Travis Simpkins

Assassin's Creed (2016): Knights Templar and the Apple of Eden

Directed by Justin Kurzel, based on the popular video game series, Assassin's Creed (2016) received negative critical reviews but nevertheless scored high at the box office. The plot expands on the mythology contained in the games, with the alternating plot taking place in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition as well as the present day. The premise has an ancient band of Assassins protecting the mythical Apple of Eden, the source of free will, from the clutches of the Knights Templar. A contemporary sci-fi twist only adds to the far-fetched idea. The film is entertaining throughout despite the limited script, with great CGI action and effects. The cast does a good job with the material, including Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Brendan Gleeson, Charlotte Rampling and Jeremy Irons.

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Marion Cotillard

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender and Jeremy Irons

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Jeremy Irons

Assassin's Creed. 2016 Movie. Knights Templar: Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard

The Heiress (1949): Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift

Directed by William Wyler, adapted from a play by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, The Heiress (1949) received universal critical acclaim and won four Academy Awards. The story follows a naive young rich woman who falls in love with a passionate man despite the objections of her father, who suspects the man of being a gold digger. The mid-19th Century setting offers wonderful period costumes and sets that compliment the stunning cinematography. Olivia de Havilland deservedly won the Best Actress Oscar for her lead role. Montgomery Clift is great as her fortune hunting cad suitor. The supporting cast is good as well, including Ralph Richardson and Miriam Hopkins.

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift

The Heiress. 1949: Montgomery Clift

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift

The Heiress. 1949: Olivia de Havilland

Love and Death (1975): Woody Allen, Diane Keaton and Napoleon

Written and directed by Woody Allen, Love and Death (1975) is often considered to be the bridge between Allen's early slapstick comedy and his later intellectual/philosophical humor. Made between Sleeper (1973) and Annie Hall (1977), Love and Death (1975) combines his two burgeoning comedic stylings and Woody Allen himself cited the film as his own favorite work. Set in the early 19th Century, the film focuses on a cowardly man forced to serve in the Russian army and fight against Napoleon's forces. Both Woody Allen and Diane Keaton are in fine form in the lead roles. Olga Georges-Picot is excellent in a sexy standout supporting role as well.