A Geek’s Month in Review: June 2012

In what rapidly threatens to become annual event, as in March’s focus on Noir, we turned our attentions westward this long Summer June.

“West of the 49th Parallel” we dubbed our month this time, moseying back and forth along the border. Half the movies were old favourites, others were newer productions, with a special look at Canadian perspectives.

Some were purely traditional, others unconventional. Some surprised, and others disappointed. All reminded us how much we love a good western.

Here then are the trailblazers, outstanding in their fields. My favourite, surprise, disappointment, least-liked, and extra to pack for the road.

And please feel free to groan as I wish you all a heartfelt “yippee ki-eh!”

Favourite
High Plains Drifter (1973) on 2012/06/15

* * * *

“High Plains Drifter is like a cynical retake of High Noon, with the main character sowing dragon teeth first. It’s amusing and insightful, very twisted yet satisfying, among my favourite westerns of all time.”

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Surprise
The Englishman’s Boy (2008) on 2012/06/24

* * * * *

“The importance of The Englishman’s Boy is less its western trappings than its powerful take on history, socio-political and personal alike. As the script itself observes, “This isn’t the kind of truth anybody wants. It doesn’t have much public appeal.” While the claim might have validity, it is also the sort of truth we’d all do well to recognize.”

Disappointment
Six Reasons Why (2008) on 2012/06/28

* *

“Of Six Reasons Why as a whole, I can only say I’m sorry, I really wanted to like it. I searched for all the justifications I could to recommend it, but the striking visuals were not enough, overall. It’s interesting as an exercise in looking slick on a budget or, alternately, as a well-funded student film.”

Least-Liked
All Hat (2007) on 2012/06/12

* *

“What has Keith Carradine, Rachael Leigh Cook, Graham Greene, Ernie Hudson, and Stephen McHattie, but only two stars . . . ?”

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Show Me
The Missouri Breaks (1976) on 2012/06/10

* * * *

“I bought [The Missouri Breaks] for one reason only. It had both Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson on the cover. I had to see what would happen with that pairing.”

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