The Barbarian Invasions (2003)

Pseudo-intellectual clap-trap concerning the nature of love, life and death. Where everyone spouts opinions and brief monologues, but nobody ever draws close to a conclusion. Relationships are paper-thin and side-stories (the police man, the lost computer) are tacked-on and also go nowhere.

The film tries its darnedest to be relevant, even going so far as to include footage (and another brief rambling) of the World Trade Center attacks. However as with everything else in this wandering, meandering film, it also suddenly appears, then disappears without comment. As a whole, this is deeply unrewarding and not worth the time.

Gimmie Shelter (1970)

One of the most arresting and intriguing rock documentaries that I have ever been glad to see. At times very close (though never deliberately 'personal') and at times very fly-on-the-wall, Gimmie Shelter does only one thing well: Show very thoroughly what its like to be one of the biggest bands of all time. It does that in spades. What you also get is how frustrating it is for them to try and give something back, to benefit others. Everything is out of their control and things spiral outwards from there.

This couldn't have been done any other way.

The Great Train Robbery (1903)

While most often touted as a historical milestone, this analysis does the film a great injustice. It is entertaining and exciting by today's standards and should be seen as a still excellent short film, rather than treating it as a museum piece for connoisseurs only.

Though nothing exceptional sticks out by today's standards (though, a scene showing a person being bodily thrown off a moving train is still surprisingly effective) it almost crackles with the energy and excitement that the cast/crew must've felt when making the film. It has an unbridled energy that is infective and leaves an indelible impression.