont even get me started on how perfect that was. I had no issue with the casting Jon Hamm was an astounding antagonist. 

        My only quip was the dialogue between baby and Deborah it was a tad awkward. Other than that I completely and utterly fell in love with Baby driver. I couldn't ask for more.

The Fate of The Furious

⭐⭐⭐

Directed by: F. Grey Grey
Written by: Chris Morgan & Gary Scott
Gross Revenue: $1.24 Bil



        Now I know most rather forget this franchise and wish it would just go away.  For a film that has grossed over a BILLION dollars it cant be all bad. As for me? I love love love these movies although I was apprehensive to see this one. That is due to the fact that Paul Walker is no longer in it and I felt his absence would negatively impact the film. Though him not being there was felt in my opinion it really didn't endanger the film it is what it always has been fast and fun. So to get right down to it, there is something that I can always look forward to in 'Furious" n=movies and that's off the wall stunts and cheesy one liners. I love the fact that this franchise has stuck to the same formula, cars cars and more cars. They haven't lost the idea of why it was originally made, indeed no one really cares about street racing anymore but we all love pretty cars. 

        As usual I love the cast there is nothing I can say on that I mean Kurt tussle, Jason Statham, The Rock and Tyrese where my favorites. Even though The Rock did get the cheesy one liners they were funny and well executed.  The writing was a little messy but thats a furious movie for you. Although come on you can not say the phantom cars weren't bad ass! I think it was very well played as a furious movie it felt like one, which for me hadn't happened since 5. The closing scene? Talk about feels omg I was a puddle of tears. I'm a very emotionally connected viewer so I was a goner after he named his son.

The bad batch

⭐⭐⭐⭐


Directed by: Ana Lily Amirpour
Written by: Ana Lily Amirpour
Gross Revenue: $180,851



         Despite the epic failure this movie suffered at limited box office release it was an amazing film.  Its not really about what's being said, its not lazy writing in this case. Its more to do with body language and emotion that transfers on film. It is a visual gem that will be discussed in small circles with massive enthusiasm. I loved it, I loved the silent Jim Carrey, I loved the way Arlen took the child under her wing & I loved the fact that Giovanni was a dirty lunatic. I loved the fact Jason was a visual ascetic, he didn't need to say much his eyes and body said a lot......as it often talks to me in my dreams. I'd rather him not speak anyway honestly the accent? It was comic relief for me. I mean I love that man but he should never ever do that again. As messed up and two faced as it was the silent chemistry Miami man and arlen had was beautiful and the girly girl in me wanted to see a happily ever after ending. Although, I knew that would not have been the right approach. This was not a film made for everyone and that's okay it wasn't aimed at the masses hints the limited release.

Thor: Ragnarok...am I a little too excited?

             Can we just take a moment, in honor of National Comic Book Day, (yes it exists) to admire what is coming back with a vengeance? Personally, I have never been more excited for Thor in my life. Even with the first installment, I was like "oh okay cool" the second? "well, it wasn't the worst". Ragnarok though? Oh man every time I watch the trailer i get chills, the visuals? Off the charts amazing! I know some hate what they've seen so far, but I love it. It's so refreshing compared to the "haunted" hues Thor 1& 2 had. I don't mind the color splashes and bright cinematography, I rather enjoy the comic book feel it's true to form, it's a CBM so why not? Why not have the visuals resemble where the movie originated from?

        Loki, Loki, Loki, not sure what this says about me but I am just as anxious to see him as I am Thor & Hulk.  Cate Blanchette looks fabulous, i have always been fond of her & i cant wait to see how she does. Hemsworth, Hiddleston,  Cumberbatch & Elba? Lord help me when I am watching it not to drool too much. November 3rd cannot come quick enough. So, are you as excited as I am or are you gonna pass on this one?