Travis Simpkins

Rashomon (1950): Akira Kurosawa's Samurai Tale

Co-written and directed by Akira Kurosawa, Rashomon (1950) was a combination of two stories by Ryunosuke Akutagawa: "Rashomon" and "In a Grove". The film was innovative in it's use of a complex storyline combining different views of the same scenario... after a samurai is found murdered in a nearby forest. With cinematography by Kazuo Miyagawa, the visuals presented are unforgettable. Rashomon is widely considered to be a masterpiece... and the film that introduced Japanese cinema to Western audiences. The cast is great, including Toshiro Mifune, Masayuki Mori, Machiko Kyo, Takashi Shimura and Minoru Chiaki.

Rashomon

"Rashomon"- movie trailer

Warlock (1989): Julian Sands and Satan's Grand Grimoire

Directed by Steve Miner, and written by David Twohy, Warlock (1989) has become a Horror Cult Classic. It spawned a modest franchise, including sequels and video games for SEGA Genesis and Super Nintendo NES. Completed in 1988, the film was not released until 1991 due to the financial difficulties of the original production studio. The story concerns a Warlock, a male witch, who time travels 300 years from 1691 Boston to 1980's California in a quest to reassemble the scattered pieces of The Grand Grimoire: Satan's Bible. Julian Sands is excellent and terrifying as the Warlock. Richard E. Grant is great as the 17th Century witch hunter sent to stop him. Lori Singer is wonderful as the 1980's gal that helps save existence.

: Warlock

Julian Sands: Warlock

: Warlock

Julian Sands: Warlock

: Warlock

Julian Sands: Warlock

: Warlock

Julian Sands: Warlock

: Warlock

"Warlock"- movie trailer

Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Eddie Murphy Investigates an Art Gallery Drug Front

Directed by Martin Brest, Beverly Hills Cop (1984) took in $234 million at the box office during it's initial run, making it the biggest hit of 1984. The story concerns a street-smart, wisecracking Detroit cop that heads to Beverly Hills to conduct his own investigation into the murder of his friend… and finds himself up against a wealthy art gallery owner that is peddling much more insidious things than just fine contemporary art. Laughs, action and sharp dialogue permeate the well-written script. Eddie Murphy is great as Axel Foley, the reckless smart-aleck cop. The supporting cast is good as well, including Bronson Pinchot as an art dealer, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton and Ronny Cox.