The Last House on the Left

Release Year: 1972

Director: Wes Craven

Review: Director Wes Craven would go on to direct landmark horror franchises such as 'Nightmare on Elmstreet', 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'Scream', but it all started with this film.   In it, an attractive teenage girl and her friend decide to go into a bad part of town for a concert when they are abducted by a group of psychopathic escaped murderers who take joy in torturing their captives.  While there is some disturbing content, it doesn't go to outright exploitation.  The problem is its not all that scary either.  I had a hard time taking the 'evil' gang seriously when they're persona is so over the top.  The borderline comical portrayal of the group clashes with the seriousness of what unfolds.  The narrative is clunky and seeing terrible things happen to innocent people got tiresome quick.   Fortunately, there is a fantastic revenge fantasy played out which ultimately saves this from being a complete waste of time.  It's sloppy, but at least there are some memorable moments which make it all worth it.
Rating: 2.5/5

The Godfather

Review: Considered one of Hollywood's best pictures and for good reason. Coppola makes a gangster film about family and it is riviting from the first scene. Although the family might be dealing in illicit activities, they are true to themselves and that is the heart that pumps this movie. This is a character driven film and each member of the family has their own, powerful, personality which drives the plot. There is a reason this film is loved by so many. It is nearly flawless and despite being nearly three hours long, it never gets boring.
Rating: 5/5

Aguirre: The Wrath of God

Release Year: 1972
Review: A Herzog film with a simple plot and a complex character. The film is about a small group of Spanish explores searching for the riches of El Dorado and who manipulated into mutiny by a soldier named Aguirre. Watching the degeneration of Aguirre, played by Klaus Kinski, from a conniving tyrant to a power obsessed madman is chilling and fascinating. Beyond the demented Aguirre, the film is shot on location in the Amazon and is worth seeing for absolutely beautiful and authentic feeling shots.
Rating: 4/5