To get the most out of the latest “How to Train Your Dragon“, it’s best to be new to the 2010 animated movie. The live-action remake is so similar to the original cartoon that it feels like a child-friendly replica of Gus Van Sant’s “Psycho”. If you haven’t seen the initial “HTTYD”, this won’t make a difference; the new film retains the same witty plot, lovable characters, and John Powell score, which remains one of the most moving pieces of music from the 21st century. However, if you have seen the first film, this “How to Train Your Dragon” may feel like a repetition of familiar scenes.
As a devoted film lover, I must admit that the narrative in this new release seems eerily familiar. The characters, for the most part, bear striking resemblances to their previous counterparts. The dragons too, have returned, albeit in a live-action form, inhabiting a world teeming with flesh-and-blood humans, shrouded in a more subdued and authentic color scheme compared to the 2010 HTTYD. Dialogues from the original script seem to have been lifted verbatim. Interestingly, one of the franchise’s key voice actors, Gerard Butler, has graced our screens once again, reprising his role as Stoick the Vast – the valiant leader of a Viking village nestled in a realm also brimming with ravenous, fire-spewing dragons. Stoick is a fearless warrior, and while he may be distant at times, he is also a loving father to his quirky inventor son, Hiccup (Mason Thames), who often echoes the performance of Jay Baruchel in the original series.
As Stoick and his troops search for the dragon’s lair, Hiccup, the Viking prince, discovers an injured Night Fury dragon that he had inadvertently hurt during one of the monster attacks on his village. Using a unique weapon of his own creation, Hiccup inflicted a wound on the dragon’s tail, causing it to become trapped in a secluded gorge concealed within a forest.
As a Viking prince, Hiccup should have slain this dragon, but he finds himself unable to do so. Instead, he starts secretly visiting the wounded creature he names Toothless. After crafting a prosthetic tail for Toothless, Hiccup comes to understand that dragons are not as fearsome as they seem. Just like any well-loved pet, all they require is affection (and some tasty treats) to form a bond with a human.
Does this ring a bell? If you’re acquainted with the film “How to Train Your Dragon”, you likely will be. This new adaptation, however, extends by approximately 30 minutes compared to the 2010 movie. It seems like a faithful recreation of its predecessor in many ways. Hiccup learns to rely on Toothless, soars above Berk accompanied by Powell’s uplifting music, and gradually controls the dragons during slayer training using insights gained from Toothless (much like dogs enjoy being scratched under their chins). However, trouble arises when Astrid, the village’s top slayer (played by Nico Parker), becomes suspicious about Hiccup’s secretive endeavors. Additionally, complications escalate as Stoick reappears in the village and learns that Hiccup has become a popular figure, celebrated for his dragon-taming abilities.
In terms of remakes, “How to Train Your Dragon” has been beautifully brought to life by writer/director Dean DeBlois, who was also involved in the original animated film. The character of Stoick, played by Gerard Butler with a gruff yet loving demeanor in animation, is just as impactful here, despite being buried under layers of beard and braids. Even Toothless, with his large green eyes and welcoming expression, has been skillfully adapted to this new world with minimal alterations. I have no doubt that “How to Train Your Dragon” will continue to captivate young audiences today as it did 15 years ago, when it became a box-office success and an Academy Award nominee.
A remake is theoretically fine, but it’s often hoped that such an update would bring something fresh to the series. I find it hard to identify anything new or necessary in this instance, as it seems the main purpose is simply rebooting a franchise that seemed to slow down following 2019’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
By 2025 standards, the animation in the original “How to Train Your Dragon” might seem a bit outdated, but don’t let that fool you. Beneath its slightly aged appearance lies an engaging tale of growth and maturity, as well as a thought-provoking lesson about not making judgments based on appearances. If you dig deeper into this reimagined version, you’ll find… in essence, the same film you remember, readily available for your viewing pleasure whenever you wish at home. There are no new twists or turns, save perhaps the unexpected absence of any unexpected moments.
Additional Thoughts:
-I didn’t recognize Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, the father of one of Hiccup’s dragon-training classmates, until nearly the end of the film. This is because he speaks very little throughout the movie, making him hard to spot. It seems like a pity to have such a talented actor in a seemingly insignificant role. I wonder if they cut his scenes during editing or maybe there was some other reason for his reduced screen time?
RATING: 5/10
The 30 Best Movies of the Last 30 Years (1995-2024)
30. The Master (2012)
2012 saw intense discussions surrounding Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterpiece film, “The Master,” which bore striking resemblances to L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology’s origins. Critics and viewers found the movie’s underlying message obscure, leaving them questioning whether Lancaster Dodd, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, was a genuine spiritual guide or a fraud manipulating situations. The character of Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), with his primal instincts, seemingly contradicts the core teachings of Dodd’s faith. On a recent rewatch, I found that “The Master” is as much a complex love story as Anderson’s “Phantom Thread,” and it left me deeply moved by its narrative about a man who professes to erase past-life traumas but struggles to help his devoted devotee cope with trauma in the present.
29. Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
Has any man ever exuded more charm in a pristine white tank top than Denzel Washington in “Devil in a Blue Dress”? While it’s not the most objective method to gauge a film’s success, it’s worth mentioning that this movie, adapted from Walter Mosley’s detective novel, showcases one of the most captivating leading performances of the 1990s. Denzel Washington portrays Easy Rawlings, an unemployed factory worker who becomes involved in a complex and unexpected mystery after agreeing to help find a missing person. The supporting cast, including Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, and a young Don Cheadle as Easy’s friend Mouse, is exceptional, and the script by director Carl Franklin delves deeply into the racial tensions dividing 1940s Los Angeles. Moreover, you can hardly look away from Denzel Washington throughout this film.
28. The Favourite (2018)
27. Holy Motors (2012)
In simple terms, “Leos Carax’s Holy Motors” can be described as an extraordinary dream you’ll cherish without needing to sleep. It’s a raw burst of uninhibited subconsciousness or perhaps superconsciousness, and it serves as a poignant and melancholic ode to cinema, acting, and life itself. The film suggests that these realms are essentially intertwined, a concept reinforced by Denis Lavant’s exceptional performances in 11 different roles. He portrays a man named Oscar, who journeys through Paris in a limousine, seamlessly transitioning between various personas, such as a motion-capture artist, a gangster, and a beggar. The specifics of Oscar’s profession remain ambiguous, but it is evident that Holy Motors offers a powerful message about the lasting enchantment and untapped possibilities of cinema, even in an era when traditional moviegoing experiences are fading, and the emerging models of distribution are also under duress.
26. Jackie Brown (1997)
In the film “Jackie Brown,” I appreciate the authenticity of its characters. Max Cherry isn’t a suave, black-suited gangster; instead, he’s a scruffy man with thinning hair. Jackie Brown isn’t depicted as a skilled criminal mastermind; she practices her tough act before confronting an arms dealer. Louis Gara, in the midst of a robbery, even forgets where he parked his car at the mall. These characters feel real! It seems that some of Tarantino’s later movies might benefit from more of this human touch. Some viewers were disappointed when Jackie Brown was released because it wasn’t as flashy or intricate as Pulp Fiction, but even if Tarantino’s techniques aren’t as showy here, they’re spot on. The opening credits, partially modeled after The Graduate, give a clear picture of Jackie without her needing to speak, and scenes like the one where Ordell settles accounts with Beaumont are exceptional. Additionally, the film ends with one of cinema’s all-time great kisses – not because it’s incredibly sensual, but because it’s imperfect.
25. The Fabelmans (2022)
The remarkable aspect of “The Fabelmans” lies in its portrayal that, even after seven decades since the actual events depicted in its opening scene, Steven Spielberg still holds a deep infatuation with films, much like the young Sammy Fabelman who was captivated by “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Over the years, Spielberg has honed his craft in filmmaking, mastering the art of using visuals and sound to evoke feelings such as joy, empathy, fear, and understanding. However, he’s never lost sight of the reason why.
In the context of “The Fabelmans,” this reason is to share his personal journey, revealing both the bright and the dark sides of cinema and life. Cinema serves as a means for Sammy to manage his anxiety and loneliness, yet it sometimes pushes him further into isolation at home and school. His burgeoning interest in directing provides a connection with his artistically inclined mother (brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Williams), but it also risks revealing her deepest secrets. And now, decades later, this passion has equipped Spielberg to narrate this compelling tale, which is replete with life, love, joy, and sadness – qualities that make great films truly memorable.
24. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo have finally released their anticipated sequel to “Bridesmaids” with this hilarious comedy. They wrote and star in it as two friends who find themselves jobless at a furniture store in Soft Rock, Nebraska, following which they decide to splurge their severance pay on an extravagant trip to Florida. There, they cross paths with an attractive mystery man (Jamie Dornan, humorously poking fun at his own image as a chiseled ladies’ man) who is involved in a plot to demolish the town using genetically-modified mosquitoes. Yes, the old trope of killer insects is back.
Wiig and Mumolo are fantastic in their roles, discussing topics like Tommy Bahama attire and the charm of the name Trish, and the script is destined to be quoted until the genetically-modified mosquitoes attack us all. In these challenging times, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” has appeared like a pair of glittering culottes, shining as a guiding light to lead us out of the darkness.
23. Inside Out (2015)
Prior to his tenure as Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter was known for his exceptional talent within the company. He served as a writer for ‘Toy Story’, ‘Toy Story 2’, and ‘WALL-E’, and directed three of the studio’s most successful films: ‘Monsters, Inc.’, ‘Up’, and ‘Inside Out’. The latter is an exceptionally crafted tale that delves into the inner life of an 11-year-old girl, Riley. When Riley and her family move from Minnesota to San Francisco, her world experiences turmoil, triggering a struggle between her personified emotions in her mind. The design of Riley’s brainscape is continually innovative; each scene offers something intriguing to observe. Above all, ‘Inside Out’ stands out as one of the most insightful films ever produced, emphasizing the significance of sadness and grief in our lives.
22. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
The game “Donkey Kong” can be seen as an allegory for life, as it’s incredibly challenging and sometimes cruel. Success is often a matter of chance, regardless of your skill level. Sometimes you’ll find yourself fortunate, while other times you may be squashed by a barrel thrown by a vengeful gorilla who’s stolen your girlfriend. Despite any achievements, such as setting record-breaking scores, the game ultimately ends in death. There is no true victory, only the inevitability of demise. Additionally, you might encounter a cunning mustard sauce tycoon with a mullet.
“The King of Kong” isn’t just a film about two men battling for the top “Donkey Kong” player title. It’s a reflection of life itself.
21. Memento (2000)
Disregard “Memento” as a mere cinematic trick at your own risk. Although it boasts one of director Christopher Nolan’s most convoluted and intricate structures – if not the entire film industry’s – its complex interweaving timelines and flashbacks serve a purpose beyond capturing attention. They create a sense of disorientation that mirrors the fractured mind of the protagonist, Leonard Shelby (played by Guy Pearce), who suffers from a rare form of amnesia that prevents him from forming new memories.
Despite his condition, Leonard tirelessly pursues the man who murdered his wife. The initial scenes give the impression he has succeeded in his quest, only to systematically unwind through the preceding days to reveal the truth. “Memento” catapulted Nolan into the limelight as an exciting new director, but the character of Leonard is far from cool. He is ultimately portrayed as a tragic figure, driven by basic human desires – the need to believe that his life has meaning. Though Nolan would continue to innovate with filmmaking techniques and carry forward many themes from “Memento” throughout his career, he appears to have abandoned the dark humor that permeates the movie. From the chase scene where Leonard is unsure if he is the hunter or the hunted, to naming Leonard’s hotel the “Discount Inn” (as he spends the film questioning the story of Sammy Jenkins, a man he once met with a similar medical condition), this humor adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
20. L.A. Confidential (1997)
How deeply have we deconstructed nostalgia with the film “L.A. Confidential” now? It’s set in the 1950s, carries the essence of “Chinatown,” which was from the 1970s, and was produced during the late 1990s when it was still feasible to create a large-scale crime drama with few prominent stars (Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger being the exceptions among the main cast). Similar to its source novel by James Ellroy, “L.A. Confidential” shatters the idea that the 1950s were a simpler, happier era in sunny Los Angeles. As one character notes, this idyllic image has been marketed to us; the reality was mostly hidden until Ellroy and director Curtis Hanson brought it to light.
19. The Prestige (2006)
The film “The Prestige,” directed by Christopher Nolan, skillfully combines his signature elements such as intricate time structures, unexpected twists, morally complex protagonists, and recurring motifs like lost spouses. In Victorian London, the rival magicians played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman engage in a fierce competition that pushes them to extraordinary lengths, including murder. This film offers a series of stories within stories, delving into the concept of artists making sacrifices for their craft and the duality of good and evil inherent in every individual. Despite the revelation of its shocking twists, “The Prestige” remains an engaging watch, with each viewing offering fresh insights as you notice the subtle hints Nolan places throughout the plot – if you pay close attention.
18. The Social Network (2010)
As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but marvel at how authentically David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin depicted the beginnings of Facebook in the film they crafted. While some might question the accuracy, there’s no denying their uncanny portrayal of a specific archetype, embodied by Jesse Eisenberg’s Mark Zuckerberg: brilliant yet tormented, entitled, and yearning for affection and approval. In retrospect, Fincher’s decision to make a movie about Facebook in 2010 seems prophetic, as it mirrors the thematic continuity of his previous work, Fight Club, another narrative revolving around a disillusioned, isolated man whose rebellion against society yields unexpected outcomes. The casting of Justin Timberlake, a true-life rock star, as Sean Parker, Facebook’s co-founder and early executive, serves as Mark Zuckerberg’s Tyler Durden in this tale—Timberlake’s resemblance to Eisenberg is striking, as if they were brothers from different genetic paths. The aspiration that Mark harbors is evident: he wants to be just like Timberlake’s character. And yet, he remains so near yet so far.
17. Nickel Boys (2024)
In this line of work, I often get to watch a variety of good and exceptional films. However, it’s rare to come across one that feels genuinely innovative, a film that ventures into uncharted cinematic territories. But then, a gem like “Nickel Boys” appears. This is not just original; it’s daring, it carries a unique perspective – or in this case, two perspectives.
This is so because co-screenwriter and director RaMell Ross bravely chose to shoot most of his adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel using point-of-view shots from the viewpoints of its main characters. The extraordinary POV cinematography of Ross and Jomo Fray immerses the viewer into the minds and experiences of two young men enduring a brutal Florida reform school in the 1960s. (I still can’t fathom why Fray wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography.) If not handled skillfully, this technique could become a mere distraction. In Ross’ hands, it feels like you’ve experienced the world from a fresh perspective. Perhaps, we’ve also caught a glimpse of the future of cinema.
16. Past Lives (2023)
In a poignant and moving narrative, we delve into the unseen influences that shape our lives – be it fate, destiny, or as this story calls it, ‘in-yun’. This mysterious force draws individuals together yet pushes them apart, much like magnets abiding by the fundamental laws of physics. The tale revolves around two characters: a writer named Nora (Greta Lee) and an engineer called Hae Sung (Teo Yoo). Despite their inability to stay together, they’re bound by an intense connection that keeps them from drifting apart. Their paths cross multiple times – as children, college students, adults – with the world around them constantly changing, but their fundamental relationship remains constant, even when Nora is married to an American named Arthur (John Magaro) in their third encounter. The question arises: will Nora choose her husband or Hae Sung? Their emotional love triangle reaches a heart-wrenching conclusion that will leave you contemplating the pivotal moments and decisions that have molded your life, even when their significance becomes evident only in retrospect.
15. Boyhood (2014)
As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on the profoundly moving masterpiece known as “Boyhood.” For twelve years, director Richard Linklater and a dedicated team of artists secretly filmed the lives of a boy (Ellar Coltrane), his mother (Patricia Arquette), and sister (Lorelei Linklater). Some might dismiss it as Linklater’s autobiographical experiment, but the outcome is far more than that. It offers us a priceless time capsule – or better yet, a series of them – capturing the essence of American life throughout the early 21st century. We witness the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of this family, their love, heartache, and sacrifices echoing within each frame.
What sets “Boyhood” apart is its unique bond with time. The actors’ aging process on screen adds a touch of sweetness to certain scenes and deepens the emotional resonance of others. When Patricia Arquette speaks at the film’s end about her life, she does so with the authenticity that only twelve years of lived experiences can provide. As Roger Ebert once said, “We live in a box of space and time. Movies are windows in its walls.” In my opinion, I have yet to encounter a film that opens those windows as widely as “Boyhood” does.
14. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
In a unique blend, “Catch Me If You Can” stands as both a delightfully frivolous masterpiece in Spielberg’s filmography and an introspective examination of solitude and family. The stellar cast, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio portraying the cunning Frank Abagnale Jr., Christopher Walken as his weary father, Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams as two of Frank Jr.’s romantic interests, and Tom Hanks as the tenacious, humorless FBI agent Carl Hanratty, adds an extra layer of depth.
The cat-and-mouse game between Hanratty and Frank, marked by Frank’s ingenious deceptions and disguises, offers both amusement and poignancy. Both characters are so isolated that their perpetual chase becomes the sole constant in their lives, mirrored symbolically in their annual Christmas phone calls. (Adding to its melancholic charm, “Catch Me If You Can” might just be the saddest Christmas movie since “It’s a Wonderful Life.”) If you don’t find this film endearing, I have a knock-knock joke for you.
13. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
In my view, Mad Max: Fury Road stands out as the most remarkable car chase film of this era, a fact that’s hard to dispute. Yet, what truly sets it apart is its profound and even Biblical themes. It’s a tale of exodus from the doomed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, a quest for a new paradise. This journey is led by the indomitable Imperator Furiosa, brilliantly portrayed by Charlize Theron, with Tom Hardy’s enigmatic Max serving as our guide through the barren wasteland. George Miller’s masterful chaos serves as a testament that action movies can indeed be both exhilarating and intellectually stimulating. If someone tries to tell you otherwise, I suggest you look them straight in the eye and say, “That’s bait.
12. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
In his late eighties, Martin Scorsese continues to challenge both himself and his viewers, eliciting exceptional acting performances, and delving into familiar motifs that have characterized many of his masterpieces: the alluring yet destructive influence of wealth, and the somber and tragic undertones inherent in American history. The narrative this time revolves around the “Reign of Terror” which claimed the lives of numerous members of the Osage Nation during the 1920s, following their control of oil-rich lands in Oklahoma that made them a target for their white neighbors, including one (Leonardo DiCaprio’s Ernest Burkhart) who is married to an Osage oil millionaire (Lily Gladstone’s Mollie). It seems like I say this every time Scorsese releases a new film lately, but it may be truer of Killers of the Flower Moon than ever: If it is his final movie, it stands as an impressive finale to a remarkable career.
11. Boogie Nights (1997)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, which is both humorous, heartfelt, and tragic, offers a captivating journey through the vibrant era of Southern California’s porn industry. The narrative moves effortlessly like Heather Graham on roller skates, portraying a diverse cast of characters such as Burt Reynolds, a failed porn director, and Julianne Moore, a troubled yet nurturing figure in Amber Waves. It is unlikely that her character’s name is accidental; Anderson is not merely focusing on these individuals, but also America – beautiful, sensual, troubled, and drug-addled – in the late 1970s.
10. The Matrix (1999)
One of the few perks of growing older is being able to witness how films maintain their appeal over time. I watched The Matrix during its initial release with virtually no anticipation, and it turned out to be an exhilarating event that I can still recall the cinema, auditorium, and my seat number. The previews were intriguing, but the film itself left me captivated and amazed.
Even after more than two decades, it continues to impress me. My only qualm with this movie: It’s not advisable to play it in the background while trying to focus on work, as you’ll likely find yourself watching The Matrix for the 65th time instead of completing your tasks.
9. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
Among the numerous outstanding films released in 2007, one movie holds a unique spot in my heart: “The Diving Bell & The Butterfly,” directed by Julian Schnabel. This film is an adaptation of Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir detailing his experience with locked-in syndrome. Bauby’s tale and Schnabel’s portrayal of the message to live life fully left a lasting impact on me. As I exited the theater, I was inspired to propose to my girlfriend. Fifteen years later, with two kids in tow, that decision still seems like an excellent one. Re-watching it recently, I can attest that its impact remains as powerful as ever.
8. The Truman Show (1998)
Perhaps we’re actually living within a virtual world, for if we aren’t, then ‘The Truman Show’ eerily foreshadowed our current existence – marked by the erosion of privacy, product placement, escalating anxiety, and an overwhelmingly synthetic atmosphere. It’s as though this film somehow foresaw the intricacies of our reality in a way that seems implausible. Moreover, while ‘The Truman Show’ primarily revolves around a man living inside a massive television production, the experiences of its protagonist during the initial stages of the narrative make it an excellent reflection of a mid-life crisis – a time when one might ask, “Is this my true existence?!
7. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher’s film, “Zodiac,” is not just about serial killers; it’s a captivating journey through several decades of San Francisco history, as told from the perspectives of three men: a police inspector (Mark Ruffalo), who shares similarities with the character in “Bullitt”, a crime reporter for The Chronicle (Robert Downey Jr.), whose articles attracted the attention of the Zodiac Killer, and an amateur sleuth and codebreaker, Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), who remains fixated on the case long after the killings have ceased. What sets “Zodiac” apart from most other films is its exceptional portrayal of the relentless grip of an obsession that refuses to be shaken off. Fincher masterfully immerses viewers in this intricate web of clues and misleading trails through skillful camerawork and editing techniques. By the film’s concluding scene, after 157 tense minutes, every viewer will empathize deeply with Robert Graysmith’s unyielding determination.
6. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Viewed from a particular perspective, all films created collaboratively by Joel and Ethan Coen are twin performances. “Inside Llewyn Davis” serves as their duet on the theme of duets. Previously, I’ve elaborated that it isn’t merely a depiction of New York’s folk scene in the early ’60s; it also explores a string of minor calamities experienced by a talented musician (Oscar Isaac, marking his breakthrough) following the demise of his partner. It seems more than coincidental that despite Llewyn’s beautiful singing and guitar playing, his best composition is “Fare Thee Well.” The melody loses its charm when played solo.
5.Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s film, “Lady Bird“, explores several pairs of contrasting elements: The protagonist bears two names, and throughout the story, she has two romantic interests, two close friends, and so on. The narrative unfolds across two school terms, each marked by its unique play and social events like two dances, parties, and so forth. Her relationships with her parents are complex, as are her interactions with two different colleges and churches. All these dualities make “Lady Bird” a deep movie about choice – choices that, at Lady Bird’s age, seem like life-altering decisions. In many ways, they truly are.
4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
I can’t recall the specific location or date when I first watched “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” However, it was around two decades ago during my time living and studying in New York City. Unfortunately, the memory of that screening has faded away like many memories do over time. Yet, this seems to make me cherish the film more today than I did in 2004. One reason I find the movie so compelling is that it employs a science fiction concept (a troubled couple use advanced technology to erase their memories of each other, with both tragic and comedic elements) as a metaphor for natural memory loss. The performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are some of the most memorable in cinema history because their relationship is destined to end. In essence, every relationship eventually meets the same fate; much like a beach house being washed away by the sea.
3. American Movie (1999)
In a surprisingly humorous yet profound manner, the film “American Movie” chronicles the arduous journey of aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he strives to bring his long-nurtured passion project to fruition. The documentary offers a poignant and melancholic portrayal of unrealized dreams, as Mark persistently labors without quite achieving all that he aims for.
The film also beautifully captures the essence of friendship, with Borchardt relying on his comrade Mike to assist in the production of his low-budget films. It’s an enjoyable viewing experience when you’re young and heartbreakingly poignant when you’re older. Without a doubt, it ranks among the most remarkable American movies of our time.
2. Take Shelter (2011)
1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
In the Musso & Frank Grill, actors Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth meet producer Marvin Schwarz. Marvin proposes Rick to star in Italian Westerns, which leaves Rick disheartened, feeling like his career is over. As Rick steps outside, he breaks down in tears. The camera moves low, panning up to reveal the Musso & Frank Grill sign towering above the dejected duo. Beneath the restaurant’s name, the line “Oldest in Hollywood” stands out.
In this scene from Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Rick Dalton feels like an old-timer, despite having a few good years left. This film is a remarkable piece of work, with clever details like that sign serving as a poignant reminder of the passing of time – not just for Rick but also for the golden era of cinema itself.
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2025-06-12 00:59