2007 Movies

Last year to me was a slow year in terms of enjoyable movies, but all of that seemingly will change this year with these releases:

1) Ghost Rider - February 16
2) 300 - March 9
3) Grindhouse - April 6
4) The Condemned - April 27 (WWE's third film)
5) Spider-Man 3 - May 4
6) Pirates of the Carribean: At Worlds End - May 25
7) Hostel 2 - June 8
8} Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - June 15
9) Live Free or Die Hard - June 29
10) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - July 13
11) The Simpsons Movie - July 27
12) Saw IV - October 26

Now granted I know I'm probably the one person who's looking forward to these, but I'm sure they're are a few others who are looking forward to some of them as well.

Cage is in Ghost Rider right? If so, I think I shall pass, plus Ghost Rider sucked in the Marvel Ultimate Alliance so yeah.

But I cant wait for 300. Really the only movie as of now I'm looking for.

GHOST RIDER will be a floater. A good reason why its been passed around the schedule block.

OF course, that means it has a good chance that irish will like it.

As always It looks like 2007 is the year of the comic book movies!

I can't believe I forgot this one either. I've seen previews and this movie looks like it's going to be great: Killshot with Diane Lane, Thomas Jane, and Mickey Rourke. Now ronnie, even you have to be looking forward to that one?

Looks like the only one im interested in seeing is the new die hard film

Ghost Rider ***
(First Viewing)

In order to save his dying father, young stunt cyclist Johnny Blaze sells his soul to Mephistopheles and sadly parts from the pure-hearted Roxanne Simpson, the love of his life. Years later, Johnny's path crosses again with Roxanne, now a reporter, and also with Mephistopheles, who offers to release Johnny's soul if Johnny becomes the fabled, fiery Ghost Rider, a supernatural agent of vengeance and justice. Mephistopheles charges Johnny with defeating the despicable Blackheart, Mephistopheles's nemesis and son, who plans to displace his father and create a new hell even more terrible than the old one.

I know some will discredit this movie because it was done by Daredevil director, Mark Steven Johnson or some of the cheesy scenes, but overall, I really did enjoy this film. So much so, that I daresay it deserves a second viewing in theaters from me. First off, Nicholas Cage was GREAT as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider. At least he seemed to give a sh*t about this character, rather than just "going through the motions" as he seemed to in the remake of The Wicker Man. I've always enjoyed Eva Mendes' work since I first saw her in 2001's Training Day. She doesn't disappoint again as Johnny's love interest and reporter, Roxanne Simpson. Finally, Peter Fonda did a great job himself as Mephistopheles. He didn't shout or show a lot of anger, but the man got his point across and was a presence on screen. If you were debating to see this movie, I would recommend it. It might not be worth the $8.50 for some folks, but definitely worth a matinee showing.

dont forget teenage mutant ninja turtles

some of u are probably a little old for this show but when i was little that was all i watched along with batman & gi joe cartoons cant wait for the movie in march

TMNT Trailer

My friend & I will be seeing Ghost Rider later tonight. Granted it's more expensive that way. But the upside is less kids

I grew up watching The Real Ghostbusters, Healthcliff, Garfield, Dennis the Menace, Inspector Gadget, Duck Tales, and Alvin & the Chipmunks! My 2 favorite shows were probably Ghostbusters and Alvin

Let us know what you thought of it Iceman

Poor Iceman.......I hope he survived GHOST CRAPPER.

Did you see it yet ronnie?

Oh yeah, I saw it. I mean, those lame "Bad to the Bone"-cued TV ads that turned a cool iconic "dark" Heavy Metal-inspired anti-hero into a redneck-friendly, "brightful" hero....how could I NOT see GHOST RIDER? Its like those ads were intentionally pissing me off. Sometimes, I have to see a movie where its advertizing provokes outright hostility within me.

I read your review after I saw this post so you can disregard my previous post. I haven't read a Ghost Rider comic book so I can't comment on how he was in the comic book as opposed to the film.

There's a juicy, by no means comprehensive, list of 2007-released films here.

I'd have to say, whenever it comes out, be it soon or late, Lynch's Inland Empire gets me most excited.

Batman: TAS remains the most mature and simply the best cartoon out of those mentioned so far.

What's with you? There is no mention of David Fincher's ZODIAC that comes out very early March. Early word is that its his best damn movie since SE7EN (and this means superior to the really great FIGHT CLUB, the pretty good THE GAME, and the so-so PANIC ROOM.)

300 ****
(First Viewing)

Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" concerns the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army against the advancing Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world's first democracy.

Easily my favorite movie of the year thus far and I think the only contender to knock it from its throne will be Grindhouse. Everything I had heard about this film prior to viewing it was DEAD ON! This is most definitely a guys movie. Great battle scenes, humor, sets, CGI, cast, etc. I really loved the sets and CGI work in the film, as I did with Sin City. Visually speaking, both movies are breathtaking. I think this paid a great tribute to Frank Miller as did Sin City and will only help to encourage more Frank Miller graphic novel movies to be made. Worth a second viewing in the theaters. Whatever you do this weekend, see 300!

The Number 23 (2007;Schumacher) (1st time;theater) **

A man (Carrey) becomes obsessed with a book that appears to be based on his life but ends with a murder that has yet to happen in real life.

I saw this with my girlfriend while I was in California. I went in knowing it was directed by Joel Schumacher (director of the horrendously horrible Batman & Robin), but my girlfriend has a much simpler taste in films. I went in fully expected to be bored to tears.

I was pleasantly surprised, actually. Much better than Batman & Robin ever dreamed of being. It was a drastically different role for Jim Carrey, and I think he did a good job.

The biggest problem with the film, however, is Schumacher. The film is shot extremely well...it's just Schumacher is horrible at story-telling. The big twist comes at about 3/4 of the way through the film. It's a decent twist, but somewhat predictable due to Schumacher's "story-telling."

The film could have been great in the hands of someone like...say...David Fincher. But we're left with a film that had a load of potential, but somewhat falls flat because of Schumacher.

It's still decent, though.

Well, whenever I see an ad for NUMBER 23, or think of it...I think of Number 2.

Yeah, thats a cheap joke. Laugh!

Grindhouse ****
(First Viewing)

An homage to exploitation B-movie thrillers that combines two feature-length segments into one double-bill designed to replicate the grind house theatergoing experience of the 70s and 80s. In "Death Proof," a psycho named Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) stalks and kills beautiful women with his car. In "Planet Terror," a small-town sheriffs' department has to deal with an outbreak of murderous, infected people called "sickos." A gun-legged woman named Cherry (Rose McGowan) and her martial arts-wielding partner (Freddy Rodriguez) take on the zombie army. The two films will be fused together by fake movie trailers.

THIS is why I go to the movies. For my money, it doesn't get any better than a Robert Rodriguez & Quentin Tarantino double-feature. Planet Terror I enjoyed for it's cast (Rose McGowan, Marley Shelton, Bruce Willis and Michael Parks) and also because it had the very grainy look to it that made it visually just look worn and beat down. Death Proof I probably enjoyed more because I'm biased towards Quentin Tarantino but also because Kurt Russell got to play a bad guy (not to mention the hotties: Vanessa Ferlito, Rosario Dawson and Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Not to mention the HILARIOUS trailer's such as Machete, Thanksgiving, Don't and Werewolf Women on the SS. To me, Quentin and Robert's last 2 efforts (Kill Bill and Sin City respectively) just seem to be more personal projects for these directors and it seems to show in the final product because I've enjoyed their latest films to their earlier work. I made a prediction that either 300 or Grindhouse would be my favorite movie of the year and after one viewing, I give the title to Grindhouse with 300 being a close 2nd. Finally, this is one movie that has to be seen on the big screen. Do yourself the favor, fork over the matinée price of $5.50-$6 and SEE THIS MOVIE IN THE THEATERS! Please don't wait for it to come on DVD.

Is anyone surprised?

I am a little since all of the reviews I saw/read before yesterday's opening were only giving it 8/10. 300 everyone was pretty much in agreement that it was a 10/10. So yeah, I was a little surprised. Also, a friend of mine saw a midnight screening and he said he left halfway through Death Proof.

I read the Spider-Man 3 novelization earlier this week. It should be great.

Yeah it should. Either that or Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End should rake in the most cash this year.

I'm glad they're done with the Pirates series, so Depp can FINALLY start filming The Rum Diary

Actually I've heard they still might make a fourth. Apparently Depp's so in love with the character and Personally I don't know what else they could do after 3 but it's Disney, so who knows?

Let me put it this way....until unauthorized pictures are snapped for a geek movie news website, I won't believe RUM DIARY is happening until I see it actually happening with my own cyborg-bionic eyes.

Anyway, I hope it actually finally happens.

P.S. - Pizzaboy, novelizations usually are based on early script drafts of movies, so don't be surprised if the final film product is similar overall, but with substantial differences in the details.

Thank you Stan Lee.

Now I'm Stan Lee plus Strasberg?

I'm the luckiest girl at the prom this year!

Of the movies I12 mentioned the Die Hard film is the only one that I know I'll see, so far anayway.

Has anyone seen or heard anything about Nicholas Cage's new movie, Next? I've only just saw previews yesterday. I'm not a big Cage fan, but the movie sounds like it might be good. Something about a nuclear bomb in L.A. Anyone hear anything else about it?


TIS

Yes TIS, it's called Next directed by Lee Tamahori (Along Came A Spider, Die Another Day and xXx: State of the Union). The plot follow's a Las Vegas showroom magician Cris Johnson who has a secret which torments him: he can see a few minutes into the future. Sick of the examinations he underwent as a child and the interest of the government and medical establishment in his power, he lies low under an assumed name in Vegas, performing cheap tricks and living off small-time gambling "winnings." But when a terrorist group threatens to detonate a nuclear device in Los Angeles, government agent Callie Ferris must use all her wiles to capture Cris and convince him to help her stop the cataclysm.

Here's a link for more info. I'll probably wait for the DVD myself.

Trivia: Nicolas Cage had a small cameo in Rob Zombie's spoof trailer Werewolf Women of the SS as Fu Manchu in Grindhouse

Cage's fascination with Vegas is only eclipsed by his obsession with Elvis.

Cage is a tad over-rated. Not a bad actor, but the bulk of his filmography is rather unimpressive. However, Adaptation. is absolutely brilliant.

The Weatherman was pretty kickin' too.

Nicolas Cage kind of runs hot and cold for me.

Movies of his that I liked (in no order):
-Honeymoon in Vegas
-Leaving Las Vegas
-The Rock
-Con Air
-Face/Off
-Gone in Sixty Seconds
-Lord of War
-The Weather Man
-World Trade Center
-Ghost Rider

Movies of his that I didn't like:
-8MM
-Bringing Out the Dead
-The Family Man
-Adaptation.
-Matchstick Men
-National Treasure
-The Wicker Man

But to look at actors who hardly do bad movies, look at Edward Norton or Matt Damon (he's been convincing me lately).

I did see Leaving Las Vegas and as much of a downer as the film was, he was very good in it.

For whatever reason, I also liked ConAir. Many of his characters are a little too much "off the wall" for my taste. Don't know what his first movie was but "Peggy Sue Got Married" had to be close to his first movie (or maybe Raising Arizona??? :p). Anyway IMHO he started out playing "oddball" characters and it sort of stuck.

But back to this new movie. Checking I12's link, I see under filming locations that some of it is flimed in my area (more or less), and at "Morongo" which is an Indian Casino in my area.

If anyone sees this movie, please post your opinion, as I'm curious.

Thanks
TIS

Well yeah, Edward Norton is fantastic. My favorite actor, actually.

It's just funny though, because you and I seem to have a complete opposite taste in Cage films.

I fucking love Adaptation. I'm a huge Charlie Kaufman/Spike Jonze fan, and I feel as though Adaptation. is even better than Being John Malkovich, which seems to be widely accepted as their masterpiece. I love both though.

Honestly, my favorite Cage movie is HONEYMOON IN VEGAS, as silly as it is. Kind of funny because I loathe Sarah Jessica Parker.

I'm not a huge fan of Sarah's either pizzaboy but I haven't reached the point of loathing yet. As sad as it is, I've yet to see Raising Arizona. Maybe I'll pick it up at work tomorrow.

LLC, I know this is off topic but aren't you a big Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas fan? I've seen it twice and it's never done anything for me. I don't hate it, but on the same token don't see why it's so great (and I do love Depp and Del Toro). I'm thinking about borrowing it from my friend tomorrow. Maybe 3rd times will be a charm, right?

I forgot about Honeymoon in Vegas, yea that was ok too (although the Vegas backdrop brings any movie up a notch IMHO

I remember I had wanted to see 8mm when that was out. I never saw it at the movies, but it's been on tv and I just couldn't get into it.



TIS

I need to give that another shot too. I think I've only seen it once all the way through. I've been a bigger fan of Joaquin Phoenix since Walk the Line

This might be sexist but I'm gonna mention it anyway. If Hollywood could sell Sarah Jessica Parker as beautiful, they could sell anyone. I think Ernest Borginine is much prettier.

I never watched Sex and the City but the only thing that would compel me to would be Kristin Davis. For 42 years old, she's still beautiful!

I did her.

No 'Moonstruck' or ' City Of Angels' on your list?

You lucky dog

Never saw them

Being Irish is no excuse for never seeing MOONSTRUCK. Take it home from work tomorrow. And that's an order!

You want me to see a Cher movie? Really the only movies she made that were decent were Mask and Mermaids (an ex-girlfriend made me watch it with her and it was pretty decent).

Looking at the list, I've seen more Cage movies than I thought I did. I forgot about The Rock which was't too bad, as well as Moonstruck and Gone In Sixty Seconds.

A few of these movies, Bringing Out The Dead, Matchstick Men and Wicker Man, all "sounded" like they might be good but were in and out of theater so fast, I assume they were flops.


TIS

Why yes. Hunter S. Thompson is my favorite writer, a huge influence on my writing, and even my philosophy in life, and even fashion (that is, wear the weirdest fucking thing you can find, and make sure it under no circumstances matches). Fear and Loathing is my favorite book, and my favorite film. I tumble over laughing with each read/viewing.

I think where people go wrong with Fear and Loathing is this; they assume it should follow some sort of linear path, which is absurd, if you know anything about Hunter or his writing. The book itself is very unorganized... In fact there is one chapter in which they "lost" the transcript, and so, they simply transcribed the original tape recordings (Hunter often spoke his narratives into a tape recorder, and would type them up later... Sometimes even record actual conversations with people, that would later go into his articles and books) so they just typed up a verbatim script-styled version of the tape recording. Fear and Loathing isn't meant to really have a beginning, middle, or end. It's supposed to have a cohesively in-cohesive narrative.

Another thing is, I remember Capo's initial complaint that it was self-indulgent, and the moment the film realizes this, it thinks it can get away with whatever it wants, and that's when it starts to go downhill. Well, fuck, Hunter was a self-indulgent man, and he knew this, and this showed up in his writing. The very idea of gonzo journalism is a bit self-indulgent, no? The film is the best possible adaptation of Hunter's writing that I can imagine.

But I think the biggest fault is that people just don't get it. They watch the film, miss the subtext, and just assume it's a film about excessive drug use. This is most certainly not the case. The film is more or less about the generation that was lost in the crossover from the sixties to the seventies. From what I understand, this was a momentous change. The sixties were a time of liberal political uprising, and the liberal community found itself very close-knit. It seemed people were taking drugs for the reason of self-exploration, the music was there live up to a cause, and protests were a regular habit. People set out to make a difference. The 70s, on the other hand, marked the death of the hippies. The treachory of Nixon (*cough*tool*cough*) and Vietnam had proven to depress and maybe even dismantle the cause. Beyond that, recreational drug use was no longer about the trip, but instead, about just getting as fucked up as possible. I think this theme can be best summed up by the "Wave Speech" which occurs just after the scene in the Matrix Club, in which Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers makes a short cameo, and begins to lick LSD off of Johnny Depp's arm.

Beyond that, there is the whole American Dream aspect. There is a great deleted scene that would have served as an alternate ending (but would have also broken the beautiful flow of the end of the film) in which Duke stumbles upon a bar in the middle of the desert, which is ran modestly by an old man and his daughter. After proceeding in being his regular self-loathing being, Duke says something to offend the old man, and makes an ass of himself. It is then that he removes the glasses he's been wearing the entire film, and Depp explained it best himself, the glasses had been blocking him off from the rest of the world, from people emotions, and so on. As he sits there, after having made a fool of himself, he realizes, they spent the whole film on the strip, trying to find the American dream, when all along, it was just sitting out here in the desert. It's a great sequence, and would have really added something to the film, but at the same time adding it to the film may have ruined the great flow they create at the end.

Keep this in mind, and try to give the film a third, unbiased chance. I hope you enjoy it.

Personally, I can't stand her. The real stars of the movie are Brooklyn and the Italian-American experience. It's great in spite of her.

PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED ?

VALLEY GIRL ?

Wasn't he in Fast Times At Ridgemont High also????


TIS

You hit the nail right on the head. From the few viewings I've had of it, it's just a druggy movie (which I HATE!). To me, it's not entertaining to see someone get stoned or high in virtually ever scene of a film. In fact, it's rather depressing for me. But that is my problem, I just didn't get it and it was rather weird with all the drug use and such.

Yes he was TIS as "Brad's Bud"

And he was credited as Nicholas Coppola for the only time in his career.

Speaking of name-changing....

I'm sure Nic Cage's kid Kal-El will be desperate to change his name as soon as he grows up.

Of course, thats not as bad as bad as say Jermaine Jackson's "Jermajesty" or Jason Kee's "Inspector Pilot" in retrospect.

Yeah. Well, I don't mind drug use, so long as there is some intelligence behind it. And Fear and Loathing is an intelligent, and hilarious movie, I feel.

Where as, I don't get the Cheech and Chong series. It's not funny, and it's not entertaining. Just moronic.

I haven't seen the Cheech and Chong movies either

Cheech and Chong were good back in the day, but are dated now IMHO. I am sure I saw at least their first movies (Up In Smoke?), but mostly remember their albums. In particular, Jesus trying to cross the boarder, and of course who can forget "Dave's Not Here!"

Of course back in the 70's the album that had a zigzag the size of the album inserted inside was a plus for some.

TIS

I looooooooove UP IN SMOKE.

Okay, I have to admit... That is a very clever and funny marketing technique.

A pity that the planned-Cheech & Chong reunion movie got cancelled because ole Chong was on the Bong when the cops found him.

Anyway, FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS isn't a druggie movie Irish as much as someone would argue PULP FICTION is just about violence and drugs.

It was Hunter S. Thompson's time capsule view of America in the 1970s, as typified as he was trying to cover a bike race in Las Vegas. A basic sports story instead became Thompson's commentary of the nation. Certainly Depp in the film describes the high-tide "mark" left from the 60s drug culture and the waters receeding further and further away.

The fact that Terry Gilliam was willing to go all out for the movie, at the high risk of turning people off severly, shows how ballsy that genius prick is.

Depp and Del Toro kick ass for the Lord, and Depp delivering easily the best outstanding legend-creating performance of his respected career.

FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1998) - ****

Word.

I feel, aside from the "wave" speech, Duke's final words on Tim Leary, at the end of the film, are very important in resolving the theme of the movie/book.

"What Leary took down with him was the central illusion of a whole lifestyle that he helped create. A generation of permanent cripples, failed seekers, who never understood the essential old mystic fallacy of the acid culture: the desperate assumption that somebody, or at least some force, was tending the light at the end of the tunnel."

I looked today but we don't carry it

Can you even get an espresso in Texas ? Jeez.

Wait, Irish is in Texas?

P.S. - No Pizzaboy, only steers and queers...right R. Lee Ermey?

Full Metal Jacket, but Lou Gossett used the same line in 1982's An Officer And A Gentleman.

Ermey and Louis IRON EAGLE Gossett....now that's enough backup to make it true!

You forgot Lou in DIGGSTOWN, one of my favorite "sting" movies.

Yeah, just more proof that nothing good has come out of Texas...

(except for Explosions in the Sky)

Ahh yes, thanks for bringing that gem up.

I would also mention the first crappy version produced from the PUNISHER comic book, but its an insult to...

...The Lou.

AMEN to that

Great movie! Probably my favorite Louis Gossett Jr. movie

Spider-Man 3 trailer on regular tv, it looks great!

*hits the pause button*

Hold on, what?

Man, I'm a day late and a dollar short...as usual! Hate I missed this thread, especially when 300 was being discussed. I thought it was a delightfully different movie, sort of like Sin City meets Troy. Awesome acting (but Butler needs to leave the Snake Plissken role to Kurt Russell ;)), and out-of-this-world cinematography. I think it's the best thus far in '07.

Grindhouse looks pretty sucky just from the cheesy trailers (yeah, I KNOW it's supposed to look cheesy). But Tarantrino needs to stop his exploration of other genres and stick with what I think he does best: crime dramas.

I'm a little old for Pirates of the Carribean, but, darn it, I got sucked into watching the first two and now I have to see the third just to see how it comes out! Same with Spiderman 3.

That's why I've loved his last 2 films more than his previous work. The Kill Bills opened me up to not only Japanese Cinema, but foreign movies in general. Now I'm slowly getting into some Grind House films. I say continue to bring them on Mr. Tarantino.



The only reason I like the franchise is because of Johnny Depp. Although the first installment did surprise me very much and I enjoyed it enormously. However, I'm kinda like you with the third installment. I'm more excited for other films but going just to see how it ends.

I heard Keith Richards is supposed to do a cameo in the third Pirates as Jack Sparrow's father. That oughta' be hilarious!

The Kill Bills were okay, though I'm more partial to Hero, which, I guess, must've really flopped.

eh?

HERO was a huge hit around the world before it finally was released in America, and it was more gravy for them. The Weinsteins made money from simply distributing it.

Again, Quentin Tarantino is a brand-name. His name alone sells movies.

I don't know what it actually did. I just assumed it must've flopped because I never heard much about it post-release and it seemed like it went to DVD awfully fast. I suppose I could've did a little digging on IMDB.com or something, but, frankly, I'm lazy. ;-)

I enjoyed Hero. It's my favorite Yimou Zhang film. I've also watched House of Flying Daggers and Curse of the Golden Flower since they've been released in the U.S. I'd rank them:

-Hero
-Curse of the Golden Flower
-House of Flying Daggers

Yimou Zhang is far too colourful and far-fetched to be anywhere near "good".

I'll stick to black-and-white neo-realist films, thanks.

Your loss

But if I don't like black-and-white films, at least they don't stop becoming black-and-white.

Whereas comedies aren't comedies if they're not funny, right?

Just as horror films aren't horror films if they're not in some way frightening...?

Irish, you're trapped.

I love Yimou Zhang, by the way.

My gain.

Exactly. If they're not funny, stick them in the drama section.

AAAAGH!

But if a Drama is funny, do you stick it in the comedy section?

If a comedy has a sad scene in it, do you stick it in the drama section?

If an action movie has a scary scene in it, do you stick it in the horror section?

If a horror movie has a gun fight in it,do you stick it in the action section?

If an American-drama has half-Italian dialogue in it, do you stick it in the foreign section?

You're taking this way too extreme LLC. If a movie doesn't make me laugh at all, yes, stick it in the drama section (don't mislead people). If a drama is funny (and it has funny lines in it), stick it in drama. Goodfellas for example is a drama but has a lot of humerous dialogue. It's a serious piece but a lot of the lines I find funny. It's still a drama. It's not trying to be National Lampoon's Goodfellas

But if you did not find it funny, does this mean it is not a comedy?

I thought Shawn of the Dead was funny. The bulk of American audiences seem to disagree with me. Should it be put in the drama section? No. Horror? I don't think so.

I don't think that shitty Will Ferrell NASCAR movie was funny. Rednecks and people of low IQ did. Should it be classified as a drama? Never.

If I didn't find it funny it would mean it is not a comedy because it is a drama (same thing with Schindler's List.




Yes but the aim of the film was to be funny or to be a comedy, not a drama. So whether or not you laughed or found it funny, it belongs in the comedy section.

NUH-UH! It wasn't funny! It belongs in the drama section!

Girls...girls...this conversation belongs in the drama section.

Damn straight it does. Right next to the Unrated DVD of Harold and Kumar. What a sad, dramatic movie. It brought my grandmother to tears...

Because she was laughing so hard on account of the eighth of weed she smoked, which is actually what possessed her to rent it.

Now that post was funnier than all of EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!

If a comedy fails, it doesn't by default become a drama. That doesn't make sense, at all. Right, don't mislead people, by telling them this is a dramatic movie.

As if drama and comedy are mutually exclusive terms, anyway. (I think comedy's opposite is by definition tragedy, with drama, whatever that means, somewhere in between, or caught in the wilderness; but whatever.)

I've said it in another thread today, too, but the way you're using comedy, Irish, by definition, means there is no room for criticism. You're using the term as a criticism in itself, a positive criticism. It means that if you call something a comedy, it is by default very funny and worth seeing.

Wrong. There are loads of shit comedies out there. American Pie is a comedy, but I don't find it funny at all. It certainly isn't a drama, it is by stylistic conventions, a comedy. Add "teen" in front of that to signify its target demographic, but it's still a comedy.

Comedy doesn't mean good nor bad, it's just a shorthand label to describe a work's conventions. If a comedy fails to make you laugh, then it's an ineffective comedy. It's still a comedy, it's just not very good.

Know what I mean...?

The first question that you have to ask yourself is :

"Does it amuse you? Does it make you laugh? Funny how? Like a clown?

"It's here to fucking amuse you...?"

Spider-Man 3 *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Peter Parker has finally managed to piece together the once-broken parts of his life, maintaining a balance between his relationship with Mary-Jane and his responsibility as Spider-Man. But more challenges arise for our young hero. Peter's old friend Harry Obsourne has set out for revenge against Peter; taking up the mantle of his late father's persona as The New Goblin, and Peter must also capture Uncle Ben's real killer, Flint Marko, who has been transformed into his toughest foe yet, the Sandman. All hope seems lost when suddenly Peter's suit turns jet-black and greatly amplifies his powers. But it also begins to greatly amplify the much darker qualities of Peter's personality that he begins to lose himself to. Peter has to reach deep inside himself to free the compassionate hero he used to be if he is to ever conquer the darkness within and face not only his greatest enemies, but also...himself.

My pick to be the highest grossing film of the year but it wasn't as great as I had anticipated. I'm not quite sure what my expectations were for the film prior to seeing it, but it didn't have the same affect 300 and Grindhouse had on me (which was an IMMEDIATE secong viewing ASAP). The action sequences were great however I felt some of them were a bit choppy due to the extreme use of CGI and the lighting. I'm also not the biggest Sandman fan and thought they tried to cram too much into this film. They could have easily left it at Venom and the New Goblin.

The first is still my favorite movie of the trilogy and I really can't see this franchise going on without Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi (although unfortunately it might). This is definitely the best comic book franchise ever in terms of the films. Each of these films is great whereas Batman and Superman had some bumps in the road, nothing has slowed down Spider-Man.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END
(First Viewing)

After Elizabeth (Keira Knightly), Will (Orlando Bloom), and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) rescue Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from the clutches of the Kraken, they must face their foes, Davey Jones (Bill Nighy) and Lord Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander). Beckett, now with control of Jones' heart, forms a dark alliance with him in order to rule the seas and wipe out the last of the Pirates. Now, Jack, Barbossa, Will, Elizabeth, Tia Delma, and crew must call the Pirate Lords from the four corners of the globe, including the infamous Sao Feng (Chow-Yun Fat), to a gathering that will make their final stand against Beckett, Jones, Norrington, the Flying Dutchman, and the entire East India Trading Company.

Probably the weakest of the trilogy IMO. If you thought PIRATES 2 was long, this one's even longer (so prepare yourself). Not as much humor in this one and Johnny Depp I didn't find to be as loveably as he was in the original.

HOSTEL: PART II
(First Viewing)

3 beautiful college students are tricked into entering a hostel where the 'hosts' like to torture, rape and murder. Following a geographical tour of Slovakia, three women are lured into a hostel by a handsome young man who sells them to the twisted masters, who tie them up and bring upon an unthinkable world of pain.

A great sequel to follow up the original. A more in depth storyline that I thought was fascinating, since it focused more on how this business operates as opposed to focusing on another 3 American tourists who get captured, tortured, killed, etc. There was still some gore but probably not as much as the original. If you enjoyed HOSTEL, then I would endorse visiting your local theater to view HOSTEL: PART II.

FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER
(First Viewing)

After the death of Dr. Doom the Fantastic Four think life is back to normal. Reed Richards and Sue Storm make plans to get married, but are interrupted when the Silver Surfer shows up, trying to destroy the earth and it's up to the fantastic four to deal with them, as well as with the return of Dr. Doom.

Far superior to the original. As in GHOST RIDER, the special FX were out of this world (they really did a good job). I'm glad to see Tim Story and crew came back and did a better job with this Marvel property. I was surprised to see them get away with just a PG rating but they did a good job with it. Not as much humor in this one as there was in the original, but that didn't matter. The Silver Surfer character and again the special FX more than made up for it. I'm definitely looking forward to a third installment which I feel will be made. Also, there's talk of a possible SILVER SURFER spin-off. Can we be so lucky?

How did Miss Alba look?

Stupid question, like she ever looks bad...

There is some funny talk of Alba over on IMDB's discussion forums for the upcomming sequel to Sin City... Petition's to remove her from the film on the basis she won't go topless... bashing thread's... thread's calling her a slut... Oh, and one includes a quote from an interview in which she stated she's a fan of one-night stands, as long as the guy is gone when she wakes up. She's not a fan of cuddling, so it'd seem.

That don't make her a bad person.

I did read a recent interview with her where she stated she'd like to do a project that empowered women.

Rabble rousing slut!

That'd have to be a propaganda film, since, you know, all women are objects and all that.

I knew I could count on you, Capo.

Definitely. Women are just animated, portable vessels for depositing sperm when we see fit.

In the mouth, in the ears, in the hair, on backs, on stomachs, on, up, in... yeah.

Some of them aren't even animated.

Pirates of the carribean: At Worlds End ***
Better than the second film of the trilogy, but not as good as the first film. This film confirmed to me that Orlando Bloom cannot act, but that's just my opinion. Although it is a long film, it is filled up with many plots which can get confusing. All in all I enjoyed this movie although I do not want Disney to make a sequel even though they probably will considering Depp loves the character, as do the fans. I also think Geoffrey Rush and of course, Johnny Depp stole the show.

She looked good, maybe better than in the original. However suspect_5 is obsessed with her. I think she's attractive (she's not ugly), but I just don't see her as this "goddess" like every other male in the country seems to. I'd take Natalie Portman over her any old day of the week good sir!

BTW, did you ever get to see MR. BROOKS this weekend?

One of the funniest posts I've read in recent memory. Capo, like LLC, you have your moments and can put a smile on my face

Well, Bloom couldn't act in the first film....but Bloom was a different man in PIRATES 2. He seemed useful and worth a shit....and hey, he ACTED.

I know change and internet don't go together, but COME ON...

Hey Irish, why is it that you see every bad parody comedy and horror slasher, but not for BUG?

Its that good.

She looks good from the projection room.

Well, you know what I always say; a woman without a baby in her uterus is a woman with bruises.

Why do you think they make those belts with studs in them, anyway?

LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
(First Viewing)

When a criminal plot is in place to take down the entire computer and technological structure that supports the economy of the United States (and the world), it's up to a decidedly "old school" hero, police detective John McClane, to take down the conspiracy, aided by a young hacker.

3 words sum up this movie for me: better than expected. Since day one I was against the idea, especially when I heard it was going to be PG-13. And even though it's not the old McClane that we all love and remember, he's not very far off. Justin Long did a great job in a big Blockbuster movie providing the humor outlet and Mary Elizabeth Winstead continues to grow as well. The Kevin Smith cameo was a nice touch but what impressed me the most with the film was Timothy Olyphant as the villain. I'll always remember him from SCREAM 2 as Mickey and he's done some fine work on HBO's DEADWOOD series, however I haven't seen him in many movies recently.

But back to the movie, yes I thought it was another unnecessary remake. I could have lived without seeing McClane again, especially watered down to PG-13 rating so the teenie bobbers could get in on the action. However, from all of the other sequels I've deemed unnecessary these past few years, this is probably the best. I've heard rumors of a DIE HARD 5 and even though I'm against that as well, DIE HARD 4 paved the way that could make a possible DIE HARD 5 equally as good. For the franchise I'd rank them as follows:

1) DIE HARD: WITH A VENGENCE
2) DIE HARD
3) LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
4) DIE HARD 2

Why like DHWAV over DIE HARD?

Its not like "Seperate But Equal" like say the first 2 GODFATHER epics.

As much as DHWAV rocks....DIE HARD is a fucking masterpiece, yo.

Just watch as Irish doesn't say anything at all, because you know what? HE KNOWS I'M RIGHT.

Just my 2¢ - sometimes when someone doesn't respond to your post it doesn't mean they agree or disagree with what you've written. They may have gone offline to take a dump; they may have gone to sleep; they may be busy watching a movie; hell, they may not even give a damn about what you've written.

We'd all be better off if provocative posts, such as what you posted above, are left off the boards.

I agree SC and thank you

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX 1/2
(First Viewing)

After returning to Hogwarts to begin his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter discovers that much of the wizarding world, including the Ministry of Magic, is in denial about Lord Voldemort's return. The Order of the Phoenix, a group sworn against Voldemort, is using its vast array of wizards and witches magical abilities to combat Voldemort. Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, suspects that Dumbledore is using these claims of The Dark Lord's return as a means to over-throw Fudge as Minister. In retaliation, a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is appointed by the Ministry in order to keep an eye on Hogwarts. This new teacher, Professor Umbridge, implies strict new teachings and rules, forcing a group of students, under the tutelage of Harry, to form a club, by the name of Dumbledore's Army.

A better adaptation of the book than GOBLET OF FIRE. Unfortunately, it seems Warner Bros. is going to continue to handcuff the franchise but putting a ceiling on how long the films can be. I'd settle for extended versions a la THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, but haven't heard anything about that. The darkest film of the series thus far and I'm glad. Harry's growing up and things are becoming more serious. I think the first 2 films could get away with being warm, fuzzy and family friendly, but as the ratings for GOBLET and now PHOENIX show, things are getting more intense with a bump in the ratings from PG to PG-13. Hopefully THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE can continue the momentum, not to mention it's my favorite book of the series thus far.

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE 1/2
(First Viewing)

When Homer mistakenly pollutes the river with toxic waste from the power plant, he loses his job and forces evacuation from Springfield, possibly forever.

Ok, we're in the clear. The movie didn't tarnish the memory left by the show. I was skeptical going into the film with the likes of SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT and FAMILY GUY PRESENTS: STEWIE GRIFFIN - THE UNTOLD STORY as other benchmark films. And while most of the jokes were jammed in at the beginning to get the viewer hooked, it was most definitely a treat to be able to sit in a theater with other fans of the show and enjoy it collectively. I definitely wouldn't mind seeing this in the theater again and if you're a fan of the show, I'd say it's your duty to see it on the big screen.

Okay you delinquents and child support-dodgers, what is the BEST movie of 2007 so far?

I vote this:

Me too.

I seen this movie last night. Professor Umbridge, what a bitch!! I kept hoping he would have used his magic on her like he did his Uncle's Sister. I enjoyed the movie.

How many more HP movies are they going to make?

As many as there are books, I would imagine (and hope). Two more, then, I think...

I watched it last night, and I must agree. Fantastic film.

Even though it's a comedy, one has to be reminded of Hot Fuzz when thinking of the best film of the year. However I'm not saying it's the best I just thought of that when Zodiac was put up. I have not seen Zodiac but after seeing these posts I'll probably take a look at it.

I didn't choose Zodiac because it was a serious film.

Comedies are as valid as dramas or thrillers or horrors or anything else. There aren't any inferior genres.

HOT FUZZ is damn hilarious. It'll probably mark high on my Top 10 list for 2007.

The only times genres are in their doldrums are when the most creative talented people don't work that genre.

Look at the crime genre. We've had good/great stuff on a streak since THE GODFATHER (and up to last year with the popular THE DEPARTED), decades after that studio-gangster run in the 30s/40s.

The Horror genre though suffers from being worked by music video hacks and geek-jobbers (Eli Roth).

Maybe thats why I hope Rob Zombie shuts all those assholes up and hits a homerun with his HALLOWEEN remake.

There are of course intolerably bad films in any and every genre; but that doesn't make the genre itself any less or more valid.

Genres should never be a mark of quality, but of convention. I'm against "teen slasher" or "rom-com" being shorthand ways of saying a film's bad.

Though that doesn't mean they're not.

I just took 2 of my kids and a couple of their friends to a special screening of the film Hot Rod . I have a friend, who works for Lion's Gate, who gave me the passes.

It was a screwball comedy, but not the typical screwball comedy as it mocked itself throughout. Certainly, it wasn't a film that I would have paid to see, but I admit that I laughed out loud more than once. I know it had SNL comedians Chris Kattan and a guy named Sandberg, I believe, as the stars, but to tell you the truth, I couldn't tell you which was which. I probably should get to more movies.

Anyway, the friend at Lion's Gate, as part of her job, usually takes some of the actors and actresses out socially when they are in certain cities for premiers. The past couple of nights she has been hanging out in Philly with Peter Fonda, who apparently told her quite a few interesting stories about Marlon Brando. I'll pass them on when she tells me if anyone is interested.

Peter Fonda hu? I use to love Peter Fonda. Everyone has heard of Easy Rider, but what about "The Wild Angels" also with Bruce Dern??? Remember "Blues Theme" anyone? Loved it!!!

Anyway, Kly, Brandon was always kind of mysterious, so give us the scoop.

TIS

Bumping this one up as the year end is approaching. Anyone wants to post a fresh list?

I don't go to many movies a the theater but did go a few times this past year. I did enjoy Zodiac, loved Across The Universe, but my favorite movie this year has to be The Bourne Ultimatum. I loved it. I don't want to "own" many movies, just the ones that really standout. The Bourne series is a must for me. I have only the first one thus far.

TIS

I have watched the second one in the series. I will probably watch the third one too, if it doesn't go off very soon from $-theater here. The first part is at the top of my blockbuster queue, but it is eternally with a "short wait"

I assume you've seen the first in the series as well? I never saw the first two in the theater. I caught the first one just this past year on tv and was hooked. I rented the 2nd one just days before I saw the third installment at the theater. I just love the action and edge of your seat excitement. I can't say I ever really saw anything with Matt Damon (that I can recall), but he is perfect for this role IMHO. Since it didn't seem to be running out of steam by this third film, I am hoping for yet another.

TIS

No I haven't seen the first one, that is the reason it is on my blockbuster list. But those guys really want to frustrate me by make me watch them all in a bad order

I'm for it, but I think ULTUMATUM is a suitable conclusion, everything wounded up neat & tiddy.

I mean, be careful about wishing for another movie. THE GODFATHER 3 anyone?

Seriously, the BOURNE pictures are the most satisfying trilogy, in and out, since Leone's "Man With No Name" movies in the 60s.

That's right, better than STAR WARS, better than THE GODFATHER, better all around.

I say watch BOURNE IDENTITY before you watch ULTIMATUM, because the latter is enriched more by having seen IDENTITY because the latter is about coming full circle, and after audiences have expected from a well-oiled fighting and evading machine, he is now an outdated and worn-down model. There are faster and smarter descendents of his within the CIA....

Yes RR, your point is well taken. Ultimatum could easily end where it did. Then again, I thought it was left open to lead into another movie. However, it will wear itself out if not ended at the appropriate time. But, when is that? For some reason I tend to keep wanting more of this series. So I guess it's good that it's not up to me.

TIS

Probably this week I'll give my top 10 for the year (still have to see THE GOLDEN COMPASS and maybe one or two more before the year's end but for the most part, I think my list is set).

Get it in-store when you bring your online rentals in to swap out

What the fuck is James Bond doing hanging around with Polar Bears?

I wish to God that there was a better mail-in DVD rental service than BLOCKBUSTER or NETFLIX. They both can suck it.

My top three of 2007, production-wise:

1. Zodiac
2. The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford
3. The Darjeeling Limited

Of course, according to UK release date (not production date), my list would read:

1. Inland Empire
2. Iklimler (Climates)
3. The Fountain
4. Zodiac
5. The Science of Sleep

I can't fucking wait for I'm Not There, No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood, Lust Caution, Paranoid Park and Youth Without Youth.

Wnhat a fantastic fucking year for American cinema.

Here's a rough list without having seen a few movies I'd still like to watch this year:

1) GRINDHOUSE
2) 300
3) TRANSFORMERS
4) NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
5) MR. BROOKS
6) SUPERBAD
7) OCEAN'S THIRTEEN
8) ZODIAC
9) GHOST RIDER
10) HALLOWEEN