Category Archives: American movies

CROOKLYN (1994)

Spike Lee’s semiautobiographical depiction of his own childhood feels “true,” but really rubs me the wrong way.

1776 (1972)

Before Hamilton took Broadway by storm, there was another musical about the Founding Fathers, one that I love too much to be objective about.

DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)

Probably the best known movie about Native Americans, directed by and starring a very laconic white guy who I’m not sure can actually act. But I think it mostly works?

DELIVERANCE (1972)

Actor Ned Beatty passed away this week, so we revisit his first and most famous/infamous role.

PLATOON (1986)

A very violent, dark Vietnam movie written and directed by an actual Vietnam veteran, so I would say it’s high quality but your mileage may vary.

WEST SIDE STORY (1961)

About three-quarters of my favorite movie all-time, but not quite. Still sort of elemental to where musicals have gone since then.

ROCKY (1976)

A tiny boxing movie about a bunch of weirdos that became a massive cultural smash. I like some parts.

IMITATION OF LIFE (1959)

This over-the-top melodrama about mothers and daughters from director Douglas Sirk was considered populist trash at the time and is today seen as high art.