“Frequencies” – Nathan’s Movie Challenge, Week 27
“Sometimes a tick is just a tick.”
I was a little worried at first going into Frequencies. No-name actors. Seemingly low-budget. Flat and sterile lighting…
Then the story unraveled, and I (mostly) forgot about all that.
It deftly toed the line between romance, intellectual sci-fi, and even a hint of a thriller. Very creative, and very effective.
Also, the music was well handled and noticeably helped the film reach the atmosphere and vibe it was going for.
I could have gone for a bit more schmaltz and a little less philosophy (perhaps more like About Time – also coincidentally from 2013), but I still came out the other end of this film happy to have seen it. It’s definitely a “me” movie and a solid recommendation.
Frequencies was at the time of this review at #33,837 on my Flickchart list of shame (ranked #35,301 among the best films of all time). Here’s how it entered my chart:
Frequencies vs. Night of the Creeps
As fun as Night of the Creeps is, I think Frequencies is a more interesting and better overall movie.
Frequencies vs. Pontypool
A curious pair, considering they both use words as an essential plot ingredient. I think I’m still overall most impressed with Pontypool.
Frequencies vs. The Purge
Both high-concepts, but Frequencies is the most rewarding of the two.
Frequencies vs. Escape from New York
It’s “cult film good”, but Escape from New York is not really a good movie. It’s pretty cheesy. Frequencies is better.
Frequencies vs. Faults
It’s a bit tough since I just saw these, but Faults is just a little more affecting, I’d say. It’s a smaller scope, but it’s quite well executed. It’s also the better-looking movie.
Frequencies vs. Coherence
I’m all about the “puzzle” movies, and Coherence is a good one, but I think I like the approach of Frequencies more.
Frequencies vs. Punch-Drunk Love
I’m not much of a fan of P.T. Anderson’s movies as a whole, or Adam Sandler, but Punch-Drunk Love is a showstopper. Incredibly powerful movie.
Frequencies vs. The Bourne Supremacy
Eh, Bourne’s fine. There’s good stuff in the whole trilogy, but each individual film kind of blurs for me. Frequencies stands alone.
Frequencies vs. Pinocchio
Pinocchio reaches places a lot of other Disney canon never does. It might be the scariest Disney movie ever made. The animation is incredible, and the music is timeless. It’ll win the match.
Frequencies vs. Casino Royale
The best modern Bond film, hands-down. Also the better film of these two.
Frequencies vs. Falling Down
My all-time favorite Joel Schumacher movie and Michael Douglas role. More people need to see Falling Down. I feel like no one ever speaks of it anymore.
Frequencies is now ranked #431 out of 1473 movies on my Best Movies of All-Time chart.
It’s now my 25th favorite Romantic Drama and my 15th favorite film from 2013.
Next up is The Great Dictator. In the meantime, check out the other films I’ve ranked during the challenge.