The Prophecy (1995)

Stories about war in heaven and angels using Earth as a battleground were less common when The Prophecy was released than they are now, so it's useful to view it with that in mind. Directed by the writer of Highlander (1986), i.e. Gregory Widen, it attempts a similar balance of fantastical and human story. As such, it's less action-packed than some of the other works I alluded to above. It's slowly paced in the first half, but more rewarding in the second.
On one side there's a cop with a religious background who's hunting for answers, and on the other is an angel played by Walken who's hunting for something entirely different, but the two things are connected.
The black comedy misfires about 99% of the time, but there's enough conflict and drama to keep the core subject matter interesting to the end.

3 perched arguments out of 5

Pulp Fiction (1994)

QT’s second film is a nonlinear collection of about half a dozen stories that overlap in interesting ways, even though none of them really go anywhere meaningful. On one hand it’s deserving of being pulped, but the performances, dialogue and love shown to established filmic techniques (rear projection car rides, long tracking shots, split-focus lens and even a McGuffin) are indulgently entertaining. It’s not unlike the tasty burger that Sam Jackson makes a big deal over in one of the stories: it’s constructed from chopped up pieces and satisfies for a brief time. However, at 154 minutes I do feel that it pushes against the limits of acceptability for that kind of thing.

4 moral tests of oneself out of 5

THE FISHER KING [1991]

Director Terry Gilliam once again sets out on a quest for the Holy Grail only this time it clashes with a harsh reality in the whimsical off-beat drama The Fisher King.
Jeff Bridges plays a former shock-rock radio personality who searches for redemption by helping out a mentally ill homeless man,  played near-straight by Robin Williams, who's life he inadvertently destroyed.  New York City seen through Gilliam's eyes is a fantastical concrete jungle that shines it's spotlight on a interesting host of different classes, all of which finds ways to intertwine quite comfortably.  The wonderful story about redemption, wounded souls, romance and bravery is complimented by wonderful performances from all it's leading actors.   It's funny, sad, touching and most of all flourishing with Gilliam's unique touch.

5 wooden boys out of 5

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Catching Fire is both an excellent adaptation and a sequel that improves on its predecessor in every way. Gone is the shaky cam and the confusing narrative. In its place is a two and a half hour movie that doesn't feel boring for a second.

The movie isn't perfect - there's a lot more telling than showing, and a few of the performances aren't stellar - but as a whole, it's pretty great. The cast is stuffed with good actors and Jennifer Lawrence is especially fantastic. I'm not sure this would be enjoyed by anyone who's not a fan of the franchise, but it's a solid film I look forward to seeing again.

3.5 hilarious faces in elevators out of 5.

SMALL APARTMENTS [2012]

Director Jonas Åkerlund's insanely weird black comedy Small Apartments is the type of film that could fall flat on it's face if not for it's perfect casting of each character.
It centers around Matt Lucas as a strange little bald man, who lives alone (with the exception of his landlord's corpse) and wears nothing but his undies & a new wig with each venture into the cruel world that surrounds him.  Åkerlund seems to have a firm grasp on his characters, as each aren't particularly great people but all are interesting and sympathetic.  The only problem is the narrative occasionally loses it's balance with some wonky pacing.  All in all, it's an enjoyable, sad and thoughtful quirky comedy that disturbs just as much as it makes you laugh.

3½ merkins out of 5

Needful Things (1993)

A mysterious Curiosity Shop opens in a small town and just happens to stock the thing you desire most, but the asking price is a little unusual.
Max von Sydow is great as the pernicious but charismatic shop proprietor, his years of experience are what the role needed. Ed Harris is equally as good. Without those two it would feel like a kid's horror movie for adults.
It's not the worst Stephen King adaptation; with some minor rewrites it could've been much improved.

3 turkey shit sheets out of 5