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The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970). Billy Wilder's take on Sherlock Holmes was both refreshingly original whilst holding true to the original essence of the great detective. The first act sets contrives to perceive the sleuth in a rather intimate light, then sets forth to elucidate upon that which was hinted at. The result sets the stage for the anticipatory adventure, where ludicrous plot devices are managed with dark humor and Wilder's wit. The story is perfectly built up and executed, with Holmes just shy of perfect and Watson just shy of a bungler. The direction of course was amazing with flawless camera work taking advantage of the Scottish countryside. The score was simply befitting. This was a wonderful take on this tireless detective and his sidekick.

They Live (1988). How such a cult classic could simultaneously be silly and intensely witty is beyond me, but this film accomplishes just that. The genius here taking mediocre performances and creating a biting classic that may never go out of style. Roddy Piper is cast at the heroic everyman confronted with conspiracy at every turn, and his solution is to point his never-empty guns of redemption only to fire away with reckless abandon. With hilarious fight scenes, playful dialog (...and I'm all out of bubblegum), guns a blazing, and fun camera work, this flick is a highly entertaining political commentary on a malaise of the 80s that has yet to be cured. Merci beaucoup.
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