On The Waterfront (1954)

In most cases, a film must be judged by how good its actors make it, but this is one of the rare occasions where it's judged based on how good it makes its actors. The success of On The Waterfront comes from how charismatic and powerful it makes the oft-overrated Marlon Brando. His performance as Terry Malloy in the film, if not a bit over-hammed at times, is the perfect example of the power of one against many, and ultimately redeems the film of its somewhat predictable plot. As the film unfolds, he transforms from just another ordinary dock worker, blindly loyal to the mob running his career, into someone extraordinary - someone who stands up for what's truly right. To say Brando completes the change all on his own would be giving him too much credit - Eva Marie Saint (Edie Doyle) and Karl Malden (the town priest, Father Barry) are equally important to his development along the way. If there's any question as to the film's impact along the way, the final scene will ultimately crush it. It is truly one of the most powerful scenes in film history, and cements the status of On The Waterfront as a film not to be missed.

3.5 stars out of 4
8.5/10

The Godfather (1972)

Ahh, The Godfather. Believe it or not, I hadn't had the pleasure of seeing this fine film until last night. For all of the "best movie EVER" claims it receives, Coppola's work held its own surprisingly well. Is it the best film ever? For my money, it's not. It's very good, but not perfect. The opening wedding scene takes WAY too long, and at times the scene changes are a little choppy and hard to pick up on. That said, its faults are few and the performances by so many great actors in their primes are real treats. In particular, James Caan (Sonny Corleone) and Al Pacino (Michael Corleone) are outstanding; the former for creating an absolute scumbag character we ultimately sympathize with and the latter for his drastic emotional and psychological development from fringe family member to mafia Don. In many ways (I still don't understand the appeal of Marlon Brando), the performances are actually better than the overall film itself. So with that, I ask again: best movie ever made? Perhaps not, but it's one everyone should see.

4 stars out of 4
9/10