2023 Movie Diary, Part 4

10. HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (2009)

Wow, does this film ever pertain to the world we’re living in now, what with the encroaching darkness and seemingly wanton acts of evil. Will Harry and his friends understand what they must do before it’s too late? Will we? Great movie, but really dark. I mean that literally. Sometimes you can barely see what’s going on. It’s my only gripe.
Verdict: Wonderful, like every other film in the series. Just plan on squinting through some of it.

11. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)

There’s so much joyful perfection here, it’s almost embarrassing. Roles like Indiana Jones are hard to get right, and does Harrison Ford unforgettably nail it. Indy is both a send-up and homage on every old adventure serial hero, and is a rich and complicated character in his own right.  There’s absolutely not a frame of this movie that doesn’t fill me with happiness.
Verdict: Inductee, Laurie’s Cinematic Hall of Fame

12. REPTILICUS (1961)

No one does city-crushing monster movies like the Japanese. They stand alone as the masters of the craft. Unfortunately, Reptilicus comes from Denmark and the result is underwhelming. Not just because the story is crap, the acting worse, and the production values laughable. I mean underwhelming as in they forgot to give their monster legs (it has feet). And its superpower is green puke. Enough said.
Verdict: Just, no.
See it here if you’re some kind of sadist: (1) Reptilicus REMASTERED | Full Sci Fi Movie | Ann Smyrner | Mini Heinrich | Dirch Passer. – YouTube