Operation Avalanche (2016)

Sometimes I just need to take a break away from the computer and such, and that was what I did last night while watching a solid conspiracy driven mockumentary. The moon landing may be one of the most famous conspiracy theories out there, and it is one that I have looked into more than a few times. To my surprise, I found a new movie dealing with that subject, 2016s Operation Avalanche.

Plot/ In 1967, four undercover CIA agents were sent to NASA posing as a documentary film crew. What they discovered led to one of the biggest conspiracies in American history.

When I saw this one at Family Video I was not really concerned about the quality or any other aspect, I was drawn to the storyline and subject matter. For better or worse, I love conspiracies and the moon landing is one of my favorite rabbit holes to go down. I am sure there are many out there that are in the same boat on that subject. Matt Johnson is one of the most inspirational filmmakers today. While this movie is not perfect and it does have some flaws, there were enough elements surrounding the story to make it an interesting take on this conspiracy. I loved the feel of the movie, as it definitely transported the viewer back to that period with a solid combination of soundtrack and cinematography. The idea of the story and the performances were also decent. However, the atmosphere and some of the scripting were uneven, plus the pacing was a bit choppy – all elements that detracted from the final product. In the end, this mockumentary was a different and entertaining look at possibly one of the greatest conspiracies of all time. If you are like me and are into conspiracies, give it a shot.

The Shining (1980)

When thinking about Halloween and the dark, eerie times we live in, it is hard not to search for that perfect supernatural horror flick to make you look over your shoulder. While these are becoming rare, some classics leave a lasting impression.  Being in a Stanley Kubrick mood, I decided to take a trip down memory lane to 1980, and his classic, The Shining.

Plot/ A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where an evil and spiritual presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from the past and of the future.

The adaptation of the Stephen King classic may be one of the best horror / supernatural movies of the 1980s. While King was not a fan of Kubricks’ vision, it is truly a masterpiece. The atmosphere is dark and foreboding, the acting is outstanding, the cinematography is amazing, and the scripting perfect for the downward spiral into an abyss. Sure, there were some slow moments, but those are easily overlooked. In the end, The Shining is one of the most frightening films from my youth and one that stands-up to the test of time. If you have not ventured into this masterpiece, you are wrong. This is a must see for all horror fans. 

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Every once in a while there are movies that you just want to watch again. Of course, the reasons why may vary. That is the case with my next selection, Eyes Wide Shut. As icon Stanley Kubricks’ last film, there are so many different theories out there that remain unanswered due to his untimely death, and it is fun to watch, and re-watch this flick to see if any clues can be found.  

Plot/ A New York City doctor, who is married to an art curator, pushes himself on a harrowing and dangerous nightlong odyssey of sexual and moral discovery after his wife admits that she once almost cheated on him.

  

It is funny, this movie seems to pop up in many different arenas and conversations, and no, I really do not believe that it got Kubrick killed (could have, but…). Now after watching it again, it was definitely a lot better this time than when I watched it the first time years ago. There is no doubt that this is a Kubrick film, it had his attitude, atmosphere and edge. The storyline was interesting, the acting solid, the soundtrack amazing, and as always, the cinematography and direction were spot on. More importantly, it was a thought provoking movie, something that rarely exists anymore. In the end, this Kubrick entry is not for everyone, but it is a movie that should be seen and understood, of course the understanding may come at some later point. Check it out!