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The Wrestler (2008)
A Masculine Drama
This movie is without a doubt the best drama of the decade. Mickey Rourke did an excellent job as an actor portraying a has-been wrestler way passed his prime who screwed up his relationships in the pursuit of fame, drugs, and glory. Despite his characters setbacks, he is a person you want to root for because he isn't bad guy. He is a person trying to relive his glory days. He is a masculine character that, despite his doctors recommendations, aims to enter the ring to do what he loves best even if that I means tempting fate. The only thing I wish the filmmakers would have done was to include "I Was Wrong" by Social Distortion. I think this song would have fit perfectly into the characters dilemma of trying to salvage his relation with his estranged daughter and everything else he screwed up in younger days.
Mr. Church (2016)
Eddie Murphy's "The Wrestler"
Mr. Church is Eddie Murphy's "The Wrestler." After appearing in so many crappy family comedies, Eddie Murphy gambled his slipping career by challenging his acting abilities the moment he accepted the serious role in this underrated gem, and it paid off. I grew up watching Murphy's stand up acts, SNL skits, and blockbuster hits, like Beverly Hills Cop, but this film illustrates a change. Perhaps not with sales, but in his development as a person and an actor. As much as I like to laugh at Murphy's one liners in his comedic roles, that is the past. The 80s, Murphy's heyday, are gone. The 90s, when he started slipping are also gone. Don't even get me started on the first decade of the new millennium. The future is now and I sincerely hope Eddie Murphy continues to accept more serious roles, like he did with Mr. Church. He has potential.
R.I.P. Charlie. Loved your stories on the Chappelle's Show. If you are where I think you should be, then you I hope you're getting a basketball rematch with Prince.
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Living In a Violent World
Boyz In the Hood is without a doubt the best 'hood' film. I mean, this movie is raw and gritty, but also sentimental. The ending is a tear breaker. Unlike other similar pictures, for example, "Menace II Society," Boyz In the Hood possesses heart and intelligence. To explain, the story briefly centers on Tre Styles as a child before shifting its focus on his teenage years. As a child, Tre lived with his mom. He was a bright kid, but he was a joker with a mild temper and lacked direction in life. As a result of his behavior, he is forced to live with his father, Furious, who will play a pivotal role in his transcendence into young adulthood in a hostile environment. Although Boyz In the Hood deals with living in a violent world which some of us will never understand, the story is more of a coming of age film rich in character development. Overall, It will make you question the war on drugs. It will make you wonder how people residing in 'ghettos' live on a daily basis. But above all, it will make you think about the significance of having a positive role model.
Jungle Fever (1991)
Paulie and Orin
Jungle Fever focuses on two characters from different ethnic backgrounds who fall prey to forbidden lust/love. Although this is considered a romantic film with racial themes, I believe it was executed poorly. Granted, the main characters endured some bigotry from both eyes of the black/white spectrum due to their unorthodox relationship, however their situation made them both more unlikable to begin with. To explain, I think Flip( Wesley Snipes' character)was an asshole for cheating on his wife. There is no excuse for that. As for Angie,( Annabella Sciorra's character)she was a b!tc# for "succumbing to the devil and tasting the forbidden fruit" as the good reverend( Flip's dad) would say. I mean, She knew he was married and had a kid. Though without discrimination, they were both unlikable. All in all, it was a decent movie, but I did not care much for the main characters at all. They were too flawed, ordinary and despicable. However, Paulie(played by John Turturro) and Orin(Tyra Ferrell) were far more believable and likable characters. Although they only had about 10-15 minutes of screen time, they shared more chemistry than the main characters throughout the whole film. Minor SPOILERS, At least, Paulie had the balls to stick up for the girl he liked despite the hate he endured from his friends and father while walking to her house.
Ironweed (1987)
A Film for Truth Seekers
Unlike most mainstream films, "Ironwood" is a movie that has the courage to tell a story true to the heart. Without giving away any spoilers, this film is about a homeless man returning to his hometown after a 22 year hiatus. Upon his return, he regains contact with his unfortunate friends whom are also living on the streets in post-depression America while also reconnecting with the family he abandoned. Granted, this film is not for viewers anticipating a happy ending. However, if you are an individual who thrills at being provoked to think, to feel, and to sympathize about characters, then watch this film.
Considering the topic, tone, and reality of "Ironwood", I would recommend viewers to watch "The Saint of Fort Washington."