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Movies You Just Watched Discussion

Posted By: Irishman12

Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/05 05:14 AM

I know as of late I have watched movies more than I normally do and that's because school just started and I haven't been tied down with a lot of work yet, so I'm taking full advantage now. Since last Thursday I've seen:

-Catwoman
-Friday Night Lights
-Anchorman
-Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
-Elektra
-Garden State
-Troy

So I've decided to make this thread for anyone who's seen any movie as of late and wishes to discuss it, so I guess I'll start first.

I watched Garden State last night and I enjoyed it. It wasn't a great movie but definitely a good movie with some added humor that I enjoyed very much. Not to mention the very GORGEOUS Natalie Portman is in it!

As for Troy, I was kind of disappointed. I had heard bad things about it and I didn't like this movie all that much. It's not as if it was a bad movie because I have seen worse. But I can't describe how I feel about it. I just thought it wasn't great or even good for that matter. But tomorrow I'm hoping that I can get into seeing House of Flying Daggers tomorrow for free with my friend. If not I'll be watching King Arther
Posted By: MistaMista_Tom_Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/05 05:22 AM

nice thread idea , im always up for discussing movies...

I just saw

Napolean Dynamite
Dinner Rush
Swingers
Get Shorty
and The Aviator

Napolean Dynamite was pretty funny but also pretty pointless as I was told it would be. Dinner Rush was excellent, highly underated film, can't understand why it didn't get more press upon it's release. Swingers I was just watching because I had nothing better to do, I've seen it before, always good. Same for Get Shorty, actually the first time I watched it since I got it for Christmas. And the Aviator I recently saw in theaters. Overall pretty good. I get tired of these new, big budget, over dramatic movies Scorsese is making (Gangs of New York, and now this) I really wish he would just go back to the old gangster flick and crank out one more with DeNiro and Pesci before they all up and die on us.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/05 05:33 AM

I have seen Dinner Rush a long time ago and didn't like it at all. I thought it'd be more about the mob and it was about a restaurant. Nothing really too great about it except the food looked great!

I LOVED The Aviator and I'm so glad that I FINALLY got to see it in the theaters in New York with my ma while I had the chance. Can't wait for it to come to DVD.
Posted By: MistaMista_Tom_Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/05 05:36 AM

I can see where someone going into that thinking it was going to be a heavy duty Mob story could be dissapointed. I personally thought the few mob characters (Danny Aiello, Mike McGlone) did a great job of spiking the story of the restaurant with mob influence here and there. especially in the ending.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 03:19 AM

Funny, I was just wondering why the GBB didnt have a Proview thread started, with all the MFA members we have around here.
Watched Taxi Driver last night, havent had much free time in the last few weeks to really watch anything.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 03:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I have seen Dinner Rush a long time ago and didn't like it at all. I thought it'd be more about the mob and it was about a restaurant.
Dinner Rush was a great film, a feeling of a mob movie if it was directed by Anderson or Altman. The dialogue was also excellent. It doesn't matter if it wasn't ON about the mob, you can't deny it's great direction, cast, acting, and most of all, dialogue.
-----------
Is this thread like the Movie Boards Proview in posting movies we have just watched, or movies we have seen for the first time.
Posted By: scarfacetm

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 03:28 AM

the godfather series, and gotti.
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 03:38 AM

Laurence of Arabia-
Great epic. Great acting. A masterpiece.

Napoleon Dynamite-
Hillarious. Best comedy I have seen in a long time.

Harold and Kumar-
Some laughs. Better then your average comedy.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 03:56 AM

Oh well, I'll post my Proviews from the MB from the past week or two. Note I'm on a 4 Star Scale now, not 5
--------------------
Taxi Driver - (Scorsese;1976;USA) - ****
A powertrip into the mind of a paranoid and depressed taxi driver trying to live in a constricting society of crime and filth. A masterpiece by Scorsese and definately in DeNiro's top 5 best performances. Scorsese's style is very well used in this, and another gem is the beautiful score by Bernard Herrmann. A strong supporting cast is also a plus. A classic.
#3

Double Indemnity - (Wilder;1944;USA) - ****
I cannot decide if this beats Sunset Blvd. and I don't think I wanna think about that. I like to think of the equally great things, such as the similar and equally outstanding narratives. I think I'm leaning to SB for Wilder's best because of the better acting, but I enjoyed this a little more altogether. A compelling Film-Noir.
#17

Finding Neverland - ***1/2
One of Depp's better performances and probably Winslet's best. This film's comic relief and serious points are placed perfectly, if only for a few unneeded CGI parts (not all the CGI, some). Highmore is also very good for his age, and deserves more credit for his part. The word to describe this film is beautiful.

12 Angry Men - (Lumet;1957;USA) - ****
Beats Serpico, mainly in direction. Fonda's second best performance from what I've seen and Cobb's best (beating "On the Waterfront"). The ending could have been improved on but overall it was an excellent film.

Blow - (Demme;2001;USA) - ***
A stylish film with a superb performance by one of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp. The supporting cast is strong, although I'd love to see more depth with the relationship between father and son. The ending is one of the most moving scenes in a crime movie I've ever seen.
needs to be placed in favorites

Mean Streets - (Scorsese;1973;USA) - ****
One of Scorsese's top works, and a perfect example of Scorsese's style used in many of his films. Not a really a "mob movie" but it doesn't need to be, it's about the feelings of the men involved with the street, whether a "honorable man" or a young punk, mainly focusing on Charlie, portrayed brilliantly by Keitel. Other then the beautiful music and strong cast, is another gem, DeNiro's performance, while not his best, is still great. Expect a review by me soon.
#7

1) Goodfellas
2) Raging Bull
3) Taxi Driver
4) Mean Streets
5) Casino
6) The Aviator
7) Gangs of New York
8) Cape Fear

Dinner Rush - (Giraldi;USA;2000) - ***1/2
"Revenge is a dish best served cold."
Wow, this movie was a surprise. When I got it in the bargin bin at Wal Mart I had no idea of a true deal it was. I thought it was a mediocre cheap movie and was completely wrong. Think of a mob version of Magnolia in an Italian restaurant. It's full of memorable characters each with realistic performances and dialogue. After a friend is whacked, we view one night at the restaurant afterwards where a seemingly normal night with some money problems between characters arise, then two Queens mobsters come and want a part of the restaurant. The film focuses on several different people during the night, from the owner to the cooks, to the patrons that lead to a very interesting and unpredicted end.
#12
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 06:08 AM

Well I just got back from seeing Assault on Precinct 13. A good movie, but not great. A good cast with a good story but I found it to be predictable. Plus add in the fact that I didn't get to see House of Flying Daggers and my movie hook is now GONE! It only cost me $5 to get into the movie tonight but still, it's not free. I'm now planning on seeing House of Flying Daggers Saturday afternoon. And to answer your question Don Vercetti, this thread can be about anything, movies you've seen once or more than once.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 09:49 AM

I've recently watched "Married to the mob" and must confess it left me disgusted. For long-long time I haven't see such a bad movie.
Also there was "People I know" on TV, but I turned it on in the middle, and it was difficult to catch the intrigue. So it seemed rather boring.
And the day before yesterday, there was "Bobby Deerfield". Why does everyone curse this movie? It's far not that bad, and Al plays quite good!
Posted By: RizzoInTheBox

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 10:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
As for Troy, I was kind of disappointed. I had heard bad things about it and I didn't like this movie all that much. It's not as if it was a bad movie because I have seen worse. But I can't describe how I feel about it. I just thought it wasn't great or even good for that matter. But tomorrow I'm hoping that I can get into seeing House of Flying Daggers tomorrow for free with my friend. If not I'll be watching King Arther
If you didn't like Troy, I think you really wont like King Arthur. Although I'd probably watch any movie with Keira Knightly in it.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 10:04 PM

50 First Dates

One of Adam Sandler's better movies (his best is Billy Madison). Sean Astin and Rob Schneider were really good. I like the soundtrack. I just didn't like how it ended. I thought that Lucy should've gotten her memmory back.
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 11:39 PM

I agree with the ending. Drew takes it way to well to wake up in the artic with a kid, husband and on a boat every morning.
Posted By: scarfacetm

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/05 11:51 PM

gotti was a pretty good movie. armand assante did a pretty good job playing as gotti and i liked how it followed the book gotti: rise and fall. if anyone likes movies based on fact then gotti is one to see.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/05 03:31 AM

While checking what was on HBO last night, I came across this movie entitled "The Hamburg Cell." The title gave me no clue as to what this movie was about, as I had never heard of it.

When I check the description, it noted that it was about the pre events of 911 in "painstaking" detail, and that some may find it offensive. Reluctantly I watched it. Apparently everything in the movie is based on documented events.

Hamburg is referring to Hamburg German and a revolutionary cell that began there pre 911. It's very had to judge the movie in the sense that it was our country that was attacked and I can't look at any of these characters with any kind of sympathy or understanding whatsoever.

The part that will probably piss every American off is that they portray the terrorists as shall we say "normal" :rolleyes: human being who happened to get caught up in this. It really was different. I never heard of any of the actors and did finish seeing the movie. Anyone else hear of it before?

TIS
The Hamburg Cell
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/05 11:57 AM

Yes TIS, I saw it the other night! Chilling isn't it? I too thought it a bit annoying that they portrayed some of the would be murderers as just happening to "fall into" this pre-meditated slaughter! But I'll tell you this, the guy who portrayed that evil whore Atta, he too had that evil look about him just like Atta did before he joined his 72 virgins :rolleyes: .

Don Cardi
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/05 03:34 PM

Yes, I agree DC. Atta was "evil" looking. The guy with the girlfriend seemed, at first anyway, the most "normal" of the group. It's hard for me to grasp how anyone could get "caught up" in such a thing.

Also, according to the movie, it seems there motivation for the 911 attack, was to put it simply, "people are too materialistic?????


TIS
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 02:07 AM

Rudy

One of the few movies that brings a couple of tears to my eyes.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 03:22 AM

Well I just saw 3 movies today and 2 of them SUCKED balls & the other 1 was good. The first movie I saw after work was The Grudge with Sarah Michelle Geller. Let's just say it wasn't worth my time staying up til 3:30 in the morning after work to watch this piece. It was a little scary at first but definitely got annoying after a while and was a TERRIBLE movie!

Today I went and finally saw House of Flying Daggers. A very good movie, but I think Hero was better. This movie wasn't hard for me to follow even with subtitles, but I don't think it was as beautiful on screen as Hero was, but still a good movie.

I just got done watching Alien VS Predator with the same friend who saw House of Flying Daggers with me, and this movie sucked as well! Wow, just watching those 2 movies almosts makes me want to kill myself for seeing so much s*it in just 1 day!

PS-TIS or DC, is The Hamburg Cell on DVD or no?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 03:48 AM

Hi I12. I did a quick search on Hamburg Cell and didn't see it for sale. However, I noticed it was released in 2004 for tv (HBO I assume). It it isn't out on DVD/VHS yet, I assume it will be within the next few months.

Let me know if you get a chance to see it ok?


TIS
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 03:52 AM

Friday Night Lights

A fairly decent film, but I hurt inside the whole time. Some of you may recall my Highschool's mirraculous season which led to the crushing last second loss in the state championships. This movie was just about IDENTICAL to that season...

(Potential Spoilers*****)

Same team name- "Panthers"
Same team colors- Blue and White
Star running back hurt early in season
Sucky but dedicated white QB
Head coach on his last straw with the town and fans
State championship game played in a huge dome
Heart breaking, gut wrenching loss at the last second

This movie brought up a lot of awful memories I thought I put to bed
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 03:55 AM

Do any of you guys that were teens during Vietnam remember a documentary called, "Hearts and Minds?" It was a documentary on the Vietnam War and I caught some of it on one of the Discovery Channels the other night. It was released in 1974 and won multiple Academy Awards. Sinatra slammed it after he went on state after the director of the movie left the stage. Any of this ringing a bell? Is it worth a buy? -Pat
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 03:57 AM

Singin' In The Rain - (Donen/Kelly;USA;1952) - ****
Best musical ever, yes even more then Wizard of Oz. The Technicolor is beautiful in the whole film, especially the imagined dance number on Broadway. Not to mention holding one of the most famous cinematic moments ever, the "Singin' In The Rain" scene. The dance scenes are done great, and Kelly's talent held up, even after the film to his scenes on Dean Martin's show.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 07:02 AM

Charade - (Donen;1963;USA) - ****
Hepburn's best film, although the same can't be said for Grant. I loved this film, especially with the constant surprises in the plot. The story is very well structured with an excellent supporting cast, especially Coburn and Matthau.
#55
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 08:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b]Charade - Hepburn's best film [/b]
That honor goes to "Breakfast at Tiffany's".
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 04:15 PM

I loved Breakfast at Tiffany's but I think this film is stronger in most of it's areas. I've also seen Wilder's "Sabrina" which I thought was good, but his worst film from what I saw.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/05 10:54 PM

Hamburg Cell: I'm sure it was shown on our TV not too long ago, but I'm not certain about that; if it was, I certainly missed out. I'd love to see it, and thanks for the recommendation, TIS! I'll keep my eyes peeled for it. Anything which shows a film from the perpetrators of such an attack's minds is going to cause a bit of unrest; if anything, you have to admire the audacity of the filmmaker (that is, if it's done well!).

At the cinema today, I saw:
Million Dollar Baby *
2004,Eastwood, US
When his best chance at a championship belt signs for another manager, an aging boxing coach takes on a girl for a year and a half.
An obvious attempt at grabbing a gold statue, with Eastwood directing, starring and scoring this well-done, if a little dull, boxing drama; the fight sequences have a gritty feel about them yet never feel authentic enough, while the performances are solid but never remarkable. The sour ending is unnecessary.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 01:29 AM

Today before I went to bed I watched another movie (knowing that I had to wake up at 8 today to go to work, but this movie was well worth it). I had been wanting to watch Soul Survivors for a little time because I saw it at Wal-Mart in the $5.50 bin and I was going to pick it up but I don't like buying movies without seeing them first. So last night at a friend of mine's house he had it so I barrowed it and watched it. He said he hated it and would probably never watch it again, but I REALLY enjoyed it. I LOVE Eliza Dushku with all of my heart and I thought she was good in it. It's not a great movie but I thought it was better than my friend made it out to be. Now I've gotta try to find it at Wal-Mart for $5.50 now so that I can own it. This week I've got quiet a few movies to watch. I'm going to barrow King Arther and Napoleon Dynamite from a friend of mine, and I just barrowed The Crow from another friend of mine. And from work I grabbed Quentin Tarantino presents Iron Monkey and Quentin Tarantino presents My Name Is Modesty. I have never heard of the latter but that last movie I saw that Quentin Tarantino presented (Hero), I REALLY enjoyed!
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 01:56 AM

Right now I'm watching "Child's Play". I have to admit, this movie used to really scare me, when was like 8. Now it's just funny. But there is actually a good scene... when the mom checks to see whether Chucky has batteries and his head spins around.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 05:21 AM

Well I just got done watching The Crow and man was I disappointed. I watched it for the first time ever back in May and I thought it would be terrible, but to my surprise it wasn't that bad. Well tonight I watched it to decide whether or not to purchase it on DVD for my own collection and tonight I didn't enjoy it at all. I couldn't wait until it was over. I don't know what happened since I watched it the first time, but I definitely didn't enjoy it as much
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 06:37 AM

The Aviator [PG-13]

(First off, I can't write reviews like Capo, so I won't even try. I just wanna give my impression having just seen this tonight. )

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Starring:

Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes
Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn
Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner

Okay, I will admit, I had NO idea what this movie was going to be about when I plopped it in. (It was, uhh, acquired from a friend. ) I never saw any trailers or commercials, but figured -- Scorsese, why not? Even though the thought of Leo DiCrapio since Basketball Diaries made me cringe, it is Scorsese.

Right off the bat I realized this was the story of the obsessive-compulsive, eccentric, often delusional, filmmaker and aviator, Howard Hughes (1905-1976)!

I didn't know anything about Hughes except that he produced Scarface (1932). I didn't know he made the most expensive movie of his time (Hell's Angels (1930); $4 million). I didn't know he was THE Hughes in Hughes Aircraft. I didn't know he had relationships with Kate Kepburn or Ava Gardner. I had no idea he went nuts and back again.

...And I had NO idea that Mr. DiCaprio could pull off the title role.

DiCaprio was just fine, and convincing, perhaps for the first time in most of his recent films (IMHO). While I've never seen the real Hughes, I can just imagine (rather clearly) what he was like after Leo's performance.

Had I not known this was a Scorsese picture, I never would have guessed it. It didn't seem nearly as dark as usual, although it has its moments. This seems to be new territory for him, and it was pulled off very well. Sections were almost reminiscent of Tim Burton's Ed Wood.

Clocking in at almost 3 hrs in length, time never dragged and I was enganged throughout. I'm sure most here would be, too -- give it a shot!

B+
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 06:42 AM

Quote:
(It was, uhh, acquired from a friend. )
Are those the dvd's that have people getting up in front of the camera somehow and people talking around you. It almost gives you the feeling that you are in the movie theatre
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 06:46 AM

Yeah, it was filmed in "Virtual Theater Vision" :p
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 06:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by raggingbull2003:
Napoleon Dynamite-
Hillarious. Best comedy I have seen in a long time.

Just the other day my boss and I were discussing this very movie. It seems my boss hated it, thought it was completely stupid/pointless.

I haven't seen it I don't care for comedies.


Just last weekend I saw Elektra. I thought it was ok, not as bad as the reviews I've seen for it. But not as good as it could've been.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 03:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Iceman:
Just last weekend I saw Elektra. I thought it was ok, not as bad as the reviews I've seen for it. But not as good as it could've been.
I felt the same way, but a positive about seeing this movie in the theaters were the previews. I was so happy to see the Fantastic Four preview!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/05 09:12 PM

From now on I'm posting film entries as I would in the ProView thread on the MFA, as and when I watch the films.

Made in Britain * (1st Time)
1982, Clarke, GB
A young thug is put in prison for racism and theft.
A naturalistic made-for-TV drama driven by a sterling performance from Tim Roth.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/05 08:47 PM

Rope - (Hitchcock;1948;USA) - ****
An excellent Hitchcock film. The highlight is the real-time direction with the few cuts and black outs in zooming into bodies. I don't really think the homosexual hinting is something to add merit to as it gives nothing, although references to the school days may add to character development. The acting is great, especially by Stewart and Dall.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/05 09:24 PM

Cinema Paradiso **** (1st Time)
1989, Tornatore, It/Fr
A film director remembers his childhood love for his local cinema, and his friendship with its projectionist.
Tour de force of nostalgia and romance in and around the movies; a film combining wit and genuine sentiment, this is also one of the most beautifully shot films of the decade. Released in 1994 in the original 174-minute cut.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/05 10:18 PM

I watched about half of Napoleon Dynamite yesterday and have thus far been unimpressed. It has some funny parts, but not nearly as great as people made it out to be. I'm going to finish it tonight and give my final review, plus I'm hoping to watch King Arthur too.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/05 02:35 AM

Well here's the rest of my review for Napoleon Dynamite. I thought it was rather boring and slow at parts with a little humor. I'd laugh but only briefly throughout the movie, but I wouldn't be cracking up or laughing until it hurt, which was very disappointing since I had heard so many good things about this movie (espeically from you Honey Bunny) But I did hear from people who didn't like it that you either love it or you hate it. I guess I fall into the hate it category, although I didn't hate it, just didn't like it & thought it was overated. Tonight I will finally try to watch King Arthur, so hopefully, if I'm not too tired, I shall return again with yet another opinion on this movie.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/05 03:11 AM

Kill Bill sucks! :p

I'm kidding, I'm kidding!

Don't hurt me.

Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/05 03:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Well here's the rest of my review for Napoleon Dynamite. I thought it was rather boring and slow at parts with a little humor. I'd laugh but only briefly throughout the movie, but I wouldn't be cracking up or laughing until it hurt,
I did NOT stop laughing the entire time!!!!
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/05 04:49 AM

are we only allowed to discuss movies that we watched while whoring??

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/05 05:32 PM

Whatever keeps your boat floating DMC

Here's my review of King Arthur. I think it was a better movie than people made it out to be and it was much better than Troy. It doesn't really make that much of a difference to me that I didn't see it in theaters, but I could stomach it again. Not a great movie, but I think it was definitely better than what people said. From a lot of people I heard it sucked and I somewhat liked it. But I also heard Napoleon Dynamite was great, and I didn't think so. Oh well, "different strokes move the world."
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/05 12:46 AM

The Stranger - (Welles;1946;USA) - ***
A very good film but falls short on a few areas, somewhat in the end. It's visually great, especially the clocktower. Welles gives a great performance as does Edward Robinson, although the other actors are just average.

Notorious - (Hitchcock;1946;USA) - ***1/2
A great thriller from Hitchcock, although I feel it is a little overrated. Even the kiss scene was not as big as I thought it would be, I am assuming it's the one when they first go to the room in Rio and after Grant exits? The highlight is the great cast from Grant to Rains and the direction.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/05 03:36 AM

Just watched Quentin Tarantino Presents Iron Monkey and it sucked. I don't know what Quentin was thinking presenting this, but compared to Hero, this movie sucks BIG time! It was almost as bad as Jet Li's The Legend & The Legend 2. I heard from a friend that Iron Monkey was really good. I don't know what he was thinking? Now I'm gonna watch Quentin Tarantino Presents My Name Is Modesty and I hope it's better!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/05 06:04 PM

Well I watched Quentin Tarantino Presents My Name Is Modesty and again I was disappointed. The only redeeming quality of this movie was that it was only 76 mins long. I wasn't a fan of it and didn't really care for it. It was boring and lame and I don't know how my roommate said he liked it? So after watching 2 crappy movies yesterday, I'm going to watch Good Will Hunting tonight because I've never seen it before. Next week I plan on watching Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Primal Fear, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? because I haven't seen any of them either except some of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I feel asleep about halfway through it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/05 07:40 PM

Out of curiosity Irish, are you watching all of these just because Tarantino presents them?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/05 07:42 PM

Yes
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/05 05:53 AM

Just watched Good Will Hunting for the first time. I thought it was a good movie. It had some good humor in it which kind of surprised me but I was a little bummed about the end with Damon driving to California. I wanted to see him just leave her the way that he did, but other than that a better movie than I anticipated. I thought it was slow in some parts but about half way through it started to pick up a little more.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/05 04:45 AM

Five Easy Pieces - (Rafelson;USA;1970) - ****
Excellent. I've heard people say this film is the first step to About Schmidt. Warren Schmidt is a man who worked all his life to find it ment nothing to him emotionally. Bobby Dupea in this film is a man who is stuck in a spot, away from his former home life, and forever running from himself. Jack Nicholson gives yet another memorable performance. Bobby had a beautiful home life, and a start in music as a pianist, however it didn't suit him, he left to become nothing, odd jobs, for now an oil worker. If Bobby had kept one job and one family he would have grown up to be Schmidt. But we are talking two completely different character studies. Laszlo Kovacs does the cinematography, which is great, those who saw his work in "Easy Rider" might enjoy his work here. This film definitely left a burning emotion in me in the last scene, and it summed the film up perfectly.
Top 100
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/05 06:04 AM

I saw about half of Along Came Polly. I've never been a big Jennifer Anniston fan, but man did she look great.
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/05 04:49 PM

Alien- really more of a horror film than a science fiction film, but either way its one of the greatest.

9/10


Aliens- Very different then the original, but probably one of the best sequels ever made.

9/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/05 09:38 PM

Million Dollar Baby - (Eastwood;2004;USA) - ****
The best film I've seen all year. All the characters are developed very well with the acting to back them up. Eastwood is the best actor I've seen all year. Hilary Swank also shines in what I think is her best performance. The characters are all far from hollow, they are real. I can't decide if Freeman was better in this or 'Shawshank.' The ending was also right on the money, unlike Mystic River's which could have used a cut. I can't decide which of the two films is better but I can say MDB had the better end.
#23
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/05 11:10 PM

Pi ** (1st Time)
1997, Aronofsky, US
In searching for a sequence which will explain the universe, a mathematical genius becomes increasingly paranoid.
Original thriller with an overwhelming visual style; less about explaining itself than exploring obsessive paranoia within a society with which one feels increasingly at odds.

Fanny and Alexander [300-minute version] **** (1st Time)
1982, Bergman, Swe/Fr/WGer
In 1907, a well-to-do Uppsala family celebrates Christmas. Soon after, one of the sons die, and his family fall apart when a puritan Bishop marries the widow.
A 300 minute tour de force of directing, cinematography and production design, with Bergman revisiting all of his major themes of past work for an absolutely majestic piece of period filmmaking.
#39

In the Mood For Love *** (1st Time)
2000, Kar-wai, HK
In 1960s Hong Kong, two lonely neighbours, both in redundant marriages, fall in love but manage to restrain their passions.
A visual triumph that seems more in love with cinema and its language than the relationship it depicts. Inspiring to look at, and with a strong sense of regretful nostalgia to its tone.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 04:14 AM

In the Line of Fire - (Peterson;1993;USA) - ***
Although it has several thriller cliches, this film does have it's good points, including a great performance by John Malkovich, who is pretty much the best thing about the film. It uses the common "killer taunts protagonist" plot but it has a spark, or pulse to it. It makes the villain interesting, such as "The Day of the Jackal." A pretty good thriller overall.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 09:44 PM

I just saw Secret Window last night on HBO. Has anyone else seen it? I thought it was pretty good, mostly because of Johnny Depp's performance. He is really an excellent actor IMHO.


TIS
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 10:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I just saw Secret Window last night on HBO. Has anyone else seen it? I thought it was pretty good, mostly because of Johnny Depp's performance. He is really an excellent actor IMHO.


TIS
TIS, I went with my mom to see Secret Window in the theaters when it first came out, and we loved it! I don't remember a lot of the details, as that was a while back, and I haven't seen it since. However, I know we both enjoyed it, for the movie itself even, not just because Johnny was in it. I loved the way John Turturro's character of Shooter spoke...I was imitating that voice for weeks after I saw it! I really need to rent that! Since you are a Depp fan, which other movies of his have you seen?

EDIT: I changed my post...I originally mentioned that Turturro's character was Mr. Rainey, but I was thinking of him speaking to Depp, who was actually Rainey. Shows how long it's been since I've seen it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 10:32 PM

Shaun of the Dead ** (1st Time)
2004, Wright, GB
A bored sales assistant tries to win his girlfriend back, but finds his town infested with zombies.
A clever spoof of zombie flicks, thoroughly enjoyable and edited with great flair.

Mick
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 10:54 PM

Capo,

I remember when that movie was out. I thought it would be dumb, so I never saw it. Hmmm. I'll have to take a look since you remcommend it.

Gina,

I can't say I have seen a lot of Johnny Depp, since Jump Street. I think Donny Brasco was the first movie I had seen with him.

One movie (a tv movie I think?)that I liked was Nick of Time. Do you remember that one?

Also, he was great in Edward Scissorhands, and Gilbert Grape.

I happened to be in L.A. when they were filming Ed Wood (not a successful movie I know), but watched from across the street as they were filming a scene. The portion of the street was blocked off, and they kept shooting over and over again, a scene of him boarding a bus. I watched for about an hour, and then left. I don't know how much longer they were there to film what seemed to be a "simple" scene. I guess we can't imagine what goes into filming a movie.

TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 10:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I just saw Secret Window last night on HBO. Has anyone else seen it? I thought it was pretty good, mostly because of Johnny Depp's performance. He is really an excellent actor IMHO.


TIS
Depp is IMO, the best actor of today's generation. He has a high range, and even in his lesser movies, he still offers a good performance. Secret Window was a good film, but no more. The ending was obviously an overused one, but Depp's performance and the interesting approach on the ending made it good.

The Trouble With Harry - (Hitchcock;1955;USA) - ***
A good black comedy from Hitchcock, although I feel it's a little overrated, as it's became slow and dull in many points of the film. The acting is average, although I liked the cast.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 11:03 PM

I've always wanted to see him in Jump Street. I recognize the title Nick of Time, but I don't think I'd ever seen it. That's awesome that you get to see stuff like that, though!
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 11:13 PM

Since we're talking about Johnny Depp...

I just bought Blow from Wal-Mart for $14. I'd seen it once before, and I loved it. I saw it at Wal-Mart today, and seeing it was on sale, I bought it. I love this film. Depp put in an excellent performance as George Jung. Depp can play so many parts. I must agree with DV that Johnny Depp is probably the greatest actor of the current generation of actors. He can't be touched.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 11:22 PM

I saw The Passion of the Christ for the first time today. I thought it was really well done, and I'm shocked it wasn't nominated for any major oscars.

I think that Tom Hanks is the best actor of this generation.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 11:28 PM

Freddie C, glad to hear that you liked The Passion of the Christ. I watched Ray earlier this morning and it was good. I didn't think it was great, but Jamie Foxx did do another great job! I just wasn't a huge fan from the excessive amount of flashbacks, and I had no idea that Ray was a heroin addict. Definitely worth seeing if it interests you. Right now I'm about to sit down with 1 of my best friends to watch Infernal Affairs which Marty is remaking right now with Leo, Matt Damon and Marky Mark!
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/05 11:28 PM

There's so many Depp movies I'd still like to see, and I guess I'll add Blow to the list.

I still want to see him in Finding Neverland, and I'm anxious to see what he's like in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Freddie, I like Tom Hanks just as much as Depp, so I can see where you're coming from. Oh, I'll refrain from starting a whole new discussion about all of his movies I've enjoyed! Y'all can start one, though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 01:58 AM

Watched Infernal Affairs just now. It wasn't what I was expecting but it was a good movie. I thought it would be a kung fu/martial arts movie, but it was really a drama/suspense movie. A good flick with a pretty cool ending. I'm looking forward to Marty's version
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 08:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
A good flick with a pretty cool ending. I'm looking forward to Marty's version
Why?

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 08:52 PM

Why what? Why was it a good flick or why am I looking forward to Marty's version?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 08:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Why what? Why was it a good flick or why am I looking forward to Marty's version?
Obviously to the latter, considering many have low expectations remaking an entire trilogy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 09:04 PM

Well I just love Marty's work and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with it plus the cast that he's going to have.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 09:36 PM

If he was remaking a turkey, fair enough,. But why direct the remake of a film you've already seen and like? The general consensus is that Infernal Affairs is one of the better films to come out of the Asian New Wave; so why remake it? Other than money, seriously, why remake it? Can't people see the original?

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 09:59 PM

Honestly I don't know the answer to your question Mick, but I do agree with it. Why do filmmakers insist on remaking movies that were already done well the first time. What else is there that can be done? If it's not broke, don't fix it. So I don't really know why, but I will watch it.
Posted By: DonFerro55

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 10:08 PM

Ratcatcher: Scottland 1999 Dir: Lynne Ramsay

A Very good subtle, yet quiet, film. The vision the film presented and its deep message are one I was feeling fortunate to have seen. Lynne does an amazing storytelling job here and gets quite surprising performances from all her actors. I liked this film a lot and recommend it to all fans of foreign film.

The Doc

P.S. I am in a Foreign Film Criticism class and will be posting all the films I see here. More on Ratcatcher later, anybody else here see it?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 11:03 PM

I just got done watching my first anime and I really enjoyed it. It's entitled Samurai Champloo Volume 01 and it's about 2 sword fighters named Mugen and Jin and a ditzy waitress named Fuu. Mugen's a buck wild warrior - violent, thoughtless and womanizing. Jin is a vagrant ronin - mysterious, traditional, well-mannered and very strong as well. I only popped this in yesterday at my friend's house b/c it was lying around and I watched about half of the first episode and I liked it so I deciced to barrow it. I watched the first 2 episodes last night before I went to bed and I finished the other 2 just now. It sucks b/c the 4th episode ends with "To Be Continued..." and I have to wait until March 29 to watch Volume 02. But overall a good anime if anyone was interested.

PS-Anybody have a good anime recommendations?
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 11:16 PM

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a reeeeeeeally good anime that comes on late nights on Cartoon Network, during [adult swim]. If you're getting into anime, you should definitely check it out.
Posted By: angiez23

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/05 11:42 PM

I12 maybe you can try also with Akira, Metropolis, spirited away and the whole ghost in the shell series. I´m not a big fan of anime, but I really liked all that movies.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 01:16 AM

The Day of the Jackal - (Zinnemann;1973;UK/France) - ***1/2
A truly great film. Unlike it's remake with Bruce Willis, it shows realism. The Jackal doesn't get a huge gatling gun to kill his target, he gets a simple, light weapon, which shows a higher professionalism. Zinnemann's real masterwork is "High Noon" but he does great hear with his directorial skills. A film that captures your interest in a headlock.
among top 100
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 03:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by angiez23:
I12 maybe you can try also with Akira, Metropolis, spirited away and the whole ghost in the shell series. I´m not a big fan of anime, but I really liked all that movies.
What are these about? I know 1 of my friend's has a BUNCH of anime DVD's, but they're mostly Vampire anime's and from what I saw I didn't like them, but I'd be willing to try them out again. Also thanks for the heads up you guys! Anybody like Cowboy Bebop? The guy who I barrowed Samurai Champloo from loves Cowboy even more.

PS-Has anyone else seen Samurai Champloo or am I the only one?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 05:26 AM

I was planning on watching O Brother Where Art Thou tonight but I just couldn't get into it. I only watched the first 20 minutes and turned it off and watched the first 2 episodes from The Family Guy Season 1 instead. I've heard it was a good movie but I've never believed it and from what I saw it was stupid.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 01:18 PM

As anybody seen "Stand by me" about a group of lads who go on a wild adventure and come across a dead body.Very good film,also good sound track
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 02:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
As anybody seen "Stand by me" about a group of lads who go on a wild adventure and come across a dead body.Very good film,also good sound track
I love that movie. It was based on a short story by Stephen King. The "vomit" scene was one of the funniest bits I've ever seen in a movie!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 02:59 PM

I just watched "21 grams". Quite a tough movie, but I liked it, especially the acting. I already knew Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro to be very good actors, while Naomi Watts is quite a discover for me (I did not like her so much in The ring nor in Mullholland Drive, did not like those movies either).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 05:30 PM

I saw 21 Grams in the theater only b/c my ma wanted to see it, but I'm glad I went with her b/c I thought it was a great movie with great performances. I really wanted Naomi to win an Oscar for it, but unfortunately she didn't. I've been waiting for the Special Edition DVD to come out and it hasn't thus far (it's almost been a year since it was originally released)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 08:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonFerro55:
Ratcatcher: Scottland 1999 Dir: Lynne Ramsay
I liked this film a lot and recommend it to all fans of foreign film.
Foreign? Nonesense! :p

A great film indeed. Bleak, powerful mixture of The 400 Blows and Kes; not easy to watch by any means, but it's a worthy debut from the director. A commendable throwback to the British New Wave of the 60s. Loach, Reisz, Schlesinger et al.

February's film-viewing started for me tonight:
Northen Soul * (1st Time)
2004, Meadows, GB
The failed attempt of a wanabe wrestler who wants to make it big.
Unpretentious short shot on Digital Video, done in the director's usual manner.

Mick
Posted By: don vencent

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/05 09:19 PM

Paid in full good film about three friends in
the drug game in harlem not a coby of scarface
7/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/05 06:06 AM

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a good movie with some great fighting scenes towards the end of the movie. However, I don't believe it was better than Hero or House of Flying Daggers. I at least didn't fall asleep this time watching it, but I did find it slow and boring in some parts. Also, if anyone has seen it, please drop me a private message b/c I have a question about the movie that I'm hoping someone has the answer to. I would ask it here, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who has yet to see the film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/05 05:30 AM

I had heard from 2 fellow classmates that Primal Fear was a really good movie and I didn't really believe them. First of all I'm not a Richard Gere fan but he did do a great job in this movie, I love Edward Norton and I've gotta thing for Laura Linney. The end of the movie was sweet but not as surprising b/c I kind of saw it coming, but still a very good movie. If anyone has seen it, check it out sometime.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/05 02:31 AM

Hondo - (Farrow;1953;USA) - **
A mainstream western strictly for fans of Wayne and Bond. I enjoyed it a lot but then again, I love westerns.
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/05 04:24 AM

Netflix.

Roger & Me (1989/Moore) 1st time

7/10

A documentary about the prosperity and depression that General Motors (GM) and its' owner, Roger Smith, brought to Flint, Michigan. It's better than Fahrenheit 9/11, but not on a level with Bowling for Columbine.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004/Hess) 1st time

8/10

Wow. A good family comedy. This may be one of the best comedies of the last 5 years. Good script, great acting, and a hilarious movie about a teenage boy living in Idaho who is out to prove that he has, well, nothing to prove.

# 68
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/05 04:35 AM

Patrick, have you seen The Big One? I've never seen that or Roger & Me, but I do own both Bowling for Columbine & Fahrenheit 9/11. I remember this 1 funny story that someone told me at work (Blockbuster) when Fahrenheit 9/11 was about to come out. Ok well I'm living in Texas (Conservative Republicans). Well apparently my store owner did not want to carry Fahrenheit 9/11 due to his strong political beliefs. Anyway, I guess a customer came in and asked a co-worker of mine if we'd be carrying it. When he/she (don't remember who it was, I wasn't there) replied "Yes" the customer replied, "I don't think I can rent here anymore."
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/05 07:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Well apparently my store owner did not want to carry Fahrenheit 9/11 due to his strong political beliefs.
That is just ludicrous b.s. -- While I may applaud your boss's political stance in private, I DO NOT at all applaud that ignorant s.o.b.'s stance in public, as HIS political stance has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with business. In fact, he should lose his franchise license. And, he's a moron, for not wanting to rent out the biggest comedy of 2004! :p But seriously - a guy like that has no business in video rentals. What next? No Gandhi cuz he's Catholic?? He should be sweeping porno theaters or something instead.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/05 02:56 PM

No we have Gandhi and Jackass the Movie. I rememeber when that came out he didn't want to carry that either. He's an old man (in his 70s or 80s), so he's very old fashioned. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I'm just pointing out the facts. However, it is his store and he gets the final say on what he chooses to carry and what not to carry (so far though, as long as I've worked there, I can't really think of a big title movie that he did not carry).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/05 07:33 PM

Just purchased.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/05 09:16 PM

Underground ** (1st Time)
1995, Kusturika, Fr/Ger/Hung
Two friends, both in love with the same woman, drift apart from World War II and the Yugoslav break-up in the 1990s.
An epic which explores many themes, using visual sensationalism to great effect, though its laughs and moments of brilliance are simply too few and far between to justify its length. Winner of the 1995 Palm d'Or.

Sideways ** (1st Time)
2004, Payne, US
A week before his friend's wedding, a worn out would-be novelist takes his friend on a wine-drinking orgy through California.
For the most part, an intelligent and superbly played comedy which is both evocative to look at and pleasing to watch; the biggest romance in the film is between script and wine.

Mick
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/05 06:33 PM

I watched the Godfather this morning. I hadn't seen it in months. It is still, without a doubt, my favorite movie.

I think I'll watch Part II tomorrow before the Super Bowl.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/05 08:34 PM

The Woodsman - (Kassell;2004;USA) - ***1/2
Kevin Bacon's best performance. The film handles a hard subject and fans of Bacon will be shocked at this choice of a role. The film's direction is clever, and handles the subject greatly. The cast are all very good in their roles although Eve should NOT have been cast. The majoy problem I had with the film is after it's opening montage (which I liked a lot) it seems to be a little fast paced, adding up to 87 minutes, although maybe I'm looking at it from a wrong way. Aside Bacon, I also loved the music which is very dismal, especially in the montage. The music almost sounds like something David Julyan would do. The film may disturb at times, but truly it is one of the best character studies of the year.
#60
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/05 12:54 AM

I watched P.S. last night. I only saw this movie b/c Laura Linney was in it. The cast also included Topher Grace & Gabriel Byrne. To my surprise this was not that bad of a movie. I was expecting it to be ok, but I did enjoy it more than I had thought that I would have. It's not too bad and it comes out on Tuesday.
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/05 05:34 AM

Super Size Me (2004/Spurlock) 1st time

7/10

A good look into the fast food world and what will happen, not only to America's youth, but all of America, if this fast food eating frenzy continues. -Pat

---
I'm off to watch Man On Fire..
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/05 06:16 AM

Shaun of the Dead

Hillarious comedy that I intend to purchase very soon. Highly recommended.

9/10
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/05 06:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by raggingbull2003:
Shaun of the Dead

Hillarious comedy that I intend to purchase very soon. Highly recommended.

9/10
Funny, I just watched it tonight after my friend said the same thing -- but I only thought it was "cute". Recommended if there's nothing else.

4/10 :p
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/05 06:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
[quote]Originally posted by raggingbull2003:
[b] Shaun of the Dead

Hillarious comedy that I intend to purchase very soon. Highly recommended.

9/10
Funny, I just watched it tonight after my friend said the same thing -- but I only thought it was "cute". Recommended if there's nothing else.

4/10 :p [/b][/quote]so THAT'S what JG watches when he's whoring.

**Adds Shaun of the Dead to netflix list** :p
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/05 07:28 AM

I watched The Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind yesterday and I got to say it was mind blowing to see how Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet were so different and great in this movie. In addition it had a great plot and it was all a new experience. If you haven't seen this movie because you have thought of it as a typical Jim Carrey comedy movie, you are in for a big surprise.
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/05 02:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
[quote]Originally posted by raggingbull2003:
[b] Shaun of the Dead

Hillarious comedy that I intend to purchase very soon. Highly recommended.

9/10
Funny, I just watched it tonight after my friend said the same thing -- but I only thought it was "cute". Recommended if there's nothing else.

4/10 :p [/b][/quote]4/10?!?!

You gotta be joking man. Not only was this hillarious, but I think it might be my favorite spoof of all time.
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/05 10:27 PM

Man On Fire (2004/Scott) 1st time

8.5/10

One of, if not the, best performance by Denzel Washington. A heart breaking and gut wrenching film that will bring tears to your eyes. Amazing! This film should be up for an Oscar.

# 19
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/05 04:18 AM

Yeah Patrick, Man On Fire was an AWESOME movie! I just watched Tupac Resurrection last night. I thought it was good and I liked how it seemed like Tupac was actually telling the story. The only thing that I didn't like was that it didn't touch much on the whole East Coast/West Coast rivalry or his death. Like it talked about him growing up and through the "Me Against The World" album, and then hurried through the end and that was it.

I also watched Saw again yesterday. I enjoyed it as much as I did in the theater and will be purchasing it on DVD on the 15th of this month. A very good movie for the budget that it had (I think it was only $1 million).
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/05 08:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Patrick:
Super Size Me (2004/Spurlock) 1st time

7/10

A good look into the fast food world and what will happen, not only to America's youth, but all of America, if this fast food eating frenzy continues.
The idea = 10/10
The previews = 12/10
The hype = 8/10

The actual documentary that is nominated for an Oscar for some reason = 3/10

I've never seen a more discombobulated documentary in my life -- and that's including Moore's docu-comedy this year.

The idea was awesome -- the message was great -- and I couldn't wait to see it -- and I was ready to dump fast food totally (from what I heard of it). But I tell you, watching this made me crave McD's even more -- I think I might go tomorrow!!

But of course, I understand how bad fast food is... it's just that, I thought the filmmaker would've done a more coherent job with his message.

I think Moore would've given it better justice, and that's saying a lot coming from me!
Posted By: hebgbzz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 06:13 AM

Just saw "Hide and Seek" with Robert De Niro, Dakota Fanning. If you like horror/suspense I recommend this one. The little girl has an essence of the macabre that is unsettling. De Niro is wonderful, as usual. Some gore, deserves it's "R" rating.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 06:57 AM

RAY

Best Actor - Jamie Foxx
Best Director - Taylor Hackford
Film Editing
Sound Mixing (nah...)
Costume Design (nah...)
BEST PICTURE OF 2004 - yes.

9/10

****

'nuf said.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 10:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
[b]RAY

Best Actor - Jamie Foxx
Best Director - Taylor Hackford
Film Editing
Sound Mixing (nah...)
Costume Design (nah...)
BEST PICTURE OF 2004 - yes.

9/10

****

'nuf said. [/b]
As if you watched the other nominees. :p
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 06:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
As if you watched the other nominees. :p
Not yet As you can see from my reviews, I've been watching mediocre films lately. :p

THE AVIATOR - Saw it; reviewed it already
FINDING NEVERLAND - Want to see badly
MILLION DOLLAR BABY - Vaguely interested
RAY - Excellent
SIDEWAYS - Vaguely interested

RAY will hold up through time. I can't imagine the others doing that, besides maybe The Aviator. But we'll see...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 07:27 PM

Well knowing you I doubt you'll like them. Finding Neverland uses fantasy/surreal scenes to illustrate the character's imaginations.

You might like Million Dollar Baby though. :p

And go see the best acting of the year in "The Woodsman." :p
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 09:50 PM

I just saw Passion of the Christ for the first time. Unbelievably good. The scourging was very difficult to watch, but it was a great film. I thought the actor portraying Satan was remarkable.

What I thought Gibson did extremely well was utilize a flashback scene when the violence against Jesus seemed as if it couldn't get any worse. It was a good technique of temporarily escaping the violence.

10/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 10:25 PM

Glad to hear that you liked it goombah. It was a great movie and in my opinion, easliy one of the best of last year. It's a shame it got the Oscar snub
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 10:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
...I thought the actor portraying Satan was remarkable....

10/10
Would you believe it was a woman who played Satan? Then again, I guess its not too hard to believe. (JK LADIES, you know I love you all. )
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 10:36 PM

Yeah I was surprised at that too, but she did a really good job. What a rollercoaster throughout 2 hours. I was TOTALLY blown away by this movie last year and it's gotta be in my top 20 favorites of all time.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 10:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Finding Neverland uses fantasy/surreal scenes to illustrate the character's imaginations.
And why would I hate that so much? Johnny Depp, Dustin Hoffman, Kate Winslet? I can't wait!

Peter Pan is one of my favorite stories of all time. Hell, I thought Hook (1991) was awesome! It can't be any more fantastic/surreal than Neverland (2003) was.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 10:52 PM

Well for someone who thinks Robin Williams is better then Pacino! :rolleyes:

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/05 11:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Well for someone who thinks Robin Williams is better then Pacino! :rolleyes:

Robin Williams better than Al Pacino, yeah right
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 12:12 AM

Splendor in the Grass - (Kazan;1961;USA) - ***
A great film, mostly for it's screenplay handled very well by Kazan. Wood and Beatty are both very good in their roles. I don't think it's as great as some people say but it is a great film no less. There could've been improving on the pacing most of all.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 04:51 AM

I just finished watching Disc 1 of Kung Fu: Season 1. I had already seen the first 2 episodes before, but not the last 2 or the special features. Pretty good show, I think I'm gonna buy both seasons when I have a chance (and depending on price). Tomorrow I'm watching the Seven Samurai
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 05:11 AM

Tell me what you think of Seven Samurai. It's the only film I've ever seen that I think is as good as The Godfather. Seven Samurai comes in at #2 on my list of the top 10 greatest films ever made.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 05:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Well for someone who thinks Robin Williams is better then Pacino!
PLEASE remind me of when I said that!

Anyway - I'm sure I said Robin Williams was GREAT -- because he IS! Not just comedy, but drama -- Williams is awesome.

If Pacino did a real comedy, I'd be able to judge him, too. But I don't think Author! Author! counts. Eww. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 05:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
Tell me what you think of Seven Samurai. It's the only film I've ever seen that I think is as good as The Godfather. Seven Samurai comes in at #2 on my list of the top 10 greatest films ever made.
I sure will. I'll probably post something after I watch it here in a couple of hours.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 07:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[quote]Originally posted by goombah:
[b]...I thought the actor portraying Satan was remarkable....

10/10
Would you believe it was a woman who played Satan? Then again, I guess its not too hard to believe. (JK LADIES, you know I love you all. ) [/b][/quote]I did actually know that, but only because I saw the 'behind the scenes' thing about the movie a while ago. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to tell. Actually, I think there's some, not a lot, but some resemblance b/w how the Satan character looked and Marilyn Manson.

It's hard to believe, but The Passion came out a year ago already, last Ash Wednesday (even though the date is different).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 09:01 PM

The General **** (1st Time)
1926, Keaton, US
In the Civil War, a Confederate train driver pursues Union soliders when they kidnap his girl and engine.
A chase comedy with one visual gag after another; tremendously shot, wonderfully played, and delightful to watch.

Heat ***
1995, Mann, US

A work-obsessed cop and professional thief go head to head and cause an uproar in LA.
Immense crime epic which shows two obsessed loners on opposing sides of the law going head to head in LA; it seems desperate to make a simple plot convoluted, and with its best scene an hour from the end, it is overlong.

Songs From the Second Floor ***
2000, Andersson, Swe

In a city in which the traffic moves only a few yards every hour, the inhabitants suffer from insanity, vagrancy, impatience, old age, atheism, and more.
Fantastic, unique film in which every scene is an unedited long take. The pace is painstaking, and the timing is flawless; a masterpiece of modern surrealism.

11 ' 09 '' 01-September 11 ***
2002,
Makhmalbaf/Lelouch/Chahine/Tanovic/Ouedraogo/Loach/González Iñárritu/Truchot/Gitaï/Nair/Penn/Imamura,
Iran/Fr/Egypt/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Burkina Faso/GB/Mex/Isr/Ind/US/Jap

Eleven short films, each eleven minutes, nine seconds and one frame long, made by directors from around the world, about or around the attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001.
A varied edcollaboration piece which presents the conflicting needs and duties of a wildly contrasting contemporary world. The most effective are (arguably) Ken Loach's remembrance of a CIA-backed coup d'etat of a democratically elected Chilean government on September 11, 1973; González Iñárritu's sound montage and Biblical metaphor of various sources taken from September 11; Amos Gitaï's one-take episode of a journalist's report of a Tel Aviv bombing just as the New York Trade Centres are attacked; and Samira Makhmalbaf's opening, in which an Afghan teacher tries to engage a young class with the tragedy of the World Trade Centre attacks.

GoodFellas ****
1990, Scorsese, US

The account of Henry Hill, an Irish-Italian gangster turned Government Witness.
Excellent depiction of crime, directed with an assured verve and energy that never lets up, so that every aspect of the tour de force filmmaking combine together for a treat for the senses.

A busy two days, to catch up on the lost weekend.

Mick
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 09:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b]Finding Neverland uses fantasy/surreal scenes to illustrate the character's imaginations.
And why would I hate that so much? Johnny Depp, Dustin Hoffman, Kate Winslet? I can't wait!

Peter Pan is one of my favorite stories of all time. Hell, I thought Hook (1991) was awesome! It can't be any more fantastic/surreal than Neverland (2003) was. [/b][/quote]Even Johnny said that if you don't want to ruin your image of Peter Pan, don't see it. This of course made it even more interesting to me.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 11:06 PM

Short Cuts - (Altman;1993;USA) - ****
Better then Magnolia in pretty much every aspect. This film ties together the lives of about 22 people in L.A., twice as much or a little more then Magnolia in an excellent way. The whole cast does a great job in going with the film. The music, while I enjoyed Magnolia's more (not the pop songs) this also uses great music, mostly in the singer's scenes. A masterpiece and one of the best of the 90's.
#61
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/05 11:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
It's hard to believe, but The Passion came out a year ago already, last Ash Wednesday (even though the date is different).
Thank you SO much goombah for reminding me that today was Ash Wednesday. I almost forgot and didn't go to church!

I did however just finish Seven Samurai. I thought it was good, but not great. I think it ran entirely too long and I was also dozing off quite a bit due to my illness. I'd like to watch it again when I'm more in the mood, but not a "great" movie as I had heard. That's just my opinion.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/05 08:25 PM


Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/05 10:01 PM

Anyone ever seen New York, New York? If so, is it any good?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/05 10:17 PM

Raging Bull - (Scorsese;1980;USA) - ****
Scorsese's best film IMO, although my favorite is Taxi Driver. I'm glad to finally watch it again for the first time in over six months as I refused to see it when I heard of the SE. The use of color, the acting, the cinematography, everything comes together. The home movies scene with the cuts to the stills of his fights is classic, as well as the last Sugar Ray fight. Robert DeNiro truly shines in what I think is his greatest acting. The whole supporting cast is strong as well from Moriarty, Pesci, Vincent, etc. This is in my Top Ten Best ever IMO, as well as the best of the 80's. A film that packs a punch stronger then any boxer.
And though I'm no Olivier, If he fought Sugar Ray he would say it the thing ain't the ring, its the play. So give me a stage, Where this Bull here could rage, And though I could fight I'd much rather recite: That's Entertainment.
#4
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/05 11:47 PM

Stoked. Watch this. It's the real life story about a pro skater from the 80's named Mark Rogowski who ends up killing a girl.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 12:57 AM

I'm watching "The Last Waltz."
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 02:52 AM

The Last Waltz - (Scorsese;1978;USA) - ***1/2
A great rockumentory that I enjoyed a lot. This features the last concert of "The Band" with in between song cuts of interviews Scorsese has with the band members. Along with The Band, special guests play with them, among them Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, Muddy Waters and more. The performances are great and the interviews are also very good, I loved many of their anecdotes.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 02:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I'm watching "The Last Waltz."
Congratulations. :rolleyes: :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 02:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] I'm watching "The Last Waltz."
Congratulations. :rolleyes: :p [/b][/quote]You're just jealous.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 06:07 AM

Tonight I had time to watch 2 movies. The first I heard from 2 friends that was "great." Well I had never seen Trainspotting before, and from what I gathered from the film it was good but not great. For every line I understand, there was at least another 2 that I couldn't understand. Seriously, I only understood half of the movie. So I'll definintely have to watch that again (maybe with subtitles on, who knows?)

The 2nd movie that I watched was The Punisher. Since last weekend I've had an itch to view this movie again and I brought it back with me to college this week to do just that. Still never gets old for me!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 08:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Tonight I had time to watch 2 movies. The first I heard from 2 friends that was "great." Well I had never seen Trainspotting before, and from what I gathered from the film it was good but not great.
Trainspotting is a great film, IMO. A fist in the stomach, but great.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 12:44 PM

Trainspotting is one of the best films of the 90s. Period.

Last night I watched:
2046 *** (1st Time)
2004, Kar-wai, Fr/Ger/HK/China
Returning from Singapore to Hong Kong in the late 1960s, a writer of futuristic erotic novels tries to forget a past love affair.
Although the narrative doesn't work quite as well as it perhaps could on an emotional level, this is as aesthetically phenomenal as anything made in the past twenty years; even in the sex scenes the director makes love to cinema, and not his characters.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 03:43 PM

I'm not saying Trainspotting wasn't a good movie (I enjoyed it), but I didn't understand hardly ANY of it with the accents. I'll probably definitely watch it again.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 03:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
but I didn't understand hardly ANY of it with the accents. I'll probably definitely watch it again.
Would you prefer the Brits in it to speak with American accents?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 09:48 PM

If it makes it easier for me to understand than sure. I didn't mind the accents, but when I can't understand 50% or more of the dialogue in the movie, maybe plan B isn't so bad after all.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 11:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I'm not saying Trainspotting wasn't a good movie (I enjoyed it), but I didn't understand hardly ANY of it with the accents. I'll probably definitely watch it again.
Yeah, I should have elaborated when I said it was one of the best of the 90s. It wasn't an attack on you, I was just commenting on it.

True Confessions ** (2nd time)
1981, Grosbard, US
A tough policeman confides in his brother, a priest, in solving a case involving the church. The slackly-told plot plays second fiddle to the brilliant acting throughout.

Wings of Desire *** (1st Time)
1987, Wenders, Fr/WGer
In Berlin, an angel falls in love with a human and decides to become mortal.
A rare kind of film: ambitious, ambiguous, and effectively realised; a beautifully shot film about life and love and the questions our very existence asks.

Mick
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/05 11:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[QUOTE]
[b]True Confessions **
(2nd time)
1981, Grosbard, US
A tough policeman confides in his brother, a priest, in solving a case involving the church.The slackly-told plot plays second fiddle to the brilliant acting throughout.

Mick [/b]
I still can't beleive i still havn't seen this film yet.Probley only De Niro film i havn't seen
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 10:07 PM

I watched my Special Edition Malcolm X last night and man was that a good movie. I hadn't seen it in years but I always enjoyed it. It's about a 3 hour and 20 minute ride, but I was hardly ever bored through it at all yesterday. I plan on watching my Collector's Edition Raging Bull tonight
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:00 PM

Once Upon a Time in America - (Leone;1984;Italy/USA) - ****
A former gangster returns to Manhattan after 30 years and remembers the past and decisions he regrets.
Sergio Leone's masterpiece. Better then his westerns, this was a great end to his career. The film is structured so well, that the slightest change would not work. It's long running time at 3 hours and 49 minutes would not work any less. The children actors are great in their roles. DeNiro and Woods were excellent in this film, and Elizabeth McGovern gives off a very good performance. It's a shame Leone isn't still making films today but then again, this is a great way to end. A film that has true depth and I rank as one of the greatest ever. Ennio Morricone's score is excellent.
Top 40
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b]Once Upon a Time in America - (Leone;1984;Italy/USA) - ****
A former gangster returns to Brooklyn after 30 years and remembers the past and decisions he regrets.[/b]
He returned to Manhattan.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:04 PM

Are you sure? I thought it was a Jewish section of Brooklyn.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:06 PM

It was the Lower East Side in Manhattan.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:08 PM

Thanks, I'll edit it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:14 PM

Irréversible *** (1st Time)
2002, Noé, Fr
When his girlfriend is raped at a party, a teacher and his friend hunt down the rapist at a gay bar.
Unrelenting, uncompromising, and utterly brutal depiction of humanity and the evil hole from which it cannot escape; verging at least twice on the unwatchable, this is also one of the very few films this decade which knows exactly what it wants to do throughout.

Mick
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:14 PM

You asked SC if he was sure??

Hell, all you had to do was read the back of the DVD box. :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
You asked SC if he was sure??

Hell, all you had to do was read the back of the DVD box. :p
You can just crawl back in your hole and mind your business Geoff.

:p
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:18 PM

This is my hole. I mean, my business!! :p
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

[b]True Confessions **
(2nd time)
1981, Grosbard, US
A tough policeman confides in his brother, a priest, in solving a case involving the church. The slackly-told plot plays second fiddle to the brilliant acting throughout.
[/b]
One of my all-time favorites, Mick (Turnbull's also).

I'm not sure what you mean when you call the plot "slackly-told". If you mean that it takes a couple of viewings and a little figuring out to understand what's going on, then yes, I'd agree.

But that was one of the things that made the film fun for me. I must have watched it about 10-12 times.

AAMOF, I loaned my copy to JG and I'm still awaiting his review.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:57 PM

I just saw Hitch last night with my friends and absolutely loved it! It was definitely a good Valentine's type movie, but I know I'd love it year-round. It's entertaining for couples, singles, gals and guys. It's a sensitive chick flick that females will love, (I certainly did! *sigh* ) and it's also got enough humor to keep guys interested...not to mention Eva Mendes holding your attention! (The gals had Will Smith, though. :p ) Will Smith plays Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens who basically has the job of Cupid, as he gives guys the tips and tricks of capturing their true love's heart. Kevin James plays one of his clients, and I enjoyed his part just as much as Smith's. I went with seven other people, and we were all satisfied and both the guys and girls of us truly loved it! Be sure to take a look at this one.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/05 11:57 PM

Slackly told in the context I intend: the characters are thankfully interesting in their contrasting roles, between the two brothers and especially between Durning and Duvall. But it lacked the suspense of a crime thriller. More of a brotherly drama really, which is fine, but it seemed to want to be something more thrilling. Like I said, the acting keeps it afloat.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/05 06:52 PM

I watched my Collector's Edition Raging Bull last night and man was it ever sweet. I had it previously on DVD, but the sound quality on this newer version was A LOT better. I really want to watch the special features but a buddy of mine is going to borrow both my Malcolm X Special Edition and my Raging Bull Collector's Edition. So probably when he's done I'll do it.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/05 10:36 PM

I also watched the RB SE last night. I love it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/05 12:37 AM

The Man Who Knew Too Much - (Hitchcock;1956;USA) - ***
When their son is kidnapped to keep them quiet, a couple on vacation attempts to stop an assassination and get their son.
A very good Hitchcock thriller. Two scenes have great suspense, the music hall scene, and the second playing of "Que Sera Sera." And of course that song is great and deserved it's Oscar. Stewart and Day are great as the protagonist parents in search for their kid.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/05 01:18 AM

well, would someone like to talk about Catwoman? here's my post about it in the "Razzie Nominations" thread:
Quote:
I'll be satisfied if Catwoman get as many Razzies as it can. I watched about 20 minutes of it monday night, and it simply is one of the worst things I have ever seen going on in a TV set. I swear I felt embarassed for Halle Barry.
there is not a single point to save (MAYBE Barry's acting, even in such a crappy charachter is not 100% awful). absolutely 0 out of 10!
- well you can see I hated this movie, I'd like someone to explain me why it was made in the first place.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/05 01:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
well, would someone like to talk about Catwoman? here's my post about it in the "Razzie Nominations" thread: [quote] I'll be satisfied if Catwoman get as many Razzies as it can. I watched about 20 minutes of it monday night, and it simply is one of the worst things I have ever seen going on in a TV set. I swear I felt embarassed for Halle Barry.
there is not a single point to save (MAYBE Barry's acting, even in such a crappy charachter is not 100% awful). absolutely 0 out of 10!
- well you can see I hated this movie, I'd like someone to explain me why it was made in the first place. [/quote]Comic book movies are an easy way to make box office gross.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/05 11:43 AM

I watched "Rare birds" yeasterday, a Canadian production, starring William Hurt. Wonderful Newfoundland landscapes apart, a very little thing. I don't understand why such a talented actor as William Hurt hasn't being given good roles anymore.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/05 11:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
It's a shame Leone isn't still making films today Top 40 [/QB]
Sergio Leone died in 1989.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/05 07:37 PM

I know he died, I worded my post a bad way.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/05 01:52 AM

His Girl Friday-one of the funniest films I have seen in a long time.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/05 07:55 PM

Boxcar Bertha - (Scorsese;1972;USA) - **
A teenage girl and her close friends become robbers and enemies with a local train tycoon.
Scorsese's worst film. I knew not to expect much being it's an Exploitation Film, and I was good in thinking so. Aside some interesting things Scorsese did to add a little flare to an otherwise poor film and a few good cast members (David and John Carradine mainly), the film fails to impress me. It's mediocre, too fast paced, and has a dull plot.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/05 10:27 PM

Cobra Verde ** (1st Time)
1987, Herzog, WGer
After impregnating the king's three daughters, a Brazilian bandit is sent to West Africa to revive the slave trade.
Rather episodic period tale, filmed with Herzog's usual tendency for epic scale, and Kinski's madman performance; it simply doesn't stir its audience enough.

Woodstock **** (1st Time)
1970, Wadleigh, US
A 220 minute documentary of the three-day music festival that attracted around half a million people.
The epitome of, as the final words of the director's cut say, "The Woodstock Generation"; all the performances are captured with a unique intensity and passion.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 01:54 AM

Arlington Road was a very good movie with a great ending. I haven't seen this movie in over a year and brought it back with me this week b/c I felt like watching it again. My roomate had never seen it before and he really liked it. I plan on watching JFK tomorrow (one of the 10 best movies of the 90s) and Man on Fire on Thursday
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 02:45 AM

Scent of a Woman - (Brest;USA;1992) - ***1/2
A prep student babysits a blind Lt. Col. not knowing he has bigger plans for the weekend.
Although Al Pacino's Oscar was most likely a pat on the back, it was well deserved. Everytime I watch this I can't believe it's two and a half hours long. It's hard to believe Brest went from this to Gigli. Al Pacino gives of one of his better performances, and Chris O'Donnell is convincing as the prep student Charlie. The supporting cast is also good, which includes James Rebhorn and Philip Seymour Hoffman. All of this combines, with the punch of Pacino's acting to make a great movie.
#25
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 04:01 AM

Caddyshack

Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Rodney Dangerfield are all great. One of the best comdies ever made.
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 04:03 AM

The actress in The Aviator who plays Kathryn Hepburn
did a very good job. I just wish that it showed him in Las Vegas later in his life.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 04:27 AM

Cate Blanchett is her name
Posted By: Rocky

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 02:49 PM

Slapshot
Kill Bill Vol. 2
12 Angry Men
Welcome to Mooseport
About Schmidt
On the Waterfront
Posted By: don vencent

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 08:32 PM

HEAT Good film but the love story needed to be cuted
out but the action was great
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 08:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by don vencent:
HEAT Good film but love story needed to be cuted
out but the action was great
The "love story" gave the characters depth.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 09:40 PM

Mean Streets - (Scorsese;1973;USA) - ****
A small-time hood struggles with religious guilt, helping his friend with debts, and other problems in Little Italy.
Scorsese's fourth best film delivers a powerful punch with a great cast, direction, visuals, and its soundtrack especially. Whether you were entertained or not you have to admit it's a powerful work from Scorsese, I personally considering it one of his masterworks.
#7
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/05 11:08 PM

JFK is easily 1 of the 10 best films of the 1990s. I just watched it again, and just like Malcolm X, even though it's long, it's a GREAT movie that doesn't really get boring and is just a roller coaster of an event. JFK has got to be in my top 10 movies of all time! Great job Oliver Stone!
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/05 04:53 PM

I purchased Saw last night on DVD, because everyone I talked to said it was "soooooo scary." I watched it, and to be honest, I thought it was a good movie. For a film that was shot in only 18 days, I liked it a lot. Now as for it being scary? I think the people who say it's scary really don't have a firm grasp on the definitions of the words "scary" and "disturbing." It's not scary by any means, but it was rather disturbing. Horror film makers have lost touch on what really scares people, in my opinion. Gallons of blood, guts, brains, etc. is not scary. You gotta be able to get inside the viewer's head, and f*ck with their minds. Sadly, that hasn't been done in a horror film since the 80s. But overall, Saw was a good film, that was disturbing, but not frightening.
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/05 05:12 PM

Quote:
Splendor in the Grass - (Kazan;1961;USA) - ***
A great film, mostly for it's screenplay handled very well by Kazan. Wood and Beatty are both very good in their roles. I don't think it's as great as some people say but it is a great film no less. There could've been improving on the pacing most of all.
This is one of my favorite movies ever, although I think it's the saddest

One of my friends made me watch "The Big Lebowski" last night. That was one of the craziest movies ever! Very funny!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/05 05:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
I purchased Saw last night on DVD, because everyone I talked to said it was "soooooo scary." I watched it, and to be honest, I thought it was a good movie. For a film that was shot in only 18 days, I liked it a lot. Now as for it being scary? I think the people who say it's scary really don't have a firm grasp on the definitions of the words "scary" and "disturbing." It's not scary by any means, but it was rather disturbing. Horror film makers have lost touch on what really scares people, in my opinion. Gallons of blood, guts, brains, etc. is not scary. You gotta be able to get inside the viewer's head, and f*ck with their minds. Sadly, that hasn't been done in a horror film since the 80s. But overall, Saw was a good film, that was disturbing, but not frightening.
I agree, disturbing but not scary. I got scared a couple of times when the camera sped up and that guy jumped out of the closet, but that's really it. A good movie though, and as you said, being shot in 18 days with a $1.2 million budget, it was pretty d*mn good
Posted By: don vencent

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/05 08:54 PM

Gotti one of the if not the best made for tv
movie every it almost made me cry for him at the end of it. 8/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 04:14 AM

American History X - (Kaye;1998;USA) - ***1/2
A former Neo-Nazi released from prison tries to save his brother from following in his footprints.
A powerful film every time I watch it. Edward Norton's performance from what I've seen. The direction is very good with a well structured B/W and color narrative. Great supporting performances from Edward Furlong, Avery Brooks, Stacy Keach, and more. Definitely in my honorable mentions of the best of the 90's.
Among favorites

I'm gonna give Chinatown another view tomorrow.
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 04:22 AM

I just finished watching "The Gambler" from 1974, starring James Caan. I'm a little dissapointed...this movie was so depressing. He plays a college professor who has a serious gambling addiction; he's $44,000 in the hole, to the mob. He goes through alot to solve his problem, but he keeps gambling everything away. And then the end of the movie, things just gets really weird...I got confused and my roommates were yelling at me for making them watch it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 04:25 AM

I don't know why but I didn't enjoy Man On Fire as much tonight as I did the first 2 times I saw it. I was kinda in the mood to watch it, but it just didn't do it for me tonight. Still a GREAT movie, but it didn't have the same entertainment quality to me as JFK did for me yesterday. BTW, does anyone know if Man On Fire was based on a true story because of the end?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 04:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
BTW, does anyone know if Man On Fire was based on a true story because of the end?
Considering it's a remake AND based on a novel, I doubt it although I could be wrong.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 04:30 AM

Wow, I had no idea it was a remake. Grazie DV. But if it wasn't real, then why did they show his date of birth & death?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 04:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Wow, I had no idea it was a remake. Grazie DV. But if it wasn't real, then why did they show his date of birth & death?
Add more to the story. But still, I haven't seen it nor do I know if it's real, so I dunno.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 04:33 AM

No. It's based on a novel, by AJ Quinnell. And Creasy is actually the main character in a bunch of his books. I think he has about ten books, and Creasy is in about half of them. And Quinnell's name is actually a pseudonymn. I heard somewhere that the inspiration for Creasy came from some of his experiences, so it sounds like he was a former Special Forces-type, and that he lives in seclusion somewhere on the Mediterranean. I also think I read he is writing a prequel to Man on Fire with the plan of it being a movie as well.

--IMDB Board
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 05:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Wow, I had no idea it was a remake. Grazie DV. But if it wasn't real, then why did they show his date of birth & death?
Add more to the story. But still, I haven't seen it nor do I know if it's real, so I dunno. [/b][/quote]Oh man, my bad. I hope I didn't spoil/ruin anything for you
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/05 10:23 PM

Team America World Police *** (1st Time)
2004, Parker, Ger/US
An anti-terrorist team recruit a famous actor to infiltrate an Arabic group in order to find the location of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
A puppet show presented in a deliberately crude way so that it is actually a technical triumph; the jokes are spread on so thick that nobody is safe, and it is all too knowing throughout of its own hilarious use of one cliché after another.

The Purple Rose of Cairo * (1st Time)
1984, Allen, US
In the thirties, an unhappily married woman falls in love with a film character, and then he ventures into the real world.
Patchy comedy, full of the director's typical nostalgia and embrace of filmgoing; but while Allen the director has never faltered, and Allen the writer may keep this going, Allen the actor isn't here, which fails to make it all that interesting.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/05 12:48 AM

I just watched Freeway, with Reese Witherspoon and Kiefer Sutherland. I got interested when I saw Oliver Stone's name in the opening credits and then I was really surprised when I started to like the movie. anyone here has watched it? I really liked the Scorsese-like violence in this movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/05 04:33 AM

I watched The Fellowship of the Ring tonight. I had been looking forward to watching it all week but again, like Man On Fire, it didn't do it for me and I don't know why. Even when it started I wasn't into it. Plus add in the fact that it's almost 4 hours, I was waiting for it to end. I was watching it with a friend of mine who's never seen it, but he fell asleep during it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/05 07:26 AM

Just watched I Heart Huckabees. Yeah, I havne't been this confused about a movie since Vanilla Sky. So in case you're wondering, no, I didn't like it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/05 09:16 PM

Chinatown - (Polanski;1974;USA) - ****
A private detective investigates a case that becomes much deeper and horrible then it seems.
Arguably the greatest Neo-Noir ever and a film that rivals most films of the Film-Noir generation. This complex film works in all directions with a great performance by Jack Nicholson. Definately in the Top 10 of the 70's and one of the best films ever. Everything from the direction to the cinematography is top notch.
#8
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/05 10:42 PM

New York Stories (1st Time)
1989, Scorsese/Coppola/Allen, US
Three featurettes which have little relevance to the supposed setting: Life Lessons, in which a painter tries to live with a younger woman; Life Without Zoe, which deals with a 12-year-old rich girl's attempt to reunite her parents; and Oedipus Wrecks, wherein a Jew deals with his overbearing mother.
Scorsese experiments and fails with a sour romance story; Allen's featurette is merely an elongated sketch of a Jewish mother joke; and inbetween them, Coppola's short is a dreadful mess full of crass acting and a Godawful script.

Mick
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 02:55 AM

man, Chinatown is really a wonderful movie. I watched it a looong time ago, and reading this review got me dying to see it again.

now, I just watched Hard Ball, with Keanu Reeves and Diane Lane. kind of a good movie, although it is a bit cheesy in the end. anyway, it's pretty entertaining. the funny thing is that I'm dying to watch a dozen of films that I'm sure I'll love but I always end up watching these ones that go on TV and that I never thought of.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 04:41 PM

I12, I finally purchased JFK (Director's cut) yesterday. Went to three different places and finally found one left at the Wherehouse. Can't wait to see it. It's been a while.

I guess I'm more picky of movies I want to own. I'm not one to buy a movie because it was good, but more because I think it was great. Another I want to get is James Deans 3 movies.

TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 04:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I12, I finally purchased JFK (Director's cut) yesterday. Went to three different places and finally found one left at the Wherehouse. Can't wait to see it. It's been a while.

I guess I'm more picky of movies I want to own. I'm not one to buy a movie because it was good, but more because I think it was great. Another I want to get is James Deans 3 movies.

TIS
After you watch it TIS, pop in disk #2 and watch the deleted scene of Oswald (Gary Oldman) in the courtroom apologizing for things, etc. No historical grounds for how he felt before he died, but it's a GREAT improvised scene by Oldman.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 05:01 PM

I was trying to decide which to watch first, the movie itself, and then the bonus disc??? I assume you recommend the movie first??? How long is the bonus disc btw?


TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 05:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I was trying to decide which to watch first, the movie itself, and then the bonus disc??? I assume you recommend the movie first??? How long is the bonus disc btw?


TIS
Movie first. I really don't know how long the extras are. I remember there is a documentory on it and it's great. They go further into it and even show the real video of Oswald's murder, which oddly wasn't used in the film to my knowledge.

http://www.dvdfile.com/software/review/dvd-video_7/jfk_se.html

45 minutes of deleted scenes sound good enough? I'm sure there's others too but I'm too lazy.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 08:31 PM

I finally watched Rear Window! It was on TCM which has no commercials; that can be nice for the entertainment effect, but not when nature calls... It's amazing what Hitchcock did with just that one location, and it had me literally on the edge of my seat at the end!
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 08:40 PM

A bought The Deer Hunter this afternoon. I'll be watching it shortly.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 09:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I12, I finally purchased JFK (Director's cut) yesterday. Went to three different places and finally found one left at the Wherehouse. Can't wait to see it. It's been a while.

I guess I'm more picky of movies I want to own. I'm not one to buy a movie because it was good, but more because I think it was great. Another I want to get is James Deans 3 movies.

TIS
That's GREAT news TIS! I really hope you enjoy it. As DV said, I'd watch the movie first then the bonus material. I wanna watch the movie with the commentary, but I've got so much stuff to watch and not enough time. Let me know how you enjoy it. How long has it been since you've seen it?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 09:50 PM

Clerks - (Smith;1994;USA) - ****
Two convenience store clerks go through problems throughout one day they aren't even supposed to be working on.
This and Animal House are the two highest rated comedies for me. Clerks never gets old. Its raunchy yet hilarious dialogue plays out perfectly and pretty much everything about this film is top notch. The only real problem with it is it's acting, considering it was just his friends in roles although their parts didn't demand a lot, improvement could've helped a lot. It's structure is great.
Among favorites

1. Clerks - ****
2. Chasing Amy - ***1/2
3. Mallrats - ***
4. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back - **1/2 - (the closest to mainstream) :-/
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 10:25 PM

Gina, coincidentally I also watched Rear Window[ tonight, for the second time...

Rear Window ****
1954, Hitchcock, US
A photographer recovers in his apartment from a broken leg, and suspects a neighbour of murder.
Fantastically structured suspense piece--masterfully maintaining its building suspicion due to the beautiful handling of its restricted setting.

Mick
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/05 11:08 PM

Mick, do you get TCM over there, too? Or did you see Rear Window elsewhere? TCM's having a "31 Days of Oscar," and they're showing movies that won Oscars over the years for various categories. They were doing the nominations for Best Director today. They had a commentary before and after the show, and it was mentioned that Hitchcock was nominated, I believe, six times and never won; they referred to him as going "0 for 6." However, I just looked some of this up, and it appears he was only nominated five times. Nevertheless, it was all very interesting. I think I previously read a review by either you or DV perhaps, and that further influenced me to watch it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/05 12:31 AM

I own the film, Gina, and had recommended it to my dad, who loved Rope (1948). I also recommend that: one setting, James Stewart, a murder, a masterpiece.

Mick
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/05 12:55 AM

I checked for Rope in the February guide, but it wasn't listed; I'm sure I'll catch it on TV sometime, and if not, maybe I'll get a chance to rent it. Thanks for the recommendation!
---
Wow. My parents and I just finished Ray. I loved it. There was so much that I didn't know about the life of Ray Charles, and it was so touching to watch something like this about him. Foxx is just amazing; he looks and sounds so much like him. We are still in the middle of the special features, but I loved the video they had of Foxx and the "real Ray" together. It's unbelievable how much work Jamie put into this role. My mom's got one of Ray's records playing right now... I'm so glad we made the purchase on this movie, because it'll be a classic in our family.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/05 02:19 AM

after two nice-no-meaning flicks I watched friday and saturday, today I was awarded with a great film! I just watched 21 Grams, and it lived it up to the hype everyone made about it. the way the story is told and the acting were the best in this movie for me. and well, I'm about to become Sean Penn's fan after watching 21 Grams and Mystic River.
Posted By: AngelaMarie

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/05 02:37 AM

Okay so I haven't seen a film recently but I am dying to see are "Hitch" and "Wedding Date." Just dying - gotta find somebody to go with me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/05 03:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
after two nice-no-meaning flicks I watched friday and saturday, today I was awarded with a great film! I just watched 21 Grams, and it lived it up to the hype everyone made about it. the way the story is told and the acting were the best in this movie for me. and well, I'm about to become Sean Penn's fan after watching 21 Grams and Mystic River.
21 Grams is a GREAT movie and am upset about the lack of exposure it gets. I'm still waiting for Universal to re-release it on DVD. I've been waiting almost a year now!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/05 03:21 AM

21 Grams is excellent and I hope to see the supposedly better "Amores Perros" which is by the same director, centers around a car crash, and is rated better. 21 Grams is the 2nd best of 2003 behind Mystic River IMO.

Magnum Force - (Post;1973;USA) - ***
Dirty Harry's next investigation involves a team of vigilante cops.
The 2nd Dirty Harry movie has many cliches, but also many interesting parts that would not have been put in a normal cop movie. These add to the film's entertainment and although it's nothing to the first film, it comes together nicely although it had an average ending.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/05 11:55 AM

Yesterday I watched "Beyon borders", starring Angelina Jolie. I expected the worst, but it turned out to be a decent movie, maybe a little too ambitious and rethorical, but there were a couple of breath-taking scenes, a good music score and a beautiful photography.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/05 09:14 PM

Muholland Dr. ** (1st Time)
2001, Lynch, US/Fr
An enthusiastic actress arrives in LA in hope of stardom, but befriends an amnesiac who was involved in a car crash.
Here Lynch returns to bizarre form in what seems to be a sort of compendium of his previous work: a red curtain, a midget, Roy Orbison (albeit in Spanish) and identity switching; probably best to watch and think of it as an unsolvable nightmare.

Mick
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 04:01 AM

The Natural
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 05:19 AM

Just watched Dazed and Confused for the first time and it was pretty good. A good cast (with PLENTY of hot chicks) and it was pretty funny. Not too shabby
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 05:24 AM

Ong Bac, Kiss of The Dragon again. Ong Bac is outrageous. I am seeing it again tommorrow.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 05:58 AM

BP - bro - please, I've seen "Ong Bac" from you like, three times... can you please tell this ol' man what/who you mean?
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 06:07 AM

It's a new kung fu movie but there are no wires and all the actors do their own stunts.
Trailer
Trailer 2
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 07:11 AM

I just watched a movie from the 70s called Ice Castles:
" A young girl is on top of the world until a tragic accident dashes her hopes and dreams of becoming a world-class figure skater. Only with the help of those who love her can she prove to the world -- and herself -- that she still has the potential to realize her dreams."
My roommate made me watch it, it was pretty corny, but cute.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 07:44 PM

I was looking to get "Heat" today, but they didn't have it so I settled for this.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 08:52 PM

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I finally bought JFK (Director's Cut) after wanting to add it to my very small collection. I finally got to view it after about 8 yrs or so since I saw it last.

Very powerful film, with a good commentary from Stone, explaining how he came to use certain characters. It was very insightful. Ironically, like most, I was on a four day work weekend, but it didn't click til Monday, when I watched the movie, that it was President's Day. How appropriate that I got the urge to watch it on the particular day.

TIS
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 08:57 PM

TIS, does Oliver Stone provide a commentary of the whole movie, like can you listen as you watch it?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 09:03 PM

Hi Lauren,

No his commentary is separate from the movie, but they show the various scenes that he is commenting on. As advised, I watched the movie first and then the commentary. That was the best way for me, especially since it had been so long since I'd seen the movie. Everything was still fresh in my mind.

TIS
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 09:06 PM

Ray *** (1st Time)
2004, Hackford, US
The rise to fame of Ray Charles, and his struggle with heroin.
A solidly made biopic which gains much weight from a meticulous performance from Foxx; otherwise, it stays in the safe conventions of the genre, and is lovely on the eyes and ears.

Scenes From a Marriage *** (1st Time)
1973, Bergman, Swe
An idyllic marriage falls apart, and over the next decade the couple meet to examine their relationship.
An excess of long-takes and close-ups make for an exhaustingly claustrophobic and draining film; Bergman is at his most wordy here, but the acting is phenomenal, and carries the film by itself.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 10:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I was looking to get "Heat" today, but they didn't have it so I settled for this.
You know they're coming out with a 2-disc special edition on May 24th, don't you?

TIS, how long is the commentary? Again I've wanted to watch it but haven't really had the time. So it doesn't run the entire length of the movie? I'm so glad to hear that you liked it. I better stop talking about it or I'm gonna have to watch it again this weekend, and I have WAY too much studying to do!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 10:31 PM

Since when did they fucking announce this? Oh well, it wasn't amazing that I would have to go get it anyway, although I probably will.

Man on Fire - (Scott;2004;USA) - ***
A former CIA operative is given the job of protecting a little girl.
The plot is average at best, however everything else comes together to make this better then it would've been. Full of good performances, mainly from Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, and Radha Mitchell. Christopher Walken and Giancarlo Giannini are also good in their minor roles. The editing is one of the better thingd about the film, although at times it becomes too excruciating and overused. The music and ending are also different tastes from normal action movies. Overall it amounts to a good action movie, although it is a tad overrated.
In top 100 favorites
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 10:33 PM

Did you just get it today? If so, ask to return it. Tell them you grabbed the wrong movie or something like that.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 10:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Did you just get it today? If so, ask to return it. Tell them you grabbed the wrong movie or something like that.
Costco doesn't do that, I can't just go with a movie that is open and obviously could've been watched and so "Oh, wrong one."

And it's not a big deal to me, look at my Proview.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/05 10:42 PM

Yeah, I did it once at BestBuy but I reshunk wraped it (we have a shrink wrapping machine at work and I did that).
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/05 03:00 AM

Angels W/ Dirty Faces
I liked this one way better than Little Ceasar. What a way to go out eh?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/05 04:19 AM

Fast Times At Ridgemont High was pretty good, but not better than Dazed and Confused. I didn't like Sean Penn's "stoner personality" to tell you the truth. It was horrible to see him like that. Judge Reinhold was good as Brad and Phoebe Cates was so beautiful as Linda. I was surprised by the amount of nudity in the film, but God Bless the 80s for that! Overall, not bad, I've seen worse.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 12:04 AM

I bought the 2-disc Heat DVD today, because I've never seen it before. I watched it, and I gotta be honest, I didn't like it very much. Pacino and De Niro were excellent, as usual, but I just didn't find it interesting, and it was way too long for the subject matter. Maybe I oughta watch it again, but as of now, I have no motivation to. I was very disappointed.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 12:17 AM

I don't understand how you can do that. I hardly EVER buy a DVD without watching it first, no matter what people say. I think the only DVDs that I buy without watching first are sports DVDs (such as wrestling, Yankees, Michael Jordan, etc). I wasn't a huge fan of the movie either, that I remember. It's been a couple of years since I've seen it though. Good cast, but for the first movie ever that featured both Al and Robert on the screen at the same time, I was expecting more.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 12:36 AM

I bought Heat because I've wanted to see it for a while, and because of all the hoopla surrounding it. Believe me, I won't buy some random DVD because it's in a shiny case or whatever. I heard so many good things about this movie, and with Pacino and De Niro in the same film, on screen at the same time, you can't lose, right? I wish that were the case...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 12:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
I bought Heat because I've wanted to see it for a while, and because of all the hoopla surrounding it. Believe me, I won't buy some random DVD because it's in a shiny case or whatever. I heard so many good things about this movie, and with Pacino and De Niro in the same film, on screen at the same time, you can't lose, right? I wish that were the case...
Don't get too excited, that can ruin it for you. Many thing it's too long and had too many slow scenes, and altough it does have some overlne scenes, it's a great movie, and the last few frames before the credits are perfect.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 01:47 AM

I just re-watched it, with the hopes that I would enjoy it more. I did find it more enjoyable this time around, so much so that I actually this it's a good film. But overall, I'm still disappointed. I guess I'm just not used to seeing Pacino play a "cop", or seeing De Niro and Pacino play on opposite sides. But I gotta say, I really enjoyed the coffee shop scene with Pacino and De Niro. Overall, I think it's a good film, just not great. But that says nothing about Pacino and De Niro's performances, which were, as usual, excellent.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 03:16 AM

quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
I bought Heat because I've wanted to see it for a while, and because of all the hoopla surrounding it. Believe me, I won't buy some random DVD because it's in a shiny case or whatever. I heard so many good things about this movie, and with Pacino and De Niro in the same film, on screen at the same time, you can't lose, right? I wish that were the case...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 03:32 AM

Ugh, I hate Romeo+Juliet. The opening gun fight is laughable, as well as the rest of the movie. It was an interesting idea gone wrong, and so far the worst of the trilogy.

As for Heat, Michael Mann is one of my favorite directors. His visual style is great, and he brings more to crime movies. He added most of the good things to the screenplay of Collateral and made it the best action/thriller of the year (no, I'm not forgetting Man on Fire :p ). Rarely does an epic have a plot on cops and robbers. Michael Mann accomplished this very well. He added character depth, personal lives as well as professional, cinematography, and great dialogue. A masterpiece. The Insider is also a very great film, and often overlooked. I hope an SE of it comes out soon.

- (Fellini;1963;Italy) - ****
A director with a loss of creativity zones out in fantasies and flashbacks while trying to complete his next film.
The best film about filmmaking and one of the best ever. Fellini's second best and a very personal film. An excellent move, Fellini couldn't finish a movie, so he made this about the very experience, at least in part. Mastroianni is great in his title role, almost beating his previous Fellini role in La Dolce Vita. The visuals are top notch along with virtually everything else. There are some pacing problems later in the film but it is all pulled together in the final scene. Although it wasn't taken from this, the twist scene reminded me of Pulp Fiction.
#15
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 04:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Ugh, I hate Romeo+Juliet. The opening gun fight is laughable, as well as the rest of the movie. It was an interesting idea gone wrong, and so far the worst of the trilogy.
I dind't see what was so wrong with it. I liked the camera movement, pretty decent cast and music and again I thought the cars and guns were pimp. But different strokes move the world my friend.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 04:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Ugh, I hate Romeo+Juliet. The opening gun fight is laughable, as well as the rest of the movie. It was an interesting idea gone wrong, and so far the worst of the trilogy.
But different strokes move the world my friend. [/b][/quote]If I hear that ONE more time!

I don't usually judge a scene based on how the guns or whatever looked. The costume design and all was creative but the direction was horrible. Overdone to the max. The gun fight seemed cartoonish. Especially in parts like when Tybalt throws his jacket and rises, which ended up looking for corny then a Vin D. movie.
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 05:50 AM

Quote:
As for me I just finished watching the 1997 version of Romeo + Juliet. I really liked the guns, cars, costumes, etc in the movie. Everything was great except the dialogue, which could not be modernized for obvious reasons. Still a good flick and I only got it ofr $10. Man Claire Danes is so H-O-T!
I looove this movie. Leo was so H-O-T!! They were so cute together It always makes me cry at the end.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 05:37 PM

Don Vercetti, I just read that the Man On Fire special edition will have a new cut of the film with 20 additional minutes. That's news to me.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 08:32 PM

It better not be the deleted scenes. I nodded when I saw the sex scene between Pita's parents was deleted, as it's only purpose was to take the story OFF it's tracks and spice it up with sex. If it's in there along with the others my rating just may drop.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 08:48 PM

Baz Luhrmann's directing on William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet is deliberately camp, exaggerated to the max, and, as you said Don Vercetti, almost like a cartoon. Moulin Rouge! (2002) is even worse. Worse is an ambiguous word here, however, because you didn't like it, and I do. In fact, Luhrmann seems to be one of the few guys making films right now who knows exactly what he's doing. Even his name is outrageous.

Mick
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 08:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Baz Luhrmann's directing on William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet is deliberately camp,
Mick
Ive seen like 30 mins of the film and i thought it was ok.But that was like 7 years ago
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 08:51 PM

Although I admit, I have to be in the mood to get into Shakespeare, I liked the Zeferelli (I think) version of Romeo & Juliet. I thought it was really very good. I know DV prefers that one too!! :p

I did see the one with Leo DiCaprio also. It was ok, but can't compare to the other.


TIS
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 08:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I did see the one with Leo DiCaprio also. It was ok, but can't compare to the other.
TIS, I think that's because the Zefirelli version is a much purer (and safer) adaptation. That's why I prefer Luhrmann's, since that differed from the conventions of theatre (while also owing much to it, since the director's origins are on stage not celluloid). The 1996 feature had all the confrontational, risky ambition that the 1968 version lacked. Both are stylish for their times, but I think, at least on a visual level if not an audially poetic one, the 1996 film will last longer.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 09:00 PM

TIS, Zefirelli's version is THE Romeo and Juliet. It's does justice to the play and was bold enough to cast a teen in the role instead of a woman in her 30's like in George Cukor's version (which stars Leslie Howard as Romeo). I hope to see Cukor's version next time it's on Turner Classic Movies.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 09:37 PM

I watched Donnie Brasco last night and thought it was ace!! It is definatly an under-rated movie. I though Johnny Depp was brilliant and fitted the role really well, Al was brilliant as always...
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 09:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debz:
I watched [b]Donnie Brasco last night and thought it was ace!! It is definatly an under-rated movie. I though Johnny Depp was brilliant and fitted the role really well, Al was brilliant as always... [/b]
Is that the first time you have seen it.Ace film yes it is
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 09:58 PM

Dog Day Afternoon

I had an early dismissal from school (snow) and was pleasantly surprised to see this on AMC at noon. I wouldn't have gotten to watch it had it not been for the early dismissal.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 10:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
It better not be the deleted scenes. I nodded when I saw the sex scene between Pita's parents was deleted, as it's only purpose was to take the story OFF it's tracks and spice it up with sex. If it's in there along with the others my rating just may drop.
I really couldn't tell you if it included the delete scenes or not. If I had to guess I'd say yes. As for what scenes they'd be, I have no idea. I guess we'll just have to play the waiting game

As for Donnie Brasco, I've seen it twice and haven't liked it. I know a lot of members here hold it in high regard, but it just didn't do anything for me and it's sad b/c I like both Al & Johnny.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/05 11:32 PM

Angel Heart is on Uk television tonight,a strange but good film with De Niro in it
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/05 09:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
TIS, Zefirelli's version is THE Romeo and Juliet.
Standing ovation!!! Zeffirelli may be criticized for a lot of things (many of them have nothing to do with cinema, though), but when it comes to make a movie out of a shakespearean play or a religious issue, well, he is the man! "Romeo and Juliet" is definitely a great film, along with "Fratello sole, sorella luna" (aka "Brother Sun, Sister Moon", about Saint Francis of Assisi, his real masterpiece, IMO. By the way, I strongly suggest to watch this film!), "Jesus of Nazareth", "The Taming of the Shrew". I was a bit disappointed by his "Hamlet", though. And "Callas for ever" was awful.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/05 09:23 PM

I just watched "Born On The Fourth Of July" this afternoon. although, I really thought it was a good movie nad I totally suport Oliver Stone's cause, I can't help feeling that this movie would be much better if it runned a half hour shorter. I was just waiting it to end since the Mexico sequence. anyway, a very good movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/05 11:27 PM

Audition *** (1st Time)
1999, Miike, Japan
Seven years after losing his wife, a TV producer finds the woman of his dreams at a staged casting audition.
A plodding, neatly paced slight drama turns into a chilling social commentary on the question of today's question of what masculinity actually is; the climax, whether hallucinatory or not, is disturbingly violent and horrifyingly effective.

Irréversible **** (2nd time)
2002, Noé, Fr
When his girlfriend is raped at a party, a teacher and his friend hunt down the rapist at a gay bar.
Unrelenting, uncompromising, and utterly brutal depiction of humanity and the evil hole from which it cannot escape; verging at least twice on the unwatchable, this is also one of the very few films this decade which knows exactly what it wants to do throughout.
> #47 in Top 100: On a second viewing, I found no faults in this film. One of the best of the decade, and a must-see.

Fear Eats the Soul * (1st Time)
1974, Fassbinder, WGer
In Germany, a Moroccan immigrant marries a sixty-year-old citizen, and both are subjected to racial prejudice.
The director's interesting visual technique is here wasted on a tale with little lasting significance--at least in terms of the way in which it puts its point across.

NB: Add Irréversible to your Netflix and to-buy lists, people.

Mick
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/05 11:46 PM

Originally posted by DE NIRO:
Quote:
Is that the first time you have seen it.Ace film yes it is
Yeah it's the first time...just started watching these kinds of movies after i enjoyed the Godfather trilogy so much...also just starting to watch the 1st series of the Sopranos Its all good..
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/05 10:05 PM

Field of Dreams - (Robinson;1989;USA) - ***
A voice instructs a farmer to build a baseball field where the men from the Black Sox Scandal come to play.
A very different and interesting script which at several times becomes too melodramatic, but at most times proves to be a very moving picture. Costner made a lot of flops but here he is in one of his few good roles, along with a great cast that includes James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and more.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/05 10:18 PM

With much resistance, I opened myself to a thoroughly enjoyable rewatch:
Million Dollar Baby ** (2nd Time)
2004, Eastwood, US
When his best chance at a championship belt signs for another manager, an aging boxing coach takes on a girl for a year and a half.
A solidly made and ultimately dull boxing drama, probably with too many clichés for its own good, despite an unconventional twist which makes for a sentimental, anti-climactic finale; Eastwood directs and stars with assurance, while Swank adds bravura to an otherwise ordinary role.

Mick
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/05 11:13 PM

I also watched "Field of Dreams" this afternoon. It's one of my favorites.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/05 03:09 AM

The Fellowship of the Ring was the movie I made time to watch last night (while studying for a test on Monday, not to metion the other 2 tests that I have). I REALLY enjoyed it a lot more than I did a week or 2 ago. I paid more attention to it and just seemed to enjoy it more which was great. Now I'm popping in The Two Towers
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/05 06:09 AM

Just finished watching "Ray." It was a really excellent movie, I now understand what all the hype is about Jamie Foxx
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/05 06:26 AM

Kill Bill: V1 - (Tarantino;2003;USA) - ***1/2
The Bride goes on a quest of revenge against old partners and her Boss, Bill.
Tarantino's reason for the film is an enjoyable homage to many films he loved, mostly Asian Kung Fu films, and some Spaghetti westerns. This proves to be a very entertaining film, made great with the average Tarantino style, a creative story with many well used homages. The music is also used well as in all his films. Another great part is the limited use of Carradine as Bill, who's face isn't shown in V1, creating a mystic feel to the character.
Among Top 100
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/05 06:31 PM

Well I was able to stay awake last night and watch The Two Towers. It was a good movie but into the 2nd disc I felt it was running a little long and getting a little boring. It's my least favorite of the trilogy but still a good movie
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/05 10:04 PM

Man on Fire
2004, Scott, US

A washed out ex-assassin bursts into action when the girl he has been hired to bodyguard is taken hostage.
As tough as it is empty, with Washington firing guns all over the place and not giving a damn, filmed and edited with such video-game flair that it creates a sense of unreality, perhaps to disguise the fact that this is nothing we've not seen before.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/05 10:12 PM

I'm surprised you have it zero stars Capo, but I can't help from agreeing with you. Looking back at the original ending, I realize how Hollywood-ized it was. Originally

SPOILER
Pita was dead, but the movie version can't let that ever happen. I'll watch it again soon, and as of now I keep my *** rating, although I'm tempted to take off half a star for the end.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/05 05:08 AM

Irishman, I always thought of you as the LOTR buff, now I found this quote in last year's Oscar thread.

Quote:
I don't know if I can EVER watch the oscar's again after tonight. The amount of hypocrisy in the academy is unmeasureable. I am speechless after tonight's winners. I'm going to bed & will argue with you guys tomorrow. THIS SUCKS, F**K LOTR!!
:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/05 05:57 AM

The LOTR "buff?" Well, thank you. I assure you that I am NOT a "buff" on the LOTR movies (see the LOTR Question thread that I started). I'd say SC or someone else should get that title, but thanks. I do remember last year's Oscar talks and I stick by what I said then. However, I do like the LOTR movies (in fact I own all 3 Extended Editions). So, yes I AM the hypocrite. I have read the first 2 books and plan to read The Return of the King during Spring Break if time allows me to. But I am very much looking forward to reading and watching The Hobbit movie if it ever gets mad!
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/05 02:12 PM

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1st time)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/05 05:48 PM

How was the movie Freddie C? Never seen it myself.

TIS, I just want to thank you for talking about waching JFK with the commentary on. It aroused my curiousity so much that I'm going to watch it with the commentary on on Wednesday, and then Thursday I'm gonna watch the special features (the documentary, deleted scenes, trailer, etc). I'll let you know how I liked it after I watch it of course. I kinda teased myself this weekend and only watched the first 2 minutes or so of the movie with the commentary on, but I liked what I heard so far (with how he decided to open up the movie with Eishenhower and all).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/05 09:42 PM

The Birds *** (1st Time)
1963, Hitchcock, US
A small town near San Fransisco is terrorised by birds.
Hitchcock at his most cynical. Patchily effective shock treatment with moments of excellence, though the special effects are now drastically dated.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/05 10:04 PM

Collateral - (Mann;2004;USA) - ***1/2
A relentless hitman uses a procrastinating taxi driver to drive him, while through the night, both are forever changed.
Mann always provides good visuals and dialogue that can take plots to a higher level. He and other's took the original script, and revised it into a very great movie. Many of the best stuff added by Mann. Tom Cruise is in his second best performance as the cold-blooded, but flawed killer, and Jamie Foxx in a very good performance as the cabbie who is going nowhere in life. Mann blends realistic action with drama that fails to be corny, along with good visuals and music to create the best thriller/action/drama of the year. It's flaw comes late in the film when it turns mainstream (office, not club). It ends on a good note in a poignant scene, but the few minutes that proceeded it damages it.
#1 Favorites
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 03:35 AM

The French Connection (1st time)

I liked The Bridge on the River Kwai. Now that level in "Medal of Honor: Rising Sun" makes more sense.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 03:49 AM

I watched Dog Day Afternoon on AMC Saturday night. It's now become my favorite Pacino film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 06:25 AM

Better than Scarface or The Godfather? BLASPHEMOUS!
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 01:28 PM

I've just watched And justice for all. Cant help feeling that Al was rather hysterical in his acting occasionally.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 02:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Better than Scarface or The Godfather? BLASPHEMOUS!
Not necessarily better, just my favorite Pacino role. GF is my favorite Brando movie, and Scarface....eh.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 02:51 PM

Oh man, Scarface is my favorite Pacino role and movie. Just his authenticity was OUTSTANDING in that movie IMO
Posted By: Cancerkitty

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 03:25 PM

I liked Scarface a lot, I found it entertaining, but I don't think it should be placed next to the Godfather as far as it being a classic is concerned. Good, but not great.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 04:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Better than Scarface or The Godfather? BLASPHEMOUS!
Dog Day Afternoon is better then Scarface. Sidney Lumet is a much better director then De Palma.

Quote:
I liked Scarface a lot, I found it entertaining, but I don't think it should be placed next to the Godfather as far as it being a classic is concerned. Good, but not great.
Exactly, Scarface's entertainment factor for me is ****. The film itself however is only a *** good movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 05:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cancerkitty:
I liked Scarface a lot, I found it entertaining, but I don't think it should be placed next to the Godfather as far as it being a classic is concerned. Good, but not great.
I agree, I don't think the movie itself is as good as The Godfather in terms of being classics. Scarface could be considered maybe a "cult classic" but I was saying that Pacino's performance in both was better than his performance in Dog Day Afternoon
Posted By: Luca Brasi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 06:19 PM

Just got done watching the movie "Saw". The plot wasn't at all what I'd thought it would be but I must say my jaw dropped to the floor at the end when the true mastermind of "the games" was revealed.

I must say the unexpected suprising ending rates with another....."Usual Suspects".
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 06:24 PM

Yeah the ending was pretty sweet. I wouldn't put it up there with The Usual Suspects but definitely a nice ending and a good movie for the amount of money and time they had to shoot it. (18 days for $1.2 million)
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 06:24 PM

Quote:
Not necessarily better, just my favorite Pacino role.
I agree, I think Dog Day Afternoon was Pacino's greatest acting role, with the Godfather a very, very, very close second. I would put Scarface up there too, but not as close. I thought he was a little over the top, but of course, that's what makes Scarface such a good movie. It would have been boring if he hadn't been
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 06:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lauren8:
[quote] Not necessarily better, just my favorite Pacino role.
I agree, I think Dog Day Afternoon was Pacino's greatest acting role, with the Godfather a very, very, very close second. I would put Scarface up there too, but not as close. I thought he was a little over the top, but of course, that's what makes Scarface such a good movie. It would have been boring if he hadn't been [/quote]I agree with them being superior to Scarface but The Godfather part 2 is Pacino's best acting. His most icy role that could not have been done better.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 06:39 PM

Last night I watched the film Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks lol it was an easy watch :p hehe
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 07:39 PM

Hearts and Minds (1974/Davis) 1st time

8.5/10

A heart breaking and teary eyed documentary about the harsh things that our government and troops did to the soutnern and northern Vietnamese in the Vietnam War. -Pat
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/05 08:50 PM

The Battle of Algiers **** (1st Time)
1965, Pontecorvo, Algeria/It
In 1954 Algiers, terrorists revolt against the French Government.
Politically complex and masterly done film, an aesthetic barrage of visual realism and percussion soundtrack; it must be admired not only for capturing a sense of social upheaval, but for managing not to judge either of the sides it depicts.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 04:06 AM

Watched The Return of the King tonight. Missed about 20 minutes of it but still good. I don't know, the movies are good but I don't think they're great (like Godfather). But 1 of my roomates was saying how they should make a LOTR 2 as opposed to making The Hobbit. He was going to title it something like Lord of the Rings 2: The Lost Ring He said it would involve Sam b/c at the end of ROTK Frodo says that Sam's story will continue or something like that. I thought it was pretty funny myself.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 04:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Oh man, Scarface is my favorite Pacino role and movie. Just his authenticity was OUTSTANDING in that movie IMO
I love Scarface. I think its a terrific film. But I find it harder and harder to watch each time I actually sit down to watch it. I don't know what it is. Pacino was excellent in it, and the end ranks among my favorite "action" endings. But something about it just doesn't do it for me anymore (Maybe its the fact I accidently bought the FF version instead of the WS version). It's still a great film though.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 04:20 AM

The Conversation - (Coppola;1974;USA) - ****
A paranoid surveillance expert suspects a couple he is spying on will be murdered.
One of Coppola's early masterworks. The story unfolds in a very easy fasioned but has much more depth with it. Hackman gives his best performance here as the paranoid surveillance expert. The story blends scenes that show the protagonist's flaws and go with the murder side of the story very well. John Cazale also does a good job in the supporting role. Sometimes it gives off a taxi driver feeling to the gritty feeling of the movie with the emotions of Harry.
Among favorites
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 04:24 AM

Yeah, you should have DEFINITELY gotten the WS format if you're as big of a FREAK as I am about it. Literally, if a friend of mine has a movie in FF and we have it at work in WS, I'll rent it from work instead of borrowing it from my friend just to see it in WS (I did that with both Dazed and Confused & Fast Times At Ridgemont High). Are you a WS fan or no? Me, I LOVE the 2.35 ratio for the WS as opposed to the 1.85 crap. Scarface is 2.35 and I LOVE it so much! Still the best time watching it was in the theaters
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 04:31 AM

I loathe FF. It trips me out when people want the FF DVD because "that damn widescreen cuts off half the screen." If they'd sit down and think, and analyze what they're saying, they'd realize widescreen gives you a "wider" view of the damn movie. I found a website to show one of my friends the errors of his ways, comparing the same screen on a WS DVD, as opposed to that same screen in FF. He still didn't buy it. I called him a moron. He thought I was playing. I meant it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 04:40 AM

Exactly. The people I live with hate WS and all of their movies for the most part are in FF, while I on the other hand hate FF and all of my movies are in WS. At work some people say "Do you have this in FF or only WS" and when I tell them only WS they say "well that's a shame" or "that's dumb". I've tried explaning it over and over and I'm just to the point now where I say screw it. You've got your taste (no matter how ridiculous it looks) and I have mine
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 01:02 PM

I really enjoy watching the "Back to the future" trilogy.Hours of fun on 3 disks
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 09:36 PM

Body Heat ** (1st Time)
1981, Kasdan, US
During a particularly hot Florida summer, a lawyer begnis an affair with a married woman, and they plot to kill her husband.
Tense, knowing update of film noir and Double Indemnity in particular, with a certain steaminess accentuated by an abundance of sweat in almost every scene.

Mick
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 10:12 PM

Raiders of the Lost Ark

I think it's one of the best movies of the 80s.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 10:15 PM

I always liked The Last Crusade the best myself
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 10:51 PM

All 3 in the trilogy are really good. I'm looking forward to #4.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/05 11:04 PM

Yeah sure they're all good, but I have mixed feelings about Indiana Jones 4 and Die Hard 4.0. Sure I liked the original 3, but I don't know if these will be as good as those, being so much time has elasped since then. I don't know. I'll watch them, but again, I have mixed feelings
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 12:07 AM

I just saw Platinum Blonde, starring Loretta Young and Jean Harlow. Very cute movie.

I put Loretta Lynn before... I just edited it. What an idiot!! Who is Loretta Lynn, anyway? I know I've heard the name, or else I wouldn't have put it down.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 12:07 AM

Taxi Driver - (Scorsese;1976;USA) - ****
A war veteran taxi driver who's hatred for the degenerates of New York City contributes to his need to violently release his anger and growing depression.
One of Scorsese's four masterworks and his second best film behind Raging Bull. DeNiro gives off his second best performance as the protagonist Travis Bickle, who's social problems and view of the street scum of the city plague him until he can't hold it in any longer. A real tour de force that has stood the test of time. Scorsese gives another amazing direction, using some of his visual styles, that coincide greatly with the gritty New York scenery. A strong supporting cast also contributes, including Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, and another great actor, Harvey Keitel.
#3
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 12:50 AM

Quote:
I just saw Platinum Blonde, starring Loretta Lynn and Jean Harlow. Very cute movie.
I like that movie! Jean Harlow is one of my favorites ever, my best Christmas gift was one of those purses with her on it
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 12:54 AM

Quote:
I agree, I think Dog Day Afternoon was Pacino's greatest acting role, with the Godfather a very, very, very close second. I would put Scarface up there too, but not as close.
I just quoted myself, kinda weird...anyways, all this Scarface talk yesterday really made me want to watch it, since I hadn't seen it in 3-4 years, so I did, and now I don't know what Pacino's greatest acting role was. Too many choices!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 05:22 AM

It's so great to hear you say that Lauren8. As for me I FINALLY got to watch JFK with the commentary on tonight. I enjoyed it but not as much as I thought I would have and definitely not as much as watching it without the commentary. Not bad overall, but nothing "earth shattering" either. TIS, have you been to the Book Depository in Dallas? I went when I was younger and I'm gonna ask my mom if when my family comes down for my graduation in 8 weeks if they wanna go while they're here. Since watching JFK a lot recently, I'd really love to go back. If not with them (because they'll only be in town for like 4 full days), I'd like to ask an ex-teacher of mine who I've kept in contact with (although I haven't talked to him in a while).

BTW, has anyone seen Nixon? If so, how it is? How would you compare it with JFK?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 05:20 PM

I'm sorry but I just had to share this. My roomate and I were talking about The Godfather Part I because he watched it last night, and I asked him how he liked it. He said it was just ok and the fake blood was stupid, etc. Well, later on in the conversation he told me that Friday was a better movie than The Godfather. Friday is good, but it holds NO candle whatsoever to The Godfather.
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 06:02 PM

Quote:
Who is Loretta Lynn, anyway?
She's a classic country singer, like Patsy Cline, though Loretta Lynn is still alive, she won a grammy this year with that guy from White Stripes. Have you ever seen the Sissy Spacek movie, "Coal Miner's Daughter?" It's on tv alot, it's about her life, it's a really good movie, the only kind of country music I have ever enjoyed
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 09:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
He said it was just ok and the fake blood was stupid...
Stupid is one of the most detestable and unconvincing adjectives applicable to film analsysis. Which was why I jumped on you a while ago when you referred to Scorsese's most important film Mean Streets as exactly that.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 09:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] He said it was just ok and the fake blood was stupid...
Stupid is one of the most detestable and unconvincing adjectives applicable to film analsysis. Which was why I jumped on you a while ago when you referred to Scorsese's most important film Mean Streets as exactly that.

Mick [/b][/quote]Fully agreed, which is why I loathe movie descriptions like "IT SUCKED, IT RULED, ITS STUPID, ITS GAY"
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 11:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Fully agreed, which is why I loathe movie descriptions like "IT SUCKED, IT RULED, ITS STUPID, ITS GAY"
Yeah, but dude, The Godfather ruled...

Kidding...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 11:17 PM

Exactly, that's why I ended the conversation because there's no getting through to him. When I give my opinion (such as that of Mean Streets), I always try to at least provide an opinion or an explanation along with it. I always find that just simply saying "it's stupid" is not adequet in describing what one didn't like about the movie. Although some on here have attacked me for asking their reasons on such issues (no one in here, but in other threads).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 11:24 PM

It's one thing when you pick a movie we don't care about, but when the majority of us think it's a masterpiece and someone comes out with "It's stupid" we expect to know why. Wasn't entertaining, what, etc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/05 11:48 PM

I understand that and as I usually say, "Different strokes make the world go 'round." I usually don't like telling people there opinion is wrong because everyone is entitled to it. However, I find it hard to believe that someone actually can say to me with a straight fact that Friday is a better movie than The Godfather, I just tend not to engage further into the conversation because I can see that it will lead to nowhere (especially with this roomate).

As for me, with Mean Streets, I don't know if it's because I didn't watch the movie growing up (because I wasn't alive in the 1970s) or I didn't watch it until after I saw The Godfather, Goodfellas, & Casino which I considered some of the best mob movies ever made. But as for me and Mean Streets I have only seen it once and I have been known more times on occasion to not like a movie the first time around and then love it upon multiple viewings. I'm sure I'll see it again, but as of now I have no desire to. It was just slow with not a lot of action, and I didn't like De Niro's character. I did like Harvey Keitel, but just not De Niro. I don't know. IMO, compared to Goodfellas & Casino, Mean Streets falls way below.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 12:26 AM

First off, it isn't a mob movie. Second off, action? If DeNiro actually shot that gun would it have been better? Third, you didn't like DeNiro character. You weren't supposed to! He was a street punk, DeNiro doesn't have to play likeable people. And final, as I said it isn't a mob movie, it's a personal movie about the life Scorsese knew very well, and he blends religious guilt, his style, and a good plot together magnificently. The direction is superb, and out of all of Scorsese's movies, it has the best soundtrack.

That's why I think it's a masterpiece.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 12:40 AM

Thank you for pointing that out to me about De Niro's character not supposed to being liked, because I was like, "um, I don't like this dude." :p Soundtrack wise, Scorsese always has a great one (Goodfellas and from what I heard on Casino I liked too). As far as Mean Streets being a master piece, I wouldn't go as far as that. But that's just me, not to say your opinion is wrong. To me Kill Bill Vol. 1 & Kill Bill Vol. 2 are masterpieces (and to you I'm sure that they're not).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 12:46 AM

Combined they are, and Reservoir Dogs is a masterwork too, which is his second best. But it is Pulp Fiction that is his true film, and in a few decades will probably be a classic. A hard hitting film about redemption, with those who take it and those who refuse it, with a stylish direction, his best dialogue, and best soundtrack. This and Chinatown are the two greatest Neo-Noirs.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 12:56 AM

Double Indemnity - (Wilder;1944;USA) - ****
An insurance agent is seduced into killing a woman's husband so they can receive the insurance money.
Still very hard to decide if this is better then Sunset Blvd. This is the best Film-Noir, showing the true nature of many people to strive for themselves, and those who are easily taken over by charm. MacMurray and Stanwyck give off great performances, but the real acting here is from Edward G. Robinson in the supporting role. Wilder's direction of this film is excellent, making a true classic and a very good narrative, almost similar to Sunset Blvd.'s. I love the small action at the end that no one notices, that was later used in "Memento."
#15

I'm off to watch The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) with Errol Flynn.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 01:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Combined they are, and Reservoir Dogs is a masterwork too, which is his second best. But it is Pulp Fiction that is his true film, and in a few decades will probably be a classic. A hard hitting film about redemption, with those who take it and those who refuse it, with a stylish direction, his best dialogue, and best soundtrack. This and Chinatown are the two greatest Neo-Noirs.
I can see it becoming a classic in a few more years, sure. It's considered by many his best film and it made the AFI's top 100 movies of all time (which ain't too shabby, considering the movie is only a 10-11 years old). It is good, but this is just my opinion, but it falls 3rd for me. My favorite QT movies are in order: Kill Bill Vol. 1 & Kill Bill Vol. 2, Jackie Brown, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs. But I do LOVE QT and think he's a genius with the camera!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 01:27 AM

Favorite? Are you listing them based on how much they entertained you or how great they are based on their making, qualities, and artistic aspect? There's a big difference. My two favorite movies are Collateral and Memento, but they aren't near the best of all time.

QT's Best
---------
1) Pulp Fiction - ****
2) Reservoir Dogs - ****
3) Kill Bill V2 - ****
4) Jackie Brown - ***1/2
5) Kill Bill V1 - ***1/2

Favorites
---------
1) Pulp Fiction
2) Reservoir Dogs
3) Jackie Brown
4) Kill Bill V2
5) Kill Bill V1
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 01:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Favorite? Are you listing them based on how much they entertained you or how great they are based on their making, qualities, and artistic aspect? There's a big difference. My two favorite movies are Collateral and Memento, but they aren't near the best of all time.
Entertainment
1) Kill Bills
2) Jackie Brown
3) Pulp Fiction
4) Reservoir Dogs

Artistic Aspect
1) Kill Bills
2) Pulp Fiction
3) Reservoir Dogs
4) Jackie Brown
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 02:56 AM

Another major reason I think Kill Bill is inferior is the fact it's reason of being made is to go all out with the homages with Tarantino's creativity, while Pulp becomes more then that on an emotion scale, but whatever.

The Adventures of Robin Hood - (Curtiz;Keighley;USA;1938) - ***1/2
Prince John begins oppressing the Saxons in England after King Richard becomes absent, and a Saxon lord fights back as the outlaw leader of a rebel group.
A beautiful film in it's Technicolor restoration. The editing is average, a simple 1930's fade or cut from one scene to the next, but the rest of the film makes a great movie. Errol Flynn's radiant performance as Robin Hood makes this a must-see. A very good supporting cast also follows up, including Claude Rains, Olivia de Havilland, and Basil Rathbone. All in all a fun adventure film that is a very entertaining experience.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/05 05:27 AM

Well I got to watch everything on the JFK DVD that I wanted to. Tonight I watched the trailer, the deleted/extended scenes (which were pretty good), and the document BEYOND JFK: The Question of Conspiracy. It was good, with some good footage of the real characters in the movie (such as Jim Garrison, Dean Andrews, Clay Shaw, Lee Harvey Oswald, etc). Overall, not too bad and I'm glad I watched the movie, then again with the commentary, and finally the special features.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/05 12:24 AM

Following - (Nolan;1998;UK) - ***
A man being questioned by a detective tells the story of how his random shadowing brought him under the wing of a burglar.
The narrative seems to be an experiment, it's very askew. When a change of hair is made you may think there are two different characters from the same man. That's the major problem in an otherwise good movie. We eventually catch on and by the end of the film, most will be glad they have watched it. Original and a good twist, if only it had a more developed narrative. The acting is nice, mainly because the roles don't demand a lot from the actors. It's also rather short for a film, but it still works by the end. Nolan fans should see this.
Top 50
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/05 09:46 PM

I saw "Man of the House" last night at the theater with my gf. She wanted to see it because it's about cheerleading. It was terrible. :rolleyes:
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 01:06 AM

I just watched "13 Days" with Kevin Costner. It's about the Cuban Missile Crisis. Very good but underrated film. The actor who portrayed JFK was excellent, as was Bobby Kennedy. The actor playing RFK is actually on "West Wing" now as the Republican Speaker of the House.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 01:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Well I got to watch everything on the JFK DVD that I wanted to. Tonight I watched the trailer, the deleted/extended scenes (which were pretty good), and the document BEYOND JFK: The Question of Conspiracy. It was good, with some good footage of the real characters in the movie (such as Jim Garrison, Dean Andrews, Clay Shaw, Lee Harvey Oswald, etc). Overall, not too bad and I'm glad I watched the movie, then again with the commentary, and finally the special features.
I have to do this also, esp. after reading your post. I found it amazing the extent Stone went to making John Candy look like Dean Andrews and how Pesci resembled David Ferrie.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 01:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
I just watched "13 Days" with Kevin Costner. It's about the Cuban Missile Crisis. Very good but underrated film. The actor who portrayed JFK was excellent, as was Bobby Kennedy. The actor playing RFK is actually on "West Wing" now as the Republican Speaker of the House.
Goombah, I wanted to see that movie. I was young, but old enough to remember the tension of that time. Who played JFK, do you know?

TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 04:26 AM

Bruce Greenwood plays JFK, TIS. By the way TIS, have you ever seen this?
--
The Poseidon Adventure - (Neame;1972;USA) - **1/2
A tidal wave turns a ship upside down, and several people attempt to get to the top (bottom of ship) to reach safety.
What an adventure it is, with a very good score by John Williams by the way. Gene Hackman does a great job as the preacher with unorthodox ways. The special effects are pretty good for it's time, and it stays away from the average addition of a heavy romance theme that is common in disaster movies. There is a romance between two characters that forms, but it doesn't go off the tracks to explore the irrelevant area such as movies like "Titanic" have. It's a good movie, not great. Good, just a little above average with a great supporting cast that includes Ernest Borgnine, Red Buttons, Shelley Winters, Stella Stevens, Carol Lynley, and Jack Albertson. One major problem with the movie is the fact that a tidal wave caused by an earthquake would be a few inches high in the middle of the ocean, which pretty much makes a large plot hole.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 04:44 AM

Thanks DV. I knew it was someone I knew of, but couldn't remember who. I've seen Bruce Greenwood in several movies and in a tv show a few years back.

I did see The Poseidon Adventure and it was very good for it's time.

Back in the 70's there were a string of disaster movies including: Earthquake, Jaws, Airport and more I'm not thinking of. Earthquake also had good special effects for it's time;

Jaws made everyone think twice about swimming in the ocean and Airport, as you can imagine put the fear of flying in us. And Earthquake, especially now, with living in CA, makes me realize just how devasting the "big" one could be.

Don't know why or how these "Trends" in movies begin, but at the time they were very popular.

TIS
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 06:03 AM

I got Troy and Saw this weekend, BOTH excellent movies IMO
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 07:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Well I got to watch everything on the JFK DVD that I wanted to. Tonight I watched the trailer, the deleted/extended scenes (which were pretty good), and the document BEYOND JFK: The Question of Conspiracy. It was good, with some good footage of the real characters in the movie (such as Jim Garrison, Dean Andrews, Clay Shaw, Lee Harvey Oswald, etc). Overall, not too bad and I'm glad I watched the movie, then again with the commentary, and finally the special features.
I have to do this also, esp. after reading your post. I found it amazing the extent Stone went to making John Candy look like Dean Andrews and how Pesci resembled David Ferrie. [/b][/quote]Yeah, I really loved Joe Pesci as David Ferrie, especially the first time he meets Jim Garrison.

As for me, I watched Bambi last night before I went to bed because I hadn't seen it since I was a kid and I wanted to see how the quality was on DVD. Not a great movie (in fact I thought it was patchy in the story. Tonight I'm probably gonna watch Peter Pan before I go to bed. But I have been watching The Shield Season 3 (which has been f'n GREAT!

DMC, Saw is a very good movie, but Troy being excellent!?
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 02:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
[quote]Originally posted by goombah:
[b] I just watched "13 Days" with Kevin Costner. It's about the Cuban Missile Crisis. Very good but underrated film. The actor who portrayed JFK was excellent, as was Bobby Kennedy. The actor playing RFK is actually on "West Wing" now as the Republican Speaker of the House.
Goombah, I wanted to see that movie. I was young, but old enough to remember the tension of that time. Who played JFK, do you know?

TIS [/b][/quote]TIS
I'm glad someone else knew the answer about the JFK actor. Nevertheless he was very good. I recommend that you rent it. I think that this movie was a victim of Costner being stuck in the middle of a bunch of poor roles prior to this movie, so I don't think it faired well at the box office. But it gives the viewer of a very real perspective of the obstacles the Kennedy's faced by the military. And if you're a conspiracy buff, it certainly leaves open the reasons why the CIA/military could have had Kennedy killed.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 08:37 PM

Just watched Ocean's 11, Andy Garcia is much better that I expected. But of course his role is a cliche by intention...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/05 11:11 PM

Charade - (Donen;1963;USA) - ****
Several men go after a widow to get the money her murdered husband stole while she has problems of knowing who to trust.
I agree with the quote that this is one of the best films that Hitchcock didn't make. Everything seems like Hitchcock minus the fact Hepburn is not a blonde. The plot is top notch with great twists and a great cast that includes Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Coburn, and Walter Matthau. The music is great, especially in the chase scene. A classic thriller and IMO, Hepburn's best film. All the actors are charming to watch, mainly Hepburn.
Top 100
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/05 12:03 AM

Watched Peter Pan before I went to bed this morning. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I also watched Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this morning. Not a bad flick but I think there was too much singing going on between Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I've also continued to watch The Shield Season 3 (watched episodes 5 & 6 today).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/05 12:11 AM

The Enforcer/Murder, Inc *** (1st Time)
1950, Windust, US
When his key witness falls to his death on the eve of a courtcase, a DA remembers how he came this close to bringing down the Mafia.
Atmospheric and key film in the crime film trend of the subsequent '50s.

Hotel Rwanda ** (1st Time)
2004, George, US
During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a Hutu hotel manager shelters thousands of Tutsis against Hutu rebels while the UN fail to intervene.
A brave attempt at showing an atrocious event in history, but one that fails to have any wider impact regarding the genocide still happening in Africa. It would have been perhaps more powerful had it been more blunt in showing the full atrocities, but has seemingly been dampened down for a younger generation.

Mick
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/05 02:46 AM

I watched "Napoleon Dynamite" last night. Funniest movie I've seen in a long time!
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/05 12:53 PM

Watched "Austin Powers in Goldmember" last night on TNT or TBS. Saw it originally at the theatre and was very disappointed. It's funnier the 2nd time around. I would equate it with Godfather 3 in the sense that it's good in its own right but not able to meet the level of its predecessors. However, Beyonce is a horrible actress. They should have used someone else or just kept Heather Graham.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/05 02:56 PM

Re-watched "The Devil's Advocate" on tv last night. I had forgotten how good Pacino was in that.

Also, I watched the prequel to "The Exorcist" (for the first time) yesterday. It wasn't all that great, but it was certainly better than Parts 2 and 3.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/05 07:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
Re-watched "The Devil's Advocate" on tv last night. I had forgotten how good Pacino was in that.

Also, I watched the prequel to "The Exorcist" (for the first time) yesterday. It wasn't all that great, but it was certainly better than Parts 2 and 3.
SC, there's one thing I LOATHE about the new Exorcist.

Morgan Creek Productions fired Paul Schrader after he had submitted a completed movie, saying that he had given them "footage without any of the bloody violence the backers had wanted". He had already made it clear in interviews that he was making more of a psychological drama than an all-out gore-fest. He was fired and Renny Harlin was hired to re-shoot the movie. Almost 90% of the movie was re-shot and at least two characters have been dropped from Paul Schrader's version of the movie. However, Morgan Creek Productions stated in an interview on E: True Hollywood Story, that they will release Paul Schrader's version of the film on DVD in the near future.

For anyone who doesn't know, Schrader is responsible for writing screenplays for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, City Hall, and Bringing Out the Dead.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/05 09:47 PM

Evil Dead was on UK television last night,Man that is one freaky film,but awesome affects for the 70/80;s
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/05 03:17 AM

I saw Be Cool yesterday, and was very VERY VERY disappointed. The scenes felt like they had nothing to do with each other, and the characters were so underdeveloped I was almost convinced they were an army of clones. Save yourself 8 bucks, stay the hell away from it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/05 03:23 AM

Really!? Wow, I was gonna see it just for Vince Vaughn (I can't get enough of those commericals, *twinkle twinkle baby, twinkle twinkle. And "I'm just clownin' baby!)
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/05 03:36 AM

Ebert gave Be Cool one and a half stars. I'm not surprised, is there a good movie that features The Rock in it?
---
Annie Hall - (Allen;1977;USA) - ****
A neurotic comedian falls in love with a woman named Annie Hall who's the complete opposite.
Woody Allen is a great director, especially when it comes to dialogue and funny situations. While this film shows a completely real relationship it manages to blend it with hilarious moments binded with excellent dialogue. I hate romantic comedies for what they have become today but this is a gem of the sub-genre and is probably the best to come from it. This film never gets old when it comes to seeing it again. It's so great that most people don't realize that virtually all of it is scenes with few cuts with all talk with no major action. That makes a film great.
#16

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror - (Murnau;1922;Germany) - ****
Count Orlok, who is secretly the vampire Nosferatu, purchases a house in Germany to continue his bloodsucking carnage.
Nosferatu is the greatest vampire. No one can forget the chilling shadow creeping up the stairs, or that sinister creature walking through the door. Although corny acting is in this film, Max Schreck's performance more then makes up for it. Many overlook the beautiful cinematography of the castles, landscape, etc. This is no sex symbol either, this is truly a rat-faced, bat-eared creation from nightmares. A horror classic that is a must-see.
#53

The Sign of the Cross - (DeMille;1932;USA) - ***1/2
Nero burns Rome and uses the Christian community as a scapegoat so he can eradicate them, meanwhile a Roman soldier falls in love with a Christian woman.
Truly a great film about the sadistic Nero and his persecutions. Although dated with effects, the arena scene remains disturbing. This film's depiction of the power of faith is one of my favorite things about it. There are several good performances, most notably Charles Laughton as the sadistic emperor. A great epic.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/05 09:31 PM

The Shootist - (Siegel;1976;USA) - ***1/2
A dying shootist finds out he has cancer and looks for a peaceful way to die. Unfortunately his reputation calls the attention of gunfighters who would like to kill him and those who don't seem to want to profit off of his death.
You never expect to see a western and find out that it's a great character study. It's very different from the average western formula, especially the end. John Wayne was battling cancer while doing it and seems to be mixing himself with the acting. This is arguably his best performance and definitely one of his best. It's grand that he ended his career with this and not some B-Movie. The cast is also great featuring Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, Jimmy Stewart, and Richard Boone. The film contains less violence then most would have and focuses more on the man himself, which I love. Great acting, another great Siegel film to go with Dirty Harry, and another John Wayne classic.
#47
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/05 09:42 PM

Deux Hommes dans Manhattan/Two Men in Manhattan (1st Time)
1958, Melville, Fr
When a French UN delegate seemingly disappears, two journalists search New York to find him.
Not by any means essential viewing, but a light-hearted film enjoyable for its running time.

A bout de souffle/Breathless **** (8th viewing or so)
1960, Godard, Fr
In Paris, an ultra-cool car thief kills a cop and seduces the girl he loves while running from the police.
Innovatively casual piece which helped spark the French New Wave of the 60s; Godard's first film, noted for its frenetic use of random jump cuts, is cinema at its most important and enjoyable.
#5

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 04:42 AM

Just finished watching The Shield Season 3 and man, I LOVE watching it on DVD because you don't have to wait week after week to see another episode. I finished the 15 episode season in 5 days (1 on Friday, 3 on Saturday, 4 on Sunday, 4 on Monday, and 3 today plus the 1+ hour special feature). The special feature was a little disappointing but the show was EXCELLENT! I can't wait until next tuesday when Season 4 starts!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 04:46 AM

That's one show I've wanted to see from the very beginning, but never have watched it. I'm guessing it's on the other station of Law & Order which I am a big fan of.

Btw, wasn't Glenn Close in a recent episode? I thought I saw previews of it?


TIS
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 04:50 AM

Just finished watching Rocky III, they are showing all the Rocky movies on AMC this week. I love part III. Mr. T, definitely the most under rated actor of his generation
Great quote:
Apollo Creed: "Eye of the tiger man, eye of the tiger!"
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 04:53 AM

What is The Shield about? I Googled it, but the site wasn't working for me. I saw a poster for it on the side of a bus the other day that said "Her house. His rules."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 05:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
That's one show I've wanted to see from the very beginning, but never have watched it. I'm guessing it's on the other station of Law & Order which I am a big fan of.

Btw, wasn't Glenn Close in a recent episode? I thought I saw previews of it?


TIS
I LOVE The Shielf. It's probably my favorite show on TV (yes even ahead of The Sopranos). Season 4 starts a week from today and I think Glenn Close might be the new Captain because the old one moved on. That's my guess, I'm not sure what it is officially. If you have the chance TIS, check it out next Tuesday on FX (it's usually on at 9 PM CST, so probably 7 your time).

Letizia, I believe this is their offical site The Shield
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 05:23 AM

Vic Mackey for President!

Anyway, what's THE SHEIF?!?!

Is that the Middle-Eastern version of it? I can see it now....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 05:39 AM

Yes, The Shief takes place in Baghdad and about a former Farmington District cop, helping our troops "smoke out" Osama bin-Laden and the other terrorists. I can't wait for it myself
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 05:40 AM

Thanks, Irish. That was the site I was trying to get to, but from Google, I couldn't get past the yellow screen. But it worked with your link. There's an addictive shooting range game on that site, btw. Looks like a good show, but what's different about it than other LAPD shows?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 05:44 AM

It's a lot more intense, with more violance, language and nudity (not to mention humor)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/05 01:43 PM

The Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre was on last night,that film is brilliant,you just have to imagine being in there situation and how daunting that would be.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/05 01:56 AM

The Ten Commandments - (DeMille;1956;USA) - ****
A Hebrew raised as an Egyptian carries out God's will to free the Hebrews from slavery.
Definately beats Spartacus as an epic. DeMille seems to know just how to make an epic and I hope to see more of him. This is the best Biblical film I have seen and its hard to find anything wrong with it. Great music, great cast, great director. Charlton Heston gives a great performance as Moses and the cast carries the film perfectly as well. Yul Brynner is perfect as the villian and gives off a good job as well. The special effects were great for their time and although dated are still superb. A classic film that could be enjoyed by anyone, religious or not. Edward G. Robinson was good but I like him better in Double Indemnity. Did anyone see H.B. Warner? This was his last speaking role. I also loved Vincent Price and John Carradine in their roles. A classic with just about everything a film should have. The way they showed God make the tablets was excellent.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/05 04:47 AM

Vercetti -

Does the DVD have any extras worthwhile? I have the movie on VHS, but I'd consider buying the DVD if the extras are good.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/05 04:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
Vercetti -

Does the DVD have any extras worthwhile? I have the movie on VHS, but I'd consider buying the DVD if the extras are good.
The one I have is the hsitty firsto ne with three trailers. Both look similar so watch out, the SE has a painted stone border. An SE was released that has...

Commentary by author/historian Katherine Orrison

New 6-part documentary

Photo gallery

Trailers
---------
From what I heard, this is the DVD where Heston revealed he was the voice for God mixed in with other sound effects.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/05 05:02 AM

Well I just got done watching The Ten Commandments. It was great, no doubt about it. A little long with some slow parts, but still a great movie. Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner and Anne Baxter were all very good in their respective roles. As DV said "The way they showed God make the tablets was excellent." I couldn't agree more. I would like to watch it again because I couldn't hear about a forth of the movie with the noise downstairs & my roomates, but from what I got it was great (just a little slow and I was getting tired of lying down).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/05 09:55 PM

Meet the Fockers (1st Time)
2004, Roach, US
Greg's in-laws-to-be take a trip to meet his parents on the run up to the wedding.
Watchable and entirely forgettable, this struggles to provide new jokes for two hours straight; Hoffman and Streisand liven things up, but do little to compensate for a succession of crude jokes on the connotations surrounding a suggestive surname.

Viridiana *** (1st Time)
1961, Buñuel, Spa
An altruistic nun decides to give beggars shelter in her dead uncle's house, but they turn against her.
A black satire on all things religious; always compelling viewing, and, at the time, understandably offensive in its bitter portrayal of, in particular, the Last Supper.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/05 10:03 PM

Unforgiven - (Eastwood;1992;USA) - ****
After a prostitute is slashed in the face, they hire a reformed gunslinger who's new lifestyle clashes with his old ways as he takes on the job.
Better after seeing Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River this time around. Even in the slower parts the cinematopgraphy makes up heavily. A western that is both gritty and beautiful at times. Great performances from Eastwood, Freeman, and Hackman. Richard Harris is also very good as the minor character English Bob. Usually I find circular stories to be cliche, but in this instance it works well. An excellent western that is truly one of Eastwood's best, and one of the best westerns ever. A real gem, maybe a little overrated by some, but still excellent.
#18

"I've killed women and children. I've killed everything that walks or crawls at one time or another. And I'm here to kill you..."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/05 11:07 PM

Just finished watching the first special feature on The Fellowship of the Ring. It was titled J.R.R. Tolkien - Creator of Middler-Earth. Only about 20+ minutes or so but interesting because I never really knew a lot about the man. I'm looking forward to watching all of the special features (if only I could find the time)
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/05 11:25 PM

Damn, I'm gonna be watching six hours of film on Saturday in a row. Welles' "The Lady From Shanghai," followed by Hawks' "The Big Sleep," and finally my third or fourth viewing of "Double Indemnity." Kickass Saturday. Thug, didn't you say "Lady From Shanghai" was mediocre?

EDIT: Meh, TLFS is also playing on Sunday so I might skip it and see that on Sunday with "The Lost Weekend."

I'm off to rewatch "Five Easy Pices" later.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/05 01:29 AM

Five Easy Pieces - (Rafelson;1970;USA) - ****
A forsaking oil rigger discovers his father is ill and returns with his devout girlfriend to the life he ran away from.
Jack Nicholson gives off one of his greatest performances as Robert Dupea, who gave up his life as a pianist in his upper class family to go on a road to nothing. The piano music is great for the film and has several great supporting actors including Karen Black, Lois Smith, Susan Anspach, and Ralph Waite. From the great opening playing "Stand By Your Man" to the end scenes that are so true to the character, especially the talks with Catherine and his father. This is a highly underrated film that deserves much more praise. The characters are shown as real as they can be, with no sugar coating most films have to make people likable. Nicholson is truly one of my favorite actors. This makes me wanna rewatch "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
#31

"I move around a lot, not because I'm looking for anything really, but 'cause I'm getting away from things that get bad if I stay."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/05 04:53 AM

Man am I tired, but I did get to watch a lot of the special features on disc 3 of The Fellowship of the Ring. So far the stuff's not too bad, and most of the material is broken up into 20 minute incraments. But the last one ran over 40 minutes and I decided that was a good place to stop because, as I said before, I am tired. Plus I gotta pack my stuff up to leave for my spring break tomorrow
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/05 04:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Well I got to watch everything on the JFK DVD that I wanted to. Tonight I watched the trailer, the deleted/extended scenes (which were pretty good), and the document BEYOND JFK: The Question of Conspiracy. It was good, with some good footage of the real characters in the movie (such as Jim Garrison, Dean Andrews, Clay Shaw, Lee Harvey Oswald, etc). Overall, not too bad and I'm glad I watched the movie, then again with the commentary, and finally the special features.
Irishman
What year was your JFK DVD released? I don't see those special features offered in my version. I was home sick yesterday and thought I'd watch the deleted stuff, but nothing was there. Just curious.
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/05 06:47 PM

Finally saw Million Dollar Baby --- WOW. I don't get all the political hoopla.. it is a terrific story.

Also I must say I thought the performance in Ray was wayyyy overrated, and as for the Best Supporting Actress in The Aviator....I don't get it. FOr me her awful impersonation of Hepburn ruined an otherwise decent picture.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/05 09:45 PM

Sunset Blvd. - (Wilder;1950;USA) - ****
A corpse in a pool tells his story of how he met and worked with the delusional former silent film star Norma Desmond, a job which begins to bind his life more and more.
A true masterwork that was not only bold for its time but is also very compelling. Gloria Swanson returns to the screen as the silent film star Norma Desmond. An excellent psychological drama that has a great narrative for its time although today it would be overused. This is without a doubt one of the greatest films ever, wonderfully portraying the dark side of Hollywood. A classic film that has stood the test of time and always packs an impact even today. Great performances from William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, and a wonderful cast with several cameos from C.B DeMille to Buster Keaton. My MFA review will be on late tonight.
#21

Funny, how gentle people get with you once you're dead.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/05 04:18 AM

Ladder 49 - (Russell;2004;USA) - ***
A firefighter is trapped on the 12th floor of a burning building. As his team desperately tries to rescue him, he recollects how he got to where he is, from his day as a rookie through his marriage and the dangers of his job.
A film that adds to its characters what most movies lack. This could've easily been an average action movie or a melodramatic mess, but it proves very good. The characters are given depth, such as Jack's wife. Their relationship is realistic, as well as the relationship between the firefighters. Even the narrative, which in this day and age could be less then creative is used for the right reasons. Why he is flashingback has meaning, not just a tool to catch the audience in the film's grasp. Very good performances by Phoenix, Travolta, and a cast of memorable characters that are convincing, not cardboard cut-outs. One of the better things is the fact that the film doesn't try to make the characters look like action heroes, but true heroes who risk their lives for others.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/05 05:19 PM

Eastwood on Eastwood - (1997) - ***1/2
Directed/Written By: Richard Schickel
Narrated By: John Cusack
Autobiography of Clint Eastwood up to his movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
A great documentary on the life of Clint Eastwood with an equally great narration by Cusack. The major problem I had with it is the fact several films were skipped in showing his career. Eastwood talks of what attracted him to roles he liked and what roles he thought were dull, such as his distaste for the shoot-em-up movie he starred in "Where Eagles Dare." A great documentary for Eastwood fans.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/05 10:13 PM

Los Amantes del Circulo Polar/Lovers of the Arctic Circle *** (1st Time)
1998, Medem, Sp/Fr
Two young people meet in school by coincidence, and become lifelong lovers, before they are separated and struggle to find one another again.
Exceedingly clever film which utilises, and perhaps makes fun of, a recurring pivotal moment in mainstream romances: the coincidence. Each scene is based around one of some sort, and the circular narrative consumes its audience like a lyrical poem whose only depth is deceptively on the surface.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 01:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Well I got to watch everything on the JFK DVD that I wanted to. Tonight I watched the trailer, the deleted/extended scenes (which were pretty good), and the document BEYOND JFK: The Question of Conspiracy. It was good, with some good footage of the real characters in the movie (such as Jim Garrison, Dean Andrews, Clay Shaw, Lee Harvey Oswald, etc). Overall, not too bad and I'm glad I watched the movie, then again with the commentary, and finally the special features.
Irishman
What year was your JFK DVD released? I don't see those special features offered in my version. I was home sick yesterday and thought I'd watch the deleted stuff, but nothing was there. Just curious. [/b][/quote]Mine is the 2 disc special edition. I think it was released in either 2002 or 2003. As for me, I started watch the Raging Bull special features and it's pretty interesting. I had no idea that Marty didn't even want to do the movie and that De Niro talked him into it. Has anyone else seen them? Pesci looks old in his interviews! Tonight I also plan on watching Once Upon A Time In America. I've only seen the first hour of it. I was disappointed because I thought it was about Italians and not Jewish kids in New York so I lost interest (plus I felt it started off slow) and I saved myself 3 hours.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 02:08 AM

Enjoy, "Once...in America" is one of the best films ever and Sergio Leone's masterpiece.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 04:42 AM

Goddamn, I missed Lady From Shanghai because of dinner and forgot about Big Sleep until about a half an hour after it began.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 05:15 AM

I just tuned in to "Minority Report" with Tom Cruise. It looks pretty good, but I missed the first hour of it. You guys think it's a good movie???


TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 07:08 AM

Double Indemnity - (Wilder;1944;USA) - ****
An insurance agent is seduced into murdering a woman's rich husband for insurance money.
The greatest Film-Noir ever made. Wilder is definately one of my favorite directors, especially in dialogue. This is my third or fourth view and it doesn't get old. The screenplay is also written by popular Noir writer Raymond Chandler. MacMurray and Stanwyck are both great in their roles, but IMO the acting glow comes from Edward G. Robinson as the clever insurance worker. The music is also very good in keeping with the film's pacing, tense in all the right moments. A true classic among the 40's. It's a shame the DVD is coming out two years from now.
#15
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 10:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
It's a shame the DVD is coming out two years from now.
Unless you buy it from China, like I did.

Its a great movie!!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 04:32 PM

Meh, I don't have one of those all region players. Those goddamn Brits are getting it this year though. :p
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 04:47 PM

We Were Soldiers (mel gibson) I liked it thought it was pretty good
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 08:28 PM

The Lost Weekend - (Wilder;1945;USA) - ****
A writer with a horrible alcohol problem struggles with finding something to drink over the weekend his brother and girlfriend are away from him with his limited money, and slips further into madness.
Wilder's third best film, and an excellent script. Ray Milland gives a riveting performance as the alcoholic protagonist. The narrative is great, straightforward with a few flashbacks that create wonderful character development. The film strongest point is showing the depravity of alcoholism making us feel sympathetic for the character while at other times making us dislike him. As for the supporting cast, Jane Wyman gave a good performance but I liked Phillip Terry's job as the brother. One thing I loved right away was the ghoulish score to go with the cravings and degenerations of the protagonist.
#33
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/05 11:03 PM

Unforgiven **** (3rd Time)
1992, Eastwood, US
A widower and father returns to his brutal killing ways in order to collect a bounty to provide for his children.
Gritty, complex revitalisation of the Western, drawing upon and putting to rest the myths of masculinity and tough-guy reputations; the acting is marvellous.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/05 07:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Enjoy, "Once...in America" is one of the best films ever and Sergio Leone's masterpiece.
I didn't really like it that much. I mean, I started to get into it and it wasn't horrible at all. I did enjoy it, but from what I heard from other members on the board was that it was this great movie and I just think it didn't live up to it. Plus, I was confused with the last 20 mins of the movie!
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/05 07:18 AM

Tonight I just watched Independent Film Channel's " A Decade Under the Influence " -- a documentary exploring American cinema of the 1970's.

It was pretty interesting, and you'll hear from Coppola and Scorsese plenty, among many other classic directors. Any student of film should catch these 3 one-hour segments on DVD. (It won't blow you away, but, I've certainly learned a few things, as you may as well....)
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/05 10:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Enjoy, "Once...in America" is one of the best films ever and Sergio Leone's masterpiece.
I didn't really like it that much. I mean, I started to get into it and it wasn't horrible at all. I did enjoy it, but from what I heard from other members on the board was that it was this great movie and I just think it didn't live up to it. Plus, I was confused with the last 20 mins of the movie! [/b][/quote]First of all, don't think of it as a Goodfellas type of movie, drop that right away. It's a film that has much depth. As I said, the plot is a man who returns to his home after many years to discover how he regrets his old decisions. Every single scene is not only essential, but it all adds up to a masterpiece, and one of the greatest films ever IMO. Not one single scene should be deleted. There is much symbolism that even I have not gotten all of. One of my favorites is the constant ringing phone in the beginning.

There are two main interpretations of the movie, one being the way you see it, and one being that all the old man scenes are an opium dream (urban legend is opium makes you dream of the future). Look at past threads in the mob movie forum. But hell, I'm not the least bit surprised you didn't like it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/05 09:36 PM

Finished this at school today.

Thirteen Days - (Donaldson;2000;USA) - ***
The Soviet Union is placing weapons in Cuba. JFK, RFK, and Kenny O'Donnell must deal with the situation.
A good film with good performances. An annoying thing was the random use of black/white that served no purpose other then adding something different for no apparent reason. Costner is good but the best acting comes from Greenwood and Culp as the Kennedy brothers.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/05 10:38 PM

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb - (Kubrick;1964;UK) - ****
An insane general launches a nuclear attack on Russia while the president, a ex-Nazi scientist, and other politicians and generals try to stop it in the war room.
One of the best, if not the best black comedy ever. An excellent satire on the Cold War with a great cast. Peter Sellers is wonderful as Dr. Strangelove, the president, and Mandrake. George C. Scott is one of the more humorous actors with all of his expressions in the film. Sterling Hayden is also great as the insane general. Kubrick's direction is another notch on his belt of great films. Without a doubt one of the greatest filmmakers ever.
#27
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/05 10:55 PM

American Beauty is a class film,Kevin Spacey plays a fantastic part.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/05 07:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[b]American Beauty is a class film,Kevin Spacey plays a fantastic part. [/b]
You really should make your reviews a bit shorter and to the point -- you might turn people away with all the reading and in-depth analyses your reviews require! :p
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/05 05:37 PM

I saw "Constantine" on Saturday night. I thought it was really good, the way it is filmed is a lot like the Matrix, which I guess has been critisized, but I thought it was very entertaining. The movie is about Gabriel and Satan's son making a pact, so the son could come to earth. Keanu Reeves plays Constantine, he's like an exorcist, and he has to save everyone. Very interesting story.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/05 12:07 AM

I watched Eurotrip. It was exactly like I expected it to be. My favorite part was when Scotty fought the robot-man.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/05 02:28 AM

The Godfather- What can I say about this masterpiece? You all have seen it, you all know what I mean. If you havent seen it, I'll let Geoff know you need to be banned.

Barton Fink- I was very surpriesed with this film. Of the 3 Coen films Ive seen, this one makes up for the other 2. It has to be one of the best films of the 90s Ive seen. John Tuturro (sp) has never had a better preformance. Expect a longer review on the movie board sometime in the future when I have time to write it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/05 03:49 AM

Watched Rambo yesterday. It was only the 2nd time I had seen it, but definitely a good movie. I thought there were more flashbacks but I guess I was wrong. Tonight I'm gonna watch Rambo II
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/05 04:06 AM

"The Chipmunk Adventure." I went home this weekend and found all these videos I used to love when I was a little kid. This one is when the Chipmunks and the Chipettes compete in this hot air balloon race across the world, but what they're actually doing is smuggling diamonds for these criminals. I loved this movie, it's so funny. And I still knew all their little chipmunk songs.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/05 04:16 AM

I think I've actually seen that one, Lauren. Like 15 years ago. That's like the LAST thing I expected to see someone post about here. That's classic. Thanks for the great review, I used to love the Chipmunks too.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/05 04:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Watched Rambo yesterday. It was only the 2nd time I had seen it, but definitely a good movie. I thought there were more flashbacks but I guess I was wrong. Tonight I'm gonna watch Rambo II
Are you referring to First Blood (the first film) or the second film Rambo? I thought the first movie was very good. The second was good but much less realistic. The third was a bad joke.
Posted By: Tom

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/05 07:21 PM

I just saw American History X, its probably one of the greatest movies I've ever seen.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/05 02:12 AM

Taxi Driver - (Scorsese;1976;USA) - ****
A war veteran taxi driver's hatred for the degenerates of New York City contributes to his need to violently release his anger and growing depression.
Scorsese's second best behind Raging Bull and the best film of 1976. This film runs very deep into the lonely protagonist's mind and brilliantly portray's it. DeNiro's acting is top notch and the supporting cast is also great from Foster to Keitel. Bernard Herrmann's score is an excellent end to his career, a beautiful Jazz sound to go with the gritty New York cinematography. Scorsese's direction is near perfect, especially the visuals and use of color. A masterpiece in every sense of the word.
#3
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/05 04:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lauren8:
[b]"The Chipmunk Adventure." I went home this weekend and found all these videos I used to love when I was a little kid. This one is when the Chipmunks and the Chipettes compete in this hot air balloon race across the world, but what they're actually doing is smuggling diamonds for these criminals. I loved this movie, it's so funny. And I still knew all their little chipmunk songs. [/b]
I grew up on this movie and I LOVED it! I watched it at work I think yesterday or the day before and my boss hated it (especially the singing).

Goombah, I was referring to Rambo I[.i]. I watched part II last night and will complete the trilogy tonight.

As for me, I just finished watching [i]Closer
. I really enjoyed it. Clive, Julia, Natalie and Jude all did a very good job and I'm thinking about buying it on DVD, except the DVD lacks special features. Plus the movie could have been A LOT better with a little more nudity from Miss Portman. Oh, how I wish I was in the cutting room floor on that film!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/05 09:38 PM

Irish, you would rate it better with nudity?

8 Mile ** (1st Time)
2002, Hanson, US
In Detroit, a car factory worker who lives with his single mother and little sister dreams of becoming a rapper.
A surprisingly emotive film with Eminem putting in a convincing lead performance; the rap battles are genuinely stirring, and play like a boxing film, in which lyrics replace fists, and none the worse for that.

Europa ** (1st Time)
1991, von Trier, Den
After World War II, an American of German dissent gets work on a sleeper train, falling in love with a Nazi sympathiser along the way.
A unique film knowingly without a genre to which its audience can relate it; the director's inventive use of cinema technicalities will either dazzle or induce claustrophobia, or both, while the film itself lacks power until the very end.

The Player **** (1st Time)
1992, Altman, US
A Hollywood producer kills the failed writer he suspects of sending him death threats.
Deft, skillful and intelligent satire which moves with subtle grace from comedic drama to dark thriller; full of wonderful cameos from over sixty stars playing themselves, it sets the scene accordingly in the opening six-minute long-take, in which two executives discuss the brilliance of the opening shot in Touch of Evil.

All That Heaven Allows *** (1st Time)
1955, Sirk, US
Despite local prejudice, a widow decides to marry her much-younger gardener.
Heavily dated melodrama which is still dazzling to look at; remade as Fear Eats the Soul.

Mick
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/05 09:41 PM

I watched Goodfellas for the first time all the way through last night! I bought the DVD a while back and never got round to watching the whole film!! I'll have to watch the special features that came with the disk...

...BTW UK people see the "Grolsch" advert I just caught the end of it and I thought it was Ray Liotta that was advertising it...was I seeing things or is he in one of the adverts?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/05 09:48 PM

Debz, you're not seeing things. Cool advert.

Mick
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/05 09:50 PM

Lol good good - yeh its a cool one
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/05 11:47 PM

I watched some of "Animal House" on AMC last night. I've seen it lots of times, but never on cable. I was surprised because the edited version is just as funny as the original.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/05 02:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irish, you would rate it better with nudity?
Absolutely
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/05 02:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] Irish, you would rate it better with nudity?
Absolutely [/b][/quote]That's absolutely stupid.
---------------
Jeepers Creepers 2 - (Salva;2003;USA) - ZERO
The demonic creeper returns to attack a school bus full of teens.
Goddamn, I lost count of the cliches while watching this shit on TV. Predictable scenes, horrible CGI, RIDICULOUS dialogue, and of course there's a telepathic scene to fill in a character about the monster. Nothing good about it can be said from me.
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/05 01:20 AM

Yay for fans of the Chipmunk Adventure! I knew I wasn't the only person who liked that movie

I just watched "The Notebook." It's about this couple, Allie and Noah, and all the problems they face in their relationship, and it shows them both young and old. I really liked this movie, but it made me cry It's much better than the book.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/05 02:55 AM

The Seven Year Itch - (Wilder;1955;USA) - ***
A faithful husband becomes stunned by a blonde bombshell when his wife and son go on vacation.
A very charming movie from Billy Wilder. Marilyn Monroe is sensational as the beautiful blonde girl Tom Ewell becomes so obsessed by. I think this is better then Sabrina but definately not nearly as good as Wilder's other films. A very entertaining film with the classic subway vent scene.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/05 03:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] Irish, you would rate it better with nudity?
Absolutely [/b][/quote]That's absolutely stupid. [/b][/quote]I was half kidding when I said that, but also, that's just your opinion

And Lauren8, yes The Chipmunk Adventure kicked major a$$! I loved that movie when I was a kid and wish that and the old The Real Ghostbusters cartoon would be released on DVD
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/05 04:27 AM

Opinion or not. How does whether or not her crotch is exposed elevate the greatness of the film? By giving you a bigger boner?

I'm sure when Mike Nichols of all people was directing this and trying to come up with a meaningful approach to make this a truthfully deep story he was saying to himself, "Yeah, not enough tits." :rolleyes: Even so, Nichols refused to show her crotch because he felt it was unnecessary and was on the verge of exploiting her body just for the horny teens who don't care about depth.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/05 08:44 PM

In a Lonely Place - (Ray;1950;USA) - ***1/2
A hothead screenwriter begins a relationship with a woman who gave him an alibi clearing him of a murder charge, but she soon begins to have doubts.
A great film with a great plot. Humphrey Bogart gives a charismatic performance as the screenwriter with an anger problem. The film's ending is the best part, featuring a painfully poignant image. Ray's direction didn't stand out as amazing but the good things add up in this film, mixed in with great performances to make this better then it could've been reduced to. The character development could've been improved.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/05 09:13 PM

Saw The Ring again last night. I was disappointed because I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping to. I watched it last night because I saw The Ring Two today and I thought it was a pointless sequel. I thought it would revolve more about the video and the other people who got affected by it. That's not what it's about at all and it revolves more around Rachael and her son Aidan.

As for DV, yeah I still stand by my comments. I liked Closer and I thought it was a good movie, but hey, I can't help I wanna see Natalie Portman naked. She's beautiful.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/05 09:29 PM

I don't care about wanting to see more. Hell, I'd love to see a lot of her nude. The part that angered me was that one would rate a movie better with more nudity.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 12:08 AM

Yes, films, I feel, should be rated by form, structure, context and narrative content and importance, not how much it makes you erect. That's why Showgirls (1995) is one of the worst films I've ever seen.

The Producers * (1st Time)
1968, Brooks, US
A broadway producer and his unwitting books man decide to make a flop in order to make millions.
It has its moments here and there, but as if to make self-reference to the play itself, this is marred by bad timing and over-the-top, portentious antics.

Su Zhou He/Suzhou River *** (1st Time)
2000, Ye, China/Ger/Neth/Jap/Fr
The story of a courier who fell in love with a mermaid, and then with a girl who looks like her years later.
A complex New Wave film which makes beautiful visuals out of hand-held footage of a rainy, downtrodden Shangai; elements of Vertigo and an experimental, playful narrative structure.

Dead of Night **** (1st Time)
1945, Cavalcanti/Crichton/Hamer/Dearden, GB
A man who keeps having recurring dreams is invited to a house which happens to be part of that dream by a psychiatrist who also features in it.
Five short ghost stories told by various characters in a narrative arc way ahead of its time; full of black wit and fantastically memorable sequences with a lasting effect, and although it sometimes plods along, the climax is superb in its genuine surrealist nightmare effect.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 05:09 AM

Watched Finding Neverland tonight and it was much better than I thought that it would be. I saw that it got nominated for quite a few awards at the Oscars last month and I just never had this huge desire to see it. In fact, the only reason that I watched it was because it's coming out on Tuesday and there was nothing else good coming out that I wanted to see (Fat Albert and Bridget Jones Diary 2). The movie was great movie (again quite a surprise to me) just as the Disney cartoon movie Peter Pan was a great show. Johnny Depp is such a great actor, I've especially loved his work the past couple of years.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 05:57 AM

To Live and Die in L.A. - (Friedkin;1985;USA) - **1/2
A Secret Service agent tries to bring down the counterfeiter who killed his partner.
A little better with the 3rd or 4th viewing. It borders on average and good mainly with a clash of cliche and good direction by Friedkin. The car chase is great as with other Friedkin movies. Willem Dafoe is great in this early role although William L. Petersen and John Pankow were average. Their characters flaw the movie the most due to their average performance and at times cliche in them. Dafoe is the gem in the film.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 07:38 AM

So Showgirls is one of the worst movies huh, ever heard of a little flick called Catwoman or here’s an idea go to Wal-Mart check out the bargain bin and buy a little movie called Boardheads. Then and only then shall you know the true depths of depravity that is the worst film ever. (Watch them back to back and an actual portal to hell opens at you feet)


Well someone sounds a bit elitist, and no not just for taking a stand on gratuitous nudity. You know if you see more of the lowly populist fare it would make you surefire classics even the more grand and meaningful. I just saw Closer as well and I found it tremendous, mostly for the performances I was just blown away by all four leads. Actually I agree with you as well on the nudity point. I mean she was playing a stripper in the setting of a strip club there is no reason to show nudity in that scene. To even think of objectifying a woman it that setting would just be totally ignorant. Although this film avoided it at least it didn’t do any of that contrived foreground blocking to hide the nudity, which I can only assume you would dislike as well for being the opposite of what you seem to like, where the artistic integrity seems compromised to fit in with our American/Puritan morals.
I’ll have to admit though that I do add a few points for good nude scenes. Hey I don’t really enter each movie looking for something that will be talked about for years to come. I’m not looking to place anything in the history book when I go see a movie; I go for entertainment (both shallow and deep). Especially when I’m talking to other people because most of the people I know don’t care about Seven Samurai being the blueprint for the Western Genre and so don’t care about homages and specific technique. Is it immature sure, but boobies do fill in plot gaps pretty nicely.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 06:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
I mean she was playing a stripper in the setting of a strip club there is no reason to show nudity in that scene.
Show nudity, nothing wrong with it. The point I was making was not whether it not it's right to show nudity. I was saying that I think it's stupid to rate a movie better just because you saw some more tits in it.

Duck Soup - (McCarey;1933;USA) - ****
Rufus T. Firefly becomes dictator of Freedonia. Freedonia soons falls into a war with Sylvania.
I thought I would not find the dated jokes funny but I was pleasently surprised. Groucho Marx is great as the wiseass dictator. The first Groucho scene is classic with insult after insult. What do you Marx Bros. fans suggest I see next?
#95
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 11:47 PM

Collateral-a slightly better than average film, nowhere near as good as DV makes it out to be... WAY too many establishing shots... only reaffirms the knowledge that Tom Cruise cant act for even 3 minutes.

The Seventh Seal- A highly unsuasal, very well made film about death. I loved the spooky camera work w/ Death POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING especially the shot wherew the head fool starts to climb the tree and Death appears out of the shadows.

Yojimbo-As much as I enjoyed the story, I cant say I am as much of a fan of Japanese cinema as I am of European and American. Something just felt off about watching it, though I enjoyed the introduction.

White Heat-I know there's going to be an angry mob after me, but....I found this movie to be highly overrateds on this board. A great film it undoubtedly is, and Cagney is amazing, however it didnt live up to expectations I had. It really wasnt a Gangster film, more of a crime and/or noir.

Public Enemy- However lacking it was in character development it made up for in cinematography. One of the best visual pieces Ive seen from that era.

When I get enough time, I'll post reviews of all of these films on the Movie Board.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 11:51 PM

I think Collateral is a great film, you don't, ok. But, what establishing shots?

And as for Cruise I felt he gave a great icy quality to the character. Cruise was great in this and Magnolia.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 11:59 PM

Max was driving around the city...OK we get this, we dont need to be reminded of this every 15 seconds with roughly the same establishing shots we saw in the opening. This kept getting on my nerves.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/05 11:59 PM

My God, two very disagreeble reviews of two movies that plain ROCK!

Really man, imagined if Antoine Fuqua(or "Fuckya" as some hating movie fan-friends know him as), who was going to helm this project before leaving to do that lame-ass KING ARTHUR, had done COLLATERAL. Fact is, COLLATERAL the original script is indeed a high-concept of a premise, but under any other mediocre filmmaker(like Fuqua) it would have been forgettable.

However, Mann, with all possible intellectual and artistic strength at his disposal, pulls off one of the best damn movies of 2004, and besides nabbing Jamie Foxx a Best Actor Oscar nod(sorry, but "Supporting Actor" Oscar crap my ass!) and Cruise, I would have picked him for Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Not to mention an Oscar to the film as well for Cinematography(which is memorable) and possibly for Editing as well. Not to mention maybe an Oscar nod for Best Director to Mann as well.

Now YOJIMBO.....I have no comment. I mean jesus christ, look at all those American/European movies that were based on this damn movie(from Leone's FISTFULL OF DOLLARS to Walter Hill's LAST MAN STANDING).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 12:03 AM

"Max was driving around the city...OK we get this, we dont need to be reminded of this every 15 seconds with roughly the same establishing shots we saw in the opening. This kept getting on my nerves."

So I guess you rather have a Michael Bay or Antoine Fuqua or worse, Renny Harlin quick-pace ADD-fueled movie where there is an explosion every 15 minutes and oh ya, exposition for the sake of covering up many plot holes that the filmmakers didn't bother to explain naturally and organic.

Sorry if I'm being mean, but......
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 12:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Sonny Corleone:
Max was driving around the city...OK we get this, we dont need to be reminded of this every 15 seconds with roughly the same establishing shots we saw in the opening. This kept getting on my nerves.
Did you watch a different movie? Exposition shots weren't showed that often. I can only remember one bird POV shot. And those shots were IMO, great use of cinematography.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 12:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
My God, two very disagreeble reviews of two movies that plain ROCK!

Really man, imagined if Antoine Fuqua(or "Fuckya" as some hating movie fan-friends know him as), who was going to helm this project before leaving to do that lame-ass KING ARTHUR, had done COLLATERAL. Fact is, COLLATERAL the original script is indeed a high-concept of a premise, but under any other mediocre filmmaker(like Fuqua) it would have been forgettable.

However, Mann, with all possible intellectual and artistic strength at his disposal, pulls off one of the best damn movies of 2004, and besides nabbing Jamie Foxx a Best Actor Oscar nod(sorry, but "Supporting Actor" Oscar crap my ass!) and Cruise, I would have picked him for Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Not to mention an Oscar to the film as well for Cinematography(which is memorable) and possibly for Editing as well. Not to mention maybe an Oscar nod for Best Director to Mann as well.

Now YOJIMBO.....I have no comment. I mean jesus christ, look at all those American/European movies that were based on this damn movie(from Leone's FISTFULL OF DOLLARS to Walter Hill's LAST MAN STANDING).
I'm sorry but I dont see Collateral as "just plain rock"ing.I said it was above average (mainly because of Foxx) which is a lot better that comments I give to a lot of other films. My comments have nothing to do with who could have directed it.
I also stated that I loved the story of Yojimbo. However, there are vast cultural diffrences between Asia and Europe and these often come out in film. I have nothing against Yojimbo, nor do I think it is anything less than a great film, I was merely saying that I prefer to watch European films rather that Japanese.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 12:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
So I guess you rather have a Michael Bay or Antoine Fuqua or worse, Renny Harlin quick-pace ADD-fueled movie where there is an explosion every 15 minutes and oh ya, exposition for the sake of covering up many plot holes that the filmmakers didn't bother to explain naturally and organic.

Sorry if I'm being mean, but......
You seem to be missing the point of my reply. As I was watching the film Birds Eye View shots kept appearing of Max's traxi cab. Hopefully, every the audence members you mentioned know Max is in his Taxi cab driving around the city. We dont need more of these shots.

This movie needs to be more like The Core, explosions in every scene, absolutely no plot whatsoever, oh yeah, thats the stuff :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :p
NOTE- Hopefully no one will take my last comment seriuosly.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 12:14 AM

Your Loss!
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 02:12 AM

Here's a question...you know the part in Collateral when the wolf or coyote thing walks in front of the cab? What was that all about? It was like all of a sudden, it was a different movie for 3 seconds. What was the purpose of that?

And I really liked Collateral, I thought it was very entertaining
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 03:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lauren8:
Here's a question...you know the part in Collateral when the wolf or coyote thing walks in front of the cab? What was that all about? It was like all of a sudden, it was a different movie for 3 seconds. What was the purpose of that?

And I really liked Collateral, I thought it was very entertaining
There could be different thoughts. Mann often includes musical moments like that in his films. The coyotes symbolize Vincent as a predator almost out of place in the city. It could also be a foreshadow of the end, especially with the look on Vincent's face.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 04:29 AM

I agree only with what Don Sonny Corleone said in that Collateral was a good movie, even a great movie, but I don't think it was a masterpiece or as great of a movie as others on here have made it out to be. Sure we all have difference of opinions (I'm sure no one on here loves the Kill Bill movies as I do). I did love the fact that Tom Cruise was a bad guy and he did a great job as one too. Jaime Foxx was also very good, but overall, it's great but I've seen better
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 06:15 AM

Adding to Vercetti's interpretation, I would like to add Mann's own thoughts in his rather good commentary track for COLLATERAL where he says, paraphrase-wise, that the human civilization that L.A. displays, despite the structural acheivement by our species, it won't last forever, while nature itself flourished before our species escaped from being ape-man beasts, and will indeed run wild(pun intended) once mankind has had its day in the sun.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/05 10:11 PM

Fight Club - (Fincher;1999;USA) - ****
A materialistic insomniac office worker turns to apathy when he meets Tyler Durden. They start a fight club to free themselves but Durden has larger plans.
A love or hate film. The errors I find are minor, such as unnecessary CGI or two small plot holes, one of which the book reveals. Fincher directs the film greatly overall and the product is a very solid film with many interpretations from the degradation of society or an anti-consumerism/materialism rant. It adapts the creatively written novel by Chuck Palahniuk very well and even comes up with a better climax, although I enjoyed the ending of the book just as much.
#23
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/05 01:59 AM

Secret Window - (Koepp;2004;USA) - ***
A writer is harassed by a man claiming that he plagiarized his story from his.
This could've easily been an average film with nothing remotely special. This becomes a good film, just good mostly from Depp and Turturro's performances. David Koepp doesn't impress me much making this movie which has an ending cliche by today's standards even though at the novel's time it wasn't. Koepp does do a good job of making the cliche ending a little further from cliche by bringing it on a little more interestingly.
#96
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/05 03:33 AM

Fight Club is excellent, one of my favorite movies
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/05 09:51 PM

Mississippi Burning *** (5th Time)
1988, Parker, US
Two FBI agents investigate the murders of three civil rights workers, two of whom were white.
Powerfully acted account of racism in the segregated south of 1960s America, presented as a good old-fashioned police procedure, in which the suspects happen to be cops.

Woodsman, The ** (1st Time)
2004, Kassell, US
After twelve years in prison for child molesting, a paedofile is released back into a community overlooking a children's school.
Sensitive subject tackled with courage, but is more to do with the how than the why, which begs for sympathy in its main character; it decides to cop out in having him succeed at redemption by beating up another child molester he has been spying on. If only the world was this simple...

Mick
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/05 10:04 PM

Short Cuts (1993/Altman) 1st time

8.5/10

# 48
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/05 12:36 AM

I bought "The Score" from the bargin bin at Walmart today, only $4.88! I'm so excited, I really like that movie
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/05 02:37 AM

Chinatown
(1974/Roman Polanski)
**** out of ****
[First Viewing]

A private detective in 1937 Los Angles is hired to watch a city official. But soon, things get out of hand, and the detective has bigger fish to fry...

Nine minutes in, and I was on the edge of my seat. I can't think of another film that draws you in so soon. Everything is pitch-perfect; from Polanski's stylish vision to Nicholson's interpretation of the suave but sleazy Jake Gittes. The screenplay, with a message similiar to "Vertigo", is a nice tribute to the Film Noir flicks of the 40's. A must-see.
#44
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/05 02:47 AM

Collateral - (Mann;2004;USA) - ***1/2
A taxi driver is used to drive a sociopath hitman around L.A. during a night that will forever change them both.
I began my Mann marathon a little early with my favorite. Tom Cruise gives a good performance as the chilling hitman, and although he shouldn't have won it, he should've been nominated for Best Supp. Actor, not Foxx, who was the main character. The blue-gray palette adds to the feeling of the film, as well as the great L.A. cinematography given great dimension with the digital photography. Mann's editing to the script are great, and add much more depth to the story. His direction is fantastic as always, with great music from Audioslave's "Shadow on the Son" and Antonio Pinto's "Requiem." A great action/drama that stands out, although it leans to mainstream in the office chase, but even that has a realistic touch from Mann. Foxx is also very good as the protagonist Max.
#1 (Note these are favorites, never best)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/05 12:36 PM

The Girl Cant Help It
Frank Taslin 1956

The classic `rock and roll' film of the 50's and the Jayne Mansfield movie, featuring her legendary strut down the street to Little Richard's title song while holding a pair of strategically placed milk bottles, melting ice and shattering glasses.


Around a simple comic plot - gangster hires alcoholic press agent to make a singing star out of his incredibly voluptuous but tone-deaf girlfriend - director Frank Tashlin creates a feast for eyes and ears in `the grandeur of CinemaScope' and glorious De Luxe colour.


Among the classic musical highlights are Eddie Cochran's Twenty Flight Rock, Gene Vincent's Be Bop A Lula, a very sultry Julie London singing `Cry Me A River' and an electric performance by Little Richard at his peak.

Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/05 09:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lauren8:
I bought "The Score" from the bargin bin at Walmart today, only $4.88! I'm so excited, I really like that movie
Haha, I bought it the other day for £1.00! (VHS, though.) I haven't seen it yet; only the stars attracted me.

Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes/Aguirre, Wrath of God **** (2nd Time)
1972, Herzog, WGer
In 1560, an ambitious soldier in Pizarro's conquistador army leads a mission on raft down the Amazon River, and slowly goes mad.
Epic in all but running length, this is an ambitious and haunting study of despair and destiny, told in a visually inspired way; from Kinski's intense title performance to the on-location filming, it is one of the great achievements of cinema.
#3; Easily the best film of 1972.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/05 09:27 PM

Capo, how is Klaus Kinski acting-wise overall?

I've only seen him in the minor role as the hunchback in 'For a Few Dollars More.'
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/05 09:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lauren8:
Here's a question...you know the part in Collateral when the wolf or coyote thing walks in front of the cab? What was that all about? It was like all of a sudden, it was a different movie for 3 seconds. What was the purpose of that?

And I really liked Collateral, I thought it was very entertaining
Another thing I noticed while watching is that Tom Cruise's eyes seem to glow when they pull away right after he gets in the cab for the first time.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/05 10:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Capo, how is Klaus Kinski acting-wise overall?
More intense than anybody I've seen, and holds a greater screen presence than Brando at his best. Probably limited, but every performance under the direction of Werner Herzog is nothing less than profound. Check out Woyzeck (1979), which I think is his best (though I still have Fitzcarraldo to see of my Herzog/Kinski boxset).

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/05 03:11 AM

The Philadelphia Story - (Cukor;1940;USA) - ***1/2
Two years after being kicked out by his wife, a man returns with a writer and photographer to ruin her next wedding.
Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart light up the screen along with the charismatic Katharine Hepburn. The plot is kept solid with the actors, even in slow parts the actors elevate the scenes. A great film with equally great humor.

Memento - (Nolan;2000;USA) - ****
A man with Anterograde Amnesia uses tattoos and notes to track down his wife's rapist/killer.
One of the best thrillers of the past several years. Nolan's direction takes what could've been an average film to it's fullest. The narrative pushes you into the eyes of the protagonist. The music is equally compelling, done by David Julyan, who also did the music for Following and Insomnia. The acting also flows with the film, especially with the three main actors.
#2
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/05 05:15 AM

Quote:
Haha, I bought it the other day for £1.00! (VHS, though.) I haven't seen it yet; only the stars attracted me.
Watch it, you will enjoy it What is a £1.00 in U.S. dollars?

Quote:
The Philadelphia Story - (Cukor;1940;USA) - ***1/2
Two years after being kicked out by his wife, a man returns with a writer and photographer to ruin her next wedding.
Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart light up the screen along with the charismatic Katharine Hepburn. The plot is kept solid with the actors, even in slow parts the actors elevate the scenes. A great film with equally great humor.
This is probably my second favorite movie of all time. I'm hoping to get it on dvd for my bday It's so funny and the acting is terrific. This was Hepburn's first big hit after being labled "box office poison," she first starred in it on stage. It was also remade into a musical called "High Society" with Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra in Jimmy Stewart's role and Bing Crosby in Cary Grant's role. That's a cute movie too, though not quite as good. It was Grace Kelly's last film, before becoming a princess.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/05 08:05 PM

I watched the Mickey Blue Eyes DVD last night. High Grant and James Caan were pretty good in it I thought, it was a surprise I thought it was going to be terrible lol, quite plesant to watch and some bits were really funny..anyone else find it quite surprising in a good/bad way??
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 02:14 AM

Raging Bull - (Scorsese;1980;USA) - ****
The boxer Jake LaMotta deals with his stressful career as well as his sexual assumptions concerning his wife.
Scorsese's greatest film and one of the greatest ever. Everything in this film is top quality. Scorsese's excellent direction, top acting from Robert DeNiro, Cathy Moriarty, and Joe Pesci, and everything else. The time period is accurate in looks as in all of Scorsese's movies. The score "Intermezzo" is beautiful. The sound effects for the fights are also one of the better things, but not nearly as great as the fights themselves. Even if it focuses more on the drama then the boxing, I consider this the best boxing film ever, including Rocky. I can't think of a negative thing to say, this film is just a classic and one of the greats.
#4
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 02:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debz:
I watched the [b]Mickey Blue Eyes DVD last night. High Grant and James Caan were pretty good in it I thought, it was a surprise I thought it was going to be terrible lol, quite plesant to watch and some bits were really funny..anyone else find it quite surprising in a good/bad way?? [/b]
I saw it when it was released. Yes, it was better than I thought it would be. I think Hugh Grant was good (for some reason I like his dry humor), and James Caan was as well. Not a hilariously funny movie, but light humor, great music and simply fun and entertaining to watch.


TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 02:35 AM

I didn't think it was a good movie at all, but you gotta love that one particular scene.

"Eaaat the fucking cookie!" :p
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 02:47 AM

The Insider
(1999/Michael Mann)
**** out of ****
[First Viewing]

When a scientist is fired from a major tobacco company, his story is taken by a producer of the news program "60 Minutes", and his world (along with the staff of CBS) is turned upside down.

Mann covers new territory with the same old style, and it results into his best work. Though while the film is technically dazzling and extremely entertaining, it's best aspects are the performances it produces.
Al Pacino is at his fiery best. Russell Crowe proves with this role that he can play anyone convincingly. Christopher Plummer, giving the best performance in the film, is amazing as real life reporter Mike Wallace. Bruce McGill, who is not known for his acting ability, chews up the scenery in one of his only scenes. And character actors Philip Baker Hall and Steven Tobolowsky do well in their supporting roles.
In the end, the film is a mixture of "Network" and "All the President's Men", expressing themes of journalistic responsibility and corporate power for the new millennium.
#66
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 09:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Omar Suarez:
[b]The Insider
[/b]
Great movie, great actors.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 02:21 PM

Dead Poets Society

I thought it was boring.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 02:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I didn't think it was a good movie at all, but you gotta love that one particular scene.

"Eaaat the fucking cookie!" :p
Aw man i ended myself!
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 07:05 PM

In honor of Good Friday, I watched The Passion of the Christ for the 2nd time. What a powerful movie. The actor who played Pilot was very good.

Just curious, has anyone gone to see the re-release of the movie in theaters? I saw a commercial that it was supposed to have less violence. I realistically don't know how much they could cut out, except for the excessive gore during the scourging, which lasts about 10 minutes. That was the most gut-wrenching scene in a movie I can ever remember.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 08:11 PM

Five minutes of violence was cut, not that it made much of a dent.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 08:14 PM

I havn't seen it and i probley never will just one of those films i not interested in
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 09:22 PM

Well I'm gonna start "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" now.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 10:49 PM

A Room For Romeo Brass *** (4th Time)
1999, Meadows, GB
With commentary by Shane Meadows and Paddy Considine. HILARIOUS, though not in the way where it hinders the commentary. Brilliant.

North by Northwest **** (3rd Time)
1959, Hitchcock, US
A businessman is suspected of being a spy, and is hunted down by those who think he is chasing them.
Arguably the epitome of Hitchcock, with elements coming from all his other best work: eroticism, beautiful camerawork, humour, a fine score, and a plot with twists and thrills all the way, with at least two splendid suspense setpieces thrown in for good measure.
#31

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/05 11:39 PM

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - (Gilliam;1998;USA) - ****
Hunter S. Thompson under the alias Raoul Duke travels to Las Vegas with his lawyer to cover a motorcycle race while on heavy drugs.
I can only imagine how surreal Brazil is. This was an amazing movie. Although I really wanted to see it I assumed it was gonna be a *** film. I was especially skeptical to see several negative reviews, including Ebert giving it one star. Gilliam's direction is excellent, and I pretty much can't say a bad thing about it. This may very well be Depp's best performance. Del Toro was very good, but has done better. I can see how some may have low first impressions of this but to me it all worked out. The soundtrack is another great thing; this has to be one of the few movies I've seen in which I loved all the songs. An excellent example of the culture of the time period.
#6

By the way, is it true Oscar Acosta drowned in '74?
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/05 01:47 AM

Ebert gave Fear and Loathing only one star? What was he thinking??
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/05 03:55 AM

Heat - (Mann;1995;USA) - ****
A crime epic detailing two men on opposite sides of the law with a mutual respect for the other's skill.
One of Mann's two masterworks, the other being The Insider. This is his second best film. Many complain about the length because they overlook the fact it's a crime epic. No one seems to complain with Spartacus, Gladiator, or Gone With the Wind. Anyway, everything in here is top notch. Excellent dialogue, especially in the poignant diner scene with Pacino and DeNiro, who both give great performances in their roles. The music and cinematography are also up there, along with the supporting cast that includes Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, and Tom Sizemore. A fine example of filmmaking, containing all the necessary ingredients. As I have said before, the last few frames before the credits are perfect.
#12
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/05 04:25 AM

The Day of the Lucust
(1975/John Schlesinger)
**1/2 out of ****
[First Viewing]

A look at the Golden Age of Hollywood and several people trying to make it, despite the hardships of the Great Depression.

Such a bizarre film. Despite it's promising opening, it goes way off track with the introduction of Donald Sutherland's character. The ending, while brillantly choreographed and equally terrifying, means nothing after all is said and done. At least the cinematography and period detail are well done.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/05 07:51 PM

Unforgiven

It's a good movie, but one that I probably won't ever watch again.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/05 09:08 PM

Once Upon a Time in the West - (Leone;1968;Italy) - ****
When her family to be is massacred for the land she receives, a woman must depend on a desperado and a mysterious stranger with a hidden agenda to protect her, as the railroad tycoon and his hired gun come closer and closer.
Sergio Leone's third greatest film is also a masterwork. A completely different approach on the western genre. This is often referred to as an operatic, or art western. The direction is excellent as well as the cast itself, which includes Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards, and Charles Bronson. The music is another gem in the film's crown, using different scores for differ characters. Also check out the breathtaking cinematography of the Monument Valley, also used a lot by John Ford. One of the greatest epics ever.
#22
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/05 02:23 AM

Goodbye Lenin- Actually a very good film. It had it moments, but overall it had a good story to tell and was not the same bland crap that seems to be chasing me around lately
The Petrified Forest- Not a gangster movie in the least, but a great watch nonetheless.Odd in that the ending is given away lesss than a third of the way through it, but director Archie Mayo makes it work
Jeramiah Johnson-My fathers favorite film, and probably as average, if that, as a film can get. I really dont see what the point of this movie was. It only exists to chronical the wanderings of a mountain man and the strange charcters he meets, all of which are insanely underdeveloped. With all the hype that surrounds Redford, I was expecting at least some acting, yet was very dissappointed when his lines(all 12 of them) were spit of mechanically. This so far is the only Redford film Ive seen, and I'm hoping that the others are better.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/05 04:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
In honor of Good Friday, I watched The Passion of the Christ for the 2nd time. What a powerful movie.
I did the same. What a masterpiece! Totally powerful and moving with great acting and authenticity.

I also watched 21 Grams which was awesome. Another great cast with great performances from all of them. I was disappointed that Naomi didn't win best Actress, but they all did a great job!
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/05 02:36 PM

I was flicking through the movie channels and came across Batman. I haven't watched those films for a long time, didn't really appeal to me that much, what do you all think about them??
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/05 01:10 AM

Finding Neverland - (Forster;2004;UK/USA) - ***1/2
After a flop, writer J.M. Barrie begins to find the inspiration in a widow and her children to write Peter Pan.
The problem I felt throughout the film is the heavy sentimental feeling. Perhaps if it was based directly from the true story rather then the play inspired by the true story it could've been better. However this still manages to be a great film, mainly due to Depp and Winslet's acting and Forster's direction. The kids, Hoffman, and Christie support the film very well. The music is also good as well, although I don't know if it deserved the Oscar.
#74
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/05 04:58 AM

I was surprised by Finding Neverland. I definitely wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did and it was a really good movie. I watched Spanglish yesterday with some friends. An ok movie, definitely not Adam Sandler's best work but I'll be buying it on DVD since I have every other movie he has done on DVD. I thought Paz Vega did a good job also, but again, don't expect this movie to be great (or even that good) if you're going to see it soon.
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/05 06:52 AM

The Usual Suspects
Sleepy Hollow
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/05 02:30 PM

Yesterday I saw West Side Story. It had been over a decade or more since I had seen it, and although I had to leave for my Easter festivities, and couldn't watch the entire movie, I loved it. Watching the the dance scenes again really made me appreciate how beautifully choreographed this film was. Lots of good songs as well.

I'm not a huge musical fan, but I love this movie. Made me wonder what ever happened to some of the stars. Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno went on to do other things, but Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn and especially George Chakaris seemed to have faded away.

TIS
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/05 03:44 PM

Saving Private Ryan - my favorite war movie.
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/05 09:47 PM

Mermaids
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/05 10:13 PM

Dead Man - (Jarmusch;1995;USA) - ****
After a love triangle turns into a double murder, accountant William Blake is on the run from bounty hunters while a mysterious Indian named Nobody prepares his journey into the spiritual world.
A very mystic take on a western. Several different interpretations have flowed through my head. There are a few minor flaws I find in it, but all in all, it comes out to an excellent film and a creative turn for a western. The cinematography is haunting in Black and White, especially in the final scene. Neil Young's score is also very good, and supports the mood of the film. Johnny Depp is great as always in his role, and Gary Farmer is convincing as the Indian. There are several nice cameos also, the smallest one being Steve Buscemi as the bartender.
#12
Posted By: Angiez22

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/05 03:26 AM

Amelie (3 time) 9/10.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/05 03:45 AM

Ang, why the name change?
Posted By: Angiez22

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/05 03:49 AM

My pc is dead for a while, I got this one and I dont have my password, btw how you doing??
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/05 04:05 AM

Good thanks. I thought it had been awhile since I'd seen you here
Posted By: don vencent

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/05 04:30 PM

City of GOD GREAT movie
Posted By: angiez23

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/05 04:32 PM

Garden state, Great movie. 8/10/2 time.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/05 09:12 PM

Eloge de l'amour/In Praise of Love ** (2nd Time)
2001, Godard, Fr
In Paris, a young man is casting a project about the four stages of love at three different ages in life; two years earlier, he meets the woman who he wants to cast.
A visually striking but rather unemotional outing which serves as both a scathing attack on Hollywood and also as a social comment on love, history and (of course) filmmaking; it's lovely to look at, but all a bit of a puzzle.

Mick
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/05 09:45 PM

John Carpenters " The Thing" was the last film i watched.
I've seen it before but my wife wanted to watch it..she thought it was rubbish too
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/05 05:50 AM

Just got done watching Samurai Champloo Vol. 1 again seeing as how I am planning on watching Vol. 2 tomorrow. I really enjoyed it a lot tonight and it had been a good month or so since I had seen it last, so now I'm really looking forward to watching Vol. 2 tomorrow
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/05 07:30 PM

Remember the Titans - (Yakin;2000;USA) - 1/2
Integration forms a black and white football team in the early 70's, and a new black coach must unite them.
More cliche shit. Disney takes the true story of the Titans, turns the team into underdogs (they were from top teams) and alters some other events and characters in order to make another corny feel-good inspirational film with the average "you can do it" feeling, with added racial tensions. Aside the cast and the music, there is nothing else to like. The same story that's been done a million times.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/05 08:10 PM

Cruel, Cruel Love (1st Time)
1914, Nichols/Sennett, US
When he is ditched by his girlfriend, an aristocrat tries and fails to poison himself.
Silly early Chaplin short which fails to show his talent.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/05 02:35 AM

Play It Again, Sam - (Ross;1972;USA) - ***
After his wife divorces him, a film critic gets dating advice from Bogart's ghost as he falls in love with his best friend's wife.
A very good comedy. I loved the scenes with Bogart's ghost. I suppose Allen would've directed it better but this was still a very funny film. Allen, Keaton, Roberts, and Lacy were great.

Allan: That's quite a lovely Jackson Pollack, isn't it?
Museum Girl: Yes, it is.
Allan: What does it say to you?
Museum Girl: It restates the negativeness of the universe. The hideous lonely emptiness of existence. Nothingness. The predicament of Man forced to live in a barren, Godless eternity like a tiny flame flickering in an immense void with nothing but waste, horror and degradation, forming a useless bleak straitjacket in a black absurd cosmos.
Allan: What are you doing Saturday night?
Museum Girl: Committing suicide.
Allan: What about Friday night?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/05 03:36 AM

Samurai Champloo Vol. 2 was on the menu tonight (first time viewing it), and upon watching this and Vol. 1 yesterday, I am going to start collecting them. There's 7 volumes but only 2 have been released here in the States so far. They get released every 2 months, which is great so we don't have to wait that long. However they are a little expensive running $25 a pop. But I'm going to get Vol. 1 with the box to collect them all in which is $33. Oh well, an entertaining anime if anyone hasn't check it out. In fact I don't watch many anime's and this is the first 1 that I've watched and actually liked, so I hope this opens me up to watching more much like the Kill Bills opened me up more to the Asian/Martial Arts genre
Posted By: don vencent

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/05 04:17 PM

the warriors best gang movie ever
love it. a cult classic
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/05 08:26 PM

Manhattan **** (4th Time)
1979, Allen, US
The chronicles of a TV writer's complicated sex life in the city he loves.
Mature conversational piece with a fine balance between Allen's neurotic jokes and realistic observations of human relationships; beautifully shot and acted.
#5

Gegen die Wand/Head-On ** (1st Time)
2003, Akin, Germany
In Hamburg, two second-generation Turkish immigrants, both having tried suicide, fall in love.
Stylish, affecting drama with blackly comic undertones, until it turns more tragic towards the end; it is well-acted and the growing romance subtly handled, with a Turkish gypsy band playing musical interludes to reflect the characters' feelings.


Bacon's Arena ** (1st Time)
2005, Low, GB
The life, death and several intense love affairs of Francis Bacon, one of Britain's most important 20th Century painters.
Fascinating documentary made as part of the BBC's Arena series; archive footage of the painter talking openly about his work and love is interwined with clips of his influences, Un Chien Andalou, The Battleship Potemkin and a bullfight no less.

A good day of films!
Mick
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/05 08:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Freddie C.:
Unforgiven

It's a good movie, but one that I probably won't ever watch again.
Why not?
I think its one of the best westerns (or modern western) around.
The ending is splendid.Clint at his best.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/05 09:13 PM

last night I watched A Bronx Tale for the first time. what do you guys think about this movie? I thought it was OK, but not even in the same league of De Niro's greatest moments. anyway, a very good movie, 7.5 out of 10 I guess.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/05 09:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
last night I watched A Bronx Tale for the first time. what do you guys think about this movie? I thought it was OK, but not even in the same league of De Niro's greatest moments. anyway, a very good movie, 7.5 out of 10 I guess.
It's a good movie, DeNiro doing a good job of directing, but it was nothing special.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/05 10:43 PM

Boyz N the Hood
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/05 05:33 AM

Just spent about the worst 81 1/2 minutes of my life watching Paulie Shore Is Dead. Ok, to be honest, I saw his show while he was in Austin a couple of weeks ago and I had heard some good things about this movie so I was expecting a little something something from this movie. I thought it was gonna be like a documentary style with him faking his death and recording the expressions of friends and fans. However, to my disappointment, that was not the case. The whole thing was totally scripted and entirely low budget! Whatever you do DO NOT see this movie!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 02:27 AM

I finished the first disk of Once Upon a Time in America a half an hour ago. I'm mad, mainly because I wanted to fit it all in, but other things got in the way after I took the disk out and I just decided to finish it tomorrow to prepare for Capo's review of it for the MFA Top 100.

I encourage everyone to at least post about the film in the thread as these haven't had that many replies. Hell, The Godfather and The Godfather partII got barely any replies in General Disc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 04:25 AM

Just got finished watching Sin City. An excellent movie that I hope to watch again this weekend! Elijah Wood's character was pimp!
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 03:41 PM

Lethal Weapon 2
I think they are pretty good
Posted By: don vencent

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 04:06 PM

kill Bill vol 1

love this movie and l like how QT Put every thing
he like as a kid in this movie in all his movies.
I want to make movies like him
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 04:34 PM

What About Bob?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 06:56 PM

Once Upon a Time in America - (Leone;1984;Italy) - ****
A former Jewish gangster returns to Manhattan 30 years after betraying his friends to confront his regrets.
This is a perfect example of a complex film. This is Sergio Leone's masterpiece. A very operatic feeling surrounds the film like in Once Upon a Time in the West. An excellent direction with a great cast. The score is another achievement from Ennio Morricone. One of the greatest films ever made. The second best film of the 80's and the best of '84.
#21
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 09:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Hell, The Godfather and The Godfather partII got barely any replies in General Disc.
That's because not many people on here have seen those films, silly! :p

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 10:03 PM

I wonder how many replies would pop up if Scarface was on the MFA Top 100. :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/05 10:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I wonder how many replies would pop up if Scarface was on the MFA Top 100. :p
"This movie kicks ass because it is one of the greatest movies ever made Pacino is the best actor on earth imo and this is his best performance i mean can u imagine any other person in that role? exactly, he's the greatest, and kicks ass in this movie."



Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/05 12:33 AM

High Fidelity - (Frears;2000;UK/USA) - ****
After a record store owner breaks up with his current girlfriend, he evaluates past relationships and meets his old girlfriends on his Top 5 Most Memorable Breakups list.
A very underrated film. It plays out almost like a Woody Allen comedy. This is one of the few modern romantic comedies that isn't a disaster. John Cusack is great as Rob. Iben Hjejle is also good although her accent slips at times. The two best elements are the music and dialogue, both top notch, especially the music.
#58
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/05 07:43 AM

Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind - (Gondry;2004;USA) - ****
After his girlfriend gets her memories of him erased, Joel does the same, only to find in the middle of the procedure that he doesn't want to forget her.
This is a new hope for Hollywood. Proof that there are people out there who have intelligence and can create an original piece of art. Charlie Kaufman's writing is excellent and his work is a masterpiece here. This is also Jim Carrey's best role. Carrey, Winslet, Ruffalo, Wilkinson, Dunst; The whole cast is great, although Elijah Wood's presence annoyed me. Now I can't wait to see my unwatched copy of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.
#14
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 02:13 AM

Bringing Out the Dead - (Scorsese;1999;USA) - ***
Over two days a paramedic is haunted by ghosts of the people he didn't save as he befriends the daughter of a dying man.
A good film, but overlong. Other then Scorsese's direction, nothing else shines as above good. Many moments remind me of Taxi Driver, especially in some narrated parts.

Closer - (Nichols;2004;USA) - ***1/2
Two couples are filled with lies and adultery as the four people try to work out some kind of happiness while holding onto truth.
Nichols brought a magical quality to Angels in America, however this is much better. This doesn't bring us a romantic story with all the happy endings from the cliche store. We are presented a realistic depiction of deceit in relationships. Nichols directs the film wonderfully and the cast supports it as well. Law, Portman, Roberts, and Owen are all very good in their respective roles.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 07:07 AM

Natural Born Killers was a movie that I hadn't seen in a while so I felt like picking it up and watching it. It was good but I felt kinda bored by the end of it. I still love Stone's JFK and it's Stone's masterpiece to me. However, another very good performance by Tommy Lee Jones in this movie!
Posted By: don vencent

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 02:18 PM

pulp fiction
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 02:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I still love Stone's JFK and it's Stone's masterpiece to me.
Irishman
Ever see The Doors with Val Kilmer playing Jim Morrison? Kilmer nailed the role. While it's not as good as JFK, it's a very good Oliver Stone movie. I thought Natural Born Killers was one of the worst movies ever made.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 02:55 PM

- Million Dollar Baby *****
- The Ring 2 **
- Dodgeball **
- Cheaper by the dozen ***
- Mr. 3000 *
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 02:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] I still love Stone's JFK and it's Stone's masterpiece to me.
Irishman
Ever see The Doors with Val Kilmer playing Jim Morrison? Kilmer nailed the role. [/b][/quote]I have it on DVD, It may not be Stone's best film, but it was good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 04:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] I still love Stone's JFK and it's Stone's masterpiece to me.
Irishman
Ever see The Doors with Val Kilmer playing Jim Morrison? Kilmer nailed the role. While it's not as good as JFK, it's a very good Oliver Stone movie. I thought Natural Born Killers was one of the worst movies ever made. [/b][/quote]Seen parts of it, but not a lot. I might rent it this weekend if it tickles my fancy enough to pick it up. I also watched Elektra this weekend and I did at least enjoy it moreso than I did in the theaters (yes, I saw it in the theaters). I was thinking about possibly picking it up, but it's not on sale tomorrow through Saturday at BestBuy (it's still $19.99), so I'm gonna wait on it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 07:26 PM

I also had the opportunity to watch both Kill Bills back-to-back while drinking. I have done this before and have loved it. I hadn't seen these movies in a couple of months so I thought it was going to be a real treat to watch them again. Well, I did enjoy watching the movies as usual, but I didn't enjoy them as much as I was hoping for or as much as I have had in the past. I hope that they're not becoming stale to me Great movies in any case!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 08:17 PM

Monkey Business **** (2nd Time)
1931, McLeod, US
Four stowaways are chased by the ship's captain; when they finally escape, they catch some crooks after crashing a party.
A classic Marx Brothers affair; the whole ship sequence, ending in Maurice Chevalier impersonations, is a delight, and although the subsequent party sees a change in pace and far less laughs, the musical interludes and hectic finale are not to be missed.

Lost in Translation *** (4th Time)
2003, Coppola, US/Jap
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, humanistic drama executed with a minimalistic approach, which makes for warming, satisfying product; if the writing sometimes relies on jokes about the Japanese accent too much, the acting certainly compensates.

When Harry Met Sally **** (1st Time)
1989, Reiner, US
Ten years after and a few failed relationships after first meeting, a man and woman become friends, and wonder if their relationship can last as a platonic one.
Woody Allen territory: witty, funny, skilled, and highly warming; it takes us nowhere we haven't particularly been before, but instead acts as a compendium to the romantic comedy, and a brilliant one at that.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 08:19 PM

Hey Capo, TCM is gonna have a full day of Marx Bros. films soon. I've seen Duck Soup and can't wait to see the rest. What do you list their films from greatest to worst?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 08:23 PM

DonV, from what I've seen (their Paramount films, not MGM), I list them thus:
Duck Soup (1933) ****
Horse Feathers (1931) ****
Monkey Business (1932) ****
Animal Crackers (1930) ***

All are must-sees.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/05 09:12 PM

I also watched The Godfather Part II this weekend and really enjoyed it. I hadn't seen it in a while and saw it with a friend of mine who had only seen parts of it. The story FINALLY made sense to me and I get it now (I was somewhat confused on the who'll Michael assassignation thing), but now I'm glad I understand the story as well. I remember watching The Godfather the first couple of times I was kinda confused as well in parts.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/05 01:33 AM

Bull Durham
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/05 01:36 AM

Dead Man - (Jarmusch;1995;USA) - ****
After an accountant kills a man in self-defense and is wounded, an Indian named Nobody who thinks the wounded man is the dead poet William Blake prepares him for the next stage of life while being hunted by a trio of bounty hunters.
An original take on the western genre. Jarmusch creates one of the best films of the 90's with this spiritual journey into death. Johnny Depp is great in his role as usual, along with the supporting cast, which has a few cameos. Neil Young's score is powerful in it's lonely feeling and helps the film greatly, adding to the poetic feeling of the film.
#6
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/05 09:22 PM

Love is the Devil *** (1st Time)
1998, Maybury, Gb/Fr/Jap
The turbulent, doomed love affair between painter Francis Bacon and petty crook George Dyer.
More aritificial than it would seem, a witty dissection of the painter, who is portrayed with a suitably grim love for all things male and beautiful by Derek Jacobi. The interiors all have a certain claustrophobic, strained feel, like a Bacon painting come to life.
(My review)

A Film Johnnie (1st Time)
1914, Nichols, US
Chaplin the troublemaker visits the Keystone lot and causes problems.
Banal early short, very unfunny and dismal in print quality.

Charlie's Triple Trouble (1st Time)
1918, Chaplin/White, US
A bum becomes the new janitor of a nut house, while cops track a robbery.
Muddled Chaplin short, rather boring and testing for even his greatest of admirers.

Mick
Posted By: Patches

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/05 12:43 AM

Haven't watched any movies today, I've been sleeping. But last night I watched a lifetime movie and Blue Velvet. That was the first time I ever watched it and I thought it was pretty good.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/05 05:39 AM

The other day, I saw The Mouse That Roared. Anyone seen it? What a HILARIOUS movie. Peter Sellers is always funny, but this movie is a total classic.
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/05 06:30 AM

Goodfellas and Cruel Intentions tonight.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/05 06:41 PM

I have yet to see a really good movie in school.

Corky Romano - (Pritts;2001;USA) -
When the mafia needs someone to infiltrate the FBI, they use the don's stupid, neglected son Corky.
What a lump of shit. Aside one or two humorous moments this fails miserably. Peter Falk, Chris Penn, and Vincent Pastore being in the film, there's nothing else
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/05 01:01 AM

I know it's not a movie but I did just finish watching Season 5 of South Park. I was upset because Seasons 2-4 I believe were at least 20+ episodes and this season only had 14? I understand that this season was during 9/11 so they might have just cut it back some but the guy who owns them said every season is like that now.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/05 03:49 AM

Apocalypse Now (not the whole thing)
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/05 07:08 AM

Not a movie but I finished the first season of The Shield tonight. I want to buy season 2 tommorrow.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/05 09:23 PM

Idioterne/The Idiots *** (1st Time)
1998, von Trier, Den
A bunch of middle-class-hating youths live under thr pretence of being mentally and physically handicapped.
Second of the Dogme films, with booms in view, cameramen reflected in windows and crewmen's shadows seen in sunny exteriors. Deliberately primitive, very challenging, and endlessly compelling, it garners much power for those who can take it.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre *** (2nd Time)
1974, Hooper, US
A group of travelling friends are killed one-by-one by a masked maniac, and the final victim-to-be is terrorised by his cannibal relatives.
Unrelenting shock treatment; wonderful use of sound and heavy visuals, not necessarily overtly gory, but the cumulative effect is brilliantly realised.

Mick
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/05 01:40 AM

I just watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail last night for the first time in many many years. It still has the same effect on me. Absolutely stupid, and yet geniously hilarious at the same time. I love it! Anyone else a fan?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/05 03:54 AM

Horse Feathers - (McLeod;1932;USA) - ***1/2
Professor Quincy Adams Wagstaff is put in charge of a college, he hires two goofs on the football team leading to several gags and a rivalry with another football team.
A great comedy. Not as funny as Duck Soup but it still has the genius of the Marx Brothers. Groucho especially is hilarious in his wise-ass self.

Money Business - (McLeod;1931;USA) - ***1/2
Four stowaways create havoc on a cruise liner.
More hilarious antics from the Marx Bros. I found their other two films I saw better then this but this is still a great comedy. All classic.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/05 04:46 AM

As I said (probably on Page 2) when I last reviewed a film, don't expect me to be as articulate as Capo...

Closer (2004) [DVD]

Wow, I love Natalie Portman . Wow, she was really.... Oh, yeah, the movie - well - I enjoyed it. For a while it was a bit confusing to me, because I thought they were breaking the golden rule of time reference. (There was none). I supposed they were going for the Memento (2000) / Pulp Fiction (1994) time change thing - but the former pull it off much better than this film did. (If I thought it was "wrong," then my instincts were probably correct.) Later, once I realized what was going on, it was a little more digestable - but not quite totally forgivable.

(And before you yell at me about it, Memento and Pulp Fiction used it as a device. It never seemed wrong; in fact, it was cool, and part of the point of the movie. In Closer, I didn't feel it was any such thing but a bit distracting. There's a better way to indicate that it's 5 years later besides someone saying "that was 5 years ago" after a hard cut. Try a fade next time, or something subtle.)

But all in all, I really like the dialogue - and I'm not sure why. It was to-the-point, biting, and totally honest, even when they were lying. Normally I wouldn't like that so much, because it's not necessarily "normal", but it worked here well, I think. It gave it a distinct feel, which I liked. It wasn't as physically emotional as many other movies would be.

This is definitely something to see at least twice to get the full storyline. At least for a dumbass like me! You also wanna see it again to see more of Natalie Portman.

Recommended.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/05 09:49 PM

Glad you liked it (overall), JG!

The timeline is, however, chronological, unlike Pulp Fiction and Memento. And I think the reason why these time jumps were only referred to through (crass?) dialogue is Marber, the scriptwriter, adapted his own stageplay, and I guess wanted to keep to its origins. Director Nichols perhaps didn't want to overrule proceedings.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/05 01:50 AM

His Girl Friday - (Hawks;1940;USA) - ****
A newspaper editor tries to stop his ex-wife from remarrying and write a big story about a convicted murderer.
A great comedy and true classic. The fast-paced dialogue is excellent as well as Hawks' direction. The film is also supported very well by Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, both having top notch comedic timing.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/05 09:01 PM

The Machinist *** (1st Time)
2004, Anderson, Spa
A heavy machinery worker suffering from insomnia believes he is at the centre of a wide-reaching conspiracy.
One of those narratives with a twist; when it comes, though, it doesn't shock, but it seems it isn't meant to. Instead, this is more interested in exploring the notion that our social fears arise from inner, subconscious guilt, and if it isn't entirely shocking, it's still mighty clever.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/05 11:25 PM

Collateral - (Mann;2004;USA) - ***1/2
When a taxi driver with no prospects is taken hostage by a hitman to drive him around for a night to kill five people, both lives are forever impacted in less then 12 hours.
Excellent dialogue, cinematography, acting, music, script, character development, and direction. Had it not been for the lean towards mainstream in the office (which itself is avant-garde in it's way) this could've been another masterpiece from Michael Mann. However it still ends as a VERY solid film that every thriller/drama should look to.
#1

And to reply to Don Sonny, your rant on Mann's exposition shots is completely futile. I counted three bird POV shots (which are the major ones) throughout the entire two hours.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/05 02:21 AM

Blue Chips was a movie that I hadn't seen in years and so when I saw it on DVD for $9.99 at BestBuy I thought, why not pick it up. It was a pretty decent movie and it was good to see it again after so many years.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/05 03:50 AM

Sideways - (Payne;2004;USA) - ****
Before one is to be married, two friends take a weeklong trip through wine country, meeting two women along the way.
Another excellent film by Alexander Payne. About Schmidt was better IMO, but this is not far behind. The dialogue is in top form, and Payne is great at blending drama with subtle humor. The character development is one of my favorite things about it. The cast is also up there, with great performances from Giamatti, Church, Madsen, and Oh. Alexander Payne is easily one of the three best directors of today.
#29

Best of 2004
01. Million Dollar Baby
02. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
03. Kill Bill vol.2
04. Sideways
05. Closer
06. The Passion of the Christ
07. Collateral
08. The Aviator
09. The Woodsman
10. Finding Neverland
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/05 03:55 AM

House of Flying Daggers was another movie that I saw in theaters and again when it came out on DVD. 2 of my friends who saw it in theaters (1 with me), when I asked them if they wanted to see it again said "NO!". In fact the guy who went with me to see it said he hated it. I liked it and will be purchasing it when it comes out on DVD on the 19th. I didn't think it was better than Hero but it was still good. I think towards the middle and definitely towards the end of the movie it just slows down and I think that's what some people have a problem with it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/05 05:26 AM

I think Ocean's Eleven was far better than Ocean's Twelve. I watched both of them with the latter being released on Tuesday on DVD. I hadn't seen the original in quite sometime so it was nice to see it again, but the sequel was good, just not as good as the original.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/05 07:29 PM

I was wondering what to bring back to school this week to watch. I was thinking about Seinfeld Seasons 1 & 2, but Sunday morning I popped in An Evening With Kevin Smith just to watch a scene of it. I guess it captured me because yesterday I watched Clerks. and I brought back, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Jersey Girl with me this week to watch. I've started to like Clerks more and more upon viewings. I wish the 3-disc DVD that came out last year would have had a version of it in color, but other than that it's still a good movie for the budget it was shot for. I also plan on watching the entire An Evening With Kevin Smith as well as the Clerks. animated show, which I have never seen before.
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/05 07:34 PM

Saw Forrest Gump last night for the first time in a long while. I actually cried at the end of it.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/05 11:07 PM

Aww... how cute, Ryan!

Well, I saw That Was Then, This Is Now yesterday (with Emilio Estevez) and it SUCKED! What a boring movie! I loved the book, I've read it like 80,000 times, as I've read all of S.E. Hinton's books. But this movie dragged so long, and the acting was so bad!! At least The Outsiders and Rumble Fish were good movies.

I don't know if this sucked because of the absence of FFC, or the absence of Matt Dillon. Probably both. Well FFC didn't do Tex, and that was still good because of Dillon... Anyway, this one totally wasn't worth it. 20 minutes into it, I was like, WHEN is this movie gonna END?!

Any thoughts?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 12:24 AM

Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin - (Schickel;2003;USA) - (Not decided)
This documentary examines the career of comedic genius Charlie Chaplin.
A prime example of how a documentary on one's life should be. This and the Cary Grant one shown on TCM are both great. Informative with very good interviews from Martin Scorsese to Johnny Depp. The rare home movies footage of Chaplin in his later years are very interesting.

The Great Dictator - (Chaplin;1940;USA) - ****
Charlie Chaplin satirizes Nazi Germany and even more, Adolph Hitler.
One of the best satires ever. This film is up there with Dr. Strangelove, although the latter is superior. Charlie Chaplin's energy is amazing. His improvised lines for the speech scenes are hilarious. His double roles slightly reminded me of Peter Sellers' trio of roles in Dr. Strangelove. My first Chaplin film and definitely not my last. Chaplin was excellent in the final speech.

The Paleface - (Keaton;1922;USA) - **1/2
Buster Keaton joins a tribe of Indians and helps them against oil barons.
Another first, my first Keaton film. It's a nice little short, but not very good IMO. I look forward to getting the TCM DVD set to see some of his longer films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 02:06 AM

Again I saw Sin City for the 2nd time this weekend and I f'n loved it moreso it that was possible. I didn't drink this time around so I was better to able to follow the story more. Have you seen it yet DV?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 02:09 AM

No, I haven't. I haven't been to the theaters since The Woodsman.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 04:29 AM

Tonight's movie was Mallrats. I don't know why, but upon multiple viewings it seems that I'm liking Clerks. more and liking Mallrats less. I don't know why that is but oh well. Tomorrow's movie is Chasing Amy, which I've only seen a handfull of times, so I'll be looking forward to seeing it again. Any other Jay & Silent Bob fans on this here board??
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 09:35 AM

Jay and Silent Bob is the worst of Smith's movies. It's the closest to mainstream and does not nearly have the dialogue of his past films. I didn't see Jersey Girl though.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 12:02 PM



Great film and soundtrack.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 12:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Jay and Silent Bob is the worst of Smith's movies. It's the closest to mainstream and does not nearly have the dialogue of his past films. I didn't see Jersey Girl though.
My least favorite out of his 5 movies (not counting Jersey Girl) would be Chasing Amy. It just wasn't as funny as his other movies. My favorite Jay & Silent Bob movie was probably Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back with Dogman right behind that
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 02:44 PM

I saw "Fever Pitch" this weekend, and I LOVED it. It was such a cute movie, and really funny too! Made me want to go to a baseball game.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 08:53 PM

Sideways - (Payne;2004;USA) - ***1/2
Before one is to be married, two friends take a weeklong trip through wine country, meeting two women along the way.
Wow, I expected this to possibly go up in my favorites list, but it surprisingly left me less impressed with it. While I still agree with what I previously said, I feel the film didn't give the impact it should've. It's still a great film, but not as good as some other films of the year. The main problem I felt was that it seemed to be a little like About Schmidt, which was much more effective as a whole and in it's final scene.
#47

Best of 2004
01. Million Dollar Baby
02. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
03. Kill Bill vol.2
04. Closer
05. The Passion of the Christ
06. Collateral
07. Sideways
08. The Aviator
09. The Woodsman
10. Finding Neverland
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 09:23 PM

Hey DV, what's The Woodsman about? Does it have Kevin Bacon in it? I don't remember seeing trailers for this movie but I think it's coming out on DVD soon
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 09:29 PM

The Woodsman is a character study about a pedophile trying to reenter society after being let out of prison. For 2004, Kevin Bacon was the best actor IMO. It's a shame he didn't get a nomination in the least, but then again, the subject matter is too hard for the Academy. The DVD came out today. Me and Omar loved it, although Capo didn't think it was as good as we thought.

Read my review for more on why I thought it was great.
The Woodsman

Trailer
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 09:32 PM

Grazie! If I have the time and can get my hand on a copy, I might check it out this weekend
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/05 09:53 PM

Remember it's a short film too at 87 minutes, not much longer then Christopher Nolan's Following.

I had trouble deciding if it was better or worse over The Aviator. While the former's acting is better, the latter's direction is also better. Both have great music, but due to Scorsese's recreation and technical flair in the film, I put it over.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/05 05:01 AM

Chasing Amy was funnier tonight that I had remembered during past viewings. However, I still feel it's the worse Jay & Silent Bob movie. It just seems so slow and boring in parts
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/05 09:30 AM

It's only a partial comedy. Jay and Silent Bob is a full comedy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/05 08:19 PM

I just read this at IMDB

"Movie star Mel Gibson is reportedly planning to follow his controversial The Passion Of The Christ with a movie about the Pope John Paul II - who died this month aged 84. The deeply religious actor/director is the member of a strict Catholic sect called the 'Holy Family'. According to American website Pagesix.Com, Gibson dispatched a film crew to the Vatican City on Friday to capture crowd scenes at the late pontiff's funeral for future use. The Passion Of The Christ scored massive success at the box office - despite allegations it is anti-Semitic - taking a reported $604 million at movie theatres worldwide. Gibson was recently reported to be planning another religious epic - about three children who claimed to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. "
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/05 08:32 PM

I12, they both sound interesting. Now I do know they have a very old "Our Lady Of Fatima", made in the 40's I think. I saw it many years ago and can't remember who starred in it. Of course, when you're at Catholic school, you see all the religious movies. :p But, it was a good movie.


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/05 04:55 AM

Dogma is a good movie and it's definiely my 2nd favorite Kevin Smith movie. I was a little disappointed because I didn't laugh that much at the jokes. I haven't seen it in a while but maybe I've seen it too much already. Who knows? Tomorrow I got Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/05 11:01 AM

Heat *** (5th Time; 2nd this year)
1995, Mann, US
A work-obsessed cop and professional thief go head to head and cause an uproar in LA.
Immense crime epic which shows two obsessed loners on opposing sides of the law; it seems desperate to make a simple plot convoluted with perhaps irrelevant sidepoints, but noone can deny its technical achievements.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/05 09:40 PM

I've just whored Fight Club for the second time, figuring a second chance was the least I could give it (Scarface, meanwhile, awaits its fourth chance).

Fight Club * (2nd Time)
1999, Fincher, US/Ger
An insomniac businessman tired of his dull life devises a club in which men can compete in bare-knuckle fighting and anarchy.
A fantasy film which is supposed to be a feel good treat for the thinking man; full of ideas and no conviction, though it does look and sound good, even if it isn't.

Mick
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/05 01:06 AM

I don't think I ever posted that I watched Taxi Driver about a week ago; I really enjoyed it, as expected.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/05 04:16 AM

Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back is by far my favorite Kevin Smith movie. I'm totall disappointed this week because it was good to see all the movies again, but I didn't really laugh that much. I did somewhat enjoy them, but I know the jokes already and it just doesn't seem as good of an experience as it once was. I hope to be able to squeeze in Jersey Girl sometime tomorrow
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/05 09:47 PM

Watched Jersey Girl for the 2nd time and I did enjoy it. Again, I don't like Ben Afflect whatsoever but the movie is a sweet comedy (especially coming from Kevin Smith). Not his best stuff, but a lot better of a movie than I thought it would have been
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/05 10:01 PM

Mean Streets - (Scorsese;1973;USA) - ****
A small-time hood in Little Italy struggles with religious guilt, as well as other things like being attracted to a black woman, dating an epileptic girl, and trying to help his loser friend with debts.
The best example of Scorsese's style. A visual masterpiece, with an equally excellent soundtrack, script, and direction. The acting is great, especially from Kietel and a young DeNiro. I also enjoyed Proval, Romanus, and Danova. Scorsese's fourth best film.
#8
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 01:50 AM

Monsters ** (1st Time)
2005, Morgan, GB
Living with his single mother and older sister, a pre-pubescent boy lets his imagine run wild, and finally kills the neighbour's rabbit.
Unsettling, highly effective short with surreal episodes and strong reflection of family life through the eyes of a fatherless boy.

Kids ** (1st Time)
1995, Clark, US
24 hours in the life of New York youths, as they skip school, steal their parents' movements, have sex, alcohol and find they have HIV.
Controversial drama with a gritty feel and a camera which decides to, against the audience's wishes, linger on its youthful actors' naked bodies. Powerful in its relentlessness, though in the end it seems merely exploitative.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 06:30 AM

Today I got The Woodsman, The Hustler, Ray, and Ocean's Twelve.

I don't expect much of Ocean's Twelve. The three extended scenes on The Woodsman were very good pieces of dialogue that were unnecessarily cut.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 08:30 AM

DV - Put "The Hustler" on the top of the list! Its an awesome drama and character study and Paul Newman is in top form. You'll also get to see Jackie Gleason and Piper Laurie in superb performances.

Look for a small appearance by the Raging Bull, Jake LaMotta, as a bartender.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 02:09 PM

I went to see Oceans 12 at the cinema a while back - wasn't anywhere near as good as the first one was..there was a couple of funny bits but nothing to good!

I watched Volcano last night - its a good film I liked it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 03:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
DV - Put "The Hustler" on the top of the list! Its an awesome drama and character study and Paul Newman is in top form. You'll also get to see Jackie Gleason and Piper Laurie in superb performances.

Look for a small appearance by the Raging Bull, Jake LaMotta, as a bartender.
I actually was going to see it today sometime before The Grand Illusion at six. After this I'm gonna check out Scorsese's sequel The Color of Money whenever I find it. Is LaMotta the bartender for the whole movie?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 04:13 PM

"The Color of Money" is a good flick, but its nowhere near as good as "The Hustler".

LaMotta has one or two very short scenes.

You're not old enough to remember Jackie Gleason from his television years ("The Honeymooners" and "The Jackie Gleason Show") but he was a real comic actor. I'm always blown away by his portrayal here as a seriouis actor.

BTW - George C. Scott wasn't too shabby either.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 04:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
"The Hustler".

You're not old enough to remember Jackie Gleason from his television years ("The Honeymooners" and "The Jackie Gleason Show") but he was a real comic actor. I'm always blown away by his portrayal here as a seriouis actor.

SC, when you make that statement about being blown away when Gleason portrays a serious role, two of his roles come to the forefront of my mind :

Gigot : "A poignant comedy about a mute who befriends Nicole, the little daughter of a prostitute. Gleason shows his considerable talents as an actor without uttering a sound as he plays the bumbling, kind-hearted janitor, Gigot. Gleason wrote the original story and music for this film." His protrayal of a mute throughout that movie is just superb! He never utters one word in the movie, but yet he makes you feel exactly the way that he is feeling in many scenes. Especially the scene where he lets out the "scream!"



Soldier In The Rain : "Gleason and McQueen - tremendous together in one marvellous motion picture!"

One of Gleason's Comedic roles that I've always felt did NOT get the recognition it deserved was in "Papas Delicate Condition." Gleason is both Comedic and Seriously Sentimental in that role.


Don Cardi
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 04:35 PM

DV - Here's a shot of LaMotta as the bartender (in the bus station):

Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 04:43 PM

DC - I've never seen "Gigot", but I agree about "Soldier in the Rain". Its quite a good (and underrated) movie that never seemed to have taken off with the public.

And while talking about Gleason's good movies lets not forget "Requiem for a Heavyweight". There were a few great performances in it - Anthony Quinn and Mickey Rooney, as well as Gleason, too. (Muhammad Ali, then Cassius Clay appeared as did some older champs like Jack Dempsey and Willie Pep).
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 04:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
DC - I've never seen "Gigot",.

IMHO A must see for the true Jackie Gleason fan!


Don Cardi
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 05:07 PM

I know about Jackie Gleason. I even have his Dean Martin Roast on DVD.

I'm gonna begin The Hustler in a few minutes.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 05:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I know Jackie Gleason. I even have his Dean Martin Roast on DVD.

I'm gonna begin The Hustler in a few minutes.
DV, as SC pointed out it is a great classic movie! One word of advice though, be careful with your thumbs when you are watching it!


Don Cardi
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 07:51 PM

The Hustler - (Rossen;1961;USA) - ****
A pool player with a self-destructive attitude loses to a long-time champion, he gets a gambler for a manager to rise back up the ladder and win in a second match.
An excellent film and one of the best of the 60's. Paul Newman and George C. Scott are in top form in this film. Gleason and Laurie also have strong supporting performances. I'm glad it wasn't a head-on film just on the game, but on the character himself. The film follows his down and outs rather then the game. I also appreciate the dialogue in the film too. I really wanna see Cool Hand Luke now.
Posted By: Lauren8

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 09:55 PM

I just watched "Sleepless in Seattle" on tv. What a sweet movie
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 10:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I really wanna see Cool Hand Luke now.
Heh heh heh..... Every bit as good as "The Hustler". Make sure you check out "Hud", too!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/05 11:58 PM

So many films to see, SC. I'm glad I have the wonder that is TCM.

The Grand Illusion - (Renoir;1937;France) - ****
In WW1, three French officers are captured by Germans. After failed escape attempts, they are sent to a castle-like prison. One befriends a German aristocrat commanding the prison while they still try to escape.
A very influential film and a masterpiece. My favorite performance in this film is Erich von Stroheim as the German officer. He is a great actor in both of the films I've seen him in, although I have yet to see his directorial talent. I have not seen The Great Escape, but from things I heard about it I can tell it was inspired by this, mainly the tunnel aspect. Any other Renoir recommendations? The only problem I had with the film were a few slow parts here and there although the cinematography, especially towards the end, well made up for it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/05 12:47 AM

I watched The Usual Suspects on Friday with a friend of mine on our date. We went out to dinner first and we had only spent an hour and a half together, so I didn't want it to end so soon. I asked her if she had anything to do afterwards and she said no and we were talking about movies (and this one) over dinner. So I rented it at Blockbuster even though I own it (it was back at my friend's house an hour away from school) and we watched it. She asked a lot of questions during the movie (much like I do), but I was impressed that she got the ending right. She predicted it, sharp gal!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/05 03:25 AM

I had never seen the Clerks Animated Series before and since this was pretty much my Kevin Smith week, I decided to give it a shot. They only did 6 episodes and all but 1 or 2 of them were pretty stupid. I mean, I could somewhat deal with the shows not being able to curse, but the plot and story of them were just pretty dumb. The animation and the fact that the original actors did the voices was cool, but nothing much beyond that.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/05 03:30 AM

Ray - (Hackford;2004;USA) - ***1/2
The life of Ray Charles, showing his rise to music, haunting memories of his brother's death, and his heroin addiction.
Much like Zorba the Greek, the leading performance amplifies the film. With a simply good performance I would rate this ***, however Jamie Foxx's amazing performance makes me give this a higher rating. He gives the best performance of 2004, just ahead of Kevin Bacon. Hackford's direction isn't anything amazing, but it brings the film in a good direction. The supporting cast is good as well. And as for the music, I don't think I have to tell anyone it's excellent.
#79
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/05 11:36 AM

On the Waterfront starring Marlon Brando. Since I was still in diapers when Brando portrayed Vito Corleone, I thought it would be cool to see one of the earlier movies that made Brando a star. Plus it was interesting to see him as a thin, young man in this movie. I liked the film, which also starred Karl Malden who, ironically, looked about the same as he did in any movie I remember him in.

If you haven't seen it, rent it. The movie only lasts about 1.5 hours, so it's worth your time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/05 02:16 PM

An Evening With Kevin Smith was the last Kevin Smith DVD that I had to watch to officially finish my Kevin Smith week. This is such a great Q&A and I can't wait for the 2nd one to come out. If anyone is a Kevin Smith fan and hasn't seen this DVD, I highly suggest it!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/05 07:20 PM

The Woodsman - (Kassell;2004;USA) - ***1/2
A pedophile attempts to reenter society after twelve years in prison.
Kevin Bacon gives the best performance of his career, and the second best of the year just behind Jamie Foxx. The character development is very good as well as the direction by Kassell. The music is one of my favorite things, almost Memento-ish or Following-ish. A great character study, although a longer film could've given the film much more depth. The film could've done without Eve though.
#35
Posted By: Sonny DiCosca

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/05 07:28 PM

Heres my list, botches!

-Once Upon a Time in America
The rise and fall of a group of friends in the Jewish Mafia.

-Brother
A Tokyo Yakuza Member exiled from Japan, he moved to America and made his own Yakuza Family.

(And some others...)
Posted By: don vencent

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/05 07:29 PM

Highlander it's ok movie if you like
sword play
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/05 04:23 AM

Watched The Untouchables tonight. I didn't think I'd have time to watch it because I've got a presentation and paper due Friday, but I decided to just go ahead and watch it, and work on my school stuff later. One of De Palma's best IMO. I wish there was more De Niro/Capone in the film, but definitely a classic
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/05 12:17 PM

The Newton Boys a true story of bank robbers .Better than i thought it would be,not a known film but worth a watch

Posted By: Intenzo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/05 02:15 PM

watched Woonderland last night not a bad movie i had read about the woonderland murders before. I thought Val Killmers acting was pretty good. he reminded my of The Doors when he played the part of Jim Morrison but other then that the movie was ok.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/05 03:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
The Newton Boys a true story of bank robbers .Better than i thought it would be,not a known film but worth a watch

I think I actually watched that in the theaters when it came out Not a terrible movie (I've seen worse), but a decent movie at best
Posted By: Bubblehead

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/05 06:08 PM

I just finished having a movie weekend, and i watched The Breakfast Club, Ferris Buellers Day Off, and also Some Like It Hot.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/05 12:16 AM

Anybody on here ever seen Donnie Darko? A friend of mine here at school keeps telling me to watch it, but from some, I have heard that it's not great. I'm interested in seeing it sure, but I only have 2 more weeks after this week of school, and he insists that I see it. Any thoughts?
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/05 12:28 AM

Just watched Ladder 49 this weekend. I love John Travolta, but even he couldn't save it. I hate Joaquin Phoenix, and honestly didn't care if he survived. Backdraft did it so much better.

We also recently watched Anchorman, undoubtedly the stupidest movie ever.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/05 02:01 AM

S Babe, Anchorman is horrid, and among the worst. Did you hear what the original idea for the film was? This is proof that there are retards in Hollywood.
Adam McKay has said that in the first draft of the script, the story was about a planeload of news anchors who crash in the mountains and discover that the plane which they collided was carrying monkeys and martial arts equipment, leading to a battle between cannibalistic newsmen and star-throwing monkeys.

Memento - (Nolan;2000;USA) - ****
A man with the inability to keep short term memory tries to avenge his wife using tattoos, photos, and notes.
One of the most creative thrillers of the last 20 years. Nolan's direction using the reverse narrative with the linear one is excellent and elevates the plot. The acting is good as well. One of my favorite aspects his David Julyan's depressing score. One of the best films of the new millennium.
#2
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/05 01:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Watched The Untouchables tonight. I didn't think I'd have time to watch it because I've got a presentation and paper due Friday, but I decided to just go ahead and watch it, and work on my school stuff later. One of De Palma's best IMO. I wish there was more De Niro/Capone in the film, but definitely a classic
I love that movie. The shoot-out in the train station reminds me of the scene in Raging Bull where the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana is playing.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/05 01:36 PM

I watched The Silence of the Lambs last night. I had forgotten how horrifying that film is. Anthony Hopkins eyes...*shutter*.
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/05 02:24 PM

I watched The Upside of Anger, or the Other Side of Anger or some such movie this weekend. It was the lamest thing I have ever seen. It made no sense, and the acting was way over the top. Kevin Costner continues to stink up the big screen.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/05 08:51 PM

Le Cercle Rouge - (Melville;1970;France) - ****
One man is released from prison, another escapes. Together with an ex-cop they plan a heist on a jewelry store.
Melville's films supposedly inspired many such as Tarantino. I can also see how Michael Mann was inspired by him. The characters are real. They're professionals, not macho badasses seen in most of the shitty crime movies these days. Henri Decae's cinematography is also beautiful, making every scene even better to watch. The lighting is also top notch, such as when Corey descends in the elevator. Alain Delon, Yves Montand, and Gian Maria Volonté are all great in their roles, as well as the supporting cast. All the ingredients of an excellent film is here.
#14
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/05 08:55 PM

Sophies Choice

A heartbreaking story about the life of a Polish woman after she survives the Hollocaust and moves to Brooklyn. The three main characters were very well drawn out and Merryl Streep was absolutely fantastic. I dare say that this movie is a must see.

9/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 04:53 AM

This was the 2nd time I have seen Super Size Me (I watched it when it first came out on DVD). First time I wasn't too pleased (I think my expectations were a little too high) and for some reason this past weekend I felt like renting it to watch it this week. Well I finally made the time to watch it and I enjoyed it more this time around than when I first watched it. I found it funny when it said that in March of 2004 the "Chessburger Bill" was passed in which people couldn't sue the fast food companies. I guess it just goes to show you how much stroke they've really got in this country
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 04:30 PM

The Insider w/Al Pacino & Russell Crowe directed by Michael Mann. Pretty tough to top that combo.

A great film about the whistle blower of the cigarette industry, Dr. Jeffrey Weigand.
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 04:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
The Insider w/Al Pacino & Russell Crowe directed by Michael Mann. Pretty tough to top that combo.

A great film about the whistle blower of the cigarette industry, Dr. Jeffrey Weigand.
Great film. My favorite scene is with Mick Wallace and the women from the network about the edit on Wallace's 60 minutes report.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 05:36 PM

I have yet to see The Insider. It always sounded interesting but I never have find my way to renting it yet. Might have to check that out pretty ASAP
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 05:40 PM

Michael Mann's best film. Pacino and Crowe are great along with all other aspects of the film. A little long, but excellent.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 06:09 PM

I saw an interview of Jeff Weigand recently. Crowe sounded exactly like Weigand and looked very similar. Pretty amazing, IMO, since Crowe has an Australian accent. Probably as impressive as the English accented Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of the title role in Nixon.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 07:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Anybody on here ever seen Donnie Darko? A friend of mine here at school keeps telling me to watch it, but from some, I have heard that it's not great. I'm interested in seeing it sure, but I only have 2 more weeks after this week of school, and he insists that I see it. Any thoughts?
I haven't actually seen it but a friend of mine keeps wanting me to watch it aswell and she said it was pretty good I should actually watch it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 07:43 PM

I'm gonna try to watch it this weekend. If I see it I'll post my review on here probably Sunday or Monday
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 07:47 PM

Aw right cool, i'll wait till you post your review before I watch it then lol
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 07:49 PM

Well it might be a couple of days but ok. Plus, I'd see it just to see it. I think if this board proves anything it's that people have different tastes in movies. I may hate it and you may love it & vice versa.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 07:59 PM

Yeah good point. I'll get round to watching it at somepoint
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 08:00 PM

La Strada - (Fellini;1954;Italy) - ****
A street performer buys a young woman, and takes her on the streets with him as part of his act as a troubled relationship begins.
Anthony Quinn is quickly becomming one of my favorite actors. Here is another amazing performance from him. Giulietta Masina is also good as the young woman. Fellini's direction is inferior to La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2 but this is still a powerful film and great look into a tragic relationship. I don't know if anyone else thinks this but it's a very relevant film even to today. The final scene is powerful.
#99
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 08:34 PM

Irishman, since nobody has replied to you, I'll recommend Donnie Darko. One of those love-or-hate, get-it-don't-get-it movies. Boasting lots of originality, a great score, acting, and very funny.

Scratch *** (1st Time)
2001, Pray, US
More or less, the history of the DJ and his/her role in hip hop music.
Fantastically ensembled and edited documentary, as passionate as we're likely to find on the subject. The talking heads, of various influential and noted DJs on the scene, give much fascinating insight.

Taxi Driver **** (Nth Time; first time on the Big Screen! )
1976, Scorsese, US
A New York cabbie, tired of the filth of the streets, decides to clean them through violent means of his own.
Engrossing, technically accomplished filmmaking, a tour de force all round; immeasurably influential, it deals with the inner agonies of a sociopath desperate to make the world good, whatever the consequences.
#1 in Top 100

The Passion of the Christ [no stars]
2004, Gibson, US

The final hours of Jesus as he tortured and crucified.
An unnecessary extension on the conclusive torture scene of Braveheart, this verges many times on the ridiculously absurd. Stylistically over done, unbalanced, and, despite its intentions, mindnumbingly dull.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 08:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irishman, since nobody has replied to you, I'll recommend Donnie Darko. One of those love-or-hate, get-it-don't-get-it movies. Boasting lots of originality, a great score, acting, and very funny.
Grazie Capo. I have heard many people say they didn't like it while only a hand full say they did like it so I was guessing it was kind of those love it or hate it movies. However, I read what it was about on imdb.com and it seems interesting! 1988 Presidential campaign and giant bunnies, how can I go wrong?

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
The Passion of the Christ [no stars]
2004, Gibson, US

The final hours of Jesus as he tortured and crucified.
An unnecessary extension on the conclusive torture scene of Braveheart, this verges many times on the ridiculously absurd. Stylistically over done, unbalanced, and, despite its intentions, mindnumbingly dull.[/QB]
Wow, what a review. I personally loved the movie but that was a very nonagressive, open-minded review.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 08:45 PM

I haven't seen Donnie Darko but apparently from what I've heard, The Butterfly Effect ripped it off.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 08:49 PM

Capo, have you seen The Insider?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 09:09 PM

The Insider is probably Mann's best film. The acting is as good as in Heat, the script just as enthralling, and a fine example of how to thrill an audience without any sex, violence or action.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 09:15 PM

So between watching only 1 movie this weekend, which would you go with? {i]The Insider[/i] or Donnie Darko?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 09:30 PM

One movie this weekend? The Insider. But why limit yourself to one?

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 09:34 PM

Very true. Well because I've got a final on Monday that I have to study for, plus another test on Tuesday. More than likely I'll watch Donnie Darko but I'll see if I can squeez in The Insider as well. Thanks for the advice
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 09:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] La Strada - (Fellini;1954;Italy) - ****
[/b]
Hey DV,

Sorry if its a stupid question but what do the 4 stars mean? (is it 4-very good and 5-excellent?)

P.S-Im also in the chatroom for the next 15 mis, if you want to log in
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/05 10:00 PM

Four stars is the best rating. Three and a half being great, three being good, etc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 12:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
One movie this weekend? The Insider. But why limit yourself to one?

Mick
You'll never believe it. I'm planning on watching a movie tonight so I went to my friend's to barrow one and guess what he had...The Insider. A 2 and a half hour movie, which means I'll have to make more time to watch it, but oh well. I've been in the computer lab all day (literally at least 5 hours). I'll let you know how I enjoyed it laters!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 12:07 AM

The Dead Pool - (Van Horn;1988;USA) - *1/2
Dirty Harry Callahan investigates a "dead pool" game in which someone is killing celebrities, one of which on the list is Harry himself.
Nothing special here. The same recycled plot done a fifth time. I still love all of the movies but this is just another unoriginal sequel.

Definitely see The Insider. Even better then Mann's other excellent film Heat.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 05:13 AM

Just got finished watching The Insider. It was pretty good, but I thought it dragged quite a bit and I was glad to see it end. However, after watching this movie, I'm starting to give more credit to Russell Crowe as an actor. He might be an a**hole in real life, but the man can act. Now I plan on watching at least Donnie Darko this weekend
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 12:56 PM

Romper Stomper

An Early Russell Crowe Film,violant and Very good

Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 02:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Just got finished watching The Insider. It was pretty good, but I thought it dragged quite a bit and I was glad to see it end. However, after watching this movie, I'm starting to give more credit to Russell Crowe as an actor. He might be an a**hole in real life, but the man can act. Now I plan on watching at least Donnie Darko this weekend
How do you rate Mann's movies from best to least?

God I love this scene. Mann is an excellent director.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 04:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] The Dead Pool - (Van Horn;1988;USA) - *1/2
Dirty Harry Callahan investigates a "dead pool" game in which someone is killing celebrities, one of which on the list is Harry himself.
Nothing special here. The same recycled plot done a fifth time. I still love all of the movies but this is just another unoriginal sequel.

Definitely see The Insider. Even better then Mann's other excellent film Heat. [/b]
I agree. The only thing worth noting is that Jim Carrey plays a punk rocker who is murdered. This is long before he was popular with Ace Ventura etc.

I disagree that The Insider is better than Heat. And that's not a knock on Insider in the least.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 05:39 PM

Grumpier Old Men - (Deutch;1995;USA) - **
More antics ensue when an Italian woman turns the local bait shop into a restaurant.
I absolutely love these movies, but in the end it isn't anything special. A nice little comedy.

Anyway, I saw the trailer for the new Sandlot and I am absolutely disgusted. They even got a look alike fat kid for the wiseguy red-head. They also spoof some of the famous lines from the original. Assholes.

Anyway, I used to think Heat was better and hell I used to think Collateral was better, but I changed because I realized that The Insider is an amazing work, that does keep you attached without any violence or sex. Sure, it is a little long, but fascinating all the same. I rate Mann's films like this. However I can see your point, both are excellent works. I hope Mann makes more Neo-Noir films like Collateral and such.

1) The Insider - ****
2) Heat - ****
3) Collateral - ***1/2
4) Ali - **1/2
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 05:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Grumpier Old Men - (Deutch;1995;USA) - **
More antics ensue when an Italian woman turns the local bait shop into a restaurant.
I absolutely love these movies, but in the end it isn't anything special. A nice little comedy.

Anyway, I saw the trailer for the new Sandlot and I am absolutely disgusted. They even got a look alike fat kid for the wiseguy red-head. They also spoof some of the famous lines from the original. Assholes.

Anyway, I used to think Heat was better and hell I used to think Collateral was better, but I changed because I realized that The Insider is an amazing work, that does keep you attached without any violence or sex. Sure, it is a little long, but fascinating all the same. I rate Mann's films like this. However I can see your point, both are excellent works. I hope Mann makes more Neo-Noir films like Collateral and such.

1) The Insider - ****
2) Heat - ****
3) Collateral - ***1/2
4) Ali - **1/2 [/b]
I'm embarrassed to ask since I'm not a major movie buff, but is Collateral the Ah-nuld movie? If so, I can't ever imagine my wanting to see it.

You make a great point how Insider doesn't have to rely on sex & violence. It's just a good story. A little long, but so is Heat. The latter could have shortened itself by getting rid of the DeNiro "love interest" storyline. I've only seen Insider twice and can't say what I'd omit. Come to think of it, most of my favorite movies are lengthier: Godfather, Godfather II, Jaws, JFK, Heat, Insider, Goodfellas.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 06:04 PM

Well both can easily be his best. I thought the "love story" in Heat was great and added to the character.

Collateral Damage? HELL no!

My avatar is Tom Cruise from Collateral which is a great near-masterwork of a Neo-Noir thriller. Only the ending that didn't keep up with the rest of the movie was the problem. The direction, acting, music, cinematography, etc. All great. Tom Cruise should've been nominated for Best Supp. actor. His best performance after Magnolia. It's my favorite movie.

My review
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 06:37 PM

Collateral Damage is what I was thinking - thank goodness. I'll have to check it out Collateral. Thanks for the review & recommendation.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 08:31 PM

I should probably rewrite my Collateral review, especially since it was before I saw The Insider and listened to the commentary. I went off of memory from the theater and a shitty computer copy.

The Long Good Friday - (Mackenzie;1980;UK) - ***1/2
Before a deal with Americans, an English crime boss is mysteriously being attacked.
A great crime film. A little too over the top at times but still. The music is very good as well as the acting, mostly Bob Hoskins'. He reminded me of an English Tony Soprano at times.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 08:46 PM

I watched 'Master and Commander' - Russle Crowe last night..I don't know what to really think of the movie I think it was Crowe that didn't suit the role I think it would have been a better film if they had found someone more suitable for Crowe's role but then on the other hand my Dad really liked it. You could hear Crowe's Australian accent creeping through that English accent Lol..good enough film though.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/05 10:12 PM

I can't wait to see Master and Commander.

My Best Fiend ** (1st Time)
1999, Herzog, Ger
Director Werner Herzog revisits the past and looks in retrospect at his turbulent relationship with actor Klaus Kinski.
An outrageous, exaggerated and often hilarious documentary with some great tales to be told about the magnificent actor, who claims at one point to have worked with Herzog "because he was crazy."

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/05 04:28 AM

Well Capo I also watched Donnie Darko just now and WOW! I didn't follow about half of the movie (the last half). I was understanding it, but maybe mid-way through, I lost it (espeically at the end!). I've got 2 tests I'm supposed to study for this weekend and I'm planning on watching 4 movies
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/05 04:57 AM

The Notebook - (Cassavetes;2004;USA) - ***
An old man reads a love story to an old woman in a convalescent home that holds some significant meaning.
Many have said this was a great romance, but the main problem I had with it was that the first half save the first 15 minutes or so seemed to be rushed. Events came and went as if the plot was trying to be hurried along. The acting is good, especially from Garner. A nice little romance film, that could've been a lot better. Perhaps a little too sentimental at times too.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/05 08:01 PM

M*A*S*H - (Altman;1970;USA) - ****
The antics of surgeons in a MASH unit in the Korean War.
One of the best comedies I've seen. Not nearly as good as Short Cuts but excellent all the same. Elliott Gould was especially funny. The theme "Suicide is Painless" is a beautiful song as well. I hope to see The Player soon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/05 03:03 AM

I boycotted Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events in the theater because the trailer looked to dumb. I watched the first 10-15 minutes and almost shut if off but I'm really glad that I stuck it out. I think I'm gonna get the 2-disc set on Tuesday for $27.99. I really enjoyed it, but to any of those who have seen it, didn't it seem strange that Cedric the Entertainer was in it!? I mean the cast includes Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Timothy Spall and then Cedric the Entertainer!?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/05 03:08 AM

Hang \'Em High - (Post;1968;USA) - **
A mob lynched the wrong man and didn't finish the job. The man becomes a marshal and tracks down the men.
An average western. It finishes off too early because the bad writing can't push it's character any further, so it ends on implication when it shouldn't. A film strictly for Eastwood fans.

I'll be rewatching Dirty Harry, Scarface, Zorba the Greek, and A Bronx Tale this week.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/05 11:49 PM

Reversal of Fortune - (Schroeder;1990;USA) - ***1/2
Sunny von Bülow narrates while in a coma how her husband Claus von Bülow reversed the guilty verdict for attempting to kill her with the help of his lawyer Alan Dershowitz.
Jeremy Irons and Glenn Close both give great performances. The film's narrative is very good and everything is up there in almost every aspect. It's surprising coming from a director and writer who also brought many mediocre films. The film's strongest point is the fascination it gives the audience.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/05 11:52 PM

I wasn't a fan of either of the first 2 Blade movies but I watched Blade Trinity last night and it was easily my favorite of the trilogy. Ryan Reynolds was funny, while Jessica Biel & Parker Posey where hot!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/05 03:06 AM

The Assassination of Richard Nixon was a pretty dumb and slow movie. I was diappointed to say the least. I didn't know much of the story so I was prepared for anything (and Naomi Watts was even in it) but after a while I started to feel sorry for Sean Penn's character Sam because he seems to loss touch of reality and he loses his family and my heart really went out to him, but the movie itself is nothing to ride home about.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/05 03:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
The Assassination of Richard Nixon was a pretty dumb and slow movie. I was diappointed to say the least. I didn't know much of the story so I was prepared for anything (and Naomi Watts was even in it) but after a while I started to feel sorry for Sean Penn's character Sam because he seems to loss touch of reality and he loses his family and my heart really went out to him, but the movie itself is nothing to ride home about.
It's already out? Damn, one of the movies of last year I wanna see the most. How's the DVD?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/05 05:06 AM

No, it comes out on Tuesday (as does Blade Trinity and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events). As for the DVD, really just a commentary from writer-director Niels Mueller
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/05 04:45 PM

Saw the Interpreter with Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn....with some suspension of disbelief, it is a decent flick....no one needs to go running to see it, it will be out on DVD by September I would guess. Still it is better than most of the stuff that is presently out there.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/05 08:55 PM

Dirty Harry - (Siegel;1971;USA) - ****
Dirty Harry Callahan investigates a sniper with the alias Scorpio killing people in San Francisco.
Before cliche took over nearly all cop movies, there were movies like Dirty Harry that were raw and cool. The film echoes the contempt against injustice very well. The San Francisco cinematography is both beautiful and in many instances gritty. Definitely Siegel's best film, although the sequels would soon try to imitate it's famous moments such as the suicide jumper and the one liners. The pulsating music is also great. A masterpiece of the cop sub-genre. At the same time it's a very influential film as well.
#11
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/05 12:28 PM



Excellant film,very moving and great role by Bobby D
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/05 01:33 PM

I would suggest you all try and watch an excellent Italian movie I recently watched, it is called DON'T MOVE (2004), with Sergio Castellitto and Penélope Cruz, who both give their best perfomance ever here, especially Cruz, whose role is somehow similar to Giuletta Masina's in Fellini's "La strada" (aka, The road). It is a strongly dramatic film about the dark side of human nature, sin, forgiveness and redemption.

I know it may be difficult to find this movie in DVD for you in USA, but if you have the chance, please watch it, I guarantee it is surely worth. I loved it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/05 06:34 PM

Lavinia, what do you think of 8 1/2, La Dolce Vita, and La Strada? There are several other Fellini films I wanna see like Nights of Cabiria or Amarcord. There are some other Italian films I'd like to see such as La Notte.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/05 10:16 PM

Scarface - (DePalma;1983;USA) - ***1/2
A Cuban refugee's power rises in a Miami cartel.
A great gangster film although it has been ridiculously overrated over the years. It's visuals, great cast, minor changes, and good score help make it better then the simplistic rise/fall film it is on Oliver Stone's awful script. Far from being on any best films lists, but one of my favorites all the same.
#22
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 12:59 AM

After watching An Evening With Kevin Smith last week I had this urge to watch all of the Batman's & Superman's. Well tonight I watched the first Batman. It was good to see it again since I haven't seen it in a while and it's probably my 2nd favorite (behind Batman Forever).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 05:57 AM

I enjoyed Batman Returns more this time around more so than I have in the past. I think being older now I can understand and appreciate it more but I never was a huge Danny DeVito/Penguin fan. But I'm glad that I enjoyed the movie tonight
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 08:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Lavinia, what do you think of 8 1/2, La Dolce Vita, and La Strada? There are several other Fellini films I wanna see like Nights of Cabiria or Amarcord. There are some other Italian films I'd like to see such as La Notte.
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!! I just wrote a long reply and then something happened.....and it was deleted!!!!!
OK, I'll try and write it again....DV, actually I'm not a huge Fellini's fan....he got this typically fellinianan visionary style in his filmaking that really doesn't appeal me so much. Of course the movies you mentioned are universally acclaimed but they did not strike me the way I expected. Anyway, "La strada" is a real masterpiece. And like other cinema masterpieces, it is not just cinema. It's poetry, pure poetry. With the unforgettable Giuletta Masina's performance as the naive, simple-minded, abused little Gelsomina and Anthony Quinn's brutal Zampanò. Great movie, yes. At the same level I'd rank Nights of Cabiria, once again an astonishingly magical performance of Masina as a poor prostitute in search of true love. I never understood why two absolute masterpieces like those have been almost forgotten...it's a shame! "Amarcord" is one of the most visionary Fellini's films....it won an Oscar if I'm not wrong....I don't know....not my kind of cinema.... "La notte" (aka The night) is a largely acclaimed movie of Michelangelo Antonioni (along with other early 60's movies of his, especially The Adventure, Eclipse, The red desert, on the wake of the so called "incommunicability cinema") -- definitely not my kind of cinema....

If you are interested in Italian classical movies, I'd suggest you to watch DeSica's (Shoe-Shine, The Bicycle Thief, Miracle in Milan, and most of all Umberdo D) Rossellini's (Rome Open City, Paisan, Germany Year Zero) and Visconti's (Ossessione, Bellissima, Senso aka Livia, Rocco and His Brothers, The Leopard) films. These are cult movies. So you probably already watched them. Let me know if you want some more suggestions.

Ciao!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 09:32 AM

The Leopard interests me a lot. Many have said it's one of the best films ever. I haven't heard anything negative on it. La Strada was excellent but I felt it was inferior to La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2. However that last scene with Quinn is one of the most memorable for me.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 10:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
The Leopard interests me a lot. Many have said it's one of the best films ever.
Oh, I definitely agree. The 45 minutes ball sequence is memorable and an inspiration for many films to come, including Scorsese in The Age of Innocence and the wedding scene in The Godfather.
Set in Sicily at the time of the unification with the Italian Kingdom (1860), if you are interested in the mafia as a historical/social phenomenon you'll find in this film some explanations for it. But what this film is really about is the defeat of one world (the old, noble one Prince of Salina represents) to another, a new one, vulgar and cynical. It is important that "everything changes without anything really changes".....Plus you got magnificent settings, most elegant costumes, furniture, even in the smallest details, as in every Visconti's movies. He had a special sense of beauty and elegance like no other director, before or after him.

Go get the DVD, Don Vercetti, you'll love it!
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 11:05 AM

I've just rewatched HEAT. What a great film!
And of course my favorite "Don't watch my fucking TV" scene . Al is excellent.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 06:40 PM

I would've last week, but the DVD is $50 so I ended up buying Le Cercle Rouge.

Justme, glad to see another fan on the board. I hate it when people dismiss it as being nothing aside DeNiro with Pacino. Michael Mann's a great director with a great visual style.
Posted By: Krlea

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 08:16 PM

Birth with Nicole Kidman.

I loved it. I'm still trying to make up my mind about the ending, but I guess that's what makes the movie so good. Anyone else?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 08:28 PM

I wanted to see it but kinda forgot to pick it up from work when we got it. I plan on seeing it soon, but just have to find the time. I plan on watching all 4 Superman's this weekend, plus National Treasury and Phantom of the Opera
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 08:32 PM

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs **** (2nd Time)
1937, Hand, US
A princess takes refuge with seven dwarfs while her wicked stepmother, the evil Queen, hatches a plan to kill her.
Disney's first feature: if its flat animation is by today's standards dull, then its story, characters and songs are more than worthy compensation; a fantastic milestone upon its release, a timeless film now.

Mick
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 08:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Justme, glad to see another fan on the board. I hate it when people dismiss it as being nothing aside DeNiro with Pacino. Michael Mann's a great director with a great visual style.
Yeah, I'm definitely becoming a fan of this movie. And there are no bad actors! The scene with chris's wife on balcony - how is it acted! And details - what I appreciate the most in movies!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 08:42 PM

Yes, and the thing most overlooked by average viewers is Mann's direction. The music, cinematography, dialogue, everything. The balcony scene with Eady and Neil is beautiful. The final music is also great and goes with the perfect final images.

I think the implication is enough, but just to warn, the above URL is a spoiler to people who have not seen it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 11:14 PM

Batman Forever had the best cast IMO. I enjoyed it but not as much as I have in the past. I was younger obviously when this movie came out and dug some of the humor from Jim Carrey as 'The Riddler' and Tommy Lee Jones as 'Two Face,' but upon watching it today, I felt it was a little childish or that it had run its course. Still a good movie and I just can't say enough good things about Nicole Kidman! I plan on finishing up the Batman's tonight
Posted By: Tom

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/05 11:20 PM

I just saw Sideways and it was pretty darn funny, if anything different than comedies today.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/05 03:38 AM

Well I got to finish watching all of the Batman's in 2 days with the viewing of Batman & Robin. I enjoyed the movie somewhat, but I think it's easily the worst compared to the previous 3. Not to say the movie is horrible (because I've seen worse) but it's not better than the original 3. I thought when the movie came out I heard that Julia Roberts was supposed to play Poison Ivy and I still wish she did. I like Uma, but I'd rather have seen Julia. I thought Arnold was a good choice for Freeze though
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/05 09:57 PM

A Bronx Tale - (DeNiro;1993;USA) - ***1/2
A kid grows up with two conflicting role models, his hard working father and a street-wise gangster.
DeNiro's direction seems to be a little above average, influenced possibly by Scorsese, but the story is the gem here. The acting supports the film very well. It's more of Chazz Palminteri's great writing with a director who can handle it well, and it more then succeeds. The music, dialogue, and acting is up there. It could've been a lot better, but it still succeeds.
Posted By: Tony Love

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/05 11:52 PM

Last Sunday I went to see "Fever Pitch". It was a cute little romance comedy, although most of the time, I try to avoid romance comedies. From George Carlin: "Where ever there's a romance comedy, you can usually find me next door playing pinball."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/05 01:51 AM

I hadn't watched Snatch in over a year and I brought it back for my roomate to watch it this week. I had the free time tonight so I decided to watch it again. Definintely in my top 20 list
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/05 12:49 AM

I'm going to try and watch all 4 Superman's this weekend and I was able to watch Superman I today. I have never seen it all the way through, so imagine by surprise to see Marlon Brando up there on the screen. It wasn't bad, but I'd say II or IV is my favorite if memory serves me correctly
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/05 03:14 AM

This is just a copy of my last proview, I didn't feel like adding anything.

Memento - (Nolan;2000;USA) - ****
A man with the inability to keep short term memory tries to avenge his wife using tattoos, photos, and notes.
One of the most creative thrillers of the last 20 years. Nolan's direction using the reverse narrative with the linear one is excellent and elevates the plot. The acting is good as well. One of my favorite aspects his David Julyan's depressing score. One of the best films of the new millennium.
#4 Down two spots
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/05 04:43 AM

I wanted to see National Treasure in the theaters but after watching it just now I'm glad that I didn't. I didn't really like it too much. Diane Kruger was hot in it and Justin Bartha was kinda funny but overall the movie was decent at best.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/05 10:41 AM

I watched Casino last night. I thought Robert DeNiro was great in it but I don't think I liked it as much as Goodfellas. I'll have to watch it a few more times though.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/05 08:01 PM

Anchorman

My favorite quote was Ben Stiller's "Como estan bitches?" That is now how my friends and I greet each other.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/05 02:36 AM

Superman II is probably my favorite of the series. "Kneel before Zod!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/05 04:18 AM

Superman III was the worst. It started out ok but it just went down hill towards the end. Plus add in the fact that there was barely any Lois Lane and NO Lex Luthor I forgot to mention that I was surprised to see Mario Puzo work on Superman II as well.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/05 11:25 PM

Superman IV was probably my favorite Superman movie. Not the best but I thought it was better than I & III
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/05 01:32 PM

Saw Ocean's 12 last night. It was okay. Not nearly as entertaining as the first, although the Bruce Willis cameo was cute.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/05 07:31 PM

That's what I thought. It was great to see Bruce Willis, but the movie overall wasn't as good as the first I thought
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/05 11:20 PM

Gladiator - (Scott;2000;UK/USA) - ****
A Roman general is betrayed by a Prince who kills the emperor to gain power and stop Rome from becoming a republic. The general is reduced to a slave and soon a gladiator who fights in Rome and seeks revenge.
What an epic should be. A simplistic plot is escalated with beautiful visuals, direction, acting, and music. Great fight scenes and strong performances. Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Oliver Reed are great. Richard Harris, while only in a small part of the film gives a wonderful performance.
#62
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/05 03:01 AM

Meet the Fockers - (Roach;2004;USA) - **
Greg and his in-laws meet his quirky family.
A very entertaining film, but lets face it; if DeNiro and Hoffman weren't doing the jokes this would've been nothing. It's been done before many times and in the end, the bloopers on the special features were superior to much of the film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/05 03:06 AM

Has anyone seen Constantine yet? I didn't see it in theaters but as of late I've really wanted to watch it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/05 05:21 AM

I finally got my hands on King of New York. I really enjoyed it very much. It wasn't a great movie, but it did exceed my expectations. I really like Lawrence Fishburne's performance. I thought it was pretty funny to see him in that role
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/05 05:22 AM

I'm VERY glad that I didn't see Darkness in the theaters. I had been wanting to see it and I borrowed it from a friend to watch and I just got done with it. Man, I was bored 30 minutes into it. I stuck with it to see it through but it was so boring/slow, stupid and predictable. The father goes crazy, the little kid just needed to be killed off in the first 15 minutes and the directing (which wasn't great) tried to make up for the lack of story. I'm not usually too picky on directing or story but this movie lacked both IMO and I don't know why Anna Paquin decided to be apart of this piece of sh*t?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/05 09:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Richard Harris, while only in a small part of the film gives a wonderful performance.
Apart from when we can see his corpse breathing.

Mick
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/05 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Reversal of Fortune - (Schroeder;1990;USA) - ***1/2
Sunny von Bülow narrates while in a coma how her husband Claus von Bülow reversed the guilty verdict for attempting to kill her with the help of his lawyer Alan Dershowitz.
Jeremy Irons and Glenn Close both give great performances. The film's narrative is very good and everything is up there in almost every aspect. It's surprising coming from a director and writer who also brought many mediocre films. The film's strongest point is the fascination it gives the audience. [/b]
This is a good movie. Irons was awesome. I thought Ron Silver's portrayl of Dershowitz was very good too.

Don Vercetti
I took your recommendation of Collateral to heart and ordered it from my library. I'll post when I have a chance to see it. I'm looking forward to it if it's as good as you say.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/05 06:24 PM

I hope you love it. Make sure you listen to the commentary after, and all the special features.

The only problem is that I wish they included the life story profiles Mann wrote on Max and Vincent. He ventures into both of their lives in the commentary.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 12:15 AM

Citizen Kane - (Welles;1941;USA) - ****
The life of a newspaper tycoon told through a newsreel and people who knew him, all part of an investigation to find the meaning of his dying words.
One of the ten greatest films ever. Welles' amazing direction was decades ahead of it's time. Everything in this film is top notch. The acting, direction, music, cinematography-- everything. The definition of a masterpiece and a classic.
#9
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 01:14 AM

I had been wanting to see The Original Kings of Comedy for a couple of weeks now since a guy in my class would quote it. Some of the funniest stand up IMO. Very entertaining no matter how many times you see it
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 02:14 AM

Just got done watching Citizen Kane on TCM. I haven't watched it in a few years, so it was rather exciting to get to sit down and watch it again, especially since TCM was airing it commercial free. I was mesmerized the whole time. I remember the first time I watched it, I didn't like it much. I completely grasped it the second time, and this time, I enjoyed it so much more. It's definitely moved further up my list. Excellent film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 02:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
Just got done watching Citizen Kane on TCM.
As did I. It was my first time seeing the movie. Very, very good.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 02:16 AM

TCM is one of the best channels. Movies are unedited, restored, and are not interrupted.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 02:19 AM

The Magnificent Ambersons is coming on now. I haven't seen this film yet, so looks like I'll be stuck to my boob tube for another 2 hours. I heard its good, but not as great as Citizen Kane. I'm fixing to find out right now.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 02:25 AM

SPOILER MATERIAL INCLUDED

I just finished watching "Meteor" on tv. Despite a great cast (Sean Connery, Karl Malden, Natalie Wood and Henry Fonda) it was a cliche-ridden, predictable disaster movie (about a giant meteor taking aim at earth).

Made in 1979, I found two scenes almost "scary" to watch because of what later happened in real life.

1. The World Trade Center towers get blown away when a piece of the meteor hits NYC.

2. Natalie Wood almost drowns in a later scene.

The special effects are poor, as is the storyline, but its worth taking a look at if only for a few hours of escape.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 02:56 AM

I'm so happy that I just had to share this news. Apparently the Spider-Man series may not be over and done with after #3 comes out next May. Apparently Sony is thinking of making it a SIX movie series! Does it get any better than this!?

Source: FilmForce
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 03:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Does it get any better than this!?
Six Spider Man movies?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 03:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Does it get any better than this!?
Six Spider Man movies? [/b][/quote]Oh yeah, I'm excited And I'm sure I'm not the only 1
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 06:42 AM

Rewatched Basic Instinct. I'm getting gradually more displeased with Douglas. Recently my another disappointment was The Game. He seems cold and rude at the same time in his acting. Maybe that's just my wrong mood, tho...
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 10:12 AM

Rewatched CASABLANCA for the 5th time. I enjoy it more and more everytime I watch it. What a wonderful picture.


"Liebchen, ah, sweetness, what Watch?"
"Ten Watch"
"Such much?"
.
"You'll get along beautifully in America!"

Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 04:59 PM

I watched Frankie and Johnny last night. I didn't enjoy it that much, I think my expectations for it were too high I'll have to watch it again to give it a chance maybe it will grow on me.

I also bought Any Given Sunday so I will watch it sometime this weekend.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 05:05 PM

I LOVE Frankie and Johnny. I hadn't seen it in many years and it was on a few weeks ago, and I fell in love with it all over again. The cast is great.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 05:43 PM

Yeah it was a good cast and Al Pacino was good as usual
Posted By: Intenzo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 05:53 PM

Frankie and Johnny is one of my fav
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 07:11 PM

I placed an order for the DVD of Le Samourai, which is #1 on my to-see list.

I gotta find time to rewatch Zorba the Greek and The Searchers.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/05 09:31 PM

I have returned to my filmwatching ways after a worrying drought.

Dune [no stars] (1st Time)
1984, Lynch, US
The Atreides and Harkonnens battle on Arrakis for control of the spice mélange.
An incoherent mess. Verbose, convoluted, and mostly irrelevent, with only hints of the director's talent shown few and far between.

Mick
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 12:58 AM

I'm watching "Wall Street" in my Economics class.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 01:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I'm so happy that I just had to share this news. Apparently the Spider-Man series may not be over and done with after #3 comes out next May. Apparently Sony is thinking of making it a SIX movie series! Does it get any better than this!?

Source: FilmForce
Spider-Man 2 was nothign great, but I was a huge spidey fan as a kid... I just hope they do something with Venom and Carnage in those six films.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 11:48 AM

I very much enjoyed this film watching it for the first time
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 11:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I placed an order for the DVD of Le Samourai, which is #1 on my to-see list.
I also have to watch it but I'm constantly putting it off. It isn't appealing at all to me....
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 11:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Freddie C.:
I'm watching "Wall Street" in my Economics class.
very good one! What a cruel depiction of the financial world.....
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 11:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
I very much enjoyed this film watching it for the first time
On the contrary, I couldn't stand it....
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 11:59 AM

I think Jim Carrey is Brilliant
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 12:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
I think Jim Carrey is Brilliant
Oh, actually I didn't mind him! He IS brilliant (as usual), I did not like the.....the.....how should I call it? Movie packaging? Nahh....I'm sure this is not the word...anyway...I didn't like it.... :p
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 01:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debz:
I watched Frankie and Johnny last night. I didn't enjoy it that much, I think my expectations for it were too high I'll have to watch it again to give it a chance maybe it will grow on me.

I also bought Any Given Sunday so I will watch it sometime this weekend.
Debz, I must confess I had the same feelings. Total disappointment. Haven't rewatched it yet.
Tell us what you'll think of AGS!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 01:17 PM

Never watched Any given sunday. As for Frankie and Johnny.....you know what? A romantic role for Al seems out of place to me....he got this huge dramatic (if not tragic) potential....really can't see him as a sweetheart.....Johnny has this difficult past, of course, which gives the role depht and intensity but....I don't know....still I think Al was mistcast. As for Pfeiffer, she is splendid as usual, even in those modest looks, and cold enough to depict a bitterly disappointed still young woman who is afraid of believing in love again. She is not that bad, but....she's too algid, as usual, and I'm not enough sympathetic with her role. I wonder how Meryl Streep could play the part.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 01:20 PM

I like Pacino better in the dramatic roles, and did see Frankie & Johnny. I thought it was ok, and liked it better than Author Author, but still prefer his dramatic performances, especially his earlier ones.


TIS
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 01:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
A romantic role for Al seems out of place to me.... I think Al was mistcast.
Maybe that's why he turned down Pretty Woman? Imagine him as Edward Lewis!
Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:

I wonder how Meryl Streep could play the part.
That's a great thought!
You make movies in your free time lady?
I can't stand Pfeiffer - she was so horribly vulgar in Married to the Mob...
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 01:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I thought it was ok, and liked it better than Author Author, but still prefer his dramatic performances
What was Author Author like? I've never seen it!
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 02:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
I have returned to my filmwatching ways after a worrying drought.

[b]Dune [no stars]
(1st Time)
1984, Lynch, US
The Atreides and Harkonnens battle on Arrakis for control of the spice mélange.
An incoherent mess. Verbose, convoluted, and mostly irrelevent, with only hints of the director's talent shown few and far between.

Mick [/b]
Mick I think a few weeks back I gave you some advice about skipping Dune and watch "Wild at Heart" instead.

Well as the old addage goes

I told you so

BTW Don't Skip Wild at Heart
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 02:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
Imagine him as Edward Lewis!
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!! That would be like pineapple on pizza....DISASTER!!!!!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 03:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
What was Author Author like? I've never seen it!
Wasn't that about a husband whose wife left leaving him with two children to look after or stuff like this? If so I watched it AGES ago......Nahhhh, it's not MY Pacino....
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 04:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] Imagine him as Edward Lewis!
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!! That would be like pineapple on pizza....DISASTER!!!!! [/b][/quote]Besides, I guess Julia Roberts is accurately twice as tall as he is...
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 04:58 PM

I watched Ben Hur for the first time yesterday. What an astounding movie. Top 20 of all time after first viewing. The scenes where Judah Ben Hur meets his mother and sister again are heartbreaking I was about to cry

Did anyone else imagine Marlon Brando as Judah Ben Hur? Dont get me wrong, Charles Heston did a wonderful job but in many scenes I was seeing Marlon Brando doing that part...

10/10
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/05 08:42 PM

Yeh i thought Pacino was a bit like a sore thumb in Frankie and Johnny, his acting presence didn't suit it really, but he still did a really good job. I havent got round to Any Given Sunday yet but I just finished watchin Freaky Friday - Jamie Lee Curtis and Linsey Lohan. I was really surprised by this movie and thouroughly enjoyed watching it and I thought there was some really good acting in it from both Lohan and Curtis.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 05:04 AM

Le Cercle Rouge - (Melville;1970;France) - ****
A man is released from prison the same day another escapes. Together with an ex-cop they plan a jewelry heist.
A perfect example of an intelligent crime film. Everything is great from the music, acting, direction, and the cinematography. The dialogue is also witty at many times. One of the best crime films ever, as well as one of the most influential. It's a shame there aren't more films like this.
#13
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 05:44 AM

I just finished watching Finding Neverland. Wow, Depp was fantastic in this film, and Kate Winslet is, IMO, this generation's Meryl Streep. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did, but its one of those films that make you think back to your childhood, all those magical moments. I actually got teary eyed at the end, but not because of the ending. Rather, all the nostalgia that came forth as the credits rolled. It made me wanna be a kid again!
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 03:34 PM

There are two movies on different TV channels this evening: Desperado and Apocalypse Now. I'm curious about both, not decided yet what to watch, what to record...
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 04:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
There are two movies on different TV channels this evening: Desperado and Apocalypse Now. I'm curious about both, not decided yet what to watch, what to record...
Watch Apocalypse Now, record Desperado...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 06:50 PM

I finally got License To Drive on DVD Thursday and I got to watch it last night. Sweet movie for those who haven't seen it about a young man with no license who takes the girl of dreams out on a date in his grandfather's car
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 08:06 PM



Has anybody seen this whats it like,i remember watching bits of it when a kid
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 08:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
Mick I think a few weeks back I gave you some advice about skipping Dune and watch "Wild at Heart" instead.
You did, yes, and I expected Dune to be bad. It's also Lynch, so I had to pick the DVD up when I saw it cheap. I plan on hunting down Wild at Heart next.

Thirteen ** (1st Time)
2004, Hardwicke, US
A teenager whose mother is seeing an ex-cocaine addict and whose father is never around for her turns to the school's most popular girl for comfort.
Surprisingly solid drama of the troubles of peer-pressure and where it all leads. If the narrative gets a tad repetitive and at times a little unbelievable, for the most part it delivers its message well.

Dead Man ** (1st Time)
1995, Jarmusch, US
A clerk from Cleveland finds himself pursued by the law, and is taken through the wilderness by a native Indian.
Odd take on the Western; a mystical approach with brilliant black and white photography and a haunting score.

Beauty and the Beast **** (1st Time)
1991, Trousdale/Wise, US
A prince cursed to living as a beast holds a village girl as his prisoner in the secret hope she can break his curse.
Glorious animated musical, a return to sure form from Disney after years in the wilderness. Animation and songs are both fantastic; the characters are sublime.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 09:57 PM

The Ox-Bow Incident - (Wellman;1943;USA) - ****
After a farmer is reported dead and his cattle stolen, two drifters join a lynch mob that wants to hang now and ask questions later.
An excellent film that seems to give off a great anti-violent or anti-vigilante feeling. Henry Fonda is great as usual. Both he and Anthony Quinn are becoming favorites of mine. The latter of the two, plays one of the three men accused of the crime and his presence shines. One of the best westerns around.
#95
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/05 09:58 PM

Just finished watching Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. I liked it a lot. Its definitely a different film than I accustomed to watching, but I'm trying to broaden my tastes. I'm a film afficionado, but lets face it, watching classics all the time is boring. That shouldn't suggest that I'm gonna go out and by Gigli to find the hidden brilliance that everyone else has overlooked (because um, there isn't any). I just purchased the 11 book series of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Anyone else find the film entertaining?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/05 02:07 AM

National Treasure - (Turteltaub;2004;USA) - *
A man whose family is a line of treasure hunters searches for an Egyptian treasure hidden by America's founding fathers.
I love how clever Cage's character's name is. Sarcasm aside, this was a horrid film that was neither suspenseful nor fascinating. When I watch Le Cercle Rouge or Ocean's 11, I watch fascinating robberies. This robbery was boring and too quick. There is hardly anything good to find other then some good character actors. Diane Kruger's character's entire purpose was to be Cage's girl, and provide some attractive appeal.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/05 07:43 PM

The Searchers - (Ford;1956;USA) - ****
A Confederate soldier returns from the war and his family is massacred by Indians. Together with his nephew he sets out to find his kidnapped nieces.
One of the best things about the film is the breathtaking cinematography of the Monument Valley that would soon inspire Sergio Leone and many others. John Wayne is at his best in this excellent film. The film had more depth then many of the westerns of it's time. A true classic that actually has a hero with flaws. The third greatest western ever.
#33

By the way SC, I'll be seeing To Have and To Have Not tonight on TCM. Seeing your a big Bogart fan, what do you think of it?
Posted By: Family Honour

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/05 08:01 PM

The Tenant.

A very weird Roman Polanski film. Stayed up late watching it and I never did understand the ultra weird ending. My view...old isnt always best...
Anymore views on this or Roman Polanski in general??

FH
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/05 08:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
By the way SC, I'll be seeing To Have and To Have Not tonight on TCM. Seeing your a big Bogart fan, what do you think of it?
I'm glad you enjoyed "The Searchers" ... its one of my favorites.

"To Have and Have Not" is a wonderful movie. It'll remind you a little of "Casablanca" (Bogart's outward appearance of staying neutral in a wartime setting) and the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall was as hot as ever been shown on the screen. Its a good story with great acting and throw Howard Hawks into the mix you end up with a wonderful film.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/05 08:16 PM

This was a rewatch for The Searcher, which is one of my favorite films and the best western after The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West.

For Bogart, I really wanna see The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon. Bogard and Fonda are probably my favorite actors of the pre-Brando era. By the way SC, have you ever seen In a Lonely Place? It\'s a great Bogey film.

I'll be updating the western thread (if it wasn't deleted) i na few minutes. I'd love to see your best of list for westerns.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/05 08:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Family Honour:
The Tenant.

FH
FH, I can't wait to treat myself to early Polanski. I've seen his faithful adaptation of Macbeth, Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown and his recent The Pianist. He's brilliant at creating atmosphere.

Get Carter ** (1st Time)
1971, Hodges, GB
A London gangster returns to Newcastle to settle a score.
Atmospheric, Chandleresque thriller, where the ruthless gangster replaces the private eye; it exploits its location to brilliant effect.

Mick
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/05 09:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Family Honour:

Anymore views on this or Roman Polanski in general??

FH
I've always felt sorry for the guy.
He survived the holocaust (which most of his family didn't), just to have his beautiful pregnant movie star wife brutally murdered.
As far as his films, I've seen four, and they are all excellent. "Knife in the Water" is his best, followed closely by "Chinatown", "The Pianist", and "Rosemary's Baby".
I still need to see "The Tenant".
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/05 11:49 PM

I think where most people get a little twisted on Polanski is the whole statuary rape situation. Chinatown is one of the ten greatest films ever IMO.

To Have and Have Not - (Hawks;1944;USA) - ***1/2
During WW2, a man and his friend who have a boat charter service begin to work for the resistance while one of them falls in love with a sassy club singer.
Almost feels like a diet Casablanca. The story is very compelling although it felt it lacked something. Hawks brings another great film that is very compelling. Bogart and Bacall's chemistry is excellent. Brennan is also great as usual.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/05 12:25 AM

Just saw The Incredibles with the kids. It was very cute, and very funny. Not quite up to Monsters Inc., but pretty good. Btw, does anyone know if they do have plans for a sequel to Monsters Inc.?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/05 09:56 AM

The Incredibles was 2004's best film. Action, sentiment, a strong message and immensely entertaining.

Mick
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/05 03:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[quote]Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] There are two movies on different TV channels this evening: Desperado and Apocalypse Now. I'm curious about both, not decided yet what to watch, what to record...
Watch Apocalypse Now, record Desperado... [/b][/quote]Thanks for the advice, so I did. Not that I'm too much impressed by both, though. Except Duvall in AN.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/05 07:48 PM

Kingdom of Heaven - (Scott;2005;USA) - ***1/2
A blacksmith's estranged father takes him on a journey to Jerusalem where he must serve King Baldwin IV, a leper king who is trying to keep a peace between the Christians and the Muslims; however Christian extremists and Templar Knights want war.
A beautiful film that just barely had the potential to be greater then Gladiator. This is sullied by a cardboard performance by Orlando Bloom, which is almost compensated for by the rest of the cast. Jeremy Irons is excellent and Neeson is great as well. As Omar stated this film strongest area is it's beauty, the cinematography combined with the music. The only problems I had was Bloom and I thought the story went a little too fast in the first hour or so. Otherwise this is a great film that could've been better.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/05 07:56 PM

I just finished watching Simone I thought Al Pacino was brilliant he alway's is but I think he gave the film a quality that wouldn't have been there otherwise as the plot was kinda weak. All round I didn't think the movie was that great but Al still managed to put in a brilliant performance!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/05 03:26 AM

The Interpreter was a good movie but not as good as I was hoping. Some say it was predictable and maybe some of it was, but it wasn't as good as I was hoping for
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/05 04:20 AM

I saw Assult on Precent 13 in the theaters but I did want to watch it again before it came out on DVD tomorrow. I did enjoy it although I found this movie to be more predictable than The Interpreter
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/05 04:55 AM

I started watching The Life Aquatic on Saturday night and I finished it today and it sucked. I'm not a fan of the director's really. It's supposed to be a comedy but I only laughed a couple of times and when I did laugh it was just a little chuckle, not a real laugh. I wouldn't recommend it. I've never seen Bottle Rocket and I turned The Royal Teneboms halfway through
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/05 07:53 PM

I was disappointed with Kingdom of Heaven to say the least. A friend of mine saw it before I did and said it was as good, if not, better than Gladiator. So naturally my expectations were pretty high. Man, I was pretty bored throughout that entire movie. Towards the end the action started to pick up, but the first hour or more was just story story story
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/05 08:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I was disappointed with Kingdom of Heaven to say the least. A friend of mine saw it before I did and said it was as good, if not, better than Gladiator. So naturally my expectations were pretty high. Man, I was pretty bored throughout that entire movie. Towards the end the action started to pick up, but the first hour or more was just story story story
I was thinking about going to see it at the cinema on Saturday aswell, i'll have a look and see what else is on that I might fancy
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/05 08:37 PM

Isn't that what a film is? A story put to moving images.

Le Samouraï - (Melville;1967;France/Italy) - ****
A calculating hitman with no criminal history kills his next contract, but leaves a few witnesses. He now has both the police and the men who hired him on his trail.
Even better then Le Cercle Rouge. Jef Costello is just what I hoped to be, a professional rather then a badass. The whole film is not only compelling, but it keeps the suspense ripe through the entire film. The opening is one of the best ever in a thriller. The music and gritty cinematography are also strong points. Alain Delon is great in his cold role. He's even more icy then Tom Cruise in Collateral.
#4
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/05 01:12 AM

I just watched American Beauty for the first time. What a wierd and disturbing movie. Good though.

Can anybody tell me what the color red symbolized in that movie?
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/05 01:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I just watched American Beauty for the first time. What a wierd and disturbing movie. Good though.

Can anybody tell me what the color red symbolized in that movie?
It's been awhile, but I think it is supposed to either symbolize the inner desire of the characters to break away from the "ordinary suburban" life they lead, or it symbolized the inner beauty that was a big theme of the movie.
Or both.
I hope that helped.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/05 09:27 PM

Le Samouraï - (Melville;1967;France/Italy) - ****
A calculating hitman with no criminal history kills his next contract, but leaves a few witnesses. He now has both the police and the men who hired him on his trail.
Gritty, gripping, intelligent, professional, and interesting. One of the best crime/thrillers ever. It's easy to see how Tarantino and Mann were inspired by Melville. Excellent in virtually all of it's aspects. Acting and music drive the suspense, which takes talent.
#3
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/05 03:30 PM

I watched Regarding Henry this afternoon. I thought Harrison Ford did a great job. The move, in parts it was a bit slow moving, but I think it was an all good watch.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/05 09:01 PM

I just watched memento for the first time...holy shit! Great movie.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/05 11:58 PM

The Day of The Jackal - (Zinnemann;1973;UK/France) - ****
A terrorist group hires an assassin code-named 'The Jackal' to assassinate the French president De Gaulle.
Another example of professionalism in a crime thriller. The sly killer choses the smallest but most fatal way he can to kill, rather then going completely overboard like the remake The Jackal did. This film is facinating and full of suspense and has a great direction by Zinnemann. A classic thriller, although it might be just a little overlong. The film also builds the impression of it's title character very well before we even see him.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/05 01:47 AM

Forrest Gump

We're watching this in my Economics class (not that it has anything to do with Economics, I just have a really cool teacher)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/05 12:52 PM

A excellant British Film with good soundtrack.About the Great train robbery
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/05 09:53 PM

I just watched Mystic River for the first time. Great movie. Very very underrated IMO.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/05 04:37 AM

Ronin - (Frankenheimer;1998;UK/USA) - ***
An ex-US intelligence agent is trying to track down a package that several people are after.
I loved the cast, the beautiful music played throughout, and the direction. The problem is the story, which isn't that good. The film is still executed very well and is better then most mainstream crime movies today.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/05 09:04 PM

I've got that DVD (Ronin) but I haven't got round to watching it yet
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/05 03:47 AM

Team America World Police was pretty dumb. It wasn't Matt & Trey's best work IMO. Not horrible but definitely not as good as a friend of mine made it out to be
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/05 04:08 AM

I also watched The Aviator tonight. I enjoyed it but I found it to be somewhat more boring than in the theaters. After watching it in the theaters I thought it was a great movie but tonight I didn't see it the same. Still a very good movie and I will be buying it on DVD but just didn't enjoy it as much for some reason. Still a great performance by Leo
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/05 07:02 AM

I saw "The goodwill hunting". Very nice movie. It has lot of dialogue and very little action. But great character growth for atleast 4 different characters. The main plot (somewhat similar to "scent of woman") and the sub-plot complement each other excellently. Acting is first class, MUCH better than "scent of woman" . Would love to watch it again.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/05 10:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Team America World Police was pretty dumb. It wasn't Matt & Trey's best work IMO. Not horrible but definitely not as good as a friend of mine made it out to be
I found it to be one of the finest satires in recent years, perhaps since The Player (1992), and definitely one of the best of 2004.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/05 10:42 PM

Capo, what do you think of their series South Park or even the South Park movie? It's probably my favorite non-Sopranos show on TV now.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/05 11:16 PM

Bigger, Longer and Uncut is definitely due a rewatch from me. It's a great film. I never watch the show much.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 06:52 AM

I love the South Park show and the movie was good too, but I had heard so many good things about Team America World Police that I found it fell short IMO.

I did watch Kinsey before I went to bed today and it started out good but towards the end I found it to be a little slow and repetative. Not Liam Neeson's best, but not a horrible movie either.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 07:09 AM

Panic Room (2002/David Fincher/US) 7/10

A separated mother and her daughter move in a high security mansion the very night that three men plan to break in for robbery. An entertaining thriller, but the plot could have been better.


The King of Comedy (1983/Scorsese/US) 8.5/10

A man with no comedy experience background does anything to become the king of comedy on a talk show for just one night. One of the best DeNiro Performances as far as I'm concerned. One of few Scorsese movies without narration and just what I wanted to see.


A Bronx Tale (1993/DeNiro/US) 7/10

Story of a boy living in Bronx and fascinated by the neighborhood gangster life and specially their boss Sonny while his father tries to keep him away from them. A pretty good drama for those interested in gangster movies. Screenplay by Chazz Palminteri, the actor playing Sonny is somehow a semi-autobiography.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 08:31 AM

well, eventually I watched "Citizen Kane". Gosh, it was some 20 years since I wanted to watch it and for some reason was never been able to do it.

You know what? Maybe I had too many expections about this movie. The truth is I was a little disappointed at the end. I mean it is an outstanding movie, especially when you consider it was made back in the 40's.....But I would NEVER dream of considering it BETTER than the Godfather! I find it incredible many consider it the best movie ever. I think many other movies (even contemporary) are better than CK. One for all, Casablanca.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 09:27 AM

Why were you disappointed at the end?
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 09:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Why were you disappointed at the end?
Because when a movie is considered by many to be the best movie ever, at the end I should feel myself emotionally captured, with either tears in my eyes or a pain in my stomach or both, as a minimum. None of these events occurred after watching CK, though. When I saw the Rosebud word melting away and the No trespassing sign at the very end, I just thought, ok, it was a good movie. Outstanding technique, by the contemporary standards. It left me emotionally cold and distant. I don't know, probably it's me....
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 01:34 PM

Another week-long drought of films for the sake of exams. What is my world coming to?

Mick
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 01:41 PM

Saw Crash this weekend. A must see.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 07:56 PM

I know it's not a movie but I did just finish watching In Living Color Season 3. A funny show which really turned it up in the 3rd season. I knew almost all of these skits by heart so it wasn't as funny as I was hoping for but the Fly Girls are still just that....Fly
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/05 08:05 PM

9 Songs ** (1st Time)
2005, Winterbottom, GB
A young man working in the Antarctic reflects on his passionate affair with an American, whom he met at a rock concert.
An explicit film of sex which cleverly (albeit in an obvious way) uses footage from live gigs to parallel the emotions of the couple; seventy minutes of hardcore sex is, in the end, mindnumbing.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 12:09 AM

My third viewing of this.

Le Samouraï - (Melville;1967;France/Italy) - ****
A calculating hitman with no criminal history kills his next contract, but leaves a few witnesses. He now has both the police and the men who hired him on his trail.
One of the best and coolest crime/thrillers ever. The thrill is constant in the whole film and the acting is top notch. Everything about the film is great from the music to the gritty cinematography. A serious shame that it can't get a wider audience. A must-see, especially for Mann and Tarantino fans.
#1
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 12:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dontomasso:
Saw Crash this weekend. A must see.
I've heard that was really good, too. The preview was amazing, one of the best movie trailers I've ever seen. That in itself was very well-made. But one of my friends said it dwells too much on the racism aspect and not enough on the "crash" aspect. What do you think?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 12:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Letizia B.:
[quote]Originally posted by dontomasso:
[b] Saw Crash this weekend. A must see.
I've heard that was really good, too. The preview was amazing, one of the best movie trailers I've ever seen. That in itself was very well-made. But one of my friends said it dwells too much on the racism aspect and not enough on the "crash" aspect. What do you think? [/b][/quote]I was discouraged to see it at first, as it was made to look like your average apualing "gang-banging" film... But if it's as good as you say, then maybe I'll see it.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 12:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
But if it's as good as you say, then maybe I'll see it.
Well, either way it would be worth seeing, just to see what that cast has done with the film. It's a great cast... I especially love Matt Dillon. I only wish he'd make better films.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 12:25 AM

A co-worker of mine saw it and said it was really good. I had never heard of it. They haven't publicized it much have they? Anyway, I think may see it too. It seems to be getting good reviews fromt he couple I've heard.


TIS
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 01:42 AM

To everyone asking about CRASH:

In it's two weeks in theater, I have seen it twice, and loved it. An amazing film that everyone should see.
Yes, the trailer was amazing, especially with the "Platoon" music used.

Letizia:
I'm not sure what your friend was expecting, but the film is about rascism. The word crash is a metaphor for the different races that crash together in the course of two days. And plus, Don Cheadle explains the other side of the word in the opening dialogue.
I like Matt Dillon too, and this is by far his best performance. If this film was released later in the year, he would definetely get an Oscar nomination and might even win. Amazing. He still might have a chance by the end of the year.

TIS:
How have you been?
"Crash" is an independent film, so it's not gotten the coverage it deserves. But hopefully if more people see it, it will get a wider release and greater acclaim.
And as a resident of L.A., you should definetly see it.

LLC:
This is definetly not a "gangbanging" film. Yes, two of the characters are 'gangbangers'. Their dialogue is almost as fresh as that of Tarantino, and their character's moral changes and actions are VERY important to the story.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 09:08 AM

The Out-of-Towners:
I cant think of another movie where I laughed so much! Not even Dumb & Dumber which was my favorite Comedy 'till I saw this one. Really great and intelligent humor! Jack Lemmon (R.I.P.) was one funny guy
I watched it in german, Im sure in English it will be even funnier, I'll get the DVD...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 10:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Omar Suarez:
In it's two weeks in theater, I have seen it twice, and loved it. An amazing film that everyone should see.
Yes, the trailer was amazing, especially with the "Platoon" music used.
PLatton music? Which is it? Adagio for Strings? Don't forget Lynch used it in The Elephant Man (1980). If it's that you're talking about, anyway.

Mick
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 02:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
PLatton music? Which is it? Adagio for Strings? Don't forget Lynch used it in The Elephant Man (1980). If it's that you're talking about, anyway.

Mick
Yes, I was refering to Adagio for Strings. But the point that Lynch used it first is irrelevant to the original point I was trying to make, which was for people to see Crash.
The beautiful music doesn't even appear in the actual motion picture.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 09:10 PM

I had heard that Orgazmo was funny and sometype of "cult classic" to some, but I watched it this morning and it was terrible. Probably Trey's worst work. As far as his movies go, I'd rank them:

1) Baseketball
2) South Park the movie
3) Team America World Police
4) Orgazmo
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 10:19 PM

Kill Bill Vol. 2
I know you might be tired talking about Kill Bill, but I just finally watched and I need to give my 2 cents too :p
while I REALLY liked it, I noticed the hype was really too big. I absolutely loved Vol. 1, and since I like dialogues much better than crazy action, I thought I would love Vol. 2 even more, but for some reason, that just didn't happen. the main reason I believe was the soundtrack. I thought it was wonderful in Vol. 1 and kinda weird in Vol. 2. anyway, a very good movie no doubt.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 10:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:


[b]The King of Comedy
(1983/Scorsese/US) 8.5/10

A man with no comedy experience background does anything to become the king of comedy on a talk show for just one night. One of the best DeNiro Performances as far as I'm concerned. One of few Scorsese movies without narration and just what I wanted to see. [/b]
this is one of my very favorite movies, and in my opinion the most underrated movie ever. I just feel like I need to praise it everytime it is mentioned
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/05 11:20 PM

I agree, Kill Bill, while another great film from Tarantino, doesn't have half the depth Pulp Fiction had, and is inferior to Reservoir Dogs, which I wanna rewatch soon.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/05 01:58 AM

I just saw "Angels With Dirty Faces" a little known gangster picture from 1938 with James Cagney and Pat O' Brien with Humphery Bogart in a srong supporting role. One of the unknown gems and a must-see.

I recomend to you all The Warners Gangster DVD set.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/05 01:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Sullivan:
I just saw "Angels With Dirty Faces" .... One of the unknown gems ...
Unknown?? Its gathered quite a few accolades over the years.

Check out "Dead End", another Bogart movie with the same group of kids. Quite good!
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/05 09:49 PM

just finished watching Collateral. great movie, maybe the best from 2004. Mann developed a cool, stylish look on LA, setting the mood of a larger than life city and the crazy people in it. I thought Tom Cruise as a hitman would be hard to get, but he's very good, as well as Jamie Foxx. definitely Mann's best for me.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/05 10:05 PM

Glad you liked it. Not the best to me, but my favorite from 2004 and my second favorite movie.

If you liked Collateral you'll probably like Le Samouraï , which is directed by a French filmmaker who heavily inspired both Tarantino and Mann. Capo's best recommendation to me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/05 06:09 AM

I watched King of New York today before I went to bed. It was my 2nd time watching it and it's a good movie. To me I like to think of it somewhat as a "1990 version of Scarface." I know that it's not but I sometimes think of it as that. A good movie with a very good and funny performance from Laurence Fishburne
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/05 11:16 AM

I watched Lawrence of Arabia again and I enjoy it more everytime I watch it. Its #6 on my list right now.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/05 12:34 AM

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - (Ford;1962;USA) - ****
A senator visits a small town to attend the funeral of his old friend, and tells their story of how they modernized a territory and overcame an outlaw.
Although I think Once Upon a Time in The West is a much more poetic and deep portrayal of the modernizing west, this deserves a lot of credit to the inspiration of future westerns. A great cast and plot. There are moments of beautiful cinematography although it could've been used more. A classic of the genre. I think the importance is not in the west itself, but the honor of men.
#93
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/05 06:22 AM

I watched Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events for the 2nd time today before I went to bed and I think I enjoyed it even more. Jim Carrey did a very good job with the part and I really hope they make a sequel. For those of you who haven't seen it, I would suggest renting it
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/05 07:01 AM

I'm going to watch "Lost in translation" this weekend. I've been told it's a good movie and Sophia Coppola's direction is definitely better than her acting! Plus they say the actors are great. I'll watch and tell you what my thoughts are.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/05 10:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Omar Suarez:
The word crash ... plus, Don Cheadle explains the other side of the word in the opening dialogue.
That's what my friend was expecting the movie to be about. So was I, actually.

But I saw it today... WOW. Pretty good. Really good use of irony; and a lot of it subtle, too. They left a lot of it undiscussed and almost neglected, so that later on, when you're thinking about it for hours and days after you've seen the film, you notice more and more details. If you've seen it, you know what I mean.

I agree, Matt Dillon was amazing. I hope he gets the credit he deserves for this.

The aftertaste of the movie is really interesting. It had a weird effect on me. Not that it depressed me, exactly. It's something else, I don't know how to explain it.
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/05 01:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Letizia B.:

The aftertaste of the movie is really interesting. It had a weird effect on me. Not that it depressed me, exactly. It's something else, I don't know how to explain it.
I left the film wanting to be a better person. It sounds corny, I know, but it really has a profound affect on the viewer that, like you said, is hard to explain.

Glad you liked it!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/05 01:49 AM

The Graduate - (Nichols;1967;USA) - ****
After graduating college, a man who is worried about his future begins an affair with his father's business partner's wife but soon finds out that he actually loves her daughter.
Even better then Five Easy Pieces, which goes into a different direction of tragedy rather then finding solace. Nichols' direction is excellent in what is one of the best films ever made. The opening titles are great, which I noticed Tarantino referenced to in Jackie Brown. This is the best performance I've seen from Dustin Hoffman as well as Anne Bancroft. It's social commentary is definitely the main aspect that makes this such a masterpiece, along with Five Easy Pieces. The soundtrack is beautiful, and the different songs every few scenes coincides wonderfully with the film.
#19
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/05 06:27 AM

I watched Boogeyman today. Why am I not surprised that it sucked. It actually started off somewhat good but the ending REALLY sucked! Stay clear of this when it's released
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/05 07:02 AM

Birth (04,Jonathan Glazer, US) 7/10
A few days before a widowed woman plans to get married again, a ten year old boy tells her that he is the reincarnation of her dead husband.
Something was lacking in this movie but I can't say what it was. The chemistry between Anna (Nicole Kidman) and young Sean (Cameron Bright) was so good that it could affect even the strongest stomachs in a bad way. Film was less verbal and more into character's emotions which was really great. The ending was very strange and complicated. I think I have to watch it again.

Sleepless in Seattle (93/Nora Ephron/US) 6/10
A man who recently lost his wife moves to Seattle in attempt to escape from old memories. His son calls a radio talk show on Christmas Eve and tries to find a wife for him.
It didn't stand up to the hype considering I'd been looking for this movie for a long time. Tom Hanks was great as usual, but I liked Cast Away a lot more than this movie.

Naked Gun (88/David Zucker/US) 7/10
A cop working for LA police squad tries to save the Queen Elizabeth from assassination while she is visiting LA.
A good goofy comedy full of explosions!

Naked Gun 2 1/2 (91/David Zucker/US) 6/10
In attempt to stop President from funding plans for solar energy, a scientist is being kidnapped and Frank once again tries to stop the kidnappers.
Not as good as the first one but still hilarious.

Naked Gun 33 1/3 (94/Peter Segal/US) 5/10
Six month after Frank is being retired he's asked to go undercover to stop a terrorist threat.
It pretty much sucked but it is okay because I like comedy anyway.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/05 11:14 PM

Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace ** (3rd time)
1999, Lucas, US
When a young queen's planet is invaded by a powerful trade federation, two Jedi Knights come to the rescue.
Despite some wretched casting, the special effects are really something, and it fills the many gaps in the often boring script with dazzling set-pieces.

Star Wars Episode II - Attack of the Clones ** (2nd time)
2002, Lucas, US
Anakin Skywalker undergoes Jedi training from a master while the galaxy's politics take an upheaval.
At times, this is even duller than Episode I, while at others it is even more extravagant; the romance has little emotional pull, and the humans once again play secondary roles to special effects.

Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith *** (1st time)
2005, Lucas, US
A change in balance of the Force takes place amidst war: Anakin is led astray of the Jedi way, and the Dark Lord wages war on all of the Jedi council.
Considering we know where it's leading, this is fascinating and compelling stuff; exhiliratingly made, with many different things happening at once. The final lightsabre showdowns are amazing, and, unlike its recent predecessors, it carries emotional conviction.

Mick
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 01:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Glad you liked it. Not the best to me, but my favorite from 2004 and my second favorite movie.

If you liked Collateral you'll probably like Le Samouraï , which is directed by a French filmmaker who heavily inspired both Tarantino and Mann. Capo's best recommendation to me.
I wonder how long will take for me to have the chance to watch this movie
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 02:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Glad you liked it. Not the best to me, but my favorite from 2004 and my second favorite movie.

If you liked Collateral you'll probably like Le Samouraï , which is directed by a French filmmaker who heavily inspired both Tarantino and Mann. Capo's best recommendation to me.
I wonder how long will take for me to have the chance to watch this movie [/b][/quote]If you have a regionless player you can buy the Russian PAL DVD.

http://www.xploitedcinema.com/dvds/dvds.asp?title=2952

I myself lack a regionless, but I am able to play it on my PC. The only problem I had was playing with the menu to find out what was Play, Scene Selection, etc. If you want the French DVD, which is the best one out to my knowledge, it can be found here for more money.

http://www.xploitedcinema.com/dvds/dvds.asp?title=3743

Here\'s a DVD Review for the FRENCH DVD with pics for Le Samourai

What\'s Eating Gilbert Grape - (Hallström;1993;USA) - ***1/2
Gilbert Grape deals with living in a dull town where he must watch his retarded brother and care for his obese mother, when he and a new girl in town start a relationship.
This film has a lot of heart without being an over-sentimental mess. Johnny Depp is great once again as the protagonist. Dicaprio is good, although I don't know if it was an Oscar performance. The cinematography is very good, especially in the sunset date scene. A great portrayal of coming to terms with a dysfunctional family. I'm now interested in seeing My Life As a Dog.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 03:08 AM

Man Mick, it looks like you and I had the same idea

This summer I want to try to watch as many of the AFI's Top 100 List and I didn't mean to start it yet, but I'm going to see Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith probably next week or the week after so I figured I would watch all 5 of them before heading into the theater. Today I was able to watch the original trilogy:

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope #15 on the AFI Top 100 List
I did enjoy these movies more the 2nd time around. I had seen these movies before but I really enjoyed them the last time I saw them a couple of months ago and even more today.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is probably my favorite from the original trilogy. The ending I like better than Jedi and it has that moment where we find out the connection between Luke and Vader.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi I did enjoy this movie very much but I just like Empire more for the above reason. I don't hate the ewoks like so many before me have. And I would dare say it gives Empire a run for its money, but it's just not the best to me.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 08:14 AM

Finding Neverland (04/Marc Forster/UK, US) 8.5/10

Semi-fictional story of what inspired J. M. Barrie to write Peter Pan.
A magical and moving drama. I absolutely loved it, although it has lots of fiction along the facts. Johnny Dep and Kate Winslet are just amazing.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 10:57 AM

The Leopard

First off, I have to admit that I didnt catch every single action. I had to pause the movie atleast 3 times because I had to watch it on PC and it crushed a couple of times :rolleyes: So I need a second viewing to capture the whole plotline...
"The Leopard" has to be one of the most beautifully filmed Movies of all time. The way Visconti moves the camera and captures the wonderful landscapes of Italy is breathtaking and reminds me often of Leone's work. The costume design is just perfect.
Burt Lancaster who plays the aging prince of Salina does a wonderful job, so does Alain Delon who plays his nephew. When Lancaster is on the screen, its hard to watch anything else on the screen because his face catches the viewers interest immediately and leaves the other characters behind...
Claudia Cardinale is just beautiful to watch and I didnt know that Terence Hill is also in it, but he doesnt have alot of screentime.
The 40 min.-long Ballscene at the end is one of the highlights. I read that it took 40 days to shoot it
Personally, I need some more information about the Italian Era at that time to understand the whole movie and have a clear opinion about the plot but after the first viewing I really enjoyed it. Visconti brought us a beautiful epic.

8.5/10 after first viewing. Im sure it will be atleast a 9 after the second...
One word: Beautiful
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 01:03 PM

I just watched Raging Bull for the first time this morning (bought it on DVD) and I didn't really like it Robert DeNiro was ace though but I just don't think it was my kind of film...
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 01:24 PM

I did the exact same thing a few weeks ago, Deb. I thought, "Wow, this is on sale and it's supposed to be one of DeNiro's greatest performances! I gotta' buy it and finally sit down to watch it!" It suuuuucckked! Sorry, DeNiro fans, but I really, really hated it.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 01:29 PM

Yeah, I thought it was going to be brilliant after all the things I'd heard people say about it but it just didn't seem to do anything for me
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 03:00 PM

Wow! I gotta be honest, that's the first time I've heard that! Granted, not all great movies are for everybody, but Raging Bull?! I watched it for the first time a few months ago, when the SE was released, and I fell absolutely in love with the film. But everybody has different tastes.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 03:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[b] [QUOTE]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[qb] Glad you liked it. Not the best to me, but my favorite from 2004 and my second favorite movie.

If you liked Collateral you'll probably like Le Samouraï , which is directed by a French filmmaker who heavily inspired both Tarantino and Mann. Capo's best recommendation to me.
I wonder how long will take for me to have the chance to watch this movie [/b][/quote]If you have a regionless player you can buy the Russian PAL DVD.

http://www.xploitedcinema.com/dvds/dvds.asp?title=2952

I myself lack a regionless, but I am able to play it on my PC. The only problem I had was playing with the menu to find out what was Play, Scene Selection, etc. If you want the French DVD, which is the best one out to my knowledge, it can be found here for more money.


thanks man, I'll see what I can do.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 03:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Snake:
I did the exact same thing a few weeks ago, Deb. I thought, "Wow, this is on sale and it's supposed to be one of DeNiro's greatest performances! I gotta' buy it and finally sit down to watch it!" It suuuuucckked! Sorry, DeNiro fans, but I really, really hated it.
Why?!

I personally think it's Scorsese's best.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 04:38 PM

I didn't like that movie either and it is not boxing that's bothering me because I actually liked MDB. I can't figure out what was not right, but just yikes!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/05 07:55 PM

Hannah and Her Sisters - (Allen;1986;USA) - ***1/2
The portrayal of several affairs and problems between three sisters and three men, one of which is the neurotic Jew.
Woody Allen brings yet another great film. Its witty dialogue never fails to hold humor. The story and its narrative are very well written and has very good acting to back it up, especially from Farrow and Caine.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 02:35 AM

Wow, I can't believe so many were displeased with Raging Bull. Pretty shocking to me because I loved that movie, but to each his own. I however finished the Star Wars series by watching both Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. This was probably the best I've enjoyed both movies (especially II) but I still don't like young Anakin played by Jake Lloyd. Good movies and I hope to watch Episode III tomorrow!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 08:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[b]The Leopard

8.5/10 after first viewing. Im sure it will be atleast a 9 after the second...
One word: Beautiful [/b]
WOW, I'm glad you liked it, Aziatic! I understand the movie would need some background info about Italian history to be better appreciated, tell me if I can help you I'd be more than happy to do so.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 08:26 AM

Yesterday I watched Lost in translation . Ok, it's a good movie. A little bit overrated, though. There are great moments, especially the funny ones about the American strangers in Tokio, but when it comes to the screen writing - which won Sofia Coppola an Oscar - I was a bit disappointed. I think it could have been better elaborated. A lost occasion. The topic was interesting, even if definitely not the most original one can think of. But the greatest thing about this movie is definitely Bill Murray's performance. He is absolutely great here. Funny in the amusing scenes and soberly desperate in the dramatic ones. Always credible, in sum. Remembering him mostly for his comic roles, I did not know he was such a great actor.

SPOILER

The ending sequence is nice. Sofia did not let us know what Bob is whispering to Scarlett's ear. She tried not to be corny, maybe? Anyway, she purposedly chose not to let us know. I found the detail enchanting. Letting us know if the two of them have a future as a couple (which I tend to believe, don't ask me why though, 'cause I don't know...)or not would have been trivial, unnecessary, redundant. Generally I don't appreciate those "open" endings in films, but this time I think it was the best choice. Two stranger souls meet in a stranger (more than stranger, alien!!) city and for a short time they happen to be as close as only twin souls can be. That is a miracle per se. We don't need know more.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 01:03 PM

Lavinia, I found the humour at the expense of Japanese pronunciation problems to be the only problem in the film.

Other than that, it's fantastic. The pacing, direction, soundtrack; all very enchanting, and I cannot agree more about the unheard whisper. You mentioned Murray; I agree, but equal credit to Johanssen, who is also magnificent.

Mick
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 01:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Lavinia, I found the humour at the expense of Japanese pronunciation problems to be the only problem in the film.
This is exactly what I didn't like about this movie.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 01:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] Lavinia, I found the humour at the expense of Japanese pronunciation problems to be the only problem in the film.
This is exactly what I didn't like about this movie. [/b][/quote]I understand the point, of course. It definitely was not the fairest thing to do. But I'd consider this to be a venial sin. If we should list all the movies which in a way or in another make a fool out of peoples' faults, the list will be endless. Plus, in my opinion this movie was not particularly "nasty". C'mon.....who has never joked about the Japanese "r"? :p
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 02:35 PM

big sunday for me as I watched two great movies

Kill Bill Vol. 2 - it only got better in the second viewing, although it was the first time I really sat to watch it as a whole. none of the Tarantino trademarks I always loved (drugs, guns, street violence) are there, but it was like the director took only the few good things of commercial cinema and turned it into a big film. ( >>>SPOILERS<<< ) when Beatrix get off her grave, I knew that scene with her arm coming from the underground was one of the biggest cliches in the world of cinema, but it didn't feel cliche-like at all. but the best thing in it for me was that after watching Vol. 2, I felt that it was perfectly posible for The Bride to whack dozens and dozens of enemies in Vol. 1. after watching her under the trutelage of Pai Mei, I knew it wouldn't be that hard for her to get off her coffin and come back from death. Vol. 2 made the imposible seem reasonable. in fact, a great movie, 8.5 out of 10 for me.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - yes, the hype was too big. I really enjoyed this film, but all the things I heard about it before watching it got me waiting for something life changing. it was pretty unfair with this great movie. Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro were great by showing the viewer that their characters were totally stoned, and that's why they behaved almost like idiots. we didn't feel they are idiots, just that they are absolutely out of their minds. that's what I liked about it. in fact, I highly doubt the actors weren't pretty high too. not with the heavy drugs they do on the film, but maybe with loads of marijuana and some acid. anyway, a great movie too, 7.5 out of 10 in my humble opinion.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 04:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
I understand the point, of course. It definitely was not the fairest thing to do. But I'd consider this to be a venial sin. If we should list all the movies which in a way or in another make a fool out of peoples' faults, the list will be endless. Plus, in my opinion this movie was not particularly "nasty". C'mon.....who has never joked about the Japanese "r"? :p
Well, it is always good when it is not about us! :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 09:13 PM

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back - (Kershner;1980;USA) - ****
The rebel base is located by the Imperial Empire, and Luke continues his Jedi training with Jedi Master Yoda.
I'm glad I rewatched this after about eight years. This is definitely better then A New Hope. While there is only a moment of Alec Guinness, the story is much better then the first. The special effects are excellent, and this is probably the second best of '80 behind Raging Bull. The musical score is again, wonderful.
#29

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi - (Marquand;1983;USA) - ***1/2
The story continues with Han Solo's rescue from Jabba the Hutt, and Luke's inevitable confrontation with Darth Vader.
Not as compelling as the first two. It mainly creates the happy ending and finish all (or most) of the subplots. However this is still a creative film and has great special effects. I didn't like Lucas' additions of Naboo and Christensen [sp?] at the end but it isn't a minus for the whole film. The confrontation between Luke and Vader is the best part.
#75
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/05 09:24 PM

Last night i watched

THE LAST CASTLE
starring Robert Redford & James Gandolofini!
I enjoyed this movie but i did'nt like to see Gandolofini play the role of a dis-likeable bad guy. I kept thinking of him as Tony Soprano & how he would deal with Redford :rolleyes:
Obviously playing different roles is Gandolofini's job a an actor & i can guess he wants to do completely different stuff to his Tony Soprano character.
However in my mind now he will always be Tony Soprano..i just can't shake the mental image..it was the same in The Mexican.
Still it was a good film,with a great performance by Redford. I was glad i watched it!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/05 12:47 AM

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith was a great movie to say the least. I think a friend of mine said it best when I asked him what he would give it on a scale of 1-10. He gave it about an 8 or a 9 and that's what I would give it. A very good movie, but I didn't think it was a perfect 10. I definitely plan on seeing it again and for those of you who haven't seen it, don't wait any longer than you have to!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/05 07:58 AM

My friend has had a movie called So Close for a while now and he was watching it with another friend a couple of nights ago. I had the time and was interested enough to watch this Hong Kong flick so I decided to give it a shot. It wasn't as good as Infernal Affairs (which was the last Asian film I've seen I believe). He was right but he really like it for the 3 main stars who are beyond hot to him. The movie stars Shu Qi, Zhao Wei, and Karen Mok. Shu Qi is amazingly gorgeous and some may remember her work on The Transporter
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/05 07:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
Well, it is always good when it is not about us! :p
Afi, either I'm an unconsciously unsensitive anti-Japanese bastard or there actually wasn't so much offense in that film! :p I know I get offended when people tell all Italians are mafiosi, basically because it's a malevolent lie, since 99,99% of us are honest and good people. But the Japanese "r" is a reality. It's nobody's fault!

PS. Just kidding!
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/05 08:02 AM

I was looking through my old video's last night and came across The Mask of Zoro so i watched it and wow I forgot how good of a film it is! I think all the actors were perfectly chosen they all seemed to fit the parts so well!! And I love the fight scene on the horses
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/05 08:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
... But the Japanese "r" is a reality. It's nobody's fault!
I felt the movie mocked their whole social customs, TV programs, etc.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/05 09:29 PM

Ocean\'s Twelve - (Soderbergh;2004;USA) - **1/2
Ocean's 11 must compensate Benedict's money with interest, however they end up competing with others on their next score.
An unnecessary sequel, that while a fun movie, is dull in many spots. It's direction has style, but that's all it has. It has neither the fascination or the entertainment of the predecessor. It's purpose seems to be an exploitation sequel.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/05 09:41 PM

This has to be one of the worst sequels ever made.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/05 11:03 PM

Meh, it wasn't that bad. I can name dozens of worse sequels.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/05 12:35 AM

I never saw Get Shorty but we got Be Cool at work early so I decided to watch it before I left for the summer. I liked the beginning of it but after about 45 minutes to an hour, I was pretty bored with it. The same thing between Cedric the Entertainer and John Travolta kept happening, Uma & John's dance sequence wasn't all that good, and Harvey Keitel is getting old. It started off good but I was very grateful when it ended
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/05 01:40 AM

Paths of Glory - (Kubrick;1957;USA) - ****
After an evasive action during battle, a group of French soldiers are made examples of by their superiors in WW1 France.
One of the greatest anti-war films ever. Kirk Douglas gives an excellent performance, even better then Spartacus. The film is supported well by Adolphe Menjou and George Macready. Hats off to Kubrick for staying true to the novel's end, supporting the film's message much better. A classic war drama.
#94
Posted By: scarfacefan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/05 06:17 AM

I saw the new Star Wars movie. It was very good. Interesting to see how everything came to be. I'll give it 8/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/05 08:12 AM

I just watched A Better Tomorrow II. I have never seen A Better Tomorrow I but I heard II was better, plus I wanted to see it because some may remember it from True Romance. It's the movie that Alabama is watching before Clarance pays a visit to our dear friend Drexel. The movie was pretty good and the end scene (which is part of what Alabama is watching) is pretty awesome!
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/05 10:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Ocean\'s Twelve - (Soderbergh;2004;USA) - **1/2
Ocean's 11 must compensate Benedict's money with interest, however they end up competing with others on their next score.
An unnecessary sequel, that while a fun movie, is dull in many spots. It's direction has style, but that's all it has. It has neither the fascination or the entertainment of the predecessor. It's purpose seems to be an exploitation sequel. [/b]
I went to see it in the cinema when it first came out and didn't think much of it at all, the first was one good as it had a good enough storyline but there seemed to be no point to this film at all
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/05 11:20 PM

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace - (Lucas;1999;USA) - **1/2
The Trade Federation invades Naboo. Anakin is discovered by Qui Gon and Obi Wan, and the mythical Sith rises again.
The story is still interesting although Lucas went too generic on the direction. One of the problems is the annoying addition of Jar Jar, among a few other characters. Many parts of this look very good however, such as the Naboo temples, pod designs, and Darth Maul among other things. Some of the actors were good and some not. A very half and half film at times. It overuses CGI although the next prequel would fall further. I wonder how this would look if Lucas decided to start from the beginning in the 70's.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/05 12:21 AM

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - (Lucas;1977;USA) - ****
The Jedi are now believed to be extinct just as the Sith used to be. The empire kidnaps Princess Leia to find a hidden rebel base, and her rescue depends on Obi-Wan, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewie, and two droids.
A classic Sci-Fi film that has an excellent story from Lucas. Although Lucas isn't a good writer dialogue-wise, there are some great quotes. Guinness' acting is supreme in this film and the whole entertainment value is immense. Although I think Empire is greater, this is a very close second. Definitely the greatest Sci-Fi/Fantasy series ever.
#39
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/05 01:35 AM

Starwars Eppisode VI: The Return of the Jedi

Out of all six I think I have probably seen this one the least ammount of times so I watched it again. As good as it is, I just cant help but strongly feel that it was forced and a little over the top. Certain characters like Luke and Leia come into their own, while characters like Han, Lando, and Vader lose their edge. Visually it is far superior to its two predesesors, and Hamil's acting does get a little bit better. But, as hard as I am on it, I still think it is a great film.

9/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/05 01:58 AM

Return of the Jedi is definitely inferior to the last two, but it still has it's great moments. Mainly the scene with Vader, Luke, and Palpatine. I love it when Vader implicates Leia's seduction and Luke rages at him.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/05 05:20 AM

The Bridge on the River Kwai - (Lean;1957;USA) - ****
British POWs are forced to build a Japanese bridge unaware there are other soldiers told to destroy it.
Everything an epic should be, The shots are memorable with excellent cinematography. The performances of William Holden, Alec Guinness, and Sessue Hayakawa are all great. This is also influential. It reminded me of a bridge a decade later Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach would be involved in. A classic epic which makes me wanna see more from Lean.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/05 05:29 AM

Wayne's World-
I just revived this movie last night for the first time in years. How could I have lost such a funny movie?! I forgot I remembered so much of it. (<--My mom doesn't think that statement makes sense... ) I love Garth's Foxy Lady scene.

Phantom of the Opera-
I can't recall if this was mentioned on this thread before, and if so, I apologize. Has anyone seen the POTO movie, or possibly the show? My high school band performed a piece with songs from it for our concert, and I've become quite obsessed with it. I'd love to see the show, but I've yet to even catch all of the movie. We started it in class, but sadly, we ran out of time.
Posted By: scarfacefan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/05 06:59 AM

Paid in Full
Fabulous acting, fabulous story, entertaining. One of the best films of it's genre
10/10
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/05 08:17 AM

El Mariachi (92/Robert Rodriguez/Mexico, US) 7.5/10

A movie with a solid and interesting story for as low as $7000 budget. What Rodriguez thought would be a limited video release in Mexico made it far better than he thought. If you ever watch this movie please do watch the extras and that 10 minute filming workshop on how to make a movie with a low budget. It has some great acting as well. Rodriguez earned $7000 by volunteering in a clinical experiment for three weeks.


Desperado (95/Robert Rodriguez/US, Mexico) 6/10

It doesn't have anything new to offer us after El Mariachi, except to show us what the original would have been when it is made in Hollywood with a higher budget and maybe better actors. I was really disappointed with this sequel. I'm still to watch the third installment, Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/05 03:11 PM

Afsaneh, Once Upon a Time in Mexico is entertaining, but very, very bad. If Desperado didn't do it for you, neither will this. Aside a few good examples of editing and camera movement the film has absolutely nothing good in it other then a few good actors like Johnny Depp and Dafoe. I have nothing against Banderas but he wasn't good in this either. The movie's plot is down into the ridiculous category and was simply made to be another attempt by Rodriguez to be Tarantino (he doesn't come close) like he did with Desperado.

That said, I was entertained for what it is, a gun fest. In one particular scene Banderas tells another man "I guess I will have to kill you all." After that he brandishes a sawed-off shotgun and an assault rifle out of nowhere. Stupid. I'd probably five it one or a half of a star.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/05 03:48 PM

Yeah, I've heard it is even worse than Desperado but I'll only give it a try because of Johhny Depp!

Are you Mexican or Mexican't?
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/05 08:48 PM

I've watched only Desperado of the three, and I confess it's witty and mocking. I liked it, but there were some things we could certainly be spared.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/05 11:20 PM

I just watched The Aviator. I thought it was excellent, but it seemed a whole lot longer than 3 hours. Say what you will about Leonardo DiCaprio, he was excellent in this film, and is definitely on his way to become one of America's greatest actors (of this generation, anyway). Definitely not among Scorsese's best, but excellent nonetheless.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 01:24 AM

Election - (Payne;1999;USA) - ***1/2
A snobby over-achiever is running for school president. Her teacher who dislikes her personality inspires a jock into running against her.
When I saw the "MTV Productions" logo I almost lost hope. However Payne didn't disappoint me. Although not as good as About Schmidt or Sideways, this film is a great comedy. It uses narration very well to deepen it's characters, as well as the humor. Payne's direction is great as usual.
#80
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 04:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
I've watched only Desperado of the three, and I confess it's witty and mocking. I liked it, but there were some things we could certainly be spared.
If I had not watched El Mariachi, I might have not hated it that much. But as a sequel, is very weak and has no new story to tell.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 06:01 AM

I never saw El Mariachi or Desperado but I was very disappointed with Once Upon A Time In Mexico. I only saw it once and once was enough because I thought it sucked
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 06:29 AM

All the good vibes I'm getting about the third movie!!

Well, for most part, I agree with DV, Rodriguez tries to do it Tarantino style and he fails miserably. I didn't like how he made quite a stupid comedy out of a good drama to make it at the box office.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 06:37 AM

That's the kind of hype I fear Sin City may have. I mean it blasted into IMDB's top list, but I think it could be the same hype as Spider Man 2, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Untouchables.

It looks interesting. Both good and gaudy at the same time.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 06:42 AM

I'm really looking forward to watching Sin City nonetheless. but I agree, Spider Man 2 sucked big time. Pirates of the Caribbean was saved for me with Johnny Depp , and The Untouchables was not that good that I had heard.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 06:47 AM

Yeah, The Untouchables had an annoying score as well as corny acting. I still enjoy it for DeNiro's scenes and that one murder scene with the opera intercut.

Pirates was a good movie, but nowhere near Top 250 good. Depp was the redemption for Bloom's horrid presence. It would've been interesting as a realistic film rather then a half-fantasy Disney movie.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 07:28 AM

The Incredibles (04/Brad Bird/US) 9/10

Its story is on another level, far better than any animation movie that I've ever seen. Pacing is not too long nor too short, but very well balanced. And the animation is just fabulous. But this looks like a beginning for animation; I wouldn't say this is going to be the best ever. You never know what these magicians come up with the next year.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 04:25 PM

For a minute there I thought you said "Pacino is not too long nor too short."

Anyway, I'll be seeing Revenge of the Sith tonight.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 04:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
For a minute there I thought you said "Pacino is not too long nor too short."
Since I'm 5' tall that statement is true for me as well!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 04:40 PM

Since you used the word 'long' I got a much filthier idea!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 04:44 PM

I really enoyed Pirates. I wanted to see it in the theaters but for one reason or another I never made it. I'm looking forward to 2 & 3. Johnny Depp was awesome as Captain Jack Sparrow
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 05:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Since you used the word 'long' I got a much filthier idea!
Oh, man. Isn't too early in the day for you to have those dirty thoughts? :p
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 10:49 PM

I just watched Dirty Harry for the first time. And after reading all the great reviews Im a bit disappointed. Eastwood gives a good performance but the movie lacks something. The screenplay isnt that great (some great quotes though) and the movie is boring at times. The direction wasnt all that either.
But I'll give it another try...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 11:23 PM

Unforgiven #98 on the AFI Top 100 List

This was my first time watching this movie and I have to admit it was very good. A very good cast and an interesting story. My favorite scene was when Hackman disarmed Richard Harris aka "English Bob." The movie seemed to sometimes get a little slow but I did surprisingly enjoy it fairly well
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/05 11:56 PM

I also forgot to mention that a couple of days ago I watched the Star Wars Clone Wars Volume 1 DVD. I was disappointed in it because I thought it would continue the story between Anakin and Obi-Won and it didn't really. There was way too much fighting and not enough story (how often do you hear me saying that!?). I was very disappointed with it
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 01:13 AM

I saw Anchors Aweigh last week. If you've never seen it, or if it's been a while since the last time you saw it, it's definitely time to see it again!! Totally a great movie. Before this film, I always loved Gene Kelly, but I never thought of him as being sexy. However, in one of the beginning scenes, the first time he's calling Lola on the phone, his voice and the way he talks are just enough to make any girl melt!

And Frank Sinatra plays a shy, innocent guy from Brooklyn who doesn't know anything about girls... I know, pretty unlikely, huh? But he does a great job.

Also, the little boy in this movie is one of the cutest kids I've ever seen in my life, on screen or off. Every time he came on screen, every time he said anything, my sister and I were like, "Omigod, he's SOOOO cute!!!" :p

It's funny, I always mixed up Anchors Aweigh with On The Town, which is why I hadn't seen it yet... I always thought I had already seen it, but I'd only seen the latter. I like Anchors a LOT better than On The Town, by the way.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 01:24 AM

I'm surprised about Dirty Harry, but oh well. I know many don't like it as much as some. I rate it as a classic and masterpiece of the (sub)genre, pre-cliche days for those cop flicks. As for Unforgiven, the scene where 'the kid' reflects on his first kill while crying and drinking is one that's burned into my mind.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith - (Lucas;2005;USA) - ***1/2
Anakin's growing ambition and cynicism causes him to be seduced by the dark side as Palpatine begins to form the Empire, and begin Order 66, The Jedi Purge.
The most fascinating of the prequels, as well as the best. Although not as good as the original trilogy it's a solid and tense film. The beginning does offer little hope, but it is soon redeemed by great progression towards the end. CGI is overused again, which is one of the reasons I didn't think this matched any of the originals along with some of its horrid writing such as "I am so in love with you." The final battles are great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 01:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
As for Unforgiven, the scene where 'the kid' reflects on his first kill while crying and drinking is one that's burned into my mind.
Yeah that was really good too. I think that whole scene was especially when we find out that SPOILER Ned has died and Will decides to hunt them down by himself and 'The Kid' gives us killing for good. END OF SPOILER I was expecting more of a fight towards the end of the movie but it was pretty cool nonetheless
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 06:29 AM

Unforgiven is one of Clint's best movies. It always cracks me up when they keep saying 'Duck' instead of 'Duke'.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 05:25 PM

Indecent Proposal (93/Adrian Lyne/US) 6/10

A couple in need for $50,000 in a short time agree that the wife spends a night with a billionaire for a million dollars.
Nothing more than a cliché and there is no surprises but still an enjoyable chick flick! I think casting was great.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 07:44 PM

I started Fear and Loathing, FINALLY, but I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to finish it. I read several reviews and summaries of the movie to be sure I went into the viewing with the right perspective, so I hope that helps. Many people said it really isn't supposed to make sense, and it more so degrades drugs than glorifies them. Some people also said that they were laughing at some parts. I have, so far...is that okay? Seriously though, if anyone could give me some info or advice on how to "take" this movie, that might help.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 08:21 PM

The film is based on Hunter S. Thompson's drugged up true story. It's a funny movie, but the narration should be listened to, as when he discusses the time period are the best parts. It's a strange movie, yes, but if you pay attention it's easy to follow the plot and know what's a hallucination.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 08:53 PM

Thanks, DV. I knew I could count on a movie buff like you!

What I really love about this movie so far is the setting, or set design, and camera effects, I guess you'd call it. (I'm sure there's a more appropriate name, right?) I like how everything looks so dreamlike to portray how things appear when you're under the influence of drugs, I'm assuming.

I remember this movie was on TV late one night, months ago, and I happened to come across it. It was a scene where Duke/Thompson and Gonzo/Acosta were in a casino (I assume?), but there was this huge merry-go-round, and Depp was walking around and on it. I haven't reached this scene yet in my official and complete viewing, but I remember it distinctly, because it was my first impression of the movie. It was late, and I was already sleepy, and watching this scene had me feeling even dizzy from the crazy effects. It's truly a unique movie just for that.

One more question: From what I heard about Hunter S. Thompson (I don't know much about him), I was under the impression that he was referred to as Gonzo or Dr. Gonzo, yet IMDB tells me that Benicio Del Toro played Dr. Gonzo/Oscar Z. Acosta, as I referred to above.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 08:56 PM

I finally watched Dr. Strangelove or how...
OH MY GOD, what an event This movie has sooo many memorable lines. The only problem with it is that its too short but I guess thats always the case with good movies
Everybody gave a great performance but to me its a tie between Peter Sellers and George C. Scott. I guess I will go with the second. "I smell a big fat commie rat"

9/10 after first viewing
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 08:58 PM

I don't know what precise "effects" you mean. Lighting?

As for names. Acosta was having some political trouble that Ferro could explain for you. Thompson did not want to use his name in the book so he would've get him in trouble.

Dr. Gonzo = Acosta
Raoul Duke = Hunter S. Thompson (Raoul is his alias)
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 09:02 PM

Um, maybe all of it. Lighting, costume, set design.

Thanks for the name info. That clarifies things a lot.

I'm sure Ferro will have input, as well, or maybe I'll look up some old posts.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 09:41 PM

@ginaitaliangirl: Where's your signature from?

Jerry: "Kramer!?"
Kramer: "What?"
Jerry: "You killed Fredo!"
Kramer: "Fredo was weak and stupid. He shouldn't've eaten that key."
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 09:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
@ginaitaliangirl: Where's your signature from?

Jerry: "Kramer!?"
Kramer: "What?"
Jerry: "You killed Fredo!"
Kramer: "Fredo was weak and stupid. He shouldn't've eaten that key."
A Seinfeld episode: Fredo was the pet parrot of Jerry's neighbors, and he swallowed a key for Kramer's safe that he had been hiding in various places. I thought it was a good combination of my favorite TV show and favorite movie...
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 09:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
A Seinfeld episode: Fredo was the pet parrot of Jerry's neighbors, and he swallowed a key for Kramer's safe that he had been hiding in various places. I thought it was a good combination of my favorite TV show and favorite movie...
Sounds good Not a Seinfeld fan but I hope to catch that episode...
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 10:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
Sounds good Not a Seinfeld fan but I hope to catch that episode...
Not a Seinfeld fan?

It's a good one.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/05 11:40 PM

Code:
 Originally posted by Aziatic

[QUOTE]... Not a Seinfeld fan ... [/QUOTE]  
hey you just don't know what you're missing! I highly recommend you to watch as fast as you can
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/05 03:02 AM

Just watched Collateral...UNREAL.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/05 05:49 AM

Pulp Fiction #95 on the AFI Top 100 List

I haven't watched this movie in a while and I'm glad I watched it before I went to bed. I really enjoyed it more so than previous views. Tim Roth was excellent as was Samuel L. Jackson. Considered by most Tarantino's masterpiece and I saw a lot of that tonight, however not my personal favorite. Still a great movie however!
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/05 08:56 AM

They used to show Seinfeld 1 year ago but they dont anymore, but even back then I didnt see it Ill give it another chance next time
But nothing can beat "The King Of Queens" anyways :p
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/05 10:50 AM

Just watched the Apoclaypse Now Documentary.
It was like another one and a half hours of a journey through the Vietnam war and the movie. A really great and interesting documentary, schocking at times, fascinating and I gained more respect for FFC. Im glad that he finished this movie though he had so many difficulties thoughout the shooting. The long shooting time, the financial problems, problems with the plot/screenplay and and with Marlon Brando, who didnt want to show up and shoot for 3 weeks and STILL wanted to keep his 1 million. And when he finally arrived he didnt read "Heart of Darkness"

I recommend this Documentary to everybody. The version I have is not of the best quality. But I hope they release a DVD soon covering more Informarion and footage about the movie...
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/05 12:39 PM

No excuses about Seinfeld, Aziatic!

You'll just have to order one of the DVD sets, then.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/05 06:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Just watched Collateral...UNREAL.
Glad you liked it. Michael Mann films have become an event for me.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/05 06:32 PM

Tom Cruise was spectacular in that role. Amazing considering he's the exact opposite of Vincent in real life. Marvelous. And I had no problem with the ending either. Anything different would've left a Mystic River type sour taste in my mouth.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/05 07:10 PM

I just watched Raging Bull again. Frank Vincent just has no luck with Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro! Pesci kicked the sh*t out of him in both Raging Bull and Goodfellas! And De Niro's character in both films doesn't like Frank Vincent's character. Poor guy!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/05 07:12 PM

You obviously didn't see Vincent's revenge in Casino. :p
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/05 07:18 PM

I haven't seen Casino since it was in theaters. I couldn't tell you one thing that happens!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/05 08:17 PM

Well that's your next movie xxx. If I were you, drive down to your local Blockbuster (or have someone else drive you) and rent it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/05 08:44 PM

Le Mépris/Contempt **** (2nd Time)
1963, Godard, Fr/It
In Italy, a French scriptwriter is hired by an American producer to doctor a faithful adaptation of The Odyssey.
Beautifully shot, intelligent study of marital problems and filmmaking, which are suggested here to be one and the same.

Mick
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/05 10:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Well that's your next movie xxx. If I were you, drive down to your local Blockbuster (or have someone else drive you) and rent it.
I've looked everywhere for any copy of Casino, whether it be on DVD or VHS, and have been unsuccessful in finding it for at least a year now. I'm assuming its because the Special Edition (hell, if you can even call it that) is coming out soon. I've even checked online merchants such as Amazon, but to no avail. Believe me, I'd have seen it a million times by now if I could find it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/05 10:03 PM

I would wait for the SE, either way you look at it the SE will be the way to go between the two DVDs.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/05 10:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Well that's your next movie xxx. If I were you, drive down to your local Blockbuster (or have someone else drive you) and rent it.
I've looked everywhere for any copy of Casino, whether it be on DVD or VHS, and have been unsuccessful in finding it for at least a year now. I'm assuming its because the Special Edition (hell, if you can even call it that) is coming out soon. I've even checked online merchants such as Amazon, but to no avail. Believe me, I'd have seen it a million times by now if I could find it. [/b][/quote]Yeah I'd just wait for the DVD as well. It's suppose to come out 2 weeks from yesterday. I just can't believe nobody carries it on DVD OR VHS?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/05 05:16 AM

Yankee Doodle Dandy #100 on the AFI Top 100 List

I had never seen Yankee Doodle Dandy before but there was a lot of singing. It started to kinda get on my nerves but overall I did like the movie. In some parts I said I liked it and in others I said I didn't. But overall, it was a good movie. Not bad for my first (and probably only time)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/05 02:50 PM

Peeping Tom * (1st Time)
1960, Powell, GB
A focus-puller-by-day is a murderer-by-night, striving to capture pure fear on film.
Rightfully controversial upon its release; now it seems merely tame and jejune. Dialogue, acting and production have dated atrociously.

Ocean's Twelve (1st Time)
2004, Soderbergh, US
The group of master thieves must conjure up another heist to pay debts.
Smug, slick and silly; a predictable routine which shows hope ate in the day with some neat in-jokes. By then, nobody cares.

Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/05 07:00 PM

I watched The Insider last night for the first time. It's one of my favorite films already after 1 watch. Russell Crowe was phenomenal, and it was Al Pacino's best performance of the 90s. The score was great, the acting was phenomenal, all the characters looked like the real life people. It kind of reminded me of Heat the way the movie was structured. I enjoyed Heat more than this movie, but it was great nonetheless.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/05 10:48 PM

A Fistful of Dollars - (Leone;1964;Italy) - ***1/2
A mysterious stranger arrives in a town run by two gangs. He plays both sides for his benefit.
A very influential western that not only boasts very good cinematography and another great Morricone score. A great film, and the first of the Dollars trilogy, which is excellent all together.
#33
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 04:32 AM

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner #99 on the AFI Top 100 List

A very good movie with a very good message for it's time (1967). Great acting by Sidney Poitier & Katharine Houghton. A pretty funny movie too, I was pleasantly surprised
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 02:27 PM

A shame they remade it into Guess Who with Ashton Kutchner. After you complete the American list, you should advance into international lists.

If I spelled his last name wrong, I don't care. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 03:01 PM

There's an internationl top 100 list? That's news to me as well as Guess Who was the remake. My friend and I were talking about this before I left for New York somewhat, that they have to "urbanize" all the classics now. Look at the new Honeymooners movie with Cedric the Entertainer :rolleyes:
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 03:04 PM

You have to realize film isn't just an American thing. Of course there are lists of best films everywhere. PRoblem is, some are hard to find like what has become my favorite, which is quoted in my profile and in my avatar.

This is a list I'm gonna start hunting down soon.

http://theyshootpictures.com/gf1000_top100films.htm
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 03:13 PM

I understand that film isn't just an American thing. I just wasn't aware that there was a similar list for international movies. I'm not as in depth in movies and information as you or suspect_5
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 05:32 PM

Irish, it is by no means a definitive list, but a great start to world viewing...

MFA Top 100 . Happy viewing.

Mick
Posted By: Al.Neri

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 05:38 PM

I've just watched Titanic with my class. Really pompous and dull.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 05:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irish, it is by no means a definitive list, but a great start to world viewing...

MFA Top 100 . Happy viewing.

Mick
Gotcha. Yeah I need to watch the US first definately. Don't know if I'll have time/the same interest to do it internationally but we'll see
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Don't know if I'll have the same interest to do it internationally...
And why not?

Imagine if I only watched English movies. Imagine if the whole world only wanted to see their own countries' films. The Finnish wouldn't be very occupied, for starters.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:14 PM

I understand what you're saying and I do like some foreign movies (Hero, House of Flying Daggers among others) but like I said, time is a factor. Now I have time in the summer, but come the fall I'll be back in school plus working full time. Plus, I just don't know, haven't seen that many foreign films I guess
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:22 PM

Irish, may I ask what gave you the incentive to watch those two films? I mean, of all the "foreign" movies released today, why see those?

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:24 PM

You could probably already guess but the Kill Bill movies. Plus Quentin "presented" Hero. I have also seen Seven Samurai I forgot to mention. I would like to see the Neo whatever movies that some say Pulp Fiction takes after
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I understand what you're saying and I do like some foreign movies (Hero, House of Flying Daggers among others) but like I said, time is a factor. Now I have time in the summer, but come the fall I'll be back in school plus working full time. Plus, I just don't know, haven't seen that many foreign films I guess
Start with Tarantino, who I know you like. See some Jean-Pierre Melville (a big QT inspiration, along with Michael Mann and Scorsese) films like Le Samourai and Le Cercle Rouge.

There are many others who inspired Tarantino too, but Capo is more keen on their films then me.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Neo whatever movies that some say Pulp Fiction takes after
Neo-Noir are newer movies after the 50's that take the style of Film-Noirs. Pulp Fiction isn't just Neo-Noir, but also has a lot of homages to French New Wave (which I need to see more of).

http://www.crimeculture.com/Contents/NeoNoir.html
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:27 PM

Well yeah Tarantino was basically my inspriation for seeing a lot of movies that normally I wouldn't have seen (such as A Firstful of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More, The Good, The Bady, & The Ugly, Hero) just to name a few
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:28 PM

What exactly is a French New Wave or Neo-Noir type movie? I've heard you talk about them before but I have no idea what they mean
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 06:31 PM

Film-Noir was usually referred as 'dark films.' They started in the 40's although I've seen movies like M considered Film-Noir. They were usually dark films, many of which had femme fatales and a narration. Double Indemnity is the best Film-Noir I've seen.

Film-Noir ended in the 50's, but it would be soon enough that other directors in the 60's began making similar films. Chinatown, Collateral, Heat, Pulp Fiction, and many 60's and 70's movies are examples.

Capo can educate you more on French New Wave, which was one of the key film movements like Italian Neo-realism. I've only seen two Melville films from French New Wave (from what I've heard).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 07:20 PM

The French New Wave is, I think, the most influential filmic movement to occur in the latter half of last century.

A few essays I wrote to read at your leisure (and pleasure): A Brief History of the French New Wave . That will give you a short introduction to it, and to get specific, here's a review of A bout de souffle/Breathless (1959), a film in which you will find an endless amount of Tarantino-like references and in-jokes to popular culture.

Happy reading,
Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/05 09:13 PM

Thief - (Mann;1981;USA) - ***1/2
A safecracker who strives to complete the picture of his life with a wife and child finds working with his new criminal boss has created several strings tied to him in the midst of also being hassled by the police.
Michael Mann begins his career on a good start with this. Like his other work, this is a very intelligent thriller that also keeps the drama in the mix. It's characters are believable and the direction is strong. Caan, Weld, and Prosky are all very good in their roles. The music is yet again great for the film like Mann's other works. The main flaw is the finale's effects which seem very dated.
#25
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/05 01:25 AM

I was kinda disappointed tonight while watching WWE: The Monday Night War. It said that it was 3 hours and it was only an hour and a half. I was ready to go for 3 and find that it ended early. I was like, where's the rest of it!?
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/05 09:52 AM

Sideways (04/Alexander Payne/US) 8/10

Everything in this movie is so real that you just feel the characters. This is very much the same as About Schmidt but instead of an old loser this time, it is about two losers with very different attitudes caught in the midlife crisis; nonetheless a very interesting take into their relationship and how they help each other to overcome their vices. And by loser, I mean the way most of us look into our lives and the inner feeling of being a loser: Half my life is over and I have nothing to show for it.


The Phantom of the Opera (04/Anrew L Webber/US, UK) 8/10

One of the best musicals that I've ever seen. Dazzling Costumes and settings with great songs.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/05 09:56 AM

Amores Perros
8/10 after first viewing
This is one of the best "newer movies" I've seen
We see different/parallel stories which are connected to each other very well. The movie starts very strong with a very interesting story about a guy who falls in love with the wife of his brother and gets in conflicts with his brother all the time. He earns alot of money with Dog Fights (brilliant scenes) and wants to leave with her...
The second story is sad and gives you alot to think about too. The only flaw is that afew scenes were unnecessary there, not boring though. The other plotlines are great too and make this movie to one of the best in the last years....
Amores Perros reminds me of Pulp Fiction (The Direction and Style) and of City of God (Plots/Visuals)
Im sure Quentin Tarantino had a big effect on this director. And he did a very good job, GREAT MOVIE!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/05 09:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[b]Sideways (04/Alexander Payne/US) 8/10
And by loser, I mean the way most of us look into our lives and the inner feeling of being a loser: Half my life is over and I have nothing to show for it.[/b]
Not to mention their moral shortcomings. Stealing from one's own mother, promiscuity, turning a blind eye to such adultery, and everything done without a trace of guilt. The empathy Payne shows for his characters in this film is worrying. I still loved it.

Donnie Darko *** (3rd Time)
2001, Kelly, US
In 1980s suburbia, a high school student finds himself under the control of a strange rabbit.
Highly enjoyable mystery that is delightfully fresh and packs both originality and emotion.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/05 09:58 PM

By the way, Aziatic, regarding Amores perros (2000), I rate it as one of the best films this decade also. Although it may remind you of Pulp Fiction, I consider González Iñárritu a much better director than Tarantino. Judging from this and his 21 Grams, he packs a lot more emotion into his work than Tarantino; his style is far moer visceral too.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/05 11:26 PM

Seconds - (Frankenheimer;1966;USA) - ****
An aging man is approached by a secret company and blackmailed to fake his death and undergo a surgery to become a younger man to find happiness, however his new life brings new problems.
Frankenheimer's best film. The music is excellent and eerie along with many of the wide-angle lens shots used throughout. The middle drags a little at times, but it is made up for by a great ending. Both Rock Hudson and John Randolph are great in their acting. A truly disturbing film, with a painfully beautiful final image. I appreciated it more with this second or third viewing.
#26
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 04:14 AM

I was a little disappointed with Samurai Champloo Vol. 3 today because it just wasn't as good as Volumes 1 or 2. The episodes missed some action and there was a lot more story in this volume. The last episode was really just a recap and one big joke, but I still love this anime!
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 05:17 AM

LOL, I just watched this as well. I liked it sure the last episode was just a recap but they have those in every anime. The one with the beetle is great and one of my favorite episodes ever.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 05:59 AM

Yeah the beetle one was pretty cool. Didn't you find kind of a lack of action during this volume? I liked the killer who Muugen goes after in episode 10 I believe it is
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 06:07 AM

Lost Boys 1987

Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 07:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[b] [b]Sideways
(04/Alexander Payne/US) 8/10
And by loser, I mean the way most of us look into our lives and the inner feeling of being a loser: Half my life is over and I have nothing to show for it.[/b]
Not to mention their moral shortcomings. Stealing from one's own mother, promiscuity, turning a blind eye to such adultery, and everything done without a trace of guilt. The empathy Payne shows for his characters in this film is worrying. I still loved it.[/b][/quote]I don't know if it worries you even more to say I can relate to them. They are just like these two opposite feelings inside us, the depressed snob who overlooks whatever he does because there has been an explanation to overcome the guilt and the crazy throw everything out the window, be happy and don't worry feeling.

What did you think would happen on a weeklong trip for old buddies before the wedding? You are broke, you want to show a good time to your old buddy who is the exact opposite and a womanizer and rest is obvious. I don't know, maybe it is because I'll be reaching that age in a little while. It is all about one last time doing this and that, because we are not getting any younger.

Everyone would get the sympathy when the story is being told from his or her viewpoint.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
he packs a lot more emotion into his work than Tarantino;
Agree, that's why you feel certain connections to the protagonists.The music was also really great.
21 Grams is high on my to-see-list.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 11:29 AM

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
9.5/10 after first viewing

Amazing movie
I think everything has been said about this movie. Its on soo many Favorite-lists and it just joined mine.
The ending is one of the best Ive seen and my favorite Eastwood role. Leone created a masterpiece. I will have to re-watch OUATITW and OUATITA to decide which ranks higher on my list....
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 08:39 PM

Once Upon a Time in the West - (Leone;1968;Italy) - ****
A widow is in the midst of violence between land grabbers, a stranger seeking revenge, and a falsely accused criminal.
Seeing this again has blown me away. For some reason I now appreciate it more. In fact, I feel stupid not putting this ahead of The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly in terms of greatness. Morricone's scores for each character are some of the best. The characters themselves have extremely well written dimensions. The cinematography is beautiful, especially the wagon trip. The film has a depth that beats all of Leone's films except [i]Once upon a Time in America. Excellent story, great actors, and a classic. The greatest western ever.
#27

1) Once Upon a Time in America
2) Once Upon a Time in the West
3) The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
4) For a Few Dollars More
5) A Fistful of Dollars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 10:57 PM

I just got back from seeing Cinderella Man and it was awesome. It's easily the best picture of the year (although I'd put Sin City up there as well). Great performances from Russell, Renee and Paul, not to mention a great job directing by Ron Howard. It should do to the Oscars what [/i]Million Dollar Baby[/i] did to the Oscars this past year
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 11:01 PM

Uh, isn't it a little early to say that? :p

Did you see Million Dollar Baby yet?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/05 11:21 PM

No, I'm gonna wait for it to come out on DVD next month. But I seriously think this movie should & can win those 3 Oscars (plus more)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/05 02:00 AM

The Searchers #96 on the AFI Top 100 List

Another pretty good movie from the AFI list. This was my first John Wayne movie to see in its entirety. I had previously seen the first 30 minutes of Rio Bravo but shut it off and never started it again. Wayne had some pretty funny lines in this picture and it's what I would think a Classic Western would be. The story's pretty interesting too in that an Uncle (Wayne) goes searching for his niece who's kidnapped by Indians.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/05 02:11 AM

A true classic there and not only the third greatest western to me, but also one of the most influential. In fact, Ford's excellent use of the Monument Valley inspired Leone to use it in Once Upon a Time in the West. Everything a western should be, and John Wayne's role. A lot of depth for a western.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/05 06:22 AM

Well my little berg was finally graced with the presence of the film “The Layer Cake”. I’ve been reading about it for a while now, but every time I looked it up it was only in LA or NYC. Well this week it finally arrived and I’ll be dammed if I was going to miss it.

If you don’t know about it it’s an English gangster movie done by the guy who produced all of Guy Ritchie’s stuff, Matthew Vaughn. It even stars one of the many actors rumored to be the next Bond, Daniel Craig. The movie is about Daniel Craig’s character who just happens to be a large volume drug dealer. When his superior asks him to do him a couple of favors his whole life gets properly f*cked. He is supposed to find a girl for an old friend and that turns out to be a trap of sorts that puts him in a precarious position. The other favor involves a ecstasy deal with a “Wankster” that goes south on so many levels it is like a Greek f*cking tragedy.
Daniel Craig’s character (as I refer to him because I don’t know his name) is forced to come up with some plan to satisfy all of the parties that have become involved. With Daniel’s performance you believe that his character is able to do what he does. His eyes alone convey a layer of thought and performance all their own. It is a thoroughly enjoyable film and worth the wait to see it.
I’m not sure I saw what exactly snagged the job of director of X3 for Mathew Vaughn in this but then again I guess that really doesn’t matter now does it as he is off the project. Still yet the movie is fantastic and garners an 89 viewing score.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/05 10:41 AM

Brazil (85/Terry Gilliam/UK) 9/10

Brazil's main theme is Orwell's 1984 mixed with some Kafka seasoned nightmares. Those who like dark humor and visualized nightmares would enjoy this movie. The scary thing is we are headed to Brazil, if we're not already there.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/05 09:19 PM

I had a little bit of peace & quiet yesterday afternoon and retreated to the coolness of my basement and watched Hannibal. I've seen this movie three times now and have liked it more each time. The first viewing was in the theater and I was really disappointed, probably because of the excessive hype - I saw it the night it premiered. The film stayed pretty true to the book, without getting into some of the smaller subplots.

But I really think Hannibal holds up well with the other three movies in the trilogy. Anthony Hopkins was excellent, as was the barely recognizable Gary Oldman as Mason Verger. I thought that Julianne Moore was an excellent replacement to Jodie Foster's Clarice Starling character. Honestly, Foster was great in Silence of the Lambs, but I don't think she could have pulled as good a performance out of Starling in Hannibal. The only performance I didn't care for was Ray Liotta's Krenzler.

The ending is really hard to watch. Not going to give it away if you haven't seen it, but it's stomach-turning. The dvd I had had an alternate ending in the deleted scenes that was pretty cool.

By far, the best scenes involved Hopkins, both in his alias Dr. Fell character, as well as Hannibal Lecter. My primary criticism of the film is that it was well over an hour before the real action of the film takes place. There is a lot of plot development in the first hour. But it's important to the overall story.

The one minor detail that I really liked was the musical score. There was some subtle piano music that played over a few of Lecter's scenes that really enhanced the film.

4 stars out of 5
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/05 10:28 PM

In The Line Of Fire

6.5/10

Nothing special. Above average with a great John Malkovich. Eastwood gave a good performance too. The idea of the movie was good but it still lacked great suspence necessary in this kind of genre. It had its great moments though but also some unnecessary and boring scenes...
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 04:57 AM

La Bamba



I love this film,great sound track and a sad ending
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 08:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
Not going to give it away if you haven't seen it, but it's stomach-turning. The dvd I had had an alternate ending in the deleted scenes that was pretty cool.
Spoiler Alert********

What was the alternate ending? The one I saw, Lecter cut off his own hand to get away of handcuffs and escaped.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 12:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[quote]Originally posted by goombah:
[b] Not going to give it away if you haven't seen it, but it's stomach-turning. The dvd I had had an alternate ending in the deleted scenes that was pretty cool.
Spoiler Alert********

What was the alternate ending? The one I saw, Lecter cut off his own hand to get away of handcuffs and escaped. [/b][/quote]SPOILER ALERT***************

Lecter wasn't handcuffed in the alternate, thus no hands were chopped off. Starling just kind of lets him go. Her hair is still caught in the refrigerator like the theatrical version. We see Lecter driving away also and the scene with the kid on the airplane to close the movie is a bit lengthier. And if I recall, the "dinner" scene in which Krenzler is fed his own brain is a bit longer also.

According to the dvd, 3 endings were written, but only 2 were filmed.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 12:55 PM

Thanks Goombah!

Spoiler Alert! ********

I kind of get a kick out of what he did in the original ending. I thought he'd chop off Starling's hand but he did his! I'm sorry but I can't help it. It was funny, sweet and gross at the same time. But if I'm not mistaken Lector had hands in Red Dragon so I think the other ending fits better, unless I'm mistaken and the mentioned movie is not the third one.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 01:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
Thanks Goombah!

Spoiler Alert! ********

I kind of get a kick out of what he did in the original ending. I thought he'd chop off Starling's hand but he did his! I'm sorry but I can't help it. It was funny, sweet and gross at the same time. But if I'm not mistaken Lector had hands in Red Dragon so I think the other ending fits better, unless I'm mistaken and the mentioned movie is not the third one.
Don't forget, Red Dragon was the prequel to both Silence of the Lambs & Hannibal so the fact that Lecter has hands in Red Dragon is accurate. You're probably confused because Red Dragon was the last of the three films to be released, even though it was first in the storyline.

BTW, did you read the book Hannibal? A different ending altogether. If you want, since this is a movie thread, I can PM you.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 01:41 PM

Yes, that's the reason I got confused. It's been a while since I watched it!

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
BTW, did you read the book Hannibal? A different ending altogether. If you want, since this is a movie thread, I can PM you.
No, unfortunately I've not and I don't think I'd be able to find the book around here. Yes, I'm very much interested to hear about the ending in the book. I appreciate if send me a PM about it!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 06:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by goombah:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[qb] You're probably confused because Red Dragon was the last of the three films to be released, even though it was first in the storyline.
Not to mention a remake of the magnificent Manhunter.

Mick
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 07:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by goombah:
[b] [QUOTE]Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[qb] You're probably confused because Red Dragon was the last of the three films to be released, even though it was first in the storyline.
Not to mention a remake of the magnificent Manhunter.

Mick [/b][/quote]Mick
I've only seen part of Manhunter. Who played Lecter and was that actor good in the role? I know it came out b/f all the others, but I just imagine Lecter played by anyone other than Anthony Hopkins.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 07:53 PM

Lecter was played by Brian Cox in Manhunter. Not a patch on Hopkins, who made the role his own with lip-smacking relish, but Manhunter is a fine film indeed. I haven't seen Red Dragon.

Mick
Posted By: scarfacefan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/05 07:57 PM

City of God

I thought this movie was great. The story was smart and original and the acting was good. It was very violent at points but nothing to make you vomit.
10/10
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/05 09:18 PM

Inherit the Wind *** (1st Time)
1960, Kramer, US
In 1925 southern America, two brilliant lawyers go head-to-head in a case arising from the teaching of Evolutionism over Creationism.
Standard courtoom theatrics which maintains its engrossing power through some outstanding performances.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/05 11:27 PM

Following - (Nolan;1998;UK) - ***
An anti-social aspiring writer who shadows random people is taken under a burglar's wing.
A very good thriller from Nolan, although nowhere near Memento. The film's messy narrative is an obvious experimentation, although the the rest of the aspects come together nicely and make a very solid, very good film. All Memento fans should see this. The score is great.
#60
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 01:16 AM

Very bad things



Alot better than i excepted,funny and gruesome at the same time
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 12:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Lecter was played by Brian Cox in Manhunter. Not a patch on Hopkins, who made the role his own with lip-smacking relish, but Manhunter is a fine film indeed. I haven't seen Red Dragon.

Mick
You should see it. Edward Norton is very good as Will Graham, plus Harvey Keitel plays his boss (character name is escaping me). The beginning of the film is excellent - I need to see Manhunter in its entirety for a comparison. The beginning of the film is, by far, the best opener in the triology.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 01:04 PM

Bringing Up Baby #97 on the AFI Top 100 List

Last night I watched this movie and usually I right a review immediately following the movie, but I was tired & had to be up early and I knew I'd have time at work to do it. Anyway, this was probably the first movie of the list that I wasn't too crazy about. I mean, I understand the movie was made in 1938 but that's just not my kind of comedy. It's too predictable and sometimes childish. I will say though that Katharine Hepburn did look fine back in her day and Cary Grant did a good job as the "bumbling fool doctor" but it just wasn't my taste I guess. Not horrible but not that great either.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 07:28 PM

That's why it's called 'screwball' comedy.

One of the best (if not the best) comedies is on tonight at 9:15, Duck Soup. I'll definitely be seeing it again.

Groucho owns.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 07:48 PM

What channel Don Vercetti? I have heard good things about that from you & thug and it's obviously on the AFI list but if I can see it tonight I'll do that. Is that "screwball" humor as well?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 08:08 PM

TCM, the best film channel on TV, period.

You probably won't like it. I thought it would be dated humor but I loved it. It's whole manner is screwball but Groucho's wiseass remarks rule. The scenes with the silent Harpo Marx are also a treat.

You have to look at a movie from its time. You may not find Duck Soup funny but that's no reason to consider it good, but not great. Different types of humor existed then, such as Chaplin, Keaton, and then the sound era with new, but similar comedy. Much of it is very Vaudevillian. All I can say is there is nothing wrong with Duck Soup, at all.
------------
Rufus T. Firefly: Not that I care, but where is your husband?
Mrs. Teasdale: Why, he's dead.
Rufus T. Firefly: I bet he's just using that as an excuse.
Mrs. Teasdale: I was with him to the very end.
Rufus T. Firefly: No wonder he passed away.
Mrs. Teasdale: I held him in my arms and kissed him.
Rufus T. Firefly: Oh, I see, then it was murder. Will you marry me? Did he leave you any money? Answer the second question first.

Thug wrote a MFA Top 100 review for it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 08:18 PM

Alright, I'll try to see it tonight because it's impossible to find on DVD. Thanks for the heads up Don Vercetti
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 08:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Bringing Up Baby [b]#97 on the AFI Top 100 List

Last night I watched this movie and usually I right a review immediately following the movie, but I was tired & had to be up early and I knew I'd have time at work to do it. Anyway, this was probably the first movie of the list that I wasn't too crazy about. I mean, I understand the movie was made in 1938 but that's just not my kind of comedy. It's too predictable and sometimes childish. I will say though that Katharine Hepburn did look fine back in her day and Cary Grant did a good job as the "bumbling fool doctor" but it just wasn't my taste I guess. Not horrible but not that great either. [/b]
I'll tell you the truth: I can't understand what was so predictable about the film. Besides the fact that we know they'll be together, I really found nothing predictable in this unbelivably great screwball comedy. Hepburn delivers a great role as the mad-cap heiress as does the amazing Cary Grant who is very reminescent of Harold Lloyd in "Saftey Last" (1923). Her antics bringing him alaive is not only humorous but it is acctually an asspect of love that is expored here (Though of course, not in all seriousness).

In fact, this film psawned a sub-genre of romance that we see alot in sit-coms today.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 08:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Alright, I'll try to see it tonight because it's impossible to find on DVD. Thanks for the heads up Don Vercetti
Actually it's VERY easy to find.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/05 08:46 PM

Well that box set came out in November. Before then I really couldn't even find it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 02:31 AM

Duck Soup - (McCarey;1933;USA) - ****
Rufus T. Firefly becomes dictator of Freedonia and his antics leads to a conflict with a neighboring country, which has two spies on Firefly.
Not only one of the most influential comedies which has had it's classic moments homaged and spoofed countless times, but also one of the greatest comedies ever. Everything screwball should be. Groucho Marx is excellent in his wiseass remarks. Even if some jokes are dated, anyone will laugh in this. The best I've seen from the Marx Bros. A wonderful satire on war and politics.
#77
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 02:43 AM

Duck Soup #85 on the AFI Top 100 List

I did somewhat enjoy this movie. It was funnier than Bringing Up Baby and I'm glad that I can finally say that I've seen it. When I told my mother it was on she decided to stay up and watch it with me. She laughed at it more than I did, but she's also seen it before. It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be
Posted By: marlon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 02:47 AM

I was watching "The Bank Dick" on, some channel, with W. C. Fields. There has never been anyone funnier that I can think of, he was a true comedic genius. If any of you have never seen his movies you are really missing something.

"I'm very fond of children. Girl children, around eighteen and twenty."
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 04:22 AM

Duck SOup is simply the most witty, urbane and funny film ever made. It is as fresh today as the day it came out. Groucho, Harpo and Chico, when together are pure TNT. Their madcap comedy and humor might seem silly but it's all in order to make fun of an establishment or or someone who deserves it.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 04:38 AM

Hi there Sully!!

I love Duck Soup. The Marx Brothers really make me laugh. I don't like a lot of corny comedy, but theirs is great. My favorite is still Groucho, although they are all good.


TIS
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 04:47 AM

Raising Arizona

If you like the Coen brothers, you will love this movie. If you dont, you will despise this movie. Basically thats what it comes down to. I personally love the Coens and cherish this movie. The cast is great and the movie is hillarious. One of the few perfect comedies.

10/10
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 01:44 PM

Raising Arizona: another film in my 130+ (and growing) unseen mountain of films.

Limelight ** (1st Time)
1952, Chaplin, US
An aging, former comedian takes in a suicidal ballerina and is inspired to perform again.
Deeply personal Chaplin drama (not comedy); the songs are brilliant, but it is overlong.

Mick
Posted By: AngelaMarie

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 04:06 PM

I saw Monster in Law last weekend. It was great! I would give it 3 stars or more. I love how they humanized the mother-in-law and didn't just make her a *****. It made you see why mothers tend to be like that, even if they shouldn't. Just a great movie. Cute & funny parts too.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 06:05 PM

I rented Boogeyman last night. It wasn't great, but it kept us entertained.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/05 06:20 PM

Man that movie sucked I thought. The only redeeming quality of it was the hot Tory Mussett
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 02:46 AM

Just saw Mystic River. It was amazing and disturbing. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins certainly earned their statuettes! Don't understand why Kevin Bacon was nominated. I didn't think his role was nearly as challenging as the other two, but the cast as a whole was very good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 03:18 AM

I just watched Strapless and surprisingly enjoyed it. I had seen some of it on TV during the holidays I believe, and got it through Blockbuster online and I'm pretty glad that I got it. I thought it would be a chick flick and that I wouldn't enjoy it but again, I surprisingly did
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 04:05 PM

I'm pissed. I missed Scorsese's The Age of Innocence on TCM last night. Tonight The Big Sleep is playing, which I can hopefully see. This week will be good though, Monday Night Of The Hunter is playing as well as one of my favorites, Citizen Kane on Wed, which I know several here wanna see. In a Lonely Place (great movie) and 12 Angry Men (even greater) are also playing late in the week.

Looks like my exam studying will be conflicted. :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 07:38 PM

Sin City **
2005, Rodriguez/Miller, US

Three stories set in a noirish, rainy city, all involving tough guys protecting women.
There is something brilliant in all of this; lovingly stylized to the look and feel of the original graphic novels, presented in stark black and white with dazzling splashes of colour. The dialogue is deliberately over-the-top and the violence utterly ridiculous, with two-dimensional characters simply killing themselves to death. Alas, it is overlong, and if it maintains its style throughout, the lack of character and narrative depth becomes mindnumbing.

Mick
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 08:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Tonight The Big Sleep is playing, which I can hopefully see.

Looks like my exam studying will be conflicted. :p
Screw exams.

Have you seen The Big Sleep yet, or will this be a first viewing? I'd love to read a review of it by you, either way.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 08:10 PM

I haven't seen it. I have seen the other one I mentioned, In a Lonely Place which is a great film that seems to be underrated.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 08:11 PM

I agree, it's great and underrated. Have you written about that one on the angelfire site (or here)?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 08:14 PM

No, I need to update the site soon. I haven't added a few reviews like Le Samourai. I'm tempted to write one on The Graduate and Five Easy Pieces and post both in the same thread. The problem is a blocked up week that has no time to rewatch both in the same day.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 08:32 PM

Okay, let me know. I'll be looking forward to it/them. I don't think I've read any of your opinions on Bogart at all, actually... Either way, I'll keep an eye out for them.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 09:44 PM

Speaking of which, the original Howard Hawkes-directed version of SCARFACE from way back in 1932 will be on TCM on wednesday. This just an alert to those SCARFACE nerds here at BB.NET...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 09:49 PM

How many Pacino-Scarface fans here have seen the original?

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 09:57 PM

Not me, but I've wanted to. Maybe if I don't see Batman Begins with my ma at the theater, I'll give it a look (even though I own the DVD)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 10:07 PM

Capo, I have...and wow, I was quite impressed. A really good film that is actually better than Brian DePalma's remake, but only slightly. I mean remember when remakes of great movies were actually good as well?

Still, Paul Muni as Tony Camonte is pretty brutal for movie mobsters, especially of the time it was made. No wonder Pacino and producer Martin Bregman wanted to remake it, same with Scorsese and DeNiro(though Bregman and Pacino beat them to it).

Neverless, all you SCARFACE nerds need to check out the original...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 10:08 PM

#1000!!!!

My honor!

BTW, anyone seen MR. & MRS. SMITH? A friend that has seen it says its a complete waste of time and money...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/05 10:31 PM

2 of my friend's who both have hard-ons for Angelina Jolie saw it yesterday and said it was great. I'm gonna go see it tomorrow with my ma and will post what I thought of it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 02:12 AM

The Big Sleep - (Hawks;1946;USA) - ****
A private detective falls into blackmail, murder, violence, and love after the murder of the pornographer he was hired to investigate.
A very complex and interesting film. I can see how Chinatown was heavily inspired by this, which is another film about a private detective who falls into a twisted plot involving a woman. Bogart and Bacall are both great in their roles, and their timing on the witty dialogue should also be praised. Although the music wasn't amazing, the rest of the film's atmosphere more then makes up. A classic film-noir.
#97
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 02:18 AM

I just watched Raging Bull for the 6th time. It was probably the best viewing for me. I don't know why. 6th time is a charm I guess LOL
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 03:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
How many Pacino-Scarface fans here have seen the original?
I saw it when I was little with my grandfather; before I even saw the "new" one. Then I saw it again a couple of years ago, obviously after having seen the new one a few times already. Maybe if I had to pick, I'd go with the 1932, only because I generally like pre-1970s movies better than post 70's. I don't really compare them though, because to me, they're so different. Each one has its own separate appeal.
I'm about due to see it again soon, though.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 03:11 AM

I saw the original Scarface, which is a classic gangster film, whichI rate **** for it's influence at the time. That's more then I rate DePalma's version although it's hard for me to compare them.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 04:13 AM

Goodfellas #94 on the AFI Top 100 List

This movie is truly awesome and it is easily the best Scorsese movie ever made along with Raging Bull. Although, it was a little difficult to enjoy the movie tonight because some a$$hole kids were blarring their music for like 20-30 minutes during the movie, then the cops came and there lights keep coming through the blinds in my room and there were a lot of other disturbences. However, the movie is truly a classic in every sense of the word!
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 04:51 PM

The Interpreter (05/Sydney Pollack/US, UK, France) 7/10

A US Secret Service Agent is assigned to protect an interpreter working for UN who accidentally overhears an assassination plot.
Great cast, actual setting (UN) but I think script could have used a little more work. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this movie very much. But those who look for a Die Hard thriller would be disappointed. Not to mention those who hate UN should stay away from this movie because it might make them puke. See, I can empathize with just anyone! :p
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 05:48 PM

I saw "Collateral" with Tom Cruise, which aired on HBO last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Right from the beginning, it kept my interest. A lot of action.

One thing however, for those who saw it: Cruise gets shot in the nightclub, remember??? He did an awful lot of running for a guy who was shot (looked like the neck, since half his face was bloody. :p ) I never saw a Jaime Fox movie before. He was very good.

TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 05:51 PM

TIS, he didn't get shot in the club, at least not to my knowledge. Maybe because of some of the sudden cuts and such, you thought someone who shot a gun hit Cruise? I'm glad you liked it, it was one of the best of last year.

SPOILER
Cruise gets shot first in the office, where Foxx shoots a gun that skims the side of his jaw up into his ear. The next time is on the MTA.
SPOILER END
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 05:56 PM

SPOILER*****

DV,


When he's at the club, and the police are harrassing Fox, and the shooting spree occurs. There's a shot, and Cruise drops. I though he got wounded. When he got up, he had blood all over his face.

But yes, I really enjoyed it. I like those action cat/mouse/shoot 'em up type movies. I love the beginning when Fox is eating a burger and a body falls on the roof of the car. ha ha..from there on the action begins.

TIS

*Correction - DV, I think you're right about the facial wound, that was in the office, but he did fall and had what looked like a wound somewhere on his chest. I guess I'll have to watch it again.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 05:56 PM

Just watched the first 3 episodes of the 1st season of the Sopranos. I really liked them. The first 2 being good and third really good I cant wait to see the rest. I planned seing one every few days but I had to put on the 2nd and 3rd episode immediately.I think thats enough for today cause I dont want to be over with the whole 1st season in a week and wait too long for the 2nd
This should get much more interesting....
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 06:03 PM

TIS, you are referring to Pedrosa. Here's a walkthrough of the scene.

SPOILER
Vincent/Max walk in, Vincent tells him to walk 15 feet ahead and a little to the left or bystanders will die. Vincent goes to bodyguard #1, punches him, and stomps on his neck. Vincent goes to the second one, and kicks his knee in, and punches him twice in the upper body/face. Vincent grabs another guard, knees him in the ribs, and uses him as a human-shield for a while. As the FBI is aiming at Max thinking he is Vincent, another cop walks in and pins a criminal with a gun against the wall, the criminal fired a few shots, one of which hits Pedrosa in the leg, who falls and is dragged away. A bodyguard shoots a bystander, and then aims at Max. Vincent sees him and shoots him, and then shoots twice at two other men but misses. He looks at Max with an annoyed look on his face, and advances where he gets grabbed and loses his gun. He stabs the men and hits another as he drops to the floor and gets his gun, rolls over shooting another man or two. He then gets up and kills a few more, and finally shoots the witness once, and reloads to shoot again and leaves, where he shoots Fanning.
SPOILER END
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 06:28 PM

DV,

I remember the scenes you mentioned. I'll have to look at it again, just to see what made me think he was shot. That whole club scene was a rapid successions of shots, punches and kicks, running, etc.

Thanks

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 07:18 PM

Mr. & Mrs. Smith was a pretty good movie but not great as HalJordan & suspect_5 had previously told me. I personally like Cinderella Man better last week, but this movie did have a lot of humor to it which was definitely a positive. A lot of action, explusions, and a cool fight scene between Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Not a bad movie at all and worth seeing in the theaters.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/05 10:48 PM

Dirty Harry 2

07.5/10

Great Cop movie. I enjoyed the plot even more than in the prequel. Eastwood is great as always although I missed another great monologue like in the first one...
So, only 3 parts to go then....

Well do Ya, Punk?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:30 AM

My Fair Lady #91 on the AFI Top 100 List

I had previously seen half of this movie or so in my English class senior year in high school. I enjoyed it then and I did enjoy it today, however I felt it ran a little long. I liked the first hour-hour and a half but towards the end I felt a little winded. One of the few musicals that I actually like
Posted By: TheSicilian123

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:41 AM

Bad Santa
Fricken great movie. I stuck into the movies when I was 13 The movie is so funny, at some parts I cant stop laughing.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:00 PM

Original Sin (01/Michael Cristofer/France, US) 7/10

A drama/thriller with great cast and full of surprises. I really enjoyed it.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:04 PM

Usual Suspects:

I never saw this one before...but it's really a top movie...what a plot and acting work of Spacey.

at least 4 stars out of 5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:12 PM

Glad you liked it M.M.! It's definitely in my top 3. What a great cast and great movie. Scarface and The Big Lebowski were the other 2 movies in my top 3 in case you were wondering
Posted By: AppleOnYa

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:15 PM

Phamtom of the Opera

NOT BY CHOICE!!!

We were invited to a friend's house on Saturday and they picked it out to rent from DirectTV.

While the music was of course lovely and certain parts were definitely entertaining...overall an incredible bore. I don't recall it doing very well at the box office last December.

I would much rather have seen 'Meet the Fockers' which was one of the other choices....but the lady of the house claimed the 'sexual overtones' wouldn't be appropriate for the kids (who were downstairs playing most of the evening).

So instead of a few double entendre's which would've gone completely over her head, my daughter got to watch a man being hanged, another nearly strangled and a theater being destroyed by explosion and fire.

Apple
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:26 PM

IMO Apple, I think you were screwed either way. I didn't see Phantom of the Opera, although I did rent it but never did get in the mood to watch it. I watched Meet the Fockers in the theater and it's nowhere near as good as Meet the Parents, but between the 2, I would have went with Meet the Fockers as well
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:30 PM

The ironic thing is, the bloopers for Meet the Fockers bring more laughs then the actual movie.

I was gonna rewatch Scarface (original) today, but I was reminded about The Night of the Hunter playing on TCM, which is on many top 100 lists and has been hard for me to find.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 02:35 PM

I watched Bobby Deerfield last night on ESPN Classic. I'd never even heard of this film, but it had Al Pacino playing an Indy car driver. I found it pretty interesting, but not in the same league as Pacino's greatest roles (The Godfather trilogy, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, etc.) Has anyone else seen this film?
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 03:02 PM

Ive seen it xXx..Ive liked it too, Pacinso is good as always. Its interesting but abit long in parts and the screenplay lacked "creativity" but some parts are really sad...
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 05:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Glad you liked it M.M.! It's definitely in my top 3. What a great cast and great movie.
SPOILER ALERT!!!

i really liked the ending. There's no way you can predict this...okay, you can predict that one of the men is Ceasar Soze...but then you can't make the circle full round. It's simply impossible to predict that Kint is making up the whole story just by reading the wall on the police station.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 05:30 PM

Exactly, that's what's so great about it, it's so smart. I watched it a couple of months ago with a friend at school and she said she thought it was him (Spacey) all along. I didn't say anything because I like this girl but I was thinking to myself, "Yeah right." Especially because she's like me who asks 1,000 questions during the movie!
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 07:14 PM

Saw the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants yesterday with my daughter....a very sweet "coming of age" movie about four girls. Well worth it.
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 07:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Exactly, that's what's so great about it, it's so smart. I watched it a couple of months ago with a friend at school and she said she thought it was him (Spacey) all along. I didn't say anything because I like this girl but I was thinking to myself, "Yeah right." Especially because she's like me who asks 1,000 questions during the movie!
Guessing is one thing, but give a good explanation for it is two! And yes you are right...if it's a girl you like just let her think she's right..give her some acclaim for it...and you're in!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 08:09 PM

Cinema Paradiso - Director's Cut ****
(Top 100) (1st Time)
1989, Tornatore, It/Fr
A film director returns to his Sicilian home after the death of the local film projectionist.
The fifty minutes cut for the 1989 release are here restored; Toto's adult return to the village and his search for his teenage love make for a far more complex and emotional finale.

Dead Man's Shoes **** (Top 100) (1st Time)
2004, Meadows, GB
An ex-soldier returns to his rural home town in order to avenge the bullying of his younger, retarded brother.
Brilliantly realised drama which plays like a serial-killer horror (at one point, there is a point-of-view shot behind a gas mask, breathing included). Phenomenal performances and a well-judged tone throughout mark this an endurable tale of revenge and justice.

Garden State *** (1st Time)
2004, Braff, US
An actor on medication all his life returns to his home town to attend his mother's funeral.
Solid, offbeat directorial debut springing memories of Allen, with the protagonist striving to overcome his own neuroses in life after meeting a girl who is an habitual liar.

An excellent day of filmwatching. I haven't had one of those in what seems like forever. You can tell exams are over now; back to my two-to-three a day average.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/05 09:37 PM

The Night of the Hunter - (Laughton;1955;USA) - ****
A false preacher tries to convince two children to tell him where hidden money is from a robbery.
One of the greatest film-noirs. Several scenes are beautifully dream-like and eerie. A classic performance from Robert Mitchum as the devilish preacher helps it along with Laughton's direction. A shame he only directed this one film. Powell is one of America's most memorable villains ever. A must-see.
#77

Would you like me to tell you the little story of right-hand/left-hand? The story of good and evil?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/05 12:45 AM

Barbarella: Queen of the Galaxy

I did enjoy this movie. It was weird, different and definitely a 60s movie but that's what I loved about it. It was nothing like I expected but a better movie than I anticipated. Anyone else ever see this!?
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/05 12:22 PM

I watched Once Upon a Time in Mexico and it was a little better than I expected. Not that there was anything new, except maybe better set and of course Johnny Depp.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/05 05:30 PM

Scarface - (Hawks;1932;USA) - ****
After the murder of a major boss, a hot-head criminal guns his way up the ranks in the Chicago Outfit.
I have yet to see the other 1930's/40's gangster flicks, such as Cagney's or Robinson's, but this is an excellent film for its time. Hughes and Hawks made a classic, and not only did it break some of the violence barriers in its time, but also provided a great social commentary on the criminal groups of the day, mainly Al Capone's Outfit. Paul Muni's performance, while somewhat dated is great in the same way Pacino's was great. This is definitely better then the remake, mostly because it had something to say. Hawks' second best film.
#84
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/05 07:54 PM

Lost in Translation *** (5th Time)
2003, Coppola,. US/Jap
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, humanistic drama executed with a minimalistic approach, which makes for a warming, satisfying product; if the writing sometimes relies on jokes about the Japanese accent too much, the acting certainly compensates.

Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/05 08:22 PM

Ya I plan to record SCARFACE tomorrow on VHS, along with CITIZEN KANE.

BARBELLA is a future RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW subject for sure....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/05 08:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
BARBELLA is a future RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW subject for sure....
There you go! I just saw that for the first time last night
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 07:06 AM

Blade Runner (1982/Ridley Scott/US) 8.5/10

I watched the director's cut, with no narration. I really liked this movie although I'm not a big fan of Sci-fis. Yes, I watched this for the first time after a lot of struggle to watch it or not. This is also a great thriller, and I have not been on the edge of my sit like this since Shining. Well, maybe I'm a little exaggerating. But I think in this film, there was more than good/bad guys fighting into the characters and they had more dimension and showing much more depth as plot unfolded. I don't think if I'd seen the version with narration I'd actually like it this much. Might have even hated it. Great movie even after 23 years or so.


Spoilers****

The version I have, ended when Batty saves Dekard and then he dies. Gaff tells Dekard that he did a Man's job (Was he a replicant?? We wouldn't know) and it is bad that she (Rachael) won't live but then, who does. Dekard goes back to his apartment and takes Rachael and they escape heading to the elevator. Movie ends here. It is weird since this version is not like the three cuts mentioned in IMDB, but it is closer to the third one mentioned there.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 01:03 PM

Trois couleurs: Bleu (93/Krzysztof Kieslowski/France, Poland, Switzerland, UK) 7/10
Unification of Europe, Seeking liberty, Dealing with the past and being blue. This is the first installment of the Trios couleurs trilogy which is about contemporary life of French people and represents the three colors of the French flag. As moody as blue can be, this is the story of a composer and her emotional struggle after loss of her husband and her five year old daughter. Great score and acting. I can't wait to watch the other two movies.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 05:55 PM

A last reminder to those who want to watch Citizen Kane at 4 PM today on TCM.

Afi, have you seen The Decalogue? That's another ten hour film from the same director with a movie for each of the ten commandments. I really wanna see it but haven't found the DVD anywhere.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 06:00 PM

Wow a movie for each of the Ten Commandments!? Thanks for the heads up Don Vercetti. Sounds interesting. I'd love to see it but if it's hard to find I'll most likely not get a chance
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 06:05 PM

From what I've heard, some are not DIRECTLY about the commandments.

Dekalog 5's tagline, "Thou shalt not kill" - a shorter, slightly less graphic version of 'A Short Film About Killing' , but the plot is essentially the same: murder followed by execution, two killings, one illegal, one legal, both hideous.

Dekalog 2, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain". An elderly doctor is approached by a woman with a complicated request. Her husband is gravely ill and may die, and she is pregnant by someone else. If her husband dies, she wants to keep the child, but not otherwise, and she wants the doctor to give him an honest verdict on his chances. But the doctor is disturbed by her request, because his answer will directly affect the life or death of another human being. Is he entitled to play God?

Also, are you watching CK today? You'll be missing arguably the greatest film of all time.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 06:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Afi, have you seen The Decalogue? That's another ten hour film from the same director with a movie for each of the ten commandments. I really wanna see it but haven't found the DVD anywhere.
You must mean Dekalog. Nope, that's a Polish TV series and I'm sure for the life of me I would not be able to find it here. Movies, yes, but TV series? I don't think so.
The only other thing I've seen from this director has been La Double vie de Véronique/The Double Life of Veronique. It was a weird movie. I watched it last year and I've wanted to watch again, but I didn't get a chance.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 06:16 PM

Dekalog is the Polish spelling. I use the differ titles now and then. There is a DVD for it, although it's R1. Although a series, some count it as one of the greatest films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 06:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Also, are you watching CK today? You'll be missing arguably the greatest film of all time.
That still sounds like a very interesting movie. Thanks DV. If you ever find it, let me know please. As for CK, no I will not be watching it just yet. I'm only in the 80s for the AFI list and I wanna work my way down. I want Citizen Kane to be the last movie I watch if possible
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 06:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Dekalog is the Polish spelling. I use the differ titles now and then. There is a DVD for it, although it's R1. Although a series, some count it as one of the greatest films.
Grazie for the pic DV! I found it on Blockbuster Online and added it to my "queue" list. There's a short wait for it (which means I should get it between 2-4 weeks [hopefully]). But when I watch it I'll let you know what I thought of it as usual
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/05 06:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Dekalog is the Polish spelling. I use the differ titles now and then. There is a DVD for it, although it's R1. Although a series, some count it as one of the greatest films.
Sorry about that, I didn't know. So I heard, and I really wish I could find it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 08:34 AM

If you can't find Dekalog (1988) anywhere, check out the feature length films of episodes 5 and 6: A Short Film About Killing and A Short Film About Love. Both are amazing, but the first one is one of the most powerful films ever made. Enjoy the rest of the Trois Coleurs trilogy; they're all brilliant, but I think Blue is my favourite. Colour and framing composition are profound, while Zbigniew Preisner's score, to which the film was edited, is magnificent.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 12:59 PM

Dead Man's Shoes **** (Top 100) (2nd Time)
2004, Meadows, GB
An ex-soldier returns to his rural home town in order to avenge the bullying of his younger, retarded brother.
Brilliantly realised drama which plays like a serial-killer horror (at one point, there is a point-of-view shot behind a gas mask, breathing included). Phenomenal performances and a well-judged tone throughout mark this an endurable tale of revenge, redemption and justice.

Bande à part/Band of Outsiders *** (2nd Time)
1964, Godard, Fr
While caught up in a robbery plan, a young girl is torn between two boy friends.
Entertaining trip into pop culture that should never be taken seriously; the director certainly didn't.

Sib/The Apple **** (1st Time)
1998, Makhmalbaf, Iran
True story of, after twelve years of imprisonment by their father, two twin girls facing the outside world for the first time in their life.
A phenomenal docudrama; simple, humane, and entirely effective, beginning on a haunted note and ending on an uplifting one. There are no theatrics regarding plot, and judgement is left to the audience; the director is restrained throughout.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 05:46 PM

Kieslowski's films interest me A LOT Capo, but sadly I have yet to see one of his in a store.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - (Gilliam;1998;USA) - ***1/2
Hunter S. Thompson under an alias goes with his lawyer to Las Vegas on a drug crazed adventure into the "American Dream."
A great film that Gilliam deserves a lot of credit for being able to bring to the screen. This along with Dead Man is Johnny Depp's best role. Del Toro is also strong in his role. A hilarious film and very well written. (due to Thompson) I can't wait to read the book.
#15
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 06:15 PM

Thanks for the recommendation Mick. I'll look for those to see if I find any of the two.
It's been a long time since I watched an Iranian movie, let alone one of Makhmalbaf's. The last one was Kandahar. Did you watch that one Mick? And if you did what did you think? Unfortunately, I've not seen Sib.
Makhmalbaf is one of the best directors, he often uses regular people in his movies and brings out the best in them. Sometimes, these people become even famous actors and actresses after his movies. Bearing in mind all the problems that a filmmaker would have to go through to be able to screen his/her movie here, his critical view of Iranian society has caused him many problems from government and conservative right. His daughter, Samira seems to be following her dad's job quite well from what I've heard.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 06:50 PM

Basic Instinct (92/Paul Verhoeven/US, France) 8/10

A well-made erotic thriller. A detective is trying to find murderer of a retired rock star. A controversial movie which has many things in common with Vertigo.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 08:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
His daughter, Samira seems to be following her dad's job quite well from what I've heard.
Actually, Afi, it was Samira who directed Sib. Her debut (made when she was a teenager), using leftover film stock from her father's Sokhout of the same year. I'll be seeing Mohsen's A Moment of Innocence later tonight probably. Other than that, I've not seen any Iranian Cinema; but I have seen Samira's opening segment of 11'09''01 - September 11 (2002).

Thanks for reading,
Mick
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 09:42 PM

I actually have been looking for 11'09''01 since your review but couldn't find it yet.

Makhmalbaf's work is not very popular here. The best popular movie from Iranian cinema that I can recommend and I think you might like it is Rang-e khoda/Colour of God by Majid Majidi. This picture is very beautiful and touching. Let me know if you get around to watch it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 10:59 PM

Batman - (Burton;1989;USA) - ***1/2
Driven by the murder of his parents, a disguised man issues justice upon Gotham City's criminals, and a new villain appears: The Joker.
Burton made one of the best comic book movies here. The best thing is the art direction, which gives off a gothic feel that is needed to the city. Many of it's aspects are great, with only a few minor problems with the entire film. This also has an excellent performance from Jack Nicholson, who adds his liveliness to the film. Michael Keaton is great as the Batman. The music is also admirable.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 11:04 PM

I got to the last 20 or so minutes of Casino, and the DVD froze.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 11:08 PM

Anything odd on the disk?
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 11:11 PM

I didn't notice anything odd. The DVD worked fine the whole time, up until about the 158 minute mark. It froze, and jumped to the next scene. So I went back to the previous scene, and it did it again. Now I go to play it, and I can't get neither damn scene on the entire DVD to play!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/05 11:13 PM

Meh. The same happened to me when I bought Dr. Strangelove, which froze 15 minutes into it. They allowed me to bring it back and get another copy. (Spin Street)
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/05 12:08 AM

The Deer Hunter

I had only seen this once before. It was better the second time I will admit, and while I think it is a great movie I also think it is pretty overrated.

10/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/05 01:55 AM

12 Angry Men - (Lumet;1957;USA) - ****
One man tries to convince eleven other jurors that there could be a reasonable doubt in a murder trial.
The whole film is one big debate, and it never gets boring. I loved it even more with this second viewing. Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb are excellent in this film. The other cast members are also strong and Lumet's direction is top notch. One of the most important American films morality-wise. Racism, hypocrisy, character depth. Everything needed is here. Lumet's best from what I've seen.
#71
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/05 02:54 AM

Lost Highway
(1997/David Lynch)
**** out of *****
[First Viewing]

A jazz musician suspects his wife of cheating on him, but neither are prepared for what happens next.

Lynch's surreal and pornographic universe is exploited to great lengths in "Lost Highway". Fans of Lynch, and mainly "Mulholland Dr.", will love it. Everyone else beware.
I can only begin to understand this film, but I imagine the key is in Fred's quote, "I like to remember things my own way .... not necessarily the way they happened."
The cast is excellent, but Robert Blake takes the cake as one of the scariest characters in film history.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/05 03:37 AM

I never saw an ECW show on TV and I was curious to see what the hype was about so I rented The Rise & Fall of ECW and just watched it. It was a lot longer than I expected (close to 3 hours) so I was happy that it finally ended but a great show with interviews from most of the old superstars. I didn't get the special features disc with the matches but the program itself was very informative
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/05 01:07 PM

Noon va Goldoon/Moment of Innocence **** (1st Time)
1995, Makhmalbaf, Iran/Fr/Switz
A former policeman decides to collaborate with the film director who, in the 1970s, stabbed him as a teen, to depict the event again.
A poignant, wonderfully done and metaphorical drama; clever
intertextuality throughout.


Mick
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/05 07:14 PM

Huh, A moment of Innocence is Noon va Goldoon? Why they change the name this much, the original name means Bread and Flowerpot.

The Horse Whisperer (98/Robert Redford/US) 6.5/10

A beautiful picture if you like country life and horses.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/05 02:48 AM

The Apartment #93 on the AFI Top 100 List

All I can say after watching this movie for the first time is WOW! This was an excellent movie and is the first movie on the list that I am actually thinking about buying. I'd never seen Jack Lemmon in his earlier days and I'm glad I did. This movie was very good
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/05 10:40 AM

Dr. Zhivago
9.5/10

Watched it once again yesterday. David Lean became one of my fav. Directors only after seeing this and Lawrence of Arabia. This man was a genius.
Dr. Zhivago is a beautiful epic with a great cast, plot, score and everything what makes a masterpiece. Omar Sharif is great so is Julie Christie. Even if the movie's long with its 192 minutes its never boring. This has to be my fav love story ever in a movie. Even if its not ONLY a love story. Can't wait to see "The Bridge on the River Kwai".
How do others rate David Leans work?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/05 12:01 PM

Mission to Mars - *
Saw it because it had Tim Robbins and director was Brian De Palma. Total crap.Big joke of a movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/05 12:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
How do others rate David Leans work?
I have a lot of Lean's work unseen in my room. I've seen Dr. Zhivago, a sweeping epic which is beautiful to look at but is too slow and overlong. Lean's best work that I've seen is Brief Encounter (1945), a sophisticated romance that has been much repeated and never surpassed; a small theme is given much depth by the two leading performances, the writing, and the technical wizardy of Lean. Modest, British, Masterpiece.

Irishman, I also have The Apartment in my room. I love Wilder. One of the finest directors ever.

Mick
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/05 01:13 PM

Trzy kolory: Bialy (94/Krzysztof Kieslowski/France, Poland, Switzerland, UK ) 8/10

White as doves, wedding dress, snow, a statue and last but not least the second color of French flag that represents equality. Obsession with a woman to the point of doing anything to get even with her. This movie does not have the heavy atmosphere of Bleu, it is much lighter and even has some fun parts which makes it more entertaining.
Posted By: Bubblehead

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/05 07:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
I didn't notice anything odd. The DVD worked fine the whole time, up until about the 158 minute mark. It froze, and jumped to the next scene. So I went back to the previous scene, and it did it again. Now I go to play it, and I can't get neither damn scene on the entire DVD to play!
OH TOO BAD!! THE SECOND PART OF CASINO IS AWESOME!!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/05 08:34 PM

Totally.

Wow, my local film critic gave the same rating for BATMAN BEGINS that I did: **** out of 5.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/05 09:50 PM

I just saw Batman Beings today as well. I thought it was very good. Not as "great" as others have said in the past, but easily better than Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Katie Holmes was good but nothing spectacular and did anyone else feel that Morgan Freeman was a bit out of place? He was good but it was just like, "what's Morgan doing here?" Bale did a great job but I didn't like the fight sequences because they were too fasted pace and the shots were too close up. I will however be purchasing it on DVD and I also felt that Cillian Murphy did a very good job as Dr. Crane/Scarecrow
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 02:24 AM

A Place In The Sun #92 on the AFI Top 100 List

This movie was good as well but not as good as last night's (The Apartment). This was my first Liz Taylor movie to see and at the end it was pretty depressing. Fairly interesting to see if the main character would get away with his crime
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 02:30 AM

Batman Begins was great, I just saw it last night. The action scenes annoyed me since you really didn't know who was doing what most of the time.

also if you go to Loews Theatres you receive a book about batman with your ticket (not sure if they do it in other theatres but 3 groups of people from my job went to 3 different Loews and got it) DON'T READ IT before the movie! I read parts of it before the movie started and even though it's not a spoiler it does give away information which would be better if found out during the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 02:35 AM

Another thing about the movie that I didn't like was that the story was changed from the original 4. I won't give away any specific examples but I was upset that they didn't stay true to the originals
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 02:52 AM

yeah I agree with that Irishman, although I only saw 1 part where the story changed, if there are more can you pm them to me?


** POSSIBLE SPOILER **

The other thing I didn't like is that the ending doesnot really leave room for another movie.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 12:13 PM

Trois couleurs: Rouge (94/Krzysztof Kieslowski/Poland, France, Switzerland) 8.5/10

The last installment of trilogy, Red stands for fraternity in French flag. A humane look into life and destiny and what brings us all together. Very emotional, although not as much as Bleu. Liberty is what everyone is looking for and equality and justice is everyone's wish but put yourself in other's shoes once in a while. Just beautiful.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 02:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonMichaelCorleone:
yeah I agree with that Irishman, although I only saw 1 part where the story changed, if there are more can you pm them to me?


** [b]POSSIBLE SPOILER
**

The other thing I didn't like is that the ending doesnot really leave room for another movie. [/b]
SPOILERS
How so? I thought it left it open perfectly for The Joker's intro into the movie (plus as they said the Scarecrow was never caught). I told my friend about this last night and he got all over me for it but I am used to the story of Jack Napier (aka The Joker) killing Bruce Wayne's parents and not some other bum in an alley. That's what I had the biggest beef with was the change of story. It really wasn't true to the original 4 and he said there were many origins to Batman, which I thought was horrible. I mean, how many different origins are there? How many different origins does Superman have!?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 07:10 PM

Easy Rider #88 on the AFI Top 100 List

I really didn't like this movie. So far this movie and Bringing Up Baby are probably 2 movies that I would not have a desire to see again. Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson were good and the soundtrack was great, but the movie itself just wasn't my kind I guess. I hope Patton is better
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 07:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Easy Rider [b]#88 on the AFI Top 100 List

I really didn't like this movie. So far this movie and Bringing Up Baby are probably 2 movies that I would not have a desire to see again. Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson were good and the soundtrack was great, but the movie itself just wasn't my kind I guess. I hope Patton is better [/b]
Patton is a great film, enjoyable, entertaining, very engrossing, and one of the top acting performances that you will ever see. I think Goerge C Scott was so good in this film that he hurt his career. It is hard to picture him as any other character.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 07:41 PM

So Batman Begins differs in plot from the four "originals"? Didn't Burton's Batman run astray in the first place? In having The Joker kill Wayne's parents? That didn't happen in the comics. I think.

I love Easy Rider (1969). Definitely one of the most important films made of that decade. And the summation of the avant-garde to come.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/05 07:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
So Batman Begins differs in plot from the four "originals"? Didn't Burton's [i]Batman[/u] run astray in the first place? In having The Joker kill Wayne's parents. That didn't happen in the comics. I think.
I was always under the impression that yes the Joker did kill his parents. Now if originally it wasn't him and Burton went astray from the comics from the beginning, then that is news to me
Posted By: beatlewho01-02

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/05 12:00 AM

The Final Cut
9/10

Robin Williams plays this editor of "films" of peoples lives. A new invention called the Zoe chip is implanted at birth and it "films" the person's whole life until death. The editor then edits the footage by taking out the unsavory things that happened in that person's life and the "film" is played for loved ones at a funeral. For a first film, it is certainly quite original. However, right now I wish Robin Williams would go back to comedic roles.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/05 02:02 AM

I was really nervous watching my Casino Anniversary Edition since a couple of members here have had problems with there discs freezing up on them with 20 minutes left in the movie. I'm happy to say that mine didn't freeze and that I enjoyed watching the movie with my ma. A great film, but not better than Goodfellas
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/05 01:06 AM

I have a quick question. On the Four Rooms DVD, who is the blonde woman in the middle of the main menu? I can't figure it out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/05 02:40 AM

Believe it or not it's Marisa Tomei with blonde hair

As for me I just got done watching Nixon. It was very good but also very long. I was asking for it to end rather quickly. Great directing and Anthony Hopkins did a very good job but I'm not that familiar with Nixon and a lot of the story confused me, so I was pretty lost through much of it. Not better than JFK but still a good movie and I'm glad I finally got to see it
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/05 03:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Believe it or not it's Marisa Tomei with blonde hair
Weird. I thought it looked like her, but I figured no way it could really be her because she was blonde. Why'd they do that? Same with Madonna. She's a redhead in the main menu, and she's blonde in the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/05 12:53 PM

Who knows, she's not even in the movie that much (I think it's 1 scene)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/05 04:23 PM

Just read this about a Batman sequel

"Box Office Mojo talked to Warner Bros.' Dan Fellman who says that a Batman Begins sequel is now very likely to happen:

"I think people love the character, and it's been eight years since the franchise unfortunately took a negative turn [with Batman and Robin]," Warner Bros.' head of distribution Dan Fellman told Box Office Mojo. "It took the vision of a filmmaker like Christopher Nolan to bring it back, with a great script and cast. We're well positioned moving forward with the summer. We're going to have a first week of $85 million, and [Batman and Robin] had $59 million. That's enough to bring Batman back for a sequel."

Source SuperHeroHype
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/05 04:25 PM

I think I'm about to watch Once Upon a Time in America. I watched it once before, but because of the length of the film conflicting with my schedule, I haven't had the chance to watch it again. Seeing as I'm off work today, I think I might watch it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/05 05:33 PM

Don Vercetti, just letting you know that I should be gettin The Decalogue - Disc 1 from Blockbuster Online. I'll let you know what I thought of it after I watch it and thanks for the recommendation
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/05 09:01 PM

Irishman, get both discs at once. It's best to watch all ten in a row. I watched it in three sittings, over the course of a day.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 02:05 AM

There's only 2 discs? If that's the case I'll try (the 2nd disc might be out though). As for me I just got back from seeing Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith for the 2nd time. Again, a great movie and it's my favorite Star Wars movie. My 3 favorite movies this year so far have been, in order:

1) Sin City
2) Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
3) Cinderella Man
Posted By: thug

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 03:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
There's only 2 discs? If that's the case I'll try (the 2nd disc might be out though). As for me I just got back from seeing Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith for the 2nd time. Again, a [b]great movie and it's my favorite Star Wars movie. My 3 favorite movies this year so far have been, in order:

1) Sin City
2) Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
3) Cinderella Man [/b]
The R1 Decalogue DVD is three discs, and is the one Blockbuster has. The R2 UK edition, however, is only two.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 03:29 AM

Is the show just on the first 2 discs and special features on disc 3? Or are all the shows spread over the 3 discs?
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 03:35 AM

I decided to watch Casino again, rather than Once Upon a Time in America. That isn't a knock against Once Upon a Time..., but I didn't watch Casino the whole way through last time, on account of my PS2 being a racist prick against my flipper. So I watch it again, and enjoyed more than I did the first time. Sure, roughly 80% of the film is nothing but narrating, and I'll admit, it annoyed me during the first viewing, but I appreciated it more this time. Might as well narrate if you have a good story to tell. I also watched the History Channel special feature on the B-side of the disc, telling the true story of Casino. It was really fascinating, as it had rare interview footage with the man "Ace" Rothstein was based on, Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal.
Posted By: thug

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 04:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Is the show just on the first 2 discs and special features on disc 3? Or are all the shows spread over the 3 discs?
They are spread across all three discs.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 04:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
I also watched the History Channel special feature on the B-side of the disc, telling the true story of Casino. It was really fascinating, as it had rare interview footage with the man "Ace" Rothstein was based on, Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal.
I watched that the other night,very interesting
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 12:43 PM

Diarios de motocicleta aka The Motorcycle Diaries (04/Walter Salles/US, Germany, UK, Argentina, Peru, France) 9/10

Let the world change you and you can change the world.

This isn't a tale of heroic feats. It's about two lives running parallel for a while.

How is it possible to feel nostalgia for a world I never knew?


This story is about two different personalities, Ernesto Guevara before he becomes "Che" and Alberto Granado and their trek to explore their land, South America, which they have only read in books. The only thing they have in common is passion for adventure. This trip affects them spiritually as they go further. The story keeps itself beautifully out of politics and is very humane thanks to brilliant acting of Gael García Bernal and Rodrigo De la and great directing of Walter Salles.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 01:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by thug:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Is the show just on the first 2 discs and special features on disc 3? Or are all the shows spread over the 3 discs?
They are spread across all three discs. [/b][/quote]Ok thanks. I put the 2nd one on mine listed so hopefully they send it today to me. When I watch my movie tonight and send it out tomorrow I might ask for the 3rd disc as well. Thanks again for the info
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 01:38 PM

I recently watched Chicago. I was reluctant, since
normally I'm not crazy about musicals (with some exceptions, of course). Well, I must admit the movie is definitely good and the two ladies (Zeta Jones and Zellweger) are with no doubts talented. On the contrary, I did not like Gere so much. I don't know....I still relate him to the dreamy hot American Gigolo of my adolescence and watching him singing and dancing with a sort of a dumb expression on his face kind of irritates me.....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 01:39 PM

Geez, look's what I just read about the Batman Begins sequel SPOILERS

"The rumor mill already suggests one of the cast members will not be returning. According to The New York Post, Katie Holmes won't be reprising her role as A.D.A. Rachel Dawes, Bruce Wayne's love interest, because Warners is steamed over all the press her relationship with Tom Cruise is getting instead of the film.

"Everyone is in agreement that the movie's strength is with Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman," claims Page Six. "The next romantic interest will be a much stronger actress. ... Warner is happy that people are now focusing on who'll be playing the Joker rather than Katie and Tom."
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 01:41 PM

oh...and I watched The hours, too. Great movie. Depressing and suicide instigating, but great!
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 06:55 PM

Ugh, Lavi, I can't tell how much Chicago irritated me. I couldn't seat through.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 07:03 PM

Requiem for a Dream ** (1st Time)
2000, Aronofsky, US
Four people on Coney Island struggle with drug addictions
Fast-paced drama with a hands-on frenetic editing style which matches the monotonous trap of drug addiction; whether the audience will like it is another matter.

American History X ** (2nd Time)
1998, Kaye, US
A racist neo-Nazi changes his way of life after a reform in prison.
Gritty, tense, and viciously moving drama; Norton leads a one-man show on the theme of redemption, with a cynical ending.

Thanks for reading,
Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 07:54 PM

Both good movies Capo. I liked American History X better naturally, but Requriem was good as well
Posted By: Don Corpuzzi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/05 11:26 PM

On Saturday night I watched Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle after my buddies and I came home from a wedding. Then on Sunday I watched EuroTrip, which was full of nudity, so I was cool with it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/05 01:48 AM

Eurotrip was hiliarous compared to Harold & Kumar IMO (even though I own both of them on DVD).

Telling You was the movie of the night tonight. I mostly rented it because Miss Jennifer Love Hewitt was in it but I was disappointed with her lack of camera time. The movie is only an hour and a half and in the first hour she was only in 3 scences! Still a pretty funny movie with good performances from Jennifer Love Hewitt, Peter Facinelli, Dash Mihok, Matthew Lillard, plus a nice cameo from Jennie Garth.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/05 02:11 AM

Anyone here a Blues Brothers fan?

It's always been a big favorite of mine, but I just thought to ask about it here. I also like BB2000 (probably one of the few), because it also has wonderful music, but it doesn't even compare to the original. Just wondering if any of y'all like the movie or the songs from it...
Posted By: TheSicilian123

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/05 02:26 AM

I just watched this movie called The Godfather , has anyone on the BB heard of it? We all know how good it was so I wont post any coments
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/05 12:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSicilian123:
I just watched this movie called The Godfather , has anyone on the BB heard of it? We all know how good it was so I wont post any coments
Nice one
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/05 08:04 PM

Paris, Texas ** (1st Time)
1984, Wenders, Fr/WGer
After being missing for four years, a long lost brother returns to his former life in search of his wife and son.
Decidedly odd tale of undying love and family; it is absolutely extraordinary to look at and listen to.

Fargo **** (Top 15) (7th Time)
1996, Coen, US
A husband deep in debt has his wife kidnapped, but his plan backfires.
Sweeping and absorbing thriller stroke drama with many memorable scenes which range from a warm husband-and-wife bedtime conversation to a random shooting on a remote road; with witty dialogue, sizzling performances and admirable photography, it's flawless on almost every level.

Mick
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/05 08:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
Anyone here a Blues Brothers fan?

It's always been a big favorite of mine, but I just thought to ask about it here. I also like BB2000 (probably one of the few), because it also has wonderful music, but it doesn't even compare to the original. Just wondering if any of y'all like the movie or the songs from it...
One of my favorites. Though I didn't like BB2K all that much...
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/05 08:37 PM




The Blues Brothers (1980, Landis,USA 133 min.) ***1/2

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd star in this classic about two brothers, one newly released from prison, trying to form their old band together to make five thousand dollars to save the orphanage they grew up in. Filled with excellent music and the incredibly talented Blues Brothers Band, which features such musicians as Steve "The Colonel" Cropper and Alan "Mr. Fabulous" Rubin. Excellent chase scenes, Coppers, Nazis and Rednecks, oh my! Alot of cameos including James Brown, Steven Speilberg, Aretha Franklin and many more, this makes up one of the best musicals, and comedies, ever.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/05 08:58 PM




Dog Day Afternoon (1975, Lumet, USA 124 min.) ***

The robbery should've taken 10 minutes. 4 hours later, the bank was like a circus sideshow. 8 hours later, it was the hottest thing on live T.V. 12 hours later, it was all history. And it's all true.

Al Pacino and John Cazale (don't we know them from somewhere? ) star in this film about a homosexual and his accomplice trying to get cash for his lover's operation. Frank Pierson delivers an Academy Award winning screenplay, and Sidney Lumet directs this comedy/thriller about this "well planned heist" which is based on a true story. This film garnered six Academy Award nominations, and Al Pacino delivers an excellent performance. (As usual )

"So what country do you want to go to?"

"Wyoming"

"Sal, Wyoming's not a country."
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 12:37 AM

Thanks for the nice Blues Bros. review, Don_Andrew.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 01:03 AM

Does anybody know what language The Decalogue is in? I just watched the first episode with my ma and it was pretty good. Kinda looking forward to the rest of them
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 02:19 AM

Goddamn it I hate catching up with a week of unread posts.

The Decalogue is a Polish series, so naturally Polish I would think. Eurotrip is one of the worst films I've seen of the last few years. I have to rewatch all the Batman sequels this week before the new one.

I'll post my few proviews of the last week in a few minutes.

Capo, SPOILERS
In Burton's Batman, The Joker kills the parents. In the comic books, the character is referred to as Joe Chill (not Joker). Burton changed the character for the effect of the character I guess.
SPOILERS END
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 02:25 AM

I heard that Paul Bettany might play The Joker in a sequel to Batman Begins. He's 1 of the 3 names mentioned
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 02:30 AM

I heard the new Batman is the most psychologically deep of all comic book films, and if so, I hate that they are trying to capitalize on the money with this shit.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 03:25 AM

Out to Sea - (Coolidge;1997;USA) - **1/2
A broke gambler convinces his friend to go on a cruise with him, not telling him they have to be dance hosts on the ship.
A fun comedy featuring the grumpy old men. Although it's a very enjoyable movie, it's just a scrambled version of Grumpy Old Men.

Gladiator - (Scott;2000;UK/USA) - ****
After the emperor is killed by his ambitious son, a general's family is murdered, and he is reduced to slavery and soon becomes a gladiator while plotting revenge.
Everything an epic should be, from it's beautiful shots to the great acting and music. Although I'm mostly against CGI, it's used as it's needed here, like paintings were used in old school epics. A wonderful film that is strong in it's aspects.
In Favorites.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 04:21 PM

Alexander (04/Oliver Stone/USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands) 4/10

I couldn't enjoy this movie because most of storyline went against what I knew. The capital of Persia was not in Babylon but in Persepolis inside today's Iran. After Alexander took over Syria, he came to Persepolis killing any man in the way. He also sat Persepolise Palace on fire. I couldn't believe Stone didn't include this part in the movie and pictured all the Old Persian Empire in Babylon, where was merely a great city ruled by Persian Empire. Ruins of Takhte Jamshid (Persepolise) 70 km northeast of Shiraz shows evidence of being destroyed in fire. All those engravings in stones can still be seen there after 2500 years.



Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 07:16 PM

Wow, Afi, thanx for the insight! It's great!
As to the movies... They oftener screw history than not.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 09:05 PM

Batman Returns - (Burton;1992;USA) - ****
Three new people cause problems in Gotham City: The Penguin, Catwoman, and Max Schreck.
Burton brings a superior sequel to the original Batman. The beautiful art direction with Danny Elfman's score create a mesmerizing comic book film that also sports a great and lively cast. The masterpiece to come from a comic book that has everything it needs. The only problem in it is the poor dialogue in several scenes. Burton's black humor is present again.
Posted By: Al.Neri

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 10:02 PM

I saw "The Negotiator" with Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey. Very good!
http://www.play.com/play247.asp?pa=srmr&page=title&r=R2&title=2114
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/05 10:45 PM

Fitzcarraldo ** (1st Time)
1981, Herzog, Peru/WGer
Against all odds, an ambitious Irishman attempts to haul a steamboat from one river to another over a hill, in order to establish an opera house deep in the Peruvian jungle.
The film is perhaps more ambitious than the madman it depicts; it gains much from Kinski's wonderful performance, as ever, but it also overlong and needlessly slow.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 01:21 AM

Just got done with watch the first disc (first 3 episodes) of The Decalogue. It's been pretty good. The first episode was good but the last 2 haven't been that great. Overall I'm not that impressed with the show but I'll continue to watch it
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 01:51 AM

just watched American Beauty today. I hadn't seen it since it was released back in 99 when I was 12 and didn't know how to really apreciate it. this second viewing made this movie jump in my rankings, especially because Sam Mendes directing. - the scenes when Lester has "sexual trips" with Angela are all great, as the whole movie. I thought the acting was ok, and didn't see anything that special in Kevin Spacey's performance-don't get me wrong, I like the guy and he IS the movie itself, but his acting wasn't one of the major points that made me like this film. also, American Beauty is WAY better than Road to Perdition (the other Sam Mendes' film) in my opinion. one of the best from the 90's for sure.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 03:46 AM

I also agree that American Beauty is a better film than Road To Perdition. As for me I just watched Coyote Ugly. I had never seen the whole movie and I actually kinda liked it. It wasn't the worst movie I've seen (nor was it the best) but it wasn't as bad as others made it out to be. John Goodman was still his humerous self. I'm glad I bought it on DVD
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 07:16 PM

I watched the Coyote Ugly special features today and they were pretty good. Not that many and they weren't that long (less than 30 minutes total) but some nice behind the scenes stuff
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 07:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
just watched American Beauty today. I hadn't seen it since it was released back in 99 when I was 12 and didn't know how to really apreciate it. this second viewing made this movie jump in my rankings, especially because Sam Mendes directing. - the scenes when Lester has "sexual trips" with Angela are all great, as the whole movie. I thought the acting was ok, and didn't see anything that special in Kevin Spacey's performance-don't get me wrong, I like the guy and he IS the movie itself, but his acting wasn't one of the major points that made me like this film. also, American Beauty is WAY better than Road to Perdition (the other Sam Mendes' film) in my opinion. one of the best from the 90's for sure.
Did you like the scene with the floating plastic bag? And how this is used later with a voice-over. I liked it a lot.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 07:39 PM

Alphaville, une étrange aventure de Lemmy Caution/Alphaville ** (1st Time)
1965, Godard, Fr
In the future, an intergalactic secret agent visits a city run by a computer machine in search of his predecessor.
Lacking the pretentious wisdom and genuine cinematic brauvra found elsewhere in the director's work, this is nevertheless an enjoyable romp from start to finish.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 07:49 PM

American Beauty is definitely better then Road to Perdition. However, RTP itself is a great film that should be noted, especially on it's cinematography.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 08:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[quote]Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[b] just watched American Beauty today. I hadn't seen it since it was released back in 99 when I was 12 and didn't know how to really apreciate it. this second viewing made this movie jump in my rankings, especially because Sam Mendes directing. - the scenes when Lester has "sexual trips" with Angela are all great, as the whole movie. I thought the acting was ok, and didn't see anything that special in Kevin Spacey's performance-don't get me wrong, I like the guy and he IS the movie itself, but his acting wasn't one of the major points that made me like this film. also, American Beauty is WAY better than Road to Perdition (the other Sam Mendes' film) in my opinion. one of the best from the 90's for sure.
Did you like the scene with the floating plastic bag? And how this is used later with a voice-over. I liked it a lot. [/b][/quote]of course I liked that. it was one of the most beautiful "last scenes" I have ever seen.

well, I have two questions for those who have watched the movie ( SPOILERS!!! )

1 - do you think Lt. Batts was gay all along?

2 - do you think Carolyn actually saw Lester dead when she arrived at home?
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 08:09 PM

my thoughts on that:

1 - I don't think Lt. Batts was gay. look at the schocking expression he has on his face when he goes to meet Lester in the garage. I don't think a gay would get this freaked out because he's about to kiss another guy. I think finding out (in his head) that Ricky is gay made him a little crazy for a moment, and that he actually didn't know what he was doing in the garage. he was confused, trying to understand his son, and that unleashed the gay inside him, but I don't think we have any reason to believe Lt. Batts is gay.

2 - no I don't think Carolyn knew... she didn't look like someone who had just seen his husband dead, although she did look shocked. I think she was a little messed up at all, thinking about killing Lester and all that stuff, and that's why she was so freaked out. I also think she hugged Lester's clothes because she started to think about getting back with him.

* I'm down with my opinion on #1, but #2 is still just an idea, and I know I might be wrong
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/05 10:36 PM

Regarding your first American Beauty question, Tony, (with spoilers):
I think Batts was gay. I think that's the whole, underlying source to the whole dysfunction of the Batts family. A family secret, with the wife standing by her husband only because he wants her to conceal his own homosexuality. He was gay and he knew it, but he hated himself for it. He hated his own guts, and then when he suspected his own son of being gay, he flipped. Not being able to live with himself after being rejected by Lester, not being able to be his neighbour after that incident, he simply killed him. Who knows what happened after that...perhaps he killed himself. Not that it matters.

Thanks for reading,
Mick
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 12:42 AM

A small question about Once upon a time in the west -

Mrs.McBain - why did she sleep with Frank?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 01:14 AM

I just got done watching the Casino special features. They were very good and informative. My favorite was the History channel special on Sam 'Ace' Rothstein
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 01:20 AM

Directed to those speaking of American Beauty -

Batts? The character's name was Fitts. :p
I'm surprised I remember that... I haven't watched the film in ages.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 02:06 AM

Fame, Mrs. McBain was willing to do anything to keep from being killed, including using her body.

Bullitt - (Yates;1968;USA) - ****
After the witness he was protecting is killed, Frank Bullitt tries to find those responsible, while being bothered by a politician who only cares about his public image.
This and Dirty Harry are among the best cop thrillers ever, if not the two best. This was made first, and along with the Siegel film, it proves to be not only a very influential film, but an intelligent one at that. From the opening credits to the perfect ending scene, this is an excellent film. Steve McQueen also proves to be an icon of cool. He fits his character perfectly in every way. The Charger-Mustang chase is also one of the best chases ever, and a classic scene itself.
#14
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 03:40 AM

I FINALLY got Lady Snowblood in the mail today through Blockbuster Online. I was so excited to see this movie and it didn't disappoint at all. I was a little upset because the disc freeze twice so I had to skip some stuff (only about 5 minutes or so) but I still really enjoyed the movie. It's very easy to see how this movie influenced Quentin and Kill Bill Vol. 1 with the excessive blood, music, storyline, chapter titles, etc. Any fan of Kill Bill Vol. 1, I HIGHLY suggest getting your hands on this DVD. Now I just gotta try to buy this puppy
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 05:55 AM

I just watched Apocalypse Now for the 3rd time. Toward the end of it, I just began to truly realize how unbelievably insane that movie is.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 03:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I just watched Apocalypse Now for the 3rd time. Toward the end of it, I just began to truly realize how unbelievably insane that movie is.
It is perhaps the greatest movie on the Viet Nam war era. I still need to see Apocalypse Now Reduex, which is a director's cut of sorts.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 05:53 PM

Dead Man's Shoes **** (Top 100) (3rd Time)
2004, Meadows, GB
An ex-soldier returns to his rural home town in order to avenge the bullying of his younger, retarded brother.
Brilliantly realised drama which plays like a serial-killer horror (at one point, there is a point-of-view shot behind a gas mask, breathing included). Phenomenal performances and a well-judged tone throughout mark this an endurable tale of revenge, redemption and justice.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 06:46 PM

Bullitt - (Yates;1968;USA) - ***1/2
After the witness he was protecting is killed, Frank Bullitt tries to find those responsible, while being bothered by a politician who only cares about his public image.
Although I still enjoyed it just as much in the second viewing, paying more attention to the plot it seemed to be less impressive. The bulk of the film's greatness comes from McQueen, the car chase, and a nice direction to support it. The plot was only good. Still this is a must-see for the good qualities it does have, including the San Francisco cinematography. A great classic crime film I'm glad to have recommended to me, with a more noticeably classic car chase that William Friedkin probably had inspiration from.
#14
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 06:49 PM

Identity (03/James Mangold/US) 6/10

An entertaining horror/mystery/thriller that has an interesting plot.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 06:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[b]Identity (03/James Mangold/US) 6/10

An entertaining horror/mystery/thriller that has an interesting plot. [/b]
Which I think shouldn't be credited for, since the film is supposedly a remake of not one, but two films. :p
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 06:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Which I think shouldn't be credited for, since the film is supposedly a remake of not one, but two films. :p
You mean Ten Little Indians and Murder on the Orient Express?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 07:33 PM

The first, but I don't know about the latter. The other film is And Then There Were None.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 07:40 PM

Vercetti, And Then There Were None (1945) is the same film as Ten Little Indians (also known as Ten Little ******s, the third word of which will probably be censored).

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 07:47 PM

This film is the same as Ten Little Indians/Ni***rs?

http://imdb.com/title/tt0037515/

EDIT: I didn't see your "1945"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 07:51 PM

I've just done some research, and there's also a 1965 version of Ten Little Indians.

Mick
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 07:56 PM

Yes, those two titles are the same. Ten Little Indians aka And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express are both great movies but the twist in this movie was new to me and I'd not seen such a thing in those movies.

******spoiler***********

The idea of those people getting killed one by one by room keys being in their side when found dead might have been the same as the first movie. The fact that they were all connected is like Murder on the Orient Express. The rest was pretty new to me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/05 09:18 PM

The Longest Yard was the movie of the day for my ma and myself. I had been wanting to see this for some time because I really think the last Adam Sandler movie that I saw in the theater was Mr. Deeds, so it was good to see an Adam Sandler movie in the theater again. I'm happy that it stayed in the theater this weekend. It was pretty funny but I wouldn't say it was nearly as good as Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore (which I had heard prior to viewing this film). It'll be out on DVD in September and I'll be buying it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/05 02:43 AM

Collateral - (Mann;2004;USA) - ***1/2
A nihilistic, sociopath hitman forces a cabbie to drive him around to complete 5 contracts.
Visually wonderful, well written crime thriller. Michael Mann brings us one of the best Neo-Noir's of the last several years, and one of the best films of 2004. Tom Cruise is great in his role as the icy hitman. Jamie Fox proves he can act, a step higher then he did in Ali and Any Given Sunday. The music is great as is the dialogue.
#2

Sometime this week I'll be writing a new review since my last one was written based off of theater memory and a bad copy with damaged audio.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/05 06:50 AM

Yesterday I watched "Matchstick Man" with Nicolas Cage. Definitely not a masterpiece, but nice. BTW, I still can't tell if Nicolas Cage is actually a good actor or just a decent one. I think this time he was outstanding in the role, but I could be biased by his fascinating staring bleu eyes.... :p
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/05 07:25 AM

I watched You've Got Mail on TV today, and though I'd seen it several times before, I've just really developed a great appreciation for it this time around. I love Tom Hanks, and Meg Ryan is just adorable. They make such a great on screen couple, and the movie is just so sweet. It's got funny parts in addition to the romance, and I really enjoy the mix. (Even a few GF references... ) I guess I was in the mood for chick flicks tonight, because I'm now watching Sleepless in Seattle on and off, and I'm just sitting alone sniffling.

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
but I could be biased by his fascinating staring bleu eyes.... :p
I must agree, Lavi! Though I haven't seen that movie, I loved him in Moonstruck.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/05 08:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
I watched You've Got Mail on TV today, and though I'd seen it several times before, I've just really developed a great appreciation for it this time around. I love Tom Hanks, and Meg Ryan is just adorable. They make such a great on screen couple, and the movie is just so sweet. It's got funny parts in addition to the romance, and I really enjoy the mix. (Even a few GF references... ) I guess I was in the mood for chick flicks tonight, because I'm now watching Sleepless in Seattle on and off, and I'm just sitting alone sniffling.
WOW, they are two of my fav romantic comedies ever, Gina! Especially You got mail, it's soooooooooo cute!!! I agree, Gina, Tom and Meg make a great on screen couple. I wonder why Meg wanted to make such a change with "In the cut"...I understand she did not like to be labelled once and for all as America's sweetie and wanted to change...but that playing role was a mistake, IMO.

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
I loved him in Moonstruck.
Ah....the flour-drenched sexiest baker in movie history!!!
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/05 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
WOW, they are two of my fav romantic comedies ever, Gina! Especially You got mail, it's soooooooooo cute!!! I agree, Gina, Tom and Meg make a great on screen couple. I wonder why Meg wanted to make such a change with "In the cut"...I understand she did not like to be labelled once and for all as America's sweetie and wanted to change...but that playing role was a mistake, IMO.
I'm watching Sleepless now, and I think You've Got Mail is definitely my favorite of the two. I still love the story for Sleepless, and I'm enjoying it, but all I've done is cry (and laugh a bit)! I hadn't heard of In the Cut until you mentioned it, and I looked it up. I think she was perfect as America's sweetheart, so it's sad to see she changed over like that.

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
Ah....the flour-drenched sexiest baker in movie history!!!
Oh, yes! My parents were the ones who had me watch it, and I had no idea what it was going to be like, but he immediately caught my attention.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/05 09:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
Yesterday I watched "Matchstick Man" with Nicolas Cage. Definitely not a masterpiece, but nice. BTW, I still can't tell if Nicolas Cage is actually a good actor or just a decent one. I think this time he was outstanding in the role, but I could be biased by his fascinating staring bleu eyes.... :p
He is a great actor and did a great job in Matchstick Men. I really enjoyed this movie.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/05 09:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
I wonder why Meg wanted to make such a change with "In the cut"...I understand she did not like to be labelled once and for all as America's sweetie and wanted to change...but that playing role was a mistake, IMO.
What was wrong with In the Cut? I think it was an entertaining horror/thriller.
Posted By: pacino princess

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/05 06:53 PM

I liked In The Cut, but I agree, Meg Ryan does romantic comedies like nobody's business.
On another topic- I just saw Full Metal Jacket for the first time ever and as you may imagine- was BLOWN AWAY by it. What an awesome film-and it never received an academy award? That's crazy. That Vincent D'onofrio was amazing-he was totally creepy the whole time and freaked me out! Someone I love was in the Marine Corp for about 22 yrs, he's retired now and so I was curious to watch it-because it's one of his favorites. I was very surprised to see how much I liked it. It was hardcore, raw, realistic, and kept me interested and attentive the whole movie.

BULLSHIT! Sound off like you gotta pair! love this film.

PP
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 01:23 AM

I watched "Midnight Run" today, what you think about it? I can say it's a pretty entertaing movie, very well-done and well-acted (De Niro is great again), no more than that. I'd give it a 7,5 out of 10 rating.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 01:57 AM

Spellbound - (Hitchcock;1945;USA) - ***1/2
A psychiatrist tries to help a man with amnesia find out what happened to the doctor he was pretending to be and why he's troubled by a past he can't remember.
Another classy mystery from the master. Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman have very good chemistry. Although the ending seemed to be a little rushed, it's still a great Hitchcock film. Recommended to fans of him. The film also features a very good score and nice dream sequence done by Salvador Dalí, who seems to be one of the popular surrealists. Another great direction.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 07:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
What was wrong with In the Cut? I think it was an entertaining horror/thriller.
I think Meg Ryan was totally miscast as the frustrated sex-obsessed teacher in this pretentious noir. As I wrote before, I understand an actress may need to change the kind of movies she plays in and possibly Meg wanted to show us a darker side of her talent. But she got those bright bleu eyes, that light face, that sunny smile...I don't know...I felt she (not unlike we, the public) was not at ease in those turbid, ambiguously perverted atmospheres. The film itself is of course well directed by the Oscar winner Jane Campion, but the plot is far from being original. Predictable and "already seen-like", it left me as cool as a cucumber. Where was the thriller?
I do hope Meg will soon come back to a romantic comedy movie. I understand she is not 30 anymore, but who cares when she enlightens the whole screen with that smile? Leave oral sex scenes to other actresses, you don't need to prove anything, Meg.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 07:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by pacino princess:
I just saw Full Metal Jacket for the first time ever and as you may imagine- was BLOWN AWAY by it.
A great movie. Absolutely!
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 01:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
I think Meg Ryan was totally miscast as the frustrated sex-obsessed teacher in this pretentious noir. As I wrote before, I understand an actress may need to change the kind of movies she plays in and possibly Meg wanted to show us a darker side of her talent. But she got those bright bleu eyes, that light face, that sunny smile...I don't know...I felt she (not unlike we, the public) was not at ease in those turbid, ambiguously perverted atmospheres. The film itself is of course well directed by the Oscar winner Jane Campion, but the plot is far from being original. Predictable and "already seen-like", it left me as cool as a cucumber. Where was the thriller?
I do hope Meg will soon come back to a romantic comedy movie. I understand she is not 30 anymore, but who cares when she enlightens the whole screen with that smile? Leave oral sex scenes to other actresses, you don't need to prove anything, Meg.
Funny, I think she was miscast in Sleepless in Seattle or maybe the whole movie was cheesy and no one could have saved it anyway. Okay, I think I'm gay but I hated this movie and I think In the Cut was way better than the former mentioned.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 03:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
Funny, I think she was miscast in Sleepless in Seattle or maybe the whole movie was cheesy and no one could have saved it anyway. Okay, I think I'm gay but I hated this movie and I think In the Cut was way better than the former mentioned.
:rolleyes: Sleepless in Seattle is one of my fav sappy tear jerking chick flicks ever!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 05:35 PM

Deliverance - (Boorman;1972;USA) - ***1/2
Four big city men go on a camping trip on the Cahulawassee River and are put up against the elements and redneck locals.
A great and often disturbing film that features a few good performances. The film is well filmed and has wonderful cinematography. What I like the most about this film is that rather then a simple ending, the film goes on to show disturbing memories don't go away. Not your typical adventure/drama.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 06:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Deliverance - (Boorman;1972;USA) - ***1/2
Four big city men go on a camping trip on the Cahulawassee River and are put up against the elements and redneck locals.
A great and often disturbing film that features a few good performances. The film is well filmed and has wonderful cinematography. What I like the most about this film is that rather then a simple ending, the film goes on to show disturbing memories don't go away. Not your typical adventure/drama. [/b]
How can you forget the most amazing banjo duel? Get the soundtrack,its amazing!

DV, about OUATITW...are you sure she slept with Frank to stay alive?
Wasnt she safe until the auction? ...wasnt he waiting for her to start the auction so he could buy off the land?

Which brings me to another question....

She hired Harmonica and Cheyenne...but did she know/plan Harmonica's move to turn over Cheyenne and then buy the land with the money?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 07:05 PM

I don't know if she knew about that. But as for her and Frank, I think him appearing at the auction was a plan B. If he killed her, the company would probably muscle whoever got the land.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/05 08:12 PM

Une femme est une femme/A Woman is a Woman *** (1st Time)
1960, Godard, Fr
A stiptease performer in Paris turns to her neighbour after her lover refuses to give her a baby.
Exuberant, endlessly playful homage to Hollywood musicals; every scene boasts energy of which only Godard and few others are capable.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 01:43 AM

Mystic River - (Eastwood;2003;USA) - ***1/2
Three childhood friends are reunited by one's tragedy.
Although still a very compelling drama, it's overlong and the parade ending should've been cut. Eastwood's score is great along with the acting, especially from Penn.
#91
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 02:03 AM

Me and me ma watched Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events tonight and I'm glad. Ever since I started to watch this movie I told my ma that she needed to watch it and finally my brother rented it for us from Blockbuster. She liked it but not as much as me
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 03:53 AM

The Suburbans was a pointless movie
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 06:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Mystic River - (Eastwood;2003;USA) - ***1/2
Three childhood friends are reunited by one's tragedy.
Although still a very compelling drama, it's overlong and the parade ending should've been cut. Eastwood's score is great along with the acting, especially from Penn.
#91 [/b]
well I really liked this movie! anyway, the parade ending is actually kinda useless and annoys many people!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 06:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
it's overlong and the parade ending should've been cut.
well I [b]really liked this movie! anyway, the parade ending is actually kinda useless and annoys many people! [/b][/quote]the parade ending is not useless, IMO. I think it is symbolic. I interpret it as the existence (or coexistence) of drama below a joyful surface.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 06:47 AM

SPOILERS>>>just watched "The Usual Suspects". well I think I don't need to tell you how great this movie is. another amazing acting from Kevin Spacey, one of the greatest plot twists ever, and maybe thee greatest last scene ever. Kevin Spacey/Keyser Soze saying "he's gone, just like that" was really cool. I totally recommend.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 02:44 PM

As for Mystic river, I liked it too (the end), but new viewings make me realize how useless it is. The film should've faded away from Sean Penn walking with his arms open in the street to the panning of the river. The End. To Me, at least.

The Usual Suspects, a film I love. However I found out recently that it wasn't written by Singer, which was a big blow to how I think of him, since it was thw writing that made the film. Still a great film noneoftheless.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 05:49 PM

Sin City (05/Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino/US) 7/10

This is a male fantasy full of babes, blood and violence for those who can't read. However cinematography is dazzling, actually the contrast of selected colors on black and white looks cool and new. This is one step closer to Tarantino for Rodriguez but not just that good yet. The narration is mind numbing, unnecessary for this media and disturbing. I'd liked to see what this movie could have been if it had used the capacity of its own media instead of narration.

Spoiler
My favorite part is when Dwight is taking to the dead Jacky Boy in the car. That's the funniest part. Ironically, I found out that's the part Tarantino directed! End of Spoiler


Captain Corelli\'s Mandolin (01/John Madden/UK, France, USA) 6.5/10

Those who have read the book seem to hate this movie. I'd not and I really enjoyed it. The thing I didn't like though was the usage of accent when they couldn't pull it off well. Otherwise this is a story about love, ups and downs of life and war set on a Greek island during WWII.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 05:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[b]Sin City (05/Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino/US) 7/10

This is a male fantasy full of babes, blood and violence for those who can't read. However cinematography is dazzling, actually the contrast of selected colors on black and white looks cool and new. This is one step closer to Tarantino for Rodriguez but not just that good yet. The narration is mind numbing, unnecessary for this media and disturbing. I'd liked to see what this movie could have been if it had used the capacity of its own media instead of narration.
[/b]
From what I hear, the narration was put in because the movie is supposed to be made in the Film-Noir style, the films of which usually have famous narrations such as Double Indemnity.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 05:58 PM

While I've not seen Double Indemnity I can assume safely that it is close to Sunset Blvd. Sin City in no way is anything close to that class of Noir. It is more like a well made cheap bloody comedy.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 06:01 PM

I'm just saying the intent. The intent is a Film-Noir. I haven't seen it so I can't comment if it appears so.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 08:18 PM

The French Connection - (Friedkin;1971;USA) - ****
Two cops investigate drug smuggling coming from France.
An excellent, gritty cop film. Hackman, Rey, and Scheider are all great in their roles. The film shouldn't have won best picture, but it's still a classic cop thriller that has a great direction from Friedkin, creating his best film.The chase scene however is a little overrated and not superior to Bullitt's. The music is also a delight, in some cases sounding like odd Jazz.
#94
Posted By: TheSicilian123

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/05 08:31 PM

The Godson
I found it for $6. Its a really funny flick and I couldn't stop when I saw Don E. Brasco. This movie well just Faggetabutit (sry I had to)
Taking Lives
I saw pits and peaces of it on tv and at frends houses (the sex sence ) But this is the first time I sat down and watched it. I think the best part is when he kicks the kid infront of the car.
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 04:21 AM

The Aviator

Excellent and inspiring story about the life of Howard Hughes. The movie was exciting, beautiful, and even disturbing at times. Dicaprio has finally proved himself to me as a great actor.

10/10
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 07:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by raggingbull2003:
Dicaprio has finally proved himself to me as a great actor.
I think he is a great actor at least since 1993 when he played in "This Boy's Life" (starring a super DeNiro, as well) and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", both excellent movies, in which young Leo shows all his talent. Critics may have not "forgiven" him for becoming a superstar after "Titanic", but he obviously was a great actor nonetheless. IMO, of course.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 08:31 AM

Irish, have you given up on Dekalog?

Mick
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 08:43 AM

Hey Capo have you seen this.Its a pile of S**t


Legion of the dean
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 09:37 AM

De Niro, I don't think I've ever seen a film rated below 5 on IMDb. Thanks for the recommendation!

Mick
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 11:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by raggingbull2003:
[b] Dicaprio has finally proved himself to me as a great actor.
I think he is a great actor at least since 1993 when he played in "This Boy's Life" (starring a super DeNiro, as well) and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", both excellent movies, in which young Leo shows all his talent. Critics may have not "forgiven" him for becoming a superstar after "Titanic", but he obviously was a great actor nonetheless. IMO, of course. [/b][/quote]I feel he was only a good actor then... Nothing better. It's about time he stepped up from the retarded little boy he was in those days.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 01:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irish, have you given up on Dekalog?

Mick
I was just going to post about that before reading this. Yes I have. I watched the first disc (3 episodes) and I got the 2nd disc through Blockbuster Online on Monday but sent it right back out because I wasn't in the mood to watch it. Maybe one day I'll continue it but as of now I doubt it. The first episode was good but 2 & 3 just didn't do it for me
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 04:36 PM

I am hoping to see "War Of The Worlds" this weekend. I know I just posted I'd like to see King Kong. Guess I'm in the mood for Sci-Fi/horror movies.

Anyway, it opened yesterday. Has anyone seen it yet?


TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 05:08 PM

Le Cercle Rouge - (Melville;1970;France/Italy) - ****
Two criminals, one released and another escaped join with an alcoholic ex-cop to plan a jewelry heist.
Very easily could've been better then Le Samourai, although as a thriller it's just a little bit less effective then the other. Still, this is an excellent film that is among the best crime films ever. The cast is top notch from Delon to Volonte and Montand. The music and gritty cinematography give the film a wonderful atmosphere. A must-see for any fan of Tarantino or Mann.
#14
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 07:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I am hoping to see "War Of The Worlds" this weekend. I know I just posted I'd like to see King Kong. Guess I'm in the mood for Sci-Fi/horror movies.

Anyway, it opened yesterday. Has anyone seen it yet?


TIS
I just got done seeing it. I was disappointed because the original plan was for The Fantastic Four to open up yesterday and I was going to see it today (my birthday), but because Fox didn't want to compete with The War of the Worlds they decided to move it back to July 8. However, I am glad that I saw The War of the Worlds today because it was great. Every review that I have seen or read gave it at least 3 stars and I do too. It's probably my second favorite "alien" movie, behind only Independence Day but the movie is very fast paced and keeps you entertained throughout. There's not really any slow parts which is good and the usual great performances from Tom and Dakota
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 07:21 PM

Ebert gave it two stars, and from the previews it looks like Spielberg is turning more into Lucas.

I'll probably see it, for Spielberg, Cruise, and the fact parts were filmed in Connecticut.

An interest news story was that several fake alien bodies from the set were lost in the lake/river, and many people reported dead bodies.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/05 07:34 PM

Petit soldat, Le/The Small Soldier *** (1st Time)
1963, Godard, Fr
In the 1958 Algerian War, a secret agent becomes pawn for both Left and Right, and falls in love with a girl.
Rather sombre character study with elements of noir to be found all over the place; a steady pace keeps the attention until Godard comes into his own for the final climactic monologue, in which his dialogue, as if it can be restrained no longer, finally shows the exuberance of other work.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/05 01:27 AM

To Live and Die in L.A. - (Friedkin;1985;USA) - ***
After his partner is killed by a counterfeiter, a cop sets out to catch him.
At times this is a great film while at others it gets sour. Had the sour moments been better I would've added another half star. The soundtrack is mediocre as well as some acting although Dafoe shines in his scenes. The car chase is superior to The French Connection's chase. The French Connection itself is a highly superior film that is more gritty, well made, and has better acting.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/05 07:55 PM

Batman Forever - (Schumacher;1995;USA) - **
Batman takes on the Riddler and Two-Face.
A mediocre film that seems to be trying to make Batman more extreme. Despite a bad direction and script, Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones make the film watchable. Kilmer is an odd choice for Batman, but nice, although Keaton is better.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/05 10:08 PM

My mom and I finally got a chance to rent movies yesterday, and we watched Panic Room last night. I don't know what the general reviews were for it, but we really enjoyed it. It had a good mix of scary and funny (surprisingly), and it really held my attention.

I also rented Major League 2...don't kill me! I doubt many people even liked the first one, but I'm a sucker for it, and I enjoyed seeing the sequel. Guess I'm easy to please.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/05 10:22 PM

Part, I almost knew you'd turn that into something else...

I love Napoleon Dynamite, as well. I don't even like talking about it here because it seems everyone hates it (except for nearly every kid my age who has jumped on the bandwagon), but it really is a good, funny show, so I'm glad to hear you like it.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/05 11:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Le Cercle Rouge - (Melville;1970;France/Italy) - ****
Two criminals, one released and another escaped join with an alcoholic ex-cop to plan a jewelry heist.
Very easily could've been better then Le Samourai, although as a thriller it's just a little bit less effective then the other. Still, this is an excellent film that is among the best crime films ever. The cast is top notch from Delon to Volonte and Montand. The music and gritty cinematography give the film a wonderful atmosphere. A must-see for any fan of Tarantino or Mann.
#14 [/b]
for instance, is there a way to download this or any of these french noir flicks?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/05 12:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
I also rented Major League 2...don't kill me! I doubt many people even liked the first one, but I'm a sucker for it, and I enjoyed seeing the sequel. Guess I'm easy to please.
Na, I like Major League 2 as well. I own it on DVD and probably like it better than the first one. However, it seems you've given up on Kill Bill Vol. 2!?
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/05 01:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Na, I like Major League 2 as well. I own it on DVD and probably like it better than the first one. However, it seems you've given up on Kill Bill Vol. 2!?
Well, I'm glad I'm not the only Major League fan. As for Kill Bill, I hardly remember Vol. 1, and I guess I have somewhat given up on Vol. 2.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/05 02:02 AM

Beyond the Sea - (Spacey;2004;USA/Germany) - ***
The life of popular singer Bobby Darin and his relationship with wife Sandra Dee.
A good film with a great performance from Spacey. What makes it only good is some scenes that are a little ridiculous. Also, at times Sandra Dee seems to be just the wife character rather then an important part of the film. Otherwise this is a good film with excellent music.

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] [b]
for instance, is there a way to download this or any of these french noir flicks? [/b][/quote]You can easily get it. The Criterion DVD for Le Cercle Rouge is in many stores in America. Now for Le Samourai, it's a VERY rare movie not released here. I bought it online at a site called Xploited Cinema for about $20. You should definitely get both. The DVD I got for Le Samourai is a Russian PAL DVD, which means the menu is in Russian (you can get a French DVD too for more money) and you need a regionless player to play it. I can only play it on my PC. The NTSC DVD of it wasn't translated the right way so there's a ghosting problem. These are the DVDs I have.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/05 02:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Partagas:
Well I am a kid your age oops I mean I have a kid your age
I thought you were the same age as Geoff? And Geoff's been saying he's 17, so...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/05 02:51 AM

Frankenstein #87 on the AFI Top 100 List

This was my first time viewing this movie and it was great! I really enjoyed it although I was very tired and wishing it was over. I think Colin Clive did a very good job and hopefully if I have the time, I plan on watching it again. Great movie though and it didn't disappoint!
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/05 04:43 PM

Manhattan (79/Woody Allen/US) 9/10

Full of witty moments and very humane. I absolutely loved this. This is the third Allen movie that I watch and I'm becoming a big fan of his.


Erin Brockovich (00/Steven Soderbergh/US) 6.5/10

Based on a true story, a struggling unemployed single mother finds her way to sue a giant multi-billion dollar company for contaminating water in a neighborhood. I honestly didn't enjoy this movie as much as I expected given that I really like Jolia Roberts.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/05 06:29 PM

Just watched Man on Fire with my ma just now. She had never seen it before so I made her watch it and she liked it. She thought it was a sad story but I'm glad she enjoyed it. I hadn't seen it in a couple of months and I really enjoyed it as well. I can't wait to see Tony Scott's next project Domino which has been pushed back to November!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/05 06:59 PM

I was gonna revisit Man on Fire but White Heat is on TCM.

Batman & Robin - (Schumacher;1997;USA) - 1/2
Batman and Robin take on Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Bane.
Piss poor movie with no saving graces. As much as I like Clooney and Thurman, nothing saves the movie. Even the little bit of entertainment is damaged by corniness. Horrible shit. The only scene I really liked was Poison Ivy's entrance, for obvious reasons.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 12:12 AM

I couldn't rent Shogun Assassin anywhere, so I just decided to buy it. As can be seen in the DVD thread I received the movie today and I just watched it. For those unfamiliar this is the movie that little BB wanted to watch with the Bride towards the end of Kill Bill Vol. 2. I really liked this movie. It wasn't better than Lady Snowblood but it was still a cool movie and had some awesome music to it. It doesn't end with the first movie (actually this DVD has the first 2 movies of the series edited together), so I need to get the rest of the DVDs to finish the story
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 01:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[b] for instance, is there a way to download this or any of these french noir flicks?


You can easily get it. The Criterion DVD for Le Cercle Rouge is in many stores in America. Now for Le Samourai, it's a VERY rare movie not released here. I bought it online at a site called Xploited Cinema for about $20. You should definitely get both. The DVD I got for Le Samourai is a Russian PAL DVD, which means the menu is in Russian (you can get a French DVD too for more money) and you need a regionless player to play it. I can only play it on my PC. The NTSC DVD of it wasn't translated the right way so there's a ghosting problem. [/b][/quote]man these Criterion DVDs might be in many stores in America, but they're surely as hell aren't here in Brazil I don't even know what the hell is it I have an idea because I see everytime someone mentions it, but I've never seen one! not that we're that late, but 3rd world dementia sometimes edges globalization - and I'm sad to say that I had a (very) little hope to get some of these movies, but after your post, it's gone! thanks for the help, but it'd probably take a few months until the day I'd sit and watch the films. I have no rush, but my appreciation for some movies I watched lately were affected by the hype about them.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 02:11 AM

Well you should definitely go hunting for them online.

White Heat - (Walsh;1949;USA) - ****
An epileptic gangster with a devotion to his mother goes to prison for a minor offense to avoid a larger one, while his friends betray him from the outside.
Excellent gangster film. One of the best I've ever seen. Cagney is great in his role, along with Wycherly. Steiner's music is also very good. The ending and the line said during it are both classic. It's also a very compelling scene. The prison lunch pass-it-on scene is wonderful. A must-see for gangster fans.
#79
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 02:22 AM

turns out I was too sceptic! I just searched for them on emule and found'em!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 02:26 AM

You found which movies? I hope it's a good version. When I got a net copy of Collateral, the music would repeat minutes after a scene. If a club had techno playing, then several minutes later when important dialogue is being said, the music would out of nowhere blast on.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 03:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Well you should definitely go hunting for them online.

[b] White Heat
- (Walsh;1949;USA) - ****
An epileptic gangster with a devotion to his mother goes to prison for a minor offense to avoid a larger one, while his friends betray him from the outside.
Excellent gangster film. One of the best I've ever seen. Cagney is great in his role, along with Wycherly. Steiner's music is also very good. The ending and the line said during it are both classic. It's also a very compelling scene. The prison lunch pass-it-on scene is wonderful. A must-see for gangster fans.
#79 [/b]
I watched this film for the first time tonight. I was blown away. My grandfather used to always talk about James Cagney in this particular film, but as a child, I had no idea who or what the hell he was talking about. I'll definitely have to get the Warner Gangsters Collection.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 03:22 AM

I loved the lunch scene. Cagney's rage was excellent.

And of course the end. MADE IT MA! TOP OF DA WORLD!
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 05:14 AM

I watched Pastime today. I'd never even heard of it before we rented it, but it turned out to be a pretty good baseball movie. Not a comedy, at all, but I enjoyed it.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 06:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
You found which movies? I hope it's a good version. When I got a net copy of Collateral, the music would repeat minutes after a scene. If a club had techno playing, then several minutes later when important dialogue is being said, the music would out of nowhere blast on.
I found Le Samourai and Le Cercle Rouge, but the downloads didn't even start yet and well, guess I'm getting lucky 'cause most of the films I watched lately came from emule. it onle blew me once when Pulp Fiction download ended and it turned out to be an italian dubbed version!
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 07:03 AM

Goodfellas
10/10

There's nothing that hasn't been said about this movie. Scorsese's masterpiece and truely one of the greatest movies ever. You can start with the direction and camera, the music and the great cast, everything's flawless IMO. There are alot of memorable scenes and the great screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi and Scorsese is full of memorable quotes.

Flawless.
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 03:15 PM

I watched Pirates of the Caribbean this morning....



.... Need I say any more
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 03:21 PM

Two thumbs up just for that picture, right, Debz?

I love POTC...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 03:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
Two thumbs up just for that picture, right, Debz?

I love POTC...
Yeah I know right. Keira Knightley is so georgeous!

Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 03:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
Two thumbs up just for that picture, right, Debz?

I love POTC...
Yeah I know, Johnny Depp as a Pirate...why did it take them so long to think of that one nicee lol, I love it aswell...its a brilliant film!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 03:49 PM

Uh, Irish....I know you love her and all, but you're kind of streching the page. :p
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 03:52 PM

Was it your first time watching it, Debz?

I was just blown away by it the first time, and I finally just went out and bought the DVD...it was a gift to my parents for their anniversary, because they seemed to really enjoy the movie, but I think I've gotten more use out of it.

Johnny's great as almost anyone/anything, but yes, he's spectacular as a pirate. Did you know they're supposed to make, I believe, two sequels? I can't wait to see them.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 04:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Uh, Irish....I know you love her and all, but you're kind of streching the page. :p
Yeah I know, sorry about that, it was the smallest 1 I could find
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 04:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
Was it your first time watching it, Debz?

I was just blown away by it the first time, and I finally just went out and bought the DVD...it was a gift to my parents for their anniversary, because they seemed to really enjoy the movie, but I think I've gotten more use out of it.

Johnny's great as almost anyone/anything, but yes, he's spectacular as a pirate. Did you know they're supposed to make, I believe, two sequels? I can't wait to see them.
No I've seen it a few times now, but when I did see it first I thoght it was brilliant, there are so many twists and turns!! Keeps you on the edge of your seat right till the very end, thats a sign of a good movie

Yeah the DVD is good and has loads of good special features on it!

Yeah I heard about the sequels, are they not shooting them both at the same time or something like that?? When I was in the Hard Rock Vault in Florida, the tour guide told us that Johnny Depp modelled the character of Jack Sparrow on Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones, and that, Keith has agreed to play the part of Jack's father in the sequel I hope it is as good as the first one
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 04:17 PM

House of Flying Daggers aka Shi mian mai fu (04/Yimou Zhang/China, Hong Kong) 8/10

This is a very beautiful picture and I really enjoyed it. So colorful and so brilliant. Script could have been better but it is still good as it is.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 04:25 PM

Debz, yes, I heard also that they're supposed to shoot them at the same time, which should be good. I heard about Depp using Keith Richards for his character, but I didn't know he'd be in the sequel...how cool! I can't wait to see the plot they came up with, especially if Jack Sparrow's dad is going to be a part of it! Should be great!
Posted By: Debz

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 04:37 PM

I found this on a site:

Keith Richards signed for PIRATES 2 & 3

It’s common knowledge that Johnny Depp based his performance as Captain Jack Sparrow in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN on Keith Richards. Recently Depp started lobbying Disney to get them to cast Richards as his father in the upcoming sequels. As crazy as this sounds, apparently Depp’s wish is coming true.
According to Yahoo movies, Richards has signed on for PIRATES 2 and 3 and has already had costume fitting for his role. Both sequels will be shot back to back starting in February 2005.
-----------------------------------------------------------

Sounds Great - Can't Wait
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 05:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[b]House of Flying Daggers aka Shi mian mai fu (04/Yimou Zhang/China, Hong Kong) 8/10

This is a very beautiful picture and I really enjoyed it. So colorful and so brilliant. Script could have been better but it is still good as it is. [/b]
I really enjoyed this movie as well but I liked Hero more. Did you ever see Hero?
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 05:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I really enjoyed this movie as well but I liked Hero more. Did you ever see Hero?
Not yet unfortunately. I'll let you know how it was when I do.

*****Spoiler******

Mainly I didn't like the part when Leo was told that he was a mole. He knew himself that and this was for the viewer's sake and a stupid way to unfold the plot. I mean we'd have found out on our own a few minutes later when he meets Mei. The ending was incredible though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 06:52 PM

Yeah House of Flying Daggers was more of a love story while Hero was more of an action movie
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/05 07:13 PM

Jaws - (Spielberg;1975;USA) - ****
An abnormal Great-White shark terrorizes a New England island.
The beginning of the summer blockbuster. It's one of the most influential stories, even if it inspired many shitty movies. Williams' score is classic, as the film is itself. The editing is also very good, keeping the shark as real as it could be in it's body scenes. One of Spielberg's best, and it has excellent suspense.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 01:52 AM

Frankenstein #87 on the AFI Top 100 List

I wanted to watch this movie again before I returned it because I was falling asleep through it the first time around. Not that it was not a good movie (it was great actually) but I was tired. However, this movie is great and I really enjoyed it through a 2nd viewing in 3 days. I might just have to purchase this on DVD too
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 02:01 AM

I can't remember if the footage was cut Irish, did it contain a scene where the monster throws a girl into a lake?

The Wizard of Oz - (Fleming/Thorpe/Vidor;1939;USA) - ****
A tornado sends a young Kansas girl to the land of Oz.
One of the greatest musicals ever. The film is simply a magnificent piece of cinema, and a true classic. I don't think I have even heard of anyone who hasn't seen it. The costumes, songs, everything. Two words describe it: Magnificent and magical.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 02:08 AM

It sure did. Later the father of the girl carries her body into town to tell she was murdered, which leads a mob to hunt down the monster. So the monster never had a name huh? Since Frankenstein usually meant Henry Frankenstein who was the creator of the monster. I think that's misunderstood a lot

BTW, I know this is off subject but I'm just curious how many AFI movies you have in your DVD collection? I'm not sure off of the top of my head (I have at least The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull, Goodfellas just to name a few). I do want to add The Apartment and Frankenstein and possibly Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 02:24 AM

Give me the list you're going off of. I think they do a differ one every year.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 03:39 AM

This is the list I'm using. It's the last link on the page 'List of the 100 winning movies'
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 03:49 AM

The Butterfly Effect



I thought this was an excellant film,anyone seen this what did you think
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 03:52 AM

I saw it in the theater and didn't really like it. Haven't seen it since
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 03:53 AM

I own these.

Citizen Kane
Casablanca
The Godfather
Gone With the Wind
The Graduate
On the Waterfront
Schindler's List
Sunset Blvd.
Star Wars
Psycho
Chinatown
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
The Grapes of Wrath (unwatched)
Raging Bull
E.T. (original VHS)
Dr. Strangelove
Apocalypse Now
Annie Hall
The Godfather II
High Noon
To Kill a Mockingbird
North by Northwest
Rear Window
A Clockwork Orange
Taxi Driver
Fantasia (VHS)
Vertigo
Silence of the Lambs
The Manchurian Canidate
Shane
The French Connection
Forrest Gump (VHS)
American Graffiti
Rocky
The Deer Hunter
The Wild Bunch (unwatched)
Platoon
Fargo
Goodfellas
Pulp Fiction
The Searchers
Unforgiven

My movies are also here, although ignore movies like Barbershop, sometimes family members get new shit movies like that. Click "ttile" for ABC order.

http://www.intervocative.com/DVDCollection.aspx/lost_stigmatic
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 04:30 AM

I thought the Barbershop was an ok film
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 06:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[b]The Butterfly Effect

I thought this was an excellant film,anyone seen this what did you think [/b]
It's on my still-to-be-watched-movies-shelf but I cannot make up my mind and watch it. Actually I think it's stupid as hell! :rolleyes:
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 06:48 AM

Yesterday I rewatched "Shining Through" (1992), a war spy story with Michael Douglas, Melanie Griffith and a still not so famous Liam Neeson (and in his short part, he already showed his excellent acting). A good thriller, with much romance, only a bit too far-fetched in the ending scene. The actors did well too. Even Griffith, one of the actresses I usually dislike from the bottom of my heart!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 06:49 AM

The Butterfly Effect is a shitty movie. I heard it also partially rips off Donnie Darko although I haven't seen that. But still, TBE is just another crappy movie with directors who didn't know what they want, with 3 to 4 different endings.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 06:59 AM

Lavi, I watched Shining Through in my History class this past year!

Except we didn't get to finish it, and what I did see was somewhat spoiled by people's heads being in the way of the screen and people talking... What I saw, I did enjoy, though; it'd be nice to see it in full with better circumstances.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 07:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
Except we didn't get to finish it, and what I did see was somewhat spoiled by people's heads being in the way of the screen and people talking... What I saw, I did enjoy, though; it'd be nice to see it in full with better circumstances.
You definitely HAVE to rewatch it then, Gina!! I go mad when for some reason I cannot get to finish watching a film, no matter if I like it or not!
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 07:12 AM

I'm terrible with catching up on movies, but I'll definitely try to. At least I've gotten a nice recommendation from you to know for sure it's a good one.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 09:36 AM

I watched the first half of the Sidney Lumet directed "The Fugitive Kid" with Marlon Brando. I liked it but it was too late and I was too damn tired to watch it completely.
The direction was great but what stood out was Brando's acting, as allways. The story wasn't all that great but maybe it would've gotten better towards the end.
I liked the long scenes and the still-camera without disturbing cuts which gave the actors the option to optimize their parts/monologues. Definetily want to see the movie soon...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 05:11 PM

Just got done watching The Sopranos Season 5. I love having the DVDs with the ability to watch 2 or 3 in a row and not having to wait week after week. Altough, now I won't get my Sopranos fix again until March
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/05 11:59 PM

I just watched Shogun Assassin again tonight to decide if I wanted to invest in the Lone Wolf and Cub series. After watching it, I absolutely would invest in this series when I get paid tomorrow or Wednesday. I think I actually liked this movie more than Lady Snowblood now. Anyone would hasn't seen it and likes Asian movies such definitely see both of these movies if they can
Posted By: Just Lou

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/05 12:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I am hoping to see "War Of The Worlds" this weekend. I know I just posted I'd like to see King Kong. Guess I'm in the mood for Sci-Fi/horror movies.

Anyway, it opened yesterday. Has anyone seen it yet?


TIS
I saw "War of the Worlds" Friday. I thought the acting and story stunk. The only good things were the special effects, and the seeing areas near me or that I'm familiar with getting blown up. I got up in the middle of the movie to go to the bathroom and buy snacks because I was bored and everything that was going to happen was so predictable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/05 12:51 AM

I'm surprised people have been bashing War of the Worlds. I really enjoyed it and think it's one of the better movies this summer
Posted By: Just Lou

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/05 01:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I'm surprised people have been bashing War of the Worlds. I really enjoyed it and think it's one of the better movies this summer
By the second half of the movie, I was hoping the aliens would just wipe out Tom Cruise and his dysfunctional family. The first 1/3 of the movie starts out good, but then with little plot and character development, it spirals down into a mess.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/05 02:19 AM

Man on Fire - (Scott;2004;USA) - *
An alcoholic ex-assassin strikes back at cartel members after they kidnap the girl he was protecting..
Looking at the filmography, Tony Scott is somewhat close to being another Michael Bay or Renny Harlin. Seeing this again, the whole movie is a farce. An hour of character interaction just so Denzel can throw grenades and shoot people in slow motion. The editing, while talented makes the film an MTV music video. It should've been used for one or two scenes. The music is very good, but used for corny pseudo-dramatic scenes. Then at the predictable end, the film insults the audience once again. (see below) Denzel is a good actor who is playing too many similar characters. A Van Damme movie with gaudy editing.
SPOILER
Pita is alive, changed from the original story (Hollywoodized), and of course Scott/Helgeland can't let the villain get away, so he adds an out of place epilogue for him.
SPOILER END
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/05 03:07 AM

Young Guns

Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/05 06:34 AM

Passion of the christ

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/05 12:52 PM

How did you like The Passion of the Christ DE NIRO?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 12:39 AM

Just watched Lady Snowblood II: Love Song for Vengence and boy was I disappointed. This movie is nothing like the original. There's barely any spaltering blood, hardly any action, and it's just a lot slower of a movie than the original. Again I was disappointed but I am happy at the fact that I won't be buying it on DVD
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 01:33 AM

Chinatown - (Polanski;1974;USA) - ****
A private detective investigates an infidelity case, but falls into a world of corruption.
The greatest Neo-Noir ever. Jack Nicholson is in top form, as is Dunaway. Polanski's direction is rock solid, presenting some of the best cinematography, and a beautiful score. No negative comments from me.
#11

- (Fellini;1963;Italy) - ****
A director constantly hassled by the people around him escapes into dreams, fantasies, and memories.
I agree with Omar that the original title, La Bella Confusione should've been used, as it describes the film: A Beautiful Confusion. This is Fellini's second best film, one of the greatest ever, and best about filmmaking. The direction is wonderful as is Mastroianni's acting. Nino Rota's music also adds a lot to the film's atmosphere.
#27
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 03:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
How did you like The Passion of the Christ DE NIRO?
I though it was a good film,it was better than i thought,great acting by jesus.Not that im religous,but it was believeible.he really did get tourted 7/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 04:07 AM

Patton #89 on the AFI Top 100 List

This movie I didn't really care for. I didn't really care for the character because he was so egotistical and I felt it was a lot longer than it should/could have been. I did however like the fact that the Nazi troops did in fact speak German, I thought it added to it. But my ma didn't like it (or Easy Rider) and I haven't liked either myself. Probably will not have a desire to see either of them again
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 04:44 AM

WAR OF THE WORLDS

Steven Spielberg dishes out a pretty decent summer blockbuster movie that works for the most part. Its not a skull-numblingly mediocre like a Michael Bay movie, but neither is it worth pissing about in the snow. With over $200 million world-wide so far, I guess this movie will might conquer both the Jedi and Batman for the title of King of the Summer.

Still, enough in the movie to make worthwhile of a viewing, but not enough for a reviewing anytime soon for me. Poor Tim Robbins...wait, hes not poor! Anyway, hes fine but considering the scripted part, I guess he signed on to get a nice easy paycheck or decided to work for the Beard, which might include FUTURE nice easy softy paychecks. Of course, who blames him?

I should give it a half a star of a lower rating, but I liked many of the set pieces that only a big big budget Hollywood flick could afford.

Final Film Rating - *** out of 5

Too bad the rest of the movies in July look terrible, save for Tim Burton's new film...even if the subject material kinda bores me. Oh I saw that trailer for Michael Bay's new movie...its really sad that the two times I've seen the trailer with a theatrical audience, there was laughs all over the place. Ouch. Still, the retarded silent majority of America will make it a hit.

Speaking of which, saw the trailer for THE TRANSPORTER 2. I enjoyed the hell out of the first movie with Jason Statham just kicking ass all over the place. Sure there wasn't much of a plot, but who cares where you're being entertained when he not only kicks down a door...he *jumpkicks* it! Anyway, Jason Statham opening a fresh can of whoop bullocks? Sign me up!
Posted By: Tony Love

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 04:59 AM

When it comes to Napolean Dynomite, I think it's incredibly stupid, pointless, and overrated. There are many of my peers who enjoy this movie and most of them I cannot stand.

On a brighter note. I was watching this chick-flick the other day. Usually, when you hear the term "Romantic Comedy", you'll find me next door playing pinball. But I actually watched this one, and I enjoyed it:

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 05:03 AM

Oh yes, that Rom-Com that studio pushed so much and expected a mega-hit but only to self-destruct. I can see the studio pitch..."Hey, what if like we made like a female version of like that Hanks movie BIG you know?"
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 05:16 AM

If you want a Romantic Comedy in the last few years that is excellent, let alone good, watch this.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 08:15 AM



One of the greatest
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 03:18 PM



Once Upon a Time In America (1984, Leone)

The ultimate story of friendship, this film is Leone's ultimate masterpiece. 4 friends, Noodles Aaronson (Robert DeNiro), Max Bercovizc (James Woods), Pasty Goldberg (James Hayden), and Cockeye Stein (William Forsythe) start out as small kids rolling drunks for cash, to small time hoods, in this film spanning over 50 years. James Woods gives the performance of his career and Robert DeNiro is excellent, as well.

I find it surprising when great gangster films are talked about, this is not included. But this film is something more than a gangster film. The depth of the characters in this film, and the whole character development is excellent. I based this review on the Director's Cut (229 min.) which is the only version someone should see, to fully understand Once Upon a Time In America.

This film is frequently compared to The Godfather which I find very surprising. These two films are extremely different from each other. Ennio Morricone's score fits beautifully with this film. The ending is very surprising, yet anti-climactic. Otherwise, this film is excellent.

Final Rating: ****/****
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 08:15 PM

And July's filmwatching begins thus:

How Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck ** (1st Time)
1976, Herzog, WGer
Cattle auctioneers gather in a small Amish town for the World Championships.
Decidedly eccentric subject matter for an often funny documentary with political asides, in which it compares capitalist America to the inhibited Amish community in which the tournament is held.

La Soufrière *** (1st Time)
1977, Herzog, WGer
On the island of Guadaloupe, a volcano shows signs of erupting. While the nearby population evacuates, Werner Herzog ascends the mountain in search of the man refusing to move.
Fantastic, characteristic view of the director's fascination and search for his own reasoning behind confronting danger.

Große Ekstase des Bildschnitzers Steiner, Die/The Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner *** (1st Time)
1974, Herzog, WGer
A carpenter whose true love in life is ski-jumping sets world records and becomes a phenomenon.
The said phenomenom is not least in the director's eyes, or even in Steiner's own psychology; a fine study of a man wanting to, like the director, push as many of his own boundaries as he can.

Nran Gouyne/The Colour of Pomegranates ** (1st Time)
1969, Parajanov, USSR
The life and death of an 18th century Armenian poet.
Painterly succession of images, episodic in narrative and with very little dialogue; abstract and aesthetically absorbing.

Mick
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 09:14 PM

American History X (98/Tony Kaye/US) 8/10

A brilliant and compelling drama dealing with racism and ability to change.


Color of Money (86/Martin Scorsese/US) 7/10

I don't think if I've ever enjoyed and loved a Scorsese movie this much.


After Sunset (04/Brett Ratner/US) 6/10

An entertaining Crime/Comedy.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 09:55 PM

Afi, have you seen the first film Scorsese's film followed? The Hustler in which Newman plays the same character. It's a great film.

Memento - (Nolan;2000;USA) - ****
A man with short term memory loss tries to find his wife's killer.
One of the best thrillers of the last two decades, if not three. Nolan's taut direction elevates a simple revenge story into an excellent film with wonderful Film-noir feelings throughout. Julyan's music is also great.
#5

Touch of Evil - (Welles;1958;USA) - ****
Two cops, one Mexican, one America, clash while investigating a car bombing.
Orson Welles' direction is wonderful here. The tracking shot in the opening is one of the best openings suspense-wise. Heston is good as the Mexican cop, but Welles shines the most as the American corrupt cop. The music is also great, which oddly reminds me of Charade. Welles' second best film.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 10:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Afi, have you seen the first film Scorsese's film followed? The Hustler in which Newman plays the same character. It's a great film.
I made a big fuss out of this movie and had my brother watched it and he suggested the same movie to me! He said he'd give it to me to watch, I can't wait. It is dubbed though!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 10:17 PM

Eh, dubbed? I have only seen parts of The Color of Money, but the major opinion is that it's nowhere near the first movie. I really wanna get it though, along with several of Scorsese's 80's movies.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 10:28 PM

What impressed me a lot about this movie was that almost all techniques in pool was somehow played there, well, at least those that I've heard and never have seen; like the white ball flying over others to hit the ninth and send it to the hole. Man, did I love that scene!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 10:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
What impressed me a lot about this movie was that almost all techniques in pool was somehow played there, well, at least those that I've heard and never have seen; like the white ball flying over others to hit the ninth and send it to the hole. Man, did I love that scene!
You'll love the first one then. On my DVD, it shows a pool champion recreate the moves, including the famous Masse Shot. I tried to do it, but my ball went up and turn left instead of coming back to me. :p
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/05 10:34 PM

I'd be lucky if I be able to finish a set in an ordinary fashion. Forget about flying balls. they might hit someone in the wrong places! :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/05 01:50 AM

Fargo #84 on the AFI Top 100 List

I had seen this movie only once before and didn't like it. I expected too much out of it since it was the same guys who gave us The Big Lebowski. I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed this more the 2nd time around and Steve Buscemi is just such a great actor! Sometimes I feel the poor guy doesn't get the credit he deserves. The accent's were still a little annoying, but now I know to stay clear of Minnesota
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/05 06:18 AM

FIVE EASY PIECES. HOLY SHIT.

I just got done watching this movie for the first time. I am blown away. EASILY Jack Nicholson's best performance, and an extremely deep, dark, and disturbing film about a man running away from himself. It literally depressed me. I was crying like a baby towards the end.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/05 09:22 AM

The green Mile

Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/05 02:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
FIVE EASY PIECES. HOLY SHIT.

I just got done watching this movie for the first time. I am blown away. EASILY Jack Nicholson's best performance, and an extremely deep, dark, and disturbing film about a man running away from himself. It literally depressed me. I was crying like a baby towards the end.
Glad you liked it, definitely Nicholson's best performance.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/05 08:40 PM

Fantasia - (Various Directors;1940;USA) - ****
Several pieces of classical music are interpreted through animated shorts.
The greatest thing to come from Disney. This is my first viewing since I was a kid. All of the animations are great takes on the classical music which goes with them. This is a real classic, and a beautiful one at that. My personal favorite is Night on Bald Mountain, which also has Disney's best villain: Chernabog.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/05 11:40 PM

Antwone Fisher (Denzel Washington's first film as director)

Plot outline from IMDB :

"Antwone Fisher, a young navy man, is forced to see a psychiatrist after a violent outburst against a fellow crewman. During the course of treatment a painful past is revealed and a new hope begins."

- Well, this movie has some highlights here and there, but overall its not a movie I would like to watch again.
At one point the movie really gets ridiculous...the movie or the real story on which it is based on :

Apparently, one of Antwone's problem is that hes a virgin. yep, the guy has a real problem - hes still a virgin :rolleyes:
Now it gets even more stupid when his psychiatrist actually agrees with it being a problem.

And heres another wisdom pearl from the movie : If you dont have a girlfriend, or if no one sees your girlfriend, or if you dont dance with girls at pubs, it could only mean 2 things :

You're gay or you've suffered sexual abuse. :rolleyes:


Anyway like I said, there are still some better moments than that, but overall its mediocre.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 01:23 AM

Just watched the first "episode" or "movie" of The Beatles Anthology and it was very good. Very insightful with great first hand interviews from Ringo, George and Paul. I'm looking forward to seeing more of The Beatles as opposed to Long John and the Silver Beatles
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 02:54 AM

Watched the 2nd Beatles Anthology and that's what I was waiting for, The Beatles first album, coming over to America, etc. The American Invasion is on disc 2 so I'm excited to see that
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 03:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fame:
Apparently, one of Antwone's problem is that hes a virgin. yep, the guy has a real problem - hes still a virgin :rolleyes:
Now it gets even more stupid when his psychiatrist actually agrees with it being a problem.

And heres another wisdom pearl from the movie : If you dont have a girlfriend, or if no one sees your girlfriend, or if you dont dance with girls at pubs, it could only mean 2 things :

You're gay or you've suffered sexual abuse. :rolleyes:
Yeah I thought that was kinda weird too.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 03:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Watched the 2nd Beatles Anthology and that's what I was waiting for, The Beatles first album, coming over to America, etc. The American Invasion is on disc 2 so I'm excited to see that
Thats Anthology is amazing,i learnt so much from watching that DVD.8 hours of Pure Class
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 10:29 AM

Fliegenden Ärzte von Ostafrika, Die/The Flying Doctors of East Africa *** (1st Time)
1969, Herzog, WGer
Documentary on the work and efforts of surgeons and medics in Nairobi.
An insightful, revealing documentary; haunting in its imagery and portrayal of not only the against-the-odds medical services, but the primitive local tribes.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 12:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Watched the 2nd Beatles Anthology and that's what I was waiting for, The Beatles first album, coming over to America, etc. The American Invasion is on disc 2 so I'm excited to see that
Thats Anthology is amazing,i learnt so much from watching that DVD.8 hours of Pure Class [/b][/quote]Yeah and what I like is that they're split into 1 hour shows so you can take a break. So far the first disc seems to be moving along kind of slow but it's interesting nonetheless. Where did they get the name Beatles again? I couldn't really hear during that part and didn't rewind
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 07:43 PM

Batman Begins - (Nolan;2005;USA) - ***1/2
After his parents are killed, Bruce Wayne goes through some soul-searching and training, soon deciding to take on crime in his own way.
I was almost gonna give this four stars, but there are some notable flaws such as cuts to comic relief distracting from the action, or some dialogue, but overall, by far, this is the greatest comic book adaptation since Burton's Batman Returns and the second best of the Batman franchise. Nolan doesn't insult the audience by having justice served to all, and unlike movies like Spiderman, the main character is compelling and has a good actor. The cast is great, save for an average Holmes and some of Murphy's scenes. Bale, Caine, Neeson, Oldman, and Watanabe were a delight to watch. Some fight scenes in the second half are a little too confusing in moments, but good. The realistic approach on Gotham, while not better then Burton's Gotham, is great on it's own right. A great film, and thankfully, Christopher Nolan has not let me down as I thought this film would. As it's been said, this is the most psychologically compelling comic book film. Unlike the shallow The Punisher, Wayne is explored much better.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 07:50 PM

Glad you enjoyed it DV. You gonna see Sin City when it comes to DVD next month?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/05 08:06 PM

Yeah. But I will probably be getting others first.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/05 12:52 AM

The Fantastic Four was a great movie IMO! I've been waiting for this movie for about a year and my expectations were high and I'm very glad to say that this movie didn't disappointed. As soon as the title came on the movie was fasted paced with, had some cool action, and great comedy. I would recommend this to anyone thinking of seeing it. I know I'll be seeing it again in the theaters.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/05 04:47 AM

Batman Returns - (Burton;1992;USA) - ****
Three new people cause problems in Gotham City: The Penguin, Catwoman, and Max Schreck.
So far of what I've seen, this is Burton's best film. From Elfman's eerie score to Burton's excellent visuals, this is the best comic book film to date. The cast is great, and there are few negative qualities. Batman Begins is a close second to this in the Batman franchise. The Zoo park is a great example of the wonderful visuals.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/05 04:58 AM

Just got done watching The Pianist for the first time.

Well I can definitely say it is one of the 10 best films of all time and loads better than Schindler's List. Wow.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/05 05:41 AM

Die hard was on last night,i love that film
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/05 06:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[qb] [QUOTE]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[qb] Where did they get the name Beatles again? I couldn't really hear during that part and didn't rewind
Its was John who came up with it,he wanted his band to have a cacthy name,they went though several name changes,starting with the "quarry Men" then "Long john and the silver Beetles"
Lennon Stated that he had a vision of a man standing on a flaming pie and said "from this day forth you shall be known as the Beetles with an A=BEATLES
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/05 11:34 AM

War of the Worlds *** (1st Time; big screen)
2005, Spielberg, US
Machines take over the Earth, while a divorced father of two strives to make it to safety.
A prolific piece of filmmaking, with Spielberg's direction as fantastic as it has ever been. Only the final couple of minutes disappoints.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/05 12:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
Lennon Stated that he had a vision of a man standing on a flaming pie and said "from this day forth you shall be known as the Beetles with an A=BEATLES
Wow, kinda like Moses and the burning bush Thanks for the info DE NIRO
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/05 07:41 PM

I saw Philadelphia last night for about the 4th or 5th time, and it never gets old. One of the most truly profound films of the 1990's. Tom Hanks gave an excellent performance as Andrew Beckett, a young Homosexual Lawyer who is fired from his Law Firm because of Homophobia and his contraction of AIDS. He sues, and the man who takes his case is none other than a Homophobic Lawyer, who is played by Denzel Washington. This film is very emotional and will bring you to tears. I am not afraid to say I shed a tear or two at the end...

FINAL RATING: ***1/2 out of 4

Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 12:24 AM

Don Andrew
Couldn't agree more about Philadelphia. I've never been a big Tom Hanks fan, but this and Apollo 13 are my favorite Hanks films. I've read that this film is based on a true story and the lawyer it is allegedly based upon practiced in Cleveland named Joel Hyatt.

Jason Robards (who played Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee in All the President's Men) was outstanding as the partner Hanks is suing.

I think this film helped bring AIDS discrimination into the public's consciousness more than anything prior to its release. Denzel Washington gave one of his finest on-screen performances.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 02:13 AM

just watched Lost in Translation.. what you think of it? I was amazed all the first half of the film, but then it slowed a little bit. anyway a great movie, top 3 from 2003 for me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 02:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
just watched Lost in Translation.. what you think of it? I was amazed all the first half of the film, but then it slowed a little bit. anyway a great movie, top 3 from 2003 for me.
I was very disappointed in it. I had heard it was such a great movie and funny as well and after watching it, neither of those are true. I like Bill Murray as much as the next man, but this movie wasn't that funny and was not great in anyway!

As for me, my ma & I just watched Hostage. It was pretty good. It's good to see Bruce Willis again and some of the direction was cool (the opening credits) and seeing Bruce Willis in the opening scene made me think I was in for a treat tonight but alas it wasn't so. The story just didn't seem as interesting as it did at first and a lot of questions were left unanswered at the end which pissed me off. However Ben Foster and Marshall Allman put on some good performances as Mars and Dennis respectively.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 03:47 AM

Taxi Driver - (Scorsese;1976;USA) - ****
A taxi driver's built up aggression against the filth of society, as well as his own social problems cause him to lash out.
One of the most important films ever, and for me, I now consider this Scorsese's greatest achievement. Everything about the story is gritty and true. Every frame is genius. Bernard Herrmann's score is excellent, and coincides perfectly with the protagonist. Scorsese's direction is visually and emotionally top notch. DeNiro's performance is one of his best, just behind Raging Bull.
#2
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 04:48 PM

I think Lost in Translation is great because I really enjoyed it as it is a really good film. It isn't very funny as in laugh-out-loud funny, but a film does not have to be laugh-out-loud funny to be classed as funny, and I smiled throughout because it is a great film.

Seriously, I think it's the best of 2003. Truthful, honest depiction of loneliness and the closeness you can feel to somebody in the same predicament. My database entry reads thus:

Lost In Translation ***
2003, Coppola, US/Jap

Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, humanistic drama executed with a minimalistic approach, which makes for a warming, satisfying product; if the writing sometimes relies on jokes about the Japanese stereotypes too much, the acting certainly compensates.

Irish, I can see where you might be disappointed in the lack of laughs, but that's no fault of the film, it's in the distributors who promoted it as an out-and-out, "hilarious" comedy. Not so. It's above that. It's a drama, and an effective one at that. Brief Encounter (1945) without the train, if you like.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 04:51 PM

Batman Begins *** (1st Time; big screen)
2005, Nolan, US
Bruce Wayne grows up with the guilt of witnessing his parents' murder, and decides to take the law into his own hands in order to achieve justice in Gotham City.
An exciting revitalisation of the series, with a heavy emphasis on, for once, the hero and not the villains.

Batman Returns ** (3rd Time)
1992, Burton, US
Batman saves Gotham City once again from The Penguin and Catwoman.
Even darker, beautifully designed sequel, with some moments of greatness, but little more.

Metropolis **** (Top 100) (2nd Time)
1926, Lang, Ger
In the year 2000, a saintly girl settles unrest among workers, but an evil replica is created to induce a revolt.
An inspired piece of filmmaking, overwhelming in its visuals and sets, open to much interpretation due to the many layers throughout; agreeably odd, though unquestionable in its ambitious excellence.

Mick
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 05:17 PM

PUNK: attitude
(IFC Original documentary directed by Don Letts) Don Letts' IFC Original "punkumentary" chronicles the rise and reign of punk culture, featuring interviews with the likes of Tommy Ramone, Jim Jarmusch and Chrissie Hynde.

Very informative and truthful, presenting facts from peolple who were there for that turbelant time in music,including the director. The actual roots of Punk were presented as opposed to anointing the Sex Pistols as the founding fathers which seems to be the norm for historical purposes. The only thing I did,nt like was how the 1980's seemed non existent. They jumped from 1982 to 1990 having Nirvanna pick up where Punk left off which was not the case.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 05:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irish, I can see where you might be disappointed in the lack of laughs, but that's no fault of the film, it's in the distributors who promoted it as an out-and-out, "hilarious" comedy.
Exactly but again I also heard before I saw it that it was still a great movie and I've only seen it once but have no desire to really see it again.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/05 07:14 PM

The Hustler (61/Robert Rossen/US) 8/10

The Hustler vs The Color of Money

The Hustler has a more elevated story compared to The Color of Money, it also has better acting. However, what it lacks compared to The Color of Money is the today's cinematography. The way the scenes were shot gives you the feeling that actors don't do their own shots while they really do. Cuts from ones face to hands and then cut to balls falling into pockets which happens almost 60-70% of the games steal away that pleasure and awe. The only problem this movie really has is that it has been filmed over 40 years ago with the limited achievement in camera work.
It also tears me apart to know what's happened to that cute face of Paul Newman over the years.

In regards to playing pool, The Hustler has more to offer, players say which ball into which pocket each time. Of course in both movies there is a phenomenal scene, the Masse shot in The Hustler and the Jump shot in The Color of Money which is the only shots that's been done by a pool expert rather than the actors.


Amadeus (84/Milos Forman/US) 9.5/10

This is the story of mankind trapped in mediocrity: When the wicked are confounded, [they] consigned to flames of woe.

Salieri, the court's composer, idolizes Mozart to the point that he wishes he too, could compose as heavenly as Mozart would do and this longing and disability to do so makes him want to destroy Mozart. Name of the movie stands beautifully for the main theme: "Amadeus" or God's beloved. Salieri suffers to believe God speaks through Mozart but denies him even a small share of his glory.

I speak for all mediocrities in the world. I am their champion. I am their patron saint. Mediocrities everywhere... I absolve you. I absolve you.

But there is more to this story than the main theme. It also pictures struggling life of an artist, probably not such accurate depiction yet brilliant enough to catch up with his music. It mocks censorship and rules, which wouldn't let the artist express his work in the way he likes.

This movie is simply amazing, the setting, the costumes and the acting is marvelous. Displace one note and there would be diminishment, displace one phrase and the structure would fall.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 01:19 AM

Mutiny on the Bounty #86 on the AFI Top 100 List

This movie I found to be a little boring during the first 15-30 minutes but as the movie progressed the story got a little more interesting. But overall I was still bored and disappointed with this movie. Good performances but this movie isn't great nor terrible
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 02:21 AM

Saw

People made a big fuss of this film,but didn't really think it was that great,what did others think
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 02:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[b]Saw

People made a big fuss of this film,but didn't really think it was that great,what did others think [/b]
I liked it a lot, actually. Its definitely not the greatest horror film I've ever seen, but it did what it set out to do, at least for me anyway. It was disturbing, and for a film made in...what...18 days, for less than 2 million bucks, it was exceptional.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 03:07 AM

Sharky\'s Machine - (Reynolds;1981;USA) - **1/2
A narcotics cop sent to the Vice Squad tries to bring down a drug lord in Atlanta, Georgia who also forces women into prostitution.
Burt Reynolds stars in and directs a decent cop film, although there's nothing special about the film. Entertaining and fun, but it offers nothing else.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 03:23 AM

Big Daddy



Another enjoyable film by Adam Sadler full of laughs
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 03:31 AM

Although not his best, oddly Big Daddy is my favorite. It's also his last decent film.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 03:36 AM

Taken from
[URL= http://www.angelfire.com/mo3/dansreviews/]web page[/URL] MEMENTO

“How Am I Supposed To Heal If I Can’t Feel Time?”

Rating - ****

The protagonist is a man trapped in an eternal moment of memory. His memory is bookmarked at the memory of witnessing his wife’s brutal rape and murder just before being struck in the head leaving him with Anterograde Amnesia. He has lost his short term memory. Every fifteen to thirty minutes his memory will be erased back to that bookmark, depending on how stressed he is. He uses Polaroid, notes, and tattoos to remember things and people. He can condition himself to remember certain things like reaching for Polaroid after his memory kicks.

Leonard Shelby is tracking his wife’s rapist/murderer. He lives for revenge, especially since he has no other sense of purpose to live. Who could do anything, and not have the faintest idea a few minutes later. The film puts you into Lenny’s eyes. There are two timelines, one is linear and one is backwards. The film opens with a Polaroid of a dead man as it undeveloped and we witness a murder in reverse. We cut to a hotel room in BW photography where Lenny explains some things. We then cut to the scene that leads up to the murder back in color photography. This is the flow of the film and it works marvelously. This is combined with Lenny's narration which serves the film very well, almost like an old film-noir's narration works for a film.

Leonard is played by Guy Pearce, who brings the cynical character to life greatly. Carrie-Anne Moss plays Natalie, a woman who helps Leonard find the rapist, although her motives aren’t clear right away. Joe Pantoliano plays Teddy, who is the one killed in the first scene. Many people like to see this film as a murder mystery for his death. He seems to be Lenny’s friend although his presence appears suspicious in many moments and he seems to want Lenny’s Jaguar. The acting isn’t amazing, but it doesn’t disappoint. It flows with the film very well.

This is without a doubt one of the best mystery/thrillers of the last 20 years. Christopher Nolan’s direction, while a device, works for the film. A simple revenge plot is given much more depth. However don’t assume that’s the only thing good in the film. It’s cast has no bad actors, it’s dialogue is very good as well as poignant, it’s limited range of area on the screen gives off a pleasant feeling to the film such as the hotel rooms, and the music by David Julyan is excellent. The score is very avant-garde music that amplifies the tone of depression and loneliness.

Lenny does strange things at times too. In one scene he makes a hooker place his wife’s objects around and go into the bathroom while Lenny sleeps and forgets about her. He wakes thinking in the state of that night and has vague flashes of his wife as he finds the hooker. He almost seems to be an act to bring a pleasure himself, by grabbing those memories of her. Perhaps he feels guilty living in this lie as he burns the objects he used for the hooker. The character is almost a mystery himself. We only know a few things about his past. More detail has been put up at http://www.otnemem.com. This film works as a thriller and a character study. This is a major reason this film is a masterpiece. It’s a thriller that has a character we can care about instead of the expendable characters of movies like most thrillers. We can almost get a feeling for his position, such as when he describes pretending to recognize people. “Now I know. You fake it. If you think you're supposed to recognize somebody you, you just pretend. You bluff it to get a pat on the head from the doctors. You bluff it to seem less like a freak."
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 03:42 AM

Yeah, my review?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 04:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Yeah, my review?
Yeah thats why i said its taken from your site,its a good review,sorry if you take offence by me using it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 04:10 AM

Thanks, but nah, I was just confused. I was talking about Sandler and then you just post the review in a reply, I didn't know why.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 04:46 AM

Off-topic, but love the new avatar, DV!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 04:56 AM

Thanks.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 10:40 AM

I watched "Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964) yesterday. Under the direction of Robert Aldrich and with a all-star cast (Bette Favis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotten and a cameo role for Mary Astor), I read somewhere that this was shot soon after the great success of "What ever happened to Baby Jane" (which I enjoyed a lot, kind of chilling gothic movie) and received more Oscar nominations than any other horror film ever until "Silence of the Lambs" (nearly 30 years later). Well, maybe it's me, but I did not like the movie very much. I found it boresome and a pale imitation of the other. The actors very great, of course. There are never enough words to describe how great was Bette Davis. Oh, and it was a big fun to eventually discover the dark side of Melania Wilkes! :-)

Anyone would like to add their comment?
Posted By: Al.Neri

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 11:39 AM

Simone with Al Pacino. What a great film!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 12:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Al.Neri:
Simone with Al Pacino. What a great film!
you're saying this ironically? :p
Seriously, Pacino has not been making real good movies since "Scent of a woman", IMO!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 12:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[quote]Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[b] [b]Saw


People made a big fuss of this film,but didn't really think it was that great,what did others think [/b]
I liked it a lot, actually. Its definitely not the greatest horror film I've ever seen, but it did what it set out to do, at least for me anyway. It was disturbing, and for a film made in...what...18 days, for less than 2 million bucks, it was exceptional. [/b][/quote]I couldn't have said it better myself but I think it was made in 20 days (2 days more) and for only $1 million Looking forward to the sequel this October
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 12:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Although not his best, oddly Big Daddy is my favorite. It's also his last decent film.
I also agree. I don't know which is my favorite but my top 3 Adam Sandler movies in no order are:

-Billy Madison
-Happy Gilmore
-Big Daddy
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 02:05 PM

I should have reworded myself. By his last decent film I am not including Punch Drunk Love, which I have not seen, and is supposed to be good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 02:16 PM

Yeah Punch Drunk Love was good. I never got a chance to see it in the theaters but I was looking forward to it and it was good. A lot of people told me they hated it before I saw it and said it wasn't that funny. It wasn't that funny but I did like the directing, the soundtrack, and especially the story and character he was portraying
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 10:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
A lot of people told me they hated it before I saw it and said it wasn't that funny.
That's because IT'S NOT A COMEDY!!

Yeesh.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/05 11:47 PM

Well when you see Adam Sandler staring in a movie, what else would you think it would be!? Yeesh!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 02:21 AM

I bought Lady Snowblood and had the time tonight, so I decided to watch it again to make sure my copy worked. First let me start off by saying that any fan of the Kill Bills needs to see this movie! Not only is this one of the best Japanese movies I've seen, but it's also one of the best revenge movies I've ever seen.

Since this was my 2nd time watching this movie I wanted to pay more attention to certain things. The story and directing of this movie are awesome! I love the blood splatter, the use of flashbacks, the way the director freezes a frame to introduce characters but putting their name on the screen, and the way the camera makes extreme close ups and zoom outs as necessary. The acting in this movie is very good as well as is the music. It definitely has that 70s/retro movie feeling IMO. A great movie for anyone anyway you slice it!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 02:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
the way the director freezes a frame to introduce characters but putting their name on the screen, and the way the camera makes extreme close ups and zoom outs as necessary
Though I have not seen it, sounds like the director was a big Leone fan.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 02:33 AM

Maybe. I haven't seen enough of his films to be able to make that connection (I've only seen A Fistful of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More, The Good/The Bad/The Ugly, and Once Upon A Time In America only once and I wasn't really paying attention to his directional style, but more of following the movies storyline.

But that's one thing that I love about Scorsese is his use of freeze frames. One of my favorite shots (if not my favorite shot) in Raging Bull is when Jake La Motta knocks Sugar Ray throw the ropes and the frame freezes while someone is taking a picture so the screen is totally lit up. I also love in The King of Comedy when Masha is in Jerry's car banging on the glass to get at him and Marty freezes the frame, rolls the opening credits, and then resumes the film with that same frame. Not to mention how in Goodfellas Ray Liotta does his voiceover of "As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster" while Marty again freezes the frame and cranks up 'From Rags to Riches'
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 02:35 AM

The freeze frame with the name listed reminds me of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. As for the extreme closeups, that's Leone's most famous trademark.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 05:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] the way the director freezes a frame to introduce characters but putting their name on the screen, and the way the camera makes extreme close ups and zoom outs as necessary
Though I have not seen it, sounds like the director was a big Leone fan. [/b][/quote]That's funny because I thought of Leone when I read that part too.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 09:23 PM

I watched Better Luck Tomorrow because a girl at work brought it, I did all my work and had nothing to do, and our Internet at work has been down since yesterday I surprisingly liked it. I didn't know much about the movie other than the coverbox but I couldn't have told you the name. The movie is just about a straight A overacheiver who gets mixed up with the wrong crowd and has a crush on this lady friend of his but is too much of a puss to tell her. It deals with Asian kids in California and was a better movie than I expected
Posted By: Don Sicilia

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 09:28 PM

I've Seen Better Luck Tomorrow, IM. When it first came out, critics hailed it as having a Goodfellas feel to it. Overall, I thought it was a pretty good movie.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 11:22 PM

The Killing of a Chinese Bookie - (Cassavetes;1976;USA) - ***1/2
When a club owner gambles his way into debt, he can either pay cash or pay with murder.
The thing that sticks out the most compared to other films is Cassavetes' wonderful approach on directing. He lets us learn about the characters in a very humanistic way. At times it feels like you're watching video of real people rather then actors. Ben Gazzara is very good in his performance of a conflicted man. A great, gritty drama. I'll view the shorter cut after I finish the other films in the boxset. The film feels somewhat slow at first but it gets better as the minutes go on.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 11:28 PM

Cidade de Deus (City of God) - (Fernando Meirelles;2002;Brazil) - **** (sorry to bastardize your scoring format, DV :p )




Anyone else a fan of this film? I think it's the most incredible film released so far this decade, and that's saying something, as I'm not privvy to watching many foreign films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 11:30 PM

I liked it. I head it was great going into it and it was very good. I watched about a quarter of it before I left for New York at work but couldn't finish it. I was thinking about buying it but it was a very good movie. The directing was cool IMO
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/05 11:37 PM

City of God is a great film. I rate it ***1/2. The editing is very good if memory serves, and it has an interesting story to tell. The scene with Li'l Zé in the nightclub with the slow motion lights flashing was a good, memorable scene. Although I own it, I haven't watched it in a while.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 12:14 AM

City of God, is a great movie. I have only seen it once and that was some time ago but I do remember really thinking that I had just watched something great at the end of it. I really like the feel of the movie, the look of it and all. It sounds weird but I think that the movie has a great sense of speed or motion, meaning that it was beautifully shot. There wasn’t a lot of “hey I went to film school shots” or throwaway techniques but nicely composed shots that had impact.
I think I rated it a 90 (I go off of a 100 point system- like in school)
Or as Irish would say – It looked cool.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 01:43 AM

Platoon #83 on the AFI Top 100 List

I had only seen this movie once before back in November and I totally enjoyed this movie more the 2nd time around. It was more powerful and moving to me tonight. Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger threw in some great performances and Charlie Sheen was very good as well. A good cast with good music (really only one piece) with a great story to tell. The direction was good but not Stone's best IMO. Or as Suspect_5 would say, not a lot of throw away shots
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 03:30 AM

Million Dollar Baby - (Clint Eastwood;2004;USA) - ****
When a boxing trainer loses his prize fighter, he agrees to train an ambitious woman.
Paul Haggis wrote an excellent screenplay that packs a lot of power. Eastwood doesn't turn in an amazing direction, but he carries the story very nicely, especially with the lighting. Although I do not think this is the best of 2004 anymore, this is still an excellent film. Aside for a few things like the comic relief character of Danger, the film stays away from cliches, especially with the unexpected twist. Eastwood and Swank deserved their nominations, and Swank deserved to win. Second best to Unforgiven as far as Eastwood's films go.
In top 100 Favorites

2004
01. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
02. Closer
03. Million Dollar Baby
04. Kill Bill vol.2
05. Collateral
06. Sideways
07. The Aviator
08. The Passion of the Christ
09. The Woodsman
10. Finding Neverland
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 03:56 AM

I'm always pleased whenever I see someone mentioning City of God. that is one of my all time favorites, and the second best film of the last 15 years in my humble opinion. I agree that it looks "cool", that is beautifully shot, and that the editing is great (in fact, it is one of the best I have ever seen), and I absolutely agree that the slow motion-techno music Lil' Ze killing scene is absolutely amazing. well, y'all who like this movie, just imagine that me, as a brazilian, like it ten times more. you can't imagine how realistic this film is. no matter which rating system you're using, I'll give City of God the highest rating.
Posted By: TheSicilian123

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 04:00 AM

The Godfather ll Again another movie that many here on the BB havnt heard of. I loved it.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 04:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSicilian123:
The Godfather ll Again another movie that many here on the BB havnt heard of. I loved it.
Hmm, I gotta see that one. Wasn't that guy named, what was it, Pacheeno in it? I should probably see it, who directed it? I know it's about a family named the Korleons, who are russian, but that's all I do know.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 08:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
I'm always pleased whenever I see someone mentioning City of God.
I haven't watched it yet. But I want to do it soon, especially after these excellent critics. Unfortunately I don't now much about Brazilian cinema, but I liked "Central do Brazil" very much and I suggest everyone to watch it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 06:39 PM

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - (Michel Gondry;2004;USA) - ****
When a man's ex-girlfriend gets her memories of him erased, he does the same only to realize during the process he doesn't want to forget them.
I was thinking about this film for a little over a half-hour soaking it in again like I did with my first viewing. I had to see it again after last night. This is truly one of the most creative films to come out of recent Hollywood. It's not only an outstanding film visually, but also in it's writing. I hope to see more of Kaufman's writing. This was by far the best of 2004. It also brings out a good performance from Jim Carrey in his best role, and another very good one from Kate Winslet. Gondry's direction is excellent, and it doesn't lose it's touch. The music is also great, in fact, so is everything else.
#13
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 08:03 PM

City of God is indeed a very good film, and coincidentally, it may be apt to take note of Meirelles' use in the film of the freezeframe technique. Obviously one of the reasons it was (unjustly) promoted in distribution as "The Brazilian GoodFellas".

I watched the following these last two days:

A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies ** (1st Time)
1995, Scorsese/Wilson, US
Martin Scorsese presents in a talking head his influences behind much of his work.
A comprehensive made-for-TV document told in both chronological development and thematic patterns in American cinema. From the dissection of Gangster, Westerns and Musicals, to the account of individual directors who influenced him, the only complaint must be the geographical restriction of the title.

Pickpocket *** (1st Time; big screen)
1959, Bresson, Fr
A novice pickpocket becomes a skilled thief through practice and determination.
Austere presentation of a deceptively complex theme and character. No cinematic theatrics are to be found here, and it's a joy to watch because of that.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl ** (1st Time)
2003, Verbinski, US
A pirate who was once mutineered against and marooned on an island, teams up with the son of a former friend to save a Governor's daughter and reclaim his ship.
Enjoyable feast of a swashbuckler, agreeably entertaining and witty if a little overlong.

The Football Factory(1st Time)
2004, Love, GB
A Chelsea supporter and football thug has second thoughts about his chosen life, while his contemporariesorganise a fight with Millwall fans.
Unexpectedly down-to-earth portrayal of this horrid hobby, but in the process, it has been marred by stereotypes and uninteresting, unlovely characters, with a derivative narrative.

Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/05 11:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[b]Cidade de Deus (City of God) - (Fernando Meirelles;2002;Brazil) - **** (sorry to bastardize your scoring format, DV :p )




Anyone else a fan of this film? I think it's the most incredible film released so far this decade, and that's saying something, as I'm not privvy to watching many foreign films. [/b]
It's on HBO, or one of the big movie channels all the time, but for some reason I always skip over it. I'll have to check it out.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 01:02 AM

Shadows - (John Cassavetes;1959;USA) - ***1/2
An improvisational film that looks inside interracial friendships and relationships during the Beatnik era of the 50's.
Although the acting isn't good, this is a great film and was a much needed break away from the average Hollywood films of the 50's, leading the way for Independent film. Not as good as The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, but still a great film with excellent Jazz music. For a 50's film, it's surprising seeing interracial relationships examined.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 01:44 AM

My ma was watching Duplex on TV the other day and never got a chance to see the whole thing so we watched it tonight. I originally think I wanted to see it in the theater but heard so many bad things about it that I never made it to the theaters or the DVD until tonight. It wasn't as horrible as people made it out to be (they probably expected it to be better), but it had its funny parts. Nothing great but nothng horrible
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 01:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
(they probably expected it to be better)
Or expected it to be what they found it to be, shitty? :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 01:59 AM

True. I remember it looked pretty good from the trailers but again, I'm glad I didn't watch it in the theaters.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 02:02 AM

I don't get hung up over most of these teen-targeted comedies. They all recycle jokes. All of those new Vaughn, Stiller, or whoever movies. They're actors I liked before, but now they're just repetitive.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 02:09 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I don't get hung up over most of these teen-targeted comedies. They all recycle jokes. All of those new Vaughn, Stiller, or whoever movies. They're actors I liked before, but now they're just repetitive. Since last year he's been in:

-Along Came Polly
-Starsky & Hutch
-Envy
-Dodgeball
-Anchorman
-Meet the Fockers

That's 6 movies in just 2 years!
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 05:12 AM

but on the bright side two of those movies had Jack Black in them
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 05:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
but on the bright side two of those movies had Jack Black in them
Meh, the last decent/good comedy with him is The School of Rock. If you wanna see a GREAT romantic comedy featuring him, watch High Fidelity.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 05:39 AM

I liked Envy...

It was just a spur of the moment decision for my family to watch it, and we were all cracking up at it...Va-Poo-Riser...oh, man. As I've said before, I'm an easy laugh.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 12:46 PM

I watched The Godfather last night. Always good to watch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 12:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
I liked Envy...

It was just a spur of the moment decision for my family to watch it, and we were all cracking up at it...Va-Poo-Riser...oh, man. As I've said before, I'm an easy laugh.
I was so disappointed with this movie. I wanted to see this in the theaters too and I'm glad I didn't. It was worse than Duplex IMO. I just hated it because all the funny parts were in the commercials.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 04:36 PM

Yesterday I happened to catch Les Miserables. While I've seen it about 10 times, I hadn't seen it in about 5 years.

Such a well written movie that just keeps your interest. Excellent'


Don Cardi
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 07:31 PM

The Shootist ** (1st Time)
1976, Siegel, US
A famous gunslinger diagnosed with Cancer and only months to live arrives in a quiet town with young competition.
A methodic, well-done character study and hymn to the Western, a genre which was at the time all but dead.

Mick
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 08:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[b] I'm always pleased whenever I see someone mentioning City of God.
I haven't watched it yet. But I want to do it soon, especially after these excellent critics. Unfortunately I don't now much about Brazilian cinema, but I liked "Central do Brazil" very much and I suggest everyone to watch it. [/b][/quote]I also recommend O Que É Isso, Companheiro?/ Four Days In September (1997), an excellent crime/drama with Alan Arkin as the American ambassador in Brazil. and just to remember, a big part of it is spoken in english.
Posted By: Al.Neri

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 09:24 PM

I'm going to Italy soon, so I'm planning on watching the trilogy, just to get in the mood...
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 10:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I was so disappointed with this movie. I wanted to see this in the theaters too and I'm glad I didn't. It was worse than Duplex IMO. I just hated it because all the funny parts were in the commercials.
I don't think I ever caught a commercial for it, but I do hate when they do that.

I'm not sure if I'd even heard of it before I saw it...
Posted By: Tony Love

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/05 10:18 PM

Here's an intense movie which I enjoyed (and would recommend):

Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 12:19 AM

Faces - (John Cassavetes;1968;USA) - ****
Richard and Maria are a married, middle-aged couple. Over a day, Richard cheats on his wife with a young woman named Jeanie while Maria cheats on him with a young man named Chet.
Although in some instances overacted, this is an excellent film about a married couple who are burnt out in happiness. This Cassavetes' best so far that I've seen. Aside a few little moments, John Marley is great as Richard, at times charismatic and others filled with angst. Lynn Carlin and Gena Rowlands are also very good in their roles, as well as Seymour Cassel who has an energy perfect for his role. Perhaps the film would be better off with a color, rather then black/white gritty feel but it works on many levels. The final image just before the credits role a perfect ending.

Next up tomorrow or Saturday, A Woman Under the Influence.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 12:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Love:
Here's an intense movie which I enjoyed (and would recommend):

I only saw this movie once and it was just because Neve Campbell was in it but I remember that I surprisngly liked it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 03:17 PM

I'm going to the theater today for this.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 04:22 PM

I just rewatched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Great fun.

I want to see Crash.
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 05:10 PM

I hope you enjoy it Vercetti. It's one of the best fims of the year.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 05:33 PM

I'm looking forward to seeing Crash as well.

Autumn in New York (00/Joan Chen/US) 2/10
Total waste of time. I wonder what Richard Gere and Winona Ryder were thinking signing up for this movie. I wish I'd checked out IMDb before getting this movie.

I enjoyed these movies:

Un homme et une femme aka A Man and a Woman (66/Pierre Uytterhoeven/France) 6/10


Dick Tracy (90/Warren Beatty/US) 6.5/10


Lola Rennt aka Run Lola, Run (98/Tom Tykwer/Germany) 6.5/10


Bourne Identity (02/Doug Liman/US, Germany) 8/10


The Bourne Supermacy (04/Paul Greengrass/US, Germany) 8/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 08:13 PM

Crash - (Paul Haggis;2004;USA) - ****
The lives of several racially diverse people in post-9/11 L.A. over two days.
Even better then Million Dollar Baby, Haggis brings an excellent piece of work. The writing and directing are both top notch, as well as the acting. All sides of discrimination are explored, and it works immensely, leaving a powerful impact by the end. The music is also wonderful. Don Cheadle's performance makes me wanna see Hotel Rwanda more now. Terrence Dashon Howard was also very good, as well as much of the cast.
In top 100
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 08:37 PM

Man On Fire with Denzel Washington. A really good movie with a good story. The relationship that builds between him and the little girl is really touching. And his payback to those bastards is very enjoyable.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 08:40 PM

Great choice in movies Don Cardi and glad you enjoyed it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 08:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
[b]Man On Fire with Denzel Washington. A really good movie with a good story. The relationship that builds between him and the little girl is really touching. And his payback to those bastards is very enjoyable.


Don Cardi [/b]
Although I thought it was a shitty farce of a movie, that was the thing I liked. There actually was real punishment, even if it got a little far-fetched with the bomb suppository. :p
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 08:48 PM

Has anyone here ever seen the 1998 version of Les Miserbales with Liam Neeson, Geoffry Rush and Uma Thurmond?


Don Cardi
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 08:58 PM

Recommending a modest, low-budget English film will perhaps fall on deaf ears for some, but if you like to see a little justice done in film, watch Dead Man's Shoes (2004), my review of which can be found here (reply 5 in the thread) . I'd rate it the best film of 2004, and a far more complex, riveting, better and well-made film than the appalling Man on Fire (2004).

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/05 09:00 PM

Vozvrashcheniye/The Return *** (1st Time)
2003, Zvyagintsev, Russia
After a twelve year absence, a father returns to see his sons, and takes them on a mysterious trip to the country.
A foreboding drama of regret and hostility as a result of time and caution. Its sombre tone and slow pacing is in contrast to the beautiful cinematography of the North Russian landscapes; imagery, feel and performances are likely to linger in the mind for days after.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 12:52 AM

Just got done watching Tales From the Crypt Season 1 and I really enjoyed it. I wasn't expecting much from this series but I really did enjoy it. I had never before seen these episodes and most of them were surprisingly good (except the last episode).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 02:45 AM

Modern Times #81 on the AFI Top 100 List

This was my first Charlie Chaplin movie that I saw in its entirety. It was good and I did like the way the movie was shot. I liked the way it was kind of fast paced/sped up and the fact that it was a slight movie. The story to me was boring and the comedy again was not my kind of comedy. Overall a good movie and I did enjoy it but I was also bored
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 02:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Modern Times [b]#81 on the AFI Top 100 List

This was my first Charlie Chaplin movie that I saw in its entirety. It was good and I did like the way the movie was shot. I liked the way it was kind of fast paced/sped up and the fact that it was a slight movie. The story to me was boring and the comedy again was not my kind of comedy. Overall a good movie and I did enjoy it but I was also bored [/b]
Then I guess all your other Chaplin proviews will be bad then, especially on his fully silent ones.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 02:57 AM

Probably. In fact that's what I've grown to expect from any of the 1930s & 1940s comedies because they're mostly screwball, right? Not trying to put it down but as I've stated, it's just not my cup of tea. Again I did enjoy the movie overall just not the comedy aspect of it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 03:29 AM

Many silent comedies were slapstick comedies, while many sound ones from the 30's and such were screwball. They're not my type of comedy either, but they are still good/great films (depending on which you're watching). In fact, the Marx Bros. are the only ones I really laugh at heavily, but I don't dismiss other ones as bad because of the generation gap. It's their charm that I admire, especially films like The Philadelphia Story.

I've noticed that 90% of the films you've seen from the 50's and before were "good, not great" or something similar.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 10:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I've noticed that 90% of the films you've seen from the 50's and before were "good, not great" or something similar.
Because most of them are to me, except for Frankenstein that was great
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 11:33 AM

Best film of the month so far:

Crossfire **** (1st Time)
1947, Dmytryk, US
An anti-semitic soldier drunkenly kills a Jew. Two other soldiers are also suspected.
Gripping, compelling thriller driven by strong visuals and terrific acting. The dialogue and night-for-night cinematography are a treat to behold; it is also a B movie notable for daring to tackle such a touchy subject as racial hatred.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 09:19 PM

Everyone, TCM is playing two films tonight, one I've seen and one I'm probably gonna tape.

Double Indemnity (best film-noir ever) and Don Siegel's Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is supposed to be great, although I have yet to see it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 09:36 PM

My opinion on Siegel's film:

Invasion of the Body Snatchers ****
1955, Siegel, US

A small town is taken over by aliens.
One of those rare occasions where every technical detail fits together perfectly to produce a compelling, low budget masterpiece. Powerfully executed science fiction, it is the epitome of Cold War paranoia.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 09:37 PM

Yeah, I hear it's Siegel's best film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 09:42 PM

A review on Double Indemnity by me, perhaps to enhance your viewing, should anybody watch it on TCM tonight...

Double Indemnity
Dir. by: Billy Wilder
Country: USA
Year: 1944
Running time: 103 minutes

“I never knew that murder could smell like honeysuckle.”

Film noir was a term first coined by the French critics of the mid-forties who, at the end of World War II, saw for the first time the influx of American crime films, in which they saw many recurring ingredients. The term film noir itself translates to “black film,” a reference to the defining ingredient of the new-found genre: darkness. Not only were the films physically set almost entirely at night, but the tone of the plot would also involve deception, corruption, and crime of the highest order, a murder most unspeakable and vices unrepeatable. The aesthetic approach was a combination of French poetic realism and German expressionism. The plots were complex, often presented in flashback, with voiceover, told from the male protagonist’s point of view: the detective, private eye or cynical tough man who, upon meeting a mysterious, ambiguous female lead, was lead on a downward journey which only unravelled fully at the disastrous climax.

This is the first of three Wilder masterpieces which made the MFA Top 100. ¹ It would of course be impossible to choose one masterpiece as his most definitive; but Double Indemnity must be close. The film is also, along with The Maltese Falcon (1941), and Farewell My Lovely and Laura of 1944, the epitome of the genre.

Walter Neff (that’s two F’s, like Filadelfia) is an insurance salesman, and by the look and sound of it, one who won’t last much longer. Talking into his Dictaphone, he tells claims adjustor Barton Keyes of his doomed affair with Phyllis Dietrichson. Through flashback, we learn that Neff’s client Mr. Dietrichson doesn’t like insurance. But Neff has fallen in love with Mrs. Dietrichson, and will do anything for her—even when she suggests they murder her husband and claim on the insurance. It all goes right up to a point, but this is film noir, and there are no happy endings. Things soon derail and go all wrong…

It seems odd that, since Raymond Chandler co-wrote the script, the plot is a simple one—that is, at least you can follow it. But that doesn’t mean it’s any worse. On the contrary, Chandler and Wilder’s script gives way to fewer, fuller characters who drive the sinister narrative along through the planning an execution of the murder itself, and then in the nail biting aftermath, in which Keyes creeps in on them like a determined predator, and Neff and Dietrichson’s loyalty to each other is pushed to the limit.

The script (based on James Cain’s novel), as those of you familiar with Chandler can imagine, is full of typically hardboiled cynicism. Memorable lines, repartees and first-person voice over are peppered throughout; Neff and Phyllis’ flirting by means of an extended metaphor of a speeding motorist is a notable highlight. Complimenting such a fine screenplay is Wilder’s archetypal directing: the cold, dispassionate standpoint, firm and assured, and frustratingly sweeping in its manipulative handling of the narrative and our constant projection into it.

And of course, with such a classic noir, cinematography is a must. Without it, Wilder’s directing would have been wasted. John Seitz’s black and white photography is astounding and goes hand-in-hand with the direction to capture the Chandleresque setting of a corrupt Los Angeles. Sharp camera angles, distant at time and appropriately up close at others, help to make the film simultaneously stylistic and realistic. Not many films can do that. Stark shadows are evident throughout, another classic trademark of the genre, and of course the light slicing into characters’ faces and bodies through half-shut Venetian blinds. Fantastic. Miklos Rozsa’s musical score never puts a note wrong: exciting, intense and complimentary throughout.

As fantastic as the direction is, as masterful as the script is, as archetypal as the cinematography and score are, the film wouldn’t be half as good without the acting, notably that of the three main stars. Fred MacMurray holds the piece together with an inspired performance as Neff, a character whose anti-hero was virtually an hitherto unknown concept. He could have easily played Marlowe in a Chandler adaptation. His loner yearning for a challenge is played to perfection. Complimenting the role is Barbara Stanwyck as the femme fatale, clad in a fake blonde wig and wearing a dangerously attractive anklet.

But Edward G. Robinson, as Neff’s companion Keyes, steals the show. Rattling off lines with lip-smacking relish, he offers brilliant and welcome comic relief in an otherwise dark study of human evil. Pun intended, he’s quite simply unmatched…

Much like Wilder, and the film itself.

Thanks for reading,
Mick
---
1. = The other two Wilder films on the list are Sunset Boulevard (1950) and Some Like It Hot (1959).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 09:49 PM

Great review on it too. Double Indemnity is the definitive film-noir. Everything from the narration to the femme fatale.

I might write a MFA review while I record the films tonight, since we've sloped on writing them, but then again that means I have to put off A Woman Under the Influence another day.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/05 09:57 PM

Yeah, I intend to catch up with them very soon...I watched Metropolis last week with the intention of writing a review on it. I can't seem to write anything coherent right now, though, unless it's fictional.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/05 12:02 AM

I see Invasion is also playing tomorrow at six PM, so I'll do that tomorrow and only tape Double Indemnity tonight. Also, I'm gonna tape Burton's Ed Wood, which is playing late tomorrow night.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/05 12:45 AM

The Wild Bunch #80 on the AFI Top 100 List

Another movie that I didn't like. I felt like falling asleep during this one tonight. I don't know which one was worse, Modern Times or this one?
Posted By: Tony Love

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/05 12:49 AM

I rented this movie but I was only able to see the first few scenes. Has anybody seen it? What do you think?

Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/05 01:52 PM

Irish, did you see the Director's Cut? I shall be watching that soon, too. Shall let you know what I think.

Tony Love, I have Prizzi's Honor. Despite its critical acclaim, this black comedy runs thinly with no sense of where it wants to go until too far into the movie, by which time no one gives a damn.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/05 02:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irish, did you see the Director's Cut? I shall be watching that soon, too. Shall let you know what I think.
Yes I believe it was the Director's cut. I liked the directing and the editing (whenever someone would die they would shoot something else getting shot and show each falling down second by second). But again, storyline wise I was bored of my bottom
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/05 04:04 PM

I have only seen parts of The Wild Bunch, which I generally enjoyed. I still have to watch it in full on my shitty flipper DVD. It's supposed to be one of the greatest westerns ever.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/05 06:32 PM

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I had high hopes this movie would be good from all the reviews I had heard about and read. Unfortunately it didn't live up to the hype IMO. I didn't hate it (so DV was wrong) :p but it wasn't great either. As a movie by itself it was good and fun for the family. However, when you compare it to the original it's nothing more than an unnecessary 2005 version of a classic that didn't need a remake, no matter how much closer to the book it is than Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I love Depp and was excited to see his performance but I was disappointed in it as well with his little 'laugh' and his comments that lacked any sort of real nastiness on his part. Don't even get me started on the Oompa Loompa's. That was the worst part of the movie IMO and dreaded seeing them on screen. The only songs in the movie was when they were on screen but they were horrible! I'm surprised they weren't just remix songs of Brittany Spears or the Backstreet Boys. If they release this DVD in a 2-pack with Wonka I'll purchase it but I probably won't purchase just this movie by itself.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/05 10:16 PM

Constantine

Another movie that I was looking forward to and heard good things about and yet another movie that I was disappointed with. I think Rachel Weisz and Keanu Reeves did fine jobs with their characters but again the story just became boring and too uninteresting for me towards the halfway point of the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/05 02:37 AM

The Beatles Anthology 3

This was the DVD that I was looking forward to the most because it talked about the British invasion to America. This was a lot more interesting to me than Volumes 1 & 2 and I'm looking forward to watching #4
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/05 03:57 AM

A Woman Under the Influence - (John Cassavetes;1974;USA) - ****
A man tries desperately tries to keep stability in his family while his wife's erratic behavior escalates.
So far, Cassavetes' most compelling film. Gena Rowlands' performance is excellent, and one of the best from an actress I've ever seen. Peter Falk is also astonishing, like Rowlands bringing forth a truly honest performance. The subtle character development is also something to praise Cassavetes for. Although I wouldn't say it's one of the ten best ever, it's up there in the top 20 or 30. A raw, and brutally honest depiction of family madness. One of the most important dramas I've seen.

One film left in the boxset now, Opening Night.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/05 07:15 AM

Well, I've seen mixed reviews from the board and elsewhere, but it sounds like I might be seeing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tomorrow with my mom. I'll admit, both of us are probably mainly going to see Depp, and not even for his talent as an actor (if you know what I mean... ), which is probably even worse, but hopefully we'll end up enjoying the movie, itself.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/05 07:28 PM

Waterloo ** (1st Time)
1970, Bondarchuk, It/USSR
Events leading up to and including the historically famous battle.
The opening sequences have an air of importance and authenticity; it soon wanes (the final hour comprises the battle itself), with a muddled narrative perspective and a stellar cast which can only have been to disguise the cardboard theatrics. As ambitious as it is ultimately tedious.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/05 09:48 PM

Ed Wood - (Tim Burton;1994;USA) - ***1/2
A biopic on the "worst director ever," Ed Wood jr. who made horrible B-Movies, but had an admirable passion for filmmaking.
Oddly enough, I think this is better then Batman Returns, but not a four star movie. I feel like I overrated BR, and this is IMO Burton's best. I love the celebration, rather then spoof of him. Johnny Depp plays Ed Wood with great enthusiasm, and Burton's direction is great. The opening credits are excellent, along with the musical score. At times it's also delightfully funny. Martin Landau is the best actor in this film however, as Bela Lugosi.
#27
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 12:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] I've noticed that 90% of the films you've seen from the 50's and before were "good, not great" or something similar.
Because most of them are to me, except for Frankenstein that was great [/b][/quote]Irishman, have u seen any 'Film Noir' movies from the 40's or 50's? And have u seen any Crime/Gangster movies from the 30's or 40's ?

Im just asking becuase I think youre maybe missing some of the greatest movies ever made.
The 40's IMO was the best decade for movies.(yes,even better than the 70's)

Check out these 2 lists (pre 60's movies):

Greatest (pre 60's) Film Noir (including some Noir/Gangster combos) :

I Am a Fugitive From A Chain Gang (1932)
Fury (1936)
The Letter (1940)
Rebecca (1940)
High Sierra (1941)
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Laura (1944)
Double Indemnity (1944)
Gaslight (1944)
To Have and Have Not (1944)
Mildred Pierce (1945)
Spellbound (1945)
The Big Sleep (1946)
Gilda (1946)
Notorious (1946)
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
Dark Passage (1947)
Nightmare Alley (1947)
Key Largo (1948)
The Lady From Shanghai (1948)
White Heat (1949)
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Touch of Evil (1958)
Vertigo (1958)

Western/Noir Combo :

The Gunfighter (1950)
High Noon (1952)

Greatest pre 60's Crime/Gangster films :

Little Caesar (1930)
M (1931, Ger.)
The Public Enemy (1931)
Scarface: The Shame of the Nation (1932)
G-Men (1935)
The Petrified Forest (1936)
Dead End (1937)
Angels With Dirty Faces (1938)
Each Dawn I Die (1939)
The Roaring Twenties (1939)
They Drive by Night (1940)
On the Waterfront (1954)

Crime films already mentioned for their Noir elements :

Key Largo (1948)
White Heat (1949)
High Sierra (1941)
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

(Note how the "Film Noir" sub-genre has affected the Gangster genre as well in the 40's)
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 01:06 AM

A lot of films are also called Film-Noirs on IMDB for no reason other then the fact they aren't westerns or musicals. I think it's become a little overused. Double Indemnity is the best, and definitive film-noir IMO.

After the 50's, it became Neo-Noirs, and the closest a Neo-noir ever came to the original film-noirs IMO, was Polanski's masterpiece Chinatown.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 01:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fame:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] I've noticed that 90% of the films you've seen from the 50's and before were "good, not great" or something similar.
Because most of them are to me, except for Frankenstein that was great [/b][/quote]Irishman, have u seen any 'Film Noir' movies from the 40's or 50's? And have u seen any Crime/Gangster movies from the 30's or 40's ?

Im just asking becuase I think youre maybe missing some of the greatest movies ever made.
The 40's IMO was the best decade for movies.(yes,even better than the 70's) [/b][/quote]No I sure haven't. I think the only 'Film Noir' movie I've seen is Pulp Fiction but I'd be open to seeing more. I have also wanted to see Howard Hughes' Scarface because I have never seen it before (even though I own it).

The Beatles Anthology 4

I'm really starting to enjoy this more as I LOVE the concert footage because it's as close as I'm ever going to get to seeing The Beatles live. The interviews and stories are very interesting (such as when they started to get into marijuana during their music careers).
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 01:35 AM

Yeah the whole genre system in IMDB is pretty "vague", it gives you all the closest genres and sub-genres to classify a movie.

That said, while some dont consider movies like "Heat" , "Memento" , "Bullitt" or "Serpico" as pure Neo-Noir - they certainly contain Noir elements one cant deny.

But given all the possible choices, I agree about Chinatown - the best of the lot.

2nd Greatest Neo-Noir/Post Noir : "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962)

3rd greatest: "Fargo" (1996)

P.S - Have u seen the sequel to Chinatown - "The Two Jakes"?

did u like it?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 01:46 AM

No I didn't see the sequel. Michael Mann was inspired by Jean-Pierre Melville, who directed two EXCELLENT Neo-Noir films, that are among the greatest crime related films ever: Le Samourai and Le Cercle Rouge.

Heat definitely has Noir elements, but the thing is Neo-Noirs have evolved in style somewhat with different visuals. Collateral for instance, has Neo-Noir elements, more then Heat somewhat. Memento's noir feel is in the B/W scenes/narration.

As for Pulp Fiction, it isn't a Film-Noir.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 02:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Michael Mann was inspired by Jean-Pierre Melville, who directed two EXCELLENT Neo-Noir films, that are among the greatest crime related films ever: Le Samourai and Le Cercle Rouge.
Amen to that !
Check out the same Melville, only this time as an actor, in Godard's masterpiece "A bout de souffle".
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 02:39 AM

I really wanna see some Godard films, but it's hard for me to keep up with all of these directors. If I buy another Criterion, it'll probably be Bergman's The Seventh Seal.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 04:56 AM

The Seventh Seal- I havent seen it yet but after watching Bergman's "Persona" and "Wild Strawberries" I cant wait.

Its up in my to-watch list together with John Cassavetes' "Shadows", "Faces" and "Too Late Blues".
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 05:22 AM

I just watched most of the boxset within the last week. Shadows is a great film, and the beginning of the American New Wave. Faces was a lot better, and an excellent film. So far Cassavetes best for me is A Woman Under the Influence, which has one of the best performances from an actress of all time. I still have to watch Opening Night.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 06:51 AM

I've been downloading both "Le Samourai" and "Le Cercle Rouge" but it will take a while until them end, and when it happens, I know I'll have a hard time trying to find the subtitles. as for Godard, I found out lately that some of his movies are on TV here. one of these days I'm gonna get organizized and sit down to watch'em. the last one I remember was "Alphaville", but I didn't know nothing about it.

-comeback to the boriginal title of the thread- I just finished watching "A Clockwork Orange". any big fans out there? I really liked, although I was expecting something really different. definitely one of the most disturbing, weirdest movies of all time.
Posted By: Just Lou

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 03:40 PM

I just saw "The Wedding Crashers" Sunday. It was actually much better than I could have imagined. It was a rare "dumb comedy" with a decent story behind it. The only negative was that it was a little longer than it needed to be. (over 2 hrs)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 04:03 PM

I think I'm gonna see it tonight with me ma. Thanks for the review. It looks pretty funny to me so hopefully we'll like it
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 04:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
-comeback to the boriginal title of the thread- I just finished watching "A Clockwork Orange". any big fans out there? I really liked, although I was expecting something really different. definitely one of the most disturbing, weirdest movies of all time.
It's been in my DVD collection for 2 years now, and I haven't watched it! I'll probably watch it later on today... I'll post my review then.
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 07:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Just Lou:
I just saw "The Wedding Crashers" Sunday. It was actually much better than I could have imagined. It was a rare "dumb comedy" with a decent story behind it. The only negative was that it was a little longer than it needed to be. (over 2 hrs)
I laughed so hard that I missed some of it and am going to see it again. It is a dumb movie but funny as hell.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 07:53 PM

Regarding the noir debate, it's generally considered that Huston's The Maltese Falcon (1941) was the first true noir, and Welles' Touch of Evil (1958) was the last. Any before or since are coincidental in their elements. And in fact, the whole "genre" of noir is vague itself, since at the time, the directors were making uncategorizable thrillers. Only the French critics coined the term at the end of the war, when these dark, American femmes fatales and sun-baked venetian blinds came flooding onto their screens.

Regarding A Clockwork Orange (1971), it is a witty, meticulous social metaphor. Terrific and terrifying, this verges many times on both farce and horror, with brilliant directorial touches throughout. Burgess' novel is even better.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 07:55 PM

Legenda Suramski Kreposti/The Legend of Suram Forest ** (1st Time)
1984, Paradjanov/Abashidze USSR
Georgian myth on film: a peasant serves a crumbling fortress by being immersed in its walls.
Ravishing to look at and difficult to follow; presented in Paradjanov's abstract, symbolic, episodic style. Aesthetics are brilliant, but without the cultural context, its impact wanes for Western audiences.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 08:36 PM

Cry-Baby

I hadn't seen this movie in awhile but when it came out on DVD I had to buy it. I'm not a huge musical fan but I enjoyed this movie as a kid and I enjoyed it as an adult. One of Johnny Depp's first lead roles in a movie and it even had a sweet Willem Dafoe cameo that I was very surprised at! Anybody else ever seen it?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/05 08:40 PM

The only Waters film I've seen is Hairspray, and that was a while ago. Though I do remember liking it somewhat.

Looks like there will be a remake of Hairspray as well... :rolleyes: Another remake
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/05 12:40 AM

Rebel Without a Cause - (Nicholas Ray;1955;USA) - ****
A teenage loner comes to a new city, making friends and enemies.
James Dean's performance in here is excellent. Like Brando he was one of the first actors to take a different approach to his characters, and it works immensely. The film's social commentary on the teenagers of post-war America is also very important, and is relevant even in today's society. Ray's best film so far, and a true classic.
#27
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/05 01:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
...as for Godard, I found out lately that some of his movies are on TV here. one of these days I'm gonna get organizized and sit down to watch'em. the last one I remember was "Alphaville", but I didn't know nothing about it.
wow I just checked my TV guide and found myself what to do tonight. I'll be watching À Bout De Souffle as late as 2:25 AM but who cares! I just hope the hype don't mess up the film.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/05 02:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[quote]Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[b]...as for Godard, I found out lately that some of his movies are on TV here. one of these days I'm gonna get organizized and sit down to watch'em. the last one I remember was "Alphaville", but I didn't know nothing about it.
wow I just checked my TV guide and found myself what to do tonight. I'll be watching À Bout De Souffle as late as 2:25 AM but who cares! I just hope the hype don't mess up the film. [/b][/quote]American TV? Tonight?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/05 02:17 PM

M ** (2nd Time)
1931, Lang, Ger
With a child murderer on the loose, the police and city's criminals search for the elusive psychopath.
Primitive now but an undoubted classic, with a disturbing theme and an over-the-top climactic session of psychoanalysis, in which the villain's murders are somewhat justified, being nothing more than a child himself.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/05 05:02 PM

Invasion of the Body Snatchers - (Don Siegel;1956;USA) - ***1/2
Plant-like pods begin hatching in the basements of a small town, turning the residents into emotionless people.
A great film, although not as good as I thought it would be. The original ending would've made this much better, but still this is a strong film that can be used as an allegory for the McCarthy blacklisting. McCarthy (ironic, huh?) gives a pretty good performance in the lead, and the supporting cast supports the film well. Not Siegel's best but great nevertheless.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/05 09:43 PM

Dodgeball Unrated Edition

I don't see what was so "unrated" about this version of the film other than 1 F bomb (that I counted) and maybe some more slurs. Other than that, it's the same old movie. I did enjoy it nonetheless. Some funny cameo's too from David Hasselhoff, William Shatner, Chuck Norris, and Lance Armstrong
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/05 09:45 PM

it wasn't on american tv Don Vercetti. you didn't miss this one well I did watch and I did like it. the directing is somewhat genious, with all the camera moves and original soundtrack. it's cool to see where Tarantino got his long dialogue scenes from. the hotel room scene with Michel and Patricia may last almost half an hour of no action and I still was glued to the TV. it surprised a lot because I was expecting more of a crime flick, but I didn't see that many crime related stuff in the plot. instead, it's a relationship flick, like Woody Allen could do, with touches of comedy and wonderful acting from Belmondo, an actor I had never heard of. a classic. (I was talking about Godard's À Bout De Souffle )
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 01:30 AM

Million Dollar Baby

I was curious to see this movie as it beat out The Aviator for the major awards. Upon my first viewing I think The Aviatar was better but Million Dollar Baby was still a good movie. Very depressing and I was shocking mid-way through the movie in terms of what happened to one of the main characters. Swank and Eastwood both did a great job. Morgan Freeman was good but I wouldn't consider him "great." So between this and Mystic River what do you guys think was the better movie?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 01:55 AM

Irish, Million Dollar Baby is better IMO. Eastwood deserved his nomination for acting as well. While MR had an overlong end, MDB doesn't. The direction is also better, especially with the lighting, most notably in that scene in the car. The script itself is very good and packs a punch of emotion while generally staying away from cliches, with the exception of that horrible character "Danger." I think Unforgiven is better then both.

Mystic River - ***1/2
Million Dollar BAby - ****

Le Samouraï - (Jean-Pierre Melville;1967;France/Italy) - ****
A perfectionist hitman leaves several witnesses on his next job, and is pursued by police and his employers.
Definitely one of the best thrillers ever. A simple plot is elevated through excellent direction and visuals from Melville. The score, which is at times Jazzy and pulsating also adds to the feel of the film, along with the grays and blues in the palette. Alain Delon plays his icy role, in what may be the best portrayal of a hitman character.
#1
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 04:49 AM

I just watched Gone with the Wind for the first time.

One of the greatest movies of all time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 12:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I just watched Gone with the Wind for the first time.

One of the greatest movies of all time.
I've yet to watch it but it's on the list and I'll see it when I get to the top 5. I don't want to watch it before then but from what I've heard from me ma and this board I'm excited
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 01:31 PM

Although I had heard of it, but never really knew what it was about, a friend of mine suggested I see "Grand Canyon". It was on HBO last week and I watched it.

Kevin Klein is a lawyer, and Danny Glover a tow truck driver, who rescues Kevin who's car breaks down in an undesirable area in L.A. Their friendship continues from there. So many horrible things happening ( from a drive-by shooting, abandon baby to an earthquake), which makes you wonder how horrible the world we live in can be. Yet the friendship between Klein & Glover that develops gives you hope that there are still good people in this world.

Very different film, but I did enjoy it.

TIS
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 01:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
Very different film, but I did enjoy it.
I enjoyed it too. I only watched it once and it's been quite a long time ago, but I definitely would suggest everyone to watch it. It's a great movie.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 01:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] I just watched Gone with the Wind for the first time.

One of the greatest movies of all time.
I've yet to watch it but it's on the list and I'll see it when I get to the top 5. I don't want to watch it before then but from what I've heard from me ma and this board I'm excited [/b][/quote]I envy you a little, boys. The first time you watch GWTW it's sort of a magic! :-)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 03:04 PM

When I watched Gone with the Wind (1939) for the first time (I haven't watched it since), I felt overwhelmed. I can't help but think its preceding reputation caused that.

The Descent (1st time; big screen)
2005, Marshall, GB
A year after losing her husband and daughter in a car crash, an adventurer and six friends go on a caving trip, to find things down there they didn't expect.
Like the director's first film, the kind of horror which begins in a genuinely gripping manner and shows a lot of potential, before escalating out of control thanks to a horrid script.

Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 04:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
When I watched Gone with the Wind (1939) for the first time (I haven't watched it since), I felt overwhelmed.
I watched it last night, and I woke up still feeling the effects of that movie. It's mindblowing.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 07:44 PM




A Clockwork Orange (1971, Kubrick)

A film filled with stunning images and vibrant characters, A Clockwork Orange is amazing. Malcolm McDowell is Alex, a young man who's interests are ultra-violence, rape and Bethoven. He and "Droogs" spend their times doing all these things, and speaking in their own language, with such colorful sayings and figures of speech as:

"Well, well, well! Well if it isn't fat stinking billy goat Billy Boy in poison! How art thou, thou globby bottle of cheap stinking chip oil? Come and get one in the yarbles, if ya have any yarble, ya eunuch jelly thou!"

and "Doobiedoob, a bit tired maybe, best not to say more. Bedways is rightways now, so best we go homeways and get a bit of spatchka. Right-right?"

Overall, this is shocking, flamboyant, and excellent. Such images you would only see in a Dr. Seuss book, blows out your ears and scorches your eyes. A masterpiece.


Final Rating: 10/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 09:41 PM

Blast!

I had never heard of this movie but a coworker of mine rented it and I had nothing else to do this afternoon really so I watched it. It's basically about an ex-firefighter played by Eddie Griffin who plays "the hero." It's about a boat that Griffin operates that's drilling for oil off of the California coast. Vinnie Jones is a "terrorist" although he really doesn't convince me. None of the "bad guys" come across as believable or serious in there mission. Basically Vinnie and his crew take over the ship and threaten to launch an E bomb that will destroy all of California unless their demand is met. This movie had minimal humor for it's cast and was a very low budget piece. Nothing really great except Vivica A. Fox & Breckin Meyer were in it as well.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 11:05 PM

The Boondock Saints - (Troy Duffy;1999;USA) - **
Two Irish-Catholic brothers decide to kill all evil people.
A huge guilty pleasure for me. While I enjoy it a lot and can watch it over and over, it's one of the most overrated films of recent years. The premise is poor, and the action scenes are ridiculously corny and over the top, especially the one where they fall from the ceiling disoriented, but can spin in slow motion killing everyone perfectly. Most of the scenes that aren't being comedic become mind numbingly melodramatic. And as I said before, the action scenes try to be operatic with slow motion, but fail miserably.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 11:25 PM

Only 2 stars!? This is one of my favorite movies of all time and deserves at least 3
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 11:29 PM

My full review of BOONDOCK SAINTS will come soon, but for now......its an overrated movie made from a pretty decent idea but of which its execution is.......a mess. No wonder Troy Duffy hasn't made a movie since then.

Really...is the movie a comedy or a gritty crime/action movie? Duffy couldn't make up his mind, and we suffer for it. Average movie that could have been much more!

**1/2 out of 5
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 11:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Only 2 stars!? This is one of my favorite movies of all time and deserves at least 3
I love the movie and I'm glad I own it, but it never gets its point across. It implies it and then ignores it for the rest of the sloppy script. It could've been a great movie if the story had been handled correctly, but it wasn't. It just feels ridiculous, especially the action scenes, which were horribly directed to look extreme and pseudo-operatic. It's purely a guilty pleasure.

At least three? I could say the same thing for a few movies you didn't like.

Ronnie, the movie didn't feel gritty at all, at least for me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/05 11:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[qb] especially the action scenes, which were horribly directed to look extreme and pseudo-operatic.
I can agree with that somewhat, but I wasn't into this movie for it's action. It's mostly a comedy for me and it's probably my favorite Dafoe movie. I LOVE him as Agent Smecker, he's so funny
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 12:02 AM

Yeah, but the few scenes I laughed at weren't enough to make it good or even decent for me. Just another cult movie to me, but I love it on an entertainment scale. But hell, the action scenes alone bring down the film heavily, and then you have the dialogue and serious scenes. I can't even say the music was great. While the opera was very good, you then had the bad techno music that was used to amplify the action scenes.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 12:45 AM

Just finished watching Ocean's 11 ( remake ) for probably the tenth time. Imagine, $13Million each. Not a big George Clooney fan, but I must say, the verbal exchanges between he and Brad Pitt were excellent.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 02:38 AM

New Jack City

I saw some of this movie on HBO the other day and had never seen it and was in the mood for it. I was hoping for a movie somewhat similar to Scarface or The King of New York. I would say it's closer to The King of New York but not as good. I liked Wesley Snipes in it, altough the end was ruined for me because I already saw it on an I Love the 90s show on VH1 He did a good job with it but I thought he could have done better. He just didn't seem as mean or as vicious as he could have been and that hurt his character and the movie IMO. And yes, Scarface can been seen twice in this movie on a TV, both times with Wesley watching it. I'll still probably get the 2-disc special edition DVD next month
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 06:08 AM

I just watched The Good the Bad and the Ugly for the first time. Holy shit! What an incredible movie!

I think it might be my new all-time favorite...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 01:29 PM

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a film that everybody else likes except me. I've only seen it once, though, and am due a rewatch.

Miller's Crossing *** (1st time)
1990, Coen, US
In a small Prohibition town, an Irish and Italian mob boss go head to head.
A complex, meandering narrative is as enjoyable as the individual performances and snappy dialogue; a clever, existential restitching of the genre.

Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 08:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] The Boondock Saints - (Troy Duffy;1999;USA) - **
Two Irish-Catholic brothers decide to kill all evil people.
A huge guilty pleasure for me. While I enjoy it a lot and can watch it over and over, it's one of the most overrated films of recent years. The premise is poor, and the action scenes are ridiculously corny and over the top, especially the one where they fall from the ceiling disoriented, but can spin in slow motion killing everyone perfectly. Most of the scenes that aren't being comedic become mind numbingly melodramatic. And as I said before, the action scenes try to be operatic with slow motion, but fail miserably. [/b]
I keep being prompted to see this, by a friend of mine.

From what I've heard, Williem Dafoe has as homo-sexual, Asian love-pet, which is always a plus. :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 08:49 PM

Willem Dafoe plays a gay homophobe. :p It is a comical scene.

Dafoe and Asian man are in bed while Dafoe is on the phone, Asian starts cuddling, gets slapped, does it again, gets slapped harder.

Dafoe: What are you doing?
Asian man: I just wanted to cuddle!
Dafoe:.....what a f*g.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 09:59 PM

That's it, I'm renting this tonight.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 10:14 PM

Yeah, it has it's funny moments. The movie actually feels like it will be good with the opening church scene, but it soon goes on a rocky road downhill, especially with the action scenes.

But it's still worth seeing for that one scene. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 10:50 PM

What about Rocco and his infamous "Is it dead" line!? Or the dective trying to figure out what's going on and Dafoe always cracks on him, Duffy I think his name is
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 10:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Duffy I think his name is
Patrick Duffy? I love me some Patrick Duffy. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/05 11:26 PM

No, his name in the movie is just Detective Duffy. I wish it was Karen Duffy

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/05 01:19 AM

The Beatles Anthology 5

More drugs + more music = more fame
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/05 02:44 AM

The Beatles Anthology 6

More of the same
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/05 02:49 AM

Hostage - (Florent Emilio Siri;2005;USA) - **1/2
A police negotiator is drawn into a hostage situation, soon the FBI demands something from inside the house, and both the hostages, and the police negotiator's family become collateral.
Be fooled by the unimaginative title. This movie disappointed me. After all I heard about it, the second half becomes very predictable and far-fetched. It begins like a good movie, continues on like a good movie, and then goes downhill. The film is also no stranger to cliches.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/05 03:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
This movie disappointed me. After all I heard about it, the second half becomes very predictable and far-fetched. It begins like a good movie, continues on like a good movie, and then goes downhill.
I couldn't agree mroe. Although I thought Ben Foster (Mars) and Jonathan Tucker (Dennis) both put together some pretty good performances and they really stood out for me
Posted By: Looking_for_Turi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/05 03:53 AM

I really love movies but I haven't been to the theaters lately though the latest movies (most not up-to-date) that I remember watching are:

- Batman Begins (Christian Bale)
- A Lot Like Love (Ashton Kutcher)
- Carandiru (a Brazilian movie)
- A Very Long Engagement (Audrey Tatou)
- Chasing Papi
Posted By: Tony Love

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/05 04:09 AM



This move is funny! I watched it the other day at my friend's house. It was in the cheap, cheap section at the video store, and it was worth it. Also rented "Power of Attorney" but I haven't watched it yet.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/05 06:45 PM

Wedding Crashers

I wasn't expecting this movie to be that funny, but more of a silly predictable movie. It was predictable but it was a lot funnier than I thought it would be. I haven't laughed that much in the theaters in a long time and will anticipate this movie coming out on DVD. Vincen Vaughn turns it up a notch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 02:26 AM

Dances With Wolves #75 on the AFI Top 100 List

This was my first time viewing this movie because I boycotted it because it beat out Goodfellas for all the Oscars. The only reason I watched it tonight was because it was on the AFI list. This movie wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. I don't know why I expected it to be bad but I did enjoy it quite a bit. The 3 hours went by farely quickly, which is always a positive but I still don't think this is a better movie than Goodfellas. I'd watch this movie again but as suspect_5 said, it's not a movie I could see over and over again. On a last note, I liked the fact that the Native Americans spoke Indian. I think it added to the authenticity of the movie.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 03:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I liked the fact that the Native Americans spoke Indian. I think it added to the authenticity of the movie.
LOL!!
This is the greatest sentence I have ever seen constructed.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 03:52 AM

I knew it'd probably be wrong. Allow me to rephrase, I liked the fact that the Native Americans spoke their "own" language
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 04:16 AM

A lazy day in front of the TV. How pathetic my social life is. :p

Out of Time - (Carl Franklin;2003;USA) - **
A police chief must be steps ahead of his own force to solve a crime that could be wrongfully tied to him.
Denzel is typecast as a character that is similar to past roles, and the film itself is a pretty dull, shallow script. Nothing special at all. A simple thriller with a not so shocking twist.

Collateral - (Michael Mann;2004;USA) - ***1/2
A nihilistic hitman uses a conflicted taxi driver to drive him from hit to hit.
One of the best of 2004. Michael Mann's meticulous and stylish direction makes this a great film, along with it's script, which boasts top notch dialogue and characters. Tom Cruise plays his role to a T, and Jamie Foxx also gives a good performance. Cruise deserved a Supp. Actor nomination. The DVD photography also gives great dimension to the cinematography. The rising action towards the end however gets a little over the top, from the office to subway. Mann's 3rd best,
#3

Grumpy Old Men - (Donald Petrie;1993;USA) - ***
Two old men fight over a new woman who moves to town.
A very funny comedy that has a great combination of Lemmon, Matthau, and Meredith. While not a great film it still proves to hold onto good humor. One of the better Lemmon/Matthau films. Probably the only positive thing to come from Mark Steven Johnson's writing.

Eraser - (Chuck Russell;1996;USA) - ZERO
A Witness Protection agent finds the men he works with may be into purchasing illegal weapons.
I first saw this when I was seven or eight, and I gotta say, it's a huge guilty pleasure. The film itself is as bad as they come. A horrible CGI alligator in one scene, Ah-nuld falling from an airplane onto a car without any damage (no, this is not a Terminator film), and just plain drivel from the start. One of the worst action flicks to come out of the 90's.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 04:26 AM

DV, I know this is off subject but I was wondering if you were going to see Sin City when it comes out on DVD next month? I've been looking forward to a review of it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 04:31 AM

God is this the third or fourth time? :p

Seeing the trailer again on the DVD for Hostage, some of it looked horribly fake or stupid, like the car crash and Asian woman throwing a swastika blade, among other things, but I'll still see it because of the hype. Hopefully Rodriguez will finally bring a movie that doesn't suck. I'm expecting a good film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 04:34 AM

Hopefully you enjoy it. It's one of my favorite comic book movies ever. It's gotta be in my top 5 if not top 3. A lot of it does look fake because of the world that it was created it but I still loved it very very much and anxiously await it's sequel next year
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 06:12 AM

The Devil's Rejects

Never before have I seen a movie with a worse script and worse acting. The plot is a mess and the characters have no identity. There is almost no point really. There really isnt a protagonist, or even a villain for that matter. But despite (and thanks to) all the flaws, the movie has an incredibly original feel to it. There are even a few flashes of genius, but they dont last that long unfortunately. This movie was not scary at all, and was a complete mess, but I have to salute Rob Zombie for not making another boring and predictable horror flic.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 03:29 PM

Casablanca **** (Top 20) (4th Time)
1942, Curtiz, US
An American cynic goes against his views to save an old love from the Nazis in war-time Morocco.
Excellence all round is shown in what many believe is one of the greatest films ever made. The casting, pacing, directing and photography are impeccable, with versatility to please everyone.

Mick
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 04:42 PM

My daughter must have a collection of 40 some dvd's that I haven't seen, so last night I watched Anchorman.

This movie is so stupid, it's funny. Both my daugher and I are huge Will Farrell fans, so seeing him in his element is what makes the movie for me.
***SPOILERS*****
When that motoryclist kicked his dog off the bridge, that was so wrong on so many levels, but I couldn't stop laughing. And that whole "West side story" anchorman fight was so extreme, but I was still rolling with laughter. I wouldn't say the whole movie was funny, but these were definately the highlights.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 04:48 PM

Rocky #78 on the AFI Top 100 List

This is a true American classic. How could anybody not like Rocky? The first one isn't my favorite of the series but it's still a great movie nonetheless. I think Rocky II was better than the original but that's just my own opinion
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 05:11 PM

ROCKY was indeed a great movie, but better than other great movies back in 1976 like TAXI DRIVER or NETWORK or ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN? Nope, but it deserves to be mentioned with them for that pretty damn good movie year.

As for ROCKY II, its pretty good if slightly only as a "Follow-Up" sequel like that of Frakenheimer's THE FRENCH CONNECTION II.

However, ROCKY III and the other sequels were pure blockbuster fluff silly sequels that didn't contain the drama of the central characters from the first two movies that Stallone penned.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/05 10:52 PM

Giant #82 on the AFI Top 100 List

I wasn't really expecting much from this movie but it was really good. The story and acting was very well done. I thought this would just be another boring 3 hour + movie but I'm pleased it wasn't. I think towards the end it should have ended earlier than it did but for the most part, this movie went by pretty fast and kept me interested. This was the first James Dean movie I had seen and he did a good job as well. Man do I hate texas!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 01:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
God is this the third or fourth time? :p

Seeing the trailer again on the DVD for Hostage, some of it looked horribly fake or stupid, like the car crash and Asian woman throwing a swastika blade, among other things, but I'll still see it because of the hype. Hopefully Rodriguez will finally bring a movie that doesn't suck. I'm expecting a good film.
Well, just remember to keep the big picture in mind when you see it. The fakness or stupidity, or corniness were in a way intentional, as they were attempting to stay true to the comics, which I felt the did--the comic's dialouge is cheesy, the action is exagerated, and gives off the feeling of a stereotypical thriller film of the early 30s; But that is what makes them so enjoyable.

Just remember, the thing that makes this film so great is its incredibley unique, and stylish look/feel/And... style :p . I think you'll be able to respect it, on the level of per se Kill Bill. None the less, I find it extremely entertaining.

And, to repeat the IMDB forums, l13k OMG! it not teh swastika!!!1 :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 02:41 AM

Yeah, but the impression I get from Rodriguez is that he tries to be like Tarantino. The only thing I like about him is his choice of music, which is usually Tito and Tarantula. I'll still see it, and I'm expecting at least a good film. I just hope it's not as mindless as most comic book films are.

Angels with Dirty Faces - (Michael Curtiz;1938;USA) - ****
Two friends grow up in Hells Kitchen, one a gangster, the other a priest. After Rocky's released from prison, Father Connelly begins to see the negative impact his old friend has on the local kids.
A classic gangster film. Cagney is great, although he was better in White Heat. It's not as good as WH, but I enjoyed it more. O'Brien and Bogart also have good supporting roles. Seeing this gives me a lot more respect for the old Hollywood gangster films. This is even better then the original Scarface IMO, and has more to say then just an average rise and fall of a gangster. I highly recommend this to any fans of crime/gangster films.
#27
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 02:58 AM

Vote in my RRA'S VIDEO BIN REVIEW poll! Your vote counts in a direct way, instead of an electoral college like a certain country we know!

Oh and I saw a movie this weekend:

THE DEVIL'S REJECTS

Superior sequel to Rob Zombie's fun-but-uneven-solid movie HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS is a respectful-yet-natural homage to 70's hardcore slasher horror flicks, especially like say THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, unlike Michael Bay's recent awful remake.

BTW, am I not the only one dancing at the idea of Michael Bay having a box-office dud on his hands? Soon enough, we might get to sing to him..."Hey hey hey, GOOODBYE!!!"

Final Film Rating - *** out of 5
Posted By: Just Lou

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 05:07 AM



I just wasted 2 hours of my life watching "The Day After Tomorrow". The entire northern hemisphere is destroyed, but Dennis Quaid treks to NYC during the next ice age to find his son. :rolleyes:
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 07:44 AM

Yesterday I finally managed to watch "The recruit". Definitely not the most memorable of all spy-thrillers, but still enjoyable. Needless to say, a great performance by Al Pacino. He looked quite good in the movie but got a "droopy face" ( ) during the intro interview. But then again, "Nothing is what it seems"... :p

Then I watched "Cold Creek Manor", a soon-to-be-forgotten-gothic horror with Sharon Stone and Dennis Quaid. Stars need money. That's the only possible reason why they played in such a stupid film. I was astonished by the role of no importance Juliette Lewis got in this movie. Is her career as an actress in crisis?
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 07:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Just Lou:
I just wasted 2 hours of my life watching "The Day After Tomorrow".
Tomorrow it will be my turn. I know these films are stupid and everything, but I can't help watching them....
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 03:31 PM

Sin City is a mindless film. That's the point.

Sansho Dayu/Sansho the Bailiff *** (1st time)
1954, Mizoguchi, Japan
11th Century feudal Japan: a governor is exiled for speaking out for peasants; years later, his family become enslaved and suffer extreme hardship.
Simple tale told in brilliant images; an uplifting tragedy, it is a slow moving account with many nasty moments--powerful and memorable as a result.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 09:50 PM

Demoiselle d'honneur, La/Die Brautjungfer/La damigella d'onore/The Bridesmaid * (1st time; big screen)
2005, Chabrol, Fr/Ger/Ita
A middle-class salesman falls in love with his sister's bridesmaid, but she has sinister secrets…
Hitchcockian affair with a building tension to something unrewarding; it could have been done much better.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 10:51 PM

Little Caesar - (Mervyn LeRoy;1931;USA) - ****
A gangster rises up the ranks and muscles out other criminals, while the police hope to bring him down.
One of, if not the most influential gangster film. Although it is a rushed film, and goes by fast, it still remains as a classic gangster film, and is never boring. I like Cagney more then Robinson, but he is still a great tough guy, and his Rico is an icon of the genre.
#93
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/05 11:59 PM

DV -

Glad to see you enjoyed "Angels With Dirty Faces". You should check out "Dead End" with Sylvia Sidney and Joel McCRea. Bogart has a great supporting role in it and its the screen debut of the "Dead End" kids.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 12:26 AM

In fact, Sam Goldwyn produced it so you are sure to get great quality. I'm glad you meantioned it becuase whenI saw it a few years ago I enjoyed it very much.

The DVD is $10.99 at Best Buy. Looks like it's time to buy, buy buy.

On a different note, is anyone following the Fox Film Noir collection besides me?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 12:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
DV -

Glad to see you enjoyed "Angels With Dirty Faces". You should check out "Dead End" with Sylvia Sidney and Joel McCRea. Bogart has a great supporting role in it and its the screen debut of the "Dead End" kids.
Whaddya hear, whaddya say?

"Angels" is my favorite so far in the boxset. I'll be reviewing the whole box when I'm done. I read that the Dead End kids were real pricks on the set, at one point stealing Bogey's pants. They ad-libbed to throw off Cagney, who retorted by punching the kid, and they stopped. Problem kids didn't need Zoloft back then, did they? :p

I wanna see more of Bogey and Cagney. I heard The Enforcer is good, but can't find a copy.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 02:38 AM

I just watched Kill Bill Vol. 1. I had to see what all the hype was. My daughter has both movies, so I hope Vol. 2 answers alot of questions. This was the weirdest and grossest movies I think I've ever seen. I still don't understand it all. Time will tell if Vol. 2 fills in the gaps I guess.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 03:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Beth E:
I just watched Kill Bill Vol. 1. I had to see what all the hype was. My daughter has both movies, so I hope Vol. 2 answers alot of questions. This was the weirdest and grossest movies I think I've ever seen. I still don't understand it all. Time will tell if Vol. 2 fills in the gaps I guess.
Glad you watched it! But did you enjoy it!?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

I wanted to watch this before I read the book and in doing so it refreshed the story in my mind for me. Always picking up new things upon further review. Can't wait to see how close it is to the book and this is still my favorite of the trilogy so far
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 03:58 AM

So far SC, this is the best of the old gangster films IMO, including White Heat.

The Roaring Twenties - (Raoul Walsh;1939;USA) - ****
After WW1, a soldier turns to bootlegging when he can't find work.
I really didn't think this would top White Heat, but I was wrong. This is not only a gangster film, but an excellent social commentary on the 1920's. Cagney is great, perhaps not as good as he was in White Heat, but still close. Bogart is also very good in his supporting role, as well as the other supporting actors, especially Gladys George. One of the better films of '39.
#32

Angels With Dirty Faces is still my favorite of them, but this was very close. I was glued from start to finish. Walsh's direction was great.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 06:19 AM

The Petrified Forest - (Archie Mayo;1936;USA) - ***1/2
Several people, including a waitress, intellectual, jock, old man, middle-aged couple, and a group of outlaws are stuck in a gas station while vigilantes search for the outlaws, and a sandstorm appears.
An overlooked gem in the 30's. The script and cast is great. What stands out above all is Bogart's supporting role, which is meticulously acted. Howard's character is also very interesting, although the film could've been better.

The Public Enemy is left in the box, and I will be returning to the Cassavetes box soon for the final film in it, Opening Night.
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 06:28 AM

Garden State

An incredibly emotional and touching film that hit real close to home for me personally. The acting was mediocre and the script was only decent, but I fell in love with the story and the characters. This is probably one of my new favorite films.

8/10
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 11:58 AM

Ran **** (Top 60) (2nd time)
1985, Kurosawa, Jap/Fr
Betrayed and exiled by two of his sons, an old clan head seeks redemption from his third son, who he wrongly accused of greed when on the throne.
Haunting and brutal, an epic brilliantly made by a director who, after all those years, proved to still be the master at 75. He camera hardly moves, and many of the images seem at first to be stills. The whole thing is extraordinary viewing.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 11:34 PM

The Public Enemy - (William A. Wellman;1931;USA) - ****
Tom Powers rises from being a young punk to a bootlegging gangster.
Although some of the characters seem to be forgotten about, and there are some dragging scenes, this is, like Little Caesar, one of the most influential gangster films ever. The rain scene towards the end is pure classic, and sports a great line to end it, and as Mike said, sum the movie up. "I ain't so tough..." Cagney is pretty good in this role, although his best was yet to come.
#87
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 11:40 PM

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Burton; 2005)
A young impoverished boy is wins a tour of the bizarre Willy Wonka's chocolate and sweets factory.

I liked this far better than the original. Tim Burton brought his interesting flavor to the table, and deffinately made it a better expirience. This is, by far, the most entertainment I've ever gotten out of a child geared film.
***1/2 out of *****
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 11:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Beth E:
I just watched Kill Bill Vol. 1. I had to see what all the hype was. My daughter has both movies, so I hope Vol. 2 answers alot of questions. This was the weirdest and grossest movies I think I've ever seen. I still don't understand it all. Time will tell if Vol. 2 fills in the gaps I guess.
Kill Bill Vol. 2 will make it all worth while. To tell the truth, I didn't like Kill Bill Vol. 1 at all until I saw Vol. 2
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/05 11:45 PM

UGH, I can either see War of the Worlds or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tomorrow. I can't pick. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 01:39 AM

Dark Water

I had been wanting to see this for a little while in the theater. I wasn't expecting much from this movie and I'm safe to say I got nothing much from this movie. Pretty lame, predictable "suspense" (not horror) movie. Another Japanese movie that fails miserably in its American adaptation (a la The Grudge). Unfortunately, even Jennifer Connelly couldn't save this movie although she was good in it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 01:47 AM

Yes DARK WATER looks lame. Really, why can't American horror movies be disturbing yet unique anymore?

Stanley Kubrick's BARRY LYNDON - ****1/2 out of 5

Cited by many as among the most beautiful motion pictures ever, which I have to agree. A really good underrated Kubrick picture(there is such a thing?!?) that was a big bomb back in 1975 but now is considered by many as a great movie. Recently named on TIME's Top 100 Movies list.

Other future RRA's VIDEO BIN REVIEW subjects:

Michael Cimino's YEAR OF THE DRAGON
Brian DePalma's OBSESSION
COP LAND
Oliver Stone's NIXON
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 01:49 AM

Better yet, how about a horror movie that doesn't have a kid as the villain?

OMG THE LIL GERL IZ GUNA KIL ME KUZ HER FAMLY HERT HER@!1!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 04:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
UGH, I can either see War of the Worlds or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tomorrow. I can't pick. :p
They're both about the same. Nothing too special, but entertaining none the less.

However, unless you enjoy ditzy 13 year old girls laughing at the stupidest of jokes, and annoying little 12 year olds repeating every single line, I'd go with War of the Worlds.

Either way don't expect to be blown away. Expect an average, but entertaining film.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 04:49 AM

*************WAR OF THE WORLDS SPOILER ALERT************

DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DIDN'T SEE WAR OF THE WORLDS


I saw it. A suspensful movie throughout and then it's like you hit a brick wall at the end of the movie. Suspensful movie that keeps you interested and then very ANTI-CLIMACTIC ending. Very dissapointed in the way that it just ends.


Don Cardi
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 04:54 AM

*SPOILER*

I saw it too DC. I did like it. The special affects were great and it was very suspensful. I agree with you about the ending, and didn't "get" the bird thing (they didn't make it clear IMO). I expected it to end differently.


TIS
Posted By: raggingbull2003

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 05:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
*************WAR OF THE WORLDS SPOILER ALERT************

DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DIDN'T SEE WAR OF THE WORLDS


I saw it. A suspensful movie throughout and then it's like you hit a brick wall at the end of the movie. Suspensful movie that keeps you interested and then very ANTI-CLIMACTIC ending. Very dissapointed in the way that it just ends.


Don Cardi
Yea I didnt love the ending either. But I was pretty much the last of my friends to see this movie, and they told me the ending was horrible, so basically I went in thinking the end was gonna be pure dog shit. I didnt think it was quite that bad so I wasnt disappointed.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 01:03 PM

I enjoyed War of the Worlds and will be purchasing it on DVD, but I agree with everybody that the ending was confusing. Hopefully if there's commentary they might "explain" better what they meant to get across
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 01:18 PM

The thing you have the remember about War of the Worlds, is the time the book was written, abrupt endings like that were acceptable. However, that in mind, I still say the movie was average. Entertaining, but average.

I heard they wanted to make the film three hours long, but it was cut down to one hour, fifty minutes. I suppose that may have done something to the overall quality.


Oh, and TIS, as far as the bird thing goes...

***SPOILER****

The tripods were not immune to Earth's diseases. It wasn't neccisarily the birds that killed them off, but more so they germs they held.

***END SPOILER***
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 01:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
I heard they wanted to make the film three hours long, but it was cut down to one hour, fifty minutes. I suppose that may have done something to the overall quality.
If they were gonna stay with the same ending than I'm glad they stuck to the hour and 50 minute movie as opposed to 3 hours because I would have been even more pissed after waiting that long for something to happen
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/05 05:35 PM

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - (Tim Burton;2005;USA) - ***1/2
A poor boy wins one of the five golden tickets to enter Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory.
Burton has done the book justice. His visuals give this film a wonderful look. Depp's performance is good, although he has done better, and Highmore does even better then his role in Finding Neverland. If anyone sees this comparing it to the older adaptation, they aren't seeing this the right way. It's different, some ways better and some ways lesser, but it all turns out great in it's own right. I like that Dahl's original lyrics were used in the musical scenes, although the television one was poor. Overall, this is a great fantasy film, done wonderfully by Burton, especially the candy room. It's only problem is being over the top in several instances.
Posted By: Tony Love

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 05:00 AM



Just got done watching this movie. It's horrible! It's drawn out, nothing happens, and no happy ending. No cinematic climax; nothing. Don't waste your time.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 09:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
Oh, and TIS, as far as the bird thing goes...
.

SPOILER MATERIAL ----------------- SPOILER MATERIAL ----------------

The bird thing was meant to simply show that the tripods' shields had gone down and the birds were able to get close to the machines.

I, too, found the movie to be suspenseful but wasn't overly impressed by it. It lacked focus and spread itself too thin. The movie could have done without the Tim Robbins scene (which was based on a scene from the original '53 movie). Did y'all notice Gene Barry (from the original) in this remake?
Posted By: Raymondo Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 11:55 AM

Quote:

Oh, and TIS, as far as the bird thing goes...

***SPOILER****

The tripods were not immune to Earth's diseases. It wasn't neccisarily the birds that killed them off, but more so they germs they held.

***END SPOILER*** [/QB]
The birds had nothing to with that, the only significance of the birds is that they landed on one of the tripods i.e. the army could see that the forcefield wasn't working properly, and so were able to take it down.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 01:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
[quote]Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b]Oh, and TIS, as far as the bird thing goes...
.

SPOILER MATERIAL ----------------- SPOILER MATERIAL ----------------

The bird thing was meant to simply show that the tripods' shields had gone down and the birds were able to get close to the machines.

I, too, found the movie to be suspenseful but wasn't overly impressed by it. It lacked focus and spread itself too thin. The movie could have done without the Tim Robbins scene (which was based on a scene from the original '53 movie). Did y'all notice Gene Barry (from the original) in this remake? [/b][/quote]SC,

Gene Barry of "Bat Masterson" fame???? Which role did he play?


TIS
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 01:20 PM

Bringing Up Baby *** (1st Time)
1938, Hawks, US
A zoologist meets a zany girl who loses his dinosaur bone, causes him to miss his own wedding, and introduces him to a tame leopard.
Delightful, fast, riotous comedy with one gag after another. Not all of them hit, but there're enough to go round.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 02:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Bringing Up Baby *** (1st Time)
1938, Hawks, US
A zoologist meets a zany girl who loses his dinosaur bone, causes him to miss his own wedding, and introduces him to a tame leopard.
Delightful, fast, riotous comedy with one gag after another. Not all of them hit, but there're enough to go round.

Mick [/b]
I watched that for the first time myself about a month ago. I wasn't impressed with it that much but again I don't like the "screwball" comedy
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 02:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Bringing Up Baby *** (1st Time)
1938, Hawks, US
A zoologist meets a zany girl who loses his dinosaur bone, causes him to miss his own wedding, and introduces him to a tame leopard.
Delightful, fast, riotous comedy with one gag after another. Not all of them hit, but there're enough to go round.

Mick [/b]
I ADORE THAT MOVIE!!!!!! :-)))
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 02:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I wasn't impressed with it that much but again I don't like the "screwball" comedy

That's what you get when you watch too many Henry Potters......
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/05 02:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] I wasn't impressed with it that much but again I don't like the "screwball" comedy

That's what you get when you watch too many Henry Potters...... [/b][/quote]No, you can ask anybody. I laugh at any and everything for the longest time, but screwball comedy is just not something that's funny to me. It's too childish and predictable from the screwball comedy I've seen
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/05 01:42 AM

First Blood - (Ted Kotcheff;1982;USA) - ***
A mentally unstable Green Beret drifter retreats into the wilderness after being harassed by small-town cops.
A pretty good and solid film. It works as an action film without being too gratuitous, and works as a drama/thriller to an extent. This is probably Stallone's only good movie from the 80's. The music is good, and the cinematography is great. The original ending would've been better.
#26
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/05 02:02 AM

City Lights #76 on the AFI Top 100 List

This movie I actually kinda liked, mainly due to the fact that I thought it was gonna be 3 hours and it was only a little over 1 hour. The movie ended kind of abruptly but I did kinda enjoy now looking back. It actually had some funny parts too
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/05 10:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] First Blood - (Ted Kotcheff;1982;USA) - ***
A mentally unstable Green Beret drifter retreats into the wilderness after being harassed by small-town cops.
A pretty good and solid film. It works as an action film without being too gratuitous, and works as a drama/thriller to an extent. This is probably Stallone's only good movie from the 80's. The music is good, and the cinematography is great. The original ending would've been better.
#26 [/b]
What was the original ending?

I actually remember loving the ending more than the rest of the movie - maybe because thats where Rambo is really speaking. The best part of the movie begins when he say :

"Nothing is over! Nothing! You just don't turn it off"

Thats where hes starting to open up - to me, this last scene has more power than all the bullets and explosions in the movie.

----
----

I just saw "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)

Jim Jarmusch who also directed "Dead Man" delivers another interesting movie. I say "interesting" because both Dead Man and Ghost Dog are not among my favs, but they were interesting movies to watch - I do want to see more from Jarmusch.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/05 10:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
Just finished watching Ocean's 11 ( remake ) for probably the tenth time. Imagine, $13Million each. Not a big George Clooney fan, but I must say, the verbal exchanges between he and Brad Pitt were excellent.


Don Cardi
Yeah the remake is nice, and Garcia's parts are the best.
Have u seen the original with the Rat Pack?
Sinatra, Martin and the rest are truly great in this one-I like it much more than the remake. The different ending is top notch.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/05 10:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
Gene Barry of "Bat Masterson" fame???? Which role did he play?
Yep, that Gene Barry. He was the star of the original "War of the Worlds" (1953), and in this new version he played the kids' grandfather.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/05 03:47 PM

Fame, in the original ending, Rambo killed himself, but the test audience thought it was sad and plus, the studio wanted the horrid sequels.

If your interested, Jarmusch's new film Broken Flowers with Bill Murray is coming out August 5th.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/05 07:44 PM

Riff-Raff ** (1st time)
1990, Loach, GB
A working class Glaswegian arrives in London in hope of work.
Loach in the slums (again): a powerful, emotional and very gritty drama with much to say about the working classes in general and life on a building site in particular. Alas, it wanes in the last moments, and settles for a sour ending.

Vozvrashcheniye/The Return *** (2nd time)
2003, Zvyagintsev, Russia
After a twelve year absence, a father returns to see his sons, and takes them on a mysterious fishing trip.
A foreboding drama of regret and hostility as a result of stubbornness and caution. Its sombre tone and slow pacing is in contrast to the beautiful cinematography of the North Russian landscapes; imagery, feel and performances are likely to linger in the mind for days after.

Mick
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/05 11:46 PM

this afternoon I watched Godard's Une Femme est une Femme/A woman is a woman. had I seen it before À bout de Souffle[ I would think this was a much better movie, but like some reviews I've read about it also say, this is the whole point of Une femme est une Femme: paying a tribute to Godard's classic first film - it's funny to see that he did it right after the release of À bout de Souffle.sounds too pretentious but turns out he was right - Jean-Paul Belmondo plays the same role and the whole 'feeling' of the film is just like Godard's previous one. long story-short, this is just a little piece of entertaining in the middle of Godard's career, even at just 84 min. it's overlong, but still fun to watch.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 12:19 AM

GoldenEye - (Martin Campbell;1995;USA) - ***
James Bond must find out what happened to a secret satellite weapon known as GoldenEye.
The last good Bond film. Pierce Brosnan is very charismatic as James Bond. The plot provides interest as well as entertainment, unlike the more recent ones. Sean Bean is also a good supporting actor. Izabella Scorupco is charming and a decent actress as the Bond girl. Tina Turner's opening song is very good.

The Outlaw - (Howard Hughes;1943;USA) - **
Doc Holiday hides Billy the Kid in his girlfriend's house when he is shot, although he begins to fall for her.
The problem with this film is it's not very interesting. The film almost feels like an excuse to show off Jane Russell, by using a western story, which was popular at the time. The performances aren't much either, although I liked Walter Huston was Doc Holliday. The cinematography is very good, though.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 12:19 AM

Overlong? Well, I thought it was a delightful little movie. The playful, knowing intertextuality plays a dream for the audience whom it flatters: Belmondo at one point wanting to get home in order to watch A bout de souffle. And asking Jeanne Moreau how life is with Jules et Jim. A genius film; perhaps Godard's most sheerly enjoyable.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 02:11 AM

Ben-Hur #72 on the AFI Top 100 List

I had always wanted to see this movie but never made time to see it. It was rather long but it was great! Another Charlton Heston classic to go along with The Ten Commandments (which I believe are the only 2 Charlton Heston movies that I've seen). He put together another great and memorable performance as Judah. I'll probably be getting the 4-disc set when it's releaseed in September and I still need to get The Ten Commandments

Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 02:43 AM

You should make this your next Charlton Heston film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 02:49 AM

Yeah I do need to see the original Planet of the Apes as well. It's not on the AFI list is it?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 02:51 AM

I don't think so.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 03:00 AM

Alright, it's on my list now. Thanks for bringing it to my attention
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 03:05 AM

One of the great Sci-Fi films, and an excellent allegory for the racism of that time period. I could use a rewatch.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 03:28 AM

I just watched "Papparazzi" on HBO. A man who became a famous movie star, was stalked by the papparazzi and long story short, ends up getting even. I thought it was pretty good. Has anyone else seen it? I thought it was a Mel Gibson movie, because I had heard of it. I didn't see his name in the credits, but he had a very small cameo in the movie.

Right after that they had a Bill Maher special and it was hilarious.

TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 04:41 AM

For anyone interested, this Tuesday on TCM these will be playing.

Angels With Dirty Faces - 6:15 PM
The Roaring Twenties - 8:00 PM
White Heat - 10:00 PM

Don't miss them!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 05:04 AM

Dinner Rush (Giraldi; 2000)
When a Manhattan chef gets into debt with the mob, a pair of Mafiosi hoodlum are attracted to Manhattan's hottest restaurant, who just happen to have murdered friend/partner of restaurant owner Louis Cropa.
****

Excellent film, yet terribly under-rated. Giraldi really does take andvantage of the limited space alloted in a Manhattan building, while still being able to bring that clustered feeling of being in a crowded restaurant to the screen. The ending was unexpected and wondeful--it really made sense of the presence of seemingly irrelevant characters. It just made me think of that saying, about how everyone is where they are at any given moment for a reason; Although their presence was truly the masterwork of Louis Cropa (Danny Aiello).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 05:06 AM

Glad you saw it LLC! It's a very underrated film I rate ***1/2. People dislike it because they fall under the impression it will be like Goodfellas.

By the way, come in the chat.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 05:10 AM

Alright, on my way.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 05:51 PM

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

This was and still is my least favorite of the trilogy but today's viewing was probably the most that I understood and appreciated it. Richard Harris turned in another great performance as Albus Dumbledore, and unfortunately it was his last Potter movie. Jason Isaacs also turned in a great performance as Draco's father Lucius Malfoy. Tom Felton and Isaacs were great on the screen together as father and son. I still have another question about the end of this movie so if anyone could help me out I'd appreciate it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 09:14 PM

Carlito's Way. Awesome movie. Defnitely better than Scarface and The Untouchables.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 09:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Carlito's Way. Awesome movie. Defnitely better than Scarface and The Untouchables.
Thanks, I needed that
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/05 10:21 PM

Carlito's Way is very close behind Scarface, IMO, and definitely better then the mediocre Untouchables.

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] Carlito's Way. Awesome movie. Defnitely better than Scarface and The Untouchables.
Thanks, I needed that [/b][/quote]Hmm, I thought the same thing with "I thought Mean Streets was stupid" but oh well....
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 12:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Overlong? Well, I thought it was a delightful little movie. The playful, knowing intertextuality plays a dream for the audience whom it flatters: Belmondo at one point wanting to get home in order to watch A bout de souffle. And asking Jeanne Moreau how life is with Jules et Jim. A genius film; perhaps Godard's most sheerly enjoyable.

Mick
hey don't get me wrong, I really liked it too in fact, is one of the most easily enjoyable films I have ever seen. the overlong thing probably was just for me, and it's just a 5-10 minutes issue.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 01:10 AM

Alexander

Another movie that I originally wanted to see in the theaters and another movie that I'm glad I didn't see in the theaters. This movie just sucked from the get go. The story was uninteresting and boring. There was 1 shot towards the end that I really liked and without giving away too much the entire screen was red. That I thought was cool and something that I haven't seen too much of. Other than that this film is a complete waste of time. I'm very disappointed with movies that I thought would be interesting and cool but wound up sucking such as Troy, Kingdom of Heaven and now Alexander
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 01:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] Carlito's Way. Awesome movie. Defnitely better than Scarface and The Untouchables.
Thanks, I needed that [/b][/quote]Care to explain why those 2 movies are better or even as good as Carlito's Way? The Untouchables was a shit movie with horrible directing, and Scarface, while a good movie, is not even close to Carlito's Way in terms of character development. Carlito's Way had a unique story line rarely seen in gangster movies, and fantastic performances all-around from Pacino, Miller, and especially Penn. It had the same, if not more, amount of comic relief as Scarface.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 01:52 AM

In the words of Carl_Johnson, "i jus watched that movie.. once upon a time in america. what a peice of shit! scarface is the BEST MOvIE EVER!!1!" :rolleyes:

Scarface is so horribly over-rated,admit it Irish. It's amusing, but come on! No substance, at all!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 01:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
Scarface is so horribly over-rated,admit it Irish. It's amusing, but come on! No substance, at all!
I won't admit that Scarface is overrated. On this board, maybe. But the people who already come to this board are fans already (some are at least). In the real world I don't feel Scarface gets enough respect as it deserves. Nor do I feel Pacino gets enough respect for his role as Tony Montana. Substance this and substance that, in my book Scarface is more entertaining than Carlito's Way. Read into it anyway you want from directing to soundtrack to character development yada, yada yada, you will not convince me that Carlito's Way is superior to Scarface
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:20 AM

Quote:
Substance this and substance that
Well that's what makes a film, isn't it?

Scarface not overrated? With the massive love for it by nearly everyone who sees it, endless merchandising that drowns out most recent blockbusters due to it's popularity, and a lot of rappers who are inspired by it, and it's not overrated? :p It's a pop-culture icon, and all it is in the end is a remake of a rise and fall, with only some very good visuals/cinematography and a great lead performance to keep it from becoming a shitfest like most remakes, and this is coming from someone who adores the film.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Substance this and substance that
Spoken like a true movie buff... :rolleyes:
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:25 AM

Brian DePalma's SCARFACE isn't a film masterpiece...its a POP CULTURE MASTERPIECE. Big difference Irish.

Besides, the movie is actually pretty damn good. Not GREAT, but pretty damn good as I said. Real basic Rise & Fall Gangster story told over an epic 3 hour running time with some great camera crane shots from DePalma, plus a rather ridiculous screenplay by Oliver Stone..."ridiculous" in a good way as in how absurd the story goes (I mean from Tony Montana to owning a Tiger to almost getting chopped to pieces with a chainsaw to oh ya, a Latin Clown being shot to bits in a nightclub). Besides Pacino is really fun and charismatic as the lead character.

But SCARFACE underrated?!?!? Irish, maybe twenty years ago or back when the movie was a slowly rising cult movie in the video stores across the world, but now it is not.

A real underrated movie is CARLITO'S WAY. Do we see calenders or talking Carlito Brigante figures?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:27 AM

Well DePalma deserves some credit for avoiding Oliver Stone's bullshit, like how Stone originally wanted Montana to come out at the end with an UZI and a GRENADE LAUNCHER, which would make Van Damme wet himself.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:30 AM

I once read Oliver Stone's original screenplay of the movie, which follows the final product(and deleted scenes on the DVD). If anything, Montana is actually a bigger toilet bug of a thug but thats what I observed.

As for Stone's "bullshit" with the ending, really thats what I liked about it back at the time I read it. An Uzi and a Bazooka?!?!?!

Anyway, I do agree that DePalma's change from those two weapons to a grenade-launching assault weapon is better.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:36 AM

DePalma really fucked up The Untouchables. That movie had a great script (David Mamet is incredible) but absolutely pitiful directing. I hate that movie with a passion. Scorsese should've directed it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:38 AM

Incredible script? I dig Mamet, but I can't believe the script was really that good. But hey, you've read it; I haven't.

DePalma's SCARFACE - **** out of 5
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:44 AM

The Untouchables was shitty. It was corny, overly macho and the homage to The Battleship Potemkin with the baby carriage in the train station was just too melodramatic. However, in the midst of all of it, DeNiro's performance proves to be great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don_Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b]Substance this and substance that
Spoken like a true movie buff... :rolleyes: [/b][/quote]Yes I am speaing like "a true movie buff" as you put it because you know why, I don't try to read into things. I put in the movies and base them purely on acting performances and how entertaining they are. If you guys wanna base it on character development/depth, directing, costumes, lighting, etc then go right ahead. Just know that some (such as myself) don't base our opinions on that
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
A real underrated movie is CARLITO'S WAY. Do we see calenders or talking Carlito Brigante figures?
I can maybe agree that Carlito's Way is underrated. I don't hear much about it but I only watched it once and remember not liking it. I heard that it was as good or better than Scarface and it failed miserably in those terms IMO. As for the action figures and merchandise, just wait until the Carlito's Way Special Edition DVD But seriously, I don't know why that movie hasn't "influenced the rap community" as much as Scarface has? Maybe Scarface just is the better movie :p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:53 AM

So Irishman, go tell us how great ARMAGGEDON was, will you?

"Entertaining" is really worthy of a true critical reasoning for liking a movie for someone over at IMDB.com!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
So Irishman, go tell us how great ARMAGGEDON was, will you?

"Entertaining" is really worthy of a true critical reasoning for liking a movie for someone over at IMDB.com!
Seen parts of Armaggedon but never the whole thing. As suspect_5 and myself have already said, you may find our "entertaining" reason as a "cop out" but that's what we look for in a movie. He (suspect_5) looks for an escape from reality and sometimes I do too. But again, it's a movie and it's meant for entertainment. If you wish to take it further and really dissect it to understand or appreciate it better (such as yourself, Capo, Don Vercetti) that's fine also. Just know that some do not look at movies for those elements and appreciate movies for different reasons. You may not agree with it but that's what the beauty of this message board and America is, freedom of choice
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:58 AM

It probably has to do with the fact that Carlito didn't shred mobsters with an assault rifle, there was just nothing to relate to! Rappers say they relate to rising in power from nothing (which can be applied to hundreds of films, including non-gangster ones), not trying to get out of crime.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:00 AM

"I can maybe agree that Carlito's Way is underrated. I don't hear much about it but I only watched it once and remember not liking it. I heard that it was as good or better than Scarface and it failed miserably in those terms IMO. As for the action figures and merchandise, just wait until the Carlito's Way Special Edition DVD But seriously, I don't know why that movie hasn't "influenced the rap community" as much as Scarface has? Maybe Scarface just is the better movie "

----------------------------------------------------------

Well, SCARFACE I prefer over CARLITO'S WAY just barely, however WAY is a really damn good crime movie that doesn't deserve that "as good as SCARFACE" or "sequel to SCARFACE" statements. If anything, that movie is of sorts Anti-SCARFACE but that is for my future VIDEO BIN REVIEW of the movie.

Besides, Tony Montana is a more amusing character. Even as a street-level thug that is a nasty toilet bug, there is a charm to some of his actions, I mean his "balls+world" speech anyone?

Then again Irishman, your reasoning of CARLITO'S WAY getting a new DVD........you know that Michael Bay's crap-masterpiece ARMAGGEDON got a CRITERION DVD? You know that MGM dished out a box-set for SHOWGIRLS awhile back?

Really, work at a Mom & Pop video store sometime instead of Blockbuster man. You will improve as a result.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Rappers say they relate to rising in power from nothing (which can be applied to hundreds of films, including non-gangster ones), not trying to get out of crime.
Yeah I'm really surprised more rappers can't relate to Aladdin
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:02 AM

Quote:
But again, it's a movie and it's meant for entertainment.
But what happens with the many films that aren't made for entertainment? Lawrence of Arabia is playing this Thursday on TCM, and supposedly it isn't an entertaining film, so how can you rate it? You're bound to come up on films known for their artistic value rather then entertainment, in fact, Modern Times was one of them.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:02 AM

Irish, you also have the freedom to have shoddy taste and, to quote my civics teacher back in high school:

"Because you have the right to Free Speech also means that the other person has the right to either ignore or not take seriously your opinion"

:p
Posted By: thug

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:03 AM

Does The Wizard of Oz or Singin' in the Rain or Duck Soup or Star Wars have any great substance in it? Does GoodFellas, for that matter? I'll be surprised if many people claim they do, but I'll be even more surprised if a great many people claim they aren't masterpieces. Movies don't have to have substance. Sure, it certainly helps a whole lot, but there are so many pure-entertainment films that I rank as masterpieces--Scarface included. In fact, a movie cannot be great if it is completely devoid of any entertainment whatsoever.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Rappers say they relate to rising in power from nothing (which can be applied to hundreds of films, including non-gangster ones), not trying to get out of crime.
Yeah I'm really surprised more rappers can't relate to Aladdin [/b][/quote]All he had was a knife and Abbu, he must've been a pussy in their mind.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Then again Irishman, your reasoning of CARLITO'S WAY getting a new DVD........you know that Michael Bay's crap-masterpiece ARMAGGEDON got a CRITERION DVD? You know that MGM dished out a box-set for SHOWGIRLS awhile back?

Really, work at a Mom & Pop video store sometime instead of Blockbuster man. You will improve as a result.
Wow, how and why did Armaggedon get a Criterion DVD!? As for Showgirls, yes I was aware about the box-set (suspect_5 bought it when it came out). As for me, I've worked at Hollywood Video (which was my worst job ever) but I'm happy at Blockbuster. Suspect_5 can review movies (he reviews DVD's for chud.com). Me, I've never been much of a writer and again, I don't really look for certain elements in a movie like you guys do
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by thug:
Does The Wizard of Oz or Singin' in the Rain or Duck Soup or Star Wars have any great substance in it? Does GoodFellas, for that matter? I'll be surprised if many people claim they do, but I'll be even more surprised if a great many people claim they aren't masterpieces. Movies don't have to have substance. Sure, it certainly helps a whole lot, but there are so many pure-entertainment films that I rank as masterpieces--Scarface included.
I couldn't have said it better myself thug!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:06 AM

Wow....

*Suspects does reviews for CHUD.com? The website with that reviewer that preferred the retarded mediocre-as-f*ck FANTASTIC FOUR over the really darn good BATMAN BEGINS? Umm....

*Suspect bought that SHOWGIRLS boxset?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Wow....

*Suspects does reviews for CHUD.com? The website with that reviewer that preferred the retarded mediocre-as-f*ck FANTASTIC FOUR over the really darn good BATMAN BEGINS? Umm....

*Suspect bought that SHOWGIRLS boxset?
No he liked Batman Begins more than Fantastic Four I believe. I think he liked Fantastic Four more than War of the Worlds (although he probably wouldn't admit it)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:09 AM

Actually I was referring to Devin I think, who reviews many of the movies at the CHUD website now.

At least Suspect has a sense of good taste!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 03:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by thug:
Does The Wizard of Oz or Singin' in the Rain or Duck Soup or Star Wars have any great substance in it? Does GoodFellas, for that matter? I'll be surprised if many people claim they do, but I'll be even more surprised if a great many people claim they aren't masterpieces. Movies don't have to have substance. Sure, it certainly helps a whole lot, but there are so many pure-entertainment films that I rank as masterpieces--Scarface included. In fact, a movie cannot be great if it is completely devoid of any entertainment whatsoever.
I don't really look at it that way. Eraser always entertains me a lot, and that was it's only reason for being made, but it's one of the worst monstrosities to come out of the 90's. Some films aren't made for entertainment, and can be boring. This is the very reason my favorites list differs to BEST EVER. Entertainment is too basic a feeling to me to rate a film on.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 05:29 AM

I just watched Full Metal Jacket for the first time. The bootcamp part was great but I thought the rest was pointless and boring. Abrupt ending too.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 05:35 AM

And as for this whole difference between favorite movies and best movies thing, just consider this:

The Deer Hunter is an extremely flawed movie. The camera techniques suck, the editing is poorly done, there were unnecessary parts throughout the whole thing, and the ending is pointless and stupid, and contradicts the message of the entire film.

The Deer Hunter is my favorite movie of all time.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 05:56 AM

How about an example going the other way:

Casablanca is a perfect movie from beginning to end. The acting, the storyline, the script, the screenplay, the music, the direction, the transition from scene to scene, the ending -- everything, flawless, immaculate, masterful.

You couldn't pay me to watch that movie right now.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 09:15 AM

Carlito's Way IS a better movie than Scarface and a much better one than Untouchables. This movie is so underrated, its unbelievable. Even though Scarface is my 3rd favorite movie of all time, Carlito's Way was superiour in terms of direction, plot and especially character development. Edwin Torres wrote a great script with depth. The plot "twist" was great, Pacino and Penn made incredible Performances. Carlito's narration made you feel what he was feeling.
CW is also underrated by many fellow Board members. Some might think Im exaggerating here but I think CW is a flawless movie! That's right. One of the true jewels of cinema work in the post 90's era! 10/10.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 02:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I just watched Full Metal Jacket for the first time. The bootcamp part was great but I thought the rest was pointless and boring. Abrupt ending too.
I agree with that
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 08:39 PM

Wow, I can't believe the people that still believe that "First Half Good/ The Rest Sucked" belief with FULL METAL JACKET.

Fact is, I prefer the 2nd half over the much overrated-but-good first half. If any problems are with the movie, maybe I can understand how it feels like a 3rd Act was abruptly cut out of sorts.

However, arguably the best American-Vietnam War movie and among the best war films of all time, methinks.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 10:35 PM

What was the point of the second half of the movie? To show that Vietnam was crazy and that there was prostituion and killings? Wow, what a big deal. Get the fuck out of here with that.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 10:45 PM

You telling me to get the fuck out of here with that? Okay sir, I'm sorry..... :p

I was going to explain why I prefer the 2nd half, but whatever.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 10:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
To show that Vietnam was crazy and that there was prostituion and killings?
Well as long as you think that, I guess you hate most, if not all war films.

Quote:
Get the fuck out of here with that.
;)
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/05 11:04 PM

The thing is, there were actual plots to other Vietnam films. The Deer Hunter was about a group of friends whose lives were greatly affected by the war. Apocalypse Now was about a soldier's mission to kill an insane green beret. Full Metal Jacket is just pointless, and ends with Joker killing a female assasin. Wow, great plot there Stanley. I was deeply affected by that movie. :rolleyes:
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 01:24 AM

Forrest Gump #71 on the AFI Top 100 List

I hadn't seen this movie in years and it was such a joy to view it again. It's not a movie that I can watch over and over in a short span of time but I did enjoy it tonight. Absolutely great performances put on by both Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise. Glad Zameckis won his Oscar for this classic. I think it's utterly impossible to view this movie without crying. Another movie that I'm glad I saw in the theaters!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 01:26 AM

God forbid we allow substance-rich, masterpiece works of film be made. Why would we want substance when we can have twelve explosions and a peak at this years glamour girl's tits? :rolleyes:

Anywho, to get this rolling back on topic...

***Please note that I've recently changed my rating system from five stars to four stars, to accomodate the popular four star system used on the site.***

The Machinist (Anderson, Brad; 2004)
After an accident to his fault, an insomniac-machinist is left to question his own sanity.
*** of ****

Lets cut to the chase. This was an ok film. Above mediocre, but far from anything special. It was going great, until the truth began to come forward, with about forty-five minutes left of the film. At which point, I had to curse out loud, and say to myself, "This is a carbon copy of bloody Fight Club!" Luckily, once I encountered the climax, I found there was a larger twist. Thank god. Plenty entertaining, although a lack of originality, along with maybe a tad shortness of substance, gave me the feeling of a B three-star film.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 01:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Joker killing a female assasin. Wow, great plot there Stanley. I was deeply affected by that movie. :rolleyes:
You say that as if it was 3 seconds long. *BANG* cut to credits.

Did you ignore the whole atmosphere of the scene, and the character's faces when she kept saying "Kill me" over and over. I can't say you have to like it, but you're whole reasoning sounds ridiculously simplified. While I'm on it, I'll do the same.

Schindler lets the Jews go. Wow, great plot there. I was deeply affected by that movie.

Michael lies to his wife. Wow, great plot there. I was deeply affected by that movie.

Blondie kills Sentenza and gets the gold. Wow, great plot there. I was deeply affected by that movie.

Ben stops the wedding and gets on a bus with Katie. Wow, great plot there. I was deeply affected by that movie.

It's a sled. Wow, great plot there. I was deeply affected by that movie.

Reading those things I just said, you're probably thinking the same thing I thought when I read your post.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 02:54 AM

Samurai Fiction

I was bored 1 day at work last week and was looking through the movies that Blockbuster Online offered and saw this movie. It sounded and looked interesting and after reading some praises on it from amazon.com, decided to rent it. I watched about half of it and that was tough. I'm tired and not interested in it so I turned it off. The directing was good but that's all I can say about the film. It was a comedy samurai movie that was just disappointing and didn't live up to the reviews IMO
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 04:37 AM

Purple Noon - (René Clément;1960;France/Italy) - ****
Tom Ripley kills his playboy friend while in Rome and takes his identity, however the facade proves to be difficult to keep.
An excellent adaptation of the popular novel The Talented Mr. Ripley. The film feels almost Hitchcockian from the opening credits to the combination of fascination and suspense that makes the film flow perfectly. Alain Delon greatly shines as Ripley, the envious sociopath compared to the supporting cast, which is good in supporting the film nevertheless. One of the finer things to admire is the beautiful Italian cinematography. My only complaint is the music, which was good when present, but out of place.
#25
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 05:03 AM

I can see your point Don Vercetti, and I respect your opinion, but everything in the 2nd half of the movie that led up to the ending just didn't make any sense. The whole structure of the movie is messed up. The ending was too abrupt. I was thinking it was going to show how Joker's life afterwards was affected by the war, but then BOOM, credits. I was disappointed.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 05:09 AM

I guess to some that would be a good thing, although I thought the open ending worked better. This discussion oddly makes me wanna rewatch The Deer Hunter, if only my DVD wasn't fucked up.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 06:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Full Metal Jacket is just pointless, and ends with Joker killing a female assasin. Wow, great plot there Stanley. I was deeply affected by that movie. :rolleyes:
Full Metal Jacket's point is the pointless of war, the insanity inside war, the violence and brutality of war which catalyse the worst instincts in men. This is pretty obvious to me.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 06:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I think it's utterly impossible to view this movie without crying.
it is possible! :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 09:41 PM

Just wonderful, I forgot TCM was playing Cagney films all day and missed over an hour of Each Dawn I Die.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/05 09:52 PM

Gosford Park (Altman; 2001)
A shooting party on the 1932 English countryside is disturbed when a murder occurs.
***1/2 (Under new four star rating system.)

Excellent film. Very carefully put together, exploring multiple stories... Overall, it was an interesting watch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/05 01:12 AM

Fantastic Four

This ws my 2nd time viewing this movie and even though I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first time around, I still did enjoy it very much. I thought the whole cast did a very good job. Michael Chiklis was easily my favorite and Chris Evans was my biggest surprise. Ioan Gruffudd and Jessica Alba were both good even though most people don't give them credit for it. And with what he had to work with I thought Julian McMahon did a fine job as well (even if the writers screwed him up). This movie is still in one word Fantastic
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/05 02:16 AM

I just watched The deer Hunter again. It's so much better than Full Metal Jacket it's hilarious. By far my favorite movie of all time.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/05 02:29 AM

Hey DVC, check out YEAR OF THE DRAGON sometime.

Whatever, THE DEER HUNTER is a great movie...but sorry, FULL METAL JACKET is a superior movie in other ways that I might want to explain to you, but you'll never understand so forget about it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/05 02:48 AM

The Hobbit

I wanted to see this after reading the book and I didn't think it was that good. It shows its age (1978) and they try to make the book into an hour cartoon. Besides, Gollum looks like a frog or something!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/05 04:54 AM

I watched parts of White Heat on TCM, but I had to turn it off because I want to watch that movie from beginning to end. It was tough to turn it off because I was really enjoying it.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/05 05:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
check out YEAR OF THE DRAGON sometime.
One of my favorites.

Mickey Rourke gives one of his three great performances (along with The Pope of Greenwich Village and Angel Heart), and the supporting cast, particularly John Lone, is excellent as well.

And not only did Cimino direct, the screenplay was by Oliver Stone.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/05 05:36 PM

Purple Noon - (René Clément;1960;France/Italy) - ***1/2
Tom Ripley kills his playboy friend while in Rome and takes his identity, however the facade proves to be difficult to keep.
I was surprisingly less impressed with my second viewing, but without a doubt this is still a great film. Out of place music and a butchered ending are the problems in this film. Otherwise, the cinematography is excellent, and Alain Delon's performance is dead-on for Tom Ripley. And fascinating, suspenseful, and Hitchcockian film.
#25
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/05 11:14 PM

Not Another Teen Movie Unrated Extended Director's Cut

I hadn't seen this version yet since buying it, but there was 10 minutes added to it. Not a great comedy at all but a very good "spoof" kind-of-a movie. I liked it a lot
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/05 03:02 AM

A reminder to anyone who hasn't seen it.

TCM is playing Lawrence of Arabia tomorrow at 4 or 4:30 PM.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/05 03:56 AM

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

My 2nd favorite movie of the trilogy. Another enjoyable viewing that helped me understand the story more and appreciate Alfonso Cuarón's directing more. I think he did a better job than Chris Columbus (but I still loved the job that Chris did). This was the first truly "dark" movie of the series thusfar and I think Alfonso started it off beautifully. At first I liked the warm/fuzzy feeling that years 1 & 2 gave you, but after watching this movie tonight, I really dug the darker approach. Hopefully the rest will be equally if not better than Azkaban.

SPOILERS! BTW, has anyone noticed how Snape always seems to know everything? He knew that Quirrell was going after the Sorcerer's Stone in year 1, he knew Lockheart was a fraud in year 2 and now he knew that Luppin was a wherewolf in year 3. Could this lead to something big in the later films? END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/05 04:41 AM

Adaptation. (2002) - ****
Director: Spike Jonze
Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman stumbles when he plans to adapt a novel into a film with aboslutely no character arcs or resolution.

Wow. What can I say. This was amazing, and one of the years best, if not the best. This was far superior to Being John Malkovich (1999), which was also amazing, and so original! Kaufman's work is some of the best drama-work I've ever seen, which is brought to life flawlessly by Spike Jonze. Nicolas Cage himself gives an amazing performance as both Kaufman and his fictional twin-brother Donald. But I think what really made this film work for me, was the truth behind Kaufman's representation in the film, and his attitude. I, myself, feel I can relate to his characterization in this film more than any other movie character. This is a must see, along with Being John Malkovich.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/05 08:41 AM

The Island
Yeah I didn’t get around to seeing this movie (The Island) till a few weeks after it was released. Why, well basically I only really like to see movies with at least one of my friends, it is just part of the experience for me. However none of my friends really wanted to go and see it, it baffled me.
I’ll say that it does fit in the mold of a Michael Bay movie. The story is well not the highlight of the film. If’n you don’t know it, The Island is about a colony of clones that are created under the false pretence that the world is a desolate place, covered by some type of infection. They are all hoping to go to “the island” the one place on earth that is contaminate free. Well of course a couple of them get out and they must bring down the evil corporation that has these clones imprisoned and is violating international law. Said evil corporation must go through all the extreme measures to make sure that the clones don’t do that so that they can stay in business and continue to make billions of dollars. Like I said it is not the highlight of the film.
The Island stars Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson as the two leads. As far as sci-fi/action movies go they do excellent jobs, particularly McGregor. There were two supporting roles that I was more interested in that of Steve Buscemi (whom I never tire of) and Djimon Hounsou (whom I can’t get enough of). Steve plays a worker at the clone colony who befriends the Ewan clone, doesn’t say why he does this but just so you know it is so the clones have someone to go to when they break out of the colony. Not the best written character but every moment that he is on the screen it makes the movie better, Steve just has this weird charisma and ability to really nail these little niche type characters, he has an oddity and eccentricity that is great on the screen. Djimon Hounsou plays an ex-delta merc whom the evil corporation hires to hunt down and “solve” their security breach. I’d seen Djimon before in movies like Gladiator and Deep Rising but it wasn’t until In America that I became enamored with him and his screen presence. He can dominate a scene and in the Island he does just that.
As for Bay’s direction well it is what you would expect from Bay provided you’ve seen his other movies. When you see his name in the trailer or on the poster you kind of know what to expect, like when you see Spielberg on them you expect greatness. Well when you see Bay you expect slick big Hollywood action- unfortunately this summer those posters seem to be lying to us. (Yes if your keeping tabs that was a double slam on Bay/Spielberg) The Island is like Bay light; no it is like Bay lite. There were some major action pieces but they all seemed like steps back from the content of Bad Boys II (yes I liked that movie and it was one of my favorite of last summer). During the escape of the clones from the facility there was one scene that stuck with me as far as action and truth be told it was pretty tame, but the rest of the action was well pretty white bread if you ask me.
This movie was somewhat disappointing, even for a Bay fan I give it a 63 D-.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/05 11:29 AM

I rewatched Dying young (1991) yesterday night. Gosh, I had forgotten how beautiful this movie was! Ok, it may be a tearjerker, a chick flick and everything. But I think it's most of all a movie about life, about love. With a superb Julia Roberts (delightful and intense as usually) and an outstanding performance by Campbell Scott (I wonder why this actor is so underrated!! ). They are both so credible in their roles. Scott's eyes are so desperately hungry for life and love. I rarely saw that intensity on screen.

Add a fine photography (San Francisco is shown in all its magnificence, no wonder they say it is one of the most beautiful cities of the world!), a good direction (Joel Schumacher), an excellent screenplay and a wonderful music (the love theme is heartbreaking, literally). A must see, definitely.


Quotation:

Because I love you. And if you come back with me to the hospital and fight for us. Fight for us, I will never leave you Victor. But you have to fight. And if you get well, when you get well, I'll be there with you. And if you die, I will hold your hand. I'll hold your hand and the last thing you will ever see will be me because I love you.

Oh, and an advice for my female friends on the board: never watch this movie with your make up on!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/05 12:12 AM

Lawrence of Arabia - (David Lean;1962;UK) - ****
A biopic on T.E. Lawrence, a British military figure who assisted Prince Feisal during the Arab Revolt in WW1.
A magnificent epic from start to finish. Lean uses the desert cinematography not just for looks, but as an important part of the film. Maurice Jarre's score is also wonderful. Peter O'Toole gives an excellent performance as Lawrence. The supporting cast is also great, which includes Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, Jack Hawkins, and even Claude Rains. Although they couldn't noticeably bring up the rumored homosexuality at the time, the film does a very good job of showing Lawrence's masochism. I've heard people say this was boring, but for me the film never lacked admirable qualities in any scene, and it surprisingly went by faster then I thought. One of the greatest epics of all time.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/05 01:17 AM

Lawrence of Arabia is proof that film is art, not solely entertainment. I have it on DVD, and watched it only once. I think I'm due for another viewing pretty soon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/05 02:19 AM

Not Another Teen Movie Unrated Extended Director's Cut

Had nothing else to watch tonight that I was in the mood for because I didn't get a new DVD in through Blockbuster.com and the Yankee game was going slow
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/05 08:38 AM

In the Cut
Starring Meg Ryan and Mark Ruffalo
Jesus Mary and Joseph wtf is going on with the cinamatography in this movie. May Don V or Capo can explain that to me but the camerea is always shakey and allmost every shot is partially focused or half focused I don't know what was going on with that, was that some intricate part of telling the "story" or what. I hated this movie. 53 out of 100 (it had some highlights)but not enough for me to recomend it to any one
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/05 03:06 PM

I never saw it Suspect. However, your description reminds me of the horrible Man on Fire, and the soon to be technical remake Domino. :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/05 09:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
The Island
This movie was somewhat disappointing, even for a Bay fan I give it a 63 D-.
What made you decide against 62% or 64 %? Why not give it D, instead of D-?

Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/05 10:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Lawrence of Arabia is proof that film is art, not solely entertainment.
Yet you continue to deny that Full Metal Jacket is a true work of art, and slam it for being "boring".
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 02:44 AM

Planet of the Apes (1968)

I've never seen a Planet of the Apes movie but this was good. The makeup/costume's were excellent as was the directing. The movie was good but for some reason during it I felt kinda bored, plus the end shot was ruined for me as I've already seen it countless times before. Still an enjoyable first time experience, however I don't think I'll buy it on DVD
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 03:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] Lawrence of Arabia is proof that film is art, not solely entertainment.
Yet you continue to deny that Full Metal Jacket is a true work of art, and slam it for being "boring". [/b][/quote]I don't like Lawrence of Arabia either. I appreciate it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 05:04 AM

Oh, I never said you liked it. I just wish you could appreciate Full Metal Jacket.

Oh well... I was mostly just messing around with you anyways.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 05:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I never saw it Suspect. However, your description reminds me of the horrible Man on Fire, and the soon to be technical remake Domino. :p
WHAT?!?!?! Man on Fire was an A+ movie if you ask me, though it did have quite a few cinematography tricks to it, including focus and the wierd ass way of doing subtitles but that was so much better than In the Cut"s constant muddy focus. In Man on Fire at least it got me to focus on a perticular part of the frame but that was not so in In the Cut. In that it was just frustrating I wasn't paying that much attention to the movie itself because of all the focus issues-that didn't happen with Man on Fire
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 06:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by suspect_5:
[b] The Island
This movie was somewhat disappointing, even for a Bay fan I give it a 63 D-.
What made you decide against 62% or 64 %? Why not give it D, instead of D-?

Mick [/b][/quote]Well it is mostly rated against the other Bay movies. Then I consider what I liked about it and what I thought was lacking, then I considered if it was in my collection how it would rank if I was in the mood for some bubblegum entertainment.
I didn't give it the lowest score in it's rank because I feel that there are several movies that also fall in that rank that I would watch this over, with 10 degrees in each rank I am able to further rank them in order to each other. I'm sure you have some movies that rank *** that you think are better than some other *** movie, hence the "63"
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 06:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] I never saw it Suspect. However, your description reminds me of the horrible Man on Fire, and the soon to be technical remake Domino. :p
WHAT?!?!?! Man on Fire was an A+ movie if you ask me, though it did have quite a few cinematography tricks to it, including focus and the wierd ass way of doing subtitles but that was so much better than In the Cut"s constant muddy focus. In Man on Fire at least it got me to focus on a perticular part of the frame but that was not so in In the Cut. In that it was just frustrating I wasn't paying that much attention to the movie itself because of all the focus issues-that didn't happen with Man on Fire [/b][/quote]Man on Fire was horrible to me, and here are my reasons. It's a simple revenge film, that was Hollywoodized from the novel. After all, they couldn't really have the girl die, because as we all know cartels are very understanding people [/sarcasm]. The whole film is done like a music video and destroys the good cinematography it could've had. Denzel takes a shitload of bullets, and brings major revenge out, and in several scenes it's ridiculous. There's one scene where Denzel rocket-launches a car, and then in slow motion (while engulfed by flames!) throws more grenades. The fast-paced editing served as much purpose as the black and white photography in Thirteen Days. And as if it all couldn't get worse, it does. Creasy sacrifices himself for the girl and dies in the car. Now, it could've ended looking at those mountains and at least be decent with the ending, but no. Because the average audience needs to be pacified with some kind of "justice served" scene, we cut to a very out of place scene with "The Voice" being killed off. Which brings me to more of a complaint then a flaw, what was the point of Creasy's birth/death dates considering he isn't real?

Overall it's an over the top action film with an old plot that's very predictable with a horrid direction from Scott, and it's looking like the same for Domino because he's using the epileptic editing again. Now, while the editing was a talented piece of work in it's own right, it was grossly overused for no reason. I can see it used well for one or two scenes, most notably the "Failure to Fire" scene in Creasy's room, but in the end it's only a cinematic version of X-treme marketing.

Was I entertained? Yes, and I can watch it again, but a lot of bad films can easily entertain me.

I can name camera tricks in other films that actually served a purpose. As for In the Cut I haven't seen it, nor do I have an interest to.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 03:10 PM

The Dukes of Hazzard

Hazzard County Georgia is a place where life just seems to be a little slower…unless your last name is DUKE. Yee-Haw! I’m sorry for that outburst but I’m only an hour or so removed from seeing this movie and it is just that kind of infectious fun. I went into this movie expecting, oddly enough, great things because of the cast and director. Usually this is a bad sign as when I get my expectations up few movies can meet them, and if you can’t tell already this one did. Of course I wasn’t expecting this to be one of the greatest movies ever just a really fun cinematic ride in the General Lee – delivered.
In case you live under a rock or something this movie is a cinematic version of the popular (?) television series of the late seventies and early eighties. The real star of the show is the nigh invulnerable 1969 Dodge Charger that carries the moniker of “The General Lee”. Coming in second is Daisy Duke’s cleavage, (it was her ass in the show but you know creative silence and such) and Jessica Simpson is on hand to provide that as well as an entirely overly accentuated accent. Of course I don’t think the producers cast her for her acting ability we both know she is there to look pretty, which incidentally is her only talent. Taking on the roles of Bo and Luke are Sean William Scott and Johnny Knoxville respectively and they do a great job, I wouldn’t really call portraying the Duke boys acting but whatever it is they do it well. It is all comedic timing and just going with the material, the actors and director were able to maintain this fantastic cheesy vibe and fun atmosphere. Throw in Willie Nelson as Uncle Jesse and Burt Reynolds as a rather calm Boss Hogg and you have your cast.
Boss Hogg was the bad guy from the series and he retains that title here but as I already mentioned he is pretty calm when compared to his television counterpart. The story is kept pretty simple but I seriously doubt that you were expecting a taught tension filled script from this. Basically Boss Hogg is trying to turn the town into a strip mine. It also revolves around this Hazzard County Road Rally; Boss Hogg has brought in a former champ and now professional racer to distract the town so that he can pass an ordinance to mine the town. The Duke boys find about it and by golly they manage to thwart his dastardly plan. Oh, and there are a shitload of car stunts.
The main reason that I really wanted to see this movie was the director Jay Chandrasekhar. He is the director of the Broken Lizard movies (Super Troopers and Club Dread) and that alone was enough to get my money. Actually he brought along the whole troop so if you are looking you can find all of them in this movie. One of the little in-jokes is actually is Erik Stolhanske and him doing a bit of their routine from the opening of Super Troopers. Jay manages to string together these great comedy pieces, driving stunts, in-jokes, and the lighthearted bravado of the series all the while maintaining a great chemistry between not only his main stars but supporting cast as well. That is what I think the main strength of this movie is that nothing (aside from Jessica Simpson’s “acting”) feels odd or out of place, he manages to cull the best parts from the series and interject a little of his own style in it making a superior amalgam.
Well I had fun, and that is all I was looking for – 85(B).
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 04:48 PM

This movie is getting horrible reviews. Although I never was a fan of the tv show, I know it was popular and had its "own" following.


TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 06:36 PM

Hondo - (John Farrow;1953;USA) - ***
A drifting shootist and his dog meet a woman and her son while the Apaches harass the land and want to make her son one of their warriors.
A good, simple western that has a nice lead from the Duke and Geraldine Page as the woman he meets. The best thing in this film is a beautiful cinematography throughout the film. Overall nothing heavily special but a good film.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 06:40 PM

I just caught the last half of "National Lampoon's Vacation" with Chevy Chase. I liked that movie.


TIS
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/05 10:03 PM

Cicade de Deus (2002) - ****
Director: Fernando Meirelles
An aspiring photographer grows up on the gang infested streets of Rio de Janeiro.

This was amazing! There wasn't a single thing that could've made this film any better. I just wish, maybe in a few years, perhaps they could dub it into english, as the subtitles often distracted me from the great visuals, or sometimes the visuals would distract me from the subtitles. I plan to give it a second veiwing, so I can focus on just the visuals. I'm still blown away.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/05 02:16 AM

The Audrey Hepburn Story

This has got to be the best Jennifer Love Hewitt performance that I've ever seen. The movie is decent at best but I really thought J Love shined in it. Emmy Rossum also put on a good performance as the young Miss Audrey Hepburn.
Posted By: Meggie

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/05 02:58 AM

Wow. I used to love Audrey Hepburn..when does it come on again?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/05 01:20 PM

I rented the DVD Meggie
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/05 10:04 PM

Dukes of Hazzard

I wasn't expecting much from this movie and it wasn't that funny to me but it was surprisingly good. The cast just fit great together and I really like Burt Reyonlds probably the most (of course aside from Jessica Simpson) You could see worst in the theaters right now so if you want a few laughs and you've already seen The Wedding Crashers, give it a shot
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/05 10:33 PM

Carlito\'s Way - (Brian DePalma;1993;USA) - ***
After five years in prison, an ex-drug dealer tries to stay clean while surrounded by both old criminals, and younger wannabes.
A very good crime/drama that has a solid direction and very good performances from Pacino and Penn. The plot and protagonist are both a lot better then Scarface's, but both the director and lead actor misplace their talent, performing and directing Scarface better.
In Top 30
Posted By: Vito's Legacy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/05 11:07 PM

Sin City
A well-crafted and intriguingly made film, that sticks firmly to it's comic book origins, (hence, don't take it too seriously). Some strong preformances, of particular note Clive Owen as an impulsive gun-toting vigilante and an unrecognizeable (truly a great make-up job) Mickey Rourke as a foul-mouthed boxer trying to hunt down the murderers of his girlfriend. Britanny Murphy also shines in a small supporting role as a strip club waitress.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/05 06:04 AM

I'm watching Addam's Family Values on TV right now, and I really didn't remember it being so funny! I'm sleepy, so maybe I'd laugh at anything right now, but regardless.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/05 12:41 PM

My first films of August:

L'Argent * (1st time)
1983, Bresson, Fr
The theft of a counterfeit 500 franc note sparks a chain of events dealing with greed, corruption and injustice.
Too austere for its own good; Bresson's style is so diegetic that tedium is never too far away.

I am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang **** (1st time)
1932, LeRoy, US
Fresh from service in the war, a factory worker dreams of becoming an engineer, but is wrongly convicted of theft and sentenced to hard labour on a chain line.
A harsh, brutal tale which is delivered at a pacey speed and raises all kinds of questions even today. A gem of a film, with all the necessary hands working together to establish an extraordinarily grim film.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/05 09:17 PM

Ondskan/Evil ** (1st time; big screen)
2003, Håfström, Swe
In the 1950s, an unruly boy is sent to boarding school, where he stands out and is bullied by the older pupils.
Clichés unfold steadily as the narrative progresses and plods through the usual turns; otherwise, it happens to be a very watchable coming-of-age affair, a sort of teenage Gladiator, in which the star pupil must overcome his own tendency for violence and seek academic success in more lawful ways.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/05 02:16 AM

Shane - (George Stevens;1952;USA) - ****
A gunfighter arrives on a family's farmland, and works for them to leave his violent life. However, land-grabbers make that very difficult.
One of the greatest westerns. Alan Ladd is wonderful as the iconic protagonist who becomes a boy's role-model. The film plays out as a simple story that has something very meaningful to say, and has an ending still debated to this day. The cinematography brings a nice, natural beauty to the film as well. A true classic.

The Phantom of the Opera - (Joel Schumacher;2004;USA/UK) - ***
A disfigured musician harasses the opera house he lives in for the benefit of a young singer he loves.
I liked the ending, although somewhat cliche, the musical scenes (minus the ones done by the minor characters), and most of all, the art direction. I thought this would be generally bad considering it's popularity among teenie-boppers at my school, but I was pleasantly surprised. This works very well as a musical. Overall a very good film just shy of being great.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/05 07:45 PM

Badlands **** (1st time)
1973, Malick, US
A garbage worker and fifteen-year-old magazine addict fall in love and go on a killing spree across the Dakota plains.
Strangely beautiful tale, haunting in its aesthetics and boasting blistering performances from the two leads. It is a sad reflection of being at odds with society and the loneliness that causes it.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/05 08:04 PM

Elephant - (Gus Van Sant;2003;USA) - ****
An observation of several teens in a high school, two of which are planning a horrible massacre.
An amazing and painfully true film. The somewhat lack of music fits the film perfectly, as well as the cast, mostly non-actors. Explanations aren't really given, but they aren't needed. We can easily draw conclusions just by observing, which is how the film feels. This is definitely the best of 2003, and one of the more important films to come out recently. The only flaw I found is a few of the reactions of students in the climax.
#19
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/05 06:43 PM

High Plains Drifter - (Clint Eastwood;1973;USA) - ***
After a very ominous stranger appears, a small town hires him to protect them against three criminals, but who is this man, if he's human at all?
Eastwood shows some talent with his second film, which turns out to be a good western, and slightly different from others. It's slow at times and has some awkward moments but it comes together in the end. The eerie music is also very good, as well as the cinematography. The view of the red town is a very poignant image. Recommended to Eastwood fans.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/05 07:33 PM

William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (2004)
[ Official Site ]

Director by: Michael Radford (Il Postino (1994), Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984))

Starring: Al Pacino (Shylock), Jeremy Irons (Antonio), Lynn Collings (Portia), Joseph Fiennes (Bassanio)

Plot summary (from IMDb): "Venice, 1596. Melancholy Antonio loves the youthful Bassanio, so when Bassanio asks for 3000 ducats, Antonio says yes before knowing it's to sue for the hand of Portia. His capital tied up in merchant ships at sea, Antonio must go to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender he reviles. Shylock wraps his grudge in kindness, offering a three-month loan at no interest, but if not repaid, Antonio will owe a pound of flesh. The Jew's daughter elopes with a Christian, whetting Shylock's hatred. While Bassanio's away wooing Portia, Antonio's ships founder, and Shylock demands his pound of flesh. With court assembled and a judgment due, Portia swings into action to save Bassanio's friend."

--

I'm really a dummy when it comes to Shakespeare, but I couldn't miss the latest from Al Pacino, especially because Pacino is such an avid Shakespearian stage actor. (Those who've seen his Looking for Richard (1996) understand).

I'll admit, it took me a little while to figure out what was going on (I had never read the story, nor any plot summary beforehand) -- and the dialogue didn't help, but nor was it Old English either. Again, I'm a dummy, but after a while I really started to get into it. I liked Al's performance, but wasn't entirely convinced that he was a 16th Century Jew living in Venice. He had only the slightest hint of an accent; otherwise, he sounded like Al.

What struck me most about this story is how timely it still is today, in this word of extreme prejudice. I had no idea about the 16th Century segregation of Jews in Christian Venice, their being locked up at night in their own ghetto, and the fact that they needed to wear red hats to indentify themselves in town during the day. Sound familiar?

What makes it timely still is that you could replace Jews/Christians with any opposing groups, really. Shylock's famous speech is known to us all -- or at least should be:
Quote:
I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die? and if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.
If all the hateful people in this world realized this, the world would be a much better place.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/05 07:48 PM

I know that quote Geoff, and I have read bits and pieces of the play. I really wanna see the movie, although there's too many films above it on my to-get list. The fact that Pacino and Irons are in a film together makes me wanna see it all the more.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/05 01:20 AM

Punch-Drunk Love (2002) - ***1/2
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
A man suffering from his own social problems falls in love as he falls into trouble with a phone-sex line/scam.

This finalizes it. P.T. Anderson is the best young director out there. I've seen all of his feature-length films except Sydney, which I just can't find anywheres. Each of these films have been amazing, and just show his broad range. He did an excellent job at the comical but equally dramatic Boogie Nights, and the 1999 drama Magnolia, which I feel was the best film of the year. Now, he has wowed me again with Punch-Drunk Love. Sandler gives a great performance, the best in his career (even if that's not saying much...). His supporting cast gives equally great performances. I love to see people like Luis Guzman and Phillip Seymour Hoffman return in Anderson films, who I now immediately associate with Paul's movies. I also found myself laughing yet again at Anderson's great comedic relief which was absent from Magnolia, but justly so. However, the fact that it is Adam Sandler loading up on an extensive collection of pudding, or running away with a miniature piano certainly helped produce laughs. While this wasn't AS good as Boogie Nights or Magnolia, you must remember how tough it is for this film to hold its own against these two, which I am confident that at least one of if not both will go down as classics. But I'm still surprised that Anderson, the guy who writes 300 page scripts and has to somehow scrape them down to 150 or 200 pages, managed to tell such a great story in only one and one half hours...


Confesstions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) - ***1/2
Director: George Clooney
Follows the life of television producer Chuck Barris, who claims to have been an assasin for the CIA.

I enjoyed this. Clooney prooves that he can not only act, but direct, and quite tastefully. While his camera tricks may have seemed a bit repeatative at times, it was a great debut as a director. The performances are all great as well, including one of the best roles I have seen Sam Rockwell in so far, next to Matchstick Men. Highly reccomended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/05 03:42 AM

New York Stories

I mainly watched this because Martin Scorsese directed one of the episodes and it just so happened to be the only 1 I liked. The 2nd episode directed by FFC sucked and the 3rd episode by Woody Allen was somewhat funny but weird. I now wish they would have made the Nick Nolte & Rosanna Arquette into just a seperate movie
Posted By: Vito's Legacy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/05 10:39 AM

Memento (first time!)

FINALLY SEEN IT! A fantastic use of narrative device (i.e. showing scenes in reverse), boosted by some great preformances especially by Pearce. An intriguing, sometimes tedious, yet satisfying film that demands repeat viewing.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/05 10:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Vito's Legacy:
An intriguing, sometimes tedious, yet satisfying film that demands repeat viewing.
Yeah...in fact I'm waiting for my second watch....
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/05 11:39 AM

Long Lost Corleone, thank you for the Punch-Drunk Love recommendation. I've seen Hard Eight (Sydney; 1996), and it's a wonderfully staged modern film noir with a menacing foreboding, and the acting is a treat. Can't wait for you to see it. I have Boogie Nights ready to watch in my room, too.

Irishman, I agree with New York Stories (1989). Three of the best "New York" directors combine to make a gross mishit of a film. Scorsese experiments and fails with a sour romance story; Allen's featurette is merely an elongated sketch of a Jewish mother joke; and inbetween them, Coppola's short is a dreadful mess full of crass acting and a Godawful script.

Thanks for reading,
Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/05 11:41 AM

Love Actually ** (1st time)
2003, Curtis, GB
Four weeks to Christmas, various people, from the new Prime Minister to an eleven year old boy, enjoy the highs and suffer the lows of being in love.
Far-fetched, multiple-story romantic comedy, too long for what it contains and too short for how much it tries to fit in, with every miracle in the world happening in the final moments; its script and delivery are, however, very fresh, and it fulfills its intentions well.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 02:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Irishman, I agree with New York Stories (1989). Three of the best "New York" directors combine to make a gross mishit of a film. Scorsese experiments and fails with a sour romance story; Allen's featurette is merely an elongated sketch of a Jewish mother joke; and inbetween them, Coppola's short is a dreadful mess full of crass acting and a Godawful script.[/b]
I asked Don Vercetti this because I thought he had seen the movie but do you know the name of the song that Nick Nolte's character plays when Rosanna Arquette comes back? I believe it's the last song of the segment as well.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 03:06 PM

Just watched "Leon" again and its a great movie. One of my fav pieces of european directors. Everything is great about this movie and I cant think of any big flaws. 9/10

I have The "Wizard of Oz" and Fellini's "8 1/2" and "La Dolce Vita" ready to watch on my PC...I can't wait...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 03:19 PM

BUFFALO SOLDIERS

CODE 46


I'll review those movies eventually.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 07:32 PM

Lost In Translation **** (6th time)
2003, Coppola, US/Jap
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, affecting tale of two people stuck in marital problems and finding unconsumated comfort in each other; it is a refreshingly minimalistic approach fuelled by excellent performances.
Top 30;
Best film of the decade?


Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 07:34 PM

Better then your precious Irreversible and Gladiator?

I still need to see it. Right now my vote for 2003's best is Elephant.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 07:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

[b]Top 30;
Best film of the decade?


Mick [/b]


*Adds it to his have-to-watch-list*
Posted By: Vito's Legacy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 07:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Best film of the decade?
Well, it BETTER be up there somewhere on the list! Me and two friends really like this film too.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 07:51 PM

By the way, Irishman, I can't help with the New York Stories song. Not right now at least. I'd have to see it again.

Mick
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 08:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Lost In Translation **** (6th time)
2003, Coppola, US/Jap
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, affecting tale of two people stuck in marital problems and finding unconsumated comfort in each other; it is a refreshingly minimalistic approach fuelled by excellent performances.
Top 30;
Best film of the decade?


Mick [/b]
Wow a bold statement for a film that I find to be in agreement on minimalistic and yet more importantly uneventful

In no particular order

Gladiator
Traffic
A beautiful Mind
LOTR The Two Towers
The Pianist
Seabiscuit
Snatch
Almost Famous
Memento
High Fidelity
City of God

I put these all ahead of Lost In Translation which in a few years will become Lost in Memory
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 09:04 PM

Lost in Memory? Is time a measure of greatness? Yes, it is, I think. If a film is as applicable to society and the world in years to come as it is when it is made, then it must be considered great. I think. And therefore, I can't see the themes, relationships, situations and characters depicted in Lost In Translation ever losing their impact or significance. The pace of the film is beautiful; uneventful, yes--as uneventful as life itself.

My contenders for film of the decade are, in order of release date/alphabetical order...

Amores perros/Love's a Bitch
Gladiator
Memento
Traffic
Irréversible/Irreversible
Lost In Translation
Dead Man's Shoes
Incredibles, The

Mick
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 09:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Incredibles, The

Mick
I need to add that one to my list, Truly one of the best
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/05 11:40 PM

Elephant - (Gus Van Sant;2003;USA) - ****
An observation of several teens in a high school, two of which are planning a horrible massacre.
As I said this is a painfully true film that not only works as a social commentary, but a film about pointless, innocent, deaths. The minimalist approach works brilliantly, along with the tracking shots that go with many characters. The best of 2003.
#19
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 12:43 AM

Ok but who votes the winner? And when does the week "officially" end so other "contestants" can have a chance to enter?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 03:06 AM

***NOT A REVIEW OF THE WEEK NOMINEE***

Kung Fu Hustle

As most know I've been into Asian movies since the release of the Kill Bill movies. The previews for this movie didn't do anything for me even though I had heard some good things about it. I believe this is the first "Asian comedy" I've seen and I did enjoy it. The camera work (such as pan shots and certain sequences that were zoomed in) were nicely used. I also like the time period the movie was in (I'm guessing early 20th century. Possibly the 20s or 30s?). The main bad guy did a good job as well but the major flaw that I had with it was the overuse of CGI! Wow, Don Vercetti and I actually agree on something (that too much CGI can ruin a movie) and I think this is the best example I could find. I don't think the comic book movies overuse it but this seemed to. Other than The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, I think this is the movie with the most CGI in it that I've ever seen
Posted By: Vito's Legacy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 11:08 AM

On the Waterfront (Third time)
Regardless of whether it was made so as it vindicate those who 'ratted' on their peers during the McCarthy era, the story of OTW - an ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to corrupt union bosses - has dated well and can now be viewed today beyond the context in the era in which it was produced in. Much has been said of Marlon Brando's preformance as longshoreman (and ex-boxer) Terry Molloy and rightfully so - Brando comes across as a complete natural in the role, and the widely renowned "I coulda been a contenda" scene is pivotal in our affection for the character, and understanding how his failed dreams got him to where he was - and Brando and Rod Steiger, playing Charley, brilliantly convey it with real heart.

As good as Brando is, it would be amiss not to mention the well-cast supporting roles, particularly Karl Malden are the morally righteous Father Barry who is continually determined to make a stand against Johnny Friendly and his gang despite all opposition. Eva Marie Saint also brings an innocent - and beautfiul - quality to her Edie Doyle, reluctantly falling for Terry at first, and comforting him in his time of need. The on-screen couple, as Terry and Edie, share a genuine chemisty. Lee J. Cobbs is also wonderfully mean-spirited and cruel as Johnny Friendly, and his final confrontation with Brando is just one of the many great moments in an emotionally up-lifting ending.

Kazan's confident direction is complimented nicely by Leonard Bernstein booming and magnificent musical score. A true classic of American cinema.
Posted By: Vito's Legacy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 11:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don_Andrew:
Chinatown (1974, Polanski)

"You´re a very nosy fellow, kitty-cat, huh?"


Private Eye Jake Gittes is hired by a woman to investigate her husband's alleged affair, but when the woman turns out to be a fake, Gittes becomes entangled in a huge web of corruption, fraud and crime.

Chinatown features template acting, especially on the parts of Nicholson and Dunaway. Polanski delivers an amazing film that is a timeless classic, and one of the best ever. Screen legend John Huston also gives a short but sweet performance as Mrs. Muhlray's father, the twist ending is very surprising.

*****/5

"Forget it Jake, it's Chinatown."
A great crime film to be sure, but has anyone seen the sequel The Two Jakes? I've seen it on my video store shelf, and it's intrigued me everytime I look at it. Worth a look?

(And BTW, the twist in Chinatown is definitely one of the best I've seen. It genuinally succeeds as one of those "OH MY GOD! WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED?!" moments).
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 11:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
***NOT A REVIEW OF THE WEEK NOMINEE***

Kung Fu Hustle

As most know I've been into Asian movies since the release of the Kill Bill movies. The previews for this movie didn't do anything for me even though I had heard some good things about it. I believe this is the first "Asian comedy" I've seen and I did enjoy it. The camera work (such as pan shots and certain sequences that were zoomed in) were nicely used. I also like the time period the movie was in (I'm guessing early 20th century. Possibly the 20s or 30s?). The main bad guy did a good job as well but the major flaw that I had with it was the overuse of CGI! Wow, Don Vercetti and I actually agree on something (that too much CGI can ruin a movie) and I think this is the best example I could find. I don't think the comic book movies overuse it but this seemed to. Other than The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, I think this is the movie with the most CGI in it that I've ever seen
The more Asian movie that you’ll watch you’ll start to notice something, they don’t care about CGI the way we do. In America it is all about how seamless can you make it how “real” can you get it to look. Whereas in Asian movies they just seem more interested in just getting a visual representation on the screen. I can’t even count how many HK or Japanese movies I’ve seen with what would be considered horrible CGI over here, it is like they don’t care. I just chalk it up to cultural differences, their films aren’t always trying to say or do the same things that you’re used to American films doing. Plus I think that it really adds to the fell of a number of films like So Close and Kung Fu Hustle where if you find yourself concerned about the look of the CGI you are really not feeling the movie like it was intended.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 11:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Vito's Legacy:
[quote]Originally posted by Don_Andrew:
[b] Chinatown (1974, Polanski)

"You´re a very nosy fellow, kitty-cat, huh?"


Private Eye Jake Gittes is hired by a woman to investigate her husband's alleged affair, but when the woman turns out to be a fake, Gittes becomes entangled in a huge web of corruption, fraud and crime.

Chinatown features template acting, especially on the parts of Nicholson and Dunaway. Polanski delivers an amazing film that is a timeless classic, and one of the best ever. Screen legend John Huston also gives a short but sweet performance as Mrs. Muhlray's father, the twist ending is very surprising.

*****/5

"Forget it Jake, it's Chinatown."
A great crime film to be sure, but has anyone seen the sequel The Two Jakes? I've seen it on my video store shelf, and it's intrigued me everytime I look at it. Worth a look?

(And BTW, the twist in Chinatown is definitely one of the best I've seen. It genuinally succeeds as one of those "OH MY GOD! WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED?!" moments). [/b][/quote]Well, I haven't seen The Two Jakes, but I've heard that it was one of those 'uneccesary' sequels, though I need to check it out myself...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 11:55 AM

My review of Chinatown, which I wrote for the MFA Top 100 a while back...

Chinatown
Dir. by: Roman Polanski
Country: USA
Year: 1974
Running time: 125 minutes

“You’re a very nosey fella, kitty-kat, huh? You know what happens to nosey fellas? Huh? No? Wanna guess? Huh? No? They lose their noses.”

1974 was a brilliant year for film. The Godfather Part II revisited many of our favourite characters and storylines, and won an Oscar for it in the process. The Conversation was released, a smaller film from Coppola but just as equally unmissable. And Roman Polanski directed the provocative, evocative, virtuoso tour de force Chinatown.

In the sun-baked, dried-out, hot and roasting pre-war Los Angeles of the 1930s, Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), a private eye who makes a living of snooping after straying spouses, is hired by Evelyn Mulwray to find out with whom exactly her husband is having an affair. But then he finds that he hasn’t been hired by Mrs Mulwray at all. And then, when Mister Mulwray is found dead in a reservoir, Gittes finds himself in a shadowy world full of intrigue, deceit, incest, corruption, knives, noses, and watery murders.

The labyrinthine detective-story plot of Chinatown, as complex as it is, is one of its main strengths (of which it has many). It’s one of those exceptional work-of-genius stories, reminiscent of both Chandler novels and film noir, a wonderfully woven mystery that intrigues the viewer as it twists and turns towards its unforgettable ending. Definitely one that is appreciate increasingly the more it is watched.

Nicholson is often hailed as one of the great actors, and his talent is as evident here as it would be in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975/Forman). To the streetwise private eye, he brings tremendous onscreen persona, doing whatever he can to find out what he must in order to make a living. The quick transition from his angry outburst in the barber’s to the subsequent laughing at the “screw like a Chinaman” joke is a stark example of the variety he gives the role. On the other hand, Faye Dunaway brings an exceptional complexity to the character of Evelyn Mulwray, who at first, like all film noir female leads, is the suspect, before becoming the victim—and the secret she’s hiding is very dark indeed. Huston is haunting as the deranged maniac, “a very dangerous man.”

Polanski has always been a master of setting. His deliberate direction, besides carrying along the gripping plot of personal and political graft, also captures the desperate and desolate atmosphere of 1930s LA with brilliant precision. Jerry Goldsmith’s score, albeit not seeming appropriately jazzy enough to begin with, certainly grows on you with each viewing, and is perfectly reminiscent of 1940s film noir. Even the Technicolor cinematography, which is normally contrary to film noir theory, is printed under a muted orange filter, which captures the era and setting magnificently. But it is arguably Richard Sylbert’s film. The production designer’s accuracy is apparent throughout, from the cars to the clothes, buildings both exterior and interior, even down to the barber’s chair. As brilliant as it is overall, it’s the authenticity that stands out.

And as fantastic as Robert Towne’s Oscar-winning script is as a whole, the film is made up of many overly measured memorable scenes. Look out for Polanski as the knife wielding “midget” in a tremendously menacing turn. Dunaway’s highlight comes in the “sister…daughter…sister…daughter” (slap! slap!) scene, while the orange growths pursuit is directed with manipulative surprise, as the horse chases after Gittes in his reversing car. And then there’s the ending…

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 05:04 PM

Sin City

This was my 3rd time viewing this film and I think it's safe to say it's my favorite comic book movie of all time (with only the original Spider-Man being #2) and it's easily my favorite movie of 2005! The cast was excellent with Bruce Willis, Benicio Del Toro, Clive Owen, Mickey Rourke, Nick Stahl, Michael Madsen, etc were all great! Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez did a fantastic job directing! The script was very entertaining and added a good mix of humor to it. I couldn't find a single thing wrong with this movie and am highly anticipating it's sequel next summer. I'm waiting for the special edition to come out later this year/early next year, but for those who haven't seen it, it's DEFINITELY worth the rent!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/05 11:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Long Lost Corleone, thank you for the Punch-Drunk Love recommendation. I've seen Hard Eight (Sydney; 1996), and it's a wonderfully staged modern film noir with a menacing foreboding, and the acting is a treat. Can't wait for you to see it. I have Boogie Nights ready to watch in my room, too.[/b]
I've yet to see Hard Eight, But I've wanted to for so long, and plan to tonight. It's the first time I've been excited to see a movie ahead of time in quite a while--Anderson has yet to dissapoint me.

As for Boogie Nights, be sure to get a watch soon. Excluding Hard Eight, as I've yet to see it, it is his second best behind Magnolia, and Magnolia is quite a hard film to beat. Anderson manages to mix a great deal of humor into Boogie, but at the same time does a wonderful job at making sure it doesn't cause the audience to overlook the great deal of emotion and drama involved. It really is one of the modern greats, which is unfortunately often ignored, as people are told about the constant comic relief and hear about the plot, and assume it's all one big joke; And it's far from that. Boogie will probably be the one time you aren't ashamed of admitting to viewing a Marky Mark film. :p And if Anderson can successfully make Whalberg act, he could make virtually anyone act.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 03:05 AM

Hoop Dreams

First let me start off by saying that I didn't know this movie was a documentary (I thought it was just a regular movie). It ran a litte long (170 minutes) but I did enjoy it. It follows 2 high school basketball players who's dream it is to play in the NBA for 5 years (there freshman year in high school to there freshman year in college).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 03:23 AM

I tried to read your reviews Irishman, but they are too long. Can you just review your movies in just one sentence? Please?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 03:45 AM

Just a random post whore for a moment, here's an itneresting coverart list of AFI's top 100.

http://dvdbeaver.com/film/Misc/afi100.htm#afi
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 04:37 AM

The AFI list is a joke. Raging Bull is 24th on the list! And Once Upon a Time in America isn't even on there at all!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 04:41 AM

Raging Bull only in the 20's? I think that's good enough for it.

The list has good/great movies, although some better ones are missing. Tootsie?!

Here's a MUCH BETTER list for movie buffs to go off of, and it's ALL films, not just American.

http://www.theyshootpictures.com/gf1000_top100films.htm
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 04:48 AM

Interesting list...I like it a lot better than AFI's. I can understand putting Citizen Kane ahead of The Godfather in terms of American movies, but Vertigo, 2001, and The Searchers too? The only one out of those I've seen is Vertigo and while I don't think it's better than The Godfather it's definitely close. It makes me want to see those other 2.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 05:03 AM

It's an excellent site. They even have director's favorites. For example, here's Martin Scorsese's.

"These are five movies that I continue to live by" - Scorsese

8½ - Federico Fellini
Citizen Kane - Orson Welles
The Leopard - Luchino Visconti
The Red Shoes - Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger
The Searchers - John Ford
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 07:12 AM

I think I saw a movie today, I mean I have a ticket stub that says I did but it doesn’t feel like it. The stub says The Skeleton Key so I reckon I saw it, but when I think back nothing jumps out at me…
I remember going to the theater arriving almost at the start time (I remember that because I LIKE to arrive early to get a preferred seat), then I had to wait for my stepbrother to buy nachos and a coke that as well I can recall with clarity. We got bad seats because all the best ones were taken, I saw some previews (Saw II, King Kong, and Stay) the theater darkened…then it is kind of a blur. I remember thinking that Kate Hudson should be up higher on my list, there was this one really bad shot with an entirely overstressed angle but other than that…
The Skeleton Key is worse than “white-bread” cinema (read: generic) it is like placebo cinema. It goes beyond astonishing mediocrity and into a realm that I believe that I have never seen. This film managed to not excel in any aspect. The parts of the movie separate from each other don’t seem that bad. The setting a superstitious magic filled bayou in Louisiana it not a bad setting, or the vengeful sprits of slaves not that bad of an antagonist. I thought the character of the protagonist had some potential, especially with Hudson playing her but when it was all added together the product was less than the sum of it’s parts. Not that it was that horrible either, I mean even a movie like House of the Dead leaves an impression – even if it is that there is an impending apocalypse. The only thing that left any impression on me was Kate Hudson and as I’ve already mentioned it was only for very superficial reasons. I can’t even think of enough to give it a rating….it did not offend or impress. ?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 02:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
I tried to read your reviews Irishman, but they are too long. Can you just review your movies in just one sentence? Please?
No I'll stick with what I got. Again, it's only a couple of lines and not an entire thread page itself :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 04:30 PM

I saw this late last night on TV.

Taking Lives - (D.J. Caruso;2004;USA/Canada) - *
An FBI agent is called to Canada to catch a serial killer who assumes his victims' identity.
All through this movie all I could think of was Se7en. The opening credits looked like they were trying to be the movie. The whole thing feels like a partial rip-off, with added cliches of what really happened that I see in every thriller today. The cast was nice, but that was pretty much it. A mess of cliche and mediocrity. Overall just another thriller with a "got ya!" ending. Ebert liked it as I would expect, although his review did contain something people should take note on.

They don't even know they're not in Montreal. At almost the very moment we hear "Montreal" on the soundtrack, there is a beautiful shot of the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. This is a little like Chicago cops not noticing they are standing beneath Mount Rushmore.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 05:13 PM

Crash ** (1st time)
2005, Haggis, Ger/US/Australia
Several people are connected by racially involved incidents over the course of two days in LA.
A film not without its explosive moments of potential, but for a melodrama full of dramatic irony and overkill, the final impression is dubious: an ambitious directorial debut effort, and yet it seems to offer no further insight into racism than what we already know.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 06:48 PM

Four Brothers

I liked it. For more information go see it yourself!

Better ronnie
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/05 06:55 PM

I was reading up on the movie (it looked mediocre) but now I'm even less excited about it. I just read Four Brothers is an Urbanized remake of the good John Wayne movie The Sons of Katie Elder.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/05 12:58 AM

Rebel Without a Cause (1955; Third time) - ****
Director: Nicholas Ray
Trouble arises when a level headed but rebellious teenager moves into town.

This was the first time I saw the film in about two years. Why I've delayed another viewing for so long is beyond me. This is without a doubt, one of my favorite movies and in my top five. James Dean stars in a legendary role--one of the most familiar in cinema, which ranks up there with Vito Corleone and Indiana Jones--as highschool student Jim Starks. The cast, which includes Natalie Wood, gives a terrific performance, one which is arguabley ahead of his time, and similar to the modern acting styles of today (Remember, at the time the film was made, we were still stuck in the "traditional" style of film-acting, which resemebled the animated style often used in live performances). The cinematography is fantastic as well, as Ray provides us with great visuals. But acting and camera work aside, this film has what too many films lack today; meaning. It has a message and importance in not just cinema, but life. It has so much to say socially, that I just can't sum it without extending the length of this post at an excessive rate. The film sums up the feeling of growing up in an unconventional American family, which is constantly at one anothers necks, but in the end, they manage to pull it all together. Undoubtedly one of the best and most influential films ever made.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/05 02:28 AM

Boyz N the Hood

Kinda disappointed it in but I'll still probably pick it up on DVD
Posted By: Just Lou

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/05 02:57 AM

I picked up Serpico for $5.99 on DVD yesterday. I watched the whole the thing for the 1st time. I had seen most of it in bits and pieces on TV. Good performance from Pachino. Not the greatest movie, but a good watch. Typical early 70's production value police drama.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/05 10:57 AM

Manhattan **** (5th time)
1979, Allen, US
The chronicles of a TV writer's complicated sex life in the city he loves.
Mature conversational piece with a fine balance between Allen's neurotic jokes and realistic observations of human relationships; beautifully shot and acted.
Top 5

A full MFA Top 100 review, which I posted a while back:

Manhattan

Dir. by: Woody Allen
Year: 1979
Country: US
Running Time: 90 minutes

“Chapter One. He adored New York City. He idolised it all out of proportion.”

Woody Allen, the immeasurably influential New York auteur, has always been a director with a unique taste for the unconventional. Somebody unaware of their film history may mistake his Sweet and Lowdown (1999) as a film made in the trend of the likes of This is Spinal Tap (1984), unknowing that it was Allen himself, with his debut feature Take the Money and Run (1968), who coined the mockumentary into a recognisable success. In Annie Hall (1977) , Allen’s unconventional approach is at its most acute: the opening talking head addressing the audience directly with an old joke accredited to Groucho Marx; the flashbacks within flashbacks; subtitles revealing subconscious thoughts while a real conversation takes place; split screens showing two parallel psychiatrist meetings; characters revisiting their past as third person onlookers, a device taken straight from Bergman’s Wild Strawberries (1957).

With Manhattan, Allen embeds in us his usual flair for the cinematic bold. Its success relies on several interdependent facets, which, while not as overtly avant garde as Annie Hall , are more subtly ‘classic’ and cinematically mature. Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Gordon Willis’ loving black and white photography, the sublime acting, script and direction, and the wonderful feel for balanced editing. But its cultural popularity and sustained social importance must nevertheless be questioned. Here we have a series of scenes in cafés, restaurants, libraries and bedrooms, in which people discuss their marriages, affairs and failing careers. A gamble, really, for, when it comes down to it, who wants to watch a film which depends so much on wordy psychobabble and neurotic misanthropy?

Isaac (or Ike, played by Allen) is a television writer with problems. His best friend Yale (Michael Murphy) is having an affair with a journalist Mary (Diane Keaton) who hates Bergman and mispronounces Van Gogh; his second ex-wife, now a lesbian (Meryl Streep) is about to publish a book about their failed love life; his own sex life exists only with seventeen-year-old Tracy (Mariel Hemingway). Ike happens to meet Yale’s mistress Mary, and, due to the fact she is as neurotic as Ike, he begins to like her…

This is as fine a blend of humour and insight as you’re likely to see. Much like his later Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), which diverted Allen back into the grand themes covered here after much lighter comedies, Manhattan’s success comes from its stuttering dilemmas and genuinely moving character arcs. The writing (co-scripted by Marshal Brickman) is extraordinary. Each of the characters has their own way of speaking. Mary, for instance, is the only character who, when pushed to the extreme, is honest enough to throw away her highbrow, Philadelphia façade and drop the F-word. When offered tokenism from Yale, who breaks off with her and suggests meeting with Ike, she stutters and bursts out with truth: “Fuck off, Yale.” Isaac, meanwhile, internalises when he is hurt. Between brown water and a strangling parrot noise, he tells Mary that he never gets angry; “I grow a tumour instead.”

The very personification of the anti-hero, Allen is bespectacled and small, paranoid because he is all-too fully aware and proud of being Jewish. He is foolish and cowering, growing tumours which are in his mind, awake all night because he believes somebody is strangling a parrot upstairs. When out in a thunderstorm with Mary, he makes sure he has his fair share of the newspaper to keep his head dry. Allen has always been aware of this. True, he may not be an acrobat, but his physical shortcomings are no different to those of the bumbling tramp or unsmiling, accidental hero, (Buster) Keaton. He exploits them, makes fun of them, laughs along with his would-be mockers. And the joke is, then, on those who doubt this guy’s sex problems. Allen the intellectual, perhaps for the first time in his career, far outweighs Allen the skinny man.

That we feel for Ike and empathise with him pays testament to two major points: again, Allen’s ability to depict the human condition and say something important about the lives we lead; and two, that deep down in us all, we share the same fears and insecurities as he does when it comes to love. Allen comes dangerously close (knowingly, too) to Chaplinesque sentimentality, with postcard shots of Ike and Mary under the 59th Street Bridge, and a final line of optimism which only just rings true. But, also like Chaplin, Allen gets away with it, moving from soppiness to sophistication like a sneaky chameleon worthy of a role in Zelig.

Thanks for reading,
Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/05 04:12 PM

I saw the last half of Misery last night on TNT. It wasn't necessarily a great movie, but I did enjoy it. James Caan gave a terrific performance.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/05 05:04 PM

Coach Carter

It was ok but not as good as everyone made it out to be
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/05 03:57 PM

Guess Who

A pretty funny movie but another unnecessary "urbanized" remake of a classic
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/05 03:36 AM

Two cheap DVDs I bought in a mega 10 DVDs for $10 in a buyout sale of a terrible videostore going out of business. Yes, the perks of ripping off the losers of capitalism!

CODE 46 (2003) - ***/5

BUFFALO SOLDIERS (2003) - ***1/2 out of 5

Both will eventually be reviewed here at RRA'S VIDEO BIN REVIEW!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/05 04:18 AM

Sin City (2005) - ***1/2 (Second time - First time on a home entertainment system.)
Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller
Special Guest Director: Quentin Tarantino
A film-noir lover's heaven consisting of three stories; An ugly mug named Marv avenging the death of is one-time lover, a vigilante named Dwight on a one-night mission to help some women friends beat the Mob, and an old cop on a one-decade quest to protect a young girl turned exotic dancer from a crazed child molestor. Based on the graphic novels by Frank Miller.

Very entertaining, and the year's most visually stunning film. I reccomend it to anyone (granted you aren't bothered by Tarantino-esqe violence), but keep an open mind about things. The way you would rate/view this film is similar to that of a Star Wars flick (began they began to suck). You sure as hell don't pop in A New Hope for the nonexistant drama. It's all about the style, visuals, special effects, and interestingly constructed story-lines. In the years top ten, in my oppinion.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/05 05:05 AM

I just watched Mean Streets for the first time. I LOVED IT. I would rank it at least Scorsese's 4th, probably 3rd best film behind Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. I think it's better than Goodfellas because it has a deeper meaning. Goodfellas was just a story.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/05 05:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I think it's better than Goodfellas because it has a deeper meaning. Goodfellas was just a story.
I agree. It is better then Goodfellas. The only thing Goodfellas has over it is being more well made opposed to the gritty, Indie filming for Mean Streets although that's pretty much what was needed for it. Mean Streets is also Scorsese's most personal film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/05 05:45 AM

Wow, I think I have a new favorite movie. Man that was a good fucking movie. Wow.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/05 07:15 PM

Mean Streets is the epitome of Scorsese's work; his most important film.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/05 07:18 PM

Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle/Every Man For Himself and God Against All of Them/The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser **** (1st time)
1974, Herzog, WGer
In 1828 Nuremberg, a 16-year-old boy, with no previous interaction with the world, is found, his origins unknown.
An extraordinary cinematic achievement; storytelling of the most powerful order, with a sterling performance from Bruno S. in the lead role. Herzog's vision portrays the limitations of society and its methods of education with powerful, often ironic impact.
Top 100

Me and You and Everyone We Know ** (1st time; big screen)
2005, July, US/GB
A newly divorced shoe salesman struggles to connect with a customer who he happens to like, an eccentric performance artist.
A refreshing romance which goes beyond its principle characters to take on themes of adolescent yearning for sexual recognition, and pre-pubescent perceptions of life. If it has too many ideas for ninety minutes, it is a painless, mostly pleasant ride, with moments of brilliance.

The Graduate **** (2nd time)
1967, Nichols, US
A college student is seduced by the wife of his father's partner, but instead falls in love with her daughter.
An exemplary social comedy, and summation of the generation gap at the late sixties; it made a star of Hoffman.

Être et avoir/To Be and to Have **** (1st time)
2002, Philibert, Fr
A year in the life of a primary school in rural France.
An extremely simplistic documentary full of comical insights into the untarnished world of children and their colourfully innocent lives; funny, touching and revealing.
Best of 2002?

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/05 07:06 PM

Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes/Aguirre, Wrath of God **** (3rd time; first time with commentary)
1972, Herzog, WGer
In 1560, an ambitious soldier in Pizarro's conquistador army leads a mission on raft down the Amazon River, and slowly goes mad.
Epic in all but running length, this is an ambitious and haunting study of despair and destiny, told in a visually inspired way; from Kinski's intense title performance to the on-location filming, it is one of the great achievements of cinema.
Best film of 1972? Of the 1970s? Of all time?

Mick
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/05 08:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Best film of 1972?[/b]
Come on...
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/05 08:02 PM

Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/05 08:14 PM

In all fairness, I think we can accept that The Godfather isn't the best film ever for everyone.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/05 08:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
In all fairness, I think we can accept that The Godfather isn't the best film ever for everyone.
Maybe so, but best of '72 has to be The Godfather.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/05 08:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don_Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] In all fairness, I think we can accept that The Godfather isn't the best film ever for everyone.
Maybe so, but best of '72 has to be The Godfather. [/b][/quote]Have you seen Aguirre, Wrath of God?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/05 08:57 PM

Aguirre, Wrath of God is the greatest portrait of human descendency into madness, I think. It was a film made in less than three months, on location in the Peruvian jungles and rivers, for a modest budget of $350,000. Blessed with a phenomenal performance by Klaus Kinski (even before this rewatch, I've always said that, for onscreen physical presence, Brando pales in comparison to him), it is Herzog's most memorable vision of humanity--and that's saying something, for a genius who is quickly becoming a favourite of mine.

The Godfather, as far as American films go, was the pinnacle film of that year, with John Boorman's Deliverance not too far behind. Coincidentally, the man-at-odds-with-nature theme of that latter film shares uncanny comparisons to the Herzog film.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 01:22 AM

Original Sin - (Michael Cristofer;2001;France/USA) - **
A wealthy Cuban man orders a wife from America only to find there's more to her then meets the eye.
A film that could've been a great noir, but fails. It becomes poorly written, melodramatic, and predictable. The cast is good, but it doesn't save the movie from mediocrity. The music and cinematography were also good, but again it failed to save the film.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 01:27 AM

This in my opion is one of the best films of the last few years

butterfly effect

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 04:05 AM

The French Connection #70 on the AFI Top 100 List

I liked it but was disappointed with it as well. I guess my expectations were higher for it
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 11:03 AM

La Dolce Vita
A Must-see-film about life, love and the meaning of living. This is the first Fellini film I watched and there are many to follow. Otte e mezzo is next. The main character Marcello, a journalist, leaving his fiancé at home, is looking for satisfaction which he hopes to find in other women.´
His fiancé Emma is my favorite character in the movie. She is depressed because she knows that Marcello is seeing other women and even if she wants to offer him a sweet life, most time he ignores her, even regrets his relationship to her.
Another key figure is Steiner, a good friend of Marcello but at the same time the counterpart of his persona. His story tells the viewer that money and wealth are not everything in life.
Visually, the scene where Marcello follows Sylvia into the water is simply beautiful. The only scene I didn't like was the party-scene near the end.
It was late and I was abit tired when I saw this movie and I also saw it in two parts (nights), so I need a rewatch soon to get more into the plot.

A must-see film. A masterpiece.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 11:27 AM

Marcello's famous scene with Sylvia (played an electric Anita Ekberg) is one with a personal place for my heart: in it, you can see the exact same spot where I met a girl from California earlier this year in Rome, at the Trevi Fountain. We're still in touch, and she is planning on coming over to visit me next year.

Trevi Fountain; I can't think of a better place to fall in love.

"Marcello, Marcello, cam 'ere!"

Mick
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 11:43 AM

That's nice Capo
I forgot the name of that place, Trevi Fountain. I've been there last year. Its a beautiful place, like most places in Italy.

Oh, what would I give for watching such great films on the big screen.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 11:51 AM

Nosferatu, Phantom der Nacht/Nosferatu the Vampyre ** (2nd time; 1st time with commentary)
1979, Herzog, Ger/Fr
Dracula decides to move to a far-away town, falling in love in the process and bringing with him the plague.
A retread of a famous German silent, elongated and with more depth in the title role. Herzog, in making the film, wanted to go back to his roots as a filmmaker; in the process, he seems to have lost his usual flair for eccentric visionary genius.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 08:30 PM

The Gold Rush #74 on the AFI Top 100 List

Another Chaplin movie that I kinda liked
Posted By: Meggie

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/05 10:55 PM

I spent the whole day watching Goodfellas on cable...(from 10:30-4pm) I own the DVD but I O'D on it when it comes on cable..
I watched The Notebook and Ray, and, even though I would have never paid to see it at the theatre, found both of them to be excellent movies..
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/05 12:12 AM

A streetcar named desire 1951



A Classic
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/05 01:51 AM

Sin City - (Robert Rodriguez/Frank Miller;2005;USA) - ***
Three stories taking place in the corrupt Basin City: Marv is an ugly man who turns to revenge after a beautiful prostitute is killed, and he's framed for the murder. Dwight teams up with the hookers of Old Town to get out of a tricky situation involving a dead cop. Hartigan gets out of jail after being framed for the molestation of an 11 year old girl, who is now 19, he finds that he must protect her yet again.
One thing about this, is that it is overrated grossly. I can't count how many people said this was a masterpiece. However this is a very good film that despite being over the top in many scenes, it works much of the time. The narration is great, and the cast is too overall aside Elijah Wood, Josh Hartnett, and Nick Stahl. Wood's character isn't as cool as he is a pathetic creep, which baffles me as to why people think the character is the cool one of the film. However the rest of the cast keeps the film up, along with the visuals. A big surprise to me, as I thought this would be a lump of shit altogether.
#29

A Streetcar Named Desire - (Elia Kazan;1951;USA) - ****
A woman with a troubled past who's low on cash visits her sister, and is immediately frowned upon by her brother-in-law.
Kazan's second best from what I've seen, behind On the Waterfront. The story is a powerful one that gets better with every moment. Brando's performance and presence steals the show, and Vivien Leigh is great (or does she fit the role?) as the neurotic, troubled woman. A classic play made into a classic film.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/05 08:08 PM

just watched Oliver Stone's Talk Radio (1988) - anyone has seen it? I thought it was an okay movie, with nothing special, far away from Stone's best flicks.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/05 10:16 PM

High Fidelity - (Stephen Frears;2000;UK/USA) - ****
After a record store owner's girlfriend breaks up with him, he recalls past girlfriends on his Top 5 All-Time Most Memorable Breakups list to find out where he's going wrong.
In an era of horrible romantic-comedies, this is one of the few that stands out as one of the great ones. I really can't say that I would change a thing about this film. It's genuinely funny without using unimaginative, exploitation jokes common in most comedies. At the same time the film isn't about romance between two characters fully, but romance itself, which separates it from most films in it's genre. John Cusack and Iben Hjejle are both great in their lead roles, and the supporting cast is also very good, especially Jack Black and even Tim Robbins in a small role, both adding great comedic relief to the film. The soundtrack is excellent, and the film itself will attract music-buffs through dialogue and the music itself. It was either Omar or Ronnie that said Swingers was the Annie Hall of the 90's, I say the same for this film, only for the new decade....so far.
#18
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/05 04:15 AM

I just saw Vertigo for the second time. That movie is just flat out AMAZING. Top 5 of all time.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/05 06:12 AM

Wow! Right after Vertigo was Rear Window. I love TCM.

It was my first viewing of Rear Window, and it is one incredible movie. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved the ending and the directing was just phenomenal. I guess that's why Alfred Hitchcock is the greatest ever.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/05 08:31 PM

I watched Kill Bill Vol 2 last night. I was hoping beings I forced myself to watch the first one this one would at least answer the questions that it left. I was glad it filled in the missing pieces, but to be honest this was not my type of movie. After the first 10 minutes I was so bored I was ready to turn it off. The whole scene with Bud at his work just seemed a waste of time. I was just hoping he would die and get it over with.
*****SPOILERS****************
The first one was so creepy I was expecting all sorts of weird stuff. The only real gruesome think I could think of was when Darryl Hannah lost her eye. I was also kind of disappointed in the end. I thought Bill got it too easy. She should have cut his head off with her sword. To see her almost feel sorry for him and have her old feelings for him surface didn't do it justice. She had to kill all those people just to get to him, I don't think she got her justice.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/05 08:54 PM

Seinfeld Season 1

It was only 5 episodes long but a good way to star the series. I'm in the middle of Kung Fu Season 1 so it'll be awhile again before I watch more Seinfeld's (espeically since now I need to watch The Simpsons Season 6)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/05 11:19 PM

American Graffiti #77 on the AFI Top 100 List

A pretty good movie with some funny parts. I didn't really like it at the beginning but towards the end I warmed up to it more.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/05 11:42 PM

Sin City - (Robert Rodriguez/Frank Miller;2005;USA) - ***
Three stories taking place in the corrupt Basin City: Marv is an ugly man who turns to revenge after a beautiful prostitute is killed, and he's framed for the murder. Dwight teams up with the hookers of Old Town to get out of a tricky situation involving a dead cop. Hartigan gets out of jail after being framed for the molestation of an 11 year old girl, who is now 19, he finds that he must protect her yet again.
A very good, but grossly overrated film that has wonderful visuals and narrations with each stories. The cast is overall very good, although there are a few bad actors in it. The problem I had with the film is that at times it goes a little over the top, but otherwise it's very good.
#30

The Sea Inside - (Alejandro Amenábar;2004;Spain) - ***1/2
A man who has been a quadriplegic for nearly three decades after a diving accident fights for his right to die.
This film, despite having some directorial flaws, turns out to be a very moving film and at the same time thought provoking. The music is great, and what stands out above all is Javier Bardem's performance. Amenábar's direction is not fully consistent, having both it's moments of brilliance and flaws, and I'm not sure if the final two or three minutes were necessary.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/05 05:51 AM

Deer Hunter #79 on the AFI Top 100 List

This was the 2nd time watching this movie and I enjoyed it 100 times more this time around. Definitely gonna buy this puppy on DVD when it gets re-released, but unfortunately I didn't see that much from Walken's performance
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/05 06:08 PM

Wuthering Heights #73 on the AFI Top 100 List

I surprisingly enjoyed this movie. I heard from a friend who will remain annoyomous that it was boring and not a very good movie and that's how my expectations were going into it but I was pleased with the movie after all
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/05 07:23 PM

I saw the 40 Year Old Virgin this weekend. Not as funny as The Wedding Crashers, but very good, and a little on the sweet side.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 01:50 AM

YESSSSSSS!!!!!

I'm going to see The Blues Brothers on August 29 for a one-time only screening for the 25th Anniversary!!

AWESOME!!!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 05:27 AM

The 40-Year-Old Virgin

A very good and funny movie, well worth the $6 admission for the 10pm show! Gotta love Monday's at the Drafthouse. I thought Wedding Crashers was funnier and made me laugh harder but you won't be disappointed with the Virgin
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 07:12 PM

The World Is Not Enough - (Michael Apted;1999;UK/USA) - **
James Bond becomes a bodyguard for a young princess after her father is killed in an explosion. A man who feels no physical pain becomes a threat.
A mediocre Bond film that doesn't feel new at all, and has only one interesting character. Sadly, the best scene is the opening titles. Could've at least been decent, but fails.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 07:23 PM

have you seen Die Another Day? The World Is Not Enought looks like a classic near that piec'oshit :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 07:29 PM

On a Clear Day * (1st time' big screen)
2005, Dellal, GB
A ship worker made redundant decides to swim the Channel.
Rocky at sea may seem a clichéd summary, but only for a clichéd film; the acting helps it through.

Before Sunrise *** (1st time)
1995, Linklater, US
A young American and French student meet on a train in Budapest and decide to spend the night together, before she leaves for Paris.
Conversation piece relying on contrasting philosophies from its two characters to drive it along; the acting had to be brilliant, and it is.

Before Sunset *** (1st time)
2004, Linklater, US
Jesse and Celine meet nine years after their first meeting.
The characters have developed into wiser, older adults, and the two actors embody them convincingly; but, as the script's self-reflection would have it, neither of them have really changed, and the narrative's swing into bittersweet nostalgia makes for an infuriatingly perfect final moment.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 07:31 PM

I enjoyed The World is Not Enough; all the usual ingredients were there, with a nasty femme fatale and a villain who can't die. Bigger, but by no means better; the set-pieces work, but only to compensate for the lacking narrative.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 07:34 PM

Beth E, I agree with your summary of Kill Bill Vol. 2. Tarantino's cinematic tricks are evident, his language with the camera as charismatic as anything else of recent; but his films are derivative, over-blown affairs, verging, at least in Kill Bill, on tedium. As self-indulgent as a Fellini movie, but nowhere near as interesting.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 08:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
I enjoyed The World is Not Enough; all the usual ingredients were there, with a nasty femme fatale and a villain who can't die. Bigger, but by no means better; the set-pieces work, but only to compensate for the lacking narrative.

Mick
Well it did look good, but that wasn't enough. It's definitely not the worst Bond movie though, because that honor goes to Die Another Day, which actually had me hating all the characters. The World is Not Enough is a mediocre Bond movie, but I do enjoy watching it. Robert Carlyle was a good addition to the cast. However, for entertainment purposes, Sophie Marceau and Denise Richards contributed a lot. I'm finding the only thing sticking out as good in the new Bond movies are the title sequences, although even Die Another Day's title sequence was disappointing.

Speaking of Robert Carlyle, did you know he's trying to get a sequel to Trainspotting made Capo? I still have yet to see it, so I don't know if that's good or bad.

By the way, as much as I enjoy John Cleese, no one can replace Desmond Llewelyn.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 09:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[qb] Speaking of Robert Carlyle, did you know he's trying to get a sequel to Trainspotting made Capo? I still have yet to see it, so I don't know if that's good or bad.

By the way, as much as I enjoy John Cleese, no one can replace Desmond Llewelyn.
Agreed.

Not sure about a sequel to Trainspotting. It could work; Welsh did write a sequel to the original book, so there's material for it to exist. They'd need all the original cast, though.

And I agree with the Bond title sequences. They are becoming longer and more magnificent with each film, often with two settings instead of the usual one. Alas, the rest of the film cannot sustain the excitement they have to offer. A grittier outing is needed, I feel. That could have to do with who they cast as the new Bond.

Mick
Posted By: Joe Batters

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 09:11 PM

I just watched Bad News Bears and although it had some pretty funny parts and I laughed a different parts all the way through the movie, it lacked substance and felt shallow





Joe Batters
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/05 09:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] [QUOTE]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[qb] Speaking of Robert Carlyle, did you know he's trying to get a sequel to Trainspotting made Capo? I still have yet to see it, so I don't know if that's good or bad.

By the way, as much as I enjoy John Cleese, no one can replace Desmond Llewelyn.
And I agree with the Bond title sequences. They are becoming longer and more magnificent with each film, often with two settings instead of the usual one. Alas, the rest of the film cannot sustain the excitement they have to offer. A grittier outing is needed, I feel. That could have to do with who they cast as the new Bond.

Mick [/b][/quote]My favorite so far is Tina Turner's "Goldeneye." I really need to explore the older Bond movies. I remember seeing Live and Let Die but all I remember is a gun that injected air into things.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/05 05:06 AM

Vanilla Sky (2001) - ***1/2
Directed by: Cameron Crowe
A young business-man jumps to conspiracy theories when an accident leaves him deformed, and later arrested on murder charges.

I feel this film is often under-rated, and over-looked. The performances may not be the best from its cast, but are none-the-less great. The story itself pulls you in, and is hard to break interest from. Cameron Crowe puts together a great film with a superb cast, an interesting style, and some pretty cool visuals; Not to mention the great soundtrack, compiled of modern rock which he opens up with Radiohead--my personal favorite, who were even later credited as composers--an original by Paul McCartney, and a beautiful finale with Sigur Ros. A very entertaining, and well put together film.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/05 05:09 AM

LLC, I too thought it was a great, new, original film, until I saw it was just a remake for American audiences.

Cruz plays the same character in the original. I have yet to see it.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/05 05:15 AM

Damn... That just kind of ruined it for me too. :p

I'll have to check the original out...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/05 05:18 AM

Sorry. It was ruined for me as well, but I still enjoy the goddamn movie. I like the final montage.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/05 05:28 AM

Yes. Sigur Ros's "The Nothing Song" fit perfectly, I felt.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/05 02:58 PM

I haven't seen Vanilla Sky, and hear it's horrible. I've seen Open Your Eyes, and it's great.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/05 06:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
I haven't seen Vanilla Sky, and hear it's horrible. I've seen Open Your Eyes, and it's great.

Mick
I thought you said a while back you thought you'd never forgive Cruise for Vanilla Sky, when you were referring to Collateral, I think.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/05 07:14 PM

Philadelphia

I had never seen this movie before and I was very excited to see it. It was good and very sad at the end but as a whole the movie wasn't as good as I was hoping for. Good performances by Tom Hanks & Denzel Washington as usual
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/05 03:39 AM

I just got finished watching 2001: A Space Odyssey for the first time. It is quite simply the most beautiful movie I have ever seen. Definitely Kubrick's best.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/05 06:19 AM

Yeah 2001 is a great film,did you understand the ending ok,it dazzled me at first
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/05 12:14 PM

Yesterday I watched six films. The first three I started at midnight and watched back-to-back-to-back; the other three I watched during the course of the day...

The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring *** (3rd time)
2001, Jackson NZ/US
Frodo Baggins, a hobbit from the Shire, must journey across Middle Earth with the help of an elite set of creatures to destroy an evil ring.
A terrific epic of a movie that fantastically ignites Tolkein's work into a whole believable world, with rich use of CGI and a compelling narrative.

The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers *** (2nd time)
2002, Jackson NZ/US
The Fellowship splits up to go its separate ways in order to give Frodo and Sam the best chance at destroying the ring.
The narrative is more segmented, and a mammoth battle substitutes for the smaller set-pieces of the first, but the directing is energetic enough to create the perfect atmosphere of a world in peril.

The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King *** (2nd time)
2003, Jackson NZ/US/Ger
As Frodo and Sam continue their increasingly perilous mission along with Gollum, Aragorn realises he must take his position as king.
Fantastically suitable and satisfactory ending, with dazzling special effects and masterful set-pieces making the experience as sprawling as any other epic before it. Direction, photography, costumes and sheer production scale totally transcend the genre.

Dear Wendy *** (1st time; big screen)
2005, Vinterberg, Den/Fr/Ger/GB
In a small American mining town, teens find comfort in old firearms, and form a Pacifist cult.
A serious film told with deliberate, matter-of-fact silliness; it is an indictment of guns in society, using America as the epitome of such cultures, and gains considerable, and surprising weight from its young cast.
My film of 2005, so far!

Brighton Rock *** (1st time)
1947, Boulting, GB
A vicious teen racetrack gangster marries the only witness to a crime he committed, in order to shut her up.
Wonderfully done, atmospheric thriller with moments of nastiness, and a clever final moment which was demanded by the studio when the original was deemed too dark.

His Girl Friday *** (1st time)
1940, Hawks, US
A newspaper editor tries to win back his ex-wife, who is re-marrying in twenty four hours, and get the new hottest story in town.
Fast-playing stage play adapted to the screen with wonderful wit and acting to match; the final half hour is a delight.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/05 12:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] I haven't seen Vanilla Sky, and hear it's horrible. I've seen Open Your Eyes, and it's great.

Mick
I thought you said a while back you thought you'd never forgive Cruise for Vanilla Sky, when you were referring to Collateral, I think. [/b][/quote]I would never have said that, Don V. I love Cruise.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/05 03:11 PM

I found it Capo, and I misread it. You were making a point against someone who voted against Cruise on the Movie Board because of his past roles.

Well, I was gonna vote for Cruise, but can't forgive him for Vanilla Sky.

To choose against an actor because of his previous roles is ludicrous. If we were to do the same for actors, how the Hell would DiCaprio make it?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/05 06:44 PM

Shane #69 on the AFI Top 100 List **

A pretty good movie but I was bored in parts. I think George Stevens did a better job with Giant
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 07:08 AM

The Manchurian Candidate #67 on the AFI Top 100 List **

I didn't follow this story too much as I was very tired when watching it plus I was talking to a friend of mine during the movie so I didn't understand about half of the movie but from what I saw and understood I did enjoy it more so than I thought I would at the beginning and I'd definitely see it again
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 02:58 PM

Citizen Kane

First off it is in black and white so I did,nt like that. In the begining of the movie I was cooking dinner for my kids and they were acting up so I did,nt pay attention. After dinner they went to play, so I started paying attention, but i got a phone call and forgot to pause.
I really did'nt understand what was going on after the phone call so I shut if off

This movie was not good
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 04:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
[b]Citizen Kane

First off it is in black and white so I did,nt like that. In the begining of the movie I was cooking dinner for my kids and they were acting up so I did,nt pay attention. After dinner they went to play, so I started paying attention, but i got a phone call and forgot to pause.
I really did'nt understand what was going on after the phone call so I shut if off

This movie was not good [/b]
This has to be the worst post of all time.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 04:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
[b]Citizen Kane

First off it is in black and white so I did,nt like that. In the begining of the movie I was cooking dinner for my kids and they were acting up so I did,nt pay attention. After dinner they went to play, so I started paying attention, but i got a phone call and forgot to pause.
I really did'nt understand what was going on after the phone call so I shut if off

This movie was not good [/b]


basically you didn't see the movie you're reviewing and still say it is not good
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 07:24 PM

Silence of the Lambs #65 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

A great movie with fantastic performances by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 08:08 PM

Broken Flowers - (Jim Jarmusch;2005;USA/France) - ****
After his latest girlfriend leaves him, a single man receives a pink letter claiming that he has a son looking for him. With the help of his neighbor, he goes on a road trip visiting past girlfriends to find out who wrote it.
A film that proves to be an excellent drama, with some nice humor in many scenes. Bill Murray is great, and makes me wanna see Lost in Translation even more now. The supporting cast is also very good. Jarmusch writes and directs a wonderful film that is constructed as good as it can be, from the great soundtrack to the ending, which avoids the average cliches of Hollywood. I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did, but it was perfect for the film. The best of 2005 so far.
#53
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 08:21 PM

XXX: STATE OF THE UNION

Silly absurd ridiculous action sequel to an even more retarded movie. Its bad when a movie that has Ice Cube playing quite a lame action hero, both Willhem Dafoe and Sam Jackson are awful, and many plot holes that just defy the odds......its actually slightly better than the first movie. Yikes! Avoid it neverless!

Final Film Rating - *1/2 out of 5
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 09:22 PM

THE BROTHERS GRIMM

Terry Gilliam is quite a talented filmmaker with many remarkables movies in his resume: BRAZIL, FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, FISHER KING, etc.

However, the online reviewers are right: Gilliam's latest and so-called "studio job" isn't an awful movie...its just as mediocre and flat as a young girl's chest.

Nice visuals, but after the boring terribly paced 1st half, I was horribly bored. I mean, I dig Gilliam to hell and I was having to deal with one mighty "meh" of a movie. Ouch!

The movie does kinda pick up steam by the 2nd half, but by then its way too late. Still, Its not a terrible movie, just the sort of movie that after you've seen it, you can only say one word: "MEH!"

Final Film Rating - **/5
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 10:04 PM

Citizen Kane is a masterpiece of trashy cinema. Orson who?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 10:12 PM

Jian gui/The Eye (1st time)
2002, Pang, HK
A blind woman gets a cornea transplant, and starts to see the dead with her new eyesight.
Glossy horror, nice to look at and not all that nice to watch; the characters are dull, and the visuals fail to sustain interest when the narrative is so lacking.

Mick
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/05 11:49 PM

One of the greatest film there is

Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 12:09 AM

This calls for a little trivia question :

Can u find a connection between Citizen Kane and The Shawshank Redemption ?

(Not like the Kevin Bacon thingy where you connect the movies thru actors---try and find a different kind of connection)

Winner gets an orange
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 12:13 AM

Havn't got a clue mate
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 12:20 AM

Rita Hayworth (the actress from the movie Gilda the prisoners were watching, and first poster Andy gets) was Orson Welles' wife, who starred in his film The Lady from Shanghai
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 12:42 AM

Interesting
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 12:56 AM

Heres your orange

The novella's name is also "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". the novella is OUTSTANDING. What is even more amazing is that you can find it in the same book that has another masterpiece of Stephen King - "The Body" . The Body is the novella on which "Stand By Me" was based on.

If "Stand By Me" and "The Shawshank Redemption" are also 2 of your fav movies and you dont have a book called "Different Seasons" in your room, then I have no idea what're u waiting for
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 07:14 AM

Sideways (2004) - ***1/2
Director: Alexander Payne
Two friends spend the week out in wine country before one heads off to get married

Why I laid this off for so long is beyond me... I enjoyed it alot. It was humerous in that strange way, entertaining, well put together, and Paul Giamatti finally has more than fifteen minutes of screentime in a single film. The humor is well delivered, and Payne captures some swell visuals of the wine country; and I suppose it is even informative in regards to wine tasting.


The King of Comedy (1983) - ***
Director: Martin Scorsese
An aspiring comic stalks his idol.

I can see what Scorsese means when he says he wasn't particularly proud of this one. Don't get me wrong, it was a fun film and on its own is an interesting piece--which is why I gave it three stars--but it fails to hold up against other Scorsese films, let alone a Scorsese/De Niro project, as they tend to work best together. If you're a true Scorsese fan, see it and even buy it for the hell of it. If you're just looking for a good time, go ahead an see it, but rent it first. If you're looking for that hugely inspiring Scorsese film, this isn't the one. I just had a hard time giving Scorsese less than three stars... But justly so, if you were to ignore Scorsese's other work, it deserves the three stars.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 06:20 PM

An American In Paris #68 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

I surprisingly liked this as I'm not one for musicals but I did really enjoy this one. The tap dancing lines were probably the most enjoyable to me as I've always found tap dancing to be interesting
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 09:16 PM

Close Encounters of the Third Kind #64 on the AFI Top 100 List *

Unfortunately, not Senor Spielberg's best work
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 09:21 PM

Have you seen Singin' in the Rain, Irishman? Check it out, and soon. I have An American in Paris ready to watch.

LLC, I rate The King of Comedy as Scorsese's most underrated work (After Hours comes a close second). A convincingly brilliant and disturbing view of the media today. It was a commercial and critical flop at the time; De Niro's best comedic performance, with only his role in Midnight Run coming close.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 09:23 PM

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ** (1st time; big screen)
2005, Burton, GB/US/Australia
A down-to-earth boy living with his family in a poverty-stricken house wins one of five tickets to visit Willie Wonka's chocolate factory.
Entertaining aesthetic feast which offers its best moments early on; the introduction and subsequent dismissal of the obnoxious children are highly satisfying, but the turn into family drama in the last half hour brings the film to a halt.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/05 11:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Have you seen Singin' in the Rain, Irishman? Check it out, and soon. I have An American in Paris ready to watch.
No I haven't seen Singin' in the Rain yet. It's number 10 on the list and I'm only in the 60s so it'll be a long time before I get to watching it. Though let me know what you think of An American In Paris please
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/05 01:50 AM

I just finished The Bourne Identity great movie, first one I've seen in a while that realied on storyline and small parts of action to keep me interested rather than chest,thong,ass,fire,guns,more chest....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/05 02:02 AM

Stagecoach #63 on the AFI Top 100 List **

Another surprisingly good movie. My 2nd John Wayne film that I've viewed and I'm getting more interested in his films
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/05 01:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b]The King of Comedy (1983) - ***
Director: Martin Scorsese
An aspiring comic stalks his idol.

I can see what Scorsese means when he says he wasn't particularly proud of this one. Don't get me wrong, it was a fun film and on its own is an interesting piece--which is why I gave it three stars--but it fails to hold up against other Scorsese films, let alone a Scorsese/De Niro project, as they tend to work best together. If you're a true Scorsese fan, see it and even buy it for the hell of it. If you're just looking for a good time, go ahead an see it, but rent it first. If you're looking for that hugely inspiring Scorsese film, this isn't the one. I just had a hard time giving Scorsese less than three stars... But justly so, if you were to ignore Scorsese's other work, it deserves the three stars. [/b]
Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
LLC, I rate The King of Comedy as Scorsese's most underrated work (After Hours comes a close second). A convincingly brilliant and disturbing view of the media today. It was a commercial and critical flop at the time; De Niro's best comedic performance, with only his role in Midnight Run coming close.
SPOILERSsorry but I just can't keep myself shut when it comes to my favorite movies... I believe The King of Comedy is not just Scorsese's most underrated film, but the most underrated flim of all time. these two genious minds (Scorsese and De Niro) have (and already had at 1983) came up with such great films, that sometimes another great one might be overshadowed. I just love the comedy-drama mix of this film. most scenes are funny to watch, but if you think about them, they mean much more. just like when De Niro hosts a show to a fake Liza Minelli in his basement, or when Jerry Lewis finds out the gun he was kidnapped under was a fake one. not only top-notch acting, these scenes give us also a perfect picture of how funny disgrace can be. I wouldn't say "The King of Comedy" is better than "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull", but it surely affected me more than these two masterpieces in the first viewing. in my personal list, "GoodFellas" would be Scorsese's #1, and then I'd have to break my mind to decide which classic would follow. I watched "Raging Bull" only once, and until I get a 2nd viewing, I'd say "The King..." is better.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/05 06:13 PM

The King of Comedy is Scorsese's 4th best film behind Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Mean Streets. By far the most underrated film of all time.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/05 09:57 PM

I will agree it's extremely under-rated, all due to Scorsese's other work (as I said earlier).

I do plan to buy it regardless, but I'm going to give it a second veiwing before I return it to the Video Rental Store.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 03:19 AM

MILLION DOLLAR BABY

***/5

Pretty good, if overrated, drama that unfortunately won the top Oscar prize of Best Picture over more-worthy films like ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND or Michael Mann's COLLATERAL, etc.

THE TERMINAL

**/5

Like Terry Gilliam's THE BROTHERS GRIMM, Steven Spielberg directs not a terrible movie, but instead a bland mediocre "meh" film that reminds me of a super-duper jumbo jet that is about to take-off, but then pops a flat tire, and has to cancel the flight. Superb art direction(and yes, the whole airport it seems was a giant set!) that maybe was Oscar-nominated worthy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 08:31 AM

Vertigo #61 on the AFI Top 100 List **

I made it through my first Hitchcock movie. I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping for but the twist in the story and the ending definitely had a nice Hitchcock touch to it.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 09:00 AM

So I just got done watching Vertigo, which I have only seen once before. I noticed a lot more this second time watching the film, probably because I knew where it was going in the beginning of the movie so I could pick up on little things. This movie really strikes me as a great one to watch to learn more about the appreciation of the construction of films. I noticed a lot of positioning type stuff that lent itself to where the characters were in the flow of the story and stuff like that, also some really good lighting scenes. Like I said a really good film to start learning a greater appreciation of the art on.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 01:09 PM



A Bronx Tale (1993; De Niro) ***

Here, in De Niro's directorial debut (which they stress very much on the box of the VHS...) gives us the story of Calogero, nicknamed C, a young boy living in the Bronx with his father, Lorenzo (De Niro). "C" thinks the mobster next door, Sonny, is the epitimey of "cool". One day he witnesses Sonny murdering someone, and is questioned. When C keeps his mouth shut, he becomes a "son" of sorts for Sonny. When Lorenzo (his father, a bus driver) finds out, he confronts Sonny. They don't speak again for 8 years. While C grows older, he meets a girl, which causes hapiness and sadness for him at the same time.

This is a very well made film, and it's awkward and entertaining and wonderful seeing De Niro confronting and trying to save his son from a character who he's played many times before. Joe Pesci makes a cameo. Altogether this film is very well acted, especially on the parts of Lillo Brancato (C) and Chazz Palimenteri, who's play this was based on.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 01:24 PM

Vertigo is the epitome of Hitchcock's entire oeuvre, but also the toughest watch to begin with. Because many consider it his best, Irishman, you've dived into the deep end in seeing it. My first was Foreign Correspondent (1940), his first film in the US. The first time I saw Vertigo (1958), I didn't quite grasp its greatness. Now I think it's a masterpiece. Perhaps his masterpiece.

Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 04:15 PM

You can make a case for Vertigo to be the greatest film of all time. It is absolutely flawless.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 04:17 PM

Oh DA, you punk! :p

I guess now I'll have to review that damn college movie next........anyone seen my Toga?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 04:20 PM

:p
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 05:15 PM

Hey Capo, when I hear talk about Hitchcock, usually it includes North by Northwest, how do you rank it against Vertigo?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/05 06:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Vertigo is the epitome of Hitchcock's entire oeuvre, but also the toughest watch to begin with. Because many consider it his best, Irishman, you've dived into the deep end in seeing it. My first was Foreign Correspondent (1940), his first film in the US. The first time I saw Vertigo (1958), I didn't quite grasp its greatness. Now I think it's a masterpiece. Perhaps his masterpiece.
That's probably true, maybe after a few more viewings or watching other Hitchcock movies I'll appreciate it more. I did enjoy the color and sometimes lighting and the directing done by Hitchcock (as well as the story) but I thought it was kinda slow in parts and that was probably my biggest beef with it
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/05 01:03 AM

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) ****
Diretor: James Foley
Upper Management gives the salesmen of a real estate firm a hard time, in a sales contest in which first place is a new Cadillac and last is a pink slip.
I picked this movie up doubting how interesting a film seemingly all about real estate (the way it was marketed, at least) could be. But, the acclaim and amazing cast list pulled me in. I was indeed wrong. Entralling, amusing, a true work of art. But none the less, if the plot fails to pull you in, this is a performance film, and should be seen regardless of interest for the putstanding performances. The billing includes some of the best such as Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey (both of whom are considered to be in my top five favorite actors of all time), and the always great Jack Lemmon. But the casting doesn't end there. Each of the actors involved in this film are at the top of their game and give purely brilliant performances. Bravo, Mr. Foley.


Catch Me If You Can (2002) ****
Diretor: Steven Spielberg
A run-away teenager teaches himself to forge checks, and play the part of well-paying occupations--including a pilot, doctor, and lawyer--in order to support himself.
Spielberg, judging by recent films, seems to have lost his touch since the new millenium, putting out mediocre-at-best films since 2000 (although I haven't seen Minority Report). With this gem, he really shows that he may still have it. This was great. I enjoyed the great cast (including another favorite of mine, Christopher Walken). It was a cleverly put together piece.


Poolhall Junkies (2002) ***
Diretor: Mars Callahan
A look into the world of pool hustling.
I feel this one could've been stronger if underground gambling/hustling hadn't already been explored with Rounders. This was basically the Rounders of Pool. None the less, it was a good film. Towards the beginning, some of the performances started out a bit dry, and some of the dialouge--mostly cliche and attempted 'bad-ass' insults--came of a bit weak. But, Chazz Palminteri and Christopher Walken come to the rescue, thankfully, always giving off a good performance. I would prefer that 50% of the time, Mars Callahan stay behind the camera, as his choice of music and cinematography seem to completely set the mood of the film. Infact, if he had not casted himself in the lead role, I think the few areas of ill-acting could've been banished from the film. But anyways, a good, under-rated film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/05 07:22 AM

Network #66 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

This movie was incredibly funny and great. Totally exceeded my expectations!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/05 07:56 PM

Raiders of the Lost Ark #60 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Ford + Spielberg + Lucas = A great f'n movie!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/31/05 08:13 AM

Rebel Without A Cause #59 on the AFI Top 100 List *

I was very disappointed with this movie. I had heard so many good things about it and it just didn't do it for me. James Dean did a good job but I thought he was supposed to be this "bada$$" and it just didn't come off that way to me
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/31/05 05:09 PM

Wasn't he supposed to be a dark, lonely figure?

I dunno, I still need to see Rebel...
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/31/05 05:29 PM

I can't wait to see "Rebel Without A Cause" in theaters next month (James Dean Anniversary)...
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/31/05 10:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Rebel Without A Cause [b]#59 on the AFI Top 100 List *

I was very disappointed with this movie. I had heard so many good things about it and it just didn't do it for me. James Dean did a good job but I thought he was supposed to be this "bada$$" and it just didn't come off that way to me [/b]
...You're... You're fucking kidding me?

First off, you have to understand Rebel for what it was back in '55. Even still, I feel it holds up today, both cinematically and message-wise.

But Dean isn't rebelling to be this "badass" as you so bluntly put it. The kids in this movie aren't rebelling as a 'fuck you' type effort, but more-so to gain the appreciation of their parents. That's what it all comes down to--their parents.

Take Natalie Wood's character. All she would like is the love of her father. Dean's character just wants his parents to allow him responsibility for his actions. He feels that if his parents want to show him they care, then they should let him go off and stop running from his past.

Then there is Sal Mineo's character, who really examplify's the entire message--he lost his parents and their love, and is left with no one but his house-keeper. He's an outcast, and wants nothing more than the love of a parent. Dean een says it himself, towards the film's finale. "You know what he tried to do, was make us his family," or something to that degree.

What Rebel is, is a film with a great story, brilliant acting, great visuals, and more than enough substance.

While I can't sway your opinion, I reccomend you at least give it a rewatch, Irish.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 12:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
"bada$$" and it just didn't come off that way to me
Yeah, he wasn't as "pimp" as Elijah Wood in Sin City. He had reading glasses and long nails!
----------------------
Unfortunately my vacation was cut short, adding to the annoyance that I now must go to my first day of school, so I'm not happy at the moment.

Sin City - (Robert Rodriguez/Frank Miller;2005;USA) - ***
Three stories of crime in "Basin City" mixing comic book unrealism with film-noir.
A pretty good film that is ridiculously overrated, being far from a masterpiece. Good cast with a few bad actors, great visuals. Read past proview for more.
Top 100 Favorites

Collateral - (Michael Mann;2004;USA) - ***1/2
In eight hours during one night in L.A., two lives are changed forever when a nihilistic contract killer uses a taxi driver to drive him.
The best crime film of 2004. Michael Mann heals his wounds from Ali with this great film. The visuals and cinematography are top notch, as well as Mann's entire direction, period. Just about everything in this film is good/great, especially Tom Cruise's performance, which was overlooked by the Academy.
#3

Animal House - (John Landis;1978;USA) - ****
Dean Wormer tries to end the Delta house Fraternity, but they keep up with their antics.
A classic comedy that inspired many more to come. This film never loses it's pace, keeping the great comedy through every moment. The music is great as well, especially during the "Shout!" scene. Unfortunately National Lampoon was never able to make one as good as this ever again.
Top 100 Favorites

Falling Down - (Joel Schumacher;1993;France/USA) - ***1/2
A defense worker leaves his car in a traffic jam and violently lashes out at the flaws in society, while trying to get to his daughter's birthday party.
A great film that could've been a masterpiece, with another director. The final image is a perfect ending, but the climax was mediocre. This is definitely a film that actually has something to say under it's action film exterior. Douglas' performance is great, and the supporting cast is very good, especially Duvall.
Top 20 or 30 Favorites

To Live and Die In L.A. - (William Friedkin;1985;USA) - **1/2
Two FBI agents try to bring down a counterfeiter.
It has it's moments, and Friedkin even manages to surpass his chase scene from The French Connection, but this is a very flawed film that has bad Wang Chung music, and many moments that just feel unrealistic. It still comes out as very entertaining and a decent film. The best character was Willem Dafoe as the villain. I'd love to see this under Michael Mann's direction.

Starman - (John Carpenter;1984;USA) - ***
An alien takes the form of a widow's husband and asks her to take him to Arizona.
Carpenter takes a surprisingly unconventional approach to this film, which could've been another sci-fi thriller. It instead acts like a drama of sorts, and works to an extent. Of course the film is flawed, but it still proves to be a nice, good film. Bridges' performance is the best aspect of the film, which is very convincing rather then cheesy.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 12:33 AM

Yep, National Lampoon is a parody of themselves now. With such dumbass films asVan Wilder, they are trying and FALLING FLAT ON THEIR FACE trying to recreate success from the 70's.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 12:37 AM

Hell, ADULT SWIM deservedly bitchslapped the magazine. Their website once had snippets from the magazine's work in the 70's when guys like the deceased-Doug Kenney(before writing the scripts to snob classics like ANIMAL HOUSE and CADDYSHACK) and wow.....masterstroke of comedy combined with ball-busting irony. Now the magazine is like those retarded dipshit kids I know of that try to latch onto something "cool" to give themselves the image of cool...yet instead look lame.

I've decided to review ANIMAL HOUSE later, but I'll do another review for RRA'S VIDEO BIN REVIEW so I can give room in time between Don Vercetti's short-but-sweet mini-review of HOUSE and my lengthy review.

So which should I review for tonight/tomorrow? Kevin Smith's DOGA, COPLAND, or Michael Cimino's YEAR OF THE DRAGON?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 12:47 AM

Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 03:02 AM

The Village (2004) - what a piece of crap! when it comes to building up something entertaining and then blowing it all with ridiculous plot twist, this film should stand up! I was really enjoying it as a "monster-flick" but out of the blue we get to know that [SPOILERS] "those we don't speak of" - scary creatures about whom they talk about the WHOLE movie - are nothing but a farse made up by the elders of the so called "Village" [/SPOILERS] after getting to know the "schocking" news, I felt so cheated that not even the stunning acting from this chick named Bryce Dallas Howard (playing a blind girl) saved the movie. it was working in the entertaining way, but now I say "The Village" is the worst film not-named Catwoman from 2004.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 03:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Vertigo is the epitome of Hitchcock's entire oeuvre, but also the toughest watch to begin with. Because many consider it his best, Irishman, you've dived into the deep end in seeing it. My first was Foreign Correspondent (1940), his first film in the US. The first time I saw Vertigo (1958), I didn't quite grasp its greatness. Now I think it's a masterpiece. Perhaps his masterpiece.

Mick
Slight correction: His first film was for Producer David O. Selznick. It was the adaptation of Daphnie Du Marier's "Rebecca". It won an Oscar for Best Picture.

"Forreign Correspondent" was produced for Indipendant producer Walter Wanger and was also given a nod for an Oscar.

The pefect Hitchcock film to start with is perhaps "North by Northwest". Suspensful, entertaining and just damned fun.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 05:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b]"bada$$" and it just didn't come off that way to me
Yeah, he wasn't as "pimp" as Elijah Wood in Sin City. He had reading glasses and long nails!
[/b][/quote]Well maybe he should have tried wearing glasses with long nails, it might have worked better for him :p But seriously, from what I heard about this film I expected a lot more and was sorely disappointed. Just my opinion which I know doesn't mean much on this board but I don't care what others feel just as others don't care how I feel
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 05:58 AM

"from what I heard"

Who told you that Dean was a "badass"?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 08:08 AM

Crash ***

A very good movie that exceeded my expectations very much. A lot of comedy that I wasn't expecting but definintely made the movie more enjoyable. To inform the elitist who desperately need to know what I think about the movie "the camera movement was good. The character depth was good. The acting was good. The script was good. The music was good and used at the appropiate time. The directing was good. The positioning of the camera was good. The pace of the movie was good. The boxart was good. The special features lacked." And to answer the ever famous question 'why' because I said so!

BTW, ronnie I heard that stuff about Dean from the TV or just someone I was talking to. I can't pinpoint it exactly but that's what I heard and that's the impression I had going into the movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 11:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Sullivan:
Slight correction: His first film was for Producer David O. Selznick. It was the adaptation of Daphnie Du Marier's "Rebecca". It won an Oscar for Best Picture.

"Forreign Correspondent" was produced for Independant producer Walter Wanger and was also given a nod for an Oscar.

The pefect Hitchcock film to start with is perhaps "North by Northwest". Suspensful, entertaining and just damned fun.
Thanks for the correction, Mike. Foreign and Rebecca were released the same year, and both up for Best Pic at the Oscars, I believe. (Wasn't Hitch nominated twice for Director in the same year?)

Anyway, your brief summation of North by Northwest is indeed true, but I think you could say those three things of just about any Hitchcock film and you'd be hitting the bullseye. My personal favourite for just a quick watch: Rope (1948).

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 11:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Crash ***

A very good movie that exceeded my expectations very much. A lot of comedy that I wasn't expecting but definintely made the movie more enjoyable. To inform the elitist who desperately need to know what I think about the movie "the camera movement was good. The character depth was good. The acting was good. The script was good. The music was good and used at the appropiate time. The directing was good. The positioning of the camera was good. The pace of the movie was good. The boxart was good. The special features lacked." And to answer the ever famous question 'why' because I said so!
Irish, you're being a mixture of too hard on yourself and too "me against the world"ish, I think.

My thoughts on Crash, not to antagonise you in any way, but to give a different light on the proceedings. Neither a personal attack (not that I expect you'd take it as one) or an elitist's opinion; but one to perhaps get you thinking about your own opinion a bit more and to open you to a different approach:

Crash **
2005, Haggis, Ger/US/Australia

Several people are connected by racially involved incidents over the course of two days in LA.
A film not without its explosive moments of potential, but for a melodrama full of dramatic irony and overkill, the final impression is dubious: an ambitious directorial debut effort, and yet it seems to offer no further insight into racism than what we already know.

Thanks for reading,
Mick
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/05 07:01 PM

Yessss, besides "Rebel without a cause" they are also showing "Dr. Strangelove or...." and "Citizen Kane" in Theaters this month...Im short of money right now but I definetily want to see all 3 on the big screen. "Citizen Kane" will also be my first viewing. 7 Days left...
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/05 03:40 AM

I just watched The Bourne Supremecy.......awesome movie, now to wait until 2007 for Bourne Ultimatum
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/05 03:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
Yessss, besides "Rebel without a cause" they are also showing "Dr. Strangelove or...." and "Citizen Kane" in Theaters this month...Im short of money right now but I definetily want to see all 3 on the big screen. "Citizen Kane" will also be my first viewing. 7 Days left...
Damn, Germany is lucky.

I wish they would put them back into theaters here in the U.S.

Although during the weekend of my birthday--in April--I had the chance to see 12 Angry Men in Times Square. It was great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/05 07:41 AM

Carlito's Way **

Only my 2nd time viewing it. Not a bad movie but it is in NO way, shape, or form better than Scarface!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/05 02:30 PM

?

THE RING TWO - **/5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/05 06:46 PM

Fantasia #58 on the AFI Top 100 List **
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/05 06:51 PM

Just curious Irish, what scale are you doing?


** = mediocre? Good?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/05 07:54 PM

Oh sorry, I'm just doing the 4-star scale with

* = Medicore/Terrible
** = Good
*** = Great
**** = Fantastic/Excellent
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 02:27 AM

I just watched Once Upon a Time in the West for the first time. I'd rank it slightly above The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and right on par with Once Upon a Time in America. Great movie.

Oh yeah, and Claudia Cardinale has the nicest boobs I have EVER seen.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 02:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I just watched Once Upon a Time in the West for the first time. I'd rank it slightly above The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and right on par with Once Upon a Time in America. Great movie.

Oh yeah, and Claudia Cardinale has the nicest boobs I have EVER seen.
IMO, Once Upon a Time in the West is the greatest western ever.

I wrote an MFA Review a while back.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 03:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
IMO, Once Upon a Time in the West is the [b]greatest western ever.[/b]
I could definitely see that, although I have only seen 2 Westerns before.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 03:26 AM

It's unfortunate that it got such a bad response from critics back then, for being "BORING!11"

One of these critics was Ebert in his early days. His review is particularly weak.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 03:29 AM

Boring? WTF? Anybody who thinks that movie is boring has some serious ADHD or something. I couldn't keep my eyes off the screen. So much suspense...such great music...incredible acting. It's the farthest anything can get from BORING.

Sheesh.
Posted By: thug

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 04:57 AM

The original cut of Once Upon a Time in the West was heavily cut upon American release, as west Once Upon a Time in America's, and many acknowledge that Leone's cuts are far superior to the studio's.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 05:01 AM

Ebert's original review was for the butchered cut?
Posted By: thug

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 05:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Ebert's original review was for the butchered cut?
Assuming he saw the cut the rest of America did when it was released.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 04:36 PM

I just watched war of the worlds....it's about 2 hours, first 1 hour 45 minutes was great..ending sucked
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/05 09:11 PM

Dave Chapplle For What It's Worth *

It was only an hour and not the funniest stuff I've heard. It wasn't bad but not as good as Killing Them Softly IMO
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 01:39 AM

Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker **

My first Chris Rock show that I saw and I laughed my butt off. It was definitely funnier than the Dave Chappelle show earlier
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 01:45 AM

Yeah, Bigger and Blacker was pretty funny. Irish, have you seen Martin Lawrence's Runteldat? Extremely funny.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 01:59 AM

No I haven't seen any Martin Lawrence. I've got Chris Rock's Never Scared that I gotta watch soon then I'd like to watch Bring the Pain
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 06:18 AM

M*A*S*H #56 on the AFI Top 100 List **

A funnier and better movie than I anticipated. I've never watched the show but caught clips of it. I hate that "fake audience laugh" that they have on there. But Donald Sutherland was good as was the "Hot Lips" lines
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 06:20 AM

A great movie, although Altman's Short Cuts destroys it. I loved the theme song Suicide is Painless..
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 06:21 AM

The Transporter 2, now I went into this knowing that as a "film" it would suck but I was hoping for a good movie. Those hopes were quickly dashed...then cut up and mailed to me in small pieces. This movie was inferior to the original in every way, every way. (Not limited to but including – No hot Asian actress or homoerotic fight scene)

The story is…well it’s not like the first one had a solid story either but, damn at least put a little effort into it Luc. The bad guy is crap, the scenario is crap, the ending is crap (well minus like the last 15 sec), this movie is practically failure personified. The action is lacking and too short, same with the driving scenes….in a movie called THE TRANSPORTER. Off the top of my head I can only think of two “driving” sequences. Plus the effects in this movie are laughable, no actually that isn’t the right term because that implies that you could wring some enjoyment out of them, you have a better chance getting blood from a stone.

The only three bright points, again no that is the wrong terminology – you see this movie is so “dim” that any spec of light seems like a beacon. Anyway the only things that I’m not going to try to wash out of my brain with alcohol are Jason Statham, the chick bad guy who only wore lingerie and used double fully-auto pistols, and the driving scene with the Lamborghini, the rest is a wash. (* or 48 or F)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 06:26 AM

Wow, you liked BAD BOYS 2 but hated this movie? Man, thats....weird. I'll see TRANSPORTER 2 tomorrow to see if its terrible or silly like the first movie.

Then again, why is it that movies set in Miami tend to suck?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 06:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I loved the theme song Suicide is Painless..
Yeah that was nice. It plays on the DVD menu and I had to listen to it again just to make sure that what I thought I heard the first time was indeed correct
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 06:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Wow, you liked BAD BOYS 2 but hated this movie? Man, thats....weird. I'll see TRANSPORTER 2 tomorrow to see if its terrible or silly like the first movie.

Say what you will but at least Bay knows how to blow shit up, and put together an action sequence.

Yes the first movie is "silly" or as I would say "fun" but this is just well, it will make you appreciate Bay.

Oh, and I LOVED Bad Boys II, thought is was a summer movie personified.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 06:56 AM

"Say what you will but at least Bay knows how to blow shit up, and put together an action sequence."

Well what can I say about him besides that hes a childish hack that spends $150 million on a movie that looks like only half was spent?

As for action sequence, hell Michael Mann's famous bank heist/gun battle in HEAT was more riveting than any stuff that Bay has ever directed. Hell, possibly more than all of Bay's action sequences COMBINED.

I mean, that scene in HEAT is studied by many U.S. Army/Marines students in terms of following one shot of how quickly and calmly under gunfire that Val Kilmer's character reloaded his weapon, and not to mention used(and copied) by many bank robbers over the years, especially around Baltimore, and now many police departments actually require cadets in some major cities to watch the sequence inorder to have an idea(though maybe not totally reality-based) on how heavily-gunned criminals fighting in broad daylight in a city with the police would look like.

The only thing that Bay has inspired was him being mocked quite openly in TEAM AMERICA.

Of course, I haven't seen TRANSPORTER 2. People tell me that its either damn-ridiculous-as-hell but crazy cartoonish enjoyable(hell, one friend told me that its like what if BAD BOYS 2 had spent $120 million less and actually had a director that didn't act like a 13 year old) and others tell me that its quite bad.

As you all have maybe read my VIDEO BIN REVIEW of the first TRANSPORTER picture, I thought the script and villains were complete SHIT. Really, thats why I don't get some IMDB postings that keep saying how great the first movie was. I mean the first film was quite ridiculous in many ways, including a deleted sequence where Statham deflects a rocket with a dinner tray.

Besides, the asian actress that was "hot" in the first film was quite terrible in her acting. Its probably that English isn't exactly a strong language for her, but neverless she was quite annoying actually.

However, such movies don't rely on scripts or convincing storylines or even decent villains. Its a movie-star trailer picture for Jason Statham. If he kickes enough ass and does some quite fancy(if perhaps too ridiculous) driving, then I'm okay. The first film was decent/entertaining stuff that worked mostly because of Statham's stoic professional charisma and of course, his fights...though that oil brawl was quite homo-erotic, eh?

Anyway suspect, I'm not trying to give you a hard time. I just can't see how BAD BOYS 2 is truely good summer blockbuster entertainment.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 07:01 AM

Bay isn't anything special. Bad Boys II was a joke. A slow motion bullet into the head, 360 spinning in fast-motion with Smith aiming at two doors. Wow! My favorite part is when the sister is kidnapped and Lawrence looks up and says "It just got real."

Mann is great when it comes to his work, not only the Heat shootout, but also the Collateral Club Fever scene. A scene in Thief also had a memorable shootout, although it was effected by the budget. Bay
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 04:59 PM

Hey ronnie, I'm not Irish I don't care if you give me a hard time, it is not going to affect how or what I post.

Ronnie and Don V, you're like a tag team, was that coordinated? Mann, yes is superior to Bay in terms of "film". Bay makes "movies" and yes the Island did suck, but when I say that The Transporter 2 will make you appreciate Bay, I don't mean over other "film" makers. In terms for you'll I'm saying that getting kicked in the balls will make you apprciate getting slapped in the face instead.

The first Transporter was good in terms of "movies". Statham was great as the Transporter, yes the Asian actress did have a hard time delivering her lines in English. And yes it is shallow to comment on someones "hotness" when talking about a film but come on movies are a visual medium and you're lying if you say that you would rather watch ugly people. True if they have material to work with, ugly people with talent would be better but it is not like were talking about films with good material here.

The Transporter 2 did somewhat try to go for that cartoonish feel but it failed because the rest of the film did not gel with the style of bad effects that they used. As a whole it seems fractured when you have the effects shots side by side with the rest of the movie, bad effects can be used with great um...effect if the rest of the movie can support it, here it cannot.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 05:09 PM



One of the funniest films I've seen in a long time, bar none. Definitely worth the money!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 05:16 PM

Quote:
Ronnie and Don V, you're like a tag team, was that coordinated?
More like two posters with similar opinions on this matter. Yeah, we're launching an attack on the video game forum tomorrow.

I haven't seen The Transporter 2 and I really could care less. I don't enjoy seeing a badass character jump 15 feet in the air in between two cars crashing. It looks like a piece of shit with a good actor like Man on Fire or Hostage.

When it comes to Bay, I really don't care about films worse then his to judge him. He's a horrible filmmaker who goes as far to compare himself to people like Kubrick or Hitchcock, while maintaining the claim he's Frankenheimer's son, although it has long been disproved.

I remember someone once said Ali was a great movie, because Michael Bay makes shitty films. Irrelevant and false.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 07:32 PM

The Sound of Music #55 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

I really enjoyed this moreso than I originally thought I would. I was dreading watching a 3 hour musical but it was very good. I think the last 45 minutes-1 hour could have been cut out. SPOILTERS When Maria got married I thought to myself "it could end right here" instead of showing everything that happens with the Nazi's and trying to escape, etc. END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 10:36 PM

last night I watched Jean Luc Godard's classic Pierrot le fou (1965). IMDB's trivia section for it says it was "allegedly shot without a script", and well, I say that is no surprise to me. that is what this film looks like. don't get me wrong, is not like I didn't like it, but for sure it's nowhere near as good as À bout de souffle or even Une femme est une femme. both these movies have the exact same "show without a script" feeling, and what really affected me (in a very good way) in them was the total lack of rules that Godard seems to work under. but hey, this time I thought that whole thing a little boring. especially a long shot in the middle of trees and birds when both Jean Paul Belmondo's and Anna Karina's carachters sing and dance like in a musical. that just kept repeating and getting more and more boring. but because I'm talking about a Godard film, I probably set the standards too high. in the end, I still feel like I want to watch Pierrot le fou again because I know I'm missing something.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 11:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I just watched Once Upon a Time in the West for the first time. I'd rank it slightly above The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and right on par with Once Upon a Time in America. Great movie.

Oh yeah, and Claudia Cardinale has the nicest boobs I have EVER seen.
I've still yet to see this film, and I want to very badly. Sergio Leone is, or so I feel, one of the best directors of all time (among the ranks of Scorsese and Kuberick).

Claudia Cardinale and I share the same last name. Thus, I am cool... Or at least as cool a skinny white boy with vague resemblance to Big Bird can get.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 11:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] I just watched Once Upon a Time in the West for the first time. I'd rank it slightly above The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and right on par with Once Upon a Time in America. Great movie.

Oh yeah, and Claudia Cardinale has the nicest boobs I have EVER seen.
I've still yet to see this film, and I want to very badly. Sergio Leone is, or so I feel, one of the best directors of all time (among the ranks of Scorsese and Kuberick).

Claudia Cardinale and I share the same last name. Thus, I am cool... Or at least as cool a skinny white boy with vague resemblance to Big Bird can get. [/b][/quote]

Funniest post I've ever read on these boards.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/05 11:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] I just watched Once Upon a Time in the West for the first time. I'd rank it slightly above The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and right on par with Once Upon a Time in America. Great movie.

Oh yeah, and Claudia Cardinale has the nicest boobs I have EVER seen.
I've still yet to see this film, and I want to very badly. Sergio Leone is, or so I feel, one of the best directors of all time (among the ranks of Scorsese and Kuberick).

Claudia Cardinale and I share the same last name. Thus, I am cool... Or at least as cool a skinny white boy with vague resemblance to Big Bird can get. [/b][/quote]

Funniest post I've ever read on these boards. [/b][/quote]In what way? (Just curious...) Though I did like the big bird bit.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:18 AM

When he said "Claudia Cardinale and I share the same last name. Thus, I am cool... Or at least as cool a skinny white boy with vague resemblance to Big Bird can get."

Hilarious.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:25 AM

I'll tell you what, she does have nice boobs.



Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:26 AM

You beginners pick the wrong images.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:26 AM

Hey Don V, I’m not saying “hey, here is Uwe Boll thus Michael Bay is a auteur”. I’m saying in the realm of “movies” if you are only considering something that fits into that category Bay is actually not that bad. I’m not saying that he belongs among the greatest directors of all time, or that he deserves an Oscar or anything- I’m just saying that he makes good “movies”.

If you are wondering about the quotation marks, to me there is a certain connotation that goes with the words “film” and “movie”. I mean have you ever heard the term “action film” no, well at least I haven’t, I hear “action movie”. Do you understand what I’m getting at? I myself like both; you seem to be a “film” type guy. (I’m not saying outright that you don’t like movies but it does seem that you hold both to the same standard – thus every time I say something about Bay a movie maker, you come back with Mann, who is more of a “film” guy)


Ha, ha - cool, white big bird, funny...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:30 AM

I don't separate groups, and even in the area of "movies" Bay is still horrid. I don't give one of his films a rating over **. Simply put, he's shit, maybe not the worst shit, but he is what he is. Of course there are others who make movies worse then him, but my hatred of Bay comes from his poor filmmaking and his attitude, which is why I often use him as the epitome of a bad filmmaker.

And for your terms, for action FILM, see Collateral or even Falling Down.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
You beginners pick the wrong images.


SCHWINNGGG!!!
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:42 AM

This morning I woke up at 7:30 and there was NOTHING on TV, except for The Specialist with Stallone, Stone and Woods. This is a truly bad movie, except for the fact that James Woods is hilarious. His character brings new meaning to the word "slime", but he delivers his nasty lines so very well.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:44 AM

I just watched 10 minutes of From Justin to Kelly.

Definitley the worst 10 minutes of film I've ever seen.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 01:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
but my hatred of Bay comes from his poor filmmaking and his attitude, which is why I often use him as the epitome of a bad filmmaker.

And for your terms, for action FILM, see Collateral or even Falling Down.
I have seen both, and liked them though I didn't like Collateral near as much as you did. I liked everything except for the script, the rest of the movie was awesome, note the lack of the word "dude" after I said awesome, because I am in fact saying that that movie caused me to sit there in awe for a number of reason (the ending not being one of them) And yes I would tend to put them more in the "film" category.

Myself I use Uwe Boll as the epitome of bad filmmaking, he is even a bad moviemaker. I mean there were so many elements in House of the Dead that should have added up to at least a decent movie but don't - it would be more entertaining to watch a movie made by a monkey throwing feces on a roll of film
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 02:52 AM

Suspect, thats why I wonder why if you recognize the German hack that is Uwe Boll(a real shame to the actually good German directors in history), then why can't you realize that Michael Bay is simply the biggest asshole that my Generation Y has to deal with.

Its really sad when many of my generation think Bay is a great action director...
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 03:52 AM

He maybe a prick, or asshole I don't personally know him, nor do I care about his lineage.

Here is a question I'm going to tape your eyes open strap you to a chair and force you to watch a directors entire filmography you choose Uwe Boll, Simon West, Dominic Sena, Renny Harlin, Stephen Norrington, Rob Cohen, Paul W.S. Anderson, or Michael Bay. (I'm going to make you watch the films for 36 strait hours so it doesn't matter if they've done 2 films or 12) Don't say I'm stacking the deck in my favor either these are all directors of the around the same caliber, they all make movies whose main poupose is to make money, or look cool.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 04:19 AM

Isn't the script what made Collateral great? Originally it was a shitty action movie about a hitman named so cleverly "Mr. Collateral." Mann, along with others rewrote the script, Mann being the biggest influence on turning it into a great crime drama. The ending was probably the best way it could've ended, but the problem was the rising action, which almost took a Terminator turn.

I'd pick Simon West or Rob Cohen for my torture.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 05:51 AM

Didn't we allready have this disscussion?

I mean I do sorta like the Cruise character, dying and riding the MTA like the beginning set up, but I don't like Jamie Foxx's character not getting shot. It's not that it is a horrible script, it just seemed to "stock" like a comic's code or Hays code rule, good shall always triumph over evil.

Yeah, I'd consider Rob Cohen but I just can't stomach xXx, I haven't seen all of West's movies but I do like Con Air and the first Tomb Raider I'd still take Bay Pearl Harbor is laughable and at least The Island has Dijmon Hounsou
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 03:47 PM

Well I wouldn't consider it the average triumphant ending, considering what Max was put through, his views are changed, he actually sympathizes for Vincent, and he doesn't just ride off in the sunset like a western hero, but stumbles into the dawn confused, not knowing what he's gonna do.

But whatever, that's how I see it.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 03:59 PM

^^That pic makes me want to see OUATITW again
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 04:09 PM

It should be noted Claudia Cardinale is the only woman Rock Hudson ever went after, but she supposedly didn't like him.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 04:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
It should be noted Claudia Cardinale is the only woman Rock Hudson ever went after, but she supposedly didn't like him.
At least the only good was a good looking one.

(Anyone see Elton John's first and only wife? :p )
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 06:16 PM

Attention film fans, Welles' Touch of Evil is playing at 4 PM today on TCM.

After that Sunset Boulevard will be played at 6 PM.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 06:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Attention film fans, Welles' Touch of Evil is playing at 4 PM today on TCM.

After that Sunset Boulevard will be played at 6 PM.
I missed the Brando marathon... I'm not missing this.

----
K-Pax (2001) ***1/3
Director: Iain Softley
A mysterious mental patient shows up in a Manhattan mental facility, claiming to be from a far away planet.

Interestingly done. Without spoiling the end, Softley manages to put this film together allowing the viewer to make up their own conclusion. Kevin Spacey plays Prot, a mental patient under the impression that he is from another planet, who manages to supply convincing evidence to his peers. Jeff Bridges plays Prot's phsyciatrist, slowly falling under the belief of Prot, but always looking for an alternate explanation. Together the two work great together on screen. The script, cast, visuals, every aspect of the film is great.


L.A. Confidential (1997) ****
Director: Curtis Hanson
Several cases lead by seperate members of the Los Angeles Police force seem to weave together.

This is the modern day revival of classic film-noir that Sin City tried for (in which Sin City was very successful at, may I say). Set in a 1953 L.A., Kevin Spacey plays a Hollywood-suave detective who works as a consultant on a hot polic-drama and excepts payouts from local news-paper head (Danny DeVito) in order to provide him with great headlines. Guy Pearce plays a rookie and straight cop, a rarity on the LAPD. Russell Crowe plays a hater of women-beaters and hot-head (what an amazing range he has :p ). Together, they bring this brilliant police drama to life. With the few films I can think off of the top of my head that debuted in 1997, this is by far one of the best. The characters are wonderful, the story is beautifully constructed, and the performances are gem's. Any fan of film in general--as well as film-noir and those involved in the film--should put this atop of their list.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 07:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Attention film fans, Welles' Touch of Evil is playing at 4 PM today on TCM.

After that Sunset Boulevard will be played at 6 PM.
If I didn't have my family over I'd watch them! Damn.

Any idea if those movies will be playing again anytime soon?
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 07:14 PM

Finished watching the first Season of The Sopranos on DVD and Im just...wow This has to be the greatest TV Series Ive ever seen. A great Cast, clever, interesting and entertaining episodes with a great humor. Can't wait for the next Seasons, especially since Ive read that the Show gets better with the seasons...

With Casino Scorsese created another damn good movie I was finally able to see. Again, we have a great Cast and even if it has moments which remind you of Goodfellas, both movies are very different. But I can't see how some people rank this over "Goodfellas", I thought Casino was superior. And "Mean Streets", "Taxi Driver", and "Raging Bull" are all better movies, IMO ("The King of Comedy" is still on my To-Watch-List). I give Casino a 8/10 after the first viewing...

Then I saw Memento on DVD last night. It was my second viewing (I missed the first 15 minutes on my first watch)...What can i say now, A MASTERPIECE. Nolan brought us something really fresh, intelligent and just a movie, which keeps your attention every second. Guy Pearce wa the perfect cast as Linard. Carrie-Ann Moss was okay... 9/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 07:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Attention film fans, Welles' Touch of Evil is playing at 4 PM today on TCM.

After that Sunset Boulevard will be played at 6 PM.
If I didn't have my family over I'd watch them! Damn.

Any idea if those movies will be playing again anytime soon? [/b][/quote]Touch of Evil
PLAYING ON TCM: 11/02/2005 12:15 AM
PLAYING ON TCM: 12/10/2005 08:00 AM

Sunset Boulevard
PLAYING ON TCM: 10/01/2005 11:30 PM
PLAYING ON TCM: 11/02/2005 08:00 PM
PLAYING ON TCM: 12/26/2005 10:30 AM
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 07:41 PM

Cool, thanks a lot!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 09:33 PM

HA! It's 5:30 and my family just left. Now I have time to watch Sunset Boulevard.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/05 09:56 PM

Citizen Kane (1941)



This was my second time watching it the whole way through. Fantastic film. It's no surprise many consider it the greatest film of all time. The direction, the lighting, the acting, everything was incredible, and way ahead of it's time.

**** out of ****
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/06/05 12:05 AM

Sunset Boulevard. 10/10

Quite simply one of the greatest movies ever made. I absolutely loved it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/06/05 06:24 AM

Tootsie #62 on the AFI Top 100 List **

I wasn't expecting a great movie and I wasn't disappointed. It had a few funny parts but there were a few times I was afraid of watching Dustin Hoffman on the screen like that
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/06/05 09:47 AM

The Seven Samurai

First viewing. I'm blown away. This movie is pure perfection. I can't find any more words to describe this movie at the moment. IMO it doesn't have any flaws, everything is great about it. What a good way to start watching my Kurosawa DVD's. Definetily in my Top 10 ever, maybe top 5? Wow.

10/10
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/05 02:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[b]The Seven Samurai

First viewing. I'm blown away. This movie is pure perfection. I can't find any more words to describe this movie at the moment. IMO it doesn't have any flaws, everything is great about it. What a good way to start watching my Kurosawa DVD's. Definetily in my Top 10 ever, maybe top 5? Wow.

10/10 [/b]
Glad you enjoyed it! It is the only film that I hold in as high regard as The Godfather. Seven Samurai is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

I watched Collateral for the first time today. Great film! I'm quickly becoming a huge fan of Michael Mann.
***1/2 out of ****

I also watched The Freshman for the first time today. Any Godfather fan must see this film! Brando is incredible! Eighteen years after he played the role of Don Vito Corelone, and he is still able to pull it off! Simply brilliant! I'd score it higher if I were a fan of Matthew Broderick, but I just don't like him very much. He's not a bad actor by any means (I love Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Cable Guy), I just didn't like him much in this role.
***1/2 out of ****
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/05 02:57 AM

Glad you liked Collateral, it's one of my favorites. Yesterday I found a torrent of Last Days, and finally saw it.

Last Days - (Gus Van Sant;2005;USA) - ****
The final days of a burnt-out rock musician as he's hassled by groupies who could care less about him.
A fascinating character study. Van Sant's best so far and the best film of this year. He avoids the controversy surrounding the death and only leaves subtlety surrounding it. Like Elephant we feel as if we're observing something genuinely real, only this time we connect more with the main character. "Death to Birth" should get an Oscar for Best Original Song, but it won't. The cinematography is also beautiful, and one of the main highlights. One of the best films I've seen within the last several years. If it's near you, I highly suggest you see it. Minimalism at it's best.
#11
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/05 07:17 AM

Sounds quite damn awesome Vercetti...I'll check it out on DVD.

THE POSTMAN - **/5

I finally witness the infamous Kevin Costner starring/directing big-budget flop that swept the Razzies(yearly awards for worst of the year) and...its not THAT bad. Its just a meh film stuck with somehow a wrong approach of storytelling, combined with rough editing and some hokey moments that I could have lived without. Not a terrible film, but definately a flat movie inbetween Costner's actual-good directorial films DANCES WITH WOLVES and OPEN RANGE.

THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE - **1/2 out of 5

From Taylor Hackford, who somehow squeezed himself a Best Director and Picture noms for his decent but really overrated-as-hell RAY, this decent and watchable supernatural thriller with Al Pacino entertaining as hell as the one and only Prince of Darkness. Nice if nothing extraordinary work from the rest of the class, including ole Keanu Reeves being his stoic-self. Then again, maybe he is a good counter-weight to Pacino going all over the place.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/05 09:19 PM

Chris Rock Never Scared **
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/05 09:43 PM

Last Days - (Gus Van Sant;2005;USA) - ****
The final days of a burnt-out rock musician as he wanders around his secluded home and gets hassled by groupies for favors.
Van Sant's best, and the best film of 2005 so far. Michael Pitt does a great job in his role from writing the music to using mostly his body language rather then dialogue. Van Sant may have a few subtle things happen but overall he ignores the cause of death, focusing on the protagonist's mental death rather then physical. One of the best films in recent years and a must-see. "Death to Birth" should win an Oscar.
#11

Elephant - (Gus Van Sant;2003;USA) - ****
On the day of a school shooting, we follow several different students as the day progresses.
The best film of 2003. Van Sant doesn't explain, but only shows the events that follow just as a slice of life. The tracking shots for all the characters work and make the audience feel closer to the story. The music is great, and for once a high school actually looks like one, rather then a bunch of perfect looking people. The film also proves to be both shocking and depressing.
#19
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/05 11:00 PM

That's cool DV, I'm glad you liked Last Days after being excited about it for so long. That would have been a major disappointment if it turned out to be lame. I haven't seen it yet, but I'll let you know when I do... my theater's not playing it anymore, I guess I procrastinated way too much. It comes out next month on DVD though, right? I guess I'll see it then.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/05 11:08 PM

Yeah it does, although isohunt.com has two versions. (I picked the one with the most DL's) And really, it was an amazing film, and although it wasn't an actual biopic, it works as the anti-biopic as some put it. Forget films like Ray where the best thing is only the performance. Last Days glows in all areas. Many complain because they expected an actual Cobain biopic and got a film where the camera just seems to watch life happen (most people find it boring). I found it to be a fascinating character study. I'm trying to write a review on it now, and I should be finishing my Elephant review after, maybe tomorrow.

Here's the best of the year so far (ones rated ***1/2 and up)
1) Last Days - ****
2) Broken Flowers - ****
3) Crash - ***1/2
4) Batman Begins - ***1/2

The DVD will be coming out next month.

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=58142

JoBlo.com, one of the shitty internet critics gave it a 2/10, and a poorly written review that's worse then some of Ebert's bad reviews.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/08/05 03:10 AM

I watched a charming sleeper of a movie this afternoon - "Two Family House". I unfortunately missed the first ½ hour but saw enough to realize this is a wonderful story about life, expectations and hopes.

It takes place in 1950's Staten Island (NY) and the story revolves around a married Italian guy with dreams to be a singer (Michael Rispoli) and his somewhat "tough" wife (Katherine Narducci of "The Sopranos").

You'll see some other familiar faces (Big Pussy and Vito Spatafore from "The Sopranos").

Michael Rispoli did an absolutely awesome job in his gut wrenching role of a man making a big decision.

If you come across it at your rental library or while channel surfing on cable CHECK IT OUT!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/08/05 03:18 AM

Hello SC!


Michael Rispoli sounds familiar. I know the name but can't place him. I wanna say he's been on Law & Order before. Anything he was in that I might know?


TIS
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/08/05 03:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
Michael Rispoli sounds familiar. I know the name but can't place him.
He was Jackie Aprile in "The Sopranos". Dunno if you ever saw "While You Were Sleeping" but he played Sandra Bullock's neighbor who liked to wear her shoes. After seeing him in this I'd say he's a wonderful actor!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/08/05 08:56 PM

When Will I Be Loved **

A better movie that I anticipated with a deep meaning which I found to be pretty good.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/09/05 09:33 PM

ALIEN RESURRECTION - **/5

While not as big of a mess in terms of direction or editing as ALIEN 3(which FOX took away from David Fincher in every way possible), its really just a inferior rehash of all the previous ALIEN flicks in a garbage movie. Thing is, its CITIZEN KANE compared to the recent travesty AVP...
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 02:42 AM

Serpico (1973; Lumet) ***

A very good film about real life hero Frank Serpico. Al Pacino gives a fine performance, and Lumet directs your typical 70's cop drama, though this one is exceptional.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 03:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
I watched a charming sleeper of a movie this afternoon - "Two Family House".

It takes place in 1950's Staten Island (NY) and the story revolves around a married Italian guy with dreams to be a singer (Michael Rispoli) and his somewhat "tough" wife (Katherine Narducci of "The Sopranos").

You'll see some other familiar faces (Big Pussy and Vito Spatafore from "The Sopranos").

Michael Rispoli did an absolutely awesome job in his gut wrenching role of a man making a big decision.
Michael Rispoli played Jackie Aprile in the first season of The Sopranos, the head of Tony's family who was dying of cancer.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 03:40 AM

Pulp Fiction (1994; Tarantino) ****

Four tales intertwined with each other. The characters we all know and love: Jules and Vincent, two lowly Hitmen. Marcellus Wallace, their boss. Mia, the Boss' wife. Butch, the never-was-been prize fighter. Four tales intertwined into one full fledged explosion of a film. The soundtrack is great, the cinematography is excellent, an all around amazing film. The dialouge is extremely well-written. This film is flawless, and most definitley Tarantino's masterpiece.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 04:17 AM

Crash (2004; 2005 - wide release) ****
Director: Paul Haggis
A tale of rascism shows how several people living in Los Angeles county come together in one way or another.

Oh my god... That's honestly all I can think to say. Oh my god. This is by far one of the most amazing films we're been graced with in the past five years. Even the past fifty years, it still holds its own. It's powerful, it's moving, it's absolute greatness. A great batch of films released during the course of the 1990s (Shawshank, Goodfellas, American Beauty, Magnolia, so many others...) left high standards for the current decade; so far which has failed to deliver, with the exception of a few films--many of which I am forgetting--but the two to come to mind instantaniously in the area of long-lasting movements, and life-altering film making would be Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream (which I have pimped around the board for quite a while now, reccomending it at every appropriate moment), and now this. Crash is amazing. Excellent stories, character arc's, acting, everything about this film was drawn-out and well put together. This is a must see to both the big-time film fan and casual veiwer. You will be blown away.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 08:32 AM

Has anyone seen Wedding Crashers? Totally hilarious movie. Really stupid, but funny-stupid. Christopher Walken is great in it, and of course Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn are also awesome. And I'm starting to like Rachel McAdams more with every film I see her in... she's got great comedic timing.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 11:42 AM

JFK
This was my second viewing. A great movie with interesting theories regarding the JFK killing. The Cast is great giving superb performances, especially Kevin Costner and Joe Pesci. Oliver Stone's best IMO.

9/10
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 11:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b]Crash (2004; 2005 - wide release) ****
Director: Paul Haggis
A tale of rascism shows how several people living in Los Angeles county come together in one way or another.

Oh my god... That's honestly all I can think to say. Oh my god. This is by far one of the most amazing films we're been graced with in the past five years. Even the past fifty years, it still holds its own. It's powerful, it's moving, it's absolute greatness. A great batch of films released during the course of the 1990s (Shawshank, Goodfellas, American Beauty, Magnolia, so many others...) left high standards for the current decade; so far which has failed to deliver, with the exception of a few films--many of which I am forgetting--but the two to come to mind instantaniously in the area of long-lasting movements, and life-altering film making would be Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream (which I have pimped around the board for quite a while now, reccomending it at every appropriate moment), and now this. Crash is amazing. Excellent stories, character arc's, acting, everything about this film was drawn-out and well put together. This is a must see to both the big-time film fan and casual veiwer. You will be blown away. [/b]
I want to check this movie out since Ive read all great things about it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 02:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Letizia B.:
Has anyone seen Wedding Crashers? Totally hilarious movie. Really stupid, but funny-stupid. Christopher Walken is great in it, and of course Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn are also awesome. And I'm starting to like Rachel McAdams more with every film I see her in... she's got great comedic timing.
I saw it and absoultely loved it! One of the funniest movies I've seen in awhile
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 02:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[b]JFK
This was my second viewing. A great movie with interesting theories regarding the JFK killing. The Cast is great giving superb performances, especially Kevin Costner and Joe Pesci. Oliver Stone's best IMO.

9/10 [/b]
Glad you liked it! One of my favorite movies of all-time
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 09:31 PM

28 days later



Good Film
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 09:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[quote]Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b] [b]Crash
(2004; 2005 - wide release) ****
Director: Paul Haggis
A tale of rascism shows how several people living in Los Angeles county come together in one way or another.

Oh my god... That's honestly all I can think to say. Oh my god. This is by far one of the most amazing films we're been graced with in the past five years. Even the past fifty years, it still holds its own. It's powerful, it's moving, it's absolute greatness. A great batch of films released during the course of the 1990s (Shawshank, Goodfellas, American Beauty, Magnolia, so many others...) left high standards for the current decade; so far which has failed to deliver, with the exception of a few films--many of which I am forgetting--but the two to come to mind instantaniously in the area of long-lasting movements, and life-altering film making would be Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream (which I have pimped around the board for quite a while now, reccomending it at every appropriate moment), and now this. Crash is amazing. Excellent stories, character arc's, acting, everything about this film was drawn-out and well put together. This is a must see to both the big-time film fan and casual veiwer. You will be blown away. [/b]
I want to check this movie out since Ive read all great things about it [/b][/quote]Aziatic, you have to see it. It's the best movie you'll see all year, disregarding the unreleased films.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 09:59 PM

You should see Last Days and Broken Flowers. After thought, I lowered my rating down half a star on it, mainly because it was a great film, but I am getting tired of the multi-characters in L.A. dramas. I don't think it's bad because it brought something NEW to the story, but there are unrealistic moments, however there are also true, gritty moments.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 10:39 PM

I am just starting to watch "The Grudge". Anyone else see it? It's on HBO now. It just started, but looks kind of creepy.


TIS
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 10:48 PM

Thats another film i still need to watch
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/05 11:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I am just starting to watch "The Grudge". Anyone else see it? It's on HBO now. It just started, but looks kind of creepy.


TIS
I hated it. By the end of the film I was so annoyed I just wanted it to end
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 12:50 AM

I'm tired of horror films with kids as the villain.

Instinct - (Jon Turteltaub;1999;USA) - **
An anthropologist is put in a mental institution after attacking poachers, soon a psychiatrist tries to help him pass a court hearing.
One of those films that could've been a great film with better writing and direction. Instead the good plot falls into melodrama. Hopkins' performance is great as usual, Cuba Gooding Jr. is good, but could've been better. The film has a lot of good ideas that could've been represented, but the corniness shadows it too much.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 03:04 AM

UNFORGIVEN. 8/10

I have a new favorite movie. WOW. First of all the plot was amazing, as was the acting, especially Clint Eastwood. That guy is just mindblowingly talented. But the thing that really got me with this movie was the character development and the ending. The ending had me in tears. I was literally standing up, holding my head, pacing back and forth, and saying "Oh my God" to myself over and over again. This movie simply blew me away.

There were definitely some flaws, but I don't care. It's my new favorite movie, period.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 03:14 AM

Hard Boiled **

I watched this as a recommendation from suspect_5. It's his favorite action film ever and it just didn't live up to the billing for me. I'd much rather take Die Hard With A Vengence or the original Predator over this. I'm not saying it was horrible but definitely nothing to go "gung ho" about
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 06:04 AM

Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior ***

In the last 2 days at work I've had a total of 8 different people ask me for this movie (we only have 2 copies available). I didn't know what the big deal with this movie was and a friend of mine had it so I wanted to see what the frenzy was about. It was a pretty darn good movie with some great fighting scenes. It's another kickboxer movie but Tony Jaa's (the main character) abilities are insane!
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 02:46 PM

Once Upon A Time In The West - 10/10
A Fistful of Dollars - 7.5/10
Otte e Mezzo - 8.5/10
Pulp Fiction - 9.5/10
Casablanca - 10/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 04:37 PM

Glad you liked 8 1/2. Definitely one of the best films around.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 05:54 PM

Final Destination (2000) [R]
Taglines: "No Accidents. No Coincidences. No Escapes. You Can't Cheat Death." / "Are you ready to match wits with the Grim Reaper?"

Director: James Wong (The One, "The Others")
Starring: Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Seann William Scott

Genres: Teen Thriller/Horror

Summary: Boarding a plane for a school trip to Paris, a boy (Sawa) has a premonition that the plane will explode after takeoff. He freaks out, and he and a few classmates are kicked off the plane. His premonition comes true, and they escape death. But you cannot escape death when it's your time to go -- or can you? (You really shouldn't know more than that the first time you see it!)

Short Review: I didn't expect much going into this, but was pleasantly entertained! I think the camera work, direction and visuals were excellent. It takes a lot to make me jump in my seat, but this did it! While there are a few scary moments, it's not quite a true horror film. It somewhat reminds me of Scream, which I also liked, but I don't think it's as corny. Some may disagree, but then again, I like Porky's, so....

I never heard of this film, and just noticed they're making a third installment. Anyone else see this, and the sequel? How do they compare?

Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 05:58 PM

Geoff,

I think I saw that one too. I liked it also. Is this the one that ends in a Paris Cafe (I think) with a somewhat surprising, and yet kind of amusing ending??? You think it's over, but evidently not?

I didn't know there were parts II & III. I did find it surprisingly entertaining as well.

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 06:01 PM

I own both on DVD. I'm like the only person alive who liked 1 but HalJordan, suspect_5 and myself enjoyed #2. I'll go see #3 just for the heck of it (I've seen worse movies than Final Destination, believe me)
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 06:01 PM

Yeah, that's the one, TIS! I think it's the first time I ever was tempted to watch a movie again after just seeing it! I think I'll watch it w/ the commentary before I return it to NetFlix...
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 06:04 PM

Irish - So you liked the sequel even better? Wong didn't direct the second one, but he is the third one...
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 06:11 PM

I just happened to tune in (a few months ago) at the very start and it got my attention right from beginning, so I continued to watch it. That poor kid on the plane was a basket case wasn't he?

What is the premise of the 2nd two?


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 06:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
Irish - So you liked the sequel even better? Wong didn't direct the second one, but he is the third one...
I liked the fact that the death scenes are more elaborate in the 2nd one. I don't know which film I like best (probably 1) but 2 is worth a look IMO
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 06:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
Anyone else see this, and the sequel? How do they compare?
I'm not sure if I saw the sequel, But I watched that movie. This was way more graphical than Scream. It was actually disturbing, that's why I think I didn't get the sequel to watch. I'm a chicken!


Edit: Now that I read your review again, I realize I must have seen the sequel and not the original. OMG!!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/05 07:33 PM

REDS (1981) - ****/5

Really good/great 180+ minute epic from Director/Producer/Co-Writer/Star Warren Beatty about one devoted idealistic socialist in turn-of-20th century America where the dreams of a working man-liberated socialist system begins in Russia, only for it to become corrupted and the dream bastardized by those that desire power.

I'll do a deeper review sometime, but quite a nice big surprise for me. Too bad Beatty never did display this grand direction ever again in his directorial projects afterwards.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/05 05:48 PM

Spartacus **

I never made the time to see this movie until today and I was very disappointed with it. I have only heard good things about it (especially from a guy at work yesterday). I was hoping it'd be something like Gladiator or Ben-Hur but I was really bored for most of it. It didn't have enough action and it wasn't what I thought it'd be I guess
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/05 02:13 AM

Guess what the subject of the next RRA'S VIDEO BIN REVIEW column is!

Here is a clue....some of the same crew who worked on Forman's THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT had previously hired to work on this other good biopic of an obscure quirky real American character.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/05 04:46 PM

Once Upon A Time In The West **

I watched these as some others here have loved it and also because I liked the Man With No Name Trilogy. I found this to be good but not great. I thought it was a little long and slow/boring in parts. I liked anyone of the Dollars Trilogy trilogy better
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/05 08:23 PM

The Godfather Part 1 10/10 (#2 Favorites)
The Godfather Part 2 10/10 (#1 Favorites)

I recommend everyone to watch these 2 very underrated movies on this board :p
Posted By: Joe Batters

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/05 11:07 PM

The interprator with Nicole Kidman, I saw it a while back but it really surprised me...I was really amazed how deep this movie went and how good the plot was.. I went because my girlfriend thought it would be good and I was like ahh man (but of course I ddin't say anything) but it was really good I would recommend to anyone



Joe Batters
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/05 11:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Once Upon A Time In The West **

I found this to be good but not great. I thought it was a little long and slow/boring in parts.
Oh brother. :rolleyes:
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/05 11:12 PM

UP NEXT:

RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW - Sir Ridley Scott's science-fiction masterpiece BLADE RUNNER (1982).

RRA'S VIDEO BIN REVIEW:

Tim Burton's ED WOOD (1994)

AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000)

BLOW OUT (1981)

REDS (1981)

BULLWORTH (1998)

SEVEN DAYS IN MAY (1964)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/05 06:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Once Upon A Time In The West **

I found this to be good but not great. I thought it was a little long and slow/boring in parts.
Oh brother. :rolleyes: [/b][/quote]I know. I was thinking the exact same thing after watching the movie becaused I was so bored with it :rolleyes:
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/05 04:39 PM

How did you like NETWORK if you hated ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST?

As in....I just don't get it. You make me proud when you dug NETWORK, but then to call perhaps the most beautiful and operatic western ever "boring"?

But hey, to each his own...

Speaking of which, how is your new DEER HUNTER DVD? Too bad it doesn't have Cimino's commentary track from R2, for which I have that DVD. :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/05 04:46 PM

Speaking of which, how is your new DEER HUNTER DVD? Too bad it doesn't have Cimino's commentary track from R2, for which I have that DVD.

Well, it has a really cool cove--

Just go to hell, now. :p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/05 04:48 PM

Touchy Touchy, eh?

Really, the only good thing I can see maybe worth being excited over is the new digital transfer for DEER HUNTER on that new DVD...but that is it.

Go to hell? Sure DV. I'll tell Kurt that you said hi. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/05 06:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
How did you like NETWORK if you hated ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST?

As in....I just don't get it. You make me proud when you dug NETWORK, but then to call perhaps the most beautiful and operatic western ever "boring"?
Network was funny and that's what kept me entertained. Once Upon a Time I just found slow and not very interesting. I think it took like 10 minutes from the start of the movie to get to the director's name across the screen. I was looking forward to a good movie but from that point on I knew it could possibly be slow and it was. Also, at first I liked the harmonica song when Bronson would be around but towards the end of the movie I was so sick of hearing it
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/05 06:36 PM

I used to not participate in this discussion seeing that I do this at the Movie Boards, but I think I should now.

Here's my first review.

Wuthering Heights (1939) Second Viewing
Directed By: William Wyler
Rating: ****/****


A film that was the product of one of the greatest years in Hollywood history stands as a testament not only to the genius of independent producer Samuel Goldwyn, but of he directorial craft shown by William Wyler, the screenplay written by Ben Hecht an Charles McCarthur, the beautifully vivid deep focus cinematography of Greg Toland and of course the acting of performers like Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon and David Niven.

These people bring to life Emile Bronte's timeless tale of love between two star crossed lovers: Heathcliff and Cathy. Top notch for everything along with Alfred Newman's lush and beautiful score which only accentuates the beauty and horror seen in the rise and fall of a group of people in Industral Era England.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/05 09:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Go to hell? Sure DV. I'll tell Kurt that you said hi. :p
You better sleep with one eye open.

Anyway, Once Upon a Time in the West is the greatest western ever. It went off the trails of normal ones and took the operatic route. It's also a very inspirational film to many others people may not realize. I think it was Lucas who had a copy of the film's soundtrack during Star Wars. The soundtrack itself is excellent, for each character.

The opening is also great. Sure it's slow, but that's the point. Morricone went to a concert where music was made with all natural objects, and he decided to hold out on music for the opening, and just keep natural sounds in, probably to give us the annoying feeling of the desperados waiting for the train, and when that train comes it's like a blast from hell, contrasting the silence. The film itself is an excellent allegory to the rise of power, and corruption of landgrabbers.

The one thing I wish was different was the three desperados. Originally Leone wanted Eastwood, Wallach, and Van Cleef to be the three desperados in the opening, but one of them couldn't make it. Fonda is probably the best villain in a western ever.

MFA Review
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/05 12:42 AM

Ray 2004

Brilliant Film

Jamie Foxx was awesome
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/05 04:10 AM

RAY...average biopic, but Foxx was pretty good. Amazing what Oscar nominations a movie can get if your subject character dies around the time of its release...
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/05 04:43 AM

Yeah...that reminds me I want to have sex with Keira Knightley
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/05 06:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
Yeah...that reminds me I want to have sex with Keira Knightley
I couldn't agree more
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/05 06:42 AM

Monster

No bad movie at all, even if I thought the first half wasn't really interesting but it gets alot better by the end. Mrs. Theron gives a great performance, Christina Ricci was ok.

7/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/05 09:33 AM

Uh, DeNiro, do you have to post page-stretching pics?
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/05 09:29 PM

Anybody who have seen this movie? "La grande bouffe" with Michel Piccoli & Marcello Mastroianni? Propably one of ou fellow members from Italy? Can you recommend it?
It will be released here on DVD this month...
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/05 10:07 PM

Dazed and Confused (1993; Linklater)

Wow. I just saw this movie and fell in love with it. It's soundtrack, sense of humor, and attention to detail (Alfred Hitchcock's "Family Plots" is one of the films playing at the local theatre, for instance) really make it great. Plus the cast really acts well together. It's the tale of the incoming class and outgoing class of students in 1976. Overrall, a really great film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/20/05 01:58 AM

Yeah I've only seen Dazed and Confused once myself but I liked it, moreso than Fast Times At Ridgemont High
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/20/05 02:40 AM

I concur, Irish.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/05 11:20 PM

Desperate Housewives Season 1

I heard so many good things about this show that I had to see it to see what the big "fuse" was about. I liked it enough to buy it on DVD. The season ends with a BIG cliffhanger so I'm looking forward to Season 2. I like watching them on DVD instead of TV because you can watch as many as you want and don't have to wait week to week. The beginning of the season was pretty funny but towards the end I think it lost some of its humor
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/05 11:25 PM

Speaking of which, am I the only one that thinks DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES is quite a terrible title? Really, it sounded like a crappy TV pilot that somehow escaped into the populace.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/05 11:30 PM

Was it a good show to begin with Ron? Hell, TV sucks today save for a few shows.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/05 11:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Speaking of which, am I the only one that thinks DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES is quite a terrible title? Really, it sounded like a crappy TV pilot that somehow escaped into the populace.
I feel the same. I think the title could and should have been changed and doesn't promote the series very well (i.e. others think it's going to be crappy based on the title alone)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/05 11:53 PM

I agree Don Vercetti. In fact, save for maybe some FOX sunday programs, the only network programs I go watch that is worth my time is on HBO.

I mean there is the pretty good historical dramas DEADWOOD and ROME, the masterpiece mob series THE SOPRANOS(of course!), the really good comedy CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM(which returns on sunday!), the rather unique fantasy series CARNIVALE, and not to mention the many TV pictures that HBO produces that are sometimes really unique effective low-budget dramas or melodramatic crap(IRON JAW ANGELS anyone?)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 06:40 AM

All Quiet on the Western Front #54 on the AFI Top 100 List *

It's been awhile since I've been able to watch a movie from the list but this was not the movie to do with it. I was pretty bored throughout it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 05:54 PM

Amadeus #53 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

I had seen parts of this before but never in its entirity. What a good movie and a GREAT performance by F. Murray Abraham. I'm glad he won an Oscar for this part
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 06:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Amadeus [b]#53 on the AFI Top 100 List ***
[/b]
And #1 on Afi's top list?

I've just rewatched Insomnia.
On the second glance it was much better. I mean, Al was acting good, and it atoned for the boring and slow and unnatural story... If everything else would be as good as Al...
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 06:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Amadeus [b]#53 on the AFI Top 100 List
***
[/b]
And #1 on Afi's top list?
[/b][/quote]Of course! You bet.

Glad you liked it Irish.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 06:06 PM

SPOILERS I did enjoy it and I'm glad too but the character of Mozart seemed a little nutty at times. I thought F. Murray Abraham's character was going to kill him but was a little disappointed when he didn'tEND OF SPOILERS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 06:21 PM

Uh, thanks for the spoiler warning Irish, today's the day I'm watching it too.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 06:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I did enjoy it and I'm glad too but the character of Mozart seemed a little nutty at times. I thought F. Murray Abraham's character was going to kill him but was a little disappointed when he didn't
****Spoilers*********
This movie has many historical inaccuracies. There is not a strong evidence that Salieri had even plot to kill Mozart, though he confessed he had killed him when he went insane.

The real Mozart had even been nuttier than what's been portrayed. He is sacred and profane at the same time, that's actually why I love him so much.

Also The Requiem Mass was not commissioned by Salieri, if you follow the second link in my signature, you'd find great information on this fine piece.

I suggest you do more research on this matter, because this movie is only made to get you to know Mozart's music.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 08:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Uh, thanks for the spoiler warning Irish, today's the day I'm watching it too.
My bad, I assumed most here had watched it already
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 08:26 PM

How was Hulce in Amadeus? I thought he was great in Parenthood and Animal House.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 08:27 PM

NEVER ASSUME!

A bad habit, as my mother use to tell me...

Besides, just type SPOILER WARNING! or to that effect next time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 08:38 PM

You're 100% right ronnie. I edited it above. Again, I'm sorry Vercetti
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/05 08:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
How was Hulce in Amadeus? I thought he was great in Parenthood and Animal House.
This is the only movie that I've seen with Tom Hulce in it and I've to say he too deserved the Oscar. He did a great job, too bad they submit two best actors for the leading role and he had to go against F. Murray who also did an amazing job. He actually had to learn to play piano and conducting too.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/05 12:16 AM

Meh, music and homework pushed me a little too much time-wise today, I will probably have to watch Amadeus tomorrow.

I still need to see The Game and rewatch The Deer Hunter.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/05 07:46 PM

From Here To Eternity #52 on the AFI Top 100 List **

A pretty good movie but one in yet again I question why Sinatra won an Oscar for him performance. It didn't touch or move me as much as F. Murray Abraham's did from Amadeus
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/05 09:14 PM

I'm behind the times. I'd never last. One film which does last, which holds much resonance, however, in today's world, is Lewis Milestone's 1931 All Quiet on the Western Front. Brilliant and powerful drama that is as applicable to wartime audiences today as it was in 1930, with realistic sound and acting to match. An excellent film. Irish, how did you find it boring?

I've watched one film so far this September; it happens to be my film of the year so far:

Last Days *** (1st time; big screen)
2005, Van Sant, US
The final hours of a rock musician.
As hollow or as deep as anybody would like to make it, this is an ambiguous account of a tormented soul, made all the more interesting--or ultimately tedious, depending on how you see it--by the decision to film in long takes with little or no dialogue.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/05 09:18 PM

Capo, what was your favorite scene in Last Days?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/05 09:24 PM

Of all the films I've watched this year (not many), Last Days has lingered in the mind the most. It seems exactly the type of film I would make (earlier this summer, I filmed a short ten minute character study of a guy with writer's block, with no dialogue). As for individual scenes, I'd have to go with either the Yellow Pages visit, or the one in which Blake goes round the room playing all the instruments, as the camera, unflinching on its pane, tracks back.

An amazing film which is open-ended in almost every way; my first experience of Van Sant (after dubious caution and pre-viewing reservations as a result of the shot-for-shot Psycho remake), and I love his style. Playfully exploring the notions of time and space within the frame of the cinema, and stripping away our pre-conceptions of it. Not a film to be liked by all, but a must-see for those requesting an aesthetic challenge.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/05 09:31 PM

Yeah, it got more backlash then Elephant mostly due to Cobain fans expecting a biopic like the average at best Ray, or people who simply posted at IMDB "IZ BORING N NUTIN HAPENZ."

I liked a lot of the little homages put in Cobain buffs like me would get, but using them for his own reasons, like when Blake crawls on the floor wearing the black dress while listening to the mediocre pop song.

My favorite scene is the climax, or the Death to Birth scene. I loved Pitt's song so much I started playing the song myself, minus the singing. Pitt's lyrics are great, and I love the near finish, tearing the 6th string from the bridge.

The Greenhouse scene was also great. Which leads me to another question.

SPOILERS
Did you see the red figure as Blake approached the house?
SPOILER END
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/05 10:59 PM

I just rented Bullitt and The French Connection. Not sure which one I'm gonna watch tonight.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/05 01:25 AM

The French Connection 9/10

One of the most entertaining and suspenseful movies of all time. I absolutely loved it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/05 07:45 AM

The Philadelphia Story #51 on the AFI Top 100 List **

It's always good to see Jimmy Stewart and I think this is my favorite Katherine Hepburn role
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/05 07:42 PM

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid #50 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

A very good movie that really exceeded my expectations. Redford and Newman really worked well together
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 02:37 AM

The Third Man #57 on the AFI Top 100 List **

Took me awhile to get this movie on DVD and I was somewhat disappointed with it, but you have to add in the fact that I couldn't hear about a quarter of the movie
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 03:43 AM

but you have to add in the fact that I couldn't hear about a quarter of the movie

Why?

Amadeus - (Milos Forman;1984;USA) - ***1/2
Antonio Salieri, now old and in a sanitarium tells the story of Mozart and how he envied his talent he felt God gave him wrongly.
A great film that works on several levels. The music is an obvious thing to praise but the best thing for me was Abraham's performance, which is one of those that shines not from dialogue, but the face most of all. Hulce is also very charismatic as the impish Mozart. Overall it's not an average biopic that centers on Mozart mainly, although several times it does focus too much on him. Forman's second best behind One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 04:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
but you have to add in the fact that I couldn't hear about a quarter of the movie

Why?
The volume of the movie was a little low for me but I was watching it on a friend's TV and I didn't want to "crank it up" in his room and seem rude. I thought it might have just been the DVD because he has surround sound too
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 07:31 AM

The Killer ***

I have been waiting to see this movie for a long time now and it was good but I didn't think it was great or a "masterpiece." I'll still probably get it on DVD if I can find a cheap edition but it was my favorite Fat/Woo movie
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 04:05 PM

What constitutes a masterpiece to you, Irish?

I've not seen The Killer yet; it's a remake of Le Samourai/The Samurai (1967), one of my favourite films.

The Third Man is a masterpiece. The best British noir made? Possibly. Probably.

Watching a film in the manner you did can be compared to watching a downloaded pre-release copy on a TV screen the size of a Gameboy screen. Not good. Watch it again.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 04:54 PM

Yeah I would need to watch it again. It wasn't horrible but when you're not able to listen or follow some of the story (especially in a case like this) it kind of takes away from the movie. As for your question of what constitutes a masterpiece, I think it's all in the opinion of the viewer. For me it would just be something that I would think is flawless and something that I'd want to buy on DVD and this VERY moment among other thing such as acting, directing, the use of music, etc
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 07:05 PM

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs #49 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Probably one of the best if not the best animated movie of all time
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 07:39 PM

For once we fully agree Irish. What do you think of Fantasia or The Lion King?

Capo, what do you make of John Woo remaking Melville's other masterwork, [i]Le Cercle Rouge[i]/Red Circle?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/05 08:09 PM

Fantasia when viewing it was hungover and tired so I didn't enjoy it as much But for it's time and the images and music were beautifully done. And I really enjoy The Lion King. I'm a pretty big Jeremy Irons fan
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 12:05 AM

Beverly Hills Cop II - (Tony Scott;1984;USA) - ZERO
A Detroit cop returns to Beverly Hills when an old friend is gunned down.
Everything in this film is stupid. The characters are goofy and annoying. The direction and plot is mind numbing, and everything is poorly filmed, such as any of the fight scenes due to shitty editing. Plus, Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold really shouldn't be cast as cops, ever.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 12:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Capo, what do you make of John Woo remaking Melville's other masterwork, Le Cercle Rouge?
Oh God... is he? Or was that just a hypothetical question?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 12:13 AM

Yeah, and it's pissing me off.
http://imdb.com/title/tt0430517/
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 12:25 AM

Tsk tsk tsk... these arrogant bastards who think they can remake amazing films really annoy me. I mean, there's gotta be a point in the thought process here, where the director or whoever stops and thinks, "I can do better than that." And that's why they come up with the decision to go ahead and do a remake, right? The only time that remakes have really worked out was with the Kurosawa/Westerns, at least IMHO.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 01:43 AM

Well there have been successful remakes other then those, but most from what I've seen were remakes of lesser films rather then great ones.

I heard the remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers was good, but I never saw it. However in the case of Melville's film, I hate remaking. Those twoMelville films have a cool factor NO ONE can touch, not even Tarantino.

The day Le Samourai is remade is the day...well, I'd do something very horrible. :p
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 02:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
I've not seen The Killer yet; it's a [b]remake of Le Samourai/The Samurai (1967), one of my favourite films.[/b]
:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 08:06 AM

The Amityville Horror ***

I never saw the original but this version was pretty suspensful and good. A "decent horror" flick to come out as of late. Now I wanna see the original
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 09:41 AM

Two Brothers (2004), directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud (Seven years in Tibet, The Bear, The Lover, The Name of the Rose).

The poignant story of two wonderful infant tiger cubs, separated from their parents and each other by human wickedness and then saved by human pity.

I cried my ass off!

I strongly recommend it to all feline lovers.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 10:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]I've not seen The Killer yet; it's a [b]remake
of Le Samourai/The Samurai (1967), one of my favourite films.[/b]
:p [/b][/quote]I think The Killer is one of the many inspired films. Le Samourai inspired many things like Leon/The Professional, The Transporter, and some aspects of Tarantino's films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 07:37 PM

Jaws #48 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

My first viewing of this movie and it was great! Probably my favorite Richard Dreyfuss movie. Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw were very good as well
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 07:40 PM

Hey Irish, you know what movie Spielberg was originally supposed to direct instead of JAWS?

CLUE: It was a biopic.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 07:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid [b]#50 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

A very good movie that really exceeded my expectations. Redford and Newman really worked well together [/b]
Really the first, I think, in a long line of "Male Buddy" films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 07:50 PM

I have no idea. Also, I thought I heard this somewhere but when they were making Jaws they wanted to freak people out like Psycho did. Like after watching Psycho people would be afraid to take another shower and I thought that's what they wanted to do with Jaws
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/05 07:56 PM

Well also Irish, Spielberg didn't exactly have a functioning shark of a machine, so the crew had to do with what they had...which improved the movie considerably.

Actually, Spielberg was supposed to direct the PATTON-wannabe epic biopic MACARTHUR...but reportedly the Beard didn't want to deal with shooting on 3 continents on such a big picture that was supposed to follow the massive success of PATTON.....anyway, MACARTHUR turned out to be a mediocre bloater with only Gregory Peck the only interesting thing about it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:10 AM

Bullitt - (Yates;1968;USA) - ****
An all guts, no glory San Francisco cop becomes determined to find the underworld kingpin that killed the witness in his protection.
Everything in this movie is absolutely flawless, from the cinematography, to the music, to the acting. Steve McQueen is brilliant as Frank Bullitt, and everybody else plays their parts to perfection. Add to that an amazingly well done car chase scene, and an unexpected plot twist, and you have yourself an absolute masterpiece.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:12 AM

Hey DVC, will you be watching AMC's Movies That Shook The World: 2001: A Space Odyssey on Friday at 10?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:13 AM

Maybe. Not sure what I'm doing that night. Why do you ask?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:15 AM

You like it so much, just wondering.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Hey DVC, will you be watching AMC's Movies That Shook The World: 2001: A Space Odyssey on Friday at 10?
DAMN! I almost forgot. I've been forgetting about TCM with school and all.

Considering the SE DVD is still in works, I'll be seeing or taping it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:17 AM

Yeah I do love that film. I own it so I don't see much point in putting everything aside to watch it when it comes on TV. :p

The most beautiful film ever made. Anybody who has not seen it, I urge you to. You will be blown away.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:18 AM

I agree totally with DVC.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:22 AM

It's not the film itself, but a special on the impact it had on society.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:25 AM

Yup Yup.

Of course I had threads about the pretty good episodes so far on THE CHINA SYNDROME, the overrated 80's dreck FATAL ATTRACTION, and...oh shit, I forgot to write up a column for Spike Lee's DO THE RIGHT THING! Should I?

Now 2001...that should be fun. Thing is, what was the heavy impact of this film from WAY back in 1968? I mean besides being quite polarizing to many folks, yet capturing a good slice of the youth population at the time that realized what a masterpiece they have seen, and made it(until STAR WARS) the most successful science-fiction movie of all time.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:32 AM

2001 blows all Star Wars movies out of the fucking water. It isn't even close.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:39 AM

Well, don't mislead. They're two completely differ films, aren't they? One's popcorn, one isn't.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:49 AM

The only thing that annoys me is when some folks consider STAR WARS to be the beginning and end of sci-fi....

Actually, in a technical legal sense, STAR WARS isn't science fiction at all, but in fact "Science Fantasy". Think about it...
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 01:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Well, don't mislead. They're two completely differ films, aren't they? One's popcorn, one isn't.
Well they both involve Science Fiction and outer space.

Either way, the truth remains...Star Wars couldn't hold a candle to 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 01:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[QUOTE]Well they both involve Science Fiction and outer space.
Well, Goodfellas and The Godfather both involve the New York Mafia and organized crime. Yet, they capture that world in two completely differant ways.

2001 and Star Wars are both great... Althought, they document differant aspects of the genre. It's really hard to say which is better. Although, on the level of clever and inventive film making, 2001 may excell. Overall--considering all areas--they have their pros and cons.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 06:02 AM

Taxi Driver #47 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

This was probably the best I've ever enjoyed this movie. I really liked the little screen time Harvey Keitel had and De Niro and Marty were there usual excellent selves. I'm really hoping this gets a double disc special edition next year
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 06:51 AM

Yea the current version of Taxi Driver out there has dated pretty badly, could definetly use a nice remastered update.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 08:33 AM

A Clockwork Orange #46 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Probably my favorite Kubrick film with a great performance by Malcolm McDowell
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 09:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Probably my favorite Kubrick film with a great performance by Malcolm McDowell
mine is a toss between "Lolita" and "Full Metal Jacket".
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 12:17 PM

Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey found, perhaps intentionally, two very different groups of fanbases. One has become a part of popular culture and spawned five sequels, and in itself has become another universal phenomenon; the other, meanwhile, never targeted a financially-driven demographic, and thus has settled as a cult favourite, and arthouse classic.

The two do deal with Sci-fi, but the differing tones with which they do this set them to opposite ends of the movie spectrum. Lucas' is fast, loud and exciting story; Kubrick's is deliberately the opposite: slow, quiet and an intellectual, open-minded piece of art (though at the time, 1968, he wasn't deliberately seeking to "oppose" Star Wars, since that wasn't released until nine years after).

To mislead a filmviewer to going into a film with the high notions of it being the best of its kind, is, by my own experience, disastrous.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 07:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Probably my favorite Kubrick film with a great performance by Malcolm McDowell
mine is a toss between "Lolita" and "Full Metal Jacket". [/b][/quote]My 2nd favorite is The Shinning and then probably Full Metal Jacket at 3
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 09:02 PM

I haven't seen any of the others, but I doubt they can match Clockwork Orange. I really liked that movie!
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 09:07 PM

I haven't seen many Kubrick movies but I loved Dr. Strangelove and curious if other of his movies can top that. Clockwork Orange is still on my to-see-list...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 09:38 PM

Wolf Creek *** (1st time; big screen)
2005, McLean, Australia
Three backpackers, an Australian male and two English tourists, are stranded in the Outback, and take the offered help of a seemingly genuine local.
Effective, confident piece of filmmaking; taking measured turns in subtlety and hard-hitting violence, it is a fine blend of past horrors, while also managing to stand on its own as a psychological and aesthetic treat.

A contender for film of the year.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 11:17 PM

A Clockwork Orange is probably my favorite Kubrick film, although Dr. Strangelove is his best so far, and probably the greatest satire.
-----------------

Anyway, my ratings have been getting annoying lately, mostly causing the same problem my /10 scale caused: Becoming too mathematical in judging films. It got annoying, especially with lesser films. I'm not converting to a four star scale similar to Capo's and another member at the MB. No half ratings. Here's a short description.

**** = Excellent and/or masterwork
*** = Great film
** = Good film/Very good
* = Decent/Worth watching
ZERO = Mediocre/Bad/Horrible

Wayne\'s World - (Penelope Spheeris;1992;USA) - **
Two slackers with a public-access cable show get noticed by an executive who wants to make big changes to it.
A good comedy that could've been better if it's quirkiness didn't backfire at times. Most of the time however it remains a hilarious movie. The biggest charm lies with the two main characters, who are extremely likable. Most of all I loved the various satires in it.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 11:34 PM

Carlito's Way (1993) Second Viewing
Directed By: Brian De Palma
Rating: * * * *


One of De Palma's best films, a raw, but heartfelt look at a Puerto Rican gangster in New York who is released from prison and must fight the expectations of his former associates and the authorities who are waiting for him to commit another crime, despite the fact that he sincerely wants to get out of the vicious cycle. Pacino brings in a powerhouse performance in this film an his narration is a linchpin securing greatness in this film. Just his last lines of dialog as he's carried away in the stretcher make this film greater.

Of course, enough can't be said of De Palma's sublime direction and the great work of Sean Penn who plays Carlito's drug addicted lawyer, David Kleinfeld. One of the great moments in 1990's cinema and a true diamond in the rough.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/05 11:40 PM

Glad you like Carlito's Way. It's one of my favorite movies. Definitely better than Scarface IMO.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/05 08:49 PM

Land of the Dead/George A. Romero's Land of the Dead (1st time; big screen)
2005, Romero, US
The walking dead march onto a secluded city run by the rich, but most of the problems come from within.
A tiring trend which wears thin on characterisation, clichéd one-liners and gore-fest action scenes; the zombies are, perhaps intentionally, far more interesting than the humans, and the social metaphors to be had are only half-hearted.

Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/05 09:25 PM

LAND OF THE DEAD - ***/5

A nice if nothing special entry in the long-running DEAD franchise.

It'll do better on DVD than it did in theaters...or rise by my God that it does worse than the pretty awfully bad RESIDENT EVIL movies!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/05 09:46 PM

A Streetcar Named Desire #45 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

I hated the Blanche character but I loved Brando. The only Brando movies I had seen prior to this were The Godfather and The Score
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/05 09:53 PM

I didn't really like any of the characters although I sympathized for Blance to an extent as well as Stanley, but I'm surprised you liked Brando's character, especially after

SPOILER
he supposedly raped her in the end
SPOILER
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/05 10:05 PM

SPOILERS How do we come to the conclusion that he raped her? I was wondering why his wife left him at the end of the movie with the child and this is probably the reason. I just remember the mirror shattering and then they cut to the next scene in the room above Brando's with him and the guys playing cards and the women in the backEND OF SPOILERS

But again, I really did enjoy Brando's performance and to an extent his character. I just thought he had this apathy and a sense of humor to him at times
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/05 10:11 PM

Brando was mindblowingly good in Streetcar. The performance that changed acting forever.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/05 10:15 PM

He does in the play. Obviously it couldn't be shown in the film at the time, so it was only implied. The play has erratic sounds and piano music for the scene.

SPOILER
He grabs her when she threatens him with the broken bottle, and carries her into the bedroom.
SPOILER
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/29/05 12:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Now 2001...that should be fun. Thing is, what was the heavy impact of this film from WAY back in 1968? I mean besides being quite polarizing to many folks, yet capturing a good slice of the youth population at the time that realized what a masterpiece they have seen, and made it(until STAR WARS) the most successful science-fiction movie of all time.
Well, I just wanted to add to this.

The big social impact 2001 really had was that it allowed people high on peyotte or acid to go in and be blown away during the Star Gate climax of the film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/29/05 03:45 AM

The Birth of a Nation #44 on the AFI Top 100 List *

I liked the directing and editing but this movie seemed like the longest movie I've ever watched in my entire life. It just seemed to keep going and going and going....
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/29/05 07:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I didn't really like any of the characters although I sympathized for Blance to an extent as well as Stanley, but I'm surprised you liked Brando's character, especially after
I'm surprised you think so, DV. A character doesn't have to be nice and correct to be liked by audience, IMO. Otherwise none would like, say, Michael Corleone, who, incidentally, killed his brother! I mean, you like characters when you are emotionally struck by them, no matter how vicious they may be. Of course you don't agree with what they’re doing, but that's moral, not art. As a matter of fact, I happen to like vicious characters (as long as they have a great dramatic value) more than the "good" ones. Basically, because I find them more interesting!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/29/05 07:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Brando was mindblowingly good in Streetcar. The performance that changed acting forever.
I absolutely agree. That performance is unforgettable. And btw, ALL the cast was superb. I'd like to mention Karl Malden. He was immense. The movie is one of my fav ever. Along with GF1 e 2 and Sunset Blv. All masterpieces.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/29/05 09:18 PM

The Mission *

Pretty dull and boring
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 12:50 AM

Tony Montana: "Whats wit ya Irishman? You don't dig the stuff? The Mission man waz great wit Rahbert DeNiro! Say your just mistaken, okay mang?"

Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 01:26 AM

Oh man, I saw The Mission in high school for a history class. What a boring movie... which is weird because I love both Deniro and Jeremy Irons!! I almost fell asleep though. Ugh.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 01:38 AM

Carlito's Way (1993, De Palma) ****

A very good film about a former drug dealing Puerto Rican hood trying to get straight in life. Features great performances by Pacino and Penn, aswell as Penelope Ann Miller. Also, a very humorous performance by Luis Guzman. ("Come on papi, it'll be fun! Come on!") This film is very good, arguably better than Scarface. (Though I like it better than SF, SF is a better overrall film.)

RRA shared this tid bit with me, did you know Brando was supposed to play the part of Tony T? A Corleone reunion, eh?

Apocalypse Now (1979, Coppola) ****

The story of a man sent to kill a Colonel gone crazy in the jungles of Vietnam, this film is an excellent metaphor to the craziness of the Vietnam War. Marlon Brando and Martin Sheen are simply exquisite, with excellent support from Robert Duvall, this film's one of the best ever. Francis Ford Coppola's last "EXCELLENT" film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 04:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Letizia B.:
Oh man, I saw The Mission in high school for a history class. What a boring movie... which is weird because I love both Deniro and Jeremy Irons!! I almost fell asleep though. Ugh.
DITTO! I was disappointed because I was hoping for more with a team like De Niro & Irons
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 06:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
The Mission *

Pretty dull and boring

It's one of the most beautiful movies I ever watched! And the music score -- the music score!!!!! Absolutely heavenly!
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 07:03 AM

Hey guys, let me introduce you to my friend Lavinia. She likes boring movies, but she's still really cool.

You know I'm kidding, Lav. Well I'm kidding about the first part-- the second part about you being really cool is true. :p
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 07:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Letizia B.:
You know I'm kidding, Lav. Well I'm kidding about the first part-- the second part about you being really cool is true. :p
Thanks, Letizia, my Californian friend whose neighbors are movie stars! BTW, I got this feeling we cross at this time of the day when I begin working (partilly still asleep) and you go sleeping, it that true?
Oh, and it's because I'm so damn cool that I can stand boring movies. I focus on myself and forget about the movies!! :p :p
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 07:54 AM

Good idea, I should do that too. Next time I'm watching a boring movie, I'll think of you.

And yeah, it's only 12:53 am here. I go to bed around 3. I always catch our BB's Europeans on their morning... it's funny. Sometimes I even catch the New Yorkers on their morning... that's even weirder. :p
Posted By: LaFamiglia

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 08:01 AM

I watched The Godfather,Donnie Brasco, Analyze This, Analyze That, The Sicilian and The GodfatherII(3x's) all in this past week.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 04:57 PM

Wait, did you see Cimino's Director's Cut of THE SICILIAN? Apparently, its quite a movie compared to the shitty-theatrical cut.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 05:18 PM

Glory **

It's always good to see Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman but Matthew Brodrick did a fine job as well
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 08:10 PM

The Amityville Horror (1979) *

Pretty cheesey. I liked the newer version better
Posted By: LaFamiglia

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 09:13 PM

I just saw the regular version. It didn't have anything on the dvd except the movie, scene selection and the options(i think). I think it would be cool to have a Mario Puzo commentary with the movies, but he passed away in 1999, so I guess fantasies will be fantasies.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 10:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Glory **

It's always good to see Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman but Matthew Brodrick did a fine job as well
Don't know the film, but the cast looks impressive.
What's it about?
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/05 10:46 PM

Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon

Another great movie by the late Akira Kurosawa. A story about a man, his wife, a bandit and another observer narrated from the different characters, which one is true?
This movie tells us alot about life and the evil in human beings.
Kurosawa's direction is once again incredible. The cast including the great Toshiro Mifune does a good job too.
9/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 05:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Glory **

It's always good to see Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman but Matthew Brodrick did a fine job as well
Don't know the film, but the cast looks impressive.
What's it about? [/b][/quote] Glory
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 05:21 PM

I watched Constantine yesterday and I really liked it. I think the plot was brilliant. Anyone else has seen this movie?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 06:03 PM

I did and was VERY disappointed. Everyone I heard from said it was excellent and probably as good as Sin City. I though it was as bad as Hellboy
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 06:23 PM

In my opinion Constantine was far better than Sin City plot-wise. Hell Boy didn't even have a story to begin with.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 07:31 PM

Cinderella **

I tried watching this at work last night because we were so slow
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 08:20 PM

Rear Window #42 on the AFI Top 100 List **

Wasn't a bad movie at all but I wasn't prepared for the "Phone Booth" type movie (i.e. it was ALL shot in the same place, no scenery changes hardly). I also didn't really like the ending
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 08:48 PM

Hey Irish, go rewatch HELLBOY. Trust me, to say that CONSTANTINE is as bad and mediocre as that really lame film is just....not logical.

CONSTANTINE is an enjoyable nice blockbuster supernatural thriller that was based on a pretty damn good comic book from back in the day in the legendary HELLBLAZER comics. While there was changes from inked-page to big screen that I wasn't exactly thrilled with, like changing a blonde-hair British wanker from Liverpool to Keanu Reeves in Los Angeles. However, I still surprisingly liked the movie. While its not as great as BATMAN BEGINS or SIN CITY, CONSTANTINE is a good simple movie. ***/5

Oddly, HELLBOY(**/5) to me was the lamest and most mediocre-ass comic book movie I had seen until FANTASTIC FOUR earlier this summer....BOMB - */5.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 09:13 PM

Ronnie, now after watching a hundreds of movies, I've come to the conclusion that my taste in movies depends deeply on the plot. I'm not talking about acting, filming or any other aspect of this movie although Gabriel was just fantastic. I loved this movie because I think its story was really great, and as I said it was far better than that of Sin City.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 09:16 PM

Well I enjoyed the story too, but its not the only reason to dig or hate any film. Besides, good acting and direction can be quite useless if the screenplay and especially the story SUCK.

I still think SIN CITY is slightly a better picture(can't decide between ***1/2 or **** out of 5) because of ambition, visual style, and creativity.

Still, CONSTANTINE was a good movie, which we both can agree on.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 09:19 PM

Well then, it is beyond me that why Sin City didn't suck, because it doesn't have a great story. Sin City had some good acting and better visuals IMO. But that's all.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 09:28 PM

SIN CITY didn't exactly have deep stories, but it had effective plot-boiling pulp-garbage tales...which were told quite in a good way.

Thing is, we should be happy that Robert Rodriguez didn't decide to try to write an adapted screenplay of it, since he is quite a mediocre(at best) screenplay writer. No wonder he decided to try to follow the graphic novels themselves.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/05 09:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Thing is, we should be happy that Robert Rodriguez didn't decide to try to write an adapted screenplay of it, since he is quite a mediocre(at best) screenplay writer. No wonder he decided to try to follow the graphic novels themselves.
I think that was either accidental or he didn't have enough time! :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 01:42 AM

Titanic - (James Cameron;1997;USA) - *
A love affair blooms between a rich girl and a poor man on the doomed Titanic.
The plot is mediocre and I really can't stand Celine Deon's voice on that song, but that aside James Cameron should be admired, considering his passion for this film that shows with how the film looks, and many things and shots are technically great. The corniness takes a toll unfortunately, and there are several cliches apparent. Winslet is very good, although DiCaprio wasn't as good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 02:22 AM

West Side Story #41 on the AFI Top 100 List *

I was pretty disappointed with this because I had seen some of it before and thought it was better than this
Posted By: Omar Suarez

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 03:14 PM

A History of Violence
(2005/David Cronenberg)
**** out of ****
[First Viewing]

A small town man becomes a hero after killing two hoodlums who hold up his restaurant.

Powerful, unnerving, and chilling are some of the words used to describe this masterpiece, but many critics have failed to mention the amazing performance by Viggo Mortensen, easily the best of the decade. He embodies his character so well, and is always believable. There has not been such a dynamic character like this since Al Pacino played Michael Corleone in "The Godfather". And dare I say Mortensen is even better?
The film is so thought provoking, exploring themes of identity and the lives we make for ourselves. Maria Bello is excellent as the confused wife, Ed Harris truly frightening in a 'Max Cady' type of role, and William Hurt is darkly hilarious as a mob boss. The direction is slow and observant, never glorifying violence, but only showing us the darkness of it.
In my opinion, this is the best film of 2005, and it will be hard to surpass.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 03:26 PM

Omar, I hate you. That movie I've been pimping for the last few weeks doesn't come out in my region...yet..and you get to see it?!!?

WHAT THE ^%*#$!?!?!?

Okay, I'm cool. Omar, glad to hear the movie rocks as I thought would.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 03:30 PM

A History of Violence is playing near me, and not only that but it's the shitty theater that plays all the comic book movies and teen comedies.

I'll probably set out to see it within the week, considering it's one of the more interesting films to me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 06:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Omar, I hate you. That movie I've been pimping for the last few weeks doesn't come out in my region...yet..and you get to see it?!!?

WHAT THE ^%*#$!?!?!?

Okay, I'm cool. Omar, glad to hear the movie rocks as I thought would.
It's playing near me too. You guys haven't gotten it yet in Florida? A friend of mine was gonna watch it last night but he already promised to help me write a paper so we're gonna see it Wednesday when we both have off. But a friend of are's went to see it last night and gave it a 9.2 or something (I guess out of a 10 point scale)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 07:22 PM

Wow Irishman, you think everyone lives in Florida?

No, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE doesn't play in the white-trash-laden lands of East Tennessee...at least not yet.

Then again Irish, I doubt you would like the movie. I mean, from what I've read, there is nothing "pimp" in the movie for you to dig....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 07:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Wow Irishman, you think everyone lives in Florida?

No, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE doesn't play in the white-trash-laden lands of East Tennessee...at least not yet.

Then again Irish, I doubt you would like the movie. I mean, from what I've read, there is nothing "pimp" in the movie for you to dig....
Hey I almost put miami Well I just thought you were from there because you like the heat, marlins and dolphins. As for the movie, I think I'll like it. I've only seen the preview once or twice but it looks good. I might not enjoy it as much as you but I'm going in there with the expectation that I'll like it. But I've heard that there's a sex scene with Maria Bello and call me old fashion but I think that's pretty "pimp"
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 07:44 PM

I'll be watching A History of Violence and Domino this month. I'm also heavily interested in Manderlay.

While Tony Scott is a mediocre director I still enjoy his movies a lot. Domino is supposedly a horrible film in every way after a few comments I've read, and it does look like a visual remake of Man on Fire, but I'll still see it.

A History of Violence is being praised, mostly for it's use of gritty violence. I just watched a cable special on the making, where Cronenberg said he wanted the type of uncoordinated violence you'd see on a street in real life, rather then use slow motion or other effects. The film looks very good.

Manderlay still lacks a release date I believe.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 07:51 PM

I totally forgot about Domino. Thanks for reminding me DV. With everything going on and with all the release dates for the film I guess I lost track. I'll DEFINITELY be seeing it and I can't wait for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire next month
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 08:28 PM

No Stars = Stop the torturing (From Justin to Kelly)
* = Garbage (Lionheart)
** = Watchable (Rocky III)
*** = Very good (Serpico)
**** = Excellent (Chinatown)

Wanted to post my rating system so everyone knows.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 09:49 PM

Most Beautiful Man in the World ***
2002, Duffy, GB
1st; big screen
On a hot day, a small girl becomes bored and ventures into the field neighbouring her house, where she meets a mysterious stranger.
Ambiguous, claustrophobically filmed short left open to the viewer.

Salaryman 6 ***
2004, Knight, GB
1st; big screen
An office worker wakes up to find he has lost all memory of his life; he tries to piece it back together again, with a camera.
Interesting short with a great eye for detail and tremendous use of visual metaphors.

RND#06 Underworld ***
2001, Fenwick, GB
1st; big screen
The data-obsessed world which lies beneath an idyllic community.
Experimental short which gets its message across in the confined time.

RND#24 Artificial Worlds ***
2001, Fenwick, GB
1st; big screen
Rural idylls transform into modern digital images.
Another half-and-half piece which depicts the contrasts between the old world and the new.

Full Moon Safari ***
2002, Hibon, GB
1st; big screen
A werewolf prowls for food on a highway.
Well-animated short, which picked up a Best Flash Animation award at a Barcelona animation festival.

Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 11:09 PM

I Heart Huckabees (2004) - ***1/2
Director: David O. Russell
A married couple offers services as detectives to investigate existential happenings.

I enjoyed this alot. Funny, well put together, and an interesting piece. It seemed as if it were molded specifically to fit my whacked out sense of humor. The entire cast does a great job, and the premise is rather amusing. I'd reccomend this to anyone who isn't a humorless prick.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 11:31 PM

Oh Irish, if you only know what you're getting yourself into when you step into the wacky world of filmmaker David Cronenberg....bring a floatation device with ya.

And LLC, nice review of a nice movie from 2004...
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/05 11:43 PM

Holiday

Catched this movie on TV by chance. An interesting and entertaining movie. But what stood out most was Katharine Hepburn. I have to admit this was the first Kataharine Hepburn movie I've seen, and I just recognized what I missed. What a wonderful actress. She can be powerful, warm, lovely and everything at the same time. She has great charisma and a strong presence on the set. I cant wait to see her other movies, especially "African Queen" with Bogart and her other performances she got an Oscar for.And I never thought I would say this, but here we've seen an actress who looked more beautiful than Ingrid Bergman did in Casablanca. Simply beautiful.

Maybe the one who will force Meryl Streep to the second rank on my fav. actresses list?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/05 02:25 AM

I just saw Lord of War the other day, probably wouldn't have gone if it wasnt for a personal recommendation from my friend. Enjoyed it more then I thought I would, visually stunning opening sequence, fast-paced and also funny, in a sort of Coen Brothers kind of way. Nick Cage is at his best, role seems tailor made for him. The story works on many levels, Jared Leto and Ethan Hawke were also good. It kept popping into my head that the film was sort of like a Goodfellas type movie except about gun-running. Overall, a definite recommendation. Ill watch it again once its out on dvd, seems to have potential to become one of my favorites.

One exciting thing to note also, I saw the Jarhead trailer for the first time, got me really excited, it looks excellent.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/05 05:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Oh Irish, if you only know what you're getting yourself into when you step into the wacky world of filmmaker David Cronenberg....bring a floatation device with ya.
That's what suspect_5 told me. I've never seen anything by the director so I'll take your word for it. Thanks for the warning.

Rope **

We were so slow at work I got to watch this. I enjoyed it and thought the idea was pretty good. I believe it was Hitchcock's first color movie. I'm starting to get more into Hitchcock and I'm liking Jimmy Stewart more and more
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/05 04:45 AM

Following
An excellent small budget movie about a writer secretly following people to get new ideas for his work. Scenes are not sequential, there is a lot of switching back and forth in time.

Solaris
OK sci-fi movie starring George Clooney. An Astronaut finds his dead wife when he visits the planet Solaris!

Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels
Excellent comedy from Britain. A bunch of goofy thugs. Highly recommended.

Snatch
Another excellent movie from the same director as lock,stock. Similar in theme and treatment though. Must Watch.

Out of Sight
Total crap starring Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney

Requiem for a dream
Very good movie on drug abuse. Artistically made.

Platoon
Nice movie on vietnam war. Charlie Sheen is a small time soldier who joins the army quitting his college in the hope of serving his country. What he finds in vietnam truly shocks him and he is a happy man when he returns.

Apocalypse Now The Redux (Re-watching)
One of my all time favorites. A movie on changing characters amidst horror of death and madness in vietnam. A long movie, but interesting every moment of it. Excellent performance from Martin Sheen and Robert Duvall. Brando is good too, nothing spectacular from him.

Dead Man
An artistically made movie starring Johnny Depp. Nice background scores and cinematography. Little slow paced.

Crash
A nice movie on racism and stereotypes in US. A lot of familiar actors. Some hard-to-believe coincidences affect the overall quality of the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/05 08:34 AM

High Tension ***

OMG! That's all I can say about this movie. I really didn't know it was French but it didn't matter that this was my first "foreign horror movie." It's basically the French version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and blows the new Amityville Horror out of the water! I'll DEFINITELY purchase this on DVD on the 11th and recommend it to anyone looking for a great horror flick!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/05 09:40 AM

Glad you saw Dead Man Svsg. It's definitely one of the overlooked films of the 90's.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/05 01:01 PM

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ***
2004, Gondry, US
(1st time)
When the female of a young couple gets her memory erased of the guy, he wants the same treatment.
A clever, original piece which when brought to its basic bare bones is a delightful romance story, and the memories that form from such relationships.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/05 07:29 PM

North By Northwest #40 on the AFI Top 100 List **

I found this to be quite boring in parts but I did like Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint was also very good
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/05 09:14 PM

Hotel Rwanda



A really powerful and emotional film
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/05 09:15 PM

A History of Violence ***
2005, Cronenberg, US
1st time; big screen
A small-town diner owner finds himself at the centre of attention of vicious gangsters when he inadvertantly kills a would-be robber.
A complex look at violence and how it is conventionally depicted and exploited by Hollywood. Unpredictable throughout, it provokes and excites with an underlying unease.

Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/05 09:24 PM

SWEET, glad you dig the movie Capo. Now you gotta check out Cronenberg's other gems like VIDEODROME, DEAD RINGERS, NAKED LUNCH, and of course THE FLY.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/05/05 01:02 AM

Nirvana: Unplugged in New York - (Beth McCarthy-Miller;1993;USA) - ****
Nirvana performs an all acoustic concert with original music, and some cover songs, with Cris and Curt of the Meat Puppets as a guest.
Nirvana's best live moment and a classic live performance in general. Every song is done wonderfully, my favorite being the David Bowie cover of The Man Who Sold the World. The downloaded quality wasn't amazing but it was viewable. The moments in between songs are also fun to watch. What are they tuning, a harp?

I really need to see another movie soon. I'll try to get The Game in by Thursday.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/05/05 07:56 AM

Eternal **
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/05/05 10:36 PM

A History of Violence **

Ronnie's prediction that I wouldn't like it was wrong. I did like it but I didn't think it was great (however my friend did). It was slow and I'm glad I knew that going into it but Ed Harris and the father of the kid in the beginning (the guy in the black coat) were awesome
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/05/05 11:28 PM

Just curious, what's the "Eternal" above? Did you accidentally delete part of the post?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/05/05 11:32 PM

No I didn't forget anything, it was just almost 3am and I needed to be up at 8am so I made it short and sweet. Here's more info
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/06/05 05:15 PM

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre ***
1974, Hooper, US
3rd time
A group of travelling friends are killed one-by-one by a masked maniac, and the final victim-to-be is terrorised by his cannibal relatives.
Unrelenting shock treatment; wonderful use of sound and heavy visuals, and the cumulative effect is brilliantly realised.

Mick
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 08:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
The plot is mediocre and I really can't stand Celine Deon's voice on that song, but that aside James Cameron should be admired, considering his passion for this film that shows with how the film looks, and many things and shots are technically great. The corniness takes a toll unfortunately, and there are several cliches apparent. Winslet is very good, although DiCaprio wasn't as good.
How can you be so cruel, DV???? I HEART TITANIC!!!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 08:59 AM

Doctor Zhivago #39 on the AFI Top 100 List *

Very disappointing and pretty boring
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 10:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Doctor Zhivago [b]#39 on the AFI Top 100 List *

Very disappointing and pretty boring [/b]
Irish, glad you gave me the opportunity to post a link to an essay I wrote and posted last night.

I'd appreciate it if you gave this a read. Especially the third and fourth paragraphs, if nothing else.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 01:08 PM

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003, Nispel) *

A very cruddy remake which tries to put more gore in to make it even more effective, which it fails miserably on. Really takes a million dollar Hollywood turn from the original's garbagey type cinematography. Just overall a bad idea to remake a horror classic.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 01:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Very disappointing and pretty boring
Irish, when I was younger I felt more or less like you about this movie. I recently rewatched it after a long long time and I totally enjoyed it. We may find disappointing and boring something we are not able to understand and appreciate when we are too young. Luckily we can understand things better and change our judgement as time goes by. It's one of the the very few positive things to happen when we get older. Thus I'd suggest you to rewatch this great movie when you are older.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 04:49 PM

Raging Bull

I know all of you have seen it before, but I watched it for the first time completely. Excellent movie. The length of the movie was just right, leaving me wanting for more. I was wondering about one thing though. A montage scene was filmed in color. What was its purpose? Was it the only happy times in Jake's life? Any of you have an interpretation?
I have watched only 4 films of Scorcese - Raging Bull, Gangs of NY, Goodfellas and Aviator. I liked this the best. De Niro is amazing. The age of his wife, 15 - 20, is totally unbeleivable. She looked like 30 to me!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 05:37 PM

Glad you quite dug what some argue to be the greatest sports movie of all time in RAGING BULL.

If I remember right, Scorsese's point with the colored-section of the film was to prevent home made-esque family pictures, which while they are "happy", you can tell from their eyes that their emotions aren't exactly honest.

To be honest with you, I think "Jake's" only happy time in his life was when he was in the ring, for he really was an animal, and his usually contained-rage going unleashed against the poor sucker in the ring with him. Besides, notice that he became even worse of a person once he quit boxing. Just imagine what if a dancing monkey doesn't have an organ grinder?

Glad you dig Scorsese so far. You should also go watch Scorsese's CASINO, THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, TAXI DRIVER, MEAN STREETS, and KING OF COMEDY. There are more, but those are really the titles that any movie buff should check out.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 05:40 PM

I really hated Michael Bay's TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake. If you really want to see a remake of the 70's horror classic that is "up to date" but still respectful of its redneck garbage horror-slasher-ploitation roots, check out Rob Zombie's flawed-but-bomb-bastic HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES(**1/2 out of 5) and his superior truely slick nasty sequel THE DEVIL'S REJECTS(***/5).

You know, I kinda knew Bay's remake was screwed when he reportedly said that his remake wouldn't be as "gory" as the original....except those that have seen the original know that there literally is zero gore.

Michael Bay...what an assclown.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 09:23 PM

Pépé le Moko **
1936, Duvivier, Fr
1st time' big screen
A gangster living in the sanctuary of the Algerian casbah falls for a girl who reminds him of Paris.
A film noir precursor which at times belies its age, but leaves the feeling of being dated. Gabin's performance, his first key role, keeps it going, especially in the latter half.

Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 10:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Doctor Zhivago [b]#39 on the AFI Top 100 List *

Very disappointing and pretty boring [/b]
Every fucking movie in the world is too fucking boring for you. Argh.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/05 10:36 PM

Keep the peace, DVC. Don't wanna get into hot water again.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 12:14 AM

Besides DVC, some people just aren't worth permanent banishment. Trust me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 12:48 AM

Irish, why was DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, a great David Lean picture, boring? I mean was the story sluggish or the direction weak, or what? I mean just wondering...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 01:35 AM

I wanted to ask if anyone here has seen Il Conformista, also known as The Conformist. Ive read that its pretty good, I liked the general concept, and Im pretty interested in seeing it, but the chances of that happening without me signing up for Netflix seem like next to nothing.

Here's a link for anyone unfamiliar with this film.

Anyone seen it?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 01:42 AM

I haven't seen it but I have a TCM print taped. It's supposedly one of the greatest films. I haven't watched it yet because TCM played it dubbed in English. It's coming out on DVD some time in the near future.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 02:02 AM

Thats good news. Hopefully somewhere around here will actually carry it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 02:10 AM

I just watched Seven Samurai for the first time. What an amazing film it is. One of the best I've ever seen.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 02:16 AM

Thats another one Ive been meaning to pick up. Im interested to hear you say that its one of your favorites after your first viewing.

For almost all of my favorite films, I didnt realize how much I liked them until after repeat viewings, with some notable exceptions. But if this film has become one of your favorites after one viewing, it really must be pretty damn good.

Just interested to know, what other films do you consider your favorites? Maybe if we have similar tastes Ill also like this movie.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 04:43 AM

I never said it was one of my favorites -- I said it was one of the best films I've ever seen. There's a difference.

My favorite movies include The Deer Hunter, Unforgiven, Mean Streets, The Godfather part 2, and Memento.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 04:57 AM

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 05:02 AM

You know what else is Waiting? My refund from Steven Spielberg.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 05:07 AM

The Terminal (2004; Speilberg) **

A very decent film by Speilberg about a man with no country stuck in a New York City Airport Terminal. Very good performance by Hanks, though they both have done better.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 05:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I just watched Seven Samurai for the first time. What an amazing film it is. One of the best I've ever seen.
Glad You liked it, and nice to see You back DVC
Seven Samurai is an amazing movie, right behind The Godfather II and The Godfather I in my book. A timeless masterpiece.

And Dr. Zhivago boring? I mean I can understand why some people have a problem with its length, but to me this is another masterpiece, not as good as Lawrence of Arabia but still very good. Omar Sharif and the beautiful Julie Christie are simply great in it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 06:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Doctor Zhivago [b]#39 on the AFI Top 100 List
*

Very disappointing and pretty boring [/b]
Every fucking movie in the world is too fucking boring for you. Argh. [/b][/quote]Apparentely NOT since I did enjoy many movies this year including Sin City, Batman Begins and recently A History of Violence among others
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 06:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Irish, why was DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, a great David Lean picture, boring? I mean was the story sluggish or the direction weak, or what? I mean just wondering...
No I did like the direction somewhat but it was moreso the story. Usually, when I'm counting down the minutes to when a movie will end and I'm pulling my hair out waiting, it's boring
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 08:24 AM

Unleashed **

More story than a$$ kicking. This is only the 2nd Jet Li movie I've seen. Bob Hoskins who plays his Uncle Bart did a great job in it!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 03:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] I just watched Seven Samurai for the first time. What an amazing film it is. One of the best I've ever seen.
Glad You liked it, and nice to see You back DVC
Seven Samurai is an amazing movie, right behind The Godfather II and The Godfather I in my book. A timeless masterpiece.[/b][/quote]Thank you, and yes, I would rank The Godfather parts 1 and 2, and Seven Samurai as the top 3 movies in terms of story telling.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 04:14 PM

Quote:
More story than a$$ kicking.
Just curious, are your ratings by quality or entertainment?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 04:18 PM

Entertainment
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 05:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Glad you quite dug what some argue to be the greatest sports movie of all time in RAGING BULL.

If I remember right, Scorsese's point with the colored-section of the film was to prevent home made-esque family pictures, which while they are "happy", you can tell from their eyes that their emotions aren't exactly honest.

To be honest with you, I think "Jake's" only happy time in his life was when he was in the ring, for he really was an animal, and his usually contained-rage going unleashed against the poor sucker in the ring with him. Besides, notice that he became even worse of a person once he quit boxing. Just imagine what if a dancing monkey doesn't have an organ grinder?

Glad you dig Scorsese so far. You should also go watch Scorsese's CASINO, THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, TAXI DRIVER, MEAN STREETS, and KING OF COMEDY. There are more, but those are really the titles that any movie buff should check out.
Thanks for the explanation Ronnie.

Another movie yesterday night:
Station Agent
Small budget movie about 3 interesting characters. It is basically a character study, not much of plot. For 1 hour and 10 min, a good movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 06:29 PM

Neighbours ***
1952, McLaren, Can
1st; big screen
Two neighbours find a flower exactly in the middle of their houses, and quarrel over who it belongs to.
Groundbreaking pixelation animation, crudely done but opening up all the possibilities its kind presents. The story, of two quarrelling neighbours fighting until almost naked (over a flower) is by today's standards disturbing with its homoerotic overtones. But the moral is valid, if obvious.

The Wolfman ***
2000, Hope, GB
1st; big screen
A demented wolf flies on a rocket into a planet.
Award-winning, breakthrough animation for Hope; a bizarre little beast of a film which was later made into a Playstation 2 commercial.

Street of Crocodiles ***
1986, Quay, GB
1st; big screen
A society which breeds robot-like workers, with no room for individual thinking.
Animated short from the Quay brothers, an indictment of the society it depicts, starring brainless, eyeless puppets.

The Bible ***
2004, Amundlien, Nor
1st; big screen
A one minute, quickfire dissection of The Bible.
An animated mockery of The Bible which ends with a Big Bang of sorts. In essence, this is it; no further reading required.

Leonidestorm/Leonid Shower ***
2004, Næss/Engaas, Nor
1st; big screen
Animation to various soundbites of people's wishes in life.
An affecting short which presents a mixture of paradoxical and complimentary visuals to the audio, giving the piece a sense of mounting immediacy.

Save Me ***
1994, Hilton, GB
1st; big screen
The survival of a disaster due to a miracle.
Abstract short which for the most part uses animation and multi-layered sound to conjure up a real sense of atmosphere.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 06:56 PM

Kicking & Screaming *

Not Will Ferrell's best (it's rated PG) but it had it's funny parts. A kids movie that won't be missed any time soon
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/05 08:25 PM

Gjennom mine tykke briller/Through My Thick Glasses **
2004, Sapegin, Nor
1st; big screen
A stubborn, young girl is told by her grandfather of the Nazi occupation and how he learned to love his hat.
An off-beat animation, sentimental storytelling, but the technicalities and visual metaphors compensate.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 04:32 AM

Ben-Hur - (William Wyler;1959;USA) - ****
After a Jewish prince is betrayed by an old friend, he vows that revenge will be served.
One of the greatest epics ever. Everything about this film shows us how great Hollywood was. I don't think Heston's performance was one of the best of all time like many believe, but he had a powerful presence in his role. The famous "Chariot Race" has to be one of the greatest action sequences in cinema, period. It left me amazed at how they could've done it back in the late 50's. It looked more realistic then most films that use CGI today. I'm also amazed at how it flowed so well, never even feeling overlong at nearly four hours.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 04:48 AM

Ben Hur...one of my favorite movies. Flat out AMAZING.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 06:49 AM

That one film i still havn't seen
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 07:10 AM

4 hours, christ.

Even with GFII being 3 1/2 hrs long, I still find myself glancing at the time when Im watching it, even though it is flat out my favorite film of all time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 07:27 AM

Kingdom of Heaven *

I'm not saying the movie wasn't bad (it was made nicely) but I just didn't find the story interesting. I saw it in theaters and didn't like it so decided to give it another shot and still didn't like it. I thought Orlando Bloom was a horrible chioce for the lead role and they could and should have gotten someone else
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 01:49 PM

IMO, movies should not be rated on entertainment. But on quality.

Now watching films to be entertained is awhole different story.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 02:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
4 hours, christ.

Even with GFII being 3 1/2 hrs long, I still find myself glancing at the time when Im watching it, even though it is flat out my favorite film of all time.
Honestly, with Ben Hur, it feels more like 2 hours. I usually glance over the time a lot too, but I didn't do it ONCE when watching Ben Hur. Very very well shot film.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 03:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
4 hours, christ.

Even with GFII being 3 1/2 hrs long, I still find myself glancing at the time when Im watching it, even though it is flat out my favorite film of all time.
Bah, the original cut of Once Upon a Time in America was six hours to be released in two parts.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/05 05:52 PM

I heard this a long time ago but I think Martin Scorsese had to cut up to 45 minutes befor Gangs of New York hit theaters. I would have always liked to see the extra footage, even if the movie ended up being close to 4 hours
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/05 01:36 AM

First Blood - (Ted Kotcheff;1982;USA) -
A Green Beret retreats into the forest after he's harassed by the local police.
This turns out to be a solid film with intelligent action most of the time. It's pretty good. In fact it's probably the only good movie Stallone was in during the 80's. The original ending would've been better. The dark look of the film also adds to the tone.
In top 100
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/05 05:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] First Blood - (Ted Kotcheff;1982;USA) -
A Green Beret retreats into the forest after he's harassed by the local police.
This turns out to be a solid film with intelligent action most of the time. It's pretty good. In fact it's probably the only good movie Stallone was in during the 80's. The original ending would've been better. The dark look of the film also adds to the tone.
In top 100 [/b]
First Blood is one of my favorite movies. The scenes in the cave and the ones where he is making weapons are simply great. These are long scenes without a single dialogue. And they capture the attention completely. Amazing.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/05 06:00 AM



Saw this for the first time last night. My first Hitchcock. I have this thing with old movies where I just feel as though they dont truly capture human emotion and feelings, they all just seem so fake to me. Im talking anything before the late 60's, I just dont feel like I can relate to it at all.

Well, despite my best attempts to feel different about this film, I didnt. I really enjoyed the music, but the story somewhat bored me, and I found the acting to be fairly average. Hitchcock did use some interesting lighting techniques, which they comment on in the making of documentary. I also liked the long sequence when Jimmy Stewart is first following Kim Novak, and its completely silent, no dialogue, for like 20 minutes.

I didnt quite understand where Hitchcock got the nickname "Master of Suspense" based on this film. There were a couple shocking moments, namely when Novak takes a header into the Bay or at the end when the shadowy nun scares Stewart in the bell tower, but as far as suspense, I didnt feel it.

Ultimately, this film just fell to the curse, as I explained earlier. Im still planning to see Psycho and North by Northwest, and Im really trying to appreciate Hitchcock, so maybe Ill like them better.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/05 06:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Well, despite my best attempts to feel different about this film, I didnt. [.....]
I didnt quite understand where Hitchcock got the nickname "Master of Suspense" based on this film.


Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
and Im really trying to appreciate Hitchcock, so maybe Ill like them better.
c'mon, MMTH, give Psycho a chance! Please, do it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/05 10:46 AM

MMTH, your conscious effort to broaden your horizons is admirable; keep it up! And I can relate to you, somewhat, in being disappointed by Vertigo (1958). It wasn't my first Hitchcock film, but it was the first one where I was left afterwards thinking, "Is this supposed to be his best work?" I had found Foreign Correspondent (1940) and Psycho (1960) much more enjoyable films. But now, since going back to Vertigo (and I intend to do the same soon), I appreciate it more and more every time. It's his most complex film, in terms of narrative and character, I think.

In short: Vertigo may perhaps not be the best film to start off with Hitch. Try, for quicker, less "deep" films, the following: Foreign Correspondent (1940), Rope (1948), Rear Window (1954), North by Northwest (1959), or Psycho (1960).

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/05 11:01 AM

Speaking of Hitchcock, last night I watched a corker.

Young and Innocent
1937, Hitchcock, GB
(1st time)
A man wrongly accused of murder goes on the run with the chief inspector's daughter, in search of the real killer.
The opening scene captures its audience from the off; the climax is as enthralling as any a Hitchcock ending; inbetween, its fine wit and consistent performances mark it a thoroughly satisfying yarn.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/05 05:26 PM

High Tension ***

This was my 2nd time viewing this movie and as it didn't have the same affect and surprises as it did the first time around obviously, I still rather enjoyed it and it's one of the best horror movies I've seen in recent memory which is saying something with all the Japanese crap we're getting into with The Ring 2, The Grudge, Dark Water which I know aren't exaclty "horror" flicks but still suspensful. I thought the lighting really stood out to me because there was one scene where the lead character is sitting on a swing smoking and just the light that is lit from above her, or when her head pops out of the darkness is that is all we see of her (not the rest of her body). The makeup was also done very very well!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/05 06:24 PM

Vertigo is probably the greatest film ever made...by the greatest filmmaker of all time. Every other Hitchcok film pales in comparison to this masterpiece.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/05 01:35 PM

Hamlet
1996, Branagh, GB
(1st time)
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, seeks to avenge his father's death.
An ambitious, sweeping work of only the utmost effort: Branagh's performance carries the whole piece, with many a famous face popping up all around him in cameos left right and centre. A fine achievement.

[Note: this was only ther 122-minute version; I expect to see the full-length, 232-minute version soon.]

Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 12:44 AM

Just watched Taxi Driver for the millionth time. That movie never gets old to me. There is absolutely nothing negative anybody could ever say about this film. Scorsese's best, and one of the greatest of all time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 04:54 AM

Waiting **

The previews I think made it out to be funnier than it was but it had it's moments. I think if the viewer were a waiter/waitresses it might have been funnier to them as it was to my friend
Posted By: wedgehed

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 06:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
But what stood out most was Katharine Hepburn. I have to admit this was the first Kataharine Hepburn movie I've seen, and I just recognized what I missed. What a wonderful actress. She can be powerful, warm, lovely and everything at the same time. She has great charisma and a strong presence on the set. I cant wait to see her other movies, especially "African Queen" with Bogart and her other performances she got an Oscar for.
I strongly recommend you watch The Lion In Winter starring Katherine Hepburn & Peter O'Toole. The movie also features Anthony Hopkins & Timothy Dalton in early movie roles. If you think the Corleone family is bad, just wait until you meet the Plantagenets!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 07:56 AM

Batman Begins ** 1/2

This was my 2nd time viewing this movie and I enjoyed it more so than I did in the theaters. Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman and Cillian Murphy were all very enjoyable. I liked Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne but not so much as Batman. He just didn't do it for me with the costume and his voice the second time around. This is a pretty good movie but it's not the "best comic book movie ever" as I've heard many people calling it. IMO it's grossly overrated
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 09:22 AM

How convenient Irish, for I'll issue my complete re-analysis and rebuttal thoughts on BATMAN BEGINS by tuesday/wednesday next week for RRA'S VIDEO BIN REVIEW, which would mark the first new-release picture to have garnered useless spotlight out of my column.

Yes, and BATMAN BEGINS is actually the best comic book-adaptation motion picture ever, yet so is SIN CITY. How so? Stay tune for my column.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 09:34 AM

Well, Katie Holmes didn't have any sexy scenes last I remember Ron. :p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 09:41 AM

nor was Tarantino advertized as being a "Special Guest Director"...of course, I wonder if some folks would have called BATMAN BEGINS one of the greatest pictures ever if Tarantino himself only directed a single frame of it. I mean think about that for a moment.

Poor Katie Holmes, she carries the Demon Seed....wait, she isn't poor, forget her!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 10:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Poor Katie Holmes, she carries the Demon Seed....wait, she isn't poor, forget her!
actually I heard she carries Tom Cruise's seed....
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 10:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
nor was Tarantino advertized as being a "Special Guest Director"...of course, I wonder if some folks would have called BATMAN BEGINS one of the greatest pictures ever if Tarantino himself only directed a single frame of it. I mean think about that for a moment.

Poor Katie Holmes, she carries the Demon Seed....wait, she isn't poor, forget her!
Yeah, I hated how they whored his name over a one scene direction. In any other case, their names have to be seen on IMDB by clicking the "more" tab in the director slot.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 12:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
IMO it's grossly overrated
Actually, I believe it's underrated, it fell in the shadow of the overrated Sin City.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 03:15 PM

Both BATMAN BEGINS and SIN CITY rock, but for really different reasons, which you all will understand hopefully when I'll review both.

Anyway, looks like a certain film that involves a State full of Steers & Queers, a machine used to cut trees down, and a film director that got pushed around like a little girl with polio by Steven Spielberg on one film project...well, that certain picture will be my Halloween edition review of RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW.

Finally, stay tune up to that ever-important day for Pagans and Loser Kids to Dress like Fools and prance around, for I'll issue a special recommendable "Fright List" of sorts full of movies for a mini-Halloween Film Marathon that doesn't involve the usual suspects of the Horror Genre, if you get my drift.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/05 11:08 PM

Citizen Kane is on Turner Classic Movies at 8 PM.

Anyone who hasn't seen it shouldn't miss it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/05 02:57 AM

I can't believe it only took me a few hours to download Jean Luc Godard's Weekend from torrentspy.com. I'm so excited. I'm going to be watching it tomorrow night.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/05 08:07 AM

The Hole *

A cheesy & crappy "thriller" about a group of 4 prep school friends who decide to bail on their scheduled weekend field trip and hide in a long-abandoned bomb shelter, expecting to party and hang out. Unfortunately they get locked in but the "who" is the question now isn't it? The only highlight was that Keira Knightley was in it.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/05 08:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wedgehed:
[quote]Originally posted by Aziatic:
[b] But what stood out most was Katharine Hepburn. I have to admit this was the first Kataharine Hepburn movie I've seen, and I just recognized what I missed. What a wonderful actress. She can be powerful, warm, lovely and everything at the same time. She has great charisma and a strong presence on the set. I cant wait to see her other movies, especially "African Queen" with Bogart and her other performances she got an Oscar for.
I strongly recommend you watch The Lion In Winter starring Katherine Hepburn & Peter O'Toole. The movie also features Anthony Hopkins & Timothy Dalton in early movie roles. If you think the Corleone family is bad, just wait until you meet the Plantagenets! [/b][/quote]Thanks for your recommendation, I'll try to get that movie. There are too many movies on my to-see-list though

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I can't believe it only took me a few hours to download Jean Luc Gpdard's Weekend from torrentspy.com. I'm so excited. I'm going to be watching it tomorrow night.
I did the same a few weeks ago after Capo wrote about it but still couldn't get to see it.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/05 09:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
The only highlight was that Keira Knightley was in it.
Why? 'Cause she's teh hottest? :p
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/05 11:22 PM

Barton Fink (1991)

aside the fact that I'd like anything from the Coen Bro's, it's safe to say that I really enjoyed this one. it's not in my personal top 20 list and it's faaar away from Fargo but it's still really good. I had never seen John Turturro like that but he did make the hell of a job. and I also liked John Goodman's acting even though he played the same role he always does - only on the outside. maybe that's why it works so well.

well, how do you movie buffs like this one?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 05:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b]The only highlight was that Keira Knightley was in it.
Why? 'Cause she's teh hottest? :p [/b][/quote]Well yeah Having a pretty face on the screen can never hurt
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 08:58 AM

The Best Years of Our Lives #37 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

A very good story about 3 GI's who return home after World War II and learn to readjust to civilian life. It seemed to run a little long but great performances by Dana Andrews and Harold Russell.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 04:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Mosrite:
[b]Barton Fink (1991)

How do you movie buffs like this one? [/b]
A lot. Engrossing satire turns, disturbing thriller, and allegory to Heaven and Hell; the narrative is delivered by the actors with that rare Coen wit, and the technical wizardry never fails. Glad you enjoyed it.

Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 04:36 PM

Bah. I didn't get a chance to watch Weekend last night. Tonight definitely though.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 04:46 PM

Crash (Haggis, 2005) ***

An excellent film about different people drifting in and out of each other's lives. This film touches upon the gray area of racism and really drives it home during this film. It showed alot of truth. Strong performances all around, one of the best of the year. The best?

I'll be watching Citizen Kane for the first time ever today, will post a review later on.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 05:37 PM

Alexander .
How bad!
And Colin Farrell is an absolute miscast.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 05:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Crash (Haggis, 2005) ****

An excellent film about different people drifting in and out of each other's lives. This film touches upon the gray area of racism and really drives it home during this film. It showed alot of truth. Strong performances all around, one of the best of the year. The best?
I thought Crash was great as well. Most of the people at my work who haven't seen it yet have been renting it by word of mouth. I haven't really heard anyone talk bad about it except a magazine that we get through my work only gave it like * 1/2 or something low like that. They said the director tried too hard with his shooting style and about how the story was weak, etc. Probably the first bad review I'd seen for ths movie
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 05:57 PM

I actually thought the shooting style was one of the film's strong points.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 06:01 PM

Me too, but the story did it for me. I thought it was kinda funny in the beginning with all the racial slurs being thrown around because I wasn't expecting it. My heart went out to Don Cheadle's character though
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 07:00 PM

Another very good movie overrated by IMDB.

The best moment in Crash.

"You embarrass me. You embarrass yourself."
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 07:43 PM

I gotta agree with DV. Haggis' CRASH is a very good/nice drama that is overrated of sorts by many folks...like Eastwood's MILLION DOLLAR BABY, which coincidently was scripted by Haggis.

Still, a nice movie to dig.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 08:19 PM

I agree that Million Dollar Baby was overrated

Midnight Cowboy #36 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

The directing really stood out to me on this one. I really liked how a shot of Jon Voight walking down the street with his radio during the day and night would overlap each other among other shots similar to this. Dustin Hoffman was also very enjoyable as Ratso Rizzo. This is the story of a sleazy con-man (Hoffman) and a Texas "cowboy" Joe Buck (Voight) and their adventures in just trying to survive in the streets of New York City.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 09:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Another very good movie overrated by IMDB.
I don't even pay attention to IMDB's ratings anymore. The people there know next to nothing about film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 09:03 PM

Well, IMDB.com does have some good people, just for every wise film-buff, there are ten assholes that actually make you wonder what mankind is evolving into.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 09:23 PM

THE TRANSPORTER 2 - **1/2 out of 5

I saw this on its opening weekend, yet forgot to review it.

I remember suspect_5's pretty negative review of the movie, and I thought..."If that guy liked BAD BOYS 2 but hated this sequel, what does that say?"

Instead, we get a movie that of sorts actually is an improvement from the first movie of the franchise starring the Limey Bald Badass that is Jason Statham. Instead of a bone-grindingly plot that dragged the film despite the fast editing and Statham kicking ass left and right, we get a plot that works, if only serviceble at best, yet it matches the narrative fine without feeling artificial, as I noticed in my VIDEO BIN REVIEW of the first TRANSPORTER picture.

*SPOILERS*

There are some things I dug about the film. For one, you actually have a villain, which we learn is a mercenary for some generic Latin American drug cartels, who admits that the film's conspiracy of planting a fatal virus at a Conference meeting of all the Drug Czars in the Western Hempishere......really doesn't make any sense, but he does it anyway for the nice paycheck. Really, no melodrama bullshit or lame garbage we're used to.

Maybe of sorts this is Producer/Co-writer Luc Besson's $30 million "Fuck You!" letter to Michael Bay. I mean consider that Bay's BAD BOYS 2 was shot in Miami for a ridiculous $150 million, and yet the $110-120 million cheaper picture THE TRANSPORTER 2, yet contians as much insane stupid shit that we are so used to seeing in Bay's picture, but cheaper and maybe of sorts not as insulting to me..and oh was shot in Miami as well. Consider Statham launching his car into the air to disarm the bomb attached to it, or driving through cement walls(as if they were cardboard) of a skyscraper's roof and landing onto a building next door, and so on.

Grossing over $70 world-wide and still opening up in new foreign territories, and who knows the money it'll do(good rental/selling grosses I say) on DVD.....I guess FOX will call up the services of a "Transporter" for a 3rd time soon?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 09:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
THE TRANSPORTER 2 - **1/2 out of 5

but cheaper and maybe of sorts not as insulting to me..and oh was shot in Miami as well. Consider Statham launching his car into the air to disarm the bomb attached to it, or driving through cement walls(as if they were cardboard) of a skyscraper's roof and landing onto a building next door, and so on.
I saw this movie too on the big screen. It was not insulting to me, but unintentionally hilarious. One of the most insane scenes was that bomb under the car one. All of us clapped when he successfuly detatched the bomb
I also feel that the original premise of the first part,i.e., he transports anything has been totally forgotten . Instead he is just a super hero who can perform extraordinary stunts The french cop was funny though.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/05 11:37 PM

Monster-in-Law - (Robert Luketic;2005;USA) - ZERO
A woman struggles with her future mother-in-law, who is determined to stop the marriage.
We've seen everything in this film before under different plots. Cliche jokes, bad acting, and the whole nine yards. The only good thing about this movie was Elaine Stritch, and she was in one scene towards the end. In the bloopers, Lopez doesn't even know when to start acting.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 12:28 AM

I just finished watching Weekend. What a crazy, sick, twisted perverted movie it is.

One of the best I've ever seen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 01:52 AM

David Cronenberg's THE FLY - ****/5

You know, its actually sad that many of you have never seen a film by legendary Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg. Sad since hes one of the few directors that I know of to have quite a lengthy filmography, yet be consistently good/great or at least interesting, something we probably can't say for many filmmakers we certainly love.

Finally sat down and watched one film of his career that oddly I hadn't seen yet, his one major Hollywood box-office hit in THE FLY. Like John Carpenter's THE THING, Cronenberg's remake of the 50's B-monster sci-fi classic is far superior to the original motion picture, and has amazing puppet/Make-Up FX that is still amazing twenty years after being concocted, along with rather career-peak acting from Jeff Goldblum, who's unfortunately never been given such the lead in a Hollywood film or as much to work with as he has with this picture.

Truely a "Monster Movie" done really well in the horrors, the "High Concept" of the premise, and really of sorts a sad story with a not-so-happy conclusion.

Honestly, it really re-enforced how honestly that the American Horror cinema itself at the present time is so damn awful, weak, repetitive, and boring(except for maybe Rob Zombie's who's THE DEVIL'S REJECTS did impress me).

While Cronenberg has apparently a leading Oscar-contender in A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, also check out some of his other pictures in THE FLY certainly, but also VIDEODROME, NAKED LUNCH, THE DEAD ZONE, SCANNERS, THE BROOD, EXISTENZ, and so on.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 02:01 AM

"I saw this movie too on the big screen. It was not insulting to me, but unintentionally hilarious. One of the most insane scenes was that bomb under the car one. All of us clapped when he successfuly detatched the bomb
I also feel that the original premise of the first part,i.e., he transports anything has been totally forgotten . Instead he is just a super hero who can perform extraordinary stunts The french cop was funny though."

Then again, one could argue that his job was "transporting" the kid....nah, you're right, the original premise was really lost. Then again, remember that the title of the first LETHAL WEAPON movie was about the nut-job crazy Mel Gibson that is unpredictable...yet that idea was certainly lost quickly as the sequels went by.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 03:54 AM

Dial "M" for Murder (1953) First Viewing
Directed By: Alfred Hitchcock
Rating: ****/****


Slow but inteligent build-up, quick climax and suspenseful conclusion, help make this film amoung Hitchcock's best.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 04:57 AM

Jersey Girl - (Kevin Smith;2004;USA) -
After his wife dies and he loses his job, a publicist must take care of his daughter alone as well as live with his father again.
This could've easily been another average romantic comedy, but Smith's dialogue enhances the film, and makes us care for the characters more. I'm also glad it focused more on the father theme of the film rather then the romance, which is minimal compared to most romantic comedies. It's not as good as Smith's other work due to some poor moments, but it turns out to be a good movie. Smith also seems to care about his characters more then the average director.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 05:54 AM

It Happened One Night #35 on the AFI Top 100 List * 1/2

The story of a world-weary reporter who crosses paths with a runaway heiress. My first Clark Gable movie and he and Claudette Colbert were both very enjoyable. However, other than them nothing stood out to me or did anything for me

Domino ***

I had been anticipating the release of this movie for months now and although I built the movie up in my head (which it wasn't as good as I was hoping for), I still did enjoy it very much. The movie is shot pretty much exactly the same way Man on Fire was. I really liked Lucy Lui even though she wasn't given much camera time. There was a good amount of humor in this movie which helped ease the tension with the story being told by our young bounty hunter friend. And if you guys thought you heard the lines "My name is Domino Harvey. I am a bounty hunter" or "Heads you live, tailes you die" just wait until you see the movie. I was sick of hearing them by the end but overall a very good movie that should be viewed in the theater
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 06:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
It Happened One Night [b]#35 on the AFI Top 100 List * 1/2

The story of a world-weary reporter who crosses paths with a runaway heiress. My first Clark Gable movie and he and Claudette Colbert were both very enjoyable. However, other than them nothing stood out to me or did anything for me

Domino ***

I had been anticipating the release of this movie for months now and although I built the movie up in my head (which it wasn't as good as I was hoping for), I still did enjoy it very much. The movie is shot pretty much exactly the same way Man on Fire was. I really liked Lucy Lui even though she wasn't given much camera time. There was a good amount of humor in this movie which helped ease the tension with the story being told by our young bounty hunter friend. And if you guys thought you heard the lines "My name is Domino Harvey. I am a bounty hunter" or "Heads you live, tailes you die" just wait until you see the movie. I was sick of hearing them by the end but overall a very good movie that should be viewed in the theater [/b]
My friend I cannot help but just laugh at your taste in film. A witty, urbane and grand screwball comedy that happenes to be lauded by critics and audiences alike; has the marvelous work of Clark Gable and Claudete Colbert and has the direction of one of he great directors; just doesn't suit you yet you'll give three stars to a film made by a director who needs a new godamned editor because every time he makes a cut I feel like I'm having a goddamn seizure.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 07:36 AM

South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut - (Trey Parker;1999;USA) -
After the South Park kids start swearing because of a Terrence and Phillip movie from Canada, America declares war on Canada.
A great satire from Parker and Stone. Sure it's raunchy but it wouldn't be South Park any other way. Almost scene proves to be hilarious from mocking movie cliches to Saddam Hussein. One of the best comedies (if not the best) to come from the last ten years.

[about women and their periods]
Mr. Garrison: ...I'm Sorry Wendy, but I don't trust anything that bleeds for five days and doesn't die.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 10:40 AM

I havent watched that movie since it first came out. Maybe I should give it a rewatch, see if it fits my (slightly) more mature sense of humor.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 01:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Sullivan:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] It Happened One Night [b]#35 on the AFI Top 100 List
* 1/2

The story of a world-weary reporter who crosses paths with a runaway heiress. My first Clark Gable movie and he and Claudette Colbert were both very enjoyable. However, other than them nothing stood out to me or did anything for me

Domino ***

I had been anticipating the release of this movie for months now and although I built the movie up in my head (which it wasn't as good as I was hoping for), I still did enjoy it very much. The movie is shot pretty much exactly the same way Man on Fire was. I really liked Lucy Lui even though she wasn't given much camera time. There was a good amount of humor in this movie which helped ease the tension with the story being told by our young bounty hunter friend. And if you guys thought you heard the lines "My name is Domino Harvey. I am a bounty hunter" or "Heads you live, tailes you die" just wait until you see the movie. I was sick of hearing them by the end but overall a very good movie that should be viewed in the theater [/b]
My friend I cannot help but just laugh at your taste in film. A witty, urbane and grand screwball comedy that happenes to be lauded by critics and audiences alike; has the marvelous work of Clark Gable and Claudete Colbert and has the direction of one of he great directors; just doesn't suit you yet you'll give three stars to a film made by a director who needs a new godamned editor because every time he makes a cut I feel like I'm having a goddamn seizure. [/b][/quote]Well we all have our different tastes now don't we. There are many members here who have a certain taste in films that I laugh at as well. That's the beauty of America, diversity! BTW, I don't like "screwball comedies" at all but I do enjoy Tony Scott's editing/directing
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 02:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut - (Trey Parker;1999;USA) -
After the South Park kids start swearing because of a Terrence and Phillip movie from Canada, America declares war on Canada.
A great satire from Parker and Stone. Sure it's raunchy but it wouldn't be South Park any other way. Almost scene proves to be hilarious from mocking movie cliches to Saddam Hussein. One of the best comedies (if not the best) to come from the last ten years.

[about women and their periods]
Mr. Garrison: ...I'm Sorry Wendy, but I don't trust anything that bleeds for five days and doesn't die. [/b]
FUNNIEST.

MOVIE.

EVER.

Chef: Have you ever heard of the Emancipation Proclomation?

Commander: I don't listen to Hip-Hop.


Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 05:45 PM

I found Crash to be an ultimately conservative film which was over-written, over-acted, and a powerful punch in the gut for anybody who could suspend disbelief for its 112-minutes running time. A film not without its explosive moments of potential, but for a melodrama full of dramatic irony and overkill, the final impression is dubious: an ambitious directorial debut effort, and yet it seems to offer no further insight into racism than what we already know.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 05:52 PM

Du Rififi chez les hommes/Rififi
1955, Dassin, Fr
1st time; big sceen
Professional thieves hitch a master jewel heist, but only one of them abides by their secret code of honour, and it all ends sour.
Highly influential heist film, famous for its half-hour silent robbery scene, which is a fine accomplishment of meticulous filmmaking, a precursor for the likes of Melville; its finest moments, however, come after the heist, with bad villains ruthlessly taking out the good villains, making for a tense, last desperate effort finale.

---
For the record, I don't think anybody's tastes in film can, or should, be laughed at. There are cultural and critical significances to be found in just about anybody's reaction to Art. From Irishman's taste, for instance, we know he enjoys films to which he can relate--if that means the majority of them must be contemporary, colourful, noisy action flicks, then so be it; I think it's admirable that he's even giving conscious time to films he wouldn't normally watch. Mike Sullivan, on the other hand, being interested in history in general, doesn't mind--or even prefers--to delve into Cinema's past in order to find what he likes.

If anything, I think both these tastes are slightly prejudiced towards the other side--Irishman approaches a '30s black and white melodrama with as much preceding caution and reservation as Mike approaches the newest summer blockbuster. Mike, have you seen Domino?

Thanks for reading,
Mick
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 06:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Du Rififi chez les hommes/Rififi
1955, Dassin, Fr
1st time; big sceen
[/b]
I want to see that movie soon, because a Remake is announced starring Mr. Alfredo Pacino in 2007

Link
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 06:13 PM

Yeah; the whole attraction and merit of Dassin's film is its subtle, meticulous, and realistic approach. I watched it as part of a French Film Noir course, and part of the discussion after viewing always tends to find its way onto comparisons with American Cinema; it was concluded that the themes Rififi deals with and the nature with which it does so wouldn't work in Hollywood. For starters, Pacino won't be able to keep still or silent for half-an-hour, and instead of being professional thieves on a job, there'd be at least one explosion thrown in, to be heard miles away. Time will tell if our preconceptions will come true; as for now, Rififi is a top-class, unequalled film of its kind. The closest resemblance to it is Heat (1995), the director of which, Mann, has always had a nod to European filmmaking.

Thanks for reading,
Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 06:52 PM

"Well we all have our different tastes now don't we. There are many members here who have a certain taste in films that I laugh at as well. That's the beauty of America, diversity! BTW, I don't like "screwball comedies" at all but I do enjoy Tony Scott's editing/directing"

Who precisely do you laugh at as well? I mean, you got the balls to admit who, right?

As for DOMINO, well lets just say the only cool thing about it is that Mickey Rourke is getting top billing again for a major Hollywood picture...
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 08:35 PM

"I am Domino Harvey,a bounty hunter. I am Domino Harvey,a bounty hunter. I am Domino Harvey,a bounty hunter. I am Domino Harvey,a bounty hunter. I am Domino Harvey,a bounty hunter. I am Domino Harvey,a bounty hunter. I am Domino Harvey,a bounty hunter. I am Domino Harvey,a bounty hunter."

So she's a bounty hunter? This movie looks like shit and I will pass it off. Plus, there are three films I need to see before I even fathom wasting 10 bucks on that shitpie.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/05 10:32 PM

Snatch. (2000) - ***1/2
Director: Guy Ritchie
A look at the inter-connection of the London criminal underground.

This one has it all... Wonderful characters, great camera work, a good story, over-all great performances, and even entertainment value. It was funny, and serious, all at the same time. It introduced some very interesting scene formats, a most memorable being a single scene which was presented out of frequency, in which the differant stories collide with no actual aknowledgement of the characters. Highly reccomended... Perhaps in subtitles for those who have a problem understanding the thick accents.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 12:51 AM

I caught the end of Domino at a friends house on Friday night. I can't rate it, I admit nor make final judgement. I can criticize what I saw. Not horrible but Tony Scott has done beter.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 05:07 AM

House of 1000 Corpses * 1/2

Two young couples take a misguided tour onto the back roads of America in search of a local legend known as Dr. Satan. Lost and stranded, they are set upon by a bizarre fmaily of psychotics. I had never seen this movie before and the only reason I watched it was because I'm gonna watch The Devil's Rejects when it comes out because ronnie's been raving about it. This movie wasn't scary and had minimal gore. I heard from some that if you liked this one, you won't like Rejects and vice versa. So since I didn't like this one, hopefully Rejects will be better
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 07:32 AM

Bewitched *

Egomaniacal star Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) casts unknown Isabel (Nicole Kidman) as his co-star in order to monopolize the limelight and regain his top spot on Hollywood's A-list. Another romantic comedy that I should have stayed away from but only watched it for Nicole Kidman. However, Ferrell was funnier in this movie than his last movie that I saw, Kicking & Screaming
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 08:52 AM

I just rewatched Heat, and my god, I have to say, what a film. Im actually thinking of bumping it up on my list even though it was already at #8. Just perfect in every aspect.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 03:10 PM

Irish, does gore make a good film?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 03:11 PM

Masculin Féminin/Masculine Feminine
1966, Godard, Fr/Swe
1st time
15 precise facts about the children of Marx and Coca-cola; or, a politically charged romp through pop culture.
A film so of its time that today it runs the risk of falling into obscurity; what keeps the attention is Godard's visual style of filmmaking, and the endless fun with which he tells a story.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 06:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irish, does gore make a good film?
I think if it's done right it can add to the movie. A lot of movies just don't scare me anymore and there's no reason to see them unless there's something else
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 08:14 PM

Broken Flowers
2005, Jarmusch, US/Fr
1st time; big screen
A middle-aged man recieves an anonymous letter from a past love claiming he has a son to her.
A simple, linear approach works wonders for, essentially, a film containing the most subtle of performances from Murray, whose protagonist wanders with nonchalant boredom through Jarmusch's eccentric world.

Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 09:02 PM

HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES - **1/2 out of 5

Compared to the very Metrosexual/Californian Michael Bay trying to make his TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake, this is superior...if flawed.

Why did I enjoy Zombie's directorial debut? Maybe because there are some ideas presented that either Bay isn't clever enough or ballsy enough to bring out besides the manufactured-scares that constitute "Jump scares" for which some people think are essential for every horror picture, just like some folks who think action movies are "weak" without an orange-explosive fireball somewhere...which incidently sounds like a Michael Bay movie.

I do think that Zombie at least went overboard really with that music video "filter" shots that distracted from what was happening, and with the superior sequel THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, Rob Zombie was wise enough to dump.

But really, you gotta dig how there is a lesbo-perv pretty sister of the family full of ugly Texan white trash retards...or the idea of the family being part of an ancient cult of Christianity(where eating the body of Christ is literal), the really stunning camera-zoom shot where the expected death doesn't occur when it expect it, which makes us the audience nervous...and even the downer of an ending. While the film isn't perfect, it is a creative admirable effort from a reject child of the 70's.

In a way, the original TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE(as I'll review for RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW) wasn't the jump-scare garbage stuff that Irishman probably expected. If anything, that movie was full of stuff that is supposed to make the audience shock in awe of a rather disgusting family culture that is just "wrong"...Hell, that film has zero gore really. While I won't say HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES is as good as TCM, I felt it was a more noble respectful homage of a remake than Bay's pathetic remake.

However, for sure THE DEVIL'S REJECTS(***/5) is a superior picture in narrative-direction and does away with the damn filter stuff. Besides, more Captain Spaulding in Sid Haig, who was charismatic in memory in HOUSE.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 09:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
However, for sure THE DEVIL'S REJECTS(***/5) is a superior picture in narrative-direction and does away with the damn filter stuff. Besides, more Captain Spaulding in Sid Haig, who was charismatic in memory in HOUSE.
Glad Rejects does away with the filter stuff because that was kind of annoying me too throughout the picture but I'm happy to hear there's more Captain Spaulding in the sequel. He was pretty enjoyable
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 09:30 PM

Ya, I loved the opening to HOUSE with the dimwit "Good Ole Boys" trying to rob Spaulding's gas station...

"Fuck ya Grandma!"

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/05 09:33 PM

Yeah that was very funny. He was my favorite character probably
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 01:10 AM

And in THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, we learn why he has the name "Captain Spaulding".......

Anyway, I used the 3/$25 deal at BLOCKBUSTER and because of a nice bonus cache of money I received, I went for it.

KUNG FU HUSTLE - ***1/2 out of 5

Very amusing kung fu/comedy/crime/musical/Religious picture from the Land of the Dragon of China. Funny how some fight sequences were more amazing than the 200x more expensive MATRIX sequels.

DODGEBALL - ***/5

Considering that I hated the previous Vince Vaughn/Ben Stiller collaboration in STARSKY & HUTCH(yeech!), I was surprised to find that I quite enjoyed this movie, or at least much more than I expected. Feels like an 80's formulaic comedy of sorts...hell, who did notice the GI JOE/COBRA joke through-out the picture? One of several consecutive financial hit films for Vince Vaughn...He's so Money!

THE INCREDIBLES - ****/5

Dammit, I remembered really enjoying the latest effort from PIXAR Studios back in theaters last year, and it did deserve the Best Animated Feature Oscar. However, my DVD from Blockbuster was damaged.

Damn you Cock-Buster!!!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 01:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Compared to the very Metrosexual/Californian Michael Bay trying to make his TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake, this is superior...if flawed.

Why did I enjoy Zombie's directorial debut? Maybe because there are some ideas presented that either Bay isn't clever enough or ballsy enough to bring out besides the manufactured-scares that constitute "Jump scares" for which some people think are essential for every horror picture, just like some folks who think action movies are "weak" without an orange-explosive fireball somewhere...which incidently sounds like a Michael Bay movie.
Not to mention Bay didn't even have success with his "Jump Scare" attempts.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 01:46 AM

Mildred Pierce (1945) First Viewing
Directed By: Michael Curtiz
Rating: ****/****

Excellently written and performed Noir melodrama about a mother (Joan Crawford in her Oscar-Winning Role) who puts her children's wants and needs ahead of her own as she tries to give them the best the world has to offer, but entangling herself in murder alligations, loveless marrages and bussiness transactions.

A must-see.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 03:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
DODGEBALL - ***/5

Considering that I hated the previous Vince Vaughn/Ben Stiller collaboration in STARSKY & HUTCH(yeech!), I was surprised to find that I quite enjoyed this movie, or at least much more than I expected. Feels like an 80's formulaic comedy of sorts...hell, who did notice the GI JOE/COBRA joke through-out the picture? One of several consecutive financial hit films for Vince Vaughn...He's so Money!

THE INCREDIBLES - ****/5

Dammit, I remembered really enjoying the latest effort from PIXAR Studios back in theaters last year, and it did deserve the Best Animated Feature Oscar. However, my DVD from Blockbuster was damaged.

Damn you Cock-Buster!!!
I didn't like Starsky & Hutch either (I can't believe we're agreeing as of late). I thought more people hyped it up than it was worth. I saw it once in the theater and haven't seen it since. As for the DVDs being damaged, take em back. They have a 30 day guarantee on them
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 07:11 PM

To Kill A Mockingbird #34 on the AFI Top 100 List **

Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) is a lawyer in a racially divided Alabama town in the 1930s. He agrees to defend a young black man who is accused of raping a white woman. Many of the townspeople try to get Atticus to pull out of the trial, but he decides to go ahead. I thought this is what the movie was about but found that it dealt very much with his children as well, for most of the movie for that matter. Gregory Peck did a good job and it was a nice surprise to see who played 'Boo' Radley
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 07:17 PM

Yea I remember too that was a pretty strange connection to make, because I saw Mockingbird before I got into the Godfather, and then I watched it again later, kind of surprised me. Thats his debut role I believe.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 07:29 PM

You've got to read the book to fully appreciate To Kill a Mockingbird.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 07:49 PM

Has anyone seen Waiting. I had already written it off as just another romantic comedy or something of the sort, but ive been hearing its actually decent, and I saw that its a rookie writer/director effort, which I always try to appreciate, seems someone in that position would really have a vision. Any comments?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 08:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Has anyone seen Waiting. I had already written it off as just another romantic comedy or something of the sort, but ive been hearing its actually decent, and I saw that its a rookie writer/director effort, which I always try to appreciate, seems someone in that position would really have a vision. Any comments?
Irish liked it and Omar hated it. Otherwise I don't think anyone else here saw it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 08:57 PM

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - ****/5

I'll write up a review sometime in the future perhaps, but safe to say I was quite surprised and pleased with Sir Ridley Scott's latest picture that certainly lands him among the top filmmakers alive today.

P.S. - Actually, Wood Elf, err Orlando Bloom, does good...considering how I gritted my teeth whenever he tried to act in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN or LOTR.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 09:37 PM

Wow, you actually liked Kingdom? I had heard almost universally that it was bad.

Anyway, I wanted to ask, seeing as there's some Jimmy Stewart fans on here , anyone ever seen him in The Glenn Miller Story?

I saw it over the summer, watched part of it simply because I had heard some of his instrumental stuff on a big band radio station. Seemed pretty much just like a Jimmy Stewart vehicle, still a decent production though, and they played Moonlight Serenade like 50 times.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/05 11:27 PM

Kingdom of Heaven is a good movie with a good message. It's not as good as Gladiator but it works. But yeah, Bloom is a shitty actor.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/05 12:31 AM

Well, what KINGDOM OF HEAVEN shows is that Bloom isn't really a good actor, but if filmmakers play to make him act in a subtle manner, he is fine. Hell, his "speech" at the climax didn't make me wanna have a root canal, which I expected from Wood Elf.

If anything, GLADIATOR was a populist popcorn entertainment historical period flicks of the 50s/60s(like BEN HUR), while KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is of the humanistic liberal cerebral kind(SPARTACUS/EL CID) from that same time period. Truely, I was more amazed with some battle sequences that Ridley Scott does than I was with TWO TOWERS or even Ridley's GLADIATOR...but that is just me.

I'll explain what I dug about the picture, and so on in my future in-depth review. However, Don Vercetti is right in calling it a very nice picture...but I do like to see the so-called "Director's Cut" from Sir Ridley Scott that supposedly is 30-40 minutes longer than the 140 minute theatrical edit, and apparently fleshed out the story more. Who knows, maybe its a nice picture made better in the longer-expanded cut, as in Sam Fuller's THE BIG RED ONE.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/05 08:38 AM

The Evil Dead *

Five friends go up to a cabin in the woods where they find unspeakable evil lurking in the forest. They find the Necronomicon and the taped translation of the text. Once the tape is played, the evil is released. One by one, the teens become deadly zombies. With only one remaining, it is up to him to survive the night and battle the evil dead. A very low budget and cheesy 80s horror movie that I couldn't wait to end. Bruce Campbell was alright as Ash with this being my first viewing of a Bruce Campbell movie, but the movie itself is easily a forgetable one!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/05 02:37 PM

Vivre sa vie/It's My Life/My Life to Live
1962, Godard, Fr
1st time
Struggling to pay her rent, a shy woman of Paris descends into prostitution.
As the opening title explains, this is a film told in twelve scenes; every shot, in its rejection of basic cinematic rules, constantly reminds the viewer who is behind the camera, and the narrative dances along with building momentum until the Monogram B Picture finale.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/05 08:34 PM

The Evil Dead II *

Sequel to The Evil Dead where Ash does not manage to escape the evil from the first movie. Retelling the story only leaves Ash and his girlfriend in the beginning for whatever reason. Ash must now survive another night in the cabin accompanied now by the Professor's daughter, a mechanic, an associate of the Professor, and the mechanic's girlfriend. Another very low budget and cheesy 80s horror movie that I couldn't wait to end. Bruce Campbell was a lot better the 2nd time around as Ash, but the movie itself is again easily a forgetable one. I'm not looking forward to watching the 3rd one either
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 07:19 AM

Army of Darkness * 1/2

Ash is time-warped to a medieval castle beset by monstrous forces. Initially mistaken for an enemy, he is soon revealed as the prophecised savior who can quest for the Necronomicon, a book which can dispel the evil. Unfortunately, he screws up the magic words while collecting the tome, and releases an army of skeletons, led by his own Deadite counterpart. This was probably my "favorite" out of the trilogy but that is not saying ANYTHING at all. This was the best performance I've seen by Bruce Campbell (only his 3rd movie I've seen) and it did have a lot of humor in it which was nice, but again, the whole trilogy is something I will not watch again
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 09:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Wow, you actually liked Kingdom? I had heard almost universally that it was bad.
I heard there were too many goofs and anachronisms, and yes, Bloom is a shitty actor, I heard that too.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 09:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
Bloom is a shitty actor
but we don't need he's a good actor, do we? We just need he exists!!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 09:12 AM

The Jacket * 1/2

Jack Starks (Adrien Brody) knows little about who he is. Nor does he know why he's bound in a straitjacket and subjected to bizarre psychiatric treatments. But an even more stunning fate awaits this amnesia-stricken Gulf War veteran: the treatments thrust him into the year 2007 - where Jack learns he died in 1993. I was pretty disappointed with this movie and was tired of the directing/editing with all the shots of Adrien Brody's eye to "send him" into 2007. I'm not an Adrien Brody fan but he was tolerable in this but Keira Knightley stood out to me the most. She did a good job with her drunk character
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 05:57 PM

Interestingly enough, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN was a dud in theaters, yet apparently performed gang-buster business on DVD this past week, though I assume it'll be overtaken by BATMAN BEGINS, which actually was sold of all of its units at both the local WAL-MART and TARGET stores.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 07:26 PM

I'm watching Nixon for the first time tonight or tomorrow night. One of my friend's favorite movies, so I've got high expectations. He says its Stone's best.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 08:02 PM

No, Stone's best is JFK
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 08:12 PM

I need to find a copy of Nixon, which is supposedly one of the most misunderstood films of the 90's. Hopkins starring in it is also a plus.

IMO, JFK is overrated to an extent. A great film that manages to hold fascination through the whole film, but overrated.

Plus, this annoyed me when I read it months ago. 100 Errors in JFK
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 08:34 PM

The Doors (1991, Stone) ***

The bio-pic of the life of Jim Morrison stars a dead-on Val Kilmer as the poet and frontman. Kilmer did a fantastic Morrion, and sang everything. This film was critised by some of those close to Morrison, saying it was a one-sided film. I believe Stone presented HIS Morrison, and succeeds.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 08:44 PM

Irish, have you actually seen NIXON?

NIXON (1995) - MASTERPIECE - *****/5

Really, Oliver Stone's career can be pointed after this film when both the critics that loved him for many years, and the public of sorts, turned against him...or Stone's thrashing he got wrongly for NATURAL BORN KILLERS probably burned him for good, since after 1995, his output like ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, U-TURN, and ALEXANDER(do we need to go there?) didn't exactly rule like PLATOON, JFK, and BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY did.

Sad since Stone does go out with a bang with perhaps his most ambitious picture as a filmmaker, where he would try to paint a 3+ hour epic tragedy in the hopeful reigns of Shakespeare and CITIZEN KANE, for truely the long-time openly Hollywood liberal filmmaker Oliver Stone surprsied the hell out of me when he didn't simply damn the infamous/legendary President Richard Milhouse Nixon as most people probably expected...instead, Stone doesn't treat Nixon as a demon, but instead a sad humanistic Monster that indeed becomes truely the hideous American cancer as the late Hunter S. Thompson described him as, but not before we feel sorry for how he became such a corrupt, paranoid, egomanic of a person. "Can you imagine what this man would be like had anyone ever loved him?"

But the most touching scene that defines the film for me is after the man that was simply "Nixon", who was born into pure poverty but was able to fight his way into awesome political power with fear and hatred from his opponents, who acheived many notable foreign and domestic policy successes yet never was as loved or immortalized by the public or the press corp as his long-time rival(alive and in spirit) in Kennedy, finally fell from his thrown after an incredible tale of amazing rise to power that Tony Montana can't sniff at, when he comes upon President Kennedy's portrait at the White House and wisely quoted this:

"When they look at you, they see what they want to be. When they look at me, they see what they are.
"

Somehow, NIXON was left in the shuffle of 1995 when Ron Howard's APOLLO 13 and Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning/Box-Office hit BRAVEHEART took some Oscars...sad because NIXON is a superior picture in everyway compared to those two. Honestly, its not just as great as Stone's PLATOON or JFK or BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, I believe honestly that it is indeed his career-peak of pure cinematic suave and execution as a director.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/05 08:53 PM

DA, you're right on the money. Like Hopkin's Nixon and Kilmer's Morrison, those superb performances are simply a dramatic tale of real historical people that capture many of their true characteristics, yet its sterile dramatic overplay.

Then again, its like the Shakespeare performances of real Anglo-Saxon figures like King Richard III or Henry V and so on. The performances that we've witnessed for centuries with those roles are no way close to the real figures, but actors do certainly make them work in a great dramatic fashion.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/05 05:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Irish, have you actually seen NIXON?
Yup, I saw it this summer and didn't like it very much
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/05 08:28 AM

House of Wax **

When their car breaks down on a road trip, six college friends are sidetracked into an eerie backwoods town. Curiosity gets the better of them when they are intrigued by its macabre House of Wax. They soon find out that the town is not what it seems and they must find their way out before they fall victim to its ghoulishly inventive killers. I was disappointed with this movie because I had been wanting to see it since it came out in the theaters but didn't get a chance to see it. It looked pretty good from the previews but the movie just wasn't what I thought it'd be. Plus, in some shots it just looked kinda low budget and also there was a couple of parts at the beginning that I felt like I was rewatching The Blair Witch Project. On a final note, there's not a lot of "kills" or "scares" so if you're expecting that from this movie you will be disappointed
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/05 05:04 PM

A film is in trouble when it advertizes quite clearly that Paris Hilton gets iced....

Anyway Irishman, why am I not really surprised that you hated NIXON?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/05 05:13 PM

Probably because we have the complete OPPOSITE taste in movies. And I never said I hated it, but it wasn't better than JFK or Platoon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/05 08:55 PM

High Noon #33 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

A retiring lawman about to leave town with his new bride seeks allies among the fearful townspeople when an outlaw he put in prison returns with his gang to take revenge in this classic western. This is definitely one of my favorite westerns. It was a lot better and more interesting than I thought it would be. SPOILERS 2 of the things that I really liked was that the movie was kinda like in "real time" and also I just liked how the movie ended. Once Will killed Frank he just took off his badge, got on the cart with his wife and that was it.END OF SPOILERS. Definitely a movie not to miss, especially for those western fans out there
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/05 09:15 PM

À bout de souffle/Breathless
1959, Godard, Fr
Nth viewing; big screen; with group discussion
In Paris, an ultra-cool car thief kills a cop and seduces the girl he loves while running from the police.
Innovatively casual piece which helped spark the French New Wave of the 60s; Godard's first film strikes the viewer as one made by a man in love with the medium, and, without having found his political ground yet, is simply having as much fun as possible.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/05 10:15 PM

High Noon, one of the greatest westerns.

Did you notice Lee Van Cleef (The Bad) as the silent, harmonica playing thug? One of the more memorable characters.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 05:10 AM

Ransom

The son of an Airlines Company owner is kidnapped for ransom. The father, acted by Mel Gibson turns the ransom into prize money on the kidnapper's head. Cliched plot. The script did not exploit this good idea enough.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 05:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
High Noon, one of the greatest westerns.

Did you notice Lee Van Cleef (The Bad) as the silent, harmonica playing thug? One of the more memorable characters.
Yeah I thought that was him. A young version of him but yeah he did look familiar. I think I'm gonna buy this movie on DVD.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 09:22 AM

The Godfather Part II ****

The continuing saga of the Corleone crime family tells the story of a young Vito Corleone growing up in Sicily and in 1910s New York; and follows Michael Corleone in the 1950s as he attempts to expand the family business into Las Vegas, Hollywood and Cuba. I don't think there's anything I need to say about this movie that hasn't already been said before except I really enjoyed both De Niro's and Pacino's performances! Truly outstanding and worth of Oscars. Although I must admit my ignorance, as many times as I've seen The Godfather Part II and as many episodes of The Soprnanos that I've seen, it didn't dawn on me until now that Dominic Chianese (Uncle Jun from The Sopranos) played Johnny Ola
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 09:37 AM

Is that only a 4/5 for GFII?!?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 12:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Is that only a 4/5 for GFII?!?
Who said everyone uses 5 star ratings?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 05:14 PM

Good eye Don Andrew and no Mista, I use the 4 star scale, so it's 4 outta 4 stars
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 08:12 PM

Domino - (Tony Scott;2005;France/USA) - ZERO
A partial true story of Domino Harvey, daughter of Laurence Harvey who went from being a Ford model to a bounty hunter.
Once again Tony Scott tries to make a stylish film and turns out to make a mind-fuck, visually speaking. The rest is pretty shallow. The liberties that he took with the film were ridiculous, like the climax. The film had some ignored ideas that could've made it better, like possibly being an allegory to the children of famous people in Hollywood being in the fast-lane. Instead it turns out to be a completely overblown action film with some laughable drama. An ok cast, a few pieces of good music, but otherwise nothing. It's plot was better then Man on Fire, but this turns out to be even worse. I'm sure it's not the worst of this year, but from what I've seen so far, it is.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 08:18 PM

Tony Scott's DOMI-K.O.

Ouch DV, I've heard similar reviews. Go read Moriarty's scathing review over at the AICN website.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 08:29 PM

Scott used a few songs used in Collateral and even used one of Michael Mann's associates in hiring an actual gang to appear in the film. Scott's visuals are overdone and painfully laughable in trying to be extreme. Mann's are beautiful to look at, done with nice subtlety, and don't destroy the cinematography.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/05 09:17 PM

Is it me, or is Tony Scott trying to re-invent himself as an over-stylish autuer filmmaker, as if he is trying to out-edit the younger hacks like Michael Bay and Paul W.S. Anderson?

Either way, I dread Tony Scott's planned "realist" remake of Walter Hill's THE WARRIORS...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/05 03:40 AM

Sleepy Hollow - (Tim Burton;1999;USA) -
Icabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of beheadings, supposedly the work of a headless Hessian mercenary.
Burton could've done better with this film, but it still comes out to be a pretty good film mostly due to the atmosphere. Burton creates a wonderful portrayal of Sleepy Hollow. At times it may feel too conventional but Burton's direction and Depp's acting make up for a lot. Christopher Walken as the Headless Horseman is however, the most memorable character in this film. I'd say in fact he's one of the most memorable characters in modern horror. It reminds me of a more barbaric look to his character of Mayor Schreck in Batman Returns.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/05 08:35 AM

Annie Hall #31 on the AFI Top 100 List **

Romantic adventures of neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer and his equally neurotic girlfriend Annie Hall. The film traces the course of their relationship from their first meeting, and serves as an interesting historical document about love in the 1970s. This was my first Woody Allen movie and I enjoyed it. A pretty face paced comedy with a good performance by Diane Keaton. My favorite part was probably the opening monalogue by Woody at the beginning of the film
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/05 03:32 PM

You give Annie Hall 2 stars?


Wow.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/05 03:35 PM

Ya but Irish only gave a score of 4/5 for THE GODFATHER PART TWO.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/05 04:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
You give Annie Hall 2 stars?


Wow.
It looks like only 2 stars to me, yup :rolleyes:
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/05 06:47 PM

I watched Hero finally. The movie is beautifully shot, probably even more beautiful than The House of Flying Daggers. I enjoyed it a lot, yet the message of the movie really bugs me. I simply disagree with the message. They story was kind of like Roshomon and I enjoyed that aspect but the story was entirely a piece of propaganda to promote totalism.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/05 06:52 PM

By the way, I watched Sleepy Hollow too. A good and entertaining film for the Halloween season.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/05 07:43 PM

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre #30 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

Dobbs and Curtin meet up in Mexico, and go to work for a contractor, Pat McCormick, who takes them away to remote site and tells them they will be paid when the job is finished. When they are finished, they return to town to find McCormick to get their wages. McCormick gives them a few dollars, and says he'll just go to the bank and pick up the payroll for them. Dobbs and Curtin then meet up with an old prospector, who claims the hills are still full of gold, and if they can get the cash, he'll go with them. They eventually get the cash from McCormick after a little "persuasion", and all three set off for the hills as good friends. This was my first Bogart movie and I was disappointed. I found it to be pretty boring and was looking forward to it ending. Bogart did a good job acting as did Walter Huston.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/05 08:42 AM

I watched Godsend , Shall we dance? and Something's gotta give over the weekend. While I found the first two to be nothing but crappy movies (and my question is, once again, why, why talented actors get involved in such forgettable movies?), I totally enjoyed Something's gotta give. Amazing plot and script. Nicholson is great as usual. Who can play the golden hearted bad guy better than he? No matter how old he can get, he will always be sexy as hell! Keaton? Oh, actually I never liked her. Admittely she is a very good actress (extremely good in this very movie and very good looking, for her age), still I cannot help but associate her to Kay.....
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/05 05:45 PM

Chong qing sen lin/Chungking Express
1994, Kar-wai, HK
1st time
Two unconnected cops both fall for women they shouldn't.
Fast, energetic film which seems to have been thrown together for a bit of fun; that isn't a bad thing, however, as the whole thing looks and feels a gem.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/05 08:15 PM

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington #29 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal. Truly a great movie with great performances by Jimmy Stewart that "soldified" his acting career, as well as a great performance by Jean Arthur as Saunders. A movie that can truly make you feel proud to be an American and I'm sure helped to "restore order" if you will in the U.S. so shortly after World War II
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 01:18 AM

I saw High Fidelity for the first time yesterday. A pretty good film, I really liked the format with John Cusack narrating, sometimes directly to the camera. \

Also, his whole obsessive compulisive list making thing is something I can relate to. I was pleasantly surprised.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 01:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I saw High Fidelity for the first time yesterday. A pretty good film, I really liked the format with John Cusack narrating, sometimes directly to the camera. \

Also, his whole obsessive compulisive list making thing is something I can relate to. I was pleasantly surprised.
Excellent film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 04:55 PM

Oldboy
2003, Park, Jap
1st time
Kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, and set free under just as mysterious circumstances, a man goes on a mission of revenge, but gets more than he bargained for.
Stylistic theatrics distract from and only accentuate the far-fetched plot; but there is a message here all about the consequences of a care-free childhood, and the finale's twist adds a whole new complexity to the proceedings, which until that point seem all meat but no taste.

Solyaris/Solaris
1972, Tarkovsky, USSR
1st time
A psychologist arrives at a space station orbiting a planet to find one of the crew dead and his wife, who has been dead for several years.
A difficult, slow-moving piece with unforgettable moments of hypnotic boldness: a long sequence in which the camera flying through tunnels and on the motorway, and a scene wherein two different characters seem to merge into one and recur as the camara pans round a room. Fascinating.

Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 05:01 PM

THE LONGEST YARD (2005)- **1/2 out of 5

Not as terrible as I expected, but nothing worth tackling someone over. "I made him shit his pants!"
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 08:30 PM

Where the Buffalo Roam (1980) - ***
Director: Art Linson
A look into the life of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

I enjoyed this one. I don't know; maybe my idoling of Hunter Thompson is causing biasm. But what I saw was a good, informitive film of Dr. Thompson, and even Oscar Acosta (Referred to as Lazlo in the film). Is it as good as Fear and Loathing? No. But it is a nice piece none the less. I felt Bill Murray gave a great performance, and nailed Hunter's voice exactly, although Depp (in Fear and Loathing) was slightly more keen on little observations such as Hunter's mannerisms, and bizarre sounds. A must see for a fan of Gonzo journalism, and reccomended to the casual fan only after seeing 1998's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which would provide a bit more respect.

Hard Eight (Sydney; 1996) - ***1/2
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
John is a nobody, until he meets Nevada high-roller Sydney... But when an unexpected honey-moon goes wrong, will he go back to a nobody?

I finally managed to see this... And god damn, it was great. PT Anderson is perhaps my favorite director of the new generation, and he never fails to bring in the goods. For a first feature-film, this was a mighty triumph. As always, he squeezes great performances out of his actors, provides and entertaining and fast-paced story, and some great dialouge and visuals. Go out and see it; No, go out and see all four of his films if you haven't already done so.

Trainspotting (1996) - ***1/2
Director: Danny Boyle
A group of friends expirience the Scottish heroin scene.

Very well constructed film. The acting was very well executed in almost all scenerios, and the visuals were great. The first shot of the movie, a fast paced on-foot chase accompanied by a bouncy pop-rock song, absolutely pulls you in, before introducing you to an interesting lot of characters... I could go on, but I've had enough of typing for now.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 08:33 PM

Hard Eight is one my favorites, I like it better then Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love. Phillip Baker Hall just makes that story, he's so perfect for the role.

It is a hard-to-find film, it brings a smile to my face every time someone new is able to see it.

Definetly worth a buy if you cant rent it somewhere, although its very different from Boogie Nights or Magnolia, its still good, a very distinct style.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 08:42 PM

I feel like each of PT Andersons film have their own distinct style, and it's really breath-taking. He is like the Pink Floyd of film; each film or album has its own feel and style to it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 08:47 PM

I once made the observation that Boogie Nights was exactly like Goodfellas except about the porn industry rather then the mafia. If you think about it, both films have strikingly similar aspects. You agree?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 08:53 PM

I agree. Anderson deffinately took alot of ideas and themes from Scorsese's style for Boogie Nights... Even the way it was shot and edited. I feel like I am watching the lost Mid-90s Martin Scorsese film when I see some of the shots in the film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 08:58 PM

Apocalypse Now #28 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), whose mission is "Terminate with extreme prejudice", receives orders to seek out a renegade military outpost led by a mysterious Colonel Kurtz (Brando) during the Vietnam war. I was very disappointed in this movie as I have heard many good things about it and I know members here really have a passion for it. I found it to be boring and uninteresting in parts but I did think Sheen, Brando and Duvall all gave good performances
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 09:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I found it to be boring and uninteresting in parts
Yeah the Vietnam War seems pretty boring to me. :rolleyes:
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/05 09:09 PM

I bet Irishman's favorite moment in the movie was of course..."I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like...Victory", or the whole battle sequence before that immortal movie quote.

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 05:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b]I found it to be boring and uninteresting in parts
Yeah the Vietnam War seems pretty boring to me. :rolleyes: [/b][/quote]Yeah and I so remember saying that :rolleyes: Thanks for putting words into my mouth! I said the movie was slow and boring IN PARTS. I never said the "real life" war was slow or boring
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 05:57 AM

Unless I am mistaken Irish, you refered to the movie being pretty damn boring, which stuns me. Then again Irish, you may have a point. Why deal with a pompous pretentious dick like Francis Ford Coppola when MICHAEL BAY could have directed an action movie. Screw that surreal nonsense, lets have some cool CGI action!

Okay, I'm being a jackass Irish, and its too bad you didn't make big of it, but hey, that is how life works. No way you would rediscover the film as being a truely great masterpiece.

P.S. - Tarantino digs it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 06:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Unless I am mistaken Irish, you refered to the movie being pretty damn boring, which stuns me. Then again Irish, you may have a point. Why deal with a pompous pretentious dick like Francis Ford Coppola when MICHAEL BAY could have directed an action movie. Screw that surreal nonsense, lets have some cool CGI action!

Okay, I'm being a jackass Irish, and its too bad you didn't make big of it, but hey, that is how life works. No way you would rediscover the film as being a truely great masterpiece.

P.S. - Tarantino digs it.
I didn't say it was pretty "damn" boring, I said it was slow and boring in parts. I didn't say this movie never ended and seemd to go on for weeks on end. And I like FFC but if someone asked me if I would watch this movie again I'd say no. Again I found it somewhat slow but I did like the actors, they did a good job. But as usual, how do I judge movies even though it's "the wrong way?" Based on entertainment and I wasn't that entertained. It's not like a gave the movie a star, I gave it 2 1/2. BTW, I'm not the Michael Bay fan on the board, that belongs to suspect_5. Also, not everyone is going to regard every movie on the AFI list as a masterpiece. Nowhere is it written that "thou shall love Apocalypse Now. I'm sure I'm not the only person who didn't love it.
Posted By: mr. soprano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 06:33 AM

first time i saw apocalyse now i was 15 and i was expecting a horror movie, that's who it was described to me when i first heard about it. but when i watched it again the second time, i saw what it was...a movie that was so atmospheric...it creeped the hell out of me.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 07:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I found it to be boring and uninteresting in parts
Ok, Irish. Mention a movie you find exciting and interesting, please. I'm curious to know.

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I did think Sheen, Brando and Duvall all gave good performances
How magnanimous of you! :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 07:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] I found it to be boring and uninteresting in parts
Ok, Irish. Mention a movie you find exciting and interesting, please. I'm curious to know.[/b][/quote]Kill Bill Volume 1
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 07:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
No way you would rediscover the film as being a truely great masterpiece.
let's give him time. I bet if he rewatches it when he's five/ten years older, he'll agree the movie to be a masterpiece.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 07:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Kill Bill Volume 1 [/QB]
never watched it but it's on my list. When I read it got anime scenes I decided it can wait.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 07:31 AM

Thing is, I know some fools on IMDB.com that believe it or not, they conveniently dig every movie that Tarantino recommends. Okay, so what is the big deal? When you read their posts and compare it with their other opinions involving other films, one gets the idea that they only "dig" those pictures because of the QT connection so they would be "hip".

I know, insanity. Sad since Tarantino is a pretty great filmmaker.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 06:46 PM

I love Tarantino too. He's my 2nd favorite director behind Martin Scorsese. I'll be honest, I'm obsessed with his Kill Bills Volumes 1 & 2 which I'm sure you know all too well by now. I also love Jackie Brown. As for Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, I enjoy them and they are great movies, but I don't "love" them as much as I love his other movies or as much as other members here love them. But I also love other movies made by other filmakers, which I'm sure you know too. I didn't like Apocalypse Now, but I did love the movie before it on the AFI list (Mr. Smith Goes To Washington). I didn't like The Treasure of the Sierra Madre or Annie Hall that much either, but again I loved the 2 previous movies before them as well High Noon and The Godfather Part II
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 08:11 PM

Insomnia
2002, Nolan, US
1st time
Two LA cops arrive in the Alaskan town of Nightmute to investigate the murder of a teenage girl.
The opening ten minutes, and the final shootout, show just what is wrong with Hollywood today; here we have a well-handled thriller with several effective sequences, but the whole is marred by its catering for Western audiences, who seemingly can't handle the original's subtlety, ambiguity or subtitles.

French Connection, The
1971, Friedkin, US
Nth time
Two tough New York cops trail drugs smugglers from France.
Gritty account of a real life drugs bust, showing New York's society in all its messy glory thanks to some inspired directing, photography and acting.

Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 09:11 PM

STUCK ON YOU - ***/5

Charming and pleasing Farley Brothers present this tale about simese twins(Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear) who showcase their comedic talents. The funniest moment of the movie is when Kinnear in a frightening fashion completely copied Ted Koppell as he interviewd Damon's Mike Tyson.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 09:35 PM

Le Samouraï - (Jean-Pierre Melville;1967;France/Italy) -
A perfectionist hitman is put in peril between the police and his nervous employers when he leaves a few witnesses on a contract.
Could this be the greatest crime film of all time? Jef Costello is definitely the best hitman character I can come up with. This film proves to be a perfectly paced drama/suspense film. The Jazzy score is relaxing, and reflects the loneliness of the film wonderfully. The noir-ish cinematography is also a delight, full of grays and some blues. Alain Delon is piercing as Costello, in one of the best performances in a crime film, as the sociopath protagonist. It's also very influential, from Tarantino to Mann to movies like Leon or The Transporter. It could be loneliness, a gradual disintegration of hope, or even both. One thing is for sure, it's an excellent film, and one of the coolest around.
#1 Favorite

A must see.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/05 09:55 PM

Wow. I really really have to see Le Samourai.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 02:34 AM

Yeah I havent seen it on any top movies lists ever that I can remember, but Im really excited to see it based on Don V's recommendation alone.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 06:23 AM

Bonnie & Clyde #27 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

Bonnie Parker is bored with life and wants a change. She gets her chance when she meets a charming young drifter by the name of Clyde Barrow. Clyde has dreams of a life of crime that will free him from the hardships of the Depression. The two fall in love and begin a crime spree that extends from Oklahoma to Texas. They rob small banks with skill and panache, soon becoming minor celebrities known across the country. To their victims, the duo is doing what nobody else has the guts to do. To the law, the two are evil bank robbers who deserve to be gunned down where they stand. I really enjoyed Warren Beatty's, Faye Dunaway's and Gene Hackman's performance as well as the editing/directing. It was nice to see Gene Wilder in there as well and my favorite part would have to be the end with all the quick shots between Bonnie & Clyde, and the birds, etc
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 06:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
here we have a well-handled thriller with several effective sequences, but the whole is marred by its catering for Western audiences, who seemingly can't handle the original's subtlety, ambiguity or subtitles
would you mind to elaborate this, Mick? Where exactly do you see the film is "catering for Western audiences"?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 08:41 AM

The Devil's Rejects ***

Ambushed at their homestead by Sheriff Wydell and a squad of armed men, the Firefly family awakens with guns blazing - yet only Otis and his sister, Baby, manage to escape unharmed. Taking refuge and hostages in a back-road motel, the wanted siblings rendezvous with their deranged partner in crime, Captain Spaulding, killing whoever happens to stand in their way. But as the body count mounts higher, Sheriff Wydell decides to "cross the line" and take the law into his own hands. A very good movie with a lot of humor that made it even more enjoyable. This made sitting through House of 1000 Corpses all worthwhile. All 3 characters, Captain Spaulding, Baby and Otis are all enjoyable characters. A very good recommendation ronnie. Thanks!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 09:52 AM

What did I tell ya Irish?

Still, I'm glad you totally dug the sequel, which apparently from your post, you prefered it totally over the original HOUSE. I agree as well on that aspect.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 06:54 PM

YES!!! THANK YOU GOD!

Cronenberg's A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE finally opens up at my local theater.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 08:32 PM

Dr. Strangelove #26 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

U.S. Air Force Colonel Jack Ripper goes completely and utterly mad, and sends his bomber wing to destroy the U.S.S.R. He suspects that the communists are conspiring to pollute the "precious bodily fluids" of the American people. The U.S. president meets with his advisors, where the Soviet ambassador tells him that if the U.S.S.R. is hit by nuclear weapons, it will trigger a "Doomsday Machine" which will destroy all plant and animal life on Earth. Peter Sellers portrays the three men who might avert this tragedy: British Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, the only person with access to the demented Gen. Ripper; U.S. President Merkin Muffley, whose best attempts to divert disaster depend on placating a drunken Soviet Permier and the former Nazi genius Dr. Strangelove, who concludes that "such a device would not be a practical deterrent for reasons which at this moment must be all too obvious". I did enjoy the directing of this film, but I think what ruined it for me was that I didn't "get" the ending. SPOILERS I understood everything up to where the pilot is dropped with the bomb. The last shot in the war room through me off with Dr. Stranglove, the Soviet Ambassater, the President, etc. END OF SPOILERS My favorite character was probably Gen. 'Buck' Turgidson portrayed by George C. Scott
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 08:37 PM

SPOILER
The explosions could be the Doomsday machine's reaction to the bomb. I love it, with the song. We'll meet again with several bombs going off, simply stating that war will happen again, and again, and again.
SPOILER END
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 08:39 PM

SPOILERS

Yeah but what was with Dr. Strangelove giving the Nazi salute, getting out of his wheelchair crying "I can walk" and the Russion Ambass taking pictures?

END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 08:43 PM

SPOILER
Well, Strangelove isn't playing with a full deck of cards, which is why he has those outbursts. Plus he can't control his right hand, which is why he does the salute. In fact, the real life illness was named after the character I believe. The final scene just showed the madness of all the politicians, Strangelove's stupid plan, the Russian taking photos for his country. The "I can walk" part was probably a really random outburst. I can't really explain it, but it was just an unexpected, funny moment.
SPOILER END

IMO, this is the best satire ever, and Kubrick's best from what I've seen, closely followed by A Clockwork Orange.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 09:43 PM

Dr. Strangelove is one of the greatest on-screen characters ever created.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 09:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
IMO, this is the best satire ever, and Kubrick's best from what I've seen, closely followed by A Clockwork Orange.
I can't believe you still haven't seen 2001.

That film is an absolute must see for movie buffs. SEE IT NOW.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 09:45 PM

Corpse Bride
2005, Johnson/Burton, GB/US
1st time; big screen
On the eve of his wedding to a complete stranger, a fragile man is mistaken by a corpse to be her groom, and he must escape the dead world below if he is to marry.
As technically accomplished as The Nightmare before Christmas, and with many delightful references, to films old and new, as well as Burton's own oeuvre.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 09:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] here we have a well-handled thriller with several effective sequences, but the whole is marred by its catering for Western audiences, who seemingly can't handle the original's subtlety, ambiguity or subtitles
would you mind to elaborate this, Mick? Where exactly do you see the film is "catering for Western audiences"? [/b][/quote]Sure, Lav. I'd seen the opening ten minutes of this film before, at a cinema class where we'd just watched the original (I've seen the original many times, and it's one of the my favourite films of its year). How is it catering for Western audiences (and by that, I mean mainstream audiences used to watching Hollywood films)? Well, it simply spells everything out for them. At one point, during an autopsy, the coroner is reporting and says a technical medical term. Eckhart then says to Dormer (Pacino) what it means. Only, it wasn't telling his partner, it was telling us, as viewers. That's fine, but it can also be insulting. I didn't know what the technical term meant, but frankly, I didn't have to. A girl's been murdered and that's that. Scandinavian Cinema (encompassing Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland) is much more subtle, down-to-earth, and, if I may throw in an adjective I don't really like to use if I can avoid it, "realistic". In short, the original presents its audience with its own world, while the remake must adhere to the world of Hollywood.

I think it can be summed up by the name of the setting, to make it obvious enough: "Welcome to Nightmute."

I'll definitely go back to it, though. I was reading an IMDb review the other day which complained about Robin Williams being a bad castign choice, and that whenever he was on screen the film became talkative (as if humans aren't allowed to talk, and as if talking is not allowed); I thought Williams' turn was fantastic, both contrasting and complimenting Pacino's (for once) sustained performance (I think Al only allowed himself one verbal outburst here, which is good going).

Hope this has elaborated.
Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 10:06 PM

What do you think of One Hour Photo Capo? I think Williams did even better in that film. It was a very good film, although I haven't seen it in probably over a year.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/05 10:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
What do you think of One Hour Photo Capo? I think Williams did even better in that film. It was a very good film, although I haven't seen it in probably over a year.
I've not seen it; remember when it came out, and I was going to go and see it, but let it pass (like I do many others).

Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 12:58 AM

It's worth a viewing. It's a very interesting and obscure role to see him in, but he did a great job. He brought alot to it, and the film really captured the disturbing aspect of handing a complete stranger a record of your personal life.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 01:28 AM

I just saw The Great Santini with Robert Duvall for the first time. I had been wanting to see this one for a long time, its been staring at me from my video-store shelf for at least half a year, and I finally got around to it today after renting it at least 3 times before and never watching it. :rolleyes:

I was very interested to see more of Duvall's work after I became familiar with him in the Godfather. This was a very different type of character for him, loud and obnxious, strict and demanding, as opposed to the quiet and reserved Tom Hagen.

I felt like the film and the story had so much potential. A tough Marine Corps seargant returns to his family after a long tour of duty, packs up his wife and 4 kids, and moves them to South Carolina, where he is to be stationed. Emotional stress ensues within the family and within the main character, Bull Meechum, himself.

The film set me up to think it was going to show you Duvall's personality through his training at his new Marine camp, but instead the main focus of the film was his relationship with his family and especially his eldest son, who has just turned 18.

A long and unnecessary subplot is created to show the son forming a friendship with a local black boy, this boy getting into trouble with some racist white people, and then both he and his persecutors end up dead. I felt this whole side story was completely uneccesary.

Duvall, overall, is in excellent form, and he plays the seargant perfectly, as well as realistically as far as I know from expierience with real life Marines. Some of the acting is a bit corny on the supporting actors parts, as theres a number of amateurs here, and the direction is average at best.

The ending, where Duvall dies from a sudden plane crash caused by a mysterious fire on board, seemed forced, kind out of the blue, and cliched. The aftermath is just 15 minutes of mixed emotional signals.

The final scene of the film, where Duvall's son takes the wheel of the family car to drive them to a new house, seems to have been pointing towards showing the viewer how despite the boys attempts to change his father and be different from him, he has ultimately become him.

I may just be searching for meaning in just another throw-away scene, but it seemed like it was there.

Overall, a good peroformance by Duvall, a story with good potential, but the film is hindered by a long uneccesary side story, and a muddled ending.

2 1/2 out of 5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 08:32 AM

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial #25 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

While visiting the Earth at Night, a group of alien botanists is discovered and disturbed by an approaching human task force. Because of the more than hasty take-off, one of the visitors is left behind. The little alien finds himself all alone on a very strange planet. Fortunately, the extra-terrestrial soon finds a friend and emotional companion in 10-year-old Elliot, who discovered him looking for food in his family's garden shed. While E.T. slowly gets acquainted with Elliot's brother Michael, his sister Gertie as well as with Earth customs, members of the task force work day and night to track down the whereabouts of Earth's first visitor from Outer Space. The wish to go home again is strong in E.T., and after being able to communicate with Elliot and the others, E.T. starts building an improvised device to send a message home for his folks to come and pick him up. But before long, E.T. gets seriously sick, and because of his special connection to Elliot, the young boy suffers, too. The situation gets critical when the task force finally intervenes. A heart warming movie for the family that I enjoyed younger as a child. A good performance by then 7-year-old Drew Barrymore.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 08:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
the coroner is reporting and says a technical medical term. Eckhart then says to Dormer (Pacino) what it means. Only, it wasn't telling his partner, it was telling us, as viewers. That's fine, but it can also be insulting. I didn't know what the technical term meant, but frankly, I didn't have to. ".
well, I'd say the coroner feels he has to explain Dormer the medical term, because Dormer (not unlike us) doesn't have to know it. In fact a cop doesn't necessarily know all autopsy-related terms, while it's true that he should be more familiar with them than the average viewers. In short, in my opinion it was a little didactic compromise. I wouldn't say that that bit was meant for "Hollywood feeded" audiences.

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
A girl's been murdered and that's that. Scandinavian Cinema (encompassing Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland) is much more subtle, down-to-earth, and, if I may throw in an adjective I don't really like to use if I can avoid it, "realistic".
That kind of cinema (as good as it is) can be extremely laconic. Sometimes it's so wordless that I doubt the adjective "realistic" really fits it.


Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
I think it can be summed up by the name of the setting, to make it obvious enough: "Welcome to Nightmute."
well, Pacino's character's surname is obviuos enough too to describe (by contrast) the character itself. Being called "Dormer" is quite ironical for someone suffering from insommia, isn't it?

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
I'll definitely go back to it, though. I was reading an IMDb review the other day which complained about Robin Williams being a bad castign choice, and that whenever he was on screen the film became talkative (as if humans aren't allowed to talk, and as if talking is not allowed);
I bet the reviewer was Norvegian!!! I told you Scandinavians don't like words too much! Anyway, I liked this movie too and I want to rewatch it soon. Pacino and Williams are great. The movie deserves to be watched if only for that outstanding couple of actors.

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Hope this has elaborated.
Sure it has. As beautifully as ever. Thank you, Mick!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 08:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
It's worth a viewing. It's a very interesting and obscure role to see him in, but he did a great job. He brought alot to it, and the film really captured the disturbing aspect of handing a complete stranger a record of your personal life.
I agree. And considering that Williams usually plays the good guy role, he really made a strikingly good job. Only really great actors can change roles and be equally convincing. As for the movie, what about the photos-covered wall? Sicko!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 07:12 PM

Raging Bull #24 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Based on the life and career of boxer Jake LaMotta, Raging Bull focuses on Jake's rage and violence that makes him virtually unstoppable in the ring. The same anger also drives Jake to beat his wife and his brother Joey, and sends Jake down a self-destructive spiral of paranoia and rage. Truly fantastic performances by Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. My favorite Scorsese movie of all time. I loved the use of sound and speed in the movie, particularily in the boxing ring when the crowd would be totally silent or when Jake would come charging at an opponent only to speed up with the animal noises playing. A masterpiece in every sense of the word
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 08:21 PM

I'm going to be watching Blue Velvet for the first time either tonight or tomorrow night. I can't wait.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 09:31 PM

Rewatched Lawrence of Arabia
I dont have enough words to describe this masterpiece. David Lean created a beauty here. Peter O Toole gives one of the best Screenperformances in Cinema History as T.E. Lawrence, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quinn and the rest of the Cast are simply great too. Maurice Jarre's Music is just wonderful. Everything is perfect and works fine here, even the length.

I cant believe that this movie is so underrated, not only on IMDB, but by the fellow Boardmembers. For all who haven't seen this beauty, what are you waiting for?

10/10 (Top 10)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 09:38 PM

Plein soleil/Delitto in pieno sole/Purple Moon
1960, Clément, Fr/Ita
1st time; big screen
Hired to bring back a playboy in Rome to his father, a man with a talent at forging decides to kill his quarry and assume his identity.
First-rate thriller with two extremely done murder scenes; inbetween, we have a tautly-directed, wonderfully performed noir which uses vibrant, primary colours in its pallet to create a kind of aesthetic paradox to the dark narrative.

Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/05 11:29 PM

TEAM AMERICA (2004) - ***/5

I reviewed this pretty damn funny picture earlier this year on DVD....

"Its 9/11 times a thousand!"
"My God, that is..."
"Yes, 911,000@"

Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 02:11 AM

Nosferatu: a Symphony of Horror - (F.W. Murnau;1922;Germany) -
Count Orlok travels from the Carpathian mountains to Germany, bringing a plague with him.
The greatest horror film ever. The best vampire, and although the cast falls short in terms of acting, Max Schreck himself shines as the rat-like Nosferatu. The Silent Orchestra score is wonderful and goes well with the film. The cinematography is ahead of it's time, as well as the direction Murnau accomplishes. A must-see, and before anyone asks, yes it is better then Dracula.
In Top 100
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 07:11 AM

Coming Soon...my Halloween review for RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW.....Leatherface or Redrum?
Posted By: mr. soprano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 07:38 AM

i don't know about nasfuratu...it was ok, and shreck was briliant as count orlak, but i wouldn't say its the best horror movie of all time.


i've saw lord of war over the weekend and i definatly have to say that it was a great movie. nicolas cage once again proves that when he wants to, he can actually be fine actor rather then a horrible action star.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 08:14 AM

Saw ** 1/2

Obsessed with teaching his victims the value of life, a deranged, sadistic serial killer abducts the morraly wayward. Once captred, they must face impossible choices in a horrific game of survival. The victims must fight to win their lives back, or die trying. I really enjoyed this movie in the theaters but since viewing it once or twice more it just doesn't have the same impact me as it did initially which makes me upset. The same thing can be said for High Tension. I loved these movies the first time around but after watching it another couple of times it's still good but not as enjoyable as it was the first time (makes sense I guess). Anyway, I basically just watched this movie because I'm going to see Saw II tomorrow in the theaters and wanted to treat myself to the original. Plus, this will be the only "horror/Halloween" movie I watch this weekend before Monday. In reference to the movie, it was very good for the budget and time frame they shot it in ($1.2 million over 18 days I believe). I also thought Cary Elwes and Danny Glover did good jobs. I hadn't seen them in years prior to this movie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 08:57 AM

Kundun

Directed by Martin Scorcese, the story of Dalai Lama. His discovery till his final escape from Tibet due to chinese invasion. An educative film and quite a good one too.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 09:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mr. soprano:
i've saw lord of war over the weekend and i definatly have to say that it was a great movie. nicolas cage once again proves that when he wants to, he can actually be fine actor rather then a horrible action star.
Is he horrible as a cause of being an action star, or horrible as an action star? Like, does being an action star automatically rank an actor as horrible? Or are their specific attributes to befit when becoming one?

I'm not jumping on you or anything; just wanted an opinion on something I thought of myself when reading your post. I think Cage suffers from a common trait, that he tends to play only himself, and as a result is cast in safe, typecast roles. His best work is in Face/Off (1997); but I have Leaving Las Vegas ready to watch.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 02:07 PM

I actually loved him in Adaptation., which is also a personal favorite of mine. And I am dying to see The Weather Man.

------------------------

The Game (1997) - ***
Director: David Fincher
A middle-aged businessman must play to take control of his life when it is consumed by a game received from his black-sheep brother as a forty-eighth birthday present.

I have to be honest. I was ready to give this one three-and-a-half stars, maybe even four. The acting, camera work, premise, and everything inbetween was great. I'm not really sure what I was expecting. I had heard it was alot like Vanilla Sky, and it was, although I still feel Vanilla was slightly better... But similarities were present. Even the suicide scene at the end of both movies seemed to be done the same way.

-Warning: Spoilers below!-
But none of this bothered me. I wasn't expecting complete originality. The only thing that bothered me was the last scene. It ends with Nicholas (Michael Douglas) atop the roof of the CRS building, CRS being the company who runs the game. He holds a gun to Christine, a CRS employee and major character. She tells him it's all pretend, and not to shoot; she claimed his gun was real and all the other guns were fake. Behind the door leading to the roof, what is believed to be armed security guards attempt to bust through. She claims it is really his brother Conrad (Sean Penn) about to throw a surprise party for him. And naturally, when the door opens, and Nicholas instantly fires, he appears to have shot and killed his brother, holding a bottle of wine and cake in hand. Nicholas couldn't deal with it, and like his father years ago, approached the ledge of the building and jumped. Now, this wouldn't been fine with me. I liked this ending alot. And an ending is what I thought it was. But then, as Nick breaks through the glass dome atop of the building below him, and lands on a giant mat, he is at his own party. Conrad is alive and all is well. This bothered me. The whole scene on the roof was set up by CRS, and it looks like they were aided by Hollywood. How could CRS have known Nick would react as he did? If he had acted any differently, they could've really put someones life at stake. And how did they know he would jump off the building? And how did they know he would jump off the exact spot that he did? He could've jumped off any other spot, and died. It just looks like someone in Hollywood pushed for a far-fetched and unrealistic, but happy, ending. The only reason I give it three stars, is because everything leading up to this was great.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 05:27 PM

Ah, yes, I need to see Adaptation., LLC.

Regarding The Game, I was disappointed on initial viewing, and had the same problems as you. An interesting idea is bogged down by overlength and, surprisingly, a plot that becomes too outrageous for its own concept. Fincher will struggle to live up to Seven.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 07:31 PM

The Maltese Falcon #23 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

Sam Spade is a partner in a private-eye firm who finds himself hounded by police when his partner is killed whilst tailing a man. The girl who asked him to follow the man turns out not to be who she says she is, and is really involved in something to do with the `Maltese Falcon', a gold-encrusted life-sized statue of a falcon, the only one of its kind. I definitely liked Bogart more in this picture than I did in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and I also liked Peter Lorre who played Joel Cairo, and Sydney Greenstreet who played Kasper Gutman. I found the person who shot Bogart's partner to be predictable.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 10:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Ah, yes, I need to see Adaptation., LLC.

Regarding The Game, I was disappointed on initial viewing, and had the same problems as you. An interesting idea is bogged down by overlength and, surprisingly, a plot that becomes too outrageous for its own concept. Fincher will struggle to live up to Seven.

Mick
Yes, I honestly wish Fincher would've just kept the last five or ten minutes of the film on the cutting-room floor. The film seemed like classic Finch-material, with the exception of the last scene. Judging by Seven and Fight Club (Which, I know you didn't like, but it seemed to really lay down a unique style for him) he isn't exactly known for his happy endings...

And Adaptation. is a must see. It is arguably Kaufman's best work, alongside Eternal Sunshine. He is a good sport about poking fun at himself, and produces a very unique and original product. It's much of a rebel in todays film. For me, as an aspiring film-maker, it is much of an idol standard for me--and many others--to look up to for inspiration. It qualifies as one of the most inventive films I've seen, standing up to some pretty tough contender's.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/05 11:24 PM

High Fidelity (2000, Frears) ***

Jackie Brown (1997, Tarantino) ***

Malena (2000, Tornatore) ***

Really don't want to write up reviews, so I'll just say I liked each one very much.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 02:08 AM

The Exorcist - (William Friedkin;1973;USA) -
A young girl becomes possessed by a demon while a discouraged priest, and an elderly priest familiar with the demon try to save her.
This film is one of the more disturbing horror films I've seen. At the same time beneath the gore and shock value is a two-way look at the film. As Friedkin says, you can see it as evil existing in a horrible world, or how good can triumph over evil. I believe in the latter, although with the addition that not everything can come to a happy ending. There is evil and good, and both win at times, sometimes at the same time. The film didn't make me question my beliefs like some, but it was still a moving film horror film, which is ridiculously rare. Perhaps a little overrated over the years, but a great film.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - (Tobe Hooper;1974;USA) -
A group of friends fall victim to a family of cannibals.
Again, one of the few horror films that is actually disturbing. It may be low budget, but it's very effective. Right now I think this is better then Halloween as it proves to be more of a "horror" film. Leatherface has proven to be a memorable character, although he inspired several horrible sequels and an equally horrible remake, which lacked all of the punch this film had. The scenes themselves can be pulsating and the film's final image is haunting, and one of the most memorable in horror.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 02:42 AM

Fucking shit.

My downloaded version of Blue Velvet doesn't work.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 03:05 PM

I caught the first 10 minutes of Trainspotting last night on TV. It looked like a great movie but I just couldn't stay awake to keep watching.

It reminded me of A Clockwork Orange.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 03:13 PM

Trainspotting is brilliant, DVC. Try and catch it all sometime. Poignant, funny, fast-paced, well-acted.

Too bad Blue Velvet didn't download right.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 03:22 PM

Irrationelle, L'/The Irrational
2004, Amundlien, Nor
1st time
One-minute surrealist short dealing with a chicken, a gun, and a spider.
Evocative short inspired by Buñuel but also an apparent homage to José Bello.

Blinders
2004, Storm Heen, Nor
1st time
A young, creative boy is dragged to school and, at nine o'clock exactly, is drugged with educational information.
A short film all about how modern education reduces innovation to conformation; it could merit a serious feature film alone, but the short handles it well.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 03:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Too bad Blue Velvet didn't download right.
I guess that's what I get for trying to steal movies. :p
Posted By: Don Zadjali

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 05:46 PM

Who have seen:..
*-- Cinderella Man --* ???

It's a very nice Drama movie...
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 06:41 PM

I went to Blockbuster today and rented Blue Velvet. I'll be watching it in a couple of hours.

This will be my first David Lynch film.
Posted By: Don Zadjali

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 07:20 PM

The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a good movie...

Based on a true stroy...

Only the ending is not from the true story...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 09:02 PM

Saw II ** 1/2

Jigsaw locks a few unlucky people in a booby trapped shelter and they must find a way out before they inhale too much of a lethal nerve gas and die. But they must watch out, for the traps Jigsaw has set in the shelter lead to death also. Not a bad sequel that gives the audience more story into the Jigsaw killer. It has a nice twist of an ending as the original and actually SPOILERS went back to the set of the original movie END OF SPOILERS Again it's not a bad sequel at all and if you're interested or curious at all about seeing it in the theaters, I'd say give it a shot. If you weren't too thrilled with the original than waiting until it comes out on DVD will probably be the option for you
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 10:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Zadjali:
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a good movie...

Based on a true stroy...

Only the ending is not from the true story...
That movie made me laugh. Funniest movie I have seen all year.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/05 11:49 PM



Blues Brothers 2000 (1998, Landis)

Dan Aykroyd originally wrote The Blues Brothers and it's sequel back in the late 70's, combined in-between phone book covers. While they took that huge script, and condensed it into The Blues Brothers, with nothing much else talked about the sequel.

So The Blues Brothers is released and it's instant success, becoming one of the all-time great musical comedies. So you would think a sequel would be in the works? Maybe, until a certain Blues Brother overdosed two years later. So a Blues Brothers sequel was out of the question?

Years later Aykroyd gets an itch to do this sequel, writing a whole different script with John Landis. The original cast is secured except for a few of the deceased, and you would think, hey man! This should be good! Ehh, maybe.

So here's the premise: Elwood is released from Prison 18 years after the famous events of the original. He is released, and is notified that his brother Jake has died. So after waiting a while he goes to work for Willy Hall, his old drummer. He meets Mack, the bartender. Mack becomes Elwood's partner. He also comes back to the Penguin, who sets him up to be a "mentor" to a young boy, Buster.

So Elwood is working and finds out Cab, who also has croaked, had a son, who ironically has become the Chief of the Illinois State Police. The club where Elwood was working has now been burnt down after an encounter with the russian mafia. What will they do now? HINT: "THE BAND, ELWOOD! THE BAND!"

So the "new" Blues Brothers; Mack and Buster, go off with Elwood to reunite the old band. So after nabbing the boys, much in the same way as the original, they set off to some "gigs." Of course, with the Illinois State Police on their tail, led by Cable Chamberlain, whom Elwood now calls a "brother." The rollers finally catch up with them, at a religious meeting feauturing the beloved Rev. Cleophus James! After a re-awakening by Cable (movie magic as John Landis would say), they set off, to a mysterious "Battle of the Bands" down in Louisiana.

As it turns out, it's at the mysterious Queen Mousetter's estate. After a just plain weird tryout, they get in. Their opponents? The Louisiana Gator Boys, an all star squad featuring B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Gary U.S. Bonds, Bo Diddley, Billy Preston, and more. Stiff competiton, eh? Well, after the cops catch up with them at the gig, Elwood and Buster flee. Where do they go? We don't know, we are left with a single shot of the Blues Brothers Cop Car and 50 Illinois State Police cars following it.

This film was decent, had a decent plot, and of course excellent music. It's definitley missing that gritty Chicago feel, which made the first film so great. The Blues Brothers just aren't the same. John Goodman looks un-comfortable singing, and J. Evan Bonifant is a little freakin' kid, both definitley don't fit as Blues Brothers. This film is dragged down by the gaping hole that is the absence of John Belushi. Through no fault of the film's own, of course, but John and Dan Aykroyd fit. This is not the case. The end also gives off too much of a fantasy type feel, which adds to the problem of the film losing it's edge. It tries to be like the original, with the Church scene as a shining example, and fails. Simply because there is something missing.

Imagine an Animal House sequel. Without Bluto Blutarsky, and D-Day. A decent film, maybe, but not the same.

Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 03:54 AM

I just saw 25th Hour for the first time last night. My first real viewing of a Spike Lee movie; I saw Jungle Fever a few years back but I wasnt into movies then like I am now.

25th Hour was great, Im sure most are familiar with its finer qualities, so I wont elaborate. Seems like one that could become one of my favorites with a couple rewatches.

I also saw Capote tonight, a good film, slow and quiet as hell, but if I sat through Broken Flowers and liked it, I did fine with this. Hoffman steals the show, and I was happily surprised to see Frankie Flowers from Traffic in a serious supporting role. Definite recommendation.

Its gonna be a good week, Ive got Good Night and Good Luck on wednesday, Jarhead on friday, and somewhere in between there I'm gonna watch Blow and Summer of Sam.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 04:00 AM

Psycho - (Alfred Hitchcock;1960;USA)
A woman steals money from her boss and drives away, spending the night at a motel run by a psychopath.
Not Hitchcock's best film but it is still a masterwork of the thriller genre. It has one of the greatest shock moments in cinema and has a great performance from Anthony Perkins. Hitchcock's direction is taut and Bernard Herrmann's score is classic itself.

Psycho - (Gus Van Sant;1998;USA)
A woman steals money from her boss and drives away, spending the night at a motel run by a psychopath. (nearly shot by shot remake)
There's only one thing to enjoy, and that is the opening shot the way Hitchcock wanted going from the air into the window without cuts. That's it, otherwise it's nearly the same thing as the original, only updated. Even Van Sant supposedly hates it from what I've heard. Vaughn is interesting, but not nearly as good as Perkins. The opening shot and the cast are the only good things about it. See the original, and watch Van Sant's other films.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 05:18 AM

Sin City (2005, Rodriguez/Miller/Tarantino) ***1/2

Well, I just don't know what to say. This was a damn good film. This one is based on Frank Miller's Comic Books (Fuck You, Graphic Novels.) about the corrupted criminal hellhole that is Basin City. Marv is a brutish animal, mudering his way to the truth and answers for teh death of his only true love, Goldie. Hartigan is a cop on the verge of retirement, wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit. Dwight has killed a hero-cop and now needs to cover it up before it ruins Old Town, which is ruled by the Prostitutes, any trouble could bring back the mob and corrupt cops back to destroy their turf.

First of all, the visuals. From white blood to brilliant colors, this one is excellent in that department. I was critical at first, saying it looked a little too cardboard, but I was W-R-O-N-G. This film goes over the top in every way possible and gives justice to the comic book film, yet is still the second best of the year in the Comic department. Sin City is a dark and gritty place, and is captured excellently.

Though I felt Nick Stahl wasn't a great choice, he did decently enough. Elijah Wood, where do I start. He was C-R-E-E-P-Y, not P-I-M-P. Overrall the casting was pretty good all around.

I liked this film alot, and it pretty much covered my expectations as some members on the board have praised it. Was it a little overrated? Yeah. But it was still a damn good flick.

I can't wait 'till '06.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 04:29 PM

Wicker Man, The
1973, Hardy, GB

A policeman of mainland Scotland arrives on an island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, and uncovers a pagan cult.
A wonderfully crafted tale which is often humorous in its bizarre surrealism; eerie, subtle and very effective.

Mick
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 07:03 PM

Just think Capo...an American remake is coming, but of course set in America(which actually makes no sense) and starring Nicholas Cage!

Glad you dug it Capo.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 08:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
...American remake is coming, but of course set in America (which actually makes no sense) and starring Nicholas Cage!
Fantastic. I love the film; I love America; I love Cage. Who could play the Britt Ekland part? Paris Hilton, perhaps?

I can hardly wait.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 08:42 PM

Even your British-patented deadpan sarcasm can't stop the Rage of the Cage!

Still, WICKER MAN kicks ass. Glad you've discovered it yourself.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 08:46 PM

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005) - ****1/2 out of 5

Arguably the best damn movie of the year, underground filmmaking master David Cronenberg crafts yet another worthy gem of his career in what could ultimately bring several Oscar nominations for the well-endowed cast of Viggo Mortinsen, Ed Harris, and more.

Of course, lesser people that don't recognize Cronenberg's study of how violence influences us as human beings, and those around us, may revel in how "kuul" those violent action sequences are, but to the majority of us that get it, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE is indeed what its title implies: "A Story" of violence, and how it disables a loving family.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005) - ****1/2 out of 5

Arguably the best damn movie of the year, underground filmmaking master David Cronenberg crafts yet another worthy gem of his career in what could ultimately bring several Oscar nominations for the well-endowed cast of Viggo Mortinsen, Ed Harris, and more.

Of course, lesser people that don't recognize Cronenberg's study of how violence influences us as human beings, and those around us, may revel in how "kuul" those violent action sequences are, but to the majority of us that get it, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE is indeed what its title implies: "A Story" of violence, and how it disables a loving family.
Congratulations! You can stop crying! :p Seriously, I got 3 films to see.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/05 11:22 PM

Blue Velvet -- Is it the greatest movie of all time?

I can't think of a better one.

Wow.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 01:48 AM

Halloween - (John Carpenter;1978;USA) -
Over a decade after killing his sister, a disturbed man returns to his hometown to go on a killing spree.
A great horror film that has unfortunately plagued cinema with horrible sequels and other films inspired by it. Carpenter's direction makes the film, most notably the genuinely frightening first half, full of stalking. Donald Pleasence also makes the film better with his presence.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 02:21 PM

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
1999, Jarmusch, Fr/Ger/US/Jap
1st time
A black hitman for the Mafia, who lives by an ancient Samurai law, is betrayed by his employers and seeks revenge.
A well-paced existentialist film which expertly blends many genres and styles into one highly engaging, offbeat film.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 08:51 PM

2001: A Space Odyssey #22 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

When the world is ruled by apes, one particular group discovers a mysterious rectangular monolith near their home, which imparts upon them the knowledge of tool use, and enables them to evolve into men. In the year 2001, a similar monolith is discovered on the moon, and is determined to have come from an area near Jupiter. Astronaut David Bowman, along with four companions, sets off for Jupiter on a spaceship controlled by HAL 9000, a revolutionary computer system that is every bit mankind's equal, and perhaps his superior. When HAL endangers the crew's lives for the sake of the mission, Bowman will have to first overcome the computer, then travel to the birthplace of the monolith, where whatever alien intelligence controls them decides that humanity is ready to take the next evolutionary step. I was really surprised that I liked this movie as much as I did. My expectations were low because it was a Sci-Fi film (not a huge fan of the genre) and a Kubrick film (not a HUGE Kubrick fan either). I had previously tried to watch this and only got about 5-10 minutes into it before turning it off. I'm glad I stuck with it this time because as I just mentioned, I did enjoy it. Great use of music and I loved the HAL 9000 system. However, I must admit, I didn't understand the first 10 minutes of the film (the apes) and probably the last 20?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 08:59 PM

Irishman, with the risk of sounding like an elitist, pretentious snob, a word of advice...

Your summation of Kubrick's 2001 would have lost none of its effect had it read thus: "I had previously tried to watch this and only got about 5-10 minutes into it before turning it off. I'm glad I stuck with it this time because as I just mentioned, I did enjoy it. Great use of music and I loved the HAL 9000 system. However, I must admit, I didn't understand the first 10 minutes of the film (the apes) and probably the last 20?"

Notice what I've done? Cut the opening synopsis. Those of us who've seen the film know what it's about; those who haven't probably won't want to know every plot twist.

Glad you enjoyed 2001; I rank it as Kubrick's best, an aesthetic treat for the senses.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 09:08 PM

Well I was always accused of not adding enough "quality" to my posts beforehand. Now I try to add the story of the movie for those who haven't seen it, before I give my review of it and now I'm being told to cut it. Seems like you guys want it both ways. As for the story, I got that exactly from imdb.com, so it's not like I "spoiled" anything as it's readily available upon research.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 09:15 PM

My opinion of 2001: A Space Odyssey is well documented on these boards. Absolutely brilliant filmmaking from an absolutely brilliant filmmaker. The single most visually appealing and thought provoking film in the history of cinema.

A masterpiece.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 09:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I got [the synopsis] exactly from imdb.com, so it's not like I "spoiled" anything as it's readily available upon research.
Then it's always readily available to those who want to know a bit about the film.

I meant to emphasise the point at the end of my last post that I wasn't intending to jump on you. Don't feel belittled by what I said; I was just giving you a bit of advice, as I myself just want to get to your thoughts about the film, not having to read through what I already know before I get to them.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 09:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b]I got [the synopsis] exactly from imdb.com, so it's not like I "spoiled" anything as it's readily available upon research.
Then it's always readily available to those who want to know a bit about the film.

I meant to emphasise the point at the end of my last post that I wasn't intending to jump on you. Don't feel belittled by what I said; I was just giving you a bit of advice, as I myself just want to get to your thoughts about the film, not having to read through what I already know before I get to them.

Thanks,
Mick [/b][/quote]Exactly, the synopsis is available, so I basically saved them the time it took them to research it :p I know you didn't mean to sound like you were "jumping" on me, but it sounded like you guys wanted it both ways. Maybe in the future I'll split up the paragraph so those who wish to view only my review and not the details of the story may do so easier. Thanks for the tip!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 10:17 PM

Next time Irish, just simply "seperate" the plot sypnosis with your review of the movie. Trust me, confusion would be avoided for sure, as many would agree with me.

But Stanley Kubrick....damn, he was a true master, and really, we don't have such absolute masters anymore alive, such people that even guys like Scorsese and Spielberg feel humbled at his feet. If that isn't respect, I don't have a damn clue.

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) - MASTERPIECE - *****/5
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/05 10:26 PM

Kubrick is arguably the greatest film director in the history of American cinema. He and Hitchcock are definitely top 2 in my book. So many great films...so many great films...
Posted By: Silvio

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/05 06:04 AM

I just watched McCabe & Mrs. Miller. What a sad movie. Freaking amazing film, its the first Altman Ive seen but I love his style. Hes got this seemingly unimportant dialouge all over the place that overall gives the movie a really lifelike feel. The world seemed much more realistic then it does in most westerns too. Ive really become a huge Warren Beatty fan lately

10/10
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/05 06:28 AM

Just wanted to quickly voice my thoughts on 2001.

Its odd, Ive only seen this film once, and Im trying to get to it again soon, and I really liked it the first time around.

I was able to deal with it for the simple piece of advice my dad gave me before watching it; "Dont try to understand it, just enjoy it for what it is." This really allowed me to just sit back and watch Kubrick at work, along with the original writer (forgotten his name,) and not sit there and try to mentally decipher the meaning of it all.

Anyway, its strange because despite the fact that I liked this film, I do not rank it anywhere among my favorites. It almost feels as more Im respecting the film, not liking it, like I felt as though I didnt really connect with it on an emotional level at all, considering its so spacy and robotic, very little human action.

I dont know if this is a good or bad thing. Im having some trouble voicing how I feel here, but hopefully you understand somewhat.

Anyone expierience similar feelings toward this movie?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/05 11:46 AM

^ Yes. It isn't aywhere near my top favorite films.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/05 01:46 PM

Éloge de l'amour/In Praise of Love
2001, Godard, Fr/Swit
3rd time
In Paris, a young man is casting a project about the four stages of love at three different ages in life; two years earlier, he meets the woman who he wants to cast.
In turns infuriating and profound; a visually striking but rather unemotional outing which serves as both a scathing attack on Hollywood and also as a social comment on love, history and (of course) filmmaking.

Mick
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/05 08:17 PM

Has anyone here seen The Red Violin, aka Le Violon Rouge ? It looks like a pretty interesting film, with the violin supposedly being the main character, and I think the story follows the instrument from its creation to its destruction like 300 years later. I was surprised to see Samuel L. Jackson in this.

Anyone seen it?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 06:12 PM

Friday
1995, Gray, US
1st time
Two black friends spend a day watching the ghetto world around them.
A casually irresponsible work, gaining a few laughs from those who can relate to it.

Mick
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 06:15 PM

Don Vercetti, is THIS the movie you love so much?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 06:32 PM

Yeah, Enzo, that's the one. Criterion have just released a region 1 DVD.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 06:56 PM

The Stairwell
2005, Meadows, GB
1st, 2nd and 3rd time
Two people, one descending stairs, the other ascending, collide head-on.
A 15 second short filmed on a Nokia video phone for a short films competition. It goes over the given time boundary, but shows the potential to be had from the medium.

Mick
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 07:07 PM

Yes it is. My favorite film of all time, followed closely by Taxi Driver.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 07:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Yeah, Enzo, that's the one. Criterion have just released a region 1 DVD.
Which region is 'region 1'. Is that EU, so PAL format?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 07:44 PM

Region 1 is North American.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 07:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] Yeah, Enzo, that's the one. Criterion have just released a region 1 DVD.
Which region is 'region 1'. Is that EU, so PAL format? [/b][/quote]Enzo, region 1 is US. Dunno what's EU. Region 5 is Russia, definitely, but the rest?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 08:13 PM

Saw Good Night and Good Luck last night. A slow moving (but not in a bad way) and quiet piece, good direction by George Clooney though, and the lead part is played well by David Straitharn (sp?). Recommended.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 08:48 PM

Region 2 covers Europe and PAL.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 09:10 PM

I'm currently downloading Le Samourai...hopefully it doesn't fuck up like Blue Velvet did.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 09:14 PM

I hope they release Le Samourai sometime soon over here. I dont wat to pay 40 Euros or something for the Criterion Release on eBay. Unfortunately I couldnt find the russian and the other international releases anywhere.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/05 10:30 PM

Aziatic, did you ever saw it appearing on German television?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/04/05 06:32 AM

Grapes of Wrath #21 on the AFI Top 100 List **

Tom Joad returns to his home after a jail sentence to find his family kicked out of their farm due to forecloseure. He catches up with them on his Uncles farm, and joins them the next day as they head for California and a new life... Hopefully. Based on the John Steinbeck novel.

I found the story to be slow and not too enjoyable for me before I left for work. Henry Fonda was enjoyable and so was the movie overall, but I didn't see anything "great" about it
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/04/05 08:07 AM

I'm going to bed, halfway through Blow, with Johnny Depp.

I'm trying to figure out why this film isnt more highly rated amongst people like some of us. Seems like another Goodfellas/Casino/Boogie Nights type of fast-paced, 60's/70's/80's movie. Drugs, violence, music, etc.

Maybe it goes downhill in the 2nd half.

Ill get to it saturday night probably.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/04/05 10:42 AM

I know a lot of people consider it a ripoff of Goodfellas in several points. I used to love it but now I only like it normally.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/04/05 10:55 PM

Le Boucher/The Butcher
1970, Chabrol, Fr
1st time; big screen
Fresh from the Indo-china war, an ex-soldier returns to provincial France and assumes responsibility of his father's butchery, where he falls for the village school's headmistress...
An absorbing, clever film on the transferrance of guilt; a linear, simple narrative offers complex, noirish undertones about human desire and selfish want, with endless references to Hitchcock.

Absolute masterpiece; see it now.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 07:01 AM

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest #20 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

McMurphy has been dating a fifteen year old (fifteen going on thirty-five) and is sentenced for a short term for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Rather than spend his time in jail, he convinces the guards that he's crazy enough to need psychiatric care and is sent to a hospital. He fits in frighteningly well, and his different point of view actually begins to cause some of the patients to progress. Nurse Ratched becomes his personal cross to bear as his resistence to the hospital routine gets on her nerves.

A very good and enjoyable movie with a great use of comedy by Jack Nicholson to lighten the mood. Will Sampson was very good as Chief as well and it was also very nice to see both a young Christopher Lloyd and Danny DeVito. Although I was a little disappointed with the Nurse Ratched character. The performance was fine but I thought she was going to be more "cold" or more of a "villian"
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 03:55 PM

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Le Samourai finished downloading for me and it works!!!

Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 04:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest [b]#20 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

Although I was a little disappointed with the Nurse Ratched character. The performance was fine but I thought she was going to be more "cold" or more of a "villian" [/b]
Nurse Ratched is one of the most hated vilians of all time.
When whacthing Cuckoo's Nest you just want to reach inside the screen and choke her. Spoilers When McMurphy finally does this to her, you can't help but cheer.

This is Milos Forman's Masterpiece
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 04:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
Nurse Ratched is one of the most hated vilians of all time. When whacthing Cuckoo's Nest you just want to reach inside the screen and choke her.
Absolutely. Nurse Ratched is one of my favorite characters to hate from ANY movie I've ever seen. (Conversely, even though Will Sampson's part is relatively small, he's one of my favorite film characters).
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 04:30 PM

OMG I CANNOT WAIT TO WATCH LE SAMOURAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 04:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
[quote]Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
[b] Nurse Ratched is one of the most hated vilians of all time. When whacthing Cuckoo's Nest you just want to reach inside the screen and choke her.
Absolutely. Nurse Ratched is one of my favorite characters to hate from ANY movie I've ever seen. (Conversely, even though Will Sampson's part is relatively small, he's one of my favorite film characters). [/b][/quote]Also Brad Dourif who played Billy Babbit (Tremendously I might add) can now be on one of my favorite shows "Deadwood" as Doc Cochran
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 05:39 PM

Saw
2004, Wan, US
1st time
Two men wake up chained to opposite ends of a room.
A brilliant idea is ruined by flashy production values and abysmal acting.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 07:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
[quote]Originally posted by SC:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
[b] Nurse Ratched is one of the most hated vilians of all time. When whacthing Cuckoo's Nest you just want to reach inside the screen and choke her.
Absolutely. Nurse Ratched is one of my favorite characters to hate from ANY movie I've ever seen. (Conversely, even though Will Sampson's part is relatively small, he's one of my favorite film characters). [/b][/quote]Also Brad Dourif who played Billy Babbit (Tremendously I might add) can now be on one of my favorite shows "Deadwood" as Doc Cochran [/b][/quote]I concur, Brad Dourif did do a very good job with his stutter as Billy Babbit. SPOILERS I did cheer when Mac finally did choke Nurse Ratched END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 08:19 PM

Beavis and Butt-Head Do America - (Mike Judge/Yvette Kaplan;1996;USA) -
Two lazy, stupid teenagers journey across America while searching for their TV in order to "score" while the FBI chases them.
"Beavis and Butt-head" was one of those great TV shows like "Ren and Stimpy" or "Rocko's Modern Life" that we just grow up loving so much. This has always been hilarious to me. Every scene has laughs, and despite what Ebert says, the characters are easily likable, at least by fans. Like Election, one of the only good things to be produced by MTV. Judge is great at comedies. I hope to see Office Space soon.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 08:48 PM

Ahh, yes. Beavis and Butthead Do America is great.

BTW, I saw the TV show on Comedy Central the other day, what was up with that?

DV, I think you'll enjoy Office Space.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 08:49 PM

You've never seen Office Space Donv? It's one of the funniest movies I have ever seen!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/05 08:50 PM

No I didn't.

I think Beavis and Butt-Head is being played on a few weekdays at & PM. Not EVERY weekday. I just hope it's not temporary. There was a marathon this morning.

You can look it up on the http://www.comedycentral.com schedule.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 01:42 AM

Angel Heart

I saw the special edition DVD in Wal-Mart for 10 bucks, so I picked it up. What a surprisingly great film! After the film was over, I really had no idea what the hell just happened, but the 10 or so minutes afterwards, it all clicked (I think). I only bought it because Robert De Niro was in it, and I hadn't seen a Mickey Rourke movie since 9 1/2 Weeks. I was very pleasantly surprised, and that's saying something for a film that's so grotesque and twisted.

***1/2 out of ****
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 07:36 AM

Seven Samurai ** 1/2

A village is constantly attacked by well armed bandits. One day after an attack they seek the wisdom of an elder who tells them they cannot afford weapons, but they can find men with weapons, samurai, who will fight for them, if they find samurai who are in down on their luck and wondering where their next meal will come from. They find a very experienced samurai with a good heart who agrees to recruit their party for them. He selects five genuine samurai and one who is suspect but the seven return to the village to protect it from the forty plus bandits.

This was my 2nd time viewing this film and although I did enjoy it more the 2nd time around, I still don't see this movie as a masterpiece unfortunately. The story was very good and the actors and everything else were fine, but sorry to say ronnie, it was long (3 and 1/2 hours). This is supposed to be Japan's equivalent to our Citizen Kane and although I haven't seen Citizen Kane yet, I must admit that I was disappointed with the Seven Samurai yet again. The Kikuchiyo character was a little weird IMO but did add some comic relief when needed.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 03:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Seven Samurai ** 1/2

If xXx reads this, you better find a place to hide in pal :p
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 08:39 PM

After my second viewing of Seven Samurai, I also found it to be a tad overrated, and overlong too. I consider it the Japanese Shawshank Redemption. Great story, very powerful, but overrated by many.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 11:08 PM

Man, I pity those that miss the magic and epic stunning magic of THE SEVEN SAMURAI(MASTERPIECE - *****/5), which during its entire 200-or so minute running time, glued my ass onto that classroom seat...and that isn't exactly the easiet thing to do.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 11:11 PM

Irish...Too Long?

Man, next time we all eat at the restaurant Irish...you take the headseat of the kiddie table while the rest of us big boys go to the other table.

Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 11:17 PM

Seven Samurai was longer than it needed to be. It wasn't boring to me, but I think it would be best fit as a 2 hour movie. A lot of unnecessary parts.
Posted By: Family Honour

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 11:29 PM

Saw.


A gripping storyline, the twists and turns were brilliant. Weak acting could have let it down but didn't cos the story was so good. 8/10

FH
Posted By: ability

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/05 11:32 PM

Sin City.

About what I expected. My girlfriend loved it. Me... not so much.

6/10
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/05 06:07 AM

Saw Jarhead first chance I could on opening day, very eagerly anticipating it.

More humor then I expected, not a very deep or psychological film, which I was what I was hoping for.

Ultimately dissappointed.

6/10

(I have a more detailed review in the "Jarhead" thread.)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/05 09:04 AM

Chinatown #19 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

Los Angeles detective Jake Gittes is hired by a woman claiming to be a Mrs. Mulwray to spy on her husband. Shortly after Gittes is hired, the real Mrs. Mulwray appears in his office threatening to sue if he doesn't drop the case immediately. Gittes pursues the case anyway, slowly uncovering a vast conspiracy centering on water management, state and municipal corruption, land use and real estate, and involving at least one murder.

Not a bad movie but Nicholson I didn't think brought the same presence as he did in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Also, Mr. Mulwray's character was a real piece of sh*t. I was kinda disappointed

Psycho #18 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Phoenix officeworker Marion Crane is fed up with the way life has treated her. She has to meet her lover Sam in lunch breaks and they cannot get married because Sam has to give most of his money away in alimony. One Friday Marion is trusted to bank $40,000 by her employer. Seeing the opportunity to take the money and start a new life, Marion leaves town and heads towards Sam's California store. Tired after the long drive and caught in a storm, she gets off the main highway and pulls into The Bates Motel. The motel is managed by a quiet young man called Norman who seems to be dominated by his mother.

My favorite Hitchcock film without a doubt! Terrific performances by Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. I absolutely loved the camera movement in this movie by Hitchcock and it's easily one of my favorite "suspense/horror" movie
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/05 10:31 AM

Quote:
Also, Mr. Mulwray's character was a real piece of sh*t.
Well he was the villain.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/05 11:23 AM

ELEPHANT (2003) - ****/5

After the awards-glory with GOOD WILL HUNTING, only to follow with the universally ridiculed PSYCHO remake and his lackluster FINDING FORESTER, Gus Van Sant went back into his special cave, only to re-emerge with his trilogy of minimalistic-experimental pictures in the modestly-respected GERRY, the controversial-yet-praised little gem ELEPHANT(this film), and recently his criminally ignored winner LAST DAYS.

Many will be turned off by this picture, but to those that catch it and "get it", we dig it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/05 05:39 PM

Wild at Heart
1990, Lynch, US
1st time
A snakeskin-jacketed parolee goes on the run with his girlfriend, with a violent-minded would-be mother-in-law hot on their trail.
Darkly comic, anything goes adventure; a modern translation of The Wizard of Oz, with sex, violence and the most surreal of touches from all sides; only the photography has any kind of tonal consistence, and the whole thing gives the feel that it was made by a bunch of people on drugs.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/05 07:08 PM

Salaryman 6
2002, Knight, GB
2nd time
An office worker wakes up to find he has lost all memory of his life; he tries to piece it back together again, with a camera.
Interesting short on time and memory, with a great eye for detail and tremendous use of visual metaphors.

Virus
2002, Hynd, GB
1st time
An office worker recieves an attachment in an Email with deadly consequences.
A debut short film for everyone involved, and a highly professional job done too. An atmospheric, small thriller which lingers.

Round
2003, Edgar, GB
1st time
A security guard in an empty office block falls for the new cleaner.
A visually appealing short film with a witty central character and poignant narrative development. Creative and clever.

Alphabet, The
1968, Lynch, US
1st and 2nd time
Animated letters of the alphabet are personified into human form.
An abstract, oddly frightening piece of work, with very primitive animation and glimpses here and there of a girl sick in bed; the whole thing resembles a Francis Bacon painting come to life.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/05 09:09 PM

Darkened Room
2002, Lynch, US
1st, 2nd & 3rd time
A girl cries, seemingly locked in a room; another girl comes in and talks to her in a threatening manner.
An eerie, dark film whose mood is set with Badalamenti's usual atmospheric drone; we want to delve deeper, but Lynch keeps the whole thing on a leash.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/05 09:48 PM

All About Eve #16 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

The ambitious Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) gets close to the great and temperamental stage artist Margo Channing (Bette Davis) and her friends Karen Richards (Celeste Holm) and her husband, the play-writer Lloyd Richards (Hugh Marlowe); her boyfriend and director Bill Sampson (Gary Marrow); and the producer Max Fabian (Gregory Ratoff). Everybody, except the cynical critic Addison DeWitt (George Sanders), believe that Eve is only a naive, humble and simple obsessed fan of Margo and they try to help her. However, Eve is indeed a cynical and manipulative snake that uses the lives of Margo and her friends to reach her objectives in the theater business.

My expectations were low for this film because I had never really heard of it before. It was a good movie and the story was enjoyable, as was Anne Baxter. I didn't know this movie spawn the famous line "fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride." SPOILERS It was nice to see a cameo from a young Marilyn Monroe END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 07:03 AM

Capo, where do you see all these short films? In school? I try to download or stream some of the ones you talk about and cant seem to find them.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 09:18 AM

Star Wars #15 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

The Jedi Knights have been exterminated and the Empire rules the galaxy with an iron fist. A small group of Rebels have dared to fight back by stealing the secret plans to the Empire's mightiest weapon, the Death Star battle station. The Emperor's most trusted servant, Darth Vader, must find the plans, and locate the hidden Rebel base. Princess Leia, a captive Rebel leader, sends out a distress signal that is intercepted by a simple farm boy, Luke Skywalker. Seizing his destiny, Luke takes up the challenge to rescue the princess and help the Rebellion overthrow the Empire, along with such unforgetable alies as the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi, the cocky Han Solo, the loyal Chewbacca, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.

A fantastic movie and truly one of the best sci-fi movies ever. A terrific cast starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Alec Guinness. My 4th favorite film of the saga but this was probably the most I've enjoyed it (probably due to the fact that I've been watching Episode III a lot at work lately)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 02:19 PM

Risk
2005, Sidorczuk, GB
1st time
A bored office worker craves for a cigarette.
Slick animation is spent on a short film about a man whose temptations don't quite satisfy him; the narrative itself is puzzling, but the visuals are fine indeed.

Hard Sell, The
2004, Goodill, GB
1st time
A telesalesman, stuck in a monotonous job when he should be back at university, gets more than he bargained for when he rings up a retired salesman.
Witty short which delivers a message of Get Out and Do It. Most won't.

Mr. Theobald
2004, Burrill, GB
1st time
A cog in society's working order decides to relax a little more.
A rather surrealist fantasy presented as a silent film; all very easy on the eye, but a little clumsy in its storytelling.

Last Resort
2000, Pawlikowski, GB
1st time
A Russian woman and her son who arrive in England to find her fiancé has abandoned her, takes to a fairground owner.
A small tale of personal relationships, presented as a much-needed breath of fresh air; if the narrative sometimes indulges itself in usual clichés, the acting compensates. The whole affair resembles Kíeslowski.

Finding Neverland
2004, Forster, GB/US
1st time
James Barrie takes inspiration for his new play from a widowed family of four boys and their mother.
A sweet, amiable tale of inspiration and dealing with the troubles of life by escaping into the imagination; the wonderful acting sweeps it along its rousing script which, for the most part, stays clear of sickliness.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 02:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Capo, where do you see all these short films? In school? I try to download or stream some of the ones you talk about and can't seem to find them.
MMTH, I saw many short films recently at an animation and filmmaking workshop, as part of the Northern Lights Film Festival, for which I've just finished directing a film. The shorts were in turns inspiring, inspired, and offered a whole new way of looking at the craft of filmmaking. I decided to hunt some of them down on the net, and found my favourite one, Jake Knight's Salaryman 6, here . From that link you can find many others. I also recommend Round .

As for the David Lynch shorts, you need to be a (paid) member of his official site. I found them, after many months of searching, on P2P networks such as Soulseek. But Soulseek takes a lot of space up on the harddrive, so I use Limewire.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 03:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Star Wars [b]#15 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

The Jedi Knights have been exterminated and the Empire rules the galaxy with an iron fist. A small group of Rebels have dared to fight back by stealing the secret plans to the Empire's mightiest weapon, the Death Star battle station. The Emperor's most trusted servant, Darth Vader, must find the plans, and locate the hidden Rebel base. Princess Leia, a captive Rebel leader, sends out a distress signal that is intercepted by a simple farm boy, Luke Skywalker. Seizing his destiny, Luke takes up the challenge to rescue the princess and help the Rebellion overthrow the Empire, along with such unforgetable alies as the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi, the cocky Han Solo, the loyal Chewbacca, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.

A fantastic movie and truly one of the best sci-fi movies ever. A terrific cast starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Alec Guinness. My 4th favorite film of the saga but this was probably the most I've enjoyed it (probably due to the fact that I've been watching Episode III a lot at work lately) [/b]
Great Review Irish, but I am almost afraid to ask.
What are the three films that you rank above "A New Hope"
and what are two that you rank behind?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 03:23 PM

Thanks for the kind words DMF, I usually don't get that here on these boards so it was appreciated. The way I personally would rank the Star Wars saga are as follows (also keep in mind that I didn't "grow up" with the original 3, so they didn't have that sentimental/childhood value to me)

1) Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
2) Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
3) Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
4) Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
5) Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
6) Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 03:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Thanks for the kind words DMF, I usually don't get that here on these boards so it was appreciated. The way I personally would rank the Star Wars saga are as follows (also keep in mind that I didn't "grow up" with the original 3, so they didn't have that sentimental/childhood value to me)

1) Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
2) Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
3) Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
4) Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
5) Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
6) Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Here's mine

Empire
A New Hope
Sith
Jedi
Clones
Menace

The fx in the prequels are truly amazing but I think GL got obsessed with the FX and built a story around them. I got very tired of seeing air traffic on every scene on Corasant. Ewan M saved the entire PT and is a fantastic charactor in the entire saga, and Yoda was great in Sith. The story suffered and felt rushed in Sith. Vader is a tragic charactor which we all knew, but he ended up becoming pathetic.

The real question now is, In what order will you introduce these films to your children?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 03:54 PM

Just for the hell of it.

Empire Strikes Back
A New Hope
Return of the Jedi
Revenge of the Sith
Phantom Menace
Attack of the Clones

I love Star Wars and I admire the first trilogies' special effects, but I don't have that same respect with the new trilogy, which became too much and too phony to look good. Plus, the stories work, but Lucas is otherwise a mediocre filmmaker when it comes to things like dialogue. Things like robots yelling "Owie" after being hit became annoying and all the other poor comic relief. Lucas claims this is a kids movie for this reason, but yeah, a kids movie with decapitations, burning flesh, genocide, etc? Come on George.

Had the first prequel lacked Jar Jar it would be #1 best for the prequels, but his presence was too much. Your question to Irishman is an interesting one though. I'd introduce them like I saw them, old trilogy first mainly because those are the best to me, and when you see the newer films you love seeing the original story behind it. At least that was the feeling I got when I saw The Phantom Menace in theaters years ago.
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 04:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:

Had the first prequel lacked Jar Jar it would be #1 best for the prequels, but his presence was too much. Your question to Irishman is an interesting one though. I'd introduce them like I saw them, old trilogy first mainly because those are the best to me, and when you see the newer films you love seeing the original story behind it. At least that was the feeling I got when I saw The Phantom Menace in theaters years ago. [/QB]
I agree (as hundreds of thousands do) with you on Jar Jar's presence in Menace, but casting Jack Loyld as young Aniken ruined that movie.

Also the Pod race was too long, and not needed

They should have cast someone a little older and incorporated a little darkness into the role.


Yipee.....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 05:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
The real question now is, In what order will you introduce these films to your children?
I'd probably introduce them to my children in chronological order. I'll tell them when they were made and such but I find it more interesting to watch it in chronological order. As I stated in my review, I think that's why I enjoyed Star Wars so much because recently at work I've been watching Sith. I've seen the movies in the order they were released and I'm going to wait to get the boxset DVD next year and then I'll finally watch it in chronological order
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 07:35 PM

Saraband
2003, Bergman, Swe
1st; big screen
A family lawyer vists her ex-husband at his remote home, and unfolds a paternal crisis of male domination and despair.
Told in ten "movements" and a final coda, this is a rather dry and humorless affair, with the old master returning to his familiar themes of death and love; shot on high-definition video, it looks underexposed and flat (perhaps fittingly), and the whole thing is an exhausting experience.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 08:39 PM

Some Like It Hot #14 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Two Struggling musicians witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and try to find a way out of the city before they are found and killed by the mob. The only job that will pay their way is an all girl band so the two dress up as women. In addition to hiding, each has his own problems; One falls for another band member but can't tell her his gender, and the other has a rich suitor who will not take "No," for an answer.

A terrific comedy that had me laughing throughout the entire picture. Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon really shined IMO and Tony Curtis was very enjoyable too. This really exceeded my expectations and I'll probably have to add it to my DVD collection
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 09:25 PM

Amputee, The
1974, Lynch, US
1st and 2nd times
A legless woman sits and writes an incoherent letter while a doctor struggles to bandage up her stumps.
A five-minute Lynch short which must be admired for simultaneously sucking you into this puzzle while also repelling you with the sight (and sound) of the doctor going to work with the stump. One almost forgets the main character is talking, but all the while her words, which mean nothing, register on an unconscious level and keep you watching.

Rabbits
2002, Lynch, US
1st time
Three rabbits in human form, seemingly caught in some kind of time warp, ponder time, existence and their being.
An absurd film told in eight mini-episodes; delivered in the style of a sitcom, it challenges audiences' expectations, takes relish in breaking conventions, and is disturbing in its matter-of-fact standing. There's no other film quite like it.

Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 10:43 PM

NO

FUCKING

WAY!!!!

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!

THE VERSION OF LE SAMOURAI THAT I DOWNLOADED HAS NO SUBTITLES!!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 10:56 PM

Eeeeeh, whatiesamatter ???
Can't you speak French?

Then go learn it!!!

Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 11:05 PM

I guess that's where knowing another language would come in handy...

Oh man I feel like I'm gonna cry. This is just terrible.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/05 11:23 PM

Well, considering there's no dialogue for a while into the film, how'd you like the opening? Although I guess you didn't get to read the opening quote, without the subtitles.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 12:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Well, considering there's no dialogue for a while into the film, how'd you like the opening? Although I guess you didn't get to read the opening quote, without the subtitles.
I loved the opening. No words. The part where he went into the garage was masterfully done.

I could tell it was gonna be a great movie just from that. Then he went into that girl's apartment and started talking and no words appeared on the screen. So sad.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 01:05 AM

Dead Man (1995) ****
Director: Jim Jarmusch
Back home, no one seems to care about accountant William Blake; but in the wild west, he is wanted for dead.

Excellent film! Col. Depp is great as always, and this time he's brought an over-weight Native American lad named "Nobody" with him! Jarmusch seems to recreate the feeling of an old smoothly put together Spaghetti-Western film, while bringing new ideas to the table. Leone himself would be proud... And what better sets the tone of the old Leone western's than a beautiful score? The score is excellent as well. Just an overall great film.


The Cooler (2003) **1/2
Director: Wayne Kramer
When the unluckiest man in Vegas falls in love with a casino-beauty, problems arise with his mob friends.

Not a bad film; but also not a spectacular film. Overall, it was average. It had its moments, and some great acting. The story was good too... So were the camera tricks and special effects (the coolest would probably be an X-ray of a hand as the casino-regulated dice were switched with cheater's dice in the palm of a hand). But I also felt it was a tiny bit corny at times (the most obvious being the random saves-the-day moment at the end... I won't give too much away). Anyways, this still isn't a bad film. It's a nice film to catch, I just wouldn't put it at the top of any must-see lists.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 01:13 AM

That's what you get for not going to Ballbuster or Hollywood Video.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 01:35 AM

STAR WARS: RRA's Scorecard

EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE - *1/2 out of 5
EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES - **/5
EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH - **1/2 out of 5
EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE - Masterpiece - *****/5
EPISODE V: EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - Masterpiece - *****/5
EPISODE VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI - ***/5
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 03:53 AM

Episode I: *1/2
Episode II: *1/2
Episode III: **1/2
Episode IV: ***1/2
Episode V: ****
Episode VI: ***

How anyone could like Sith best is beyond me.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 09:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Some Like It Hot A terrific comedy that had me laughing throughout the entire picture. Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon really shined IMO and Tony Curtis was very enjoyable too. This really exceeded my expectations and I'll probably have to add it to my DVD collection
WOW!!! I'm SOOOOOOO glad I can agree with you for once, Irish!!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 10:25 AM

Glad you liked Dead Man LLC.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 11:07 AM

I finally got to see the remake of "The Longest Yard". It fell short of the original on almost every count and considering that it was almost a verbatim copy of the original thats saying a lot.

I was disappointed by Adam Sandler's portrayal (probably the only time I can say that of ANY of his movies). It notably lacked Burt Reynolds' "who gives a shit" attitude in the original (but then again, Reynolds portrayal of Nate Scarborough lacked Michael Conrad's wonderful character acting done in the original).

The original had an "edge" which was missing in this new version.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 01:29 PM

Andrey Rublyov (Andrei Rublev)
1966, Tarkovsky, USSR
1st time
In 15th Century Russia, an icon painter struggles to come to terms with the horrors he witnesses at the hands of the Tartar invaders.
A magnificent account of both a character and a time; the period setting goes hand in hand with the beautiful photography, while Tarkovsky's visionary, distinct style never fails to impress, engage or fascinate.

Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 07:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Glad you liked Dead Man LLC.
Yeah, it was great... I just had to wait a week to get it, because when I had showed up the week of your review, some other-guy had it out. Same thing happened with me when I wanted to see Ed Wood... And, now that I think of it, Fear and Loathing, too. That's rather odd...

It was worth the wait though. Best movie I've seen in a while.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 09:13 PM

Le Samouraï ** 1/2

Hitman Jeff Costello is a perfectionist who always carefully plans his murders and who never gets caught. One night however, after killing a night-club owner, he's seen by witnesses. His efforts to provide himself with an alibi fail and more and more he gets driven into a corner.

What I liked most about this movie was the fact that the main character Jef didn't speak a lot and that his presence on screen was as great as it was. The ending had a nice little surprise to it too. I watched this with a friend and he fell asleep during it but I did enjoy it somewhat.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 09:16 PM

Irish, did you change your grading scale? Because it seems you give everything **1/2.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 09:17 PM

No I didn't change it but I have noticed a lot of ** 1/2 star movies myself. As of late I've felt that these movies I've watched have been better than ** but not as good as *** so I've just been giving them the ** 1/2
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 09:45 PM

Le Samourai, best hitman film ever.

The Terminal - (Steven Spielberg;2004;USA) -
A man comes to JFK airport while a revolution erupts in his county making him a citizen of nowhere, forcing him to stay inside the airport.
Spielberg unfortunately can't end a film anymore, although he still proves to tell a charming story anyway. The whole film is nothing above simple quality, but it's nice to watch and proves to hold likable characters, even if the final moments taint the film's tone.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico - (Robert Rodriguez;2003;Mexico/USA)
El Mariachi is called upon an CIA agent to join in a conspiracy plot.
Rodriguez tries to go all out technically but fails in the film itself. The plot is poor, the outcome is even worse, and the cast is all that keeps it watchable. The film overall is too ridiculous to take seriously, especially the spontaneous appearance of guns in some scenes. Depp was probably the best thing in this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 10:00 PM

No stars for Once Upon A Time In Mexico? I agree, that movie was HORRIBLE
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 10:10 PM

Yeah, hardly anything good about it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 10:14 PM

DV, have you ever seen Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds? If so, how does it compare with Psycho?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 10:22 PM

From memory I'd rate it three stars. The special effects and editing for the time was excellent, but Hitchcock has done better with Vertigo and Rear Window when it comes to Psycho. The Birds would be much better if Hitchcock was able to do the original ending he wanted but budget or technology prevented it. Psycho I rate four stars.

The British cut of Strangers on a Train comes close to being superior.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 10:32 PM

OT Vercetti, but what was Hitchcock's original ending for THE BIRDS? I actually never heard about it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/05 10:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
OT Vercetti, but what was Hitchcock's original ending for THE BIRDS? I actually never heard about it.
SPOILER
They drive back to San Fran to find that the Golden Gate bridge is covered in birds or something to that effect.
SPOILER END
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/10/05 06:15 AM

The Bridge on the River Kwai #13 on the AFI Top 100 List *** 1/2

British WW2 prisoners of war are given the task, by their Japanese captors, of building a railway bridge in a harsh Asian jungle. Led by Col Nicholson, a stereotypical British officer, the prisoners score a moral victory over the Japanese by not only building the bridge, but running the whole show. Unknown to Nicholson, an allied demolition team are planning a spectacular opening for the bridge.

A very interesting story with great performances by Alec Guinness and Sessue Hayakawa. I didn't know what to expect going into this movie but I was very pleased with it and would definitely watch it again. In sum a "good show and jolly good fun!"
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/10/05 09:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
[b] OT Vercetti, but what was Hitchcock's original ending for THE BIRDS? I actually never heard about it.
They drive back to San Fran....... [/b][/quote]I didn't know he had a different ending but if I'm not mistaken "The Birds" is his only film that ends without "The End" being presented on screen. Hitchcock wanted to suggest an ongoing terror (i.e. it hadn't ended) with the birds.

This guy was a f*ckin' genius way ahead of his time. I don't know if they show any of his weekly tv shows on the tube anymore but if you get a chance to see any of them you'll appreciate his sense of (macabre) humor. He's one filmmaker I would have definitely liked to have met (and talked to) in person.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/10/05 09:52 AM

The Birds **

Spoilt socialite and notorious practical joker Melanie Daniels is shopping in a San Francisco pet store when she meets Mitch Brenner. Mitch is looking to buy a pair of love birds for his young sister's birthday; he recognises Melanie but pretends to mistake her for an assistant. She decides to get her own back by buying the birds and driving up to the quiet coastal town of Bodega Bay, where Mitch spends his weekends with his sister and mother. Shortly after she arrives, Melanie is attacked by a gull, but this is just the start of a series of attacks by an increasing number of birds.

I was disappointed with this film. After watching Psycho recently I was hoping for another great Hitchcock film, but failed to get it. The effects weren't the problem as I looked past them but it was just the story in general. I felt it sounded interesting moreso than it was and it seemed to move a little slower too while something like Psycho kept you on the edge of your seat throughout the picture. On a side not, very good performances by both Tippi Hedren & Rod Taylor
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/10/05 04:54 PM

Into the Blue
2005, Stockwell, US
1st time; big screen
Four diving friends run into trouble when they find a drugs smuggler's lost stash on the seabed.
A silly excuse for the camera to relish Jessica Alba's body in front of it; it never rises above mediocrity.


Zatôichi
2003, Kitano, Jap
2nd time
A blind masseur wanders into a village with revenge on his mind.
A stunning, sort of Jarmuschian take of an ancient folklore legend. Kitano sheds his guns for swords, but has kept his wry sense of humour.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/05 07:58 AM

Sunset Boulevard #12 on the AFI Top 100 List *** 1/2

Joe Gillis, an unsuccessful screenplay writer, escapes the finance men who are trying to reclaim his car by driving into the garage of an old mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Assumed to be someone else, he is led by Max the butler to the mansion's owner, silent film star Norma Desmond. Wishing to make a comeback, she hires him to rewrite her "Salome" script, then falls in love with him. Joe moves into the mansion as a kept man. Secretly, Joe is collaborating with a pretty young screenplay editor, Betty Schaefer, on another idea. Though she is engaged to his best friend, Artie Green, an assistant director, Betty falls in love with Joe. When Betty finds out about Norma, she asks him to leave Norma for her, but Joe can't unsettle her life, too. He decides, instead, to leave Hollywood. As he is leaving, a crazed Norma tries to stop him.

Another movie that I had not heard of prior to viewing this list but again I've very pleased I watched it. A very interesting story with enjoyable performances from William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich Von Strokeim, and Nancy Olson. SPOILERS I didn't know this movie spawned the phrase, "I'm ready for my closeup Mr. DeMille" END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/05 10:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Sunset Boulevard [b]#12 on the AFI Top 100 List *** 1/2 [/b]
C'mon, Irish! Only *** 1/2 for this absolute masterpiece????
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/05 11:30 AM

Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The
2004, Anderson, US
1st time; big screen
After his best friend is killed by a Jaguar Shark, a filmmaker takes his crew on a mission to hunt it down and exact revenge.
A highly original, inventive and witty comedy of a man in mid-life crisis mode, coming to terms with and having to accept that he isn't who he thought he was. The humour is of an eccentric kind, but it gradually sucks you into its own little world, and builds momentum as it goes.

Brother
2000, Kitano, US/GB/Jap
1st time
A vicious Yakuza gangster arrives in America to live with his younger brother, and causes chaos.
Kitano brings his deadpan action and dry humour to America and takes on the theatrics of Hollywood; an interesting, violent fantasy of his own persona.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/05 12:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Sunset Boulevard [b]#12 on the AFI Top 100 List
*** 1/2 [/b]
C'mon, Irish! Only *** 1/2 for this absolute masterpiece???? [/b][/quote]Only *** 1/2? I think that's a pretty darn good score
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/05 03:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I think that's a pretty darn good score
it is good, but not the best. So it's not enough, IMO!!! :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/05 10:32 PM

Le cercle rouge (The Red Circle)
1970, Melville, Fr/It
1st time; big screen
A parolee meets by coincidence an escapee, and they join forces with an alcoholic ex-cop to do a jewel heist.
A phenomenal piece of excellence; mood, tempo and meticulous attention paid to presentation are all controlled with great care by the director, whose exploration of loyalty, fate and inevitable doom is as engaging and tense as ever.

Masterpiece; just as good as Le Samouraï.

Mick
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/05 11:29 PM

Taxi Driver (1st time)
First thing that comes to mind when viewing this film is the dedication to quality that was present in the films of that time. And listening to the 'making of the movie' documentary reinforces this impression. Excellent technique, thourough character study and credibility are the strength of this movie. It failed to make a personal impact as Scorsese+Deniro's other movie Raging Bull. Still a great move and quite an unexpected ending.

SPOILER ALERT
The security agent at the senator's rally recognize Travis, especially with the conspicous mohawk. Why did he not get caught when his name appeared in the newspapers prominently?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/05 12:51 AM

svsg, unless I'm mistaken, Travis gave a bogus ID name to the Agent, so if he read the papers...he wouldn't recognize the dude's "name" given to him.
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/05 02:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
svsg, unless I'm mistaken, Travis gave a bogus ID name to the Agent, so if he read the papers...he wouldn't recognize the dude's "name" given to him.
Henry Kriegal
Hopper Lane
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/05 02:19 AM

THE INTERPRETER - **1/2 out of 5

Average thriller motion picture that delivered veteran journeyman director/actor Sydney Pollack a box-office hit. No where the quality or respect of his THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR from a long long time ago, but I've seen much worse...like STEALTH.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/05 03:50 AM

This Is Spinal Tap - (Rob Reiner;1984;USA) -
Rob Reiner as "Marti DeBergi" films a documentary on the fictional English band Spinal Tap on their USA tour for their album 'Smell the Glove.'
For those who are huge fans of bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, or even rock in general, this is a hilarious film. This film is full of memorable moments is is one of the best documentaries ever, even if it's really a mockumentary. One of the 80's best films.
In top 100

"....These go to eleven"

Last Days - (Gus Van Sant;2005;USA) -
The last days of a burnt-out, evasive rock musician fresh out of rehab.
The best of 2005 so far, and one of the best films I have seen in years. I still need to see Gerry but this excels above Elephant. The character development is very subtle, and easy to miss. Van Sant gives a wonderful direction through his use of everything, especially music. Much was improvised, in a good way as if Van Sant was painting the whole film. A fascinating character study. I'm also glad that this wasn't an attempt to whore Cobain's fame for money, despite what others say.
In top 100
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/05 02:43 PM

Henry Krinkle. Kay Are Aye Enn Kay Ell Eee.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/05 04:07 PM

Well, last month I was lucky enough to see 4 movies! 1 per week, which is really great considering the month before I only found time for 1 movie, so I'm really happy about it

Anyway, 1 was a mediocre time-waster, 1 was good, and 2 were masterpieces.

Lets start with the bad one....

The Recruit (2003)

This is probably the greatest forum out there for Pacino fans, so I'll skip the plot summary you all know and get down to business:

I plead guilty. Pacino made me watch this film. I had others waiting in line, but I said what the hell, lets see what Pacino has to show us with this one, and it turned out to be nothing special at all. Been there, done that, just another time waster if you got nothing to do. The enitre movie is mediocre and Pacino dosent help much. Could easily been Donald Sutherland, Gene Hackman, or Ben Kingsley instead of Pacino. He just had the right character outline, nothing deep really.
And Colin Farrell, who the hell is that kid?
To sum things up, Pacino went "Neo-De-Niro" with this role, which means making mediocre mainstream movies.
This movie is what RRA would call BOMB


Now lets go on to the good movie...


True Confessions (1981/MGM)

De Niro and Duvall. 2 brothers. Priest and detective.
The background plot is somewhat based on the Black Dahlia case (murder victim Elizabeth Short from 1947).
De Niro and Duvall deliver great performances, theres no question about it, and alone that could make a masterpiece. On the other hand, the plot is really overshadowed by the brothers' performances. but then I cant really expect to learn much from an unsolved murder like the Black Dahlia...so I cant complain.
I also felt a bit of Godfather style in this movie. Maybe becasue one of the first scenes is a big party that introduces the characters, in the same way all 3 godfather movies do...maybe becasue De Niro resembles Michael in GF2 with his cold thoughtful stare, maybe becasue Duvall was misquoting a GF line as a joke, I think it was something like "May all your sons be...", and maybe becasue Duvall is Tom once again...I dunno, its really nothing, just that I kept thinking of the Godfather while watching this movie.

Anyway, a good movie, not an outstanding plot but with great performances, so check it if u can.
And if you want, read the book this movie is based upon : "True Confessions" by John Gregory Dunne(1977)

Time to move on to....masterpieces :

The Miracle Worker (1962/MGM)

This is the 5th time I watched this film, and I really dont know where to start....let me start by saying this movie is one of my top 10 movies of ALL TIME.
This is the story of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. How it all started. If you want to know what makes this movie so great, then let me tell you : Ann Bancroft, Ann Bancroft, Ann Bancroft! (RIP)
This is what Capo would call a "tour de force"
Her performance is way above anything you might expect, I just couldnt wait to see this movie again. Stunning. Simply stunning. And people remember Ann Bancroft for her Mrs. Robinson role in The Graduate ??? thats sad! She sould be remembered for this role, 1000 times better than The Graduate!

Is this the greatest Helen Keller film? - sure thing.
Is it the greatest female performance (Bancroft) of all time? - Yes,yes,Yes! See it for yourself, if you dont believe me.
The Miracle Worker not in the AFI list? - Blasphemy!
Not on IMDB list? - well, I stopped checking this one long time ago when Spider-Man 2 got in the top 250 list...how lame is that?
Patty Duke is also amazing in the role of Helen. I cant wait to see the 1979 film where shes playing Annie instead.

Was anyone here (TIS/SC/Turnbull etc) lucky enough to see the Broadway play (1959-1961) which was later made into the 1962 film ?

And to another masterpiece....

Wit (2001/HBO Films)

Damn!! I have so much to say about this precious little gem with the GREAT Emma Thompson, but I gotta go now. So it'll have to wait.

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
Ransom

The son of an Airlines Company owner is kidnapped for ransom. The father, acted by Mel Gibson turns the ransom into prize money on the kidnapper's head. Cliched plot. The script did not exploit this good idea enough.
Have u seen the original movie with Glenn Ford (1956) ?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/05 06:01 PM

Four films in a month, eh? I've watched almost twenty in a week.

Mick
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/05 02:05 AM

I recently saw "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" and "The Weather Man."

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, from the director of the Lethal Weapon series, was a fast paced, moderately funny, somewhat strange attempt at a sort of modern day action movie. A little bit more vulgar, a bit more graphic maybe. Robert Downey Jr was average, Val Kilmer was good as a gay detective.

This movie was strange in the fact that it took me a half an hour to figure out exactly what type of movie it was going to be, if you know what Im saying. Overall, kind of average, and it was bothersome that there didnt seem to be a single shot that held for more then 5 seconds.

The Weather Man, on the other hand, I thought was fantastic. Again, I went in not really knowing what type of movie to expect, but I was happily surprised once I figured out it was going to be as deep as it was. I guess I could compare this to American Beauty, although it doesnt quite get as far as that film did.

Another good Nicholas Cage performance. Ive been doing a lot of Cage movies lately; Bringing Out the Dead, Lord of War, this, etc. Im eager to see Leaving Las Vegas, which seems to be considered his best.

Good performances by all the supporting cast as well, Michael Caine, Hope Davis, and I was happy to see Michael "Jackie Aprile" Rispoli here, sans his Jersey accent. Im thinking Ill like this more and more with each rewatch, so Im looking forward to its DVD release.

Kind of surprised this didnt get more press upon its release, or maybe I just missed it. Anyway, go see it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/05 02:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fame:


[quote]Originally posted by svsg:
Ransom

The son of an Airlines Company owner is kidnapped for ransom. The father, acted by Mel Gibson turns the ransom into prize money on the kidnapper's head. Cliched plot. The script did not exploit this good idea enough.
Have u seen the original movie with Glenn Ford (1956) ? [/QB][/quote]No fame. Is that good? Somehow I have begun to hate Mel Gibson. It slowly began with "what women want", became worse with "Brave Heart" (A totally over-rated and average movie :p ) and the final straw to break the proverbial camel's back was this "Ransom". His over-acting can get very annoying. His only movie that I like is "Man without a face".
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/05 05:05 AM

Hondo - (John Farrow;1953;USA) -
An army gunfighter and his dog come upon a woman who lives with her son on a ranch in the midst of a conflict between Apaches and soldiers.
One of John Wayne's most memorable roles, and a very watchable film. It's been obscure for years due to no release and only a few TV airings, although most people know the famous image of Wayne walking with the dog. It's not an amazing film but it's a pretty good film, and has more respect for Indians then most westerns of that era had.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/05 10:08 PM

Coffee and Cigarettes - (Jim Jarmusch;2003;USA/Japan/Italy) -
Several vignettes of different conversations over coffee and cigarettes.
A very good exercise in dialogue that succeeds in striking a chord with the audience. The best one is definitely the conversation between Alfred Molina and Steve Coogan. Cate Blanchett did a good job in her dual role, and the one with Iggy Pop and Tom Waits was memorable for me. The others were also good, although one or two got dull, even if it kept the humanity.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/05 10:28 PM

It's A Wonderful Life #11 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all - and it's Christmas ! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn't been for all his good deeds over the years. Will Clarence be able to convince George to return to his family and forget about suicide?

What a wonderful movie! A truly heart-warming film that had me excited from the first frame. Great performances by both Jimmy Stewart (quickly becoming one of my favorite actors), Donna Reed, and Thomas Mitchell. I loved the voice over used in this film and the directing. Definitely a movie I'll have to purchase soon
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/05 12:19 AM

Yes, LIFE...it makes even the darkest of micks' hearts flutter.

JARHEAD (2005) - ****/5

(No synopsis needed. :p )

Advertized and highly placed as a heavy Oscar contender, Sam Mendes' JARHEAD is a pretty good picture...but its surely not an Oscar movie, though considering the winners in the last few years, it MIGHT have a good chance afterall.

Superb work from Jake DONNIE DARKO Gyllenhaal and Jamie BOOTY CALL Foxx in a picture without the melodrama....yet some poignant personal moments that truely felt like the source material came from within the thoughts of a man who went into "the suck". I mean....JARHEAD may have actually made me never think of Cimino's DEER HUNTER in the same light ever again.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/05 01:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Four films in a month, eh? I've watched almost twenty in a week.

Mick
Sheesh. How do you find the time and money to do that?

BTW, I'm waiting for your review on the movie Weekend
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/05 03:44 AM

Singin' In The Rain #10 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

In 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a famous on-screen romantic pair. Lina, however, mistakes the on-screen romance for real love. Don has worked hard to get where he is today, with his former partner Cosmo. When Don and Lina's latest film is transformed into a musical, Don has the perfect voice for the songs. But Lina - well, even with the best efforts of a diction coach, they still decide to dub over her voice. Kathy Selden is brought in, an aspiring actress, and while she is working on the movie, Don falls in love with her. Will Kathy continue to "aspire", or will she get the break she deserves?

I'm still not a musical lover but this film was enjoyable. I didn't find as much singing as I was expecting and the dancing (especially by Gene Kelly) is some of the best I've ever seen in my life. I'm also gaining more respect for him to as an actor and if I had to watch this movie again, I would.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/05 05:10 AM

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I enjoyed this film very much, however I still prefer the original, if for nothing else, the nostalgia. The original brings back so many wonderful memories from my childhood.

I thought Johnny Depp was brilliant in this film (as he is in most of his films). I don't understand the "Jack-o" comments at all. Tim Burton is truly a one-of-a-kind director, and his special little touch shines through brilliantly in this film. Danny Elfman's score was great, as well.

As for the better Wonka...I gotta go with Depp. He portrays the Wonka from the book much better than Gene Wilder did. But I still prefer the original film, overall.

***1/2 out of ****
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/05 07:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
(especially by Gene Kelly)
And what about Cyd Charisse, right? If ever a woman had a great pair of legs, it's Cyd in that green pantyhose. And I love Donald O'Connor in it too, he's fabulous as the goofy pal, and also a great dancer.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/05 07:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Daigo Mick Friend:
The real question now is, In what order will you introduce these films to your children?
I've watched the movies in order. I finally watched the episodes IV, V and VI last night and now I feel really sleepy to be working.

But you had an interesting question as to how introduce this movie to our children. As someone who has watched the movies in order, I can tell you that the old trilogy didn't stand up to my expectations of what I had heard. Don't get me wrong, they were great for their time, but the thing is, I hadn't watched the old trilogy then, when it was a revolution in CGI movies. The new trilogy has better visuals in my opinion while others might think it is overdone. The story is almost finished when you watch the third episode, there are no surprises to come, which could be true the other way around if you first watch the old trilogy as well.

There is just one big difference in these two trilogies' storyline and I believe what makes the new one more interesting to me, is that the new one is not the cliché of good winning over evil. The story is even more touching to see how someone with the intention of saving loved ones and order can be trapped in the dark side, how a democracy is lost through blind following with no thinking and how dark side can cloud your judgment. These are the values that touched me even more than CGI and why I love the Revenge of the Sith the most. So this is my score-card, of maximum 5 stars:


1-Revenge of the Sith *****
2-Return of the Jedi, Empire Strikes Back both equally ****
3-Phantom Menace ***

4-A New Hope **

5-Attack of the Clones *

As to how introduce the movie to my children, I would start with Episode IV, because I think it is disappointing to see the old ones after watching new ones. As I said the new trilogy has better visuals and more elevated story, so the old one wouldn't look as great to them, just like what I felt. They might not enjoy the new trilogy as much as I did, but I think they enjoy the 3rd episode and appreciate it anyway when they get older.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/05 08:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
His only movie that I like is "Man without a face".
Well, "The patriot" isn't bad. A little rhetorical maybe, but I presume that's exactly what that type of movie was meant to be.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/05 07:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fame:
I plead guilty. Pacino made me watch this film.
Me too, I confess. And it was bat not because of Pacino. Just the script is SHIT. Why did he do that?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/05 05:01 AM

King Kong #43 on the AFI Top 100 List ** 1/2

Master showman Carl Denham has fallen on hard times due to the depression, and mounts an expedition to the mysterious Skull Island to find another showpiece. He takes along adventurer Jack Driscoll and the down-on-her-luck gorgeous blonde Ann Darrow with him to spice up the show. Arriving on the island, they discover it is home to gigantic beasts like dinosaurs, and ruling over all is Kong, a 30 foot tall gorilla. The natives kidnap Ann as a sacrifice for Kong, and the other crew members head into the dangerous island interior to rescue her.

I was rather disappointed with this movie as I had high expectations for it. My expectations for Frankenstein were low and that may be part of the reason I enjoyed it so much but I had been looking forward to this movie a lot and I feel it just wasn't as good as I was hoping for it to be. I didn't like how the scenes changed (however I do understand that it was made in 1933). But onto the positives, I thought Fay Wray was very enjoyable and "SPOILERS" I really enjoyed the Empire State Building scene. For the time it was made, what is shown on screen is pretty impressive. END OF "SPOILERS"
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/05 05:16 AM

I just watched Gangster No. 1 for the 2nd time, 1st time since buying it, and I enjoyed it more then I had initially remembered. Really well put togethor, a definite recommendation.

#41 on my Top 50 of all time
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/05 09:44 AM

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ** 1/2

Harry's fourth summer and the following year at Hogwarts are marked by the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, in which student representatives from three different wizarding schools compete in a series of increasingly challenging contests. However, Voldemort's Death Eaters are gaining strength and even creating the Dark Mark giving evidence that the Dark Lord is ready to rise again. In the unsuspecting lives of the young wizard and witches at Hogwarts the competitors are selected by the goblet of fire, which this year makes a very surprising announcement: Hogwarts will have two representatives in the tournament, including Harry Potter! Will Harry be able to rise to the challenge for the Tri Wizard Tournament while keeping up with school or will the challenges along with Voldemort's rebirth be too much for the young hero?

I was VERY disappointed with this movie to say the least. To clarify, I did enjoy the movie, but it was nowhere near as good as I was hoping for it to be. SPOILERS I knew that a book 700+ pages wouldn't fit well into a 2 1/2 hour movie and I was right. The movie was very fast paced and never seemed to slow down. It really felt like they were trying to cram in as much as they could due to Warner Bros. "time limit." I was also very upset at the fact that the Dursleys weren't in the movie as I love those characters very much. I also believe a member of the movie who didn't die in the book died in the movie (although I won't go so far as to spoil that). END OF SPOILERS If you're a fan of the book, don't set high expectations. Again, I did enjoy this movie, would see it again in theaters, and will definitely buy it on DVD. Personally, I'd rank the films in order:

1) Sorcerer's Stone
2) Prisoner of Azkaban
3) Goblet of Fire
4) Chamber of Secrets
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/05 06:28 AM

Schindler's List #9 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Oskar Schindler is a vain, glorious and greedy German businessman who becomes unlikely humanitarian amid the barbaric Nazi reign when he feels compelled to turn his factory into a refuge for Jews. Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler who managed to save about 1100 Jews from being gassed at the Auschwitz concentration camp. A testament for the good in all of us.

Steven Spielberg's masterpiece. I don't think enough good things can be said about this movie. I really loved the fact that 99% of the movie was in black and white. Not to mention the fantastic performances by both Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/05 01:03 PM

Lost In Translation
2003, Coppola, US/Jap
Nth time; big screen
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, affecting tale of two people stuck in marital problems and finding unconsumated comfort in each other; it is a refreshingly minimalistic approach fuelled by excellent performances.

La Balance
1982, Swaim, Fr

In order to bring down a ruthless drug lord in the Belleville quartier of Paris, the cops force an ex-criminal and his prostitute girlfriend into becoming informers.
Moments of dated fromage detract from an otherwise solid thriller, with at least a few scenes of worth; quite clearly made as a French counterpart to The French Connection.

Bleeder
1999, Refn, Den

Life turns sour for a reluctant father-to-be when his anger gets the better of him, and his girlfriend's vicious brother wants to settled the score; meanwhile, a video shop assistant and film buff has trouble communicating with a girl he's set his sights on.
A small, brooding drama which packs a powerful punch to the gut. The overriding theme here is a lack of communication and the disastrous consequences that has on people and their lives; but the director also touches, quite cleverly, on Cinema itself and the notions of violence that come with it--quite clearly, a film directed by a man in love with the medium.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/05 03:19 PM

On the Waterfront #8 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

Terry Malloy dreams about being a prize fighter, while tending his pigeons and running errands at the docks for Johnny Friendly, the corrupt boss of the dockers union. Terry witnesses a murder by two of Johnny's thugs, and later meets the dead man's sister and feels responsible for his death. She introduces him to Father Barry, who tries to force him to provide information for the courts that will smash the dock racketeers.

A very interesting movie with a good cast. I'm glad I'm starting to watch more Marlon Brando movies as I can understand why everyone enjoys his work so much. He just had this presence on screen that few have. I was kinda tired while watching this so that might be why I didn't give it a higher rating but one day I'm sure I'll watch it again. Good performances by Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, and Karl Malden
Posted By: kevon45uk

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/05 04:54 PM

Hi

I'm a newbie. This is a looooong discussion. If I had a couple of spare days I would trawl through all 71 pages. I don't get to the pictures that often which seems odd as I live in London, but if you have lived in London for a while (I've been here ten years) you'll understand why. Pretty expensive if you want to see classic stuff. Multiplexes are abundant but show crap. I tend to watch DVDs and rent them from LoveFilm. Also I am very lucky to live two minutes away from a great DVD rental shop called The Film Shop.

Anyway, a decent film I last saw was Insomnia. No doubt this was discussed earlier but I haven't found the time to read through everything. I'm not a Pacino fan but he played himself so it worked. I find Robin Williams' weedly psycho routine a bit dull but the scenery! And I thought the idea that you never know what time of day it is was brilliant. A friend of mine reckons the original didn't deal with that aspect as well as the remake, but maybe in far north regions that idea is old hat. Suspense was great, plot substantial. Wonderful guessing games. However I think that the end was predictable. In the final scene when Pacino lies dying (sorry for the spoiler if you've not seen it) and the strings are in full swing and he says to Swank:

"Don't lose your way."

It reminded me of the scene at the end of The Player when Bruce Willis carries Julia Roberts out of the carnage and all the execs in the viewing theatre congratulate each other
on making a great movie.

But cynic that I am I have to say a good film. I will give it ***

Tonight's movie is City Of God.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/05 05:48 PM

kevon45uk, wlecome to the boards!! Great first post. You'll enjoy City of God, it is supremely entertaining.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/05 08:59 PM

The Graduate #7 on the AFI Top 100 List *** 1/2

Tired of being the golden boy for his parents friends, college track star Benjamin Braddock embarks upon an affair with the wife of his father's partner. Benjamin leads a frustrated life and often sees adults in a surreal way, so he hopes to relax and sow his wild oats as suggested by his mistresses husband, but is dismayed to find himself just another tool to ease middle-aged insecurity.

I had been wanting to see this movie for a long time and I'm glad I was pleased with it. Some great performances from Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, and Katharine Ross. I had seen most of the "recognizable" parts being spoofed in either The Simpsons or various movies. SPOILERS! I couldn't believe the ending. I was cracking up throughout it because Wayne's World 2 was an EXACT replica of it. I knew what was going to happen but it was still funny. I'm glad I got to see the original. END OF SPOILERS The Mrs. Robinson character I really liked. I thought she was more of a "villian" than Nurse Ratchet from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/05 09:33 PM

I remember having the utmost desire to fuck the living shit out of Anne Bancroft after watching The Graduate for the first time.
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/05 09:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I remember having the utmost desire to fuck the living shit out of Anne Bancroft after watching The Graduate for the first time.
I think Mel Brooks said the same thing
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/05 12:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I remember having the utmost desire to fuck the living shit out of Anne Bancroft after watching The Graduate for the first time.
I agree. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and she was very direct. A lot of men see that as a turn on
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/05 08:12 AM

War of the Worlds ***

Ray Ferrier is a working class man living in New Jersey. He's estranged from his family, his life isn't in order, and he's too caught up with himself. But the unthinkable and, ultimately, the unexpected happens to him in an extraordinary sense. His small town life is shaken violently by the arrival of destructive intruders: Aliens which have come en masse to destroy Earth. As they plow through the country in a wave of mass destruction and violence, Ray must come to the defense of his children. As the world must fend for itself by a new and very advanced enemy not of this world, it's inhabitants must save humanity from a far greater force that threatens to destroy it.

A very good summer blockbuster with all the action needed for any action junky. Not Cruise's or Spielberg's best but the duo does work well together. The special effects in this movie were great and I also loved the mild humor this picture has to break the tension at times. Also a nice dark performance by Tim Robbins. Finally, little Dakota Fanning continues to impress me and I'm really enjoying her work. If she continues to go the way she has been going in recent memory (I Am Sam, Man on Fire), I don't see why this young lady can't win an Oscar some day.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/05 06:51 AM

The Wizard of Oz #6 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

When a nasty neighbor tries to have her dog put to sleep, Dorothy takes her dog Toto, to run away. A cyclone appears and carries her to the magical land of Oz. Wishing to return, she begins to travel to the Emerald City where a great wizard lives. On her way she meets a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tin Man who wants a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who desperately needs courage. They all hope the Wizard of Oz will help them, before the Wicked Witch of the West catches up with them.

The best musical I've ever seen with great performances by the entire cast (my favorite was Margaret Hamilton as Miss Gulch & the Wicked Witch of the West). I'm still fascinated by the costumes, makeup, and sets for the time the movie was made (1939). Looks like I'll be $40+ short now because I'm gonna get the 3-disc DVD
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/05 10:38 PM

Ah... Oz. I can't wait until Christmas, when I get the three-disk set. I think that--when you really bring the time the film was made into consideration--the special effects are purely amazing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/05 04:27 AM

Lawrence of Arabia #5 on the AFI Top 100 List **

A biography of T.E.Lawrence. The young lieutenant Lawrence manages to get a job as an observer with Prince Feisal, the leader of an Arab tribal army. Lawrence decides to stay and help Feisal. His adventures are detailed by Jackson Bentley, a journalist.

I was very disappointed with this movie and I couldn't wait for it to end. I did enjoy everything except one very important thing and that was the story! This felt like the longest 4 hours of my life and yes ronnie it was too long! However, Alec Guinness was his usual great self and Peter O'Toole was very good as well. I don't know if I'd ever watch this film again because it seemed like it would never end
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/05 04:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
I think that--when you really bring the time the film was made into consideration--the special effects are purely amazing.
I couldn't agree more with what you just said
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/05 04:02 AM

King Kong -

Special effects milestone, but I'm too tired to go further. Look to my first viewing for more.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/05 06:43 AM

Gone With The Wind #4 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

The epic tale of a woman's life during one of the most tumultuous periods in America's history. From her young, innocent days on a feudalistic plantation to the war-torn streets of Atlanta; from her first love whom she has always desired to three husbands; from the utmost luxury to absolute starvation and poverty; from her innocence to her understanding and comprehension of life.

This was my first time viewing this movie and I quite enjoyed it. A great masterpiece with great performances by everyone from Clark Gable to Vivien Leigh to even Hattie McDaniel. I loved a lot of the "pull away" shots that were done as well as the shots of the characters and it looked like just an outline of them (the characters themselves were dark/black).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/05 12:35 AM

The Godfather #3 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

The story begins as "Don" Vito Corleone, the head of a New York Mafia "family", oversees his daughter's wedding. His beloved son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not intend to become part of his father's business. Through Michael's life the nature of the family business becomes clear. The business of the family is just like the head of the family, kind and benevolent to those who give respect, but given to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. Don Vito lives his life in the way of the old country, but times are changing and some don't want to follow the old ways and look out for community and "family". An up and coming rival of the Corleone family wants to start selling drugs in New York, and needs the Don's influence to further his plan. The clash of the Don's fading old world values and the new ways will demand a terrible price, especially from Michael, all for the sake of the family.

One of my favorite movies of all time and for good reason. The cast was fantastic, as was the writing and directing among other things. I don't think anything else needs to be said that hasn't been said here before about this masterpiece
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/05 05:29 AM

I just watched The Conversation for the first time. Very very underrated movie by Coppola. Gene Hackman's performance was one of the best I've ever seen. I definitely recommend this film to ANYBODY.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/05 06:25 AM

The Godfather Part I 10/10
The Sopranos: Second Season 9.5/10

Im going to watch New York, New York and The Bridge on the River Kwai over the weekend...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/05 07:00 AM

Casablanca #2 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

In World War II Casablanca, Rick Blaine, exiled American and former freedom fighter, runs the most popular nightspot in town. The cynical lone wolf Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable letters of transit. When Nazi Major Strasser arrives in Casablanca, the sycophantic police Captain Renault does what he can to please him, including detaining Czech underground leader Victor Laszlo. Much to Rick's surprise, Lazslo arrives with Ilsa, Rick's one time love. Rick is very bitter towards Ilsa, who ran out on him in Paris, but when he learns she had good reason to, they plan to run off together again using the letters of transit. Well, that was their original plan....

This was my first time watching it and I did enjoy it but I didn't feel upon viewing the movie the greatest of it. Don't get me wrong, it was very good and enjoyable but I was expecting something great to be #2 on the list and I just didn't see what the big deal with it was. Sure there were memorable lines that I'd heard before but overall, I didn't think it was better than The Godfather
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/05 04:17 PM

Irish, the film seen today may seem less of an impact, but it was different for it's time, with it's final scene, ending the way it did, which was a complete U-turn from cliche at the time. Not to mention the memorable lines and acting. Definitely one of the greatest romances of all time, though not better then The Godfather to me.

Citizen Kane is hard for me to say whether it was better or worse then GF though, due to it's complete change of cinema, decades ahead of it's time, and special effects brilliance (explain with Ebert's commentary).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/05 09:08 PM

Jarhead - (Sam Mendes;2005;USA) -
A platoon of Marines come into the Gulf War expecting action, but soon become bored that bombers and such are clearing any action ahead of them.
This film is unlike any war film I've seen. Instead of a story of 'war is hell' or some other formula we've seen, we get an entirely different perspective on war. The characters aren't really honorable men, but average Joes who simply want to fight and kill others. They seem to be in the war because they have nothing to look forward to outside of it. There's a good blend of humor and seriousness throughout as well. What struck me the most was the amazing cinematography through the second half. I really felt like giving this four stars but I felt it could've been even better at times. The soundtrack was also great. My favorite musical moment was probably Nirvana's "Something in the Way" played during the bathroom dream scene.

SPOILER
One moment I really loved as well, was the ending where all of the marines, aside Jamie Foxx, end up back home in the jobs they hate, with only one casualty being a victim of society rather than a battle.
SPOILER END
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 04:25 AM

Walk The Line (2005, Mangold) ****

The story of Johnny Cash. Re-tells the Man in Black's early life in Arkansas to the release of At Falsom Prison in 1968.

Amazing. That one word that can describe this film. Joaquin Phoenix gives an EXCELLENT performance as Johnny Cash. Reese Witherspoon? Is this the same Reese Witherspoon from those crap Legally Blonde movies? Hell fucking NO! She is also great as June Carter. Other supporting players are also wonderful. I also have to mention the cinematography, as it is wonderful here. Dark and gritty visuals, wonderful vibrant colors, and the MAN IN BLACK. It's all here. And of course, the freaking music. Excellent. Overrall, this is a great film.

Call me crazy, but if Joaquin Phoenix doesn't win an Oscar, or AT LEAST get nominated, I will be surprised.

Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 05:01 AM

So far, my Movie Scorecard for 2005; (In no particular order...)

Walk the Line ****
Sin City ***1/2
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith **
Crash ***
Batman Begins ***1/2
Kingdom of Heaven ***
The Longest Yard **
Rebound NO STARS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 05:14 AM

Office Space - (Mike Judge;1999;USA) -
Three office workers who hate their jobs decide to steal money from their company.
A hilarious film that paints an unfortunately accurate picture of work in a corporate setting. Judge, while most memorable for his excellent Beavis and Butt-Head series and film, manages to produce his best work here. I was only disappointed with the short running time, although it might've been better off short. The cast is one of those few casts where you wouldn't change anyone, because they all fit their roles perfectly. One of the funniest films in recent years....with flair.
In top 100
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 05:57 AM

Glad you liked Office Space. Definitely one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 06:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Walk The Line (2005, Mangold) ****

The story of Johnny Cash. Re-tells the Man in Black's early life in Arkansas to the release of At Falsom Prison in 1968.

Amazing. That one word that can describe this film. Joaquin Phoenix gives an EXCELLENT performance as Johnny Cash. Reese Witherspoon? Is this the same Reese Witherspoon from those crap Legally Blonde movies? Hell fucking NO! She is also great as June Carter. Other supporting players are also wonderful. I also have to mention the cinematography, as it is wonderful here. Dark and gritty visuals, wonderful vibrant colors, and the MAN IN BLACK. It's all here. And of course, the freaking music. Excellent. Overrall, this is a great film.

Call me crazy, but if Joaquin Phoenix doesn't win an Oscar, or AT LEAST get nominated, I will be surprised.

I just saw it tonight. I'm not going to lie. Slightly dissapointed.

It was like Ray, with white people. It covered the same areas of being a misguided musician in the earliest era of rock-music. The musician bio-pics seem over-rated. I will say, I like this better than Ray, because I enjoy Johnny Cash's music more than Ray Charles's music.

I'll write out a more in depth post when I can be bothered.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 06:55 AM

DA glad you liked Walk the Line. I still wanna see it. There's a lot of movies coming out before the end of the year that I wanna see
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 09:24 AM

Citizen Kane #1 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Multimillionaire newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane dies alone in his extravagant mansion, Xanadu, speaking a single word: "Rosebud". In an attempt to figure out the meaning of this word, a reporter tracks down the people who worked and lived with Kane; they tell their stories in a series of flashbacks that reveal much about Kane's life but not enough to unlock the riddle of his dying breath.

I was quite disappointed with this movie. First let me start by saying that I did enjoy it and the end had a nice twist, but overall I was hoping to feel some greatness from this picture and I do feel some, but not as much as I thought or hoping I would. When you have a billing as the greatest movie ever made, you have to deliever. I personally enjoyed The Godfather more, but I did enjoy Citizen Kane more than Casablanca. The movie also seemed to move rather slow although it's only 2 hours long. However, I did absolutely love the directing!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 10:41 AM

Well, WALK THE LINE interests me to see later today or tomorrow for several reasons:

*As I detailed in my COP LAND review, Director James Mangold is mostly talented when it comes to his actors, and considering the many reviews I've read so far, that is the main highlight for WALK THE LINE.

*Jaoquin Phoenix, like his late brother River, has always been quite a talented actor. I mean, he friggin took a cardboard villain in GLADIATOR and made him tragic and sympathetic, yet still a bastard. Anyway, mostly like Jaoquin will get an Oscar nomination at least for Best Actor.

*The source material is worth working with. Quite unfortunate that the really cool story of Cash's last years couldn't be told, in how Nashville(the Hollywood of Country Music) kicked him out of town, and of which he then worked for an alternative music label, and was able to slowly revitalize himself and his legacy. Consider that one of his songs for that new label, which was played by many rock/contemporary stations at the time and made the sales charts...well, how many country music stations directly linked to Nashville played it at the time? ZERO.

*Besides, its country music before it went quite stupid with the cowboy hats, pyrotechnics, belt buckles, and other silly Texan stuff.

*The last major reason for which I've never related before, but I'm actually related to Cash. No really, apparently he is a distant relative far back in my family tree, as found a couple of summers ago. Real interesting to be linked somehow to a film biopic.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 06:00 PM

I've had a busy week. Here goes...

Love + Hate
Dominic Savage 2004 United Kingdom (1st time; big screen)
A young Muslim girl and an English boy fall in love, despite racial tensions of the community.
A schematic drama which fails to offer anything new. The usual Romeo and Juliet stuff which never rises above credibility.


Mój Nikifor My Nikifor
Krzysztof Krauze 2004 Poland (1st time; big screen)
A mentally and physically disabled artist forms a trusting bond with another painter, and is nurtured to national fame.
A curious tale of a real-life painter who left behind more than 40,000 images; the painter, a male, is here played by a woman, and to poignant effect, as his lack of conscience provides first humour, and then a warming tale of two artists becoming friends through their mutual trade.


Lad de små børn Aftermath
Paprika Steen 2004 Denmark (1st time; big screen)
A couple struggle to come to terms with the loss of their child; while the wife, a welfare carer, takes an interest in a child abuse claim, the husband secretly tracks down his daughter's accidental killer.
A sombre directorial debut of Denmark's most established actress brings out good performances, which are here wasted on characters and situations which never ring true.


Fjorton suger Fourteen Sucks
Filippa Freijd, Martin Jern, Emil Larsson, Henrik Norrthon 2004 Sweden (1st time; big screen)
A teenage girl desperate to fit in ends up making a fool of herself at a party, but she finds comfort in a skater who returns her interest.
Music video theatrics make a post-Dogme, visually interesting film, shot in tones of summer oranges and yellows. But the script succumbs to the usual teen drama clichés: the portrayal of teenagers is one of stereotyped banality.


Mørke Murk
Jannik Johansen 2005 Denmark (1st time; big screen)
When his brain-damaged sister commits suicide on her wedding night, a journalist suspects the husband; he then finds that he is marrying again, and the bride-to-be is also disabled…
A mystery with which the audience is never in doubt of its conclusion; the killer here, played by Nicolas Bro, has a certain likeable charm about him, and the sense of a close-knit community unappreciative of outsider's meddling brings back memories of The Wicker Man.


Kongkabale King's Game
Nikolaj Arcel
2004 Denmark (1st time; big screen)
When the favourite candidate for the next Prime Minister is injured in a car crash weeks before a General Election, a journalist uncovers political conspiracy and a power struggle within the government.
A tense, engaging political thriller shot in moody blues and greys; the acting, visuals and script have a rare weight behind them, invoking memories of All the President's Men. It won eight Danish Oscars.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 06:01 PM

Anna Karenina
Clarence Brown 1935 US (1st time; big screen)
A well-to-do wife of a strict disciplinarian falls for a soldier.
A star vehicle for Garbo at MGM, and a tragic one too; Basil Rathbone, as the husband, steals the show, while everyone else tends to grate, not least of all Freddie Bartholomew who plays Anna's son.


The Gourmet Club
Juha Wuolijoki
2004 Finland (1st time; big screen)
A doctor, deeply in debt and running into trouble with gangsters, begins to find new luck when he serves tonsils at a secret, exclusive club wherein the members wager bets as to what they're eating.
A fine comedy made for Finnish television, set awkwardly in the past but with a contemporary touch to it.


Ett Hål i mitt hjärta A Hole in My Heart
Lucas Moodysson 2004 Sweden/Denmark (1st time; big screen)
An amateur porn filmmaker, his best friend, female star and his son all ive in the same apartment; while the latter never leaves his room, the other three suffer the highs and lows of hardcore porn filmmaking and food fights.
A ferocious film made in the vain of Weekend but alienating audiences with its serving of Pasolini leftovers. Vomiting into another's mouth, and sex scenes spliced with graphic footage of vaginal cosmetic surgery, this is a film to push boundaries and challenge censors.


Fajnie Ze Jestes Nice to See You
Jan Komasa 2004 Poland (1st time; big screen)
A university student panics when her father shows up unexpectedly.
A short which won awards at Cannes, with a stunning opening shot and a curious, rather unfathomable, and ultimately forgettable script thereafter.


Wesele The Wedding
Wojciech Smarzowski 2004 Poland (1st time; big screen)
On his daughter's wedding day, a rich man runs into trouble with a car, the police, his father, the band for the party, sanitation, catering, a drunken female wedding guest, and a corpse.
A wittily black comedy which piles on upheaval after upheaval in an almost surrealist fashion; it is the kind of film Godard may have once made, in which the protagonist, a charming and despisable millionaire, solves all his problems with money, of which he has an endless supply.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 06:02 PM

Voksne mennesker Dark Horse
Dagur Kári 2005 Iceland/Denmark (1st time; big screen)
An irresponsible graffiti artist falls for the crush of his best friend, a training soccer referee.
An offbeat, lingering comedy told in a series of Godardian episodes, each with their own chapter titles. Lovingly shot in black and white, it embraces its characters with admiration and a Jarmusch sentimentality. Rewarding.


Der Wald vor lauter Bäumen The Forest for the Trees
Mauren Ade 2005 Germany (1st time; big screen)
A young teacher arrives at a new school, desperate to make new friends. But her over-enthusiasm and lack of control over the pupils fail to bring happiness.
A tragic character study with an amazing final scene but a repetitive (perhaps necessarily so) narrative bogs it down.


The West Wittering Affair
David Scheinmann 2004, GB (1st time; big screen)
A man, proud of never having an affair, confesses to a therapist that he had sex with two different women on the same night; the therapist's girlfriend is one of them.
A fantastic, low-budget comedy which hits the strings both aesthetically and emotionally; it is a fresh, original piece on relationships, beautifully written, played and edited.


Queen Christina
Rouben Mamoulian 1933 US (1st time; big screen)
A young queen of protestant Sweden risks all for her love for a Catholic Spanish emissary.
Historical hokum and Garbo's finest hour; the camera loves her, and she loves being photographed, relishing the chance to shine as one of the most memorable female characters in cinema.


Luffarpetter Petter the Tramp
Erik A. Petschler 1922 Sweden (1st time; big screen)
The last remaining eight minutes of an early Garbo feature.
This comedy, now lost, features Garbo as a bathing beauty; encouraged by her performance, she successfully applied to the Royal Drama School in Stockholm, and thence to stardom.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 06:03 PM

The Overcoming
Tomas Gislason 2005 Denmark (1st time; big screen)
Documentary on the CSC Pro-Cycling team, and it's attempt at winning the Tour de France.
A fascinating, original subject is here opened up and explored rewardingly; for a subtitled film, however, the director clumsily also has English titles overlapping, causing information overload where a more subtle approach is needed. Herzog would have had a field day with this.


Mata Hari
George Fitzmaurice 1931 US (1st time; big screen)
An exotic dancer and undercover spy falls in love and is betrayed because of it.
Another MGM vehicle for Garbo, with striking visuals and a commanding performance which overrides everything else on screen. She was fond of her tragedies, and this is no exception.


Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story
Michael Winterbottom 2005 GB (1st time; big screen)
The adaptation of an unfilmable novel is narrated by one of the story's characters, played by Steve Coogan, who also plays himself in the filming of the film.
An exceedingly playful and clever film which pushes boundaries in a fast, exciting way; the intertexuality is here used to explore both the novel it is adapting, and to offer a witty insight into the filmmaking process.


Diva
Jean-Jacques Beineix 1981 France (1st time; big screen)
A postman records a performance of an opera singer who has never made a record, and is pursued by gangsters who want to make a pirate copy. He is also pursued for a tape implicating a police chief in a murder case.
The explosion of France's new New Wave, of sorts, catalysed by this beautiful fusion of thriller and surreal romance; obsessed with surface detail, any critical exploration of this film is redundant, as it's all in the film's language and style.

Highlights of the Northern Lights Film Festival, all must-see films, were:
Bleeder (1999)
Kongkabale King's Game (2004)
Wesele The Wedding (2004)
Voksne mennesker Dark Horse (2005)
The West Wittering Affair (2004)
Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story (2005)

I've had to multiple post as you're only allowed eight images per post.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 06:04 PM

Irish, how can you give a film four stars if you found it disappointing?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 06:13 PM

Irish, before you get rid of the DVD, I think you should rewatch it twice, the first being with the Ebert commentary. Just a suggestion.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 08:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Citizen Kane [b]#1 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

Multimillionaire newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane dies alone in his extravagant mansion, Xanadu, speaking a single word: "Rosebud". In an attempt to figure out the meaning of this word, a reporter tracks down the people who worked and lived with Kane; they tell their stories in a series of flashbacks that reveal much about Kane's life but not enough to unlock the riddle of his dying breath.

I was quite disappointed with this movie. First let me start by saying that I did enjoy it and the end had a nice twist, but overall I was hoping to feel some greatness from this picture and I do feel some, but not as much as I thought or hoping I would. When you have a billing as the greatest movie ever made, you have to deliever. I personally enjoyed The Godfather more, but I did enjoy Citizen Kane more than Casablanca. The movie also seemed to move rather slow although it's only 2 hours long. However, I did absolutely love the directing! [/b]
My head just exploded.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/05 11:07 PM

For a headless person, your typing is rather good.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/05 12:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Citizen Kane [b]#1 on the AFI Top 100 List
****

Multimillionaire newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane dies alone in his extravagant mansion, Xanadu, speaking a single word: "Rosebud". In an attempt to figure out the meaning of this word, a reporter tracks down the people who worked and lived with Kane; they tell their stories in a series of flashbacks that reveal much about Kane's life but not enough to unlock the riddle of his dying breath.

I was quite disappointed with this movie. First let me start by saying that I did enjoy it and the end had a nice twist, but overall I was hoping to feel some greatness from this picture and I do feel some, but not as much as I thought or hoping I would. When you have a billing as the greatest movie ever made, you have to deliever. I personally enjoyed The Godfather more, but I did enjoy Citizen Kane more than Casablanca. The movie also seemed to move rather slow although it's only 2 hours long. However, I did absolutely love the directing! [/b]
My head just exploded. [/b][/quote]I like your av. Good to see I'm not the only Radiohead fan in here.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/05 01:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Irish, before you get rid of the DVD, I think you should rewatch it twice, the first being with the Ebert commentary. Just a suggestion.
I put on both commentaries and watched the last scene with them as they were explaining "Rosebud". I've got too much crap to watch now but some day maybe I'll get around to watching it with the commentary

Dukes of Hazzard **

A funnier comedy than I anticipated in the theater but didn't have the same kind of emotion the 2nd time around. I don't think there'll ever be another Catherine Bach to play Daisy Duke but I give Jessica Simpson props in her attempt. Burt Reynolds shined the brightest for me as Boss Hogg and I really enjoy David Koechner's work. Linda Carter & Willie Nelson had some nice cameo's and Sean William Scott & Johnny Knoxville worked very well together as Bo & Luke respectively
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/05 01:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Citizen Kane [b]#1 on the AFI Top 100 List
****

Multimillionaire newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane dies alone in his extravagant mansion, Xanadu, speaking a single word: "Rosebud". In an attempt to figure out the meaning of this word, a reporter tracks down the people who worked and lived with Kane; they tell their stories in a series of flashbacks that reveal much about Kane's life but not enough to unlock the riddle of his dying breath.

I was quite disappointed with this movie. First let me start by saying that I did enjoy it and the end had a nice twist, but overall I was hoping to feel some greatness from this picture and I do feel some, but not as much as I thought or hoping I would. When you have a billing as the greatest movie ever made, you have to deliever. I personally enjoyed The Godfather more, but I did enjoy Citizen Kane more than Casablanca. The movie also seemed to move rather slow although it's only 2 hours long. However, I did absolutely love the directing! [/b]
My head just exploded. [/b][/quote]I like your av. Good to see I'm not the only Radiohead fan in here. [/b][/quote]:) Radiohead is my favourite band. Ever.

Unfortunately, they are slowly becoming the death of my PC. I have about 5 or 6 gigs worth of live Radiohead concerts on my hard-drive.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/05 02:00 PM

The Bridge on the River Kwai

Another masterpiece by David lean. A movie that exceeded my expectations. One of the best war movies Ive seen, even if "war movie" is not the only category it belongs to. Alec Guiness gave a superb performance as did most of the cast. I feel this is a better movie than Dr. Zhivago but not better than Lawrence of Arabia. My 2nd favorite David Lean movie, will have to get myself others of his.

9.5/10
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/05 06:50 PM

aziatic, such a great film. Glad you liked it as well, especially the ending with Sir Alec Guinness.

WALK THE LINE - ***1/2 out of 5

Director James Mangold proved with his earlier pictures(COP LAND, GIRL INTERRUPTED, KATE & LEOPOLD, IDENTITY) that his best gift was his knack to get very talented actors to give their best when its essential. The same goes as well for arguable his best film yet as a filmmaker.

Joaquin Phoenix will get an Oscar nomination at least for Best Actor, while I for once(which I can't believe) with the New York Times and other publications in that Reese Weatherspoon will probably the Oscar, though she was very good in this film, so its not a major problem for me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/05 08:48 PM

Mr. & Mrs. Smith ** 1/2

A good summer blockbuster that I wasn't crazy about the first time but wanted to give another try. Jolie & Pitt worked very well together and you can always count on Vince Vaughn to lighten the mood when needed. He probably stood out the most to me but overall (at least in the theater) I was disappointed somewhat with this movie. One of the things that I probably couldn't stand the most was the "office" that Jolie worked in was all girls. I can understand having a few but I felt like it was the Babysitters club up there while Pitt only consoled with Vaughn.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/05 09:21 PM

I just watched "Stealing Home" for the first time and I was blown away by the story. What a wonderful sleeper and a great character study!

Mark Harmon plays a baseball player who never quite made it to the big leagues (and through a wonderful series of flashbacks we learn why). He's in his mid 30's and he gets summoned home to handle the ashes of his true love who had just committed suicide (Jodie Foster). The movie (similar to "Godfather Part II") goes back and forth between the past and the present and ties everything up neatly.

For anyone who has lost a loved one and has felt beat down for a time this is a MUST-SEE! Your emotions will get a workout.
Posted By: AngelaMarie

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/05 10:31 PM

I saw "Walk the Line" over the weekend. Excellent movie! I don't know much about Johnny Cash or the Carter family, so I don't know how true to life they were portrayed, but it was very well done. You even forgot that Reese Witherspoon was acting as June. They did such a good job. I really enjoyed the whole story, I can appreciate Johnny Cash and June both a lot more now. Also, I didn't know Roseanne Cash was Johnny and Evelyn's daughter, I always thought she was June's daughter (not Evelyn's).
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/05 05:00 AM

I just rented Misery with James Caan and Cathy Bates. Really looking forward to it, as Ive heard its some of Caan's best work.

I really liked him in the Godfather, and even better as the main character in Thief, but I feel like Im not familiar with most of his work.

Any non-spoiling comments on this film?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/05 06:06 AM

Just Friends ** 1/2

Another Ryan Reynolds comedy I'm anticipating to add to my DVD collection. He did a good job as usual and it was nice seeing Amy Smart in a good comedy since it's been a couple of years (I'm not counting Starsky & Hutch because I thought it sucked). It was also nice to see Anna Farris post-the Scary Movie franchise. A nice holiday comedy that should be seen in theaters
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/05 08:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I just rented Misery with James Caan and Cathy Bates.
Any non-spoiling comments on this film?
well, "Misery" is one of my fav thrillers ever. But it's Cathy Bates that is going to amaze you, not James Caan. His performance is good, of course, as usual, but Cathy Bates' is outstanding! Chilling movie. Excellent, really! You're going to enjoy yourself!
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/05 06:27 PM

I picked up a DVD of "The Man With The Golden Arm" and watched it over the weekend.

I haven't watched that movie in years. Darren McGavin is just fantastic in his role as Louie the drug pusher and Frank Sinatra's role as drug user/card dealer Frankie Machine is just fantastic. Sinatra is so convincing when he is going through withdrawals that he almost makes you feel his pain.

The movie also co-stars such names as Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak, Arnold Stang(character actor seen in many movies)and Robert Strauss.

Anyone here ever see this movie?


Don Cardi
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/05 06:55 PM

The White Diamond
Werner Herzog 2004 Germany (1st time)
Eleven years after the fatal aeronautical accident of his cinematographer friend, Dr. Graham Dorrington attempts to explore the jungle canopy of the giant Kaieteur Falls in the heart of Guyana.
An outstanding documentary in the typical Herzog vain; here he takes an ambitious scientist's journey to a pristine part of the world and makes into an artist's account of another's work, encompassing both his personal torment at having lost his friend, and the touching story of a rastafari whose lack of education allows, unexpectedly, for much wisdom.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/05 04:56 AM

Ran * 1/2

I wasn't really looking forward to it but by about halfway through the movie, I really was enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. However, the 2nd half of the movie didn't interest me hardly at all and I was happy when it ended. Never read King Lear (which this movie was based on) but it seems like an interesting story

Walk the Line ** 1/2

I agree with long_lost_corleone's review. I felt like I was watching Ray almost all over again and it was quite depressing. However, I agree that Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Weatherspoon did fantastic jobs and should get at least Oscar nods, if not the awards themselves. I'd definitely see it again but again I was disappointed.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/05 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Ran * 1/2
What?! How??? I thought it was fantastic, and it only got better and better towards the end. The acting sharpens up a LOT in the last half of the film, especially the characters of Kyoami and Hidetora. Awesome film that just kept getting better and pretty much blew me away with the last 45 minutes or so. But hey, different opinions make the world go 'round, right? :p
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/05 08:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
I picked up a DVD of "The Man With The Golden Arm" ... Anyone here ever see this movie?
Yeah, a really great film. Every time someone says that Frank Sinatra couldn't act, I tell them to watch this. You're so right, the parts where he's going nuts because he hasn't had a fix, it's amazing. You almost break a sweat right along with him, right? The rest of the cast is great too, it's a great movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/05 07:25 PM

Interesting, Irish. What compelled you to watch Ran in the first place?

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/05 07:31 PM

Match Point
Woody Allen
2005 US/GB (1st time; big screen)
A former tennis pro gets involved with a rich upper-class family and marries the daughter, but falls for his brother-in-law's fiancée.
Allen's midde- and upper-class family crises do not translate well to England, with every single character in this film a despisable wretch dependent on money; the introduction of a shotgun late on brings hope, but alas, it is only used on two characters.

Lost Highway
David Lynch
1997 US (3rd time)
The lives of four people are connected through a bizzare turn of events.
A teasing, complex mystery on identity, told as an elongated, inescapable nightmare for all, with characters switching into others; it begs for rewatches, and becomes more rewarding with each one.

Dead Man's Shoes
Shane Meadows
2004 GB (4th time)
A soldier returns to his rural home town in order to avenge the bullying of his younger, retarded brother.
A simple tale of revenge is brilliantly played all round; Considine's performance drives it along with unsettling energy, and there is a moral complexity to his character at heart.

Mulholland Dr.
David Lynch
2001 US/Fr (2nd time)
An enthusiastic actress arrives in LA in hope of stardom, but befriends an amnesiac who was involved in a car crash…
It is best to approach this film as an unfathomable nightmare, and let it unfold itself; for, in true Lynch style, the meaning here is not an obvious one, presented as a character-switching Chinese-box-like succession of dark and disturbing fantasies. It registers on the unconscious and lingers on the mind like the most haunting of dreams.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/05 08:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Interesting, Irish. What compelled you to watch Ran in the first place?

Mick
Trying to get more in samurai and Japanese movies, and this was one of the few that was available. I also plan on seeing Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo, Sanjuro. I recently saw Samurai Rebellion and was disappointed some with the story but the directing was fantastic. I currently have Kill! and Samurai Spy that I'd like to see
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/05 10:21 PM

Irish, watch Zatoichi, with Takeshi Kitano. I think you'll like it. It's very unconventional though.

Mick
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/05 10:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Lost Highway
David Lynch
1997 US (3rd time)
The lives of four people are connected through a bizzare turn of events.
A teasing, complex mystery on identity, told as an elongated, inescapable nightmare for all, with characters switching into others; it begs for rewatches, and becomes more rewarding with each one.
[/b]
I've watched this 2 or 3 times over the years, and still cannot figure out WTF is going on... :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/05 02:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irish, watch Zatoichi, with Takeshi Kitano. I think you'll like it. It's very unconventional though.

Mick
I added it to my list, thanks!
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/05 02:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Letizia B.:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Cardi:
[b] I picked up a DVD of "The Man With The Golden Arm" ... Anyone here ever see this movie?
Yeah, a really great film. Every time someone says that Frank Sinatra couldn't act, I tell them to watch this. You're so right, the parts where he's going nuts because he hasn't had a fix, it's amazing. You almost break a sweat right along with him, right? The rest of the cast is great too, it's a great movie. [/b][/quote]Zia, I love him in this movie. Probably one of the best parts that he's ever played. He was also very good in "Suddenly."

For anyone here who is not familiar with Sinatra's " Man With The Golden Arm" :

Frankie Machine is a skilled card dealer and one-time heroin addict. When he returns home from jail, he struggles to find a new livelihood and to avoid slipping back into addiction.

Directed by one of the greats...Otto Preminger.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/05 03:30 AM

Havoc **

This is my first and only Anne Hathaway movie and if you know anything about this film you'll know why. Yes ladies and gentlemen along with my first viewing this is the first and only movie Ms. hathaway shows her...um, goodies (to put it nicely). I heard so I saw. Not a great movie overall but I wasn't expecting much. However, besides Ms. Hathaway's "assets" she did do a good job and impressed me with her acting ability. I wouldn't mind seeing something of hers again in the future, granted its not The Princess Diaries 3
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/05 08:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Cardi:
I love him in this movie. Probably one of the best parts that he's ever played. He was also very good in "Suddenly."
He was also very good in "From here to eternity", as Pvt. Maggio. Great movie indeed, and great cast!!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/05 10:08 AM

Samurai Rebellion ** 1/2
Kill! ***

Both of these movies I just wanted to see because they were samurai and released by Criterion. I wasn't sure what to expect from either of these but I did enjoy them. I got lost throughout both of their stories but the directing on both of them was very good. The high shots, angels, camera speed, etc was very enjoyable. The last 20 minutes of Samurai Rebellion made it for me with a final battle and the ending of the movie was nice. Kill! was a samurai comedy that I enjoyed more so than I thought I would. I've got one left in Samurai Spy
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/05 09:40 PM

Eraserhead
David Lynch 1976 US (4th time)
The prospect of meeting the parents and becoming a father turns into a nightmare for an irresponsible man.
Lynch's first feature, and to many, his best; every single shot in this film is provocative, oozing with the bizarre surrealism and at times genuinely frightening sense of life as a nightmarish prospect that have since marked the director's most distinguished works. An outstanding achievement.

The Grandmother
David Lynch 1970 US (2nd time)
A young boy, neglected by his parents, plants some seeds in his room, and an elderly woman whom he befriends grows from them.
A Bacon painting come to life, with use of crude animation to propel some of its narrative. It looks and sounds lovely.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/05 05:52 AM

Can anyone explain the ending of Bladerunner to me? The last 5 minutes or so of it left me completely lost... I have no clue what conclusion you're supposed to draw from it. Is she not gonna die? What did Olmos' character mean with what he said? And obviously he was at the apartment, he left the origami there... but why was he there? What happened? How did he know what he knew? I'm SO lost. :rolleyes:

All I know is, if L.A.'s gonna look like that in 13 years (2019), I better move now before it's too late. Or at least get one of those cool flying cars to be safe. :p

By the way, all of the buildings in the movie except for the big fake one are real landmark buildings in Los Angeles, pretty cool architecture. And I can safely say that that's the only thing I enjoyed about the entire movie...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/05 12:33 AM

'Zia, I've only seen Bladerunner once, and forget which version it was (there's two, theatrical and director's cut). My advice would be to PM Turnbull; he's a big fan of the film.

Léon (The Professional)
Luc Besson
1994 France (2nd time; big screen - international version)
A professional assassin acquaints a young girl, whose family was killed by a corrupt cop.
A knowing restitching of the noir and the western; it has at its core an interesting relationship between a young girl desperate to grow up and a hitman whose profession does not cater for personal affections; it will, however, as a subtle indictment of the society we life in, be interpreted as, at times, uncomfortable viewing.

Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/05 12:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Eraserhead
David Lynch 1976 US (4th time)
The prospect of meeting the parents and becoming a father turns into a nightmare for an irresponsible man.
Lynch's first feature, and to many, his best; every single shot in this film is provocative, oozing with the bizarre surrealism and at times genuinely frightening sense of life as a nightmarish prospect that have since marked the director's most distinguished works. An outstanding achievement.

The Grandmother
David Lynch 1970 US (2nd time)
A young boy, neglected by his parents, plants some seeds in his room, and an elderly woman whom he befriends grows from them.
A Bacon painting come to life, with use of crude animation to propel some of its narrative. It looks and sounds lovely. [/b]
You know, I don't think I've ever seen a Lynch movie.

I'll be seeing The Elephant Man tonight though.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/05 12:54 AM

The Elephant Man is amazing, and the only film of his I haven't revisited this week (besides Dune and Blue Velvet, which needn't have revisions, since the former is awful and the latter is a masterpiece). It is, however, his most commercial work besides Dune; it isn't as masturbatorily Lynchian as things get.

Eraserhead may well just be my favourite film of all time.

Happy watching!

Mick
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/05 01:02 AM



On that note, I'll have to check out Eraserhead next.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/05 07:25 AM

Just saw Good Will Hunting for the first time. Great movie with great acting.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/05 10:23 AM

I just re-watched "Maverick" on tv (I don't own a copy) and had forgotten what a fun movie it is.

Mel Gibson stars as a gambler in the Old West who is set on playing in a $500,000 poker tournament. Jodie Foster plays the lady interest and James Garner (who originally played the title role on the old tv series) plays a marshall who gets involved. All three are very entertaining and they're helped by a very decent supporting cast.

Its a light-hearted story with plenty of laughs including a surprise uncredited appearance by Danny Glover (who as you know has appeared with Gibson in the "Lethal Weapon" series). Glover plays a thief who robs Gibson and its an absolutely hilarious scene as the two of them look at each other as if trying to figure out where they have seen each other before.

Of special note is Graham Greene (who plays a friendly Indian chief). He's becoming one of my favorite character actors today - he's appeared as an Indian in "Dances With Wolves", as one of the NYPD detectives in "Die Hard III" and as one of the prisoners executed in "The Green Mile". He's charming in this movie.

Anyway, if you're in the mood for a funny western (with a good unexpected ending) check this out.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/05 11:42 AM

SC, that's one of my favorite movies!

Quote:
Originally posted by Letizia B.:
Can anyone explain the ending of Bladerunner to me? The last 5 minutes or so of it left me completely lost... I have no clue what conclusion you're supposed to draw from it. Is she not gonna die? What did Olmos' character mean with what he said? And obviously he was at the apartment, he left the origami there... but why was he there? What happened? How did he know what he knew? I'm SO lost. :rolleyes:
I need to check that out again to answer your second question but as it has been mentioned there were a few alternatives for ending. In the one I saw, Harrison Ford spotted the origami and he left with the girl. In another ending, he kills the girl, just like she asks him to do because they are sure that the girl will be tracked down to be killed, hence the meaning of that origami, which was left there. There might be another ending but I just can't remember now... But I did love the movie, that I can remember.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/05 02:59 AM

Lone Wolf and Cub 6-part Series ****

These are by far some of my favorite (if not my favorite) Samurai movies I've ever seen. I'm more into the "over-the-top", blood-splatter samurai cinema as opposed to more "serious" samurai movies like Samurai Rebellion or Kill!. This series had a great blend of story and action to satisfy any appetite. I won't spoil it but I was a little disappointed with the way the series ended, however Tomisaburo Wakayama did a fantastic job as the former official Shogunate executioner, Ogami Itto. And with the amount of lines I was impressed with young Akihiro Tomikawa who played Itto's son, Daigoro. If you're into any kind of samurai films, I HIGHLY suggest picking thess up. There are the most popular samurai movies here in the States and for good reason
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/05 06:09 AM

Cinderella Man ****

I didn't think it was possible but this movie got better the 2nd time around. I stand by my comments I made the first time seeing it that this movie should and had better garner some Oscars! I'm really pulling for Crowe to win it. Crowe, Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, and Craig Bierko (Max Baer) all put in fantastic performances! I'm also pulling for Ron Howard to win an Oscar on yet another masterpiece. Not my favorite movie of the year (Sin City gets that honor) but it is definitely up there, probably right behind it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/05 06:41 AM

War of the Worlds - (Steven Spielberg;2005;USA) -
A man and his two kids flee from New York City when aliens begin a long-planned extermination.
I felt this was going to be a mediocre alien movie along the lines of ID4, but I was pleasantly surprised. It seems like Spielberg rolled the Holocaust and 9/11 together in this film, especially with the images of New York's explosions, and the ashes falling everywhere. As much as I enjoy Tim Robbins, I felt those basement scenes worked against the film, especially with his corny, cliche nut-case dialogue. He felt like a character rented from previous cinematic archetypes. The ending was also slightly off in my opinion, but as for the rest of the film, it turns out to be a very suspenseful and engrossing film. Tom Cruise is also in great form.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/05 09:38 AM

The Pianist
Im speechless. I dont know where to begin praising this masterpiece. Roman Polanski has adapted a story that will touch you in every way. This movie brought tears to my eyes. Im also going as far to say that it matched "Schindlers List", I have yet to decide which one is better though. Adrien Brody gave a superb performance and deserved his Oscar.
A cinematic masterpiece, a lesson about life and the human beings, and a history lesson. Thank You Roman Polanski for this one.

10/10
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/05 05:41 PM

I consider The Pianist to be by far the best film of the new millenium, and one of the top 15 movies of all time. I rank it higher than Schindler's List.

Glad you liked it.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/05 06:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I consider The Pianist to be by far the best film of the new millenium, and one of the top 15 movies of all time. I rank it higher than Schindler's List.

Glad you liked it.
You know what? I knew that You would be the first one replying to my post I have to see Shindler's List the next days again to decide which one I prefer..
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/05 03:29 AM

Mr. & Mrs. Smith - (Doug Liman;2005;USA)
A husband and wife find out during a failing marriage that they are both assassins working for rival companies.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have very good chemistry, and this film has many moments of good humor, but unfortunately it lacks in everything else. The whole film seems to exist solely for it's shootouts, and nothing else aside it's humor. It's not enough, and at times the action feels too cartoon-ish to enjoy, although those scenes do have their moments.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/05 03:32 AM

Interesting how Doug Liman, when he directed THE BOURNE IDENTITY, offered the title role to Brad Pitt before giving it to Matt Damon........me, I think things worked well as they have.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/05 06:48 AM

The Exorcism of Emily Rose **

A true story of a young college girl who was possesed and her priest is brought up on charges of negligence in her death. A pretty dull movie that didn't have the effect it was trying to gain. Laura Linney was the only positive thing I can say about the movie besides Tom Wilkinson who plays Father Moore (I couldn't belive he played Carmine Falcone in Batman Begins. It took me a little while to finally recognize him. It's a mix of a horror movie and court room drama
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/05 08:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[b]The Pianist
Im speechless. I dont know where to begin praising this masterpiece. Roman Polanski has adapted a story that will touch you in every way. This movie brought tears to my eyes. Im also going as far to say that it matched "Schindlers List", I have yet to decide which one is better though. Adrien Brody gave a superb performance and deserved his Oscar [/b]
Glad you liked it, Aziatic. A real masterpiece. Adrian Brody's performance was absolutely outstanding. Yet, for some reason (it would be too long to discuss it now), I prefer Schindler's list. I do urge everybody to watch both. They are priceless.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/05 08:50 AM

Yesterday I watched "Man on fire". WOW, what a powerful thriller! Denzel Washington is one of my fav actors and his performance is great, as ever.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/05 05:16 PM

Washington reminds me of Morgan Freeman. He's good at playing himself, but rarely stretches beyond his typecast. Man on Fire is as tough as it is empty, with Washington firing guns all over the place and not giving a damn, filmed and edited with such video-game flair that it creates a sense of unreality, perhaps to disguise the fact that this is nothing we've not seen before.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/05 02:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
Yesterday I watched "Man on fire". WOW, what a powerful thriller! Denzel Washington is one of my fav actors and his performance is great, as ever.
Glad you enjoyed Man on Fire Lavinia. I loved it too
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/05 09:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Washington reminds me of Morgan Freeman. He's good at playing himself,
I think any actor plays somehow himself, at least to a certain extent.


Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
filmed and edited with such video-game flair
you're right, I noticed that video-game like flair too and I did not enjoyed it at all. Apparently nowadays directors consider it to be cooler adding a bit of oddities to their movies, but it's just disturbing to me.

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
that it creates a sense of unreality, perhaps to disguise the fact that this is nothing we've not seen before.
I'm not with you on this, Mick. A bounty killer (that's why he didn't give a damn to kill high and low) who saves somebody's life by means of his own sacrifice is something that was rarely seen before, IMO.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/05 10:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Glad you enjoyed Man on Fire Lavinia. I loved it too
I'm glad we finally agree on a movie, Irish!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/05 09:04 PM

Another contender for film of the year...

De battre mon coeur s'est arrêté (The Beat That My Heart Skipped)
Jacques Audiard
2005 France (1st time; big screen)
A small-time crook operating at the low end of the property market takes up his passion again for the piano, and struggles to share time between his two lives.
Never less than engaging, a credited remake of James Toback's Fingers, this is a brooding character study done with unsettling flair and driven along by a meticulously agitated performance from Romain Duris in the leading role, as the tormented would-be concert pianist.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 01:27 AM

Heat ***

I guess the third time was the charm for me as I was not very impressed with this movie the first 2 times (which were years ago by the way). I did love both De Niro & Pacino (as usual). De Niro was awesome in his cool & claim "I'm a bank robber but also a killer" persona. While Pacino was intense and comical at times. Kilmer did a nice job too with his role. Overall a good movie but nothing "great" or "masterpiece" about it. I personally feel it's a little overrated on this here board
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 04:39 AM

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)



* * * *
4 Stars

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Main Cast: Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, and Slim Pickens
Nominated for 4 Oscars

Summary: U.S. Air Force Colonel Jack Ripper goes completely and utterly mad, and sends his bomber wing to destroy the U.S.S.R. He suspects that the communists are conspiring to pollute the "precious bodily fluids" of the American people. The U.S. president meets with his advisors, where the Soviet ambassador tells him that if the U.S.S.R. is hit by nuclear weapons, it will trigger a "Doomsday Machine" which will destroy all plant and animal life on Earth. Peter Sellers portrays the three men who might avert this tragedy: British Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, the only person with access to the demented Gen. Ripper; U.S. President Merkin Muffley, whose best attempts to divert disaster depend on placating a drunken Soviet Permier and the former Nazi genius Dr. Strangelove, who concludes that "such a device would not be a practical deterrent for reasons which at this moment must be all too obvious". Will the bombers be stopped in time, or will General Jack Ripper succeed in destroying the world ?

Review: First viewing, making my way through Kubrick's body of work, this is my 3rd one after 2001 and the Shining. Really enjoyed this, Peter Sellers was fantastic, and it was nice to see Sterling Hayden outside of the Godfather. Brilliatnly shot by Kubrick, enjoyed my first George C. Scott movie. The ending was unforgettable, very well done. Guess I'll try out my new film evaluation system...

Direction and Editing - 18/20
Acting and Caliber of the Main Cast - 20/20
Story, Keeps Interest - 18/20
Rewatchability - 17/20
Cinematography - 8/10
Supporting Cast - 9/10
Music - 8/10
Depth - 6/10

104/120 = 87%

87% = 4/5 Stars

Best Quote: "Well, boys, I reckon this is it - nuclear combat toe to toe with the Rooskies."
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 07:15 AM

Lost Highway

Big time confusing movie. 3 of us watched and didn't understand a single thing . Now my friend has just googled and come up with an interpretation Now it makes some sense, but did David Lynch expect anyone to understand this on first viewing. This is the first movie of his I am watching. Man, he makes such cryptic movies. I will be scared to watch any of his other movies. However after understanding the story through backdoor, I think the movie is pretty good. Any suggestions for a non-cryptic movie of his??
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 04:35 PM

Week-end (Weekend)
Jean-Luc Godard
1967 France/Italy (2nd time)
A bourgeois couple travel to Oinville, but their journey is hampered by an endless traffic jam and forest-dwelling savages.
Godard's vision of Hell, depicted with brutal force at the expense of middle class consumerism: apparently, in order to overcome the horrors of the bourgeoisie, more horror is required. Essential viewing, as a cinematic mass of one artist's ideas; it is quite clearly made by somebody disgusted with the world.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 04:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
Lost Highway

Big time confusing movie. Any suggestions for a non-cryptic movie of his??
Try The Elephant Man (1980), The Straight Story (1999), and then move up to Wild at Heart (1990), Eraserhead (1976), Blue Velvet (1986) and Mulholland Dr. (2001), in that order.

In the meantime, however, I just watched Lost Highway for the third time last week; only on this viewing did I grasp how brilliant it is. Reading my review of it may help "appreciate" the film more, but understanding it is another thing. Essentially, I think you should watch Lynch's other suggested work, then revisit it, keeping in mind that understanding his work is not necessarily the same as finding the meaning; its meaning, indeed, is entirely the feeling, emotion or reaction it conjures up upon your own mind while, and after, watching it.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 04:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) [/b]
The scene in the war war room featuring the repartee between Seller's President Muffley and Scott's General Turgidson is one of my four or five favorite scenes in all of filmdom.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 04:42 PM

Plawrence, would be the other three or four?
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 05:03 PM

Too many to name from the GF Trilogy, but aside from that, these come to mind (in no particular order):

- The scene early in Mean Streets where Keitel and deNiro are in the back room discussing Johnny Boy's loan shark payments. Also, the fight in the pool room scene from the same film.

- Two scenes from Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, one where Frank Vincent drives his cadillac convertible throught fire hydrant spray, and the other in which the characters of different races and nationalities spew all of the stereotypes about each other.

- The opening scene in Reservoir Dogs

- The scene in Paths of Glory when General Broulard and General Mireau have their first meeting.

- The penultimate scene in Inherit The Wind, when Spencer Tracy had Frederic March on the witness stand.

- The scene in Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder when Ray Milland (Tony Wendes) first meets with Charles Swann and draws him into the plot to murder his wife.

Hmmmm.... that's seven already

And....I also consider just about every scene in Raging Bull to be pretty close to perfection.

One day I'm gonna have to post my list of all-time favorite films, too.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 05:10 PM

I've not seen Do the Right Thing, Paths of Glory or Dial M for Murder, but it is interesting to note that all of the listed scenes are notable for their excessive use of dialogue. From the phatic interaction of Tarantino's Dogs to the rousing rhetoric Spencer's speech in Inherit the Wind. Can we, then, take from these examples an insight into your character? You like to talk, perhaps...?

I count that Mean Streets scene as one of De Niro's finest examples of acting, ever.

I have Dial M for Murder ready to watch.

Mick
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 05:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Can we, then, take from these examples an insight into your character? You like to talk, perhaps...?
Who, me?

I suppose it's fair to say that I have occasionally been accused of a somewhat florid style in my use of both the spoken and written word.

You promised me a review a while ago for some film or another, Mick. Was it Dial M?

That's my favorite Hitchcock, BTW. I like a great many of Alf's films, but strangely enough I'm not a big fan of some of his more critically acclaimed work, like Rear Window or Vertigo, for example.

And how is it that a film fan of your caliber has never seen Paths of Glory?

Quite frankly, you should be ashamed of yourself. :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/05 06:03 PM

I am.

The promised review was, I believe, Miller's Crossing. I'd need to revisit it to write one now. Watch this space...

And, I suppose, like me, you take honour in such accusations of floridity.

Elaborately yours,
Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/05 03:32 AM

Fantastic Four ***

A good action/comedy movie that I feel was somewhat 'underappreciated'. I'm not gonna sit here and say it was better than Sin City, X-Men or Spider-Man but it was not a Hellboy or A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I'd say it was more like The Punisher (which I also enjoyed). Michael Chiklis was definitely the highlight for me and he worked beautifully with Chris Evans the most. The whole group had good chemistry between them and I feel bad for Ioan Gruffudd who's been dogged for his role as 'Mr. Fantastic.' I didn't read the comics so I "wasn't disappointed" with the character of Dr. Doom
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/05 03:45 AM

The Big Red One (1980) Second Viewing
Directed by: Samuel Fuller
Rating: ***/****


Searching through my history teachers closet today, I found a VHS copy of Sam Fuller's, "The Big Red One". A huge fan of the new reconstruction (Perhaps the greatest war film ever and one of my personal favorites), I was loaned the copy and I saw a film, that even trunicated, still is extremely effective. However, watching the original 1980 cut I am reminded of just how criminal it was to cut almost an hour of fotage from the film and it also reinforces my love of the reconstruction.
The original cut eliminates many of the best scenes I've grown accustomed to and the pacing is awkward, making it from the amazing war epic I love into a more faster paced but weaker film and in fact the cuts made by Warners in 1980 really made some scenes just really hard to comprehend.
At any rate, it's worth seeking out the original 1980 cut to compare with the 2004 reconstruction which again, I rate amoung the ten greatest films in history.
Tomorow I am watching, "Michael Collins".
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/05 07:20 PM

I'd put money on some of the older members here loving the gem I've just watched...

Out of the Past (Build My Gallows High)
Jacques Tourneur
1947 US (1st time)
A small town gas station owner is visisted by an old friend, and his past life creeps up on him.
Atmospheric noir superbly played by all involved; every line reeks of wit and every shot is drenched in shadow.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/05 07:33 PM

Ya Sully, I saw that truncated edit of BIG RED ONE awhile back on cable TV.....and ya, thank god we have the Reconstructed edit on DVD now.

Oh and irishman.....you're wrong. FANTASTIC FOUR is equal in the quality of say SIN CITY or BATMAN BEGINS. That is, if you then took it, shoot it with 100 bullets, beat the shit out of it, throw it off a cliff, flush down the toilet, take a good dump of human solid mineral waste on it, and then light it in fire. Then you're right. :p

HEAT (1995)

****1/2 out of 5

A near-masterpiece of the cop and crime genres, Writer/producer/Director Michael Mann's crime saga in Los Angeles is one that does suffer from the many storylines presented by Mann without smooth resolution...but you know what? That is oddly one reason why I love this movie. Truely Dennis Haysbert's minor subplot is short but effectively sad for what it is. Not to mention that the legendary bank heist sequence is so influential and awesome. Enough action and adrenaline in those scenes that is much more than wimps like Michael Bay could wish to ever equal. Funny enough, many police forces in America study that sequence in how to possibly combat such high firepower battles with bank robbers...and yes, bank robbers have indeed followed that sequence religiously to usually higher-than-normal success, especially one in Baltimore back last year.

If anything, Michael Mann's HEAT is among the most influential movies for me.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/05 07:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Week-end (Weekend)
Jean-Luc Godard
1967 France/Italy (2nd time)
A bourgeois couple travel to Oinville, but their journey is hampered by an endless traffic jam and forest-dwelling savages.
Godard's vision of Hell, depicted with brutal force at the expense of middle class consumerism: apparently, in order to overcome the horrors of the bourgeoisie, more horror is required. Essential viewing, as a cinematic mass of one artist's ideas; it is quite clearly made by somebody disgusted with the world.

Mick [/b]
Weekend says more in one frame than most films do in their entirety. I consider it to be one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of cinema.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/05 07:58 PM

I once said, long ago, that Godard can invoke mroe energy into a single frame than most directors can into an entire feature; I stand by that. Him, Lynch, Herzog and Bacon are my heroes.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 03:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Oh and irishman.....you're wrong. FANTASTIC FOUR is equal in the quality of say SIN CITY or BATMAN BEGINS. That is, if you then took it, shoot it with 100 bullets, beat the shit out of it, throw it off a cliff, flush down the toilet, take a good dump of human solid mineral waste on it, and then light it in fire. Then you're right. :p
That's why I said it wasn't in their league but it was better than say Hellboy, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemenp and I'll even throw in Constantine for ya for free Merry Christmas! :p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 03:25 AM

Ya laugh it up. Just hope Santa on the big day gives you for a present something that you desperately need.

What is it? Here is a clue: It should be instead of your skull instead of water and sand. :p

P.S. - Oh come on, CONSTANTINE wasn't as bad as HELLBOY or LXG. I mean, thats like comparing Derek Jeter with Alex Gonzalez and Jeff Blauser. Looks like you need your taste buds to be exorcised.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 03:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
P.S. - Oh come on, CONSTANTINE wasn't as bad as HELLBOY or LXG. I mean, thats like comparing Derek Jeter with Alex Gonzalez and Jeff Blauser. Looks like you need your taste buds to be exorcised.
A personal insult to show that I'm "wrong" yet again from Mr. E (Elitist)! And there's nothing wrong with my taste buds brother, just your elitism showing through
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 04:27 AM

Yes, Mr. Elitist will also show you how to punctuate:

"A personal insult to show that I'm "wrong" yet again from Mr. E (Elitist)! And there's nothing wrong with my taste buds brother, just your elitism showing through."

Besides....how am I your brother? I'm not your friend, nor a pal of yours. If you want a brother with the same level as you, go buy a dog.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 04:33 AM

Alex Gonzalez...ouch.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 04:39 AM

Ouch indeed, Mr. Andrews.

My scores on such comic flicks discussed earlier:

SIN CITY = ****/5
BATMAN BEGINS = ****1/2 out of 5
CONSTANTINE = ***/5
HELLBOY = **/5
LXG = *1/2 out of 5
FANTASTIC FOUR = BOMB! = */5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 07:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Besides....how am I your brother? I'm not your friend, nor a pal of yours. If you want a brother with the same level as you, go buy a dog.
That's clear, it's a figure of speech dude. Dito goes for you
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 07:14 PM

Last Days - ****

I went into this thinking that I knew what to expect. I was dead wrong. I'd been advised by Vercetti not to go into it expecting something in the vain of Ray, so I didn't. It still wasn't what I expected. It was more. Much more.

There was very little dialogue in the film, but it wasn't needed. Blake was by himself most of the time, anyway. He mumbles to himself quite a bit, most of it incoherent. He spends much of his time in the woods around his estate.

Also, there isn't much of a plot. This is a film inspired by the last few days of Kurt Cobain's life. It shows him alone, and the few people he actually does associate with use him to their advantage.

I'm not gonna elaborate any more than I already have, because I believe it will spoil it for those who haven't watched it.

I was deeply moved by the film, saddened, and a bit disturbed. I laughed, cringed, and became somewhat angry at the people around Blake. This film evoked a plethora of emotions from me, something that doesn't happen often. A film that can do that, with very little dialogue, with very little hand-holding (as far as the story goes), is a rare film indeed.

I loved it. I wasn't so sure when it started. I didn't really know what to think. I don't know if all of Van Zant's films are like this, but it's made me curious.

It's pretty hard to recommend this film to just anybody, though. I can't really say "lower your expectations", or to even change your expectations. Just go into it with an open mind, I guess.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 07:42 PM

I'll probably be renting Last Days tonight, if Blockbuster has it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 07:57 PM

Glad you liked it XXX.

DEATH TRILOGY: Gerry, Elephany, Last Days

The above are similar in style. I have yet to see the first one. Before it he did mainstream films, although his early career is said to be more off-beat and good than his mainstream films, like Drugstore Cowboy.

I forgot to mention in another thread that I've seen his 1998 nearly shot by shot remake of Pshycho, which I rate no stars. His few changes were interesting but wasn't enough to make anything worthwhile. When Ebert asked him why he made it he said "so no one else could."
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 09:39 PM

Its wonderful that you dug it, xxx. LAST DAYS just kicks ass.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 11:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
I was deeply moved by the film, saddened, and a bit disturbed. This film evoked a plethora of emotions from me, something that doesn't happen often. A film that can do that, with very little dialogue, with very little hand-holding (as far as the story goes), is a rare film indeed.
I like that. It more or less sums my memory up of the film, and the same paragraph can be written for any of my favourite films. In the Lost Highway thread I mentioned that that film was a fine example of pure cinema. Last Days is another. And I can't wait to see it again.

Mick
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 11:10 PM

Le Ballon rouge (The Red Balloon)
Albert Lamorisse
1955 France (1st time)
A small school boy living in Belville comes across a red balloon, and all the other kids get jealous.
An absolutely absorbing piece of visual cinema, a short film which has been neglected by DVD distributors and lost to oblivion, like the setting itself, which was demolished in the sixties and rebuilt.

Sur mes lèvres (Read My Lips)
Jacques Audiard
2001 France (1st time; big screen)
A deaf secretary in the property business hires a male ex-con, and gets involved in criminal activity.
The ambiguous plot outline is telling: the director here isn't so much interested in the narrative's crime arc as the central relationship between two very credible characters put in a situation which here never rings true.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/05 11:47 PM

Dazed and Confused ** 1/2

The Ref **
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 01:43 AM

Capo, I absolutely loved the Red Baloon. I saw it numerous times as a child, and I just happened to come across it again a few months ago. A really beautiful little piece of work.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 04:41 AM

Ahhh shit I forgot to rent Last Days. Tomorrow for sure.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 06:39 AM

40 year old virgin:
The title of the movie gives away the plot. Has a lot of funny moments, but is completely predictable.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 10:32 AM

Election (1999)



**** 1/2
4.5 Stars

Directed by: Alexander Payne
Main Cast: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein
Nominated for 1 Oscar

Summary: Tracey Flick is running unopposed for this year's high school student council president election. But school civics teacher Jim McAllister has a different plan. Partly to establish a more democratic election, and partly to satisfy some deep personal anger towards Tracey, Jim talks popular varsity football player Paul Metzler to run for president as well.

Review: This is one of those movies that seems to get better everytime I see it. I originally wrote this one off in my adolescent mind as a slightly more mature high school comedy, but it is truly so much more, and I would really hope that others could get past this view.

A great study of not only American high schools, but also America itself and its ways. Beautifully directed by Alexander Payne, who later went onto fame with About Schmidt and Sideways, I still consider this his best work.

You can really see Payne showing not only his techincal prowess but also his creative genius. It was only this time around, probably my 9th or 10th viewing, that I noticed a similarity to Scorsese's style; multiple character narration, creative use of music, freeze frames, etc.

Payne just seems to do everything right here.

Direction – 20/20
Acting – 19/20
Story – 14/15
Rewatchability – 14/15
Music – 9/10
Depth – 5/10
Cinematography – 5/5
Supporting Cast – 5/5
TOTAL = 93%

93% = 4.5/5 Stars

Best Quote: "Larry, we're not electing the fucking Pope here. Just tell me who won."
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 10:52 AM

The Big Lebowski (1998)



*** 1/2
3.5 Stars

Directed by: The Coen Brothers
Main Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore

Summary: Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski is the ultimate LA slacker, until one day his house is broken into and his rug is peed on by two angry gangsters who have mistaken him for Jeffrey Lebowski, the LA millionaire, whose wife owes some bad people some big money. The Dude becomes entangled in the plot when he goes to visit the real Lebowski in order to get some retribution for his soiled rug, and is recruited to be the liason between Lebowski and the captors of his now "kidnapped" wife.

Review: This was my 2nd viewing on this one, and after seeing that it was one of Irishman's favorite movies and kind of recently appreciating the Coen brothers more, I was really looking forward to giving this one a rewatch and seeing if I could alter my lackluster initial opinion of it.

I cannot say that I didn't like it, but for some reason this one just doesn't have the flare to me that some of the Coens other work has. The perfect cast for what's written, and a good storyline, but there seems to be something I can't quite put my finger on. I felt maybe as though they had some underdeveloped characters, with the brief appearances by Jon Polito, John Turturro, and Steve Buscemi stuck in a supporting role. Again, not that Bridges and Goodman weren't great.

Still a very inventive piece, with good humor and quirkiness, and good music, I downloaded the dream song by Bob Dylan, can't stop listening to it. Ultimately, better then O Brother Where Art Thou, Intolerable Creulty, and maybe Barton Fink, but not as good as anything else of the Coen's I've seen. Hopefully their next one is as good as their best stuff.

Direction – 18/20
Acting – 19/20
Story – 13/15
Rewatchability – 11/15
Music – 9/10
Depth – 5/10
Cinematography – 5/5
Supporting Cast – 5/5
TOTAL = 85%

85% = 3.5/5 Stars

Best Quote: "What the fuck are you talking about? The chinaman is not the issue here, dude. I'm talking about drawing a line in the sand, dude. Across this line, you DO NOT... Also, dude, chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please."
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 04:53 PM

The Elephant Man (1980) - ****
Director: David Lynch
An English doctor brings a physically-deformed John Merrick under his wing
Amazing. My first Lynch movie, and I loved it. The feeling on this one was just so unique. Everything about the way it was acted, shot, written, produced... It just made me feel like I was watching an old movie from the 30s or 40s; and yes, that is a good thing. It helped set the tone to the film. Also, Lynch brings a great message with him, regarding the cruelness of society and about acceptness.


Pink Floyd The Wall (1982) - ***1/2
Director: Alan Parker
A troubled musician looks back on his life as his mental-state deteriorates.
Before I get started, let me say, I am trying my best not to provide any pro-Floyd biasm--and I think I am doing successfully, as I plot out my words in my head. The Wall is my favorite Pink Floyd album, which--for me--beats out Darkside of the Moon by less than a hundreth of a point. The idea to play the album to film is an excellent idea. Parker brings along powerful imagry in which the only means of plot-progression is the brilliant music of Roger Waters. Every shot in this film is an amazing piece of visual art, and is keenly crafted to fit its constant sound-track. The exploration of the main character is well done, a great feat when the fact of it being Roger Water's first attempt at writing a film is brought into consideration. This is a must see for any fans of Pink Floyd, Floydian, or just rock music in general. I highly reccomend it to any movie-buff. This is just a great and highly entertaining film by itself.


-------

There it is. Also, mainly targetted towards DV, who influenced this decision, I will be watching Last Days tonight... I'll try and get a review up within the week.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 06:47 PM

LLC, may I suggest, on the back of your positive reaction to The Elephant Man, that you watch Werner Herzog's Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle (1974)? Also known as Every Man For Himself and God Against All of Them or The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser. Look out for it.

And happy searching for more Lynch films.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 08:35 PM

Just rented Last Days. Will be watching it tonight.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/05 09:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
LLC, may I suggest, on the back of your positive reaction to The Elephant Man, that you watch Werner Herzog's Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle (1974)? Also known as Every Man For Himself and God Against All of Them or The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser. Look out for it.

And happy searching for more Lynch films.
I'll be sure to check those out.

I'll be sure to get at least one in, if not more, next week, when I return to the store for more movies.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 01:04 AM

I had extremely high expectations before watching Last Days, and after watching it, I can definitely say the movie exceeded those expectations.

I am fucking blown away by this movie. I recommend to anybody who appreciates true art to see this film. Probably the best of the 2000s so far.

I have truly never seen a film like it. Cinema has been needing a director to bring something new and revolutionary to the table, and I think Van Zant may be that director. I haven't seen any of his other films aside from Good Will Hunting, but Last Days definitely makes me want to.

Last Days - 10/10, ****
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 01:14 AM

It's funny, Last Days has brought out basically every emotion I have. During and after the film I felt angry, frustrated, distrubed, sad, happy, horny, and alone. There has never been a film that has done that to me.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 01:39 AM

Can anybody explain to me the significance of the gay scene in Last Days?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 01:44 AM

If it was a straight scene you probably wouldn't be asking that at all, or give it a second guess. Many people forget Gus Van Sant is in fact, gay.

However the sex scene in the film was actually Lukas Haas' idea, who wanted his character to be sexually ambiguous. You can see him talk about it on the DVD. Much of the film was improvised. In fact, the yellow pages salesman was an actual salesman who wandered onto the set trying to sell orders.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 01:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
If it was a straight scene you probably wouldn't be asking that at all, or give it a second guess.
I would, actually. The scene seemed random to me. Even if it were a guy-girl sex scene I'd be questioning it.

Didn't take away from the movie though.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 02:00 AM

Another question: (I know, I'm being annoying...sorry.)

Who wrote the song that Blake sang towards the end, and was that Michael Pitt's real voice? If so, very impressive. That was a great song.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 02:19 AM

Michael Pitt wrote it before the movie. He has a band called Pagoda, coming out with their first album later this year. They're inspired by the likes of Nirvana, Pixies, Stooges, etc.

You can see the band version and solo here, as well as other songs.

http://winter.reverseproductions.com/pagoda/
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 03:03 AM

So he's a good actor AND musician? That's rare these days.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 03:25 AM

It's A Wonderful Life ****

It was on NBC tonight so I decided to watch it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 05:53 AM

Demon Spies ** 1/2

A decent samurai espionage movie that had me going in the first 20 minutes but lost some of its flavor later on in the movie. Not as good as Lady Snowblood or the Lone Wolf and Cub series which I was hoping for
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 04:23 PM

Groundhog Day
Harold Ramis
1993 US (1st time; big screen)
A TV weatherman relives the same day over and over, and ends up falling in love with his producer.
A wonderful comedy which carries its themes--reincarnation and repetition--with the help of Murray's fine performance. Fresh, inventive, enduring.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 11:27 PM

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Very good kids movie. One cannot help comparing this with LOTR, because of the fantasy Genre. But I didn't like LOTR at all, whereas this is kind of nice. This is becasue it does not pretend to cater to any audience other than kids. The animated lion and the cute girl(the youngest of the siblings) are the highlights of the movie. Cinematography and special effects are very good... It has to be, with Hollywood spending so much money on all these movies. But I am sure the are recovering all of it and making tons of profit, the theater I went to was fully packed and one could see long lines.

SPOILER ALERT ON
I thought the lion coming alive with the "sacrifice" formula rather than with the magic potion was a great piece of script writing. But my joy was short lived, the lion brings back Mr Tumness(sp?) and the commander to life by just blowing breath on them, proving it to be just another kids movie with a happy ending. But seriously, I shouldn't have expected some sad ending
SPOILER ALERT OFF

The character development of the younger brother from an indifferent black sheep to a brave person is also neat.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/05 11:33 PM

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire **1/2

Nice adaptation of the fourth book.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/05 12:59 AM

The Third Man - (Carol Reed;1949;UK) -
An American writer comes to post-war Vienna to find his friend who promised him a job is dead. However, various people's account of the incident are inconsistent.
One of the greatest films to come from the UK. Although Welles' screentime is small, he proves to be the most memorable character. The music is oddly off-beat, but it doesn't take away from the film or become elevator music-ish, but oddly fits in with the atmosphere. There are several wonderful shots as well, such as the final image. This makes me wanna see more films with Orson Welles in them.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/05 01:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire **1/2

Nice adaptation of the fourth book.
I LOVE your signature
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/05 01:37 AM

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/05 03:32 AM

"Luckily, our camera's were still rolling"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/05 09:03 PM

Walk the Line ***

Took me ma to go and see it. It was really cool because we were the only ones in the theater. I'm really pulling for either Joaquin Phoenix or Russell Crowe to win the Oscar. BTW SPOILER does anyone know the name of the song Johnny's playing on stage in Vegas when he collapses? END OF SPOILER
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 01:13 AM

Nosferatu ****

I really don't like silent movies at all but this was by far the best I've ever seen. It's running time was slightly more than an hour and I almost didn't want it to end. The score was excellent and I thank you Don Vercetti for the recommendation BTW, if you have this on DVD, which version do you have?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 01:27 AM

Could it be Irish liked a movie I like?

Nosferatu puts all vampires to shame IMO.

There are two great DVD versions. I have IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT with the red cover, but I want the KINO. Kino is the better of the two. IE only has two differ scores (both good), as well as more special features. Kino has better quality, and two scores (one being a supposedly bad techno score).

Here's a comparison.
http://dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdcompare/nosferatu-1/Nosferatu%20Image%20vs%20Kino.h tml
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 01:37 AM

I know right, I think this is only the 2nd movie we've totally agreed on (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first). I was thinking about buying the IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT version because it said it was the "special edition." Have you listened to the commentary by German silent film connoisseur Lokke Heiss?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 02:23 AM

Some of it. My favorite special feature on the DVD is the tour that shows all the locations shot in the film as they are today, although not all of them. The actual castle is still up today.

The Kino version has better quality and supposedly a better score. The Image Entertainment version has a great score by the Silent Orchestra, as well as an Organ score, that adds to the chill.

A group of people have restored a great deal of it, and it's said to be the best restoration of the film, but it isn't out on DVD. Who knows when that will be released. A shame Stoker's widow had to screw around with the good prints. An interesting thing about the film. Max Schreck doesn't blink once in the film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 02:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Max Schreck doesn't blink once in the film.
I heard about that. Hmmm, that's kinda freaky. I loved the score on the IMAGE version, so I'll probably buy it. Also, what did you think of Shadow of the Vampire?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 02:39 AM

Of course I haven't seen it yet, but am I the only one who plans to see the new King Kong during Christmas break??? :p I'm looking forward to it.


TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 02:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Max Schreck doesn't blink once in the film.
I heard about that. Hmmm, that's kinda freaky. I loved the score on the IMAGE version, so I'll probably buy it. Also, what did you think of Shadow of the Vampire? [/b][/quote]I only saw part of it. Capo didn't really like it though. I liked one moment where Schreck talks about the novel Dracula, otherwise I can't judge it. I have a feeling it's an average film with good acting.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 02:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
Of course I haven't seen it yet, but am I the only one who plans to see the new King Kong during Christmas break??? :p I'm looking forward to it.


TIS
I'll be t the noon showing (first showing) on Wednesday. I'm really excited to see it. If I like it, I might buy the King Kong: Peter Jackson's Production Diary DVD
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/05 02:52 AM

I'm going to go see it, probably over the break.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 03:19 AM

Sin City: Recut, Extended, Unrated ****

This was my favorite movie of the year so naturally I was excited to see this version of it. However, I must admit that probably only 8 minutes of footage are actually added to it with the other 15 just being the credits after ever story. I have yet to watch the special features but I anticipate to tomorrow. My favorite comic book movie ever!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 03:55 AM

What a great DVD. For once, me and irish agree on something without any of us throwing piss fits at each other.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 03:59 AM

You agree on my rating of the movie or the DVD?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 07:51 AM

Psycho ****

It was on TCM at 1am and I wasn't tired and wanted to see it again. My favorite Hitchcock movie with tremendous performances from both Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. The score was also terrific itself. Does anyone know why Gus Van Sant remade this in 1998? I saw that version first but why remake this classic? IMO it was done completely right the first time, so what could you possibly do better the 2nd? If the answer is nothing, than why remake it? Some may say the same for the new King Kong but the special effects can be greatly improved in the 72 years since it's original release.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 07:55 AM

Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 01:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Does anyone know why Gus Van Sant remade this in 1998?
When once asked this, Van Sant said, "So nobody else can."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 08:52 PM

King Kong (2005) ****

All I can say after this movie is wow! All of my expectations were filled and surpassed. Peter Jackson yet again sets the bar for visual effects in this breathtaking masterpiece of his. Naomi Watts was great but I was surprised with Jack Black the most in his portrayal of Carl Denham. In this film, he's a real a**hole and selfish son of a b*tch and I liked it. The movie is 3 hours but it keeps you entertained all 3 hours of it. I also felt sorrow and compassion for King Kong in this film, unlike the original. IMO, this version is superior to the original.
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 09:22 PM

Thanks, Irishman. I suppose anything would beat the Jeff Bridges remake! The only thing half worth seeing in that one was Jessica Lange...and that's all!

Anyway, I wondered about the new Kong, so I appreciate your review. I know I'll check out the DVD, but I'm sure this is one of those flicks you just HAVE to watch on the big screen, huh?

BTW, thanks for the Sin City info., too. Probably won't get the "unrated version," from what you told me. But it is definitely a great comic book adaption.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 09:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Snake:
I'm sure this is one of those flicks you just HAVE to watch on the big screen, huh?
This is MOST definitely a flick that must be seen to fully appreciate it on the big screen

Quote:
Originally posted by Snake:
BTW, thanks for the Sin City info., too. Probably won't get the "unrated version," from what you told me. But it is definitely a great comic book adaption.
If you're into special features, I'd get the unrated version. I'm in the middle of watching them right now. They're pretty cool but some have been pretty short (less than 10 minutes each). I think the "hours" of special features they're alloting to are just the 2 audio commentary tracks. Everything else I bet is pretty short and sweet (but informational).
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 09:55 PM

Probably not. I usually grab the "newer" versions more for deleted scenes anyhow. I always like to critique and judge whether or not the scenes would've added anything to the movie. My kid likes the Special Features, though. He watched those on the making of The Matrix flicks over and over! Man, I could've filmed the movies myself as many times as he made me watch 'em!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/05 09:58 PM

Yeah I always buy the "special" or "unrated" editions because I'm anal like that. I've got hours of special features to watch on all of my movies that I haven't begun to watch but given the time, I'd LOVE to. But there's movies that I was anticipating watching the special features and made time right away when I got the DVD (Scarface, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Sin City and when they come out Kill Bill Volume 1 Special Edition, Kill Bill Volume 2 Special Edition).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 12:52 AM

Samurai Assassign ** 1/2

Not the movie I thought it was gonna be. I was hoping for a "slash-em-up" samurai movie and this was more of a drama than an action/samurai movie. I was pretty bored throughout it but the first 10 and last 10 minutes were the best.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 02:53 AM

MR. & MRS. SMITH - **1/2 out of 5

Average movie that ends without an ending. Still, I've seen worse.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 07:16 AM

A History of violence
I had a lot of expectations from this movie, hence disappointed.
The good:
  • Story is not predictable
  • Acting from everyone is good

The bad ( SPOILERS):
  • The movie spends a long time in convincing us that the protagonist is leading a "normal" happy life.
  • The sub-plot of his son is entirely tangential. Doesn't add much to the main plot.
  • The penultimate scene in philadelphia was more a comedy scene
  • I can understand that Tom is stressed out and wants to have sex. But his wife, who has just found out that he is a total fraud is kissing him passsionately. i am referring to the scene on the stairway.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 07:29 AM

Syriana

The best movie among the recent ones. Don't miss this. I have only good things to say about this film. Sadly, my lack of knowledge in middle-east geography created some confusion for me. Otherwise, the attention to detail is outstanding. Amazing. The plot is also great. Some of you may not like the fact that CIA and some huge american corporations are shown in poor light. But there lies the tragedy of the entire movie. SPOILERS A brilliant CIA agent and a preogressive prince in middle-east are both victims to the corruption at all levels - in politics, CIA, Oil corporations and justice department. George Clooney and Matt Damon do a good job. The person who acts as the elder prince, the pakistani boy are also nice characters. We are also given a glimpse of how terrorism is bred in madrassas (the islamic schools).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 03:05 PM

ya SYRIANA was a pretty good movie svsg.

Now I'll try to defend A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE and give my thoughts on the problems you had with the movie. Not that I think you are wrong, but again, sometimes we moviefans misinterpret something and instead we are led without help from our fellow colleagues.

*SPOILERS!!!*

*I believe honestly that the whole point of the son's story is raised by Cronenberg and his scriptwriter is one that relates to the film's probing about the very topic of violence in our society.

Notice how he was passive when the bully tried to pick a fight, and a reason to stomp him. He was able to defuse the situation.

Then once we learn the whole deal of Mr. Mortensen, notice how the son then beats the shit out of the bully later on. Cronenberg's question he raises is this: "Is violence a hereditary trait that we carry from generation to generation, or do we learn violence by example in society?"

The movie has no clear answer, but its up to the audience to answer it. Was that violent rage inside the son all along, or was he inspired by his father?

*As for the "convincing" aspect.....what if the protagonist tries to absolute convince himself most of all that his past never happened? Consider that whole sequence with him and his wife recreating their "non-existant" high school years with each other. It may seem like gentle foreplay between lovers, but is it simply Mortensen's attempt to mask who he once was?

Same as well, even if we both knew of sorts where the story was leading us, the fact that it convinced us means that as a film, it worked in totally persuading us that "Tom" is not "Joey".

*"I can understand that Tom is stressed out and wants to have sex. But his wife, who has just found out that he is a total fraud is kissing him passsionately. i am referring to the scene on the stairway."

A point that some folks have brought up, but one must consider that notice how even if Maria Bello knows that her love was indeed a fraud, they still care for each other, even if that passionate connection may never be renewed to the height that of which it was before the pivotal moment at the restaurant.

A critic pointed out that maybe the whole sex-starway sequence was only meant how instead of physically "fighting" each other over this, but instead that they only violently "loved". Of sorts breaking the tension between both.

*"The penultimate scene in philadelphia was more a comedy scene"

well, you got me there. The audience at my screening did laugh when Mr. Hurt friggin locked himself out of his own mansion, and then *boom*

-----------------------------------------------------------

Now Svsg, don't think that I'm attacking you. I'm simply giving some mental crumbs about the movie for you to chew and digest. k?
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 04:15 PM

I just can't watch Clooney anymore...in anything. Childish, I know, but I've tried and I just can't stomach him (Tim Robbins either). Although I admit I enjoyed seeing Robbins' plight in War of the Worlds.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 04:41 PM

Why? Because you disagree with him?

Fuck, unlike those Liberal looneys in Hollywood, Clooney at least has balls man. As many movies he has done that made quite a ton of money, hes been behind projects that were major duds in theaters: SOLARIS, CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND(his directorial debut, which was quite nice), SYRIANA(which will not make a profit in American theaters, even if it is good), and even Clooney's TV remakes in FAIL SAFE are cool.

Did I forget that one he did that is getting major Oscar buzz?

Really snake, go ahead and listen to everything that the conservative media tells you to think. Clooney may be a liberal, but at least I respect him for his projects over the years. I mean, isn't that what its all about, respect?
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 09:24 PM

I have no problem with liberal entertainers. Otherwise, I'd have to boycott Hollywood and never watch anything! I just think both guys are terrible actors. Clooney is a cardboard stand-up, even!

Admittedly, I don't like any actor -- rightwing or left -- that believes just because he/she can memorize a few lines that he/she is THE authority on politics, social ills, motherhood, fatherhood, or whatever else out there. When I pay a plumber to fix my toliet, I don't want to hear his views on things...just fix the toliet. When I want entertainment, just ACT. Just my personal preference.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 09:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
ya SYRIANA was a pretty good movie svsg.

Now I'll try to defend A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE and give my thoughts on the problems you had with the movie. Not that I think you are wrong, but again, sometimes we moviefans misinterpret something and instead we are led without help from our fellow colleagues.

*SPOILERS!!!*

*I believe honestly that the whole point of the son's story is raised by Cronenberg and his scriptwriter is one that relates to the film's probing about the very topic of violence in our society.

Notice how he was passive when the bully tried to pick a fight, and a reason to stomp him. He was able to defuse the situation.

Then once we learn the whole deal of Mr. Mortensen, notice how the son then beats the shit out of the bully later on. Cronenberg's question he raises is this: "Is violence a hereditary trait that we carry from generation to generation, or do we learn violence by example in society?"

The movie has no clear answer, but its up to the audience to answer it. Was that violent rage inside the son all along, or was he inspired by his father?

*As for the "convincing" aspect.....what if the protagonist tries to absolute convince himself most of all that his past never happened? Consider that whole sequence with him and his wife recreating their "non-existant" high school years with each other. It may seem like gentle foreplay between lovers, but is it simply Mortensen's attempt to mask who he once was?

Same as well, even if we both knew of sorts where the story was leading us, the fact that it convinced us means that as a film, it worked in totally persuading us that "Tom" is not "Joey".

*"I can understand that Tom is stressed out and wants to have sex. But his wife, who has just found out that he is a total fraud is kissing him passsionately. i am referring to the scene on the stairway."

A point that some folks have brought up, but one must consider that notice how even if Maria Bello knows that her love was indeed a fraud, they still care for each other, even if that passionate connection may never be renewed to the height that of which it was before the pivotal moment at the restaurant.

A critic pointed out that maybe the whole sex-starway sequence was only meant how instead of physically "fighting" each other over this, but instead that they only violently "loved". Of sorts breaking the tension between both.

*"The penultimate scene in philadelphia was more a comedy scene"

well, you got me there. The audience at my screening did laugh when Mr. Hurt friggin locked himself out of his own mansion, and then *boom*

-----------------------------------------------------------

Now Svsg, don't think that I'm attacking you. I'm simply giving some mental crumbs about the movie for you to chew and digest. k?
RRA, first of all thanks for responding. No I don't think you are attacking me, on the contrary I like discussing movies with people.
I too wondered if the director was trying to explore the heredity factor, or what is popularly called nature vs nurture topic. But IMO that is a topic worthy of a whole new movie. It seems like somewhat of a half-hearted attempt, because the main plot itself was exploring another major theme on violence - whether one can totally move on from their past. I would think that any sub-plot should complement the main plot or main character. If it is an independent sub-plot, it should be explored in depth and possibly give some resolution to the audience on-screen or off-screen.
On the convincing part, I had more problem with the screen time devoted for this rather than the convincing aspect per se. I am no director, but I think a montage sequence of 1 minute after the first 10 minutes of exposition would have done the trick -- He goes to his coffee shop, comes back, has dinner with his family, etc etc. I don't really know how long it was before the first murder, but it seemed like a really long time.
It was better than the average movie, I however felt something is missing, I can't pin point. Maybe the way the conflict was resolved - he goes to his old mob, finishes off everyone in sight, comes home and finds his family accepting him quickly(though it had to start with his daughter). Maybe I was expecting more drama, maybe I would have felt better if the conflict was not resolved at all.I don't know
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 09:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Snake:
I just can't watch Clooney anymore...in anything. Childish, I know, but I've tried and I just can't stomach him (Tim Robbins either). Although I admit I enjoyed seeing Robbins' plight in War of the Worlds.
Sanke did you like Tim Robbins in The Mystic River? I liked his role better than that of Sean Penn.
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 10:02 PM

Robbins is what I call a so-so actor, little better than Georgie boy. Ok, ok, I can TOLERATE Robbins in some movies, but Clooney -- politics aside -- blows, imho. Mystic River was fair, but I think due more to Eastwood's direction than either Penn or Robbins.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 10:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Snake:
Admittedly, I don't like any actor -- rightwing or left -- that believes just because he/she can memorize a few lines that he/she is THE authority on politics, social ills, motherhood, fatherhood, or whatever else out there.
Well, they do ACT. Why can't they voice their opinions?


As for me, they can have their opinions. I'm a fan of alot of liberal entertainers, for me, they can voice their opinion on things, I don't look into their personal beliefs to see if I can like them or not.
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/05 10:15 PM

They can. But if you listen to 'em carefully and to their idolizers, you'd think they're experts or something. THAT'S wherein lies my problem with 'em. Like I said, just because you can memorize a few lines doesn't make you some kind of authority on everything. You can judge by their personal lives that they're hardly the brightest bulbs in the chandelier.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 02:57 AM

Conversation

Directed by Coppola, starring Gene Hackman and John cazale. The amazing fact about the movie is that it was made in 1974. The theme explored by Coppola, as he himself narrates in the special features of the dvd, is great for its time. It is about a surveilance expert who evesdrops(sp?) on people for money. He is not supposed to get involved in the lives of people he spies on, but in a particular case, he does get involved and there begins his downfall. Excellent acting and direction. It is a character study, like taxi driver, of a wierd person. But this time, he is less colorful and mostly silent, only paranoid about his privacy. Coppola shows he can make a good small movie, a departure from his other grand projects like Godfather and Apocalypse now.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 03:08 AM

Gladiator (first viewing)

****
9/10

I loved this movie. Definitely one of my top 10 favorites of all time.

Russell Crowe was fantastic, but I thought Joaquin Phoenix just stole the show.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 03:09 AM

Glad you liked The Conversation. It's probably his most off-beat film, and one of his masterworks.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 03:10 AM

The Conversation is an extremely underrated film by Coppola. A great character study that could not have been possible without Gene Hackman's brilliant performance. It's definitely his best.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 09:15 AM

Francis Ford Coppola's best?
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 09:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Francis Ford Coppola's?
sure!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 10:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Gladiator (first viewing)

****
9/10

I loved this movie. Definitely one of my top 10 favorites of all time.

Russell Crowe was fantastic, but I thought Joaquin Phoenix just stole the show.
I absolutely agree! Which scene did you like the best, DVC?

SPOILER

Mine is the bit where Maximus reavels his real identity to Commodus in the arena.....WOW!! I feel CHILLS DOWN MY SPINE at the mere thought of that scene!!!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 02:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Gladiator (first viewing)

****
9/10

I loved this movie. Definitely one of my top 10 favorites of all time.

Russell Crowe was fantastic, but I thought Joaquin Phoenix just stole the show.
I am liking the new avatar.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 02:33 PM

Road Trip (2000, Phillips) No Stars

Story about a guy who makes a tape with another girl and has to go on a road trip to retrieve the tape before his girlfriend gets it.

Generic garbage "road trip" movie. Funny in some parts, but nothing we really haven't seen before. Wooden acting, and just some dumb crap.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 04:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:


[b]SPOILER


Mine is the bit where Maximus reavels his real identity to Commodus in the arena.....WOW!! I feel CHILLS DOWN MY SPINE at the mere thought of that scene!!! [/b]
****SPOILERS****
[removes helmet and turns around to face Commodus]

My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.

[Commodus trembles in disbelief]
Just for you, Lavinia!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 05:57 PM

Spoilers

I always loved the scene right before Commodus kills his father going over the list his father gave him. I always feel so bad for him "You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues. Wisdom, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance. As I read the list I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues, father. Ambition, that can be a virtue when it drives us to excel. Resourcefulness. Courage. Perhaps not on the battlefield but there are many forms of courage. Devotion, to my family, to you. But none of my virtues were on your list. Even then, it was as if you didn't want me for your son."

Or the final sword fight between Commodus and Maximus (sword, sword, give me a sword!)

End of Spoilers
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 06:34 PM

xXx, a lovely remembrance of that scene, but can you recite it verbally, like me? :p

I'm in two camps: the one that says Gladiator among favourites lists; and the other which says The Conversation is Coppola's best film.

Arguably.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 08:47 PM

I like gladiator for its fight scenes in the big arena, especially with tiger. But I didn't care much for the story. That is generally the case when the villian is a good-for-nothing guy and the main actor is full of great virtues, that he has to triumph at the end.

And regarding Conversation, even though I enjoyed it thoroughly, Coppola's other films like Apocalypse Now and Godfather affect me personally, especially Aplocalypse Now. Though I can empathise with the character in conversation, I cannot relate to him. Just a subtle difference.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 09:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Francis Ford Coppola's best?
Gene Hackman's best performance.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 09:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[b]SPOILER

Mine is the bit where Maximus reavels his real identity to Commodus in the arena.....WOW!! I feel CHILLS DOWN MY SPINE at the mere thought of that scene!!! [/b]
That's my favorite scene as well.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 09:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] Gladiator (first viewing)

****
9/10

I loved this movie. Definitely one of my top 10 favorites of all time.

Russell Crowe was fantastic, but I thought Joaquin Phoenix just stole the show.
I am liking the new avatar. [/b][/quote]:D
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/05 09:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
and the other which says The Conversation is Coppola's best film.
I'd rank The Godfather movies and Apocalypse Now ahead of it, but The Conversation is extremely close...much closer than people give it credit for.

Great character study.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/05 04:25 AM

The 40 Year Old Virgin - (Judd Apatow;2005;USA)
A 40 year-old virgin is pushed by his co-workers to lose his virginity.
A surprising film. The first half is great, with many moments that actually transcend their comedic exaggerations and can actually be relevant to real life, especially the poker scene. There are many cliches ignored, and some taken but it proves to be a wonderful ride. The second half is more rocky, mixed with cheap laughs and genuine ones. Truth be told, this is one of the funniest films I've seen recently. Good comedies are ridiculously rare today. It doesn’t stay in good form the whole time, but for the most part it doesn’t resort to cheap jokes to put a smile on your face. I would probably give this two stars, but Steve Carell made this that much more enjoyable.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/05 05:12 AM

Glad you enjoyed it, DV. You're review pretty much nails the way I felt about the film. Steve Carell is just hilarious.

I was watching Bruce Almighty earlier, and the scene where Jim Carrey manipulates Carell's news report is just hilarious. Carrey's facial expressions coupled with Carell's made that scene enjoyable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/05 06:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Truth be told, this is one of the funniest films I've seen recently. Good comedies are ridiculously rare today.
Just wait until you watch The Wedding Crashers. The best comedy I've seen in years!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/05 09:19 PM

Syriana (2005)

[img]http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:CMNLEBEW1oUJ:www.christopher-plummer.com/syriana_poster.jpg[/img]

* * * 1/2
3.5 Stars

Directed by: Stephen Gaghan
Main Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper

Summary: A political thriller that unfolds against the intrigue of the global oil industry. From the players brokering back-room deals in Washington to the men toiling in the oil fields of the Persian Gulf, the film's multiple storylines weave together to illuminate the human consequences of the fierce pursuit of wealth and power.

As a career CIA operative (George Clooney) begins to uncover the disturbing truth about the work he has devoted his life to, an up-and-coming oil broker (Matt Damon) faces an unimaginable family tragedy and finds redemption in his partnership with an idealistic Gulf prince (Alexander Siddig).

A corporate lawyer (Jeffrey Wright) faces a moral dilemma as he finesses the questionable merger of two powerful U.S. oil companies, while across the globe, a disenfranchised Pakistani teenager (Mazhar Munir) falls prey to the recruiting efforts of a charismatic cleric.

Each plays their small part in the vast and complex system that powers the industry, unaware of the explosive impact their lives will have upon the world.

Review: I had average expectations going into this one. I knew that it would probably be heavily influenced by Traffic, which it was, but this wasn't necesarily a bad thing, as Traffic is one of my top 10 favorite films of all time.

Stephen Gaghan, taking both the writing and directing chairs this time around, as opposed to just having written Traffic, opted not to use the color filters that I thought gave Traffic an especially unique feel and look to not only its cinematography, but the film as a whole. Gaghan did decide to go with a storytelling format that leaves the viewer with no true idea of who our main character is.

I wasn't opposed to having the interweaving storylines, and I felt like I was able to effectively decipher the plot through some confusion. The only storyline I didnt really like was one that focused on a young Arab boy who is put out of a job and is eventually persuaded to join a terrorist cult of sorts. This part of the story dragged a bit and didn't truly get interesting until its conclusion. I thought George Clooney did a good job, nothing that he'll be remembered for or anything, but still a solid performance.

Matt Damon seemed to shine I thought, as an emotionally distraught financial advisor for a large oil company. He was really allowed to show his full range of emotions, whereas some of the other cast were somewhat stifled in their steely-faced characters I felt. The music was a somewhat negative aspect for me, as I felt Gaghan tried to replicate Michael Mann and Steven Soderbergh's use of strange, echoey, atmospheric type music, but ended up with a score that sometimes sounded like something out of a bad action movie.

This is ultimately a film that I could probably only watch once or twice before taking a long break from it, considering the complicated storyline and semi-boring subject matter

Still a solid effort though, and I'll definetly be checking out anything further that Stephen Gaghan directs.

Direction – 17/20
Acting – 18/20
Story – 11/15
Rewatchability – 12/15
Music – 7/10
Depth – 10/10
Cinematography – 4/5
Supporting Cast – 4/5
TOTAL = 83%

83% = 3.5/5 Stars

Best Quote: "You want to know what the business world thinks of you? We think a hundred years ago you were living out here in tents in the desert chopping each others head's off, and that's exactly where you're gonna be in another hundred. So yes, on behalf of my firm, I accept your money."
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/05 10:27 PM

Mista, I wonder why your rating is fine granular (out of 20) for some aspects and coarse (out of 5) for some others?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 01:26 AM

Rubber Johnny
Chris Cunningham
2005 GB (1st time)
A mutant child, watched by a dog, struggles to communicate to those observing him, but enjoys dancing when the eyes are off him.
Curious, rather unsettling short which could have been even more interesting had it stayed in within the cinema boundaries, and not instead strayed into something resembling a music video, with the soundtrack from Aphex Twin and frantic cutting producing some sort of hallucinatory experience.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 01:37 AM

Bad Santa ****

I've been watching this movie annually this time of year and it seems it never gets old. That's part of the reason that I gave it such a high score but also due to it's originality plus the casting of Billy Bob Thorton, Tony Cox and Bernie Mac. I just love that this movie wasn't afraid to go against the "holiday norm" and made a more vulgar/adult holiday movie.

PS - I know this is off subject but I was thinking about it as I was watching this movie (it was briefly brought up) but what is everyone's thoughts on the movie Seabiscuit? I've yet to see it and know that I need to, along with Master and Commander and L.A. Confidential.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 01:51 AM

I didn't like the humor of Bad Santa, sometimes it was more cruel than humorous. Even if it was christmas spoof, it might have slightly more enjoyable, but this was outright bad.
0/5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 01:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
I didn't like the humor of Bad Santa, sometimes it was more cruel than humorous. Even if it was christmas spoof, it might have slightly more enjoyable, but this was outright bad.
0/5
The movie may have been cruel but understand that the main character was a drunk piece of sh*t. I enjoy this type of humor and I guess that's what it depends on.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 03:04 AM

Death Wish (1974, Winner) ***

A New York City architect becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is murdered by street punks in which he randomly goes out and kills would-be muggers on the mean streets after dark.

A very nice gritty, Bronson-esque movie. He and others were very good in this one. It started off a little slow in the beginning, but got better as it got along.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 05:41 AM

Funny enough, DEATH WISH itself was based on a book that actually condemned vigilante revenge. I wonder how the author felt when his book became a pleasing hit-revenge flick.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 07:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
Mista, I wonder why your rating is fine granular (out of 20) for some aspects and coarse (out of 5) for some others?
I just think that certain aspects of a film contain more importance to the overall quality then others.

For example, I give direction a score out of 20 because I feel like a film could not have good quality without good direction, so that score is a large percentage of the total score, while I give music a score out of 5 because I feel as though a film could still be good even if it had shitty music.

The categories are scored out of the set amounts because they reflect what I feel is their importance to the overall quality of the film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 08:14 AM

OK, I misundderstood your rating. I didn't realize it added up to 100. I thought when you give 10/20, you convert it to 50/100 and similarly 4/5 becomes 80/100 and so on and you finally average them all. I don't know why I thought you would do that, it is indeed a very complicated method that way
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 08:36 AM

Abre los ojos /Open Your Eyes - (Alejandro Amenábar;1997;Spain/France/Italy)
An imprisoned man tells a psychiatrist how he fell in love and became disfigured in an ex-lover's car crash which led to him committing a horrible crime.
Vanilla Sky brought three different things to this. Longer pacing, a lot of pop-culture references, and an attempt to take a gritty film and make it very polished. I have to be honest in saying that I enjoy the remake more, naturally. However it is not superior to the original. This film was a lot more dark, and what it succeeds the most in, is making the audience feel horribly isolated. At times I felt like this was the loneliest film I ever saw. Vanilla Sky never reached that, aside my basic emotions of sadness out of care of the protagonist. I was compelled to give this three stars due to the quicker pacing, which made the ending a little less memorable to me, but I can't help thinking about this film in terms of a masterpiece. It touches so many levels, and many times I felt like I heavily related to the film in terms of dreams, and how they can either hurt us, or leave us with an empty desire that makes us dislike waking up. I definitely need to see this again. The Sea Inside felt relatively generic to me, but I can't believe it was directed by the same man.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 11:14 PM

I most deffinatly have to see Open Your Eyes soon. It sounds great; although, based off of your description, I can already see myself enjoying Vanilla Sky more-so on a personal level.

I was just watching Vanilla Sky for the first time in a while the other day too... And I have to say, I forgot how great the cinematography was. And, naturally, I've always loved the soundtrack--especially the intro--for obvious reasons... For anyone who didn't catch on, Radiohead provides the music for the opening scene, and later on in the film, I Might Be Wrong (Radiohead Song) is played very quietly in the background; didn't even notice it was there until I had read the entire track-listing and gone back to the film.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/05 11:46 PM

The problem I have is that Crowe adds nothing to the remake that makes it a good movie. He basically saw an excellent film, and remade it for American audiences, polishing it with more emphasis on most scenes (which is why scenes like the final jump will be more memorable on the remake), and adding things like the mountain of pop-culture references. It's an unneeded remake. The music in Open Your Eyes is thriller/drama-ish unlike the soundtrack-style of Vanilla Sky. Hell, the remake's title is a reference itself.

Vanilla Sky can probably get into my top 100, but I can't give it any stars. As for cinematography, I liked the original better as well. In fact, the final scene feels better. It doesn't have the CGI vanilla skies, but it has a natural beauty that feels heavenly, mixed with the VAST Spanish landscape. I love the remake more, but it's the original that is the masterpiece.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/05 12:42 AM

Bad News Bears (2005) ** 1/2

I enjoyed this movie more than I expected. I didn't think it was as funny or as good as the original but Billy Bob was his usual good self. Other than that, I could have died a happy man without a remake of this movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/05 05:57 AM

Four Brothers ***

I enjoyed this in the theaters and on DVD (gonna buy it tomorrow). A very interesting story about 4 adopted brothers whose mother is gunned down by a gangster and they seek revenge. Mark Wahlberg and Andre Benjamin really stood out to me the most. The DVD itself doesn't seem to have many special features but the money is worth the price of purchase IMO. Plus I like John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Higher Learning).
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/05 07:46 AM

The Professional (1994)



* * * *
4 Stars

Directed by: Luc Besson
Main Cast: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Danny Aiello

Summary: Mathilda, a twelve-year old New York girl, is living an undesirable life among her half-family. Her father stores drugs for two-faced cop Norman Stansfield. Only her little brother keeps Mathilda from breaking apart.

One day, Stansfield and his team take cruel revenge on her father for stretching the drugs a little, thus killing the whole family. Only Mathilda, who was out shopping, survives by finding shelter in Léon's apartment in the moment of highest need.

Soon, she finds out about the strange neighbour's unusual profession - killing - and desperately seeks his help in taking revenge for her little brother. Léon, who is completely unexperienced in fatherly tasks, and in friendships, does his best to keep Mathilda out of trouble - unsuccessfully.

Now, the conflict between a killer, who slowly discovers his abilities to live, to feel, to love and a corrupt police officer, who does anything in his might to get rid of an eye witness, arises to unmeasurable proportions - all for the sake of a little twelve-year old girl, who has nearly nothing to lose.

Review: I really liked this one. Surprisingly good performances by the entire main cast. I was going to list them individually, but I realized all 4 of the main players just fully embody their roles and turn in stellar performaces.

Besson's direction is near perfect as well. As far as shot framing and scene selection go, I had no problems, but I did feel like the film was a little too fast-paced at times. I'm definetly a fan of a methodically moving, well developed film, and I just felt like at times, Besson was rushing it. Specifically the day right after Natalie Portman comes to live with Jean Reno, and she proposes the whole deal and everything, I just felt like it was inaccurate and not believable.

I was really kind of dissappointed to see the cliched "time passage" montage here. Yeah, I understand, the same type of thing was going on for a long period of time, and the relationship between Reno and Portman was slowly forming, but I felt there had to be a better way to show this then the Rocky-4-type montage set to happy music that we got. I was really enthralled up to that point and then I kind of lost interest for a bit.

The music, also, was a bit of an issue for me. Besson, for some reason, chose to use the same 20 second clip of a melancholy string piece like 10 times over. I dont know whether he thought the viewers wouldnt notice, but it bothered me. Although sometimes, the music worked really well, especially during the scene with Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman in the bathroom.

I thought the strange relationship between Jean Reno and Natalie Portman was developed excellently. Its really well shown how the two feel like lovers sometimes, father and daughter other times, and sometimes just friends.

I had trouble appreciating the humor in this film, and I thought it just didnt fit. Once and a while, sometimes seemingly out of nowhere, there would be an attempt at humor, and most of the time I just felt it came off awkwardly. One notable exception to this is the scene where Natalie Portman impersonates Madonna and Marilyn Monroe, and somewhat accidentally shoves her youthful sexuality in Jean Reno's face. I thought that specific scene worked especially well as both a dramatic and a comedic piece.

This film also did suffer from a weak supporting cast, as several of the minor characters were played by people who acted like they belonged on TV. Although I was really happy to see Mario Todisco as Tony's barber, A.K.A the screaming Clarence "Drop" Johnson from Miller's Crossing. Quite a memorable face.

Overall, a film that I went into with mixed expectations, and was pleasantly surprised. An excellent piece of work.

Direction – 19/20
Acting – 19/20
Story – 13/15
Rewatchability – 14/15
Music – 7/10
Depth – 8/10
Cinematography – 5/5
Supporting Cast – 3/5
TOTAL = 88%

88% = 4/5 Stars

Best Quote: "I don't give a shit about sleeping, Leon. I want love, or death. That's it."
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/05 08:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
Just for you, Lavinia!
Thank you, XDcX! I can almost hear the soundtrack!!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/05 03:13 AM

Wedding Crashers - (David Dobkin;2005;USA)
One of two wedding crashers falls in love with a woman at the latest wedding he crashes, only to find she's got a boyfriend.
Unlike The 40 Year Old Virgin, this falls into cliche much more. It begins very funny but soon falls into 100% pure cliche plot. I knew what would happen, the role of the bad boyfriend, and everything before it happened. Hell, I even knew who "Chazz" would be, though that cameo was enjoyable. This film proves to be a good, funny comedy, although it doesn't achieve anything better. Vaughn and Wilson make their otherwise average characters very likable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/05 03:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Hell, I even knew who "Chazz" would be, though that cameo was enjoyable.
SPOILERS I was expecting Ben Stiller since he was in 6 movies last year with most of these guys in it. I should have expected Will Ferrell though END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/05 03:59 AM

Mom! The meat loaf! Fuck!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/05 04:03 AM

"He's doing funerals now, he's really cleaning up"
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/05 11:51 PM

I just rented Manhattan and Mullholland Drive from Blockbuster. My thoughts will come within the next week.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/05 12:01 AM



Good film
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/05 05:08 AM

Aeon Flux * 1/2

I only saw this movie because I got a free movie ticket from work in the AEON FLUX game. I was a little excited going into it but those emotions were quickly put aside. Some action but I felt the story was weak and so was the directing. The fighting scenes weren't bad but I've seen better from Charlize.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/05 06:46 AM

The Crush ** 1/2

I haven't seen this movie in years but I always enjoyed it. 17-year-old Alicia Silverstone playing a 14-year-old girl was enough for me not to mention Cary Elwes (who's always good).
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/05 08:08 AM

Weather Man
This was more of a dark humor than the introspective movie I imagined it to be. I didn't like it that much, but a decent film still. Nicholas cage is convincing as the successful weatherman who otherwise is a total failure.

About Schmidt
Very nice movie. As usual Jack Nicolson does a great job in the character of a newly retired person. It is a nice character study. The final scene brought a tear in my eye, almost synchronous with schmidt himself. I guess the movie achieved its purpose, I almost was feeling like the character at that point.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/05 07:56 PM

Fun With Dick and Jane (2005) **

I was pretty disappointed and upset with this movie. Yet ANOTHER movie where most of all the funny parts are in the previews. Don't go in with high expectations and you might be alright. I've seen a lot better from Jim Carrey.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 12:20 AM

The Nightmare Before Christmas

**** 8/10

A childhood favorite of mine. Great visuals, storytelling, singing, and voice acting. At 76 minutes, it's short, quick, and to the point. Very entertaining.
Posted By: Luciano Fanucci

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 12:21 AM

When I was younger, I always liked the home alone Films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 05:00 AM

The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) ****

I never really remember hearing about this movie hitting theaters but I remember when it was coming out on DVD, a fellow co-worker of mine was so excited to see it and I wasn't interested at all (I've never read the book). Later on when I was in my "Guy Pearce" phase I picked it up and absolutely LOVED it. I can see why he was so excited. I hadn't seen this movie in at least a year and it's such an awesome movie! Great performances by James Caviezel, Guy Pearce and Richard Harris. If you have never seen this movie, I suggest picking it up.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 08:12 AM

se7en

Interesting murder mystery thriller starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey. The whole premise is novel and creative. Good acting from Kevin Spacey and Freeman. As usual Brad Pitt is there for eye candy, he is hardly convincing in any of the nice roles that he has been offered. Worth watching once.
SPOILER ALERT
I missed the reason why his wife was murdered, what was her sin? anyone remembers?
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 08:27 AM

I just watched Damien Omen II granted it's quite old compared to some of the movies being discussed here.

I'm sure most of you(if not all) are familiar with the Omen, well this one picks up about 7 years later Damien is now a 13-14 year old who is enrolled in a military academy.

That's where he finds out who he really is.

Basically more people(who are on to who Damien really is) meet grizzly ends.


It's easily my favorite of the 3 Omen films.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 08:54 AM

Although I've watched neither recently, my comments on Nightmare before Christmas and Se7en. Both are masterpieces, I think. Pitt as eye-candy? Maybe, but his charisma greatly contrasts Freeman; Fincher's direction is beautiful. Burton's creation is Selick's masterpiece, a fast, witty musical full of glorious animation and biting laughs.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 12:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]se7en

Interesting murder mystery thriller starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey. The whole premise is novel and creative. Good acting from Kevin Spacey and Freeman. As usual Brad Pitt is there for eye candy, he is hardly convincing in any of the nice roles that he has been offered. Worth watching once.
SPOILER ALERT
I missed the reason why his wife was murdered, what was her sin? anyone remembers? [/b]
SPOILER I haven't seen the movie in years also but what I remember is that his wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) didn't commit her sin but Kevin Spacey had to kill her in order to commit his which was envy I believe (and then he wanted Brad Pitt to commit his sin) END OF SPOILER
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 12:58 PM

I found Se7en to be a pretty big dissappointment. I was really excited to see it after I discovered Fight Club, but it did not at all live up to my expectations.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 01:52 PM

Wow I loved Se7en but I watched it prior to Fight Club so my expectations weren't as high as yours
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 02:09 PM

What's Seven got to do with Fight Club and vice versa?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 05:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
What's Seven got to do with Fight Club and vice versa?
David Fincher is the director of both.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/05 06:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Burton's creation is Selick's masterpiece, a fast, witty musical full of glorious animation and biting laughs.
This was the first time I've watched the movie since I was about 7 years old. I was expecting some corny children's movie, but it wasn't that at all. It truly is a piece of art.

A great movie no matter how old you are.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/05 06:34 AM

Manhattan **** 10/10

In what I believe to be his best film, Woody Allen combines fantastic cinematography with great acting and a creative script to create an emotional in-depth look at sexual relationships and how deeply they can affect one's soul. I loved every minute of this movie, and it definitely has a seat reserved in my top 15 favorites.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/05 07:09 AM

American Pie: Band Camp * 1/2

Wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be but still bad. Just another piece of sh*t movie they stick the name American Pie on to try and sell it. Really I think we said everything that needed to be said with the first 3 movies. I don't think anyone was losing any sleep over the lack of camera time to Stiffler's brother :rolleyes: Some funny parts but DEFINITELY a movie to pass on (it went straight to DVD for a reason)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/05 08:52 PM

Ghost Ship * 1/2

I only watched this as a recommendation and it SUCKED! I really don't know why it's classified as horror but it was far from that. Boring, predictable and an overall BAD movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/05 01:02 AM

Thir13en Ghosts * 1/2

Another movie I only watched as a recommendation and it SUCKED! This wasn't scary to me as well but I could definitely classify this movie as horror compared to Ghost Ship. Boring and an overall BAD movie but I did enjoy Matthew Lillard and Shannon Elizabeth
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/05 03:45 AM

I borrowed Vanilla Sky.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/05 04:12 AM

I don't care what anyone says...Still a great movie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/05 05:41 AM

8 1/2
Italian movie directed by Fellini. The ending was somewhat ambiguous, probably by intention or just that I did not understand. That aside, a very good movie. Nino Rota's music is just outstanding, though not as haunting as his score in Godfather. You have to watch this movie atleast for its excellent black and white cinematography and Nino Rota's music. In the DVD, there is also a special section on Nino Rota. It also has a documentary on fellini, which I did not watch. This is the first Italian movie I am watching. I found the direction style very different. I don't know if it is common to Italian cinema or something unique to Fellini.
SPOILER ALERT
In the final scene, does he get back his inspiration? Is he ready to face the truth? Or was it his imagination?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/05 05:41 AM

Rebound * 1/2

Man it seems I can't rid myself of the * 1/2 movies as of late. Some were recommended, some I just wanted to see and this was another bad movie. It didn't suck but was predictable and childish (which I knew going into it). I haven't seen Martin Lawrence since Bad Boys II and this is the evident reason for that.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/05 06:21 AM

Get the original LLC, it focuses more on where it should and has more to say about dreams and obsession. It also packs a more painful emotional impact.

SVSG,

SPOILERS
Guido's suicide is not what really happens. The ending is very symbolic rather than realistic. Fellini himself loved circuses as a kid, so Guido directing the circus at the end shows that he finally quit is worthless film to direct what he loves. The fact that he is still bothered by his mistress and parents show that he still has his problems and guilt, but he is making a positive effort both with his career and wife.
SPOILERS END

I'll post a link to my review whenever I transfer it to the new Movie Boards. As for your thoughts on Last Days, someone said it best at IMDB, "What do you expect to see watching someone's final days?" It is dull at parts entertainment-wise but it feels so genuine (at least to me) that it feels like you're watching real life. It's the pathetic view of his character's depression makes you feel horrible for him as well. It's an excellent character study that respects it's protagonist, though in a very sympathetic view. I should probably see it again soon. You'll probably like Elephant more.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/05 09:25 AM

The Basketball Diaries (1995)



* * *
3 Stars

Directed by: Scott Kalvert
Main Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Lorraine Bracco, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Imperioli

Summary: Film adaptation of street tough Jim Carroll's epistle about his kaleidoscopic free fall into the harrowing world of drug addiction. As a member of a seemingly unbeatable high school basketball squad, Jim's life centers around the basketball court and the court becomes a metaphor for the world in his mind.

A best friend who is dying of leukemia, a coach ("Swifty") who takes unacceptable liberties with the boys on his team, teenage sexual angst, and an unhealthy appetite for heroin -- all of these begin to encroach on young Jim's dream of becoming a basketball star.

Soon, the dark streets of New York become a refuge from his mother's mounting concern for her son. He can't go home and his only escape from the reality of the streets is heroin for which he steals, robs and prostitutes himself. Only with the help of Reggie, an older neighborhood friend with whom Jim "picked up a game" now and then, is he able to begin the long journey back to sanity.

Review: This film was one I had heard mention of here and there over the years as a good piece of work by a young Leonardo DiCaprio. I had never really known anything about the storyline, and truly had no idea going into my first viewing that it was at all a drug story, which was the main focus of the story.

DiCaprio really does shine here, and he really carried the film. I couldn't quite decipher whether it was the lighting or the cinematography or perhaps a combination of both, but save for a few key scenes, the whole film looked like a low-budget TV production. There was also very little in the way of story arc. The film did little to show Jim's life before his drug problems began, and he was only clean and sober for about the last 5 minutes.

It was pretty evident that the film was being driven by a fairly inexpierienced director. There were some pacing difficulties, and some of the character developments were really hammered into our heads. Mark Wahlberg's character seemed to be displaying the same emotions in about 20 different scenes in slightly different circumstances, all just to convey to the viewer his character type. Also, Lorraine Bracco was particularly bad here. It may have been that her character wasn't given much to work with, but she seemed to stand out like a sore thumb, and not in a good way.

The entire film was extremely predictable. This may have been a bit on purpose, so as to show the plague of millions of people stricken with drug addiction, but there were just so few surprises here that it just didn't work.

As far as the soundtrack, which is extensively bragged about on the films cover, it was good music, but it wasn't used at the correct times in many cases. For example, in a scene following the death of one of Jim's close friends, he plays basketball and a really attitude-filled rock song plays. Although one might argue that this was done to show the sense of resolution Jim had attained concerning his friend's death, this emotion was not accurately developed or displayed by the director, so any deeper meaning was lost. There were a number of cases like this, with the unintentionally contrasting music and images.

One notable high point was the supporting cast, oddly enough. I really enjoyed Bruno Kirby who I had previously known from Godfather II and Donnie Brasco. The man doesnt seem to visibly age. Also, Juliette Lewis and Michael Imperioli were both excellent in their roles, and Vincent Pastore appears for about 30 seconds as well.

Overall, a decent effort worth seeing only for DiCaprio.

Direction – 14/20
Acting – 18/20
Story – 11/15
Rewatchability – 9/15
Music – 8/10
Depth – 9/10
Cinematography – 2/5
Supporting Cast – 4/5
TOTAL = 75%

75% = 3/5 Stars

Best Quote: "You gotta have presence on the court. Presence like a cheetah rather than a chimp. Sure, they both got it, but Chimpy gotta jump his nuts around to get it. The shy cheetah moves with total nonchalance, stickin' it to them in his sexy, slow strut. Me? I play like a cheetah."
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/25/05 01:41 PM

Anyone here has watched House of Wax? It has got a very low rating on IMDB (5.4/10), but some good reviews, so I'm wondering if it was actually that bad and isn't worth buying.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/25/05 05:05 PM

I've seen it. I was disappointed. It looked and sounded better in the previews than was the actual movie. Whenever I'm in doubt I just watch it because many people have different tastes in movies. It's better just to watch it and form your own opinion IMO
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/25/05 06:24 PM

Better question.

Is a horror remake that stars Paris Hilton worth buying? :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/05 06:05 AM

Proviews from the past few days.

Home Alone - (Chris Columbus;1900;USA)
A kid left home alone during Christmas must defend his home from burglars.
Has the quirky fun of John Hughes, although with the bland direction of Columbus. However it still ends up being a very nice family comedy. One of those films that never gets old.

A Christmas Story - (Bob Clark;1983;USA/Canada)
In the 1940's, a kid hopes to get a BB Gun for Christmas.
This may very well be the greatest Christmas film of all time, and definitely one of the greatest comedies. It sparks the child in all of us, giving it wonderful replay value. Hell, before I had the DVD I would watch it multiple times when it was played for 24 hours straight, and it never got old. The childish quality of the film is one of the highlights, such as the "fudge" scene, fantasies, and the way Ralphie's father swears. Speaking of which, I agree with Omar in how memorable Darren McGavin is in this film. One of the funniest film-fathers.

Vanilla Sky - (Cameron Crowe;2001;USA)
An imprisoned man tells a psychiatrist how he fell in love and became disfigured in an ex-lover's car crash which led to him committing a horrible crime.
Cameron Crowe takes a gritty, emotionally impacting and thought-provoking film and remakes it into a more polished one. It is entertaining with the pop-culture references and such, but it adds nothing. In fact, it actually side-tracks some of the original's messages. This film was thought-provoking when I first saw it, but after seeing the original, I felt like I was not being shown the bigger picture. Good cinematography, excellent music, and good acting but otherwise, what is the point? I still enjoy it a lot and will probably get it soon, but it is ultimately useless cinematically.

The Interpreter - (Sydney Pollack;2005;UK/USA/France)
A government agent investigates an interpreter who overhears an assassination plot.
A decent thriller which could've been good, but it fails by being too predictable. I wasn't shocked at all towards the end. In fact I predicted who would be the main twist. However what makes this a little different from other thrillers is the chemistry between Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman. Their characters go through a believable, caring relationship throughout the film. This quality enriches the film more, and makes it watchable. There are some very good moments of cinematography as well.

Four Brothers - (John Singleton;2005;USA)
Four brothers decide to avenge the murder of their mother.
An Urban western as many said, of sorts. One moment that made me feel this way is towards the end where we see Bobby walk towards the camera in the snow far outside the city, in the way any cowboy would walk down the mirage-filled background of a desert. This is directed pretty well, and has some great looks, but it ultimately falls short in being believable. It has cinematic flows seen in the past in terms of climax and twists. However it turns out to be decent, with great music, good cinematography, good acting, and Singleton's touch of talent on cetain scenes.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/05 06:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Is a horror remake that stars Paris Hilton worth buying? :p
Typical. :p You never know. I really don't understand why everything done by Keanu Reeves, Orlando Bloom, etc., etc., by default is bad. You'd have to watch it without a biased mind.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/05 06:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I've seen it. I was disappointed. It looked and sounded better in the previews than was the actual movie. Whenever I'm in doubt I just watch it because many people have different tastes in movies. It's better just to watch it and form your own opinion IMO
Thanks Irish. I think I wait to see it on TV.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/05 06:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] I've seen it. I was disappointed. It looked and sounded better in the previews than was the actual movie. Whenever I'm in doubt I just watch it because many people have different tastes in movies. It's better just to watch it and form your own opinion IMO
Thanks Irish. I think I wait to see it on TV. [/b][/quote]Probably your best bet
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/05 10:36 AM

The Godfather Part I
(first viewing :p )

Watched it with my father and aunt yesterday and they absolutely loved it. My father is not a movie fan or anything but there were 2 movies he enjoyed watching with me, GF1 and Lawrence of Arabia, especially because of political issues and those classic lines. He wants to watch the 2nd Godfather soon, especially because I said that I prefer the 2nd one. He was like "Can it get any better?"
What should I say about this movie I havent already said before? Everything has been said! Masterpiece. My 2nd fav movie of all time. 10/10 - **** or whatever
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/05 08:04 PM

Lost In Translation
Sofia Coppola
2003 US/Japan (Nth time)
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, affecting tale of two people stuck in marital problems and finding unconsumated comfort in each other; it is a refreshingly minimalistic approach fuelled by excellent performances.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/05 11:46 PM

Just ordered "Lost In Translation". Cant wait to see it after reading and hearing nothing but great things about it.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/05 12:07 AM

Murder, My Sweet (1946) First Viewing
Directed by: Edward Dmytrick
Raiting: ****/****

I just finished watching, "Murder, My Sweet", a film based on Raymond Chandler's classic, "Farewell, My Lovely". This is perhaps the greatest adaptation of a Chandler novel, not completley faithful and yet understanding the essensce of Philip Marlowe, the main charecter and the nature of Private Eye work. I've read the novel as well and consider it equal, if not greater than Chandler's previous work, "The Big Sleep".

I had seen, "The Big Sleep" before hand and convinced myself that Bogart WAS Marlowe but then again I think Marlowe just progected Sam Spade for another run in the 1946 adaptation. Not that that hurts the film in any way...

Here, Dick Powell gives a great performance and understands Marlowe a little more...

Great film technically. Direction is well paced, and cinematography is superb. In fact, the cinematographer on this film was on the Second Unit for Welles's, "The Magnificent Ambersons".
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/05 02:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[b]The Godfather Part I
(first viewing :p )[/b]
What the hell compelled you to join these forums if you've never seen The Godfather?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/05 02:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Aziatic:
[b][b]The Godfather Part I

(first viewing :p )[/b]
What the hell compelled you to join these forums if you've never seen The Godfather? [/b][/quote]Sarcasm detection is not part of your repertoire, eh? :p
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/05 03:18 AM

Oh.

Sorry.

Somebody kill me...
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/05 08:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Oh.

Sorry.

Somebody kill me...
*kills DVC*
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/05 11:00 PM

Glengarry Glen Ross **** 9/10

Excellent portrayal of the business problems of the middle class, fueled by breathtaking performances from one of the best casts I've ever seen. Very underrated.
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/05 11:57 PM

City of God

I loved it. Already of one my all-time favorites.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/05 05:31 AM

Paparazzi - (Paul Abascal;2004;USA)
An actor plots revenge against a group of paparazzi after they cause a car crash that injures his son.
An actor's fantasy of hatred against the paparazzi that could be understood, and it does provide for good entertainment in the form of an average revenge film. Fun to watch, although it's just a normal B-Movie. A poor film in it's outcome.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/05 05:47 AM

The Man With the Golden Arm (1955) Second Viewing
Directed by: Otto Preminger
Rating: ****/****


I finally was able to watch the film in it's restored state with the new 5.1 surround mix, while experimenting with the original mono track as well. I can tell you right now that it's a high quality job. The print isn't perfect, but what is to be expected of a fifty year old film that's been so abused over time? Regardless, this film shines like it never has before.

Needless to say, Sinatra gives a performance for the ages. I know from family the horrors of drug adiction and I understand the subject mater fully and Sinatra alsong with Otto Preminger & Co. were able to get to the root of the problem. Some say this film is dated, that the excesive use of soundstages and backlots hurts it. Really, it doesn't detract a thing from the film. They've also said that the subject matter and the way it's handled is dated. That's just not so. The fact is that although times have changed and as our society tackles new issues, the nature of adiction is the same and regardless of how far our society has come, it still forces people to relapse into crime and addiction.

This is a film that should be seen by all.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/05 07:19 AM

The Doors *** 7/10

A fascinating look into the life of Jim Morrison with an absolutely phenomenal performance from Val Kilmer. Great character development, but a bit overdone by Oliver Stone. Overall, an above average biopic that would have been average if not for Val Kilmer's mindblowing performance.

I highly recommend to anybody who's a fan of The Doors to watch this film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/05 07:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Sullivan:
[b]The Man With the Golden Arm (1955) Second Viewing
Directed by: Otto Preminger
Rating: ****/****


I finally was able to watch the film in it's restored state with the new 5.1 surround mix, while experimenting with the original mono track as well. I can tell you right now that it's a high quality job. The print isn't perfect, but what is to be expected of a fifty year old film that's been so abused over time? Regardless, this film shines like it never has before.

Needless to say, Sinatra gives a performance for the ages. I know from family the horrors of drug adiction and I understand the subject mater fully and Sinatra alsong with Otto Preminger & Co. were able to get to the root of the problem. Some say this film is dated, that the excesive use of soundstages and backlots hurts it. Really, it doesn't detract a thing from the film. They've also said that the subject matter and the way it's handled is dated. That's just not so. The fact is that although times have changed and as our society tackles new issues, the nature of adiction is the same and regardless of how far our society has come, it still forces people to relapse into crime and addiction.

This is a film that should be seen by all. [/b]
I've never seen the movie, but I'm surprised people think it's dated. Weren't drugs something that was kept out of cinema back then?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/05 08:11 AM


* * * *
4 Stars

Main Cast: Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Sissy Spacek, Gary Oldman

Summary: Details the actions of New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, who takes it upon himself to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, in 1963. Garrison is extremely suspicious of the official story presented by the FBI, and what he already knows and what he subsequently learns lead him to suspect that there is more to the story than the public is being told.

Review: I had been anxiously awaiting my first viewing of this film, considered to be Oliver Stone's masterpiece, had to go to three different video stores before I found it. I had previously seen Nixon, which I really enjoyed, and had been told that this was better. My high expectations were relatively met.

The direction, as expected, was flawless. Combined with complicated yet excellent editing, Stone's instinct for shot duration and framing is really remarkable. It didn't feel as though there was really a single frame out of place. I've never been a big fan of Kevin Costner, and I'm almost sure this is the first time Ive ever watched a full film of his, but he seemed to turn in a decent performance. The accents were somewhat bothersome at first, but eventually I got past them.

The flow of the story somewhat suffers from the 3 hour + running time, and the film is punctuated here and there by long speeches, which, although exectued nicely individually, somewhat slow the film as a whole. Also, most of the movie, besides the flashbacks, is just Kevin Costner walking around talking to different people, which can become boring and repetitive at times.

One of the more notable aspects of the film is its incredible ensemble cast. Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Sissy Spacek, Gary Oldman, Joe Pesci, Kevin Bacon, Ed Asner, Walter Matthau, John Candy, Donald Sutherland, etc, etc. A lot of faces I recognized.

Direction – 20/20
Acting – 19/20
Story – 12/15
Rewatchability – 10/15
Music – 8/10
Depth – 10/10
Cinematography – 5/5
Supporting Cast – 5/5
TOTAL = 89%

89% = 4/5 Stars

Best Quote: "The sixth and fatal shot, frame 313 takes Kennedy in the head from the front. This is the key shot. The President going back and to his left. Shot from the front and right. Totally inconstant with the shot from the Book Depository."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/05 01:45 PM

I'm so glad you enjoyed JFK MistaMista Tom Hagen. It's my favorite Stone film and is in my top 10 ever. As you mentioned the cast was phenomenal!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/05 10:40 PM

please, call me Mista or something, we're all friends here
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/05 10:46 PM

My apologies Don Mista :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 02:30 AM

Mulholland Dr. ** 1/2

Naomi Watts and Laura Harring put together some good performances but can somebody explain this movie to me? I know I'm not the only one who didn't get it. I think it might one of those movies which is "weird just for the sake of being weird"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 05:28 AM

L.A. Confidential *** 1/2

I can't believe it took me this long to watch this great movie. A great cast with great performances by all of them: Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger and Russel Crowe. Did anyone notice how small Danny DeVito looked on screen? Man, the guy's short enough as it is. Also, I was a little disappointed with Basinger's performance. I know this was the role she won the Oscar for but she didn't blow me away with her performance. Does anyone know who her competition was for the Oscar that year?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 05:38 AM

Happy Gilmore

Very Good film with many laughs in it

Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 07:00 PM

Mulholland Dr - to call this film "weird for the sake of being wierd" is either reductive or complimentary. In this context, I'd say it's a lazy explanation for a film which, quite normally, went over the viewer's head. It's Lynch, in his ever-evocative way, exploring his themes of memory, consciousness and cinematic narrative--that would be in terms of spatial and temporal--much like he did in Lost Highway (1997).

I too find Basinger's performance in LA Confidential nothing if not ordinary. Crowe and Spacey stand out, in an excellent film.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 07:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Does anyone know who her competition was for the Oscar that year?
Kim Basinger - L.A. CONFIDENTIAL
Joan Cusack - IN & OUT
Minnie Driver - GOOD WILL HUNTING
Julianne Moore - BOOGIE NIGHTS
Gloria Stuart - TITANIC
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 07:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Mulholland Dr - to call this film "weird for the sake of being wierd" is either reductive or complimentary. In this context, I'd say it's a lazy explanation for a film which, quite normally, went over the viewer's head. It's Lynch, in his ever-evocative way, exploring his themes of memory, consciousness and cinematic narrative--that would be in terms of spatial and temporal--much like he did in Lost Highway (1997).
I was being sarcastic in my assessment of Mulholland Dr. I read a post on the imdb.com message board's and it's one person take on the film. If it's factual than it makes more sense in a way.

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
I too find Basinger's performance in LA Confidential nothing if not ordinary. Crowe and Spacey stand out, in an excellent film.
Glad to see I'm not the only person who thinks so. Pearce and Crowe stood out to me the most. I'm starting to become a much bigger fan of Russel Crowe's

PS - Thanks for the data Mista. If anything, I might have gone with Julianne Moore in Boogie Nights
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 07:56 PM

Yea, I havent seen In & Out or Good Will Hunting, but Id probably end up giving it to Julianne Moore, not because of her performance spefically, but just because I love that movie so much.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 08:54 PM

Brokeback Mountain
A nice little movie about two gay men in seventies. They truly love each other besides the sexual aspect. The society they live in would not accept their relationship and the story is about their sad lives.
Good movie. I am glad many good movies have been made this year.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/05 11:35 PM

Dr. Strangelove

Perhaps the greatest comedy of all time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 04:08 AM

Desperado ** 1/2

Another movie I had only seen parts of on TV. The movie started off great with Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino but about midway through I lost interest. A good movie but nothing great IMO
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 04:14 AM

Yeah, but it has a Salma Hayek nude scene!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 04:17 AM

Hayek don't do it for me. Give me Eva Mendes or Penelope Cruz
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 04:22 AM

Irishman just can't handle her.
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 04:25 AM

Lol! I think we all wish we could "handle" her.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 05:42 AM

Speaking of hot spanish girls...

Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 06:45 AM

Eraserhead

An extremely deep, dark and disturbing film. It felt like one long hellish nightmare, with images so frightening and disturbing to the human mind, that it is almost unbearable to watch. David Lynch makes Stanley Kubrick look like Mary Poppins. Right now, if I were to meet anybody in the world, it'd be him. Although I am firghtened he would bite my hand instead of shake it. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 04:40 PM

Some Kind of Wonderful ** 1/2

An enjoyable 80s "comedy" about a boy (Eric Stoltz) who is so head-over-heels for the senior class prize (Lea Thompson) that he's blind to the charms of his best friend (Mary Stuart Masterson). It was also great to see John Ashton who played Eric Stoltz's father in this movie
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 04:57 PM

Gerry
Gus Van Sant
2001 US/Argentina/Jordan (1st time)
Two friends on a day's hiking trip casually stroll off path and become lost.
An astonishing film, largely improvised and ironically dealing with the perils of improvisation; it is a strangely beautiful film wherein the anonymous characters become slowly overwhelmed by the harshness of nature.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/05 08:29 PM

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy * 1/2

Boring, stupid and mildly funny just as I suspected. I heard going into this movie that you either love it or hate it and after watching it I definitely hated it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 05:19 AM

The Longest Yard - (Peter Segal;2005;USA)
An ex-football player is put in prison for drunk driving and forced to train fellow inmates for a football game against the guards.
Another bad Peter Segal movie. A pointless remake with predictable laughs throughout the whole thing. But wait! There's more! It even follows the standard cliche formation of film in the final game. SpoilersStart off doing good, start losing, and come back winning.Spoilers end.

Aren't cliches just fun and adorable?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 06:35 AM

Jarhead
I am becoming a great fan of Sam Mendes. All the three movies he has made are excellent, especially this one and American Beauty. This is a sort of tribute to great war movies like Apocalypse Now (It even has a scene from that movie). There are a lot of funny scenes, but they end in a shocking manner. This technique is employed throughout the movie to grab the attention of the viewer repeatedly. And along the lines of Apocalypse Now, this movie is about madness associated with war and not about war itself. A great movie. Don't miss it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 07:12 AM

Mean Streets ****

This film gets better and better with every viewing. Everything about it is beautiful to me, from Scorsese narrating for Keitel's character, to the red lighting, the phenomenal acting, and the music. This is exactly what a linear neo-realistic film should be. DeNiro's performance is so good it nearly brought me to tears, and I can honestly say that this performance matches up with his performances in Taxi Driver and Raging Bull.

#1 favorite movie...at least until I watch The Deer Hunter again.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 07:13 AM

Don't you mean linear neo-realistic?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 05:03 PM

Elephant
Gus Van Sant
2003 US (1st time)
An ordinary day in an American high school turns into a disaster when two friends go through with their plan to randomly kill their fellow students.
A powerful, multi-character drama which, when viewed, is immediately excellent, though one is not necessarily sure why. Shot in long-takes, with the camera tracking from behind its characters through empty hallways, it is a haunting depiction of human tragedy.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 05:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Don't you mean linear neo-realistic?
Yes. Edited.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 06:56 PM

It's been a while... I keep forgetting to post in here, so this is going to cover the past two weeks, approximatly.

Last Days (2005) - ****
Director: Gus Van Sant
Last Days covers the last days of a troubled Seattle-based musician's life, whom closly resembles Kurt Cobain.
Wow. Loved it. Best movie of this year, I really think. The acting was superb, and I was amazed to find out the film was mostly improvised. Wow... just wow. I don't know what else to say; great job, Van Sant.

A Christmas Story (1983) -***1/2
Director: Bob Clark
Set in 1940s America, a young boy desires an air-soft rifle for Christmas.
Come on, I had to bust this one out to close the Christmas Eve night. It's a fun movie, when viewed in correct rations. The best moments from the film--by far--have to be the "fragile/leg lamp" and Chinese restaurant scenes.

The Outsiders (1983) - ***1/2
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
When a murder occurs, two young greaser's must dissappear from town.
I really liked this one alot. Sure, it was a bit corny at times (I could've done with out the Stevie Wonder song at the end), but overall it was a good effort. The acting was superb, and I absolutely loved the premise. I have to say, there were moments in this film that brought back memories of watching Rebel Without a Cause for the first time... And while the film wasn't nearly as good as Rebel, It was still an amazing feeling, and a great film.

King Kong (2005) - ***1/2
Director: Peter Jackson
An adventure is unleased with a film crew discovers a prehistoric world at sea.
This was alot better than I had expected. I really surprised myself too, because I usually don't like the big Hollywood, action-packed blockbusters like this (The LOTR series never caught on with me...). But, it was a good film. The cinematography was well crafted, it was well written (it came off a bit cheasy at times, but this was to the intention of Peter Jackson to give it the old 1930s feel). Over all, I liked it. I especially liked the interesting casting choices. I couldn't picture anyone but Jack Black chosen to play Carl... At times he had me laughing, at other times he had me sickened by his greed. I've also always enjoyed Adrien Brody... He has a tremendous talent, it's just too bad that so many of his films bombed. As a side-note, did anyone else notice that Colin Hanks is looking more and more like Dan Aykroyd as he ages? :p

Brazil (1985) - ****
Director: Terry Gilliam
An unlikely hero seeks a mystery girl in a futuristic government.
I really like this one. Terry Gilliam never seems to dissapoint me. What's not to like about this one? It had a great visual style as well as acting and story. At times I was laughing, and at others I was just consumed by the film and its story. I still prefer Fear and Loathing, easily, but this is deffinately one of his best works.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 07:20 PM

Glad you liked Last Days, and I agree, best of the year.

I really need to see Brazil but the Criterion is always too much for me. As for A Christmas Story, I think it's the best Christmas film ever, a masterpiece.

"You were always jealous!"
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 07:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy * 1/2

Boring, stupid and mildly funny just as I suspected. I heard going into this movie that you either love it or hate it and after watching it I definitely hated it
Watch the original British Mini-series. It's one of the funniest things you'll ever see. PBS occasionally airs it so look into it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 07:50 PM

I'm not a huge fan of British humor
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 08:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Glad you liked Last Days, and I agree, best of the year.

I really need to see Brazil but the Criterion is always too much for me. As for A Christmas Story, I think it's the best Christmas film ever, a masterpiece.

"You were always jealous!"
I'm not much of a fan of Christmas movies, but I love it too. It's the only one I can tolerate, other than The Nightmare Before Christmas, which I absolutely love. I am a huge Time Burton fan.
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 08:23 PM

Never cared for, "It's a Wonderful Life" ?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/05 08:52 PM

Like I said... I kind of loath Christmas movies, and hate the holiday's.

A Christmas Story and The Nightmare Before Christmas are very unconventional and original... Kind of the "Anti-Christmas Movies".
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/01/06 04:09 AM

Following (Christopher Nolan;1998;UK)
An aspiring writer who stalks people for material is caught in the act by a thief, who takes him under his wing.
A great, solid piece of Indie filmmaking from Nolan. This and Memento show he is someone to watch when it comes to original material. The narrative is a little odd at times, but it pulls itself together for a memorable ending that never gets old. Original ideas like this are needed in Hollywood.

The 40 Year Old Virgin - (Judd Apatow;2005;USA)
A 40 year-old virgin is pushed by his co-workers to lose his virginity.
The first half is great, hilarious, and at times even feels character-study-ish. The second half gets rocky between genuine laughs and cliche, and finishes off with an annoying ending that'll leave you with Deja Vu (I at least felt I saw something similar before). Carrell pushes the film forward even more with his presence. Summed up, it's a very good comedy. Better than the overrated Wedding Crashers.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/01/06 04:37 AM

Following is a great movie with some excellent editing. This is a movie where all the seemingly wierd plots are brought to a meaningful conclusion, while maintaining great suspense. The non-linear scenes actualy make the movie very interesting. I would rate this higher than Lost Highway, another movie of similar nature. Unlike Lost Highway, this does not leave the audience in a confused state even after the movie ends.

Regarding 40 year old virgin, apart from all the cliches, one thing I am disappointed with is the way the conflict ends.
SPOILERS
He just says "I am a virgin" and she just replies "is that what this is all about?" What an anti-climax!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/01/06 04:43 AM

I disliked them singing ending, for The 40 Year Old Virgin.

As for Following, every time I see it I feel the same fascination I always have, and that's a quality I admire in a thriller. I wonder if Nolan will ever outdo Memento.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/01/06 09:17 AM

I actually wasnt a huge fan of Following. Yes, I found it a bit boring and annoyingly amateurish at times, but I guess I shouldnt hold high expectations for a low-budget film such as this one. Not that it isnt a solid film, especially considering its budget and production values.

It just never really grabbed my attention or my interest. I havent seen Memento in many years, and I didnt really like Insomniac, so overall I feel like Im not quite getting the same impression of Nolan that others seem to be getting.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/01/06 10:48 PM

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ****

This has been on my list of movies to watch for awhile and my mom picked it out today (there were others but this was the most interesting to her). I read the book and watched the movie like 10 years ago and enjoyed both. Recently at work I put the movie back in and didn't like it as much. However, this new version was absolutely FANTASTIC! I had the same feeling watching it as I've kinda had watching The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I don't know why but it somewhat reminds me of it. The special effects in this movie were awesome as well. Definitely a movie I'm anticipating to purchase on DVD.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 02:04 AM

Machinist

Another wierd and confusing movie. Like Lost Highway. A man has not slept for a year and imagines a lot of stuff. The movie is okay, but the problem with such movies is there is too much interpretation required. I wonder whether at all these movies were made with a script in place. Afterall anything can be justified as imagination/hallucination Which characters are real, who is an imagination, which events are true and which are dream.... Capo, have you watched this movie? Or anyone else who has watched both these movies please compare them for me. I am really beginning to form a negative opinion about these types of movies. Any of you feel that way?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 02:08 AM

I haven't seen it, although Capo liked it. As for these types of films, I think this quote is one I agree with.

"How could we possibly appreciate the Mona Lisa if Leonardo had written at the bottom of the canvas: 'The lady is smiling because she is hiding a secret from her lover.' This would shackle the viewer to reality, and I don't want this to happen to 2001."
--Stanely Kubrick

A weak defense I know, considering it depends on the film, but still.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 02:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Machinist

Another wierd and confusing movie. Like Lost Highway. A man has not slept for a year and imagines a lot of stuff. The movie is okay, but the problem with such movies is there is too much interpretation required. I wonder whether at all these movies were made with a script in place. Afterall anything can be justified as imagination/hallucination Which characters are real, who is an imagination, which events are true and which are dream.... Capo, have you watched this movie? Or anyone else who has watched both these movies please compare them for me. I am really beginning to form a negative opinion about these types of movies. Any of you feel that way? [/b]
I liked it, but they ripped off Fight Club big time... It was enjoyable, but I have no intentions of seeing it again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 02:19 AM

Eddie Murphy's Raw **

This was my first Eddie Murphy stand up and I was a little disappointed. I heard previously heard the Bill Cosby bit which was hilarious and my favorite part of the show. However, I guess I was expecting this would be funnier than it was. Was Delirious the better of the 2?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 02:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by svsg:
[b] [b]Machinist


Another wierd and confusing movie. Like Lost Highway. A man has not slept for a year and imagines a lot of stuff. The movie is okay, but the problem with such movies is there is too much interpretation required. I wonder whether at all these movies were made with a script in place. Afterall anything can be justified as imagination/hallucination Which characters are real, who is an imagination, which events are true and which are dream.... Capo, have you watched this movie? Or anyone else who has watched both these movies please compare them for me. I am really beginning to form a negative opinion about these types of movies. Any of you feel that way? [/b]
I liked it, but they ripped off Fight Club big time... It was enjoyable, but I have no intentions of seeing it again. [/b][/quote]Can you tell me how without spoilers?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 02:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I havent seen Memento in many years, and I didnt really like Insomniac, so overall I feel like Im not quite getting the same impression of Nolan that others seem to be getting.
Memento to me is his masterpiece and it's one of my favorite movies of all time. Insomnia I started to like more after repeated viewings. I haven't seen Following yet but I also don't have the same impression of Nolan that others seem to have as well, even after watching Batman Begins. I think it's well documented on this board that I feel it was a very good movie, but not the best Batman movie let alone the "greatest comic book movie ever made"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 02:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
I am really beginning to form a negative opinion about these types of movies. Any of you feel that way?
I haven't seen this movie either but I'm starting to form the same opinion after watching Mulholland Dr. this past week
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 03:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by svsg:
[b] [b]Machinist


Another wierd and confusing movie. Like Lost Highway. A man has not slept for a year and imagines a lot of stuff. The movie is okay, but the problem with such movies is there is too much interpretation required. I wonder whether at all these movies were made with a script in place. Afterall anything can be justified as imagination/hallucination Which characters are real, who is an imagination, which events are true and which are dream.... Capo, have you watched this movie? Or anyone else who has watched both these movies please compare them for me. I am really beginning to form a negative opinion about these types of movies. Any of you feel that way? [/b]
I liked it, but they ripped off Fight Club big time... It was enjoyable, but I have no intentions of seeing it again. [/b][/quote]Can you tell me how without spoilers? [/b][/quote]There are little things like the main character being a troubled insomniac who is questioning his sanity... But the major rip off I was refering to would be a spoiler.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 04:58 AM

Week End (Godard; 1968) ***

What I love about this film is that there's no target audience...simply one man's vision portrayed with pictures and sounds. I'd like to see more of Godard's films, mainly Breathless.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 06:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by svsg:
[b] [b]Machinist


Another wierd and confusing movie. Like Lost Highway.
.................
Or anyone else who has watched both these movies please compare them for me. I am really beginning to form a negative opinion about these types of movies. Any of you feel that way? [/b]
I liked it, but they ripped off Fight Club big time... It was enjoyable, but I have no intentions of seeing it again. [/b][/quote]I have not watched Fight Club, and wanted to watch it, but now I am really not looking forward to seeing it. I have had enough with Lost Highway and Machinist.
No more insomnia/schizophrenia/other mental disorder movies
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 06:29 AM

Well, the main character of Fight Club is an insomniac, but it is worth a viewing. It should make alot of sense to anyone from the X or Y generations, and maybe even to those of previous generations.

I love it... It's my personal favorite film of all time.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 07:25 AM

To recouperate from New Years, I spent this evening with 3 DVDs... here are lazy 3-sentence reviews of each.

First up, a Netflix Brad Renfro double-feature:

1) Apt Pupil (1998) [R]

"Kurt Dussander (Ian McKellen) has kept his dark past a secret for many years. But when Todd Bowden (Brad Renfro) recognizes him as one of the Nazi war criminals pictured in a history book, Todd confronts Dussander and blackmails him into revealing details about the concentration camps. What the scheming teen hasn't calculated is Dussander's faculty for Machiavellian mind games. Perhaps Todd should've stayed in class!" (from Netflix)

First time I've seen this adaptation of a Stephen King novella, and I really enjoyed it. McKellen (LOTR, X-Men) is excellent, and the story is quite interesting and always keeps you on your toes. Recommended. ****/5

2) Bully (2001) [NR]

"Sometimes, the not-so-nice guy ends up last ... or dead. Bobby (Nick Stahl) takes great joy in bossing around and beating up his best friend, a slovenly dropout ex-surfer named Marty (Brad Renfro). But Marty's girlfriend, Lisa (Rachel Miner), witnesses one too many of these pathetic incidents and vows to kill Bobby, even enlisting her friends -- and a hit man -- to help. Parental advisory: Contains sexually explicit material." (from Netflix)

Kelli Garner Oh, and also a disturbing look at the mindset of plotting to kill a friend, and, the aftermath. Based on a true story. ***/5

3) American Pie presents Band Camp (2005) [NR]

"The guardians of good taste behind the American Pie franchise dish up a new recipe for ribald humor with this bawdy tale of teen shenanigans. As punishment for his offenses, Stifler's younger brother, Matt (Tad Hilgenbrinck), is sentenced to a summer at band camp. A chip off the family block, the junior horndog tumbles through a series of outrageous escapades involving hidden cameras, riotous pranks and, of course, plenty of female flesh." (from Netflix)

Only two American Pie alumi that I noticed: Jim's Dad, and The Shermanator. But plenty of the same teen humor (and boobies!). I only bought it cuz I have the other 3 of the series and like to be complete. Did I mention boobies? **/5
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 08:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
I have not watched Fight Club, and wanted to watch it, but now I am really not looking forward to seeing it. I have had enough with Lost Highway and Machinist.
No more insomnia/schizophrenia/other mental disorder movies
I think there is a good chance that you would like this one, since this is actually a pop-corn type of movie (made just for fun )with a simple twist at the end. I hardly compare it to the Lost Highway.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 06:51 PM

Memoirs of a Geisha ***

I didn't know what to expect going into this movie as I wasn't sure what exactly a geisha was. This movie was pretty slow paced but I liked that, they didn't rush anything. Ziyi Zhang & Ken Watanabe easily stood out as the stars of this picture. Some may wait for this on DVD and some may see it in the theaters. Whatever you prefer I suggest watching it somewhere soon
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 08:20 PM

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan - (Martin Scorsese;2005;UK/USA/Japan)
A documentary that follows Bob Dylan from his childhood to his rise in fame and notorious transition from acoustic folk music to rock.
Through this film I thought how easily it could've been "Dylan," a biopic starring whoever. Instead we get a portrait of a musical genius much more intimate and real. Dylan's interviews and press conferences can't be duplicated for the screen, because you have to see him in his annoyance with the media upfront. The concert footage is undoubtedly excellent. We are also treated to rare videos of his inspirations in Part I. Scorsese's direction is easy to notice through the narrative as well. The best moment comes in the end SPOILERS, where Dylan comes to his concert where he is called "Judas." He shakes it off, calling the man a liar, and what does he say to his band mates? "Play it loud."SPOILERS END
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 09:03 PM

2005's filmwatching in brief:

I saw 302 films last year. 230 were for the first time. 90 were on the big screen.

I saw Lost In Translation no less than five times, and once on the big screen. I saw Dead Man's Shoes four times.

And I watched twelve Godard films, twelve Herzog films, and eleven Lynch films. (Including rewatches.)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 09:05 PM

Good Will Hunting
Gus Van Sant
1997 US (1st time)
An off-the-rails janitor who enjoys drinking and brawling with his friends is spotted by a scientist to have phenomenal mathematical talent, and is forced to see a shrink.
A well-performed character study, fully absorbing throughout; if the script is at times schematic, it's certainly brilliantly realised, and Van Sant, Damon and Williams sweep us along with wonderful power.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 09:30 PM

The Deer Hunter ****

The most humane film I've ever seen, and my number one favorite of all time, closely followed by Mean Streets. A masterpiece.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 09:34 PM

SVSG, my thoughts on El Maquinista / The Machinist:

One of those narratives with a twist; when it comes, though, it doesn't shock, but it seems it isn't meant to. Instead, this is more interested in exploring the notion that our social fears arise from inner, subconscious guilt, and if it isn't entirely shocking, it's still mighty clever.

Driven nicely by the dark, sombre cinematography, noirish score, and another one of those shocking examples of method acting, with Christian Bale shedding four-stone to look like a Holocaust victim, it's an impressive film.

I wouldn't place it anywhere near Lynch's Lost Highway, though. That is a lingering, evolving piece of work which develops upon further watches. My memory of The Machinist does not, for now, beg a rewatch; to me, it is, like The Usual Suspects, a "solvable" film-with-a-twist. It places its clues throughout, which become solved when the ending adds context. With Lost Highway, Lynch isn't interested in presenting to us a puzzle to solve, or giving us clues. It's more of an aesthetic exploration of identity crises - a theme it does indeed share with Anderson's film, though does so in a far more complex way.

Thanks,
Mick
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 09:39 PM

The Usual Suspects is not completely solvable. The film is made so that nobody knows what Spacey made up and what he was telling the truth about. I haven't seen it in a while, but that's what I remember from it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 09:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
The Usual Suspects is not completely solvable. The film is made so that nobody knows what Spacey made up and what he was telling the truth about. I haven't seen it in a while, but that's what I remember from it.
But you know who he is and that was the main point of the film The Usual Suspects is a very good thriller and used to be among my favorites, but I'm finding it to be very overrated these days. It's definitely not close to being one of the best films ever like it's made out to be. In fact, I'll say the direction was weaker than it should've been.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 10:06 PM

Fight Club is way more overrated than The Usual Suspects IMO.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 10:18 PM

I find both to be over-rated pieces of populist cinema, with Fincher's film finding a cult following rather surprisingly, considering it more or less insults its audience from start to finish.

Both are due a rewatch, actually.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 10:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Fight Club is way more overrated than The Usual Suspects IMO.
I think Fight Club is great, but not a masterwork. Thing is, I don't see what it has to do with The Usual Suspects.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 10:42 PM

It was being discussed earlier in this thread, and like Capo said, they're both overrated pieces of populist cinema. Almost every elitist moron I've come across loves those 2 movies, and think they're intelligent people because of it.

It infuriates the shit out of me.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/06 10:47 PM

I disagree, but that's just me. I love both the film and novel.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 12:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Good Will Hunting
Gus Van Sant
1997 US (1st time)
An off-the-rails janitor who enjoys drinking and brawling with his friends is spotted by a scientist to have phenomenal mathematical talent, and is forced to see a shrink.
A well-performed character study, fully absorbing throughout; if the script is at times schematic, it's certainly brilliantly realised, and Van Sant, Damon and Williams sweep us along with wonderful power. [/b]
That's funny... I also just finished viewing it for the first time, and felt the same way. Wasn't nearly as good as it was built up to be, but none-the-less, it was a pleasant film to watch. I too would give it two-stars.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 12:37 AM

I saw Good Will Hunting for the first time earlier this year too and agree that it "wasn't nearly as good as it was built up to be"
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 12:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
It was being discussed earlier in this thread, and like Capo said, they're both overrated pieces of populist cinema. Almost every elitist moron I've come across loves those 2 movies, and think they're intelligent people because of it.

It infuriates the shit out of me.
I like these movies.
I am an intelligent person having said so.


Actually, I have to agree with Capo by saying it does in a way make fun of the audience, even if it is my favorite movie... However, I'm not sure it we feel that for the same reasons. I feel that it pokes fun at them because in the end, the fans are exactly what the film speaks out against... Consumer's who need to gobble up every bit of merchandise they see. That being said, I also find the film very crafty, and that it even pokes fun at itself (Who remembers the fake Fight Club Catalouge's that were finding their ways around cities back in 1999, as a promotional gag?). Fight Club is just one of those things that you either love or hate. I find members of the baby-boomer generation often find nothing special in the film, I assume because it just doesn't speak to them--or their generation--the same way it speaks to or defines generation X, and even Y.

Others simply don't get it.

In the end, I find Fight Club to be a well acted, written, and shot film. It is humorous, but still manages to get a point across. The end is--in my eyes--beautiful and the characters, dialouge, and other relatives of the film (and book) seem to be transforming into household items more and more lately. It probably has some of the best CGI I have seen in cinema, and the Chuck Palahniuk books are well worth checking out. I feel it is one of the five best films of 1999.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 12:58 AM

I feel drastically different about these 2. Fight Club I love, probably top 20 of all time, and Usual Suspects I hated, thought it was overrated and average at best. Wonder why that is considering it seems most others here view them as one in the same essentially.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 01:08 AM

Aguirre, Wrath of God

Stunning visuals, and some of the best acting I've ever seen in a film. Although it's a mere 90 minutes in length, it has the feel of a true epic. Klaus Kinski was phenomenal. Much like DeNiro in Taxi Driver, his eyes and the expressions on his face said it all. In fact, Kinski's portrayal of Don Lope de Aguirre may very well be the best performance I've ever seen. His final monologue sent chills down my spine.

This film begs for re-watches. In fact, I think I'm going to watch it again tomorrow after school.

"I am the wrath of God! . . . The earth I walk upon sees me and quakes!"
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 01:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Good Will Hunting
Gus Van Sant
1997 US (1st time)
An off-the-rails janitor who enjoys drinking and brawling with his friends is spotted by a scientist to have phenomenal mathematical talent, and is forced to see a shrink.
A well-performed character study, fully absorbing throughout; if the script is at times schematic, it's certainly brilliantly realised, and Van Sant, Damon and Williams sweep us along with wonderful power. [/b]
I don't know what 2 stars mean, but I would rate it as a very good film. It is not just the main characters (which are obviously played well by damon and williams), but the other side characters like the mathematician, damon's girl friend, the bunch of friends are also excellently developed in the movie.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 06:59 AM


* * * * 1/2

4.5 Stars

Main Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams, Anna Faris, and Linda Cardellini

Summary: A raw, powerful story of two young men, a Wyoming ranch hand and a rodeo cowboy, who meet in the summer of 1963 sheepherding in the harsh, high grasslands of contemporary Wyoming and form an unorthodox yet life-long bond--by turns ecstatic, bitter and conflicted.

Review: I went into this one with mixed expectations. As far as Ang Lee's work, I had only ever seen Hulk, which I had mediocre feelings about, but I did remember thinking it was a surprisingly deep and quiet film for a super hero movie.

Brokeback too was a relatively methodically paced and quiet film. There's good character development in the beginning, and the film doesn't move too quickly or too slowly into the whole love affair part of the story, the anticipation is held perfectly. Gyllenhaal and Ledger are perfect in their respective roles, their performances standing out from one another but yet simultaneously complimenting each other.

The technical aspects of the film add perfectly in to create this well-rounded work of art. The cinematography and lighting remains fairly dark throughout a lot of the film, and the stunning forrest landscapes and barren Western plains are shot beautifully by Lee.

The supporting cast was also a pleasent surprise, as I feared the film would center too much on the two main characters. Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, and Linda Cardellini all turn in solid performances.

The story too, does not drag, and the film avoids simply being a gay-cowboy movie and instead transcends into a tale of life and relationships in general.

Overall, a fantastic film, and my pick for best of 2005.

Direction – 18/20
Acting – 20/20
Story – 14/15
Rewatchability – 11/15
Music – 9/10
Depth – 9/10
Cinematography – 5/5
Supporting Cast – 5/5
TOTAL = 91%

91% = 4.5/5 Stars

Best Quote: "You sit down before I knock your ignorant ass into next week!"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 01:02 PM

For the record, two stars from me is a highly recommended film of great interest and merit. Perhaps my brief review of Good Will Hunting didn't quite do it justice.

Anyway, four films since going to bed last night.

Performance
Nicolas Roeg/Donald Cammell 1970 GB (1st time)
A London gangster moves in with a retired rock musician.
A complex blanket of identity and character-switching; it conjures up a sordid world of nastiness with hallucinatory ease, and gets better as it goes on.

Irréversible (Irreversible)
Gaspar Noé 2002 France (3rd time)
When his girlfriend is raped at a party, a teacher and his friend hunt down the rapist at a gay nightclub.
Unrelenting, uncompromising, and utterly brutal depiction of humanity and the evil hole from which it cannot escape.

Solaris
Steven Soderbergh 2002 US (1st time)
A psychiatrist arrives at a space station orbiting a strange planet, where his past comes back to haunt and seduce him.
A cool, detached film full of ideas and themes but not really committing itself fully to exploring them; if the content could have been meatier, the form is fine indeed, and it must be respected as a film which bares little overall resemblance to Tarkovsky's.

Scanners
David Cronenberg 1980 US (1st time)
Telepathic humans, known as "Scanners" are employed by rival corporations to fish one another out.
Save for a few head-bursting special effects and interesting surface concept, this sci-fi action film has dated horribly; mise-en-scene, dialogue and acting let it down.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 06:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

[b]Solaris

Steven Soderbergh 2002 US (1st time)
A psychiatrist arrives at a space station orbiting a strange planet, where his past comes back to haunt and seduce him.
A cool, detached film full of ideas and themes but not really committing itself fully to exploring them; if the content could have been meatier, the form is fine indeed, and it must be respected as a film which bares little overall resemblance to Tarkovsky's.
[/b]
Here is a link to the poem that was used in this film, very effectively.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 06:42 PM

By the way, I have a feeling some of you that disliked Fight Club might like the novel more. If you're interested here's a link. Scroll down to "Differences." I for one loved the novel and found certain things to be better.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight_Club_ ( film)#Differences_between_novel_and_film

NOTE: Get rid of the space between "film" and the first of it's parenthesis and the space between the "_" and that same parenthesis. The coding on the board won't allow me to post the link.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/06 11:49 PM



* * *
3 Stars

Main Cast: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, and Geoffery Rush

Summary: During the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, eleven Israeli athletes are taken hostage and murdered by a Palestinian terrorist group known as Black September. In retaliation, the Israeli government recruits a group of Mossad agents to track down and execute those responsible for the attack.

Review: I dont really have the time to post a full review for this film, but I'd like to get myself caught up for 2005. I saw this about a week ago, and basically just had nothing but negative feelings for it. The film had that sort of washed out color filter over the whole thing like some other movies that have recently come out, and that kind of diverted my attention.

The plot, as well, is fairly muddled and incoherent at times. An endless amount of contract killings (which I wasnt opposed to), mixed in with debate about Middle Eastern territorial rights and whatnot (which I was opposed to). I know this view probably makes me out to be another dumb american film watcher, just interested in the action, but hey, there it is. The hits themselves were shot well, but with a fairly predictable, kind of cute-sy Speilbergian touch here and there, which was annoying.

Any hopes I had of gaining respect for Speilberg with this film were dashed. Dissappointing.

Direction – 18/20
Acting – 17/20
Story – 12/15
Rewatchability – 9/15
Music – 8/10
Depth – 10/10
Cinematography – 3/5
Supporting Cast – 4/5
TOTAL = 71%

71% = 3/5 Stars

Best Quote: "Every civilization finds it necessary to negotiate compromises with its own values."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/06 01:41 AM

Judgment Night **

A pretty decent suspense thriller about four pals on their way to a boxing match, but get stuck in heavy traffic. To get to the event on time they take the first exit they find to find another way to the event. As they are driving around lost in gang-land they get stuck and witness a brutal murder. The killer wants no witnesses and tries to kill them too. I had only watched about the first 30 minutes of this and had enjoyed it, however after watching all of it I realized it was nothing special other than the cast. The cast consists of Emilio Estevez, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jeremy Piven and Denis Leary. I was always disappointed with Denis Leary's career as I felt he could have had the caliber of Adam Sandler or Jim Carrey.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/06 06:16 AM

The 40-Year-Old Virgin ** 1/2

I couldn't agree more with Don Vercetti's review of this film. "The first half is great, hilarious, and at times even feels character-study-ish. The second half gets rocky between genuine laughs and cliche, and finishes off with an annoying ending that'll leave you with Deja Vu." I bought the unrated version on DVD and was pleasently surprised to find that this is the one and only unrated edition that made the movie better. Most of the unrated editions that I have just have more nudity or F bombs but the extra 17 minutes I really think added to the film. However, this is not better than The Wedding Crashers.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/06 02:23 PM

I watched The Hours. Loved Nicole Kidman. But I've to say that this movies messes with your view on life deeply.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/06 04:45 PM

Made myself finally to finish Annie Hall. Keaton is nice...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/06 10:02 PM

King Kong
Peter Jackson 2005 New Zealand/US (1st time; big screen)
A filmmaker and his cast and crew are caught on Skull Island, where a giant gorilla falls in love with the leading actress. They capture him and take him back to New York to cash in.
The kind of remake nobody seems to be making--a passionate homage and aesthetic transcendence of the original; it is also an exhilirating piece of filmmaking, and a convincing portrayal of the both the human condition and artistic principle.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/06 02:53 PM

Crash
David Cronenberg 1996 US/Canada (1st time)
A married couple become involved with a group of people with an overwhelming fetish for car crashes.
This is a film which is, at times, impossible to take seriously, despite its intentions; an almost surreal sense of desire and obsession underline this disturbing essay on eroticism and its close relationship with death.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 01:49 AM

Aguirre, Wrath of God

Amazing depiction of human insanity. Simply breathtaking. So real that it feels like a documentary. This may very well be the best movie I have ever seen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 03:09 AM

KING KONG - **/5

You know, I want to really understand what the hell is going on. People I trust yabber about the greatness of Peter Jackson's new movie, yet after seeing it last week, the only question that I keep asking is this:

Did I see another movie? Did PJ deliver me a bad mediocre blockbuster action movie just to piss me off, or is many folks still on the sauce with the holidays and all? This is isn't the pure entertainment that I've heard many quite tag this picture with, nor is it "moving" in any form of beastiality that people keep saying.

Fact is, this isn't FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING or TWO TOWERS. No, this is RETURN OF THE KING. What that means is that despite quite an expensive budget and more CGI shots for techno-nerds to wank off on than your usual picture...you don't give a fuck about it. In fact, the only sure stunning sequence of any worthy that took my breath away was the finale, with the massive New York City under the brief rule of one giant monkey.

There is no organic naturality in either the narrative nor the tale. Fact is for one thing, its a bad sign when the lead and some fire scared-retarded have a believable if not overly built-up relationship in Romero's LAND OF THE DEAD. Its not THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, but I buy that dual partnership. However, Jackson and his women should have gone back to square with the screenplay in that whole subplot about the young fucking sailor and his unlikely-in-1930s-America black friend.

In fact, that is the best example of why this movie fails. Jackson wants us to expect these two as friends and we are supposed to feel bad when one becomes bug lunch, but me and my filmfan comrades, we didn't feel any care for it, nor the unfortunately emotional-manipulated character role for Jack Black, or better yet the abortive love story between the talented Adrien Brody and Ms. Watts. All good actors stuck with crap material to work with.

I expect a few, specifically ONE person in general that I know of, to call me an elitist prick or/and a grouch that needs a damn nap. You know what? I don't care. Go ahead and believe in the fantasy that this is actually a really "good" movie. While you're at it, go ahead and believe such things as the Trilateral Commission, the Philadephia Experiment, Roswell, Big Foot, and other fun "serious" conspiracies.

Fact is, I watched Jackson's THE FRIGHTENERS over the holiday break, a nice movie that I always dug. I mean, a pleasing sort-of creative monster/ghost comedy/thriller picture where a pre-Milk Shaker Michael J. Fox and his ghost spirit pals have to fight the Grim Reaper. Jeffrey Combs delivers quite stunning work as the fucked-up David Lynch-like joke character of the FBI Agent, and hell you see a ghost hump a mummy. Fact is, I missed it when Jackson had fun with his films, and he shared it with the rest of us.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 03:36 AM

Last Days - (Gus Van Sant;2005;USA)
The last days of a burnt-out rock musician.
The best film of 2005 and one of the best to come out of the last several years. Gus Van Sant direction is mesmerizing, making the audience seem like they're simply spying on a life, especially with it's distant shots and tracking shots. At times the film feels like a modern revival of Romanticism, especially with it's nature theme, which adds to the beautiful cinematography. Michael Pitt's performance is very good, working mostly through body language and mumbling. Like Elephant Van Sant uses off-beat sound mixes to establish a very disturbing mood in some moments, while using other music to amplify moods wonderfully. The best scene is of course the "Death to Birth" scene, which is a very good song from Pitt. Unfortunately, it’s a very misunderstood film this year. One of the most haunting portraits of loneliness and mental isolation in cinema.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 03:48 AM

The Wedding Crashers ** 1/2

Wow, I was very displeaed with this the 2nd time around. It wasn't as funny as it was the first time (naturally) but I enjoyed it more than on a comedy level. The Owen Wilson/Rachel McAdams relationship seemed more serious and I enjoyed it. I still feel that this is a better movie than The 40-Year-Old Virgin though
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 03:49 AM

Ronnie, did you like the special effects of King Kong?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 03:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
I expect a few, specifically ONE person in general that I know of, to call me an elitist prick or/and a grouch that needs a damn nap. You know what? I don't care. Go ahead and believe in the fantasy that this is actually a really "good" movie.
Aww, how unfortunate that you didn't enjoy the movie :p I will continue to believe that it's a "good" movie and you can continue to believe it's a "bad" movie....elitist pr*ck
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 04:04 AM

I may be a prick, and you know what Irishman? I can't hate you. Fact is, slamming you is like attacking a Special Education kid who can't count very well. I would just feel ashamed of doing it to such a person as yourself.

Oh and svsg, the FX is cool...but without a story that makes me care, its all just pretty computer drawings, nothing more. Still, worthy work from WETA.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 04:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Oh and svsg, the FX is cool...but without a story that makes me care, its all just pretty computer drawings, nothing more. Still, worthy work from WETA.
Even I didn't care for the story, actually it is pretty unconvicing as a story. Weak premise and lot of plot holes. But special effects are just outstanding. Maybe because I saw Narnia and KingKong in a few days gap. The dinosaur stampede, the fight between kingkong and dinosaur and Kong on the tower, OMG, absolutely brilliant. I was feeling the fear of heights, from the camera angles used for the tower scene. You are right, once another movie with better special effects comes, I won't care for this. But since 2005 is over, I can safely conclude that nothing can beat it in 2005. I am hoping for a special effects oscar for this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 05:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
I may be a prick, and you know what Irishman? I can't hate you. Fact is, slamming you is like attacking a Special Education kid who can't count very well. I would just feel ashamed of doing it to such a person as yourself.
Well that's so "sweet" of you. New Year's resolution to leave me alone? I think not, probably just too much "sauce" over the holidays and no snappy comeback
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 06:44 AM

I hate to see people arguing like this. Especially 2 guys on here that I like and whose posts I enjoy reading.

Kiss and make up you two.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 01:51 PM

Good to see you back, Ronald, you elitist fuckface wanker prickhead splatterbox Scarface-loving hippy.

eXistenZ
David Cronenberg
1997 Canada/GB/France (1st time)
A games designer escapes an assassin at her new testing convention, and acquaints a friendly PR trainee who has never played any of her games before.
A clever, highly enjoyable Chinese box affair--the actual narrative arc is a predictable one, though getting there is another matter.

Spider
David Cronenberg
2002 Canada/GB (1st time)
A mentally disturbed man arrives at a half-way house, and is left free to roam the local streets, where he pieces together his childhood memories.
The kind of underwhelming film one watches, admires for what it is, and then rediscovers years later as a true masterpiece; it's a well-crafted film which almost implodes upon itself with, like its main character, nowhere to go--and indeed it goes nowhere.

Mick
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 02:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I hate to see people arguing like this. Especially 2 guys on here that I like and whose posts I enjoy reading.

Kiss and make up you two.
I'm all for that. We did and look what's happened with that. If ronnie wants to stop this great, if not that's fine too.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 02:08 PM

Both of you have to stop it. Plain and simple.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 02:12 PM

Well I'm going to. I'm tired of always coming on this board and getting crap from ronnie. My New Year's resolution is to just ignore him
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 02:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Well I'm going to. I'm tired of always coming on this board and getting crap from ronnie. My New Year's resolution is to just ignore him
Six days into the year and you've failed already. Never mind. Mine was to ignore myself, and I've failed that too.

There's always next year.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 03:12 PM

No I made a "late" resolution starting last night
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/06 06:23 PM

Huayang Nianhua (In the Mood For Love)
Wong Kar-wai 2000 Hong Kong (2nd time)
In 1960s Hong Kong, two lonely neighbours realise their respective partners are having an affair with one another, and slowly begin to fall for each other themselves…
A visual triumph that seems more in love with cinema and its language than the relationship it depicts. Inspiring to look at, and with a strong sense of regretful nostalgia to its tone.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 08:15 AM

The Game ***
Directed by David Fincher, starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. Very entertaining movie, always kept me at the edge of my seat. But I had to leave my brain aside to believe in some of the plot
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 03:25 PM

Wolf Creek ***

I had been wanting to see this for a few weeks and my friends and I were trying to see Hostel instead but we missed the last show and saw this. I really enjoyed it. It reminded me a lot of High Tension. The filming of this movie is almost like a documentary in that the audience feels like they are there with the characters. Might be a movie to wait for the DVD
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 05:01 PM

Watched LA Confidential.
Spacey did a good job.
Surprisingly Basinger is very unimpressing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 05:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
Watched LA Confidential.
Spacey did a good job.
Surprisingly Basinger is very unimpressing.
I felt the same way. Pearce and Russel did a good job too IMO
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 05:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] Watched LA Confidential.
Spacey did a good job.
Surprisingly Basinger is very unimpressing.
I felt the same way. Pearce and Russel did a good job too IMO [/b][/quote]Yes, they too!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 06:03 PM

L.A. CONFIDENTIAL - Masterpiece - *****

A really captivating drama set in 50's Los Angeles with three cops of different degrees of professionalism tied together loosely in an investigation into the heart of the city itself. This movie sadly and wrongly lost to TITANIC in 1997 for Best Picture and Director Oscars.

Still, a fierce Russell Crowe before his fame as the Telephone Tosser of New York.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 07:33 PM

So, Ronnie, did you like Kim as well?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 09:57 PM

LA Confidential is a movie I've never gotten around to seeing. That and Le Samourai are 2 films that I need to see before I see anything else.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/06 10:47 PM

2046
Wong Kar-wai
2004 France/Germany/Hong Kong/China (2nd time)
Returning from Singapore to Hong Kong in the late 1960s, a writer of futuristic erotic novels tries to forget a past love affair.
A poignant hymn to cinema, memory and love; as aesthetically phenomenal as anything made in the medium.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 04:03 AM

Red Eye **

A predictable and cliche movie that was only enjoyable by the performances of Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy. Cillian REALLY stole the show and I think he actually did a better job than he did in Batman Begins. One of the reasons that I didn't enjoy the movie was for the way the movie ended. Not to give too much away but it felt like I was watching a Scream movie all over again.

PS - Capo. I just got 2046 from Blockbuster Online. Glad you enjoyed it. I hope I do too
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 04:33 AM

I'm confused, isn't 2046 a sequel? I've been interested in it for some time but I don't know if I should see the first film.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 05:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]The Game ***
Directed by David Fincher, starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. Very entertaining movie, always kept me at the edge of my seat. But I had to leave my brain aside to believe in some of the plot [/b]
Man, I still can't stress how much you have to see Fight Club... It is Fincher's best film, and if you enjoyed The Game, chances are you will like Fight Club. Another great film by Fincher is Seven, starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and (one of my favorite actors) Kevin Spacey.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 05:36 AM

Ya, Fincher rocks. Now if he would just make another damn movie, I would be groovy. I mean, who does he think he is, James Cameron?!?

SEVEN - Masterpiece - *****

Influential, for better or for worse(note all the lousy serial killer flicks that have flooded the market over the years. Though I guess keeping Ashley Judd working isn't so bad) masterpiece that along with SILENCE OF THE LAMBS helped to shape up modern thoughts on human-based "evil" in horror cinema, at least in America. Superb work from Brad Pitt before he got preoccupied with being a movie star and Morgan Freeman, reliable as always. Check out the great cameo at the end.

THE GAME - ****

Entertaining paranoia/conspiracy/mystery in the tradition of Hitchcock, but only for the bigger and more expensive descendents of MTV. Speaking of which, what happened to Michael Douglas anyway?

FIGHT CLUB - ****1/2 (Check out my Review! )

A near-masterpiece of a motion picture where truely the cult novel from author Chuck Palahnuik is transfered onto a steroid-pumped roller coaster ride that also tries to be itself a meaningful film to Generation X(though Gen-Y seem to respond quite well to the movie too). Truely Pitt's last great movie as an actor it seems before he started being quite generic with later works(SPY GAME, OCEAN'S 11, you name it). Oh and did I forget Edward Norton? Funny that many people didn't realize that he came back into cinemas in 2005 in that of the small yet punchful role of the leper King of Jerusalem in Scott's much wrongly maligned KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.


PANIC ROOM - **1/2

For a movie with thrilling direction and atmpospheric cinematography, the screenplay is shit. Really, Fincher turns what could have been an awful movie into just a mediocre forgettable picture. Now if Fincher would make another damn movie someday....

NOTE - Now why did I dare not mention ALIEN 3? Those that have seen it, well you all know why. (I.E. - It sucks)
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 05:40 AM

Fincher's Zodiac is coming out later this year, about, you guessed it. The Zodiac killings, which also inspired Dirty Harry.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 05:43 AM

Cool news DV. Thanks!

BTW, I've got a new column coming soon....yes, another one. Wha, you wanna fight about it?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 06:55 AM

I'd like to see you review a movie like Last Days. I can't picture it being in the same tone as your others.

After this annoying week of exams and hours of studying every day, I'll try to fit in a movie or music review. Taxi Driver or Elephant possibly.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 06:34 PM

The Man *

I didn't think a movie could be worse than Martin Lawrence's Rebound which I viewed recently but I was wrong. How could Samuel L. Jackson fall so far so fast?

The Constant Gardener * 1/2

The story was boring, slow and not very interesting to me

The Brothers Grimm *

Laughable. That's the only word I can use to describe this piece of sh*t. Do NOT watch this movie unless you are in the mood for torture
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 08:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I'm confused, isn't 2046 a sequel? I've been interested in it for some time but I don't know if I should see the first film.
A sequel, of sorts, to In the Mood for Love. Wong Kar-wai described 2046 as the drug to feed the addiction from his 2000 film. Both are masterpieces.

Night of the Living Dead
George A. Romero 1968 US (1st time)
A group of people in Pittsburgh become stranded in a house when unburied corpses come to life.
Always worth watching due to its influence and odd effective moments here and there, most of which involve the sherriff in charge of the rescue mission; otherwise, its interest does not go beyond the now-dated premise of evil winning over good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/06 10:54 PM

Hostel ** 1/2

I was actually kinda disappointed that I didn't like this movie as much as Wolf Creek but it was definitely good. Not a lot of gore until the end and A LOT of nudity. It'll probably make some money as Quentin Tarantino's name is attached to it
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/06 02:14 AM

Private Parts (1997, Thomas) ***1/2

The story of the rise of America's favorite Shock Jock Howard Stern, from his childhood in Roosevelt, New York to his hiring at WNBC in New York.

A very good and very funny movie about Howard's life. Paul Giamatti is very good in one of his first 'big' film roles. Howard does a very good job of portraying...himself, but that doesn't matter, he still is very good. Richard Portnow is very funny and enjoyable as the elder Stern, "I told you not to be stupid, ya moron." This movie is definitley in my top ten favorites ever.

Pig Vomit: "You're the anti-Christ. You know that, Stern?You are the mother-fucking anti-Christ!"
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/06 12:37 PM

I finally got my hands on a few good oldies that was long on my to-see list, it has been a wonderful week.

The Big Sleep (1946/Howard Hawks/US)
I absolutely loved it. I just can't believe this movie has been made in '46, it doesn't feel that old. For one thing I found this movie to be superior than its time and even far better than the following movies made in 1960. Or maybe I'm too much blind when I see Bogey on the screen!?

-Is he as cute as you are?
-Nobody is.


If you think you'd hate arrogance, you might need to check it twice. It depends on who is being arrogant, or NOT!

The Apartment (1960/Billy Wilder/US)
One of the better romance/comedies great for the holiday season. I in particular loved it better than Some Like it Hot.

Psycho (1960/Alfred Hitchcock/US)
Aside from Anthony Perkins' performance, this movie didn't live up to the hype I was hearing about, nonetheless, I still found it to be a great movie. Quite a challenge for its time in regards to shooting some of the scenes. I guess that's the way to rightly put it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/06 08:01 PM

The Star Boarder (The Landlady's Pet)
George Nichols 1914 US (1st time; DVD)
A boardinghouse tramp finds himself the focus of the others' jealousy because of his flirting with the landlady.
Exaggerated Chaplin farce, with little of worth to be found.

A Busy Day
Charles Chaplin 1914 US (1st time; DVD)
A woman is jealous of her husband's flirting; but she gets her comeuppance in the end.
Early Chaplin short in which he plays a woman. Unfunny stuff.

Caught in a Cabaret
Mabel Normand 1914 US (1st time; DVD)
A waiter rescues a woman from a thug, and, when invited to her home, pretends he is a Greek ambassador.
Odd moments here and there, though decidedly not in Chaplin's best vain.

The Pillow Book
Peter Greenaway 1995 France/UK/Netherlands (1st time; VHS)
A Japanese woman, obsessed with calligraphy on, and in a way as, flesh, searches for the perfect calligraphy lover, and seeks revenge on a publisher.
A shapeless form (that is, a carefully constructed piece of Cinema) which may be proof that the medium, in its purest form, is not quite as commercially enjoyable to the masses as the populists may like to think; as a multi-textured, technically accomplished work, it is an original, demanding aesthetic treat.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/06 09:01 PM

Cry Wolf **

A pretty lame high school movie about a prank that supposedly goes wrong. Not a lot of killing nor suspensful at all. Pretty disappointing
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/10/06 01:28 AM

BROTHERS GRIMM - **

Celebrated visualist filmmaker Terry Gilliam tries to go for a mainstream hit-movie sort of picture, but instead encountered one hell of a production hell(to give one an idea, he took a 6 month break inbetween shooting and directed another picture inbetween it). Not to mention the Weinsteins fired his cinematographer, and other wranglings that leave a movie that isn't terrible and is charming of sorts in a fantasy sort of way, but this isn't BRAZIL nor TIME BANDITS. Nope, this is a movie that one will forget watching almost immediately, and will only matter seriously to the director's fanbase. In other words, its like Martin Scorsese's BRINGING OUT THE DEAD.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/10/06 01:31 AM

Wasn't Gilliam's artistic vision ridiculously limited by the producers?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/10/06 01:33 AM

Lets just say that after awhile Gilliam basically washed his hands of the picture after the Weinsteins maintained their position of meddling in the production, and Gilliam isn't exactly the sort of chap that takes authority like that kindly.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/10/06 12:58 PM

The Truman Show
Peter Weir 1998 US (1st time)
A life-insurance salesman finds out he has been the subject of a twenty-four-seven reality TV show for all of his life, and tries to escape it.
A tremendous satire on the world's growing obsession with reality TV, and how the media in general effects and controls our lives; it benefits greatly from Carrey's humour, and has a disturbing, "open your eyes" tone to it throughout.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/10/06 09:05 PM

Elephant
Gus Van Sant
2003 US (2nd time)
An ordinary day in an American high school turns into a disaster when two friends go through with their plan to randomly kill their fellow students.
A powerful, multi-character drama which, when viewed, is immediately excellent, though one is not necessarily sure why. Shot in long-takes, with the camera tracking from behind its characters through empty hallways, it is a haunting depiction of human tragedy.

Brokeback Mountain
Ang Lee
2005 US (1st time)
1963 Wyoming: two cowboys spend a summer working together, and end up falling in love.
At times this looks like a ravishing epic. The same cannot be said, however, for the content; an exhaustively long film which, ultimately, makes a mountain out of a molehill. The problem is not in the subject matter or central relationship, but in the schematic way the narrative treats it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/10/06 09:08 PM

Wow, 0 stars for Brokeback. I really liked it.

Glad you liked Truman Show though, thats one of my top 20 favorite films.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/10/06 09:42 PM

Ya, ELEPHANT is quite a minimalistic picture that I believe really gave Van Sant some career respect after that whole mishap with his PSYCHO remake. ****/5

BADLANDS - Masterpiece - *****

Terrence Malick's reputation was made pretty much with his directorial debut, which still amazes the optical senses over 30 years later. Featuring early career work from Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek and many narrative and musical cues that would resurface 20 years later in TRUE ROMANCE, quite a picture that actually details a story about two murderous-headline-grabbing kids in love about the now cliche and boring angle about the "media sensationalism", which now I am convinced is a lazy plot trick in many weak pictures(like say 15 MINUTES) that which is a claim to say something "smart", when its not.

Truely a movie that cinema lovers have to see sometime...
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 01:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

[b]Brokeback Mountain
Ang Lee
2005 US (1st time)
1963 Wyoming: two cowboys spend a summer working together, and end up falling in love.
At times this looks like a ravishing epic. The same cannot be said, however, for the content; an exhaustively long film which, ultimately, makes a mountain out of a molehill. The problem is not in the subject matter or central relationship, but in the schematic way the narrative treats it. [/b]
Did you not want to rate or did you forget to rate this movie? Or is it really a zero star(i.e., a no-merit) movie in your opinion?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 02:04 AM

FOUR BROTHERS - ***

Entertaining revenge/action yarn that basically is the urban rap retelling of the old school western THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER. Still, a Mark Whalberg "action" picture that didn't make me grit my teeth or be bored with insanely stupid plot bullshit. No, Solid filmmaker John Singleton dishes out a box-office hit that actually is much better than its lousy marketing would suggest...believe it or not.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 07:05 AM

Lord of War ***

A more interesting movie than I anticipated. Nicholas Cage was his usual great self and it was nice to see Bridget Moynahan in another movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 02:10 PM

SVSG, I gave Brokeback Mountain no stars.

Which means, on the face of it, a routine or worse picture.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 02:20 PM

83 pages and I think this is my first post in the thread.

Kikujirô no natsu, 1999.

A young boy, growing up only knowing his grandmother sets out to seek his real mother. Within a few moments he's already come across trouble with bigger boys until a lady, a friend of the family intervenes. She orders her idiot boyfriend, Takeshi, to accompany the boy on his journey for safety.

Another Beat Takeshi classic. Takeshi, known more recently for his dark humour in his violent films goes back to his comedic roots for this one. For the majority of the film it works. I literally found myself creased in laughter. One excellent scene in which Takeshi is gambling all his and the young boys money at the races. It's just genius as it provides laugh after laugh and builds momentum for an incredible, I guess what you'd call a, punchline.

Sadly the last 35 minutes of the film lacks plot and whilst there are still humerous moments you're left wondering where the film is going.

This will be one added to my DVD collection ASAP.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 03:18 PM

They showed Godfather on TV yesterday, so I got a marvellous Pacino-therapy for my cracking head, and feel great today! This evening is GF2, 3 is tomorrow - but who can suffer watching it? :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 03:28 PM

Thanks for that summation of the Takeshi film, Turi. Been wanting to see it for a while. I can just imagine his impassive face as he bets the money away...
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 04:18 PM

It was on about 11pm last night on BBC4. I don't know if you have access to that channel. It was part of some Asian film celebration.

I think you'd really like it. That scene in particular is a masterpiece.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 07:05 PM

I have BBC 4 on Freeview, but, alas, have no means of recording from it.

Anyway, first time I've watched this film in nearly two years...

The Godfather
Francis Ford Coppola 1972 US (Nth time)
When a powerful Mafia Don is shot and nearly killed, his reluctant son learns the Family business.
Deftly written epic, touching an almost Shakespearean sense of plot, pacing and character development. It never puts a foot wrong.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 08:27 PM

THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN - (2nd viewing) - ***1/2

Hilarious film that shines due to now-movie star Steve Carell and his script written with the director. There has been serious Oscar-talk for a possible Best Original Screenplay nomination...and Jon Stewart is hosting....poor Virgin. Though really, I guess if a sequel happens, it'll be called THE 41 YEAR OLD STUD.

"You know how I know you're gay? You listen to Coldplay!"

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/06 09:01 PM

Syriana ***
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 02:47 AM

Nice review Irishman.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 03:30 AM

Ya, its almost as indepth and thorough as his review for THE FANTASTIC FOUR....
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 03:38 AM

I'm glad, I don't return to school until Tuesday. Time to indulge in some movies, beginning with Le Samourai tonight.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 05:48 AM

Le Samouraï - (Jean-Pierre Melville;1967;France/Italy)
After killing a club owner, a hitman finds himself pursued by both the police and his employers.
This may be the greatest crime/suspense ever. The film is perfectly paced, directed meticulously by Melville. While the plot is simple, Melville brings the film into deeper levels that most crime films lack today. Alain Delon's performance is haunting, like an anti-social Bogart. The Jazz score is also wonderful, adding a pulsating feeling to some scenes, and a nice calmness to others. Definitely the best Neo-Noir along with Chinatown. Another power the film holds is containing less action and dialogue than most movies have, while maintaining fascination that holds strong from scene-to-scene.

Review: Film Board / GangsterBB
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 06:23 AM

The Ringer **

I had wanted to see this for awhile but have heard nothing but bad things about it. I somewhat enjoyed this movie. It wasn't as bad as Fun With Dick & Jane (which was anything but FUN). This movie was more serious than I thought it would be but with the subject matter that it was dealing with it's understandable.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 06:27 AM

Ya, I gotta agree with Irishman here. Jim Carrey should be forced to go back living like a poor hobo Canadian like he was as a kid for one year in punishment for this s*it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 09:55 AM



* * * 1/2

3.5 Stars

Main Cast: Burt Lancaster, Susan Sarandon, and Kate Reid

Summary: Lou is a small time gangster, who thinks he used to be something big. Nowadays, he spends most of his time taking care of an aging beauty queen who is sometimes his lover. He meets up with a younger girl, Sally, who is learning to be a casino dealer. Sally's husband, who had left Sally and eloped with her sister, turns up with drugs he has stolen from the Mafia. Sally's husband gets Lou to sell the drugs, but is killed before Lou can give him the money. Later, the owners of the drugs turn up and threaten to kill Sally if she doesn't return them. Now, Lou steps in to defend Sally and convince himself he can be a big shot.

Review: I first heard about this film in a book I read titled "The 101 Greatest Films of All Time", and this was #101. I wrote down the title somewhere simply because I saw it was about gangsters in one way or another, and kind of forgot about it. Then recently, I saw it for cheap in a video store, so I just decided to pick it up.

1980's Cinema is an area I'm not very familiar with, having only seen Thief, Raging Bull, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and the Breakfast Club among scattered others. There's a certain feel to 80's movies, that kind of kitschy, tacky, but yet likeable style that attracted me, and Atlantic City definetly has this.

Burt Lancaster as Lou was great in the lead role. The story of a washed up gangster is a fairly common one, but Lancaster really brings a sense of vulnerability to it in his performance. At times, Lou seems to be decieving himself into thinking he's a big shot, or at least once was, but at other times seems resigned to his fate and his past as a low-life nobody.

Kate Reid is also excellent as the aging beauty queen Grace who Lou takes care of. The director, Louis Malle, really nicely sets up and portrays this love-hate relationship, and at times the viewer will find themselves siding with Lou, and yet at other times, sympathy falls with Grace.

The beginning of the film is formatted to cover three emerging storylines at once; Lou and Grace living in relative solitude in a shabby Atlantic City apartment building, Sally (Susan Sarandon) living paycheck to paycheck working in the glossy new casinos, and Dave (Robert Joy) and his young bride Chrissie (Hollis McLaren) hitchiking from Vegas to Philadelphia where they steal a mysterious package from the Mob, and then moving on to Atlantic City.

Malle moves seamlessly through these three storylines, with Atlantic City as the central theme running through all of them. The city itself takes on a nice sense of symbolism throughout the film. To Sally, the new casino industry is going to bring chances for a new beginning and perhaps financial stability. To Lou, the city seems to be falling apart, becoming too "wholesome" and commercialized, and losing its gritty and exciting edge like Lou used to know in the good old days.

Dave's part of the story, although the catalyst for the events in the rest of the movie, is actually fairly boring and predictable at times, and badly acted by Robert Joy. I hadn't noticed until the credits rolled that the characters name was actually Dave Matthews.

Susan Sarandon, looking very young here, also performs well, although at times, the central relationship between her character Sally and Lou felt kind of forced and unexplained. Whether this should be blamed on Sarandon's acting or Malle's direction, I'm not sure, I just wasnt convinced.

The film actually picked up towards the end, although Malle had a little trouble getting there it seemed. The final conflict between Lou and Sally sets up for an interesting conclusion.

***SPOILER***

After Lou kills the drug dealers, the following morning, Burt Lancaster has some of his best scenes in the film, laughing at the news reports on the television, giddy like a little child. He is really able to accurately convey a sense of pride in himself and at the same time show that he has gone slightly senile and delusional, as he has no qualms about pointing whole-heartedly to the front page headline "Drug Related Mafia Slaying Rip Atlantic City" and declaring proudly, "I did that!" I laughed aloud at this part, probably the best scene in the film.

***SPOILERS END***

This film will definetly need a couple rewatches, not because of a complex storyline or anything like that, just because after understanding the story, further examination should be paid to the actors performances individually. Im looking forward to rewatching Burt Lancaster especially, and perhaps Ill look to see other films he has worked in.

Overall, a solid film, dramaticly convincing, yet humorous when it needs to be, good performances by Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon, ultimately hampered by some pacing and story development problems in the mid-section of the film and some poor acting by most of the supporting cast.

Although I did especially enjoy the Robert Goulet cameo.

Direction – 17/20
Acting – 18/20
Story – 12/15
Rewatchability – 12/15
Music – 7/10
Depth – 8/10
Cinematography – 4/5
Supporting Cast – 3/5
TOTAL = 81%

81% = 3.5/5 Stars

Best Quote: "Don't touch the suit."
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 09:01 PM

The Brown Bunny
Vincent Gallo 2003 US/Japan/France (1st time)
A motorcycle racer travels across America to meet with his girlfriend; along the way, he tries to fill in her absence.
An oddly beautiful film, which, stripped to its bare bones, is a road movie with an interesting closure; captivating for those who can take the director's heavy self-indulgence.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 09:55 PM

Capo, glad to see you reverted back to your old avatar. Very nice.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/06 10:04 PM

I haven't watched a movie since Aguirre, Wrath of God weeks ago. Damn school.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/06 02:54 AM

Narc - (Joe Carnahan;2002;USA/Canada)
After a cop's murder goes unsolved, a Narcotics officer teams up with the dead man's partner to solve it.
William Friedkin said that this film is very retro, somewhat like his film The French Connection, but I disagree with him in thinking it's a masterpiece. It is however, a very good crime film that not only shows an accurate portrayal of police, but is very atmospheric and gritty. The blue palettes used contribute a lot to that feeling. This is of course flawed by certain things, but made up for in others. This is Ray Liotta's best performance since Goodfellas, which holds a strong presence. I'm also glad it's distant from the buddy-cop cliche. Jason Patric's performance is also very good.

I'll revisit this when I can get a Widescreen copy.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/06 07:29 PM

Following
Christopher Nolan 1998 UK (1st time)
A wannabe writer, following people for characters in a new work, comes into trouble when he meets a burglar.
An inventive film in which all of the characters are expendably uninteresting; as a comment on privacy invasion and social identity, it outweighs its thriller conventions far more.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/06 08:06 PM

Godfather - 3 stars, Following - one star, Brokeback - none
Capo, you are shocking me more and more everyday with your ratings
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/06 08:44 PM

I rewatched the whole Godfather Trilogy.
It was on TV 3 evenings in a row, and I made it a point to watch them, despite all. I won't describe all the efforts it took to sit through GF3, just pity me.
My impressions are not changed, they are, in fact, strenghtened beyond measure. 1 movie is a masterpiece, then slowly down, then rapidly down, then just rediculous...
But I found that I just love some scenes in GF2 - senza mama, for example...
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/06 08:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]The Godfather
Francis Ford Coppola 1972 US (Nth time)
When a powerful Mafia Don is shot and nearly killed, his reluctant son learns the Family business.
Deftly written epic, touching an almost Shakespearean sense of plot, pacing and character development. It never puts a foot wrong. [/b]
What's your motivation for not giving it four stars?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/06 08:52 PM

Here's a list a films I plan on watching within the next few days/weeks. Bold films will be first viewings.

New York, New York
Jackie Brown
Blazing Saddles
Red Eye
Heat
Ali
Elephant
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Open Your Eyes
The Roaring Twenties
Opening Night
Thief
The Game
The Deer Hunter
The Conversation
Fight Club
Following
Le Cercle Rouge
Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas
Serpico
First Blood
Sin City
Cinderella Man
Training Day
2001: A Space Odyssey
The Usual Suspects
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/06 09:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Here's a list a films I plan on watching within the next few days/weeks. Bold films will be first viewings.

[b]Blazing Saddles

2001: A Space Odyssey
[/b]
Youre in for some good films, especially in these two. I cant believe youve never seen Blazing Saddles, a true comedy classic, one of the funniest movies of all time probably.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/06 09:38 PM

MUNICH - ****1/2 out of 5

Wow. I might re-organize my Top 10 list for 2005, for this movie almost...ALMOST...takes the #1 crown away from A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE. Truely a stunning non-melodramatic tale from Senor Spielberg about an underground operation of vengeance.

Really, I don't get some of the negative reviews against it. Even the political piss-slaps at the movie is a waste of time to contemplate.

I don't have the proper words to express it, but if you love movies, its quite badass...and yes, its Spielberg's best effort as a director since SCHINDLER'S LIST. Bravo Steven, bravo...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/06 04:58 AM

Jackie Brown - (Quentin Tarantino;1997;USA)
A female flight attendant becomes a key figure in a plot between the police, an arms dealer, and a shitload of money.
It's been too long since the last time I saw this, but now I feel like I appreciated it even more then my first viewing. Tarantino's direction is great as usual, and this film works on a dramatic level wonderfully. Pam Grier, Robert Forster, and Samuel L. Jackson lead this film with very entertaining presence, as well as the rest of the cast. An underrated film I feel is better then the Kill Bill films. The soundtrack is also great, especially Bobby Womack's "Across 110th Street." I also like the nod to The Graduate in the opening.

Blazing Saddles - (Mel Brooks;1974;USA)
A black sheriff is appointed to bring down a western town.
This is definitely one of the best comedies ever. It maintains it's humor through the whole film. My favorite part of the movie is the ending, which becomes so absurd in it's parody that we can't help but piss ourselves. It would've been better if Richard Pryor was in it as it was originally planned but Cleavon Little is a great substitute. I can't wait to see Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein and The Producers. I really can't find anything to criticize about this.

Bart: Mornin', ma'am. And isn't it a lovely mornin'?
Elderly woman: Up yours n*gger.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/06 06:32 PM

The Godfather is a bit like Mann's Heat, in that my memory of it is always a mind-blowing film, but while actually watching it, it's a highly accomplished film which doesn't hit my emotional chords as powerfully as it used to. A thematically profound film, and one of bravura storytelling. I plan on revisiting Part II next week.

The difference between three stars and four stars is the latter is currently, actively influencing or changing my life. Both are awarded to masterpieces as and when I see them.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/06 06:33 PM

Lawrence of Arabia
David Lean
1962 UK (1st time)
A British military officer is transferred from Cairo to Arabia, and helps the Arabs to revolt.
Astonishing epic, which, even at four hours, is a delightful, adventurous, and genuinely exciting affair. Powerful, essential stuff.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/06 06:36 PM

I missed Gohatto last night, Mick

But it wasn't too bad. I've discovered My Name is Earl. And excellent new comedy.

Tonight's Ping Pong sounds relatively interesting though.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/06 06:37 PM

You know, I had a feeling that, since I hadn't reminded you of it, you would forget to watch that film.

Fucking assignments.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/06 07:10 PM

MANHUNTER - **1/2

Michael Mann's serial killer thriller from 1986 starts off great, but then once the 2nd half happens, it ends up becoming quite flat and nothing special. Sad since I dug the opening half, where for a good long time, we never meet the perp. In most such movies, we would see him step by step(ironically, like the inferior remake RED DRAGON), but instead we let William Petersen paint the profile and suggested history...and its really our imagination that can make it more disturbing than weird tattoos or a house full of trophies from the remains of his victims, whatever.

In fact, when we finally meet the "Tooth Fairy" in a scene that isn't scored and everything is understated...damn talk about creepy.

However, the movie goes from being interesting to being bland once we explore the killer more, that sense of awe and fear to this psychopath that is out there, somewhere now.

Not to mention that I HATED the 80's music junk. I could stand THIEF and THE KEEP, but not this garbage. Yuck!

P.S. - Interesting and different work from Brian Cox as Dr. Hannibal "Lecktor", years before Anthony Hopkins became "THE" Dr. Lector. Still, I liked the film's idea of Cox's Lecktor being under-stated in his menace, and actually trying and nearly destroying the one person that happened to catch him.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/06 10:31 PM

"You've got mail".
A bit too sentimental for my taste.
But I like Meg Ryan. Good Actress.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 01:23 AM

There is some nice godfather reference in "you've got mail"
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 02:43 AM

I should be seeing Syriana tomorrow.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 03:34 AM

Yellow Submarine (1968) - ****
Director: George Dunning
The Fab Four climb aboard a magical submarine with a canary-yellow paintjob to save Pepperland and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band from the Blue Meanies in this animated musical.
As a huge Beatles fan, I wasn't actually expecting this to be a move I would give four stars to, but more so something along two or three stars that would just be a good (not great) and entertaining film, that would hold my interest as a Beatles fan. I knew I would enjoy it, but this film is not only a master-work milestone for animated films and rock-opera's, but for cinema in general. I totally enjoyed this, and I think anyone could get into this film regardless of musical taste or age. I could even see my seven year old sister with little knowledge or interest for The Beatles enjoying this cartoon, simply for the adventure and spectacle of it. The cinematography is excellent, and each cartoon-Beatle seemed to reflect the personality and movements of his real-life rock-star counterpart. The soundtrack is great, and includes many of my favorite Beatle songs. Throw in a cameo appearance from Sgt. Pepper's and his back-up band, and what more could you ask for? I will be re-viewing this at least twice this week.


Helter Skelter (2004) - ***
Director: John Gray
Helter Skelter follows the events and murders, and eventually, trial of Charlies Manson and his "family" of pseudo-hippies that took place in 1969.
I went to the video-rental store looking for the original 1976 version of Helter Skelter. Unfortunately, it had either been rented out, or they just didn't have it when I got there, so I let the 2004 remake suffice for now. I've heard this isn't nearly as good as the original, and I can see that. But non-comparitively, this was a good film. Not great, but good and entertaining. The performances are all great, although there are a few directorial choices I disagreed with... I was a bit disspointed with the soundtrack, seeing as the original was done by The Beatles (this remake included Helter Skelter in maybe three places, although I don't think it was ever played in its entirity, and--although I can't be certain yet--it sounded as if it were an extremely similar re-recording done by someone other than McCartney). Over-all, it was an entertaining viewing I enjoyed... Although I'd still like to see the original.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 05:51 AM

Wise Guys - (Brian De Palma;1986;USA)
Two low level mobsters lose $250,000 of their boss' money at the tracks, and are assigned to kill each other.
Enjoyable for fans of the actors in it. It provides some laughs, but overall it's an average, B-movie comedy. De Palma's direction seems vacant, like Demme's Married to the Mob. It seems obvious this project was given very little care, direction-wise.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 05:04 PM

2046 **

A decent movie that was confusing at some points but the music and directing were the real stars here IMO. Ziyi Zhang was also quite enjoyable
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 05:17 PM

Man, WISE GUYS...oh god. Now I remember it. Dammit Vercetti, and I had just buried that away from my memory banks.
Posted By: Tony Love

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 05:25 PM

Getting Gotti - 1994

Starring Lorraine Bracco as Diane Giacalone, and Anthony John Denison as John Gotti

This show is based on a true story about an Italian woman who works for the Feds. It's based on her struggle on trying to convict John Gotti, someone she used to live by (in the same neighborhood). Throughout the movie, John Gotti and his crew basically treat her like shit. It's something you'll specifically notice during the court case.

*SPOILER*

In the movie, she spends about seven years in this single court case against Gotti and eventually loses the case because the jury was bribed. Nothing too exciting. I found myself drifting to sleep during this movie.

This movie is OK. I'd give it ** and recommend that if you watch it, rent it only. It's OK, but I wasn't too impressed by some of the acting and the dialogue. Plus, I'm not too certain about the movie's accuracy. There were a few parts which I know are true (like killing Big Paulie Castellano in broad day light).

Instead of seeing this show, I would recommend Gotti instead. Much better film, and it stars Armand Assante as John Gotti, and he does a good job. All in all, it's a better movie, as well.

I won this show (Getting Gotti) off an Ebay auction. I bid on it mainly due to seeing Lorraine Bracco on the cover. She isn't bad in this movie, but she's had better roles.

See Gotti instead.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 05:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
There is some nice godfather reference in "you've got mail"
Yes, and also "Pride & Prejudice" reference.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 05:59 PM

Looks like snow ruined my plans to see Syriana.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 06:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Man, WISE GUYS...oh god. Now I remember it. Dammit Vercetti, and I had just buried that away from my memory banks.
Thank you, Mr. Acavano!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 06:19 PM

You Bastard. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 07:13 PM

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room ***

A very informative and well presented documentary about one of history's greatest business scandals. Great first hand accounts of people who actually worked for the company as well as corporate audio and videotapes during the California "blackout scandal" among other things
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 08:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
2046 **

A decent movie that was confusing at some points but the music and directing were the real stars here IMO. Ziyi Zhang was also quite enjoyable
I agree; rewatches reward more. It also helps if you've seen In the Mood for Love.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 08:42 PM

Nashville
Robert Altman 1975 US (1st time)
Politics and music intertwine during a Country and Western festival.
A kind of musical tableau, genre-bending and energetic in its freeform direction.

Once Upon a Time in the Midlands
Shane Meadows
2002 UK (1st time)
A car mechanic proposes to his girlfriend on national television, and incurs the wrath of her former husband and father to her daughter.
The premise is impossible to take seriously from the off: a conglomeration of contrasting accents from around Britain (despite the title). This is a sorry homage to the Western, with forced humour and a narrative struggling to evoke any kind of positive response to the caricature cast.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] 2046 **

A decent movie that was confusing at some points but the music and directing were the real stars here IMO. Ziyi Zhang was also quite enjoyable
I agree; rewatches reward more. It also helps if you've seen In the Mood for Love. [/b][/quote]I also agree, rewatches are always beneficial. Unfortunately with my current work, school and "things to watch schedule", that a rewatch of this will not be any time soon
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 09:55 PM

Off topic, but really, MUNICH surprised the shit out of me. If it wasn't for A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, this would have been #1 for 2005 for me...it came THAT close.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 09:57 PM

Again off-topic. Are the nominations for Oscar out already?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/06 10:21 PM

No, but the date the announcements are is January 31(Tuesday), 5:30 AM Pacific Time...or 8:30 AM to the East Coasters. Tomorrow night is the Golden Globes.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 01:57 AM

Oldboy *
A korean movie about a man imprisoned for 15 years in a secret location who finds out why he was released. There is a great twist in the plot at the end, but other than that, the movie has nothing much to offer. It is stylishly made but the premise on which the entire movie is made is very flimsy and unconvincing. It also features a great hammer fight scene filmed in a single long shot. The movie has been dubbed in English in the DVD version, so you don't need sub-titles to watch it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 02:48 AM

New York, New York - (Martin Scorsese;1977;USA)
After WW2, a saxophone player and a singer fall in love in New York City but soon struggle in their relationship.
A very good film that could've been great, suffering from overlength and at times losing track of it's characters in the musical numbers. Them music is great however, and the acting is very good. What impressed me the most was how this was a tribute to the Golden Age of cinema. I loved the various set pieces and backgrounds used from old films.

Red Eye - (Wes Craven;2005;USA)
A woman is forced by a middle man to help assassinate a politician while she's on an airplane.
The first have is actually pretty good, depending on genuine suspense and dialogue. The second half off the plane however turns towards cliche, and gets ridiculously predictable. The acting in the first half was also good, but sloped in the second half, because that half didn't demand much from them.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 03:32 AM

TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES (2003) - **1/2

The last starring work before becoming the Governor of California, Schwarzenegger returned to his iconic film role for a record $30 million payday, though without franchise director/writer James Cameron. However, veteran hired-gun director Johnathan Mostow, who's always seemed like a decent guy and has done some decent pictures (i.e. U-571) does the best that he could with a $200 million, and without unfortunately Cameron's superior talents.

Neverless, Mostow should at least be applauded for at least including an ending that for such an expensive summer blockbuster tentpole picture, its actually.....shocking, and the fact that its a kick to the nuts after we're led to believe in a down-to-the-last-second climax.

I'm working on a new column series that tackles popular film franchises, and basically its like a mega-size edition of my regular film columns....so yes, expect chapters for STAR WARS, THE TERMINATOR, DIRTY HARRY, the BOURNE movies, and of course...........duh duh DUM DUM! James Bond.

Anyway, I'll try to include more detailed thoughts of what works in T3...and especially what doesn't.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 11:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] New York, New York - (Martin Scorsese;1977;USA)
After WW2, a saxophone player and a singer fall in love in New York City but soon struggle in their relationship.
A very good film that could've been great, suffering from overlength and at times losing track of it's characters in the musical numbers. Them music is great however, and the acting is very good. What impressed me the most was how this was a tribute to the Golden Age of cinema. I loved the various set pieces and backgrounds used from old films.
[/b]
How long is the version you got? The one I have s 123 Minutes long (Pal what should be around 128 NTSC)...
But I found this information on IMDB:

Originally four and a half hours long. Director Martin Scorsese cut it to 153 minutes, then to 136 minutes. In 1981 some material (mainly the 'Happy Endings' sequence) was restored and the film became 163 minutes long.

Now 4.5 Hours would be "overlong"...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 04:26 PM

About two hours and 43-ish minutes.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 05:12 PM

Sin City -- ****

I thought this film was gonna blow, but I thoroughly blown away by it. I'm not very well versed in "film-noir", so I have nothing to really compare this film to. As is, I think this is one of the best films of '05. The "sets" (sets is in quotes because, technically, there were none) were gorgeous, the direction was great, and the contrasting colors in certain scenes really fit in with the plot.

I watched the "all green screen edition" on disc 2 in the Special Edition set. It's amazing how little they had to work with. The actors/actresses literally had to use their imaginations.

Mickey Rourke put in the best performance, IMO. He was absolutely brilliant as Marv. As a reader of the graphic novels, I can't imagine anyone else playing Marv but Mickey Rourke. It's a shame he doesn't get many good parts anymore.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 05:40 PM

I'm so glad you loved Sin City xxx. It is my favorite movie of 2005. One day when I could get my hands on them I'd love to read all the novels. Some good news though, either this year or next year Sin City 2 is going to come out
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 08:28 PM

Two for the Money ***

A suprisingly good drama suspense movie about the dangers and addiction of professional sports gambling. Matthew McConaughey was good, I haven't seen him since 2001's Frailty. And it was great to see a "good" Pacino movie since 2002's Insomnia.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 08:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Two for the Money ***

A suprisingly good drama suspense movie about the dangers and addiction of professional sports gambling. Matthew McConaughey was good, I haven't seen him since 2001's Frailty. And it was great to see a "good" Pacino movie since 2002's Insomnia.
Wow, Irish, I'm so glad that someone finally shares my opinion that it was not at all that bad!
I remember that when I started a special thread about this movie everybody kept saying it was boring.
How can Al be boring???
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 09:20 PM

It definitely wasnt boring, just had some problems with character and story development. A solid performance by Pacino, overall an average film, but its not exactly trying to be more then it is, so it serves its purpose, a little bit of harmless entertainment.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 09:21 PM

Syriana - (Stephen Gaghan;2005;USA)
A film about the oil industry and the people involved from corporation tycoons, Arab youths, a Prince, energy official, lawyer, and a CIA agent.
One of the most relevant films around today. It holds onto our fascination through much of the film, although at times getting too complex and at others not enough, like the quick transition of the two men who become suicide bombers. However this film has wonderful acting, music, and especially cinematography. If it shows something, it's that the wealth of the few is created by the sweat and blood of many.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 09:22 PM

Shane's World
Shane Meadows
2000 UK (1st time)
A 70-minute film consisting of four low-budget shorts, with homemade commercials and filmmaking tips inbetween.
The core problem here is that Meadows, having described his intentions as wanting to inspire people to make films, goes on to show four unremarkable shorts he has made; Considine is the saving grace of this often witty sketch piece.

Thief
Michael Mann
1981 US (1st time)
A professional thief tries to keep his personal and business life separate, and struggles.
Underwhelming effort, lacking the attractive visuals of Mann's best work; its highlight is the finale, but it is too late in the day to save it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/06 09:40 PM

Wow, 0 stars for Thief and Brokeback Mountain.

Id definitely recommend a few rewatches for Thief. I felt different about it after my first viewing too, I didnt dislike it as much as you, but I didnt think it was phenomenal either. A few viewings later, its one of my favorites. The film kind has to be appreciated for its more subliminal aspects, if you know what I mean.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/06 06:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Two for the Money ***

A suprisingly good drama suspense movie about the dangers and addiction of professional sports gambling. Matthew McConaughey was good, I haven't seen him since 2001's Frailty. And it was great to see a "good" Pacino movie since 2002's Insomnia.
Wow, Irish, I'm so glad that someone finally shares my opinion that it was not at all that bad!
I remember that when I started a special thread about this movie everybody kept saying it was boring.
How can Al be boring??? [/b][/quote]Yeah I thought it was good. I won't buy it on DVD but it did exceed my expectations. Again, it's good to see a "good" Pacino movie. I haven't seen a good movie from him since 2002 unfortunately
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/06 03:49 PM

Ali
Michael Mann 2001 US (1st time)
Muhammed Ali's most significant decade in his life, 1964-1974, including his friendship with Malcolm X, induction into the Nation of Islam, objection to Vietnam, and retaining his world title against George Foreman.
Powerful biopic propelled into excellence by Smith's inspired performance; Mann's free camerawork gives a real sense of energy, and you can't help but get lost in the narrative's drive.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/06 03:51 PM

My favorite scene in ALI is when Will Smith enters the arena in the finale. WOW, what massive shots they are.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/06 05:19 PM

EXCALIBUR (1981) - ****

Magical and engrossing retelling of the King Arthurian myth by Oscar-nominated filmmaker John Boorman. Full of violence and sex that most such fantasy projects are neither willing or able to feature, and featuring early career work for future featured actors like Liam Neeson, Gabriel Mann, and Patrick Stewart. This takes a giant s*it on Antoine Fuqua's quite lame KING ARTHUR summer blockbuster bomb.

OCEAN'S ELEVEN (2001) - ***

Enjoyable mega-box-office hit all-star picture with Clooney, Pitt, Damon, and gang trying to rob three casinos with $160 million. Soderbergh makes for his major commercial success, and Andy Garcia is fun as the villain. Nothing great, but Soderbgh did admit that he made the picture as "simply pleasurable from beginning to end". He did that.
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/06 05:21 PM

I quite agree with you on Excalibur. One of my favs, and I really don't know why it isn't/wasn't a bigger hit.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/06 09:54 PM

The Last Waltz
Martin Scorsese 1978 US (1st time)
The Band's final stage performance, intercut with interviews from members.
If not an inspiring documentary, then certainly a definitive one, full of guest performers and interviews with the band members, in which, most of the time, you get the feeling they're all on drugs.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/06 11:02 PM

Someday I'll review EXCALIBUR quite thoroughly for RRA'S VIDEO BIN REVIEW....now Snake, I think it didn't do better for the following reasons:

*FANTASY - While LOTR was the first such fantasy pictures to actually make massive amounts of money and win many Oscars, that genre still has a stigma of sorts...though arguably, the stigma is gone with HARRY POTTER and other stuff making money as well.

*NO STARS - Boorman intentionally casted relative unknowns in EXCALIBUR inorder to concentrate the audience's attention on the story more so than the actors...which he did.

*TIME - Over-time, EXCALIBUR is pretty well-respected by film fans over the last 25 years or so...I rate this and John Milius' CONAN THE BARBARIAN as the two great mythological fantasy epics of the 1980s.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/06 11:07 PM

Munich *** 1/2

I agree with ronnie, it is Senor Spielbergo's best effort as a director since Schindler's List. Not to knock War of the Worlds but this is much better than it. Eric Bana REALLY impressed me. I don't remember him in Black Hawk Down and he was enjoyable during Hulk but I think this is easily his best performance. I didn't notice that Geoffrey Rush was in it until maybe an hour into it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/06 02:13 AM

The Fog (2005) *

I think 2 words can sum up this movie, absolutely dreadful. Why are so many movies today that try to be suspensful or horror movies are more laughable and like comedies? What was this director's previous work experience? Burger King commercials
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/06 03:18 AM

Foreign Correspondent - (Alfred Hitchcock;1940;USA)
Near WW2, an American reporter is sent to England where he witnesses an assassination that he tries to investigate.
A great thriller for it's time and although it drags somewhat in the middle, Hitchcock makes up for it. There are several memorable moments, especially the plane crash, which had great special effects for it's time, very Titanic-esque. It also has a great ending, depicting something before it happened in real life. Aside the dragging it turns out to be a taut thriller, supported very well by it's cast. Not only a great film, but a call for help regarding America's neutral position on WW2. Classic Hitchcock.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/06 10:00 AM

Irishman, for Bana's best performance (though I've not seen Munich), check out Chopper (2000). He's amazing.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/06 10:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irishman, for Bana's best performance (though I've not seen Munich), check out Chopper (2000). He's amazing.
not to mention he was a remarkably attractive Hector in Troy, especially having that girls-drool-over-me-Pitt/Achilles as a contender..... :p
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/06 11:07 AM

"The Motorcycle Diaries" (2004)

An amazing movie about a road trip the young Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado had all across and along South America in the 1950's. I confess I had not great expectations because I thought it was a political movie with a political thesis, which generally gets me suspicious. Well, I was wrong. The movie only covers Guevara's life before he became the famous "Che" Guevara and it is mostly about two youngsters who get more and more aware of what life is really about. You will find tragedy, humour, gorgeous landscapes and great music. And excellent acting by Gael Garcia Bernal and Rodrigo de la Serna.
I don't know if this movie is availabe in USA, but if it is you should try and watch it, because it is really worthwhile.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/06 08:42 PM

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
Martin Scorsese 2005 US (1st time)
The life and art of Bob Dylan from his early years to 1966.
If Scorsese takes too long in pussyfooting about trying to establish a historical context for Dylan, the second part of this documentary is an electrifying, riveting portrait of an artist whose attention both drives him and appals him.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/06 09:19 PM

Glad to hear Irish that you agreed. Too bad that Universal apparently has quit on MUNICH, at least according to drudgereport...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/19/06 04:01 AM

The Royal Tenenbaums - (Wes Anderson;2001;USA)
When an aging man announces he's dying, he tries to make up for lost times with his estranged family.
This is one of those films that makes you fall in love with the characters so much, you actually want more by the ending. It manages to be a pretty humorous movie without deliberately aiming to be a comedy, but outlining itself with subtle humor. The whole cast is great, especially Gene Hackman, Bill Murray, and Luke Wilson. I didn't know what to expect seeing this but this makes me interested in Anderson's other films. The soundtrack was also great. Definitely a great film that seems to be overlooked by most people.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/19/06 06:34 AM

Thumbsucker ***

A very enjoyable slow/subtle paced movie about a 17-year-old boy named Justin Cobb (played by Lou Pucci), a teenager who still sucks his thumb. Realing it's totally disrupting his home, love and school life, he allows his orthodontist (Keanu Reeves) to break him of the habit through hypnosis. Justin begins to experiment with prescription drugs and sex as alternative means to overcome his anxieties and become "normal," never realizing normal is just a state of mind. I remember hearing quite a lot about this movie from JoBlo.com and now I can see why. The soundtrack was very enjoyable as well
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/19/06 08:17 AM




Main Cast: Charlotte Rampling, Ludivine Sagnier, and Jean-Marie Lamour

Summary: Sarah Morton is a famous British mystery author. Tired of London and seeking inspiration for her new novel, she accepts an offer from her publisher John Bosload to stay at his home in Luberon, in the South of France. It is the off-season, and Sarah finds that the beautiful country locale and unhurried pace is just the tonic for her--until late one night, when John's indolent and insouciant French daughter Julie unexpectedly arrives.

Sarah's prim and steely English reserve is jarred by Julie's reckless, sexually charged lifestyle. Their interactions set off an increasingly unsettling series of events, as Sarah's creative process and a possible real-life murder begin to blend dangerously together.

Review: Bottom line, this was a really great film. Top notch performances by Charlotte Rampling as Sarah Morton and Ludivine Sagnieras as Julie, neither of which I had ever heard of before, and excellent direction by François Ozon, who I also had never heard of. Luckily, I was given this one on a recommendation from a friend.

The film really nicely lays out time in the beginning for character development, and then as Sarah moves from London to the French mansion, the viewers are given a nice period of development for the new setting and Sarah's adjusting to and exploring of it. Before this gets boring but without cutting it off too short, we are led into the next chapter of the story. Ozon really displays a great sense of timing and story structure throughout the film.

In the middle section of the story, we find further exploration of both of our main players, and also development of the conflict between them, introduction of much of the supporting cast, and just a lot of good little scenes shot beautifully by Ozon. He had some jump cuts here and there, where a scene would cut as soon as a piece of dialogue was finished, whereas I felt other directors might have chosen to insert a moment of awkward silence here and there to reiterate the tense mood. Although these stood out, they didnt take away from the overall flow of the story or the impact of the dialogue.

The only real problem with this film is the ending, which unfortunately hurts the entire rest of the film a bit. Ozon seems as though he may have been going for the ultra-thought provoking ending, where even he may not have a definite answer for the mystery that is presented to the viewers. Either this is the case or he didn't take enough time to explain the occurences at the end of the film so as to clue the viewers in to what he was trying to imply. The big twist comes out only semi-comprehensible, and subsequently only semi-interesting.

Ultimately, a good dramatic film with some bits of humor, top notch acting and directing, an interesting and well-paced story, a slightly muddled ending, good music and supporting cast.

Direction – 17/20
Acting – 19/20
Story – 12/15
Rewatchability – 12/15
Music – 9/10
Depth – 9/10
Cinematography – 5/5
Supporting Cast – 5/5
TOTAL = 88%

88% = 4/5 Stars

Best Quote: "You're just a frustrated Englishwoman who writes about dirty things but never does them."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/19/06 10:02 PM

The Lost Boys ***

My first time watching this vampire movie and I was very pleased with it. I'm not a huge fan of the vampire genre other than Interview With the Vampire and now this movie. I think Agent Jack Bauer, ah excuse me, Kiefer Sutherland really stole the show here. Corey Haim also put together a pretty hilarious performance as well. I'm currently looking forward to my next recommended viewing Stand By Me.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/19/06 10:33 PM

Four films to report on:

Dinner Rush
Bob Giraldi
2000 US (1st time)
A hectic night in a TriBeCa restraurant, owned by a former bookmaker.
Witty, engaging and fast-moving film, served with a delicious sense of food as a means of narrative development; from start to finish, a joy to behold.

Masked and Anonymous
Larry Charles
2003 US (1st time)
An ageing music performer is forced out of retirement to perform at a fundraising concert.
Decidedly quirky comedy, of sorts, at which you'll laugh, or at least smile, if you can get past the obscurity of Dylan's script; laiden with notable cameos and performances, which help to buoy, or expose, Dylan's inability to act.

Morte a Venezia (Death in Venice)
Luchino Visconti
1971 Italy/France (1st time)
A pianist falls in love with a young boy in Venice, and his obsession keeps him there long enough to catch the Plague.
Visuals sustain mild interest in an otherwise cardboard affair; throughout, you get the sense of a director passionate about the literary origins of the piece, but his vision has been lost into artificiality somewhere in the process.

Week-end (Weekend)
Jean-Luc Godard
1967 France/Italy (3rd time)
A bourgeois couple travel to Oinville, but their journey is hampered by an endless traffic jam and forest-dwelling savages.
Godard's vision of Hell, depicted with brutal force at the expense of middle class consumerism: apparently, in order to overcome the horrors of the bourgeoisie, more horror is required. Essential viewing, as a cinematic mass of one artist's ideas; it is quite clearly made by somebody disgusted with the world.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/06 03:31 AM

Stage Fright - (Alfred Hitchcock;1950;UK)
To clear the name of the man she loves, a woman becomes a murderer actress' maid.
This really felt like Diet Hitchcock. The middle isn't the only thing that drags and the acting isn't as impressive as his other films, though I liked Richard Todd. The rising action showed promise but led to an ultimately mishandled and disappointing climax. It does have it's moments scattered here and there, but not enough.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/06 03:51 AM

The Woodsman (2004)
I was really surprised at how much I liked this film. I've been meaning to see it since about last year at this time, and it did not disappoint. I think, with time, that this could be looked at in some of the same ways as Taxi Driver in that it is a stunningly real potrayal(sp)of a sick and twisted mind, a shattered life.
I know Ive promissed this in the past, but I do have a full review I have written, I just need to find time to type it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/06 04:06 AM

Though I wouldn't compare it to Taxi Driver, I thought The Woodsman was a great and overlooked film for 2004, I rate it as the 10th best of that year. I need to revisit though. Kevin Bacon was overlooked as well.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/06 04:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:


[b]Week-end (Weekend)
Jean-Luc Godard
1967 France/Italy (3rd time)
A bourgeois couple travel to Oinville, but their journey is hampered by an endless traffic jam and forest-dwelling savages.
Godard's vision of Hell, depicted with brutal force at the expense of middle class consumerism: apparently, in order to overcome the horrors of the bourgeoisie, more horror is required. Essential viewing, as a cinematic mass of one artist's ideas; it is quite clearly made by somebody disgusted with the world. [/b]
From being on these boards and reading all the film discussions, I want to see this and Le Samourai SO BAD.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/06 09:25 PM

The Circus
Charles Chaplin
1928 US (1st time)
An out of work tramp becomes a circus performer and falls in love with the boss' daughter.
Chaplin on top form; the story itself is somewhat discardable, and what is left behind is a succession of visual setpieces: a police chase, Charlie getting trapped in a lion's cage, and a tightrope performance gone wrong.

City Lights
Charles Chaplin
1931 US (1st time)
A tramp befriends a millionaire, falls in love with a blind girl, and helps her get her sight back.
The early sequences are fine indeed, with Charlie saving a drunkard from suicide; later on, we're treat to a brilliant, balletic boxing fight. Inbetween and thereafter, the film lulls, too concerned in delivering its message: love is blind.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/06 09:53 PM

Hearts of Darkness ***

The making of Apocalypse Now. Ofcourse I liked it because AN is my #1 favorite. The madness in the lives of AN characters parallel that of the actors and more importantly Coppola himself. Seeing all the trouble Brando created, I think coppola should have just used some other actor. That movie was great not because of Brando, someone else could have easily done that role. I am glad I saw this. It is inspiring for me personally, as I can exactly understand each and everything that coppola is saying. That frustration, that fear of failure and insanity. It is just that willard faces his apocalypse in vietnam; coppola, martin sheen and other actors in philipines jungles and some one like me just sitting here.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/06 10:39 PM

L.A. Confidential

Great performances from one of the best casts I've ever seen carry an otherwise average cop drama.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/06 11:58 PM

Lost In Translation
A very "lovely" movie where the one or another could relate to the two main characters in certain ways, atleast I did. I find it to be a personal movie particullary because of the situation of two (tragic?) characters. Sofia Coppola did a great job here, so did Bill Murray and especially Scarlett Johansson who gave a wonderful and powerful performance. The scenes of Tokyo are also beautifully shot. Two thumbs up Ms. Coppola.
I plan a rewatch soon. This movie could find a special place in my heart.
8.5/10 after the first viewing.

The King Of Comedy
Here we have another great character study by Mr. Scorsese and Bobby De Niro about a strugglin Comedian. I find alot of sympathy in Pupkin, even being a very annoying character. Watching the movie I thought "who else could play the character of Pupkin that great?"
In certain points Im not sure what Scorsese really wanted to tell us with this story but still found afew parallels between Pupkin and real-life figures. To be honest I cant find a "bottom line" for this movie. Its difficult to describe for me at the moment. I have to rewatch it to make up my mind. But still, a great movie with one of the better performances by De Niro playing this tragic figure.
7.5/10 after the first viewing.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/06 02:24 AM

King of Comedy was such an under-rated film. It's too bad, I thought it was a great character study. I guess alot of people just saw it as previously discovered territory for De Niro and Scorsese, after the success of Taxi Driver.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/06 05:30 AM

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - (Terry Gilliam;1998;USA)
Hunter S. Thompson and his lawyer go on an eccentric drug binge in Las Vegas covering a motorcycle race.
While containing elements that make this a very funny film, it also contains insight on the post-60's American culture, seen through the eyes of two drug users. It's hard for me to describe it's greatness. Gilliam does a great job of transferring the book to the screen, which was originally considered impossible. Depp's performance is one of his best, really capturing Thompson's quirky energy. On a first viewing it's hard to take seriously, but with more I think you can come to love this more and more.

The Game - (David Fincher;1997;USA)
A wealthy financer gets a real-life time-consuming game from his brother as a birthday gift, but it soon brings him into a downward spiral.
A film that is very similar to Fight Club in it's message. It's execution isn't as good and it does have it's moments of ridiculousness, but it turns out to be a very good thriller that has something to say. The ending I felt was going to turn into something mainstream and poor but it ends on a good note. I also love the use of the song "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane. Douglas' performance is very good as well, especially as the film progresses. I will be revisiting this in the future.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/06 07:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - (Terry Gilliam;1998;USA)
Hunter S. Thompson and his lawyer go on an eccentric drug binge in Las Vegas covering a motorcycle race.
While containing elements that make this a very funny film, it also contains insight on the post-60's American culture, seen through the eyes of two drug users. It's hard for me to describe it's greatness. Gilliam does a great job of transferring the book to the screen, which was originally considered impossible. Depp's performance is one of his best, really capturing Thompson's quirky energy. On a first viewing it's hard to take seriously, but with more I think you can come to love this more and more.

The Game - (David Fincher;1997;USA)
A wealthy financer gets a real-life time-consuming game from his brother as a birthday gift, but it soon brings him into a downward spiral.
A film that is very similar to Fight Club in it's message. It's execution isn't as good and it does have it's moments of ridiculousness, but it turns out to be a very good thriller that has something to say. The ending I felt was going to turn into something mainstream and poor but it ends on a good note. I also love the use of the song "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane. Douglas' performance is very good as well, especially as the film progresses. I will be revisiting this in the future. [/b]
After expiriencing the way "White Rabbit" was used in these two films, I'm not even kidding when I say I get a little uneasy--as if expecting something bad to happen--everytime I hear it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/06 11:03 AM




Main Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Patrick Swayze, and Drew Barrymore

Summary: During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko sleepwalks out of his house one night, and sees a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. He returns home the next morning to find that a jet engine has crashed through his bedroom. As he tries to figure out why he survived and tries to deal with people in his town, like the school bully, his conservative health teacher, and a self-help guru, Frank continues to turn up in Donnie's mind, causing him to commit acts of vandalism and worse.

Review: This was a really great film. Great direction by Richard Kelly in his first feature film, a great performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, definitely one of his best, an incredibly interesting storyline and storytelling format.

I really liked the fact that this film was set in 1988, considering the fact that it was made in 2001. Whenever a filmmaker chooses to set his story that close to the present day for apparently no specific reason, its a fairly bold decision, and Kelly really utilizes it well, as far as the clothes, the music, and the attitudes of many people, it feels as though it was filmed in the 80's at times, but in a positive way.

The storyline was really spectacular here especially. It's interesting how the viewers know as little about Donnie's condition as he does, and when Donnie makes realizations about his dreams and impulses, the viewers make them with him. Kelly also really effectively uses the technique of intercutting two events by switching back and forth between them. He is able to create some really nice, sometimes ironic images, that show the hypocrisy and ridiculousness of Donnie's hometown and its people.

This is a really deep film at times, calling into question matters of human nature, life and death, mental processes, etc. It's a really remarkable accomplishment when a film can take such basic subject matter and turn the story into an examination of the human mind in a way. One of the best aspects of this film.

Direction – 23/25
Acting – 23/25
Story – 20/20
Rewatchability – 18/20
Music – 8/10
TOTAL = 92%

92% = 4.5/5 Stars

Best Quote: "I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief, because there will be so much to look forward to."
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/06 05:45 PM

Die Große Ekstase des Bildschnitzers Steiner (The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner)
Werner Herzog
1974 West Germany (2nd time)
A carpenter whose true love in life is ski-jumping sets world records and becomes a phenomenon.
The said phenomenom is not least in the director's eyes, or even in Steiner's own psychology; a beautiful evocation of a man wanting to, like the director, push as many of his own boundaries as he can.

How Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck
Werner Herzog
1976 West Germany (2nd time)
Cattle auctioneers gather in a small Amish town for the World Championships.
An oft-funny and insightful documentary with profound implications as to the spoken language and film language--here we have English-speaking competitors being translated in German voice-over by Herzog himself, and that in turn is translated back into English subtitles.

A King in New York
Charles Chaplin
1957 UK (1st time)
Escaping a revolution, a European monarch flees to America, struggles to adapt to the country's values, and gets caught up in the Communist witchhunt.
More of a damning social comment than the comedy it claims to be; Chaplin's charm is overrided far too often by sentimentality, and, given the autobiographical synopsis, this surprisingly runs out of energy well before the end.

Twenty Minutes of Love
Charles Chaplin
1914 US (1st time)
A mischievous tramp tries to win the affections of a girl on a parkbench. Then her boyfriend returns…
The editing here shows Chaplin's brilliance as a visual storyteller; otherwise, it is a routine affair.


The Fatal Mallet
Mack Sennett
1914 US (1st time)
Two rivals over a girl end up joining forces when a third suitor comes on the scene.
Unfunny Chaplin short, which ends, for once, with the Tramp getting his comeuppance.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/06 06:17 PM

Stand By Me ***

An enjoyable but predictable tale about 4 young kids who set out to find the dead body of a child their age. Little do they know that the bad kids in town (lead by Kiefer Sutherland) are trying to get to the body first.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/06 06:21 PM

ALEXANDER(2004) -**1/2

I have a good feeling that I'll get stoned for this one...hopefully with pot.

This multi-Razzie nominee, plus the "bad" movie of 2004, isn't that awful. No, its just a damn mess, but not bad methinks. some likeable moments that are mixed with stuff that doesn't quite work. I do understand where Oliver Stone was coming from, but its sad to think that he's now probably a tired old man, for this had been made in his younger days, we might have been given a masterpiece. Tsk Tsk Tsk

But bad? Oh hell no. IF you want unimaginative crap, go rent TROY.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/06 10:32 PM

JERRY MAGUIRE (1996) - **

Cameron Crowe, save for his rather good script for FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, has always been one of the more overrated filmmakers in Hollywood. Thing is, I sorta understand how Capo feels about DePalma, except my trashing is at Crowe and his sentimental garbage. Really, if he wants to be Spielberg Jr., fine. Just leave me behind for where I could have a fun time.

"Show me the money!"

How bout my fist instead?!!?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 02:19 AM

Batman Begins - (Christopher Nolan;2005;USA)
The story of how Bruce Wayne became Batman.
Unlike any comic book movie made since Batman Returns, this one finally adds believable style and drama into the plot. And it's different from the other Batman films in focusing on Bruce Wayne in a very character studyesque way. It has it's moments of corniness but overall it's far from any other comic book movies made recently. The cast is very good, especially Bale. Nolan didn't shoot his load on CGI like other movies have, and when he does like in vast shots or special effects, it's believable and doesn't look cartoonish. The music and atmosphere is also wonderful.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 05:44 AM

Wow, my family had a movie night, and we finally watched some of the movies we got (from each other) as Christmas gifts!

We watched Christmas with the Kranks, which really turned out to be much better than I expected, as well as a Ray Charles performance with the Edmonton Symphony, and a goofy, yet entertaining movie called Trapped in Paradise.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 07:54 AM

THE CLEARING (2004) - **1/2

Decent if forgettable drama with both greats Robert Redford and Willhem Dafoe in a tale about a man(Dafoe) "forced" to take hostage of a successful businessman(Redford) into the woods and its "clearing". Apparently based on a true story in Holland. Reportedly the first Redford-leading feature to actually play at Redford's Sundance film festival.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 09:10 AM

Memento **** Christopher Nolan
This movie has the same crazy(in a good sense) editing that was seen in his earlier movie Following. But the difference is that it is backward non-linear. The plot loosely resembles Lost Highway, but minus the bullshit(IMO, ofcourse) of the latter. There is twist in the plot every now and then to retain the interest in a story that doesn't have depth otherwise. But for the novel presentation, this deserves 4 stars.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 12:17 PM

Dog Day Afternoon 10/10
Carlito's Way 9.5/10

What can i say? Didn't watch these two movies for a long time. Both are masterpieces in my book. Regarding "Dog Day Afternoon", I think Pacino gave such an amazing performance that he deserved the Oscar that year, even more than Jack Nicholson for "One Flew...". Pacino just steals the show with that tour-de-force-performance. And the tension is on the top from the first second on till the final airport scene. Sidney Lumet's best film, IMO.
Carlito's Way is another near-perfect movie with Pacino as an "ex-criminal" who after a prison-sentence wants to get out of "all the shit business" and start a new life with his girlfriend. Here we have Brian DePalma's best movie IMO. Pacino deserved the Oscar that year also, but who cares about that anyway. I find this movie to be very underrated, even on these Boards.
On a side note, when I was watching "The Deer Hunter" lastw eek, I was thinking, "who could play the part of Michael better than DeNiro?" and had these "Pacino-or-Deniro"-thoughts again, but after these two movies I think Pacino will always have the #1 spot on my Actors list.

I cant wait for the 2 Disc-special-edition of "Dog Day Afternoon" to be released in February. The movie just climbed afew ranks on my favorite-movies-list and I think there will be some other changes on it too
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 03:40 PM

Ya, DOG DAY AFTERNOON's new DVD should be great, and hey...you didn't mention it....Sidney Lumet commentary! Lets hope that its not a bust.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 04:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Ya, DOG DAY AFTERNOON's new DVD should be great, and hey...you didn't mention it....Sidney Lumet commentary! Lets hope that its not a bust.
You know whats even better? that we get the dvd earlier than you guys in the US
It'll be released february 10th. as you said, the commentary track should be great and interesting.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 04:13 PM

You Fuckers!

Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 04:45 PM

Oh really? Well you know what? If we live in a world where other countries are getting their hands of special editions of Dog Day Afternoon before us, then I am sorry to say... The terrorists have won.

Terror alert red.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 05:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
Oh really? Well you know what? If we live in a world where other countries are getting their hands of special editions of Dog Day Afternoon before us, then I am sorry to say... The terrorists have won.

Terror alert red.


Just in case you are NOT kidding, I live in Gemany :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 08:53 PM

Krótki film o zabijaniu (A Short Film About Killing)
Krzysztof Kíeslowski
1988 Poland (3rd time)
A young traveller kills a taxi driver, and is unsuccessfully defended for murder.
An unsettling, powerful, and ultimately hopeless (despite reference to a birth, the world in which this baby has been born is uninhabitable) comment on chance, fate and the futility of mankind.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 10:00 PM

Due to the film deals we do at the FCM boards, I actually have a schedule of films for the next two weeks. Week 1 is for revisiting Michael Mann's films that I own. All of the proviews for Mann's films will be posted this Friday. After that are the film deals, and after that on the following Friday are my rewatches for The Godfather trilogy.

Monday: The Insider
Tuesday: Collateral
Wednesday: Heat
Thursday: Thief
Friday: Ali
Saturday: 2001: A Space Odyssey
Sunday: The Wild Bunch
Monday: Primal Fear
Tuesday: Boys Don't Cry
Wednesday: n/a (may change)
Thursday: The Magnificent Ambersons
Friday: The Godfather
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/06 10:24 PM

Vercetti, you need to rewatch MANHUNTER as well, just to complete it sometime...and if possible, scour every shitty video store in the area, for one is bound to find THE KEEP somewhere...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 01:41 AM

Cinderella Man - (Ron Howard;2005;USA)
The story of boxer Jim Braddock's fall during the Great Depression and his rise to fight the champion Max Baer.
A film that is watchable for it's actors and music rather then the direction, which is for Howard, once again corny and melodramatic. It fails to be as thought-provoking as Million Dollar Baby or character studyeasque as Raging Bull though some of it's boxing scenes have some good elements. Instead it turns out to be a routine production. I give it a decent rating because it's cast carries it well, making you forget that it's too long. Giamatti's charisma is wonderful in particular. Otherwise this is far from the masterpiece people have been inflating this to be.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 07:32 AM

Mr and Mrs Smith No stars
crap
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 08:22 AM

Hoorah for Detail!

Ive had that same feeling, where a film was so bad I didnt even want to talk about it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 08:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Mr and Mrs Smith No stars
crap [/b]
I didn't think it was crap but I agree I thought it wasn't very good and overrated

Flightplan ** 1/2

I wanted to see this in the theaters but never made the time and had no one to go with (no one was interested). A decent, semipredictable tale about Kyle Pratt's (Jodie Foster) six-year-old daughter vanishing 40,000 feet above the Earth. A good performance by Ms. Foster and it's great to see her back. I'm glad this movie turned out better than Panic Room. SPOILERS I was a little surprised and yes even disappointed that Sean Bean didn't play a bad guy. I haven't seen him since The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 04:00 PM

Umm, what about the lame NATIONAL TREASURE? The crappy THE ISLAND(svsg, our residential Bay Fan, could tell us about that one)?

Oh well. Oh and ya, MR. & MRS. SMITH was garbage...I was too kind in my **1/2 rating of it. Really, if I want a cartoon, I'll go watch TV.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 05:05 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Smith was horrible. Let me shit myself in awe while Jolie and Pitt kill 100 guys, in slow motion mind you.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 05:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
The crappy THE ISLAND(svsg, our residential Bay Fan, could tell us about that one)?
where did you gather that from? I haven't even seen any of Bay's movies except Bad Boys, which again was crap
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 05:16 PM

Where did I gather that from? The NSA

I mean...you've got nothing to hide, right?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 05:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Where did I gather that from? The NSA

I mean...you've got nothing to hide, right?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 06:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Umm, what about the lame NATIONAL TREASURE?
Yeah National Treasure did suck too. Sorry Nicholas, stick with something like Face/Off or Lord of War
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/06 08:55 PM

Transporter 2 **

I can't believe this is possible but I think I may have enjoyed this sequel more than the original. I wasn't a huge fan of the original but I thought this would just be a giant piece of sh*t. To me, and I'm stealing a page out of another members playbook here, but it was an enjoyable "popcorn movie with lots of action." Nothing else other than that but I might have to buy these 2 movies now
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 01:05 AM

Le Samourai 10/10

Amazing film. The most perfectly paced movie I have ever seen, accompanied by a very soothing score. The acting is great, and the story is very creative. Jef Costello is the coolest movie character I have ever seen, especially towards the end while calmly testing numerous keys before finding the one that starts the vehicle. That gave me chills. This was the first time where I didn't feel like I was watching a movie, but rather being taken for a ride into a different world, and being pulled out of that world as the ending credits roll. Le Samourai is one of the best films I have ever seen, and it simply begs for re-watches.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:09 AM

I still haven't seen Le Samourai yet. I'll probably be picking it up sometime in the next couple weeks. The price has went up $10 bucks on Amazon.com, though.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:17 AM

XXX, http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=HVD001849

40% off, $17.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:21 AM

Wow! Thanks, DV! You just saved me about 13 bucks!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:24 AM

Free shipping too. I wish I had a credit card.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:25 AM

I got my copy for $21.97 on overstock.com. It's worth it though.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 01:17 PM

Am I the only one who loved Bewitched? I would at least give it 6/10. I'm glad I didn't check IMDB before getting it, I can't believe they gave this 5/10.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 02:43 PM

Wait, doesn't BEWITCHED threaten the holiness and the status of Allah as the one and only true lord of the supernatural?

:p
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 02:49 PM

Jeez...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:02 PM

Hey Iceman....now THAT is sarcasm.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:08 PM

MEN IN BLACK (1997) - ***

Enjoyable fluff summer blockbuster picture that seems to be the extra-terrestrial retooling of GHOSTBUSTERS. Opened up for a possible creative and potential franchise, only to be followed by a mediocre sequel 5 years later. Mostly notable for some fun work by Vincent D'Nofrio as an alien wearing a human "suit".
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:28 PM

"Edgar" was the show-stealer in that one! That guy's pretty talented (Law & Order CI notwithstanding!).
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 03:53 PM

Ok, I got a list of just watched movies.

"The aviator". I had great expectations but, all in all,
I was a little disappointed. Good acting performance by Leo, but the movie seems to me to remain somehow unfinished. The plane accident scene is really amazing! Breathtaking!!!

"The passion of Christ". Unlike the "Aviator", I had no great expectations, after all the criticisms I read, solely reporting blood and butchery. Well, I think this movie is almost a masterpiece. Otherwise you could not stand a 2 hrs movie entirely acted in Aramaic and Latin (not that I mind Latin, having studied it myself passionately for some 12 years) but I must admit Gibson's choice, brave as it is, isn't the most cinematographic in the world. Well, the movie is so intense and emotionally gripping you do not care if it is acted in Aramaic, Latin or Chinese. It is graphic and shocking, of course. But crucifiction was not exactly a picnic. Gibson made it as realistic as it was never shown before in movie history. Great movie, I suggest everybody to watch it.

"Ronin". One of the few DeNiro's movies I hadn't still watched. Great one. The car chases scenes in the narrow streets of Nice were absolutely breathtaking. Quite predictable ending, though. Excellent Reno. DeNiro being still a giant here, before being involved in those crappy movies he was in lately. Loved this movie.

"Troy". Ok, it was ridiculous here and there. But you know what? I liked it. Now, don't tell me Brad Pitt's looks had something to do with it....Brad is surely to be drooled over in this movie, but honestly I just let myself to be conquered by the grandiosity and magnificence of the scenes and by the myth perfume I so passionately studied since I was a child. Give it a chance. And almost 3 hrs of your time as well....
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 10:05 PM

Frozen
Juliet McKoen
2005 UK (1st time; big screen)
In a small fishing town, and estranged woman tries to deal with the loss of her missing sister.
Knowingly reminiscent of Don’t Look Now, with a bleak look and fleeting moments of striking red; if the denoument bares too much a resemblance, it is still an interesting, bleak exploration of loss and obsession with some moments of genuine eeriness.

Happiness
Todd Solondz
1998 US (1st time)
Several people, including three sisters and their parents, struggle to find fulfilment.
Affecting drama of unsatisfactory relationships and sexual fantasy; it is a deeply disturbing and ultimately challening work, by turns hilarious at its most serious or vulgar moments, and tragic all the same.

Five Easy Pieces
Bob Rafelson
1970 US (1st time)
An oil-rigger running away all his life from a musical, middle-class background, travels back to his home when his father falls sick.
One of those cult films without shape, this slowly unfolds itself as a complex character study and perhaps even social comment, with Nicholson's over-the-top theatrics winning us over all the way. An unforgettable triumph.

Rock 127
Reza Haeri
Year Iran (1st time)
With rock and jazz forbidden in Iran, many musicians form their own underground groups; a short documentary on one of these, Rock 127.
More of a promo than a documentary, it succeeds in sustaining our interests and making us want more; alas, at three minutes, we're left wanting.

The Searchers
John Ford
1956 US (1st time)
When his brother's family are massacred by Commanches, a mysterious loner begins a five-year quest to hunt down his niece, with whom the Indians ran off.
Influential in its themes of determined revenge and social alienation, this is far more compelling as a visual triumph, with cinematography and landscapes to die for; the final third gives too much leeway to distracting humour.

The Knockout
Charles Avery
1914 US (1st time)
Eager to prove his courage to his girlfriend, a hefty fighter enters a boxing match, and all hell breaks loose.
Among various Chaplin DVDs to buy, this half-hour short features Charlie for a mere few minutes as the boxing referee. Primarily, instead, a Fatty Arbuckle comedy, and a not very funny one at that.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/06 10:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
"The passion of Christ". Otherwise you could not stand a 2 hrs movie entirely acted in Aramaic and Latin (not that I mind Latin, having studied it myself passionately for some 12 years) watch it.
It was very stupid they didn't use real Latin in this movie. They used the Middle Ages Church-Latin, while the Romans just spoke, well, normal Latin.
A big mistake, when trying to be historically correct and devoting attention to it (using Aramees, Latin, ...)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/06 01:26 AM

Brokeback Mountain ****

I really wanted to see this to see what all the fuse was about and I was very impressed myself. Ang Lee's, Heath Ledger's and Jake Gyllenhaal's best performances I've ever seen. It was also nice to see Randy Quaid & Anne Hathaway in there. If you have the means, go see this film before it comes out on DVD.

Underworld ***

My third time watching this film and I was only watching it because I'm watching Underworld: Evolution tomorrow. I didn't like it the first time around but this time and the previous I have enjoyed it so much more. A very interesting story with enough action to satisfy the appetite. Not to mention that Kate Beckinsale is so f'n hot!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/06 07:13 AM

Heights * 1/2

A boring and lame story about 5 different people who meet, connect and resolve their relationships. I only watched it because Elizabeth Banks was in it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/06 09:32 PM

Broken Flowers - (Jim Jarmusch;2005;USA/France)
After a man's girlfriend leaves him, he receives a pink letter informing him he has a son. His neighbor helps him track down old flames to investigate.
The second best film of 2005. It's very relevant to many in society who as I described in my review, are leaves waiting for the wind to blow them. Bill Murray's subtle performance is the best I've seen from him, and it really makes me wanna see Lost in Translation. The music, cinematography, performances, and most of all, direction all come together beautifully. I enjoyed this even more then my first viewing. I really need to see more from Jarmusch and Murray. One of the best films of the new millennium.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/06 10:29 PM

Waiting... ** 1/2

I enjoyed this more with a 2nd viewing. A funny movie about the "horrors" of waiting tables in a restaurant. Ryan Reynold's stock is rising in my book.

Underworld: Evolution ** 1/2

I didn't think it would be better than the original and it wasn't. It was still very enjoyable and I think Kate Beckinsale did a better job with #2 than the original, but storyline and character wise, I still prefer Underworld.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/06 02:30 AM

just watched Carlito's Way. what I liked in this movie was that it was getting better and better. first I thought it was a little over the top but it went getting better until the climax in the end, which totally worked. the 'noir' sequence in the end was really cool, and of course, surprising. not that it's as great as Scarface, but I really liked it. Pacino, of course was great and was the soul of this film.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/06 04:58 AM

The Seventh Seal - (Ingmar Bergman;1957;Sweden)
A knight returning from the Crusades challenges Death to chess in a bid to live longer during the Black Death.
My first Bergman film, and a very personal one of his. This film is ultimately, like Dead Man, about losing fear in death with the addition of religious guilt. Though I believe in God, I think what this film tries to say is we shouldn't be caught up in guilt and fear of death. Ultimately, we should embrace it. I related to several things, such as a few of Block's thoughts during his confession earlier in the film. A brilliant film that paints a ridiculousedque portrait of hardcore religious people who become too guilty with themselves, especially with the plagued people who resort to flagellation.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/06 03:16 PM

well finally I watched Jean Pierre Melville's Le Samouraï for the first time last night. the hype was huge about it, and the film totally lived it up. it's amazing how there is no romance, not one single loveable charachter and almost no action and I still was absolutely entertained. now I'd like to know what's your opinion on the film. >>>SPOILERS<<< I believe Jeff's last contract was to kill that girl who plays the piano, and since he couldn't do that, he gave his life instead of failing to complete his job. I know some one might disagree though.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/06 04:23 PM

I watched both Carlito's Way and Le Samouraï last night and is interesting to see the influence of Melville's style in Carlito's Way. both films end up in a cat-and-mouse pursuit that is one of the biggest cliches in action films - see Collateral and Midnight Run - the last sequence in Carlito's Way is clearly inspired by the noir style, which was invented by Melville and some other french directors. also, is amazing how sometimes Pacino's Carlito talks exactly like Pacino's Lt. Frank Slade from Scent of a Woman --- as I coincidentally watched both films last night (Carlito's Way and Le Samouraï), it was interesting to see the connections between them and another bunch of films I've watched (and liked).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/06 07:35 PM

Jean-Pierre Melville did not invent the noir style. Film-Noir ended in the 50's and the term can be used to described post-Film-Noir films that resemble the style such as Chinatown, Le Samourai, Le Cercle Rouge, Taxi Driver, Memento, Heat, or Collateral. He loved American gangster films and Film-Noirs, and created somewhat of a fantasy world in Le Samourai.

An interesting article stated that the 60's French culture didn't really look like Melville's films fashion-wise and such. It was really a swirl of older films he loved and his own unique style. Personally I don't think Carlito's Way's chase scene is a reference to Le Samourai.

Double Indemnity is a perfect example of an excellent Film-Noir.

SPOILERS FOR LE SAMOURAI
Due to the Samurai theme of the film, I believe the final hit was a setup by his employers. He knew it was gonna end in death, and he accepted that. Costello's decision to take out the bullets was his own Seppuku.
SPOILERS END
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/06 08:03 PM

yeah, the chase scene in Carlito's Way might've been inspired by A Bout de Souffle - the final run and then getting shoot to death, all filmed from behind the carachter - I didn't say it was inspired by Le Samouraï, but I do see many connections... now, I know Melville did not invented the noir style. (I don't know who did) more accurate would be say that he created a sub-gender from noir. just notice that many films that are known to be "noir films" are not exactly that: The Usual Suspects, Pulp Fiction and others... it's kind of a sub-gender that mix noir, crime, drama and that is known for the big crowds as noir itself.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/06 08:11 PM

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Michel Gondry
2004 US (2nd time)
A man decides to get his memory erased of his ex girlfriend, and, halfway through the procedure, he realises he still loves her.
Extraordinarily inventive exploration of memory, love, and flawed relationships; it is at once abrasive and subtle, with master control of music, editing and performances creating a contrast of sorts, a kind of loose directorial approach to a tightly-written script. Remarkable.

One Hundred and One Dalmations
Clyde Geronimi / Hamilton Luske / Wolfgang Reitherman
1961 US (1st time)
When their fifteen puppies are stolen by Cruella De Vil, two dalmations seek to rescue them, with the help of the other dogs of the area.
A change in setting for Disney, though still insistent on anthropomorphism to appeal to the kids (though there are at least three human good-guys); the second half is brilliant.

Memoirs of a Geisha
Rob Marshall
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
A girl from a small fishing village is sold at an early age, and grows up to be a celebrated geisha.
Lifeless drama with an unconvincing romance and horrid succumbing to mainstream values: the most beautiful shots here are not given enough room to sweep us away, and the cast, all brilliant in their native tongue, seem awkward when directed for English-speaking audiences.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/06 09:45 PM

I'm moving back to the five star system, permanently.

***** = Masterpiece
**** = Great film
*** = Very good
** = Decent/Ok
* = Mediocre/Meh
No Stars = Bad
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/06 02:02 AM

Welcome back DA!

You knew all along the righteousness of the holy 5-star system.... :p
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/06 02:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Welcome back DA!

You knew all along the righteousness of the holy 5-star system.... :p
RRA yours is a 9-star system essentially. You do have 9 different gradings!!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/06 02:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Welcome back DA!

You knew all along the righteousness of the holy 5-star system.... :p
What can I say? You're right. It's much more comfy on the five star couch.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/06 05:29 PM

Yeah, half stars for me, add too many increments to the scale, and reduce the rating system to mathematical inconsistence.

Rushmore
Wes Anderson
1998 US (1st time)
A private school pupil more interested in extra-curricular activities than actual lessons falls in love with a new teacher, and finds himself competing for her affections with the father of two twins in his class.
Enjoyable comedy which takes pride in its own quirkiness; an acquired taste, with moments of effortless subtlety.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/06 09:44 PM

Finally got round to watching a favourite amongst many here:

White Heat
Raoul Walsh
1949 US (1st time)
A vicious gangster close to his mother finds himself on the run from the law after he escapes from prison.
Tense, gripping thriller in which Cagney makes the most out of everything; his over-the-top, thoroughly nasty performance somehow gets us on his side, and he seems to take relish in shooting those around him.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/06 11:45 PM

Michael Mann revisits.

The Insider - (Michael Mann;1999;USA)
A fired tobacco executive violates a confidentiality agreement by interviewing with 60 Minutes, but tobacco company Brown & Williamson pressure CBS and the executive.
Ultimately, this is a very important film overlooked. Above all it's about the ordinary working man being fucked by those with power, in this case Big Tobacco. There's no violence through the film, but it remains interesting through the entire ride. This is Pacino's best performance of the 90's. Russell Crowe is also great in it, more humane then his more recent dramas like Cinderella Man. Christopher Plummer is also one of the powerful presences in the film as Mike Wallace. Overall this is Michael Mann's masterpiece and best film. Everything is taut from the beautiful music to the cinematography, filled with a lot of blue/green/gray palettes. One of the best of the 1990’s. If it has something to say that's important, it's the tagline. Warning: Exposing the Truth May Be Hazardous.

Heat - (Michael Mann;1995;USA)
Two men on opposite sides of the law go head to head in L.A.
Mann's crime epic succeeds in being one of the best and most realistic crime films in the last few decades. The visuals are beautiful, along with the precise L.A. cinematography that makes the city stand out, unlike movies like To Live and Die in L.A. Pacino and DeNiro, to me don't appear to be trying to outact each other. Both turn in great performances in leading the film. The other characters are also very interesting, and it often feels like an Altmanesque crime film. The music is also wonderful from the two Moby tracks, to the other music used in the opening and heist scenes. The final frame of the film is truly a perfect ending to it.

Collateral - (Michael Mann;2004;USA)
One night in L.A. where a nihilistic assassin and a procrastinating taxi driver meet and completely change each other.
At first glance, the IMDB plot may scream "buddy comedy" but it's far from it. No scenes of fighting over a radio between rap and rock. Instead Mann brings us a Neo-Noir of great depth, lead by Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise in great performances. The music, visuals, dialogue, and action all come together brilliantly. Even the cat and mouse scene, which is an average rising action, is directed with noticeable precision that keeps you interested. Antonio Pinto's "Requiem" is also a beautiful score for the final scene. This is also Tom Cruise's best performance along with Magnolia.

Ali - (Michael Mann;2001;USA)
A biopic of Muhammad Ali, from his early boxing days and conversion to Islam to his infamous "Rumble in the Jungle" match.
Many moments of the boxing scenes are real punches, and that type of realism is evident in it. They are very well directed. This is also the only good performance from Will Smith I can think of. Spike Lee was angered at Mann because he thought only a black director could do it justice, and he was wrong. In fact, not only did Mann do it justice, but I felt the assassination of Malcolm X was more memorable here then in Malcolm X (I've seen the ending time and time again, but not the whole Spike Lee film). The visuals, camera movement, and music are naturally good. Jon Voight is also pretty good as Howard Cosell. This is also the second sign of talent from Jamie Foxx, after Any Given Sunday and before Collateral. Definitely better then Cinderella Man, though I'm not sure about Million Dollar Baby. The scene where Ali runs through the streets of Africa is excellent.

Thief - (Michael Mann;1981;USA)
A safecracker working for himself begins working for a mobster in an effort to work his way into a normal lifestyle.
Close to being great, but this time I felt that the dated 80's feel worked against it. It's a great script from Mann, and I would support him remaking it today had James Caan not been in it, considering he adds a very good presence. The robbery scenes have the realistic Mann touch, and the dialogue between Caan and Nelson is great. Truly a very good film, but the music works against it, except for Tangerine Dream's last two pieces of music. The ending is very good as well.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/06 12:11 AM

Good stuff DV, glad you agree with me that THE INSIDER is Mann's best film as a director.

Now really, you should try someday to check out and review Mann's MANHUNTER, LAST OF THE MOHICANS, and THE KEEP as well...not all these movies, but each contain some cool stuff that one would expect from an autuer like Mann.

Again, great reviews man!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/06 05:44 AM

Hopefully I'll see more within the near future. I can't wait for Miami Vice.

The Conversation - (Francis Ford Coppola;1974;USA)
A paranoid, anti-social surveillance expert fears his new recordings may result in a murder.
Coppola's sadly overlooked character study, which like his other films, is one of the best of all time. Gene Hackman has a very subtle performance unlike most of his other films. It's probably his best, followed by The French Connection. Every time I watch this film, that scene where Hackman sees what's happening through the glass with that shriek of music always makes me jump, sending chills down my spine. This turns out to be one of the great character studies with a gritty, paranoid feel, especially in the final scene. The musical score is also very subtle and fitting with the tone of the film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/06 09:40 PM

Two films today; one I was cautious about and ended up blowing me away, the other one which I had high expectations for, and was let down by miserably.

The New World
Terrence Malick
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
The first English settlers in America find themselves at odds with the Natives, and are saved by the rival king's youngest daughter, who falls in love with Captain John Smith.
Thoroughly captivating stuff from a meticulous artist; exploring themes of love, nature and the contrast between two civilisations, one free and content at its own introversion, the other curious and explorative, and both primitive in their own way, it is a beautiful work from start to finish. A period piece which feels like it could have been made before Cinema existed or even some time in the future, and a reconstruction of historical myth more interesting as a fictional work, it is a remarkably complex and warmly compelling film.

Bad Timing
Nicolas Roeg
1980 UK (1st time)
A psychoanalyst is grilled by a policeman about the mysterious attempted suicide of an estranged divorcee.
Roeg's psychosexual melodrama is undone, surprisingly, by the director's own style: the usual back-and-forth editing obscures to the point of frustration, and while Don't Look Now maintained a kind of intimate interest in its characters, this despairing work is cold enough to render the whole thing uninteresting.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/06 11:11 PM

After a pretty busy, on the go weekend last weekend, I am vegging today. Just finished watching a movie called "Joy Ride". Don't know any of the stars, never heard of the move, and missed the beginning, but I liked it. It was far-fetched no doubt, but both enjoyable, tense & even fun to watch.

Two brothers on a road trip(and later a girlfriend) are being harrassed by a big rig truck driver who talks to them via CB radio, and calls them at the hotel room, threatens them, and later kidnaps another friend. He always seems to know exactly where they are. One of those "on the run" action type movies. Anyone hear of this movie? And, did they ever show this trucker's face in the beginning of the movie? Also, for those who have seen it, what "prank" was it these brothers played on this guy that got him so pissed off?

TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/06 02:19 AM

TIS, I found it to be a crappy movie I haven't seen since 2001, I think. If I remember correctly the guys pretended they were a hooker named "Candy Cane" and they asked the guy to come over to their motel room with pink champagne. They gave the room number of a guy they disliked. They heard some weird sounds and the next morning the man was found in a street minus a jaw.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/06 07:33 PM

Jarhead
Sam Mendes
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
A platoon of Marines struggle to avoid boredom during the First Gulf War.
An effective succession of non-events and anti-climaxes, it is marred by its own failure to avoid--or decision to acknowledge--war movie clichés; if the message is that these soldiers are just kids, why do they always have to be noisy retards? References to other like-minded war movies save it from being lost, but as Gyllenhal says at one point, "All wars are different; all wars are the same." A reference, perhaps, to the film itself.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/06 09:57 PM

The Wild Bunch - (Sam Peckinpah;1969;USA)
Shortly before WW1, after a failed score, a group of aging outlaws go to Mexico to find another way to make a final score while being pursued.
I had difficulty rating this. I'm gonna keep it at three stars until I see it again. I felt it was somewhat overlong, but still a very important western. It's a funeral of sorts, depicting the death of the west as most films depict. The degradation of honor to more mindless violence. The cast is great, especially Holden, whose presence is very strong. I think the ending was perfect for it as well, being somewhat optimistic. Ain't like it used to be, but it'll do. I'm interested in seeing Straw Dogs.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/06 12:08 PM

Harold and Kumar get the munchies. I think the US title is H&K go to White Castle.

The plot is relatively weak. H&K get the munchies, see an advert for White Castle and their burgers and set out to feed their hunger. Along the way they have their share of mishaps and obsticles.

I'm a fan of this film. There's an observational comedy theme to it. Everything you recognise about being stoned and can relate to instantly become funny. In an early scene in in Harold and Kumar's journey as they've left their flat a wee bit stoned, walking down the corridor they realise they've forgot their phone. They look back, the flat is in seeing distance and decide against going back for it: "We've come too far". It shouldn't be funny and in any other context it isn't. But here you're left thinking, and in best Homer Simpson impression, "It's funny because it's true".

Definitely a film for the stoners, they'll appreciate it more and pick up on things the sobers wont.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/06 12:54 PM

Yesterday I finally managed to watch "The Merchant of Venice". Definitely not the most entertaining in movies' history but Al's performance was great, even though I'm starting to worry about his growing tendency to roll his eyes like hell. Anyway my fav Shakespearean screen adaptation was and still is Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet".

Unfortunately I also watched "Starsky and Hutch". I hated it. It was like some barbarians entered Saint Peter's Basilica. The original S and H are something sacred for me. Sacrilege. It was an act of sacrilege!


Saturday, after a long while, I rewatched "The Diary of Anne Frank". Even though it was poignant and well acted, it seemed to me to be a little too watered down, especially when compared to other movie dealing with the Holocaust, e.g. Schindler's list or The Pianist, being the first ones that come to mind. No contest.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/06 04:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
Anyway my fav Shakespearean screen adaptation was and still is Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet".
Just because his name ends in a vowel. No wonder you like Shakespeare too. :p

My favourite adaptation, though I've not seen many at all, is Branagh's Hamlet. The ferocity of that title performance...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/06 05:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Turi Giuliano:
Harold and Kumar get the munchies. I think the US title is H&K go to White Castle.

The plot is relatively weak. H&K get the munchies, see an advert for White Castle and their burgers and set out to feed their hunger. Along the way they have their share of mishaps and obsticles.

I'm a fan of this film. There's an observational comedy theme to it. Everything you recognise about being stoned and can relate to instantly become funny. In an early scene in in Harold and Kumar's journey as they've left their flat a wee bit stoned, walking down the corridor they realise they've forgot their phone. They look back, the flat is in seeing distance and decide against going back for it: "We've come too far". It shouldn't be funny and in any other context it isn't. But here you're left thinking, and in best Homer Simpson impression, "It's funny because it's true".

Definitely a film for the stoners, they'll appreciate it more and pick up on things the sobers wont.
I always enjoyed the stupid anti-drug commercial they were watching where the kid killed himself with a gun I think. Even Kumar cracks up, it gets me every time
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/06 09:31 PM

Midnight Cowboy
John Schlesinger
1969 US (1st time)
A naïve Texan hustler arrives in New York, and befriends a sick, down-and-out Italian American from the Bronx.
One of those very much of its time, and now seems merely irrelevant. The two leading performances are contrasting and convincing in this mixture of sex, fever dreams and social alienation. Its finest moments are the Greyhound journeys which begin and end the film.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/06 09:41 PM

Mafia! (1998) **/5

Pretty funny spoof of The Godfather and other mob movies. Alot of times it had me cracking up. It's particularily enjoyable if you're a fan of the films being spoofed, you can catch even the little things being spoofed aswell.

"I'm not my father, Diane, just like you're not your father. If we were our fathers, what we did last night would only be legal in Arkansas."

"What's his name?"

"Diane. I named him after his mother."
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 02:40 AM

Primal Fear - (Gregory Hoblit;1996;USA)
After a priest is brutally murdered, a lawyer decides to defend the teenager accused.
This is a decent drama, not because of it's direction, but the performances. Richard Gere and Laura Linney are pretty good in their roles, being the main support of the film. But it's Edward Norton that ends up stealing the show, in a meticulous performance. Otherwise there's not a lot else to jump for joy about. This turns out to be a pretty overrated film.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 08:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Midnight Cowboy
John Schlesinger
1969 US (1st time)
A naïve Texan hustler arrives in New York, and befriends a sick, down-and-out Italian American from the Bronx.
One of those very much of its time, and now seems merely irrelevant. The two leading performances are contrasting and convincing in this mixture of sex, fever dreams and social alienation. Its finest moments are the Greyhound journeys which begin and end the film. [/b]
so why only two stars?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 10:18 AM

Actually, I've knocked down to one star since last night; one star from me means worth watching. Two stars means good; three a masterpiece; and four is rare--something very special. Schlesinger, a good director, here takes too much time trying to paint a gritty, harsh world, and sacrifices character, somewhat, in Rizzo. Voigt makes the film as the (almost dislikeable) naive Texan.

No stars for this though:

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Terry Gilliam
1998 US (1st time)
A journalist and his attorney, both incredibly high on drugs, arrive in Las Vegas with orders to cover a sporting event.
Because his characters are constantly junked up and hallucinating, and because he is probably aware of the film's cult potential even before its release, Gilliam feels he can get away with anything; he does, if you can take two-hours of a dramatically mundane series of surreal sketches. To say it is a self-indulgent mess may be lazy, but no less valid.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 05:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
No stars for this though:

[b]Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Terry Gilliam
1998 US (1st time)
A journalist and his attorney, both incredibly high on drugs, arrive in Las Vegas with orders to cover a sporting event.
Because his characters are constantly junked up and hallucinating, and because he is probably aware of the film's cult potential even before its release, Gilliam feels he can get away with anything; he does, if you can take two-hours of a dramatically mundane series of surreal sketches. To say it is a self-indulgent mess may be lazy, but no less valid. [/b]
I liked your review of Fear and Loathing Capo. I think this might be the first time I totally agree with you. I'm glad to see I'm not the only person on the planet who doesn't like this movie
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 06:12 PM

I liked it only for the great performances from both Depp and Del Toro. I agree the story was really lacking though.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 07:00 PM

Capo and Irish agreeing on a movie review???? That’s like a banker and a homeless guy agreeing on stock tips, more odd than perplexing. This is of course the part where I must vehemently disagree with you chaps though. I find just the idea of calling Fear & Loathing “self-indulgent” to be entertaining. I mean really you found an account of Hunter S. Thompson’s life to be self-indulgent, well then I guess it was pretty close to the source material then. “Dramatically mundane” well I suppose that it isn’t a “seat of you pants” – “thrill a minute” thriller like Flightplan [insert jerking-off hand motion here] but I wouldn’t exactly call it mundane. I’ll give you the point on it being a bit cult-ish though it’s just that I happen to be inside that particular array of humanity.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 07:07 PM

Oh my God, I'm agreeing with the formerly known ignorantly by me as the local Michael Bay fan( )?!?! God, pigs must be flying somewhere.

No, I agree with suspect totally. FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS can be a very tough film to get through the first time, since even Terry Gilliam agreed that its just too much at times for its own good with the drugs and vomiting. However, once one can be granted tolerance to it, one can discover this as a pretty good picture that attempts to tell the crazy-ass nature of Thompson's cult novel on a cinematic level(nevermind that it took about more than 2 decades to finally find a way to make such a transition work) and keep up with his ramblings and hazed-reality. Great Oscar-esque caliber work from Depp as Thompson, and don't forget Del Toro either.

Anyone that digs the film, I recommend you all to go buy that great DVD from CRITERION. Its worth the fingers and limb that it will cost ya!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 07:12 PM

I don't usually like criticising works for self-indulgence either; there's nothing wrong with it (The Brown Bunny is a masterpiece). But the criticism isn't necessarily of its indulgence, but of it being a "mess". You could replace self-indulgent just as easily with "colourful". A colourful mess, of sorts. Depp's over-acting doesn't suit him one bit, and Del Toro steals the film's finest moments -- the elevator scene had me in stitches. Gilliam's loud, boisterous style works well with the Monty Python team in front of the camera, but it doesn't translate well to an American voice-over. Actually, my favorite scene with Depp was in the cafeteria, just before he's about to leave after Del Toro has scared the shit out of the waitress. But these moments of subtlety are few and far between. A relentless, exhausting film which, as with all cult films, runs the risk of selling itself before it is seen. Indeed, its preceding reputation will either enhance the film or repel viewers away.

Perhaps Thompson's book begged a cinematic treatment; it would have felt less strained if it was an animation.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/06 07:32 PM

I think it's a great film. I think Gilliam did a great job adapting the book, and it works very well as a comedy as well as Thompson's own view on the world in the early 70's. I personally loved it for the subtle moments all over the film, and I disagree on Depp's acting. I think it's safe to say if Depp's overacting, Thompson is overliving. Hell, just listening to him talk on the commentary or watching the videos of him is enough.

My favorite scene has to be the bathroom scene with the Hippie.

Whaaats the trooouuuuuble?
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 02:29 AM

Two For the Money- Ug, shoot the editor please! Aside form the very choppy, amature editing, this move was boring and without any sort of direction, plot, acting, etc. It felt a lot like Devil's Advocate, only better(which isnt really a hard thing to do). Pacino needs to read the scripts before he signs onto some of these roles. If anyone needed a representation of modern day Hollywood, I would send this film thier way; in any other circumstances, I would stay away.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 02:45 AM

The African Queen #17 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

At the start of World War 1, Charlie Allnut is using his old steamer, The African Queen, to ferry supplies to villages in East Africa. When the Rev. Samual Sayer dies, Charlie agrees to take Sayers' sister, Rose, back to civilization. taking on the Germans at the same time.

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this movie but I was really surprised that I enjoyed it as much. I have always liked Katharine Hepburn but I think this solidified it for me. I also hadn't been that impressed with Humphrey Bogart in the past but he was very good as well. These 2 really worked well together and that's why this movie was so wonderful.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 06:36 PM

You Stupid Man * 1/2

A very lame and predictable comedy abouta man whose gorgeous girlfriend (played by Denise Richards) goes Hollywood and dumps him for a sitcom star. Plunged back into the dating world, he finally picks up the pieces with a pretty, warmhearted girl (played by Milla Jovovich).
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 07:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Sonny Corleone:
Two For the Money- Ug, shoot the editor please!
Only after the hair dresser!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 08:28 PM

And so ends Jarnuary:

Dawn of the Dead
George A. Romeo
1978 US (1st time)
Shortly after the events of Night of the Living Dead, a pair of policemen, a pilot and his pregnant wife become trapped in a shopping mall full of zombies.
Grossly overlong action film with comic asides and some brilliant moments; it also happens to be an interesting social comment, in which the humans tear into each other instead of working together, and are almost undone by their own greed--Romero has the two minorities in the film, the black guy and the pregnant woman, the only two to survive.

And so begins February:

Munich
Steven Spielberg
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
Five Mossad agents are employed secretly to hunt down and eliminate the Palestinian terrorists responsible for the death of the Israeli Olympic team in the 1972 Olympics.
Accessible if not entirely authentic, watchable if not entirely worthy of its dumbfounding praise, Spielberg's revenge thriller is an overlong, tedious film with a message all about the complex implications of revenge itself. In this respect, it may be a fitting allegory to today's world, but struggles to convince for the most part.

Bad Taste
Peter Jackson
1987 New Zealand (1st time)
When a small New Zealand village is overrun by aliens, four dumb humans come to the rescue.
No elaboration is necessary other than the title, which says it all, really. A crescendo of deliberately bad jokes and gory special effects. Most reviews come with a "not for the squeamish" warning; to be disgusted by this film would be to fail to acknowledge its ultra-low, bad effects. It's more of an insult.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 08:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Actually, I've knocked down to one star since last night; one star from me means worth watching. Two stars means good; three a masterpiece; and four is rare--something very special. Schlesinger, a good director, here takes too much time trying to paint a gritty, harsh world, and sacrifices character, somewhat, in Rizzo. Voigt makes the film as the (almost dislikeable) naive Texan.

No stars for this though:

[b]Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Terry Gilliam
1998 US (1st time)
A journalist and his attorney, both incredibly high on drugs, arrive in Las Vegas with orders to cover a sporting event.
Because his characters are constantly junked up and hallucinating, and because he is probably aware of the film's cult potential even before its release, Gilliam feels he can get away with anything; he does, if you can take two-hours of a dramatically mundane series of surreal sketches. To say it is a self-indulgent mess may be lazy, but no less valid. [/b]
As a huge fan of this film, who tries to watch it at least once a week if not more, I will say it is a hard movie to get into. Sure. Because of this, it's probably cinema's official "Ugly Duckling". It is neglected, and has great potential... In fact, many will find it is a great film once you get used to it. Perhaps it isn't "great" in the conventional aspect, but Thompson's writing isn't exactly "conventional" either, and yet many would be inclined to say he is one of the most inspirational writers of the 20th century. The thing that I think makes Thompson's writing great (although it is a public image he had said he felt unwllingly obligated to live up to) is that it has a real quality of insanity to it, and seemed as if he could just snap at any moment. At times, it gets so bizarre that you question if he is going anywheres in his LSD-fueled ramblings... But he never fails to deliver. Eventually, you adapt to it, and recognize it as genius.

I feel the film is the same way. As Suspect_5 said, the film is very self-indulgdent, but so was Hunter. Not to slam or offend the man, he was genius, but it is agreeable to say he was a bit conflicted. Also, like Hunter, I find the film often misunderstood. It's a shame. I don't see the actual "physical" story the focus of the film, because that wasn't the intentions of Hunter's writing at all. It was an expiriment, as Gonzo is the writing of the process of finding a story, while delivering the story and focus of Hunter's journalism in the form of sub-context. And that's where it all is... Stuck inbetween the lines.

The film is great in every aspect to me. The acting is spectacular, the visuals are amazing, the writing is great; there hasn't been a single viewing of this picture that I didn't laugh outloud at the bulk of the comedy. On a scale of 1 to 10, in terms of the value of re-viewings I rate this a 10. I absolutely love the film, and seem to make new connections and spot new things each time I watch it. I understand this is hard for some of you to grasp... I'm told I'm a rather strange person by many people (friends, family... even those who don't know me well), so maybe it's just the intense obscurity of the film that holds my interest. I don't know.

To each his own.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 08:57 PM

Gilliam knows no restraint; I found it tiresome--perhaps resulting from too much of a good thing. The film did grab my interest early on. Then lost me about midway through, the point where I realised it had no intentions of settling down.

I'd happily see it again.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 09:08 PM

Yeah, check it out again... Even if it doesn't come off as "great", I still find it to be an amusing trip. (no pun intended)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 10:38 PM

Actually, I'm surprised that Capo gave such a bad grade for MUNICH. Talk about one hell of a surprise, but oh well.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/06 10:54 PM

I wanted to love it so much, Ronnie, but it was lacking for the most part. Perhaps it would have been far more effective had it been fictional; that way, Spielberg wouldn't have to pussyfoot around a very complex real-life operation while having to sell the film at the box-office. As it is, he's caught somewhere in between; as a thriller, it has a many amazing individual setpieces (albeit with an easy-to-spot pattern of triumph over adversity each time), but as a whole, I left the cinema very indifferent.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/06 03:49 AM

Boys Don\'t Cry - (Kimberly Peirce;1999;USA)
The story of Teena Brandon, who moved out of her hometown and masqueraded as a man called Brandon Teena.
A very powerful drama that is well directed, and is given that extra boost from it's cast. This is Hilary Swank's best performance, well deserving the Oscar she won. Chloë Sevigny and Peter Sarsgaard are also very good, especially Sevigny, though both are very convincing. The music suits the mood of the film very well, as well as the dark feel to it. The tagline comes across as a cliche drama, but the film proves otherwise.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/06 11:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Dawn of the Dead
George A. Romeo
1978 US (1st time)
Shortly after the events of Night of the Living Dead, a pair of policemen, a pilot and his pregnant wife become trapped in a shopping mall full of zombies.
Grossly overlong action film with comic asides and some brilliant moments; it also happens to be an interesting social comment, in which the humans tear into each other instead of working together, and are almost undone by their own greed--Romero has the two minorities in the film, the black guy and the pregnant woman, the only two to survive.[/b]
I love this film and I was glad you realised the true social commentary about the film. Too many others would have just listed the Zombies heading back to mall and wandering around and compared it to how humans act as if it's really 'deep'. When in fact it's a given in the film - the black guy tells us this. Sure I like the analogy but I don't think Romero based the film in a mall just to tell us this.

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Bad Taste
Peter Jackson
1987 New Zealand (1st time)
When a small New Zealand village is overrun by aliens, four dumb humans come to the rescue.
No elaboration is necessary other than the title, which says it all, really. A crescendo of deliberately bad jokes and gory special effects. Most reviews come with a "not for the squeamish" warning; to be disgusted by this film would be to fail to acknowledge its ultra-low, bad effects. It's more of an insult. [/b]
Oh Peter Jacksons early films are so bad they're worth watching. Bad Taste and Brain Dead are classics in this regard. The warning should be: "Not to be taken seriously".
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/06 11:45 AM

Ya, especially BRAIN DEAD(aka DEAD ALIVE)...though really, every mature man must watch MEET THE FEEBLES, and see if they can make it through. Really, funny how most people that know Jackson for saw LOTR or KING KONG have no idea about his early days.

I'll probably post my defense at MUNICH, but later.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/06 08:43 PM

Gone in Sixty Seconds
Dominic Sena
2000 US (1st time)
An ex-car thief is blackmailed into stealing fifty cars in one night.
Fast-paced action film set in a world driven by cars; the only obstacles in this life are car crashes, or getting crushed in the back of an automobile. Slick, speedy, thrilling.

Day of the Dead
George A. Romero
1985 US (1st time)
A small group of militants and scientists in an underground bunker, the former wanting to wipe out the zombies, the latter wanting to preserve and train them, end up fighting with one another instead.
Romero's further exploration of humans outdoing themselves in their usual self-destruction mode. There are interesting elements to be found here: the notion that the dead are evolving, even becoming sympathetic, while the living are taking big steps backwards, and strictly against the prospect of allowing these things to evolve into humanistic creatures--given the outcome of such evolution, perhaps it's a good thing.

SubUrbia
Richard Linklater
1996 US (1st time)
A group of twenty-somethings drink the night away in a car park, and are visited by a friend, who is now a famous rock star.
Always-engrossing conversational piece which shows its theatrical origins throughout (it was originally a play); interesting, believable characters are the key here, and the acting adds a whole new complexity. A philosophical gem.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/06 10:23 PM

Dr. No ***

I finally have the time to sit down and watch all of the James Bond flicks. I thought this was a very good way to enter the series. Being the original it had areas for improvement but no serious complaints. Connery is up there for me with Bronsnan.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/06 08:19 AM

From Russia With Love ** 1/2

An enjoyable movie that didn't seem to have a lot of action in it for a James Bond movie. However, I like the fact that this storyline looks like it will conclude in the 3rd installment to the James Bond series, Goldfinger.
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/06 04:13 PM

Groundhgog Day. One of the ten best movies ever made. It is really about reincarnation and enlightenment.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/06 05:55 PM

Citizen Kane 10/10

Brilliant character study of a someone who had everything a man could want and still feel empty inside. It is absolutely phenomenal. I simply cannot wrap my head around the fact that this film was made in 1941.

"You know, Mr. Bernstein, if I hadn't been very rich, I might have been a really great man."
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/06 06:51 PM

Drugstore Cowboy
Gus Van Sant
1989 US (1st time)
A drug addict, his wife and their two friends feed their addiction by robbing chemists across America.
Early Van Sant with a dark humour and ultimately uplifting edge; it must be admired primarily for winning us over with a drugged-up junkie who rids himself of the hangers-on around him, and one has the feeling it rewards more when revisited.

Heavenly Creatures
Peter Jackson
1994 New Zealand (1st time)
Two young girls strike up a close friendship, and both sets of parents are alarmed by the intimacy.
A tragedy which may have deserved a more sombre, brooding treatment; Jackson piles on artifice in order to create a kind of fantasy world inhabited by its two adolescent girls, but in the process risks heavy-handed campness, distracting and tiresome until the powerful final scene, which is necessarily brutal and haunting. The obnoxious, overplayed characters don't help.

Double Indemnity
Billy Wilder
1944 US (2nd time)
An insurance salesman falls in love with a client's wife, and decides to help her kill her husband for the insurance.
Dark, cynical noir which has become widely regarded as the quintessence of the whole stylistic genre. Chandler's script is sharp and delivered with lip-smacking perfection by all involved; beneath its engrossing surface lies much to be analysed, not least the innuendos concerning an intimacy between Neff and Keyes, the two principle males.

The Bad and the Beautiful
Vincente Minnelli
1952 US (1st time)
A director, actress and writer all recall the rise and fall of a powerful producer in Hollywood.
Interesting character study in which the character is as much the movie industry as it is the producer; it reaches, many times, a level of profound energy and intelligence, but is a mite overlong.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 03:41 AM

Grizzly Man - (Werner Herzog;2005;USA)
A documentary about Timothy Treadwell, who lived among bears and foxes for 13 summers, until he and his girlfriend were killed by a bear.
One of the more provoking documentaries I've seen, touching on many levels. At times you feel like this is somewhat of a character study, a man who is dissatisfied with society, to the point of wishing he was an animal. The film is both disturbing and beautiful. There are many moments that aren't funny, but put a smile on your face, such as the first scene with Timothy and the foxes. A great documentary about a fascinating man. One of the more disturbing scenes for me was Herzog listening to the audio tape of Treadwell/Huguenard being killed, with a horrified expression.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 09:20 AM

Goldfinger ****

I am really surprised that any of the other James Bond movies scored so high with me. The only other one that I loved as much as this was Goldeneye. However, I was wondering if we ever find out who the villian was in From Russia With Love and if they ever finish that storyline? Sean Connery continues to get better in his portrayl of Bond
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 04:06 PM

Pulp Fiction.
A good effort to make a film from nothing. Some episodes and dialogues are really talented, some - excellent. If only there would be a plot that would make just a bit of sense, - well, not bad as it is. Surprisingly good Uma.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 04:15 PM

JustMe, how is the plot senseless to you? Also, what do you mean it's made from nothing? That sounds a little broad.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 04:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
JustMe, how is the plot senseless to you? Also, what do you mean it's made from nothing? That sounds a little broad.
See - the plot, generally, is several situations on the level of that very primitive fiction. Imagine a movie with such a plot done seriously, I mean, Seriously. The point of the film is not in the things happening, it's in the telling, not the tale. It doesn't make a separate sense, Tarantino's talent for black humour aside.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 04:29 PM

There is a point to Tarantino's story and black humor. It's ultimately a story about little choices that result in life or death, and that final scene with Samuel L Jackson, is a perfect dramatic moment for that film, and speaks everything, especially with Tarantino's wonderful dialogue.

I just don't understand your criticism. Does this movie need to have a serious, Million Dollar Babyesque feeling to be good? I personally find it to be an excellent, creative film that remains a masterpiece, but that's just me.
Posted By: Toni_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 04:35 PM

Goodfellas

Great movie thought it was way better than any other movie Ray played in although I liked his other ones too I think this one was his best but I didn't really like Joe but I never have liked him and I noticed Doctor Malfie from the sopranos played henry's wife lol great movie
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 04:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:

I just don't understand your criticism. Does this movie need to have a serious, Million Dollar Babyesque feeling to be good?
Oh no, that was not criticism. Actually I liked many moments. But there are scenes that simply make no sense, like the dialogue that boxer Butch has with his girlfriend in bed.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 04:49 PM

Oh, I misread your post. Although with scenes like that, I can't explain why they are there, but they are nice scenes to watch, and interest due to the dialogue. It didn't serve a purpose other then showing him with his girlfriend.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 04:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
It didn't serve a purpose other then showing him with his girlfriend.
Yes, so I guessed. Well, the point is - I don't care for his girlfriend, especially at such a moment. It just seemed unnecessary length for me.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 06:57 PM

Donnie Brasco (1997) ***

An FBI undercover agent infilitrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life to the expense of his regular one.

Donnie Brasco contains an excellent cast which produces some great acting, which is one of the best things about this film. A very enjoyable movie.

Jackie Brown (1997) ***

A female flight attendant becomes a key figure in a plot between the police and an arms dealer.

IMO one of the most underrated films of the 90's and probably Tarantino's most underrated. Truly the "forgotten" gem of Tarantino's career. My personal favorite performance from this film comes from Robert Forrester. He was fantastic as the lonely bail bondsman Max Cherry. Pam Grier was great in this as the title character aswell.

The film features a great, complex plot and another great screenplay from Tarantino. The soundtrack was excellent, my favorite probably being "Strawberry Letter 23."

On The Waterfront (1954) *****

An ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses.

Simply amazing. The acting is so riveting and excellent, it's like a template or a clinic if actors want to see what dynamite acting is. So many great performances in this film, particularily Brando in an electric performance. The scene in the car with Charlie is one of the greatest in the history of film. One of the greatest films I've ever seen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 07:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[b]Jackie Brown (1997) ***

A female flight attendant becomes a key figure in a plot between the police and an arms dealer.

IMO one of the most underrated films of the 90's and probably Tarantino's most underrated. Truly the "forgotten" gem of Tarantino's career. My personal favorite performance from this film comes from Robert Forrester. He was fantastic as the lonely bail bondsman Max Cherry. Pam Grier was great in this as the title character aswell.

The film features a great, complex plot and another great screenplay from Tarantino. The soundtrack was excellent, my favorite probably being "Strawberry Letter 23." [/b]
I couldn't agree with you more about this film being underrated. It's one of my favorites of all-time and is only behind the Kill Bills in terms of my favorite Tarantino movies. I think the biggest hurdle it had to overcome was this was the movie after Pulp Fiction which probably made everyone's expectations of the film enormous. However, my favorite performance was by Samuel L. Jackson as Ordell (and I also loved Chris Tucker as well). My favorite song from the soundtrack is also Strawberry Letter 23. Good taste man!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 07:49 PM

Quote:
I think the biggest hurdle it had to overcome was this was the movie after Pulp Fiction which probably made everyone's expectations of the film enormous.
I agree. That's why many people think it's mediocre, when it's actually quite exceptional. It's like the comic who has to follow Richard Pryor at the Comedy Club.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/06 09:19 PM

I agree on Jackie Brown being very underrated. Personally I see a negative correlation in the quality of Tarantino's films from Pulp Fiction, not to say the Kill Bill films were bad though.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 02:30 AM

2001: A Space Odyssey - (Stanley Kubrick;1968;UK/USA)
In 1999 a monolith is found on the moon that sends a signal to Jupiter. In 2001 a mission is set to investigate Jupiter until the computer HAL 9000 causes problems.
One of the best films ever made, and I say this referring to the ten best. Much of this feels like pure cinema, and in that way it feels like a silent film with the lack of dialogue in many of it's scenes. I thought this would be a long film I wouldn't enjoy as much as Kubrick's other films but I was hooked to the screen. It's amazing how a decade before Star Wars, this looks better and is more realistic to space. The final segment with the stargate journey is one of the most captivating scenes in cinema. Kubrick's most meticulous film, and it comes out as his best. I can't even come up with any criticism. I love the scene inside HAL's "brain."

I'm gonna play Pink Floyd's song "Echoes" to the "Jupiter & Beyond the Infinite" segment of the film, which supposedly synchronizes. (Pink Floyd declined to compose music for the film, though they later regretted it)
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 02:59 AM

Kill Bill, Vol. 1 (2003) ***/5

The Bride wakes up after a long coma. The baby that she carried before entering the coma is gone. The only thing on her mind is to have revenge on the assassination team that betrayed her - a team she was once part of.

A fantastic film about cold, simple revenge. The atr direction was fantastic, really giving you an asian/anime type of feel. The anime scenes themselves really fit into the film well. The dialouge is also great, all of this really being a characteristic of Tarantino's films. Uma Thurman is great in another Tarantino film, this time as The Bride. The score is also amazing. The only thing that sucks is that I gotta catch Kill Bill Vol. 2 sometime to find out what happens.

Another excellent Tarantino film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 05:04 AM

Doom * 1/2

As big of a wrestling fan as I am I must admit that this was my first ever Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson movie I've seen. I think he did a good job as well and think he could make it big given the right role/movie (other than Doom of course) This wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be and it was nice to see Rosamund Pike in there, I haven't seen her since Die Another Day.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 08:26 AM

Thunderball ***

The action seemed to get better in this one and I think Sean's accent seems to fade more and more as the films go on. However, I did like the fact they used the same villian as they did in From Russia With Love. Hopefully we find out who that is rather soon.
Posted By: Aziatic

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 09:57 AM

Ran



After the "Seven Samurai" and "Rashomon", this is the third Kurosawa movie Ive seen and was left speechless again. This is a movie only Kurosawa could do. Incredible directing and beautiful set designs and colors and of course the great acting of especially Tatsuya Nakadai make this movie a masterpiece. Ran is an adaption of Shakespeare's "King Lear" set in Japan in the 16th century. The war sequence in the middle of the movie is propably the best Ive ever seen, the beautiful shots, combined with sad music makes you want to rewatch the scene over and over again. Not to mention the sadness and tragedy where especially one scene brought tears to my eyes. I became a Kurosawa fan after seeing the "Seven Samurai", now after another 2 movies he became my favorite Director along with Scorsese. I'll propably watch "Ikiru" next.

I could go on and on praising this movie. This is great cinema. A masterpiece.

10/10
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 04:00 PM

Doom

Yes I know what I should expect when I see a movie based off of a video game, I know that “greatness” is not something I’m going to be experiencing during the course of it’s run. I would find it highly suspect if I ever saw a VG based movie win any award that wasn’t Golden Popcorn, because that what these movies are, Popcorn-ass-bubblegum-fluff-entertainment. With that in mind…

I spent the entire movie wondering why the fuck they named it after the VG Doom. Did you ever play Doom? Well I did and you know what there was no “team”! It was you a freaking pistol and what ever you could manage to find along the way. Also I don’t know about you but when I played Doom I was shooting fucking demon scum from hell. Now in the movie Doom it is some type of mutant, who have been exposed to some 24th chromosome and mutate. They even have lines in the movie about the chromosome unlocking evil or some shit, you want to know what unlocks evil pretty damn good…A GATE TO MOTHERFUCKING HELL, YOU KNOW LIKE YOU WOULD FIND IN SAY DOOM! I guess by now you might be detecting some bias on my part, I would say that I’d try to restrain myself…but I won’t. You want to know what this movie has in common with its namesake; it’s one saving grace- it has a B.F.G. otherwise know as a Big Fucking Gun. Oh sure you might see on a computer screen that B.F.G stands for “Bio-Force Gun” or some shit but ask any Doom fan, any real fan…it’s a Big Fucking Gun.
Ok sure I’ll take back the “no team” comment I understand some concessions must be made to translate the VG to Film, especially since only one of them survives. (I swear to Christ if one persons says anything about spoilers and the movie Doom – I will find you and give you a mushroom tattoo) But the other things are basic to the movie, sure I get that shooting “mutants” isn’t really that much of a stretch from shooting “demons” in that your still shooting “monsters” and that the mechanic is still the same. It seems little but picky to bitch over something like that given that I already understand that there are concessions to be made if the property is to translate from one medium to anther but come on. Think merely on the connotation of the words listen to it; say it out loud “mutant”. Now what did you think of? The X-men? The Toxic Avenger? Some gross and hideously deformed humanoid that used to be your aunt? To Mutate is to change that usually means that the monsters aren’t that far removed from humanity, like tragic figures that due to circumstances beyond there control have been changed into monsters, their biology now betraying them forcing them to go on basic instincts, predatory reptilian brain impulses and shit. Now say the word “demon” any trace of tragedy there? No more like pure evil images of blood and fire, of deceit and corruption. Now were talking intelligent creatures of a black dominion that’s sole purpose their only reason for existence is to feast on your flesh and devour your soul. So what sounds like a better bad guy to you? It’s like taking Tom Cruise’s character in Collateral and making him a thief instead of an assassin, I mean he’d still be forcing Jamie to drive him around and commit crimes but it wouldn’t be murder it just changes it.

Score: D-
P.S. – Yeah I know how could I write two whole paragraphs, lengthy ones at that bashing a movie and not give it an F? For the reasons I didn’t talk about. The Rock is nothing if not charismatic and fun to watch, I really like some of the team members, the aforementioned BFG, and for the reference to the creator of Doom that I was the only one in the room to get.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 04:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aziatic:
[b]Ran



After the "Seven Samurai" and "Rashomon", this is the third Kurosawa movie Ive seen and was left speechless again. This is a movie only Kurosawa could do. Incredible directing and beautiful set designs and colors and of course the great acting of especially Tatsuya Nakadai make this movie a masterpiece. Ran is an adaption of Shakespeare's "King Lear" set in Japan in the 16th century. The war sequence in the middle of the movie is propably the best Ive ever seen, the beautiful shots, combined with sad music makes you want to rewatch the scene over and over again. Not to mention the sadness and tragedy where especially one scene brought tears to my eyes. I became a Kurosawa fan after seeing the "Seven Samurai", now after another 2 movies he became my favorite Director along with Scorsese. I'll propably watch "Ikiru" next.

I could go on and on praising this movie. This is great cinema. A masterpiece.

10/10 [/b]
That image you posted alone makes me want to see that movie.

Absolutely gorgeous.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 05:17 PM

Wedding Crashers

Some funny moments. Vince Vaughn is funnier than I thought going into this movie. The dinner scene, especially with the grandmother and also the reaction Vaughn had to the "treatment" under the table were laugh-out-loud.

Not as good as 40 Year Old Virgin IMO, but a good rental nonetheless.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/06 08:35 PM

The New World
Terrence Malick
2005 US (2nd time; big screen)
The first English settlers in America find themselves at odds with the Natives, and are saved by the rival king's youngest daughter, who falls in love with Captain John Smith.
Thoroughly captivating stuff from a meticulous artist; exploring themes of love, nature and the contrast between two civilisations, one free and content at its own introversion, the other curious and explorative, and both primitive in their own way, it is a beautiful work from start to finish. A period piece which feels like it could have been made before Cinema existed or even some time in the future, and a reconstruction of historical myth more interesting as a fictional work, it is a remarkably complex and warmly compelling film.

Fararishtay kifti rost (Angel on the Right)
Jamshed Usmonov
2002 Italy/France/Switzerland/Tajikistan (1st time)
A hardman who returns to his village home in Tajikistan after many years in Russian jail, to find his mother is ailing and the local mafia want their debts repaying.
Austere examination of acceptance of Fate, with minimal dialogue and sombre visuals. It has a rather abstract way of storytelling, with a kind of assumed understanding between its characters and the audience; as a result, it is a direct contrast to Hollywood narrative, while also requiring much patience in order to take hold.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/06 06:46 AM

Saw II ***

My 2nd time watching this film and I enjoyed it more than I did in theaters. I think it's as good if not superior to the original. Fresh, original and suspensful. I see no reason why the third should be any different (slated for October of this year).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/06 05:13 PM

History of the World: Part I - (Mel Brooks;1981;USA)
A satire on the world including the dawn of man, Roman Empire, Spanish Inquisition, and French Revolution.
Yet another hilarious film from Brooks. This has been criticized as being a bunch of random sketches but ultimately it works and it proves to be a very enjoyable film. I doubt anyone can watch this without a smile on their face. The cast was great from Brooks, Hines, DeLuise, and even Orson Welles as the narrator. Not as good as Blazing Saddles but still great.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/06 05:56 PM

DV, glad you dug HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART I.

Jews in Space!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 03:25 AM

Yeah Ronnie. Knight jumps queen! Bishop jumps queen! Pawns jump queen! Gangbang!

The Producers - (Mel Brooks;1968;USA)
A producer and his new accountant plan on making money by making the biggest flop ever, "Springtime For Hitler."
I was disappointed with this. I thought this was going to be Brooks' best film from what I heard but unfortunately it isn't. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good comedy and memorable at that, but it didn't strike as much of a chord as Blazing Saddles or The History of the World: Part I did. Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder are great in their quirky roles, but otherwise, I was hoping for a great comedy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 04:41 AM

Nah, I think Brooks' best is his most ambitious: YOUNG FRAKENSTEIN
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 06:55 AM

Trainspotting ***

An excellent movie on heroin addcition. The style and direction are just outstanding. There is not much of a plot, but some of the images will remain in the mind for a long time.
Note:a) There are some nasty scenes, if you hate watching disgusting stuff, avoid this one.
b)Have subtitles on. Eventhough the movie is in english, some of the dialogue is tough to follow, as the accent is scottish.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 07:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:

b)Have subtitles on. Eventhough the movie is in english, some of the dialogue is tough to follow, as the accent is scottish.
Hey look Irish someone else agree's with you.
No offence I just always snicker when someone says that they can't understand Scottish or Irish accents, hell I've even heard people say they can't understand British accents. I've just never had the problem I guess...but Pikey's (Snatch) should have subtitles not even I can grasp that language.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 09:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
b)Have subtitles on. Eventhough the movie is in english, some of the dialogue is tough to follow, as the accent is scottish.
Glad I'm not the only 1
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 11:26 AM

Hell, my mum's Scottish and I can't understand her!
Posted By: Senza Mama

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 12:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Turi Giuliano:
Hell, my mum's Scottish and I can't understand her!
See you Turi...
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 12:43 PM

I canne believe it, I see you, speedy. Go hame and close the windies.

Except a true Scot would swear two or three times in those sentences.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 08:01 PM

Badlands
Terrence Malick
1973 US (2nd time)
A garbage worker and fifteen-year-old magazine addict fall in love and go on a killing spree across the Dakota plains.
Strangely beautiful tale, haunting and lingering in its visual sumptuousness and deadpan handling of violence; a comment on social alienation, the difference between the wild and society, and the myth placed around cool, rebellious figures with seemingly something to say, though they communicate by aimless killing.

Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg
1998 US (Nth time)
Eight soldiers are sent behind enemy lines to rescue a private whose brothers have been killed in combat.
A bravura example of the director's talent and exuberance; the washed-out greens and browns, one minute soaked with rain, the next dry with rubble, and the rumbling sounds of a not-so-distant war are terrifically brought together. The opening and closing scenes in the graveyard may hurt it, but it is no less a masterpiece.

Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg
1993 US (2nd time)
In WW II, an Austrian businessman saves 1,100 Jews from Nazi concentration camps.
The black and white cinematography masks the differences between the goodies and the baddies here, a complex film about an ultimately righteous man doing good after initial prosperity at labourers' expenses. It is at its best when Neeson and Fiennes, two powerhouse characters with differences of opinion despite being on the same side, fill the screen together. An important, remarkable film, superbly handled and controlled.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 09:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
[quote]Originally posted by svsg:
[b]
b)Have subtitles on. Eventhough the movie is in english, some of the dialogue is tough to follow, as the accent is scottish.
Hey look Irish someone else agree's with you.
No offence I just always snicker when someone says that they can't understand Scottish or Irish accents, hell I've even heard people say they can't understand British accents. I've just never had the problem I guess...but Pikey's (Snatch) should have subtitles not even I can grasp that language. [/b][/quote]I'm the same way... I've never had trouble with accents. Although I always reccomend to friends that they watch Fear and Loathing with subtitles when they watch it the SECOND time. You miss so many jokes and great lines the first time, that get lost in the excitement and in the mumbled dialouge. Although, aside from that, the film should never be seen again with subtitles... I think I'd rather they just read the book, which is when I picked up on lines that I couldn't make out in Depp/Del Toro's mumbled dialouge (ala, "Dogs fucked the Pope, no fault of mine!... I crack up at that everytime, just knowing what he is saying, and everyone else in the room just glances at me, as if they didn't catch what he said).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 09:35 PM

LLC, who's in the avatar of. It looks like Har Mar Superstar.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 10:00 PM

When A Stranger Calls **

Actually better than I expected. I have been wanting to see this since I'd initally seen the trailer and I thought it might be horrible. I've seen so many bad suspense/horror films on DVD that I just thank God I never paid to watch them. I felt this could have the potential to do just that to me but I did enjoy it. Not really corny or surprising "the calls are coming from inside the house," but I feel they handled it well. Why didn't I ever have a babysitter who looked like Camilla Belle?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 11:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
When A Stranger Calls **
Why does the trailer remind me of Panic Room and Hostage?

The lead actresses' performance looks horrid from the preview as well, especially in the delivery of "Stop calling...you freak!" :p
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/06 11:43 PM

I went and saw The Ringer the other day. Kind of stupid. Funny. But stupid.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 12:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] When A Stranger Calls **
Why does the trailer remind me of Panic Room and Hostage?

The lead actresses' performance looks horrid from the preview as well, especially in the delivery of "Stop calling...you freak!" :p [/b][/quote]I didn't think of those movies when I saw the trailer but yes her delivery is a bit off I will admit. Let's just say that the best thing going for her is her, um, "assets" shall we say? I don't think you have to worry too much about her winning any MTV movie awards anytime soon
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 01:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
LLC, who's in the avatar of. It looks like Har Mar Superstar.
It's Gavin Rossdale. You may remember a band called Bush, from the early/mid-90s... He was their frontman. Now he just seems to randomly show up on the red carpet as Gwen Stafani's man-whore... Why he married her, I'll never know.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 02:43 AM

Can anyone (Capo, etc.) direct me to the new Movie Fan boards, wherever they are?
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 03:10 AM

http://filmcinemamovie.proboards76.com/index.cgi?

this one?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 05:24 AM

The Hidden Fortress **

Probably my favorite Akira Kurosawa movie. This was the movie that inspired George Lucas to create his Star Wars empire. However, is it me or do most if not all Akira Kurosawa movies just seem to drag on. Again I did enjoy this movie but it seemed unbearably slow (like others of his I've seen).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 08:51 AM

Boogie Nights ** 1/2

I know quite a few people that like this movie and I'd seen parts of it but never the whole way through (at least that I can remember). I didn't think it was anything "extradinar" but the cast was very deep with Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, Luis Guzman, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle, Heather Graham, William H. Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Thomas Jane, Michael Jace, Alfred Molina
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 07:29 PM

Gummo
Harmony Korine
1997 US (2nd time)
In an Ohio town, which hasn't recovered from a tornado, youths search for ways to pass the time.
Because of its utter disregard for narrative, this episodic succession of anti-climaxes, full of unpleasant images and characters, is a demanding, challenging film. In many ways it is quite clearly a feature debut, while in others it has the feeling of an assured master playing with the medium; in this respect, it is like no other film, which must account for something.

Julien Donkey-Boy
Harmony Korine
1999 US (1st time)
A schizophrenic lives with his brother, who aspires to be a wrestler, his pregant sister (father unknown) and stern, military father.
Willing, and succeeding, to create new images and new contexts for familiar images, Korine's second film, the first American feature made under the Dogme manifesto, is powerful, even gut-wrenching, in much of its raw aesthetic. Shot on lightweight DV, it is deliberately the anti-everything, in turns poignant and hilarious, at once uplifting and bleak.

The Thin Red Line
Terrence Malick
1998 US (2nd time)
In 1943, US forces land on Guadalcanal, and are ordered to take a heavily defended position.
An absorbing war film with much killing and little blood; Malick instead focuses on how war itself is the enemy, and how it lamentably only exists among humans and the civilised world: as much as they're trying to defeat the Japanese, the Americans still get caught up in the corruption of their own hierarchy and chain of command. Meanwhile, amid all the noisy chaos, there are plenty of placid shots of the natural world at peace, accompanied by multi-faceted, ruminative voice-overs.

Kárhozat (Damnation)
Béla Tarr
1987 Hungary (1st time)
A hopeless man, distanced from society, is in love with a singer, but she's married…
An absolutely astonishing piece of work, decidedly not for everyone, but essential viewing for those who appreciated assured visions, and they don't come more firm than this; a methodic film shot in long takes and slow pans, with a bleak mise-en-scene and cynical poetry to match. Surreal, haunting, astounding.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 07:50 PM

I watched American History X in Sociology the other day.. it was such an amazing movie. I ALMOST cried at the end. I can't believe I'd never seen it before. I'd started it, but only watched the first few minutes.

Haha, like, if I had the star system like you guys do.. I'd give it 4/4 stars.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 09:47 PM

Nice one Bogey, it's a great film. And you get to see Norton naked. Always a plus.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/06 10:21 PM

I like me some naked, raped, neo-nazi's.

Excellent film... Although, as far as Norton is concerned (my personal favorite actor), I still enjoyed Fight Club more, but I think that Edward Norton's portrayal as Derek Vinyard could be one of the best performances of the 1990s, if not the best.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 01:21 AM

Mulholland Dr. - (David Lynch;2001;France/USA)
After a car accident, a woman with amnesia joins with an aspiring actress to find out what happened.
A perplexing but oddly powerful film that has some of the most interesting pieces of imagery in film. This has a very interesting effect on me. I keep thinking of it, in the way I kept thinking of Memento. I will definitely be seeing this again this week. Naomi Watts was great, as well as Laura Harring. The scene of the woman singing the Orbison song in Spanish was excellent.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 01:30 AM

I rented Mullholland Drive a long time ago but had to return it before I could see it. I was so pissed off.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 06:42 AM

The Island **

Not as bad as I was predicting or as I've heard. A more interesting story than I originally thought it was and I really became a big fan of Scarlett Johansson in this 1 film. However, Steve Buscemi shined the brightest from this cast with his humor
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 07:28 AM

YEAH STEVIE B!

Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 12:40 PM

Lock, Stock and two Smoking Barrels
Guy Ritchie, 1998 UK
One of the classiest movies on my list for excellent cast, humour, style and a genius at the camera.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 02:13 PM

Pillow Talk '59, Michael Gordon

A great Comedy/Romance that I happened to catch it on satellite TV. They don't make it like this anymore.
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 02:40 PM

I'm sure there are those who'll disagree, but while Elektra wasn't exactly terrific, it was better than I thought it'd be.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 03:37 PM

Yet Michael Bay's THE ISLAND wasn't as bad as ARMAGGEDON or PEARL HARBOR(read my BOMB! column on that floater sometime), but you know what? Its still fuck-you insultingly mediocre.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 05:35 PM

Werckmeister harmóniák (Werckmeister Harmonies)
Béla Tarr
2000 Hungary (1st time)
A travelling truck, with a huge whale inside and a mysterious figure called the Prince, arrives in a small town, and hell breaks loose.
This is an absolutely spellbinding film, full of awe-inspiring images and haunting, beautiful music and sounds. The camera follows its characters like a loyal dog, and becomes increasingly impersonal as the chaos erupts, becoming like a distant observer to a town under its own spell of fear. Original, innovative, marvellous.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 06:18 PM

I've been thinking about picking up Les Triplettes de Belleville (The Triplets of Belleville), but I don't know of anyone who has seen it. I remember seeing commercials for it a couple years ago, and it looked like a very intriguing animated film.

Has anyone here seen it, and if so, do you recommend it?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 06:41 PM

Sorry, can't help xXx, but a friend of mine in love with French cinema highly recommends it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 07:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Yet Michael Bay's THE ISLAND wasn't as bad as ARMAGGEDON or PEARL HARBOR(read my BOMB! column on that floater sometime), but you know what? Its still fuck-you insultingly mediocre.
Yeah it wasn't as bad as Pearl Harbor (I still have nightmares that I actually PAID to see it in the theaters), and I have never seen all of Armaggedon (only parts). I did see The Rock but after watching it I remember it wasn't great like my friend told me. And yes I agree that The Island was mediocre. I'm just glad the gates of Hell didn't open beneath me after watching it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 10:41 PM

You Only Live Twice *** 1/2

Wow, I never knew James Bond went Japanese. Not to mention this movie had ninjas and the continuation of the Spectre organization (where we FINALLY get to see No. 1). A great James Bond flick with plenty of action and his usual one-liners
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 10:47 PM

That swing-round on the chair, when we first see Blofeld, is amazing, and one of the most memorable Bond moments ever. Other than that, the film's only watchable.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/06 10:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Sorry, can't help xXx, but a friend of mine in love with French cinema highly recommends it.
If I'm not mistaken, this film is Belgium cinema.

Excuse me for this burst of patriotism.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 12:34 AM

Broken Flowers-
This movie reminds me of a scene in The Simpsons where Lisa reminds Homer that her "movie machine" has more than a star fade. Someone needs to remind Jim Jarmucsh that there is more than fade up, fade down. Aside from that, the movie was very drawn out with no purpose to it. It had some good moment, like the farmhouse and the last scene(which almost made up for the rest of the film)but it felt like it tried too hard to be "arty" and pretentious.
Mediocore
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 12:42 AM

"Star wipe to Ned paying his bills, Star wipe to Ned being a good father" Man I loved that episode of the Simpsons and Homers response to Lisa
"Yes Lisa but why have hamburger when you could have steak?"

Other than that I've never seen Broken Flowers
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 12:43 AM

Goddamn, why does the word "pretentious" constantly come up with Jim Jarmusch films?

As for the fade in/outs, that's simply part of his visual style. What's wrong with it?

Mulholland Dr. - (David Lynch;2001;France/USA)
After a car accident, a woman with amnesia joins with an aspiring actress to find out what happened.
Seeing this again felt very different in a better way. I think I understand most of it and was able to pay attention to smaller details I overlook as meaningless before. This is truly one of the most meticulous films to come out in the last several years. An excellent character study and partial jab at the Hollywood lifestyle. The film's imagery is breathtaking. Naomi Watts was great, and the rest of the cast was very good as well.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 12:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[b]Pillow Talk '59, Michael Gordon

A great Comedy/Romance that I happened to catch it on satellite TV. They don't make it like this anymore. [/b]
Awwwwwww isn't that such a cute movie? Rock Hudson's the best. This is the movie where he sings the same song to all those women, right? And then in French, too, for Yvette. I love that movie. And I love Thelma Ritter in it, as the alcoholic maid, Alma. Have you seen Lover Come Back? That's a good one too, very similar to Pillow Talk though.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 12:55 AM

"You are my inspiration......Marie", etc. I liked that movie too. It was a big hit at the time. However, does any of our young members here actually know what a "party line" is??? When I was a kid, we had one. You'd pick up the phone to dial and hear someone else's conversation, and simply had to wait for them to hang up. Sometimes if there was a really important call that my mom had to make, she'd as if they'd mind hanging up...and sometimes the person on the other end was very rude.

TIS
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 01:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
As for the fade in/outs, that's simply part of his visual style. What's wrong with it?
Ordinarily I wouldnt mind, but when it becomes so annoying it distracts from the film, then you might have a problem. Fades (I think) only work when used at the right time. Jarmusch overused them.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 01:42 AM

For me it accompanies the downbeat feeling of the film, much like Dead Man, which works even better with the fades.

I think the only reason it's distracting is because most people are used to standard directing with simple cuts or wipes.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 08:16 AM

Yojimbo ** 1/2

I think this is the most I have ever enjoyed an Akira Kurosawa movie. Not to put him down because I do enjoy his work (espeically for its time) but his movies, as I've said, seem to drag. This one didn't and I also liked Toshiro Mifune who played Yojimbo. I wasn't a huge fan of his from The Seven Samurai when he acted all stupid and crazy. I'm looking forward to watching Sanjuro.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 08:49 PM

Final Destination **

I always did enjoy this movie even if it was at times corny or not believable. However, I'm gearing up for Final Destination 3 on Tuesday. This was probably the first movie I remember seeing Ali Larter in.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 09:20 PM

What's the difference between trying to be pretentious and arty, and simply being pretentious and arty? I found his wipes difficult to adapt to at first; then I realised just how original it is. Which other filmmaker uses transitions in a way where you notice them? The only other example that comes to me quick is Godard's use of the jump-cut in A bout de souffle, or Lucas's wipes in Star Wars.

Enzo, Belleville Rendezvous was a co-production of France, Belgium, the UK and Canada.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/06 09:22 PM

Stalker
Andrei Tarkovsky
1979 USSR (2nd time)
A mysterious man named Stalker leads two men, Writer and Professor, beyond an industrial city into the Zone, where they search to find the Room, wherein desires come true.
Fascinating examination of the human condition on its darkest levels; it gently tears away the layers of abstraction with which we mask ourselves to reveal our inner truth, exposing the heart of darkness with poetic ferocity. It is, with its stunning visuals, nightmarish sounds, and methodic pace, an atmospheric, fantastical, philosophical masterpiece.

Le charme discret de la bourgeoisie (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie)
Luis Buñuel
1972 France/Italy/Spain (1st time)
Three bourgeois couples attempt to dine together, and keep getting set back by interruptions.
Buñuel's surreal masterpiece is a series of episodes building to a finale which is, due to the Chinese box narrative before it, neither reality nor fantasy. In this sense, one dream follows the other so as to become a running reality that these characters are living masked from truth: indeed, they are blind to their own prejudices, and choose not to acknowledge the adulterous affairs going on between them.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/06 05:36 AM

2001: A Space Odyssey - (Stanley Kubrick;1968;UK/USA)
In 1999 a monolith is found on the moon that sends a signal to Jupiter. In 2001 a mission is set to investigate Jupiter until the computer HAL 9000 causes problems.
Seeing this again felt just as great as the first time. Everything deserves praise from Kubrick's precise direction, the classical music, absorbing and hypnotic cinematography, and the whole mythos behind the film, depicting the evolution of man while questioning our future. Kubrick's best film and one of the ten best ever. I can't see any criticism in this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/06 09:05 AM

Final Destination 2 **

This was basically the exact same movie with a different cast. I'm hoping the third isn't just another repeat but I am almost positive that I'll be disappointed. Oh well, in any case at least the death scenes in this were better. SPOILER However I was pissed that they killed off Ali Larter's Clear River character END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/06 08:13 PM

TRUE LIES (1994) - **1/2

Enjoyable if unremarkable lightweight big-budget blockbuster picture that surprisingly came from James Cameron, who probably wanted an action/comedy, but whatever that quest was acheived or not, who knows.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/06 07:04 AM

North Country ** 1/2

I did want to see this in the theaters but never got around to it and also I had no one who was interested in seeing it. It's a good thing I didn't because I was somewhat disappointed. The movie is good (if nothing else it showed how "men are pigs") but this movie just wasn't as great as I was hoping for/thought it'd be. From the previews I'd thought it'd be awesome and it had a great cast to it. Nothing special stood out to me in the cast department except of course for Charlize Theron who did a fine job. Other than that the movie isn't as great as the previews lead you to believe.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/06 01:43 AM

First Blood - (Ted Kotcheff;1982;USA)
After a Green Beret drifter is assaulted by small-town cops, he retreats into the forrest.
While being an action film that spawned two shit cliche sequels, this one proved to be a pretty good film. There are great moments and cliche moments but overall the final product is good, and is probably the only good Stallone action movie. The original ending would've been better though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/06 09:12 AM

Domino ***

I really enjoyed this more so the 2nd time around. I had high expectations seeing it in theaters and was a little disappointed but all of that was cast aside upon a 2nd viewing. Keira Knightley did a great job as Domino Harvey and I'm probably the only person on the board who thinks so (well maybe not THE only one) but I like Tony Scott's "MTV" directing style.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/06 09:31 AM

You rate DOMINO over YOJIMBO?

*RRA then sees that God killed a kitten*
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/06 05:27 PM

Week End - (Jean-Luc Godard;1967;Italy/France)
A middle class married couple driving to Oinville for a will encounter a huge traffic jam, dead road rage victims, and many eccentrics, including cannibalistic hippies.
My first Godard film and a very fascinating one at that. The film gradually strips down society through violence, political speeches, and ultimately degradation to the point of cannibalism. This is a great film, although there are moments where it drags. It does manage to blend violence from an angry director with some nice humor in some moments. The French countryside also provides some wonderful cinematography. Ultimately this is a disturbing jab at society that is still relevant today.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/06 06:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
You rate DOMINO over YOJIMBO?
I know I know. As we all know I rate movies based on entertainment (which we've already beaten this discussion to a dead horse). But watching Domino last night again for the 2nd time really turned my head and I enjoyed it so much more than I did the first time. I'm thinking about buying the Akira Kurosawa Four Samurai Box Set (with The Seven Samurai, The Hidden Fortrest, Yojimbo, Sanjuro), so hopefully I'll enjoy them after a 2nd viewing as well. The only one out of them that I've seen twice is The Seven Samurai. I do enjoy Akira Kurosawa's work, don't get me wrong. However, and I think I put this in my The Hidden Fortrest review but his movies just seem to drag on for me. Domino is about 2 hours and that movie (more or less, except for maybe the last 20 miunutes or so) FLEW by like nothing. When I watch an Akira Kurosawa movie I'm constantly looking at the clock wondering when the thing's gonna end.

To be fair I wouldn't go so far as to say that Domino is a better movie than Yojimbo and I'd say with confidence that Yojimbo has and always will be a more "important" film if you will than Domino ever will become. However, my rating does reflect that I did enjoy Domino more.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/06 09:25 PM

Finding Forrester
Gus Van Sant
2000 US/Canada (1st time)
A teenager with a talent for basketball and English strikes up a friendship with a reclusive writer.
Van Sant further lending himself to studio filmmaking, and the result is perhaps as solid a film can get when full of the old-fashioned clichés of such dramas. A thematic rehash of Good Will Hunting, with a few variations here and there, it is difficult to believe the director made Gerry a year later.

Mystery Train
Jim Jarmusch
1989 US/Japan (1st time)
Various lost souls spend the night in separate rooms at a Memphis hotel.
A film which explores nothing in particular while working on many levels. Jarmusch has a look and pace of his own, and the humour is deadpan enough to often bewilder some yet to adapt; in this wry, episodic piece, he seems to be splashing many cultures onto the canvas with the same brush, complimented by Robby Müller's vibrant explosions of colour.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 12:42 AM

The Beat that My Heart Skipped(2005)
I rented this after Film Comment gave it a pretty good review, but I didnt find it to be all that great. There were too many small tangents and nothing got developed. It did get very good SPOILER WARNING after Tom's father died END SPOILER WARNING but unfortunately that was only about 10 minutes.Up until that point, the film just seems to skirt around what its actually trying to say.
Average
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 02:04 AM

Le Cercle Rouge - (Jean-Pierre Melville;1970;France/Italy)
One man escapes going to prison the same day a man is released, they team up with an alcoholic ex-cop to pull off a jewelry heist.
Like Le Samourai, this is an excellent Neo-Noir crime film that is very taut. The cast is great, especially Delon. It's meticulous direction injects that cool feeling to the characters that also made Le Samourai the film it is. It's films like these we need today crime-wise. The heist scene is among the great scenes in cinema.
Posted By: Blake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 02:05 AM

King of New York.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 09:23 AM

Bram Stoker's Dracula ** 1/2

Wow, I don't know if I've ever seen Gary Oldman more on top of his game than in this movie. Truly an amazing performance as Count Dracula and I tried to pay attention but I don't believe I saw him blink on screen either. Winona Ryer and Anthony Hopkins did very good as well. One of the better Dracula/vampire movies
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 12:04 PM

Super Troopers (2001)

God I love this film. Sadly, the other movie I've seen by the makers (Broken Lizard) was poor compared to this. I am looking forward to next year's Beerfest though.

A local state troopers force face being shut down with the local cops taking over. But solving a big drug importing scam before the cops could save their jobs...

Stupid. That's one word to describe this movie. And it is, but funnily stupid. The state troopers are idiots and are all about goofing around. Brian Cox as the captain is outstanding. I can watch him in anything. The plot sounds corny but works well and the movie has the one thing all modern comedies should have - quotable lines.

Indian guy about the cops: "They think I'm Mexican".

After pulling a guy over, seeing how many times they can get away with saying meow: "Meow, what's so damn funny?"

"License and registration... ...Chicken fucker!"

"Am freaking out man"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 02:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Sonny Corleone:
The Beat that My Heart Skipped(2005)
I rented this after Film Comment gave it a pretty good review, but I didnt find it to be all that great. There were too many small tangents and nothing got developed. It did get very good SPOILER WARNING after Tom's father died END SPOILER WARNING but unfortunately that was only about 10 minutes.Up until that point, the film just seems to skirt around what its actually trying to say.
Average
Glad you saw it. What do you think it was trying to say? Don't you think Romain Duris' performance was excellent? Best of last year, for me. I didn't like the "two years later" coda.

---

Krótki film o milosci (A Short Film About Love)
Krzysztof Kíeslowski
1988 Poland (3rd time)
A young man spies on an older woman in the opposite block of flats, and becomes infatuated with her.
Beguiling study of loneliness more than anything, and the obsession which individuals place on the idea of being wanted. The love of the title is shown as an ultimately destructive force, but there is a clear, defined relationship throughout: that between director and his medium, with Kíeslowski playing mesmerising games with perspective and gaze.

House of Games
David Mamet
1987 US (1st time)
A writer and psychiatrist becomes obsessed with a confidence trickster, and becomes involved in a series of elaborate cons.
Obvious questions arise throughout: who's playing whom and all that. It's a highly unsettling film in which you never really feel comfortable in any of the scenes; Mamet concentrates on storytelling, the kind which, thanks to the subject matter, allows him to get away with Chinese box affairs and slight cop-outs. The acting is either atrociously robotic or effectively artificial, depending on taste.

Small Time Crooks
Woody Allen
2000 US (1st time)
A bumbling thief hitches a plan to rob a bank by setting up a cookie store and tunelling through; the plan fails, but the cookies take off.
Amid all the broad humour, which regrettably spells things out to us more often than necessary, there is are subtle jabs at the idea of hgih culture and art appreciation; moralistic and convincing.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 03:50 PM

"The color of money" Scorsese.
Couldn't sit through. Very boring even for player that I am. And Cruise is
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 04:58 PM

Er, what? Cruise is brilliant in that film, I think. Really energetic.

You say you "play" pool? Cool. Me too.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 05:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Er, what? Cruise is brilliant in that film, I think. Really energetic.

You say you "play" pool? Cool. Me too.
Maybe I just dislike Cruise in general?
I play Russian Classical. Very difficult, but I have experienced friends who take me in guidance and company. Tried Pool too, sure, but after Russian table looks such a small thing!
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 05:19 PM

Taxi Driver
Martin Scorsese 1976 U.S.A.

There's really nothing I can say that hasn't been said already, so I won't bore you with details. This is American film making at its best. I've probably watched it a dozen times, and I'm still blown away. Quite possibly the greatest character study in film history. You are doing yourself a huge disservice if you haven't see this yet.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 09:15 PM

Crimes and Misdemeanors
Woody Allen
1989 US (2nd time)
An unsuccessful director and eye surgeon deal with their marital crises in different ways.
Allen on top form, a subtle comedy with cynical undertones; at the heart of it all, there is the sense of tainted love, and how the human condition rationalises in its indecisive, almost tragic hesitance.

The War of the Worlds
Byron Haskin
1952 US (1st time)
Martians invade Earth.
Colourful if charmless sci-fi action very much of its time (comparisons to the Cold War phenomenon may seem too obvious), just short enough to maintain interest.

Northern Soul
Shane Meadows
2004 UK (3rd time)
The failed attempt of a wannabe wrestler who wants to make it big.
A mockumentary typical of Meadows: even at twenty minutes, it's far too long.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 09:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] Er, what? Cruise is brilliant in that film, I think. Really energetic.

You say you "play" pool? Cool. Me too.
Maybe I just dislike Cruise in general?
I play Russian Classical. Very difficult, but I have experienced friends who take me in guidance and company. Tried Pool too, sure, but after Russian table looks such a small thing! [/b][/quote]Cruise is easy to disslike. However, I can't say the same for his films. He has somegreat ones... Anyone who does not enjoy Magnolia is a sub-human beast with no emotions that must be shot to death.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/06 10:29 PM

Final Destination 3 **

As I said in my review of Final Destination 2, "this was basically the exact same movie with a different cast." They could have stopped after part 1 and should have stopped after part 2. The movie wasn't any better or worst just the same story with new kids in a new town. Anyone who doesn't "believe" the girl with the visions, dies. It's been done now stop it. We can only pray there won't be a Final Destination 4
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/06 02:46 AM

On Her Majesty's Secret Service **

Sorry to say but I don't think George Lazenby was an adequate substitute for Sean Connery. Also, the fight scenes were pretty bad in this movie. Too cut up and choppy. Compared to the first 5, this one sucked. SPOILERS However, I couldn't believe James actually got married and I loved that it ended with her being assassinated END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/06 05:33 AM

So I’ve actually managed to watch a couple of movies in the theater this week and see a movie that I’ve been wanting to watch for some time now so I thought that I would commemorate the occasion by spewing forth strings of words in a somewhat sentence like fashion. I’ll go in chronological order starting with…

Firewall, now I believe that this movie is being marketed as a thriller where Harrison Ford plays a network security designer for a bank and Paul Bettany is a mastermind thief. There are so many problems in this movies it is really just poor in every aspect. The story is…well I mean it is a simple concept establish a good guy introduce slick bad guy who seems to have an angle for everything and is as ruthless as he is intelligent. Good triumphs over evil, made more impressive by the caliber of bad guy and there is your movie. Yet they managed to fuck that up. Every aspect of above mention formula is followed just with the precision of one-handed surgeon performing an appendectomy with a pair of safety scissors. Ford’s character never really feels concrete where as Bettany’s never really feels all that calculated, don’t get me wrong it is never a question that Bettany is playing the main bad guy but he seems to be at times haphazard it keeps his character from attaining any footing in the upper echelon of movie bad guys or really middle men as far as I’m concerned. I like his (Paul’s) portrayal-his voice, cadence, and look but the character was just poorly written. On the other hand watching Harrison Ford’s “performance” in this movie is a little like being raped by your best friend’s father. You don’t really want to turn him in, but that old man just fucked you. Basically the best performances in this movie are from a couple of the people in Bettany’s crew two of which actually manage to generate a feeling of malice and the other the only character that I can say honestly made any emotional attachment to the audience. (well the little boy too, but that doesn’t count)

I don’t really have a counterpoint type argument the only reason that this movie gets any points is because I really like any movie that has theft in it, I don’t know why I just like to watch shit get stolen. Right after the movie I would have given it a grade of a C-, because of my love of theft and Paul Bettany now I fail to see a reason to even give it a D- plus I seem to have grown oddly cynical and jaded in the last few weeks so I give you Firewall F+
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/06 07:32 AM

Final Destination III

Do you really need me to run through the plot on this one, being that this is the second sequel it is getting pretty thin but a group of teens get on a roller coaster and one of them has a premonition and freaks out forcing a number of them off. Then the coaster does in fact crash and now Death is after them, armed with pictures of how they are going to die and knowing the order they try to evaded death’s icy cold grip.

Not the most original thing to come down the pipe by no means but not the most un-enjoyable either. Being a Final Destination movie you know that you will have some of those improbable sequence of event death scenes which are still pretty fun to watch, but actually in the deaths in Final Destination II are superior. It has a cast of young actors, but again not the greatest cast gathered for Final Destination movie.

What it does have is the backbone of the series with a known gimmick that could have seemed really stale at this point. In lesser hands it might of, I’m not saying that James Wong is a master of cinema but there are several missteps that could have been taken that weren’t. He kept it running at a good clip, not trying to weigh it down with expanded mythology making it clunky. It also played rather loose knowing that you knew the gist of it and what was going to happen but not going into that realm of over parody. This movie is as fun as you will let it be.

So I think that sums up that this is not the greatest movie to ever exist but then again they all can’t be can they. It’s fun and though no aspect of it particularly shines it doesn’t grate on you either(well me at least, but I seem to have an affinity for bubble gum movies). Thus I give you Final Destination III B probably got a slight bump just from the pedigree of the series.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/06 08:02 AM

Audition ** 1/2

It was a fine movie until about the last 20-30 minutes. The flash backs/quick cuts made it difficult for me to follow after that point. Not as "distirbing" as I had previously heard but well paced.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/06 09:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
Anyone who does not enjoy Magnolia is a sub-human beast with no emotions that must be shot to death.
Since all in all I enjoyed Magnolia but totally disliked the final froggy rain and consider it to be an unbearable snobbish intellectualism, what should I get? Life emprisonment?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/06 10:18 AM

Live and Let Die ***

Well I think this movie proved that the 1970s were alive and kicking by 1973. I can't believe this was a Bond film. It had more humor than any I had previously seen (intended or not). I felt like it was a comedy instead of a James Bond movie. Roger Moore did a good job as 007, however I found him to be a bit dry.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/06 06:39 PM

Battle Royal

This is a movie that I have been wanting to see for some time now, I have heard a lot about it on the net on places like the CHUD boards and was really looking forward to it. For those of you that don’t know it is a Japanese movie about…well. Every year one Japanese high school class is selected at random and is taken to an island where they are forced to fight to the death till there is only one left, that person wins the Battle Royal and is allowed to live, all of this because kids have become disrespectful. So as you can see this movie would never be made here in America.

I’m going to go a little reverse here and just say right now that I liked this movie. Now I had so much build-up to it that it didn’t shock me as much as it could have, I didn’t find it that disturbing at all because I suppose I already knew about it but it still managed to keep me rapt at attention. From the moment that they get to the island you know that your in for a treat, especially when you see the instructional video. I laughed my ass off at that damn video, to me it was one of the better parts of the movie the person is just so damn happy and animated like some type of Japanese game show and the seriousness in which the instructor watches it just fantastic. Each of the kids reacts differently to the circumstances, each reaction seems like it could be real. The really scared ones trying to win, the ruthless ones, those who refuse to play, the loose affiliated groups, and the couples all add up and give the movie an emotional core that may even have you thinking “what if my HS class had been selected?”. There is one character in this movie who every second that he is on screen just reminds me of The Deerhunter now it could just be his bandanna but I think it is more than that, the lighting on him at times and the smoking just seem to somehow connect to that movie. . Takeshi Kitano plays the instructor it is the type of role that I’ve seen him in a few times now, it is just a certain attitude that I don’t know he just does very well a certain understated insanity that borders on being a sociopath it’s creepy and authoritative at the same time. The rest of the cast I don’t really know because I don’t watch that many Japanese films but they do an excellent job conveying the fear, suspicion and outrage that is called for in this movie, so basically a very well casted movie.

I give you Battle Royal B+. I couldn’t give this movie an A rank because I don’t think that it will stick with you, you know what I mean? I didn’t find it particularly haunting or mind-blowing, I’d recommend it to friends but I don’t think that it’ll grace my DVD player multiple times in the next few months (True mainly because I don’t own it but that is beside the point), I do think it is rewatchable just not infinitely.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/06 10:54 PM

Diamonds Are Forever *** 1/2

It's really a shame I won't see Sean Connery as James Bond again for awhile A good way to go out though. I'm very impressed that through 8 movies so far I haven't felt that the product has become stale or repetative. Out of the first 8 I would say only On Her Majesty's Secret Service was the only one that sucked
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 12:54 AM

Barry Lyndon 9/10

One of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen, and absolutely wonderful music to compliment it. Not only that, but the film has great acting, a multitude of fascinating characters, and bursts with ambiguity. This is the complete package.
Posted By: mr. soprano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 12:57 AM

Final Destination 3 - 0/5

Definatly the worst in the series. It's all about the gore and the cheap laughs in this one. Not worth the price of admission, i mean unless you really need to see blood and body parts being flung around everywhere...and if that's what you want to watch check out Braveheart.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 01:12 AM

Its not really a movie I just watched.. its actually been out for a while..

But did anyone see Open Water? I'm pretty sure that was the stupidest movie I've ever seen in my life. The ending was ridiculous.

I wouldn't even waste the energy of changing the station on the TV to watch it if its ever shown on cable.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 03:08 AM

American History X (1998; Kaye) *****/5

A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his brother from following the same wrong path he did.

I don't give 5 star ratings usually, but my goodness did this film merit it. The film is so utterly poignant, and Edward Norton's performance is one of the best I've ever seen. The use of black and white for scenes in the past tense and color for scenes in the present was brilliant. This is one of the most powerful films ever made, and one of the best of the 90's.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 03:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[b]American History X (1998; Kaye) *****/5

A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his brother from following the same wrong path he did.

I don't give 5 star ratings usually, but my goodness did this film merit it. The film is so utterly poignant, and Edward Norton's performance is one of the best I've ever seen. The use of black and white for scenes in the past tense and color for scenes in the present was brilliant. This is one of the most powerful films ever made, and one of the best of the 90's. [/b]
I couldn't agree with you more. Good review as I love this movie as well
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 08:32 AM

The Man With The Golden Gun *** 1/2

I had no idea that Christopher Lee was a Bond villian. Much like I didn't know Christopher Walken was one either. I definitely think Roger Moore did a better job the 2nd time around as agent 007 and this had some more humor to it but I think it was intended (not like Live and Let Die).
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 11:03 AM

Well done Suspect 5! Battle Royale is awesome. Though I haven't heard too many good things for the sequel.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 04:08 PM

Caché (Hidden)
Michael Haneke
2005 France/Austria/Germany/Italy (1st time; big screen)
When a bourgeois couple start receiving video tapes of their home under surveillance, the husband relates to an incident from his childhood.
Certainly one to divide audiences and critics and stir up some fuss at festivals; Haneke explores camera placement on one level, and guilt and the bourgeoisie on another. The former works wonders, drawing our attention to what we're watching, if not the content of what we're watching. Compelling stuff, and relishes in playing games with its audience's expectations.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 09:21 PM

Days of Heaven
Terrence Malick
1978 US (1st time)
A farm labourer from Chicago encourages his lover to marry the rich landowner, who is dying, in order to make a fortune.
Gorgeously shot gem, a quiet narrative which is perhaps best described as a "surface" film: nothing much is particularly explored here; the voice-over is effectively unsentimental, the relationships are not explored in any real depth, and the characters seem to exist without any real purpose. It is a more complex film than Badlands in its multiple perspective narrative, and a base upon which Malick would further this technique, albeit decades later.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 10:14 PM

The Spy Who Loved Me *** 1/2

Same old Bond, same great film. I liking Roger Moore more with each movie
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/06 11:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:

Same old Bond, same great film. I liking Roger Moore more with each movie
The more you see him the Moore you like him
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/06 04:05 AM

Un Flic - (Jean-Pierre Melville;1972;France/Italy)
Four men rob a bank to finance a more intricate heist while being pursued by a cop who knows one of the robbers through a woman.
Not as paced as Melville's other two films and I wish there was more of Delon's character, but it still turns out to be a great film. Again Melville's visuals give us another blue-ish/gray noir look, along with a lot of rainy atmosphere around outside shots. Alaine Delon and Richard Crenna are great in their roles, and the train heist is a wonderful scene. Overall a great crime film from a director who has climbed well into my top 5 favorite filmmakers.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/06 04:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b]
Same old Bond, same great film. I liking Roger Moore more with each movie
The more you see him the Moore you like him [/b][/quote]Yeah I figured some people would find that funny when I posted it. At least I'm enjoying his performances more and more
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/06 08:27 AM

Ichi The Killer * 1/2

I don't know if I'll ever watch another Takashi Miike movie. Audition wasn't that bad but I thought Ichi the Killer sucked. Here's this "psychopathic" killer who is nothing more than a crybaby. He wouldn't shut the f*ck up! He was more annoying than entertaining as a "killer." Here you go Ichi, this box's on me

Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/06 08:40 PM

I can't wait to see Ichi.

The Magnificent Ambersons
Orson Welles
1942 US (1st time)
The fall of a well-to-do family at the hands of stubbornness and jealousy.
Worth watching if only because of its historically infamous butchering from RKO; there are at least two scenes of cinematic genius--both being long tracking shots, one (probably unintentional) of a carriage in which shadows of the crew are seen walking alongside the subjects, the other a two-shot on a street, with the bustling environment reflected in the windows behind. Other than this, it is a confusing, muddled film, a mere translation of words into pictures.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/06 08:44 PM

Moonraker ***

The ski-diving scene was one of the best I've seen to open a Bond film thus far. I can't believe there was actually a character named Dr. Goodhead And will that Jaws character ever die please? I like him but the man has survived explosions, crashes, going over waterfalls, etc.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/06 08:56 PM

The Bond films seem to be getting better as you're watching them, Irish. I think they peak at On Her Majesty's Secret Service, whence they become erratic, with moments of worth here and there, until the ultimate low with Octopussy. Dalton adds a much-needed nastier edge with The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill; GoldenEye was the best of the Bonds since From Russia with Love, though I can't think of a more consistently better run than from Dr. No to OHMSS. The latter film, even with Lazenby, is overlooked far too often, I think. People never took to George as Bond, but I'd take him over Moore any day.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/06 05:41 AM

Thanks to my cousin, I just had a "Saw Marathon." I'd seen the original with him a while back, but I watched it again, as well as the sequel for the first time.

I just can't get over how unique and creative these movies are - seems like pure genius to me. There aren't too many "scary movies" out there that make you really think like these do, and I just have to admire the twisted plots that are used.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/06 07:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
The Bond films seem to be getting better as you're watching them, Irish. I think they peak at On Her Majesty's Secret Service, whence they become erratic, with moments of worth here and there, until the ultimate low with Octopussy. Dalton adds a much-needed nastier edge with The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill; GoldenEye was the best of the Bonds since From Russia with Love, though I can't think of a more consistently better run than from Dr. No to OHMSS. The latter film, even with Lazenby, is overlooked far too often, I think. People never took to George as Bond, but I'd take him over Moore any day.
Yeah I'm surprised I've enjoyed as many as I have. I thought On Her Majesty's Secret Service sucked and other than that I would rate From Russia With Love the lowest out of the first 11. You didn't like Octopussy? I think I remember hearing from some people that they enjoyed it? Oh well, I'll be getting to it hopefully this week.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/06 02:23 PM


Good film reminded me alot of the butterfly effect
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/06 05:18 PM

Good Night, and Good Luck.
George Clooney
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
Ed Murrow, Fred Friendly and other journalists seek to confront Senator McCarthy over several weeks of live TV broadcasts.
Riveting and profound; filled with atmospheric cigarette smoke, the camera observes with a kind of action-packed intensity stemming only from words and lingering close-ups. It is a well-paced, brilliantly-acted, convincing, and challenging depiction of the Media and television as a canvas on which to voice propaganda and political views--many shots show Murrow being filmed, with the footage of what is being filmed shown in the background; a complex structure of multi-angled reportage.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/06 09:14 PM

The Elephant Man
David Lynch
1980 US (2nd time)
A doctor rescues a severely deformed man from a freak show in Victorian London.
Lynch's most commercial film is peppered with horrific, genuinely frightening undertones, full of the same fearful sounds which made Eraserhead. Finely acted, with a wonderful feel for pace and structure, and the final moments are almost excruciating to watch; deeply moving.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/06 11:52 PM

Six Figures Getting Sick
David Lynch
1966 US (1st time)
Six abstract forms vomit to the looped sound of a siren.
Abstract animation, recorded as Lynch's first ever completed production. It is a deliberately monotonous short, an onslaught on the senses with its crude colours, 2D movement and relentless sound.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 04:29 AM

Flightplan - (Robert Schwentke;2005;USA)
A recent widow and her child board a plane, her daughter vanishes and no one can remember even seeing her.
This felt like Panic Room 2 with it's camera work floating around the airplane. The CGI is overused as expected (does a hose really need to be CGI?). The only good things in this film are Foster, Sarsgaard, and Bean. Otherwise we have a pathetic attempt at a thriller that is ridiculously predictable. Seriously, everything about this is boring and uncreative. The IMDB plot even has the audacity to call this "Hitchcockian."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 08:59 AM

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire *** 1/2

Definitely enjoyed it more the 2nd time around and also the most humerous of the series thus far. It'd be my 2nd or 3rd favorite on the list. However, I'm still pissed that Mike Newell's ego got in the way (he felt he could make the 700+ page book into a 2 1/2 hour movie). It was a good movie but he could have added so much more and made it even better and longer. I really wish Warner would have made it into 2 movies, a la the Kill Bills. They're gonna have to do something with The Order of the Phoenix as it's 900+ pages
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 11:44 AM

I just recently rewatched Goodfellas for the 100th time in full. I'm always seeing bits a pieces of it, and it had been maybe a couple months since my last viewing, and goddamn, it felt good.

I've oficially decided the only film better than Goodfellas is The Godfather Pt II, and thats that.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 03:05 PM

I saw Batman Begins for the first time last night. I've been a fan of Christian Bale since American Pyscho and when I heard he was picked to be Bruce Wayne I thought the fit was perfect, especially after seeing his performance in Equilibrium. He didn't disappoint and as soon as he was on screen he WAS Bruce Wayne. I enjoyed the supporting cast - I'll watch Oldman in anything, Freeman, Neeson and Hauer were just right. They weren't exceptional or stand out performances, if anything they were type cast, but it didn't matter, the roles were right. Even Michael Caine, who I've never liked, fit perfectly. I'll even be controversial and say I didn't even see what was wrong with Holmes' performance.

The film itself was how Batman should be. Memories of ...Forever and ...Robin give me a headache but ...Begins redeems the franchise. The script/plot was well worked out and I particularly liked the sequencing of the flashbacks, mixing different times up and not treating the audience as idiots. Though I can imagine those that prefer to watch the chronological version of the Godfather may have been troubled :p

The relatively inexperienced Nolan does a fine job. He's developed a cult for himself through Memento (of which I haven't seen) and this film should add to his future potential legacy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 03:14 PM

Glad to hear Turi that you dug BATMAN BEGINS as well. I myself do wonder how the sequel will go, especially with who will play the new JOKER.....

Amazingly, Nolan btw actually directed all of BATMAN BEGINS. That includes the 2nd unit shooting, which usually is reserved to action/car chase coordinators. In a way, the film has a raw and different vibe in the fight sequences unlike most Hollywood movies.

P.S. - Cillian Murphy is fucking scarier without the mask, IMO. *yikes!*
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 06:43 PM

Walk the Line
James Mangold
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
The life of Johnny Cash, from his early days to 1968.
You can't help but think this was a cash-in on the success of last year's Ray; the result is a biopic which goes down the path of a star whose troubles stem from one childhood memory he'd rather forget. Phoenix and Witherspoon are both electric, and Mangold has enough sense to keep the narrative driven by the music, like Altman's Nashville, and thankfully, the coda is brief.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 08:47 PM

The Weather Man ***

I can sum this movie up in 1 word: hilarious. I couldn't believe how much humor was in this movie. I didn't know what to expect as I had no idea what this movie was about. It's good to see Nicholas Cage back with this movie and the recently released Lord of War.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 09:49 PM

Last Tango in Paris 9/10

Wonderful exploration of a self-destructive relationship prevelant in even today's society. Brando was fantastic. Very underrated movie IMO.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/06 09:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
The Weather Man ***

I can sum this movie up in 1 word: hilarious. I couldn't believe how much humor was in this movie. I didn't know what to expect as I had no idea what this movie was about. It's good to see Nicholas Cage back with this movie and the recently released Lord of War.
This was one of my favorites from last year, but I actually valued it a little bit more for its dramatic moments. I do agree it worked well on both a dramatic and comedic sense, but I wouldn't go so far as to call the film hilarious. I think Cage's performance and the story itself hold a nice little sense of black or dark humor, kind of like a Coen brothers movie or American Beauty. Hilarious isnt exactly the word i'd label this type of humor with.

You agree?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 02:15 AM

The Legend of Zorro - (Martin Campbell;2005;USA)
After Zorro's marriage fails, he is soon drawn into another conspiracy.
Whoever wrote this film is horrible. Seriously, the divorce looked at in the film feels like a modern Hollywood divorce. In fact, the 1850's feel like modern times with the lack of technology. The last film managed to be a good, charming film. This is simply ridiculous, filled with child-ish humor. This movie felt like a Disney family movie. The CGI was also overused way too much. The plot is laughable, and Rufus Sewell's overacting was pitiful to the point where I wanted to jump in the movie and pin a mustache on him to twirl. Banderas was ok, but lacked the presence he had in the last film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 06:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] The Weather Man ***

I can sum this movie up in 1 word: hilarious. I couldn't believe how much humor was in this movie. I didn't know what to expect as I had no idea what this movie was about. It's good to see Nicholas Cage back with this movie and the recently released Lord of War.
This was one of my favorites from last year, but I actually valued it a little bit more for its dramatic moments. I do agree it worked well on both a dramatic and comedic sense, but I wouldn't go so far as to call the film hilarious. I think Cage's performance and the story itself hold a nice little sense of black or dark humor, kind of like a Coen brothers movie or American Beauty. Hilarious isnt exactly the word i'd label this type of humor with.

You agree? [/b][/quote]No I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with you. It might not have intended to be hilarious but that's exactly what I thought of it. As a matter of fact that's 1 of the main reasons I'll probably buy it tomorrow when it comes out
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 07:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
But did anyone see Open Water? I'm pretty sure that was the stupidest movie I've ever seen in my life. The ending was ridiculous.
I think it's a true story though, Bogey. Yeah, I watched that movie...quite disturbing.....but/hence somehow intriguing...
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 08:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Very underrated movie IMO.
underrated? It raised a hell of a lot of uproars in early 70s.....(it was widely denounced as obscene and eventually banned at least here in Italy, only to be rehabilitated many years later!...almost impossible to believe it some 30 years later....) It received a bunch of oscar nominations and other movie awards and is generally considered Bertolucci's masterpiece.

I'm not a huge fan of the movie (nor of Bertolucci) but this is definitely a must-see, if only for Brando's outstanding performance. And the music score by Gato Barbieri. All the fuss over the sex scenes is very idiotic IMO. This is not a movie about sex. This is a movie about solitude and desperation. It's a pity that it is mostly remembered for the unconventional use of butter it displays...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 08:25 AM

Quote:
No I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with you. It might not have intended to be hilarious but that's exactly what I thought of it. As a matter of fact that's 1 of the main reasons I'll probably buy it tomorrow when it comes out
Well, I guess that may be the mark of a good film, the fact that different people can like it for different reasons.

Glad you enjoyed it nonetheless.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 09:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote] No I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with you. It might not have intended to be hilarious but that's exactly what I thought of it. As a matter of fact that's 1 of the main reasons I'll probably buy it tomorrow when it comes out
Well, I guess that may be the mark of a good film, the fact that different people can like it for different reasons.

Glad you enjoyed it nonetheless.
[/quote]Me too, I'm glad and surprised I enjoyed it as much. I thought they did a terrible job advertising it. I think I only saw 1 movie poster for it in New York. None here in Texas with no trailers (that I can recall). However, I do see and probably agree that the humor is dark in the movie but as I said I couldn't stop laughing.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 10:07 AM

I ranked it as the 3rd best from last year. Would it crack your top 10?

Originally posted by Irishman12:
Quote:
10 Favorite Movies of 2005 in order:
1) Sin City
2) Cinderella Man
3) Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
4) King Kong
5) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
6) Walk the Line
7) The Wedding Crashers
8) Fantastic Four
9) Batman Begins
10) High Tension
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 12:38 PM

Last night I went to see "When A Stranger Calls."

It may just win "WORST" movie of the year!


Don Cardi
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 02:46 PM

Isn't this a remake of an older movie???? A babysitter who gets phone calls asking if the children are safe???? If so, I liked the original version, but haven't seen this one. If people were walking out, I don't I'll bother.


TIS
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 03:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
Isn't this a remake of an older movie???? A babysitter who gets phone calls asking if the children are safe???? If so, I liked the original version, but haven't seen this one. If people were walking out, I don't I'll bother.


TIS
Yes TIS, it is a remake, well sort of. The original was much better than this one. I don't know what it is, but I feel that the writing in hollywood is horrendous these days. Seems that hollywood writers cannot come up with anything original, and they leans towards doing remakes.

Now one would think that with todays advancement and technology, when hollywood does a remake of an older movie, it would be somewhat better in it's own way than the original, agreed? But for the most part these remakes usually turn out to be terrible versions of the origianl movies.

And this one just sucked! In plain english.

Rent the original, you'll enjoy it more.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/06 08:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I ranked it as the 3rd best from last year. Would it crack your top 10?

Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote] 10 Favorite Movies of 2005 in order:
1) Sin City
2) Cinderella Man
3) Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
4) King Kong
5) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
6) Walk the Line
7) The Wedding Crashers
8) Fantastic Four
9) Batman Begins
10) High Tension
[/quote]I enjoyed it but no it wouldn't crack my top 10 of last year

For Your Eyes Only ** 1/2

No explanation needed. James Bond saves the world....yet again
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/06 08:54 PM

Match Point - (Woody Allen;2005;UK/USA/Luxembourg)
An Irish man moves to London where he becomes acquainted with a family. However when he begins a relationship with a woman, he begins another affair with her brother's girlfriend.
I didn't know what to expect from this film but I was pleasantly surprised. It didn't even feel like a Woody Allen film. The story proved to be gripping, while wonderfully supported by it's actors, most notably Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson. I feared the ending as I felt that little connection from the beginning was going to aim for a predictable ending, but Allen swerves away from it, saving the film. The opera music used also sets a wonderful melancholy mood.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/06 10:24 PM

Date Movie * 1/2

When does a spoof movie go bad? When it's not funny and/or doesn't make sense. This movie just had a bunch of random spoofs slapped together and tried to be funny. At least Scary Movie had a theme and made sense. Very disappointing!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/06 06:21 AM

Rashomon ***

Definitely my favorite Akira Kurosawa movie to date. I really enjoyed the camera movement in this film and also how there wasn't much dialogue. Not so much because there was less reading but I just enjoyed watching the actors movements rather than just read words on the screen. Another movie I'll have to add to my collection in the near future
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/06 08:48 AM

Just Friends ***

Another good recent Ryan Reynolds comedy. Not as good as Waiting... but a good comedy nonetheless. It's great to finally have that unpleasant after taste that Date Movie left me gone
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/06 08:59 PM

Napoleon Dynamite
Jared Hess
2004 US (1st time)
A geek who lives with his grandma and his older, chatroom-addict brother, begins a campaign to make his new best friend Pedro student president.
Absurd, eccentric, obviously acquired sense of humour here, working much like a Wes Anderson film, in that it takes a little time to establish itself as something you've probably not experienced before, and then, once it gets rolling, proves to be something quite brilliant. Timing, originality and that climactic dance scene rank up there with the best.
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/06 09:05 PM

Napoleon Dynamite kinda' grows on you the more you see it.

I just saw "Tears of the Sun" on regular T.V. the other day. Actually quite a good movie, and not your typical Bruce-Willis-kills-em-all type flick. Very heart rendering. I'll probably have to get the DVD now.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/06 09:30 PM

Vercetti, I don't remember, was Match Point nominated for something?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/06 12:44 AM

Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination for Woody Allen, which is his first Academy nomination in more than a decade ago.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/06 01:02 AM

Bob le flambeur Bob the Gambler - (Jean-Pierre Melville;1955;France)
A gambler ex-con plans to pull off a big casino heist.
Some have said this was the beginning of French New Wave, before Godard or any of the others. To this day it proves to be a fascinating film. It's not Melville's strongest work but another great example of Independent cinema. Roger Duchesne has a very smooth approach to his character. We don't know what to make of him in the early parts of the film, but soon love him, especially when he helps the young girl early on. Melville's direction isn't as solid as his other films. There was one scene in a car while a man wrote plans down with excellent music that was cut off too abruptly, killing the mood for instance. Otherwise this is a great film that shows Melville's early talent to create a cool atmosphere with simplicity.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/06 01:04 AM

Who's That Knocking At My Door ** 1/2

Not a bad way for Mr. Martin Scorsese to start his film career. A beautifully shot movie which introduced the world to Mr. Harvey Keitel. SPOILER The rape scene was my favorite. How intense that was! END OF SPOILER
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/06 09:07 AM

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore **

Ellen Burstyn did a good job in her role of Alice Hyatt but I didn't think it was Oscar worthy
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/06 04:43 PM

Date Movie

I don’t even know where to begin, so in a way I’m a lot like the filmmakers in that respect. This “movie” was a fucking atrocity, I’m being serious I mean does anyone have the number of the war crimes tribunal? I’d rather be but in a German work camp than have to sit through this again.

I know what you might be thinking (actually I don’t it is just a way to segue into my next set of heavy-handed metaphoric comments about this movie), how could you not know that this movie was going to be nightmare of Lovecraftian proportions? Well point in fact I did, but another member of this board really wanted to see it, they actually thought that it was going to be funny, so they offered to pay my admittance. Yes this movie is so bad I want it stated up front that I did not pay to watch it.

I suppose I’ll start with the biggest flaw in the movie, I don’t think they had a script. It was more of a hodgepodge of various film scenes that felt like it was put together with a glue stick. There seemed to be no harmony between pieces they chose to “spoof”. Have you ever seen Johnny Mnemonic? That scene where he makes up the access code in the hotel room full of scientists? It is a lot like that (if you haven’t seen Johnny Mnemonic, he captures three random images off of a TV by switching channels). Some of them do thread together but after seeing the whole of the movie you realize that was just some form of happy accident and not some master plan. It’s films like this that I really wish I could have been in the editing room, just to see what was left on the floor. I mean WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE DEEMED NOT WORTHY TO BE IN THIS FILM, what dark secrets of the arcane are on those strips of celluloid that they can’t be released on the general population, well at least not until the “Uncut and Unrated” DVD comes out.

The acting…I don’t think I can actually say anything about the acting of this “movie”. They had nothing to work with. The characters are hollow with no sustenance to them, no weight. The actors are just kinda blank, the only actors in the movie that I can name really only play slight variations of characters that they’ve played in other movies, only in lesser forms. I really don’t want to fault the actors here but they should suffer some of the burden, they did take the check for making this piece of trash. There is not one lead actor in the bunch, this movie is comprised entirely of supporting actors merely acting like leads – the only problem is without help from the script there is no way that they can pull it off.

This movie has all the quality that you would expect from a local car dealership commercial. It has no merit nor entertainment value, this is the type of movie that would make Uwe Boll wince if he had to watch it. I give you Date Movie a F-…---, 0, 0x*, two thumbs Down, et al
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/06 10:03 PM

After Hours **

Kinda boring and slow. It started off kinda good but then just keep going and going with the "I just want to go homes." Sounded almost like Dante from Clerks, "I'm not even suppose to be here today"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/06 10:23 PM

I'd rank After Hours as one of Scorsese's fastest films, after, perhaps, Cape Fear.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/06 01:30 AM

Stranger Than Paradise - (Jim Jarmusch;1984;USA/West Germany)
A New York hipster is visited by his Hungarian cousin. She moves in with her aunt in Cleveland, and soon joins him again for a trip to Miami.
The more I see, the more I feel Jim Jarmusch is probably the closest thing America has to John Cassavetes today. Like Cassavetes, Jarmusch is able to take relatively simple scenes that feel more like reality rather then a script, and make it immensely interesting to watch. That simplicity was evident in Coffee and Cigarettes. Here however, he gives us a portrait of disenchanted youth that ends with a wonderful feeling of poetic irony. Like Mean Streets was to Scorsese, this is a prime example of Jarmusch's style. The camera never moves save for one or two scenes, and each scene ends with a fade to black, feeling almost like a play.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/06 07:30 AM

Octopussy ***

Some pretty elaborate fight scenes towards the end there with the circus folk
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/06 08:34 PM

Never Say Never Again ** 1/2

I was glad to see Sean Connery 1 last time as James Bond even if he was beginning to show his age. I also didn't know that Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) was in a James Bond flick
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/06 08:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Octopussy ***

Some pretty elaborate fight scenes towards the end there with the circus folk
Fight scenes? how about an island full of pretty girls?

r u going to start a special edition of "whos hotter" for bond girls???

-if u do, I suggest you keep Ursula Andress/Honey Rider (Dr No) out of the poll.....if you want a contest...otherwise, she'll win as always...its a given. (and the poll would be useless)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/06 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fame:
r u going to start a special edition of "whos hotter" for bond girls???
I think that'd take up too much time for me which is limited now with school, work, and "stuff to watch." However, if you wish to do so, you have my full endorsement
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/06 09:07 PM

The Weather Man (2005) - ***1/2
Director: Gore Verbinski
A recently divorced Chicago weather man attempts to turn his relatively depressing life around.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had heard a mix of things in regards to this film. It may not have been a masterpiece, but it was pretty damn good. The performances are all great, and hilarious... Not a single actor--not even the kids--fail to deliver. The best way to describe this would be the mutual love-child resulting in a one-night stand between American Beauty and Charlie Kaufman's sub-conscience. It was great; It was ultimately funny yet beautiful at the same time. I would consider this one of the five funniest movies of the year--but don't get me wrong... there is plenty of drama and serious-tones to go around. I highly reccomend this for anyone looking for an overall enjoyable film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/06 09:31 PM

I'm glad you liked it LLC and found it funny!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/06 10:05 PM

So far, today, but hopefully not all.

Gerry - (Gus Van Sant;2002;USA/Argentina/Jordan)
Two men named Gerry get lost at a hiking site and eventually become completely lost in a desert.
A painful film to watch. While the beginning seems normal in it's spirits it soon becomes very isolating. The cinematography may be the best of it's kind since Lawrence of Arabia. It's depiction of physical and mental degradation is very effecting, and depicted wonderfully by Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. Of course, what makes this film the masterwork it is, is Van Sant's direction. Like his other two Death Trilogy films he brings an effective use of the camera, whether it be a simple shot that never moves, especially the distant shots that really give you a sense of loneliness, or my favorite moment in the film, when the camera rotates around the main characters with the very emotional piano score in the background. The best film of 2002.

Grumpy Old Men - (Donald Petrie;1993;USA)
Two old men spark a rivalry when a woman moves into the neighborhood.
One of those charming comedies that you can watch over and over through the years. It's not a great film, but still a good comedy. Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret, and Burgess Meredith really make this a decent, fun comedy.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/06 12:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Fame:
[b] r u going to start a special edition of "whos hotter" for bond girls???
I think that'd take up too much time for me which is limited now with school, work, and "stuff to watch." However, if you wish to do so, you have my full endorsement [/b][/quote]Naaa, I already have the "Whos Dirtier" column

so you finished the AFI list? - whats your opinion on the list?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/06 02:37 AM

The Dead Pool - (Buddy Van Horn;1988;USA)
Insp. Harry Callahan investigates the murders of local celebrities.
A rehash of the old Dirty Harry formula. Aside from having a humorous parody of the Bullitt chase scene it's only fun for diehard Eastwood fans. The climax is the most absurd event in the series.

Ocean\'s Eleven - (Steven Soderbergh;2001;USA)
An ex-con plans to rob three casinos at the same time.
Unlike the sequel, this turns out to be a good film. It works a nice blend of charm and interesting aspects of the heist. The cast is very good and the direction is also good, unlike the tacky sequel. Nothing amazing in the long run but still a good film that can be watched again and again.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/06 05:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I'm glad you liked it LLC and found it funny!
Yeah, it was great. I'll probably go out and buy it when I can be damned.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/06 06:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fame:
so you finished the AFI list? - whats your opinion on the list?
No I'm not done yet. I'll have to give The African Queen another view. Next month I gotta catch Double Indemnity on TV. And I have no way of getting ahold of a copy of The Jazz Singer. Other than that yes I have finished and I did enjoy the list. I'll love to give it another go round in a couple of years but I got to see a lot of movies that I needed to see. Right now I'm in the middle of the James Bond series and I'm loving it
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/06 02:45 PM

The Brown Bunny
Vincent Gallo
2003 US/Japan/France (2nd time)
A motorcycle racer travels across America to meet with his girlfriend; along the way, he tries to fill in her absence.
An oddly beautiful film and moving depiction of sexuality and guilt, which, stripped to its bare bones, is a road movie with an interesting closure; captivating for those who can take the director's heavy self-indulgence.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/06 04:37 PM

TOYS (1992) - *1/2

Barry Levinson has got to be one of the most uneven directors in Hollywood. For every RAIN MAN and WAG THE DOG, he gives us SPHERE, ENVY, and this failure.

Reportedly a long-time dream project for Levinson, taking over a decade to be developed, and over 10 months(!) of shooting...and the end result is a film that while it has admirable art direction that attempts to tell its own mood of story, let's just say that Levinson is no Sir Ridley Scott!

At times it feels like Levinson simply let Robin Williams improvise his scripted part, which in this case perhaps is a fatal flaw.

Then again, this is one of the few films where obviously much effort was placed in it, but I still have to ask Levinson if I ever corner him in some random diner in Los Angeles....what was the point of this movie? What is the message, that good peaceful toys are superior to war toys or whatever the hell?

What is annoying as well is how that Levinson directed this stinker after BUGSY, a picture that I did enjoy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/06 04:38 AM

Walk the Line *** 1/2

I really can't believe that Crash got the Oscar nom for Best Picture over Walk the Line. I'm really hoping that Reese and Joaquin win in their respective categories. 1 of my favorite movies from last year. Rent it or buy it on Tuesday!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/06 05:36 AM

Amazing, I agree wish Irishman! I have only two words to express what I think. Fuck CRASH.

I did finally watch a great great legendary picture from ole Hitch...

REAR WINDOW (1954) - Masterpiece - *****

Truely this film deserves its hefty reputation and legacy of respect, for visual storytelling itself tells quite a dramatic tale using only body language, human reactions, you name it. I don't have the right words at the moment, but its always great when one watches a great film. More thought and observations will be put perhaps in a review for AV.
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/06 05:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
TOYS (1992) - *1/2

Barry Levinson has got to be one of the most uneven directors in Hollywood. For every RAIN MAN and WAG THE DOG, he gives us SPHERE, ENVY, and this failure.

Reportedly a long-time dream project for Levinson, taking over a decade to be developed, and over 10 months(!) of shooting...and the end result is a film that while it has admirable art direction that attempts to tell its own mood of story, let's just say that Levinson is no Sir Ridley Scott!

At times it feels like Levinson simply let Robin Williams improvise his scripted part, which in this case perhaps is a fatal flaw.

Then again, this is one of the few films where obviously much effort was placed in it, but I still have to ask Levinson if I ever corner him in some random diner in Los Angeles....what was the point of this movie? What is the message, that good peaceful toys are superior to war toys or whatever the hell?

What is annoying as well is how that Levinson directed this stinker after BUGSY, a picture that I did enjoy.
Although it's been awhile since I saw this film, I know exactly where you're coming from on your review.

As for the last movie I just watched, well it was the first Godfather film. I'm pretty sure I don't need to review that particular movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/06 09:04 AM

The Ice Harvest **

I had heard from some people that this reminded them a lot of Bad Santa. Other than the fact that it's a comedy with Billy Bob Thorton and it takes place during Christmas I don't know why else they'd think that. It's NOTHING like Bad Santa. Very funny at first and finishes telling the "story" at the end, not bad but not great. I won't be buying it Tuesday
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/06 09:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
TOYS (1992) - *1/2

Barry Levinson has got to be one of the most uneven directors in Hollywood. For every RAIN MAN and WAG THE DOG, he gives us SPHERE, ENVY, and this failure.

I consider Wag the Dog one of the worst films Ive ever seen.

I like Levinson for Bugsy and Bandits, and I need to rewatch Rain Man.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/06 08:28 PM

Why exactly is WAG THE DOG quite awful? I mean, I can understand say TOYS or SPHERE or especially ENVY....but hey, one's opinion is his own.

VERTIGO (1958) - Masterpiece - *****

Many call this Hitchcock's supreme masterpiece. Others argue it as one of the greatest films of all time. Either way, both camps have a pretty damn strong case to each title. Truely the most surreal and emotionally-touching movie of the Master of the Macabre's career. Interestingly, this will be Hitch's last collaboration with frequen lead-star James Stewart. One fucking hell of a way to end it.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/06 09:47 AM

This is a must see for those interested in seeing Holocaust related movies. Outstanding and daring, it focuses on a different angle of the events.

Amen
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/06 01:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Why exactly is WAG THE DOG quite awful?

I thought Wag the Dog was horrible firstly, for its really non-sensical story. This didnt give the film a sense of satire or hilarious chaos or anything of that sort, it was just annoying and bothersome.

Levinson also did a horrible job of making the characters really likeable for the most part.

Basically, he really just seemed to come up with a good concept, which I did like, but then proceeded to just throw this shit together around the concept, without any real care for the rest of the film. The one good idea of the film is dragged out so much that by the end its not even interesting or funny anymore and all of the other, less intelligent humor in between fails to be funny.

Levinson also kind of seemed like he was trying to instill this feeling in the viewers that the characters were smarter than them and the events taking place on screen were occuring above them in terms of social importance or something, but none of them came off as especially intelligent or savvy, kind of discrediting the story.

Lastly, the ending was terrible. I don't quite remember it as of this moment, but I just remember Dustin Hoffman's character being led off to die somewhere for reasons that were kind of vague. Seemed like a desperate 4th quater attempt to wrap up the film in an interesting way.

DeNiro and Hoffman were even average at best in this film, and Anne Heche was just horrible.

So in conclusion, one of the worst films I've ever seen.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/06 12:30 PM

I had a fun drunken movie night last night. Expecting TV to be, as usual, aweful once I finished work I was surprised to find out Silence of the Lambs and Suicide Kings were on.

I've been obsessed with Silence of the Lambs ever since I was 11 years old sneakily watching it on a black and white TV in my room. I thought maybe I'd actually seen the film far too much and would be bored watching it again. But I was so excited watching it, hearing my favourite lines and repeating them. I'm such a dork.

Suicide Kings has to be one of my favourite undderated movies. I figure without Denis Leary and Christopher Walken the movie would be mediocre but their characters and performances are so good it really bumps the movie.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/06 12:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Turi Giuliano:



Suicide Kings has to be one of my favourite undderated movies. I figure without Denis Leary and Christopher Walken the movie would be mediocre but their characters and performances are so good it really bumps the movie.
I agree Walken and Leary really help that film. Walken and Garcia do the same for Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead, although I liked that one better than Suicide Kings.

And I still have yet to see Silence of the Lambs
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/06 11:06 PM

I watched Breathless last night, but was too tired to post a proview.

Down by Law - (Jim Jarmusch;1986;USA/West Germany)
In New Orleans, two men are framed and end up in the same cell together where they meet an Italian eccentric who soon plans to escape.
Jim Jarmusch really knows how to make a film. It would seem like this is your average prison escape film but it's not about the escape, but the interaction between the three main characters, who are all very likable. Tom Waits, John Lurie, and Roberto Benigni are all great in their roles. What is also striking is the cinematography from the streets of New Orleans to the woods and bayous. The dialogue is wonderfully written and Jarmusch's direction, especially his use of music is wonderful.

À bout de souffle Breathless - (Jean-Luc Godard;1960;France)
After killing a police officer, a thief tries to convince his American girlfriend to follow him to Italy.
A film made unlike most of it's time, especially being the major milestone of French New Wave. Godard's use of the camera is very influential. While most films of the time were using it generically, Godard used it more freely. The jump cuts are another cinematic innovation created in this film. Like Down By Law, it's about the interaction most of all. The scenes with Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg are gold and hold a more modern charm to them. It also indulges in wonderful cinematography, especially the French countryside in the opening. One of the great cinematic achievements that remains powerful to this day. The only problem I had was the occasional feeling a jump cut was put in an awkward moment.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/06 04:15 PM

Big Fish
Tim Burton
2003 US (1st time)
A father and son, both storytellers in their own right, try to rekindle their relationship when the former hasn't long to live.
Almost two hours of exposition, wanting to create a whole mystery around this persona and succeeding for the most part; like many of the individual stories told throughout, though, its purpose is only to serve an ending of sentimental charm. It may even work, if you're willing to go along with its iffy CGI and the distracting contrast between McGregor and Finney as the younger and older father.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 12:31 AM

Elephant (2003, Van Sant)
A violent incident rocks the students and faculty at a high school in Portland, Oregon.

Gus Vant Sant fails miserably to tell a conventional story. (Not that he was trying to do that anyway.) Instead he gives us a beautiful pseudo-documentary about a regular day in a school that goes brutally wrong. He doesn't give us any reasons as to why the massacre reasons, no insight into the psyche of the two killers. Instead he shoots it as a regular day, lets the events unfold, gives us no backstory. That's part of the greatness of this film. The idea of casting non-actors and just regular kids was brilliant, it made this film all the more realistic and haunting.

Definitley one of the best of the 2000's (so far).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 01:10 AM

Glad you liked it DA. Though I have to say the backstories result from us connecting the dots from the few flashbacks we see.

Last Days, Elephant, and Gerry are all masterworks and the best of their years (2002, 2003, 2005) IMO.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 08:40 AM

Proof **

Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gylenhaal

The daughter of a crazy mathematician shares some of his brilliance and eccentricities. A phD student of this mathematician falls in love with his advisor's daughter. Excellent acting by everyone, though the story as a whole did not impact me much at all.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 08:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Proof **

Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gylenhaal

The daughter of a crazy mathematician shares some of his brilliance and eccentricities. A phD student of this mathematician falls in love with his advisor's daughter. Excellent acting by everyone, though the story as a whole did not impact me much at all. [/b]
I can't wait to watch this movie. What a pity there's Gwyneth Paltrow in it. I totally dislike her. She's such a cold fish.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 08:52 AM

Maybe this role suits her, she acts really well in this. The only other movie I watched of hers is "shakespeare in love". I didn't care for that movie much, I thought it was a bit silly. My roomie absolutely loves this movie and keeps playing it often :rolleyes:
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 10:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
What a pity there's Gwyneth Paltrow in it. I totally dislike her. She's such a cold fish.
She's elegant...
I'm planning to watch Proof too.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 10:57 AM

The problem I have with Gwyneth Paltrow is how she goes into a steakhouse and forces them to go out of their menu by making a Veggie burger.

Seriously, how stupid are some people?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 11:08 AM

If one demands a Veggie Burger, they should go to a place where its on the menu, and with Hollywood as it is, how hard is it honestly?

Then again, you know what always pissed me off about movie/TV/music stars in Hollywood? Not the politics, which means nothing to me.....but the absurd materialism.

I mean, I read the other day that Halle Berry spends $150 per can for dogfood. Let me repeat....150 American smackers just for a pet to get dogfood, nevermind that despite that I love my dogs....they are still dogs.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 11:12 AM

STRIPTEASE (1996) - BOMB - *

Wow....so Hollywood is successful in making a movie that combines a high-budget melodramatic LIFETIME MOVIE OF THE WEEK emotional manipulations, plus camp that hasn't been this unsuccessful since Adam West donned his BATMAN tights. What's so funny is that with the cheese and camp flying into the fan, Demi Moore(and her then Hollywood record of $12.5 million for an actress) plays super serious, which makes me wonder indeed....did she realize what this stuff was, while everyone else did?

BTW, Camp humor makes as much sense to me as softcore pornography. In other words..........why? What's the appeal?

Truely this turkey does deserve its Razzie for Worst Movie.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 11:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
She's elegant...
sure. An elegant cold fish. :p
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 11:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Halle Berry spends $150 per can for dogfood.
$150 per can? Oh my, what sort of food is that? Human flesh?
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 01:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] She's elegant...
sure. An elegant cold fish. :p [/b][/quote];) Did you watch "Emma"?
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 01:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
Did you watch "Emma"?
the one where she has the hobby of having other people married? Beautiful movie. Elegant movie. Very Austinlike. She was a cold fish nonetheless. A British, elegant cold fish.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 02:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Elephant

Gus Vant Sant fails miserably to tell a conventional story. (Not that he was trying to do that anyway.)
How can he fail miserably to achieve something he didn't set out to do? For me, he's succeeded in telling an unconventional story.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 05:09 PM

Grizzly Man
Werner Herzog
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
A documentary on Timothy Treadwell, who lived, in the summer, among bears, until he and his girlfriend were eaten alive by one in 2003.
The most fascinating scenes here are one where Treadwell talks to the camera as he walks about his women troubles, and then another, with him cursing and blasting the civilised world in which he has become famous through what he believes to be mockery. Together, these touch upon very fascinating insights into a character who masked himself in falsities only to escape his own deficiencies; it is at its weakest when revealing its own contradictions: Herzog warns Treadwell's ex-lover never to listen to the recording of his death, and moments later, we have a doctor telling us all the gruesome details anyway.

Der Untergang / Downfall
Oliver Hirschbiegel
2004 Germany/Italy/Austria (1st time)
The final days of Hitler and those close to him, as the Russians invade Berlin.
It looks like one of those new, crisp and suddenly popular TV dramas, too clean to be credible; it sounds like a muffled video game; it feels like a film set throughout, where, if the camera were to pan to the right at any moment, you may just see the rest of the cast fumbling about on set, ready for the next scene. Not even Ganz' sterling performance can lift it beyond its own claims of historical accuracy
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 07:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] Did you watch "Emma"?
the one where she has the hobby of having other people married? Beautiful movie. Elegant movie. Very Austinlike. She was a cold fish nonetheless. A British, elegant cold fish. [/b][/quote]I meant that "She's elegant" is a very special quote from there. You think it's Austen - like? I'd rather say P&P 1995 was. I remember having not the highest opinion of Emma in details. There were flaws in following the time, you know.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 08:39 PM

A View To A Kill ** 1/2

Finally trying to get back on track with my James Bond films. This was (sadly) Roger Moore's last time playing agent 007. I shall miss him. Christopher Walken brought his usual presence to the screen and stole the show.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/06 09:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[b] Elephant

Gus Vant Sant fails miserably to tell a conventional story. (Not that he was trying to do that anyway.)
How can he fail miserably to achieve something he didn't set out to do? For me, he's succeeded in telling an unconventional story. [/b][/quote]That's what I was trying to say.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 12:52 AM

So far today.

Fahrenheit 9/11 - (Michael Moore;2004;USA)
Michael Moore's take on post-9/11 America, specifically George Bush's agenda.
Moore's cynicism towards Bush is justified, throughout the film we're presented with half-truths or editing tricks meant to deceive us. Ultimately it fails in it's impact, both on me and on the American voters. However it's humor keeps it watchable. I particularly loved the spoof of the Bush Administration as The Magnificent Seven.

Permanent Vacation - (Jim Jarmusch;1980;USA)
A 20-something young man frequently spends more then a day walking around Manhattan meeting new people out of boredom.
I was somewhat reminded of Five Easy Pieces by this. Jarmusch's debut is unlike his later style, but a very interesting direction. It has many great ideas and quotes I loved, although it's not as impacting as his later work. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good film about a man who's boredom leads him through a constant search for satisfaction. The music is also very good, consisting of Charlie Parker and some other Jazz, the latter played by John Lurie. Chris Parker's performance could've been better.

Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes Aguirre: The Wrath of God - (Werner Herzog;1972;West Germany/Peru/Mexico)
A group of conquistadors are driven by the insane Aguirre to find El Dorado.
Throughout the film I felt it was great, but towards the end it started to escalate to the point where I was angered when it ended. A masterpiece about the drive of insanity, that ends wonderfully. Kinski's performance is rich with a subtle intensity that makes you wish he had even more screen time. One of my favorite things about the film is the musical score, which enhances the lost feeling of the film, especially against the jungle cinematography. It may be invented rather than true to the real man but that's not the point of the film. Instead we're graced with a powerful film. Even at an hour and a half, it's an epic.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 03:46 AM

STRIPES (1981) - ***

Enjoyable slob-comedy with the Murray/Reitman/Ramis company of the 70's/80s, of which its been quite cloned many times over the years, but with genetic malfunctions.

That's the fact, Jack!
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 04:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I like Levinson for Bugsy and Bandits, and I need to rewatch Rain Man.
Some of Levinson's best work, I think, has been his hometown Baltimore coming-of-age and growing up trilogy of Diner, Avalon and Liberty Heights.

And if you want to make it a quad-trilogy, there's Tin Men, DeVito's breakthrough film role, and a truly funny picture with a great supporting cast that nearly steals it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 07:28 AM

Notting Hill **

Cute love story of a famous hollywood actress (Julia Roberts) and a nobody travel book shop owner(Hugh Grant) in london. Ofcourse you know the ending even before the movie starts, that is taken for granted with the movies of this genre. However, every now and then one can fool the mind to forget this fact, especially when you are in love Nice music throughout, particularly the "ain't no sunshine" song. My favorite character is Hugh grant's flat-mate. Awkward, clumsy and honest.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 10:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by plawrence:
Some of Levinson's best work, I think, has been his hometown Baltimore coming-of-age and growing up trilogy of Diner, Avalon and Liberty Heights.
I'm interested in seeing Diner, thats about it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 08:28 PM

Yojimbo The Bodyguard - (Akira Kurosawa;1961;Japan)
A ronin comes to a town where he plays the two rival gangs against each other.
Kurosawa does for the samurai what Leone would later do for the cowboys. I can't tell you whether this or A Fistful of Dollars is better, but both bring us personifications of cool. This film also has some subtle humor here and there that lightens the mood. You can see some things that would later inspire Lucas and Tarantino. It's overrated at IMDB but nevertheless this turns out to be a great samurai film. Toshirô Mifune makes his character very likable with his performance.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 09:38 PM

Ultraviolet **

A good action flick that I went to only because MY admission was paid for this time. It surpassed my expectations but I didn't know too much of the storyline going into it. Milla Jovovich is so incredibly hot in this film that contains nothing but her and action scenes.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 09:45 PM

MERCURY RISING (1998) - **

What if an Austistic 9-year old boy broke a $1 billion military supercode? What if Bruce Willis, in a challenging role of a cop :rolleyes: , had to protect him from the Feds? What if Alec Baldwin in his then-newly chubby melodramatic persona is the weak baddie? What if this movie was forgettable blah? Why am I asking questions?
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 09:48 PM

I just watched "The Fantastic Four" with my youngest son ( he is only six)....
I don't want to talk about it to be honest
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 09:53 PM

It's okay. I myself was assaulted by this film, but remember, it was NOT your fault. I mean, you can blame the tater tot in future, but for now, just take some breaths and some pepper spray.

Instead, go watch BATMAN BEGINS with your kid. Now THAT's a good superhero blockbuster expensive summer movie.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 10:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
It's okay. I myself was assaulted by this film, but remember, it was NOT your fault. I mean, you can blame the tater tot in future, but for now, just take some breaths and some pepper spray.

Instead, go watch BATMAN BEGINS with your kid. Now THAT's a good superhero blockbuster expensive summer movie.
Good call
Posted By: AppleOnYa

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 10:32 PM

Just returned home from seeing 'Aquamarine' with my daughter. She doesn't ask to see movies often, but really wanted to go to this. Very sweet, cute film and we both enjoyed it.

Apple
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/06 11:03 PM

The Window
Ted Tetzlaff
1949 US (1st time)
A young New York boy with a reputation for lying witnesses his neighbours kill a man; nobody believes him.
Superlative suspense thriller which, at 70 minutes, moves fast from one vital scene to the next. B-movie classic.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 02:42 AM

Jarhead ** 1/2

I didn't think it was a great as everyone I've heard say about this film. I did enjoy it but I won't be buying it on Tuesday. Jake Gyllenhaal is really impressing me and Jamie Foxx did a very good job himself.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 05:45 AM

Walk the Line - (James Mangold;2005;USA)
Johnny Cash rises from poverty to fame, sparking a romance with June Carter while in the midst of drug addiction.
Like Ray, it's overrated ridiculously as a masterpiece, but it still turns out to be a good film, though it was completed too late, drawing comparisons to Ray. I feel it's better though the former needs a rewatch. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon bring a lot to this film, maybe not as much as Jamie Foxx did for Ray, but still a lot. Overall with a combination of talent it's kept solid, flirting with cliche here and there, but keeping itself together.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 08:25 AM

A History of Violence ***

I enjoyed it more with a 2nd viewing. The performances in this were great all around from Viggo to Maria. My 2 favorite performances though (in order) were Stephen McHattie who played Leland Jones and Ed Harris who played Carl Fogarty. I was kinda surprised that William Hurt got the Oscar nom over Ed Harris. Don't get me wrong he did a fine job but I think the man was only in like 1 or 2 scenes
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 05:47 PM

Syriana
Stephen Gaghan
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
Oil moguls in America fight for money and power in the Middle East.
This struggles throughout to escape that sense of fictionalised truth, as if the writer has overcomplicated things by cramming in political jargon so as to be taken seriously (even Clooney's weight gain has no apparent purpose, other than to possibly allow him to star in a political film without being a pin-up). The vaguely connected stories would perhaps benefit from a longer duration, whereby we may even care for the death of a principle character; but as it is, it's connect-the-dots on a massive sheet of paper, with no pen to do so. Frivolous.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 05:51 PM

Capo,

I heard this movie was very very complicated, yet very good. I saw the real person that Clooney was portraying last week on tv. I have to put myself in a certain frame of mind before I see most political movies....you know, like putting on your thinking cap? :p

Anyway, I am interested in seeing it, but most likely will rent it other than going to the movies to see it.

TIS
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 06:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
A History of Violence ***

I enjoyed it more with a 2nd viewing. The performances in this were great all around from Viggo to Maria. My 2 favorite performances though (in order) were Stephen McHattie who played Leland Jones and Ed Harris who played Carl Fogarty. I was kinda surprised that William Hurt got the Oscar nom over Ed Harris. Don't get me wrong he did a fine job but I think the man was only in like 1 or 2 scenes
Ah, another one I've been awaiting desperately to see. I hear nothing but goodies. Can't wait to see it (which, hopefully, will be soon).
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 07:32 PM

Great sig LLC.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai - (Jim Jarmusch;1999;USA)
An African American mafia hitman who follows the samurai code finds himself targeted by the mafia.
A different film from Jarmusch. It's obviously inspired by Le Samourai and some other films, but it works in it's own creativity to become a great film. Forest Whitaker has a wonderful presence as Ghost Dog, and the rest of the cast supports the film well. Jarmusch's humor also adds to the film. The music is also a highlight, especially the excellent opening score by the Wu Tang Clan. The action scenes are very good, containing the type of charm Michael Mann offers.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 09:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Syriana
Stephen Gaghan
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
Oil moguls in America fight for money and power in the Middle East.
This struggles throughout to escape that sense of fictionalised truth, as if the writer has overcomplicated things by cramming in political jargon so as to be taken seriously (even Clooney's weight gain has no apparent purpose, other than to possibly allow him to star in a political film without being a pin-up). The vaguely connected stories would perhaps benefit from a longer duration, whereby we may even care for the death of a principle character; but as it is, it's connect-the-dots on a massive sheet of paper, with no pen to do so. Frivolous. [/b]
I am beginning to doubt the merit of your rating system. Zero stars? Come on.... You can find faults with ANY movie and reduce it to zero stars. If you really intend to. Perhaps you did not like the hype sorrounding the movie, but...
Nevermind, who am i to question your opinion or taste. Zero stars it is then.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 09:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
A History of Violence ***
I hear nothing but goodies. Can't wait to see it (which, hopefully, will be soon).
Sorry I want to add a small glitch in that statistic. It is over-rated IMO.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 10:10 PM

The low-down of my star system:

Four stars: A life-changing film actively influencing me. I love it.
Three stars: An excellent film, for whatever reason.
Two stars: A good film, for whatever reason.
One star: Worth watching, for whatever reason.
Zero stars: Routine production or worse.

Basically, it's the opposite to Ebert's system, which allows for all films, where half marks means an average. My system, taken from Halliwell's Film Guide, concentrates more on good films.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 10:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
The low-down of my star system:

Four stars: A life-changing film actively influencing me. I love it.
Three stars: An excellent film, for whatever reason.
Two stars: A good film, for whatever reason.
One star: Worth watching, for whatever reason.
Zero stars: Routine production or worse.

Basically, it's the opposite to Ebert's system, which allows for all films, where half marks means an average. My system, taken from Halliwell's Film Guide, concentrates more on good films.
Sorry, I remembered reading that your zero stars was for "no redeeming quality" or something like that. I was wrong, my apologies. But even according to this rating system, I wouldn't categorize it as routine, leave alone worse. The screenplay involves looking at the middle east oil situation from the perspective of both american and world interest. I would also say that a lot of research was done for the script to make it look authentic. It is not easy for a person sitting in hollywood and make believable story about pakistan, lebanon, iraq and other countries. So far from routine. Nothing special in terms of acting, though nothing to complain either. Clooney's extra weight could have been redundant, but that didn't spoil it either. That is like Coppola chilling the champagne to 50 degrees in the french plantation scene of Apocalypse now, or like De Niro wearing silk underwear like capone used to. They don't matter, but it just goes on to make things as authentic as possible. So effort wise, not routine.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 10:43 PM

The problem with Syriana was that it tries to present a picture of our current times without going into any detail; characters are expendable, and we don't know anything about any of them, even after its two hours running length. I think it would have been better had we spent an extra hour in the film, to actually get something out of these characters. We'll hear some music at one point, and the film builds momentum to something which doesn't happen, and it withers away into more surface detail.

A week after seeing Spielberg's (much worse) Munich, I said you know something's wrong when the only part you remember of a film in any detail is something as little as a knife going into somebody's head. With Syriana, there's a scene where Clooney gets his nails ripped out in a torture scene. It serves little purpose other than to give its audience some digestable sensationalism after an onslaught of complicated political rhetoric. It's a point proven, I think, by the resulting conversation I had with the two men I saw it with (one being my dad, the other his friend), how that scene in particular was awful. Without that scene, the film would have still worked and delivered its message, but we wouldn't have had anything to talk about. So it didn't need to be there.

It gives a sense of its characters being caught up in this harsh, political world, and being as expendable as the money they dish out to get power. Fair point; it succeeds in creating that kind of environment, but would have worked far better had there been some kind of emotional attachment to such expendable characters. Like the characters themselves, each storyline in the film is expendable. To the point where the death of a child is used as a plot device, just to make for some more political banter.

Clooney's part was the most interesting; tellingly, the film opens and closes with his storyline. That it is under-explored pays testament to the kind of width Gaghan tries to cover. Alas, the result is that we hover over a map, and never land to explore the jungles on it. Traffic handled this balance between a wider world while also working on an individual level brilliantly; as a further example, the final segment of The Lord of the Rings works even better.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 11:21 PM

Despite my usual disagreement with Capo's ratings, I do have to agree that Syriana and Munich were formulaic and mediocre at best.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 11:42 PM

Il Conformista The Conformist - (Bernardo Bertolucci;1970;Italy/France/West Germany)
A Fascist conformist is assigned to kill his old professor while he strives for a normal life.
A film driven both by performances and the interesting direction. Great angles are experimented with, and combined with the cinematography, especially the misty forest scene, gives this film an interesting tone. It balances it's politics and character study perfectly, especially with it's narrative. Jean-Louis Trintignant's performance oddly reminded me of Alain Delon's Jef Costello, not in the powerful emotionless, but a more depressed state, until the explosive final scene. The score also amplifies the mood.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 11:44 PM

I hate you for being able to see that.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 11:45 PM

Funnily enough, I had the chance to catch it on the big screen today; I passed, for Syriana.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 11:48 PM

What motivated that decision?

A film considered to be one of the top 100 of all time by many

vs.

A George Clooney political drama which got mixed reviews
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/06 11:52 PM

I downloaded The Conformist, like most of my proviews in the past week or two. Mystery Train, This Gun For Hire, and Le Doulos are coming up.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
What motivated that decision?

A film considered to be one of the top 100 of all time by many

vs.

A George Clooney political drama which got mixed reviews
I actually forgot about it. And it was cheaper to see Syriana. Oh, and George Clooney political drama wouldn't put me off. Good Night, and Good Luck. was one of last year's top five.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:06 AM

Good Night and Good Luck was pretty good. I was just very dissappointed with Syriana. I had hopes it would be as good as Traffic.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
What motivated that decision?

A film considered to be one of the top 100 of all time by many

vs.

A George Clooney political drama which got mixed reviews
So what if it's George Clooney, and what should he care if it got mixed reviews? When you see movies do you think about what the critics say before you watch it?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:18 AM

Quote:
When you see movies do you think about what the critics say before you watch it?
Yes
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
When you see movies do you think about what the critics say before you watch it?
Atleast I do. Not everything at the face value, but I always read what the critics had problem with. Especially when I am paying 8 dollars! If everyone feels it is bad, I will avoid watching it. If there are mixed opinions, I will watch and decide. But past experience also matters. Bad directors are likely to make more bad movies, statistically speaking
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:20 AM

To hell with critics. Maltin hated Taxi Driver, Ebert hated Dead Man. Critics piss me off a lot.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:23 AM

I personally would say it would be kind of ridiculous to try to argue that critic's and other's opinions on films do not at all play a factor in determining one's choice of films to watch. It's not like you go to the movie theater or go to the video rental store and just choose something at random. And yes, although subject matter may play a part, it cannot be the only deciding factor.

I admit, I've seen certain crime-related films despite their bad reviews, just because I knew I would enjoy it for its subject matter. Once and a while, I disagree with the critics, and find something I like in a film that was generally panned. But I still look at and consider the critics opinions before I choose to see these movies.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote] When you see movies do you think about what the critics say before you watch it?
Yes [/quote]I feel sorry for you that you have to look at what other people think to watch a film.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:26 AM

Did you even read what I just wrote? Because thats exactly the type of bullshit reply I was expecting.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Did you even read what I just wrote? Because thats exactly the type of bullshit reply I was expecting.
Nope I didn't. I was still posting when you replied.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:31 AM

Ah. Does it alter your opinion at all?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] A History of Violence ***

I enjoyed it more with a 2nd viewing. The performances in this were great all around from Viggo to Maria. My 2 favorite performances though (in order) were Stephen McHattie who played Leland Jones and Ed Harris who played Carl Fogarty. I was kinda surprised that William Hurt got the Oscar nom over Ed Harris. Don't get me wrong he did a fine job but I think the man was only in like 1 or 2 scenes
Ah, another one I've been awaiting desperately to see. I hear nothing but goodies. Can't wait to see it (which, hopefully, will be soon). [/b][/quote]Hopefully you'll enjoy it too. I remember you enjoyed The Weather Man so I think you should dig this too. I'll be buying this DVD on the 14th. Remember to keep an eye out for Stephen McHattie.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:32 AM

I disagree Mista. The movies I see I don't hear about from critics.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:39 AM

How do you hear about them? Sometimes, I'll see a film based on director/actor connections, and I'll usually find these through imdb, but even them, when I come upon a film I have interest in, the rating is right there. If I were to see the film had a shitty rating, I probably wouldn't see it.

Sometimes, even a film is directed by one of my favorite directors, and stars some really good actors, it still turns out like crap. Ex. Gangs of New York, for this reason, I rely on critics feelings, just a 2nd opinion. Like I said, I will definitely sometimes see and enjoy films that were critically panned, and sometimes really hate films that were widely praised.

I'm not arguing that critics are right, I'm just saying I feel like its inevitable for their opinions to be taken into consideration, at least to a certain degree.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 12:43 AM

I read about film, genres, directors, etc.

Otherwise I either get recomended from other members at the Film board, or I use this site, which is much more reliable then the stupid AFI list. In fact they have a Top 100 and 1000 list.

http://www.theyshootpictures.com/

The only time I ever read a review is usually Ebert's site, just to see if he pisses me off or adds something interesting to his Great Movies list. He usually pisses me off.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 03:51 AM

The words of critics only mean much to my mental box if I have seen the movie. Other than that, its just empty words.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 05:07 AM

I think it would be important for us to define what we are referring to as critics here. Don V, if you are considering the link your provided to be made up of people who are not "critics", then we have different definitions of the word.

When I say that people are taking critic's opinions into account when they choose which movies to watch, I am saying they are considering outside opinions in general, not just people like Ebert who get paid to critique movies.

Do you agree that outside opinion, other people's opinions, whether they be critics or members of a film board or compilers of a top films list, are taken into account by you when you choose whether or not to watch a film?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 05:11 AM

My point is, I don't read a review and say "He thinks it's good, I will check it out."

I read about films through normal articles about genres, actors, or whatever. Or I read things like that site I listed. I watch what interests me or what is supposedly innovative for it's time. I don't care for anyone's opinion when considering a movie.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 05:16 AM

But looking at lists like that or reading what has been called "innovative" is still considering someone's opinions.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 05:25 AM

I'm referring against critics reviews.

If something is innovative, that's usually a fact. Citizen Kane was innovative, despite anyone's opinion. Sure hype sparks interest now and then, but it's usually bullshit.
Posted By: DonColletti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 05:35 AM

I don't normally read or listen to critics. If someone tells me it didn't get good reviews, it doesn't change my mind if I want to see it or not. My first thought is through the previews at the theater or on commercials. If I don't like the preview, I probably won't end up watching it. Though there are exceptions, that's a key if I am not a spectacular fan of any of the players to the film.

Vercetti, you say that AFI is a dumb list? Could you tell me why it is. I took a quick glance through the top 50 of the website's list you gave. I like 2001's placement, but disagree with Casablanca being 31st.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 05:38 AM

I hate it for limiting the list to American films, aside one or two UK ones. It's just an annoying list. They Shoot Pictures has a much more diverse list I respect more. It's also a great resource for director information.
Posted By: DonColletti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 05:52 AM

You have to expect that it would be only American movies for it is the American Film Institute 100 years of American Film list. The problem is, I have stayed too much on the American side and not seen any French films besides a adaptation of the play Cyrano de Bergerac in English class last year.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 07:10 AM

Good Night, and Good Luck ** 1/2

A good drama about Edward R. Murrow's problem with Senator Joe McCarthy. A great performance by David Strathairn and a noteable performance by George Clooney as well. I don't know why but after watching it I felt it was too short.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 09:30 AM

The Living Daylights ** 1/2

Timothy Dalton wasn't too bad in his first attempt at James Bond. I thought the movie started out very good but towards the end lost all the excitement and interest it had built up.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 01:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I personally would say it would be kind of ridiculous to try to argue that critic's and other's opinions on films do not at all play a factor in determining one's choice of films to watch. It's not like you go to the movie theater or go to the video rental store and just choose something at random.
I agree.

There are movies I will see because of a particular actor, director, or its subject matter, regardless of the reviews.

And there are some that I will avoid for the same reasons, regardless of what the critics may say.

But we are all critics in one sense or another, and what we hear about films - from whatever the source, be it a "professional" review, or something that we read here on the BB, or whatever - very often plays some part in the selection process.

I don't think any of us limit ourselves to films that only involve cast members or directors or that we like, or subject matter that interests us.

If that were the case, we'd never expose ourselves to anything new.

As MMTH says "It's not like you go to the movie theater or go to the video rental store and just choose something at random."
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 01:32 PM

Just re-watched both Donnie Brasco (1997) and then, for comparison purposes, City Hall (1996).

Brasco, I think, was Pacino's last "great" picture (altho he was pretty good in The Insider).

You really feel that he absolutely is the character he portrays, unlike Johnny Depp who I always felt was mis-cast and not believable as an Italian FBI agent.

In City Hall, though, which, while predictable, isn't a bad movie - although I'll confess to enjoying anything that Pacino is in that involves NYC, the Mafia, police corruption, etc. - I felt like I was watching Pacino "act", and not very well.

He gives a Pacino-like over-the-top and not believable eulogy at a little boy's funeral, and seems pretty wooden and unemotional throughout the rest the film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 04:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by plawrence:
Brasco, I think, was Pacino's last "great" picture (altho he was pretty good in The Insider).
But his role in Insider was very small. How about "Devil's Advocate?
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 05:25 PM

Finding Nemo

Aww, a daddy fish goes on a mission through dangerous waters to rescue his son Nemo, his only living family member, after he was taken by an evil diver.

A nice, fun and heartwarming movie with some really likable characters. There's humour but not many laugh out loud moments though you'll watch it with a smile on your face.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 06:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
How about "Devil's Advocate?
Good, but not a "great" performance, IMO.

In watching Devil's Advocate I felt like I was watching Al Pacino acting, just as I felt when watching City Hall.

Very similar style performances, I thought.

Watching Donnie Brasco, I felt Pacino was Lefty Ruggiero.

Actually, now that I think about it, there are very few Pacino performances that I would label as "great", although I've thoroughly enjoyed quite a number of his films.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 07:19 PM

I agree with Plaw and I disagree on Pacino's role being short. He dominated the second half more then Crowe like he had the first half, and it was his best role from the 90's.

The Devil's Advocate was decent but overrated.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 08:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Funnily enough, I had the chance to catch it on the big screen today; I passed, for Syriana.
You are INSANE.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 08:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I downloaded The Conformist
Where did you find it? I can't seem to find it on torrentspy.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/06 10:38 PM

eMule, although the size of the movies quickly slow your computer after a few of them. I have to get rid of a few.

Mystery Train - (Jim Jarmusch;1989;USA/Japan)
Three vignettes loosely connected through a motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Another great film from Jarmusch. Human interaction dominates the film, especially with more of Jarmusch's subtle humor here and there. All three vignettes worked wonderfully. The cast supported the film wonderfully, and Screamin' Jay Hawkins as the motel clerk was perfect for some of the comic relief. I also liked Nagase, Kudoh, and Buscemi's roles in the film, not to mention Tom Waits brief moments as the radio DJ. The music is great, like Jarmusch's other films.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/06 02:30 PM

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

What?

This is actually a stunning film. But I feel a little background knowledge of the film would have helped me viewing of it instead of me questioning its validity whether it was actually based on truth or not whilst engaged in some of the more surreal scenes. Don't worry, no spoilers.

For those that don't know, and I assume this applies to most outsider to the US, this film is actually based on an unauthorised autobiography of Chuck Barris. The creator of hit games shows The Dating Game (the original Blind Date) but he claims on the side he worked as a CIA contract killer.

I think he's a nutter and highly delusional but I'll probably never know for sure. That makes the individual viewer able to believe what they want and adds to the mystique of the movie.

That's all I'm giving you. Watch this film. I would bet opinions on it would split a room as much as marmite would.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/06 02:41 PM

Re: The Insider
Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
it was (Pacino's) best role from the 90's.
Better than his role in Donnie Brasco?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/06 03:38 PM

Before Sunrise
Richard Linklater
1995 US (2nd time)
A young American and French student meet on a train in Budapest and decide to spend the night together, before she leaves for Paris.
Conversation piece relying on contrasting philosophies from its two characters to drive it along; the acting had to be brilliant, and it is, with a kind of awkward sensibility which develops into a confident intimacy as it goes on.

Before Sunset
Richard Linklater
2004 US (2nd time)
Jesse and Celine meet nine years after their first meeting.
The characters have developed into wiser, older adults, and the two actors embody them convincingly; but, as the script's self-reflection would have it, neither of them have really changed, and the narrative's swing into bittersweet nostalgia makes for an infuriatingly perfect final moment.

Lost In Translation
Sofia Coppola
2003 US/Japan (Nth time)
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, affecting tale of two people stuck in marital problems and finding unconsumated comfort in each other; it is a refreshingly minimalistic approach fuelled by excellent performances.

Nil by Mouth
Gary Oldman
1997 UK/France (1st time)
Domestic violence, drugs, alcoholism and unemployment within a working-class London family.
That we're still watching this after two hours of vulgarity and outright seediness pays testament to the talent of Oldman and his cast; performances lift it above monotony, and the director, filming in hand-held close-ups with very few wide-shots, keeps us absorbed throughout. If we do not care for these characters, we are at least curious how their squalid lives will turn out.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/06 07:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by plawrence:
Re: The Insider
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] it was (Pacino's) best role from the 90's.
Better than his role in Donnie Brasco? [/b][/quote]Yes, by a little. To be fair, Donnie Brasco could use a rewatch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/06 09:19 PM

16 Blocks **

Exactly what I expected. A 2 hour "ride" that takes us alongside Bruce Willis (Detective Jack Mosley) and Mos Def (Eddie Bunker) running around New York City trying to arrive at a courthouse in 2 hours that is only 16 blocks away. I will give credit to Mos Def as he surprised me with his performance.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/06 11:30 PM

THE PINK PANTHER (2006) - **

I hate my family.

Anyway, the film wasn't as awful as I thought(perhaps hoped?), but its still Febuary-released clunk to fill up the schedules for Hollywood....though hey, if you need to entertain your bastard brat kids for a few hours....its either this or CHUCKIE CHEESE.

Though really, imagine Jean Reno...a Frenchman having to play along with Americans acting as Frenchies.....man, talk about the pains that one does to feed his harlem.

If it's any consolation, this film was better than THE TRAIL OF THE PINK PANTHER and every other one since Sellers croaked....but that's damn faint praise, isn't it?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/06 12:27 AM

Forgot this, which was seen in school.

The Life of David Gale - (Alan Parker;2003;USA/Germany)
A capital punishment abolitionist is accused of murdering his colleague and is sent on death row, where he's interviewed by a reporter.
A decent film that could've been good had it not suffered from some annoying things, like the flashes of various words like "rape, death, martyr" in between transitions. Otherwise the cast supports this film well, and it works to an extent. It could've been better with some more provoking scenes dialogue-wise, especially between Winslet and Spacey.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/06 08:49 AM

Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto ***

I've heard this being called "Japan's Gone With the Wind" and so far I love it. This is probably my most enjoyable Toshirô Mifune performance. I have to give props to Hiroshi Inagaki on the directing of this film. He told a delightful story and keep it well pace throughout. I am now currently eagerly awaiting to watch both Samurai II and Samurai III which I should do in the next 2 days or so.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/06 04:54 PM

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Mike Newell 2005 U.S./U.K. (1st time) 1/2

A lot better than I thought it would be. I'm a big Harry Potter fan (more so the books than the films). There were a few parts in the book that I wish would have made it into the film, but overall I think they put in all the best things, and left out the unnecessary drivel. Best Potter film thus far.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/06 08:18 PM

Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple ** 1/2

Kind of a disappointment from the first one but still entertaining nonetheless. This had more action and fighting in it but I felt it moved slower than the first Samurai. I'm looking forward to completing the trilogy later on tonight.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/06 09:32 PM

CLOCKERS (1995) - ***

A solid crime drama from the always-controversial Spike Lee, with superb acting(as always) from Harvey Keitel(with this may have been the last major studio film where he headlines the top billing. Think about it!), Turturo, Lindo, etc. Lee has seen better days directorial, but still worthy of a rental for the casual film buff and the Lee fan completist.

ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES (1978) - *1/2

You know, I love good "bad" movies as the next hopeless nerd on this planet, but this was a rotten vegetable(or was it fruit?) Instead of simply a humorous stupid "bad" movie that translates to goodness on my Trash Meter, this stinker instead is just plain stupid. Perhaps the filmmakers were trying too hard to mock the monster/alien invasion movies of the 50's, or they just beat a decent 30 minute joke into NINETY MINUTES. Urgh.

On the plus side though, loved the theme song. Followed by sequels and a cartoon series.

HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER (1989) - ***** - Masterpiece!

Oh fuck. I am a hard-skin fellow, but even this movie creeped me out in a disturbing way. Named by Entertainment Weekly as one of the 20 Scariest Horror Movies of All Timeand among Roger Ebert's "Great Movies", this flick does deserve its legendary infamous reputation.

A subdued abstract dramatic exercise about a serial killer, without the comic bookish superhero-gimmick status of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS or SE7EN. No, this feels like a real psychopath that stalks the highways of America, who kills for both as a hobby, and as a sick passion.

If anything, with the jump-scare condition of horror in Hollywood, to see a film with a chilling ending that is simply just a shot of a suitcase that was ditched on the side of the road.....ya, let's just say I had a hard time sleeping. I heavily recommend it to my cinema buff friends, especially Capo, DV, and everyone else!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/06 09:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER (1989) - ***** - Masterpiece!

Oh fuck. I am a hard-skin fellow, but even this movie creeped me out in a disturbing way. Named by Entertainment Weekly as one of the 20 Scariest Horror Movies of All Timeand among Roger Ebert's "Great Movies", this flick does deserve its legendary infamous reputation.

A subdued abstract dramatic exercise about a serial killer, without the comic bookish superhero-gimmick status of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS or SE7EN. No, this feels like a real psychopath that stalks the highways of America, who kills for both as a hobby, and as a sick passion.

If anything, with the jump-scare condition of horror in Hollywood, to see a film with a chilling ending that is simply just a shot of a suitcase that was ditched on the side of the road.....ya, let's just say I had a hard time sleeping. I heavily recommend it to my cinema buff friends, especially Capo, DV, and everyone else!
I've been wanting to see it for a LONGGGGGGGGGGGG time.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/06 11:04 PM

Le Doulos The Finger Man - (Jean-Pierre Melville;1962;France/Italy)
A man released from prison kills a connection with jewelry loot, and soon attempts another heist, not knowing his friend is an informer.
I love the opening tracking shot through the walkway with the wonderful music. This whole film has a noir feel to it that makes it poignant. Consider the first murder of the film, unexpected with the body suddenly knocking the light, which sways back and forth with blackness and light. Serge Reggiani isn't as piercing as Alain Delon or other Melville characters, but he still supports the film very well. A great crime film about two-timers, with a perfect ending.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/06 08:56 AM

Samurai III: Duel on Ganryu Island ***

A great ending to a very enjoyable trilogy. After watching this I became more of a fan of Toshirô Mifune's work. I can't wait to buy the DVDs now
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/06 04:53 PM

The Constant Gardner**
Nice film on drug trials and corrupt global pharmaceutical companies using Africa as a labaratory. But the movie is also about the love story of a couple, a british diplomat and his wife, who get involved in uncovering some of the truths that no one wants them to. Unlike Erin Bronkovich, this movie does not end happily. It also has well developed side plots. The movie has been shot in actual locations in africa and look authentic.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 08:58 AM

The Squid and the Whale ***

A very interesting and at times, funny story about a divorcing couple set in the 1980s in New York City. Laura Linney is enjoyable as always and I really enjoyed Jeff Daniels performance as well. The children (Jesse Eisenberg & Owen Kline) do well in there roles as well, especially young Owen Kline.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 12:58 PM

Lav, I finally watched Brokeback Mountain. You certainly don't want to hear all that I've to say and probably I'm going to get stoned and be labeled homophobic for saying this, which, I'm not. I really think this was a let down and I'm not sure how the adapted screenplay and the director, got nominations for this movie, let alone won Oscars on both counts.

I really think Academy was scared to be labeled homophobic, otherwise, this picture failed to build an understanding as to how even two rough cowboys may fall in love with each other. Unless you really need a movie to promote your ideas, I don't see how this could change homophobic minds, when it failed to impress one in favor of homosexual marriage. It stirred up no emotions for me, maybe a little for Alma, who was at least brilliantly portrayed.


I also watched Good Night, and Good Luck and I'm glad to say at least this movie lived up to my expectations.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 01:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
Lav, I finally watched Brokeback Mountain. You certainly don't want to hear all that I've to say and probably I'm going to get stoned and be labeled homophobic for saying this, which, I'm not. I really think this was a let down and I'm not sure how the adapted screenplay and the director, got nominations for this movie, let alone won Oscars on both counts.

I really think Academy was scared to be labeled homophobic, otherwise, this picture failed to build an understanding as to how even two rough cowboys may fall in love with each other. Unless you really need a movie to promote your ideas, I don't see how this could change homophobic minds, when it failed to impress one in favor of homosexual marriage. It stirred up no emotions for me, maybe a little for Alma, who brilliantly portrayed.
well, Afi, I'm sorry we do not agree but everyone is entitled to their own opinions and of course I respect yours. I'm not going into a discussion again. It's most comforting for me to see I'm definitely not alone in considering this movie a masterpiece. Take a look here .

If so many people all over the world needed to say "Thank you" to this movie there must be a reason. Jake Gyllenhall's blue eyes, stunning as they are, are not enough.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 02:25 PM

You are definitely not alone. Among those who think love is a feeling above all limitations, I think, I'm the one who is alone on this. But the truth is, this movie didn't add anything to the short story which was based on, while it had more to play with in its new medium. Two cowboys falling in love in an atmosphere that denies this relationship is brilliant, while movie didn't add anything to give it any depth.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 03:11 PM

Shark Tale

Goodfellas meets Finding Nemo. Or, if you like, the Codfather. Sadly it doesn't offer anything more than a few wiseguy film references. Sure it's watchable and even enjoyable, kids will love it, but it doesn't have as much adult appeal as other pixelated films. Which is a shame when it boasts such a star studded cast satiricly reprising their type cast roles as wiseguys.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 04:02 PM

I really liked the one line by Vincent Pastore's character...

"You'll be sleepin with the fishes...


... the dead ones that is."

Really the only high point of the movie.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 04:27 PM

Year of the Horse - (Jim Jarmusch;1997;USA)
Neil Young and Crazy Horse play their 1996 tour with clips from old interviews/footage and new ones by Jarmusch.
Judging by the negative reaction to this, I have to say it's pretty underrated. I was glued to this the entire time, and at the end, I wanted more. The interviews aren't the most informative ever, but you'll enjoy them if you enjoy the band and Neil Young. Rather then making you feel like you're being educated, the film makes you feel like you're with them, hanging out backstage. The music is haunting, especially the last performance before the credits, and Jarmusch's off-beat direction amplifies that haunting mood further. Some may not like the 8mm footage, though I don't have a problem with it. It was also interesting seeing Young's father interviewed.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 08:26 PM

Throne of Blood ***

The Japanese version of MacBeth and as usual Mifune and Kurosawa bring their A game. Very enjoyable and even creepy at parts.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 08:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Throne of Blood ***

The Japanese version of MacBeth and as usual Mifune and Kurosawa bring their A game. Very enjoyable and even creepy at parts.
I should be going for this soon. I have a taste for samurai films now like I do for westerns, though I'm not sure if Throne of Blood is a samurai film.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/06 11:37 PM

Night On Earth - (Jim Jarmusch;1991;France/UK/Germany/USA/Japan)
Five stories during one specific time in one night involving taxi drivers talking with their fares in L.A., New York, Paris, Rome, and Helsinki.
Another very good film from Jarmusch that again demonstrates his extreme talent for dialogue. Each story is about the interaction between the characters above all, and each has their charm. Tom Waits' music sets the mood immediately as well. The cast is also top notch. Ryder, Rowlands, Mueller-Stahl, Esposito, De Bankolé, Dalle, Benigni, Bonacelli, and Pellonpää were all great in their roles. This is the type of film that immerses you into it through it's dialogue.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/06 05:42 AM

This Gun for Hire - (Frank Tuttle;1942;USA)
A hitman with a soft side for cats and children goes to L.A. to kill his employers who paid him with hot money.
Not only is this an influential film but this also manages to be an excellent character study for it's time. It's not as structured as Le Samourai, but it's still an excellent film for it's own reasons. It was made at a time when psychological character development wasn't very prominent, and Alan Ladd proves to have a powerful presence, as well as Veronica Lake. Fans of Le Samourai should see this. Almost better then Double Indemnity. Oddly enough, a few moments reminded me of North By Northwest.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/06 07:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Throne of Blood ***

The Japanese version of MacBeth and as usual Mifune and Kurosawa bring their A game. Very enjoyable and even creepy at parts.
I should be going for this soon. I have a taste for samurai films now like I do for westerns, though I'm not sure if Throne of Blood is a samurai film. [/b][/quote]It's not. I've got a taste for the samurai genre too (as you can probably tell by now). This is my Kurosawa phase that I'm going through
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/06 04:03 PM

CAPE FEAR (1991) - ***

Review upcoming for AndersonVision, but suffice to say, its a good thriller, almost a lost "horror" film from Scorsese's career. More detail to follow in the review.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/06 04:39 PM

Fight Club ***
Nice movie dealing with the theme of Insomnia, which I am getting tired of. But this movie is not as cryptic as the other movies I have watched on this topic, though there is a nice twist at the end.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/06 05:38 PM

Watching Brokeback Mountain and feeling absolutely nothing, made me think there must be something wrong with me in emotional department.

Then I watched Cinderella Man and now I'm quite sure a movie can still stir up emotions in me. I think at least just like Seabiscuit this deserved 7 Oscars nominations.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/06 06:59 PM

Capote ***

A slow-paced movie about Truman Capote's work on his book In Cold Blood. A great performance by Mr. Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think the Best Actor award could have gone either way between him and Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain. A better movie than I expected.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/06 08:48 PM

License to Kill **

Some other well known celebs who are James Bond alums including a young Benicio Del Toro, Wayne Newton, Robert Davi, Talisa Soto and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. This movie started off well but blew its load about 30 minutes into it. Timothy Dalton I think made a better Bond than George Lazenby.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/06 09:06 PM

ULTRAVIOLET (2006) - **1/2

Kurt Wimmer(writer/director of EQUILIBRIUM) basically brings us Americans a life-action 80 minute anime TV/movie program, where the thin story itself serves the purpose of the visuals and action.....thing is, Wimmer perhaps succeeded TOO well, for despite easily another hat thrown in the computer-assisted cinematic beauty contest that SIN CITY threw down last year....the story is shit.

If you go see it, let your eyes love the images.....for your other senses will feel bored.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/06 03:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

[b]Lost In Translation
Sofia Coppola
2003 US/Japan (Nth time)
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
Underplayed, affecting tale of two people stuck in marital problems and finding unconsumated comfort in each other; it is a refreshingly minimalistic approach fuelled by excellent performances.
[/b]
I just watched this.Unlike the usual romantic comedies, it doesn't end happily. Though this is probably more realistic, somewhere in my mind, I was hoping for them to unite. Maybe it was the effect of 'Notting Hill' I watched last week, which has put me into a major 'mush' mode. I like the lighting used throughout the movie, gloomy hotel interiors, dark environment of bar, the rainy day and the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. I thought that Bill Murray was a little too indifferent in the beginning to like him. But Scarlet Johanson really steals the show.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/06 03:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
ULTRAVIOLET (2006) - **1/2

Kurt Wimmer(writer/director of EQUILIBRIUM) basically brings us Americans a life-action 80 minute anime TV/movie program, where the thin story itself serves the purpose of the visuals and action.....thing is, Wimmer perhaps succeeded TOO well, for despite easily another hat thrown in the computer-assisted cinematic beauty contest that SIN CITY threw down last year....the story is shit.

If you go see it, let your eyes love the images.....for your other senses will feel bored.
Funny saying this but even me the self appointed bubblegum/popcorn movie champion felt board watching this movie.
The story was thin, like anorexicly. In fact I've seen this twice and during the second screening I actually fell asleep. Milla's acting is all over the place in this, her tone changes from scene to scene - the biggest one for me was on the roof when the kid is standing on the rail, just her manor of speech and everything just brings me crashing into reality (destroying my suspension of disbelief).
The fight scenes are cool, I give him that Kurt can do one hell of an action scene.
The look of the movie is...well it looks like Liquid! Graphics did the color for the film. It opens up with pictures of comic book covers and so that really ties into the look.
The best thing about this movie is William Fichtner, he is the only person in the film that did work that I would call a “performance”, I came out of my second screening of this movie with only one thought (well two I mean the movie pretty much just features Milla’s bare midsection) Fichtner is the freaking man…man. I’ve seen him in all kinds of stuff and I can’t wait to see him in more.

I give you Ultraviolet a D, and mostly that is because I love Equilibrium so much.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/06 04:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
[quote]Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
[b] ULTRAVIOLET (2006) - **1/2

Kurt Wimmer(writer/director of EQUILIBRIUM) basically brings us Americans a life-action 80 minute anime TV/movie program, where the thin story itself serves the purpose of the visuals and action.....thing is, Wimmer perhaps succeeded TOO well, for despite easily another hat thrown in the computer-assisted cinematic beauty contest that SIN CITY threw down last year....the story is shit.

If you go see it, let your eyes love the images.....for your other senses will feel bored.
Funny saying this but even me the self appointed bubblegum/popcorn movie champion felt board watching this movie. In fact I've seen this twice and during the second screening I actually fell asleep. [/b][/quote]That's why I'm glad I didn't pay to see it :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/06 07:26 AM

GoldenEye ****

Only the 2nd Bond I'm willing to give 4 stars, the first of which was 31 years earlier with Goldfinger. I forgot this was Joe Don Baker's 2nd James Bond film, his first being The Living Daylights (1987). This was also the movie that introduced Famke Janssen to the world (and I'm not alone in saying thank you for that). Finally, is there a better villian around than Sean Bean? One of my personal favorites, if not THE best Bond villian, but that's up for debate. What a great way to give the series the proverbial "kick in the a$$" that it needed!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/06 07:45 PM

Insomnia - (Christopher Nolan;2002;USA)
An L.A. cop must cope with the guilt of killing his partner as well as insomnia while solving a murder in northern Alaska, while the sun never sets.
Overall, this is a very good crime drama. Pacino is great, despite some people disliking the role for being a "weak" character of sorts. Nolan's direction is the main highlight, especially in showing the main character's insomnia. Julyan's score, like Memento is wonderful and adds to the dreary feeling of the film.

I plan on watching the 1997 film soon.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/06 11:41 PM

ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA (1984) - ***** - Masterpiece!

Sergio Leone's last grand hoorah, and arguably the best movie of the 1980s. Almost 4 hours in total running time(that is, the Director's Cut), this is an ambitious epic for which Leone studies, as he put it, "a reality where myth and reality are intertwined, where the myth lives". Superb work from DeNiro and James Woods, along with Morricone again scoring great music.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/06 02:32 AM

Was that your first time seeing it RRA?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/06 03:18 AM

Jarhead - (Sam Mendes;2005;USA)
A 20 year old man joins the Marines, only to find the boredom of war is mentally and physically exhausting.
A great war film wonderfully directed by Mendes. The music, cinematography, and acting is all top form. It does feel longer then it is at times, but it still remains intriguing to the end. It's also very off-beat from the genre, dealing with boredom rather then the normal aspects of war films. Gyllenhaal, Foxx, and Sarsgaard were especially memorable acting-wise.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/06 04:11 AM

DVC, I saw it first many years ago, but I recently watched it again, to see if it still cuts the mustard, or my aging may have affected my original highly-praised opinions.

Gladly, I was wrong. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/06 08:39 AM

Tomorrow Never Dies ***

My third time viewing this Bond and this was the most enjoyable. Jonathan Pryce shined as the evil journalist Elliot Carver
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/06 08:55 PM

The World Is Not Enough ***

The first time around I thought this movie was complete sh*t. I'm glad it wasn't the 2nd time around (and the same goes for Tomorrow Never Dies). I'm looking forward to finishing this series in the next few days. I think Denise Richards has got to be the hottest Bond girl ever
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/06 09:05 PM

Tsotsi
Gavin Hood
2005 South Africa (1st time; big screen)
A young hoodlum living on the streets of Soweto's life is changed when steals a car, not knowing there's a baby in the back.
Powerful if prone to late sentimentality; it has a rare mix of disturbing violence and uplifting reflection, driven along by its score and lead performance.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/06 03:31 AM

Oceans Eleven(1960)- Average **/****
Not exactly a wonderful spectacal of film by any means, but it was mildly entertaining. Havent seen the remake, and dont plan to so I cant compare it either way

Paradise Now- Amazing ****/****
This was an incredibly well done take on the other side of the fence, especially in this mainly pro Israel country. The "controversy" surround ing this film mainly had to do with the obvious anti Israel sentiment, but politics aside, it was one of the best films of last year, and absolutely deserved the Golden Globe.

Requiem For A Dream- Amazing ****/****
Previously, I had only seen the first half of this movie, and was very surprised by the second half, as it is almost a diffrent film. Nonetheless, it is probably the best "drug" film I've ever seen. More an experiance than anything else
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/06 03:38 PM

DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST (2005) - ***/5

Writer/Director Paul Schrader delivers a quiet and atmospheric supernatural film that feels like the proper prequel to THE EXORCIST....of course, Morgan Creek, production company behind it, felt that this film would lose money, so instead they decided to refilm most of it with Renny Harlin, which turned out to be quite a horrifyingly bad movie itself, and funny enough, it still tanked in theaters quite badly.

I'm not saying its great or even that its very good, but it is a nice movie worth checking out.
Posted By: Tom

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 02:41 AM

I just watched Russell Crowes first movie as an Aussie skinhead in Romper Stomper. It was cool to see him in such a raw movie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 05:34 AM

Deer Hunter ***
Very powerful portrayal of tragedy although a bit overdramatic. A bunch of friends from a small American town serve in vietnam war. One tragic incident completely changes their lives. Great acting and direction.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 07:28 AM

I'm in the middle of Deer Hunter right now, first viewing. Seems like it has extreme potential, I just need to finish it. Kind of interesting to watch while contemplating Cimino's other work. I actually made myself sit through The Sicilian a couple years ago. :rolleyes:
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 08:09 AM

Die Another Day *** 1/2

I totally forgot Michael Madsen was in a James Bond flick too. I'm glad this movie was as enjoyable as it was as it was (unfortunately) Brosnan's last Bond film.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 08:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I'm in the middle of Deer Hunter right now, first viewing. Seems like it has extreme potential, I just need to finish it. Kind of interesting to watch while contemplating Cimino's other work. I actually made myself sit through The Sicilian a couple years ago. :rolleyes:
"The deer hunter" is one of my fav movies ever. Such a great cast and such a powerful story. Who could ever forget the Russian Roulette scene? The only flaw I can think of is the marriage scene. Unbearably long!
Too bad Cimino never did anything as remarkable later in his career.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 09:05 AM

I love what I've seen so far for the fact that each individual shot Cimino sets up looks as though it could be a painting. Each is a stand-alone, beautiful, well-lit, well composed shot , and so far, the sometimes tedious story has been kept interesting. If it weren't so late I'd finish it now.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 02:56 PM

I always thought The Deer Hunter was one of those films that must be watched in full. Glad you're enjoying it.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 04:08 PM

I watched The Deer Hunter for the first time a couple months ago. I wasn't immediately blown away, I thought the wedding at the beginning, like Lavi said, was WAY to long. However, I realize the reasoning for it.

At the end of the film, I was completely satisfied. Just a great film, and a strong contender for the best film of the 70s.

The re-release of the DVD last year sucked, though. Why the hell do they have a second disc if all they have on there is three extended scenes? I felt robbed!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 04:12 PM

Why is it that everyone complained about the length of the wedding? I feel like maybe I might've accidentally skipped some of it during one of my stop periods, because I was anticipating this infinitely long, drawn out sequence, and I ended up feeling as though it wasn't all that bad length-wise.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 04:19 PM

Eating an orange in segments has that effect.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 06:08 PM

I didn't find the wedding scene very long. Since I was expecting it to be a war film, I felt at one point that the film took too long to introduce the war. But later I realized that the movie is less about the war and more about tragedy in the lives of the characters.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/06 09:39 PM

Insomnia - (Erik Skjoldbjærg;1997;Norway)
A Swedish cop goes to Norway to investigate a murder, but after killing his partner must cope with guilt and insomnia from the sun never setting.
A very direct and piercing film. Although Nolan did do some things better, this film manages to be better. Skarsgård's excellent performance is the highlight, relying on mostly subtle facial expressions that reminded me of Bill Murray. It's more disturbing, especially in showing the protagonist as a man not much better then the killer, morally. The opening murder is especially poignant.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/06 07:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
I didn't find the wedding scene very long. Since I was expecting it to be a war film, I felt at one point that the film took too long to introduce the war. But later I realized that the movie is less about the war and more about tragedy in the lives of the characters.
sure, but the wedding scene is too long nonetheless. Another dance bit and I'd have committed suicide.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/06 11:49 AM

Oh dear lord Lavina, apparently Cimino is even worse in HEAVEN'S GATE.....which if I ever get the guts to confront that 3 hours, 39 minute legendary disaster, I'll say if its worse or not then DEER HUNTER.

Actually, THE DEER HUNTER is a really good film, but a great movie? No way. Good work from DeNiro, Walken, Cazael, Streep, and others, but does it equate to the execution brilliance of APOCALYPSE NOW or whatever, but ya I can still see why people love it...I'm just not one of the groupies.

Michael Cimino's THE DEER HUNTER (1978) - ****

P.S. - After HEAVEN'S GATE's bombing, Cimino almost was hired as writer/director of this studio project in the early 80's. What is the movie?

FOOTLOOSE.

Yes, I would have laughed if this was a joke, but no its reality...and I sorta feel bad, of sorts. From Oscar to disaster to FOOTLOOSE.

Neverless, Cimino did a rather good job with YEAR OF THE DRAGON in 1985 with a pre-fucked-up Mickey Rourke. Not a great or perhaps even real remarkable picture, but its a rather mentally-consuming "procedural cop" dramatic exercise.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/06 12:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:


Actually, THE DEER HUNTER is a really good film, but a great movie? No way. Good work from DeNiro, Walken, Cazael, Streep, and others, but does it equate to the execution brilliance of APOCALYPSE NOW or whatever, but ya I can still see why people love it...I'm just not one of the groupies.
Why should a movie be compared to others to evaluate it? I mean, Apocalypse now is a masterpiece IMO and one of my favs ever, but that doesn't mean I necessarily have to keep it in my mind as a holy standard to judge other war movies. I like to evaluate a movie per se. Comparing movies is a natural thing of course, but IMO it should not be the prevalent criterion. It's not fair, I mean.
Now, as for the groupies thing, you darn aristocrat..... :p Ok, you said you see why people love it, so why don't you tell us?

You gave it four stars anyway. Great movie!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/06 08:57 PM

Casino Royale * 1/2

I only watched this because of the remake coming later this year with Daniel Craig and also I was curious how it was. It started off good but the final fight scene in the Casino was absolute crap!
Posted By: Krlea

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/06 02:58 PM

Just watched A History of Violence. Yes I know I'm way behind in the times, but I was stuck in the hospital when it came out in theaters.

Am I the only one who didn't think it was nearly as violent as everyone said it was? It was made out to be this horribly graphic film. I didn't think it ws that bad. Sure the sex was pretty graphic, but it was there for a reason, not just thrown in for entertainment value.
The son bored me though. I thought his plot line was a little predictable.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/06 03:37 PM

Well, depends what you mean "graphic".

In terms of violent action itself, the film isn't remarkable really, but its HOW its used that makes it more than it actually is. There is not a better example of this than when that last scene with Ed Harris, of which I give Cronenberg great credit, for he took me by surprise.

This is late as well, but I was surprised to see Irishman actually improve his rating score for the film on his 2nd viewing......, but hey its all good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/06 07:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
This is late as well, but I was surprised to see Irishman actually improve his rating score for the film on his 2nd viewing......, but hey its all good.
It's known to happen from time to time A 2nd viewing usually does me good (all the expectations are gone)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/06 09:39 AM

In The Mix * 1/2

Some of these rappers actually can somewhat act. I thought Usher was pretty impressive. However, this movie did suck and was hardly funny. Poor poor poor Chazz Palminteri
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/06 10:47 PM

The sum of all fears **
Morgan Freeman, Ben Affleck. A movie about US-Russia relationships, nuclear bomb and such. It was never boring, at the same time it was full of usual hollywood cliches mostly to do with CIA. Ben Affleck is not very convincing in the role, but Morgan freeman plays his usual wise old man role well.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/06 10:49 PM

Alec Baldwin played the best Jack Ryan, I think. Harrison Ford was too old, Affleck too young.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/06 12:26 AM

Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music (1969, R. Elfstrom)
Filmaker Robert Elfstrom follows Johnny Cash on tour, back home, and everywhere else in this documentary about Cash that spanned 1968-69.

The thing that makes this documentary great and the best about Johnny Cash is that it's Cash the human, at home with his parents, on his tour bus with June Carter and Carl Perkins, at Wounded Knee, and particularily a wonderful recording session with Bob Dylan. A fantastic documentary, and it's amateurish/grainy visuals aren't necessarily bad, as it gives the film a gritty homemade feel.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/06 12:40 AM

Taxi Driver - (Martin Scorsese;1976;USA)
A socially isolated ex-Marine taxi driver grows in the need to lash out violently.
Possibly the greatest character study ever, and Scorsese's best film. DeNiro plays his character with a focus that comes rarely. He pierces the screen with every scene. A million years could go by and this film will still maintain it's relevance. Bernard Herrmann ended his career perfectly with the excellent Jazzy score. The supporting cast is also great, especially Shepherd, Foster, Boyle, and Keitel. My second favorite film and one of the ten best ever.
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/06 06:45 AM

I saw V for Vendetta (McTeigue/2006) tonight. Terrific fucking movie. I strongly recommend.
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/06 07:32 AM

The last movie I saw was Legend of Zorro last night. Man not what I was expecting at all, as I liked the first one with Anthony Hopkins but this one was lame in comparison.


*SPOILER ALERT* In case noone has seen it yet.


From my view point they filled it with too much comedy, a lot more than the first one(least it seemed that way to me)


Plus they could've done without the whole Zorro being kicked out of his house, ala marriage troubles. :rolleyes:
Posted By: Tom

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/06 07:45 AM

Why is it that Zorro is such a good swordsman but cannot stab anyone?

Anyway, just saw V for Vendetta and Pink Panther. Both good movies and worth watching.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/06 08:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Patrick:
I saw V for Vendetta (McTeigue/2006) tonight. Terrific fucking movie. I strongly recommend.
I can't wait to see it on Tuesday!

Memoirs of A Geisha ***

The movie seemed to go by faster the 2nd time around but just as enjoyable. Very enjoyable performances by Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, Gong Li and Michelle Yeoh.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/06 08:29 PM

In Cold Blood
Richard Brooks
1967 US (1st time; big screen)
Two aimless petty thieves kill a family of four in Kansas, and are eventually sentenced to death by the court.
It begins with a suggestive editing technique which draws one parallel after another between the killers- and their victims-to-be. By today's standards, a tad long (much of it could now be cut), but the complexities of character and narrative are fascinating.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 06:33 AM

Derailed ***

Predictable but very entertaining. Clive Owen scores again and Vincent Cassel was brilliant as the villian!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 08:29 AM

Everything Is Illuminated *

A very boring and uninteresting story about Jonathan's (Elijah Wood) journey to the Ukraine to find the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis in 1942.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 11:27 AM

Jarhead

For me it's an instant classic though I can see why there's a divide of appreciation for this film. I do think overall it'll be better judged and appreciated over time. You know, if it was made 20 years ago and about Vietnam it'd probably be recognised alongside Apocalypse Now.

The film itself is incredibly engaging. I was glued to almost every scene. I applaud Mendes for not 'overshocking' the audience which he could have easily done by focusing more on the charcoal bodies or casualties of war instead they were seen from a distance. I've never read the book but I assume that was done on purpose how Swoff actually experienced it.

"I wanted to see the pink mist."
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 03:42 PM

I saw The Hills Have Eyes (2006) the other day.. I thought it was pretty good. The ending left a little to be desired, but the overall movie was intense and really emotional. I can't explain it better than that without giving stuff away.

2 nights ago I watched Alien Vs. Predator, and I absolutely loved it. I mean.. its fucking ALIEN versus fucking PREDATOR.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 05:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Turi Giuliano:
[b]Jarhead

For me it's an instant classic though I can see why there's a divide of appreciation for this film. I do think overall it'll be better judged and appreciated over time. You know, if it was made 20 years ago and about Vietnam it'd probably be recognised alongside Apocalypse Now.

The film itself is incredibly engaging. I was glued to almost every scene. I applaud Mendes for not 'overshocking' the audience which he could have easily done by focusing more on the charcoal bodies or casualties of war instead they were seen from a distance. I've never read the book but I assume that was done on purpose how Swoff actually experienced it.

"I wanted to see the pink mist." [/b]
Turi, Glad you liked this movie. I have almost similar views about this movie. I thought it should have atleast got an oscar nomination
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 09:51 PM

Dreamer **

A decent family movie with Kurt Russell and Dakota Fanning. It's unbelievable the talent that Ms. Fanning has worked with thus far in her early career. I wonder what the future holds for us as she grows older?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 10:00 PM

Dakota Fanning...talented?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 10:32 PM

She's a better actor than I was at age 12
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/06 10:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Dakota Fanning...talented?
Uhhh...yes.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/06 04:26 PM

The Godfather
(Coppola;1972;USA)

Eh, it was ok. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/06 12:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Patrick:
I saw V for Vendetta (McTeigue/2006) tonight. Terrific fucking movie. I strongly recommend.
V for Vendetta *** 1/2
I concur with what Patrick wrote. Awesome performances by both Ms. Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving. Another anticipated DVD and I'll probably have to see it again in the thearters. Like Sin City from last year, GO SEE THIS MOVIE IN THEATHERS!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/06 08:58 PM

Raging Bull ****

Probably the greatest 1980s film. Terrific performances by Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/06 07:32 AM

Master of the Flying Guillotine ***

A little disappointing but entertaining nonetheless. I've heard this was Quentin Tarantino's favorite martial arts film and I'll be honest, that's the reason I watched it. I can't believe I'm saying this but I think there was too much fighting in this movie
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/06 09:30 AM

Irreversible * 1/2

The directing of this was really pissing me off. I have never seen so many 180 or 360 degree shots before in my life and were getting on my last nerve!
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/06 05:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Irreversible * 1/2

The directing of this was really pissing me off. I have never seen so many 180 or 360 degree shots before in my life and were getting on my last nerve!
LOL...It is supposed to be uncomfortable Irish it is a movie about horrible act that destroys more than one person. It is not supposed to flow all nice and pretty, it's disruptive because of the story, nothing about this movie is supposed to make you feel comfortable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/06 06:36 PM

Nice sig suspect
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/06 03:30 AM

Just saw Mean Girls for the first time. Actually a very enjoyable movie, and some fairly inventive direction. Suprisingly better than I thought it'd be. And god damn was Lindsey Lohan fine 2 years ago.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/06 06:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
And god damn was Lindsey Lohan fine 2 years ago.
And Rachel McAdams and Lacey Chabert
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/06 09:29 AM

Belle De Jour **

A decent about a beautiful young woman married to a doctor. She loves her husband dearly, but cannot bring herself to be physically intimate with him. She indulges instead in vivid, kinky, erotic fantasies to entertain her sexual desires. Eventually she becomes a prostitute, working in a brothel in the afternoons while remaining chaste in her marriage. A good performance by Catherine Deneuve.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/06 07:29 PM

MALCOLM X (1992) - ****

Director Spike Lee's greatest film of his career, a riveting drama about the very controversial black militant Moslem leader of the 1960s. Denzel Washington got an Oscar nod for Best Actor, but he should have won...and especially over Al Pacino for SCENT OF A WOMAN!

I need to review the hell out of this movie quite soon for AV!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/06 09:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
MALCOLM X (1992) - ****

Director Spike Lee's greatest film of his career, a riveting drama about the very controversial black militant Moslem leader of the 1960s. Denzel Washington got an Oscar nod for Best Actor, but he should have won...and especially over Al Pacino for SCENT OF A WOMAN!
As unoften as this occurs, I agree with ronnie 100%
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/06 09:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by suspect_5:
This signature has been sanatized for your protection - The Staff
The Staff takes no responsibility for the spelling therein.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/06 03:24 AM

Well my previous one was spelled correctly

if you want I suppose you could correct that for me
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/06 07:10 PM

Inside Man (2006/Spike Lee)

A cop has to talk down a bank robber after the criminal's perfect heist spirals into a hostage situation.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willam Dafoe

Well I was pretty excited to make my first trip to the movie theater this year, to see my 3rd Spike Lee film (after 25th Hour and Jungle Fever). This film, despite solid performances from all of its principal cast, ultimately faltered and held no remnance of the Spike Lee style I've heard of. Denzel was his usual self, Jodie Foster was good, and Clive Owen was solid in what I feel like is probably the first film I've seen him in (maybe). The tricky plot seemed a little too complicated for its own good at times, like Lee was hurting the film as a whole by trying to make the story really complex.

The biggest flaw in this film was the music, which was a mix of misplaced indian themes and cliched action movie music. I was also kind of tired of the twisty camera work at the end. In this day and age, doing a two-minute tracking shot isn't so spectacular anymore, and Lee must've tried it like 10 times. Also, I don't know what Willem Dafoe was doing here, playing just another NYC cop. His talents seemed vastly underused.

Ultimately, a solid if not unremarkable film from a director who could do much better.

3/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/06 08:14 PM

Howard the Duck ** 1/2

I haven't seen this movie in about 15 years or so. I didn't remember much of it but it was fun to view it again. Not a bad movie but DEFINITELY dated
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/06 08:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[quote]Originally posted by Turi Giuliano:
[b] [b]Jarhead


For me it's an instant classic though I can see why there's a divide of appreciation for this film. I do think overall it'll be better judged and appreciated over time. You know, if it was made 20 years ago and about Vietnam it'd probably be recognised alongside Apocalypse Now.

The film itself is incredibly engaging. I was glued to almost every scene. I applaud Mendes for not 'overshocking' the audience which he could have easily done by focusing more on the charcoal bodies or casualties of war instead they were seen from a distance. I've never read the book but I assume that was done on purpose how Swoff actually experienced it.

"I wanted to see the pink mist." [/b]
Turi, Glad you liked this movie. I have almost similar views about this movie. I thought it should have atleast got an oscar nomination [/b][/quote]"I thought it should have atleast got an oscar nomination" - for me it just makes me want to watch it even more.

as for Inside Man, I'm really looking forward to watch it too. Dog Day Afternoon is one of my all time favorites, so I think it has to be really wonderful to be more than a copy of it. I believe Lee, Denzel and Clive Owen can do that.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/06 05:02 AM

Tony, go for it, you will like it.

Broken Flowers ***
Jim Jarmusch directed this film with Bill Murray in the lead role. Like Dead Man, this is a movie about journey. The movie begins with a mystery that the main character has to resolve. Enough clues are presented during his journey to maintain the viewer's interest in the plot. But this is not a thriller, a powerful drama. So don't be disappointed if ending is not what the lead up makes you believe. My only complain is that the movie is short in length and does not provide enough insights about his mental state after he completes the journey.
Excellent music - ethiopian I infer from the movie itself. Cinematography and music seem to be qualities that stand out in Jim Jarmusch's movies - atleast true in case of Dead Man and this movie.
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/06 05:30 AM

Fast Times at Ridgemont High... Good shit.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/06 10:18 PM

Yeah I need to see that and Dazed and Confused.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 12:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Yeah I need to see that and Dazed and Confused.
Concern yourself more with Dazed and Confused first
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 12:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Yeah I need to see that and Dazed and Confused.
Concern yourself more with Dazed and Confused first
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:01 AM

Better yet, wait for DAZED & CONFUSED on Criterion fucking DVD in June.

Sure its $30-40, but so what? You get commentaries, other assured goodies, and better yet, state-of-the-art digital transfer by the Michael Jordan of DVD....CRITERION.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:19 AM

This was yesterday, delayed by The Godfather game. :p

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - (Gore Verbinski;2003;USA)
A blacksmith who loves a woman kidnapped by a cursed pirate ship goes after her with the help of the ship's former captain.
While it has several instances of annoying cliche moments, the film manages to be a good ride, and it manages to rely on charm and several other things to keep from being a bad film. It surprisingly feels shorter then it is. Two things that annoyed me was the fantasy elements and Orlando Bloom. Otherwise it's a good film, though overrated, especially at IMDB.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:25 AM

I agree with your rating DV, though that is after I transfered from your individual rating system to mine.....but hey, POTC did one good thing at least for us movie fans.

It actually made Johnny Depp actually bankable outside of low-budget art movies.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
This was yesterday, delayed by The Godfather game. :p
How is that BTW?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] This was yesterday, delayed by The Godfather game. :p
How is that BTW? [/b][/quote]Extremely fun, and highly addicting.

It may very well be the greatest game ever made.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:51 AM

The Godfather is nowhere near the best game ever to me, but it's still a great game.

There are many I'd put over it, such as Super Mario Bros., Metal Gear Solid, Grand Theft Auto 3, Contra II: The Alien Wars, and many others.

The Godfather is very fun and addicting. I'm actually hoping the next GTA rips off some of it's elements like GF did to it.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] This was yesterday, delayed by The Godfather game. :p
How is that BTW? [/b][/quote]Let's just say this: I couldn't put it down until three in the morning when I first got it, and I'm resisting to even put it in right now because I'm afraid I'll go into zombie mode and keep it on.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:54 AM

The original Metal Gear Solid for the PS1 has to be second for me. The Godfather is first...I've never enjoyed anything as much as this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 03:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] This was yesterday, delayed by The Godfather game. :p
How is that BTW? [/b][/quote]Let's just say this: I couldn't put it down until three in the morning when I first got it, and I'm resisting to even put it in right now because I'm afraid I'll go into zombie mode and keep it on. [/b][/quote]Man I wish I had the time to play it I can't wait to play that and the Scarface game this fall
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 07:27 AM

5 Fingers of Death **

Pretty dissapointing. Yet another movie that influenced Mr. Tarantino in his Kill Bill movies.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 07:32 AM

Did about 3/4 of Boogie Nights in the car on the way to and from my aunt's house. That is definitely one film which gets better every time I see it. It's cracked my top 15.

And I just finished The Deer Hunter a few minutes ago. I had watched the 1st half of that maybe 3 weeks to a month ago. Quite a spectacular film, big and beautiful, seemingly perfect. I'll need a couple rewatches to see what type of emotional attachment I might develop with this film. Has great potential.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/06 09:07 PM

King Kong (2005) ****

A fantastic film with breath-taking special effects. Great performances by Ms. Naomi Watts and Jack Black. I don't know why everyone has dogged him for his role in this movie?
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/06 10:03 AM

Saw - There be spoilers below!

Yes the first one. I finally got round to seeing what everyone had been raving about.

This film reminded me of playing those puzzle adventure games. You know, Monkey Island, where you're stuck in a room, build up your itinery and knowledge to get out.

The concept of staging each of the captives against each other was excellent. Sadly that didn't materialise as well as I'd hoped. I wanted more back stabbing. I would have liked to see more of a pyschological and moral struggle for the doctor to kill the other. Sure he goes on to attempt to kill him when out of sheer desperation but once you've sawn your own leg off the rest is easy. But the poisoned cigerette plan should have been explored further rather than the 'trick poisoning'.

I didn't know how to feel about the open ending. I was glad it didn't follow the hollywood happy ending formula but then again it's a cop out to do a sequel (which they've done and are in the process of another). Should I expect two more similar endings?

Mind you, the main problem with the ending was the fact that I was stoned and was going to bed after the movie. I think I triple checked every door and window was locked before going to sleep.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/06 12:58 PM

I had a good week end, movie-wise.

Watched Sideways and enjoyed it thoroughly. A poignant and fun one, quite a rare combination. Never seen Paul Giamatti's acting before: he's a pleasant surprise indeed. AND, last but not least, the movie made me want to visit Californian wineries ASAP!

Watched Collateral. I loved this movie. I hadn't experienced a movie as exciting as this for so long. I knew Cruise's performance was generally considered to be great and I definitely agree, but appreciated Foxx's too.

As for Donnie Darko is concerned, it was kind of perplexing. Charming its own way, but definitely not my kind of movie. Honestly I hate it when movies do not basically follow a straight and clear pattern, and I knew that this one was going to be wierd. Nonetheless I had to watch it because my current crush - Jake Gyllenhaall - is the leading character. Boy, he's great. I mean, he was only 20 or so when doing this movie and played the role of a troubled teenager with the mastery of a veteran. Combining this performance with the superb one he gave in Brokeback Mountain, I can easily say he's one of the most talented young stars now. Hope he will be given other amazing roles.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/06 07:14 PM

Quote:
Watched Collateral. I loved this movie. I hadn't experienced a movie as exciting as this for so long. I knew Cruise's performance was generally considered to be great and I definitely agree, but appreciated Foxx's too.
Glad you liked it. My third favorite and one of the best modern crime films.
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/06 05:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
Watched Sideways and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Nice to see you Lavi. I wanted to see Sideways when it was showing, but missed my chance. Your opinion makes me wish it still more!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/06 05:11 PM

COOL WORLD (1992) - * = BOMB

I'll edit this post and further elaborate, but lets just say that even great acting talent like Gabriel Bryne and a young Brad Pitt can't even be entertaining in absolute SHIT.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/06 01:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:


As for Donnie Darko is concerned, it was kind of perplexing. Charming its own way, but definitely not my kind of movie. Honestly I hate it when movies do not basically follow a straight and clear pattern, and I knew that this one was going to be wierd. Nonetheless I had to watch it because my current crush - Jake Gyllenhaall - is the leading character. Boy, he's great. I mean, he was only 20 or so when doing this movie and played the role of a troubled teenager with the mastery of a veteran. Combining this performance with the superb one he gave in Brokeback Mountain, I can easily say he's one of the most talented young stars now. Hope he will be given other amazing roles.
Donnie Darko... A personal favorite of mine, but it is quite a specific taste. I just think the way it was done was absolutely breath-taking... But I'm known to enjoy some rather fucked up films. (I've yet to meet someone who can go through my DVD collection without commenting on "how weird Fear and Loathing is...")
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/06 04:10 AM

I thought Donnie Darko was great. Quite an accomplishment for a rookie director, and Gyllenhaal was excellent as well.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/06 03:54 AM

I went to blockbuster today and saw they had the Goodfellas - 2 disc Special Edition for sale. I've been really looking for this to buy it, but it was 22$, a little out of my desired price range. I just wanted to ask if anyone here owns it or has seen the added special features and could tell me whether it's worth buying the new edition or not.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/06 07:55 AM

I'd say it's worth the buy just so you don't have to flip the disc over halfway through the movie. The features from what I remember (I think I saw them immediately after buying the DVD when it was first released) were good but short. I'd say about 10-20 minutes each. However, they do have the commentaries (which I've been needing to watch for awhile now). Hope this helps ya brother
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/06 01:14 PM

Alright. I'm trying to work out a discount through my friend who works at Barnes & Noble right now, but if that doesn't work out, I guess I'll just throw down the 22 and buy it.

Thanks Irish.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/06 06:35 PM

No prob Mista. Let us know how you enjoy it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/06 06:40 AM

The Godfather - (Francis Ford Coppola;1972;USA)
A civilian man is drawn into the mafia after an attempt on his crime boss father's life.
One of those films that drips into all of the cracks perfectly filling the gaps. The acting, eerie and isolating score, direction, cinematography, everything. It's not just a mafia film, but a film about family. It touches on all levels without failing. Al Pacino displays a fierce intensity that would grow further with the sequel. Not only is this about the crime and the family, but also a man's fall from grace that would be perfectly displayed with the final moment of part II. One of the ten best ever. It's not even just the cult aspect of the film, very few films bring out every emotion I can feel.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/06 05:18 PM

Where does The Godfather fall on your favorites list Vercetti?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/06 05:20 PM

Oh, looking at the FCM board, it looks like it's #8.

Happy to see that.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/06 05:30 PM

Brokeback Mountain ****

One of the best love stories I've seen in recent times. Heath and Jake definitely earned their Oscar noms, and unfortunately I thought it easily beat out Crash for best pic, but the Academy didn't agree with me. Rent it Tuesday!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/06 11:32 PM

INSIDE MAN (2006) - ***1/2

Pleasing if nothing ultimately unique crime caper, which I admit for the most part, didn't fall into any expected dramatic or cliche traps to which it would have failed this movie. Bravo to the scriptwriter.

Lessons I learned for Life from the movies:

#78 - Never fuck with Clive Owen.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 01:29 AM

Duck Soup's playing on TCM - I'm watching it for the first time!

I saw Harpo on I Love Lucy a long time ago, and after seeing just a bit of this, he's my favorite.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 01:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Lessons I learned for Life from the movies:

#78 - Never fuck with Clive Owen.
OMG you scared me for a second... I misread that and didn't see the word "with." I was gonna say, WHYYYY??? He's so hot! I'd do him in a second!
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 01:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
Duck Soup's playing on TCM - I'm watching it for the first time!

I saw Harpo on I Love Lucy a long time ago, and after seeing just a bit of this, he's my favorite.
Ooohh Duck Soup is one of my favorite movies.

I know the Lucy episode you're talking about.. Classic, isn't it??

I absolutely ADORE the Marx Brothers.

I was Harpo for Halloween once. No one knew who I was
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 02:00 AM

I can't believe I've never checked out any of their movies until now. I was actually looking for a baseball movie that Plaw had made a post about, not realizing it was for the day before, and I got sucked into this instead.

I haven't watched Lucy consistently in quite a while, but I watched so many episodes when I was younger. Even then, when I had no idea who Harpo was or that they were imitating this movie (until my parents told me), I found it hilarious.

You've got great interests, Bogey.
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 02:11 AM

Thank You For Smoking - Tremendous film. I reccomend it to anyone who's interested in laughing their ass off.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 02:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Jasani:
Thank You For Smoking - Tremendous film. I reccomend it to anyone who's interested in laughing their ass off.
I can't wait to see it but it's not playing anywhere close to me
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 02:23 AM

Irish man, seriously, I would have paid $25 to see this movie. The film exposes the hypocrisy of the anti smoking lobby as well as the tobacco industry. There are too many funny lines for me to quote and I don't remember all the funny lines and scenes. It's a shame that probably not too many people will see the movie and more people will prolly go see some idiot bullshit movie like ___________insert idiot bullshit movie title in space provided. I'm thinking of getting this one on dvd when it comes out on the format. Just watch it, you won't regret it.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 02:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
I can't believe I've never checked out any of their movies until now. I was actually looking for a baseball movie that Plaw had made a post about, not realizing it was for the day before, and I got sucked into this instead.

I haven't watched Lucy consistently in quite a while, but I watched so many episodes when I was younger. Even then, when I had no idea who Harpo was or that they were imitating this movie (until my parents told me), I found it hilarious.

You've got great interests, Bogey.
Why thank you

I used to watch I Love Lucy allll the time. In fact, I'd say that I've seen every episode at least twice. Minimum. I haven't been able to watch it much lately because we don't get TV Land here at school. And even if we did, my roommate sucks and would NEVER let me have control of the tv to watch that.

We don't have TCM either, which COMPLETELY sucks because that's my all-time favorite channel.

Apparently WVU has control of our TV Programming.. when you look it up on tvguide.com, it has its own special thing "Morgantown - TJ Specialties - WVU Campus".. which I consider brainwashing personally.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 02:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Jasani:
Irish man, seriously, I would have paid $25 to see this movie. The film exposes the hypocrisy of the anti smoking lobby as well as the tobacco industry. There are too many funny lines for me to quote and I don't remember all the funny lines and scenes. It's a shame that probably not too many people will see the movie and more people will prolly go see some idiot bullshit movie like ___________insert idiot bullshit movie title in space provided. I'm thinking of getting this one on dvd when it comes out on the format. Just watch it, you won't regret it.
I hope to soon man. Thanks, you're not making it any easier If I can't see it in the theaters, than I will anticipate it's DVD release
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 02:39 AM

I mean it, Bogey. You're one of the few people, around my age, that holds interests in the "good stuff." I try to do the same, but there's still a lot more I need to expose myself to. I'm not even an adult who has lived through some of the classic stuff, and it bothers me that "kids these days" don't know about any of it.

Do you have the Tube? It's Ch. 55 for us, and my dad watches Leave it to Beaver every day from three to four. I think Lucy comes on that channel, but I never think to catch it.

I'm wondering how the TV plan will be at the college I'm planning on going to. I'm just praying for FSN and ESPN for my baseball addiction, and hopefully a couple of good movie channels. The friend I plan to room with is a very "girly" girl (which I tease her about), so I think she'll be too busy fixing herself up in the bathroom to hog the TV.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 03:10 AM

Oh, I enjoy the finer things in life, thats all - Classic movies, good sports, awesome video games, and Johnny Depp of course

No, we don't get that channel. Sounds awesome though. I used to watch I Love Lucy, Happy Days, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, Leave it to Beaver, Andy Griffith, and The Munsters. Oh, how I miss Nick at Nite. The OOLLDD Nick at Nite. Before they had TV Land, I think.

We've got like 4 different ESPN channels though. 2 Different MTVs. Country Music Television of course!! Yee haw!! Then just the rest of the basic cable channels. I'd trade it all in for some Turner Classic.

Make sure you take charge of the TV early on though. My roommate thinks that just because the tv is hers (Actually its an 11 inch that her sister gave us. Even though I could have brought my 24 or 26 inch..) that she has control. So I'm stuck watching (or listening rather.. I always turn my back) Laguna Beach, My Sweet 16, Some new modeling show, Americas Next Top Model.. stuff like that. Which is funny, because she's supposed to be some poor, misunderstood Goth Girl. Ugh. Whatever.

Whenever I finally do get the TV, its always either sports, Law & Order, Family Guy, Daily Show, Colbert Report, or some good video game like Twisted Metal. :p Woohoo.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 03:36 AM

Johnny. Now he is definitely a fine thing.

I remember Nick at Nite! I miss that, along with the old Nickelodeon, in general. God, those were the days. I remember coming home from school everyday to watch just hours on end of classic shows like those you mentioned. I can't remember what channel that was, back then, but I'd watch Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and maybe I Love Lucy straight through. A "thing" that my dad and I always do is whistle the Andy Griffith theme - he used to do that for me when I was younger, and I finally learned how to whistle through his help. Happy Days was awesome. I remember being so scared every episode that Fonzie was going to do some incredible motorcycle stunt on - I was worried about him.

Oh, man...those shows your roommate forces you to watch are painful! Luckily, my friend and I are close enough where we'll work something out, and she's an Astros fan - if I didn't have her, knowing my luck, I would probably end up with one like yours...hang in there. We'll order a hit on her if things get too bad.

Ohhh...you're a Colbert fan. My brother is obsessed with it...and he is extremely difficult to please when it comes to humor. I should know - I've tried. Anyway, he loves this guy, and every time we have our chats, he's always talking about him. I think he worships him. From what I've heard and seen, he is hilarious - I just never remember or have the time to watch the show.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 05:08 AM

Actually I've known my roommate since I was 3.. my mom was a reporter, and her dad was on the Board of Education.. so at meetings me and her would play legos together. We didn't really start talking until 9th grade though. We were best friends all through high school.. we were a lot alike.. we listened to the same music.. we had the same political views.. I practically lived at her house. I called her dad "Dad"..

So we figured we'd be the PERFECT roommates..

Wrong.

I'm not going to try and change your mind or anything, because I know I got tired of everyone nagging about it.. but I should have listened to everyone when they said not to room with a friend.. They'll annoy you to all hell, but since you're friends you won't say anything until BAM they push you over the edge and you snap. Like I did.

Now I honestly can't stand her. She's stuck up and extremely spoiled. Daddy's buying her a Mazda6 for college next year. But she's going to get the one thats brand new thats been on the lot for a few years and they can't sell. Those are only $20,000 instead of $25,000. :rolleyes: I'm trying to get my grandma to give me her old 1985 Chrysler. Simply because it runs and I'm not picky. Beggers can't be choosers, you know.

Unfortunately I'll be living with her next year, although it'll be in a house and with 2 other people. So I'll be spending most (or all) of my time with Jaron and Sean playing Soul Caliber. And she'll be down on the 1st floor by herself.

Sorry for the rant Moral of my story - be careful rooming with a friend, I speak from personal experience.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
I remember Nick at Nite! I miss that, along with the old Nickelodeon, in general.
You mean ... Nick at Nite just doesn't exist anymore?
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 04:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
You mean ... Nick at Nite just doesn't exist anymore?
I think it does, but as far as I know, I don't get it on my TV.

Bogey....wow. Thanks for telling me all of that. I'm going to try my best to make things work with her, and I'm sure she'll do the same, but your post gave me something to think about. I hope it doesn't happen to me, too, but at least I'll be a little more prepared.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 05:00 PM

Murder In The First **

I enjoyed this more a couple of years ago but unfortunately not as much now. A sad story about a man, Henry Young (played by Kevin Bacon), who was turned into a killer by Alcatraz and inspired by a true story. Good performances by Bacon, Gary Oldman and Christian Slater.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 05:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ginaitaliangirl:
Bogey....wow. Thanks for telling me all of that. I'm going to try my best to make things work with her, and I'm sure she'll do the same, but your post gave me something to think about. I hope it doesn't happen to me, too, but at least I'll be a little more prepared.
Yeah, I mean.. don't get me wrong.. Jocelyn can be a good friend when she wants to be. But after living with her, it really put a damper on our friendship. Every little thing she does annoys me. And I'm sure I do things that annoy her too. At first we just considered it like one realllyyy long sleepover. Which we've had before.. I've stayed for DAYS at her house.. they even bought Mountain Dew to stock the fridge just for me.. none of them even drink pop. But living in 1 small room together gets hard.

Haha, to be on topic: I watched X2 last night. Oh how I love X-Men. And Hugh Jackman. Moreso X-men. I'm watching Pay It Forward right now on TNT. I love Kevin Spacey. This is a sad movie I'm gonna watch Serpico later. Also a good movie. I have the book.. its a good book too. OKay, I'll stop rambling
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 07:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
I'm gonna watch Serpico later. Also a good movie. I have the book.. its a good book too. OKay, I'll stop rambling
I love Serpico. I think it's one of the best films of the 70s, and Pacino was brilliant in it. I believe it was Al's first big lead role (or first lead role in general). One or the other.

I just finished watching King Kong (Peter Jackson, 2005). Great movie, although the original is still my sentimental favorite. I wish I would have seen it in the theater, though. It's definitely one of those films that would probably be best enjoyed at the cinema. Great cast, great performances, and the ending is just heart-breaking, as it was in the original. It was a lot better than it's been given credit for. I give it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 08:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
I just finished watching King Kong (Peter Jackson, 2005). Great movie, although the original is still my sentimental favorite. I wish I would have seen it in the theater, though. It's definitely one of those films that would probably be best enjoyed at the cinema. Great cast, great performances, and the ending is just heart-breaking, as it was in the original. It was a lot better than it's been given credit for. I give it
Yes, it was one of those movies best seen in theaters. How come you never got the chance to?
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/06 09:31 PM

Just never got around to it, I guess. I kept putting it off.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/06 11:38 AM

Watched Boys don't cry (1999) yesterday. Soon after that painful punch in the stomach feeling which some of the movie scenes convey, I realized that this is a powerful, poignant film based on true story ( ). The lead role gained Hilary Swank a well deserved Oscar. She indeed amazingly portrayed a girl caged in a gender she doesn't want. A rather disturbing movie, but definitely worth a watch.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/06 01:29 PM

Finished Unforgiven last night, 1992 Best Picture winner. I'm not a huge fan of the Western genre, so although this was a solidly made film with certain moments of brilliance, it came off as fairly uninteresting to me most of the time. Great cast in Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, and Morgan Freeman. As far as Eastwood's direction, it seemed good if not conventional. Based on this film alone I don't see how he topped Scorsese for Best Director 12 years later.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/06 02:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
Watched Boys don't cry (1999) yesterday. Soon after that painful punch in the stomach feeling which some of the movie scenes convey, I realized that this is a powerful, poignant film based on true story ( ). The lead role gained Hilary Swank a well deserved Oscar. She indeed amazingly portrayed a girl caged in a gender she doesn't want. A rather disturbing movie, but definitely worth a watch.
See, I agree with you on this one. I think this was a much better movie than Brokeback...


Bogey and Gina, it really doesn't matter who you choose as a roommate, by the end of the year both of you will get on each other's nerves. It helps a lot if you could get a two bedroom and have a room to yourself. From my personal experiences, the best time I've ever had away from home was when I had an apartment to myself.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/06 02:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
Bogey and Gina, it really doesn't matter who you choose as a roommate, by the end of the year both of you will get on each other's nerves. It helps a lot if you could get a two bedroom and have a room to yourself. From my personal experiences, the best time I've ever had away from home was when I had an apartment to myself.
Ah, but you see.. when you end up telling them off, its better for it to be a stranger.. You ruin less friendships that way
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/06 08:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Based on this film alone I don't see how he topped Scorsese for Best Director 12 years later.
Did you see Million Dollar Baby?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 02:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Based on this film alone...
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 06:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
Ah, but you see.. when you end up telling them off, its better for it to be a stranger.. You ruin less friendships that way
I dunno, but it doesn't have to end ugly. I never stayed with the same person for more than a year. I always made alibis and switched roommates. Every single one of them got eventually on my nerves, and it never really got any better, until the senior year that I roomed with a friend/classmate. I always thought that rooming with friends could end up to partying and not being able to say "no" when you should and get the time to study. I'm not sure if it was the magic of knowing it would last only one year, or our astrological signs matched (Pisces and Cancer ), or maybe because she is the nicest person I've known, but things were never that great up to then. She is one of the few people that I still care to talk over the phone instead of exchanging emails even now that we have to pay long distance fees.

What I'm trying to say is, sky is the same color for the most part, so being patient, biting tongue sometimes and just switching roommates each year would get you through and it is not worth it to end things bitterly with friends.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 07:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
See, I agree with you on this one. I think this was a much better movie than Brokeback...



Ciao, Afi! Where have you been lately? I missed you. See, even if you are not able to see how great a movie BBM is, I still consider you to be one of the smartest people here...... :p
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 08:03 AM

Hi Lav!

You and BBM!

I've been lurking here a little, but mainly I was taking a long holiday vacation and was sick for most of it. But now I'm back to work. Missed you too!
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 05:09 PM

It's good Afi is here. And Lavi too. It was a much more dull place recently.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 06:49 PM

PINK FLOYD: THE WALL (1982) - ****

Upcoming AV and long-delayed new chapter of RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW, a movie that despite its flaws, its ambitions and notes(pun!)are so grand and work so well for the most part, that I wish more movies would be so bold, so ballsy....then again, having a legendary soundtrack from one of the great rock bands of history doesn't hurt at all.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 07:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] Based on this film alone...
[/b][/quote]Well you truly can't base it off Unforgiven because Clint won for Baby.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 08:18 PM

The Inside Man ***

I'll start off by saying it's great to see another Spike Lee movie! A little disappointing but something that made you pay attention and keep you guessing until the very end. Denzel and Jodie were delightful as usual but Mr. Clive Owen really stole the show. He's quickly becoming one of the best actors alive today in my book.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 08:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]Based on this film alone I don't see how he topped Scorsese for Best Director 12 years later.
Did you see Million Dollar Baby? [/b][/quote]Did anyone else tend to find this movie a bit... Obnoxious? I just can't really stand sports films in general, I suppose (save a few, mostly Raging Bull. And, don't even bring up Rocky... A tad over-rated and badly-dated in my opinion.) They just always come off way too dramatic for their own good. Maybe that's not even it. There might be something deeper that drives me away from them... But, blindly, they've just always come off a bit pretentious to me... especially boxing films. All I know is, at one of the most defining scenes in Million Dollar Baby, all I could think was "is Alex Lifeson of Rush playing the part of the waitor?" and in another, it was, "Jesus creeping shit, just kill the bitch already and get the film done with! We already know she's going to die, the bugger on The Soup spoiled it on national television!"

So, in conclusion, I'll admit it was an above average film. A descent film that I suppose deserved nomination, but perhaps not award... And thus, my rambling comes to an end.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 08:30 PM

I though it was a very good film.

LLC, you should try Michael Mann's Ali. Very good, despite some people hating it.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 09:25 PM

I enjoyed Ali, actually. I think Ragging Bull and Ali might've gone a little further than most boxing/sporting films. And thus, I enjoyed them more.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/06 10:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
I enjoyed Ali, actually. I think Ragging Bull and Ali might've gone a little further than most boxing/sporting films. And thus, I enjoyed them more.
Spike Lee said Mann as a white filmmaker wouldn't be able to give Ali's story justice, but I think he was proved wrong there. I've seen parts of Malcolm X, which looks great, though I have to say I felt Mann even went further to make the Malcolm X assassination more poignant in Ali then in the Lee film.

A lot of other people oddly felt that they didn't focus enough on his personality.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/06 09:33 AM

I just saw Prime, the one with Uma Thurman where she's dating her therapist's son? Kinda boring, but an okay movie... but there was one thing I loved about it. At one point in the movie, they break up, and I turned to my boyfriend and said, "I wish the movie ended right there... movies NEVER end with a break-up!" Which he thought was funny but was kinda like "whaddya tryin' to say?" because we broke up and got back together too... But anyway, they get back together, but SPOILER ALERT they break up again, and the movie ends like that!!! No fuzzy, bullshit happy ending. I LOVED that!! More movies need to end realistically, I think.

And sometimes it's for the better if they don't end up together anyway! Like in this movie, it was totally better. Like sometimes they end up together, but you KNOW it would never work out anyway. The movie ends, and you're like, "Oh SURE... I give you two weeks, do you hear me???? TWO WEEKS!!"
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/06 01:49 PM

THE ROOKIE (1990) - *1/2

Oh jesus christ!

Its funny how relevant this review is to the babble up above my post in regards to MILLION DOLLAR BABY, which itself is only and ultimately remarkable to watch for in Hilary Swank's performance. Why the relevancy?

Clint Eastwood usually is a good director, one of which does deserve some respect that he has some critics.

Unfortunately, this rep that Eastwood has among some critics seem to came out of nowhere with MYSTIC RIVER, then his 2nd Best Director Oscar for MILLION DOLLAR BABY, and yet I do wonder...

Where were these critics when Eastwood directed the pretty damn great THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES? The supernatural western HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER, solid genre outings like PLAY MISTY FOR ME and PALE RIDER? Hell, what about his jazz-geekdom biopic BIRD? Better yet, some decent efforts like WHITE HUNTER BLACK HEART and A PERFECT WORLD? Nevermind that he had won an Oscar earlier for UNFORGIVEN, but again, those critics I guess considered him to be a Redford or Beatty, as in an actor with a one-time shot at directing, of which critics were amazed that an actor could actually direct it seems( :rolleyes: ).....

Sorry for the rant, but when I read people that praise Eastwood to pieces after MYSTIC RIVER, the only thing I can remember is this: What was his movies before RIVER? Why they were such turkeys as BLOOD WORK, SPACE COWBOYS, TRUE CRIME, and god knows what else.

THE ROOKIE unfortunately was one of them turkeys, with Eastwood starring/directing himself in what seems to have been his attempt at a LETHAL WEAPON-esque buddy action/comedy cop franchise with then-major star Charlie Sheen, and quite an absolute failure at that.

Imagine every cliche that you can about that genre of the time. Now, picture them to the most expected and banal way that they are imaginable. Congrats, you've just seen THE ROOKIE.

However, if I thought this movie was this crappy, why the extra 1/2 a star instead of a total bomb rating?

Well, considering that poor Charlie Sheen comes off quite hilariously in an unintentional way when he tries to be a badass suddenly. I'm sorry, but he intimidates me as much as Alex Trebeck. Still, I got good laughs. Hell, I could see his father Martin kicking someone's ass, but fucking Wild Thing himself? RIIIIIIIIIGHT.

Second, the fact that the iconic tough man Eastwood gets raped by the villainess. No really, you read that right. He acts like he got violated, and I'm thinking..."well, he didn't get raped like DELIVERENCE, so what is he crying about?" Poor Rowdy Yates...

Third, there was this goofy moment when both Sheen and Eastwood are being chased by a private jet plane in the weeds of LAX. Maybe Eastwood didn't have enough experience, or perhaps he just didn't succeede this time, but this was pretty damn laughable. Then this was followed by when both actors decide to split up, of which then both seem almost tracked down by this one plane....DESPITE splitting up in seperate directions. WHAT THE HELL?!?!

Fourth, the late Raul Julia played the villain, who for some reasons also happens to be German. For those that are not in the joke....

Raul Julia was Puerto Rican. :p

Avoid this clunker, for its not even watchable on cable TV....
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/06 09:10 PM

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
Tommy Lee Jones
2005 US/France (1st time; big screen)
A Texan rancer finds the Border Patrolman who accidentally killed his immigrant friend, and takes him on a journey to fulfill the deceased's request of burying him in his hometown.
An extraordinary film to look at, it evokes a rare sense of setting merely through its colour palette and musical score; it has a freewheeling, meandering and original narrative which is perhaps hurt slightly by the chapter titles, and is caught between wanting to give time to characters it oddly doesn't give enough detail to.

Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul
Fatih Akin
2005 Turkey/Germany (1st time; big screen)
Bassist Alexander Hacke travels round Istanbul to explore the city as a musical haven of eclectic sounds and cultures.
For the most part, an insightful, often mesmerising music documentary full of passion and a feel for Istanbul; the music speaks for itself.

Broken English
Philip Hogan
2006 US (1st time)
Several teenagers try to connect with, and fail to understand, one another.
A short quite clearly made by somebody whose world has been filtered onto the canvas with nothing but personal strokes, this is hurt deeply by bad sound and acting to match.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/06 10:06 PM

Brokeback Mountain
(Ang Lee;2005;USA)

I had my doubts about this movie. It's been so overhyped on television, and so underhyped on these boards, I really didn't know what the hell to expect.

The film was great. People need to get the "gay cowboy movie" mentality out of their heads. This isn't about two gay cowboys. It's a love story. A love shared between two people who are unable to be together. Lee's direction is beautiful, Ledger and Gyllenhaal were great in their roles (especially Ledger, who played a convincing cowboy from the mid-west, especially for being an Aussie).

Best film of '05, IMO.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/06 01:07 AM

A History of Violence - (David Cronenberg;2005;USA)
After a heroic act makes a small town man famous, mobsters show up revealing his possible dark past.
Very borderline. This could have easily been a simple cliche film. Instead the film is very taut and surprisingly ends perfectly. It could've been better, but it shows a depiction of brutal violence that is backed by the effects it has on the family. It could've been a little longer and maybe had some more character study, but overall I found this to be a great film. Viggo Mortensen is very good in the lead, especially with his subtle acting in many scenes. Ed Harris comes out as the most memorable though, especially through his charisma.
Posted By: MafiaJ

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/06 01:51 AM

I just saw "Goodnight, and Goodluck" It was a good movie, but definitely a movie you have to be in the mood for. It's somewhat left sided on political spectrum I suppose but it was about McCarthyism and how one man and a radiostation full of people were trying to take him down by exposing the truth and such. Overall a good movie to see if you are into politics but if not, I don't know if you'd be interested.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/06 02:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MafiaJ:
I suppose but it was about the McCarthy presidency
McCarthy was never president
Posted By: MafiaJ

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/06 02:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by MafiaJ:
[b] I suppose but it was about the McCarthy presidency
McCarthy was never president [/b][/quote]My bad, I should have said he was a Senator, I don't know why I said presidency, probably because I was just talking to my brother about 2008 elections.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/06 04:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[b]Brokeback Mountain
(Ang Lee;2005;USA)

I had my doubts about this movie. It's been so overhyped on television, and so underhyped on these boards, I really didn't know what the hell to expect.

The film was great. People need to get the "gay cowboy movie" mentality out of their heads. This isn't about two gay cowboys. It's a love story. A love shared between two people who are unable to be together. Lee's direction is beautiful, Ledger and Gyllenhaal were great in their roles (especially Ledger, who played a convincing cowboy from the mid-west, especially for being an Aussie).

Best film of '05, IMO. [/b]
I couldn't have said it better myself
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/06 09:21 PM

Ashes and Diamonds- Though it may not have been put together as well as maybe it could have been(given the time period it was made in, I'll let that slide), it was a very good film. I had a bit of a problem w/ the subtitles, as many of them flashed by waaayyyy to fast to read the whole thing.

A Very Long Engagement- It was a little predictable, but a good watch overall
Posted By: FortunatoParadise

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 03:10 AM

I just whatched "Pulp Fiction"... It is a good film, indeed! I was told so, and it is really really a good film! Isnt it?
...Fortunato...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 03:34 AM

I saw To Sir, With Love a couple weeks ago. I was actually pleasently surprised. A strong performance from Sidney Poitier (sp?), and a good story. I really liked the 1960's/London vibe that this film had. I downloaded the title song too, by Lulu, great stuff.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 07:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
It's good Afi is here. And Lavi too. It was a much more dull place recently.
I love this girl. Can you cook, Caterina? Iron? Sew?
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 07:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
and so underhyped on these boards,
you should have trusted me. If I tell a movie is great, that movie is to be great! :p

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
The film was great. People need to get the "gay cowboy movie" mentality out of their heads. This isn't about two gay cowboys. It's a love story. A love shared between two people who are unable to be together. Lee's direction is beautiful, Ledger and Gyllenhaal were great in their roles (especially Ledger, who played a convincing cowboy from the mid-west, especially for being an Aussie).

Best film of '05, IMO.
I love this guy. Can you drive, change a tire, replace a lightbulb, fix a leaking sink? :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 08:44 AM

Hostel ***

3 words sum this movie up: entertaining, original and fresh. Definitely more enjoyable the 2nd time around. I recommend it for anyone into horror/gore.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 03:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[b] The film was great. People need to get the "gay cowboy movie" mentality out of their heads. This isn't about two gay cowboys. It's a love story. A love shared between two people who are unable to be together. Lee's direction is beautiful, Ledger and Gyllenhaal were great in their roles (especially Ledger, who played a convincing cowboy from the mid-west, especially for being an Aussie).

Best film of '05, IMO.
I love this guy. Can you drive, change a tire, replace a lightbulb, fix a leaking sink? :p [/b][/quote]Not only can I do all those things, I'm also a fair cook.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 03:23 PM

I watched Ray again the last night for about the 5 time,really is a great film,jamie foxx plays an amazing part he really is convincing as Ray Charles,is also a great soundtrack
Posted By: mustachepete

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 05:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
I watched [b]Ray again the last night for about the 5 time,really is a great film,jamie foxx plays an amazing part he really is convincing as Ray Charles,is also a great soundtrack [/b]
He was great, but between having his eyes glued shut and having Ray's hit singles dubbed in, Jamie really wasn't acting enough to deserve the Oscar.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 09:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Hostel ***

3 words sum this movie up: entertaining, original and fresh. Definitely more enjoyable the 2nd time around. I recommend it for anyone into horror/gore.
I heard it was basically just soft-core porn.. from several people
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/06 09:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Hostel ***

3 words sum this movie up: entertaining, original and fresh. Definitely more enjoyable the 2nd time around. I recommend it for anyone into horror/gore.
I heard it was basically just soft-core porn.. from several people [/b][/quote]Well, what can be said? Irish has the kinks for stilletto heels and 1970s funk-rock music.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/06 06:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by bogey:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Hostel ***

3 words sum this movie up: entertaining, original and fresh. Definitely more enjoyable the 2nd time around. I recommend it for anyone into horror/gore.
I heard it was basically just soft-core porn.. from several people [/b][/quote]Well, what can be said? Irish has the kinks for stilletto heels and 1970s funk-rock music. [/b][/quote]No no no, it's 1980s music :p
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/06 03:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by bogey:
[b]
quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Hostel ***

3 words sum this movie up: entertaining, original and fresh. Definitely more enjoyable the 2nd time around. I recommend it for anyone into horror/gore.
I heard it was basically just soft-core porn.. from several people [/b][/quote]Well, what can be said? Irish has the kinks for stilletto heels and 1970s funk-rock music. [/b][/quote]No no no, it's 1980s music :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/06 05:48 PM

Wolf Creek ***

Unfortunately I enjoyed this more in the theater but I'll buy it Tuesday in any case. A well paced film about 3 hikers who get stranded and received help from a "local." This is help they most definitely should never have agreed to
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/06 07:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
I love this girl. Can you cook, Caterina? Iron? Sew?
Nah.
That's partly why we split with Afi after so long an engagement...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/06 07:13 AM

Fun With Dick and Jane * 1/2

Another movie where all of the funny parts are in the previews. Unfortunately, this movie was anything but fun. Avoid this come Tuesday
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/06 10:47 AM

Two films today so I'll try and be brief:

Ice Age 2

You know what you're getting. The classic animated film sequel fit for all ages. You either like them or you don't. I particularly found this one better than the first. The highlights are with Scrat and his acorn - his adventures are funnier and more creative in the sequel.

Saw 2

If you've seen the first you know what you're getting. Another terrific freaky film. So I have no excuse for watching it at a mates house until 2am and then knowing I've got to walk home (just glad I didn't swallow some hashish this time). Again, as with the first, I would liked to have seen a bigger psychological struggle testing their morals and will to live. It was hardly explored with the captives (except the huge latino guy with the nail club) but it was with the detective. Desperation can bring out the worst in people. I'm happily awaiting Saw 3.

On a side note I was reading the comments for Saw 2 on IMDB and came across someones idea of an extra scene during the credits. You'll find it here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489270/board/flat/39961380
I thought it was genius and scare the shit out of me.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 08:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
Not only can I do all those things, I'm also a fair cook.
ok, I'd love to marry in church.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
That's partly why we split with Afi after so long an engagement...
So I guess we cannot be but lovers.....
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 08:51 AM

Magnolia (Anderson/1999)

Just finished my 2nd viewing. I recently felt as though I re-discovered Boogie Nights for the intensely fantastic film it is, so I was eager to rewatch this to see if I might expierience a similar reaction.

What really struck me this time around was the film's amazing connection with its music. There are 3 or 4 major pieces of music which play for long periods of time in the film, continuosuly running through multiple character's storylines, and always corresponding with what is being shown on screen. It really shows the amazing amount of directing talent Anderson possesses.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 09:06 AM

Magnolia is great, but you really should see Short Cuts, which inspired it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 11:10 AM

Back to the future Part 1



A entertaining film which i never get board of watching,im glad they only made the trilogy but with film's like this they could have carried on making them for a long time
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 02:12 PM

in BACK TO THE FUTURE PART 7, we see Michael J. Fox...

"Doc, the Flu..Flux..Flux..."

"Marty, THANK YOU for shaking that ketchup bottle for me!"

"you bas..bas...turd!"
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 03:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by JustMe:
[b] That's partly why we split with Afi after so long an engagement...
So I guess we cannot be but lovers..... [/b][/quote]Ahem... I produce wrong impression of some kind? :p
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 03:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[b] Not only can I do all those things, I'm also a fair cook.
ok, I'd love to marry in church. [/b][/quote]Does that also mean I'm marrying into your, Afi's, and JustMe's love triangle?
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 03:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
Does that also mean I'm marrying into your, Afi's, and JustMe's love triangle?
You have something against open Swiss families?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 05:54 PM

The Greatest Game Ever Played **

Pretty disappointing and not really the movie I expected. I heard it was good prior to viewing but I don't agree with that statement. I was surprised to see that it was another Disney Remember The Titans sequel with a golf club
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 11:23 PM

Hey Irish, funny enough, Bill Paxton directed that lame-ass Disney golf inspirational bullshit movie, and ya I think we agree on that.

That's right, Bill Paxton. How he didn't get killed in the movie, I'm not sure.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/06 11:58 PM

Forgot about this from school.

Good Night, and Good Luck. - (George Clooney;2005;Japan/France/UK/USA)
Edward Murrow tries to enlighten America to Senator McCarthy's witch hunts.
Clooney does a great job with his very smooth direction. From the interesting mise en scene to the wonderful Rosemary Clooney songs performed. The film manages to not only speak out about freedom of speech, but also about the influence and misuse of technology relevant to today. I only felt it could've gone a little more in depth, though my opinion might change on a second viewing considering I saw this fragmented over several days.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 04:58 AM

I've been watching a movie a night (or every other) for the past couple of weeks. Briefly:

Good Night and Good Luck, Capote: Both lightweight, obvious and overrated. The latter a weak skim of the all-time-great "In Cold Blood.
Crash: Too ugly for its own good.
The Tin Drum (1979): One of the great off-the-wall films. Consistently bizarre, constantly entertaining.
Klute (1971): Though Fonda's and Sutherland's performances are a bit overmannered, this movie still holds up. Solidly gripping plot, real early Seventies stuff.
About Schmidt (2004): I disliked it at first, but have enjoyed it more with each viewing--first for Kathy Bates (sign me up for anything she's in); now I'm appreciating Nicholson's performance. Genuinely good.
Seconds (1966): Still Frankenheimer's masterpiece. Absorbing, fascinating, scary, with a first-rate cast that includes Rock Hudson's and John Randolph's best performances, plus stellar work by Salome Jens, Jeff Corey, Wesley Addy, Frances Reid, Murray Hamilton and the ever-popular Khigh Deigh (Wo Fat in "Hawaii Five-O"). A great movie.
Trinity and Beyond: The Atomic Bomb Movie (1995): Without question, the best documentary ever made. A work of art.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 11:13 AM

SHE HATE ME (2004) - *1/2

Man, Spike Lee took alot of garbage for his decent SUMMER OF SUM picture, of which he followed with the intriging-if-failed BAMBOOZLED, and then this movie, to which like Levinson's TOYS, nothing works. If anything, what is the point?

There is Lee's commentary on epic white collar crime, responsbility, moral responsibility, the Mafia, Lesbians, Male prostitution, Studding....and yes, its as off the wall and as random in the movie as it sounds. A total failure of a film, with its greatest highlight of such mistakes is John Turturro and Monica Belluchi as the Mobster and his lesbian daughter, who becomes a recipient of the protagonist's "Man Milk". Really, he plays her father, and yet he is 47, she being 40. Eh?

The only things that maybe saved this movie from a total BOMB score is a scene where the protagonist, who becomes a stud for lesbians who want kids of their own, is studied from head to toe like a horse or animal. Too bad the rest of the film isn't as touching or humiliating.

Thank god Lee sprung back with INSIDE MAN last month!
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[quote]Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[b] Not only can I do all those things, I'm also a fair cook.
ok, I'd love to marry in church. [/b][/quote]Does that also mean I'm marrying into your, Afi's, and JustMe's love triangle? [/b][/quote]It isn't a triangle, but more of a circle. Everyone is welcomed into our circle; however, we might either let you on the perimeter or just dance around you and then cook you for dinner. But you do know Persian cooking... Hmm... No worries on your part...
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 12:05 PM

Walk the Line

Quite possibly the best soundtrack to a movie, ever.

There's something about the movie I can't quite put my finger on. I really enjoyed it, the acting was tremendous. Within moments I'd stopped watching Phoenix and Witherspoon and started watching Johnny and June. The story was an interesting one to be told but it was lacking something and I don't know what.

I may need to revisit this film.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 12:14 PM

Munich - Only 1 hour 20 minutes of it!

What? Can someone explain to me why I should waste over another hour for the remainder of the film. I was looking forward to this film and as I watched I got increasingly frustrated. Nothing engaged me like it should have. If it wasn't for it being my mate's DVD it'd be used as a coaster or frisby by now. In the words of Al Pacino "DON'T WASTE MY MOTHERFUCKING TIME".
Posted By: JustMe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 04:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
But you do know Persian cooking... Hmm... No worries on your part...
I have no worries at all: he will be very tasty.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 07:13 PM

Breakfast On Pluto **

Cillian Murphy did a very good job as Kitten but other than that I thought the movie was pretty boring. Not a very strong story because I didn't care about any of the characters.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 09:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
It isn't a triangle, but more of a circle. Everyone is welcomed into our circle;
I don't agree. It should be a triangle, and I will be in the middle. Period.


Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/06 09:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JustMe:
[quote]Originally posted by afsaneh77:
[b] But you do know Persian cooking... Hmm... No worries on your part...
I have no worries at all: he will be very tasty. [/b][/quote]Please, don't make me eat you first. :p

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
I don't agree. It should be a triangle, and I will be in the middle. Period.
Yeah, you'll be in the middle all right and we'll be dancing around you to increase our appetites.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 03:01 AM

What the hell is all this madness?!?!

In the movie discussion thread?

It doesnt end!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 03:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
What the hell is all this madness?!?!

In the movie discussion thread?

It doesnt end!
You're telling me. That's why the Random Post Whoring section was invented
Posted By: MafiaJ

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 04:12 AM

Back to the Future was the last thing I watched. I love that movie, it's so cheesy but it always brings back good memories.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 04:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MafiaJ:
Back to the Future was the last thing I watched. I love that movie, it's so cheesy but it always brings back good memories.
Lea Thompson looked GREAT in that movie
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 07:38 AM

I think I'm developing insomnia.

Currently watching: Ghostbusters. For about the 100000th time. Much love for Venkman. Or however you spell it. I'm too wired/lazy to look it up right now.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 11:45 AM

Yesterday I finally managed to watch Crash.

I admit I was a little biased because this movie was awarded BP at the Oscars instead of my beloved Brokeback Mountain. :p

But at the end I found it to be a good movie. Very good, in fact. Definitely not a great movie, nothing unforgettable (which BBM is, IMO) but certainly a movie with a message, thought provoking and very well acted. So its victory at the oscars isn't such a scandal....if only BBM wasn't among its competitors. Just my two cents, as usual....
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 12:35 PM

Bullets Over Broadway (1994, Woody Allen)

Great acting all around. A very funny film, and contains alot of familiar faces. Dianne West really deserved her Oscar here. (even against Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction) Another great film by Woody Allen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 02:06 PM

CRASH....or, when melodramatic mediocrity triumphs over evil once again!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/06 02:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
CRASH....or, when melodramatic mediocrity triumphs over evil once again!
well, that's why Crash won BP, I guess.... Haven't you felt better after watching it?
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 02:19 AM

Match Point
Man, what a great movie. Definately doent have (much) of a Woody Allen feel.A boring pretentious piece about Brittish upper class. For the first 90 minustes I couldnt figure out why it was Allen's "grand slam". But the last half hour makes it all worthwhile. I cant help but smile as I type this

Amazing 4/4
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 02:29 PM

Kill Bill volume 2

I do not understand this at all i suppose you have to be into this kinda thing but hey this is weird no really weird. The women is said to have a sister but it never says that she does someone please explain to me what the movie is all about and make me understand it!!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 05:04 PM

Another film watched at school.

American History X - (Tony Kaye;1998;USA)
After a Neo-Nazi is released from prison, he tries to save his younger brother from the same fate.
There may be one or two instances in this film that go a little far with melodrama, but that aside, this is a very powerful film. Kaye manages to hold it together with a taut direction, and the performances are even better, especially from Edward Norton, in what may be his best role acting-wise. The scene where Norton is arrested in the street is piercing, and the image of him with that glare on his face is burned into my mind. It also has more to say about racism than Crash.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 06:36 PM

AMERICAN HISTORY X is about as deep as a piece of paper, in terms of writing and directing.

However, it is the ACTING that makes this movie worth watching, from Edward Norton's Oscar-nominated turn to even Ed Furlong(before his smack-addiction killed his career) doing solid work, and hey, I can't say no to THE Keach!

If anything, the movie's greatest scene to which I liked in terms of writing is one that hardly anyone talks about.

*SPOILERS*

With Furlong writing that flashback to Norton's executions of those black criminals, remember that he types of how Furlong, if he had fully testified to what he saw, would have probably sent his older brother to a life/death sentence instead of a 7-year(or 5, I can't remember) prison term.

Then again, I sort of prefer the original scripted ending, to which with no dialogue, we watch how after his little brother's death at the school, Edward Norton then proceeds to shave his hair off. However, not with the angry viciousness that we saw his eyes display earlier as a skinhead, but now his eyes are just totally disapointed, disillusioned, you name it.

Still, a good film...and yes, it wipes its ass with that piece of shit CRASH. Funny enough, I'm surprised that Lavinia hasn't gone MAMA MIA over me for not liking it, like with DEER HUNTER and others.


AMERICAN HISTORY X(1998) - ***
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 06:41 PM

What, by the way, does American History X have to say that Crash doesn't? Does a film need to "say" anything in order to be considered better than another, in order to be considered "good" at all?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 06:43 PM

Well Capo, what I do know is that there is certainly flashes of great acting in AHX that doesn't exist in CRASH.

In fact, I'm gonna write a fuck-you parody of CRASH and call it WRECK, and basically make a whole parody of the absolute melodrama and its shit. Funny enough, it would probably win an Oscar!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 07:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
What, by the way, does American History X have to say that Crash doesn't? Does a film need to "say" anything in order to be considered better than another, in order to be considered "good" at all?
If it's not saying anything then what's it there for?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 08:02 PM

"Say" as in educate?

Art has no purpose other than to exist in a state of constant subjectivity, to the point that even a work of art's reason for having been made is down to personal opinion; it comes with no responsibility responsibility to teach or educate or inform. "Meaning", in Art, as is "Message", is abstract; it goes beyond narrative understanding or subtracting concrete intentions of authors.

It produces in us feelings of which only Nature is capable. In fact, I'd say Art is merely an internalisation of the external Nature in which it exists, in which it is created. It is an aesthetic, artificial response to the world, a reflection of its beauty, and yearning for comprehension of that beauty. Ugliness (racism in this case) is just an irregular form of beauty (human condition, nature, life in general, whatever that is supposed to be); because ugliness is mostly always considered something to "tackle" (hence "issue films" such as Crash and whatnot), many assume the films that do so are meant to, or are indeed supposed to, educate us and teach us all how to be better human beings. Whether or not they do is besides the point, since that would be down to audience involvement, not artistic intentions. We don't understand anything, so a work of art has no right, or responsibility, or qualification, to teach us.

So, to relate all of what I just said to what we're talking about, what, beyond "Racism is bad" (which is common sense anyway) does American History X "say" that Crash does not?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/06 11:55 PM

AMX for me, shows racism in a negative light, but most of all, a realistic one. It doesn't just say it's bad but also explores where it comes from and how impressionable people can build up to it. It also shows some genuine annoyances that can sound racist, but really aren't, like one or two things Derek's father says.

I do agree with Ronnie though, it would've been better with the original ending.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/06 12:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Then again, I sort of prefer the original scripted ending, to which with no dialogue, we watch how after his little brother's death at the school, Edward Norton then proceeds to shave his hair off. However, not with the angry viciousness that we saw his eyes display earlier as a skinhead, but now his eyes are just totally disapointed, disillusioned, you name it.
I agree.

Funny, I got this response when I posted that I liked the original ending at another message board,

Quote:
Disagree. That would undermine the message of the current film & be a completely different picture. It would also most likely be viewed as glorifying the Neo-Nazi life-style & be branded a racist movie. Basically, it would go down in history right next to Birth of a Nation.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/06 12:58 AM

Type a simple "no" to that response.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/06 07:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
"Say" as in educate?

Art has no purpose other than to exist in a state of constant subjectivity, to the point that even a work of art's reason for having been made is down to personal opinion; it comes with no responsibility responsibility to teach or educate or inform. "Meaning", in Art, as is "Message", is abstract; it goes beyond narrative understanding or subtracting concrete intentions of authors.

It produces in us feelings of which only Nature is capable. In fact, I'd say Art is merely an internalisation of the external Nature in which it exists, in which it is created. It is an aesthetic, artificial response to the world, a reflection of its beauty, and yearning for comprehension of that beauty. Ugliness (racism in this case) is just an irregular form of beauty (human condition, nature, life in general, whatever that is supposed to be); because ugliness is mostly always considered something to "tackle" (hence "issue films" such as Crash and whatnot), many assume the films that do so are meant to, or are indeed supposed to, educate us and teach us all how to be better human beings. Whether or not they do is besides the point, since that would be down to audience involvement, not artistic intentions. We don't understand anything, so a work of art has no right, or responsibility, or qualification, to teach us.

So, to relate all of what I just said to what we're talking about, what, beyond "Racism is bad" (which is common sense anyway) does American History X "say" that Crash does not?
Mick, are you sure you are only 18? How can a 18 years old boy be so knowledgeable and wise without being also unbearably tedious?
I feel like embracing you now, darling.

(((((((((((((((((((Mick)))))))))))))))))))))))
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/06 06:30 PM

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof ***

Great performances by Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor. It kinda felt like I was watching A Streetcar Named Desire when I was watching this
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/06 06:41 PM

Born on the 4th of July
Stone/1989

This was a really great film. A stellar performance from Tom Cruise really showcasing his early talents. I had also just finished Magnolia, so it was nice to see the differences in his work a decade earlier. Stone's direction is visually stunning, seemingly perfect, and yet also creative and unrestricted. I especially liked the ending sequence, just a great summation of the sentiments of the film and also its main character.

Very deserving of its Oscar wins for Best Director and Best Editing. I question why it lost for Best Picture although I admit I haven't seen Driving Ms. Daisy.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/06 07:48 PM

Le Samouraï (Melville/1967/France) (1st time)

I'll reserve my final rating until I view the film again (I have to watch a film at least twice before I'm comfortable rating it). Suffice it to say, my expectations were rather high for this film. I was impressed. I'm most impressed at how Melville draws us into the story before a word is even spoken.

This is my first Melville film, and after watching this, I'm anxious to check out more of his work.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/06 08:15 PM

Glad you liked it. I've seen some of Melville's work, but eMule's ridiculously slow downloading lately has hindered me from seeing more of his or anyone else's work.

Le Samouraï The Samurai
Le Cercle Rouge The Red Circle
Bob le flambeur Bob the Gambler
Le Doulos The Finger Man
Un Flic A Cop
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/06 08:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[b]Le Samouraï (Melville/1967/France) (1st time)

I'll reserve my final rating until I view the film again (I have to watch a film at least twice before I'm comfortable rating it). Suffice it to say, my expectations were rather high for this film. I was impressed. I'm most impressed at how Melville draws us into the story before a word is even spoken.

This is my first Melville film, and after watching this, I'm anxious to check out more of his work. [/b]
I watched this today as well. My second time. It was even better than the first.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/06 06:47 AM

Inside Man *

The theme is bank robbery. Clive owen and Denzel Washington do a good job, but the movie has nothing great to offer.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/06 11:51 PM

Thank You For Smoking
2006/Reitman

Starring Aaron Eckhart, William H. Macy, Robert Duvall, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, Sam Elliot, and Maria Bello.

I had fairly high expectations going into this film as it's getting pretty solid reviews all across the board and it sports a stellar cast. I was happy that I was able to go into the film knowing not much more than that though, so I had a fairly open mind.

The film wasn't exactly what I thought it'd be. A kind of strange cross behind an outright satire and a regular dramatic piece, the film seemed as though it couldn't make up its mind as to which direction to go, and this versatility didn't make it any better.

I was happy with Aaron Eckhart's performance in the first film I've seen him in. And I thought the rest of the cast was pretty perfect for their parts as well. I especially liked the inclusion of David Koechner who I recognized from Anchorman.

Duvall was in excellent form. He seems to be fully embracing his status as senior statesman of Hollywood. His scenes were good but I felt he was somewhat under-used. Reitman's direction was nothing fantastic to speak of. Solid but not spectacular, with a few inspired moments here and there.

One unintentionally funny moment in the film was our introduction to Katie Holmes' character. Before we ever see her, she is described as being amazingly gorgeous, great body, simply stunning, etc, etc. And then after all that build-up, we get plain little Katie Holmes, who I've never found that attractive. Seems as though the writing didn't quite fit her exactly.

Overall, the film was just ok. It got a bit too moral and cutesy at times with the storyline with Eckhart's son, but it all came out alright in the end.

3/5 Stars
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/06 04:00 AM

Ali
2001/Mann

Starring Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles, Mykelti Williamson, and Jada Pinkett Smith

Spike Lee seems to have summed it up best when he questioned how a "boring film could be made about one of the most exciting figures of the 20th century." To me, that's exactly what this film came off as; boring. Uninspired. Yes, Will Smith's transformation from Fresh Prince to boxing legend is an admirable one, and yes, there is little wrong with Mann's lighting, shot framing, and overall composition. But for christsakes, for a film that tells the viewers very little about its subject, why is this thing so god damn long?

But, I did really enjoy Jon Voight's performance as Howard Cosell. I'm glad he received a well-deserved Best Supporting Actor nod. And Mykelti Williamson as Don King was a nice addition to the last half of the film.

As far as the film itself, in this one, unfortunately, boredom delivers a knockout punch.

2.5/5 Stars
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/06 04:06 AM

Am I the only one who thinks Michael Mann did a very good job with Ali?

I think he proved Spike Lee flat out wrong in that "only a black filmmaker could do it justice."
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/06 04:33 AM

Haven't seen Ali but I think that Spike Lee if he did say that, was an arrogant and racist prick for having said so. I'm not black, but does that mean that I can't write a book about Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Colin Powell, Malcolm X or whoever...give me a break. :rolleyes:
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/06 04:40 AM

Although I agree with Lee's dislike of this film, I do not agree that the fault lies in the fact that Mann is white.

I don't even think Mann is untalented. I love Heat, Thief, and Collateral, but he just made some strange choices with this film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/06 04:41 AM

Imagine if someone said something like, "Only a white filmmaker could do Raging Bull justice."
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/06 11:24 AM

Magnolia
(Anderson/1999)

Well, I watched this a week ago and found so many spectacular new things about it. The last couple days, I've been craving a rewatch so bad, so I decided to start it at 3:45 AM seeing as there wasn't much else to do. The best thing was I got towards the end of the film right as the sun was coming up. Really adds a lot to the climax.

The film worked on so many different and deeper levels for me this time around, and it just continued to astound me throughout. So perfectly structured, so perfectly shot, perfectly edited and lit, and written. The film has so much to say and it does it all through the examination of the lives of a small group of individuals throughout just 24 hours.

Man, what a fantastic film. Gave me what was probably the strongest emotional response I've had towards a movie in a really long time. It inspires and excites me so much to watch it, I just want to start writing and working right away.

5/5 Stars
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/06 02:50 PM

Again, I highly suggest the even greater film that inspired P.T. Anderson, Short Cuts. Very overlooked.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/06 06:11 PM

Yeah, I'm eager to get to that. The rental store I usually go to doesn't have it though, so I'll have to look elsewhere. That's in your top 10 right? And is Magnolia? I can't find your list.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/06 08:38 PM

Magnolia is a great film, I need to see it again to solidify any four star rating, but no it isn't on my top ten.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/06 06:59 PM

Scary Movie 4 * 1/2

I hope they'll realize this franchise is in the sh*tter and STOP making them. This wasn't as bad as Date Movie (which isn't saying much) but it's still pretty bad
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/06 07:34 PM

Neil Young: Heart of Gold - (Jonathan Demme;2006;USA)
Neil Young performs with family and friends over two nights at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Neil Young is excellent here, and it's put through the great direction of Demme. I think this redeems him of The Manchurian Canidate remake. Young's choice in music is great, especially the ones that inspired him. It comes across as beautifully nostalgic and sentimental in a positive way. My favorite performances are "This Old Guitar" and "Falling Off the Face of the Earth," but the peak of the show is definitely "Old Man." The atmosphere, music, and overall emotion put into the songs all come together wonderfully. A great rockumentary. I also loved listening to Young in between songs. The ending was also perfect.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/06 03:36 AM

Dracula- 1931
Tries to let the image do the taking rather than the characters. Doesnt exactly work, but it was one of the first to attempt that. The original Nosforatu stands as the king of image fright

Frankenstein- 1931
Though the ending drops off into nothing, the bulk of the film was very entertaining. However, having been born 50 years after the 30s, I found myself wanting to watch.....

Young Frankenstein- 1974
What can I say about any Mel Brooks film that hasnt been said. This was the role Marty Feldman was born to play (as much as I hate that saying) and though not Brooks' best film, it is a great watch. The director's commentary, though slow in parts was very entertaining as well
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/06 06:42 AM

Double Indemnity #38 on the AFI Top 100 List *** 1/2

Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck worked beautifully together in this Noir thriller. A very entertaining story that had you wondering how it was going to end.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/06 04:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
The panic room i bet youv never heard of it!

A women and a child buy a mansion it has a panic room in it that locks and nobody else can get in it plus its hidden so that nobody can see it or get in it!! They are all sleeping when the women gets up and has a drink in the panic room is cameras so that you can see people! She goes in there to find men on the screen 3 of em! Trouble starts from there...
OMG!!!!!111
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/06 07:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
[b] The panic room i bet youv never heard of it!

A women and a child buy a mansion it has a panic room in it that locks and nobody else can get in it plus its hidden so that nobody can see it or get in it!! They are all sleeping when the women gets up and has a drink in the panic room is cameras so that you can see people! She goes in there to find men on the screen 3 of em! Trouble starts from there...
OMG!!!!!111 [/b][/quote]
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 12:20 PM

What do you both mean OMG !!!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 02:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
What do you both mean OMG !!!!
He was patronizing you.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 04:04 PM

Apocalypse Now Redux

I knew this was a good movie, but that good.

I started out better than the average Vietnam movie, Duvall was superb, the French scene was also good, and the whole Brando end gave me goose bumps. When the credits rolled, I'm sure I looked like a junkie, because the end was just so irrealistic, expressionistic, and nerving.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 04:09 PM

I still don't know why AN is called a Nam movie.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 04:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
OMG!!!!!111
LOLZOLOXOOL!!!11ONE


Well, I just watched Fear & Loathing for the first time (don't hurt me :p ).. and I watched it drunk, which I think made it all the better. I'll have to watch it again later. Goooood movie.

I also watched Resovoir Dogs. And looking at that word, it looks wrong, but I'm too lazy to go look it up. Resevoir? Ah, I dunno. Good movie.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 05:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[b] OMG!!!!!111
LOLZOLOXOOL!!!11ONE


Well, I just watched Fear & Loathing for the first time (don't hurt me :p ).. and I watched it drunk, which I think made it all the better. I'll have to watch it again later. Goooood movie.

I also watched Resovoir Dogs. And looking at that word, it looks wrong, but I'm too lazy to go look it up. Resevoir? Ah, I dunno. Good movie. [/b][/quote]Reservoir. :p

I still haven't seen Fear & Loathing. I'm too cheap to spring for the overpriced Criterion DVD.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 05:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I still don't know why AN is called a Nam movie.
Isn't the setting Vietnam?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 06:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] I still don't know why AN is called a Nam movie.
Isn't the setting Vietnam? [/b][/quote]Well, yes, but it's more than a war film. The only thing it really has in common with a war/'Nam film is that it's set in Nam. It's so complex on so many level besides the fighting that is really only the backdrop.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 06:16 PM

Not to mention being based on a novel set on the Congo, published in 1902.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 06:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Well, yes, but it's more than a war film. The only thing it really has in common with a war/'Nam film is that it's set in Nam. It's so complex on so many level besides the fighting that is really only the backdrop.
That's true, but I figured that out already.

The Godfather is also so much more than a Mafia film, or a gangster film. Yet, it is often labeled as such, mostly by the mainstream.
I know I was not really honouring the film while calling it a Vietnam film, but I did it anyway.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 06:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Not to mention being based on a novel set on the Congo, published in 1902.
Really? Title? Author? Ever read? About what?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 06:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I still don't know why AN is called a Nam movie.
Who cares? Why would you want to place films into categories anyways?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 06:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] Not to mention being based on a novel set on the Congo, published in 1902.
Really? Title? Author? Ever read? About what? [/b][/quote]Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 07:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] I still don't know why AN is called a Nam movie.
Who cares? Why would you want to place films into categories anyways? [/b][/quote]I don't have a problem calling Platoon a Nam movie. Apocalypse Now however, while taking place during Vietnam, shows a separate mission that isn't even in Nam.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 07:49 PM

My question is: why do you care? How is the genre in any way significant?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/06 11:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
My question is: why do you care? How is the genre in any way significant?
Why do you care if I call Platoon a Nam flick? It's not something I think about.
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/06 02:24 AM

I saw The Score with Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro and Edward Norton on DVD on my 60 inch in my family room (alone regretfully ) a few days ago. If you haven't seen this movie, do yourself a favour and SEE IT! Great acting, great actors, great story line/plot, great movie! Set in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to boot!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/06 04:43 PM

Born on the Forth of July ** 1/2

It wasn't as good of a movie as I was hoping for. I think it ran a little long and by the end of it I was growing a little tired of it. However, it's ALWAYS great to see Willem Dafoe shine
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/06 01:55 PM

I went to see Silent Hill last night. I personally thought it was really good - death and destruction at its finest. No one else I was with liked it though. I guess you have to have played the video game?

I'm gonna call my next statement a spoiler, although it really doesn't give anything away.

[***SPOILER***]
One death in particular was freaking EPIC. Seriously, Mortal Kombat Fatality style.
[/***SPOILER***]

Now I'm currently watching The Godfather, and Part 2 is on next, and Part 3 is on after that. Looks like I know how I'm going to be spending my day
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/06 04:34 PM

Shopgirl ** 1/2

This was a lot better than I expected. I thought it'd be some pointless romantic comedy but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it wasn't. Claire Danes, Steve Martin, Jason Schwartzman and Bridgette Wilson all put in enjoyable performances. Not a bad movie to rent on Tuesday!
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/06 05:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Shopgirl ** 1/2

This was a lot better than I expected. I thought it'd be some pointless romantic comedy but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it wasn't. Claire Danes, Steve Martin, Jason Schwartzman and Bridgette Wilson all put in enjoyable performances. Not a bad movie to rent on Tuesday!
Steve Martins cool!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/06 09:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I still don't know why AN is called a Nam movie.
Coppola once said this about AN:
"My movie is not about vietnam, it is vietnam"
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/06 10:26 PM

Goodfellas (Scorsese/1990/USA)

There's nothing I can say that hasn't been said already, so I won't bore you. Great film, in every aspect.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/06 11:24 PM

Derailed - (Mikael Håfström;2005;USA)
A business executive is blackmailed after he's mugged during an affair with another woman.
An average thriller. It's enjoyable at times but for the most part it's predictable. Clive Owen was good though this is clearly one of his lesser roles. Aniston isn't as good as some said, but she's okay for the most part. Nothing we haven't seen before and not directed in any interesting way.

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] I still don't know why AN is called a Nam movie.
Coppola once said this about AN:
"My movie is not about vietnam, it is vietnam" [/b][/quote]I think that describes the psychological aspect that can apply to any war, otherwise I disagree with it.
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/06 11:36 PM

NIRVANA - THE UNTOLD STORIES - An Unauthorised Docmentary Film Packed With Exclusive Interviews Plus Interactive Trivia Quiz & Extensive NIRVANA Discography (DVD)

Very, very important documentary for any Nirvana fan, casual or serious. A must see documentary really, I enjoyed it although not having any real Nirvana music in it did take away a lot of the enjoyment for me. Wasn't authorized by the band so no NIRVANA music could be used although, there were interviews with every one surrounding the group, including Kurt Cobain's closest friends, his Grandfather, Nirvana's producers (J. Endino, B. Vig etc.), music industry big wigs, Seattle scene ppl., and others. Watch this documentary!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/06 12:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Jasani:
NIRVANA - THE UNTOLD STORIES - An Unauthorised Docmentary Film Packed With Exclusive Interviews Plus Interactive Trivia Quiz & Extensive NIRVANA Discography (DVD)

Very, very important documentary for any Nirvana fan, casual or serious. A must see documentary really, I enjoyed it although not having any real Nirvana music in it did take away a lot of the enjoyment for me. Wasn't authorized by the band so no NIRVANA music could be used although, there were interviews with every one surrounding the group, including Kurt Cobain's closest friends, his Grandfather, Nirvana's producers (J. Endino, B. Vig etc.), music industry big wigs, Seattle scene ppl., and others. Watch this documentary!
I heard it was a poor one that didn't bring anything new to Cobain or the band, other then trying to whore money from the name.
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/06 12:21 AM

I think you heard wrong. It wasn't exactly an Oscar winning documentary but you will most definitely get SOMETHING out of it. Whether or not the producers of the documentary were trying to whore money out of the Nirvana name, I don't really know and I don't really care. I enjoyed it to a certain extent and think that it is worth watching if you're a Nirvana fan.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/06 04:18 PM

Match Point ***

This is why you watch movies for yourself and form your own opinion. A girl at work told a friend of mine who I watched this with last night that it was stupid. She wasn't sure if she wanted to watch it now and I told her I'll watch it and assess it myself. I'm glad I did as this movie was VERY good. Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Scarlett Johansson, Emily Mortimer and Brian Cox all put in great performances. If I had the money, I'd love to buy it on Tuesday
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/06 05:06 PM

A shame Woody Allen thinks Match Point is bad, since he isn't big in the box office.

I personally thought it was great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/06 05:07 PM

I'm glad I wasn't the only person who thoughtso I don't know how big it's release was in the theaters. I don't remember if it was playing anywhere near me in Texas or New York
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 04:56 AM

Memento
2000/Nolan

It had been a really long time since my last viewing of this film. My parents rented it before I had the sense to know what good movies were and I just happened to come in on them watching it and decided to stick around. I have to say, bottom line, it's pretty clearly the greatest and best-executed concept film of all time.

I've never seen a film where the viewers are so wrapped up in the protagonist's feelings of confusion and disillusionment. This is probably the most accurate depiction and portrayal of a character's thought processes. I still have yet to fully understand it, and although I greatly respect it at this point, I don't quite find myself actually liking it yet, so it deserves a rewatch sometime very soon.

Seeing this film also makes me wonder how Christopher Nolan could turn out to be such a bust. This fantastic piece of cinema only 5-6 years ago and the only things he's turned out since then are a mediocre Pacino thriller and crappy Batman movie. Where'd all the wonderful, psychological noir shit go?

4/5 Stars
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 11:17 AM

Ocean Twelve, OMG, what a horrible, stupid movie. Ocean's Eleven at least was watchable. And to film this totally unnecessary movie they stopped Rome's traffic for THREE FU**ING DAYS!!!!

The Manchurian Candidate. Good one. Exciting plot.

Hotel Rwanda. Poignant, touching. Very well acted by the same actor playing the cop in Crash (can't remember his name... :rolleyes: )
Posted By: Don Jasani

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 11:25 AM

Yeah, Ocean's 12 was just disgusting! Watched it with a group of friends and we were laughing (in a baaad way) at the movie the whole time! Even Julia Roberts just looked bad and ugly. Catherine Zeta Jones was the only redeeming characteristic for me at least and my family.

Haven't seen Manchurian Candidate (old or new) but have heard a lot.

Want to see Hotel Rwanda, Don Cheadle is the best black actor in Hollywood today other than Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier, I think, so it's prolly a very good movie to watch. The character of Romeo Dallaire (The Canadian) is misportrayed to a certain extent by Nick Nolte or whoever does play him, I believe according to what I've read. Still a must see, and I will.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 11:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
Ocean Twelve, OMG, what a horrible, stupid movie. Ocean's Eleven at least was watchable. And to film this totally unnecessary movie they stopped Rome's traffic for THREE FU**ING DAYS!!!!
Poor Lav! Watching the movie was awful enough for me. Getting stuck in traffic during its shooting is a cherry on top of it. :p
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 12:41 PM

One of my favorite, probably to some, a silly movies, "The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad", from 1956 ( think), with Kerwin Matthews and Kathryn Grant. As a kid I saw it many times. It's been a while, and I saw it was on and couldn't resist. The mechanical monsters, the magic genie, the handsome Matthews. Ha ha...I don't know why exactly,but I love that movie and want to buy it.


TIS
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 12:54 PM

TIS, I bought a 3 set DVD of the "Sinbad" movies last year. (They're awesome!)

Like you, I grew up watching them on tv...mainly to see the Ray Harryhausen special effects (dueling skeletons, monsters, etc.). They're so much fun to watch!!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 12:58 PM

SC,

The DVD's you bought, are they older ones? Who's Sinbad? Do you also remember "Jack the Giant Killer?

Remember this: "From the land beyond beyond; from the world past hope and fear; I bid you Genie now appear."

Also, remember Steve Reeves (Hercules). I loved those as well. I think of all of these as simply "fun" entertainment.

TIS

Btw, after watching Sinbad, I tried to do a search as to what Matthews looks like today (I don't know if he's even still living). Can you find one?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 05:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
The DVD's you bought, are they older ones? Who's Sinbad?
The three disk set is simply called "The Sinbad Collection". It contains:

"The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" (1958).

"The Golden Voyage of Sinbad" (1973) starring John Phillip Law. Sinbad fights a 6-armed statue and a 1-eyed centaur.

"Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" (1977) staring John Wayne's son, Patrick Wayne. Among his foes is a saber toothed tiger.

I hate to burst the bubble for you, TIS, but here's a fairly recent picture of Mathews:

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 06:40 PM

Tristan + Isolde **

A pretty crappy story that I lost interest with about 15-20 minutes into it. It tried to be too much like Romeo + Juliet. It was great however to see Sophia Myles again
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 07:00 PM

The The Manchurian Candidate remake is absolute shit. The first one is a great political thriller.

Though I have forgiven Demme after directing Heart of Gold.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 08:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Tristan + Isolde **

A pretty crappy story that I lost interest with about 15-20 minutes into it. It tried to be too much like Romeo + Juliet. It was great however to see Sophia Myles again
The story of Tristan and Isolde is Greek I think, and has been around already 1500 years before Shakespeare was even born.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/06 09:55 PM

Either way I think Shakespeare did it better
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/06 05:51 PM

Friday the 13th Part III in 3D **

The first movie I've seen in 3D in a theater and it was AWESOME! The crowd was laughing, clapping, yelling jokes at the screen. One of my favorite horror movies ever and this was definitely the most fun I've had watching it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/06 02:20 PM

Five Deadly Venoms * 1/2

Another film that influenced Tarantino to make the Kill Bills and yet another disappointment
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/06 04:44 PM

I want to watch the film the hills ave eyes even though it is a scary looking film!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/06 04:58 PM

Unknown White Male
Rupert Murray
2005 UK (1st time; big screen)
In 2003, Englishman Doug Bruce, living in Coney Island, suffered from an extremely rare form of amnesia, losing all memory and knowledge of his friends and family before that point.
A film made by Bruce's friend, with whom he has had to reconnect from scratch since. This has come under extreme attack and its authenticity has been brought into question by many scathingly curious critics; as an exploration of memory and what we all comprise, however, it may be the victim of unnecessary questions.

Karol Lir (King Lear)
Grigori Kozintsev
1970 USSR (1st time; big screen)
A Russian version of Shakespeare's play, well-translated by Boris Pasternak.
Excellently-acted, visually memorable, and fascinating to watch; Shakespeare's prose remains intact, and the final act is riveting, but as a whole it is difficult to sit through.
Posted By: The Dr. who fixed Lucy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/06 05:05 PM

Quote:
Capo
but as a whole it is difficult to sit through.
Yeah well that's what happens when you leave the "prose intact"! King Lear is too verbose in any language, I think the bard fell in love with the sound of his own voice as it were, as many fledgling writers are wont to do!!!!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/06 05:13 PM

Yes, but gradigatia and connextibles become an inhoroble familiaritiness of the situation, don't you think?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/06 08:19 PM

Pink Floyd The Wall - (Alan Parker;1982;UK)
Pink Floyd's "The Wall" put to film with some changes.
The film version still manages to be great, though the album is the masterpiece. The most fascinating parts are the animations, especially for "Goodbye Blue Sky" and "The Trial." I am pissed however that "Hey You" was cut from the film. Otherwise it still proves to be a great representation of the album's themes of isolation and depression. The odd, often surreal direction fits the music perfectly. The character of Pink is modeled after Waters with some bits of Barrett's persona attached to it. I think the best part musically was "Comfortably Numb."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/06 05:50 AM

Rashomon ***

This was the film that truly turned me into a Kurosawa fan. I love the constant camera movement and the fact that most of this movie is visual (not a lot of dialogue is spoken).
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/06 06:01 AM

I need to get my hands on some Kurosawa so bad.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/06 06:15 AM

You should. My 2 personal favorites are Rashomon and Throne of Blood
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 05:42 AM

Throne of Blood ***

My 2nd favorte Kurosawa film and a wonderful Japanese version of MacBeth. Rent these 2 movies whenever you are allowed the chance MistaMista
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 10:54 AM

Irish, that's the second reference you've made praising Shakespeare this week (the other was to say his Romeo and Juliet was better than Tristan and Isolde). I had no idea you'd studied him. What's your favourite play?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 04:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Irish, that's the second reference you've made praising Shakespeare this week (the other was to say his Romeo and Juliet was better than Tristan and Isolde). I had no idea you'd studied him. What's your favourite play?
I'd say either MacBeth, Romeo & Juliet or Othello. What's yours?

Tamara * 1/2

Supposedly this was made from the creator of Final Destination. It looks like he missed with this one. Pretty lame story and ending. Not really a "horror" flick as I would put it. It felt like too many other horror films just crammed together as one
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 08:13 PM

United 93
2006; Greengrass

Spread the news, United 93 is a truly revolutionary film. Upon first impressions, this stands as one of the most powerful, tasteful, and interesting films released in the past decade, and its dedication to accuracy is impressive. As the first film about one of the biggest tragedies this country has ever faced, United 93 passes the respectability test with flying colors. Add in the fact that the events of that fateful day occurred less than five years ago, and one must consider writer/director Greengrass's accomplishment a truly remarkable one.

A director faces a difficult situation when his film is being blasted and criticized before it is even released. As the pioneer in what will surely become a sub-category unto itself in the disaster films genre, Greengrass took careful precaution in crafting the first 9/11 film, and his dedication seems to have paid off.

I call this film revolutionary because it is the closest I've ever seen a film walk the line between documentaries and feature films. The result is an fascinating experiment in a new approach to making movies. The events are shown, they are not dramatized, they are not romanticized, or sensationalized, they are simply portrayed, as accurately possible. The hijackers and the hijacked are on equal footing in the sympathy department. I found myself almost pitying the terrorists as they were overcome with their religious fanaticism which led to them being essentially forced into a suicide mission in the name of their god. Greengrass has made the first film in which both sides are presented and the director is truly able to succeed in not taking sides. His genius in this department is beautifully portrayed in one of the final scenes in the film where both the hijackers and their captives pray on opposite ends of aircraft. The juxtaposition of these images provides an interesting insight into exactly what this film really sought to accomplish.

Greengrass's camerawork, while relying on the hand-held effect a little too much at times, ultimately assists in portraying the frantic and panicked nature of all the characters depicted, as well as setting the tone for the entire fateful day itself. And the director's choice of music also suits the piece beautifully. Opting for a simple, minimalist orchestral score that plays throughout only a small portion of the film seems to have been just the right amount to accent but not drown out the story.

Another aspect of the film which I really admired, whether intentional or not, was its casting. I literally only recognized one face in the entire cast, and even then I couldn't name him or place where I had seen him. (It ultimately turned out to be John Rothman who I knew from Dinner Rush). The fact that the cast consisted almost exclusively of unknowns only added to the feel of realism throughout the film. Add in the fact that several real life people involved in the events of 9/11 played themselves, and also that the actors chosen to play the major figures in the passenger resistance movement looked remarkably like their real-life counterparts, and the viewers truly felt as if they were there.

Another fascinating choice by Greengrass was to not take advantage of his post-knowledge of the events. Throughout the entire film, characters can be seen making false assumptions and relaying information to one another that was eventually proved to be incorrect. This, again, adds to the realism and sense of panicked confusion being portrayed in the film, and I really respected the fact that Greengrass took the time to include this.

One other difficult choice made by Greengrass was exactly how to go about showing the plane's final moments. It can be tough for a director when the audience already knows how the story will end, but Greengrass does it in a unique and truly emotional way that really tugs at your heart strings without being overdramatic.

Nearly everything about this film was perfectly in accordance to what Greengrass sought to achieve. Thought-provoking, deeply emotional, realistic. I truly do not feel as though a better film could've been made about this subject matter.

5/5 Stars
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 09:17 PM

Quote:
I call this film revolutionary because it is the closest I've ever seen a film walk the line between documentaries and feature films.
You should watch Gus Van Sant's Last Days, Elephant, and Gerry.

All three feel like real life captured on film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 09:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote] I call this film revolutionary because it is the closest I've ever seen a film walk the line between documentaries and feature films.
You should watch Gus Van Sant's Last Days, Elephant, and Gerry.

All three feel like real life captured on film.
[/quote]Didn't you say Cassavetes' films were like that too?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 09:27 PM

Yes, in fact even more then Van Sant's films. A Woman Under the Influence is one of the ten best ever, IMO.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 09:40 PM

Mista, Aguirre, Wrath of God is another film that feels a lot like a documentary. I highly recommend it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/06 11:14 PM

Irish, I am not a Shakespearean yet; I've only studied "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", "Hamlet" and "King Lear" only briefly. "Hamlet" is by far my favourite.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 12:40 AM

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm eager to see all of your comparisons. Any of you plan on seeing United 93?
Posted By: Antoni Canoli

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 12:46 AM

Saw it this afternoon..... I agree wholeheartedly with your review... it was powerful, intense, emotional.... all around awesome..

the last 15 minutes were some of the most intense, powerful scenes I have ever seen in anything..
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 01:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Any of you plan on seeing United 93?
I'm not interested.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 01:28 AM

I actually find Van Sant's films antithetical to documentaries. They're very cinematic, I feel.

I'd recommend, instead, though by no means more, Ken Loach's films. Start off with Kes (1969).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 02:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Any of you plan on seeing United 93?
I can't wait to see it. Gonna try Tuesday or sometime this week

The New World *

A terribly, slow and boring movie about John Smith and Pocahontas. I thought this was more of a "settlers" movie as opposed to a love story
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 04:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
I actually find Van Sant's films antithetical to documentaries.
If you went to an American high school, you'd realize that Elephant is about as real as a film could get.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 07:24 AM

Malice
Average crime drama featuring Alec Baldwin and Nicole Kidman. Watch it only for a couple of scenes with Nicole Kidman naked. Otherwise nothing worthwhile.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 11:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] I actually find Van Sant's films antithetical to documentaries.
If you went to an American high school, you'd realize that Elephant is about as real as a film could get. [/b][/quote]I realise it's a fairly accurate depiction; does that make it documentary-like? Maybe, I don't know.

The New World was the best film of 2005. I cannot wait to see it again.
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 04:19 PM

Tonight im going to watch "the birds" is it good? Anybody?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 05:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
Tonight im going to watch "the birds" is it good? Anybody?
Yes. Some excellent editing/special effects as well.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 05:11 PM

I liked "The Birds", one of my favorite Hitchcock films. The fact that I have this "unexplainable" fear whenever a bird flies low, overhead (I tend to squeal and duck ), makes it even creepier to me.

Good movie


TIS
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 05:13 PM

Thanks so is it a creepy film!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/06 05:19 PM

Well, I thought it was kind of creepy yea! I'm guessing you know the premise of the story? If I remember correctly, most of the birds were mechanical, with some real birds thrown in the mix. If the idea of thousands of birds coming after you is scary, then yea, you'll get a chill.

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/06 12:35 AM

If Only **

A semi-decent Jennifer Love Hewitt movie. As weird as that sounds, it wasn't THAT bad. The first tolerable movie of hers since 2001's Heartbreakers
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/06 10:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
Well, I thought it was kind of creepy yea! I'm guessing you know the premise of the story? If I remember correctly, most of the birds were mechanical, with some real birds thrown in the mix. If the idea of thousands of birds coming after you is scary, then yea, you'll get a chill.

TIS
I watched it it freaked me out how when the people were in there homes they could here them outside. They were after the love-birds werent they? The ending was pretty weird i thought i didnt think it was going to end just there!!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/06 01:23 PM

DeNiro's Sister,

You'll find most of Hitchcock's films have strange endings. My parents never liked most of his endings,but for the most part, I found them kind of neat.

Also, I don't remember specifically if he was in The Birds, but Hitchcock would always appear, ever so briefly in most all of his films. It was always fun spotting him, as he had such an unmistakenable look/presence.

TIS

FYI, Although I'm guessing she made a few more movies, Tippi Hedron, who plays the female lead, never quite made it to star status. Today, she's very active in the "Animal's Rights" field.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/06 04:59 PM

Now unless I'm mistaken, Tippi Hedron's daughter is Melanie Griffin, but I won't swear to it.

"Tippi" was discovered by Hitchcock after he saw her in some cosmetics commercial, and proceeded to craft her to be his new "blonde" female lead like Grace Kelly. They would work together on THE BIRDS and MARNIE before their professional relationship ended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/06 06:40 PM

The Family Stone ** 1/2

An enjoyable movie with a very good cast but for some reason, they worked in a tragedy into this comedy that I don't think should have belonged. It was kind of a downer towards the end
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/06 07:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Now unless I'm mistaken, Tippi Hedron's daughter is Melanie Griffin, but I won't swear to it.

"Tippi" was discovered by Hitchcock after he saw her in some cosmetics commercial, and proceeded to craft her to be his new "blonde" female lead like Grace Kelly. They would work together on THE BIRDS and MARNIE before their professional relationship ended.
You're right. In fact during the making of the film when Griffin was young Hitchcock gave her a doll of her mother in a box, though she was scared because it resembled a coffin. It's well known that Hitchcock became infatuated with some of the leads, especially Tippi Hedron.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/06 07:22 PM

I watched Clerks yesterday morning. Some of the acting is a bit off, but overall a pretty good, and at times hilarious comedy. 7/10.

I didn't know it was the film that spawned Jay and Silent Bob.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/06 03:34 AM

I kind of failed to appreciate the humor and style of Clerks. Not that I didn't know it was there, I just didn't like it very much.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/06 08:18 AM

Whirleygirl **

A pretty far fetched tale about a stripper who steals a guys watch. He winds up tracking her down and "changing her life." Not very interesting but my gosh is Monet Mazur ever so H-O-T!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/06 08:55 PM

Funny Games
Michael Haneke
1997 Austria (1st time; DVD)
A bourgeois family is held hostage and tortured at their holiday home by two young males with no motive.
It is telling that by the end of this film, we are immune, even bored with, the disturbing violence depicted onscreen; the torturers are constantly aware of their role in the film, making direct reference to audience expectations and what they should be doing. At the end of the day, it's the director pulling all the strings, and we are completely helpless, puppets in his hand.

Auch Zwerge haben klein angefangen / Even Dwarfs Started Small
Werner Herzog
1968 West Germany (1st time; DVD)
A colony of dwarfs rebels against its leader.
A humorous, original film with powerful images and a descent into chaos which makes it seem like it may have been best suited to a short. One of Herzog's most absorbing films, and a clear inspiration for Korine's Gummo.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 08:14 AM

The Jazz Singer #90 on the AFI Top 100 List ***

The first talking movie and I enjoyed it. I liked how most of the movie was silent but the songs were talking. I'm so happy because now I am FINALLY done with the AFI list!

SPOILER I did have one question however. Why did Jack paint himself black when he went on stage? END OF SPOILER
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 09:00 AM

When did you see Citizen Kane?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 09:05 AM

The French Connection ***
Very interesting movie based on the real-life new york policemen who busted a drug deal. The cinematography and direction are excellent. No wonder it won so many oscars. Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider reproduce the chemistry shared by the real-life cops well. The dvd has lot of extra features and deleted scenes. The more movies I watch from the 70s, I get the feeling that it was the best times for cinema.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 04:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
When did you see Citizen Kane?
Months ago, before the Christmas break
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 08:39 PM

United 93 ****

I too was one who thought a movie about 9/11 was premature. I'm glad to see I was wrong. I cannot put into words how wonderful this movie was. Tasteful, emotional, respectful, etc. It might be a bit much to see in a theater (I thought I was ready but towards the end I thought twice about it). However, one day, when given the chance and are ready to view it, definitely see it!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 08:48 PM

Rare to see a 4-star film from Irishman.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 08:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Rare to see a 4-star film from Irishman.
That must mean it's good :p J/K
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 09:03 PM

I actually have no interest in seeing it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 09:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I actually have no interest in seeing it.
Why?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 09:51 PM

Doesn't seem like the type of movie I'd enjoy, plus I'm low on cash. From the trailer, it looks melodramatic and corny. I could be wrong.

If you or Capo see it and give it a good proview, I might reconsider.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 10:26 PM

Well considering I heard the trailer is misleading like the action-packed Miami Vice trailer, I don't think that's a good way to judge it. Though I doubt it's one of the best ever like some said.
Posted By: Antoni Canoli

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 11:16 PM

Why wouldnt it be one of the best ever?? It is their opinion.. .all lists are someone's opinion... what is on the AFI's list may not necessarily be on mine...

If someone wants to label it one of the best ever... then for him it is....
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/06 11:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Antoni Canoli:
Why wouldnt it be one of the best ever?? It is their opinion.. .all lists are someone's opinion... what is on the AFI's list may not necessarily be on mine...

If someone wants to label it one of the best ever... then for him it is....
I said I doubt it'll be one of the best ever to me. I didn't talk about anyone's opinion.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/06 02:37 AM

I need further consideration, but I'd say I consider it to be the best film released in the last year and a half or so. Maybe cracking top 10 of the new millenium.

Maybe.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/06 02:40 AM

Have you seen it Vercetti?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/06 02:52 AM

Obviously not if you read what I said. :p
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/06 03:01 AM

Yeah I kind of misinterpreted it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/06 06:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I need further consideration, but I'd say I consider it to be the best film released in the last year and a half or so. Maybe cracking top 10 of the new millenium.

Maybe.
I'd say the best 2 movies this year thus far are V for Vendetta and United 93
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/06 08:05 AM

Watched National Treasure. Crappy movie. Lost a couple of hours of my life. And Nicolas Cage's reddish hair was the last straw.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/06 02:26 PM

Has anybody watched "Ask the dust" by any chance?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/06 02:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
United 93 ****
It might be a bit much to see in a theater (I thought I was ready but towards the end I thought twice about it).
Well, some say that if you find a film unbearable to watch it is too touchy, or too soon to be released. I think that if it moves you, then the timing couldn't have been better.

I'd hate to think people would watch it a century from now and be totally despondent, wouldn't you?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/06 02:28 AM

Yeah, shit happens though. Time heals all wounds. Eventually, when a time comes where no one is left alive who had any sort of emotional connection to 9/11, the topic will no longer induce sadness in people and it will probably become the butt of a few jokes, just another event in American history.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/06 08:21 AM

When A Stranger Calls **

Better after a 2nd viewing. Not a particularily great movie but with the recent crap that's come out over the years, there's worse out there. I think it would have been better if they didn't try to make it such a thriller and added more of a horror aspect to it.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/06 10:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Yeah, shit happens though. Time heals all wounds. Eventually, when a time comes where no one is left alive who had any sort of emotional connection to 9/11, the topic will no longer induce sadness in people and it will probably become the butt of a few jokes, just another event in American history.
it's up to us never to let this happen. Just as in the case of the Shoah, we are obliged to keep the memory alive in the future generation and so on. If we fail to do that, we are going to be objectively accomplices of the terrorists.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/06 10:47 AM

Fata Morgana / Mirage
Werner Herzog
1969 West Germany (1st time; DVD)
A series of images filmed in and around the Sahara; narration tells the story of a planet's creation.
The opening shots, of planes landing in the desert, each one becoming more and more blurred as the heat of the day increases, is telling as to how abstract, visually arresting this "science-fiction" film really is. As it goes on, the music and images interact profoundly; Herzog pays little attention to narrative cohesion, and instead tries to articulate deep emotions via new visual contexts.

Herz aus Glas / Heart of Glass
Werner Herzog
1976 West Germany (1st time; DVD)
When a glass factory loses a worker, and with him the secret of ruby glass, a pre-industrialist village falls apart, watched by a foreseer of events.
A strained, slow, absorbing piece for which most of the cast was hypnotized. It is an absurd, beautiful film full of memorable moments, such as when Herzog momentarily casts aside plot to document the glass factory workers at work, or when a drunkard dances with the corpse of his best friend, whom he inadvertantly killed the night before. The final moments are up there with Herzog's finest closures.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/06 09:16 PM

Stroszek
Werner Herzog
1977 West Germany (1st time; DVD)
Upon his release from jail, a Berlin crook moves to America with a woman and an old friend; once there, he fails to adapt to the new culture.
At once funny, surreal and poignant, and very unpredictable; the characters here all seem to be running away from things, with no real aim to run towards, and the film is less a critique of American society than of the human condition in general--they all go where the money is.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/06 09:27 PM

Capo, are you in the middle of a Herzog-athon? Good to see so many good ratings, I'd love to see all those films some time soon. Will you be rewatching Aguirre as well?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/06 09:44 PM

I'm watching the films of his I've not yet seen, but own. But I plan on revisiting Fitzcarraldo, Cobra Verde and two of his shorts too.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 04:06 AM

MI-3
I have not watched the first two parts and on my friend's recommendation, I decided to watch this on DLP screen which has an amazing video quality. But the movie turned out to be total crap, full of usual car chases, explosions and gun fight sequences. My $8.5 down the drain
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 06:24 AM

Grandma's Boy ** 1/2

It was great to see Allen Covert get his own movie. He's been in a ton of Adam Sandler movies but this was the first I've seen where he played the lead role. I haven't laughed this much since The Wedding Crashers or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. I'll be purchasing this on Tuesday
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 02:02 PM

American Beauty
1999; Mendes

Great film. It had been a while since I'd watched it. Currently #6 on my all time favorite list.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 03:14 PM

God, I think I've watched 2 films in the past month. Paris, Texas and Le Samourai.

This needs to change soon.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 04:38 PM

I get the same thing. I'm into this horrible trend now where I'll watch half a movie and tell myself I'll finish it the next day or something.

I watched the first half of Blade Runner maybe a week ago, and I'm hoping to get to the rest of it tonight. :rolleyes:

God I need to break up with my girlfriend and quit my job.
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 05:24 PM

Godfather was on sky movies last night!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 05:59 PM

I thought it was funny the other day, apparently Goodfellas aired on some movie channel, and the next day in school I had at least 5 different people come up and tell me they watched it. I guess my obsession with the film is relatively well known.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 06:19 PM

Goodfellas is overrated. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 06:29 PM

Nanny McPhee **

I was hoping for a movie somewhat similar to Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events. This movie reminded me of it and started off very good, but towards the end it just got too weird and it became too much for me
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 06:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Goodfellas is overrated. :p
Haha, no.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 07:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
God, I think I've watched 2 films in the past month. Paris, Texas and Le Samourai.

This needs to change soon.
What the hell's the matter with me? I totally forgot about watching Collateral 3 freakin' times in the past week.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 08:27 PM

Speaking of which, I need to revisit Collateral and get around to watching Eyes Wide Shut.

Johnny Got His Gun is almost downloaded too.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 08:31 PM

I was planning on re-visiting Eyes Wide Shut soon, after (re-)watching Barry Lyndon, at DVC's request.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 10:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
after (re-)watching Barry Lyndon, at DVC's request.
:)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/06 11:31 PM

The Thin Blue Line ****

A great documentary about a man wrongly convicted in Dallas County for murdering a police officer. It is not only interesting throughout, in terms of suspense, but it also has a deep emotional impact during the viewing and afterwards. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 02:59 AM

Munich ***

More enjoyable the 2nd time around. I didn't know future James Bond Daniel Craig was it in. I still think Geoffrey Rush and Eric Bana did very good jobs.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 04:36 PM

Last night.

Collateral - (Michael Mann;2004;USA)
A nihilistic contract killer and dawdling taxi driver change forever over the course of one night.
Seeing this for the nth time, I realize that while the ending could've been somewhat improved upon, that this has to be Mann's best film. I've been discussing with DVC how it was gettign better and better to me while he was going behind to me. In fact, weeks ago I lowered it to three recalling it's length, and soon I'll be revisiting it to solidify my decision, though I hope it'll be just as profound as my last viewing. This film however is Mann's most polished. It doesn't go on for too long at all and it manages to be perfectly developed from the characters to the story. Mann's entrancing direction revitalizes the Neo-Noir brings out Tom Cruise's best performance, oddly against type like Fonda's best role in Once Upon a Time in the West. Later today I'll revise my review on it so I can basically rant further on why I love this film so much. Everything is top notch, aside the slightly average cat/mouse decision, though Mann directs that very well as always.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 04:46 PM

I still rank Heat and Thief higher, but Collateral is a great film.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 04:47 PM

Hey DV,

I am not a huge Tom Cruise fan and never go see a movie just because he's in it. It happened to be on tv a few months ago and I watched it. I too, really enjoyed it. Kept me glued to the tv the whole time.

There was another one with Matt Damon that I liked similar. Just happened to watch it. I can't think of the name of it though.

TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 04:52 PM

Glad you liked it TIS, it's underrated, IMO. I'll be writing a revised review tonight on why I consider it Mann and Cruise's best.

As for Mann, these are my rankings.
1) Collateral
2) The Insider
3) Heat
4) Ali
5) Thief
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 04:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I still rank Heat and Thief higher, but Collateral is a great film.
Collateral is Mann's best film, and I didn't realize it until the 4th time I watched it. It's a lot deeper than people give it credit for.

There is an amazing piece of symbolism towards the end that I didn't even notice until the last time I watched it. It's what separates the film from other crime dramas.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 05:01 PM

My rankings for Mann go like this:

1. Collateral
2. The Insider
3. Heat

I'd be more excited for Miami Vice if they didn't play that fucking Jay-Z-Linkin Park song in the trailer.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 05:03 PM

The reason I lowered Heat was a length problem. Not huge but some scenes. Heat still has the best final image of any of his films.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 05:09 PM

DV,

That Matt Damon film I was trying to remember was "The Bourne Identity". Did you see it??? That's another one that I happened to catch (although I missed the beginning). I thought it was good as well.


TIS
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 05:21 PM

Mann's work

1. Heat - 5 Stars (4th favorite of all time)
2. Thief - 4 Stars (16th favorite of all time)
3. Collateral - 4 Stars
4. Ali - 2.5 Stars
5. The Insider - 2.5 Stars (needs a rewatch)

NOTE: As for Cruise's performance, while Vincent is most definitely a great character, I enjoyed him as Frank T.J Mackey in Magnolia a bit more.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 06:11 PM

Breathless/About de souffle *
A french movie about a thief who murders a policeman and is on the run. He is in love with a girl, whom he tries to convince to come with him to Italy. Apart from some general philosophical perspective on man-woman relationship, I couldn't care less about the story or any of the characters. Pretty boring.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 09:34 PM

I'm always up for a discussion on Mann and his work. He's one of those reliable filmmakers whose work lingers in the memory. My favourite is Heat, probably.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 11:29 PM

Is Last of the Mohicans worth watching? That's his one big one I haven't seen it seems.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 11:33 PM

Fast Times At Ridgemont High **

A good 80s comedy flick. I never watched this film growing up so it didn't have any sentimental value to me. I still like Dazed and Confused better
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 11:39 PM

I12, that's the one with Sean Penn right??? Spicoli or something was his name; a real space cadet. Ha ha, yea, even I liked that movie.


TIS
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/06 11:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Is Last of the Mohicans worth watching? That's his one big one I haven't seen it seems.
Definitely. The score is beautiful, the cinematography is beautiful, the violence is beautiful.

Beautiful, but somehow a bit muddled. I need to revisit it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 12:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I12, that's the one with Sean Penn right??? Spicoli or something was his name; a real space cadet. Ha ha, yea, even I liked that movie.


TIS
Yeah that was him. I watch him in stuff like Mystic River and The Interpreter and then to see him in a role like this was weird
Posted By: Tony Love

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 02:25 AM

I just rented two films I have yet to watch: Taxi Driver and Sin City. I can't watch them tonight, so what do people think of these films?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 02:49 AM

Looks like my review is gonna be late like most of the shit on my to-do list lately.

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Love:
I just rented two films I have yet to watch: Taxi Driver and Sin City. I can't watch them tonight, so what do people think of these films?
Sin City is a good but overrated film from a director I usually dislike.

Taxi Driver is a masterpiece, one of the ten best ever and Scorsese's best, IMO.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 03:56 AM

I concur with DV on Taxi Driver. It is a masterpiece.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 04:28 AM

Taxi Driver is definitely a film I greatly respect and admire. But despite the fact that I've seen it several times, and it's from my favorite director, and it has one of my favorite actors, and I find the subject matter fascinating, for some reason I still just don't like it very much.

I get the feeling like it will be one of my favorites one day, but right now it's not.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 05:35 AM

Sin City was my favorite movie last year

Stick It **

Not the train wreck I expected. It's basically Bring It On but with gymnastics instead of cheerleaders. My, how Jeff Bridges has fallen
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 07:25 AM

The Royal Tenenbaums **
Somewhat humorous and somewhat poignant story of a family of geniuses that disintegrates.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 08:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
and get around to watching Eyes Wide Shut.
an overrated, unnecessarily disturbing movie. IMO. :p
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 03:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Breathless/About de souffle *
A french movie about a thief who murders a policeman and is on the run. He is in love with a girl, whom he tries to convince to come with him to Italy. Apart from some general philosophical perspective on man-woman relationship, I couldn't care less about the story or any of the characters. Pretty boring. [/b]
A bout de Souffle is one of my favorites. It's a warning of the growing effect of American pop culture.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 08:19 PM

Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle (Every Man For Himself and God Against All of Them/The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser)
Werner Herzog
1974 West Germany (2nd time; DVD)
In 1828 Nuremberg, a 16-year-old boy, with no previous interaction with the world, is found, his origins unknown.
A rather mysterious story told in a simple, profound way; Bruno S., whom Herzog cast in the lead role after seeing many real-life parallels, offers an unflinchingly warm and often haunting presence as the "outcast" at the centre of things.

La Soufrière - Warten auf eine unausweichliche Katastrophe
Werner Herzog
1977 West Germany (2nd time; VHS)
On the island of Guadaloupe, a volcano shows signs of erupting. While the nearby population evacuates, Werner Herzog ascends the mountain in search of the man refusing to move.
Fantastic, characteristic view of the director's fascination and search for his own reasoning behind confronting danger, as much obsessed with the absence of disaster as with the foreboding of it.

Die Große Ekstase des Bildschnitzers Steiner / The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner
Werner Herzog
1973 West Germany (3rd time; VHS)
A carpenter whose true love in life is ski-flying sets world records and becomes a phenomenon.
The said phenomenom is not least in the director's eyes, or even in Steiner's own psychology; a beautiful evocation of a man wanting to, like the director, push as many of his own boundaries as he can.
Posted By: segnorina

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 08:51 PM

I'm too lazy to read all of this :p ,but I've just seen "Carlito's Way",so...Do you like it?I do,but if we compare it with "Scarface"(just if),"Scarface" is stronger,darker somehow...Was it mentioned here...?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/06 10:21 PM

I prefer Carlito's Way. But that's just me.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/06 03:09 AM

Me too. The film is, in my mind, vastly superior intellectually as well as technically when compared to Scarface.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/06 07:37 AM

The Notorious Bettie Page **

A big disappointment for me. This movie didn't really settle or focus on anything hardly in Bettie Page's life, it was just a very brief overview. At least Walk the Line established the connection between John and June early on in the movie
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/06 10:34 AM

Invincible
Werner Herzog
2001 UK/Germany/Ireland/US (1st time; TV)
In 1930s Germany, a smalltown Jew with incredible strength is exploited in Berlin, and rises to fame, to the bewilderment of the Nazis.
"Based on a true story", it tells us in big letters after the title pops up; nevertheless, it's presented like a tragic fairytale, full of wooden characters, stiff acting and, perhaps most unusually, drab images. Herzog's never been a director to make films with a predominant sense of realism, but this sinks early on into a contrived mess, whose most powerful shot, of thousands of crabs in a rock pool, is apparently stolen from his previous feature, Little Dieter Needs to Fly.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/06 08:44 PM

Fitzcarraldo
Werner Herzog
1981 Peru/West Germany (2nd time; DVD)
Against all odds, an ambitious Irishman attempts to haul a steamboat from one river to another over a hill, in order to establish an opera house deep in the Peruvian jungle.
Surely one of Cinema's most physically exhausting accomplishments; it took three years to film, with a complete re-shoot when Herzog lost his two leads after 40% was filmed, though even as second choice, Kinski is as intense as ever. It looks, sounds and feels like one of the director's most polished films, and also ranks among his most accessible.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 02:41 AM

I don't really consider any of Herzog's films (besides Grizzly Man) accesible.

I seriously doubt anywhere around here carries any of them. Kind of a shame.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 07:06 AM

I jsut asw Misison IMpossinbe 3 with 2 of my feinds. There were only 5 people in the theather, incdluing us.

I actually liek dit. Maybe I'm werid. I think I erfad on here somehwere that it sucked. I dudnno right nwo.

What I readly liek dabout the movie was the preveiw for Pirates of the cariibena 2. I love em some johnny dpep. Theres a cscene where he wasa gonna ikiss Eleizabith. DARMA!! Hahaha
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 08:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
Maybe I'm werid.
not you, just your typewriting!! :p
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 03:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
I jsut asw Misison IMpossinbe 3 with 2 of my feinds. There were only 5 people in the theather, incdluing us.

I actually liek dit. Maybe I'm werid. I think I erfad on here somehwere that it sucked. I dudnno right nwo.

What I readly liek dabout the movie was the preveiw for Pirates of the cariibena 2. I love em some johnny dpep. Theres a cscene where he wasa gonna ikiss Eleizabith. DARMA!! Hahaha
That whiskey was real good, wasn't it?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 05:51 PM

Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai **

I had an urge to see this and I was somewhat disappointed. I like Forest Whitaker but didn't think he did a really good job. Pretty slow and stupid in some parts
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 06:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Taxi Driver is definitely a film I greatly respect and admire. But despite the fact that I've seen it several times, and it's from my favorite director, and it has one of my favorite actors, and I find the subject matter fascinating, for some reason I still just don't like it very much.
Capo DLCN and I once talked about Taxi Driver and I couldn't really pin down my feelings about it, but you kinda feel the same way I do.

Favorite director, favorite actor, fascinating subject matter (especially because I was a NYC taxi driver for a while many years ago), but I just don't like it that much for some reason.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 06:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Pretty slow and stupid in some parts
Could you define "stupid", please?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 06:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b]Pretty slow and stupid in some parts
Could you define "stupid", please? [/b][/quote]I was about to say the same thing.

Irishman, have you ever seen Dead Man?
Posted By: reynols

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/06 10:26 PM

just saw capote

hoffman had one of the top 5 performances ive seen in any film and the film has an excellent story

5/5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/06 05:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b]Pretty slow and stupid in some parts
Could you define "stupid", please? [/b][/quote]The infamous cry of "well, I didn't know I had to justify my answer" Just kidding Capo. I thought there were too many pigeon/bird shots and just mid-way through the movie I lost interest. I like Forest Whitaker as I said but didn't think he did a good job. SPOILER when he shot the guy through the drain, I think that did it for me. Plus the French ice cream guy scene was getting rather annoying to me. END OF SPOILER

DVC, no, I have not seen Dead Man
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/06 05:18 PM

Red Dawn ** 1/2

I had previously read about what this movie was about but never found the time to watch it. I'm glad I did last night because it was surprisingly enjoyable. A stellar cast with Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Jennifer Grey and Powers Boothe
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/06 05:33 PM

I12, I saw that movie when it first came out on video. I can't say I remember it real well, but I too thought it was pretty good.


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/06 05:40 PM

If you can, I would give it another view
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 05:24 AM

Psycho
1960; Hitchcock

I suprisingly enjoyed this a lot considering my general dislike of older films. I really liked the minimalist approach Hitchcock took, with the sets, the music, and the cast. I didn't quite understand why everyone liked Hitchcock so much after seeing my first film of his, Vertigo, but this makes me understand his impact a little more.

Ultimately though, I still get the nagging sensation saying that despite the fact that this is a solidly made and interesting film to watch, what the hell justifies it as one of the top 20 or 30 movies of all time? I just don't get it.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 05:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] Psycho
1960; Hitchcock

I suprisingly enjoyed this a lot considering my general dislike of older films. [/b]
I was like that too but over the last year or 2 I've enjoyed black and white movies more. I don't know, maybe I'm just spoiled with color But I did love Psycho. Easily my favorite Hitchcock film
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 05:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:

4/5 Stars
You used to give a split weighted rating out of ten, right? Or am I confusing with someone else?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 06:07 AM

Correct. I used to do a system with 5 different aspects of the film, each ranked on a different point scale according to how I felt their importance played into the film.

Ultimately, I ended up avoiding posting reviews just because they became so daunting and time-consuming. I held off for a while and now I just try to stay short and sweet.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 06:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] [b] Psycho

1960; Hitchcock

I suprisingly enjoyed this a lot considering my general dislike of older films. [/b]
I was like that too but over the last year or 2 I've enjoyed black and white movies more. I don't know, maybe I'm just spoiled with color But I did love Psycho. Easily my favorite Hitchcock film [/b][/quote]It actually has very little to do with the black and white. (I count Raging Bull and The Man Who Wasn't There as two of my favorite films, both B+W). It's more like I feel as though older films come off as fake and stiff, too conservative, not risk-taking or very interesting. Most of the time.

I have found a few notable exceptions, mainly Kubrick films, but my general rule is that I'm probably not going to like most anything made before 1970.

I liked Psycho, but still got that "contrived" feeling a little bit.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 07:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I suprisingly enjoyed this a lot considering my general dislike of older films.
Most of cinema masterpieces are older movies, Mista. I'm sure you'll change your mind when you get older.

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
what the hell justifies it as one of the top 20 or 30 movies of all time? I just don't get it.

4/5 Stars
well, it simply is a masterpiece, at least in the thriller genre, and very "modern" even if it was shot in 1960. The shower scene, for instance, is an absolute cult. The music score. The ending. The darkness. Everything.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 09:13 AM

Quote:
I have found a few notable exceptions, mainly Kubrick films, but my general rule is that I'm probably not going to like most anything made before 1970.
Are you kidding? You have a lot to see if you think old films aren't risk-taking. And even for more "conservative" movies, many are still great. You can say The Adventures of Robin Hood or The Public Enemy are "conservative" but they are still great films.

And trust me, there are plenty of innovative films before 1970.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 11:20 AM

Quote:
I have found a few notable exceptions, mainly Kubrick films, but my general rule is that I'm probably not going to like most anything made before 1970.
Well, completley generalizing everything and shutting it off isn't going to help.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 12:06 PM

It's not that I'm shutting them out, it's just that, in my expieriences, I like movies made in the past 15 years more than movies made before 1970, most of the time. I realize this might change in the coming years, but as for right now, I'll stick with the 90's.

I'm actually in the process of challenging myself to make sure every new film I see was made before 1990, just to try to broaden my understanding of classic cinema.

And I forgot to add, another reason that I tend not to like older movies is the relatively basic camera work. I realize that you can't completely blame the filmmakers in most cases considering the technology wasn't available, but I just find films like Magnolia so much more fascinating to watch because of the complicated and flowing camera work. You just don't find this in most classic films.


But, like I said, there are notable exceptions.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 05:55 PM

I haven't seen many movies from before 1970, but I tend to agree with Mista that from whatever I have seen, I didn't like it that much. There are some exceptions, like 8 1/2. Most of my favorite movies are from 70's. I don't think it is a matter of age, I am nearing 27 and I don't know how much older one has to be to appreciate movies. I think it is a matter of taste.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 06:21 PM

Mista, here are some films I think you'd like that are made before 1970:

A bout de Souffle (Breathless)
Le Samourai (The Samurai)
2001: A Space Odyssey
Citizen Kane

A bout de souffle is the most innovative of them all. It's really the first film that uses the camera freely instead of using it generically like other filmmakers did at the time.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 11:06 PM

The New World - (Terrence Malick;2005;USA)
In the early 17th century, John Smith and Pocahontas begin a relationship that is tested by the rivalry between settlers and natives.
I'm glad this surprised me. I was expecting something along the lines of a normal narrative with other great qualities but Malick's direction makes this film feel painfully poetic. Few films remind you how painful something can be when it becomes impossible to have. Farrell, Kilcher, and Bale are all great in their subtle ways. They bleed emotions that fall behind the curtain every now and then rather then in-your-face melodrama. In the wrong hands this could've felt like Titanic, but Malick and the actors make this romance beautiful and few films really kill you emotionally like this. The cinematography is amazing. Malick's choice to use natural light for most of the film really shows a beauty that feels real.

In some parts I really felt the quote from The Sopranos Tony said about how real life has it's way of picking away at his positive beliefs towards life.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 11:33 PM

Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail

What can I say? Humor galore! French Knnnniggits, the castle or Argh, the deadly bunny, the knight with no arms or legs, the wooden horse, bring out your dead, brave sir Robin ran away, the blessing, ....

All so great. But so minimalistic. But so funny.

8,5/10
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 11:35 PM

Monty Phyton and the Life of Brian.

Brilliant satire, but anyone feeling offended by this is nuts. Acting is good, the tempo of the story is perhaps a little out of balance. Biggus Dickus is magnificent!

Yep, always look on the bright side.

8,5/10
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 11:36 PM

Raging Bull

Masterpiece. Black and white and blood make a great movie magnificent.

10/10
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/06 11:38 PM

In the Name of the Father.

Great movie, with great acting. Anyone who cares for a good society should feel angry after this film. At least I did. Very emotional from time to time.

8/10
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/06 01:06 AM

By the way, here are some other films I've watched over the last several weeks but didn't post due to laziness. If anyone wants any thoughts, just ask.

Brokeback Mountain
Lord of War
Memoirs of a Geisha
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/06 01:19 AM

Brokeback?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/06 01:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Brokeback?
Uh, yeah. Brokeback Mountain.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/06 01:52 AM

No, I meant what were your thoughts on it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/06 02:00 AM

Oh. Today I'm being a little jumpy and forgetful.

A decent film at best, but grossly overrated. Sometimes it feels genuine, other times it's melodramatic. I think the gay factor gave it an infallible reason for Hollywood to make as big a deal as it did, like racism for Crash. The music and cinematography are the best features, along with Ledger's performance.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/06 04:23 AM

Stray Dog ** 1/2

My first non-samurai Kurosawa film and it was decent. Slow but decent
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/06 06:55 AM

The Producers **

Will Ferrell was his usual funny self and Uma Thurman and Nathan Lane were very enjoyable. I don't usually like musicals but this was good, although I felt it ran a little too long
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/06 08:34 AM

The Ringer ** 1/2

Better after a 2nd viewing. Brian Cox can be a really funny guy and I thought he did a good job (as did Knoxville and his gang of friends).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/06 06:15 AM

London ***

A surprisingly enjoyable film about a woman named London (Jessica Biel) who's friends are throwing her a going-away bash. Furious over her plans, ex-boyfriend Syd (Chris Evans) crashes the party with his dealer (Jason Stratham) in tow, hoping to stop his ex-love from leaving town. Also nice cameo appearances by Isla Fisher and my boy Dane Cook.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/06 03:07 PM

I just re-watched "29th Street" with Danny Aiello and am still amazed at how wonderful this movie is. Its a cross between "Goodfellas" and "Its a Wonderful Life".

Danny Aiello plays the father of a guy that wins the first New York State Lottery and its based on a true story. Aiello is a truly talented actor and this movie will blow you away.

If you've never seen it RENT IT, BUY IT, SEE IT!!!!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/06 09:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Mista, here are some films I think you'd like that are made before 1970:

A bout de Souffle (Breathless)
Le Samourai (The Samurai)
2001: A Space Odyssey
Citizen Kane

A bout de souffle is the most innovative of them all. It's really the first film that uses the camera freely instead of using it generically like other filmmakers did at the time.
I've seen Citizen Kane and 2001, and I consider both to be really good films. But like I said, it's more like I respect the films rather than actually like them, although both need a rewatch.

Le Samourai i've been trying desperately to see but I can't seem to find it.

And Breathless I've only heard mention of here and there. Thanks for the suggestions though.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/06 09:11 PM

Alien
Scott; 1979

I really really liked this movie. I'm starting more and more to respect the science-fiction genre, which I had previously written off for the most part. Sigourney Weaver was great, as was the rest of the supporting cast, especially Yaphet Kotto. Great storyline, amazing camera work by Scott, as well as exceptional lighting, cinematography, and music, etc. Ridley Scott's direction and his creative vision really shine through. I actually liked this much better than Blade Runner, which seems to be more widely acclaimed.

All in all, Alien made a great package. I'm kind of surprised to see that the sequel is ranked as slightly better by most, especially considering it's directed by James Cameron who I consider a wannaba-Spielberg for the most part, but we'll see. I'm about to go watch that now.

But anyway, as for Alien . . .

4.5/5 Stars
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/06 10:07 PM

Has anyone seen "11:14"??

It recounts a few events in a small town that all happened at the same time (11:14 p.m.) and are all intertwined. Its a (very) dark comedy that'll have you peeing in your pants, but yet amazed at how it all comes together.

Stars Patrick Swayze, Hillary Swank and Henry Thomas. Check it out!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 07:14 AM

Aliens
1986; Cameron

Well, my suspicions were confirmed. Aside from the opening 20 minutes, in which we are brought up to date from the first film, I hated this movie. I just really don't go for that brand of Spielbergian, summer action blockbuster type bullshit. It just doesn't interest me. Cameron effectively makes a different film with very little connection to the original. A big dissappointment.

1/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 08:05 AM

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe ***

You'd think with recent successes of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Harry Potter franchise, and King Kong that the CGI would be better in this film. That was probably my biggest complaint with it
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 04:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe ***

You'd think with recent successes of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Harry Potter franchise, and King Kong that the CGI would be better in this film. That was probably my biggest complaint with it
Budget difference?
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 04:40 PM

Does anybody like the film "WHITE CHICKS"?

Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 04:44 PM

I just Watched Raging Bull. One of the best movies I have ever seen only movies in the same league are Taxi Driver, Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, and Goodfellas
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 04:47 PM

i recently watch Mean Streets, And Munich Both were Great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 06:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Enzo Scifo:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe ***

You'd think with recent successes of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Harry Potter franchise, and King Kong that the CGI would be better in this film. That was probably my biggest complaint with it
Budget difference? [/b][/quote]Yes, the Chronicles of Naria actually had a budget of $180 million while the last Harry Potter film (The Goblet of Fire) only had a budget of $140 million
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 06:44 PM

Glory - (Edward Zwick;1989;USA)
Col. Robert Shaw is put in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first to be made up of black men.
While this tends to be a good film, this film suffers from the overplayed musical score which has been used endlessly since this came out. This was my first viewing and at times it felt corny due to the overplayed music, which is otherwise very beautiful. The performances are very good in supporting the film, but I need to see this again on Widescreen so I can really soak it in.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 07:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Yes, the Chronicles of Naria actually had a budget of $180 million while the last Harry Potter film (The Goblet of Fire) only had a budget of $140 million
Who the hell put up 180 million for Lion Witch and Wardobe? I was surprised it did as well as it did.
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 07:53 PM

i was excited about that movie big i was disapointed. King Kong was o whole lot bettern then that medicore flim
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/06 09:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Yes, the Chronicles of Naria actually had a budget of $180 million while the last Harry Potter film (The Goblet of Fire) only had a budget of $140 million
Who the hell put up 180 million for Lion Witch and Wardobe? I was surprised it did as well as it did. [/b][/quote]Don't know. That's what IMDB says the estimated budget was. It made almost $300 million in the US alone, not to mention DVD sales/rentals
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/06 06:11 AM

Thank You For Smoking ***

Probably the funniest movie I've seen in theaters since The Wedding Crashers or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Another DVD to add to my collection in August.

A Clockwork Orange ****

Another film that I was lucky enough to watch on the big screen. Seriously, this is why I love going to the movies. To see it on a big screen and to get that "theater atmosphere" where people laugh at different parts, etc. Malcolm McDowell turned in the performance of a lifetime.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/06 11:56 AM

Manderlay
Lars von Trier
2005 Denmark / Sweden / Netherlands / France / Germany / UK (1st time; big screen)
Grace and her father arrive in Manderlay, which, 70 years after the abolishment of slavery, blacks are still kept as slaves…
The novelty of Dogville's minimalistic sets has worn off, it would seem, though von Trier is still able to accumulate and emotional and dramatic undercurrent as the film goes on. America is still his easy target, but this is a complex film, full of effortless shots and edits which evoke the rarest of emotions. It is at its best when confronting the complexities of its characters, such as when Grace masturbates over the black men we can see but she can only desire, or when she finally gives into her sexual urges and finds it as painful as it is pleasurable.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/06 03:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
A Clockwork Orange ****

Another film that I was lucky enough to watch on the big screen. Seriously, this is why I love going to the movies. To see it on a big screen and to get that "theater atmosphere" where people laugh at different parts, etc. Malcolm McDowell turned in the performance of a lifetime.
I'm glad you love this movie, it's one of my favorites.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/06 03:58 PM

It's easily my favorite Kubrick film, then probably The Shining and finally 2001: A Space Odyssey
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/06 06:50 PM

Mission: Impossible ** 1/2

My first time viewing the original, gearing up towards watching the final installment probably early next week. Some good action/suspensful sequences. Not a bad way to start off the trilogy.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/06 09:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
It's easily my favorite Kubrick film, then probably The Shining and finally 2001: A Space Odyssey
Clockwork is my favorite Kubrick film, with 2001 closely following it. Barry Lyndon is third.
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/06 09:27 PM

recently they had the godfather playing at our movie theartre. i went to see it i like it better on the big screen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/06 02:10 AM

Hey Hagen, how the fuck is ALIENS "Spielbergian"?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/06 12:23 PM

Well . . . .

I guess that maybe I don't really have any sort of license to call something Spielbergian considering I conciously avoid watching most Spielberg movies so I don't exactly have a lot to compare to, but . . .

When I used that word, I was implying that I was disgusted with this film's use of the mass-audience-appealing mixture of drama and comedy, and Bill Paxton doing a surfer accent and acting like a Keanu Reeves idiot, and people making jokes about a butch puerto rican lesbian, and all this stereotypical, action movie, summer blockbuster bullshit that is so against everything I find attractive or interesting about a movie. I was also disgusted by how much of a variance it was from the first film, which I loved. I thought they took something dramatic and thought-provoking and beautiful and turned it into pure shit.

So that's why I referred to it as Spielbergian.

What are your opinions?
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/06 01:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
What are your opinions?
I disagree. I love Spielberg.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/06 08:35 PM

Mission: Impossible II **

More and better action sequences with also a few more surprises. However, for some of the movie I felt kinda bored but the last 20-30 minutes or so were good
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/06 09:04 PM

Paradise Now
Hany Abu-Assad
2005 Netherlands/Israel/Germany/France (1st time; big screen)
Two Palestinian male friends are chosen for a suicide mission in Israel the following day…
A rather lyrical and often tense film devoid of music, so it is presented rather coolly, and ultimately, to striking effect; the kind of film one could imagine Alain Delon in at his prime, though here, Kais Nashef, in the would-be Delon role, holds a complex, underplayed presence as the imprisoned male driven by his own determination to accept Fate. Its most poetic moments are when the camera lingers in silence on ambiguous faces, and tracks from a car a landscape scarred by politics and globalisation.
Posted By: Walter Mosca

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/06 09:13 PM

edit.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 03:56 AM

16 blocks *
I had absolutely zero expectation from the movie and watched it because the ticket was just 50 cents :p It was pretty decent in fact, though not exceesively loaded with action or twists, as one expects the movies of this type to be. Bruce willis is good as the honest cop, but Mos Def really acts well.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 04:02 AM

Hagen, I love the spirit, but I wish you would share this venom on more deserving pricks.

A good target would be the self-appointed Cameron-heir in Hollywood....MICHAEL BAY.

If anything, the shit you despised in ALIENS, Bay actually makes much much poorer use of it in his movies.

So yes, I like the hate, but Cameron isn't quite a right match for your venom.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 04:20 AM

Yeah I was reluctant to watch a Cameron film but I really would never even consider wasting my time on a Bay film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 05:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]16 blocks *
I had absolutely zero expectation from the movie and watched it because the ticket was just 50 cents :p [/b]
May I ask how the ticket was only 50 cents!?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 06:50 AM

Bargain Theater, I'm sure.

ESCAPE FROM L.A. (1996) - ***

Enjoyable full-blown cartoonish B-action movie in John Carpenter's sequel to his cult favorite ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK from way back in 1981.

Full kudos to my favorite part of the movie, in Cliff Robertson playing the quite insane Evangelical American dictatorial President. For in this and others, the film gives people of both spectrums to enjoy. There is the allusions of the religious right making America into a theocratical totaltarian regime, which the Left will enjoy, and right-wingers are sure to dig "Snake" Plissken once again be a total bastard, and kick ass across the futuristic island-prison of Los Angeles.

Besides, I dare you fuckers to say no to a movie with Steve Buscemi AND Bruce Campbell.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 07:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by svsg:
[b] [b]16 blocks *

I had absolutely zero expectation from the movie and watched it because the ticket was just 50 cents :p [/b]
May I ask how the ticket was only 50 cents!? [/b][/quote]Colleges often show movies shortly after they've been released in theaters for cheap prices for students. Although I happen to know svsg isnt in college, so . . ..
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 07:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by svsg:
[b] [b]16 blocks *

I had absolutely zero expectation from the movie and watched it because the ticket was just 50 cents :p [/b]
May I ask how the ticket was only 50 cents!? [/b][/quote]Colleges often show movies shortly after they've been released in theaters for cheap prices for students. Although I happen to know svsg isnt in college, so . . .. [/b][/quote]It is called "dollar theater" here. Here is the link . On Tuesday evenings, the ticket costs exactly 50 cents. On other days it is $1.5. Usually when the movies reach the dollar theater, it is a few months old. This is the rate irrespective of whether one is a student or not. In a few other theaters, students get a discount of one dollar from the actual rate of $9 or so, if we show our ID.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 08:49 AM

Oh ok. We used to have a dollar theater here in Austin but it got closed down years ago

Leon The Professional ***

Much better after a second viewing. I think Gary Oldman is one of the greatest actors alive today, I just love his work so much. Jean Reno was very enjoyable as well but 13-year-old Natalie Portman stole the show
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 04:47 PM

Saw **
A violent thriller with most of the scenes shot in a single room. Somehow, the premise of the movie that the victims of a serial killer are given a limited time to escape their carefully planned death, is very interesting. But when the movie ends, I don't feel so thrilled as I was when the movie began.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 08:48 PM

Brick
Rian Johnson
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
A teenager in a world full of hardboiled slang infiltrates a drug ring to find out who killed his ex-girlfriend.
Is this as original as has been suggested? Perhaps, but it has all the markings of a directorial debut even so: energetic, confident, ambitious, and full of wasted potential. Its rejuvination of noir in a fresh mise-en-scene makes for an erratically thrilling film, full of interesting names but ultimately cardboard characters; it is as stylish as it is emotionally empty--a success, perhaps, were it not for its attempt at some deeper core, wrapped too heavily in its own street jargon to be appreciated.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/06 09:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Oh ok. We used to have a dollar theater here in Austin but it got closed down years ago

Leon The Professional ***

Much better after a second viewing. I think Gary Oldman is one of the greatest actors alive today, I just love his work so much. Jean Reno was very enjoyable as well but 13-year-old Natalie Portman stole the show
I'm glad you liked it. Surprisingly, me and Capo are the only ones on the film board who loved it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/06 03:02 AM

Mulholland Dr.
2001; Lynch

(my 1st David Lynch film)

I came out of this film feeling raped. Mentally raped. The film just fucks with your head so much, and fucks with nearly everything you think you know about how a movie should go. Lynch seems to have made just the right mixture of a fairly conventional film with quirky elements (the 1st half), and a complete mind-fuck of a film with no real clear narrative that just sends its viewers down a pitch black rollercoaster tunnel of confusion and pleasure (the 2nd half).

I really liked the movie, but I didn't get it. After reading the imdb trivia, supposedly there is actually something to get, which astounds me, so I'm eagerly looking forward to a rewatch, although I feel like I might ultimately like the film more not completely understanding it. In the end, I kind of saw the whole thing as a big metaphor for the emotional processes of relationships, the mental feelings, but played out in physical form.

4.5/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/06 05:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Oh ok. We used to have a dollar theater here in Austin but it got closed down years ago

Leon The Professional ***

Much better after a second viewing. I think Gary Oldman is one of the greatest actors alive today, I just love his work so much. Jean Reno was very enjoyable as well but 13-year-old Natalie Portman stole the show
I'm glad you liked it. Surprisingly, me and Capo are the only ones on the film board who loved it. [/b][/quote]No, suspect_5 loves it too but doesn't voice it. I did enjoy it and down the road I'll buy it. But it's not in the "cult classics" for me as The Big Lebowski, The Usual Suspects, The Boondock Saints, etc
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/06 09:04 AM

Like many films of it's type, Mulholland Dr. has one main version 90% of people online accept as what happens, and several alternate interpretations. I find it to be an excellent piece of filmmaking Full of Haunting moments, as well as some funny ones.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/06 04:14 PM

Even if Lynch suddenly published a solution to Mulholland Dr., and claimed that is what was intended, what it meant, I'd be reluctant to read it. There is no concrete meaning in any film, even the most lucid ones. On my second viewing of Mulholland Dr., as far as narrative goes, I was none the wiser as to what it meant, but I understood it far more; that is, my connection was far deeper, my appreciation more profound, than the first viewing. And I can't wait to see it again.

For now, this is my brief résumé of the film, if it helps:
It is best to approach this film as an unfathomable nightmare, and let it unfold itself; for, in true Lynch style, the meaning here is not an obvious one, presented as a character-switching Chinese-box-like succession of dark and disturbing fantasies. It registers on the unconscious and lingers on the mind like the most haunting of dreams.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/06 04:21 PM

By the way, Mista, check out Lost Highway (1996) next.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/06 08:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Like many films of it's type, Mulholland Dr. has one main version 90% of people online accept as what happens, and several alternate interpretations. I find it to be an excellent piece of filmmaking Full of Haunting moments, as well as some funny ones.
I read this one. Is that close to the widely accpeted theory you speak of?

And thanks for the recommendation Capo, I'll see what I can find.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 04:26 AM

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (1974) - ***

Pleasing all-star murder mystery from the 1970s from master director Sidney Lumet.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 04:51 AM

I just saw The Da Vinci Code... it was pretty good.. but OH SO long. Definately felt like it was dragged out a bit.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 05:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (1974) - ***

Pleasing all-star murder mystery from the 1970s from master director Sidney Lumet.
That is a very enjoyable movie. I love Sean Connery
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 05:42 AM

Da Vinci Code **
I saw this today. I haven't read the book and I am still not very clear about certain details. Overall, interesting movie, but nothing mind-blowing. Certainly I expected more from the movie going by the trailer, so it leaves me a little dis-satisfied.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 01:01 PM

Wedding Crashers

Oh how I love Vince Vaughn. And Will Ferrells cameo was just immense. I need to rewatch this movie over and over and over.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 03:03 PM

BLOW OUT (1981) - ****

Brian DePalma's ultimate "Hitchcock-esque thriller", this time a film harkoning back to the sense of regret and possible, if dashed, redemption in the protagonist from VERTIGO and the voyeurism which accidently leads into a discovery of murder, like REAR WINDOW.

If anything, the ending is one that its a piss-punch to the gut, then a double whammy with the aftermath, to which one will never forget this film.

Reportedly cited by Tarantino as among his favorite films, as well as his citation for Travolta's best acting work, and really hes got a point.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 03:17 PM

CONAN THE BARBARIAN (1982) - ****

John Milius was sort of the lesser-known member of the 70's generation, known primarily as a reliable, if eccentric in many eyes, screenwriter with only a few directing credits on his resume after earning an Oscar screenplay nod for APOCALYPSE NOW.

A western American consevative gun nut for sure, but unlike many of his brothers that would later mutate into what some might call the Bush Republicans, Milius shared his own philosophy in his works, which range from men having to be, well, men and the science itself of being a warrior....without Milius having to go one-note nor rather mediocre-ass shit, since he knows to actually make for fleshful characters, even in the wildest of stories.

Take easily his most successful picture as a writer/director in CONAN THE BARBARIAN. At first glance, a very silly and possibly gay trash comic book adventure flick, with a pre-TERMINATOR Arnold Schwarzenegger displaying his "guns" to the world. Actually, that is a wrong assesment, and in fact, more relates to the pretty awful Milius-less CONAN THE DESTROYER.

Instead, Milius' CONAN THE BARBARIAN is really a taunt and ambitious attempt at creating a legendary myth, of a man named Conan(Arnold Schwarzenegger), who will be King at his own hand, who as a boy, his village was burned down, his parents murdered, and sold into slavery at the hands of Thulsa Doom(James Earl Jones). Later we see how the weakling boy is transformed into a muscle freak when hes forced to move a wheel of a grain-grater, then a few years go by as he becomes a valuable pit fighter, learning to be perhaps the best fighter in the known world. Released from slavery, we see him in a brilliant sequence where he accidently falls upon the tomb of an Atlantean King, and which basically in metaphorically grant Conan his royal destiny....along with a great sword.

Then he goes for revenge against Thulsa Doom, now the leader of a ever-growing snake magic cult, and we will see how Conan the myth would begin and soon he will become King....but that is another story.

Perhaps why the movie works as well is because Milius had Arnold barely a few lines, which at the time was brilliant, since it forced the Austrian Oak to use his huge bodily frame and presence to the task to selling the idea of this mythical warrior. Another is Art Director Rob Cobb's super amazing production design which sells the idea of a comic book-like setting in terms of outstanding visuals and locations.

However, perhaps the most important is Basil Ponderous, the composer who would make for easily one of my Top 10 favorite film soundtracks of all time, and has been used as temp music for Universal movies since 1982. Hell, I noticed its use in early trailers for GLADIATOR back in 2000.

Reportedly, Christopher Nolan and David Goyer were inspired in part by the movie, at least in terms of the myth being set up of how the hero gets his weapons, skills, etc., for their successful BATMAN BEGINS.
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 03:18 PM

DiVinci Code-***1/2 sart of out 4 It was okay but it kept draging on. The book was better but still worth paying $8.25 for.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 03:20 PM

sorry guys, but CODE looks generic ass. Besides,its Opie.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 04:24 PM

Some Like it Hot
1959; Wilder

Well, beginning my foray into classic cinema, I started with this film. This film had great chemistry between Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe. Lemmon was especially great, I'm eager to see him in some dramatic work because I thought he showed real talent in this comedic piece. I was actually very pleased with the camera work in this one. While Wilder chose to just use one long take sometimes for conversation pieces, which I didn't like, the camerawork ultimately was a strong point of the film.

Really good supporting cast as well with George Raft, Joe E. Brown, and a 3rd act cameo by Nehemiah Persoff. Ultimately a very good film, maybe not as funny as advertised, but still well put together.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 04:26 PM

Some Like It Hot was my first taste of Wilder; I'd rank it as one of the most colourful black-and-white films ever made.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 04:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Some Like It Hot was my first taste of Wilder; I'd rank it as one of the most colourful black-and-white films ever made.
Now that's good writing. Well put Capo.
Posted By: TonyWillLive

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 04:37 PM

Munich (2005) I thought it was to the point, violent and well done.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 05:43 PM

High Fidelity - (Stephen Frears;2000;UK/USA)
A record store owner reevaluates past relationships after his current one fails.
Unlike most Romantic Comedies, we forget that this film is one. It doesn't use the formula we see at least twice a year. Instead we are treated with characters that feel real. Cusack's character while being the hero of the film is not striped of negative qualities and a sense of selfishness to satisfy the audiences. And it feels real without the expense of losing the comedy. The soundtrack is one of the main highlights and should make any music buff happy, as well as the dialogue throughout the film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 05:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
CONAN THE BARBARIAN (1982) - ****
Ronnie, that was a nice review. I saw this movie looong ago and don't remember much. I will try to re-watch it soon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 05:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] Some Like it Hot
1959; Wilder

Well, beginning my foray into classic cinema, I started with this film. This film had great chemistry between Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe. Lemmon was especially great, I'm eager to see him in some dramatic work because I thought he showed real talent in this comedic piece. I was actually very pleased with the camera work in this one. While Wilder chose to just use one long take sometimes for conversation pieces, which I didn't like, the camerawork ultimately was a strong point of the film.

Really good supporting cast as well with George Raft, Joe E. Brown, and a 3rd act cameo by Nehemiah Persoff. Ultimately a very good film, maybe not as funny as advertised, but still well put together.

4/5 Stars [/b]
I surprisingly enjoyed this movie a lot too. I'm gonna get the Collector's Edition DVD when it comes out in July
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 07:32 PM

DREAMSCAPE (1985) - **1/2

Enjoyable if average "B" flick about a psychic(Dennis Quaid) who is recruited by a governmental center(Max Von Sydow) to enter and "solve" people's nightmares. However, the shit hits the fan when the U.S. President has nightmares about a nuclear holocaust and plans for bilateral disarmament, of which his top advisor(Christopher Fucking Plummer) will not let happen.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 09:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] Some Like it Hot
1959; Wilder

Well, beginning my foray into classic cinema, I started with this film. This film had great chemistry between Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe. Lemmon was especially great, I'm eager to see him in some dramatic work because I thought he showed real talent in this comedic piece. I was actually very pleased with the camera work in this one. While Wilder chose to just use one long take sometimes for conversation pieces, which I didn't like, the camerawork ultimately was a strong point of the film.

Really good supporting cast as well with George Raft, Joe E. Brown, and a 3rd act cameo by Nehemiah Persoff. Ultimately a very good film, maybe not as funny as advertised, but still well put together.

4/5 Stars [/b]
Monroe was so damn hot too.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/06 11:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] [b] Some Like it Hot

1959; Wilder

Well, beginning my foray into classic cinema, I started with this film. This film had great chemistry between Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe. Lemmon was especially great, I'm eager to see him in some dramatic work because I thought he showed real talent in this comedic piece. I was actually very pleased with the camera work in this one. While Wilder chose to just use one long take sometimes for conversation pieces, which I didn't like, the camerawork ultimately was a strong point of the film.

Really good supporting cast as well with George Raft, Joe E. Brown, and a 3rd act cameo by Nehemiah Persoff. Ultimately a very good film, maybe not as funny as advertised, but still well put together.

4/5 Stars [/b]
Monroe was so damn hot too. [/b][/quote]You ain't lying
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 01:46 AM

I was just watching Heat on TV.

God I hate fullscreen.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 01:51 AM

I watched parts of Heat on TV today as well. I've been imitating this line all day:

"Because she has a...GREAT ASS!!!!"

Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 02:52 AM

Yeah watching it today made me realize for the first time how fantastic Mann's writing is right next to his stellar direction. Certain lines just have such a nice pop to them.

It's my investigation. And my
authority supersedes your rank!
And I am not settling for some
chicken shit misdemeanor!

With the heat we got, you wanna
play World War Two in the streets
with Van Zant?

What the fuck is that? Barbecues
and ballgames?

And, best line in the movie. . .

You see me doing thrill-seeker
liquor store holdups with a "Born
to Lose" tattoo on my chest?

SO F'ING AWESOME
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 02:54 AM

I just had coffee with McCauley...HALF AN HOUR AGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 03:03 AM

I always was a big fan of Vincent right after he figures out Neil is watching him in the shipping yard . . .

"O-KAY mother FUCKER!"
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 03:05 AM

Pacino at his most entertaining, I believe, is in Glengarry Glen Ross.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 03:23 AM

I have yet to see that one.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 06:01 AM

BloodRayne * 1/2

My first Uwe Boll movie and now I know why suspect_5 likes him so much. In his opinion, "his movies are so bad they're good." That should be a pretty good indication about this movie. The fight scenes were terrible with too much blood-splatter (how often do you hear me saying that). I'm also curious how they assembled the cast that they did: Kristanna Loken, Michael Madsen, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sir Ben Kingsley.

The DaVinci Code ** 1/2

I don't think it was as bad as some have made it out to be but it is kinda long and boring in parts. However, Paul Bettany and Ian McKellen really stole the show. Not Opie's best work, but I still like him
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/06 07:07 PM

Saw - (James Wan;2004;USA)
Two men awake in a bathroom with a corpse to find they must play a psychopath's game to survive.
While there are some things I liked about this movie, there were many I didn't like. It's slightly different then the average horror/thriller film, but not without it's cliches. Almost everything in this film has been done before. Hell, some of the sets looked recycled from Seven. It's somewhat entertaining, but ridiculously overrated. Not to mention I hated some of the editing, specifically when Glover and the other man are driving in their cars.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 12:36 AM

Freedomland **

I'm glad Samuel L. Jackson rebounded from that piece of sh*t The Man. However, the previews promised a "shock of an ending" and it sucked. NO shock at all, it was so stupid and terribly written.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 04:20 AM

Annie Hall
1977; Allen

(my 1st Woody Allen movie)

Really enjoyed this film. Woody Allen showed great balls in the writing and directing of this movie in my opinion. I loved things such as Allen's character taking brutually candid relationship advice from random people in the street as if they were his best friends, and characters weaving in and out of their childhood's while remaining in their adult forms.

His fantastic experimentation with breaking of the narrative and character's dialouge to one another was expertly disguised in a nice little romantic comedy, but these aspects of the film show evidence of genius directorial mind to me. Great characters as well, especially Diane Keaton who I liked here more than in any of the Godfather films.

Seems as though High Fidelity was highly, highly influenced by this film.

And to address the great debate, I do believe that this film deserved the 1978 Best Picture Oscar over Star Wars.

4.5/5 Stars
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 05:24 AM

In July (Im Juli) **
A turkish/german movie. A science teacher travels from Hamburg,Germany to Istanbul,Turkey in search of a woman he spent a day with, and fallen in love. Another woman who loves this man makes the same journey. If you like love stories with a happy ending, then this movie is for you.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 07:09 AM

Transamerica **

Felicity Huffman was enjoyable and deserving of her Academy Award Nomination. Other than that, the movie was just ok.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 11:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
And to address the great debate, I do believe that this film deserved the 1978 Best Picture Oscar over Star Wars.
I agree.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 11:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] Annie Hall
1977; Allen[/b]
I still have to watch it! :rolleyes: Isn't it a shame???

Yesterday I watched "Hide and Seek," starring Robert DeNiro and Dakota Fanning. Another unnecessary, forgettable and trivial movie with DeNiro in it. What a shame.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 12:01 PM

I'd definitely recommend it to someone who likes love stories. A unique take on romance.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 03:02 PM

yeah definitely one of the great movies I've seen in my life. Woody Allen at his best, which leads to dialogue and directing as good as they come. Diane Keaton is a million times better than in any of the Godfather films.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 09:35 PM

Jean-Luc Godard's Alphaville - today I was awarded with this amazing piece of film making in the middle of the afternoon, right when I had absolutely nothing to do. it was money for me. my 2nd favorite from Godard so far (only behind "a bout de souffle") and very different from the other films of him I had already watched ("a bout de souffle", "une femme est une femme" and "pierrot le fou").
if one movie on earth is worth watching over and over a lot of times, this is the one. there's depth in anything, and I don't think I got half of the meaning of this film. can't wait to watch it again.
Posted By: reynols

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/06 10:35 PM

Mission Impossible 3

This movie wasnt as bad as i expected. there are some great action scenes like the one on the bridge but the storyline is very shaky. i also believe they shouldve shown more of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, but when he was in the film he was great as a bad guy

overall rating: 3/5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/06 04:09 AM

The Boondock Saints ****

Yet another film I'm so incredibly happy I got to view on the silver screen. Probably my favorite Willem Dafoe movie. Buy the DVD tomorrow
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/06 05:06 AM

THE BOONDOCK SAINTS - **

Wildly popular cult movie made in the aftermath of the Quentin Tarantino/Kevin Smith pop culture-era that is a fucking mess.

Is this a comic book-ish vigilante action movie? A campy silly flick? A Irish nationalism masturbation porno?

This film tried to be a PUNISHER-comics in terms of enjoyment, two brothers killing bad people for the Lord and that shit, which is fine. However, then writer/director Troy Duffy wanted to make it part of the post-modernistic movement of the 1990s.....but because he tried to make a fusion flick, but with two incompatable narratives, the film fails because...what does it want to be?

As for Dafoe, well he does give his best, I'll give Irishman that. Hell, the only scene I laughed was when he bitchslapped that dude in bed for trying to cuddle with him.

One shot I did like, though too bad Duffy didn't put much thought like this throughout the movie, was near the end, with the boys smuggling the guns into the courthouse.

Notice that Duffy hasn't made a movie since SAINTS...but that is another story!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/06 06:47 AM

Full Metal Jacket ***
A good war movie when viewed in isolation. But when we bring in the fact that the movie was made in 1987, one year after Platoon and several years after Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now, I feel that the movie didn't offer any new insight into the vietnam war or the human mind affected by war. I liked the first half of the movie which shows the Marine training in great detail.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/06 06:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
I liked the first half of the movie which shows the Marine training in great detail.
That was really the only part of the movie I liked too
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/06 10:44 AM

Annie Hall is fantastic; strong echoes of Bergman (whose Wild Strawberries also uses the character digressions observnig their own past).

I rate Manhattan as Allen's best.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/06 03:27 PM

FULL METAL JACKET (1987) - *****

Kubrick dished out another masterpiece, this time with the war genre, in a film with a brilliant 1st half, where ordinary men are trained to be killing machines until one does break down, and an even MORE spectacular 2nd half, where funny enough, for a conflict of Vietnam that we usually envision fights in jungles, it takes place in a sterile urban environment.

So much I loved about this movie, but one would be how for once, the shooting of guns isn't like some video game, where you point and BANG. No, you can see the bullets hit all over the vicinity of the target, which really you don't see much in movies. Nevermind the movie's great black humor, which unlike Kubrick's DR. STRANGELOVE, isn't really on the surface, but instead it, lurking around, only giving rare glimpses of it to people who happen to catch a glance of it. Really the Big Foot of the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/06 08:13 PM

Suspiria ** 1/2

"The only thing scarier than the last 12 minutes of Suspiria, are the first 92"
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/06 10:56 PM

What did you think of it Irish? I have it but haven't seen it in a looooooong time. I only remember two deaths, mainly the one from the dog.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/06 06:06 AM

Some of the deaths were laughable but it was well done and enjoyable. Jessica Harper was very attractive and the use of color really stood out the most

The Search for One-Eye Jimmy **

Recommended from a customer at work. He enjoys it more than The Big Lebowski. I didn't, but it was worth my time. Samuel L. Jackson was funny as a crazy former-Nam soldier
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/06 08:46 AM

Ikiru **

Another non-samurai Kurosawa film which was ok but repetative in parts and somewhat long. I felt a lot could have been cut
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/06 01:32 PM

There's an interesting article on Shimura Takashi in this month's Sight & Sound .

My problem with Ikiru, having only seen it once, was the two halfs were, as far as duration goes, so obviously unbalanced. I remember at the time trying to justify that, but I too felt it was overlong. But I've been meaning to revisit it for some time now...
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/06 02:01 PM

Did anyone watch Stephen King's "Desperation" last night on tv? I like a lot of King's work, and watched the first two hours (it was 3 hours), and fell asleep. It was pretty good though. What a creepy town! (or what there was left of it).


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/06 07:18 PM

X-Men ***

Gearing up for the 3rd installment on Friday. Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are so incrediblly wonderful together onscreen
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/06 11:32 PM

Unforgiven *
Prostitutes announce a reward for killing two cowboys who mutilate on of them. The story builds up expectation by constant references to the legends associated with the assasins. We get to see some action in the end, but nothing spectacular. Okay movie, way over-rated IMO.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 12:36 AM

There must be something I don't quite understand about the mystique of Clint Eastwood because it doesn't make sense to me why his seemingly-mediocre films suddenly are extrememly succesful and win a bunch of oscars as of late. I've been told Million Dollar Baby was overrated, I've seen half of Mystic River and had no real interest in seeing the rest, and I thought Unforgiven was good but nowhere near deserving of its Best Picture Oscar.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 01:00 AM

I think while Eastwood's films are somewhat conventional, they maintain their emotional punch unlike most conventional dramas that are weak.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 01:29 AM

Unforgiven is a masterpiece.

Mystic River is mediocre at best.

That's all I've seen from Eastwood.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 02:22 AM

The Sentinel (Clark Johnson/2006)

A very good and very suspenseful film. Douglas and Sutherland were great in their respective roles. Not a difficult role for Kiefer, as David Breckinridge is very much like Jack Bauer. It'll keep you on your toes. One of the better "summer blockbusters."
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 02:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
There must be something I don't quite understand about the mystique of Clint Eastwood because it doesn't make sense to me why his seemingly-mediocre films suddenly are extrememly succesful and win a bunch of oscars as of late. I've been told Million Dollar Baby was overrated, I've seen half of Mystic River and had no real interest in seeing the rest, and I thought Unforgiven was good but nowhere near deserving of its Best Picture Oscar.
To be quite fair, the last two Eastwood movies have been average at best. Not bad pictures, but no way they are as great as the acclaim.

However Hagen, Eastwood did make some movies that I quite enjoy in differing levels. Some you've heard of...and others, probably not. Here are the films I've seen far from Eastwood the director that I would rate as good:

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER (1973)

Eastwood's second go-around as director, this western film of revenge and hellraising, with tones for a tale that may be a supernatural tale of vengeance from hell itself, or a desperate fever wishful dream of a wronged man.

THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (1976)

Replaced Phil Kaufman as director during shooting, Eastwood was behind this pretty popular and quite enjoyable western about a southener who's family gets massacred by those damn Yankees...and which he goes off on a long epic trek into the old west, with a strident lawman(the late great John Vernon) on his trail.

PALE RIDER (1985)

Many have cited this as a SHANE knock-off, and thats pretty fair. Still, a nice decent western that certainly helped to knock cobwebs out of the western genre, which was quite empty in the 1980s.

HEARTBREAK RIDGE (1986)

An average film for sure, with Eastwood as yet another tough-ass marine forced to make something out of a trash crew of Marine losers. However, he is sure entertaining as the asshole of a tough yet noble bastard. Nobody likes him, yet nobody disrespects him.

BIRD (1988)

Funny enough, Eastwood is a Jazz nut. BIRD was his biopic of legendary Jazz man Charlie "Bird" Parker, and pretty much an excuse for The Squint to dwell on his passion. This is a biopic which plays by biopic rules, so don't expect anything different or probably anything special, but damn Forest Whittaker is quite awesome never the less.

WHITE HUNTER, BLACK HEART (1990)

While Eastwood embarrased himself quite badly with the god-awful THE ROOKIE in 1990, that same year he unveiled to critical acclaim, but nothing more, a tightly-made movie of obsession and the false myth of machoism in his thinly-told cinematic tale of director John Huston during the shoot of a THE AFRICAN QUEEN-esque picture, where the hunt for an elephant becomes his sole purpose in life. No really, this owns MYSTIC RIVER and MILLION DOLLAR BABY like the Yankees own the Royals.

UNFORGIVEN (1992)

Maybe overrated, but still a good film where a bad man that has tried to reform himself becomes his own primal self once again.


Clint Eastwood isn't a Master director as many would argue, but hes made some good movies, some average flicks, some dubious star-vehicles for himself, and ya even some turkeys.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 06:28 AM

Amores Perros ***
First spanish movie I have watched. Literally means "Love is a bitch". It has three stories running in parallel, all dealing with love and relationships. Almost every scene has a dog in it, they play a major role in the story. It is a drama with a slight tragic touch. The music, editing and camera work are excellent. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 08:37 AM

X2 *** 1/2

Easily surperior to the original X-Man. Nightcrawler was my favorite mutant in this film and the opening sequence with him in the White House is still one of my favorite opening scenes ever. It's a shame he won't be in the 3rd installment
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 07:19 PM

Running Scared ** 1/2

I know this won't sound familiar, but Paul Walker was actually in a pretty decent movie. Chazz was fine too but I think I might understand why people don't like Tony Scott now. He didn't direct this film but I felt the directing/editing was too much
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 10:33 PM

Rear Window
1954/Hitchcock

Continuing my foray into classic cinema, this was my 3rd Hitchcock film. I really liked the decision to frame almost the entire film from Jeff's apartment, as this really puts the viewer into the action. I'm also gaining more and more respect for Jimmy Stewart as an actor, after getting over the slightly comical aspect of his thick accent.

Although this was, overall, a very solid and well made film, I again did not feel as though it lived up to its hype. Neither the promised "shocking ending" or the power to hold up to its title as one of top 50 films of all time really matierialized for me. I'm sure it was groundbreaking and shocking in its day but it just wasn't a film I could get excited about. Still a solid piece of classic cinema though.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 10:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] Annie Hall
1977; Allen

(my 1st Woody Allen movie)

Really enjoyed this film. [/b]
I'm a HUGE fan of Woody, MMTH, and I've seen just about all of his films.

I strongly recommend Broadway Danny Rose which, while certainly not his best film, is quite funny and particularly appealing because it involves Woody playing his typical self, but this time involved quite a bit with the Mafia.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 11:15 PM

What do you think of Match Point, Plaw?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/06 11:24 PM

I have a friend who is a Woody Allen freak and he recommended I see Manhattan, Crimes and Misdemeanors, and Hannah and Her Sisters, in that order. I've never heard of Broadway Danny Rose, but I'll make sure I get to it.

I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Allen's work as I thought Annie Hall was great.

Thanks for the recommendation Plaw.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 05:02 AM

The three you mentioned are generally considered to be among his best, and I'd agree.

I enjoyed Match Point, DV, but I certainly don't think it was one of his best.

I also think that a lot of his recent work has been criticized rather harshly and unfairly, and since Match Point was probably a cut above some of the things Woody has done recently as far as being what I'll call "a technical piece of film making", the critics were a bit lavish with their praise.

Call me crazy, but I really enjoyed his recent Hollywood Ending, and also Anything Else
Yeah, they were a couple of simple and goofy comedies, but I found them both to be quite funny.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 05:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by plawrence:
I enjoyed Match PointDV, but I certainly don't think it was one of his best.
I thought Match Point was a very good movie
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 06:12 AM

It was very good, and somewhat different, and I liked it a lot, but it's not on the same level as his best work, IMO.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 06:20 AM

Okay so I just got back from X3, and I don't care what any of you say, I loved it.

****SPOILER****


Dude. The Juggernaut ACTUALLY SAYS "I'm the Juggernaut, bitch."... a;lsdkfja;lsdfkj;alfj!!!!!!!! I don't care. I laughed. It was hilarious. Especially since ever since the Juggernaut appeared in the film, I had been saying "IM THE JUGGERNAUT BITCH" every time he opened his mouth. And then it actually came out. And I was like ;alksdjf. Hahah, okay thats all. PS - Wolverine is teh h0ttn3ss. And I wish they'd put Gambit in it. Gambit rules all.
****/SPOILER****
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 07:36 AM

Bogey i jus got back from it too i was laughing so hard when the juggernuat siad that it was so funny. It was also a good movie with a good ending. stay after the credits to see a short clip. ***1/2 stars i give it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 07:58 AM

Firewall **

I haven't seen a Harrison Ford movie since 2000's What Lies Beneath. Not bad but nothing great either. I'm really starting to enjoy Paul Bettany's work the more and more I see it
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 11:59 AM

Irish, if you enjoy Bettany, I'd hope that you've seen Gangster No. 1? That's the first film where I truly realized his immense talent.

How was he in the Da Vinci Code?
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 12:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by hova4ever9:
stay after the credits to see a short clip.
AHHHH NOOOO!!! I KNEW I shoulda stayed
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 03:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Irish, if you enjoy Bettany, I'd hope that you've seen Gangster No. 1? That's the first film where I truly realized his immense talent.

How was he in the Da Vinci Code?
No I haven't seen Gagnster No. 1. As for the Da Vinci Code him and Sir Ian McKellen stole the show. I'm about to see X3 myself and WILL be staying after the credits :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 08:27 PM

X3 ***

I was pleasantely surprised by this X-Men film. I was expecting it to be the worst of the trilogy. It wasn't better than X2, but I'd put it up there with the original X-Men. A couple of character surprises.

SPOILERS

I was pissed at the lack of airtime for Juggernaut a.k.a. Vinnie Jones. It was great to see him in the film but I wanted more Juggernaut! Also, for those who stuck around, what do you think the last clip meant after the credits? Who was the nurse? We didn't see his face but we knew it was Patrick Stewart's voice. I also loved the way the movie ended with Magneto

END OF SPOILERS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 08:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
[b]****SPOILER****


Dude. The Juggernaut ACTUALLY SAYS "I'm the Juggernaut, bitch."... a;lsdkfja;lsdfkj;alfj!!!!!!!! I don't care. I laughed. It was hilarious. ****/SPOILER**** [/b]
****SPOILER****

I was the only one who laughed too. I couldn't believe he said that. I was pissed that we never saw anything from The Sentinels except that 1 head

****/SPOILER****
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 09:07 PM

Johnny Got His Gun - (Dalton Trumbo;1971;USA)
In WW1 after a shell burst leaves a soldier armless, legless, faceless, and without sight, hearing, or smell he is mentally trapped in memories, fantasies, and nightmares.
One of the most neglected war films I've seen and it's a shame because this may be one of the best. It's not about the war at all as it is about the character, in ultimate isolation. Some of the memories show a very humane portrait of life while the film turns around with fantasies and nightmares that have some subtle black humor, but more often become disturbing and depressing. Consider one where he discussing his current state with Jesus Christ, played by Donald Sutherland or one where he imagines himself in a freak show run by his father. I also liked the film didn't go beyond his immediate area, only showing nurses, doctors, and military officers. A haunting film.

Inside me I'm screaming and yelling and howling like a trapped animal, and nobody pays any attention. If I had arms, I could kill myself. If I had legs, I could run away. If I had a voice, I could talk and be some kind of company for myself. I could yell for help, but nobody would help me.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 11:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
No I haven't seen Gagnster No. 1.
Highly highly recommended.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/06 11:56 PM

Gotta agree with Hagen the man.

"I'm Juggernaut, Bitch!"........oh my god, a praise with "bitch" that makes "grown" up men laugh in glee. Sorry, but if Dave Chappelle had uttered then, then I would have giggled like a racoon. Instead, I laugh at others......bitch!
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 12:14 AM

SPOLIERS********

In X3 in the extra scene he took over the mind of the guy who was never going to regain consinceness(i can't spell) and the nurse i saw her at the funeral when he died. but i have never seen her before that.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 12:57 AM

***X3 SPOILER***

Actually I read somewhere that the guy on the table in the last scene was actually the same one that was in the video that Xavier was showing the kids about taking over someone elses body.. And that that person was Sabretooth. But again, I didn't see the scene so I'm not sure.

Also, in the scene where Xavier and Pyro convince the street-thuggish looking mutants (Callisto and Psylock were there) was there a flash of Nightcrawler on the wall? Did anyone else catch that? Does anyone even know what I'm talking about??? (Nightcrawler wasn't in the movie because Halle was a bitch and made the director choose between the two of them. She also complained about how her hair in the last movies looked too much like a wig (which is why it was more stylish this time 'round))

**/SPOILER**

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
"I'm Juggernaut, Bitch!"........oh my god, a praise with "bitch" that makes "grown" up men laugh in glee. Sorry, but if Dave Chappelle had uttered then, then I would have giggled like a racoon. Instead, I laugh at others......bitch!
Oh if only. IF ONLY!!! If only we could all be just as informed, intelligent, and witty as the wise and elite RRA.

Shut up.

ya.

ANYWAY.
:rolleyes:
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 01:08 AM

Except for the SHUT UP part, you are absolutely correct.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 01:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] No I haven't seen Gagnster No. 1.
Highly highly recommended. [/b][/quote]It's on my Blockbuster.com list. Thanks, I'll let you know
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 01:13 AM

Jesus! It's been a while since I've posted in here... I haven't stopped watching films lately, I've just been 100% useless and lazy.

Here she goes...

The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004) - ***1/2
Director: Niels Mueller
Based on a true story, The Assassination of Richard Nixon tells the tale of unjustice and corruption of the American dream, and how in 1974 it lead to the plotting of the chilling assasination of President Richard M. Nixon

I was a bit skeptical when I first saw this film sitting on the drama shelf of a local movie emporium. No more than two weeks prior, a close friend of mine stood to my left in the same movie store, looking to buy some quality entertainment for the weekend, when he asked, "Hey, Kevin, what's that movie with Sean Penn... You know... The one... The one about The Assasination of Richard Nixon?" I told him I had never heard of such a film, and told him I didn't know... And I felt like a comatose, semi-retarded Warlock with a dementia and a brain toomer when I later learned it was titled "The Assasination of Richard Nixon". So then I thought, "Oh great, another Taxi Driver..." Right? WRONG. Assassination takes a new approach at the whole sociopathic/synicism angle. The cast is assembled very precisely, and not only do the actor's have great chemistry, but they also provide excellent performances; right on Don Cheadle/Sean Penn levels. The story maps out an American tragedy that came so close to happening, but yet we never seem to hear about it, so cleverly, and provides great character study. My only complaint is the ending. I would have loved to see Big Dick being shot numberous times, and killed off in the most grotesque way... Or better yet, we could just round up all of the innocents that lost their lives in Viet Nam, have them come on down to the oval office, interrupt one of Dick's secret recording sessions, and then rip his arms and legs out of their sockets, and beat the man to death with his own severed limbs. I would have loved to see some of them come in pumped full of PCP and just savagely tear the man the shreds after performing a pagean ritual on his lifeless corpse--Do I smell a sequel?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 01:14 AM

Good review LLC....welcome back to the fold!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 01:16 AM

It feels good to be back. I'm sure this thread was lacking completely ridiculous and out of hand reviews to corrupt the youth with.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 03:42 AM

The void in this thread has been sealed!!!!! by the graces of Zeus!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 03:49 AM

Black beard of Zeus! What the sam hell is going on here?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 04:43 AM

Hell if I know.

ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (1981) - ***

Highly and grimly shot B-picture from John Carpenter, with overtones to Sergio Leone and bad Italian 70's sci-fi garbage movies....and Kurt Russell starring in his first non-Disney legitimate starring role as the one and only Snake Plissken.

"You're the Duke of New York!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 07:50 AM

Date Movie * 1/2

Another f*cked up train wreck of a "movie" by the Fox studios
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 03:10 PM

Labyrinth

Ch-ch-ch-changes! Oh how I love David Bowie.

I re-lived my childhood by watching this. And yes it was still very enjoyable.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/06 09:20 PM

The Proposition
2006/Hillcoat

Set in the 1880's, an Australian frontier criminal is offered a deal to hunt and kill his exiled older brother for the police in exchange for the life of his younger brother.

Starring Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Emily Watson, and John Hurt

This film was pretty solid. I had been eagerly awaiting its arrival in my area theater as I had seen it acquire rave reviews elsewhere. Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone do battle on the backdrop of the Australian outback. Guy Pearce, with maybe not as much screen time as you might have expected for the main character, displays a wonderful sense of quiet and brooding murderousness. Ray Winstone also turns in a strong performance as the conflicted army captain.

This story could have very easily been set in the American west with Native Americans replacing the Aborigines, but I thought the choice to make the film Australian was a nice artistic choice. I was surprised at the prowess of the director considering he has never done a feature film before. The film was beautifully framed and shot throughout most of the duration, and although the colorful sunsets of the outback provide a naturally breathtaking backdrop, some credit must be given to the director as well. Ultimately, the uber-violence that was widely spoken of in many of the reviews seemed rather normal to me, although it may have shocked some of senior citizens at my matinee showing.

One of the more original aspects of this film was its use of fairly modern music. Interestingly enough, the writer of the film also composed most of the soundtrack, and he and the director seemed to have not opted to stay strictly in line with the time period of the story. This is a chance they took and I felt as though it paid off.

Despite its many good points, the film didn't quite seem to contain that spark of a great film. I feel as though the blame for this most likely should be placed on the fact that the film did not fully center around its two main characters, the rivals, Pearce and Winstone as the hunter and the hunted. Although Emily Watson was good, I felt her prolonged presence in the film felt out of place amongst the violent and dirty backdrop, and her excess of screen time somewhat hampered the film's overall quality.

Either way, this was still a solid effort and one of the better films I've seen so far this year. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the director's work as well the seldom-seen Pearce and Winstone.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: ap_capone48101

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/06 02:17 AM

I watched Batman Begins yesterday. Easily the best Batman film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/06 02:54 AM

Glad to hear that, ap.
Posted By: scarfacefan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/06 06:35 AM

Saw Once Were Warriors last night. Powerful, engrossing and much better than I thought it would be. 3.5/5
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/06 11:25 PM

The Rise and Fall of ECW (2004)

A great documentary on a great sports entertainment organization. Before Vince McMahon purchased ECW, it was easily the most entertaining and visceral wrestling experience on television. This 3 hour documentary chronicles the birth of ECW, and the lasting impact it has left on the wrestling industry.

The first disc is the documentary. Disc 2 contains 6 great matches, including the 30 minute stalemate match between Sabu and 2 Cold Scorpio for the World Television Championship. The biggest disappointment is the fact that there's only 6 matches. But what IS there is great, and definitely a must-buy for wrestling fans.

Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 02:26 AM

Chinatown
1974/Polanski

Starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston

A private detective investigates corruption in Los Angeles' water department while simultaneously looking into a murder mystery involving its chairman.

Viewing this film was interesting for me as I had rented it maybe a year ago and gotten through about half of it. The film seemed fairly boring to me and I never had any interest in getting it back out to view the 2nd part of the film. Fortunately though, I recently saw its high placement on a greatest films of all time list and decided I'd give it another go. I don't know whether I was just paying more attention this time or I just have more of an appreciation for more conservatively directed films, but I enjoyed it much more this time and felt as though I only now fully realized its true greatness.

First of all, it must be said that what really sets this film apart from all others is Jack Nicholson's performance as J.J Gittes. I felt as though any other actor in this role simply wouldn't have sufficed, and it seems as though some scenes and dialogue of the Gittes character were almost custom made for Nicholson, his personality, his look, and his delivery. This was the first film I had ever seen by Roman Polanski, and although I really liked all of his neo-noir, precisely-framed, still camera shots, some of the time when he chose to move the camera, the shots were noticeably shaky.

The story itself, written by Polanski and Robert Towne, was excellent. I felt as though it nearly matched Godfather II in terms of complexity, which I appreciated, but it was still reasonably understandable and not overdone. The twisted plot also helped to add depth to the principal characters, all of whom I really liked. The writing was strong when it came to dialogue as well, as Nicholson had some real gems to work with.

I also really liked some of Gittes' detective methods, which seemed very realistic. My only real complaint with the story was the fact that I seemed to have lost the plot in the last 15 minutes or so, as I didn't quite understand Gittes' motivations in calling Noah Cross after he had his daughter, but I'll probably understand this better with a rewatch.

John Huston was great and I wished his character had been featured more. Polanski and Nicholson's work here also makes me want to see more of both of their work, as well as more films in the noir and neo noir genres.

4.5/5 Stars
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 02:31 AM

I believe that Robert Towne said that Jake was written with Jack in mind...excellent performance any way you slice it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 06:07 AM

True Romance *** 1/2

My favorite Gary Oldman and Tony Scott film. A great cast, great script and great directing.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 06:15 AM

Quote:
My only real complaint with the story was the fact that I seemed to have lost the plot in the last 15 minutes or so, as I didn't quite understand Gittes' motivations in calling Noah Cross after he had his daughter, but I'll probably understand this better with a rewatch.
SPOILERS
He wanted Cross to know what he knew, to settle the mystery. He didn't count on Cross' henchman being there armed.
SPOILERS

I think the ending to the film is one of the darkest, most poignant in cinema.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 09:46 AM

Hide and Seek

Ergh

I can't believe that even with such stellar performances from De Niro and young Dakota Fanning that the film is still so terrible.

I've heard there's a few alternative endings to this film and the one I saw makes no sense. In fact the whole film makes little sense. Not because it's complicated, because it isn't, but because some things just don't add up.

Spoiler But I am fed up with these weak multiple personality tales as if they're original and deep.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 01:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I think the ending to the film is one of the darkest, most poignant in cinema.
I would have to agree.
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 03:49 PM

I started off my "summer movie marathon" last night :p . I plan to watch movies I haven't seen yet that are generally regarded as good films.

Bottle Rocket(1996) Wes Anderson/USA *****
Great film. Up there with Anderson's best. The atmosphere, the humor, the characters are all excellent. After seeing this I have concluded that Wes Anderson hasn't made a bad film yet.

Smultronstället / Wild Strawberries(1957) Ingmar Bergman/Sweden *****
I was a bit dissapointed after seing The Seventh Seal. It was a good film but not as good as everyone makes it out to be. This movie, however, does live up to expectations. It's a touching story of life, of regrets, of aging, of living. Great performance by Victor Sjöström and great film overall. This movie has motivated me to check out some other Bergman films :p .
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 03:57 PM

Preliminary reviews before my full-length jobbers on these flicks, with one in honor of Gleason, who died the other day. His work as the easy-to-hate cheap baddie in many 80s movie will continue to inspire bit actors for years to come.

DIE HARD (1988) - ***** - Masterpiece
DIE HARD 2 (1990) - **1/2
DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (1995) - ***1/2 or ****
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 04:00 PM

EDIT: This is in reference to Chinatown. I couldn't sneak this post in before others got in front of me.

Wait, I still don't quite get it. Let me see if I can piece it together.

Quote:
For his final showdown with Cross, Gittes calls him and arranges a meeting at the Mulwray mansion - the scene of the crime - and he baits him: "Have you got your checkbook handy, Mr. Cross? I've got the girl." Gittes also possesses what he believes provides clear evidence of who murdered Mulwray - the camera pans down to Cross' pair of smashed bifocals that were fished out of the pond - they sit on the table by the phone.
So Jake is trying to bring Cross to the Mulwray mansion to confront him with the evidence of the murder and the information he holds about his incestious fathering of Catherine. But why would he go to the mansion and confront Cross alone? What good does that do? He's not hoping to get money out of him, but yet he doesn't notify Escobar of his meeting with Cross either. What exactly were Gittes' motivations at this point?

That's where I got lost.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 04:08 PM

SPOILERS
He didn't make any sense legally, but morally. Gittes simply wanted to confront Cross, who was a scumbag pedophile who felt he was above the law.
SPOILERS
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 04:23 PM

I see, and then what was his plan? Make sure Curly got Evelyn and Catherine out and then just be happy with a job well done?

How did he plan to avoid prison as threatened by Escobar and/or retaliation from Cross for his discovery and the part he played in helping Evelyn escape?

Am I looking into this too much or am I missing something?

EDIT: Reading your post again, perhaps you are suggesting that Jake had no plan to avoid the wrath of Cross and Escobar. He had simply put all else aside to achieve moral satisfaction. Is that it?
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 04:37 PM

Okay, so I went to my friends house to play Trivial Pursuit 90s Edition.. (I won by the way ) and she rented Elizabethtown.

Ummmmmm what the hell. There was NO POINT to it whatsoever. Quite possibly the dumbest movie I've ever seen. I wanted to kick Kirsten Dunst's face in. And Orlando Bloom, and that is sad. This is why chick flicks should be kept FARRRR away from me.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 04:44 PM

Yeah, and besides, if Gittes could prove Cross did it, his Escobar, who is his friend would probably cooperate with him.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 04:48 PM

Ah, alright, I get it.

Thanks Vercetti.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 05:02 PM

Bogey, while you were dead wrong about X3, I gotta totally agree with you about Cameron Crowe's latest failure.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 06:36 PM



Hope thats better :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 06:53 PM

Do you honestly have to post a picture that big?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 06:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Do you honestly have to post a picture that big?
Yep-Does it bother you that much,have you got nothing better to do than comment on peoples picture sizes!!!!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 07:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Do you honestly have to post a picture that big?
Yep-Does it bother you that much,have you got nothing better to do than comment on peoples picture sizes!!!! [/b][/quote]Yes, when it stretches the goddamn page.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 07:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Do you honestly have to post a picture that big?
Yep-Does it bother you that much,have you got nothing better to do than comment on peoples picture sizes!!!! [/b][/quote]Yes, when it stretches the goddamn page. [/b][/quote]Well i hope that you don't loose any sleep tonight over it :p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 07:37 PM

HIGHLANDER (1986) - ***

Yet another movie of the 80's I'll end up reviewing eventually for RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW. Though my review is stilted in positivity because I happened to catch the vaunted "Director's Cut"(or to you Europeans, the version you know) which surprisingly improved as a film from being that of a picture I've seen for years on TV that had an intriging premise, but its final result is that of an average picture....to being a deeper film that actually fulfills its plot. Too bad the sequels do really deserve their infamous reputation, especially part 2.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 07:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
Yep-Does it bother you that much,have you got nothing better to do than comment on peoples picture sizes!!!!
Dude I know we're supposed to keep negative comments to ourselves on this board but you can really be such a douchebag sometimes.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 08:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[b] Yep-Does it bother you that much,have you got nothing better to do than comment on peoples picture sizes!!!!
Dude I know we're supposed to keep negative comments to ourselves on this board but you can really be such a douchebag sometimes. [/b][/quote]Ok.When was the last time i was a "douchebag",this is why i never get involved on the Gen Dis,he was just being Petty about something little :rolleyes:

Can we just end this now please,cause its pointless
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 08:16 PM

X3 ***

Saw it only 3 days ago and I feel the same way now as I did then
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 08:23 PM

Whats this 9/11 film does it look any good cus my mum wants to go see it!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by DE NIRO:
[b]
quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Do you honestly have to post a picture that big?
Yep-Does it bother you that much,have you got nothing better to do than comment on peoples picture sizes!!!! [/b][/quote]Yes, when it stretches the goddamn page. [/b][/quote]Well i hope that you don't loose any sleep tonight over it :p
Sure, it's nothing big. Nothing on this board is a big deal, but it's still an annoyance when someone has to post a poster of a film, and when they can find literally thousands of different photos of different sizes, they choose one that has to be nearly the size of a fucking wallpaper.

By the way, I don't have anything better to complain about because unfortunately this board has gone down in it's interest for me in the last year or two with more and more old members leaving and more and more idiots joining, leaving me with little to relate to other then movies, music, and pointless debates.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 09:26 PM

Sweet Jesus! That picture needs to be bigger like Angelina Jolie needs to be crazier!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 09:33 PM

IVE CHANGED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 09:35 PM

I like to eat, eat, eat...

Apples and bananas.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 09:37 PM

It's ok if you want it bigger, just not wallpaper/stretching the page bigger.

http://www.impawards.com/2005/posters/walk_the_line.jpg
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 11:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
SCREAM IT AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS!!!!!!11 BE PROUD THAT YOU'VE CHANGED YOUR POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

MAYDAY EVERYDAY, IN MY HEART!!!!
COULD'VE HAD A HEART ATTACK, IN MY HEART!!!
WE DON'T KNOW ANYTHING, IN MY HEART!!!
WE ALL WANT SOMETHING FAIR, IN MY HEART!!!

...

HEY!!!

...

HEY!!!

...

HEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for stretching the friggin' page... :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 11:45 PM

Just when one problem gets solved, DVC comes and fucks it up. We should dropkick him.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/06 11:47 PM

Meh... I'm too tired to harrass him until he deletes it. Let's just perform a pagan sacrifice on him.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 12:43 AM

Match Point ***

Jonathan Rhys Meyers & Scarlett Johansson did a really good job with their performances
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 12:54 AM

I like to eat, eat, eat...

Ape-elz and banay-nays.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 01:01 AM

No, seriously. The page stretching is ridiculously annoying.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 01:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
OUT OF TOWN OUT OF SIGHT, IS MY HEART!!!

QUEEN OF LIES EVERYDAY, IN MY HEART!!!

MY HEART ONE MORE ON THE PHONE, AT MY HEART!!!

ONE MORE AT THE PHONE, AT MY HEART!!!

...

HEY!!!

...

HEY!!!

...

HEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAN HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEART!!!

COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEART!!!

COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEART!!!

COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEART!!!

COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEART!!!

COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEART!!!

COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEART!!!

COLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEART!!!


UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Big bottom, big bottom, talk about bum cakes my girls got 'em.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 01:07 AM

Yea...I can see maturity (or common decency for that matter) is no longer a requirement to be a member of these boards.

Here's an idea...just a thought. Grow the hell up. :rolleyes:
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 01:10 AM

I like to eat, eat, eat...

Ooples and banoonoos.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 04:35 AM

The Searchers
1956/Ford

As a Civil War veteran spends years searching for a young niece captured by Indians, his motivation becomes increasingly questionable.

Starring John Wayne, Jeffery Hunter, Vera Miles, and Natalie Wood

-- 1st John Ford film --

This film, to me, was the classic example of my problems with older films. While this most definitely was a solid Western, I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy it for the most part. It seemed strange that the story and the characters couldn't keep a consistent tone or mood. John Wayne's character finds his family massacred, and then 15 minutes later he's laughing and making wisecracks. He yells on the verge of tears after finding his neice raped and killed, and then suddenly he's in a good mood again as if nothing ever happened. This seemed to be an early example of the family-friendly, everybody-turns-out-alright-in-the-end type of film that may have been a prototype for Spielberg and his disciples.

The plot also seemed to meander about a bit, with only the loose guide of Wayne's search for the girl giving it direction here and there. There were a few shining moments though, like Ford's use of a rapid camera truck towards a character as they make a realization (later copied by Scorsese), some steady tracking shots on John Wayne riding his horse through an indian village wreaking havoc, and also some well-framed sunset silhouettes and whatnot, but ultimately the film felt fake and contrived.

The only other classical Western I've seen is Rio Bravo, and based on my initial viewing of The Searchers, I prefer Rio Bravo. Despite its flaws, this was still a well-made and probably groundbreaking film, most likely considered the pinnacle of the Western genre, and a nice John Wayne performance, and for that, it must be commended.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 04:37 AM

Nice review, Hagen.

A nice change from the bullshit of today.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 05:06 AM

Thanks Ronnie.

I feel a bit embarrassed as I've never expressed how much I enjoy reading your thoughts on film as well.

Did you generally agree with my opinions of The Searchers?
Posted By: scarfacefan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 07:55 AM

Finished watching 24 Hour Party People last night. Great documentary, comedy and drama. It's got me interested in all the Manchester music it shows throughout. Steve Coogan does a great job as Tony Wilson. 3.5/5
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 08:16 AM

What the hell. DVC. Edit that shit. And whoever else quoted it.

Better yet, Geoff. Fix everything

I vote 'yes' on the IQ test.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 09:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Thanks Ronnie.

I feel a bit embarrassed as I've never expressed how much I enjoy reading your thoughts on film as well.

Did you generally agree with my opinions of The Searchers?
I don't recall that. I recall 15 minutes later Wayne getting into gunfights where he is more brutal then the other men in killing Indians. When he does make wisecracks, it was probably after the film took place a while later considering it spans 5 years. Also remember Wayne is bitter for a lot of the film.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 11:08 AM

I did think that maybe the lack of a constant mood could be blamed on the jumps in the time period as well as maybe attesting to the Old West spirit that they could persevere and forget about their problems, but ultimately concluded that it was just the style the film was made in.

At the time, it seemed catering to action-and-adventure-hungry audiences was somewhat more important than establishing a good character study, which is what I was hoping this would be.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 01:34 PM

Thanks Hagen for your kind words about my reviews.

As for THE SEARCHERS, I think you might be onto something. I respect it more for being an important film in American cinema than for its quality itself, though really, the movie itself just sort of becomes immortal though with the finale, in the such greatly ripped-off shot with the door closing to Wayne, and the West itself. I mean hell, even Tarantino pulled a similar trick off in his 2nd KILL BILL picture.

And yes, I probably prefer RIO BRAVO as well.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/06 04:52 PM

My thoughts on The Searchers read:
Quote:
Influential in its themes of determined revenge and social alienation, this is far more compelling as a visual triumph, with cinematography and landscapes to die for; the final third gives too much leeway to distracting humour.
But I must disagree with a happy ending; I find Wayne's final silhouette embodying a kind of constant torment. As fine a character study as it is a visually stunning film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 12:40 AM

Commando ** 1/2

My first time watching this film all the way through and quite enjoyable. Not as good as Predator but still an Arnold Schwarzenegger film worth watching
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 12:50 AM

OMG, one of my favorite bad goofy movies of all time, COMMANDO!

Irish, you notice where a wrecked-yellow sports car is flipped over, but once its back to its regular state, it has NO scratch on it?

Better yet, did you see where that ground sommersault machine launched several of those thugs on the island? Hilarious shit.

No, my favorite line of that movie: "I eat Green Berets for BREAKFAST!"
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 12:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
My thoughts on The Searchers read:
[quote]the final third gives too much leeway to distracting humour.
[/quote]I couldn't stand that.

Why couldn't Ford just make a straight drama?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 12:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
OMG, one of my favorite bad goofy movies of all time, COMMANDO!

Irish, you notice where a wrecked-yellow sports car is flipped over, but once its back to its regular state, it has NO scratch on it?

Better yet, did you see where that ground sommersault machine launched several of those thugs on the island? Hilarious shit.

No, my favorite line of that movie: "I eat Green Berets for BREAKFAST!"
Yes it was a pretty funny movie and I think I remember the yellow sports car goofy but not the other one
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 12:58 AM

I was wondering if anyone who had seen these films could give me some quick thoughts, just to get a general idea of what they might be like.

The Rules of the Game (1939/Renoir)
8 1/2 (1963/Fellini)
The Seven Samurai (1954/Kurosawa)
Tokyo Story (1953/Ozu)
and
Singin' in the Rain (1952/Donen & Kelly)

Unfortunately most of these are not available to me at the moment but I'm eagerly looking forward to the day I see them all.

Thanks in advance.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 01:07 AM

8 1/2 is a film that needs several viewings to distinguish the dreams, fantasies and such. I consider it one of the ten best ever.

Singin' in the Rain is an excellent musical with great routines and wonderful use of color.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 01:10 AM

Well, SEVEN SAMURAI is of course a masterpiece, and really to many(though note, mostly westerners say this), this is the greatest movie in the entire history of Japanese cinema.

Check out the 200 minute "Director's Cut" that makes for an epic drama with action and adventure. If anything, Kurosawa resonates his love of the American western in this film, though of course its samurai warriors instead of cowboys. However, what the decent remake of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN failed to capture the essence of from Kurosawa's film is a sense of deep tradition that is soon becoming irrelevant in the face of progress.

TOKYO STORY was pretty good too, though I think Ozu's direction at times was....static. However, its worth watch neverless.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 01:16 AM

I just got my hands on Seven Samurai. I've got a couple lined up in front of it though, so I'm hoping to get to it in a day or two.

Although I am eager to see it as it'll be not only my first Kurosawa film but also really my first foray into foreign film itself, I can't help but be somewhat discouraged by your comments that it's a tribute to the American Western. As you know I just saw The Searchers last night and I'm hoping this won't turn out to be it's Siamese twin.

EDIT: Unfortunately it's not the Director's cut you mentioned. I kind of have to take what I can get.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 01:30 AM

No no, SAMURAI isn't a tribute at all.

I meant what I said as in how Kurosawa was influenced by some of the then-stunning work, which was incredible compared to the status quo of Japanese cinema at the time. I mean sure Kurosawa was a major fan of SHANE, but he made a samurai movie for Japanese audiences, though its techniques is such that westerners can easily get into it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 01:31 AM

8 1/2 is a great film, considering the fact that I share the same interest as you regarding the pre-70s movies. It is pretty long and is entirely full of fantasies and dreams. But it is about the crisis in professional and personal life of a director. Excellent (BW) cinematography and music (by Nino Rota who composed for Godfather). If you get the DVD set, there is an additional disc which has a documentary about Nino Rota and Fellini. Highly recommended.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 01:32 AM

I didn't like 8 1/2 the first time around, probably due to the fact that I was exhausted when I watched it, but the second time around I loved it. The ending is just mindblowing, one of the best in cinema. It gave me chills. I hope you enjoy it.

As for Seven Samurai, I find it to be immensely overrated, but still good. When you strip it down though, it's basically just an action film.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 03:10 AM

8 1/2 is basically the #1 movie I wish I could see as of right now. First thing I'm getting once I'm on Netflix in a couple months.

EDIT: Wow, definitely never thought to go on my local library website and see what they have. I just reserved 8 1/2 and The Rules of the Game.

Friggin Sweet.
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 04:57 AM

The King Of Comedy-
Robert De Niro
Directed by Martin Scorsese

Great flim
****/4 stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 02:51 PM

Mista, I wrote all of these a while ago when I last (or first) saw them, so I'd need to revisit the films in order to update my thoughts. But here goes:

La Règle du Jeu (The Rules of the Game)
Booed at its premiere and subsequently banned, this is quintessential French cinema at its most ingeneous. Subtly aggressive, and at times farcical in its satire, it is a delight not to be missed.

Otto e Mezzo (Eight and a Half)
Surrealist nonsense of the highest order, with many visually striking moments.

Shichinin no samurai (Seven Samurai)
Masterful adventure with great characterisation and humour; although the segmented battle reduces the overall impact, and it is unusually long for a film of its tone and kind, it is a bravura display of directing.

Singin’ in the Rain
Lively, inventive comic musical with mesmerising dance and song routines, lots of laughs and brilliant acting; one of the genuine true musical greats.

[I haven't seen Tokyo Story.]
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 04:51 PM

What Where
Damien O'Donnell
2000 Ireland (1st time; DVD)
A menacing figure of authority orders a chain of underlings to torture one another to find out what he wants.
Beckett's obscure play, shot with a deliberately slow pace and foreboding, is given a political, Orwellian treatment, with a beautiful tower of books standing behind the man in control--who, actually, seeks control without getting it.

Act Without Words - I
Karel Reisz
2000 UK/Ireland (1st time; DVD)
A man dropped in a desert devoid of all other objects and life, is given opportunities to learn and prosper and reach the water that dangles above him, but chance ruins everything for him.
The futility of life, too frustrating to be convincing: there is perhaps a contradiction in such criticism, but Reisz has chosen his mime to be one we don't necessarily care for - it would have been far wiser to make him likeable, and thus the play far more brutal. If he has tried to imitate the artificiality of it all with his set, he has sacrificed all potential for a cinematic slant on Beckett's play.

Busking
Joshua Kerr
2006 UK (1st time; big screen)
A busker who can't play the guitar reveals all to camera.
Mockumentary short which isn't short enough; its momentum is deadened about a quarter through, and the acting has as much charm as a badly-tuned guitar.
Posted By: ap_capone48101

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 05:29 PM

Just watched Airplane again. Man I love that movie, the one lines are so funny.
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 05:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

[b]Shichinin no samurai (Seven Samurai)

Masterful adventure with great characterisation and humour; although the segmented battle reduces the overall impact, and it is unusually long for a film of its tone and kind, it is a bravura display of directing.
[/b]
I just saw this last night and I agree with the first part of your review. And although it might be a bit too long, to me the segmented battle sequences did not reduce the overall impact. *****/***** for me.

I also saw:
Ladri di biciclette / The Bicycle Thief (1948) Vittorio De Sica / Italy 9/10 (I switched from stars to numbers :p )
A bit slow at the start but it more than makes up for it in the final twenty minutes. Raw Emotion is the only way to describe this film. A gem of Italian Neorealism, shot on a shoestring budget with non-professional actors, the experience is amazing.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 06:03 PM

Pay it forward ***
Starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment(the kid who acte din Sixth Sense). A kid gets an assignment at school to come up with a plan to make the world a better place. Though the teacher doesn't intend/expect any one to actually come up with any useful idea, let alone implement it with all seriousness, this kid actually believes in what he is doing. Nice overall acting from everyone, especially the kid.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 07:19 PM

I just finished watching The Producers, the version with Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane. I DEFINATELY like the original better. But this one was okay. Started out slow, but after "Springtime for Hitler" it picked up.

Now I'm about to watch Memoirs of a Geisha.. I can't remember what any of you guys said about it, but my roommate said it was long and boring. But she has a horrible taste in movies anyway. Anything made before the year 1985 is boring to her. So close-minded...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 08:14 PM

In the Bedroom
2001/Field

A New England couple's college-aged son dates an older woman with two small children and an unwelcome ex-husband with ultimately tragic results.

Starring Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek, Nick Stahl, and Marisa Tomei

Man it was nice to watch something made in the past decade. This was a nice little quiet, subdued, conventionally-shot piece of work that was surprisingly unambitious for a first time director of a full feature film (although that didn't hurt it). I enjoyed the prolonged sessions of silence, as it seemed the viewers were almost able to better understand the characters and their thoughts and motivations through just watching them.

Tom Wilkinson shined as the mentally tortured aging father, and it was nice to see him in a leading role for once. The ending, while surprising and somewhat against the style of the film, really worked well and wrapped up a good piece of cinema from the new millenium. This probably should have taken Best Picture in 2001 over A Beautiful Mind.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 10:03 PM

My roommate's dumb. Memoirs of a Geisha was really good. Sure, it was long, but I didn't find it boring at all. It really takes a good look at a different culture.

Damn shes narrowminded.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 10:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
but my roommate said it was long and boring. But she has a horrible taste in movies anyway. Anything made before the year 1985 is boring to her. So close-minded...
So she's one of *those* people. "liek omg, blakk n white dis sukzz!!!"

One day I'll come on over, and you and I shall eat her alive.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 10:56 PM

Why how splendid.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/06 11:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
One day I'll come on over, and you and I shall eat her alive.
We shall feast on the blood of the ignorant.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 04:48 AM

The Running Man ** 1/2

Another very enjoyable 1980s Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick. This guy has got to be the king of the one-liners
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 06:55 AM

Mulholland Drive
Didn't understand a single bit. Is this supposed to be like modern art, where no one understands, but everyone pretends to appreciate it, just to avoid looking ridiculous? I had the same experience with "The Lost Highway" and eventually had to google to find out what it was all about. But now I am really not inclined to find out what Lynch wants to say here. Lost Highway, Machinist (non Lynch), Mulholland Drive.... what next? I am sick of films that conveniently introduce imagination/fantasy bullshit plot in the pretext of creating mystery. Tell me a simple story. I refuse to google to find out what you are saying. Okay no more Lynch movies for me
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 08:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Zaluchi:
[b]Ladri di biciclette / The Bicycle Thief (1948) Vittorio De Sica / Italy 9/10 (I switched from stars to numbers :p )
A bit slow at the start but it more than makes up for it in the final twenty minutes. Raw Emotion is the only way to describe this film. A gem of Italian Neorealism, shot on a shoestring budget with non-professional actors, the experience is amazing. [/b]
I'm glad you enjoyed this movie. Raw emotion, that's right! And if you are interested in Italian Neorealism, I'd suggest you "Rome, Open City" (by Roberto Rossellini, 1946). Oh, and another "must see" by Vittorio De Sica is definitely "Umberto D."
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 08:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Mulholland Drive
Didn't understand a single bit. Is this supposed to be like modern art, where no one understands, but everyone pretends to appreciate it, just to avoid looking ridiculous? I had the same experience with "The Lost Highway" and eventually had to google to find out what it was all about. But now I am really not inclined to find out what Lynch wants to say here. Lost Highway, Machinist (non Lynch), Mulholland Drive.... what next? I am sick of films that conveniently introduce imagination/fantasy bullshit plot in the pretext of creating mystery. Tell me a simple story. I refuse to google to find out what you are saying. Okay no more Lynch movies for me [/b]
can't wait to see what Capo is going to reply.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 11:57 AM

I actually appreciated Mulholland for the same reasons you didn't like it, but I don't believe it was made that way just so people could pretend to understand it.
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 12:15 PM

My mum wants to go see this 9/11 film any one got a trailer or anything to tell me about it?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 12:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
United 93
2006; Greengrass

Spread the news, United 93 is a truly revolutionary film. Upon first impressions, this stands as one of the most powerful, tasteful, and interesting films released in the past decade, and its dedication to accuracy is impressive. As the first film about one of the biggest tragedies this country has ever faced, United 93 passes the respectability test with flying colors. Add in the fact that the events of that fateful day occurred less than five years ago, and one must consider writer/director Greengrass's accomplishment a truly remarkable one.

A director faces a difficult situation when his film is being blasted and criticized before it is even released. As the pioneer in what will surely become a sub-category unto itself in the disaster films genre, Greengrass took careful precaution in crafting the first 9/11 film, and his dedication seems to have paid off.

I call this film revolutionary because it is the closest I've ever seen a film walk the line between documentaries and feature films. The result is an fascinating experiment in a new approach to making movies. The events are shown, they are not dramatized, they are not romanticized, or sensationalized, they are simply portrayed, as accurately possible. The hijackers and the hijacked are on equal footing in the sympathy department. I found myself almost pitying the terrorists as they were overcome with their religious fanaticism which led to them being essentially forced into a suicide mission in the name of their god. Greengrass has made the first film in which both sides are presented and the director is truly able to succeed in not taking sides. His genius in this department is beautifully portrayed in one of the final scenes in the film where both the hijackers and their captives pray on opposite ends of aircraft. The juxtaposition of these images provides an interesting insight into exactly what this film really sought to accomplish.

Greengrass's camerawork, while relying on the hand-held effect a little too much at times, ultimately assists in portraying the frantic and panicked nature of all the characters depicted, as well as setting the tone for the entire fateful day itself. And the director's choice of music also suits the piece beautifully. Opting for a simple, minimalist orchestral score that plays throughout only a small portion of the film seems to have been just the right amount to accent but not drown out the story.

Another aspect of the film which I really admired, whether intentional or not, was its casting. I literally only recognized one face in the entire cast, and even then I couldn't name him or place where I had seen him. (It ultimately turned out to be John Rothman who I knew from Dinner Rush). The fact that the cast consisted almost exclusively of unknowns only added to the feel of realism throughout the film. Add in the fact that several real life people involved in the events of 9/11 played themselves, and also that the actors chosen to play the major figures in the passenger resistance movement looked remarkably like their real-life counterparts, and the viewers truly felt as if they were there.

Another fascinating choice by Greengrass was to not take advantage of his post-knowledge of the events. Throughout the entire film, characters can be seen making false assumptions and relaying information to one another that was eventually proved to be incorrect. This, again, adds to the realism and sense of panicked confusion being portrayed in the film, and I really respected the fact that Greengrass took the time to include this.

One other difficult choice made by Greengrass was exactly how to go about showing the plane's final moments. It can be tough for a director when the audience already knows how the story will end, but Greengrass does it in a unique and truly emotional way that really tugs at your heart strings without being overdramatic.

Nearly everything about this film was perfectly in accordance to what Greengrass sought to achieve. Thought-provoking, deeply emotional, realistic. I truly do not feel as though a better film could've been made about this subject matter.

5/5 Stars
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 01:13 PM

Mista,

I saw this film too and agree with your review. It wasn't overdone, every passenger was equal, without one outshining the other; the characters seemed "real", and so did the scenes on the ground at air traffic control. The first hour or so consisted of the confusion and chaos on the ground, which some might say is a little slow, but I think interesting and necessary to get a grasp on the chain of events. The ending was appropriate as well. Again, not a Hollywood "spectacle" type ending, but considering how soon after this event this was made, it was done with sensitivity and seemed real. You're heart goes out to all of the passengers.

TIS
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 01:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Mulholland Drive
Didn't understand a single bit. Is this supposed to be like modern art, where no one understands, but everyone pretends to appreciate it, just to avoid looking ridiculous?[/b]
My thoughts on Mulholland Dr. read:
Quote:
It is best to approach this film as an unfathomable nightmare, and let it unfold itself; for, in true Lynch style, the meaning here is not an obvious one, presented as a character-switching Chinese-box-like succession of dark and disturbing fantasies. It registers on the unconscious and lingers on the mind like the most haunting of dreams.
My thoughts on Lost Highway read:
Quote:
A teasing, complex mystery on identity, told as an elongated, inescapable nightmare for all, with characters switching into others; it begs for rewatches, and becomes more rewarding with each one.
Didn't you find Mulholland Dr. to be full of beautiful images? Didn't it touch upon your emotions at times that few films can even dream of achieving? Didn't it pull you into its nightmarish textures and identity crises with every lingering shot of a dark corridor or corner of a sparse, barely-lit room?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 01:30 PM

The Singing Detective
Jon Amiel
1986 Australia/UK (1st time; DVD)
Bedridden in hospital with a debilitating skin disease, a writer of detective fiction with a debilitating skin disease reimagines his most famous story and relives his childhood.
The kind of genre-bending, tantalising final product a writer might dream of completing, this TV mini-series is about as fresh, energetic, and mature as you can possibly get, with nothing else in the medium coming close to its sophisticated intertextuality. Endlessly fascinating, with a powerful emotional undercurrent racing along beneath every sharp slice of dialogue. The acting is fantastic, the material highly original, the pacing perfect, and the whole thing is at once accessible and convoluted, ambitious and modest, and it's quite unlike anything made before or since.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 02:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Didn't you find Mulholland Dr. to be full of beautiful images?
Definitely yes
Quote:

Didn't it touch upon your emotions at times that few films can even dream of achieving?
Not much I should say. I couldn't relate to the characters and hence the lack of emotional attachment.
Quote:

Didn't it pull you into its nightmarish textures and identity crises with every lingering shot of a dark corridor or corner of a sparse, barely-lit room?
I felt this way when I saw Lost Highway. But with this, I felt it was repeating the same themes as the former - identity crisis, fantasies and dreams of a life where one can be someone else and have some other character(istics), trying to solve the problems in real life through fantasies etc. Also it is not coherent, looks like a collage of beautiful images with no apparent inter-relation. If at all there is any big picture, it is hidden deep enough not to be discovered by most people watching it. IMO.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 03:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Mulholland Drive
Didn't understand a single bit. Is this supposed to be like modern art, where no one understands, but everyone pretends to appreciate it, just to avoid looking ridiculous? I had the same experience with "The Lost Highway" and eventually had to google to find out what it was all about. But now I am really not inclined to find out what Lynch wants to say here. Lost Highway, Machinist (non Lynch), Mulholland Drive.... what next? I am sick of films that conveniently introduce imagination/fantasy bullshit plot in the pretext of creating mystery. Tell me a simple story. I refuse to google to find out what you are saying. Okay no more Lynch movies for me [/b]
I agree. I don't think anyone outside the set understood what this movie was supposed to be about. As I said when I watched it, it's probably "weird for the sake of being weird"
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 03:51 PM

Ah yes, the argument from the prosecutors of those that didn't get it that the movie is "pretentious". Well, Lynch IS pretentious of sorts. However, his works are always worth checking out for cinema buff fans.

If you all thought MULHOLLAND DR. didn't make sense, where the hell was everyone when TWIN PEAKS was on TV? I mean this shit aint exactly new with The Lynch.
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 05:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Zaluchi:
[b] [b]Ladri di biciclette / The Bicycle Thief
(1948) Vittorio De Sica / Italy 9/10 (I switched from stars to numbers :p )
A bit slow at the start but it more than makes up for it in the final twenty minutes. Raw Emotion is the only way to describe this film. A gem of Italian Neorealism, shot on a shoestring budget with non-professional actors, the experience is amazing. [/b]
I'm glad you enjoyed this movie. Raw emotion, that's right! And if you are interested in Italian Neorealism, I'd suggest you "Rome, Open City" (by Roberto Rossellini, 1946). Oh, and another "must see" by Vittorio De Sica is definitely "Umberto D." [/b][/quote]I have planned to see those for a long time . Tonight, I intend to watch either Pasolini's Accatone (1961) or Mamma Roma (1962) , his second film.

As for the films I saw last night, they were:

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Steven Spielberg / USA 8/10
Great action film from the master himself. Not as good as his "masterpieces" but great for what it is. Enjoyable and fun.

Persona (1966) Ingmar Bergman / Sweden 9/10
Amazing film. The third Bergman film I've seen, after The Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries. Beautiful cinematography and a great plot/story that sucks you in. To me it's the most entertaining of the three films I've seen. Definately needs a rewatch.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 07:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I don't think anyone outside the set [of Mulholland Dr.] understood what this movie was supposed to be about. As I said when I watched it, it's probably "weird for the sake of being weird"
In interviews included on the Region 2 DVD of the film, the main stars all give their interpretations of what they think the film is about. Even Lynch himself would never say "it means this", or discard what you thought it meant, even if he disagreed with it.

Lynch isn't for everyone, and I know that you know that, but I can't quite fathom "weird for the sake of being weird" as a criticism. Isn't The Godfather "serious for the sake of being serious"? Isn't X-Men "action-packed for the sake of being action-packed"? Isn't Dumb and Dumber "funny for the sake of being funny"? If anything, "weird for the sake of being weird" is a good thing, no? It certainly makes a film original. And let's face it, how many films can you compare Mulholland Dr. to? In fact, I've read many times the adjective "Lynchian" being used to describe somebody else's work, but I've never read a review of Lynch's films with overt reference to others.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 07:58 PM

SE7EN (David Fincher/USA/1995)

This film gets better with every viewing. A truly disturbing tale of a man who kills seemingly random people, based on the seven deadly sins (lust, greed, envy, sloth, gluttony, wrath, and pride).

Pitt and Freeman turned in two great performances, but Kevin Spacey really steals the show in this one. Eventhough he only has about 20 minutes total (give or take) of on screen time, his performance is disturbingly brilliant.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 08:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[b]SE7EN (David Fincher/USA/1995)

Pitt and Freeman turned in two great performances, but Kevin Spacey really steals the show in this one. Eventhough he only has about 20 minutes total (give or take) of on screen time, his performance is disturbingly brilliant. [/b]
Oh YES! Kevin Spacey is the MAN and I can't wait to see him as Lex Luthor in Superman Returns
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 08:33 PM

I agree Capo. I have my own interpretation for Mulholland Drive that I feel makes perfect sense, but the film is still effective with it's nightmarish/dreamlike images. Lynch's best from what I've seen.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 09:33 PM

Irishman, since you've returned to the thread, I'd be interested in seeing how (if?) you can reply to the second paragraph of my last post.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 10:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Lynch isn't for everyone, and I know that you know that, but I can't quite fathom "weird for the sake of being weird" as a criticism. Isn't The Godfather "serious for the sake of being serious"? Isn't X-Men "action-packed for the sake of being action-packed"? Isn't Dumb and Dumber "funny for the sake of being funny"? If anything, "weird for the sake of being weird" is a good thing, no? It certainly makes a film original. And let's face it, how many films can you compare Mulholland Dr. to? In fact, I've read many times the adjective "Lynchian" being used to describe somebody else's work, but I've never read a review of Lynch's films with overt reference to others.
I agree Lynch isn't for everyone and sure, you can say any comic book movie made in the last 6 years has probably been made as "action for the sake of action." And you can say Dumb and Dumber is "funny for the sake of being funny." etc. But when a very small percentage of those who have watched Mulholland Dr. understand it fully, I think it defeats it's purpose as a movie.

Monty Python and the Hoil Grail **

The first 20-30 minutes were good but towards the end I was bored and felt like I was watching The Yellow Submarine or something.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 11:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
But when a very small percentage of those who have watched Mulholland Dr. understand it fully, I think it defeats it's purpose as a movie.
I disagree with this statement so much. I think as long as the director has an intended purpose in mind, and is not just throwing random images together to confuse his viewers, making a film that is not fully understandable (a.k.a interpretive) is a stroke of genius in my opinion.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 11:36 PM

8 1/2
1963/Fellini

A harried movie director retreats into his memories and fantasies.
Starring Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, and Anouk Aimée
-- 1st Fellini film --

Well, finally a piece of classic cinema that lived up to its reputation. Fellini provided a really enjoyable, comedic, and yet mystifying and complex viewing expierience. His attention to detail in the areas of lighting and camera movement were clearly evident throughout, and his writing skills shine as well. The numerous extended dream sequences were the most exciting parts of the film, providing a figurative window into the main character's thoughts. I found myself wishing the film had been based more in these sequences rather than focusing more on the reality-based aspects of the story.

Fellini did a fantastic job of instantly sucking the viewers in as well with a memorably haunting opening sequence. I went back and watched just that scene over again after I had finished the film and it was given a whole new layer of depth of meaning. Great film, looking forward to multiple rewatches, as well as getting my hands on La Dolce Vita sometime soon.

4.5/5
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 11:43 PM

How'd you like the final image? That gave me chills more than anything else in the film.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 11:47 PM

Not every film can be a straight forward "There's a bomb! Get dowwwwnnnn!!!!" Arnold Schwarzenegger mindfuck that doesn't make you think at all.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/06 11:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
How'd you like the final image? That gave me chills more than anything else in the film.
Actually, sorry to say, I was somewhat dissappointed with the ending. For some reason I had thought I had remembered reading somewhere a while back that in the end the entire film turned out to be a fabrication in the mind of an old and crippled Guido, which turned out to be false. Although I did enjoy the concept of the final circus dancing circle, I had kind of wished Fellini pushed in for a memorable close-up of some kind rather than remain on the extended long shot. Still good though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 12:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Not every film can be a straight forward "There's a bomb! Get dowwwwnnnn!!!!" Arnold Schwarzenegger mindfuck that doesn't make you think at all.
I know and that's why Hollywood has gone down hill so much [/sarcasm]
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 12:33 AM

I think 8 1/2's ending is even better then that would've been. It shows Guido has found positive inspiration to do what he wants, but he still has the problems of his parents, mistress, etc. I need to see it again.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 01:13 AM

Nearly every girl in that movie reminded me of Simonetta Stefanelli.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 05:05 AM

Blazing Saddles ** 1/2

First time watching this classic and it was a lot funnier than I expected. A lot of racy jokes but I liked that about the movie
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 05:47 AM

Fargo ***
Really nice movie, based on a true story about a man wanting to get his wife kidnapped to extract ransom from his father-in-law. The plan goes terribly wrong...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 02:14 PM

My latest AndersonVision review, though not so kind in nature!

SEIZURE
United States, 1974
U.S. Release Date: ?
Running Length: 94 minutes
MPAA Classification: R
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: ?

Starring: Jonathan Frid, Martine Beswick, Joseph Sirola, Christina Pickles, Herve Villechaize, Anne Meacham, Roger De Koven, Troy Donahue, Mary Woronov, Richard Cox, Henry Judd Baker
Directed by – Oliver Stone
Written by – Edward Mann and Oliver Stone
Cinematography: Roger Racine
Original Score: Lee Gagnon
Studio: Cinerama Releasing Corporation

Film Rating – A star and ½ out of 5 (3 out of 10)

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am quite displeased to present to you my first true negative review for AndersonVision. Instead of dishing out such crapper classics like “Highlander 2: The Quickening” and “Hudson Hawk,” I decided to give my royal flogging to a picture that itself is super obscure, even within the giant wave of European art house exploitation horror pictures of the 1960s and 70s.

In fact, the only reason it’s remembered at all is that it was the directorial debut of Oliver Stone. Yes, you read that right. The same Mr. Stone that after this insignificant failure, he would become a top gun of an Oscar-winning screenplay writer in Hollywood, then his directing career took off like Ray Liotta on cocaine with the Oscar-winning “Platoon” followed by several more good and great pictures of his career.

However, like Francis Ford Coppola’s own zero-budget horror-themed directing debut “Dementia 13,” people wouldn’t have realized from watching this movie that Stone was on his way to filmmaking success. Well, sort of.

If anything, there are indications of film schematic philosophy that will re-surface in Stone’s later movies, though with greater success in those films. Going hand-held into the chaotic vegetation of the forest, which we will see in “Platoon,” rapid-edited montage clip of footage from earlier in the film will happen in “Natural Born Killers,” bastard stock-hungry millionaire from “Wall Street,” color-tinting like “JFK” and “Nixon,” and so on.

Of course, unlike those other films, these ideas don’t work to save the film from its ultimate fate. In spirit and ambition, I assume Stone wanted to make for a macabre morality tale, along with such horror fantasy genre conventions that might have been found in the pulp paper-works of the Victorian Era. For we have a horror author Edmond Blackstone (Frid) who is suffering from horrific nightmares on the eve of a weekend party with a wide range of guests. He dreams of three evil people that terrorize his family and friends, but when Edmond proceeds to write and draw these devilish creatures, they themselves arrive for a night of horror. Edmond’s nightmare is happening again, but this time its real…

If anything, I respect Stone’s intentions, but such lofty noble thoughts are undermined by the reality that such allegorical representations of evil, whatever from past times of Earth or mythology, end up being that of a dwarf (Villechaize, before “Fantasy Island”) who seems almost the non-intentionally silly ancestor of Mini-Me, a strong black executioner (Baker) who looks like a reject from “Star Trek,” and a black Queen of Evil (Beswick) who seems like a carbon Xerox copy of similar femme fatale figures from the European horror mood pictures of the time, though not as seductive on an evil level, nor as menacing as such.
Never mind that Stone himself apparently was aiming for a twist shock ending to which would follow the grand literary tradition of unreliable narrators, specifically the American classical masterpiece short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Bridge,” but again like much of the film, it doesn’t compute like it should, nor is it as surprising as Stone probably hoped for.

Not every directorial debut can be a home run like “”Duel” or “Reservoir Dogs”. Sometimes directors are learning the ropes and managing their intentions, so I do give Stone some leeway on that regard. But yet, watching such initial works from people that would later be cited as masters or among the greats is morbid curiosity, especially those pictures that fail. Though with “Seizure,” this is a real hard to find movie that hasn’t been on VHS since a brief run in the late 80’s (to capitalize on Stone’s career emergence) and of which apparently Stone tried to bury, much like Stanley Kubrick’s “Fear & Desire”.

I do understand why Stone would want nobody to ever know, much less see, this early weak work from him, but people have got to start somewhere.

Film Rating – *1/2
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 05:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
But when a very small percentage of those who have watched Mulholland Dr. understand it fully, I think it defeats it's purpose as a movie.
I disagree fully, considering Lynch may never have even set out to attract a wide mainstream audience. That's like saying that because most men would cringe when watching a chick-flick, the film's purpose has been defeated...no?

In Godard's Notre musique (2004), one character says, "If you understand what I have said, then I have not told it correctly."

And understanding a film goes far beyond narrative comprehension; I'd say that, if you connect with the film, appreciate it on an aesthetic level even, then you've "understood" it. As far as stories go, Mulholland Dr. confuses me, too, even on rewatches. Sure, I pick up something new every time I watch it, but I hold no shame in the fact that I discard the ten famous clues Lynch included with the (region 2) DVD as to solving his nightmare. I've read them once, and have cared little for them since.

Linear treatments of narrative have almost been exhausted now; sometimes the style can come across as fresh, and get away with it, like Sofia Coppola with Lost In Translation; but most other times, it is a very select few who can penetrate my desires...and Lynch is one of them. Not because he sets out to confuse (that's not his purpose at all), but because he knows exactly what he's doing, and translates his intentions beautifully onto the screen. Nobody moves me with a moving image as powerfully as Lynch does.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 06:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

Linear treatments of narrative have almost been exhausted now; sometimes the style can come across as fresh, and get away with it,
I have to disagree with this strongly, though I understand that you express a personal opinion regarding your own viewing experience. I agree with your example of "Lost in translation" which I regard as an excellent movie.
I don't mind if a film leaves the audience to form their own interpretation. For example "Broken Flowers". It is an excellent movie, shows the character from a distance, has a small mysterious element in the form of a pink letter, but at the same time is a straight narrative. But my complaint with Mulholland Drive is not about mystery or interpretation, but about mixing up real and fantasy plots conveniently in order to create a mystery out of nothing.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 06:52 PM

Yes, I take that back, actually, about linear narratives having been exhausted.

But if you found hollowness beneath Lynch's mystery, then how come my claim to understand the film is a pretence?

I've said in the past that I think it helps to approach Lynch's films, particularly Mulholland and Lost Highway, as blankets, as textures, as a canvas full of splattered paint. What comes across to us as rather abstract might make perfect sense to the painter; but in describing it as abstract, the painter has not failed to translate his meaning, because that is what he always set out to do: not to confuse, but to create said blanket, the shapeless texture, a mass of visuals and sounds, underneath which might be as much depth as you want to find, or a vacant void of emptiness.

With most other filmmakers, the subtext is there, lying on a plate, and whether you like the film or not depends on whether you decide to eat what's on the plate. But Lynch only serves what your mind wishes to have; there's nothing tangible there, it's what you find to eat for yourself.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 06:55 PM

All this talk is giving me the urge to watch it again tonight.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/06 07:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Fargo ***
Really nice movie, based on a true story about a man wanting to get his wife kidnapped to extract ransom from his father-in-law. The plan goes terribly wrong... [/b]
Actually the little preface in the beginning of the film stating that it is based on a true story is just a trick by the Coens. The film has no basis in fact.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 01:42 AM

The Street Fighter ** 1/2

My first Sonny Chiba flick and it was surprisingly pretty enjoyable. His fighting style was a little different than others I've seen, but it got the job done
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 04:18 AM

Return of the Street Fighter **
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 04:28 AM

No thoughts?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 04:38 AM

Pretty much the same movie with quite a few flashbacks so it was almost like watching The Street Fighter again
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 04:39 AM

I hate when sequels do such bullshit. I mean what the fuck? Why the fuck am I watching the same movie again almost quite literally?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 04:49 AM

Well the same could be said for the Friday the 13th series, but it's a guilty pleasure of mine. At least the death scenes are different and usually more comic later on
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 05:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

But if you found hollowness beneath Lynch's mystery, then how come my claim to understand the film is a pretence?

I've said in the past that I think it helps to approach Lynch's films, particularly Mulholland and Lost Highway, as blankets, as textures, as a canvas full of splattered paint. What comes across to us as rather abstract might make perfect sense to the painter; but in describing it as abstract, the painter has not failed to translate his meaning, because that is what he always set out to do: not to confuse, but to create said blanket, the shapeless texture, a mass of visuals and sounds, underneath which might be as much depth as you want to find, or a vacant void of emptiness.

With most other filmmakers, the subtext is there, lying on a plate, and whether you like the film or not depends on whether you decide to eat what's on the plate. But Lynch only serves what your mind wishes to have; there's nothing tangible there, it's what you find to eat for yourself.
I feel that a screenwriter/director should communicate their ideas to the audience. If I am not wrong, Lynch refuses to explain the plot in any of his interviews. The only medium through which we can now understand it is the movie itself. I accept if you say you understand it, I don't necessarily imply that you are pretending, but I have a strong suspicion that your (or anybody's) interpretation might be totally different from what was originally intended by the script. I remember you had written an essay long ago about art in which you said that an artist completes a work and the viewers pick it up at a later stage and form their own interpretation of it. Thus art survives, though transforming in the process. In that grand picture of art, what you say makes sense, but again I doubt if we really force Lynch to come up with a single solid theory to explain all of the scenes of Mulholland drive, he would really succeed. IMHO there is a lack of clarity. But I may be wrong.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 05:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SVSG:
The only medium through which we can now understand it is the movie itself.
In this sense, Lynch's films are what I'd call "pure" Cinema, to me. How to describe them better than simply watching the film? In another sense, his films are "pure" Cinema in that he doesn't use scripts or storyboards, and thus what comes into physical fruition after leaving his mind is the moving image, not a translation of that moving image (i.e. a script).

I don't feel there's anything wrong with Lynch's intentions being deliberately open to audience interpretation.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 05:55 PM

Munich **
Somehow I was expecting a very heavy and boring movie full of history and stuff. But it turned out to be pretty interesting. The merit of the movie lies in showing the events without excessive sentimental drama. Good movie but lacks a lasting impression.
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/06 11:32 PM

Accattone(1961) Pier Paolo Pasolini / Italy / 7/10
Good first feature by Pasolini. Solid story and acting but technically flawed. Nevertheless it doesn't seem like it holds the film back. Definately displays talent on Pasolini's part and that of the lead actor Franco Citti. A bit slow in the beginning and I was struggling to get through it but the final 20 minutes are amazing, much like another Italian neorealist gem The Bicycle Thief.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 01:06 AM

The Seven Samurai
1954/Kurosawa

A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves.
Starring Takashi Shimura, Toshirô Mifune, and Yoshio Inaba
-- 1st Kurosawa film --

This was quite an enjoyable piece of Japanese cinema which is widely known as one of the greatest films of all time. Kurosawa overcomes technological defecits and the restrictions of his forrest setting and comes through with some impressive camera work for the time period. He also provides a nice running score and notably exceptional lighting.

All of the cast played their roles well, but Takashi Shimura as Kambei the wise leader and Toshirô Mifune as Kikuchiyo the rambunctious rebel both particularly shined. One especially interesting aspect of this film is its constant shifting of the main character role. As the film begins, the villagers are the main focus, and then Kambei as he is introduced, and then Kikuchiyo, and then as the film closes the focus seems to land on Katsushiro, the young apprentice.

While the film may have been a bit overlong at almost 3 1/2 hours, and it perhaps had too many subplots, it was ultimately a pleasurable viewing expierience as well as an important one in an exploration of classic and foreign cinema. I'm looking forward to getting Rashomon.

4.5/5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 01:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I'm looking forward to getting Rashomon.
My favorite Kurosawa film and the one that turned me into a Kurosawa fan. I'd also recommend Throne of Blood
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 02:02 AM

Yeah Throne of Blood and Ikiru both look good.
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 02:28 AM

No Man's Land (2001) Danis Tanovic / Bosnia / 8/10
Bosnia and Herzigovina, 1993. A Serbian and to Bosnian soldiers get trapped in no man's land. One of the Bosnians is laying on a bouncing mine, and if his weight is taken off the mine will explode.
Wow. Amazing, breathtaking movie. Filled with dark comedy and ironies, it's an incredibly important piece of filmmaking and satire. The bleak reality is so beautifully portrayed. The final frame is an excruciating jarring. A startling wake-up call. Highly recommended.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 04:23 AM

Over the Hedge **
Animated movie about a racoon and a bunch of hibernating animals. The racoon destroys the stored food of a large bear and has to replenish it in a week. It teams together with a bunch of animals fresh out of hibernation who have no idea about outside (human) world, to gather food by stealing from the humans. It is not all that funny in the beginning, but towards the end it is hilarious. I have a minor complaint with children's movies including this - they often have some preachy dialogue about the importance of family etc, which I find a little annoying and out of place. However these movies are specifically targetted towards kids and not someone like me, so I dont know, maybe the kids do enjoy that kind of stuff!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 05:15 AM

Red Heat ** 1/2

I really enjoyed Arnold as a stuffy Russian cop (who's accent was pretty decent). Jim Belushi added a lot of comic relief to this film and it was a very enjoyable movie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 08:00 AM

Love Actually **
Similar to Bridget Jones' Diary and Notting hill, a british romantic comedy with predictable story line. There are several couples here, their lives are shown paralelly. The music is good, but the songs of Notting Hill were better IMO.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 08:03 AM

Irish, my favorite joke in that picture being where Arnold, after firing the Dirty Harry revolver, comments he still prefers his gun from back home.

Still, at least you've entered the filmography of Walter Hill, who at the best of his times, hes easily one of my favorite filmmakers.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/06 06:06 PM

The Rules of the Game
1939/Renoir

An assorted cast of characters - the rich and their poor servants - meet up at a French chateau for various reasons and the result is murder.
Starring Nora Gregor, Marcel Dalio, Roland Toutain, and Jean Renoir
-- 1st Renoir film --

This film provided an interesting if not confusing viewing expierience because at times the comedic and dramatic aspects of the story seemed indistinguishable from one another. Certain scenes and situations seemed to either be badly misconstrued comedic scenes or ineffective dramatic ones. While the premise of the film is also somewhat indecipherable, the cast of characters provides for an interesting backdrop, and their various antics and interactions do create a somewhat interesting atmosphere.

While some of the acting seemed a bit stiff and out-dated, the character of Octave was clearly the most interesting and well-acted role among the bunch. Only after the film was completed did I discover Octave was played by none other than Renoir himself. As far as Renoir's direction, there seemed to be no glaring flaws in his shot framing and lighting, but the film was severly hampered by the lack of music.

Ultimately, the film wasn't very interesting or exciting, but also not deep enough to posses true dramatic effect. Whether it was seeking to be a nice little French romantic comedy or a sophisticated satire on aristocratic culture, I felt as though it failed.

3.5/5
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 05:05 AM

A Clockwork Orange
1971/Kubrick

A very fantastic film. This was the first complete viewing for me. I enjoyed this the most of the Kubricks I've seen, but I'm rewatching 2001 soon, and hoping to get to Barry Lyndon in a couple weeks time.

5/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 05:56 AM

Glad you liked it Mista. As I said before, it's my favorite Kubrick flick

The Aristocrats * 1/2

One joke told 100 ways for 90 minutes. It CAN get little tedious
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 08:08 AM

I finally managed to watch Closer (2004) over the weekend and totally enjoyed it. What an amazing unconventional movie about love and abandonment, guys. Intriguing plot, wonderful script, outstanding acting performances! I suggest everybody to watch this movie, especially the not-so-young-anymore ones. Definitely my kind of movie, all dialogue and no special effects.

On the other hand, I unfortunately watched Kingdom of Heaven (2005) as well. Gee, what a totally boring, unbearably long and sadly disappointing movie. Coming from sir Ridley Scott, Gladiator's director, one could well expect something worth but it's not the case. Orlando Bloom is a cutie. That's all I was thrilled about, in between yawns. Nonetheless, I'm going to watch Alexander soon. I bet Colin Farrell will keep me awake.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 11:14 AM

Kingdom of Heaven would've been much better without Orlando Bloom.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 11:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Kingdom of Heaven would've been much better without Orlando Bloom.
In that case I'd have remorselessly surrendered to sleep.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 12:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
I bet Colin Farrell will keep me awake.
You know, you really do need to see The New World.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 01:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
You know, you really do need to see The New World.
I'll see it, darling.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 04:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
I finally managed to watch Closer (2004) over the weekend and totally enjoyed it. What an amazing unconventional movie about love and abandonment, guys. Intriguing plot, wonderful script, outstanding acting performances! I suggest everybody to watch this movie, especially the not-so-young-anymore ones. Definitely my kind of movie, all dialogue and no special effects.

On the other hand, I unfortunately watched Kingdom of Heaven (2005) as well. Gee, what a totally boring, unbearably long and sadly disappointing movie. Coming from sir Ridley Scott, Gladiator's director, one could well expect something worth but it's not the case. Orlando Bloom is a cutie. That's all I was thrilled about, in between yawns. Nonetheless, I'm going to watch Alexander soon. I bet Colin Farrell will keep me awake.
Closer was a good movie and I probably need to rewatch it again. I also hated Kingdom of Heaven (saw it twice and never wish to see it again). What a disappointment. You know, before I even say it in theaters, a friend of mine told me it was better than Gladiator
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 05:03 PM

Charlotte et Véronique, ou: Tous les garçons s'appellent Patrick (All the Boys Are Called Patrick)
Jean-Luc Godard
1957 France (1st time; download)
Two students in Paris are wooed into a date by the same man.
Early Godard, witty and comical, crudely done but with a youthful charm that wins you over.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 06:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]A Clockwork Orange
1971/Kubrick

A very fantastic film. This was the first complete viewing for me. I enjoyed this the most of the Kubricks I've seen, but I'm rewatching 2001 soon, and hoping to get to Barry Lyndon in a couple weeks time.

5/5 Stars [/b]
Barry Lyndon is the least accessible of his films, and I think it's his third best. The cinematography in that film is nothing short of breathtaking. I love it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 06:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Charlotte et Véronique, ou: Tous les garçons s'appellent Patrick (All the Boys Are Called Patrick)
Jean-Luc Godard
1957 France (1st time; download)
Two students in Paris are wooed into a date by the same man.
Early Godard, witty and comical, crudely done but with a youthful charm that wins you over. [/b]
Is this the first time you've downloaded a movie Capo?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/06 06:40 PM

No, I've downloaded some Lynch shorts before. Only when they're unavailable...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/06 05:12 AM

No, I've downloaded some Lynch shorts before. Only when they're unavailable...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/06 05:48 AM

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: THE DIRECTOR'S CUT (2005) - ****1/2

Character development, atmosphere, narrative flow, and plot details were casualties in the theatrical edit in the goal of making the 150 minute editing time. With the director's cut(how many does Ridley Scott have anyway?), these facets are reinstated in a movie that went from being a noble if flawed as hell 145 minute summer blockbuster historical period epic to a 194 minute tale of dilemma in fulfilling the code of honor and righteousness as a knight and within religion in a reality where such things are merely tools for power, and nothing more.

What keeps this film from being Ridley's 3rd masterpiece (after ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER) is probably that the film, instead of allowing the story and actions to make its thesis points through drama, states way more than once quite openly that "religion fanaticism is bad", "we should be in peace", blah blah blah. As I noted in my WALKER film review, political arguments themselves in film are irrelevant if the film can't make you give a shit about it. Luckily, this complaint against KOH is minor and doesn't detract from easily Ridley's biggest movie.

Not a masterpiece, but it comes close.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/06 07:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Not a masterpiece, but it comes close.
As Voltaire said, I do not agree with a word that you said, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.... :p
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/06 12:01 PM

I'm surprised how much praise I've seen that film receive since it seemed to bomb in its original theatrical run.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/06 12:11 PM

A Prairie Home Companion's getting decent reviews. Looks like I should go see some Altmans before that comes out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/06 07:00 PM

The Omen ** 1/2

Yes I bought into the marketing of "6*6*06" and saw it today. It wasn't that bad of a movie actually and a couple of parts in the movie actually made me jump. I enjoyed it more than the original.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/06/06 08:28 PM

Kris (Crisis)
Ingmar Bergman
1945 Sweden (1st time; DVD)
A young girl moves out of her adopted home to go live with her mother in Stockholm, and finds there a darker side to humanity.
Bergman's first directorial effort is a slight affair which takes two thirds to get going; the final half-hour is an interesting one, however, full of recurring visual motifs that hint at masterpieces to come. Moments that would later be known as Bergmanesque are few and far between, and if it weren't for the subtitles and a more explicit suggestion of sex, it may well have been a 1940s women's melodrama from Hollywood.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 02:24 AM

Singin' in the Rain
1952/Donen & Kelly

Never thought I'd enjoy a musical so much. Gene Kelly was great to watch, he's got real lasting screen presence, and his direction was stunning at times. I thought the extensive use of the crane-mounted camera sweeps resulted in some really breathtaking frame changes at times. The film also had really great set pieces, and I especially enjoyed the dream-like quality of the heavenly staircase dance sequence which was done without any singing, which further added to the effect.

4.5/5
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 03:28 AM

Chinatown ***
Secrets, secrets and more secrets. Coverups everywhere. In Chinatown, you do as little as possible.
A private detective is hired to spy on the affairs of the chief engineer of waterworks by his wife. He goes on to find bigger and bigger scams. Good acting from everyone including Jack Nicholson. I liked the colors used in the film, shades of green and brown predominantly. The background music too was good. Not a masterpiece, still an excellent movie. I am more convinced than ever that 70's were the golden age of films.
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 03:37 AM

No dount 70's is the golden age of movies
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 04:57 AM

Die Hard *** 1/2

What an amazing way to spend 132 minutes than with Mr. Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. Bruce absolutely stole the show and Alan Rickman shined as well. The 1980s had some pretty bad a$$ action movies IMO. What an American classic!
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 05:23 AM

Just saw the Omen..


Eh.

It was alright. I'm always partial to the originals though.

The theater was packed though.. we went to the 9:40 show, and they made everyone scoot down so that thered be room on the ends to fit people. Thats the first time thats ever happened to me, and I go to the movies all the time.

PS- My ticket stub says "Omen 666".... Was it REALLY called "The Omen 666"... :rolleyes: They were reeally pushing for this gimmick, weren't they?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 05:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
The theater was packed though.. we went to the 9:40 show, and they made everyone scoot down so that thered be room on the ends to fit people. Thats the first time thats ever happened to me, and I go to the movies all the time.
I wouldn't have scooted. I'm sorry but my ticket says 'general admission' on it. You want a good seat, leave 5 minutes eariler and get here before I do. I'm sorry but that's bullsh*t
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 05:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I wouldn't have scooted. I'm sorry but my ticket says 'general admission' on it. You want a good seat, leave 5 minutes eariler and get here before I do. I'm sorry but that's bullsh*t
Haha, well ya see.. myyy row didn't. We were in the back row, and frankly we do what we want. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 05:37 AM

Exactly. Unless this movie theater has assigned seating, I would have told the usher or whoever to go f*ck themselves. What were they gonna do, throw you out? Yeah right, you've already paid for your ticket
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 05:38 AM

Boy Irish, you're awful fiesty this fine (early) Wednesday morning :p
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 04:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Die Hard *** 1/2

What an amazing way to spend 132 minutes than with Mr. Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. Bruce absolutely stole the show and Alan Rickman shined as well. The 1980s had some pretty bad a$$ action movies IMO. What an American classic!
I totally agree,i love this film one of his best,kind of film you can always watch and never get board
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 08:08 PM

The Da Vinci Code
Ron Howard
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
A professor in religious symbolism is drawn into a scandalous secret when his name is discovered at the scene of a murder in the Louvre.
Structurally, with its fragmented opening, complex, double-crossing plot and a hero in over his head, this vaguely resembles Marathon Man (1976), the kind of intelligent thriller not made these days. That is not to say, however, that Howard's adaptation of a bestselling novel rejuvenates the mystery genre; it is fairer to say that it is, perhaps disappointingly, though certainly expectedly, a novel translated to moving images--a well-paced, brilliantly-edited one.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/06 10:45 PM

The Game ***

My first time watching this and I did enjoy it but felt it moved a little slowly. Some shocks in there as well and for some reason I don't see enough of Michael Douglas
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 03:27 AM

I'll get my revenge upon thee, Irishman, for beating my DIE HARD review to the punch! A Klingon proverb once said that revenge is a dish best served COLD!

Okay, enough of my over-acting. I'll do reviews as well for DIE HARD 2 and DHWAV at the same time...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 03:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I'm surprised how much praise I've seen that film receive since it seemed to bomb in its original theatrical run.
Well, the movie bombed in American theaters because of many things.

For one, the 145 minute edit which really was like cutting an almost perfect square burger, then cutting the corners off into a decent if less-satisfying traditional circle burger.

Second, the advertizing was horrid. Inbetween the pussy rock, we had a trailer that almost made it look it GLADIATOR FIGHTS THE TWO TOWERS or some silly shit. Obviously, people expecting such a thing were sorely disapointed.

I'm not trying to excuse for its non-success in theaters, but those two reasons I'm sure explain a good part of why it was a dud. Though really guys, you have no idea how improved it is with the director's cut.....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 03:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Okay, enough of my over-acting. I'll do reviews as well for DIE HARD 2 and DHWAV at the same time...
You can post 1 for Die Hard. I look forward to the DHWAV movie as it's one of my favorites and I would have given it ****
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 04:08 AM

Pi
1998/Aronofsky

This was an incredibly nice piece of cinema considering its budget constraints. I continue to be amazed by Aronofsky's editing, camera, and lighting techniques, as this film was a prime example of beautiful yet slightly disturbing black and white photography. It's amazing the talent Aronofsky has shown in just two films. Requiem deserves a rewatch and I can't wait for The Fountain.

4.5/5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 05:37 AM

Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic **

I had been looking forward to this movie but I wasn't as pleased with it. It's a shame I don't see more of Sarah Silverman but I'm looking forward to seeing her new show on Comedy Central next month
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 06:27 AM

Is she getting a show? I'm sure Comedy Central has been advertising it to death but I never watch TV anymore.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 07:22 AM

Evil Dead *
I was not sure whether I should watch it after midnight, this being my first serious horror movie. There were a couple of scary frames, but most of the movie was filled with blood, other disgusting fluids, chopping off heads, dismembering bodies etc which were more gory and violent than scary. I hope I don't have any bad dreams now!
Any suggestions for scary movies with a little less gory stuff? I realized I have missed out on this genre entirely
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 08:52 AM

I haven't seen it, but wasn't Evil Dead supposed to lean towards comedic?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 09:11 AM

About Schmidt
2002/Payne

It's kind of odd that it took me this long to finally see this film considering how much I love Election. Payne and Nicholson work together beautifully here, and I thought Payne's crafting of a story that was funny but not too funny and sentimental but not too sentimental was perfectly executed. It's interesting to get a sense of how much Payne enjoys showcasing conservative Midwestern culture, in a way mocking it, but in a way honoring it. Payne's steady, conventional camera work here adds to the sense of lifelessness portrayed throughout the film, and Nicholson's performance is top-notch.

4.5/5
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 11:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Evil Dead *
I was not sure whether I should watch it after midnight, this being my first serious horror movie. There were a couple of scary frames, but most of the movie was filled with blood, other disgusting fluids, chopping off heads, dismembering bodies etc which were more gory and violent than scary. I hope I don't have any bad dreams now!
Any suggestions for scary movies with a little less gory stuff? I realized I have missed out on this genre entirely [/b]
Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I haven't seen it, but wasn't Evil Dead supposed to lean towards comedic?
I'd call it tongue in cheek horror. But some scenes are very graphic and disturbing still, even by today's standards. Bruce Cambell is hilarious as Ash, with his facial expressions I consider him the original Jim Carey.

Evil Dead II is much better but I prefer the third installment over them all - Army of Darkness.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 11:43 AM

The Terminal

An Eastern European man is left stranding in an American airport whilst his passport and visa are revoked due to a revolt in his homeland country.

This is going down as a personal favourite. An undemanding feel good and funny movie that hits a few emotions. I really enjoyed it and am surprised that it never became a bigger hit.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 12:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Turi Giuliano:
I really enjoyed it and am surprised that it never became a bigger hit.
I loved it, too.

I know its not all too popular to sing the praises of Tom Hanks today but he's an extremely talented actor.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 12:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:


I know its not all too popular to sing the praises of Tom Hanks today but he's an extremely talented actor.
What makes you say that?
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 12:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
[quote]Originally posted by Turi Giuliano:
[b] I really enjoyed it and am surprised that it never became a bigger hit.
I loved it, too.

I know its not all too popular to sing the praises of Tom Hanks today but he's an extremely talented actor. [/b][/quote]I completely agree. The acting was more than solid, I thought it was exceptional. I remember at some point during the film I thought: when did I stop watching Hanks and started watching Navorski. Then I realised it was almost immediately as he's on screen. His mannerisms were perfect.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 04:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I haven't seen it, but wasn't Evil Dead supposed to lean towards comedic?
Army of Darkness, the 3rd movie in the trilogy was
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 04:41 PM

Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, and Army of Darkness are 3 of my favorite movies.

Now gimme some sugar baby. Groovy.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 05:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, and Army of Darkness are 3 of my favorite movies.

Now gimme some sugar baby. Groovy.
I...I think I love you... :p
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 05:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by xXx_DoN_CoRLeOnE_xXx:
[quote]Originally posted by bogey:
[b] Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, and Army of Darkness are 3 of my favorite movies.

Now gimme some sugar baby. Groovy.
I...I think I love you... :p [/b][/quote] You sure its not those drugs talkin, DC? :p

I think my favorite part is his speech about his 'boomstick'. "Alright now listen up you primitive screwheads..." I love me some Ash Williams
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 05:58 PM

The New World
Terrence Malick
2005 US (3rd time; DVD)
The first English settlers in America find themselves at odds with the Natives, and are saved by the rival king's youngest daughter, who falls in love with Captain John Smith.
Exploring the contrast between two civilisations, one free and content at its own introversion, the other curious and explorative, and both primitive in their own way, Malick's beautiful film, a lyrical hymn to the world and an ambitious extension on themes covered in his other three features, never really settles for an established narrative arc: it sort of comes and goes, recycling and hovering upon its own themes; his unique editing style suggests a never-settling atmosphere, a narrative drive which is in a constant state of exposition.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 11:10 PM

I really have to check that one out, Capo.

The Bicycle Thief
1948/De Sica

I don't get it. I really don't get it. What could possibly justify this as the 19th greatest film of all time?

2.5/5
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 11:22 PM

Could you at least explain why you didn't like it?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/06 11:29 PM

Conventionally shot, no innovative or interesting camera techniques. Basic lighting, never really seemed to take advantage of the beautiful contrast between lights and darks showcased in some B&W movies. Audience holds no real emotional connection or sympathy for the main character. Story is a bit boring. Emotionally, it seemed to be a one-note symphony. No real exploration of any side characters. Anti-climacitc ending. Symbolism, if any, ultimately seemed too vague.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 12:14 AM

Great explanation.

I'd still like to see it someday.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 01:12 AM

Yeah I don't always really expect to enjoy these older films, I just kind of feel like it's neccesary viewing and that if anything, it gives more weight to my own personal opinions on film.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 01:26 AM

I went to see "The Omen 666" this afternoon and actually, for a remake, it was much better than I expected. I've always been a fan of horror movies (the classic ones especially)and went without real high expectations.

Except for Mia Fararow, the cast was basically unknown (to me anyway), but the acting was good and the script, to my recollection was pretty much faithful to the original.

The young boy who played Damien was not too bad, but the original Damien had a creepier look which was more chilling. Damien hardly had any dialogue though, and if I'm not mistaken, in the original, he had more lines. I looked for the original "Damien" who was a tabloid reporter in a cameo, and can't say I recognized him.

All and all, I'm not sorry that I went, as this was one of the better remakes I've seen.

TIS
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 02:16 AM

The Bicycle Thief is supposed to a great Neo-Realism film about post-WWII poverty in Italy, and was supposedly a big influence on Mean Streets. I really wanna see it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 02:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I went to see "The Omen 666" this afternoon and actually, for a remake, it was much better than I expected. I've always been a fan of horror movies (the classic ones especially)and went without real high expectations.

All and all, I'm not sorry that I went, as this was one of the better remakes I've seen.

TIS
Glad you enjoyed it TIS. I surprisingly enjoyed it too
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 03:38 AM

A few months back, I decided I was going to pick a specific year in history which I felt saw the release of a lot of good films, and then I would thoroughly go through what I deemed to be all of the good movies released that year. The first year I picked was 1995, and although I never completed my list of movies to see from that year, I stumbled across these, the ones that I did finish, and figured I'd post them.

Note: These are all done in my old stlye of reviews.

12 Monkeys (Terry Gilliam)
Starring Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, and Madeleine Stowe
Direction – 21/25
Acting – 21/25
Story – 14//20
Rewatchability – 14/20
Music – 6/10
TOTAL = 76%
3/5 Stars
Decent science fiction film with an amazing concept that is only pulled off half-heartedly. Kind of felt like a weak attempt at a Kubrick film, reminds the viewer of A Clockwork Orange or 2001: A Space Odyssey in its style and tone. Brad Pitt’s Oscar-nominated supporting role was only interesting for the first 15 minutes he was on screen. Bruce Willis and Madeleine Stowe were both decent, although Stowe felt kind of expendable, didn’t exactly bring anything to the role that another actress couldn’t have. Gilliam’s direction was kind of TV-ish looking at times, not dark enough for the storyline. Good storytelling though, interesting character development. Overall, the film could’ve gone a little deeper, it was a bit too comical at times, but I guess that’s just Gilliam’s style.

Leaving Las Vegas (Mike Figgis)
Starring Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue
Direction – 17/25
Acting – 22/25
Story – 14/20
Rewatchability – 13/20
Music – 5/10
TOTAL = 71%
2.5/5 Stars
An amateurly directed film with solid performances from Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue being the only things that save it. Figgis’s direction felt kind of TV-ish, a lot of really basic, hand-held camera shots that didn’t work in favor of the film. Cage’s Oscar-winning performance seemed like just another Cage performance, really no different than most of his other work, maybe just a little bit more over the top. Elisabeth Shue was really nothing special either, she played her role well, kind of steely at times, couldn’t tell whether this was accidental or not. Figgis kind of implied that the viewers would understand how the two main characters fell in love too much, didn’t really offer any explanation. Cage and Shue never really had excellent chemistry together either. The music was really bad at times, just some strange choices at times by Figgis, like playing the same Sting-covering-Sinatra song over and over, in a number of scenes with completely different tones. The whole film just kind of seemed like an amateur effort and a mess.

Apollo 13 (Ron Howard)
Starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris
Direction – 23/25
Acting – 21/25
Story – 18/20
Rewatchability – 17/20
Music – 9/10
TOTAL = 88%
4/5 Stars
There isn’t much to be said negatively about this film; a near-perfectly directed movie by Ron Howard with solid performances from the great ensemble cast. Accompany that with a interesting story enhanced by Howard’s attention to detail, an excellent story composition with three settings running inter-cut with one another, and a nice score emphasizing the emotions of the film, and there is little to dislike. My only criticisms would be that it is maybe a bit overlong, although not ridiculously so at 2 hours and 20 minutes, and like many of Howard’s films, it gets kind of over-sentimental, cutesy, and corny at times. A more dramatic and psychological angle could’ve been taken, making it a bit of a deeper film, but these were not the intentions of the film. If one considers the finished product against the director’s intentions, it is essentially flawless.


The American President (Rob Reiner)
Starring Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, and Richard Dreyfuss
Direction – 21/25
Acting – 20/25
Story – 16/20
Rewatchability – 14/20
Music – 8/10
TOTAL = 79%
3/5 Stars
A drama/romantic comedy directed by Rob Reiner about a bachelor president who falls in love with a political lobbyist in an election year. A superb cast, headed up by Michael Douglas at his usual best. I liked Michael J. Fox in what I feel may have been the first movie I ever saw him in, and Martin Sheen and Richard Dreyfuss provide nice support for the alternate aspects of the story. Annette Bening also seemed kind of perfect for her role; not too feminine enough to be an un-convincing hardnosed lobbyist, but nice enough to make a believable romantic interest. She also really looked the part, with the Hillary Clinton-like hair. Reiner’s direction is solid, not really taking any chances, but sometimes doing a conventional film extremely well has its payoffs. Reiner also was able to effectively mix the love story in with the political developments pretty well, without either overtaking the other in screen time. Ultimately, a conventional film with a solid cast and strong if not predictable direction.


Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (Gary Fleder)
Starring Andy Garcia, Christopher Walken, Steve Buscemi, Christopher Lloyd, and William Forsythe
Direction – 20/25
Acting – 22/25
Story – 18/20
Rewatchability – 18/20
Music – 7/10
TOTAL = 85%
3.5/5 Stars
A slick crime film in the vein of Pulp Fiction, with somewhat flawed but forgivable direction by rookie feature film director Gary Fleder. The pacing of the story and the character development worked fine, and even had some really inspired moments at times, but there were consistent problems with the cinematography and lighting. Everything was always a bit too colorful and fake looking, it tends to remind the viewers of theater lighting, like for a play almost. Andy Garcia is excellent here, every film I see him in makes me want to see more of his work. He executes both the dramatic and comedic sides of his character masterfully, and holds a really formidable presence throughout. Although the film is very clearly influenced by Pulp Fiction in its efforts to be “cool”, it doesn’t go overboard, and the added touches of old-style gangsters and the mafia and here and there give it a sense of tradition, as opposed to going for the out and out, new, hip, cool type approach. The story works especially well, starting off kind of slow and predictable but ultimately forming into a nice composition which leads to an interesting ending. Overall, good early work from Garcia, a surprisingly good film for a rookie screenwriter and director, with a strong supporting cast and an interesting story.


Dead Man Walking (Tim Robbins)
Starring Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Robert Prosky, and R. Lee Ermey
Direction – 23/25
Acting – 24/25
Story – 17/20
Rewatchability – 16/20
Music – 9/10
TOTAL = 89%
4/5 Stars
A dark and thought-provoking character study of a men on death row and a nun who advises him spiritually. A really great and powerful film, with surprisingly solid direction by Tim Robbins. The film had the feel of an established director but still retained moments of flare that showed it was the work of an innovator. Susan Sarandon turns in a simply fantastic performance, better than anything she’s ever done, before or since, and Sean Penn goes against his normal character type to play a deeply fanatical Southern man. There was great balance between the two main characters, and there is no doubt that Sarandon deserved her Best Actress Oscar, and Sean Penn seems to have a been a strong contender for Best Actor as well. This film also had exceptionally great music, always really adding to the tone and style of the film, never hampering it. Add in an incredibly interesting story, and you will find one of the best of the year.


Before Sunrise (Richard Linklater)
Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
Direction – 24/25
Acting – 25/25
Story – 17/20
Rewatchability – 17/20
Music – 7/10
TOTAL = 90%
4/5 Stars
A simplistic and incredibly minimalist study of love and blossoming relationships as exemplified by a young couple who meet on a fateful night in Vienna. Perfectly acted by really the only two characters with more than 10 minutes of screen time in the whole film, played by Ethan Hawke with a surprisingly amazing performance, and the little-known Julie Delpy. Richard Linklater was wise to try to make this film nothing more than what it wants to be; a beautiful study of two strangers falling in love. It seems as though films set entirely in the space of one 24-hour-or-less period don’t really seem to work as there’s no room for true character and story development, but with so much of the film focused on our two main players, there was no cause for complaint. The film also did a fantastic job of keeping the story very simple while not losing the viewer’s interest, which a film of this type runs the risk of. This is also some of the greatest writing I’ve ever heard, so realistic, compelling, and interesting, and always remaining true to the characters. The only slight problem with the film was the lack of music, although repeat viewings may lead the viewer’s feeling as though this adds to the reality and atmosphere of the film. Besides that one minor flaw, a really fantastic film in all other aspects.


Richard III (Richard Loncraine)
Starring Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Jim Broadbent, Robert Downey Jr., and Maggie Smith
Direction – 23/25
Acting – 23/25
Story – 18/20
Rewatchability – 15/20
Music – 7/10
TOTAL = 86%
4/5 Stars
A polished and intriguing Shakespearean adaptation set in an imagined 1930’s Britain where a Nazi-like regime comes to power. Ian McKellen, taking both the acting and screenwriting chairs, really steals the show among this great ensemble cast. His performance is spectacular; portraying Richard’s evil to its true extent, showing his deceit and manipulation of others with charm, and sometimes narrating directly to the camera in some of the funniest and most powerful moments of the film. Throughout the entire film, there was fantastic set direction, costume design, lighting, and cinematography, giving the stellar cast a great backdrop to display their talents. Loncraine continuously chose interesting shots, all structured so well. He and McKellen together create a truly chilling portrait of a slightly mad, power-hungry dictator; charming and proper in public, but scheming and murderous behind closed doors. The film’s commitment to mostly Shakespearean dialogue took some getting used to, but eventually ended up adding to the wonderful style and tone of the film, and it never hurt the flow of the story or muddled the plot. And was I the only one who noticed the Dr. Strangelove reference in the end? Ultimately, a great character study that is both technically and creatively stunning.


The Crossing Guard (Sean Penn)
Starring Jack Nicholson, David Morse, Anjelica Houston, and Robin Wright Penn
Direction – 16/25
Acting – 20/25
Story – 10/20
Rewatchability – 5/20
Music – 5/10
TOTAL = 56%
0/5 Stars
Bottom line, this was a pretty horrible film. Penn directs with little skill, Nicholson delivers a mediocre performance, Morse seems miscast, Houston doesn’t have much to do, and Wright-Penn has a really erratic character who’s only on screen for 20 minutes. The story is a mess, including the beginning, middle, and end. Only recommded for die-hard Nicholson fans.

Rob Roy (Michael Caton-Jones)
Starring Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, and Brian Cox
Direction – 23/25
Acting – 23/25
Story – 17/20
Rewatchability – 16/20
Music – 10/10
TOTAL = 89%
4/5 Stars
This film successfully brings together good storytelling, well-defined and interesting characters, great music, settings, and locations, and overall, a wonderful sense of authenticity. It is able to expertly navigate the dangerous waters of telling a heart-warming story without falling into clichéd cheesiness. Liam Neeson seems like he was born to play his role, literally, as he completely looks, sounds, and acts the part to perfection. The film also nicely utilizes and showcases the beautiful Scottish countryside, accented by wonderful lighting, cinematography, and shot choice by Caton-Jones. Tim Roth plays the malicious Archibald Cunningham to devilish perfection in an Oscar-nominated performance. Brian Cox is also excellent as the scheming Killearn. The only real problems here would be the story which kind of dragged at parts, which led to a bit of an over-long running time, but again, these do not seriously hurt the overall impact of the film. The final showdown is especially captivitating. Caton-Jones’ choice to keep it completely free of music and dialogue was true directing genius. Overall, a really spectacular film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 06:10 AM

Big Girls Don't Cry...They Get Even ** 1/2

I always enjoyed this as a kid as well. A decent cast to it and yes it's cheesy, corny, childish, etc. but again, I enjoyed it
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 06:49 PM

För att inte tala om alla dessa kvinnor (All These Women / Now About These Women)
Ingmar Bergman
1964 Sweden (1st time; DVD)
A music critic arrives at the house of a virtuoso cellist to write his biography; but the wife, mistresses and servants get in his way.
Surface furnishings suggest an entirely different name altogether behind the director's credit; but dive beneath the stunning colour, slapstick humour and theatrical tone, and here is one of Bergman's torn artists, niggled at by those around him, with the burdens of expectation alienating his genius to the end.

Cómo ser mujer y no morir en el intento (How to be a Woman and Not Die in the Attempt)
Ana Belén
1991 Spain (1st time; DVD)
A three-time-married woman copes with the various crises of middle-aged life.
Pleasant enough caricature of female perceptions of men; tame by feminist standards, though not without its valid observations, with Carmen Maura shining as the mid-life-crisis woman dealing with a lousy husband, his son, her daughter, and her own insecurities of appearance.
Posted By: KuntaCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 08:33 PM

I saw Wild at Heart the other day. Man, David Lynch is a genius! If I ever grow up to become a director,( :0 ) I'll make movies like his.... Of course I wont copy anything.
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/06 09:51 PM

Closer


Natalie Portman
Jude Law
Julia Roberts
Clive Owen
An intriguing story of passion, drama, love, and abandonment involving two couples, which only gets more complicated when the man from the first couple gets acquainted with the woman from the second coupling.(IMDB.com)

3.5/4 stars
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/06 03:58 PM

Ray (2004; Hackford) **

Fantastic performance by Jamie Foxx and a stellar soundtrack from an otherwise ok film. Walk The Line was better.
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/06 04:04 PM

De Niro Loves that film well both!
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/06 07:14 PM

.. :rolleyes:

Sooo.. last night I saw some movie.. something about Travelling Sisterhood of the Dumb Pants.. well, something like that. It had to do with a pair of dumb magic jeans. That's all I really got out of it. Pretty stupid movie, but it kept my attention.. I think I was just in awe. Its one of those things - its so horrible you can't take your eyes off of it.

In other news, I celebrated Johnny Depp's birthday yesterday. Haha, we put together a Pirates of the Caribbean puzzle while we watched that dumb Sisterhood of the Jeans movie.

I also watched The Long Hot Summer and Meet me in St. Louis. I loovveee Paul Newman. Love. And Meet me in St. Louis is always a classic.

Turner Classic Movies is my savior.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/06 09:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
Turner Classic Movies is my savior.
Yeah I'm starting to check the TV Guide everyday to see what's playing that evening
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/06 10:21 PM

Are they commercial free?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/06 10:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Are they commercial free?
Yes and no. In between features they will have the occasional mini documentaries about certain actors or directors and small spots for newly released or restored DVDs. You know, useful ones. All the movies are introduced by one of several people.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/06 10:33 PM

But the films themselves run commercial free.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/06 10:36 PM

That's awesome. I should look into that.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 01:40 AM

I'm going to get to watch Last Days tonight.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 01:52 AM

A Fistful of Dollars ***

Probably my 2nd favorite Clint Eastwood movie (behind only Escape From Alcatraz, but it might be better than it, I'd have to rewatch that too). A great movie, with a great cast and great score. My favorite of The Man With No Name Trilogy. And I'm getting pissed off waiting for the Region 1 Special Edition DVD
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 02:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
I'm going to get to watch Last Days tonight.
What a great movie. I hope you enjoy it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 03:00 AM

Full Metal Jacket
1987/Kubrick

A very interesting film, told in a kind of non-judgemental style. R. Lee Ermey turns in a fantastic if not common performance for him, but he made the first half of the movie. One especially interesting thing was the ever-present flames once the film moved its focus to Vietnam. This gave every scene shot there a sense as if it were being filmed in hell, which clearly helped to reflect some of the soldier's mentalities. Overall, a film that was unique for how routine it seemed. Kind of odd it took Kubrick 7 years to put this together, as it wasn't exactly an epic film of grand porportions or anything like that. Still solid though. My next Kubrick will be Barry Lyndon or Eyes Wide Shut.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 03:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]Full Metal Jacket
1987/Kubrick
[/b]
SPOILERS
The scene in the rest-room where Pyle slowly says "762 millimeter full metal jacket" remained in my thoughts for many days after I saw the movie. Great scene and a great turning point for the movie.
END SPOILERS
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 03:56 AM

SPOILER
Yeah D'Onofrio was great. Kind of wished he had been in more of the film.
SPOILER
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:56 AM

Underworld Evolution ** 1/2

A worthy sequel to the original Underworld. However, it's still inferior to its predecessor. Hopefully they'll make a 3rd
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 01:06 PM

Fell asleep right when those two guys from the Mormon church came to Blake's house.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 03:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
Fell asleep right when those two guys from the Mormon church came to Blake's house.
So is that bad for the movie or yourself?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:32 PM

Watch the fucking movie DA.
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:35 PM

Posieden

I went to see it in the cinemas and id say it was a great movie with brilliant effects! If your very squenmish id beware as there is a lot of dead people and people being killed by lifts and things falling and being drowned!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:36 PM

omfg ded ppl?
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:38 PM

YES dead people (but not ded ppl!) lol
Posted By: Valenti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:39 PM

You wanna' see a dead people movie? See Salo. That movie is disturbing to everyone, with it's flagrant pedophilia and child murder.
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:44 PM

I looked it up on the net yeah it does look a bit gruesome!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[b] Fell asleep right when those two guys from the Mormon church came to Blake's house.
So is that bad for the movie or yourself? [/b][/quote]No no, it's for me. I just dozed off.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
Posieden

I went to see it in the cinemas and id say it was a great movie with brilliant effects! If your very squenmish id beware as there is a lot of dead people and people being killed by lifts and things falling and being drowned!
Learn English Quickly and Easily. Study at Home and at Your Pace!

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:54 PM

Hagen, you noticed at the finale how when Joker shoots the sniper, for a brief shot, his peace symbol button is "hidden" from view?

If anything, while the first half is superb, I always prefered the 2nd half. Maybe its because unlike other Vietnam pictures, a film about the "jungle war" instead was fought in urban battlefields.

Hagen, the major sequence where Animal charges to fight the sniper, I always thought of that as Kubrick's visual statement on the American conflict in Vietnam. That is, you have one person firing away, but still one person that is insignificant compared to thousands of soldiers with better weapons. However, the platoon gets drawn into this firewar, where mostly because of Animal's need for revenge, several of his own guys get wasted. I mean, at least 3-4 are lost, with Animal blasting the whole area with his RAMBO-like machine gun-firing, and what for? To eliminate a chick.

Well, at least a pretentious thought from me.
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:55 PM

Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 04:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
[b] Posieden

I went to see it in the cinemas and id say it was a great movie with brilliant effects! If your very squenmish id beware as there is a lot of dead people and people being killed by lifts and things falling and being drowned!
Learn English Quickly and Easily. Study at Home and at Your Pace!

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language [/b][/quote]Ha Ha very funny!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 05:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
omfg ded ppl?
HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 05:58 PM

OMFG!? Does that word even exist?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 06:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
OMFG!? Does that word even exist?
This is what your dictionary is for.

acronym

SYLLABICATION: ac·ro·nym
PRONUNCIATION: kr-nm
NOUN: A word formed from the initial letters of a name, such as WAC for Women's Army Corps, or by combining initial letters or parts of a series of words, such as radar for radio detecting and ranging.

OMFG: Oh my fucking god.
LOL: Laugh out loud.
ROFL: Rolling on the floor laughing. (Yes, the T is not present.)
LMAO: Laughing my ass off.
ETC.

Internet Slang Dictionary and Translator
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 07:43 PM

Whatever :rolleyes:
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 09:36 PM

Ronnie, while I didn't actually notice the hiding of the peace symbol while I was watching, I did read about it afterwards. Very interesting stuff, I feel like maybe it was one of the few shining moments of the genius Kubrick shining through. And your'e right, I did think Animal Mother provided an interesting contrast in that his reckless actions, while trying to help his fallen comrades, really just endangered the lives of others.

And as for today . . .

Dead Man
1995/Jarmusch
An interesting and well crafted film, although some of Noboby's motivations went over my head and I didn't quite understand the ending. I felt as though the ending should have either been more rational and easy to comprehend or Jarmusch should have completely gone off the deep end and done something really radical. Instead the viewers get an unhappy medium. Really enjoyed the Neil Young soundtrack. Seeing this after Broken Flowers, I realized that the "fade to black" technique is probably a Jarmusch trademark. I'm interested in eventually seeing Ghost Dog. This film however, was slightly dissappointing.

3.5/5 Stars
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 09:47 PM

Jarmusch is noted for his deadpan style. Stranger Than Paradise is completely made up of steady camera shot scenes aside one or two. Each divided by fades to black.

Dead Man, IMO is a journey towards losing fear in death. Forgetting religion or social problems, it's about embracing the spiritual side of life. Sort of the opposite of Apocalypse Now.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 09:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I felt as though the ending should have either been more rational and easy to comprehend or Jarmusch should have completely gone off the deep end and done something really radical.
Is that what you strive for in cinema? Stuff that's easy to comprehend, and stuff that "completely goes off the deep end"?

No wonder you love Goodfellas so much.

To me, the more a director leaves up for interpretation, the better a film is. There needs to be room for interaction between viewer and director, I hate to be suffocated.

With that said, Dead Man's themes are fairly simple to figure out. It's about losing fear in death and accepting a new life. Apocalypse Now deals with similar themes. I suggest you re-watch Dead Man.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 09:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Dead Man, IMO is a journey towards losing fear in death. Forgetting religion or social problems, it's about embracing the spiritual side of life. Sort of the opposite of Apocalypse Now.
God damnit Vercetti. Why do you gotta steal my shit? :p
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 09:55 PM

Because I've been describing it as that on both of these boards since I first saw the film a year and a half ago.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 10:04 PM

Quote:
Is that what you strive for in cinema? Stuff that's easy to comprehend, and stuff that "completely goes off the deep end"? To me, the more a director leaves up for interpretation, the better a film is.

When I say I wanted the film to go off the deep end, that's including discarding any definite meaning and doing a lot of interperative shit. 2001, for example, is a film that I would say, "goes off the deep end," and its ending is known as one of the most mysterious in all of cinema. I'm not looking for anything easily comprehendable and clear cut, if that's not what the director is going for.

I just felt as though Blake's "spiritual journey" could have been better visualized to the viewers.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 10:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
No wonder you love Goodfellas so much.
No need to put Goodfellas down. That was an excellent film. It didn't really leave anything open for interpretation because it didn't need to.

You talk as if it's in the same ilk of a mindless action movie.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 11:19 PM

If loving Goodfellas is wrong, I don't wanna be right.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 11:21 PM

I need to re-watch Dead Man.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/11/06 11:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
If loving Goodfellas is wrong, I don't wanna be right.
"I will do anything for Scorsese, but I won't do that." :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/06 12:52 AM

For A Few Dollars More ** 1/2

Not as enjoyable as A Fist of Dollars but I was glad to see Gian Maria Volontè back as the villian. Eastwood and Van Cleef worked well together.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/06 05:46 AM

48 Hrs. **
(First Time)

A decent 80s film but was expecting more humor. Nolte and Murphy worked decent enough together.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/06 07:42 PM

The Apartment
1960/Wilder

Enjoyed this film, especially for the aura of being drenched in early 60's style. Jack Lemmon and Billy Wilder's work together, which I first saw in Some Like it Hot, was brilliant here as well. Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray were both decent. Really liked the beginning of the film, with the introduction to C.C. Baxter, but sadly, Wilder chose not to continue Baxter's narration past the opening 10 minutes or so. I also wasn't sure about the seemingly sharp turn the film took away from comedy in the mid-section, although this part of the film did provide some interesting matierial as I was surprised to see how lightly and openly suicide was referenced considering the time and subject matter of this film.

And the final romance between Lemmon and MacLaine, while it could be seen coming from a mile away, wasn't quite adequately formulated in my mind. Overall, a decent picture, made great by the Lemmon-Wilder combination. I'm looking forward to seeing Double Indemnity at some point.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/06 08:34 PM

Yeah I loved The Apartment too Mista
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 05:21 AM

Another 48 Hrs. **
(First time)

At least this movie had some more humor in it but same old sh*t. Nolte and Murphy I didn't think worked as well this time around and these movies were somewhat of a disappointment.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 05:43 AM

Hellraiser
My second horror movie in recent times. And disappointing for the second time. As I observed with EvilDead, this movie too achieves shock by constantly showing slime, rotting flesh, blood, worms etc. There is also a sex=sin background plot. Avoid watching this, a total waste of time.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 06:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
To me, the more a director leaves up for interpretation, the better a film is. There needs to be room for interaction between viewer and director, I hate to be suffocated.
quite the opposite for me. I hate it when you got to fill in the blank spaces. I want a story with a plot. I may like it or not, but that's the way it works for me. At least when I go out of the theatre I know what the hell the movie was about. If I have to use imagination to guess how the movie ends, then I'd write it myself.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 07:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Great explanation.
sure, especially the part that reads "Audience holds no real emotional connection or sympathy for the main character. Story is a bit boring. Emotionally, it seemed to be a one-note symphony"..... :rolleyes: You know, in those terrible post WWII days, having a bicycle (hence a job) could make the difference. Could decide if you and your family were going to eat or not. One note symphony, sure. The empty stomach's one! No real emotional connection or sympathy. ...OMG!!!!!

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I'd still like to see it someday.
Good. I hate it when some questionable criticism makes you biased. "The Bicycle Thief" is not only the greatest Italian Neorealism film (along with "Rome, open city"), it indeed is one of the greatest masterpieces in movie history. Not only IMO, thanks God.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 07:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]The Bicycle Thief
1948/De Sica

I don't get it. I really don't get it. What could possibly justify this as the 19th greatest film of all time?

2.5/5 [/b]
Just what you don't seem to get. The realistic depiction of real people's every day life. Life as it really was in those post-war times. People fighting for survival without giving up their dignity. Starving and still be honest. But if you don't get it......
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 07:26 AM

MONTY PYTHON'S THE MEANING OF LIFE (1983) - ***1/2

After mocking the King Arthurian myth into a widespread cult picture, and for having the gaul to actually question religion in LIFE OF BRIAN, the Bad Boys of Britain went for one last cinematic ride before they split for their own different paths, with the idea of more movies nixed with Graham Chapman's death in 1989.

After being unable to come up with a plot, plus dozens of humorous if unconnected sketches, Monty Python decided instead to go back to their FLYING CIRCUS television roots and make for a sketch picture, though one with a very flimsy theme being that of life itself, and maybe a half-ass meaning of it as well.

I do agree this is the worst of their films, but that isn't a criticism. Fuck, the worst of Monty Python is still better than the career best of most comedy teams. In fact, at its strongest moments, THE MEANING OF LIFE is arguably among the squad's best comedy work. This would include Terry Gilliam's-helmed short movie where elderly workers revolt against their corporate masters and proceed to raid Wall Street as pirates, young Catholic boys and girls singing about how every sperm is sacred, the wonders of live organ transplants, and of course, find the fish!

While Python toyed with the conventions of musical segments previously, they decided to go full-fledged this time. My personal favorite has to be Eric Idle's song about the universe. Learn true facts of your reality, and laugh before you realize how insignificant you really are.

However, the movie is hampered by the fact that without an actual "story" to connect all the tales (perhaps they could have had the movie be simply the quite lousy life of one limey chump?), the cinematic narrative loses some of its energy, even as we still swim through Python's anarchy of humor.

Still, its quite interesting how the movie ends with a brief replaying of the old MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS television theme on a floating television set in space, with Gilliam's iconic animation going on. Did the guys somehow know this was to be their swain song?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 11:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] Great explanation.
sure, especially the part that reads "Audience holds no real emotional connection or sympathy for the main character. Story is a bit boring. Emotionally, it seemed to be a one-note symphony"..... :rolleyes: You know, in those terrible post WWII days, having a bicycle (hence a job) could make the difference. Could decide if you and your family were going to eat or not. One note symphony, sure. The empty stomach's one! No real emotional connection or sympathy. ...OMG!!!!!

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
I'd still like to see it someday.
Good. I hate it when some questionable criticism makes you biased. "The Bicycle Thief" is not only the greatest Italian Neorealism film (along with "Rome, open city"), it indeed is one of the greatest masterpieces in movie history. Not only IMO, thanks God. [/b][/quote]Now you're really making me want to see it. :p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 12:22 PM

I think every film should be as short and as clear as it can be without detracting from its author's intentions.

Down to the audience again, then.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 09:18 PM

Capo, I'm curious as to what your definition of "clear" is? Don't Look Now is one of your favorite films, and I don't find anything really "clear" about it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/06 10:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Capo, I'm curious as to what your definition of "clear" is? Don't Look Now is one of your favorite films, and I don't find anything really "clear" about it.
I'll answer on behalf of Capo - Clear like Mulholland Drive :p
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/06 03:04 AM

North by Northwest
1959/Hitchcock

While this was clearly the most commercial, superficial, action-packed Hitchcock movie I've seen to date, it was also the most enjoyable, at least after a first viewing. None of the acting felt stiff, Hitch's direction was fairly conventional but with occasional glimpses of risk-taking, and the script was complicated but not overwhelming. A very good picture, and James Mason is the fucking man.

4.5/5
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/06 07:22 AM

Patton ***
This is not a war movie as I had beleived. This is the story of a General called Patton who was the key US person in the world war-2 fought by allies. He believes in the glory of war, bravery, leadership etc and often refers to literature in the context of historical battles. He gets unpopular with his soldiers because of his strictness and the bosses are not happy with him because he lacks diplomacy(he is brutally honest). He almost gets sacked once. The movie is about his quest for glory and it ends in a great irony. The last scene is really great.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/06 09:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
This is the story of a General called Patton who was the key US person in the world war-2 fought by allies.
While Patton was undoubtedly A key U.S. force in the war (he generalled his army splendidly) he was by no means THE key U.S. force. (IMHO that honor goes to Ike).

That aside, "Patton" was one of the best biographies I've ever seen. George C. Scott was absolutely wonderful as the egomaniacal general and truly deserved the Academy Award he won for this role.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/06 11:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Capo, I'm curious as to what your definition of "clear" is? Don't Look Now is one of your favorite films, and I don't find anything really "clear" about it.
Clear as in you get the feeling the director knows exactly what they're doing. Knowing you're in the hands of a master puppeteer is an encouraging thing.

Not once, for example, do I question whether Lynch, or Roeg, has any idea of what he's trying to say.

I think that Mulholland Dr.'s premise alone, a woman getting confused by the invasion of her own fantasies into her real life, begs for some kind of narrative abstraction. It would have been antithetical to the premise had it been any clearer than it is.

Some people might prefer a documentary on the nature of dreams, but I think Lynch's film is as short and as clear as it needs to be, and very convincing because of that.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/06 12:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] Capo, I'm curious as to what your definition of "clear" is? Don't Look Now is one of your favorite films, and I don't find anything really "clear" about it.
Clear as in you get the feeling the director knows exactly what they're doing. Knowing you're in the hands of a master puppeteer is an encouraging thing.

Not once, for example, do I question whether Lynch, or Roeg, has any idea of what he's trying to say.

I think that Mulholland Dr.'s premise alone, a woman getting confused by the invasion of her own fantasies into her real life, begs for some kind of narrative abstraction. It would have been antithetical to the premise had it been any clearer than it is.

Some people might prefer a documentary on the nature of dreams, but I think Lynch's film is as short and as clear as it needs to be, and very convincing because of that. [/b][/quote]Cool, thanks for explaining. I understand completely.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/06 07:20 PM

United 93
Paul Greengrass
2006 France/UK/US (1st time; big screen)
September 11, 2001: while air control tries to get hold of a major hijack situation, passengers on the hijacked United 93 decide to overhaul the terrorists.
There is a moment here where we see, for a brief shot, the World Trade Centre through the window of the to-be-hijacked plane - the attacks haven't happened yet, but the foreboding is implicit enough; effective storytelling of a plot most of us know the ending to. The sound is key, here: a rich, deep texture of diegetic ambience which, combined with grainy images, photographed almost entirely in hand-held close-up, lends a sense of unsettling, subdued and claustrophobic immediacy throughout.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/06 07:26 PM

Mulholland Drive

Quite a remarkable film. I recommend it to anybody and everybody.

Lynch's films in order of pereference:

1. Blue Velvet
2. Mulholland Drive
3. Eraserhead
4. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

I really cannot wait to see Lost Highway.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/06 11:55 PM

So glad you finally saw and liked United 93 Capo. Easily my choice for best film released at the half-way point of this year.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/06 12:17 AM

JFK
1991/Stone

Enjoyed my 2nd viewing. Stone's fantastic editing and correlation of images with voice over narration is stunning. Whether this film's theories have any plausibility or not can be called into question, but it is clearly an incredibly well-executed film either way. The three Stone films I've seen have really impressed me, though I still need to see Platoon.

4.5/5
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/06 12:36 AM

Mista, glad you enjoyed JFK so much. It's probably in my Top 10 list

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly ***
(Second viewing)

This had the 18 minutes of extra footage added into it and I felt it ran rather long. Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach worked well together but I still love A Fistful of Dollars the most out of the trilogy.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/06 01:40 AM

I've been studying the multiple websites debunking most of the theories presented in this film for the past hour, and I'm coming more and more to not really buy Stone and Garrison's conclusions here. Any thoughts of your own on this matter?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/06 02:01 AM

Stone's theory is nonsense. However, JFK is a great fucking movie.

Then again, its like people who hate films due to political messages in them, regardless if the film's technique is good or not.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/06 10:42 AM

Vertigo ****
This is an absolute masterpiece. The fact that the main character suffers from the fear of heights is incidental. It is, above all, a deeply psychological film, sometimes very sad and sometimes scary. Ofcourse the camera work is great, creating a nice dizzy effect. My first hitchcock movie and I find it very remarkable that it was made in 58! This is a must watch, highly recommended.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/06 11:59 AM

Vertigo was my first Hitchcock as well. I saw it maybe a year ago and was so underwhelmed by it. I've recently seen 3 more Hitchcocks, and so far, I've liked every one of them more than Vertigo. Definitely needs an eventual rewatch.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/06 07:05 AM

Rocky ***
A nobody boxer fights the heavy-weight champion. Another nobody woman is his inspiration and love while he is preparing for what he thinks is a one-sided fight. Entertaining film with nice performances from Stallone and Talia shire. Incidentally Stallone wrote the script and there is a special feature in the DVD where he talks about his script writing process. I have more respect for him after listening to that!
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/06 03:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I've been studying the multiple websites debunking most of the theories presented in this film for the past hour, and I'm coming more and more to not really buy Stone and Garrison's conclusions here. Any thoughts of your own on this matter?
The theories expressed in the film are really a combined jumble of Garrison's and Jim Marrs, who wrote Crossfire, and bear very little relation to each other.

Garrisson's ideas - or at least his primary theories - have been pretty much debunked by assassination researchers over the years, altho there are, I believe,a few kernels of interest and truth in them (David Ferrie, for example).

Stone, I think, took some of the plausible elements of both and combined them, which is one of the main criticisms of the film - it's accuracy with respect to the facts and theories.

I personally believe, however - and always have - that there definitely was a conspiracy - government sponsored, or at least government covered-up to some degree - behind the JFK assassination.
Posted By: Wiseguy_1872

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/06 03:35 PM

Oliver Stone's films need to be taken with a large dose of salt.

JFK is fine as entertainment; nonetheless, what is, I believe, a cause for concern is that an entire generation have now grown up to with that film -- many of whom accept its fundementals as 'history'.

It's the ultimate postmodern 'historical film' -- it suggests that any interpretation (including fictive) of history is valid.

Let's not forget that Garrison is by all accounts a pretty dubious individual known for Marcello mafia connections.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/06 04:52 PM

Last night for some reason, insomnia kicked in and I couldn't sleep. After searching every station on tv, with the huge selection of channels, :rolleyes: there was absolutely nothing that appealed to me, so I went with "The Ode To Billy Joe". Those who are in my age group, might remember the 1967 hit song by Bobbi Gentry, for which this movie was based. Never have been a C&W fan, and I absolutely hated that song when it came out, but as years go by, it's not that bad I guess.

Anyway, the only star I knew was Robby Benson (Billy Joe). I think the movie came out in 1976, and as I recall was far from a box office hit.

Anyway, it actually wasn't too bad, and seemed to follow the song I guess. Now I know why "Billy Joe McCallistser jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge.

TIS
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 12:12 AM

Short Cuts
1993/Altman

My first Robert Altman film. An interesting set of stories where the fact that it is based off several seperate pieces of literature is clear throughout. While I watched this film pretty much solely because of its comparisons to Magnolia, it didn't quite have the sense of an overall omnipresent theme that Anderson's film retains. It seems as though perhaps Altman should have narrowed down the character list and focused more on the technical aspects of the film, which I felt was one key category where Magnolia clearly triumphed.

While the ending did provide a nice way to cut things off, and I was happy to see that Anderson borrowed the theme of natural phenomenen affecting character's lives, some of the characters here felt as though maybe they weren't exactly at a place where their story should've ended. Overall an interesting piece of cinema, a wonderful portrait of early 90's LA, and an important film for any fan of Magnolia to see.

4.5/5
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 12:14 AM

What are the "technical aspects of a film"?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 12:36 AM

Choosing interesting camera shots, executing interesting camera movements, paying more attention to lighting details, perhaps doing more with music.

I mean maybe the minimalist style, where he shot several scenes in one take was just what Altman chose to do to more accurately portray the everyday-LA type of feeling he was trying to get across, but I kind of felt it was too TV-ish at times as far as production values went. Magnolia felt much more polished and professional.

Again, maybe it just wasn't what Altman wanted, but I felt as though I would've liked it better.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 05:47 AM

Manhattan
1979/Allen

An interesting companion piece to Annie Hall, similar, but clearly different in many respects. I loved Allen's use of Gershwin here, almost mocking them by playing them in somewhat sarcastic and contradictory scenes, but yet simultaneously paying homage to them. Both Woody and Diane Keaton deliver performances similarly as great as their work in Annie Hall, but sadly they don't share as much screen time in this one. And I never knew Michael Murhpy was an established actor. Go figure. Overall, really enjoyed this movie, not as much as Annie Hall, but still very good. Two things make me wonder though . . .

A. Why is it in black and white? This is probably the only post-color-option black and white film where I felt it hurt the movie. I loved Annie Hall's kind of dullish, orangey mix of tones with shadows and whatnot.

and

B. Why does Woody denounce this film as the worst thing he's ever done? I'm reading on imdb that he supposely hated it then and hates it now. Kind of strange.

Anyway, my next Allen will probably be Crimes and Misdemeanors. As for Manhattan . . .

4/5 Stars
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 12:31 PM

Once Upon a Time in America


Mindblowing film that flawlessly intertwines elements of friendship, betrayal, guilt, time, and memories, fueled by great performances, beautiful cinematography, and wonderful music. Unlike other films that run nearly 4 hours, Once Upon a Time in America never drags on, due to the non-linear narrative structure that works beautifully within the film, and the fact that every scene is as intense and provocative as the one before it. Phenomenal film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 06:24 PM

ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA is probably the only 4-hour movie I've seen so far that doesn't feel like I've 4 of my hours away. Hell, if I had not known the running time previously, I could have easily mistaken it for quite an "epic" 3 hour+ picture

Glad you dug it dude.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 06:28 PM

Hagen, glad you enjoy your first dose of Altman. Check this out:

http://www.laweekly.com/general/features/the-craftsman/13685/

Anyway, I'll try my best to go see his latest. I mean, for all we know, this might be his last picture, considering his age and all.

BTW Hagen, now check out Altman's other hits like NASHVILLE, THE PLAYER, etc.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 06:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Glad you dug it dude.
It was my third time seeing it, just to clarify.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 08:11 PM

Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 11:30 PM

Thanks for that link Ronnie. I've been trying to find Nashville with no success, so I'll probably look into The Player in a little while.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/06 11:31 PM

I have the chance to see Nashville on the big screen.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/06 04:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
[b]Glad you dug it dude.
It was my third time seeing it, just to clarify. [/b][/quote]That's it? Newb.

We've already been into this. I hold the record for "most viewings after school when I was 12, in a three month period". *brags*
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/06 06:31 AM

Dave Chappelle's Block Party **

Not a bad way combine both a concert and "stand-up" comedy. Although some of the performances were running a bit long and I was getting somewhat bored
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/06 01:10 PM

Irish, does any of Gondry's directorial flair that was so evident in Eternal Sunshine show in that one?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/06 01:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
[b]Glad you dug it dude.
It was my third time seeing it, just to clarify. [/b][/quote]That's it? Newb.

We've already been into this. I hold the record for "most viewings after school when I was 12, in a three month period". *brags* [/b][/quote]Well...uh...yer...uh...yer GAY.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/06 04:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Irish, does any of Gondry's directorial flair that was so evident in Eternal Sunshine show in that one?
I honestly couldn't tell you. I only saw Eternal Sunshine once and I couldn't tell his directorial flair
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/06 04:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b]
quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Glad you dug it dude.
It was my third time seeing it, just to clarify. [/b][/quote]That's it? Newb.

We've already been into this. I hold the record for "most viewings after school when I was 12, in a three month period". *brags* [/b][/quote]Well...uh...yer...uh...yer GAY.

OUT OF THE CLOSETS AND INTO THE STREETS!
OUT OF THE CLOSETS AND INTO THE STREETS!
OUT OF THE CLOSETS AND INTO THE STREETS!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/06 04:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b] Irish, does any of Gondry's directorial flair that was so evident in Eternal Sunshine show in that one?
I honestly couldn't tell you. I only saw Eternal Sunshine once and I couldn't tell his directorial flair [/b][/quote]Check out the special features on the Eternal Sunshine DVD.. They get into his style a few times, and I remember talking about his lack of use of special effects. It was cool. His music videos are extremely well done too... There was a tather cool one he did for The White Stripes not to far back, and it has to be one of the coolest music videos I've ever whitnessed (but, again, I don't really watch alot of them, so maybe I can't judge). I want to say the song was Denial Twist... The video consisted of one long continuous shot, Jack and Meg White, Conan O'Brien, a tall man, and alot of midgets. Oh, and a gigantic foot.

EDIT: Here, I found the video on youtube for anyone interested: http://youtube.com/watch?v=PhOuaM3-cXQ&search=white%20stripes%20denial%20twist
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/06 05:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b]
quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Glad you dug it dude.
It was my third time seeing it, just to clarify. [/b][/quote]That's it? Newb.

We've already been into this. I hold the record for "most viewings after school when I was 12, in a three month period". *brags* [/b][/quote]Well...uh...yer...uh...yer GAY.

OUT OF THE CLOSETS AND INTO THE STREETS!
OUT OF THE CLOSETS AND INTO THE STREETS!
OUT OF THE CLOSETS AND INTO THE STREETS!

GOD HATES QUEERS!
GOD HATES QUEERS!

GOD MADE ADAM AND EVE NOT ADAM AND STEVE!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 01:07 AM

eh?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 02:45 AM

The Age of Innocence
1993/Scorsese

Viewing this film was an interesting expierience because of how accustomed and familiar I've become with Scorsese's style from the early 90's due to my multiplie viewings of Goodfellas and Casino. This film provided a complex mash-up of certain directorial elements of both of those films, as well as a few new techniques. Cape Fear also holds certain characteristics of these early 90's Scorsese flicks, and after finally seeing The Age of Innocence, I've come to regard 1990 - 1995 as a bit of Scorsese golden age. I've yet to see the two films that preceded and followed this 5 year time period (The Last Temptation of Christ and Kundun), so hopefully I can get to those soon.

As for The Age of Innocence itself, Scorsese's flawless use of a nearly constantly moving camera is stunning. I also enjoyed his liberal yet unique use of the fade technique, which is especially evident in the first half of the film. Also, his choice to use an unidentified narrator (unless I missed something in the beginning) was intriguing. With his quadrilogy of early 90's films, I feel like Scorsese really set the precedent for the coming years and showed everyone what can really be done with modern cinematic technology.

Daniel Day Lewis's talent is obvious here, but even more so when considering his other Scorsese performance in Gangs of New York. The interesting thing is that while both films share a similar setting and time period, Day Lewis plays drastically different characters, showing his range. I personally enjoyed both he and Scorsese's work here much more than in Gangs.

One specific element I particularly enjoyed here was the brief glimpses the viewers got into Daniel Day Lewis's character's subconcious thoughts. The nostalgic fantasy sequence right near the end was one of the best expressions of rememberance and regret I've ever seen on the screen. Scorsese's continuing choice of main characters who are members of a society from which they feel ultimately alienated fascinates me as well.

Overall, despite the long line of critically acclaimed films I've seen recently, this is one of the first ones to really jump out at me, invigorate my creative processes, and really just get me excited about watching movies again. This film absolutely reaffirms Scorsese as my favorite director. I was thinking afterwards and after a little research I realized that this was my 10th Scorsese film, tying the most I've seen from any one director. I'm really looking forward to eventually getting to The King of Comedy, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Kundun, as well as rewatches for a couple more of his. And I can't fucking wait for The Departed.

4.5/5 Stars
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 05:56 AM

The Squid and the Whale
2005/Baumbach

A solid little piece of nostalgic cinema. While there are some glaring anachronisms, I did enjoy the mid 80's setting. Jeff Daniels was great as the self-indulgent New York uber-elitist, as was (surprisingly) William Baldwin in a role seemingly tailor made for him. I've never been a big Laura Linney fan but she succeeded in at least not annoying me. Overall I enjoyed the ultra-casual approach Baumbach took to filming this. It holds that nice childish simplicity quality, reminded me of Napolean Dynamite, especially with the acoustic guitar score.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 06:14 AM

Baian the Assassin Volume 1 ** 1/2
(First viewing)

My first Japanese television show and I rather enjoyed it. Ken Watanabe plays a doctor by day and assassin by night. Pretty interesting stuff but I thought Ken was a samurai in this show
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 06:22 AM

warrior/rogue doctor, umm? I'll stay with BLACK JACK...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 03:37 PM

The Gold Rush
1925/Chaplin

My first Charlie Chaplin movie, and the oldest film I've ever seen. Suprisingly entertaining, a real marvel considering the technical limitations of the time period. Chaplin's immense talent is shown in not only his comedic acting but also his direction and writing. The version I saw was the 1943 re-release with music and narration by Chaplin himself. These new additions effectively make the viewers really forget they're even watching a "silent" film. I'm interested in eventually seeing City Lights and Modern Times at some point.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 03:49 PM

You're certainly getting through a lot of films, Mista. I'm glad to see it. Age of Innocence has been on my wish-list since I read Scorsese on Scorsese a while back. I have The Last Temptation of Christ and Kundun ready to go.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 05:22 PM

Yeah, trying to take advantage of my recent influx of free time now that school is drawing to a close. Between my library and this program at my video rental place, everything's free too, which is really nice.

I look forward to your thoughts on the three you mentioned.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 06:27 PM

Anyone seen either of these? If so, any thoughts?

Safe 1995/Haynes

To Sleep with Anger 1990/Burnett
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/06 07:07 PM

The Break-Up **

A funny movie but most of the funny parts were in the previews (as is becoming the calling card these days for comedies) Also, towards the end of the movie, I felt it ran out of steam (wasn't as funny, just trying to wrap it all up). Kinda disappointed but I'll probably buy the DVD in any case.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/06 06:55 PM

Nacho Libre ** 1/2

A good, and at times, silly comedy featuring Jack Black as luchadore wrestler to raise money for his orphanage. A good follow up for director Jared Hess after the success of Napoleon Dynamite
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/06 06:09 AM

The Hills Have Eyes (2006) * 1/2
(First Viewing)

I can sum up this movie in two words, sorely disappointing! I didn't get the chance to see this in theaters and I'm REALLY glad now about that fact. I expected more from director Alexandre Aja, who previous work includes the French horror film, High Tension. Too much of this movie was just the family being stranded in the desert and not enough "villians" and/or killing/gore.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/06 03:10 PM

Waiting for Godot
Michael Lindsay-Hogg
2000 Ireland (1st time; DVD)
Two tramps question their existence while waiting by a road for Godot, who never shows.
Beckett's play has been interpreted as a religious allegory, though his preoccupations with form merit discussion of Godot as the narrative convention the two characters wait for. In the meantime, its hollow ponderings, quite ingenious in the play, are horribly transferred to film: badly shot, and the sound is terrible.

Not I
Neil Jordan
2000 Ireland (1st time; DVD)
A mouth spits out a monologue about nothing in particular.
One of the few adaptations in the "Beckett on Film" series that feels specifically suited to film, and not simply a filmed play, this is shot entirely in close-ups of Julianne Moore's mouth, delivering Beckett's original monologue with mounting despair. It's brilliant stuff; fourteen minutes of speech, to the point where the words don't look like they're coming from the mouth anymore, but have become abstract, almost detached from one another. Only the opening shot, which contextualises what we're about to see, detracts.

Ohio Impromptu
Charles Sturridge
2000 UK (1st time; DVD)
A man reads from a book to a listener, who happens to be the same person.
Cinematic in-joke: Jeremy Irons plays the dead ringers here, one of whom talks the whole time, the other simply knocking on the table. If it tries for a tragic tone, it doesn't quite succeed, though there are pleasures to be found in the camera trickery--though most of the time, admittedly, there's no need for it, with match-cutting detaching us from what could have been a far more intimate adaptation.

Rough for Theatre I
Kieron J. Walsh
2000 Ireland (1st time; DVD)
A and B, two tramps who may or may not be the last people on earth, struggle to get on.
The problem with this anthology is most evident here; the directors simply aren't good enough, and although this short has one of the more authentic settings of the Beckett adaptations, the actors are far too animated, far too humane, far too recognisable, to evoke the playwright's abstraction.

36 Quai des Orfèvres / 36
Olivier Marchal
2004 France (1st time; big screen)
Two rival cops try to nab a gang of thieves before the other, in order to get the top job in the service. Both are bent, but one is dirtier than the other.
So entrenched in seediness is this thriller, so determined to establish a world of rotten cops, that the ridiculous narrative arc, the mounting body count, and the convenient twists of injustice can't help but entertain. Depardieu and Auteuil, France's two best-known actors, go head-to-head in a battle reminiscent of Mann's Heat (1995), and the gusto with which both performances are captured drives this film along satisfactorily to its predictable climax. A dark, loud film void of the emotion it strives for, which ultimately turns out to be as black-and-white as it doesn't want to be.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 02:57 AM

Billy Elliot ***
A 11 year old son of an unemployed miner in a small English town has a special talent for ballet, much to the disappointment and disapproval of his father. Some touching scenes and very good acting in this movie, recommended.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 05:37 AM

Unbreakable ***
A security man (Bruce Willis) at a university has never fallen sick, has survived major accidents and has super human powers. Samuel jackson plays the role of a person who is born with a genetic condition that makes him vulnerable to accidents right from his childhood. He is a great fan of comic books. Inspired by them, he is convinced that Bruce willis is a super-hero of the present times. Manoj night shyamalan's second movie and pretty good. Its style is similar to Sixth Sense... Entertaining
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 05:59 AM

Dirty Harry **
(First Viewing)

A rather disappointing film. Clint Eastwood was great as the bada$$ cop and I always love seeing John Vernon onscreen (he played the mayor). Andrew Robinson did a good job as Scorpio at the beginning and towards the end, but right in the middle I lost A LOT of respect for the man as a serious villian as I felt he turned into too much of a p**sy
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 07:16 AM

Dude, svsg, your summary of the film was twice the size of your review.

Although it's been a while since I've seen Unbreakable, I remember enjoying it much more than The Sixth Sense.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 07:23 AM

now that you mention, I realize I did not provide any review at all
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 07:36 AM

Apocalypse Now
1979/Coppola

This was a sorely needed 2nd viewing for me. Probably the most stunningly beautiful cinematic depiction of insanity and mental deterioration ever made. I only noticed this time around Coppola's genius use of color filters throughout large portions of the film, as well as a reappreciation of his lighting effects. The absolutely hellish and apocalyptic feeling pervading the whole piece is haunting and amazing. You can almost kind of understand why Coppola never again really achieved the level of brilliance he displays here, as the reportedly 3 years of post-production alone must've been an incredibly exhausting expierience. One of the best films ever made.

5/5 Stars
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 07:48 AM

Apocalypse now is my #1 all time favorite. If you liked the movie, do watch the documentary on its making - Hearts of Darkness: A filmmaker's apocalypse made by his wife Eleanor copolla. It is not available on DVD. I downloaded a version which was broadcast on some french television channel. It is actually an extension of the movie itself, how it plays in the actual lives of Martin Sheen, Copolla, his family and other actors like Sam Bottoms.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 08:07 AM

That's not available on any DVD?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 03:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Probably the most stunningly beautiful cinematic depiction of insanity and mental deterioration ever made.
For me, that title belongs to Aguirre, Wrath of God.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 04:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
That's not available on any DVD?
It is available on VHS, but Paramount has stopped that too. Still you will find quite a few online stores selling the VHS version. Since I did not have a tape player, I had to download this version from some torrent site.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 04:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]Probably the most stunningly beautiful cinematic depiction of insanity and mental deterioration ever made.
For me, that title belongs to Aguirre, Wrath of God. [/b][/quote]And not Taxi Driver? I think that's it for me. But, I don't know, I have a strange interest in mental health, or the lack of it, more so. So, I watch far too many movies dealing with the subject to pull a "best" one out of my ass on a wimb.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 04:40 PM

If you're interested in mental health, or the lack thereof, then you'll absolutely love Aguirre.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 04:57 PM

Yeah I can't wait for that one. I should be seeing that somewhere around September unless I decide to buy it.

As far as mental examintion films, Memento also came to my mind, although that isn't as much about insanity as the others. The Godfather Pt II as well in some sense, as a study of paranoia.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 05:09 PM

Woyzeck, anyone?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/06 08:44 PM

The King
2006/Marsh

This received a 3.5/4 rating in my local paper, so knowing next to nothing about it, I went to an afternoon showing on a whim today. Ah, the joy of summer. This ended up being suprisingly good, with strong performances from Gael García Bernal, who I'd never seen before, William Hurt, who I know very little of, Pell James, who effectively played a character a decade younger than her with strong emotional intensity, and Laura Harring, in a stark role reversal from her amnesiac lesbian character in Mulholland Dr., the only other place I'd seen her.

Director James Marsh, helming only his 2nd feature film, utilizes a nice dulled color palette to accentuate the dried up, small town feeling of the Texas setting. The film simultaneously explores different character issues while never clearly explaining most of their motivations, which provides for an interesting viewing expierience. The intense moments of violence work well when contrasted with the uber-religious midwestern backdrop, where conflicting morals and values come into play. Overall, a very good film, apparently sorely lacking wide distribution or any sort of marketing. Glad it caught my eye in the paper today. Definitely recommended if you can find anywhere showing it.

4.5/5 Stars

Trailer


Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 12:38 AM

Sunset Blvd.
1950/Wilder

A solid picture, my 3rd Wilder, and probably my least favorite, although his most highly acclaimed. I just felt as though Wilder's skills didn't quite work as well with dramatic matierial. Swanson seemed to be overacting throughout a large portion of the film, but I did like William Holden. I also was glad that Wilder chose to keep the narration going throughout the whole film, which I wished he would've done in The Apartment. Also, I found it interesting that the Joe Gillis character continued narrating after his death. The best narration trick I've seen since Casino. Overall, I didn't get what all the fuss was about.

3/5 Stars
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 12:43 AM

Sunset Blvd. is one of those breakthrough films that shattered the image of Hollywood's glamour, showing it for what it is, a lot of phony people who sleep around for success.

I think you're comparing a lot of older films to more modern standards too much. For instance, Swanson was supposed to be overacting. She was a woman who tried to surround her life in narcissistic drama.

My review is below.

http://www.gangsterbb.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=007212
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 12:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I think you're comparing a lot of older films to more modern standards too much.
Although I'm not the one to judge from an objective point of view, chances are I'm guilty as charged.

And thanks for linking your review, I always enjoy seeing what others opinions were.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 03:27 AM

I only saw it once but I rather enjoyed Sunset Blvd. myself

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl ***

Gearing up for the sequel in 2 weeks with a quick rewatch. A great cast with Johnny, Orlando, Keira and Geoffrey. Plenty of humor for everyone and probably my favorite Johnny Depp character (and possibly movie) ever
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 07:56 AM

A Clockwork Orange **
I had a lot of expectation out of this film, so I am a little disappointed. I admire Kubrick for choosing a bold subject and his skillful use of camera in this movie. The music is also excellent. But somehow I did not get what he wanted to convey through this film. And that leaves me a little unsatisfied at the end.
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 11:35 AM

Message in a bottle.

Please watch this trailer. I think this film is more for women than men but men welcome to.
Message in a bottle trailer.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 11:59 AM

Billy Wilder Speaks
1992/Grischow & Schlöndorff

An interesting documentary, rather a set of casual interviews of 83 year old Wilder looking back on his famed filmography and discussing his impressions of different actors as well as his his own methods for writing and directing. I never knew that Wilder was such a heavily-accented Austrian, especially with an American name like Billy Wilder. His anecdotes and discussions, while sometimes rambling, were consistently interesting and entertaining, and give some sense of depth to the behind-the-scenes aspect of his films. Although most of the information presented here has since been plastered all over the internet, so there wasn't much new, it was fun to hear Wilder retell it all. Overall a solid piece for a fan of any of his films. It makes me want to see Stalag 17, Double Indemnity, and Sabrina. He most definitely was one of the great directors of his time.

3.5/5 Stars
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 02:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
[b]Message in a bottle.

Please watch this trailer. I think this film is more for women than men but men welcome to.
Message in a bottle trailer. [/b]
One of the worst films ever,dont evan bother to watch this
Posted By: DE NIRO'S SISTER

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 02:51 PM

No it is really good its just not for men.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 02:53 PM

WISE GUYS (1986) - *1/2

There is a reason why even this movie is forgotten within Brian DePalma's filmography. While evidence of his style exists, including some of his usual brilliance to it, the problem with this comedy is that it isn't funny. While that is a subjective answer, other problems include the fact that DeVito and Piscopo(ya, I forgot about him too) simply don't have the chemistry.

Then again, from the get go, how can we take seriously a premise where two loser crewmen for the Mafia lose $250,000 smackers for their boss, to which then they each are put on a special assignment that will clear their debts. The assignment for each guy? Kill the other!

I mean, DePalma I persume tries to make for some funny bits, like DeVito having to start a car, while his crew captains are betting on whatever he gets blown to bits or not, but again, WISE GUYS is a comedy that tries to be humorous, but its as flat as the floor of a very nice trunk.

Anyone ever notice how mob comedies in general are lame?

TIME AFTER TIME (1979) - ***

Before he arguably took the STAR TREK franchise to the height of its entertainment with WRATH OF KAHN, Nicholas Meyer made his directorial debut with this pleasing and actually refreshing time travel picture with a nice premise. What if the legendary sci-fi author H.G. Wells, besides writing his novel THE TIME MACHINE, had actually built one for himself in London's 1893? What if one of his friends happens to moonlight as the infamous Jack the Ripper? What if "Jack" used the machine to escape through time, and Mr. Wells(Malcolm McDowall) has to go back through time to catch him, in 1979 San Francisco.

A few things that still bug me about this movie, like the convient copout with the assumed fate of one character, but beyond that, TIME AFTER TIME is an nice movie to get one's head clean and try to express itself creatively.

THE STUNT MAN (1980) - ****

Richard Rush's career gem, this underrated picture that examines about reality and the art of making illusions, with both intercutting to the point that we have no clue which is which. An escaped conman(Railsback) flees comes to the company of an insane director (Peter O'Toole), who agrees to hide the conman in exchange for working as a stunt man on the production. Soon enough though, its quite apparent that perhaps the director wants this fugitive to do the biggest stunt of all caught on camera: His death.

Worthy picture I heavily recommend to my fellow critics like Hagen, DV, Omar, Sully, Capo, etc.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 03:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Anyone ever notice how mob comedies in general are lame?
I enjoyed Analyze This, as well as Snatch, Layer Cake, Lock Stock, and Get Shorty, if you're willing to count those.

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
THE STUNT MAN (1980) - ****
Worthy picture I heavily recommend.
Great poster. Doesn't look like it's available to me but I'll continue to look for it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 03:09 PM

Let me rephrase Hagen. I meant comedies in general that dealt with the American Mafia, not specifically crime in general. You know?

Anyway, STUNT MAN is on actually a pretty good DVD, last I checked, from ANCHOR BAY, the Criterion for horror/sci-fi nerds(and cheaper too, even if they fucking release the EVIL DEAD trilogy every 6 months!)
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 04:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]A Clockwork Orange **
I had a lot of expectation out of this film, so I am a little disappointed. I admire Kubrick for choosing a bold subject and his skillful use of camera in this movie. The music is also excellent. But somehow I did not get what he wanted to convey through this film. And that leaves me a little unsatisfied at the end. [/b]
All and all I think the film is about the value of freedom and how the pressures of codes and such can destroy someone, although Alex is a very extreme example.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/06 09:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
If you're interested in mental health, or the lack thereof, then you'll absolutely love Aguirre.
Yeah, I've heard you speak of it a few times... It has been added to my list, feeble being.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/06 12:24 AM

Sentinel *
Routine hollywood FBI/CIA traitor plot with a minor difference - it is president's security in the place of FBI/CIA. Usual car chases, helicopters, shooting sequences, good man framed, proves his innocence finally. $1 (dollar theater), 2 hours, no complaints BTW stars Michael Douglas, not that it makes any difference...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/06 12:45 AM

The last few weeks plus vacation.

Casino
The Sopranos: Season 1 [no rating]
The Sopranos: Season 2 [no rating]
The Sopranos: Season 3 [no rating]
The Sopranos: Season 4 [no rating]
The Roaring Twenties
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/06 12:55 AM

Sarkar-- A Hindi tribute to a little film called The Godfather. This stars my two absolute favorite Indian actors ever, father and son Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan. Abhishek actually won an IIFA award for his portrayal of Shankar, who is like the Michael Corleone character. Well-deserved, in my opinion-- he did a fantastic job.

It's not made to be exactly an Indian version of GF, there are some things that are different in the plot, as well as the entire setting of the film and its political storyline. The director has a statement in the Special Features saying that he wasn't trying to duplicate The Godfather, only pay tribute to it. But a lot of it is very similar; it even starts with a guy coming to Sarkar and asking for justice for his daughter's rape.

This doesn't have any of the usual singing and dancing of Hindi films (which I love, but a lot of people hate, I guess) so if that would have been a deterrent in anyone's watching this movie, don't worry about it.

svsg, what does Sarkar mean, literally? Is it a title, or does it actually mean godfather, or what?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/06 01:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Letizia B.:
Sarkar-- A Hindi tribute to a little film called The Godfather. This stars my two absolute favorite Indian actors ever, father and son Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan. Abhishek actually won an IIFA award for his portrayal of Shankar, who is like the Michael Corleone character. Well-deserved, in my opinion-- he did a fantastic job.

It's not made to be exactly an Indian version of GF, there are some things that are different in the plot, as well as the entire setting of the film and its political storyline. The director has a statement in the Special Features saying that he wasn't trying to duplicate The Godfather, only pay tribute to it. But a lot of it is very similar; it even starts with a guy coming to Sarkar and asking for justice for his daughter's rape.

This doesn't have any of the usual singing and dancing of Hindi films (which I love, but a lot of people hate, I guess) so if that would have been a deterrent in anyone's watching this movie, don't worry about it.

svsg, what does Sarkar mean, literally? Is it a title, or does it actually mean godfather, or what?
Sarkar means Government literally, but is used in this context to refer to a ruler/king. I did not like Sarkar so much because of the two villians(selvamani and the swami characters) who were made unintentionally funny. But I liked the equivalents: Selvamani - Tessio. Vishnu - combination of Sonny and Fredo, Character played by Katrina Kaif - Kay, the other girl - probably apollonia. Ram Gopal Verma is my favorite Hindi movie director. Watch "Satya", a great gangster movie made by him, one of my all time favorite Indian movies.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/06 01:37 AM

I hated the swami guy... although you're right, it was kind of funny, once you get over how annoying he was. He reminded me of the guy in Dus, I don't know if you saw that... but the one who at the beginning they think he's Jambhal, with the long hair. Just like the sheer evil that's in both characters made me make that connection, I guess.

And at first, I thought Vishnu was totally Sonny's character, but then I realized too, that he's actually a combination of Sonny and Fredo.

I added Satya to my Netflix list, thanks for the recommendation! I'll let you know when I watch it. Before Sarkar I hadn't seen anything by Ram Gopal Varma, but so far I like him.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/06 10:43 PM

24: Season 2 (4th time) ****

Ok, so its not a movie, but I don't know where else to post this.

******SPOILER ALERT******

For me, season 2 of 24 is the high point of the series. Granted...that's like choosing between which child you love more...as all 5 seasons thus far have been great. But there's just something about Season 2 that kept me more captivated than any of the other 4 seasons. The detonation of a nuclear bomb on U.S. soil, the death of George Mason, Nina Myers being granted immunity, the bombing of CTU, the death of Jack Bauer (his heart stops beating for a few moments while being interrogated), the "Marie Warner being a terrorist" twist, President Palmer being ousted when the cabinet invokes section 4 of the 25th Amendment, the Cypress recording, the cliffhanger ending involving an assassination attempt on Palmer...the list goes on. ******END SPOILERS******

I have thoroughly enjoyed EVERY season of 24...but Season 2 is my favorite...and IMO...the best the show has to offer.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/06 12:51 AM

GORKY PARK (1983) - ***

Based on the 1981 international best-selling detective novel of Russian copper "Arkady Renko", brought to life with William Hurt, within his decade of acting height. A refreshing take on the detective/cop mystery picture, with Masculine Idol Lee Marvin as one of the baddies.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/06 02:17 AM

D Generation X **
(Second Viewing)

A nice overview of one of the greatest groups in wrestling history. However, I wish it would have been a bit more in-depth with storylines like DX vs The Hart Foundation and a little longer than 1 hour.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/06 08:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
D Generation X **
(Second Viewing)

A nice overview of one of the greatest groups in wrestling history. However, I wish it would have been a bit more in-depth with storylines like DX vs The Hart Foundation and a little longer than 1 hour.
Is this a documentary?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/06 02:08 PM

It's a WWE home video
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/06 06:57 PM

Click **

Pretty disappointing as I had heard some positives about this film. Not bad overall but not the great Adam Sandler comedy I was expecting. It's been too long since I've seen an Adam Sandler movie in the theaters (The Longest Yard in May of last year)
Posted By: Don Alessandrio

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/06 07:21 PM

Am I crazy or about 2 years ago I saw trailers for Click but it was callled Remote?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/06 05:54 AM

The Matrix ***

Great visual-effects and fighting sequences. Also Hugo Weaving was awesome as Agent Smith.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/06 06:37 AM

Even as the MATRIX sequels slipped further in confusion, well-meaning but flat work, and other shit further into that series, Hugo Weaving was always the man. Hell, he actually may be the only thing worth a damn in REVOLUTIONS.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/06 06:58 AM

Virgin Suicides **
Sophia Coppola's first movie is a drama about teenage girls who are raised in a conservative family.The narration is from the perspective of a bunch of boys in the neighborhood who are fascinated by these girls, but cannot understand them. We too are not allowed to know much about the characters. Therein lies the mystery. Very good first movie and the actors are very convincing as their respective characters.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/06 08:43 AM

Matrix trilogy off the top of my head.

The Matrix - 4.5/5
Reloaded - 4.5/5
Revolutions - 3/5
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/06 03:48 PM

The first Matrix was a decent movie. The others were stupid bullshit full of pseudo-philosophy. Plus it's one of the rare instances where I watch a fight scene that gets boring after 20 minutes of the same deuchbag fighting the same guys in the same way until he grabs a pole.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/06 04:59 PM

King Kong
Merian C. Cooper / Ernest B. Schoedsack
1933 US (Nth time; TV)
A film crew travel to Skull Island in search of a giant ape, and bring it back to New York to make profit.
Fast-moving, succinct film which works on two principal levels; a suspense film, not least in the camera trickery during the scenes in which Kong fights his prehistoric rivals, and a romance, not least in the fact that the ape is the only character provided with sufficient enough emotion to touch the audience.

Die xue shuang xiong (The Killer)
John Woo
1989 HK (1st time; TV)
A hired assassin falls for a singer he accidentally blinded on the job, and, with both his employees and the cops after him, does one last job to make enough money to pay for new corneas for her.
There is something irresistable in the way Woo creates his world of flying white doves and death-defying heroes that, for all the ridiculous one-liners and crude montage edits, there lies a sort of fascination in how it will all pan out. [Dubbed version.]

A Night at the Opera
Sam Wood
1935 US (1st time; TV)
Otis B. Driftwood associates with three stowaways on a voyage from Europe to America, and havoc ensues when they arrive there.
Up there with the Marx's best work; there's hardly a delay in Groucho's introduction, Chico and Harpo delight with musical interludes that lend a lasting weight to a lightweight affair. One memorable scene after another, and the villains' undoing at the hands of the Brothers was never as sweet.

Son of Kong
Ernest B. Schoedsack
1933 US (1st time; TV)
Carl Denham returns to Skull Island and happens across King Kong's benign son.
A quickly-made sequel to King Kong, pleasant enough, but neither here nor there as regards duration or purpose; Denham's ambitious profiteer, the real bad guy in the original, is here redeemed as the romantic hero. The effects are just as impressive as the first film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/06 01:05 PM

Taxi Driver
Martin Scorsese
1975 US (Nth time; DVD)
A New York cabbie, tired of the filth of the streets, decides to clean them through his own violent means.
Scorsese captures urban loneliness with convincing vigour; the fixed shots from the cab driving through New York at night have a cumulative repulsiveness about them, and Schrader's episodic script builds up to an unsettling climax of such raw energy and powerful violence that it will most likely linger in the mind for days after, not least due to the intensity with which De Niro portrays a man desperate to find himself some justice and purpose, whatever the consequences.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
John Ford
1962 US (1st time; TV)
A senator from Washington returns to the West to mourn the death of an old friend.
Possibly Ford's finest film, serving in turns brutality and laughs, with a dressing of bitter nostalgia for good measure; photographed in stark black and white, the clash between the Old West and the New has never been as fascinating, with Wayne playing the tough, lawless enigma and Stewart the lawful idealist, both with fantastic conviction.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/06 06:43 PM

Superman Returns ***
(First Viewing)

What a great summer blockbuster! This definitely exceeded my expectations, as I had heard some negative reviews prior to watching it. Kevin Spacey was AWESOME as Lex Luthor and Brandon Routh was a spitting image of Christopher Reeve, IMO. My only casting concern was Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane but she did a fine job as well, as did Parker Posey. Probably my third favorite movie of the year thus far behind only V for Vendetta and United 93.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/06 08:10 PM

In two hours, I'll see if Irish is right-e-o.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/06 08:13 PM

Based on our viewing tastes, I wouldn't be surprised to see the complete opposite in your review to what I've written so I'm prepared
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/06 08:26 PM

Oh don't be so negative.

Besides, I've only slapped you twice on two movies, unless I'm mistaken: FANTASTIC FOUR and X3.

Besides, we liked BATMAN BEGINS....but again, we'll see.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/06 09:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Oh don't be so negative.

Besides, I've only slapped you twice on two movies, unless I'm mistaken: FANTASTIC FOUR and X3.

Besides, we liked BATMAN BEGINS....but again, we'll see.
Yeah I remember about Fantastic Four and X3. I did enjoy Batman Begins as well but not as much as others here. I personally feel it's a little overrated, but that's just me. We all know my favorite comic book movie is Sin City which some here feel is overrated
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/06 01:21 AM

SUPERMAN RETURNS (2003) - ***

Solid good would-be myth, if only dragging at times in pace. However, this is a good flawed film. Still, a great moment in the stadium, truely a scene that does work with what its supposed to do: An uplifting sequence.

Still, one question I do ask people......what logic is there in Luthor's scheme, save for the stabbing point?

Anwyay, at least I finally watched a decent movie this summer.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/06 02:07 AM

Did you stay after the credits ronnie? If so, was there anything? I didn't stay
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/06 06:33 AM

Nashville
1975/Altman

I don't know man, I just don't know. While I respect Altman's vision and I did enjoy his in depth exploration of the southern city and its many different characters, I just felt as though the end result was just too broad and expansive, too stretched out, and too far reaching. There were just so many characters, I failed to care about or even recognize most of them by the end of the film. And in a film where he seemingly wanted to tell a whole lot of story, I find it strange that Altman decided to have several songs performed in full. And man, I just find his camera work so uninspiring. Ultimately a very muddled film.

3/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/06 12:08 PM

I have the chance to see Nashville onscreen next month; my thoughts after a first viewing read: "A kind of musical tableau, genre-bending and energetic in its freeform direction."

Very casually photographed; any other way would have been inappropriate, I think. I gave it two stars.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/06 12:34 PM

The Spiral Staircase
Robert Siodmak
1945 US (1st time; TV)
New England, turn of the century - a mute servant in a mansion is suspected to be the next victim of a serial killer whose victims are all in some way afflicted.
Superlative, atmospheric horror, full of recurring motifs, the best being the opening: a group of people watch a silent film while a voyeuristic murder takes place upstairs; throughout thereafter, the next victim is a silent mute in a house full of mirrors. Set entirely in one night and one setting, it doesn't really have anywhere to go; but the title is key, and only becomes significant in the final ten minutes or so - everything else is merely padding.

Stagecoach
John Ford
1939 US (1st time; TV)
A stagecoach with a prostitute, a pregnant woman, an outlaw, a gambler, a bank manager, a doctor and a reverand must travel through Monument Valley, with the imminent threat of Apaches.
One of those now famous classics which hurtle along without a moment to spare; it happens to be a number of things: a credible romance (the scenes with Wayne and Trevor are electric), a fully realised character ensemble, a sharp social commentary, a suspenseful action film and a biting comedy. Andy Devine steals the show as the bumbling stagecoach driver.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/06 06:42 PM

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) - ***** - Masterpiece

I saw this film way back in 1999, but there is a difference in seeing a long epic great film as a younger guy, and actually see it as a full-fledged film nerd.

Of course, its still one of the greatest pictures in history, and you know what sucks?

Everything that could be said about it, its been written.

But yet, I do forget that truely, "Nothing is Written"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/06 07:18 PM

If I'm not at work next Friday, I'm catching Lawrence of Arabia on the big screen.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/06 08:47 PM

I rented it and it mysteriously didn't work on my DVD player. It wasn't even scratched or anything, it just kept giving me some kind of error message once I got past the menu.

I'll see it eventually.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 02:04 AM

Fight Club


Too lazy to write a proview now...tomorrow.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 05:39 AM

Annapolis **
(First Viewing)

A decent military movie that quickly turned into Rocky VI. James Franco, Jordana Brewster and Tyrese Gibson were enjoyable but this is an easily forgetable movie.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 07:48 AM

Irish, do you watch "popcorn" flicks because you enjoy them or just because you've already watched all the classics?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 07:51 AM

Hagen, who doesn't watch popcorn?

Though with ANNAPOLIS, without seeing it, I can sense its stale popcorn, though at least its not pissed-on popcorn like say BAD BOYS 2.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 08:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Hagen, who doesn't watch popcorn?

I don't.

Maybe depends on your definition of popcorn, but generally, I don't.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 11:00 AM

Fight Club
1999/Fincher

3rd or 4th viewing

Wow, what a film. The type of movie that is so extremely well crafted and has so much to say that it almost makes you not even want to make movies anymore because you know you'll never make anything as good as this. I love everything that this film has to say and I love the way it says it. I love Edward Norton and Brad Pitt and Helena Bonham Carter and David Fincher. Probably the best work any of them have ever done/ever will do. Such a finely paced, exquisitely executed piece of cinema. Intensely edited, so innovatively shot. Every shot packs such a punch, and clearly shows evidence of serious contemplation in search of perfection. This generation's Apocalypse Now. Biting and acidic in tone. Tragically, unforgivingly, and viciously beautiful. And oh man, isn't "Where is My Mind?" just the perfect capper?

5/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 02:07 PM

Fort Apache
John Ford
1948 US (1st time; TV)
A stubborn lieutenant-colonel arrives at Fort Apache with high hopes for military conduct and fame.
A film all about conflict: that between the cavaliers and the Native Americans is dealt with exposively at the climax, in one of Ford's most dramatic setpieces; but there are also personal battles, such as the exciting clash between Wayne and Fonda throughout the film. But this is Fonda's film, it must be said, and his portrayal of a self-destructive, obsessive colonel trying to juggle between duty and ambition is fascinating to watch.

Heathers
Michael Lehmann
1988 US (1st time; VHS)
A high school girl becomes fed up with her friend and decides to play a trick on her; when it turns out to have deadly consequences, things get worse…
The American high school as a metaphor for society itself, as Christian Slater points out towards the end; a clever subversion of teen flick conventions, highly original and with a macabre humour reminiscent of Ealing's The Ladykillers. The ending seems strangely tame.

12 Angry Men
Sidney Lumet
1957 US (1st time; TV)
A juror with doubts about a trial tires to convince the other eleven of a Not Guilty verdict.
A kind of objectification of onscreen subjectivity, and a terrifically handled script relying entirely on dialogue to crank up the suspense. But this is not just a teleplay; the first, introductory shot of the twelve jurors seems to go on forever, thoroughly establishing them in what is to be an overwhelmingly claustrophobic setting throughout. Tellingly, as they become increasingly irritable as the film progresses, the camera gets closer and closer, the sweat more and more visible.

Bread and Roses
Ken Loach
2000 UK / France / Germany / Italy / Spain / Switzerland (1st time; TV)
Mexicans in LA working as janitors form a union to fight for economic justice.
Loach takes an explicit stab at corporate America here, and the exploitation of immigrant workers, with subtler attacks on Hollywood itself, in a rather amusing scene in which the workers hijack a party with famous actors in attendance. It manages to be a captivating, persuasive film without getting too preachy--the one time it does, the emotional revelation is powerful indeed; it is a bit muddled in its scene-to-scene juxtaposition between political and personal, but sensibly doesn't try to mix both at once.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 02:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
[b] Hagen, who doesn't watch popcorn?

I don't.

Maybe depends on your definition of popcorn, but generally, I don't. [/b][/quote]"Popcorn" is a very loose term for motion pictures that aren't dramas or arthouse films, though the best of the best of such "Popcorn" could range from science fantasy of STAR WARS to the beat-by-beat rocking of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK to the quite colorful comic bookish-DVD favorites like THE WARRIORS and THE ROAD WARRIOR to such recent pictures like BATMAN BEGINS.

Most of the time, bad movies in general try to use the "Popcorn" label to try to defuse bad word of mouth. Michael Bay is the master of such spin-doctoring. However, there is good "Popcorn" to be found, its just you have to look pretty damn hard to differentiate the really good from the generic-ass garbage that Hollywood usually gives us.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 02:19 PM

A SHOT IN THE DARK (1964) - ****1/2

Its a pity that Peter Sellers died in 1980. Truely a superb actor, with comic abilities that few after him could ever hope to even close to matching.

Despite such great Oscar-nominated work in movies like DR. STRANGELOVE and BEING THERE, he is mostly known for his PINK PANTHER franchise as the inept policeman Inspector Clouseau.

As those later sequels in the 1970s went further down the hill in jokes and gags, there still remains possibly the best film of the franchise....and to think that not only its the only picture without the "Pink Panther" moniker in the title, but it was actually released 3 months after the surprise success of overrated THE PINK PANTHER.

I think why the franchise has died, despite many attempts to restart it(including a recent effort with Steve Martin), is that Sellers personified Closeau. Sure everyone remembers him falling down the stairs or tripping over himself, but so what? Anyone could do that. But could anyone put themselves in a serious dry humor role, where if not for the clumsy walking and damn general ineptness, the part would have been that of only an eccentric yet generic detective.

Though perhaps the best part of A SHOT IN THE DARK is when Sellers is spinning his globe in his office, and accidently gets his hand jammed on it. In today's time, such a scene would be seen at least 10 minutes before the execution, but in that scene, the genuine surprise element of this is what makes it hilarious, for lack of knowledge of what to come is what helps make comedy work.

Though seeing Sellers acting serious while his trademark jacket is up in smoke is worth a smile on my face as well.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 02:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Hagen, who doesn't watch popcorn?

Though with ANNAPOLIS, without seeing it, I can sense its stale popcorn, though at least its not pissed-on popcorn like say BAD BOYS 2.
Yes ronnie, you are correct. This movie is VERY stale popcorn. To answer your question Mista, I don't mind popcorn movies at all and this movie looked somewhat interesting from the previews. So I gave it a shot and it sucked. No big deal
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 02:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
[b] Hagen, who doesn't watch popcorn?

I don't.

Maybe depends on your definition of popcorn, but generally, I don't. [/b][/quote]Also, what's your definition of "classic popcorn" movies :p
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 02:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO'S SISTER:
No it is really good its just not for men.
We talking about a female hair colouring product here?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 10:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Also, what's your definition of "classic popcorn" movies :p
Vaguely speaking, older movies of the type of which we are speaking. (I'm getting really tired of saying popcorn.)

North by Northwest, Sunset Blvd, Some Like it Hot, Rio Bravo, etc. As time passes, they seem to gain a certain sense of respectability that I feel they may not have quite had upon their initial release.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 11:48 PM

Sunset Blvd. a popcorn movie? Christ.
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/06 11:54 PM

Anybody seen the new "The Hills have Eyes"? How does it compare with the original? I read Tarantino preferred the remake.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 12:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Sunset Blvd. a popcorn movie? Christ.
That's what I said. I always thought of popcorn movies as Die Hard, Commando, Predator and to a lesser extent Bad Boys, Bad Boys II, Transporter 1, Trasporter 2 :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 12:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Snake:
Anybody seen the new "The Hills have Eyes"? How does it compare with the original? I read Tarantino preferred the remake.
I never saw the original but the remake SUCKED (and that's saying something coming from me) I gave it * 1/2
Posted By: Snake

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 12:40 AM

Thanks, bro. I know you well enough to know that's a legit estimation. You saved me a few bucks. I appreciate it, Irish!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 12:49 AM

No problem Snake. Glad I could be of assistance
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 01:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Sunset Blvd. a popcorn movie? Christ.
That's what I said.[/b][/quote]Are Irishman and Vercetti actually agreeing on something?

This is amazing.

Let me get my camera...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 01:34 AM

Irish, you asked me for examples of what I considered "classic popcorn." Sunset Blvd, yes, Bad Boys II, no.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 01:36 AM

To each his own
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 01:46 AM

I'm not arguing your opinions I'm just saying I think you were mistaken in thinking I was including Sunset Blvd in the same list as Bad Boys II, etc. There was a distinction there between classic and regular.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 01:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Irish, you asked me for examples of what I considered "classic popcorn." Sunset Blvd, yes, Bad Boys II, no.
Audience who saw SB didn't see it for the popcorn sense. Popcorn films are generally ones that are strictly for easy entertainment. Flash above depth. Mainstream.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 02:11 AM

Fair point. I'm not strongly defending any of my examples I was just trying to tell you what I was talking about.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 02:32 AM

Either way, Hagen is right about one thing: BAD BOYS 2 is ass.

THE ITALIAN JOB (2003) - **1/2

Enjoyable if unremarkable heist-revenge action picture. Remake of the memorable 60's picture with Michael Caine. Reportedly, Edward Norton was forced by studio contract to do this film, and boy does he show that he really wanted nothing to do with this flick, but I don't blame him. Meanwhile, one problem still does bug me.

Jason Statham carried any of the good stuff in those TRANSPORTER pictures of his because he oozes masculinity. You actually believe he would take control of the situation by himself and yes, beat the fuck out of everyone. So seeing him being an underling to Mark Whalberg is like seeing America following the lead of Portugal. Not that Whalberg himself is bad, for FOUR BROTHERS showed that he is capable in such action fare, but Statham is just fucking cooler than Marky Mark can ever hope for.

Speaking of which, the cover rendition of Pink Floyd's "Money" by a strange medley of some Guns & Roses and Stone Temple Pilots.....well, lets just say it made me appreciate the string and vocal work of Gilmour in the first place.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 03:32 AM

Requiem for a Dream


Creative editing, amazing performances, and chilling music manage to save a film which contains an otherwise uninteresting, and what I believe to be a somewhat overused subject matter. The film seemed to drag on a bit towards the middle, but the final 20 minutes were absolutely astonishing.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 04:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b]Requiem for a Dream


Creative editing, amazing performances, and chilling music manage to save a film which contains an otherwise uninteresting, and what I believe to be a somewhat overused subject matter. The film seemed to drag on a bit towards the middle, but the final 20 minutes were absolutely astonishing. [/b]
Editing and music did not 'save' the supposedly uninteresing movie. It actually made the movie one of the best movies ever. I am going to re-watch it soon.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 06:59 AM

Raging Bull
1980/Scorsese

A great, great film. Didn't quite excite me as much as usual this time around, but still clearly monumental. My 2nd or 3rd favorite Scorsese, such a distinctly different style from his later work. I love Marty's experimentation with ambience and audio here, with the constant mix of music drifting in from down the street and the quiet growl of the city seemingly ever present.

4.5/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 08:52 PM

"Popcorn" is more a reflection of the audience than the film itself. And if a film has an audience to consciously cater for, it probably fits into some kind of genre.

Generic films are popcorn films. It's often used as a derogatory term. I find it merely reductive.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 09:10 PM

Well, there is good and bad popcorn movies to me.

The "bad" are those generic-ass movies we have to endure most of the time, since they are purposely made to be either uncreative or as typical as possible to get as many demographics to go see the damn movie.

The "Good" popcorn pictures are those that Hollywood try to rip-off endlessly. I mean, dear lord we still have movies trying to be the next STAR WARS not only popularity, but as well in making a shitload of money. If anything, its rare that after STAR WARS for Hollywood to produce a pure sci-fi picture that isn't simply using the futuristic fantasy element to make for an excuse for mindless action sequences.

Though I hate to use the defense that a movie "entertains" me as simply a reason why its good or whatever. It may be enjoyable on a friday night, beer/pizza binge, but besides that, is it a good film on its own mechanics?

THE ITALIAN JOB remake I enjoyed in a mindless way, but its average as hell. Nothing incredibly lame in it, just nothing worth a special shit in it. Worth watching again? Not really. Would I watch it on say TNT on friday night at 10 PM and I've got a six-pack and some greasy-ass pizza? Ya sure, why not.

There seems to be two special types of people at IMDB.com, much as I see here at BB.Net as well. Those that think film buffs and critics are pretentious arty fruity pricks who hate anything "fun", and those others who are true film lovers, and despise anything that is "popcorn".

I love good popcorn when I eat it, but I hate either stale or rotten or worse, pissed-on popcorn. I think absolutes is almost never a good mindset to have when reviewing films.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 09:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Well, there is good and bad popcorn movies to me.
There are good and bad popcorn movies.*

Sorry, it was bothering me.

Hmm... Obsessive compulsive...
time to take medications.


Time to go check the dictionary for typographical errors.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/06 11:07 PM

Groundhog Day
1993/Ramis

Sometimes it's nice to just suspend your own elitist sensibilities for a while and enjoy a simple comedy. Bill Murray was great here and Harold Ramis makes some nice directional choices. I liked the whole fantasy idea, in the vein of Tom Hanks' Big. Looking at Ramis' filmography, it seems this somewhat of a running theme throughout his films. Overall, probably one of the better mainstream comedies I've seen.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 12:51 AM

June\'s films.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 12:54 AM

And so begins July.

Enough
Michael Apted
2002 US (1st time; DVD)
After the man of her dreams turns into a wife-beating maniac, a woman goes on the run with their child, learns self-defence, and eventually gets her own back.
It sounds silly, and it is.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 01:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
And so begins July.

[b]Enough
Michael Apted
2002 US (1st time; DVD)
After the man of her dreams turns into a wife-beating maniac, a woman goes on the run with their child, learns self-defence, and eventually gets her own back.
It sounds silly, and it is. [/b]
Capo,

I actually liked that movie! Silly, maybe. Unlikely, yes, but I loved seeing an abuser getting his "just desserts." :p I'd categorize it as a "chick flick" and assume most men wouldn't like it.

Also, I'm not particularly a JoLo fan, but I don't think she is too bad an actress.

TIS
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 03:01 AM

Everything is Illuminated (2005) -
Director - Liev Schreiber

A young Jewish-American man returns to Ukraine in search of a village, and the woman who helped his grandfather escape the Holocaust.
Truly an excellent film. Elijah Wood--although far from a favorite of mine--performs flawlessly. He is funny, high maitnence, attached... very small... His performance is strong and talented, but remains in balance with the rest of the cast; who are also brilliant. The characters he comes in contact with: also very funny. The story is stable, the music is excellent, the characters are original, the comedy is excellent, and the drama is solid. This is exactly what I like in a film; a proportionate balance of humor and emotion. Excellent. My personal favorite film of 2005.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 03:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[quote]Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
[b] Well, there is good and bad popcorn movies to me.
There are good and bad popcorn movies.*

Sorry, it was bothering me.

Hmm... Obsessive compulsive...
time to take medications.


Time to go check the dictionary for typographical errors. [/b][/quote]I am Ronnie's self-loathing for a simple mistake
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 03:57 AM

I am LLC's amusement in your pop culture references. :p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 04:21 AM

I am Ronnie's lack of Creativity (you can also call me Ron Howard)
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 04:26 AM

I am LLC's urge to dub you Ron Howard.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 04:32 AM

I am Ronnie's fustration at fucking CINDERELLA MAN (You can also call me "Michael Bay") :p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 04:41 AM

I am....alright, I quit that shit.

IN THE LINE OF FIRE (1993) - ****

Thrilling suspenseful picture by Wolfgang Peterson, back when he could actually direct, with Clint Eastwood going toe and head against the brilliant John Malkovich in his Oscar-nominated performance as the whacked-out CIA killers-turned-would-be assassin.

Its a tip of hat at Peterson to cut and make a film work its charm, even over such Eastwood genre-garbage like inept asshole bureaucrats, teaching some "rookie" the streets, and other nonsense. Though really, maybe its Malkovich playing almost the Colonel Kurtz of this tale, the guys that once was of the human race before he journeyed down the river, and unexplainably became something else...thing is, is he really a psychopath who thinks the government is out to exterminate him, or was he really fighting the government itself, with this Presidential assassination being his "strike back"? Unknown, though good betting money would be placed on him flunking the psychiatric test, but its worth a thought.

This was Eastwood's solid comeback in Hollywood after several duds(save for his Oscar-winning UNFORGIVEN) and especially with the major bomb in THE ROOKIE.

Anyone remember the infamous teaser trailer that read "1963" then ticked towards 1993, the one that apparently got hostile reactions in many theaters?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 05:26 AM

I don't get it. Why were there hostile reactions?

As for Peterson, I've always been interested in getting my hands on Das Boot, although I thought Troy was forgettable.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 05:45 AM

I don't get it either, though maybe some folks felt the trailer was..."exploitative"...of the JFK murder, but who knows.

DAS BOOT is a pretty great war film, and arguably the best damn movie ever set within a friggin submarine. Actually, its sad how Peterson went from being this talented German director of DAS BOOT, IN THE LINE OF FIRE, the hokey as hell but visually rich THE NEVERENDING STORY, and so on....to this hired-gun of a Hollywood blockbuster director of mediocre-ass movies from THE PERFECT STORM to TROY to the recent mega-dud POSEIDON. Really, what went wrong?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 06:14 AM

Likes the smell of money.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 07:17 AM

Pulp Fiction ***
Funny and entertaining. I would place this movie in the same category as 'snatch', although this has a much different and unique style of presentation.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 12:55 PM

Fight Club
1999/Fincher

Ah the joy of starting a movie at 4:30 in the morning. 2nd viewing in the past few days. Pretty much solidified as one of my favorite films.

5/5 Stars
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 04:22 PM

F/X (1986) - ***

Nice decent picture that works on an intriging premise: A F/X coordinator in Hollywood is contracted by the FBI to fake a bloody assassination of a mob boss, to be placed in Witness Protection. The boss is shot at the office, but he's really dead. Who tampered with the squib bullets, and who is trying to kill the coordinator off?

Followed by a very mediocre sequel a few years later.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 05:04 PM

Anyone seen this?

A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies

Looks very interesting. Don't know how easy it is to find though.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 05:59 PM

Yes. It is personal, and very passionate because of that. It'll introduce you to some very overlooked directors of the old system, which Marty has always admired. There is also a companion book, which is basically the screenplay for Scorsese's voice-over, with stills taken from the films featured.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 10:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:

Anyway, my next Allen will probably be Crimes and Misdemeanors. As for Manhattan . . .
By all means see it....it's one of Woody's best.

But what happened to Broadway Danny Rose?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 10:51 PM

That's great Capo, thanks for the description. I'll have to look into finding that.

Last Year at Marienbad
1961/Resnais

This was a fantastically mysterious film. The beautifully haunting opening sequence, with graceful, smooth, uninteruppted tracking shots taken at odd angles down a hotel corridor draws you right in and immediately sets the style and tone for the film. Resnais uses unnamed characters, heavy symbolism, and his complex mixture of dreams, fantasies, nightmares, memories, reality, and subconcious is stunning, in a bewildering sort of way.

I recently saw this listed as one of the most confusing films of all time, and it was this intriguing label that made me seek out the movie. This description plays out in full. Resnais strategically places quick segments of staccato editing and emotionally disturbing scenes in between the long eerie scenes of the regular story which is always accompanied by a ghostly organ score. I look forward to rewatches not to try to understand, but simply to expierience what Resnais has put together.

5/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 11:20 PM

I've heard great things about Resnais' films, and that one in particular. With that critique, I know now that I must see it by the end of the week.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 11:24 PM

I was hoping you'd seen it already and could provide your own opinions and perhaps some suggestions. That type of surrealist, foreign film, thought-provoking, mysterious, has come to be exactly what I feel like I'm looking for. It does really seem like your type of movie, but I'm often surprised by your reviews, so I guess we'll see.

Parts of it bear a heavy resemblance to Mulholland Dr, which I also liked. I'm really enjoying these films that challenge me mentally.

I'm eager to hear your thoughts.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/06 11:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by plawrence:
By all means see it....it's one of Woody's best.

But what happened to Broadway Danny Rose?
I'm hoping to get back to Allen sometime in the coming weeks. I'll be sure to let you know what I thought of it once I get my hands on it.
Posted By: plawrence

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/06 10:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
What do you think of Match Point, Plaw?
Quote:
Originally posted by plawrence:
I enjoyed Match Point, DV, but I certainly don't think it was one of his best.

I also think that a lot of his recent work has been criticized rather harshly and unfairly, and since Match Point was probably a cut above some of the things Woody has done recently as far as being what I'll call "a technical piece of film making", the critics were a bit lavish with their praise.

Call me crazy, but I really enjoyed his recent Hollywood Ending, and also Anything Else
Yeah, they were a couple of simple and goofy comedies, but I found them both to be quite funny.
I saw it in the theatre when it first came out, but hadoccasion to see it a second time yesterday on DVD.

One of the reasons that I don't write full-scale reviews is that I can really be a dunce sometimes and miss the obvious.

After watching it yesterday ( and then reading a few IMDb reviews), what I wrote above still stands, however

..........****SPOILERS HERE****.....****SPOILERS HERE****..........

I didn't realize after my first watching how heavily Woody borrowed from the plot of his own work, Crimes and Misdemeanors, and even more so from a great and truly under-rated film, A Place in the Sun.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/06 10:16 AM

Eyes Wide Shut
1999/Kubrick

Did I miss something? Was this a joke? Was this just Stanley Kubrick, master filmmaker of numerous classics, just saying to us all, "Hey! Guess what? I'm gonna start developing this movie in the early 80's, but not release it until 1999, and I'm gonna take nearly 2 years to shoot it, and take a year for post-production, and I'm gonna have Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. And guess what? The movie's gonna suck!"

Because yeah, it did. I hated it. I really hated it. The first half an hour or so showed promise, I'll give it that, but wow, after that, I should've just gone and stared at my toilet for the remaining 2 hours and 10 minutes of further running time. Yeah, so, don't waste your time. I don't know what happened to Stanley.

This deserves 0 stars but I'll give it 1 because
A. At least Tom Cruise seems like he's giving it his all
and
B. I enjoyed the Alan Cummings cameo. although it felt horribly out of place.

1/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/06 11:27 AM

Eyes Wide Shut isn't that long...is it? I've been wanting to revisit it in a while now.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/06 11:35 AM

No, I mean, 2 hrs 39 mins, more than your average movie, although I've definitely been through a good few that were longer. For me, it was just that

A. I didn't like the story
B. Kubrick used a lot of long, silent shots of strange things like showing Tom Cruise walking through a door and then a hallway like 6 seperate times
C. I really wanted it to end

So it seemed dragged out. There's a conversation near the end between Cruise and Sydney Pollack that goes on for a full 14 minutes, no music or anything, and some of the lamest dialogue I swear I've ever heard.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/06 11:47 AM

I didn't like that conversation, for the sole reason it explained, and thus reduced the frightening mystery of, the masked ball before it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/06 11:52 AM

Agreed, although I didn't find the masked ball that frightening or mysterious in the first place.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/06 07:20 PM

I always liked EYES WIDE SHUT as this sort of very good film about dreams and reality, and what is and what isn't actually happening. Notice that the street names in the film's New York City don't exist in real life.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/06 11:09 PM

I thought the whole "was it a dream" ending felt like some 4th quarter forced shit to try to make it interesting, but by that point I didn't care and didn't buy it. You wanna see something that makes you question what is reality and what is fantasy, see Last Year at Marienbad. I watched them both yesterday and Eyes Wide Shut pales in comparison.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 02:58 AM

Boogie Nights
ZERO

Please, those of you who consider PT Anderson a genius, PLEASE tell me this was a miss for him. I am actually blown away by how horrible this film is. I can't believe it.

I approach Magnolia with caution...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 03:24 AM

Boogie Nights is in my top 10 of all time. What exactly did you find wrong with it? Great use of music, innovative camera work, large group of well-defined and interesting characters, does a great job of re-creating the time period, equal mix of drama and comedy, great cast of talented actors, lit well, shot well, directed to near perfection. Not a shot out of place.

I don't get that at all.

And Magnolia is better.

I mean, yeah, it took me a few viewings for each to realize their greatness, but I didn't feel the way you did.

And remember with Boogie Nights, Anderson is doing the whole thing in a slightly satirical manner. He's paying homage to the porn industry while simultaneously poking fun an it. He's satirizing the laid-back, drugged out, California lifestyle, while also showcasing it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 03:31 AM

The Devil Wears Prada
2006/Frankel

An enjoyable film, despite the fact that it was drenched in conventionality and predictability. Worth seeing for Meryl Streep.

3/5 Stars
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 03:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
What exactly did you find wrong with it?
It was absolutely pointless, stupid, and unfunny. The characters were developed horribly, and the entire thing was just completely insignificant to me. Why do I care about a bunch of porn stars and how their lives turned out?

This was a very painful experience for me. I was ready to turn it off after the first 45 minutes.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 03:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b]Boogie Nights
ZERO

Please, those of you who consider PT Anderson a genius, PLEASE tell me this was a miss for him. I am actually blown away by how horrible this film is. I can't believe it.

I approach Magnolia with caution... [/b]
... shame on you, Chung.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 04:19 AM

I gotta agree with Hagen here about BOOGIE NIGHTS. Pretty well-made movie, and it gets a ZERO rating?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 04:24 AM

PT Anderson is a God.

His movies are the second, third, fourth, and fifth coming of the messiah.

You should treat them as such.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 04:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Why do I care about a bunch of porn stars and how their lives turned out?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124819/

DO IT.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 04:28 AM

HA!

Now you just look like a complete hypocrite, having given South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut four stars, over AIM today, eh?

And I know you're going to give me the whole "Well, this is good satire" thing. Well... So was Boogie Nights.

:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 06:09 AM

The Matrix Reloaded ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

I didn't think this was a bad follow up to the original Matrix. I didn't expect much out of it (since I've heard people rip the sh*t out of the final 2 installments), and that could be the reason I enjoyed it so much. I think this had better visual effects than the original and that freeway chase scene was the most enjoyable.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 06:19 AM

I've always said since I first saw them that 3 was a major letdown, 2 was good. I feel like people lump them together.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 07:53 AM

Dekalog, jeden
1988/Kieslowski

A good first chapter to the 10-part series. Very simple in style, setting, characters, and yet Kieslowski still succeeds in creating an interesting atmosphere and posing thought-provoking questions. I really enjoyed the dual main character aspect of this film, focusing equally on both the father and the son, and seem to remember reading that this is a running theme of the series. It really shows Kieslowski's talent that he's able to take all the themes of questioning the purpose of life, reliance in technology, father and son dynamic, and children's naivety, and pack them all into a well-made, hour long film. I look forward to continuing the series tomorrow hopefully.

3.5/5 Stars
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 04:23 PM

THE PACKAGE (1989) - ***

Enjoyable pulpy conspiracy suspense thriller, with an Army Sargent (Gene Hackman) losing his "package" of a convicted Army soldier (Tommy Lee Jones) after an incident in an American airport lounge. Of course, in such popcorn fare, the protagonist finds that things are not what they seem, and that his escaped prisoner wasn't the actual man, but somebody who took his place. Meanwhile, the Americans and Russians are to sign a nuclear disarmament treaty in Chicago, while the prisoner makes his way there...while covert governmental ops try to take down our protagonist. The first of three consecutive films that director Andrew Davis will pair up with Tommy Lee Jones, followed by UNDER SIEGE and THE FUGITIVE.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/06 05:29 PM

Black Narcissus
Michael Powell / Emeric Pressburger
1947 UK (1st time; TV)
Nuns at a convent set up in India struggle to entertain duty, madness and sexual craving.
An unusual film in that it's not entirely clear what it's about, but one which works because it is astonishing to look at, and thoroughly establishes itself in its mise-en-scene, however studio-set it is.

American Graffiti
George Lucas
1973 US (1st time; TV)
An eventful night among teenagers in 1962 California.
Personal comedy which conjures its time and place with what is an ultimately heartrending sense of nostalgia; the performances all have an immediate air to them, and the safety of being a teenager, however uncertain of the future, was never more attractive.

Husk
Jerry Handler
1999 South Africa / UK / US (1st time; TV)
A girl settles a deal with the man to whom her father owes money.
The synopsis might become more clear on a rewatch, but the parallel editing in this short is rather abstract. Impressively shot.

The Sopranos Season 6 (no rating)
Various 2006 US (1st time; download)
*****Spoilers ahead.*****
There is a moment in the penultimate episode of this twelve-part series, wherein Silvio tells Tony, upon hearing of a Capo's death, "This isn't about Vito, this is about you". It is a subtle nod to the form of the season as a whole; the plots dealing with other characters throughout are dealt with only in relation to Tony, and how he reacts to them. Vito's homosexuality may frustrate some, but it certainly allows Chase and co. to expose the mentality behind the Mob. If it is more fragmented (episodic?) than previous seasons, and falls further into inconclusive, inconsistent narrative threads, then it also probes deeper into psychological boundaries and proves insightful of characters, most of whom are revised here to have sides to them the previous five seasons fail to show. The seasons have become more and more mature and slower-paced as the show has progressed, and here the tone is heavily reflective, with characters all in some kind of identity crisis: Paulie finds out he isn't the man he thought he was, Christopher spirals back onto drugs, Carmela philosophises in Paris, and Tony dreams of being Kevin Finnerty whilst in a coma, to mention just a few. The show has developed into a darker, more existential series than some may have liked; its self-reflexivity and increasing intertextuality mark it as a highly clever turn, less about the Mafia than questions of identity, and masculinity in particular. Tellingly, early on in the season, Tony awakens from his coma and mutters, "Who am I? Where am I going?" It could just as easily have been Chase questioning who these creations are, and what is expected of them.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 06:42 AM

The Usual Suspects ***
Very entertaining crime thriller starring Kevin Spacey. Cast also includes DelToro. It keeps the suspense till the end and there are some very good performances.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 12:23 PM

Dekalog, dwa
1988/Kieslowski

Segment #2, slightly better than the first. This segment had two adult main characters as opposed to the child character of the 1st segment. This provided an oppurtunity for Kieslowski to showcase more of everyday urban Poland, which he didn't get to do much of the first time around. Krystyna Janda, our first female main character, also turns in a great understated performance, doing her best acting with her eyes, which seem to able to run through a wide range of emotions very quickly and all are expressed with such beauty. Aleksander Bardini was also enjoyable as the Doctor although I wish Kieslowski had made more time to explore his personal life.

It's also becoming apparent that Kieslowski isn't striving to stick to the 10 commandments structure that supposedly connects the 10 segments, as neither of the first two parts bore any noticeable resemblance to their given themes. Overall, although the conclusion of this segment was slightly confusing for me, it was still the better of the two so far. Looking forward to Part 3 later on today hopefully.

3.5/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 02:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]The Usual Suspects ***
Very entertaining crime thriller starring Kevin Spacey. Cast also includes DelToro. It keeps the suspense till the end and there are some very good performances. [/b]
Great performances from a great director. One of my personal all-time favorites
Posted By: mark braban

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 03:48 PM

ive been watching a lot of documentaries..inc walmart the high cost of low price also enron the smartest guys in the room and a whole lot of docs concerning the 9/11 disaster..which are very interesting..also i watched the movie hard candy;which was ok and das experiment which wasnt that good imo..
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 04:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mark braban:
ive been watching a lot of documentaries..inc walmart the high cost of low price also enron the smartest guys in the room and a whole lot of docs concerning the 9/11 disaster..which are very interesting..also i watched the movie hard candy;which was ok and das experiment which wasnt that good imo..
Me being a big fan of Walmart, watched that documentary. The trailers were very interesting and the movie was very boring, I couldn't complete it!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 05:39 PM

Boogie Nights
Paul Thomas Anderson
1997 US (1st time; VHS)
The rise and fall of the pornography industry and the lives of the people therein, just as video is taking over film, at the end of the 70s.
Anderson's style is to give otherwise discardable characters an emotional undercurrent with well-timed asides amidst the stylistic flourishes and pounding soundtrack of the narrative; it runs out of steam after ninety minutes or so, but keeps going with some powerful, if irrelevant, scenes of violence. Its confidence and ambition must be praised, and there are few films which pull off the juxtaposition between disturbing and comedic with such panache. But for a film which shows much early promise in its multi-layered depiction of a film industry (with films-within-films-within-films), the characterisation ends up being rather ordinary.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 07:14 PM

The Devil Wears Prada **
(First Viewing)

Predictable with a hint of humor didn't make for a very good movie. Meryl Streep was fabulous with her stone cold looks and snide comments. Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci were very good too with their respective roles. For those wishing to see this in theaters, you'd probably be better off saving a few bucks and waiting for the DVD later this year
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 07:28 PM

Irish, we wrote nearly the same review.

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]The Devil Wears Prada
2006/Frankel

An enjoyable film, despite the fact that it was drenched in conventionality and predictability. Worth seeing for Meryl Streep.

3/5 Stars [/b]
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 07:30 PM

Wow we did. I guess great minds think alike
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 07:32 PM

so do feeble minds


Just kidding
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 11:24 PM

Superman Returns

Baaaaaaaaadaaaaaassssssssss.

Haha.

Figures, I leave before the credits are over for X3 and miss everything. And I stay til the end for this one and get nothin.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/06 11:46 PM

Magnolia (1999) - (10th viewing?)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
A number of indivduals residing in the San Fernandino Valley, Los Angeles, California are brought together through a strange series coincidence... or fate.
The best movie from my favorite director. For some reason, it hit a nerve this time around. More so than the previous nine viewings I've had of this excellent film. In my opinion, I feel this should have won Best Film for 1999. It's beautiful in every aspect... It's emotionally striking (especially for myself, having been able to relate to the scenes involving the old man dying of cancer), and the performances are flawless. I can't say much that I haven't said before. On a side note, this time around I noticed that the film isn't nearly as long as I had previously believed it to be... Anyone else notice that the end-credts are approximately 45 minutes long?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 12:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
Superman Returns

Baaaaaaaaadaaaaaassssssssss.

Haha.

Figures, I leave before the credits are over for X3 and miss everything. And I stay til the end for this one and get nothin.
Glad you enjoyed it bogey! It's probably my 3rd favorite movie thus far this year (behind only V for Vendetta and United 93). I'm glad I didn't miss anything after the previews. I had to piss so badly that I was running after that movie and never went back to see if I missed anything or not
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 02:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
I feel this should have won Best Film for 1999.
Yeah, I'd like to thank the academy for not even recognizing this with a nomination. I mean I can pretty much agree with American Beauty as the Best Picture winner of 1999, but considering it was probably the best year for movies in the past decade at least, I've never really understood how The Cider House Rules, The Green Mile, The Insider, and The Sixth Sense took the other 4 spots when films like Magnolia, Fight Club, Election, and The Matrix went unrecognized, which, from what I remember, I consider all to be superior to the 4 Best Picture losers. The Academy needs to go for something a little edgier sometimes.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 03:00 AM

I consider The Insider better then all of those mentioned, save American Beauty, especially The Matrix of all things.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 04:09 AM

I'm probably alone in drastically disliking that movie as I remember it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 04:38 AM

Fuck CIDER HOUSE RULES. Really, I hate melodramatic coffee table dog shit.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 10:28 AM

Dekalog, trzy
1988/Kieslowski

The third installment, and definitely my favorite so far. The entire story takes place in one night, Christmas Eve, which allows for Kieslowski to light the film using lots of shadows and christmas lights. This mix shows up beautifully on the low-quality, late 80's film stock that's used, resulting in a nice effect that reminded me of Thief. The plot here was the most interesting thus far as well, with a nice chemistry going between our two main characters, who are ex-lovers. The plot and the solitary urban setting reminded me almost of a 40's noir film. Kieslowski also suceeds in executing some of his best camera movements so far in the series.

4/5 Stars

********************************************

Dekalog, cztery
1988/Kieslowski

An interesting chapter. Kieslowski again uses a dual main character setup, and actually gives the viewers a little more exposition this time around, as we come to feel like we know our characters better here than in the other segments. This story revolves around a 20-year old girl who discovers a letter from her long-deceased mother revealing that her "father" is not really her father. Although I wasn't sure about the slightly sexually suggestive turn the relationship took from there, overall the chemistry was interesting. I didn't quite understand the message behind this one as much as the other parts so far, so it was subsequently probably my least favorite. Still solid though, Kieslowski continues to impress.

3/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 12:47 PM

Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 1)
Various
2003 US (1st time; DVD)
Larry David, co-creator and executive producer of Seinfeld, turns apparent boredom into hilarity; surrounded by fictitious extensions of his real-life friends, and playing himself, he has created here an incredibly creative and consistently funny show. His self-effacing narcissism allows me to connect immediately.

I watched it in two sittings.

MistaMista, I also watched Dekalog in three sittings. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 03:57 PM

The Matrix Revolutions **
(First Viewing)

Well, I guess the trilogy got worse as it went on. I did enjoy the first half of the movie (especially the machines vs humans battle). But after that, it just lost me and I could almost care less (especially during the final Neo vs Agent Smith battle). What a disappointment
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 05:02 PM

Donnie Darko

I thought this film was interesting for a first viewing,i like the concept of Time travelling,did anybody else stuggle to understand the film

I would like to hear other members comments on this film
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 05:44 PM

Donnie Darko is one of my own all-time favorites. I've yet to expirience a viewing of it where I have not been left thinking about it for days on end. It is deffinately a film of a rare species, in which you're literally left thinking in a rather deep manner for days. The best part about this film, I think, is that the ending is far from straight forward. Richard Kelly allows you to form your own theories and opinions of the course of events.

By the way, I reccomend watching the deleted scenes (assuming you watched the superior Theatrical release). The make you look at the film in a different light, although I am glad they were cut from the film. For some reason, I disliked the directors cut--which included the deleted scenes--in comparison to the original release.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 06:21 PM

I have the original release,havn't watched the extras yet
Posted By: reynols

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 06:22 PM

confessions of a dangerous mind

based on a true story this was a well done film about a man living 2 entirely seperate lives and how it was tearing him apart. there a stylish setting throughout the movie and the story line is just right.

3.5/5
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 08:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
MistaMista, I also watched Dekalog in three sittings. :p
Oh really? I had searched to see other's reactions towards it and I never saw you make any comments on the entire series as a whole, just A Short Film About Killing and A Short Film About Love if I remember correctly.

What did you think of it?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 09:27 PM

My critique read, at the time:

Brave attempt to bring the Bible to modern day Poland, with ten films comprising one mammoth piece; it's all bleak and melancholy, but not without its rewards, and must be seen to be appreciated.
---
Killing stands out in its truncated form; in their extended versions, A Short Film about Love is one of the best films I've seen.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 09:28 PM

They're segments 5 and 6 respectively, correct? Refresh my memory.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 09:30 PM

Oui, oui.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 09:32 PM

A Short Film About Killing is one of the best films I've ever seen. I've not seen the shorter Dekalog version however.

I think it has the most intense ending in the history of cinema. One of the few times I've ever cried watching a movie.

I hope you enjoy it, Hagen.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 09:43 PM

Well, I face a bit of dilemma here then.

Should I try to get the longer versions? Might I miss out on the emotional impact if I just watch the short versions?

EDIT: Nevermind, they're not available to me. I'll have to settle for the short versions. I'm done the first 4, so 5 and 6 are coming up.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 10:13 PM

The Squid and the Whale (2005) -
Director: Noah Baumbach
Set in a 1980s-Brooklyn, a high school under-grad and his younger brother are left in the stressful situation of joint-custody when their parents finally decide to give in and divorce.
Here's a movie that struck close to home. Having expirienced my own parents divorce, I found myself being able to relate to this film completely. Baumbach captures not only the stress of joint-custody, but also the humor. While divorce is a stressing and a depressing expirience, I also found humor in the entire idea as a child. The film captures that humor... the confusion, and everything that follows. I can relate exact scenes in this film to my own expiriences--IE, children picking "sides" with one parent or the other. In adition, I enjoyed Baumbach's use of music. I was estatic to find that the film features by favorite Lou Reed song, "Street Hassle" as well as Pink Floyd's "Hey You".
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 10:14 PM

I preferred Killing in its truncated version, anyway, Mista.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 10:15 PM

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless minds.

Not what I excpected but still a great movie. Anyone who ever says Jim Carrey can only defigurate his face should spend a dinner with Dr Lecter.

8,5/10
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 10:20 PM

Q: What does Lecter have for breakfast?
A: Eggs and Kevin Bacon

:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 10:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
[b]The Squid and the Whale (2005) -
Director: Noah Baumbach
Set in a 1980s-Brooklyn, a high school under-grad and his younger brother are left in the stressful situation of joint-custody when their parents finally decide to give in and divorce.
Here's a movie that struck close to home. Having expirienced my own parents divorce, I found myself being able to relate to this film completely. Baumbach captures not only the stress of joint-custody, but also the humor. While divorce is a stressing and a depressing expirience, I also found humor in the entire idea as a child. The film captures that humor... the confusion, and everything that follows. I can relate exact scenes in this film to my own expiriences--IE, children picking "sides" with one parent or the other. In adition, I enjoyed Baumbach's use of music. I was estatic to find that the film features by favorite Lou Reed song, "Street Hassle" as well as Pink Floyd's "Hey You". [/b]
I'm glad to see you enjoyed it as well LLC. I think I gave it 3 stars myself. It was pleasantly surprising and Linney and Daniels worked well together (and the kids, especially the younger one who continued to curse, were well cast)
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/06 11:16 PM

Yes. Apparently the younger one is a relative of Kevin Kline's? His son, I presume.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 12:35 AM

Dekalog, piec
1988/Kieslowski

I really enjoyed the opening half, where Kieslowski shows some of his best editing skills as of yet, going back and forth between the young man, the cab driver, and the lawyer. Voice over is also used with great effectiveness in this section. This was also the first segment of the series that skipped a large portion of time, with the story taking place over a year's span. Overall, I wasn't quite sure if the young man's moral transformation was justified and/or explained. Perhaps this is better handled in the longer version. 5 down, 5 to go. Really looking forward to segment 6.

3.5/5 Stars
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 12:37 AM

What did you think of the ending?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 02:34 AM

The execution felt a little bit anti-climactic, but I did really like the build-up to it. The lone scene afterwards, the young lawyer alone in the meadow, which I assume was the one that Jarek described to him from his childhood, shouting to himself, was effective but not exactly tear-jerking or anything.

What did you find so haunting about it? And is it any different in the full version?

Just wanted to mention, the ending here and the storyline as a whole really reminded me of Dead Man Walking with Sean Penn. Ever seen it? I had the sort of reaction to that, that you felt towards this.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 03:44 AM

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) -
Director: Stanley Kubrick
After having his wife confess to nearly committing adultry, a Manhattan doctor is pushed along a night of sex and discovery.
...Wow. This is still sinking in. What an amazing note for Kubrick to close his career on; I have to admit to being alarmed and worried that at this point, the man may have lost his touch, but he certainly did not. Sure, this may not measure at the same mark as previous achievements such as A Clockwork Orange or 2001: A Space Odyssey, but it is no less than a momentous achievement. His direction is absolutely flawless. He managed to work out of his actors some of the best I've seen from them. The story and cinematography had me on edge throughout, and the erie piano score only pushed this reaction further. This is a film I am going to continue to take time to ponder, and process on a deeper, perhaps philosophical stand point.

And yes. It is like softcore porn with better acting.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 04:23 AM

Eyes Wide Shut

Too lazy for a proview now...but I agree with everything LLC said, except that it wasn't on the level of 2001 or Clockwork...I actually feel this is Kubrick's best film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 04:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
The execution felt a little bit anti-climactic, but I did really like the build-up to it. The lone scene afterwards, the young lawyer alone in the meadow, which I assume was the one that Jarek described to him from his childhood, shouting to himself, was effective but not exactly tear-jerking or anything.

What did you find so haunting about it? And is it any different in the full version?

Just wanted to mention, the ending here and the storyline as a whole really reminded me of Dead Man Walking with Sean Penn. Ever seen it? I had the sort of reaction to that, that you felt towards this.
I've not seen the Dekalog version of Killing, but I believe Capo has seen both, so he would know if the endings were different.

I haven't seen Dead Man Walking either.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 04:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]Eyes Wide Shut
1999/Kubrick

Did I miss something? Was this a joke? Was this just Stanley Kubrick, master filmmaker of numerous classics, just saying to us all, "Hey! Guess what? I'm gonna start developing this movie in the early 80's, but not release it until 1999, and I'm gonna take nearly 2 years to shoot it, and take a year for post-production, and I'm gonna have Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. And guess what? The movie's gonna suck!"

Because yeah, it did. I hated it. I really hated it. The first half an hour or so showed promise, I'll give it that, but wow, after that, I should've just gone and stared at my toilet for the remaining 2 hours and 10 minutes of further running time. Yeah, so, don't waste your time. I don't know what happened to Stanley.

This deserves 0 stars but I'll give it 1 because
A. At least Tom Cruise seems like he's giving it his all
and
B. I enjoyed the Alan Cummings cameo. although it felt horribly out of place.

1/5 Stars [/b]
This post is a joke right?

I don't understand.

I just don't.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 04:39 AM

Now you know how I feel.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 05:29 AM

Oh yeah, how you think I feel when he underrated TWELVE MONKEYS? Hopefully he'll find upon the great works of science fiction, and maybe realize that Gilliam somehow produced a worthy cinematic nugget of the genre. Not that I'm dissing his worthy and respectable opinion, since its not like he gave a BOMB rating to it, but again....this is the price with subjectivity.

You may see a movie as clear as if you was looking out the window, or that same picture, its a bug guts-laden car windshield with rain splattering over it.

Anyway, I don't think EYES WIDE SHUT is a masterpiece, but its still a really damn well-made film. Besides, the first time I watched it, the movie was damn sterile to me, much like Hagen's review for it, so I can actually understand where he is coming from. But over time, and after several viewings, I now think its yet another worthy picture in Kubrick's outstanding resume.

Besides, who didn't laugh at the obviously, digitally, placed people in front of certain sex acts? Apparently the European edit didn't bother with such nonsense. :p
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 05:38 AM

I feel like I'm eavesdropping.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 05:43 AM

Yeah. We should all really be having a nude, sexy slumber party, and talk about boys we'd like to funk, while you and the other voyeuristic perv's listen from the back yard, where you are spread up against the wall, below an open window.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 05:53 AM

Mista's High Reviews
Volume 1

A series in several parts.

Old School
2003/Phillips

Pretty fucking good stuff. Todd Phillips, in a nice gangbanger cameo near the beginning AND taking the nice director's chair here, crafts a nice film with shades of Suburban, American Beauty like shit going on at the beginning. Luke Wilson isn't someone I've seen much of, but I like him here. And Will Ferrel and Vince Vaughn as the big goofy funny big guys roundout the perfect leading trio. The best of the Frat Pack genre. Can't wait for part 2.

High Rating: 5/5 Stars
Actual Rating: I don't know somewhere.

Wedding Crashers
2005/Dobkin

Awesome movie, great editing and shit during the music accompanied party scenes. Ladies so damn fine. Vince Vaughn's facial expressions alone make me laugh. Great writing too, the guys are educated just enough to be able to use funny vocabularly. Enhances all the comedy. Vince Vaughn is amazing here again. Crab cakes obsessed. Seeems like so much fun to be there. Wanna go to a wedding. One of my favorites of 2005. The shit.

High Rating 4.5/5 Stars
Actual Rating4.5/5 Stars bitch

This edition of Mista's High Reviews has been brought to you by . . .

10 Wedny's chicken nuggets
1 Wendy's chicken sandwich, mayo, lettuce, and beautiful buffalo ranch sauce

1 Vince Vaughn
1 Stale Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart
1/2 Bag of Tortillas
1 Baloon Bicycle
3 Trips upstairs for food
1 Silent dance in front of the bathroom mirror
2 Rambling movie reviews

Thanks for reading.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 07:08 AM

haha
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 12:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
The execution felt a little bit anti-climactic, but I did really like the build-up to it. The lone scene afterwards, the young lawyer alone in the meadow, which I assume was the one that Jarek described to him from his childhood, shouting to himself, was effective but not exactly tear-jerking or anything.

What did you find so haunting about it? And is it any different in the full version?
I don't find the final shot tearjerking; in fact I find it rather unnecessary. I think the sudden change, in the execution scene, from a 'tough', silent wanderer to a babbling goner in desperation in the face of death is captured with heartrending abruptiveness, and I think it's one of the most powerful scenes in the entire ten films.

To me, that's the film's strong-point: two merciless killings in two entirely different contexts, one unlawful, the other sanctioned by the State, and both utterly repelling. It's the reason why I prefer the shorter version; much more succinct.

The longer version doesn't add much; Jerek visits his girlfriend after the killing - she turns out to be the same gal the taxi driver was perving on. (Though the murder remains without motive.)
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 12:58 PM

I just didn't quite get Kieslowski's motivation in making his character expierience that transformation, which subsequently made me feel as though it came off less effectively. What are we as the viewers supposed to get out of it? Or is it, as the title suggests, just an objective piece, with no intended message? Simply titling it A Short Film About Killing implies no intended emotional reaction. Could the confusion I'm feeling perhaps be the intended result?

Any thoughts?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 01:13 PM

A Woman Under the Influence
1974/Cassavetes

An interesting piece. Definitely one of the better depictions of mental deterioration that I've seen, and this is an especially strong genre. Gena Rowlands performance is excellent as I've read, completely lived up to its hype. I also liked how Peter Falk's depiction of the husband who's losing his mind in a different way trying to deal with his insane wife nicely complimented and contrasted Rowlands' character. Their chemistry together was powerful.

Yet, I didn't like how despite the 6 month stint in rehab the wife did, she came out basically the same, and because of Cassavetes choice to make both the first and second dinner scenes especially long, I got a little bored after a while, considering they felt nearly identical. And to some extent, the uber-casual, I don't need to edit, I don't need to do anything special with the camera attitude employed by many independent filmmakers is starting to bother me. Although I must mention, I did really enjoy Cassavetes' use of the moving close up. By sometimes focusing on a moving subject in a close up, the viewers will often find the point of interest temporarily out of the shot, which allows Cassavetes to use a sort of slowly gliding, passive camera feel. Overall, a good film with excellent performances, but I thought it was just a little bit too light on plot line and camera work that could keep my attention.

I'm looking forward to seeing The Killing of a Chinese Bookie eventually.

3.5/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 01:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I just didn't quite get Kieslowski's motivation in making his character expierience that transformation, which subsequently made me feel as though it came off less effectively. What are we as the viewers supposed to get out of it? Or is it, as the title suggests, just an objective piece, with no intended message? Simply titling it A Short Film About Killing implies no intended emotional reaction. Could the confusion I'm feeling perhaps be the intended result?

Any thoughts?
I think that's the chief marker of Kíeslowski's aesthetic: he's not really interested in moralising, or manipulating. The power of Killing, for me, comes from the bleak detachment between camera and content. Music is used sparingly and effectively; Preisner's scores are beautiful, for all of his films, but have a cold haunting tone about them. They're certainly not as manipulative as, say, how Spielberg might use a John Williams score.

You perhaps felt uncomfortable with this emotional detachment?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 03:09 PM

And to some extent, the uber-casual, I don't need to edit, I don't need to do anything special with the camera attitude employed by many independent filmmakers is starting to bother me.

I hate this stereotype, especially for the father of Indie film. You know, when one produces it himself? Doesn't have a big budget? And on top of it is pioneering Cinema Verité, which is meant to be a documentaryesque depiction of reality. The whole film is built on it's characters. And did you even see the same film? And on top of it not every film needs to do something special wit hthe camera just to keep your attention. Just wait till you see Jarmusch's Stranger Than Paradise where the camera never moves.

SPOILERS
The same dinner scenes? You mean with her coming back completely quiet and devoid of her mannerisms until her husband couldn't take it anymore?
SPOILERS
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 07:20 PM

I agree that I shouldn't really be blaming Cassavetes or other independent filmmakers for their sometimes mundane camera use considering...

A. Budget constraints
B. They're going for the documentary-like style, like you mentioned.

On that point, I understand and agree with you. But explain to me again the difference between the dinner scenes? It seemed to me like in both, the wife is fairly quiet but everyone kind of seems to be cautiously awaiting her to do something crazy, which she eventually begins to do, and then the husband freaks out. What's the major difference there? She didn't seem devoid of any of her previous behavior after the 6 month break.

And on a side note Vercetti, forget this argument. I've seen you name this as one of your favorite/best films. Could you perhaps explain why you feel the way you do? Often times a seasoned rewatcher can make me remember things I may have underappreciated in a film.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 07:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:


You perhaps felt uncomfortable with this emotional detachment?
I don't feel as though it was that, exactly. Like I said, the scene seemed almost anti-climactic, as in not as interesting or stimulating as I thought it'd be. I'm not saying it gave me a confused and/or uncomfortable reaction, I'm saying it gave me little to no feelings that the scene seemed to be trying to induce.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 07:32 PM

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest ** 1/2

I knew it'd be hard to top the first Pirates and I was right. The story in this one didn't interest me as much and even though it was about a long as the original, this one felt longer/slower. I don't think any of the characters shined as well as they did in the first one (except for Keira Knightley). Also, I didn't care as much about Davy Jones as I did for Captain Barbossa. And for those thinking about leaving after the movies ends, STAY AFTER THE CREDITS!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 08:10 PM

Mista Mista, sometimes I think we're watching completely different movies. I can't fathom how anyone could hate Eyes Wide Shut as much as you do, and find the ending of A Short Film About Killing anti-climactic. There's just no possible way. I...I just don't understand you.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 09:53 PM

Get over it. How you think I manage with Irishman around this thread? :p

Sometimes, you have to let it slide. Other times, you fight the good fight if its something that incredibly shocks your senses.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 10:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Mista Mista, sometimes I think we're watching completely different movies. I can't fathom how anyone could hate Eyes Wide Shut as much as you do, and find the ending of A Short Film About Killing anti-climactic. There's just no possible way. I...I just don't understand you.
Hey man, our opinions just differ. I can't fathom why you consider Dead Man to be a 5 Star Film.

Po-tay-to Po-tah-to I guess.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 10:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Mista Mista, sometimes I think we're watching completely different movies. I can't fathom how anyone could hate Eyes Wide Shut as much as you do, and find the ending of A Short Film About Killing anti-climactic. There's just no possible way. I...I just don't understand you.
That's why discussion between film buffs is so interesting, and I love it. Always in quest for self-truth; I must get to the bottom of my own tastes as well as others'.

DVC, "There's just no possible way" may well be a phrase applicable to your summation of Boogie Nights, no?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 11:03 PM

Oh yeah, I nearly forgot we had an Anderson-Basher in our midst. Now we've really got something to disagree on.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 11:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
DVC, "There's just no possible way" may well be a phrase applicable to your summation of Boogie Nights, no?
Yeah, I guess...it's just weird that me and Mista are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/06 11:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Mista Mista, sometimes I think we're watching completely different movies. I can't fathom how anyone could hate Eyes Wide Shut as much as you do, and find the ending of A Short Film About Killing anti-climactic. There's just no possible way. I...I just don't understand you.
Wow...someone has a different opinion about films than you do!? That is simply outrageous.

Diffrent strokes for different folks, even as awkward as the individual strokes may be.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/06 12:24 AM

Awkward strokes

Sounds like something your mom might accidentally catch you doing.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/06 03:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]DVC, "There's just no possible way" may well be a phrase applicable to your summation of Boogie Nights, no?
Yeah, I guess...it's just weird that me and Mista are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. [/b][/quote]AGAIN, now you know how I feel. I am deeply enthralled by burnt out porn stars and their thirteen inch phallaces.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/06 04:18 AM

Thelma & Louise
1991/Scott

Enjoyable film, my 4th Ridley Scott. His direction style, while not neccesarily unique in any way, just seems incredibly solid. Watching one of his films you really just get the feeling you're in good hands and he knows what he's doing. I never find myself wishing he'd shot something a different way.

The story itself, while entertaining, wasn't exactly deep thought matter for me, but I realized watching this that I'd do anything to be able to make a film that just looks like this one does. There's something extraordinarily beautiful about late 80's/early 90's film stock, or maybe it was lighting techniques, I don't know, but films like this, and Goodfellas, and Born on the Fourth of July, and several others I can't recall at the moment made in the 87-93 range, just have that certain feel and look to them that I've come to love.

Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon worked well together here, each adapting to their country accents adequately. One notable aspect of the film was the fact that even though the central theme was female empowerment, and our two main characters were females, I was glad Ridley Scott took the time to make sure he got strong actors for each of his supporting male roles. Rounding out the cast with Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald, and a young Brad Pitt just really made it that much better.

Overall, this was a good film. It was kind of ruined for me last spring break when I went to the Grand Canyon and read about how the ending of this movie caused a number of copycat Grand Canyon suicides, so I already knew the finale. And the one thing I really didn't like was some of Scott's music choices, but hey, I guess that's 1991 for you.

4/5 Stars

EDIT: Interesting side note, after consulting my many movie lists, I realized that according to theyshootpictures.com's top 1000 movies list, I've now seen 17 of the top 20 films released in US in 90's. All I've got left is Schindler's List, The Silence of the Lambs, and To Sleep With Anger. Pretty much gives you a complete picture of what the film scene of the decade was like.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/06 12:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Q: What does Lecter have for breakfast?
A: Eggs and Kevin Bacon

:p
Boo! Get off the stage.

Quote:
Originally posted by reynols:
confessions of a dangerous mind

based on a true story this was a well done film about a man living 2 entirely seperate lives and how it was tearing him apart. there a stylish setting throughout the movie and the story line is just right.

3.5/5
It's very much debatable whether it's based on a true story or not but that adds mystique to the film. Glad you enjoyed it because I did too. Personally I think Chuck Barris is crackers.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/06 03:46 PM

CONFESSIONS is about as factual as STAR WARS. If anything, I think the idea itself is like a joke on the typical biopic, since think about it: A serious auto-biography about a gameshow host/song producer who also moonlights as a CIA operative, which could work as good humor.

CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND I thought was actually an impressive directorial debut for Clooney, with Sam Rockwell given a chance finally to star as the leadman himself. Interestingly, Rockwell's rival that also screentested heavily for CONFESSIONS was...Ben Stiller. Of course, Stiller's name might or might not have given the movie more sold tickets, but Rockwell was the right choice in the end, that of a charming asshole.

Film Rating - ***1/2
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/06 06:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I agree that I shouldn't really be blaming Cassavetes or other independent filmmakers for their sometimes mundane camera use considering...

A. Budget constraints
B. They're going for the documentary-like style, like you mentioned.

On that point, I understand and agree with you. But explain to me again the difference between the dinner scenes? It seemed to me like in both, the wife is fairly quiet but everyone kind of seems to be cautiously awaiting her to do something crazy, which she eventually begins to do, and then the husband freaks out. What's the major difference there? She didn't seem devoid of any of her previous behavior after the 6 month break.

And on a side note Vercetti, forget this argument. I've seen you name this as one of your favorite/best films. Could you perhaps explain why you feel the way you do? Often times a seasoned rewatcher can make me remember things I may have underappreciated in a film.
I recall a big difference. I'll rewatch it within the next few days or tonight and get back to you on it.

As for why I consider it one of the ten best films ever, it's one of the most humane films ever with the greatest performance from an actress. It's an excellent depiction of a semi-dysfunctional family and how two opposite types of craziness can form a good family when together.

And by the way, even if a budget isn't piss-poor, does that make the way it's filmed badly? You make it sound like a con that can't be avoided. I find nothing wrong with the way it's filmed. You don't always need flashy directions to pacify you. The steadycam in Stranger Than Paradise for instance only creates a stronger focus on the characters. You even make it sound like they're smug assholes with the I don't need to edit type of sarcasm. What's wrong with defying conventions? What if a film is done completely in one cut?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/06 08:26 PM

Quote:
What if a film is done completely in one cut?
Have you seen Russian Ark? They did that.

Quote:
You even make it sound like they're smug assholes with the I don't need to edit type of sarcasm.
With that type of attitude, I guess I wasn't exactly referring to this type of movie. That criticism might better be applied to something like Broken Flowers, where it seems that Jim Jaramusch is an accomplished enough filmmaker that he would have enough money to make a more polished film. (Note: I liked Broken Flowers.)

But then you can chalk it up to artistic vision, rather than the snobishness that I implied. I don't know, I mean I didn't really go into all the minute considerations when making that statement, it just seemed as though the lack of editing was a purposeful rebellion of sorts against the conventional filmmaking process and I just felt that was an idiotic way to assert their independence.

I've seen plenty of independent, low-budget films that I felt came out better than A Woman Under the Influence. I don't know if you've ever seen Narc, directed by Joe Carnahan, but that was another film where the director had to constantly stop shooting to try to scrape together funds and was never even sure if he could pay his actors and such and yet he's still able to display some really great camerawork, some really intriguing editing, and overall still make a great film that doesn't in any way display his lack of money.

Quote:
You don't always need flashy directions to pacify you.
This is true, although I felt they might have been neccesary in this film. In my opinion, if you're going to have very basic and simplistic direction techniques, you have to make sure that the story you're telling and the events you're displaying on screen are interesting enough to keep your viewers interest, which as you know, I didn't feel this film had. I mean I don't have ADD or anything, but I just had trouble concentrating and remaining interested in this film the whole way through.

And overall, despite certain aspects of the film I disliked, in the end I still did enjoy it.

Thanks for your explanation.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/06 08:34 PM

Jim Jaramusch is an accomplished enough filmmaker that he would have enough money to make a more polished film.

The fade-to-blacks and lack of camera movement is his style. It's just what he likes. Narc was good, but not great to me. Hell, I don't have a problem with style. Michael Mann and Martin Scorsese have great visual styles, but some directors don't need to be lavish.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/06 09:14 PM

What exactly is this director's manual that Hagen seems to have in his hands?

Anwyay Hagen, you're on the right path mate, but don't ever think you know it all. I may act like an asshole (or maybe I am in nature!), but unless the foolish will ever think they "know" movies. Besides, many Italian, Korean, and German titles I've been meaning to get my ass behind and actually watch.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/06 10:33 AM

Ferris Bueller's Day Off
1986/Hughes

One of those guilty pleasure movies that upon further examination, reveals itself to actually be a well-made and respectable piece of cinema. Hughes displays great comic timing in his editing, going from scene to scene at the exact moment which produces the best comedic effect. It always bothered me that he didn't continue directing. This serves as a great portrait of 1980's suburbia as well, something Hughes really had a knack for. His high school films kind of define the decade for me. I'll have to suspend my heterosexual tendencies one of these days, sit down, and watch 16 Candles.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/06 01:44 PM

An Inconvenient Truth

Regardless of your political viewpoints, you need to see this film. It's not a pleasant subject, it's not something that is "fun" to see at the movies. But it is of utmost importance to the future of this planet.

I think the most startling point in this film was the deterioration of Greenland and the glaciers. If these collapse into the water, the effects will be devastating across the globe.

If you can't see this film just because Al Gore made it, I feel sorry for you. He has been an environmental advocate since the 1980s. If you hate the left so much that you won't see it, pretend it's Rush Limbaugh talking and listen to the message, not the messenger. It is that important.

Scientists support Gore\'s assertions
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/06 08:47 PM

PULP FICTION (1994) - ***** - Masterpiece

First time I've sat down and actually watched it whole within one sitting in years, and despite dozens of people that, right and wrong, have attempted to make their own pop culture crime movies, Tarantino's triumphant 1994 picture still stands supreme.

Speaking of which, what happened to Samuel L. Jackson, the man that FICTION made us fucking bow down to his awesomeness? I know he's been stuck in generic Hollywood shit for years now, but I wish the man that layed vengeance upon thee himself would come back to the silver screen, instead of detective whatever, Officer fuckit, or military nobody.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/06 08:53 PM

I enjoyed Jackson in Jackie Brown.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/06 08:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I enjoyed Jackson in Jackie Brown.
I second that. The scene were Jackson and Beaumont are arguing about him getting in the trunk after Jackson ballied him out of jail is one of my all-time favorites. Both work so well off each other and are hilarious in that five minute scene together!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/06 09:02 PM

My favorite scene is the one where DeNiro has to tell Jackson he killed Melanie. They play well off each other.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/06 09:05 PM

Yeah that was good too.

-"Is she dead!?"
-"I think so.."

I also like the scene in the beginning where Samuel is showing Robert the video about guns and telling him how much he buys and resells them for (plus his interaction with Bridget Fonda). "Girl, don't make me put my foot in your a$$." CLASSIC Sam L!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/06 04:08 AM

Magnolia

This is a great film. Anderson creates an amazing character study of a multitude of characters, and manages to flawlessly develop and intertwine each's story. The music fits perfectly within the film, and gives it a more haunting feel. Overall, the best thing about this film is the performance of Tom Cruise. Not only do I believe this was Cruise's best performance, but one of the best performances I've ever seen, period.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/06 06:12 AM

Magnolia's one of my favorites.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/06 08:55 AM

Dekalog, szesc

This segment was alright. For some reason Kieslowski's camerawork felt extra-amateurish this time around, although it has been a while since I last watched a segment. I didn't feel as though either of the 2 central performances were very strong here, and the story seemed too simplistic to remain interesting. I did, however, like how Kieslowski was able to simultaneously present both facets of sexual frustration, showcasing both overabundance and denial. He also seemed to use music more here as well, which I enjoyed. Overall, average.

2.5/5 Stars
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/06 10:18 AM



I've always thought it was one of his more complex films, in that it deals with voyeurism and camera-placement and subjective gaze and all that. Brilliant cinematic storytelling, with hardly a word spoken in the opening segment.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/06 07:10 PM

TOTAL RECALL (1990) - ***1/2

Ahhnuld beats up, maims, and kills baddies by the dozen in this enjoyable sci-fi/action picture from Paul Vernhoeven, the director who earlier scored a touchdown with ROBOCOP.

Interestingly, when Arnold is sedated at the Rekall business location, accept that for the rest of the film, that his character is dreaming, and then the ending, assume that either he woke up, or got lobotimized. A worthy aspect to consider with this film that makes it legit to at least watch once again.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/06 01:14 AM

Dead Man

Words will never be enough to describe this film. It moves like a dream, floating and spinning around you. Neil Young's electric score churns like a ghost train and pushes the film farther. There isn't one performance that is wrong, nor is there ever a false moment. From start to finish this film pulls you into its dream land, and carries you along on clouds until the finish. It's the unconscious trip of one man to death, slowly descending to another level, deeper into nature. Unbelievable. This may be the greatest film of all time.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/06 04:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b]Dead Man

Words will never be enough to describe this film. It moves like a dream, floating and spinning around you. Neil Young's electric score churns like a ghost train and pushes the film farther. There isn't one performance that is wrong, nor is there ever a false moment. From start to finish this film pulls you into its dream land, and carries you along on clouds until the finish. It's the unconscious trip of one man to death, slowly descending to another level, deeper into nature. Unbelievable. This may be the greatest film of all time. [/b]
The starting was a little boring, but towards the end it is just amazing, I didn't want the movie to end. I could watch the ending forever. The music was great and so was the cinematography.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/06 12:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
This may be the greatest film of all time.
Bah, you say that about everything. :p

Still, I need to watch it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/06 04:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Andrew:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b]This may be the greatest film of all time.
Bah, you say that about everything. :p [/b][/quote]:D

I have a hard time deciding between these 4:


Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/06 04:16 AM

THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! (1966) - ****

Soviet sailors run their sub aground on an New England island. Some men go ashore to find a new diesel engine, then the locals hear about them, and all hell breaks loose, including the humor.

Norman Jewison was always to me a director that was more known for quite overrated movies(IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, MOONSTRUCK) and never got real respect for his good pictures, from ROLLERBALL to this.

To think that for a 21 year old kid, born maybe in the last 5 years of the bloody Cold War, with now 40 years after this movie...and it still made me laugh, which must count for something.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/06 07:37 AM

I've always wanted to see Rollerball. James Caan is the man.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/06 07:43 AM

"Well, I gotta tell ya...I'd be very, very careful who I talked to about this. Because the person who wrote that...is dangerous. And this button-down, oxford cloth psycho, might just snap at any moment, stalking from office to office with an Armatile AR-10 Carbine-Gas powered semiautomatic weapon, pumping round after round into colleagues and co-workers. This might be someone you've known for years...someone very, very close to you."

That is awesome.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/06 05:51 PM

Hagen, don't you think its ironic that for a film that shits on people for following an ideology, cause, or charismatic leadership without second thinking nor without independent thinking, and for individuals to take responsibility, that people quote the movie, as well as display avatars from it, write their own fan fiction, try to join or start up their own "fight clubs", and so forth?

Not that I'm talking about you, since that quote was cool, and the movie is pretty damn great, but its just worth a thought.

P.S. - ROLLERBALL does kick ass, but only to me maybe because in the truest sense, and forgetting the silly 70's art deco, its good science fiction(you know, that genre before it became simply an excuse for action or whatever).
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/06 08:38 PM

edit
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 01:01 AM

Dekalog, siedem
1988/Kieslowski

One of the better segments so far. Kieslowski's camera work takes a drastic turn from the last part and returns to his nice, well-framed or gracefully moving shooting style. The story here provided oppurtunities for strong performances from all the main cast, although I felt as though Boguslaw Linda as Wojtek really shined.

Another great showcase of Kiesklowski's talent is his choice to take the commandment of "Thou Shalt Not Steal" and turn this episode into a metaphorical tale of a teenage girl's daughter being taken from her by her mother. And once again, Kieslowski opts for a dual main character style, which allows him to consistently demonstrate hypocrisies and differences among the different age and social classes in Poland. Overall, an excellent chapter in the series.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 01:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Hagen, don't you think its ironic that for a film that shits on people for following an ideology, cause, or charismatic leadership without second thinking nor without independent thinking, and for individuals to take responsibility, that people quote the movie, as well as display avatars from it, write their own fan fiction, try to join or start up their own "fight clubs", and so forth?
I do understand exactly what you're talking about. Fight Club presents an interesting double-faceted greatness to me because it is not only a film that has an incredibly relevant and thought-provoking message, but it is also an incredibly well-made film. I jump from one to the other when I'm complimenting the movie, and doing things like quoting it here is just me expressing my feelings about how fantastic the writing is.

Yes, it's true that in a sense, constantly watching Fight Club and/or any other movie is doing nothing but playing into the hands of the conformist, lazy, consumer-happy society that's been created for us. If we were to all take its message seriously, we'd probably watch it once, fully comprehend and understand its message, and then blow up our houses and go live in a dilapidated warehouse somewhere, in an effort to "hit bottom" as the film instructs us to do.

So yes, sometimes I feel like a bitch for continuing to live the conformist lifestyle while praising a film that condemns it, but hey, what're ya gonna do?

I am Jack's sense of suburban comfort.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 04:41 AM

Fight Club gets better with each viewing. I notice something new each time... I think it is incredibly relevant and meaningful. It's never failed to bring a smile to my face.

I'd write more if I wasn't tired, and had three functioning brain cells.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 05:06 AM

Transamerica (2005)
Director: Duncan Tucker
When she learns she fathers a son, a pre-operative transexual heads across the country on an adventure.
What you have here is your basic American story. Shemale knocks chick up. Shemale learns of illegitimate son. Shemale heads to Manhattan. Shemale brings illegitimate son to California to star in gay porno. Classic American tale.

12 Monkeys (1995)
Director: Terry Gilliam
A man travels back in time, to the 1990s, to save the human race from a biological act of terrorism that will kill half the population.
This could be my second favorite Gilliam film, behind Fear and Loathing. It's really giving Brazil (the film many people consider to be his masterpiece) a run for its money, on my standards. Brad Pitt's charater and performance make this movie for me. Great writing, great perfomances... Great overall insanity.

Annie Hall (1977)
Director: Woody Allen
A neurotic comedian falls in love with a ditsy tomboy.
This is quite possibly the funniest movie I've ever seen. Never have I ever related with a films humour more than I did this one. Why the hell have I pushed off Allen's work for so long? I've only seen two of his films at this point in my life, and I see him being a director I could really get into and adore. Good god. More Woody Allen films to come.
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 08:13 AM

To date,I have not seen Nypolion Dynomyte.But I did see Aeon Flux,which I thought was terrible.And I saw Closer.With Natilie Portman.That had so much dirty talking,it's really not a good idea to talk about it here,just see it!
Posted By: scarfacefan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 10:13 AM

Just watched Dazed And Confused. While it wasn't very funny, I was still entertained. What was pretty funny was seeing very young Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 04:32 PM

what, you thought DAZED & CONFUSED was like FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH or something? It was supposed to be a melodrama of the 70's, or as some people try to argue, the "AMERICAN GRAFFITI of the 1990s" or whatever.

Still, glad you liked it.

POTC 2: DEAD MAN'S CHEST (2006) - ***

The first film was flawed but decent, with Depp taking a generic film and making it watchable. Well, the same story goes for the $250 million sequel, except perhaps the sequel is actually more well-made than the first, or at least less bullshit than I remembered from before. Instead of Bloom being a useless crying melodramatic putz, he actually is a crafty, purposeful hero (perhaps a residue from KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?), though unfortunately, if the 3rd movie coming next summer is any indication, then Disney will go back to the melodramatic love bullshit of the first flick. Pity.

However, DEAD MAN'S CHEST suffers from the same problems of the first, including the fact that its simply way too damn long. Sure I can take long epic runtimes, but only if its quantity equates in quality. I mean, I squirmed in my theater seat three times during DEAD MAN'S CHEST, but I didn't a few weeks ago when I saw LAWRENCE OF ARABIA at a special screening on the big screen, and that fucker is almost 4 hours long!

Still, decent ending shot for a cliffhanger for the next movie, AT WORLD'S END.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 04:53 PM

THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE (1974) - ****1/2

Hey New Yorkers, ever wondered why the NYC subway train never leaves Pelham Bay Park at 1:23 PM? This movie, based on the explosive best-selling novel, is why.

Four hijackers, led by a "Mr. Blue" (Robert Shaw) take over a NYC subway train full of hostages, and demand $1 million in cash from the city within a hour, or people will get wasted. Matthau is the Transit cop that tries to keep the shit from hitting the fan.

Superb crime thriller that beats along with your heart, and dammit, I still forget how its a shame that both Robert Shaw isn't with us anymore, and that people mostly remember him for fucking JAWS. Hell, so far he's the ultimate hijacking baddie for movie in terms of smooth and being professional. Hell, his ending alone is something that most other actors would have camped up.

People have told me for years that this is a "lost" crime film classic of the 1970s...and you know what? They might be onto something. Recommendable for crime/thriller fans, along with you nutty insane Tarantino fans, who'll see another movie he "lovingly" ripped off.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 07:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE (1974) - ****1/2
The movie is stylized and fast paced but it can't stand up against the book.

I read the book before the movie came out and predicted it would make a good film story. (Likewise, a few months later I predicted the same for another new book - "Jaws").

Shaw was superb in this flick. It was, IMO, his second best film role (only behind his portrayal of Grant in "From Russia With Love"). Likewise, it was fun seeing Walter Matthau in a non-comedic role. A special shout-out to Hector Elizondo's portrayal of one of the hijackers - his character was noted in the book as getting him kicked out of the Mafia because he played too rough.

I think your 4½ stars is a little generous, though.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 07:47 PM

Well, I think my rating is a little generous. Hell, I initially gave the movie a rating like I gave Jewison's THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! picture, a rating of ****.

But then I thought about how the movie itself was edited, so sleek and lean, without any fucking fat that hacks like Michael Bay would put in their pictures. Better yet, there is no contrived bullshit in the picture that I had to deal with. We never know exactly why our bad guys do what they do, and that's good. Who the fuck cares why, except of course for one major payday.

Besides, the ending itself is just so effortless...Matthau's face at the doorway, and bang, theme music.

Who knows, maybe in the future I'll knock the film's rating back to ****, since hell I slightly knocked down some movies I've reviewed in the past by half-a-star(for example, REDS which I originally gave the 5-star masterpiece rating, but I changed my mind and simply gave it ****1/2. Nevermind KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, which I gave **** for the Theatrical edit, but seeing the Director's Cut, it got promoted to ****1/2.)

The point is, its a good chance of happening possibly. What's your rating, SC?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 07:52 PM

Using your own scoreboard as a guide I'd give it four stars.

You're right - the editting is right on.... its a fast paced movie not slowed down by a lot of unneccessary side stories.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/06 08:23 PM

WEl, so far Iv seen all of teh Hrry Poter movies, their all fabulus. OH and thn I saw Open Watr, taht 1 was absoutely horrble. And house of Wax. I luved tht 1, I tink Paris Hiltn shoodl haf gotten an Award 4 it or sumthin. N I saw Shrek, taht 1 was s0o0o cute. I <3 Mike Myers!!!11 OH but not teh skary Mike Myers!!!1 lolol Halloween is waaaaay 2 scary 4 me!!!1
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/06 02:59 AM

THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY (1979) - ***

Before JURASSIC PARK. Before fucking "ER", formulaic technothriller author Michael Crichton was actually a director. Based on his own novel, Crichton scripted and helmed this enjoyable Victorian-Era robbery caper. Speaking of which, what happened to Donald Sutherland anyway? Really, at this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if someone put his mug on a milk carton pretty soon.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/06 03:16 AM

TIMELINE (2003) - *1/2

Oh dear lord! Paul Walker can't act worth a damn! Oh wait, that isn't news. Opps, sorry!

Michael Crichton's "techno-thrillers" always to seem to have the same formula: Some very rich corporate scumbags discover a scientific-groundbreaking method, machine, or creature. They plan to exploit the hell out of it commercially. Outsiders brought into it, get entrapped as the shit hits the fan, and struggle to survive. Oh and they learn that playing God at {STATE CREATURE/METHOD/MACHINE} is very bad. Yes sir, very bad!

Well, TIMELINE the novel plays by these groundrules, but the premise actually could have been a promising property for a Hollywood movie. I mean, modern-day archaeologists get trapped in 14th century France, having to live out plagues, very sharp swords, Knights that say "Ni!", and so forth. Besides, Richard Donner is a capable director to have turned this sucker into maybe a pleasing popcorn-munching picture.

"Could have been" being the magic words here.

Instead, we get a very very mediocre effort where the "hero" in Paul Walker doesn't do jackshit, except look good and somehow defeat obstables that with the lack of intelligence and skills displayed by him....are almost divine. Really, he's the new Josh Lucas, as in being heroic because...well, because the movie says so, dammit!

Other than that, you have characters you don't give a damn about, a whole twist ending that revealed itself 50 minutes beforehand, and worse, one fucking thing that fellow historian-buff Double J will piss-laugh when he hears this: Billy Connolly recreates Greek Fire for the baddie Frenchies.

Ok, to those that had grades of "C" in your high school history courses, let's explain that fuck-up. Fact is, the actually process of how to create Greek Fire is like the Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse and Library of Alexandria...as in, lost to time. Hell, if we knew today how Greek Fire works, and apparently in TIMELINE, its casually known as well as for a cooky British professor, it would be a sweet weapon to have today. I mean, those crazy Palestinian terrorists would love to have it, same with the North Koreans and probably us as well.

I know some history and reality truths are allowed to be bended at times in motion pictures, but for God's sake. Really, people that allow for the dumbest of shit to get through are those that probably think Michael Bay is a good director.

Meanwhile, the actually subtle and quiet ending for the baddie in the book is instead replaced with...BLAH, which fits exactly for such a bland film. Hello, Brett Ratner's X3 there? Yes, tell it that it has a new roommate in hell.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/06 08:49 AM

2001: A Space Odyssey
1968/Kubrick

My first Kubrick rewatch. A truly stunning work of art. I love this film because it pushes the boundaries of what exactly can be done with a film. It takes the definition of what a film is and is supposed to be and just questions and expands on that. In my opinion, it can't really even be referred to as a film in the traditional sense, it's kind of more of an expierience, a journey if you will. It's tough to talk about it without sounding cliched.

No other film suceeds so well at simultaneously fascinating and terrifying me, enthralling and alienating me, inspiring and dissuading me. It really makes me question everything. Everything.

Kubrick's a genius. One of the greatest explorations and products of the medium of all time. A milestone and a masterpiece.

5/5 Stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/06 06:11 PM

You, Me, and Dupree **
(First Viewing)

Yet another movie where most of the funny parts are in the previews! They tried to market on Owen Wilson being in The Wedding Crashers last summer (which was a hit) and unfortunately this was not. I was surprised to see Michael Douglas in the movie though because I never saw him in the previews that I saw.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/06 07:06 PM

Owen Wilson in yet another shitty comedy? Unbelievable! :p
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/06 11:22 PM

I'm watching "Nick of Time" right now with Johnny Depp. Anyone else see it? Depp's daughter is kidnapped and will be killed unless Depp kills a famous political figure. Pretty suspensful.

TIS
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/06 11:52 PM

Just for the heck of it on tv last night I watched Scary Movie 3. Now I had no expectations of this movie as I figured it was a mindless movie made for teenagers. I gotta tell you I literally almost busted a gut laughing so hard. It was for folks like me with a sick sense of humor. The Wake scene was hilarious. Anyone who's seen the movie knows what I'm talking about.
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/06 02:03 AM

Last weekend I seen RV with Robin Williams. That was a funny movie.Reminds me of when me and my family go camping.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/06 04:58 AM

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) - ***** - Masterpiece

The best movie co-starring a Nazi-saluting monkey!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/06 07:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by The Italian Stallionette:
I'm watching "Nick of Time" right now with Johnny Depp. Anyone else see it? Depp's daughter is kidnapped and will be killed unless Depp kills a famous political figure. Pretty suspensful.

TIS
Yes, I have seen it a long time ago. Christopher Walken too acts good.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/06 03:17 PM

I finally got to see Pirates of the Caribbean lastnight. (Albeit it was on tv though). It was a good movie. Funny, but a little more darker then I imagine. I can't picture young kids seeing this movie.

****SPOILER ALERT********

I'm confused with some of the plot. The curse was the pirates were ghosts, and Will's blood was to bring them back to life? Also, since it appears Jack became a "ghost", then wouldn't the same fate have fallen unto him as the other pirates when the curse was broken?
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 01:07 AM

The Last Waltz

Amazing.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 01:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Beth E:
I finally got to see Pirates of the Caribbean lastnight. (Albeit it was on tv though). It was a good movie. Funny, but a little more darker then I imagine. I can't picture young kids seeing this movie.

****SPOILER ALERT********

I'm confused with some of the plot. The curse was the pirates were ghosts, and Will's blood was to bring them back to life? Also, since it appears Jack became a "ghost", then wouldn't the same fate have fallen unto him as the other pirates when the curse was broken?
They're not ghosts so much as the walking dead. They needed Will's blood because there had to be a blood sacrifice from everyone who took the treasure in order for the curse to be broken. (Bootstrap Bill's blood runs in Will's). Jack became a ghost because he took that one piece of treasure while Barbossa wasn't looking. This made him immortal, so he could fight Barbossa and not die. When the curse was broken, all of the crew, plus Jack turned mortal again... so they surrendered.

Sorry if that's confusing.. let me know if you don't understand it, its kind of rushed. Ha.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 03:22 AM

DESPERATE HOURS (1990) - **1/2

After he helped to destroy United Artists with the now legendary infamous HEAVEN'S GATE, Michael Cimino tried with several movies to mount a countback, with only YEAR OF THE DRAGON possibly being the only worthy contribution to cinema since GATE.

In 1990, Cimino re-teamed with DRAGON star Mickey Rourke(and shortly before Rourke's career meltdown would force him to both work in softcore features and, for a brief time, pro boxer, before his comeback in 2005 with SIN CITY) in this remake of the famous 1955 movie with Humphrey Bogart.

The first act is brilliantly executed, and it looks like while this movie wouldn't be a classic, it would be a solid worthy feature of the thriller genre, like Cimino's DRAGON was for cop pictures. Instead, the movie's 2nd and 3rd Acts subsequently lose the narrative momentum, and end up being much about nothing.

A pity since Rourke does his best to work out a Bogart-esque silent charisma role, and really, he does good. David Mansfield delivers a great score that is a retro-trip back to the film scores of the 1950s, full of trumphets, and not simply fucking music used to mix action footage, which most film scores now seem to only exist for.

As the movie went from being a ***1/2 to **1/2 in rapid freefall, we see Cimino trying his best to make use of such a basic script, from having a ball-breaking woman leading the FBI squad after Rourke, to having 360 degree cinematography angles, to even nicely-lighted smoke.

A shame that since GATE, Cimino was always a talented if problematic director, he's only directed 4 movies since 1980, the last being SUNCHASER (which from what I hear, is pretty lousy) in 1996. Interestingly, he's a board member of the Weinstein Company, along with doing consulting and script doctoring work for it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 03:39 AM

THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT (1974) - ***1/2

We continue my flick-by-flick examination of Cimino's work(and yes, eventually including the most infamous of them all, HEAVEN'S GATE soon enough) by checking out his directorial debut.

The title refers to veteran bank robber Clint Eastwood and yuppie young-man fast car-lover Jeff Bridges as they plot to pull off the style of a bank heist that Eastwood's character had pulled off years ago...and at the same damn bank! We have witty dialogue penned by Cimino, and delivered in this fun if ultimtaely sad caper picture. We have Eastwood being Eastwood, and George Kennedy getting mauled by a dog.

This movie also has my new favorite movie-quote of the week:

"Hey kid, go fuck a duck!"
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 12:05 PM

I'm hoping your eventual viewing of Heaven's Gate will be the extended director's cut? Supposedly that's the better version, which I've actually seen spoken of quite favorably in certain places. I've never seen it, but I'll have to one day considering how much I liked The Deer Hunter.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 12:09 PM

Dekalog, osiem
1988/Kieslowski

I didn't quite enjoy this segment. Kieslowski tries to craft an interesting dual character study about the Holocaust and it's lasting effects on two individuals, but ultimately the emotional message doesn't come out clearly or effectively and we're left with an uneventful, uninteresting, and boring chapter in the Dekalog series. Eight down, two to go.

2/5 Stars
Posted By: Peter_Clemenza

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 01:10 PM

Billy Bathgate (1991)

Billy Bathgate is a movie about a teenager who was born into a typical early-1900s poor Irish family in the Bronx, New York. He finds himself working for the same man who is known as "the beer baron of New York," who is also known as Dutch Schultz, Arthur Flagenheimer. Things seem to be going very well for Billy as he and his boss become closer, until he finds himself in love with his boss's mistress and the Dutchman is upset with their antics.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 01:17 PM

Dekalog, dziewiec
1988/Kieslowski

A much better chapter in the series. It seems to me that when Kieslowski doesn't have such heavy-thinking type subject matter, he's able to concentrate a little more, flesh out his characters better, write a more interesting story, and make a better film, which is odd, I admit, but so far in the series, my favorite segments seem to be fairly simple stories of husbands and wives and cheating and whatnot.

Kieslowski displays some of his best editing and writing skills here, and they make for an overall solid segment. This piece contained some of the best moments of breaking the 4th wall I've ever seen as well. In the pentiultimate scene, a man attempts suicide by riding his bike off of a bridge, just as simultaneously, his wife rushes home on a bus to try to stop him. Kieslowski shows us the man's anguished face, and then a slow motion shot of him freefalling, and then he cuts directly to the wife in close-up, staring directly into the camera with this hopeless sort of look on her face that just completely expresses the emotions of the entire piece really. It was quite an inspired moment.

It's interesting to see that the next and final segment is actually a comedy, which drastically differs from the rest of the series so far. Kind of odd. Looking forward to wrapping this up today or tomorrow.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 01:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Peter_Clemenza:
Billy Bathgate (1991)

Billy Bathgate is a movie about a teenager who was born into a typical early-1900s poor Irish family in the Bronx, New York. He finds himself working for the same man who is known as "the beer baron of New York," who is also known as Dutch Schultz, Arthur Flagenheimer. Things seem to be going very well for Billy as he and his boss become closer, until he finds himself in love with his boss's mistress and the Dutchman is upset with their antics.
.........Thanks for the summary.

Care to provide any personal thoughts on the film?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/06 11:08 PM

SPARTACUS (1960) - ***1/2

Now I understand why Stanley Kubrick always backed away and disowned this quite financially successful picture "classic" of his.

After a week or two of shooting, star/producer Kirk Douglas fired Anthony Mann and called up his PATHS OF GLORY director Kubrick to finish the rest of his would-be non-Jesus Roman Empire epic, SPARTACUS.

Okay, what works? Well, Sir Laurence Olivier is money, so is Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov.....hell, all the sequences shot in Rome rule, with the Senate political intrigue and all. Though check out the restored scene at a bathhouse finally put back in the 1991 restoration, where certainly two men talk whatever they like both "oysters" and "snails". At least it would be the more recognizable Romans that I know of!

But unfortunately, while that shit is hot, the rest of the movie isn't. If anything, Douglas(no offense, but even Kubrick would probably agree that Doulgas called the shots behind his back) delivers a very conventional hero picture of such historical epics of the time period. Yes, poor Spartacus gets his ass beaten like cookie dough, but what other indication is there that he could actually become a "charismatic" leader of a slave revolt? I mean besides the fact that he's the star.

Worse yet, I love how for such a movie about a whole other world from the 1960s, how these slaves have a clear understanding of "freedom" that we do today. Really, you think these slaves would know any better about such things in a whole world where slavery isn't only part of the status quo, but also considered an essential of society?

"I'm not an animal!"

Ya whatever.

"I'm Spartacus! I'm Spartacus! "I'm Spartacus!"

Oh? Well, whoever points out the real Spartacus gets free of any punishment. Any of you assholes want to support him now? I figured as much!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/06 12:45 AM

Well, AskaNinja didn't care for POTC 2!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWq89t9q5gg&search=Ask%20a%20Ninja%2BPirates
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/06 08:58 AM

FIND ME GUILTY (2006) - ***

Vin Diesel was on my shitlist. Besides being the bald-headed, one syllabel-uttering, whatever the hell ethnic he is, former club bouncer, ignorant-acting action movie star, he worked in many lousy movies. He gave me road rage with THE FAST & THE FURIOUS, then proceeded to lead in possibly one of the dumbest action pictures that I may have witnessed: XXX. Dear God!

Yet Sidney Lumet felt that he could act seriously without me having to resort to medication. I have to say, even in trying to watch shit like RIDDICK, Lumet must have known something that I didn't, because he's right.

In this fact-based tale of a mobster (Diesel) who defends himself during a Rico trial(which apparently is still a U.S. record holder in length, lasting almost 2 years), if Diesel couldn't motor a worthy performance, this movie was doomed.

Instead, Diesel comes through, with hair implant included, with playing an obvious thug gangster that displays humor, some questioning of the witnesses(of which the film claims is actually much of the real trial's transcripts), and as well the varying level of emotions that his character displays in his face as he continues to refuse to comply with the Feds in "ratting out", even if his "loved ones" of his mob family think his antics will bring the end for their cases.

Diesel's performance overcomes the film's problematic editing(of which I believe came from the movie's massive re-editing during post-production), the fact that the film barely scraps by trying to get the audience to root and cheer as the climax occurs, despite the fact that these known bastard hardcore scumbags are what they are, and unless one is keen observant of law itself, they wouldn't have fully understood why the jury's final verdict occurs.

Still, a nice-decent comeback for the great Sidney Lumet, who won the Lifetime Acheivement Oscar while editing GUILTY. After the absolute failure of the amazingly bad GLORIA in 1999, Lumet retreated to a life of doing television for the A&E channel, and even a HBO TV picture before making his would-be "comeback".

Now if only Diesel would actually bother to act on a more consistent basis, then maybe I would put XXX in my amnesia box.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/06 09:20 PM

16 BLOCKS (2006) - **1/2

Richard Donner helms this average film, with Bruce Willis as a disgruntled cop having to safely escort a mouthful of marbles Mos Def to a courthouse by 10 AM, and also try to fight through an army of corrupt cops trying to stop them.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/06 09:47 PM

Yeah I didn't think 16 Blocks was that great either but Mos Def surprised me and put together an enjoyable performance. Bruce was Bruce
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/06 11:26 PM

I too liked Mos Def's acting. I would definitely watch if he acts in some movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/06 01:56 AM

KISS KISS BANG BANG (2005) - ***1/2

Once upon a time ago, Shane Black was probably the most highly-paid and hated scriptwriter in Hollywood, involved with multi-million dollar script sales ranging from LETHAL WEAPON to LONG KISS GOODNIGHT to LAST BOY SCOUT. Then he dropped off the radar.

He returns, with LETHAL WEAPON producer Joel Silver backing him, in his directorial debut. Filming his script, Black helms this charming and would-be post modernistic take on both pulp crime novels and action pictures, except his protagonists are useless people that TRY to imitate such hard-boiled heroes.

The movie is very charming, if too smart for its own good at times, with almost a hint that Black is trying to create the next underground cult video favorite, which I guess isn't the worst thing to happen.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/06 02:24 AM

I got the feeling watching that that they felt like they had the next big thing but just didn't quite know how to market it or something. I know exactly what you're talking about with that underground cult favorite type thing. I thought it was solid.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/06 05:07 AM

ANNAPOLIS (2006) - *1/2

Hollywood is trying to make the next TOP GUN of sorts, but this one gets flogged for being damn crappy.

If anything, I'm surprised that the U.S. Navy itself didn't tommahawk missile-launch against the studio who released it.

Then again, the Pentagon still supports Michael Bay, even when Bay has the military usually be the bad guys. I don't get it really.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/06 07:11 AM

Chinatown

A view of life at its darkest and most painful. The script is probably the best ever written, and the performances are flawless. The beauty of this film is in how the complex story keeps building upon itself, letting the viewer know only what Jake knows, to the point where the viewer becomes Jake, and ends up tangled in the web of confusion, lies, deceit, and corruption, all building up to the final scene, which is in my opinion, the darkest, most poignant ending in all of cinema.

A 5-star elite.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/06 08:52 AM

Dekalog, dziesiec
1989/Kieslowski

The final chapter in the 10 part series, and interestingly enough, a noted departure from the style utilized throughout most of the films so far. Segment 10 plays out like a Coen Brothers black comedy, with moments of true drama, moments of true suspense, but overall, a darkly comedic overtone reigns over the entire piece. Kieslowski uses one of the best little nuances I've ever seen here when at a particularly suspenseful or comedic moment, a brief drum roll suddenly comes in, specially emphasizing the absurdity of the whole situation.

Overall, a fitting final chapter to an impressive series.

3/5 Stars

Dekalog
1988/Kieslowski

Overall, the 10 part examination of the daily trials and tribulations of the Polish middle class was impressive in its scope and wide range of emotional ground covered, but while Kieslowski elicits some great performances here and there, and shows true directing innovation at times, his technical execution during the series as a whole didn't quite merit any overzealous praise. If anything, he must be respected for having the ambition and the vision to take on such a project, and noted for having done nearly the best he could given his available resources.

Everything about this series seemed good, but not great, interesting, but not ground-breaking. This format of multi-character, epic-type film definitely works better as a single piece with the stories intertwined in my opinion, as evidenced by the films of Paul Thomas Anderson and Robert Altman, among others. I feel like Kieslowski could've achieved a deeper emotional impact and expressed a clearer overall message had he chosen the best few of his 10 stories, wrapped them into one film, and given it a bit more of concurrent theme.

3.5/5 Stars

But hey, on the plus side, I'm finally done!
I'm feeling quite ambitious and victorious myself. You'd be surprised how difficult it can be to sit through a 10 hour long Polish TV series from the late 80's. Now I can finally start watching regular movies again.

My viewing of this film also means that I've officially completed 1/3 of TSPDT's Top 100.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/06 08:50 PM

Little Man **

Not as bad as some people have said it was. I thought it was better than White Chicks (which isn't saying much but still). I LOVED seeing David Alan Grier and his cameo was hilarious
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/06 02:39 AM

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Probably the finest movie I've seen in theaters in 2006. The cast and the performances are perfect, as well as the score by Devotchka. Simply great movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/06 02:59 AM

KILLER'S KISS (1955) - ***

Technically Stanley Kubrick's 2nd directorial feature, but FEAR & DESIRE is considered by many that have seen it, including Kubrick himself, to be very amateurish and piss-poor. Thus KILLER'S KISS was Kubrick's first true movie per say, and we see a solid film noir picture from a promising and future filmmaking master.

You see lighting and shots that one can't believe that only did Kubrick pull off, but only at the age of 26. Maybe the best sequence in terms of photography is when the hero runs across the massive roofs of some lot buildings, where in the background you can see the Brooklyn Bridge and the rest of the city. Beautiful!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/06 03:34 PM

Clerks. ***

The movie that introduced Jay & Silent Bob to the world. The directing wasn't bad but nothing great either. The writing and the performances stand out to me the most. I think the more I watch this film, the more I enjoy it. Looking forward to the sequel tomorrow!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 01:50 AM

The Elephant Man
1980/Lynch

My 2nd Lynch picture, and a truly remarkable one. The first half, with the introduction of characters and exposition beautifully displays the excellent set production convincingly recreating 1880's London, dreary and nightmarish, as only Lynch could do it. Anthony Hopkins controls the first portion of the film, as we slowly learn with him the graphic details of the Elephant Man's mutation and maltreatment.

Once John Merrick himself is introduced as a character, rather than just being referred to as the creature, the story shifts to focus on him and his continued struggles to overcome to prejudice of the public society. Lynch is able to fully utilize his choice of black and white cinematography throughout, as well as crafting an uplifting story that wraps up with a truly emotionally overwhelming ending. An especially interesting film to see the mix between a traditional, conservatively-executed movie, with clearly evident touches of Lynch here and there.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 03:46 AM

I watched this last night:

Paris, Texas

A brilliant examination of the human condition. Wim Wenders takes a relatively simple plot and turns it into something absolutely astonishing. The cinematography is some of the best I've ever seen, the score is absolutely bone-chilling (especially in the final scene), and the story is developed perfectly, the mystery building up with little details, until it all comes out in an extremely emotional scene towards the end with Harry Dean Stanton and Nastassja Kinski. The final half hour of this film is simply beyond words, and our first full look at Nastassja Kinski's character is one of the greatest images in all of cinema.



Almost brings me to tears...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 05:09 AM

Alien ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A surprisingly good movie. Both Sigourney Weaver and Ian Holm put together enjoyable performances.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 05:44 AM

Only **1/2?!?! Let me guess, 4 stars for ALIENS. :rolleyes:
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 12:35 PM

Last Days
Gus Van Sant
2004 US (2nd time; DVD)
The final hours of a rock musician who is surrounded by hangers-on.
As deep or as empty, as sprawling or as inert as you like; the 4:3 ratio isn't quite as powerful when seen on the small screen, and it isn't as visually innovative as Gerry or narratively ambitious as Elephant. Indeed, it seems a step back, or at least implies a contentment to stay on familiar turf, for Van Sant.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 01:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Only **1/2?!?! Let me guess, 4 stars for ALIENS. :rolleyes:
I couldn't tell ya, I haven't seen it yet. Maybe tonight I'll have the time and give it a shot.
Posted By: Rocky

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 01:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Clerks. ***

The movie that introduced Jay & Silent Bob to the world. The directing wasn't bad but nothing great either. The writing and the performances stand out to me the most. I think the more I watch this film, the more I enjoy it. Looking forward to the sequel tomorrow!
I really enjoyed this movie. The first time I saw it though, I was a little skeptical (and annoyed at first at the black & white). But, that was a long time ago ... i ended up really liking this film. I have mixed feelings about the sequel — I'm sure it will be fine, but it worries me nonetheless. Why do they have to ruin perfectly good movies with sequels? Maybe this will be more of a Godfather II sequel than a Caddyshack II sequel.

-Rocky
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 03:55 PM

No matter Rocky, I'm sure CLERKS 2 is better than the fucking disagrace to cinema that was JERSEY GIRL, aka Kevin Smith's would-be mainstream breakthrough, which instead became AOA (Abortion on Arrival).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/06 04:54 PM

Clerks II ***
(First Viewing)

Don't worry Rocky, Clerks II is more like Godfather II than Caddyshack II A very good continuation of the story that is Donte, Randall, Jay & of course, Silent Bob. I think this remained true to the original and it followed the same formula that made the first film a success (the writing and the characters).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/06 05:40 AM

Aliens **
(First Viewing)

Well you were wrong again ronnie as I enjoyed Alien more than Aliens. I felt it was too long but I'd also need a rewatch because I was very tired while watching it and also was talking with my brother during the beginning of the movie (and had to turn it wayyyyyyyyyy down to finish it because he was sleeping). But, through the first view, yes I would agree with you that Alien is more enjoyable.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/06 01:35 PM

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
1972/Buñuel

A surrealistic satire that tells the story of six bourgeoisie French citizens trying to share a meal together but end up being constantly stopped by a series of increasingly absurd interruptions. Overall, I didn't like the way the whole thing looked like an episode of Happy Days as far as its lighting and camerawork went, and despite Buñuel presenting some interesting symbolism through his use of characters from all classes of society, and experimenting with the blurring of dreams and reality more thoroughly embodied in films such Last Year at Marienbad, I ultimately didn't feel like the end product came out all that thought-provoking or innovative.

2/5 Stars
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/06 02:22 PM

Irishman, why the hell do you even bother watching movies if you talk and have to lower the damn volume?

Really, you didn't do such nonsense with NETWORK, so dear lord I know you're better than that.
Oh well, next time then!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/06 02:29 PM

Aliens was garbage anyway. I wanted to strangle myself in that scene where the family finds the alien.

"Oh no Daddy wait! Don't go out there alone!"

"Don't worry kids, I'll be fine, you stay right here."

Goes out, Cameron cues his gay action movie music. Oh, I wonder if an alien is going to pop out.

Shit, there it is, now an alien's got Daddy's head. Kids scream, bla bla bla, who gives a fuck.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/06 02:32 PM

I agree that whole sequence from the Special Edition was....pointless. Hell, that's the only sequence that Cameron was wise to have edited out of the original theatrical edit.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/06 06:04 PM

A Scanner Darkly
2006/Linklater

A strangely satisfying expierience. Linklater's choice of the painted-over method wasn't distracting and added some interesting depth altering effects at times, which helped the drugged out feel of the whole film. Good thought-provoking story, an interesting film with a lot to say. I'm interested in seeing more of Linklater's work.

4/5 Stars
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/06 06:14 PM

The only problem I saw with Scanner is that it rushed in to the 3rd act. Up until then the movie was very mellow and then it gives you a ton of shit to handle in the 3rd act. Still, I thought it was pretty good and Keanu did surprisingly well.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/06 12:46 AM

I agree. Right around the time they bust Keanu's character in the office, I kind of lost the plot. Still a good movie though.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/06 01:16 AM

Considering that Phillip K. Dick, legendary sci-fi author and noted drug addict, wrote this book based on his own fucked-up drug experiences, the fact that the plot loses track in the 3rd act isn't very surprising.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/06 06:48 AM

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind **
Very novel concept and good acting from Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. But somehow I did not like it so much.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/06 03:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind **
Very novel concept and good acting from Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. But somehow I did not like it so much. [/b]
Me too. I always thought it was a bit overrated myself and never saw what others saw in this film
Posted By: Daigo Mick Friend

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/06 03:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by svsg:
[b] [b]Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind **

Very novel concept and good acting from Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. But somehow I did not like it so much. [/b]
Me too. I always thought it was a bit overrated myself and never saw what others saw in this film [/b][/quote]I am not a Jim Carey fan, but ESOTSM is the most original, and thought provoking film in the last five years. great film.

even better then Alien
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/06 01:23 AM

What's a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This?
Martin Scorsese
1963 US (1st time; YouTube)
A writer moves into a new apartment and becomes enthralled by a painting on the wall.
Scorsese's early passion for film is evident much in the same way it is in Godard's early shorts; a fine visual storyteller even then, and very witty.

It's Not Just You, Murray!
Martin Scorsese
1964 US (1st time; YouTube)
A hoodlum remembers his rise and fall as a bootlegger.
Early Scorsese tricks: voice-over narration, frantic information overload, and rapid, succinct editing; which film student [i]doesn't go through an "I love [/i]La nouvelle vague" phase?

The Big Shave
Martin Scorsese
1967 US (1st time; YouTube)
A man shaves himself in the mirror, slowly cutting himself more and more.
An ultimately harrowing short film, quite ambiguous as it moves into some kind of surreal horror to an upbeat tune; filmed like a Gilette commercial, is it the mirror image of masculinity, a theme Scorsese would later tackle in his Mob films?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/06 04:53 AM

Kagemusha ***
(First Viewing)

This is one of the best (if not the best) shot movie that I've seen by Kurosawa. It was shot so beautifully, which even though it ran 3 hours, didn't matter to me as much (I was ready for it to be over, but I was enjoying viewing the images onscreen).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/06 06:35 PM

Lady In The Water ***
(First Viewing)

Opened up #3 in the box office this past weekend so my expectations were a little low for it (considering M. Night Shyamalan last outing, The Village). This surprisingly was a good movie, although a little silly. Paul Giamatti was enjoyable in the lead as Cleveland Heep. I'd rank Shyamalan's work from best to worst as:

1) The Sixth Sense
2) Unbreakable
3) Lady In The Water
4) The Village
5) Signs
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/06 07:01 PM

LADY IN THE WATER (2006)

Total Budget, including Advertizing: $130 million
----------------------------

Production Budget: $74 million
Shymalan's payday for Script, Producing, and Directing: $18 million(!)
Advertizing budget: $20 million
The Rest - Crew payments

This weekend's box-office in America: $18 million(take 55% that the studio only gets back after the theatres get their slice, its only $9.9 million).

Let's just say that at this rate, Night may have his first big failure.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/06 07:21 PM

Casino
Martin Scorsese
1995 US (Nth time; DVD)
The rise and fall of a high-earning gambler put in charge of a Las Vegas casino by the Mafia.
Scorsese, throughout his career, has always had a knack of telling inevitably tragic, somewhat predictable narrative arcs and making them engrossing, mostly by having the right actors in all the right places; we know fine well these characters don't really have anywhere to go but a hole in the desert, but we keep watching anyway, seduced by the director's always-moving camera, a fine soundtrack, and Technicolor which would have Sirk smiling throughout. Nevertheless, it remains a rambling extension--though not expansion--of themes covered in his previous films, a kind of three-hour epic consisting only of surface exposition; the final third tries to inject some character into these anonymous faces, but it is, for the most part, like reading a novel without any dialogue, and thus lacking in life.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/06 02:03 AM

Syriana-
One of the best films to come out of America in recent years. Though I'm probably going to have to watch it a lot more before I catch all of it.
4/4
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/06 03:01 AM

I saw Syriana in the theaters and thought it sucked. Too long, hard to follow, and I thought the guy tried to make it too much like Traffic
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/06 09:54 AM

Citizen Kane
1941/Welles

Just finished my sorely needed 2nd viewing. Hadn't seen this in probably a couple years at least. Definitely solidified as four-star, masterpiece film. I'm usually very critical of directors who seldom use camera movement but Welles is a clear exception. His shots are so well framed, so well planned and constructed, the camera doesn't need to move. Thanks to his pioneering of the universal focus technique, Welles can set up one shot that works on three levels simultaneously and just hold it while the viewers marvel at how much there is to look at. A true cinematic genius. I got a hold of Touch of Evil not too long ago but the copy was so scratched it didn't work. I'll have to get back to that at some point as well as The Magnificent Ambersons.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/25/06 01:42 PM

Paris, Texas
Wim Wenders
1984 France/West Germany (2nd time; DVD)
After being missing for four years, a long lost brother returns to his former life in search of his wife and son.
A film-lover's film, in that it must be seen to be appreciated; the use of colour is extraordinary, and in many ways it may well be Robby Müller's picture. But there are other elements at work here, so elusively woven together by Wenders that the finished product is a decidedly odd affair, and if Cinema is a catalyst for emotions deep within us rarely touched upon, this is essential viewing.

The Brown Bunny
Vincent Gallo
2003 US/Japan/France (3rd time; DVD)
A motorcycle racer travels across America to meet with his girlfriend; along the way, he tries to fill in her absence.
An oddly beautiful, moving exploration of the self-desctructive result of sexuality and guilt, which, stripped to its bare bones, is a road movie with an interesting closure; captivating for those who can take the director's heavy self-indulgence.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/06 04:50 AM

just watched Pulp Fiction again last night after almost 2 years from the last time I seen it. man, what can I say... this is my all time favorite number one film, to start. I've come to the conclusion that it's even better than The Godfather and GoodFellas and Taxi Driver and Fargo and all the other films I love.
Quentin Tarantino delivers an outstanding plot that, although unlinear, it's easy to follow, mostly because it's driven by the dialogue. oh, the dialogue. Tarantino's cinematography is perfect, and along with the non sense-intriguing-funny dialogue, it makes Pulp Fiction the only film I remember that has got no bad scenes. not a single one. it may seem slow paced, but we're always interested in the bullshits the characters talk about. it builds up and then breaks the momentum, and when you think it's done, there is one more unpredictable occurance. watch it and notice how many times Tarantino builds up a climax, then breaks it, and when the characters cool off, that is when things happen. interesting character keep coming and going, memorable quotes are said every minute and the way Tarantino shows it makes you glue your eyes on the screen.
it could be only me, but I doubt someone one day will make a better movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/06 05:13 AM

The Benchwarmers * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Wow, what a piece of sh*t. 3 (at one time) good comedians in such a trainwreck of a movie. Rob Schneider I don't think has EVER made a decent film in his life (looks like he needs to just go back and stay at Saturday Night Live). David Spade needs Chris Farley more than A-Rod needing a hit in the clutch. And Jon Heder looks like he had a one-hit wonder with Napoleon Dynamite. This movie was NO GOOD
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/06 10:12 AM

Gerry
Gus Van Sant
2001 US/Argentina/Jordan (2nd time; DVD)
Two friends on a day's hiking trip casually stroll off path and become lost.
A film largely improvised and ironically dealing with the perils of improvisation; it is astonishing to look at, with many long takes giving otherwise ordinary images of two men walking a surreal, unfamiliar edge. A bleak film with a lasting gravity, wherein the anonymous characters become slowly overwhelmed by the harshness of nature.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/06 07:12 PM

My Super Ex-Girlfriend **
(First Viewing)

Knew it'd be silly and a little stupid and I wasn't disappointed. I think the theater closest to me is going to stop showing it after tomorrow (didn't even last a week)
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/06 08:19 PM

Paradise Now ****/4

Two childhood friends are recruited for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/06 05:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I just didn't quite get Kieslowski's motivation in making his character expierience that transformation, which subsequently made me feel as though it came off less effectively. What are we as the viewers supposed to get out of it? Or is it, as the title suggests, just an objective piece, with no intended message? Simply titling it A Short Film About Killing implies no intended emotional reaction. Could the confusion I'm feeling perhaps be the intended result?

Any thoughts?
I just saw A Short Film About Killing and I feel as if Jacek didn't necessarily experience a transformation. Rather, I think he is a complex character, capable of both love and murder. The final scene simply provided an opportunity for him to pour his soul out. I don't think that Jacek should be restricted to being a one sided character. That's what I love about this film: it's realistic. The cabbie is not a nice person, yet he shouldn't die. I feel as if Kieslowski was making a similar point with Jacek.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/06 05:37 AM

I love how Kieslowski puts so much faith in his audience, refusing to take a side, and implementing a purely "show, don't tell" style of filmmaking.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/06 05:50 AM

MY SUPER EX-GIRLFIRNED flopped so badly that FOX has already terminated their contract with Ivan Reitman's production company after they singed a 3-film "first look" contract.

Reitman I'm sure will never direct again, unless he goes back to producing/directing softcore porn in Canada.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/06 07:53 AM

Dinner Rush
2000/Giraldi

In this widely unseen turn of century gem, director Bob Giraldi, best known for his work in music videos, crafts a far-reaching portrait of one eventful night in a hot New York Italian eatery. Giraldi's film becomes a living creation of sorts, Altmanesque in it's scope and ambition; multiple characters, intertwining story lines, a mix of varying emotional elements, not necessarily with one clear overriding theme to tie the piece together as a whole, which works here to produce positive results.

Ultimately, this film surprised and captivated me. Definitely a piece that gets better the more familiar you are with it, noticing a little nuance here and there every time. The night builds with tension and anticipation, truly pulsating with the energy that might be expected from such a restaurant, and Giraldi doesn't disappoint. I've come to consider the ending here as one of the most gratifying in recent cinema.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/06 06:10 PM

Collateral (2004;Mann)

This is my 3rd time watching this film...and it gets more enjoyable each time. I've never been really impressed with Tom Cruise's acting skills, but I thought he did an exceptional job. But this was definitely Jamie Foxx's movie. For the first 3/4 of the film...he's Vincent's helpless little hostage. That all changes after they visit Max's mother at the hospital, when Max throws his laptop off the bridge. When Vincent sends Max into the club to talk to his contractors...Max takes control. These guys think Max is Vincent...and Foxx uses that to magical effect. After this moment...Max takes control. This transition from helpless hostage to a man that won't take it anymore is simply magical...and Foxx pulled it off effortlessly.

This has become one of my top 5 favorite films...with Michael Mann becoming one of my favorite directors. I can't wait to see Miami Vice.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/06 06:34 PM

Glad you liked it, although I don't even know if I'd say Max took control. I think he finally overcame his situation by taking a chance for a change in the final scene.

Even though Vincent is a villain, I find him to be a very tragic figure. Tom Cruise is great in the role and Mann makes this character an excellent one through his great writing and subtle character development. The same can be said for Max.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/06 07:10 PM

COLLATERAL, my pick for #1 movie of 2004, will be a film that will be seen as one of the best crime drama, if not in general, pictures of the first decade of the new millenium.

Apparently, my gut instinct has proven me right so far, as people have said that if you like Michael Mann's movies, especially his crime pictures, then you'll dig MIAMI VICE.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 02:34 AM

The Real Blonde ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

No comments really other than the fact that this surprised me as a good movie. Pretty good cast to it too.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 05:47 AM

I can't help but only agree with everything that was said about Collateral. it's been passing on TV every now and then here lately and I found myself watching it over and over. it only gets better, since the first time I ever watched it, a few months after it was released. Mann developed a visual style and soundtrack that makes every scene worth watching just for the heck of it. and if you want a deep storyline and great character development, it still works perfectly. not to mention great, catching dialogue and top notch acting. I've seen all kinds of arguments against the plot of this movie and all of them had an answer, except this one: how Felix expected to get rid of anything after ALL os his witnesses were murdered in a row the day before the trial? I believe he must be the hell of a powerful guy that could overcome that, which is a bit unrealistic, but what the hell, it's just a movie.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 06:09 AM

Well, wouldn't it be circumstantial evidence? Especially if Vincent succeeded in killing Max and making it look like he was a Travis Bickle, as alluded to by the detective.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 06:40 PM

SUPER TROOPERS (2002) - ***

Humorously fun frat-house movie on highway cops by the comedy troupe of Broken Lizard. The plot is cookie-cut ass, but its an excuse for skits, from "Meow!" to the beat-down at the local burger fast food joint, to "unique" way of using a radar gun.

Can't wait for BEERFEST.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 06:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Can't wait for BEERFEST.
Wow, did I read that, right? I can't wait for it either
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 06:43 PM

Master And Commander
The Far Side Of The World ***.5/4

During the Napoleonic Wars, a brash British captain pushes his ship and crew to their limits in pursuit of a formidable French war vessel around South America
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 06:51 PM

MASTER AND COMMANDER, my pick for the #1 movie of 2003.
Posted By: hova4ever9

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 06:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
MASTER AND COMMANDER, my pick for the #1 movie of 2003.
My Pick For that year was City of God but since that isn't an American Film I'll say its Lost In Translation, Kill Bill, or Return of The King
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/06 07:42 PM

Miami Vice
2006/Mann

A decent film, although it seemed to be directed by a Michael Mann wannabe, not the Mann himself. Very light on real character development, but Foxx and Farrel are good enough. The plot felt contrived and forced at times, but the intense shootouts here and there kept it alive.

Sadly, Mr. Mann has also fallen victim to the recent plague of freehand camera use throughout 75% of this movie. I feel like every movie I've seen so far this year, save for maybe A Scanner Darkly, has overused the freehand method, a trend that was perhaps set off by Steven Soderbergh with the release of Traffic in 2000. We may be looking at our first defining characteristic of new millenium cinema.

Overall, Miami Vice, despite its many flaws, and the seeming absence of any real Michael Mann flair, is still a solid shoot-em-up picture, and one of the better films of the year so far.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 12:57 AM

L A Confidential ***
Very interesting crime drama, with a lot of twists throughout the movie. Good acting from everyone. But I noticed something about Russel Crowe. He never looks in the direction of the person he is speaking to, instead he focusses on some random infinity! This is something he does in Insider and Beautiful Mind as well. Why? I have no clue
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 02:16 AM

I love LA Confidential.

The Conversation (1974) [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/capoditutti/fourstars.gif[/img
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
A master of surveillence, private investigator brings his line of work into question when the possibility of a man and woman's lives being put at stake results from one of his assignments.
Well, hot damn. Wonderfully constructed... A beautiful piece of character development and study. This is probably one of the best films that studies insanities toll on a protaganist, save Taxi Driver. I've found myself in something of an interesting position; I'm seriously taking into consideration, the possibility that this is FFC's masterpiece, and not the much-acclaimed The Godfather Part II. The two come very close for me, and I simply cannot determine which is better in my eyes. Not yet.


Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Director: Sergio Leone
Thirty-five years after ratting on his friends, and being ran out of town by the mob, an ex-bootlegger returns to his old Jewish neighborhood in New York City.
Bloody fantastic. It had been nearly a year since my last viewing, which is ridiculously inexcusable; so in the past 24 hours, I've watched this film twice. This film brings me to a very serine mood. Emotionally, it does a very unique job on me. The hallucination theories fit, and I've come acustom to the film being a dream. The flashbacks seem very vivid but a bit exagerated and self-indulgent, as do most old memories when looked back on by a single person, and the 1960s segments seem completely bizarre and hazy. The new plotlines that Noodles faces in these segments are completely warped and resemble an intoxicated dream; which is the best comparison I can offer to anyone who has at least fallen asleep drunk.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 04:56 AM

Miami Vice - (Michael Mann;2006;USA)
Two Miami Vice detectives are put under assignment to infiltrate a cartel.
Where do I start? Michael Mann has done it again with some of his best visuals. The music is again excellent aside the Jay-Z/Linkin Park opening. In my local paper there was a photo of this film with an entire article describing the Buddy Films such as Bad Boys and such. Forget that. Mann brings us into one of the most gritty depictions of the drug trade, focusing on reality even in the most violent scenes as well as the emotions of the two lead characters. There's no corny Buddy moments. Even some of the cliche sounding dialogue flaunted in the trailer are less emphasized pieces of dialogue that blend in. The action scenes are excellent and made me feel as if I was there. It's not overdone, but genuinely thrilling. Michael Mann is perfectly summed as professional.

Expect a review tomorrow.

By the way Mista, I don't know what the hell you mean by "fallen victim to." Michael Mann hasn't fallen into anything. It's purely his style.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 05:19 AM

Well, according to Mista, Michael Mann didn't even direct the film. It was a Michael Mann wannabe.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 05:54 AM

what sort of Man would want to be Mann?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 06:02 AM

It's a style he's learned, that he's picked up recently.

If you look at his two best films, in my opinion, Heat and Thief, you don't see nearly as much of that, none in Thief. It's a style I wished he hadn't faded into.

Don't get me wrong, I thought Collateral was great. It just seemed really distracting here.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 06:58 AM

As I said on the other board, his style is evolving and becoming more liberated due to larger budgets and advanced technology. You make it sound like some mean evil baddie person taught Mann to do something bad. It's simply his vision.

Miami Vice is Mann doing what television and budget restrictions kept him from doing in the 80's.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 04:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by long_lost_corleone:
I'm seriously taking into consideration, the possibility that this is FFC's masterpiece, and not the much-acclaimed The Godfather Part II. The two come very close for me, and I simply cannot determine which is better in my eyes. Not yet.
Conversation is a great movie, but IMO, FFC's masterpiece was Apocalypse Now.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 05:04 PM

Out of Coppola's top 4, I cannot decide which is best. They're all great in their own unique way.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 05:38 PM

COMPANY BUSINESS (1991) - **

Flat spy thriller/comedy about a retired CIA agent(Hackman) escorting a Soviet spy(Baryshnikov) back to the reunified Berlin in a hostage exchange, before both become targets of assasination by the combined CIA-KGB task force. From writer/director Nicholas Meyer(TIME AFTER TIME, TREK 2: WRATH OF KAHN), this movie was mostly noted at the time for the fact that the Soviet Union dissolved during the making of it, and that there was massive studio-sanctioned rewriting and re-shooting, leaving for a movie that for the most part, was running as an enjoyable if forgettable adventure(**1/2-like rating), but the plot holes and even the movie being inconsistent with its own plot details catch up to it in the movie's rather abrupt ending. If you want Gene Hackman stuck in Cold War intrigue in Berlin, go rent Andrew Davis' THE PACKAGE instead.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 07:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
If you look at his two best films, in my opinion, Heat and Thief, you don't see nearly as much of that, none in Thief. It's a style I wished he hadn't faded into.
Only, in Thief, you have a dated score and slow-motion overload. John Woo, anyone?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 07:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by hova4ever9:
[quote]Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
[b] MASTER AND COMMANDER, my pick for the #1 movie of 2003.
My Pick For that year was City of God but since that isn't an American Film I'll say its Lost In Translation, Kill Bill, or Return of The King [/b][/quote]City of God is a 2002 production, anyway. Lost In Translation is a co-production between the US and Japan. And Return of the King is a co-production between New Zealand, the US and Germany.

Would that leave Kill Bill as the "Best Film of 2003" (since it's American)?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 07:51 PM

I don't believe in only picking American movies or whatever nonsense. Notice that AMOROS PERROS was my pick for the year of 2000.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 07:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Only, in Thief, you have a dated score and slow-motion overload. John Woo, anyone?
I think Thief's music is one of its strong points.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/06 08:39 PM

Me too, possibly; it's the finest part of a dated film. In fact, Mann's films have always been very much of the moment, stylistically. I wonder if Collateral and Miami Vice will date badly like Thief. I think Heat, in this respect, is his best film. But I haven't seen his newest yet.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 12:07 AM

CLERKS 2 (2006) - ****

After the would-be mainstream entry disaster of JERSEY GIRL, Kevin Smith would appear to have gone backwards in returning to his much-liked "View Askewverse" set in New Jersey, in this case a $5 million sequel to the 1994 movie that propelled Smith from slacker comic book-nerd to noted filmmaker: CLERKS.

Besides the fact that it would be an easy and quick profit on the rebound from the failure of JERSEY GIRL, what else is there to the Gen-X slackin clerks of Dante Hicks (O'Halloran) and Randall Graves (Anderson)?

Alot. CLERKS back in 1994 was an absorbing movie about a generation of 20sh slackers that goofed off while debating STAR WARS and insulting costumers. A decade later, they're now 30sh, and having to work at a fucking fast food joint, and now engage in fights with younger useless people between STAR WARS and LORD OF THE RINGS fan factions. But, these two's shenninigans only hide the fact that their lives are still going no where, and they're pissed. However, no Tyler Durden will save them...they will have to fucking make a difference themselves.

Two montage moments of melodrama convinced me that Smith was going to fuck up like he did with JERSEY GIRL, but he restrains himself. If anything, they are feel-good moments to characters that finally grow up, but not to appease a shallow and materialistic society. Besides, Rosario Dawson is one hell of a catch!

Smith arguably is the Woody Allen of Gen-X, in that he can create witty dialogue that people will quote for years, and in regards to situations that we can relate to. However, its the 2nd factor that Smith has been away the longest from. After CLERKS, he worked on humorous would-be cult comedic-movies(or at least attempted to create such fare) as MALLRATS, CHASING AMY, DOGMA and JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK(luckily, the duo are back in CLERKS 2 as well). But save for CHASING AMY, Smith hasn't created a movie that not only burned-out Gen X'ers will get, but people of any generation that feel like the world has passed them by since...well, CLERKS.

Bravo Mr. Smith, and lets hope you continue to make movies based on what you know and understand, and not simply dumbass chick flick fare that suck like most mainstream floaters.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 02:41 AM

HOLY SH*T! ronnie gave Clerks 2 4-stars!?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 09:16 AM

Rollerball
1975/Jewison

Director Jewison presents some interesting ideas and images here and there, but ultimately this heavily-Kubrick-influenced film delivers no resounding message. Too much dialogue to be a sports movie, too much action to be a sci-fi drama. And they kept James Caan's temper under wraps for most of the film and discarded his New York accent. What were they thinking?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 06:17 PM

Dude Hagen, you fucking missed the point of ROLLERBALL. Then again, considering the fact that you gave a 3/5 score rating to 12 friggin MONKEYS, I shouldn't be surprised.

If anything, Jewison's ROLLERBALL is science fiction in the classic sense, a drama that examines the possible higher-tech future of a world where individualism is de-valued, where basic civil liberties and freedoms are given up in exchange for security, food, energy, and very nice materialistic shit. While this seemed sci-fi-ish in the 70's, we see the Chinese government trying to "bribe" the ever growing middle class in that country with TVs, BMWs, and DVDs. Besides, with good shit and food, why bother protesting for things like the right to a fair trial?

While Hagen you apparently wanted Sonny Corleone kicking ass on a roller disco ring(and if that had happened, the movie would have been quiet dated dreck), Caan is perfectly restrained as a guy that despite being this legendary and popular sports hero, he still doesn't have individual freedom. They take his wife away, and there is nothing he can do about it. Apparently his character though take his mind off his pain and misery with Rollerball, but when they try to take THAT away from him as well, that is when he decides that enough is enough.

That is the point of the ending. The plan of the corporate cabal to either kill Caan or force him to quit backfires quite goloriusly, and Caan's character becomes bigger as an individual hero to the masses than he was before. He isn't just a badass sports legend anymore. He's a universal hero of defiance and struggle. For once in this conformist future, individualism reigns supreme.

Then there is other details of the movie I dig. While you probably only saw 70's art-deco(which I can't defend), there is ideas that I loved and make this truely good sci-fi(that is, not sci-fi to excuse for fucking action scenes) movie. Among other things, the fact that whoever possesses knowledge rules. Information of the past is cleansed and censored by the corporate cabal, since the masses can't dare to have the idea that despite the problems of the past, individual freedoms might have been like good.

Or better yet, the concept of how women are used in the future. While on the surface, it appears to be a misogynist future...well, it sorta is. But you see these women as part of the "Leisure" sector, but yet the head of that industry is a member of the global ruling cabal. What the hell is going on? Then you notice moments when these women display intelligence. What this future in this story is what unfortunately we may be seeing right now.

Women that are obviously smart, but have to repress it in public in order to be the beautiful, fuckable sticks that society wants them to be. Dear lord, I see girls that puke their intestines out so that they might be a pound thinner, or regress from being the smart and mature beings of elementary/middle school to that of bimbos in college.

Now Hagen, what about the beginning sequence? I know you was confused because you probably didn't understand the point of it, but its clear. While it takes time, when some of us use our noggins, we start to understand how this game works. Instead of doing some dumbass montage explaining the rules(which the lousy remake did), we learn by visuals how it works. Obviously its a sport where one needs the blade-speed of Ice Hockey, the absolute teamwork of Football(soccer), the rough and tumble tackling of both American Football and Rugby, and so on.

Jewison's ROLLERBALL is one of the two best pre-STAR WARS "smart" science fiction pictures that Hollywood made in the 1970s, along with Lucas' THX 1138. Unlike the action-oriented sillyness of OMEGA MAN and SOYLENT GREEN(which I'm sure you would love Hagen, since both are made just so Hagen can kick vampire and homeless ass), ROLLERBALL is a movie worthy of science fiction.

ROLLERBALL (1975) - ****

P.S. - Too much dialogue? Too much action? Come on, your definitions of "sci-fi drama" and sports movies are that narrow? Besides, ROLLERBALL was a sci-fi drama WITH sports action.

I hope God helps you if you ever watch Frakenheimer's 3-hour Formula-One drama WITH action that was GRAND PRIX.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 06:37 PM

MAGNUM FORCE (1973) - **1/2

The problem with the DIRTY HARRY franchise is that its simply simplistic, and fucking overrated and forgettable, action/cop movies that have been copied for decades to the point that one wonders how "fresh" these maybe were of the time.

Yet this sequel, I give credit for at least having a killer concept. The vigilante-prone action man of Clint Eastwood forced to fight a platoon of TRUE vigilante assasins(inspired by similar rogue police armies in Latin America in the 1950s), where instead of fighting the system, Eastwood is fighting FOR the system against these agents of anarchy.

Too bad the concept is just that, a novel idea that is delivered in this movie as a muddled and quite average 70's action movie. Still, I did get to see Tim "Otter" Matheson get wasted. That must count for something!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 07:11 PM

Although perhaps "simplistic" and overdone by today's standards, Dirty Harry franchise was an extremely popular in the 70's, and Eastwood was the number one box office draw during that time. Gosh, I remember the long lines waiting to get into the theater.

Keep in mind RR that, during that era (and probably into the 80's) there were movies making "statements" (of sorts) of corruption within our police/judicial systems. Even still, how many times we the public, criticize people for "getting off scott free?" Even though we can't condone vigilante justice, or Harry's way of doing things, it was great to escape into a fantasy that we probably have all wished for at some time or another: kick the bad guy's ass and the laws be damned! I can't see that kind of film being "big" today, but it seemed to fit in with the times.

While Dirty Harry was a fictional rogue/kick-ass cop, there were other movies such as "Justice For All" and another Pacino movie, "Serpico", which was based on a true story, that at the time, shocked most people that our justice system could be so corrupt. I think these all were a sign of the times we lived in.

Yea, outdated now, but man, it sure was appealing at the time. I actually prefer the Dirty Harry series to the Spaghetti western series.

TIS

P.S. Fitting in this thread..I started to watch "The Italian Job" which was on tv last night. I probably got halfway through it and fell asleep . The storyline was good and I'm anxious to see it all the way through.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 08:44 PM

I persume you refer to the original with Michael "He apologized for JAWS: THE REVENGE" Caine.

Seen the recent remake with Statham?

Anyway, you're right TIS. Maybe what you said is why MAGNUM FORCE is maybe the only movie of all those HARRY movies by Eastwood that is interesting, at least in concept.

Let's just say that Irishman's disapointment with the overrated DIRTY HARRY is justified.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 08:51 PM

I just saw your tirade Ronnie. I've got work in 10 minutes, so I'll mull it over and get back to you. I seemed to remember you praising this movie a while back but couldn't find anything.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 10:57 PM

RAT RACE (2001) - ***

Jerry Zucker, 1/3 of the legendary "ZAZ" tag team along with his brother David and Jim Abrahams, directs this amusing and humorous tip of hat modern remake of Kramer's classic madcap slapstick road race comedy IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD.

While some gags don't work, I caught myself chuckling at the actual respectful spirit of this movie, considering that true slapstick is rarely made by Hollywood anymore. The ending itself is pretty silly(besides, Smashmouth always sucked as a band), but never less to those that remember old school comedies, this one will score for easily. Better yet, its a modern Hollywood comedy without farts, dicks, and very nice tits.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 11:21 PM

I once passively watched Rat Race, not actively enough to say I've seen it, but the parts I saw were absolutely atrocious.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/06 11:36 PM

CLUB DREAD (2004) - ***

I love BROKEN LIZARD. It's official. A comedy troupe of guys that met while part of a Frat House at Colgate University, they obviously are smart, except instead of trying to prove people that they are, instead they just simply want to be smart with the frathouse humor.

While SUPER TROOPERS was a joke on those 70's cop-genre movies, CLUB DREAD is almost a perfect joke on the slasher titty movies of the 1980s.

In fact, CLUB DREAD is a smarter and actually funnier take-off of this particular genre than the ridiculously popular and overrated SCARY MOVIE franchise.

For one thing, CLUB DREAD is so directed well on the conventions and directorial cliches of slasher flicks, that if you took out the humor of it, you would have probably a legitimate if forgettable slasher movie. Now THAT is remarkable(I guess).

Two, you gotta love the moments in this movie that bust my gut.

"Peen-ah-lope"!

*Corpse of guy flying, so fake and silly, into boathouse*

Pac-Man sex game in maze!

"We have jungle rats?!?!?"

"I think I'll need to *pump* her for more information!"

better yet, Bill Paxton just rules as Coconut Pete, the poor man's Jimmy Buffett(with the latter apparently a big fan of the movie. Hey, that's cred!), truely a burned-out margarita-drinking 70's rock star who is now stuck to running a stupid Club Med-like island.

What I like was something that was entirely risky for a group that just had a cult/DVD hit with SUPER TROOPERS, the troupe decided to switch their perspective roles. Instead of being the slick and commandering leader in TROOPERS, Chandrasekhar(also the director of this film) is now the pussy, possibly narcicistic gay tennis pro. Hefferman isn't the white trash personification of "Farva", but now the actual hero, and so on.

In a way, the group is actually more daring than the great MONTY PYTHON, for Chapman was almost always the straight man, Cleese the serious-but-daffy cheeseball, Idle the crazy nutcracker, Palin the goofball, Jones the women's-clothes-wearing guy, etc. I know, sacrilige. Go ahead, stone me.

BEERFEST, apparently a joke on those fucking silly 80's "tournament fight" movies like BLOODSPORT and KICKBOXER, but as well the FIGHT CLUB of drinking, it should be a hoot.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/06 06:49 AM

Videodrome

Amazing film with some absolutely mindblowing images. I love how Cronenberg manages to slowly incorporate fantasy with reality until it reaches the point where they become one in the same. The final half hour of this film was absolutely astonishing, everything being perfectly wrapped up with a barrage of surreal images and intense murder scenes.



"Long live the new flesh..."
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/06 07:38 AM

Survive Style 5+
2004/Sekiguchi

This is what real movies are made of. First time director Gen Sekiguchi crafts a beautifully strange multi-character film that runs the full gamut of emotions, experiments with several distinct styles of direction and editing, and on top of that, everything's so damn beautifully colorful. The film begins with five seperate stories that gradually intertwine and collide, with parts that play like a horror movie, parts that play like comedy, parts that play like tear-jerking drama, and parts that just play like nothing you've ever seen before. I'll be rewatching this sometime very soon to justify the 4 star rating.



Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/06 04:29 PM

VIDEODROME does rock. Cronenberg is the man.

Anyway, I finally got my hands on a certain epic-long infamous flop I've been meaning to review. Is Cimino's movie that blackballed him from Hollywood for good THAT bad, or as some people claim an underrated "lost" film, or is it an egotistical, overlong, indulgent piece of shit? (Well, it can't be as successful in the 3rd department as LADY IN THE WATER).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/06 08:25 PM

La jetée (The Jetty / The Pier)
Chris Marker
1962 France (1st time; DVD)
A post-WWIII prisoner, haunted by a woman's face from his childhood, is sent back in time as an adult to bring help to the present.
Quietly devastating short, a montage of still photographs narrated in a haunting voice-over, which cumulates to an emotional climax of lost youth; probably a film to see when one is young, this essay on memory as a mental image is a convincingly realised concept.

Sans soleil (Sunless)
Chris Marker
1982 France (1st time; DVD)
A woman narrates, and reminsces on, letters she received from a cameraman who travelled the world.
Primarily an account of Tokyo, with subtle diversions into the contrasts between the cultures of Japan and Africa, two extremes of humanity's survival, this is an original, subjective and personal take on the world as a kind of alienated planet to itself. As it develops from documentary to science-fiction fantasy, the narration becomes more abstract, more philosophical, and the images more beautiful and profound, evolving into a film similar to Herzog's Fata Morgana.

L'année dernière à Marienbad (Last Year at Marienbad)
Alain Resnais
1960 France/Italy 1st time; DVD
At a vast hotel of decorated corridors and anonymous mirrors, a man tries to convince a woman they've met a year previously…but did they, and was it Marienbad or Frederiksbad?
Another of those films strictly for cinema buffs; the director clearly loves the medium (which New Wave child didn't?) and here he presents the whole proceedings as a completely intrinsic, insular world, detached from any kind of external society or politics. The protagonist, the only character with any kind of life or awareness of his own existence, acts as a kind of self-reflexive justification for the narrative's convolution, which determines what we see and how it is edited. The entire thing floats by like a fever dream, preoccupied with its own form, its own convention, wherein character names matter little, and distinguishing time and space is futile.

Toute la mémoire du monde (All the World's Memory)
Alain Resnais
1956 France (1st time; DVD)
An account of the national museum in Paris, a library of text and resource.
Obsessive evocation of knowledge and history as the defining factors for a future truth, that of happiness; Resnais is clearly a fan of Welles.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/06 01:19 PM

Notre musique (Our Music)
Jean-Luc Godard
2004 France/Switzerland (1st time; DVD)
Three kingdoms: Hell, which consists of archive war footage; Purgatory, in which Godard gives an essay on text and the image; and Paradise, a tranquil forest guarded by sailors.
A more subtle, and somehow more rambling work than Godard's previous Éloge de l'amour; there are ideas here so numerous that they cancel one another out. It seems to be an indictment, of some sort, of how modern cultures lack poetry; no doubt, like the 2001 masterpiece, it becomes better upon rewatches.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/06 07:38 PM

Stealing Harvard
2002/McCulloch

Much funnier than I had remembered it. Consistently laugh-worthy throughout with some suprisingly solid direction from Bruce McCulloch of Kids in the Hall fame. What ever happened to Tom Green?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/06 10:27 PM

V For Vendetta ****
(2nd Viewing)

Easily my favorite movie of the year thus far and for good reasons. Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving and John Hurt were all fantastic in their respective roles. The Wachowski's most satisfying film, IMO with a bold and great message to it, "People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 03:10 AM

Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid- (theatrical version)
I love Peckinpah, and really wanted to like this, but theres no hiding the huge chunks missing. I'd seen this a couple other times, and untill I see the 88 (or at the very least the 05 version) i really cant say it has too much merit.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 04:35 AM

Dracula (1931) ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The movie started out pretty good but lost steam about half-way through. Not as good as Frankenstein but still worth the rent.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 04:47 AM

Irish, V FOR VENDETTA movie was decent. Though I'm still obliged to Alan Moore's fucking masterpiece of the graphic novel. Imagine the movie, but without an action movie crammed into it. Thus, graphic novel!

Anyway, what the f*ck was I thinking giving *** to f&cking RAT RACE? Re-rating! It's now **1/2
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 09:44 AM

Wild Strawberries
1957/Bergman

My first Bergman. I had been really looking forward to this one as its themes seemed to hold potential for true greatness. The final product was decent, exploring some deep ideas, and Bergman does draw up some interesting symbolism at times. Overall, the only parts that really shined were the surreal dream sequences. Otherwise, average.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 06:47 PM

X-Men **
X-Men 3 **
Both movies are entertaining for the 2 hours or so that you watch them. And safely forget them afterwards.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 07:21 PM

Are We Still Married? (Stille Nacht II)

At only 3 minutes and 20 seconds in running length, this packs more punch than many full length features I've seen. An amazing sequence of surreal and dreamlike images that evoke feelings of nostalgia and wonder.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 08:47 PM

One Man Band
Mark Andrews / Andrew Jimenez
2005 US (1st time; big screen)
Two multi-instrument musicians compete for the single coin in a toddler's hands; their greed gets the better of them.
Witty Pixar short, which runs just about short enough for the charm to come off; any longer, and it might just grate.

Cars
John Lasseter
2006 US (1st time; big screen)
Lightning McQueen, a racing car, wants to make it big, but first has a lesson or two to learn from an old abandoned town on what used to be a busy route 66.
Decidedly American affair, oddly nostalgic and neglecting character for sentiment; Pixar has always brought such gusto to facial expressions in its characters, but this freedom doesn't translate well to automobiles. It isn't as succinct as their other efforts, but stands as a visual triumph in its own right, far away from the studio's previous worlds of superheroes, the ocean and a bedroom full of toys.

Wolf Creek
Greg McLean
2004 Australia (2nd time; TV)
Three backpackers, an Australian male and two English tourists, get stranded in the Outback, and take the offered help of a seemingly genuine local.
Effective, confident piece of filmmaking; it looks marvellous, presenting beautiful images of the Australian landscape as if from a postcard, which are contradicted by the brutal violence. The opening hour is a subtle lesson on how to absorb and ultimately wrong-foot the audience; the second hour is a tremendously sustained gore-fest reminiscent of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Professione: reporter (The Passenger)
Michelangelo Antonioni
1975 France/Italy/US/Spain (1st time; big screen)
A reporter in Africa assumes the identity of a gun-runner who dies of a heart attack in the hotel room next to him.
Thoroughly unpredictable, meandering film without any kind of foreseeable character or narrative arc, presented as a kind of extended travelogue which goes on far too long and burns at too slow a pace; Nicholson's performance is tame and his character is simply uninteresting. The cinematography is fantastic early on, and there are some brilliant cinematic touches throughout, the best of which comes at the very end of the film, where a camera seemingly moves, at a snail's pace, through a barred window, slowly turns around, and is somehow outside the hotel room in which it started its movement.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 09:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]Wolf Creek
Greg McLean
2004 Australia (2nd time; TV)
Three backpackers, an Australian male and two English tourists, get stranded in the Outback, and take the offered help of a seemingly genuine local.
Effective, confident piece of filmmaking; it looks marvellous, presenting beautiful images of the Australian landscape as if from a postcard, which are contradicted by the brutal violence. The opening hour is a subtle lesson on how to absorb and ultimately wrong-foot the audience; the second hour is a tremendously sustained gore-fest reminiscent of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.[/b]
Glad you enjoyed it Capo. I really dug it in the theaters, but not as much on DVD. At the time I would have said I liked Wolf Creek more than Hostel but today I'd say the opposite was true.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 10:30 PM

MIAMI VICE (2006) - ***1/2

The "Man" returns. American filmmaking master Michael Mann is here to bring us a fucking rarity in Hollywood. Not a cop action movie, but a cop DRAMA with action. Especially a very-hard R-rated $135 million summer blockbuster picture.

Filming in digital, Mann revives his noted 1980s TV series to the new millenium, where new people fill in the shoes of some characters, but now in the visual and attitude spectrum of Mann's beloved HEAT and recent critical and financial hit COLLATERAL.

Mann's screenplay doesn't have the dramatic intensity or epic scope of HEAT, nor the intense one-night thriller/drama of COLLATERAL, but if anything it feels like a 2-hour special episode of VICE, if it was made in 2006 instead of the mid-1980s. The story feels episodic, that being our duo of Sonny Crockett and "Rico" Tubbs(Farrell and Foxx) going undercover against a middle-man drug runner who was behind the murder of some people they knew, and as well explore a leak within the intra-agency task force of the FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.

Mann has to play a careful game of trying to export his crime autuership to that of obvious commercial fare. He can't be too moody, or the midwest will instead go see PIRATES 2 again, nor can he too un-Mann, for his film buff fans will turn on him. For the most part, he succeeds, but who will get the most out of MIAMI VICE?

Obviously, me and several people at BB.Net are big Mann fans, and I'm sure his admirers will dig the hell out of VICE. Technical people will marvel at the sure-to-be Oscar nominated digital-shot cinematography(how many days does good ole film have left?), but Michael Bay zombie-like fans will be pissy that the hero cops aren't flashy videogame rejects, or that there isn't a real substantial difference in this dangerous world of police in their never-ending war on drugs made compared to the the situation in the beginning of the story.

As a native of Miami, Mann has in limited sequences given the special glow, good and bad of this sunny paradise of an urban metro-city, which make up for Bay's silly juvenile nonsense with BAD BOYS and its $155 million-costing sequel(and no, I fucking have no idea where THAT budget went to).

At the end of the movie, cynics will see shots in this film that indicates an opening for a sequel. I really doubt it(and considering's the movie's box-office intake so far, it aint happening), for like the real men and women who work for law enforcement for Miami-Dade, it is a brutal, depressing job(much as Mann explored in HEAT) where the dividends is the hope that maybe they made the world a little better by taking out a few more scumbags. Besides, as VICE obviously pointed out, one case, one day at a time.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 10:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[qb]Wolf Creek
Glad you enjoyed it Capo. I really dug it in the theaters, but not as much on DVD. At the time I would have said I liked Wolf Creek more than Hostel but today I'd say the opposite was true. [/quote]Yeah, I saw it at the cinema too, and it's obviously more impressive on the big screen, but held up quite well on the small screen, I thought.

Dramolet (Stille Nacht I)
Timothy Quay / Stephen Quay
1988 UK (1st & 2nd time; YouTube)
A puppet overlooks a room being invaded by a strange hair-like substance.
The first in the Quay brothers' Stille Nacht series, a visually unsettling piece of work with much atmosphere bursting out of its minute-long duration.

Are We Still Married? (Stille Nacht II)
Timothy Quay / Stephen Quay
1991 UK (1st & 2nd time; YouTube)
Synopses are dangerously reductive to the Quay Brothers' work: a rabbit mimics a small child's foot movements…?
The visual influence of the two is clear throughout: are those opening white-on-black eyes not the same as Papa Lazarou's in The League of Gentlemen? The filmmakers pay homage to films, too, with reference to The Wizard of Oz in particular, with a pair of heeled shoes paid especial attention to, as a rabbit tries to mimic the "human" movements. Lynch's Rabbits, anyone? It's all pretty surreal, creepy stuff, not least of due to the music.

Can't Go Wrong Without You (Stille Nacht IV)
Timothy Quay / Stephen Quay
1993 UK (1st time; YouTube)
Death pulls a string through a key-hole, on the other side of which sits a rabbit in a deck-chair.
More stuff of visual interest, hauntingly surreal and about nothing in particular; you can search for all the allegory you want in this, but in the end it is far more interesting as a work presenting only itself.

Dog Door (Stille Nacht V)
Timothy Quay / Stephen Quay
2001 UK (1st time; YouTube)
A dog masturbates over a spread-eagled doll.
Probably the most narratively coherent of the series, with the most blatant symbolism too; a rather violent take on sexuality, with the dog's hand movements particularly (and suitably) crude. You get the feeling that with a bigger budget the Quays could make something really profound, both weird and rational, along the lines of their Street of Crocodiles, instead of films which can be defended simply as "dream-like" or Dadaist...though they are impressive to watch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/06 10:44 PM

I expected too much out of Hostel since Quentin Tarantino "presented it" (yes, I know) and my expectations for Wolf Creek were pretty low so that's why I enjoyed it so much.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/06 01:28 AM

Dracula (1931) ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Same as last night
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/06 10:02 PM

Zamilované maso (Meat Love)
Jan Svankmajer
1989 US/UK/West Germany (1st time; YouTube)
Two lumps of raw meat fall in love.
Brilliant stop-motion animation, colourful, with old-fashioned music; there's nothing like a bit of raw love…love is a butchery?

Et Cetera
Jan Svankmajer
1966 Czechoslovakia (1st time; YouTube)
Three shorts within a short: a primate learns how to fly with four pairs of wings; a human whips an animal into submission three times; a man attempts to draw a house over and over again.
Brilliant, simple animation with a somewhat nightmarish feel; it feels like one of those fever dreams in which humans become tiny 2-D drawings. Thematic similarities with Beckett: the futility of life, as well as some sign of frustration with form: a figure drawing his way to curiosity, and thence to insanity.

Spiel mit Steinen (A Game with Stones)
Jan Svankmajer
1965 Austria 1st time; YouTube
A clock spits out stones every hour, and various patterns are formed.
Visual gags and poetry with the most mundane of all objects, rocks; the patterns get more ambitious and impressive as it goes on, but it could probably be shorter.

Flora
Jan Svankmajer
1989 US (1st time; YouTube)
A bed-ridden "vegetable", or a human comprising vegetables, rots and explodes.
A thirty-second short of such explosive visual power that it will linger for a while, before you want to watch it again. It sounds like a Lynch film, and is horrific to look at, in an attractive sort of way.

Kyvadlo, jáma a nadeje (The Pit, the Pendulum and Hope)
Jan Svankmajer
1989 Czechoslovakia (1st time; YouTube)
Black-and-white images of death and devilry to the sounds of an industrial furnace.
Industrial furnace indeed - if a literal meaning of that phase fails to register, the imagination might define it better. An atmospheric, rather frightening affair which clocks in under two minutes; most feature films fail to reach Svankmajer's level of intensity.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/06 12:51 PM

Rabbit-Proof Fence
Phillip Noyce
2002 Australia (1st time; TV)
In 1930s Australia, three young half-caste girls escape the camp intending to domesticate them into the white community, and trek across the Outback to their home.
The kind of film the general public are inspired by and critics fall in love with; it is impressively shot by Christopher Doyle, but you never really get a sense of the heartbreak the girls must be feeling when separated from their mother, the alienation they feel once in the camp, or the adversity they face when trying to get home. Short enough to be of passing interest.

Strangers on a Train
Alfred Hitchcock
1951 US (1st time; TV)
A tennis player has a chance encounter with a maniac, who suggests the two combine forces: the maniac is to kill the tennis player's wife, and the tennis player is to kill the maniac's father.
Cinematic story-telling at its finest; besides the initial conversation between the two, this could be told entirely in images, from the contrasting opening shots of feet walking to the same place but in different directions, to the suspense set-pieces around which the narrative revolves: the murder at the playground, the would-be attempt from Haines to warn Bruno's father, and the climactic merry-go-round scene - the macabre hilarity of which is telling of Hitchcock's sense of humour, even at the most seemingly inappropriate of times.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/06 01:12 PM

Last Days
2005/Van Sant

My first Van Sant. Contrary to how I thought I'd feel, I found his choice of incredibly long, un-moving shots to be almost refreshing against the backdrop of most other recent cinema. The best aspect of the film, to me, was Van Sant's work with subliminal audio manipulation, something I had only ever seen Paul Thomas Anderson do. At random points throughout the film, we hear a seemingly random collage of audio clips that, in some strange way, helps us to understand our main character's feelings. I loved this in Anderson's films and I loved it here too.

Van Sant's film clearly benefits from the lure and tragic mystery surrounding Cobain's death, even to someone like me who knows little about it. Rarely do I find myself so enamored in every nuance of a character's movements and speech patterns as I did here. This attests to Michael Pitt's performance, which I've been told is spot-on with Kurt. There was just a beautiful sense of complacency and tragedy surrounding this whole thing that I found fascinating.

It lived up to the hype.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/06 02:46 AM

Miami Vice

Review is coming
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/06 03:18 AM

JACKASS: THE MOVIE (2002) - ***1/2

The entire MTV gang of the wildly-popular television series make for 90 miuntes of frathouse stunts, public spectacles of insanity, stupidity, and probably gastricide as well (I'm sure more than one person has vomited on watching some of the more disgusting sequences).

However, while I use the "Intellectual Logic" defense to piss on Michael Bay, Peter Jackson, Rob Cohen, Renny Harlin, and other hackjob mother fuckers, I can't stick my nose in the hair and call this retarded.

Okay, it IS retarded. However, like SUPER TROOPERS, except no cookie-cut plot(hell, no damn plot at all), this is hilarious for immature hijinks and well, for a good six-pack party.

In fact, I can't wait for JACKASS: NUMBER TWO either.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/06 01:12 PM

13 (Tzameti)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475169/

Gripping from start to finish. An independent roofer during his work overhears directions to earn a lot of money without knowing what is to be done. When the man the directions were intended for dies the young roofer decides to take his place. Little does he know he's risking his life and others in doing so.

Visually stunning shot all in black and white at intruging angles and the accompaning soundtrack really tweaks all your senses. My mate bought the film based on hearing the plot, I was lucky enough not to have a clue where it was going and that kept me at the edge of my seat. It was like a journey, I was exhausted at the end even though it runs for just less than an hour and half.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/06 06:01 PM

STAKE OUT(1987) - ***

Fun, amusing buddy-cop picture with Richard "Why so many shitty comedies?" Dreyfus and Emilio "What happened to him?" Estevez as coppers on a stake-out of an escaped convict's girlfriend's house. Shit hits the fan when Dreyfus gets involved with the girl. From the director of WARGAMES.

Followed up by lousy sequel.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/06 09:08 PM

Turi, I too wanted to see Tzameti at the cinema; a whole film on Russian Roulette can't be more attractive. But I missed it, and the DVD is too expensive for now. I'll keep an eye out for a bargain...
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/06 10:31 PM

Mick, to see it on the big screen would have been immense. The sounds the visual aspects would have been amplified. Still it held its own on the small screen. It's something I know I've got to buy and own. Even if it's something I need to watch every 5 years or so if I'm lucky.

I need to be exposed to more films like this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/06 04:24 AM

Vertigo ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first time but I loved the shots of when Stewart would look down from a great height and the camera would zoom back.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/06 05:20 AM

Final Destination 3 ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

The theme of these movies has definitely run its course by the third (and hopefully final) film of the trilogy.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/06 05:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Vertigo ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first time but I loved the shots of when Stewart would look down from a great height and the camera would zoom back.
Apart from the technical brilliance, Vertigo is also the story of a man who has fallen in love for the first time in his life. I thought it was a masterpiece.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/06 05:38 AM

Manchurian Candidate ***
Very entertaining thriller starring Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington. My roomie who watched this with me says that the original one was better and the new version is unnecessarily complicated. Any one seen the older version? Any thoughts?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/06 06:19 AM

Man, John Frakenheimer's original was a classic. Sure, the Cold War has gone the way of Super Nintendo, but its still great. Better yet, Frank Sinatra going totally acting-wise to which he never before or after acheived.

My problem with the remake was that:

*Edited and written way too much like an action story.

*Lack of technical sophistication. You see Frakenheimer pulling off a nightmarish sequence where you see the Commie Russians and Chinese brainwashing the Americans, but as well see them as their brain-washing image: A southern "flower society".

*As for the remake, its one of those premises that depends to work as a film on way too many coincidences for my liking. You know?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/06 03:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]Manchurian Candidate ***
Very entertaining thriller starring Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington. My roomie who watched this with me says that the original one was better and the new version is unnecessarily complicated. Any one seen the older version? Any thoughts? [/b]
I thought the old one was great. The new one was horrible. However Frankenheimer's best film IMO, is Seconds.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/06 04:54 PM

Pierrot le fou
Jean-Luc Godard
1965 France/Italy (1st time; DVD)
A married man bored with his life runs away to the south of France with his babysitter.
Drenched in colour, politics and philosophy, this is often credited as the film which combined all of Godard's preoccupations. Most interesting is the constant self-reflexivity, attractive not only in itself but because of the sparkling performances from Karina and Belmondo; it looks absolutely gorgeous, too, with some incredible long-take sequences, the most impressive of which has the present and a flashback happen in the same take, with actors disappearing out of frame and re-entering in a different time, but the same space. Almost impossible to sum up.

Made in U.S.A.
Jean-Luc Godard
1966 France (1st time; DVD)
When she discovers her journalist fiancé has been killed, a woman investigates the circumstances of death and becomes involved in political corruption.
Incoherent and fragmented even by Godard's standards, and curiously titled, for the references to American culture aren't all that obvious (or scathing) besides the self-reflexive commentary on how the narrative is borrowed from Hollywood gangster films, or "a Disney film with Bogart". Karina has all the gorgeous charm in the world, but this is minor Godard all the same - though there remains a fantastic scene in a bar, with characters coming in and out of frame at will, with a short essay on language.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/06 05:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Made in U.S.A.
I'm guessing you made a typo...you only gave this one star on the film board.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/06 11:43 PM

Inside Man ***
(Second Viewing)

Just as good (if not better) the second time around. Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer and Willem Dafoe were all wonderful in their respective roles. I've missed a good ol' fashion Spike Lee joint.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 05:59 AM

The Last Temptation of Christ
1988/Scorsese

An interesting picture, directed with trademark Scorsese flair, but it's still noticeably different in style than his work in the early 90's. A bit overlong, yes, and a bit difficult to follow for someone not too familiar with the story of Jesus, but still thought-provoking, still amazing to watch. It's strongest points lie in Scorsese's journey into Christ's thoughts, nightmares, visions, and fantasies. And wow, what a performance by Willem Dafoe, which went sadly un-nominated at the 88 Oscars.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
2006/McKay

Not exactly laugh-a-minute like Anchorman, but still a solid comedy with Ferrel and the gang assuming new identities and some Southern accents. McKay experiments with some more daring camera techniques, including some CGI, which worked well. Great supporting cast here as well, Amy Adams, Gary Cole, Michael Clark Duncan, John C. Reilly, David Koechner, Sacha Baron Cohen, Molly Shannon, even Andy Richter. Very enjoyable.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 06:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:


[b]Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

2006/McKay

Not exactly laugh-a-minute like Anchorman, but still a solid comedy with Ferrel and the gang assuming new identities and some Southern accents. McKay experiments with some more daring camera techniques, including some CGI, which worked well. Great supporting cast here as well, Amy Adams, Gary Cole, Michael Clark Duncan, John C. Reilly, David Koechner, Sacha Baron Cohen, Molly Shannon, even Andy Richter. Very enjoyable. [/b]
"Let's try and pry it out with a second knife!"
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 07:59 AM

That was the biggest laugh of the whole movie for me. Hilarious.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 03:03 PM

ANGEL HEART (1987) - ***1/2

Someone at the time of this movie's release cited this Alan Parker picture as "Raymond Chandler meets THE EXORCIST". Very simplistic and unfortunately chides this movie as something it really isn't, but it works.

In this film-noir mystery tale of murder and supernaturalism in 1955, Mickey Rourke goes to work for Louise Cypher (Robert DeNiro) in looking for a missing singer named Johnny Favorite.

Really good cinematography with Rourke going gravy in a memorable way in this story that utlimately reveals itself to be based on the ancient storytelling device about accountability, and the futility of running away from it. Of course, those that haven't seen the film, just look at DeNiro's character name, and just realize whats really going on...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 03:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]The Last Temptation of Christ
1988/Scorsese

An interesting picture, directed with trademark Scorsese flair, but it's still noticeably different in style than his work in the early 90's. A bit overlong, yes, and a bit difficult to follow for someone not too familiar with the story of Jesus, but still thought-provoking, still amazing to watch. It's strongest points lie in Scorsese's journey into Christ's thoughts, nightmares, visions, and fantasies. And wow, what a performance by Willem Dafoe, which went sadly un-nominated at the 88 Oscars.[/b]
I couldn't agree more. One of my favorite Scorsese "underrated" films and definitely one of my favorite Willem Dafoe films. Harvy Keitel kinda stuck out like a sore thumb but the movie (especially as you said, Scorsese's journey into Christ's thought, etc) was unorthodox but bold and enjoyable by him.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 03:18 PM

I agree with Hagen and Irishman.

Its funny really. I still remember LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST being embargoed, directly or not, by so many theater chains and other companies. For example, as some people tell me, CHIK-FALA closed its doors during the entire run of the movie at this one local-plex.

Then the video stores in my area just refused to carry the movie. Blockbuster blacklisted the movie for years.

Yet now, some Theologists have sort of "rediscovered" this movie and realize, like many of us did beneath that religious right controversy bullshit, that the movie is only a dramatic and alternative meditation on the Jesus Christ of Nazareth myth. The finale sequence, the namesake of the picture, does ask the question: How willing are you to finish something that you don't want to do but believe must be done?

Besides, its easily the best J.C. movie, or at least the most interesting. Forget PASSION OF THE CHRIST or GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD, or the very dull KING OF KINGS.

You all notice how the different groups within the movie are represented with differing accents? You have Keitel with a Brooklyn-accent. Harry Dean Stanton with his southern accent. Then the Romans, like David Bowie, being British. Just food for thought...

THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST (1988) - ****1/2
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 04:07 PM

Prénom Carmen (First Name: Carmen)
Jean-Luc Godard
1983 France (1st time; DVD)
A female terrorist tricks her insane filmmaker uncle, Jean-Luc Godard, into lending her video equipment so she can pull off a heist; meanwhile, a clumsy security guard falls in love with her.
Instead of jamming as many different threads as possible into one extended essay, Godard builds an entire film around a few ideas; the result is one of his most accessible films. The camera hardly moves at all, as it films waves crashing to the shore, trains passing in opposite directions, and a violin quartet, whose music is edited into the narrative, so that the score, usually added in post-production, is, for the most part, actually diegetic. A clever, mature, and often profound film, perhaps overshadowed by his flashier work from the sixties.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 07:36 PM

World Trade Center ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

I think this is only the 2nd Oliver Stone film I've seen in theaters (with Any Given Sunday being the first). This movie was powerful and bold but at times, and I know this might be harsh to say, but I was bored with it about halfway through. I still not sure if this was too soon or not. I also enjoyed United 93 more.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 08:19 PM

My friend called WORLD TRADE CENTER the "worst Frank Capra movie he ever saw".

OUCH
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 09:46 PM

American History X
1998/Kaye

I really enjoyed Kaye's use of slow-motion here, a directing technique I often feel is unfairly labeled as cliched. Edward Norton delivers his first real powerful dramatic performance, with the look to match, and he's incredibly believable as the preaching supremacist. Furlong was good too. It was slightly dissappointing to find out that Christopher Nolan didn't come up with the idea of going from color to black and white to indicate different timelines. I had always credited him with that genius manuever. It worked well here too though. Overall, a very good film.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 09:47 PM

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 10:49 PM

DENIRO, can you tell us how you felt about this movie, is it good?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 10:52 PM

Scarface (1932) ***
(First Viewing)

Not as good as the 1983 remake but it was enjoyable watching the movie and seeing familiar parts that I've seen Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer portray hundreds of times.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 11:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
That was the biggest laugh of the whole movie for me. Hilarious.
Same for me. And if I remember correctly, wasn't that one of Michael Clark Duncans jokes too? If so, surprising that he delivered the biggest joke... I was watching an interview with him on Comedy Central where he said he felt threatened, comedically, when he tried to act with Farrell and Reilly.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/06 11:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Scarface (1932) ***
(First Viewing)

Not as good as the 1983 remake but it was enjoyable watching the movie and seeing familiar parts that I've seen Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer portray hundreds of times.
How alike are the two? I wasn't aware full dialogue segments were copied.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/06 12:03 AM

Yeah a lot of dialogue that was used in the 1932 movie was used in the 1983 remake. It might not have been word-for-word, but I knew what Tony was gonna say in certain sequences.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/06 05:07 PM

Miami Vice
Michael Mann
2006 US (1st time; big screen)
Two drugs squad cops infiltrate a drugs ring.
Mann's least impressive film; he seems to have adopted a point-and-shoot method, and so any flair created (such as in the tense final shootout) stems from editing, not shot composition. If filming on DV has freed him up economically, it's also made him a lousy visualist. Character representation is important in Film, but Mann's work is becoming increasingly prone to caricature: the baddies all have baldy heads and Swastika tattoos, and there's almost a knowing, satirical nod near the end when the camera zooms in on a thug's greasy forehead, and a red spot in particular. With most settings exploited only half-heartedly, and most of the action taking place outside Miami, you can't help but feel the title is a mere marketing ploy.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/06 06:00 PM

Dead Man(2nd time) ****
Some are born to sweet delight
Some are born to endless night
-- William Blake
This is one of the memorable lines of the movie and reflects the journey William Blake takes, starting as an innocent man and finally becoming the killer driven by his primal instincts for survival. As I mentioned in my first review long back, the music is just great and I didn't want the movie to end.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/06 06:05 PM

It's a beautiful poem. I love Blake.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/06 07:02 PM

Dead Man is my favorite movie of all time and actually led me to indulge myself in Blake's poetry. Phenomenal stuff.

NEVER seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind doth move
Silently, invisibly.

I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart,
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears.
Ah! she did depart!

Soon after she was gone from me,
A traveller came by,
Silently, invisibly:
He took her with a sigh.


-Love's Secret
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/06 08:11 PM

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby ***
(First Viewing)

Better than Anchorman IMO that I think might have some quoteable lines you'll hear in your everyday conversations. As MistaMista said, great supporting cast here as well, Amy Adams, Gary Cole, Michael Clark Duncan, John C. Reilly, David Koechner, Sacha Baron Cohen, Molly Shannon, and even Leslie Bibb.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/06 11:11 PM

I think the same can be said about Anchorman. It's a rarity that a single day goes by in which I doubt hear Anchorman being quoted or referenced.

I rate them both at two stars, although I found Anchorman much funnier.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/06 12:02 AM

Tokyo Story ***
(First Viewing)

Moved a little slow but very enjoyable with a touching story/message to it.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/06 02:38 AM

The Hills Have Eyes-
For a modern horror, it could have been a lot worse. I was pleasently surprised
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/06 09:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Tokyo Story ***
(First Viewing)

Moved a little slow but very enjoyable with a touching story/message to it.
The only film in tsp's top 10 list I haven't seen. Doesn't sound that interesting.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/06 03:39 PM

Une femme est une femme (A Woman is a Woman)
Jean-Luc Godard
1960 France (2nd time; DVD)
When her husband shows hesitance, a stiptease performer desperate for a baby turns to her neighbour…
Endlessly playful, energetic film full of wit and charm; the soundtrack is constantly over-the-top, and fragmented so that it compliments the visual and spoken gags, such as when Belmondo says he's going to watch À bout de souffle on TV, or when someone asks Jeanne Moreau how Jules and Jim are (Truffaut's film was released a year later than this). It's a riot of intertextuality in homage to Hollywood's Musical, always preoccupied with the artifice of Cinema and the politics between the sexes.

Alphaville, une étrange aventure de Lemmy Caution (Alphaville)
Jean-Luc Godard
1965 France (2nd time; DVD)
In the future, an intergalactic secret agent visits a city run by a computer machine in search of his predecessor.
Superbly shot and in love with not only itself but with Cinema in general; there is a fine moment when our hero enters a glass lift and ascends to the floor above, with the camera following in one smooth motion in the adjoining lift. It requires rewatches to be appreciated as a commentary on memory, love and knowledge, but it must be admired for turning contemporary Paris into an unrecognisable, distopian future.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 12:15 AM

Hell's Angels *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

This is a pretty d*mn good movie for 1930. Throughout the film I couldn't believe my eyes that Hughes put this movie together when he did. I think it's advanced for it's time. I've seen movies that have been made 20 years later that don't look as good as this. Plus, let us not forget the story that kept me captivated from the opening frame until the closing credits. Some of the best aerial battle scenes I've ever seen in my life. Bravo Howard Hughes!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 02:01 AM

Little Miss Sunshine
2006/Dayton & Faris

A nice little quirky family comedy, heart-warming at times, risque at others, a story that never drags supported by a great ensemble cast. Steve Carrell shows some dramatic chops, Alan Arkin came to my conscious for the first time as a great actor, and Paul Dano was almost as good here as he was in The King. Nothing too daring as far as shot composition here but Dayton and Faris manage to craft some nice still images. Overall though, any real poignancy was lost in the absurdity of the ending. Could have been better.
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 02:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]Little Miss Sunshine
2006/Dayton & Faris

A nice little quirky family comedy, heart-warming at times, risque at others, a story that never drags supported by a great ensemble cast. Steve Carrell shows some dramatic chops, Alan Arkin came to my conscious for the first time as a great actor, and Paul Dano was almost as good here as he was in The King. Nothing too daring as far as shot composition here but Dayton and Faris manage to craft some nice still images. Overall though, any real poignancy was lost in the absurdity of the ending. Could have been better. [/b]
I love the ending, especially when the whole family dances on stage. Really summed up the film for me :p .
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 03:20 AM

Really? That was the key thing I didn't like. I felt as though the choice to just go for easy laughs there at the end kind of tarnished the style and mood the film had built up to that point.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 06:18 AM

The Pianist

Absolutely mindblowing portrayal of a man clinging on to life, fueled by wonderful cinematography and stunning visuals. The further along the film moves, the less dialogue there is, until it becomes almost completely visual. Each murder, each beating, each near-death experience is presented with such intensity and realism, that this can become a rather uncomfortable, and at times, unbearable viewing.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 09:42 AM

I can't wait to see what you actually consider unbearable viewing considering your avatar.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 09:44 AM

Bubble
2006/Soderbergh

It takes balls to label a film “Another Steven Soderbergh Experience” big and bold right on the cover, which is exactly what Mr. Soderbergh has done with the unique simultaneous theater/DVD/cable release of his most recent project, Bubble, a minimalist, low-budget study of the dynamics of a small Any-town, USA, and the effects of a murder upon its citizens.

Soderbergh, in a noted departure from the smooth stylish camera swoops of Ocean’s 11, as well as the shaky, naturalistic freehand of Traffic, here utilizes a more traditional style with sparse but deliberate camera movements, and a plethora of beautiful, well-framed shots showcasing the action.

The focus of our story is Martha, a middle-aged employee at a doll factory in a small town in the Midwest. She and her coworker Kyle, a quiet 20-something, go through the motions; eating together, making small talk, working long hours, etc. It is slowly revealed that Martha may or may not have formed an attraction towards Kyle, as she lives only with her aging father and has no other companion. Soderbergh effectively uses this simple premise to create a intensely accurate portrayal of lower-class, Midwestern suburbia, complete with the uneducated work force, with little ambition and less money, the ever-present smoke breaks, the McDonald's, the dreary horizon, the meaningless dialogue. The story here, while definitely more tragic in it’s tone, reminded me of the early work of Alexander Payne.

But despite the overwhelming mundanity of our character’s lives, Soderbergh, through careful examination via the piercing stare of his camera, gives meaning to the meaningless. Think about it for two seconds and realize the obvious symbolism and irony of the doll factory, the backdrop for a large portion of our story, filled with emotionless carbon copies of people, much like our characters. And it must be mentioned that the two moments of surrealistic, strange happenings in this film work that much better because of how drastically they differ from our overall subject matter.

Soderbergh works with great success to accentuate every awkward pause or moment of sexual tension with his long, calculated silences, set to equally long uncut shots. I found it especially telling of his approach to making this film that because of the lack of dialogue or any traditional character development, we don’t know our main character’s name until we are literally halfway through the film. Notice also that in the style of Reservoir Dogs, the most exciting and interesting part of the story, the incident that fuels the action for most of the film, the murder, isn’t even shown, but rather implied.

Overall, Steven Soderbergh made what may be the greatest rebound in filmmaking history after the Ocean’s 12 debacle. It’s amazing to think that the same man could even be responsible for both of these films. After seeing this, my 8th Soderbergh, I remember why he used to be one of my very favorite directors, and perhaps still is. I’m eagerly awaiting The Good German.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 04:11 PM

Surely the best comeback ever was Lynch's Blue Velvet after Dune?

Anyway, I look forward to seeing Bubble.

Meanwhile, further revisits of Godard:

Le petit soldat (The Little Soldier)
Jean-Luc Godard
1960 France (2nd time; DVD)
In the 1958 Algerian War, a secret agent becomes pawn for both Left and Right, and falls in love with a girl.
Two scenes stand out here: the first in which our hero photographs Anna Karina's character whilst asking her frank questions, surely an influence on Soderbergh's sex, lies and videotape; the second comes at the end, with Bruno questioning almost everything, not least of all the purpose of speeches. Inbetween, Godard treats the whole thing like an internal monologue, a brooding character study, with almost no ambience on the soundtrack but an existential voice-over and haunting score. His most underrated film?

Bande à part (Band of Outsiders)
Jean-Luc Godard
1964 France (3rd time; DVD)
While caught up in a robbery plan, a young girl is torn between two boy friends.
Like many of Godard's adventures, this could easily be called Masculin féminin. A cool, observant romp, beautifully shot, and showing a growing confidence in form: the voice-over, omniscient and spoken by the director himself, is witty and self-knowing, telling us when and when not parenthetic insight into these characters is needed. Recommended, and accessible.

À bout de souffle (Breathless)
Jean-Luc Godard
1959 France (Nth time; DVD)
In Paris, an ultra-cool car thief kills a cop and seduces the girl he loves while running from the police.
In many ways typical of a would-be master's debut; original and influential, but also very tame, and, in the context of work made hereafter, a rather jejune affair. It remains of much worth, however, due to the innovative cinematography - when Godard isn't cutting up conversations with random jump edits, Coutard's shoulder camera tracks its stars with casual flair, capturing Paris at night in loving black-and-white.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 04:51 PM

OCEAN'S 12 was a very mediocre-ass movie, but a debacle? Maybe for Soderbergh's standards.

No, Capo is correct. DUNE not only was an incoherent mess, but it cratered harder than the World Trade Center. The fact that Lynch was able to survive it with BLUE VELVET, TWIN PEAKS, LOST HIGHWAY, and so on, is rather interesting.

Anyway Hagen, thanks for your review of BUBBLE. I'll check it out sometime soon.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 05:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b]The Pianist
[/b]
Penis. OMGLOLROFLMAOLOLOLOLLERZ!!!!11
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 05:39 PM

World Trade Center FOUR STARS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 05:58 PM

White Chicks * 1/2
(Third Viewing)

I had 2 hours to kill today before work. The worst work I've seen by the Wayne's brothers.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 09:38 PM

You know, considering the dumbass shit with the Wayans, how couldn't make a HOMEY THE CLOWN, or SIX DOLLAR MAN, or even HANDICAPPED MAN movie? Hell, I would pay to see them!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/06 11:05 PM

Week-end (Weekend)
Jean-Luc Godard
1967 France/Italy (4th time; DVD)
A bourgeois couple travel to Oinville, but their journey is hampered by an endless traffic jam and forest-dwelling savages.
Godard's vision of Hell is depicted with brutal force at the expense of middle class consumerism. Full of new images, with the director creating some of his most visually arresting work, but also notable for its interesting use of music as a distancing tool, seen at its most effective in three key sequences: one in which a woman sits on a table and relates a sexual experience to a lover; one in which a pianist plays Mozart as the camera pans thrice round a courtyard; and the image of a butcher cracking eggs over a woman's parted legs, to the sound of a drummer in a forest. Essential viewing; it is quite clearly made by somebody disgusted with the world.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/06 05:20 AM

Billy Madison *** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

One of my favorite Adam Sandler comedies. Silly, childish, stupid, all of the above but that's what made this movie great. Still effective after 11 years.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/06 08:15 AM

Final Destination **
Good horror/thriller about a bunch of kids who are destined to die according to a grand design. One of them can see the deaths before hand and tries to beat the design. Some of the plot is plain silly, but otherwise a novel concept.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/06 09:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DE NIRO:
A good film,about a normal woman who meets the wrong person and becomes a junkie,see what they do to survive in Needle park,Al Pacino Plays a Good Part in one of his first major roles 6/10
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/06 05:26 PM

Éloge de l'amour (In Praise of Love)
Jean-Luc Godard
2001 France/Switzerland/Italy (4th time; TV)
In Paris, a young man is casting a project about the four stages of love at three different ages in life; two years earlier, he meets the woman who he wants to cast.
Fragmented to the point of abstraction, Godard films many scenes so that the people speaking are out of shot, which, combined with random intertitles and cuts to black inbetween scenes, creates a kind of slowly-building emotional undercurrent. Told in two halfs: the first shot in stunning black and white film, the second colour-saturated DV and set two years previous, it is a work of strange power, poignant and reflective.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/06 03:06 AM

Mean Streets-
No matter how much time I spend away from this film, every time I come back I'm blown away...again. Still in my Top 5.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/06 04:25 AM

LETHAL WEAPON 3 (1992)

United States, 1992
U.S. Release Date: 5/15/1992
Runtime: 121 min.
MPAA Classification: R
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Cast: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Stuart Wilson, Patsy Kensit, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Damon Hines

Director: Richard Donner
Screenplay: Jeffrey Boam and Robert Mark Kamen
Cinematography: Stephen Goldblatt
Original Score: Eric Clapton, Michael Kamen, David Sanborn, and Elton John
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Mel Gibson and Danny Glover team up, have some laughs, and shoot drug dealers in 1987’s “Lethal Weapon.” In the sequel, they return to kill dozens of evil racist South Africans, and hang around with Joe Pesci. With the expected third entry of this franchise that of course made producers Joel Silver and Richard Donner even wealthier as AIDS-ridden kids in Africa continue to starve, does it continue the winning chemistry of the two previous pictures?

“Return of the Jedi,” “Return of the King,” “X3,” and other 2nd sequels were under whelming movies compared to the considerable quality success of all of those series, and “Lethal Weapon 3” is the elected-Treasurer of this Hollywood reject club.

So why for this lukewarm picture? For one thing, you don’t’ have a Gary Busey-type taking a generic part and worth watching. Nor do you have easy-to-hate-without-regret bad guys. What do we have instead of a cool actor or some credible enemies? Jack and Shit, and the latter is the villain in this movie.

Really, I’ve seen this film several times on cable TV over the years, and I swear to Crom that I still can’t recall who the actual baddie is, or his actual evil scheme. Movies with weak villains are almost always a waste of time. Unless that is, you liked that “Fantastic Four” picture.

I mean, Donner tries to make this movie worthwhile. It has the obligatory car chases, gun shoot-outs, male heterosexual melodrama, and everything else expected in a modern Hollywood action film. Yet I could care less. Though I admit, the whole motorcycle sequence with Gibson almost pressured me to crack a really stupid joke in relation to his recent DUI arrest, but mediocrity alone can’t inspire me enough to even bother.

Still, the filmmakers did try to introduce a romantic counterpart for Gibson in Russo, who is not only a drop-dead gorgeous, rough and tumble tomboy, but she also digs the “Three Stooges.”

While watching this scar-comparing scene between Gibson and Russo, it made me think. How many women like this actually exist? I mean I support girl power, equal rights, and all that stuff, but save for Hollywood, where are these women? Look, if there are truly Stooge-fan girls out there, you have the right to write me hate mail. Go ahead, I deserve it if they really exist.

On the rebuttal, in a movie where two cops are the cause of one building’s destruction (basis for an actual hilarious scene, the only one worth a bullet in this film) and then on the scene on a second explosion (watch the credits), yet don’t get fired by the city; why even bother?

Despite my amateurish critique, “Lethal Weapon 3” isn’t a bad film. It’s just such a one-time dispensable form of entertainment, much like a wad of toilet paper. It works its purpose in life, but you don’t want to bother with that particular bit of paper again.

Final Film Rating - **1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/06 05:52 AM

Happy Gilmore ***
(Nth Viewing)

Not as good as Billy Madison but still a very good movie. Christopher McDonald and Ben Stiller were comical in their "villianous" roles
Posted By: Just Lou

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/06 06:13 AM

A Mighty Wind **** Stars




Once again Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer team up to make a Mockumentary. Unlike "Spinal Tap", this time instead of rock music, it's folk music they're spoofing. The first time you watch this film it may not even seem funny and you may think you're watching a genuine film about folk musicians. After watching it 3 or 4 times, it became one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/06 06:14 AM

Last Days

I was debating whether or not I should give this 5 stars; but due to the fact that I wasn't 100% on it, I decided to keep it at 4. This is, however, one of the best films I have ever seen. The visuals are top-notch, and Van Sant's direction turns something with potential to be mediocre into a masterpiece.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/06 09:18 AM

Road Trip
2000/Phillips
Solid college comedy. Tom Green is great, and Todd Phillips has to be one of the best comedic directors working today.

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
2004/Thruber
Not nearly as good as some of the other comedies of its type. And surprisingly little actual dodgeball action. Vince Vaughn is still the man though.

Network
1976/Lumet
My 2nd Lumet after Dog Day Afternoon. Found this one much more impressive. Probably one of the most simply made films I've ever seen, shot with little extravagance, and the entire story is just dialogue, but man, what dialogue it is. Writer Paddy Chayefsky crafts several incredibly defined characters and all are fufilled with amazing performances from nearly the entire cast. The complete lack of music is perfect. The film works both as a satirical dark comedy and as a dramatic piece. Never boring nor over-sentimental, or too over the top. Lumet sustains graceful balance throughout. I'm interested in seeing more of his work.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/06 07:46 PM

Videodrome
David Cronenberg
1983 Canada/US (1st time; DVD)
A TV operator of a cable TV programme respsonsible for graphic violence and softcore porn happens upon a mysterious show which takes over the mind; then the body…
Fast-moving thriller with complex visuals: what we're watching is often somebody watching somebody or something else, and the introduction to Deborah Harry's character is brilliant, with the most simple of pans to a live TV set-up, behind which she sits, and on which she is shown. Halfway through Cronenberg becomes interested in the unconscious desires of his protagonist, and enters a fantasy from which he doesn't return; the last half-hour is dedicated almost entirely to the image, and so the philosophies talked about in the first half of the film are cast aside (as well as the narrative) for something less rational.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/06 10:55 AM

Whatever It Takes
2000/Raynr
Guilty pleasure teen comedy. God I miss high school already.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/06 08:40 PM

V for Vendetta ***
This deals with the issue of governments controlling the people instead of serving them. Good theme and interesting overall.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/06 11:12 PM

Glad you enjoyed it svsg. Definitely my favorite movie thus far this year
Posted By: stavka

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/06 11:28 PM

Little Girl who Lives Down the Lane (1976)

Came out on DVD after years of not being available -

awesome suspense/mystery movie featuring a 14 year old Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen - and the guy who wrote "Viva Las Vegas"

read nothing about it before you see it - just watch it. better on a cold fall or winter night....
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/06 02:07 AM

Apocalypse Now (Original Cut) - (Francis Ford Coppola;1979;USA)
A dillusioned captain is sent on a mission to assassinate a renegade Colonel.
A film not about Vietnam, but about the effects of war in general. Coppola's final masterpiece is a haunting depiction of the degradation of sanity. Coppola brings us an environment that seems to stand on it's own when compared to other war films. It doesn't feel like reality, but an almost brooding nightmare that ultimately isn't resolved. Everything works together from the vivid cinematography, powerful performances, and fantastic direction to create a film about a detachment far away from normal society.

I watched this three times over the last few days.

Collateral - (Michael Mann;2004;USA)
A contract killer and a taxi driver's lives are forever changed in the course of one night.
Michael Mann redefines the Neo-Noir with one of the best films of the last few years. Mann's use of DV enhance the cinematography, giving L.A. real depth and character rather then functioning as a mere background for the action. Mann's perfectionist character development shows everywhere from some of the most powerful moments to the little moments some might disregard. Tom Cruise gives his best performance as the sociopathic killer, with Foxx giving a very good performance as Max. This film bleeds style and substance like most films these days lack. Ultimately this death filled thriller isn't about a twist, but about living.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/06 03:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] Apocalypse Now (Original Cut) - (Francis Ford Coppola;1979;USA)
[/b]
I just got the Complete Dossier this evening, I was watching some of the extra scenes, can't wait to watch the movies with audio commentary.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/06 04:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] [b] Apocalypse Now (Original Cut)
- (Francis Ford Coppola;1979;USA)
[/b]
I just got the Complete Dossier this evening, I was watching some of the extra scenes, can't wait to watch the movies with audio commentary. [/b][/quote]Problem is, how do they make a "complete" dossier edition without the Heart of Darkness documentary and without the original ending deleted scene.

I'm also pissed both versions are split into two disks. Instead of having the two films split why didn't they put one whole film on each disk?
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/06 05:07 AM

Casablanca.

At first I was a little sceptical. It has happened before, a classic film that is considered great by everyone, and that I ended up not liking because of the lack of pace. Perhaps a sign of impatience and of being grown up in the middle of Power Rangers and Super Mario...

But I ended up really liking this film. I didn't even put myself comfortably in the couch after turning the DVD on, I just sat on the edge of it with a strange stare on my face. The characters are just like characters in a classic Hollywood film are supposed to be: with style.

Definitely in my top 20, maybe top 10 of all time.

Great!

(BTW, now I also understand the Simpsons episode with the alternative Casablanca ending better.)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/06 05:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
Problem is, how do they make a "complete" dossier edition without the Heart of Darkness documentary and without the original ending deleted scene.

I'm also pissed both versions are split into two disks. Instead of having the two films split why didn't they put one whole film on each disk?
I too am disappointed for not having "Hearts of darkness". I don't know what the reason is, but I suspect Coppola/Paramount do not want that documentary to be available. They have even stopped production of VHS version and have no intention of releasing a DVD. Essentially that is now surviving in some old VHS and recorded versions
I also feel that Willard was the main character and not Kurtz. They have again put Brando on the main cover like in the original poster.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/06 11:10 AM

In the Mood for Love
2000/Kar-wai
A visually brilliant film, thoroughly succesful in both pleasing the viewer's eye as well as telling a story and expressing character's feelings without any dialogue. I found it interesting that director Wong Kar-wai was seemingly able to tell us more about the emotional state of our characters in the segments set to music than in any other verbal exchange. And by the way, what music it was. I immediately downloaded the repeated theme right after I was done, great little piece of music.

I also really appreciated Kar-wai's apparent determination to never shoot his character's straight on. There's always things distorting or abstracting our view, which worked to make every shot more interesting to look at. He was also able to make some of the best use of mirrors I've seen in a long while.

As for other high points, anyone who's seen this film knows that the incredible set decoration and costume design go without saying. Kar-wai crafts a sort of romanticized, colorful, almost dreamlike recreation of the early 60's, to the point where the viewers almost feel as if they are seeing the events on screen as fond memories, somewhat embellished over time in the character's minds.

All in all, this was to be a four star film but I felt the ending was somewhat lacking. The meaning of the news reel clip showing the Cambodian President arriving went over my head, as well the poetry at the end. I felt as though all of the sexual tension build up and the sense of tragic loss was somewhat wasted in the conclusion. This may have been somewhat due to the fact that my borrowed DVD started skipping in the closing minutes and I had to stop and then skip around, but overall any intended emotional response was lost on me.

And am I mistaken, or did this never happen?



Or this?



Didn't the two main characters never get together? Did I miss something? Anyway, good film, close to being great.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/06 11:51 PM

Gods must be crazy - part 4**
Quite funny by being totally silly, yet not resorting to toilet humor.

The Shining ***
Stanley Kubrick's horror movie creates a scary atmosphere with minimal gore. The music is great just like his other two (clockwork and full metal jacket) movies that I have seen.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/06 03:07 AM

A History of Violence
2005/Cronenberg

My first Cronenberg. Visually worthwhile, and although Cronenberg succeeds in estabishing an interesting premise early, the story just seemed to proceed to flip flop back and forth between predictability and schmaltz from there on out. A couple of the side plot lines served no real purpose either. Overall, the performances were the saving grace. Definitely still interested in seeing some more Cronenberg though.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/06 02:14 PM

The Fly
David Cronenberg
1986 UK/Canada/US (1st time; DVD)
A hermit scientist experimenting in the teleportation of living objects falls in love with a journalist, but finds he has somehow fused himself with an insect during one of his tests.
Heartbreaking film which wastes no time at all in introducing its characters, developing them, and ultimately destroying them; it may or may not be about AIDS, but any social comment found by critics is besides the point: this is a beautifully crafted, wonderfully executed film with a fine balance between horror, romance and humour. Goldblum is fantastic.

Videodrome
David Cronenberg
1982 Canada/US (2nd time; DVD)
An operator of a cable TV programme responsible for graphic violence and softcore porn happens upon a mysterious show which takes over the mind; then the body…
Fast-moving thriller with complex visuals: what we are watching is often somebody watching somebody or something else, and the introduction to Deborah Harry's character is brilliant, with the most simple of pans to a live TV set-up, behind which she sits, and on which she is shown. Deeply rich with intertextuality throughout, Brian O'Blivion, who never appears on TV ("except on TV"), warns our protagonist that hallucinations could possibly take over his whole concept of reality; and so the second half of the film degenerates into an extended fantasy of dreams within dreams and frames within frames, before it explodes upon itself.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/06 02:57 PM

2nd viewing of videodrome in 3 days must be good!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/06 03:14 PM

Yeah I'd really like to see that.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/06 05:24 PM

Glad you bumped Videodrome up to 3 stars Capo.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/06 05:33 PM

Me too; I had wanted to on first viewing, but due to indecision, went for two. It always helps when you threaten to kill me, too.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/06 05:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Me too; I had wanted to on first viewing, but due to indecision, went for two. It always helps when you threaten to kill me, too.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/06 04:39 AM

Casino

Definitely not a Goodfellas 1.5 as some might to think of it. I really enjoyed this movie. Even when you're not an organized crime fan, it's historic things are interesting, but the film is more enjoyable when you do are a fan of organized crime.

Pesci is playing his usual nut fucking hyperactive fucking breaking another fucking guy's fucking balls, and De Niro's facial expressions are just like they are supposed to be.

Fucking good movie, altough not fucking great.

8/10.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/06 04:42 AM

Lucky Star
2002/Mann

I had remembered reading about this a while back and decided to look it up on youtube today. This is a 2 1/2 minute preview for a fake film, "Lucky Star," which tells the story of a character named Mr H., played by Benicio Del Toro, who is seemingly always lucky. There is no director credited, but I did a little research and found to my surprise that Mr. Michael Mann himself directed. It's tough to tell on the small screen, but it looks like it might be some early experimentation with DV. And this little short has all the trademarks of Mann's work too; stylish lighting, atmospheric music, fast cars, etc.

The interesting thing about the whole thing is that it's actually an advertisement for Mercedes Benz. A silver Benz features in the preview, although it is highlighted in no way that would indicate it's an advertisement of any kind. This was shown in theaters and on television in Britain, and many people thought it was a real film. It's interesting to see what Mann and Del Toro were able to do with the simple premise.

If anyone's interested in seeing this, go to youtube.com and search Lucky Star Benicio.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/06 04:48 PM

WORLD TRADE CENTER (2006) - **1/2

Where are the people in NYC that yelled "Too Soon!" on this movie?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/06 08:08 PM

La Chinoise
Jean-Luc Godard
1967 France (1st time; DVD)
A group of Parisian students discuss Art, Marxism-Leninism, and play with the idea of a Maoist revolt.
Obscure, often inaccessible work, furiously political but fascinating all the same, because Godard never neglects his art. Engrossing, extended lectures substitute narrative, with the director, as ever, constantly making apparent of how artificial his medium is: while conversations take place between his young students, he cuts to shots of clapper boards from the beginning of the actual take. And there's a moment a la Le mépris' opening credits, early on, when Jean-Pierre Léaud talks to someone off camera, as if in an interview; the questions are hardly audible, and not subtitled, so his answers form an extended monologue. The theatrical barriers of the scene are destroyed when he mentions the camera and crew in front of him - and we cut to a reverse shot of the camera filming Léaud...or, with recurring questions throughout regarding the reflection of reality, is he filming us?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/06 11:05 PM

Paradise Now ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A good and interesting movie about 2 friends who are recruited to do a suicide mission. The first 30-45 minutes of the movie were the most impressive but then it turned into a different movie until the end. The ending was nice but overall it was not a great movie.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 02:36 AM

I really dig that last zoom in on the bus
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 05:09 AM

Yeah, I liked it too DSC

Silent Hill * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Wow, what a piece of shit. Too far out there to care and too slow moving. Whatever you do, AVOID this one on Tuesday
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 08:33 AM

Scoop **
Woody Allen movie, supposed to be a romantic comedy. It was neither quite romantic, nor was it much of a comedy. Woody Allen acts really well though, while Scarlet Johanson manages to look cute all the while.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 09:15 AM

The Illusionist
Directed by Neil Burger
2006

Neil Burger's The Illusionist poses some interesting questions in one of it's early scenes. There are boundaries that govern our existence on this earth; space and time, life and death, fate and chance. "What does it take to manipulate and control these boundaries?" we're asked. And when we're confronted with what seems to be clear manipulation, can we trust our own eyes? Or is everything perhaps, as the title of the film suggests, just an illusion?

Our story takes us to turn-of-century Vienna, where the bureaucracy and the peasants alike marvel at the work of Edward Eisenheim, a clever, likable magician with seemingly supernatural powers. When the Crown Prince and his wife-to-be attend a performance of Eisenheim's, and a potential romantic connection is revealed between the magician and the fiancee, the Prince is infuriated, and assigns his chief inspector to observe him.

Director Burger utilizes a period-appropriate sepia toned cinematography, many shots having the feel of actual footage from the early 1900's. His choices in music, set-construction, and costume design are also in perfect taste, adding to the film as a whole. The actors as well; Edward Norton succeeding in one of his first period-piece roles, Paul Giamatti bringing depth to what otherwise could've been a cardboard role, a surprising Jessica Biel holding her own among the film veterans, and perhaps the real star of the film, Rufus Sewell, turning in an absolutely electric performance complete with the piercing eyes, the volatile bellow, and the intimidating physical presence that projects much more about his character onto the screen than is expressed in his dialogue.

Burger's direction shines as well. Nothing too radical, just some really solid stuff; finding some interesting angles here and there, some smooth tracking shots, which all actually works to add to the old-world, traditional feel of the film. While some of Eisenheim's tricks look particularly unspectacular in the early going because of the CGI, this is ultimately not overly distracting, and his later work looks realistic enough.

Edward Norton's performance must also be mentioned. He starts off the film with an ever-present clever smile on his face, whether plotting with his money-hungry manager (Eddie Marsan, who by the way, is great, I knew him from Gangster No. 1), or subliminally romancing the princess to be. But after tragedy strikes, Norton's character is thrown into a world of sadness, and he succeeds in shifting gears beautifully. Now we see Norton tired, weary, bags under his eyes, shoulders sunken. It's almost as if we're now watching a completely different character. In fact, the transformation is so dramatic, Norton has almost no dialogue for at least twenty minutes in the third quarter of the film. This gives credit to not only Burger's graceful writing skills, but also Norton's vast acting talent.

Overall, despite all the positive aspects of this film, I found myself pretty much deciding on a two star rating as we neared the conclusion, that spark of a great film just seemingly not there. But when Burger reveals one of the best and biggest twists in recent film history (Shyamalan who?}, this was most definitely secured a three-star rating. Highly recommended, one of the best of the year so far. This is some true cinema magic, and it's not just an illusion.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 02:46 PM

I tell yeah, THE ILLUSIONIST will get fucked in theaters for two reasons:

(1) Lousy trailer. Right Hagen?
(2) The fact that there is another magician Hollywood project with more buzz, that in Christopher Nolan's THE PRESTIGE. Fair or not, thats the situation.

Anyway, thanks for the review Hagen. Certainly another review of that film from a good source of mine saw it, and liked it as a decent picture.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 02:57 PM

Yeah I did realize that about The Prestige. I was kind of surprised to see a trailer for another Truman Capote movie as well, Infamous. This one has more star power but looks vastly less interesting. I don't know how you expect to tell what looks like nearly the same exact story less than a year after Hoffman wins the Oscar for it.

I just rewatched the trailer for Illusionist. What'd you dislike about it?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 03:01 PM

Détective
Jean-Luc Godard
1985 France (1st time; DVD)
The lives of several people intertwine in a Parisian hotel, the house detective, a boxing promoter, an assassin and his adulterous wife among them.
What appears to be clumsy is deceptive: Godard films scenes as if the camera was simply set up to face anywhere (it opens with an unflinching shot from a surveillance cam), with characters sometimes filling the frame but also often walking out of it, so that they become a sort of dispensable prop caught in an otherwise void space; the result is fragmented, difficult and claustrophobic. Visual gags are tremendous, including the boxer who is constantly shadow-sparring in the background of shots - even when on a bed with a beautiful, naked woman, all he can do is gently punch her loose breasts as if they were punch bags.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 03:01 PM

As for the complaints I read about the APOCALYPSE NOW DVD:

(1) HEARTS OF DARKNESS isn't on the DVD because of rights issues with the Showtime cable network. Maybe a solo release in the future...

(2) Why both edits of APOCALYPSE NOW were released on DVD on both discs? Look at the gorgeous transfers of both cuts. Imagine either of them being compressed like a mother fucker if they had to be self-contained on one disc.

(3) The only feature on the DVD that's worth a damn for sure is Coppola's great commentary. While he doesn't go as much into detail of the infamous production hell or his madness, but its still good stuff.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 03:18 PM

Sometimes I'm glad I don't have a thing for special features. I'm never tempted to buy these new, big price rerelease packages. Just give me the film for christ sakes.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 03:23 PM

I was just wondering what people think of "Eternal Sunshine of the spotless Mind" i watch it last week and thought it was a good movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 03:31 PM

I think it's one of the most intelligent, creative and inventive films I've seen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/06 03:35 PM

Hagen, making trailers is like those that make films. It's a talent that one either has or doesn't.

Notice that with the PRESTIGE trailer, it actually builds up in the viewer a sense of mystery and actual curiosity, until the climax occurs, which is....Go See it. That is the mark of a good trailer.

The problem with the ILLUSIONIST trailer is one that many recent trailers have. Imagine an action movie where you have the conventional car chases, gun fights, punching, and other shit expected in an action movie, except no matter what's thrown on the screen, the viewer simply doesn't care.

The same tricks used in ILLUSIONIST were used in PRESTIGE's trailer. For exampel, You have constant fade-outs, except perhaps with the trailer for ILLUSIONIST, the fade-outs had no editorial or narrative flow magic with the trailer itself.

Again, judging movies by trailers is really a waste of time. Trailers at best are manipulated clips of footage. Who knows, maybe ILLUSIONIST is a better film than PRESTIGE, or the PRESTIGE is a better movie(my current gut instinct as I write this), or simply both are good fucking pictures...who knows.

Of course, asking my friends why they all had more anticipation for PRESTIGE than ILLUSIONIST. I think both look promising good, but I had to ask them "why?" Their reasons?

(1) The cast. This is bizarre, considering ILLUSIONIST has Giammatti and Edward Norton, two great actors of our day. Nevermind the always underrated Rufus Sewell. Though the PRESTIGE has a nice well-rounded all-star cast itself of Bale, Jackman, Johansen, Caine, and David Fucking Bowie. Yes, "Fucking" is his middle name.

(2) Nolan. Neil Burger, the director of THE ILLUSIONIST, showed some promise with his INTERVIEW WITH THE ASSASSIN. However, how can he compete right now with Nolan, hot property in Hollywood and with movie buffs?

Again, we'll see how both movies are. Because certainly, this thread would become simply IMDB chatter until we know how both pictures fare.

P.S. - Hagen, why so negative already on that other Capote biopic? Sure after CAPOTE, why bother, right? But let me give you a story of 1992.

As you might or might not remember, that was the 500th anniversary of Chris Columbus' discovery of America(which led to massive genocide against the Natives, but us Western European-descent folks ignored this little fact) and you had the Salkinds, the producers of the SUPERMAN and MUSKATEER franchises, banking big bucks on their project, which would be CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS: THE DISCOVERY, a very lousy and shitty picture.

Then you had Sir Ridley Scott, a director that some think is a master visualist, while others think he's more style over substance. Either way, he still made ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER. So he helmed his own big-budget Columbus epic in 1492: CONQUEST OF PARADISE.

THE DISCOVERY got into theaters first, and actually grossed slightly better than 1492. However, 1492 is actually a decent, if flawed, picture with some intriging ideas with tons of money behind it. Either way, its at least a competent picture, while DISCOVERY....wasn't(what you expect from the same producers of SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE???)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/06 04:10 PM

LETHAL WEAPON 4

United States, 1998
U.S. Release Date: 7/10/1998
Runtime: 127 min.
MPAA Classification: R
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Cast: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Jet Li, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Damon Hines, Chris Rock

Director: Richard Donner
Screenplay: Jonathan Lemkin and Alfred Gough & Miles Millar & Channing Gibson
Cinematography: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Original Score: Eric Clapton, Michael Kamen, David Sanborn
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

The first film was pretty entertaining. The sequel was superior. The third film was average, and unfortunately for us, the last picture of this franchise is outright mediocre.

Usually, when people complain about movies being produced by Hollywood to simply make money, I roll my eyes. It’s an industry based on capitalism. What, you think they get kicks from making movies that lose money? Unless a picture is slated to be an Oscar-bait contender, then a Hollywood film is produced with the intention of making a good profit so the studio executives and producers can pay their coke and whore tabs.

However, this movie absolutely was made by everyone involved simply to make a good buck. I say that because that is the only creative motivation I see driving this film.

So why am I giving this movie a sub-par rating? The actual fun-element that marked this franchise memorable is now MIA like Danny Glover’s career. The chemistry between Glover and Gibson is noticeably tardy. The elaborate and assumingly very expensive action sequences, much like the series’ 3rd installment, feel like déjà vu.

The plot has something to do with our two protagonists whining about being old as they have to battle the Chinese Mob, led by the rather quiet Jet Li, in a fight over slave-workers from China. Anyway that stuff is insignificant.

Everything in this film feels like a blown opportunity, and maybe the biggest of them all is how Pesci (simply brought along for no logical reason) and new addition Chris Rock fail to possibly create chemistry with each other. I mean, “Goodfellas” and “New Jack City,” right? Instead, it feels convoluted and trite. Both of their frantic, rapid-fire mouths instead make me yearn for the spin-doctors of the current Presidential administration. At least they made me laugh.

The only person unscathed is Jet Li, who used this vehicle as his stepping-stone into Hollywood. As one of the top global martial artist movie stars of our generation, he makes his few minutes onscreen worth watching. The downside is that he’s so flashy, how can anyone take seriously the idea that Mel Gibson could defeat him?

By the finale, I didn’t care if the heroes lived or died. This is quite a downturn from when I certainly cared several sequels ago. But now, I’m like everyone on this movie. I’m too old for this shit.

Final Film Rating - **
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/06 11:16 PM

13 (Tzameti)
Géla Babluani
2005 France/Georgia (1st time; DVD)
A young man in a dead-end job follows up on a letter he finds to his current employer; he ends up way in over his head.
Impressive concept delivered without much conviction; existential to the point of an utter absence of psychology in its protagonist, so that if we are interested in the situation he has found himself in, we care little for the character himself.

Saboteur
Alfred Hitchcock
1942 US (1st time; TV)
A planes factory worker is framed for a fire in which his best friend was killed; he assumes the identity of the real villain, and tries to expose him, with the cops on his back.
Overlong and lacking the attraction of stars, as well as distracting in its patriotic overtones, though blessed with well-handled set-pieces: an encounter between its innocent hero, his suspecting romance-to-be, and a travelling circus; the tense, seemingly deadend situation at a ball; and the amazing climax atop the Statue of Liberty.

Torn Curtain
Alfred Hitchcock
1966 US (1st time; VHS)
An American physicist 'defects' to East Berlin with the intention of double-playing the enemy and taking back atomic secrets to the West.
Generally overlooked spy hokum, essential viewing due to the dazzling use of colour and the succession of set-pieces throughout: the elongated struggle between Newman and a German spy in a farm barn, culminating in an overhead shot of the latter dying with his head in an oven; the introduction of Newman's counterpart and quarry, with the editing making full use of the frame - Newman is shot in close-up, while the other is seen only in the distance, in a rather empty-looking lecture theatre; an unconventionally tense bus ride from Liepzig to Berlin; and a frantic finish in a crowded theatre hall, the exit from which echoes Cary Grant's escape from the auction in North by Northwest.

Suspicion
Alfred Hitchcock
1941 US (1st time; DVD)
A well-to-do woman marries a charming, habitual gambler, and comes to suspect he intends to kill her, to inherit insurance and pay off debts.
Rambling and clunky if certainly watchable thriller; there is something minor about Hithcock's domestic thrillers, and if this is well-constructed as regards a mountingly suspenseful narrative, it lacks the visual touch of his other work.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 01:59 AM

Scary Movie 4 **
(Second Viewing)

Not as bad the 2nd time around but still not Wayne's brother material
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 04:58 AM

Poseidon ***
(First Viewing)

Definitely not as bad as I thought it would be, considering director Wolfgang Petersen's latest film prior to this (Troy). Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas and even Emmy Rossum put together enjoyable performances. Possbily worth buying on Tuesday.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 06:34 PM

Josh Lucas...has he starred in a movie that hasn't flopped?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 06:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Poseidon ***
(First Viewing)

Definitely not as bad as I thought it would be, considering director Wolfgang Petersen's latest film prior to this (Troy). Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas and even Emmy Rossum put together enjoyable performances. Possbily worth buying on Tuesday.
I remember watching this film just about every christmas,when i was growing up-Classic
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 06:48 PM

A Beautiful Mind or American Psycho ronnie
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 06:49 PM

You mean POSEIDON ADVENTURE?

Anyway, interestingly, I checked the figures at the NATO website. No, not the military alliance. The North American Theatre Organization. The most accurate tally of box-office receipts I know of, fucking boxofficemojo.com right in the ass.

Biggest flop so far of 2006?

POSEIDON, followed by LADY IN THE WATER
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 06:49 PM

I never saw the original version DE NIRO, but this remake was pretty good
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 06:49 PM

De Niro, you're probably thinking of The Poseidon Adventure (1972), the original with Gene Hackman, of which Poseidon (2005) is a remake.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 07:20 PM

Opps Sorry My Mistake ,Still Not seen the remake probley rent it when it's out on DVD
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 07:42 PM

A Scanner Darkly
Richard Linklater
2006 US (1st time; big screen)
California seven years from now: an undercover cop becomes addicted to a brain-altering drug while unwittingly spying on a friend…
An always-interesting work with strong visual interest. It comes as no surprise that Gilliam tried to get a version of this off the ground in the '90s, because this feels at times like Fear and Loathing, with throwaway, episodic scenes comprising an unsatisfactory plot; these scenes, involving hallucinations and drug trips, have self-contained humour but seem to add little to the overall impact of the film, and you must still question if the animation enhances or distracts. The scramble suits are simply annoying.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 08:18 PM

BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (1989) - ***

“Back To The Future” was the #1 movie in 1985 at the box-office, even whipping then Reagan-America poster boy Rambo by good measure. With Zemeckis and Gale back, along with the rest of the cast and crew (save for a major exception), they decided to shoot their two sequels simultaneously.

Before the “Matrix” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchises, this concept was rather radical in Hollywood at the time. With #2 set for Thanksgiving 1989, and #3 for summer 1990, it potentially seemed like two chicken dinner winners for Universal within almost 6 months of each other. Right?

With Fox and Lloyd back as our time travelers from 1985, they drive off to 2015, where they have to prevent a major catastrophe for one of Fox’s future offspring. While in the future, Fox buys a sports almanac, with the intent of getting the edge on sports betting in the future. It falls into the hands of “Biff” (Wilson), who proceeds to steal the De Lorean time machine back to 1955, making for a quite lousy-looking alternative reality of 1985. The duo must correct this situation, or a paradox of fatalistic implications for the universe will occur.

Skipping the nostalgic, emotional humor of the first film, this is an adventure picture with a decent first act, a really good second act, and a third act that’s brilliant on paper, but somehow lacks something definitive in the end.

First off, the future of 2015 is like every other Hollywood take on what the “future” is. That is, radical urban and transportation metamorphosis within 20-30 years that is just unrealistic. As I write this review, nine years from a future of flying cars, hover board skateboards, and very gay-looking fashion, I’m still stuck having to drive a fossil fuel-guzzling vehicle. Still, unlike other films, this picture at least attempts to poke fun at such a future. Though the insanely silly retro-love for the 1980s was prophesized in this picture by almost two decades.

But it’s the second act that’s the best thing about this movie. The first film was about some Californian punk kid that screwed up time, fixed it up to “better” condition, and returned to a “better” reality where his pops wasn’t a puss, his family wasn’t poor, and had a friggin BMW in the driveway. Now with the sequel, the altered world of 1985 is one where the high school burned to the ground, armed militias in tanks run the streets, and Biff runs the city as a despot. It’s like the cynical European art house version of “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

Though really, the fact that the baddie made a sky rise of a hotel/casino out of a courthouse will always have street cred in my book.

The third act itself is conflicting. Zemeckis and Gale decided that instead of basically rehashing the first movie’s tempo, why not simply go back to the first film, seeing scenes from it in different angles and actually witnessing it? Certainly a stroke of genre-ingenuity, but there is a downside to this concept. There is Déjà vu, pun not intended, from watching it, to which my care for the story slowly drained away from the film.

I enjoyed the film, but some things just bugged me to which explains for my score rating. Crispin Glover’s absence, with the film being written around this fact, is sorely lacking. The fact that Zemeckis was editing this film while shooting “Back to the Future Part III” does explain the inconsistent editing narrative in the film (and which even Zemeckis admits as much).

Never mind that you had this girlfriend character of Fox’s character that is so useless, one wonders if Zemeckis and Gale couldn’t simply find a way to use her more interestingly instead of being such a dead-end trail.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/21/06 08:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (1989) - ***

Never mind that you had this girlfriend character of Fox’s character that is so useless, one wonders if Zemeckis and Gale couldn’t simply find a way to use her more interestingly instead of being such a dead-end trail.
Should have gave the part to Sofia Copplla(SP)

Great Film Though
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/06 04:11 AM

Just My Luck * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Lindsay Lohan is hot, this movie is not. As ronnie said, "has she starred in a movie that hasn't flopped?"
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/06 10:46 AM

Tender Mercies
Directed by Bruce Beresford
1983

Bruce Beresford’s 1983 Oscar-winning drama, Tender Mercies, tells the story of fictional country-western singer, Mac Sledge, played by Robert Duvall in what has so far proved to be the only academy-award winning performance among his six nominations over a forty-year career. Mac battles troubles in and out of the music business, having trouble with his record companies and manager, as well as his continuously escalating alcoholism and the persistent troubles of his broken family. We begin our film with Mac waking up after a night of heavy drinking, passed out in a small motel room in the middle of nowhere, abandoned by his manager and with his life passing him by. It is here that we are first introduced to Beresford’s silent transitions and consistently stoic camera and direction choices. They instantly succeed in setting the mundane, mid-western mood for the entire piece. Rather than jump back on the troubled path to fame, Mac decides to stay at the small motel and gas station, run by a young attractive widow, Rosa Lee, and her young son, Sonny. He starts off serving simply as a helping hand around the station, contemplating to himself, eating silent dinners with the family at night, and finding his place in the world.

Duvall’s performance here is first-class throughout. It really attests to his talent that he’s able to express such power and emotion in a PG rated film, completely devoid of any curse-laden outbursts or scenes of violence. It’s amazing to watch him instill such complexity in a simple, soft-spoken character. We watch Mac intently, knowing little about his past, but sensing his many years of pain and frustration, partly due to his ex-wife, Dixie, a country singing star, and his 18 year old daughter, Sue Anne, whom Dixie has forbidden him from seeing. Duvall’s Oscar was definitely well-deserved, and it’s nice to see he was able to equal up to the early 80’s work of his co-stars in The Godfather films, made nearly a decade earlier. His performance here ranks right up there with James Caan’s work in Thief, as well as Al Pacino’s performance in Scarface, all strong portrayals of morally-conflicted men in character-driven dramas. Duvall’s turn as Mac Sledge was also tremendously more effective than his other Oscar-nominated performance of the decade, that of Lieutenant Colonel Bull Meechum in 1980’s The Great Santini.

As time passes, Mac and Rosa Lee’s relationship morphs from simple employer-employee friendship, to mutual attraction, and eventually marriage. In the film, this all seems to happen rather quickly, with little indication of the amount of the time passing at all. These sometimes jarring and unexpected chronology changes actually work well in the end, helping to express the timelessness of the characters and setting. Throughout it all, director Beresford resists the temptation to go into clichéd relapses for Mac and simply show several temptations and near-misses. The fact that Mac never really falls back into his old afflictions indicate his perseverance and determination, and his love for his new family. We see none of the glitz and glamour of Mac’s former life, just the dusty familiarity of his new, small-town existence out of the spotlight. In this manner, this film serves as a nice companion piece to Robert Altman’s Nashville, here showcasing the lesser side of the county-music industry, it’s characters, and it’s setting. It’s interesting also to note that despite the fact that our main character is a musician, we wait the majority of the film to hear him play any music, a technique reminiscent of Gus Van Sant’s Last Days.

There’s a number of stand-out scenes here for both Duvall and Beresford. Shortly after Mac’s daughter comes back into his life, we watch him one afternoon, staring out the window thinking to himself, and he breaks into a somber song. Beresford chooses to shoot the whole scene in one take, looking at Duvall from behind, telling so much about his thoughts of his former life and his feelings for his daughter. Later on, we see Mac finally get baptized, on the same day his step-son Sonny experiences the same rite of passage. The set-up of this scene strikes up parallels between the young and naïve Sonny, a boy with new beginnings in life, and the old, relatively naïve Mac, the middle aged man with similarly renewed opportunities. Later, after tragedy hits Mac and his family when his daughter is killed in a car accident, Mac goes to visit his ex-wife Dixie, and in one of her only scenes in the film, she cries and unknowingly showcases her ultimate selfishness to Mac. She sees her daughter’s death only as God punishing her, and barely thinks of her daughter or the pain Mac is going through. This is followed by a powerful Duvall monologue in a garden, where he reveals his reluctance to embrace normalcy and peace with Rosa Lee, his reluctance to embrace happiness. Again, Beresford has the directing savvy to know the scene holds the most dramatic weight when filmed in a single take, and here he adds in a graceful, semi-circular pan around Mac as he chokes out his words to Rosa Lee between tears.

As the film draws to a close, the side-plot line of the young Sonny finding out things about his own life comes to a climax as he confronts his mother in their house and asks her about the father he never knew. Immediately after, he goes and plays football with Mac in the fields during sunset in the film’s final moments. The juxtaposition of these two scenes provides for closure on both Mac and Sonny’s storylines, as Sonny has finally expressed his full embracement of Mac as his real father figure, and Mac has, at least to some extent, finally found happiness, security, and mental peace in his life. Through all of his trials and tribulations, and the many ups and downs of his years, he has ultimately found bliss in the simple, and tender mercies.




Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/06 12:50 PM

Wolf Creek
Greg McLean
2004 Australia (3rd time; DVD)
Three backpackers, an Australian male and two English tourists, get stranded in the Outback, and take the offered help of a seemingly genuine local.
Effective, confident piece of filmmaking; it looks marvellous, presenting beautiful images of the Australian landscape as if from a postcard, which are contradicted by the brutal violence. The opening hour is a subtle lesson on how to absorb and ultimately wrong-foot the audience; the second hour is a tremendously sustained gore-fest reminiscent of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/06 07:43 PM

Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Alfred Hitchcock
1941 US (1st time; TV)
A happily married couple find that their marriage is illegitimate, and must rediscover their love for one another.
Short enough to be watchable, slight enough to be missable, the character motivations are a little distractingly, unnecessarily ambiguous, and the writing could have been a lot sharper.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/06 12:54 AM

Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan's Conspiracy ***
(First Viewing)

I liked the narrating and some of the shots from this film. Sonny Chiba plays a decent samurai and Toshirô Mifune even makes a cameo.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/06 06:10 PM

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Tobe Hooper
1974 US (4th time; DVD)
A group of travelling friends are killed one-by-one by a masked maniac, and the final victim-to-be is terrorised by his cannibal relatives.
Despite the reductive opening voice-over, this is effectively realised throughout, to be, firstly, a surreal build-up to something not quite right, secondly, a series of deaths as shock treatment, and thirdly, a repelling sequence of bizarre, cannibalistic horror. The effect the sound has on the whole feel is incredible, with, when things are quiet, a radio announcer telling constantly bad news, and, during the final torture sequence, expressionistic use of non-diegetic ambience, such as, among other things, a drill on a worksite. Fantastic stuff.

The Kid
Charles Chaplin
1921 US (1st time; DVD)
A tramp happens upon an abandoned baby, and brings it up as his son.
"A film with a laugh - and perhaps, a tear", so the opening title claims. Chaplin was often guilty of applying his pathos on thickly and sweetly, but there remains something irresistible about this, not least due to Jackie Coogan's performance as the title character, who compliments Chaplin's bumbling, carefree but loving tramp with a charm rarely matched by a young actor since. Two sequences stand out: that in which Chaplin finds himself fighting the tough neighbourhood bully, and the climactic dream sequence, which is at once an insightful dissection of the human condition and a wonderfully realised idea.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/06 06:56 PM

BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III (1990) - ***1/2

After the electrifying (pun intended) finale of “Back to the Future Part II,” Marty McFly (Fox) is stuck in 1955…again. Using directions left by Doc Brown’s 70-year old letter, he finds the buried De Lorean time machine and reactivates it. However, he learns that Brown was mysteriously murdered back in 1885. Thus our traveler from 1985 is determined to travel to the Wild West to save him, but now he may instead become the sole victim of time travel…

“Back to the Future Part III” is opposite of its previous sequel. It’s slower-paced and its obviously not interested in trying to be creative with the genre film concept of time travel. Really its like Zemeckis and Gale basically had the urge to make a western picture, and with the opportunity of this mega-hit franchise, they simply used the opportunity to fulfill their desires.

If anything, it’s like those episodes of “Dr. Who” or “Star Trek” where both programs had dozens of pulp episodes where the protagonists explored various historical time periods and geographical locations in-between the serious fan-loved “personal” episodes that centered on certain characters. The first “Back to the Future” picture was a serious episode built within this ever-decreasing margin of error to a timely finale. The sequel wasn’t as emotional, but more action-oriented in the editing narrative.

The third film is simply an all-out adventure film in the likes of Dr. Who traveling to Victorian England or the U.S.S. Enterprise fighting Nazi-inspired aliens. No real poignant connection to the original film’s universe.

Not that it’s a problem. This is a pretty slick, disposable form of entertainment to where Zemeckis and Gale have fun with their homage to the cinematic westerns of Hawks, Leone, and Ford, along with the conventions of such genre-TV fare of the past.

While Fox is trying to avoid being gunned down by the Tanner family clan, the movie’s real focus is on Lloyd and his romantic subplot with Mary Steenburgen, a casting that is an obvious homage in itself to her work in Nicholas Meyer’s “Time After Time”.

I really enjoyed this picture, but questions come to mind. How does a kid from 1985 suburban California, who probably never seen a horse in the flesh save for dog food, be able to horseback ride like a pro overnight? How does the “Doc” create his machine in the film’s ending? Why is ZZ Top in the Wild West? Do trains really explode into a giant fireball like a car crash?

Think about that last sentence when Michael Bay gets around to helming a $120+ million western-action movie….
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/06 02:04 AM

Village **
Interesting premise, but becomes ridiculous and unintentionally funny as the movie progresses. After you have mentally prepared yourself that logic should be kept aside to enjoy the movie, shyamalan tries to end the movie with logic and reasoning, which makes it silly.

Training Day *
Routine hollywood cop drama along the lines of "recruit", mediocre stuff - avoid it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/24/06 06:47 PM

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
David Lynch
1992 France/US (1st time; DVD)
Two FBI agents investigate the murder of Teresa Banks in Fargo; a year later, in Twin Peaks, agent Dale Cooper predicts the killer is about to strike again…
Frustratingly imbalanced return to Lynch's own TV series, a prequel which, if considered in solitude, reaches highs comparable to other work, but feels as if it has been cut down drastically; as a result, the opening twenty minutes are humorous and bizarre, but hardly relevant to the narrative. The scene in the flashing, erotic nightclub is awesome, and the final half-hour or so is increasingly gripping as it spirals into a deeply psychological nightmare - the credits come as a relief, which must say something of Sheryl Lee's central performance, undeservedly panned by all at the time of release.

The Gold Rush
Charles Chaplin
1925 US (1st time; DVD)
During the 1898 Alaskan Gold Rush, a lone prospector (the little tramp) arrives in a mining town and falls in love.
Tedious, though it generally gets better as it goes on - the scene near the end, in which Chaplin and a burly man from earlier in the film struggle to escape a cabin on the verge of falling off the edge of a cliff is wonderful. For the most part, it offers little that his other work doesn't, though the change in location is welcome.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/06 12:50 PM

Spider
David Cronenberg
2002 Canada/UK (2nd time; DVD)
A mentally disturbed man arrives at a half-way house, and is left free to roam the local streets, where he pieces together his childhood memories.
A multi-layered character study of interweaving fictions and Cronenberg's most visually impressive work; a slow, carefully constructed film with a sparse, grim mise-en-scene, and an intimate, introverted psychology - the title character, through whom we see all of the events, has nowhere to go, and so the narrative is a kind of strained web of present horror, with no future, and an imagined past.

Monsieur Verdoux
Charles Chaplin
1946 US (1st time; DVD)
A suave gent in Depression-era Paris puts money on the table by marrying rich women and murdering them.
"A comedy of murders", so the first title says, only without the laughs and few deaths. Agonisingly long and with an unconvincing moral at the end; of vague interest is the script, based on an idea by Welles, but ultimately missable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/06 04:50 PM

I thought this was a funny review of Miami Vice courtesy of JoBlo
Posted By: Paul Krendler

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/06 10:39 PM

I watched 'Ray' tonight. I downloaded it from Sky By Broadband, as I always seem to miss it when it's on Sky Movies. I expected great things as I've heard some very good reports about the film and I wasn't disappointed.

I'm not a fan of Ray Charles's music, in fact I've only heard a few of his songs (I Got A Woman, I Can't Stop Loving You, Hit The Road, Jack) and I loved his turn in The Blues Brothers (Shake Your Tailfeather), but the music was superb. Jamie Foxx was outstanding in his portrayal as Ray Charles. I understand he did his own piano playing and vocals and was given the seal of approval by Ray Charles himself prior to his death. There are some inaccuracies in the film, for example Ray was never banned from performing in the State of Georgia and there are some issues with his marriage, but apart from that it's a decent biopic that keeps you hooked for the two hours plus.

It was also good to see a familiar face pop up in the film - Curtis Armstrong, who played the inept Bert Viola in the latter seasons of Moonlighting, appears as the man who signed Ray to Atlantic Records in the early fifties.

For those who haven't seen it, I would definitely recommend it, if nothing else but for the wonderful soundtrack and Jamie Foxx's superlative turn.

****
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/06 03:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
I thought this was a funny review of Miami Vice courtesy of JoBlo
Not surprised, considering JoBlo is one of the most mindnumbing critics on the net.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/06 06:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] I thought this was a funny review of Miami Vice courtesy of JoBlo
Not surprised, considering JoBlo is one of the most mindnumbing critics on the net. [/b][/quote]Why? Just because they disagree with you or what?

Beerfest ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Too drunk/tired to write a review right now
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/06 06:59 AM

Butterfly Effect ***
Excellent movie. It starts with the premise that a small flutter of a butterfly wings somewhere can cause a big typhoon elsewhere. This movie has the main character with a memory problem, similar to that in Memento. Novel concept and interesting throughout.

Coach Carter *
Yet another sports movie where the coach (Samuel Jackson) trains a losing team to victory. There must be a hundred movies identical to this. Very predictable and uninteresting.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/06 07:00 AM

No, because they're reviews are moronic. MEWR AKSHUN~ 2 MUCH DRAMA.

It might as well be a 12 year old writing them. I love how he butchers Last Days and praises fucking Vin Diesel movies.

Quote:
It starts with the premise that a small flutter of a butterfly wings somewhere can cause a big typhoon elsewhere.
Meh, I enjoyed that observation when Ray Bradbury thought of it. I hated The Butterfly Effect and all 4 or 5 of it's endings.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/06 07:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
I hated The Butterfly Effect and all 4 or 5 of it's endings.
Why did you hate it? I didn't care so much about any of the specific endings, but I thought it was a very novel concept, just as memento was.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/06 07:20 AM

I agree with DV. Go read Ray fucking Bradburry's "A Sound of Thunder" short story. Hell, SIMPSONS parodied it in one of their Halloween specials years ago.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/06 08:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] I hated The Butterfly Effect and all 4 or 5 of it's endings.
Why did you hate it? I didn't care so much about any of the specific endings, but I thought it was a very novel concept, just as memento was. [/b][/quote]I didn't think it was anything special. I thought it was melodramatic with a horrible Kutcher leading the whole thing. It's completely cliche. I remember cartoons from my childhood who had the same based plot with a It's a Wonderful Life hint in it, with different choices ruining one specific loved one's life. Nothing was special about it at all, it was a weak film.

SPOILER
As for the endings. The whole he passes her on the street thing is ridiculous and looks like it was sampled from a Romantic Comedy, along with it's variations. The alternate suicide in the womb ending is also stupid because it brings up a self-sacrifice piece that is meaningless. It has nothing to say other then this character who we're supposed to connect with simply can't exist without harming someone's life. Plus, the only reason it exists isn't to be thought-provoking, but simply to manipulate the audience in a negative way by going a tear-jerker route.
SPOILERS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 02:25 AM

Hagen, I have a hard-on for commentary tracks. Hell, the fact that new BLADE RUNNER DVD next year will have a Ridley Scott commentary at least means a guarantee buy on my front.

Same with me and the FFC tracks for APOCALYPSE NOW.

BTW, saw BEERFEST. Funny shit, especially if you like to waste time and get wasted. Hell, its funny even to those that don't bother with alcohol.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 02:29 AM

BEERFEST (2006) - ***1/2

Broken Lizard, the premier American comedy troupe of well-executed frathouse humor, return for their 4th feature film...and I think its their best movie yet. That's right, better than even the hilarious SUPER TROOPERS or the slasher movie-saavy CLUB DREAD.

"Since then, I shit pancakes"

"I'm extracting frog gamet..."
"You jerking it off?"

"My wife left me and took the kids!"
"Oh my god....you had kids?!?"

"Oh shit, he's got the Eye of the Jew!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 03:32 AM

The Sentinel ** 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 03:45 AM

Irish, is SENTINEL actually a nice rental, or a generic-ass picture?

BTW, Keifer Sutherland chasing Michael Douglas? Umm, Jack Bauer would have captured and tortured him within the first 30 minutes. :p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 03:51 AM

I was waiting for a clock to appear on the screen everytime I saw Agent Jack Bauer, I mean, Keifer Sutherland onscreen. I'd say it's a decent rental. I wasn't buying the whole Eva Longoria works for the Secret Service thing, but luckily for her she was a rookie in the movie. Michael Douglas and Keifer Sutherland were both entertaining.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 04:43 AM

Imagine if Jack Bauer was President.

"Sir, what about the situation in Iraq...."

"SHUT UP and give me what I need!"

Repeat response for every situation and question.

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 07:13 AM

Miami Vice **
Great visuals and music. Otherwise, a generic FBI narcotics drama/thriller that hollywood churns out every now and then.

Apocalypse Now (Redux) - Complete Dossier **
The two star rating is for the Dossier version and not the movie, which I consider as the greatest. The commentary is good, but no where nearly as good as the Hearts of Darkness documentary made by his wife. The good part is that the content of Dossier is totally exclusive of the things covered in Hearts of Darkness. The extra features are mostly to do with the sound and color used, editing etc which are very interesting to me. If you have the Dossier and the Documentary by Eleanor Coppola, it is pretty much covers the entire thing.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 07:30 AM

I wouldn't call Miami Vice generic but that's just me. If it was directed by a generic director most of the script would be edited for more action.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/06 08:13 PM

King Kong (1933) *** 1/2
(Third Viewing)

After watching Peter Jackson's remake of this film, I've come to appreciate the original even more.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/06 07:47 AM

Son of Kong ***
(First Viewing)

Not as bad as the original King Kong although this one had a "bit" more humor to it. However, Helen Mack doesn't have a thing on Fay Wray.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/06 08:21 PM

Spellbound
Alfred Hitchcock
1945 US (1st time; DVD)
The new head of a psychiatry asylum turns out to be an amnesiac imposter.
Amusing in the wrong ways now: the jargon is meant to impress, and it may have done at the time, but today it's an obvious attempt to sound serious and grown-up. What may have had potential as a clever, visual film is marred by the talky narrative, which acts as a kind of running commentary to Dalí's dream sequence, which forms the basis of Peck's character arc.

Scratch
Doug Pray
2001 US (2nd time; DVD)
More or less, the history of the DJ and his/her role in hip hop music.
A comprehensive list of notable hip-hop DJs - Q-Bert, Mixmaster Mike, Jazzy Jay, Z-Trip, Cut Chemist and Nu-Mark and Shadow, among many others - discuss their influences and approaches to their art, and what emerges is a celebration of turntablism as a kind of celebration in itself, a dedication to music in general.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/06 12:54 PM



My jacket's gonna be cut slim and checked, maybe a Touch of seersucker with an open neck, I ride a G.S. scooter with my hair cut neat, I wear my Wartime coat in the wind and sleet."

"But I never thought I'd be let down by being a mod!"...

Brilliant film about the british culture of the 60's,Mods vs Rockers fighting on the beach in brighton,great soundtrack.

A must see
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/06 06:52 PM

Don't Look Back
DA Pennebaker
1967 US (1st time; VHS)
1965: Bob Dylan tours England, upholding a mask to the press and those wanting answers from him.
Genuinely fascinating stuff throughout, the most interesting scenes being those in which Dylan verbally spars with people: a Time magazine interviewer, a science student, and a drunken man and his entourage who threw a glass out of a window in the same hotel in which Bob is staying. Filmed mostly in extreme, hand-held close-ups, there is a sense of claustrophobia around Dylan, a pressure which finds relief whenever he lets his tongue roll.
Posted By: Don Sonny Corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/06 07:41 PM

Glad you didnt have my first impression of that film Capo. Upon first viewing, I ultimatly walked away thinking "what crap". It seems like some jerk following him around w/ a handheld (which has become so prevalent these days). But after watching it 2 or 3 times and listening to Neuwirth's and Pennebaker's commentary, I really like it. (Plus I really like Dylan's version of Lost Highway)
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/31/06 01:42 AM

Annie Hall (1977; Allen) ****

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (2005; Burton) ***
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/06 05:32 AM

Crank ***
(First Viewing)

I seriously think Jason Statham could be the next great action star like an Arnold Schwarzenegger. A great action packed movie with a lot of humor in it as well. Can't go wrong with this movie
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/06 07:00 AM

United 93 ****
(Second Viewing)

Bold. Powerful. Respectful. Those are the 3 words that come to mind after watching United 93 a second time. My 2nd favorite movie of the year behind only V for Vendetta. If you are ready to see this movie, I HIGHLY suggest doing so on Tuesday.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/06 01:23 PM

I can't wait to buy it and watch it again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/06 04:52 PM

How would you rate the film Mista?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/06 05:48 PM

4 Stars

I only rank roughly 20 films as 4 star films, so you can understand I liked it a lot. The best of 2006 so far, and one of the top three films of the new millenium. I've been eagerly awaiting a rewatch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/06 07:11 PM

Lucky # Slevin *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The movie started off kind of slow and dull but the ending more than made up for it (hence the rating). Bruce Willis is STILL the man but I felt Morgan Freeman was out of place (yet again) as a ganster in this flick. I believed Sir Ben Kingsley more.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/06 01:52 AM

just watched Inside Man yesterday. I believe you all must have discussed it but all I found was a post 4 months ago when I said I really wanted to watch it. I just don't know what took me so long.

this is like an E.T. in the middle of Spike Lee's filmography, but it does have his touch - racial discussion and references to Malcolm X and Clockers. which leads us to the clear reference Dog Day Afternoon. well, they're absolutely different even though it's the same story. Lumet's 70's classic is much more about human relations and Lee's is just a bank robbery flick. a great one. with that cast, it couldn't go wrong. they're all top notch actors in top notch performance. Jodie Foster's character was supposed to be discreet, right? welll she did such a great job I didn't even recognize her Denzel Washington's performance stands out (he's the greatest actor of his era) and I don't know about no plot holes. I don't know why people just refuse to enjoy this film, like Roger Ebert in his dumb, pretentious review.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/06 01:58 AM

I just saw Inside Man last week and while it was a good film, it wasn't as great as everyone made it out to be.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/06 01:59 AM

Well, I do agree with Ebert's point that the idea of Chris Plummer of being a mid-80sh Nazi war criminal that isn't shitting his adult diapers, or dabbling insanely at a foster home...is sorta silly. Hell, he could be in his 90s.

However, I still enjoyed Lee's INSIDE MAN, with Clive Owen kicking ass for the Lord. He's near movie stardom folks...

THE INSIDE MAN (2006) - ***1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/06 07:52 AM

The Last House on the Left *
(First Viewing)

I hear they're remaking this movie and thank God for that because this was a HUGE piece of sh*t!
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/06 10:05 PM

"Panic in Needle Park". Every time I watch this I come away more disturbed.... its a tough, grisly film.

Its so ironic to watch Richard Bright and realize he was killed just where this movie was filmed.

If you've never seen it you should watch it if only to see Pacino in a fantastic role.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/06 10:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SC:
"Panic in Needle Park". Every time I watch this I come away more disturbed.... its a tough, grisly film.

Its so ironic to watch Richard Bright and realize he was killed just where this movie was filmed.

If you've never seen it you should watch it if only to see Pacino in a fantastic role.
I agree,very powerful film,If it wasn't for this film,he would have never got the part in GF
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/06 03:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
Well, I do agree with Ebert's point that the idea of Chris Plummer of being a mid-80sh Nazi war criminal that isn't shitting his adult diapers, or dabbling insanely at a foster home...is sorta silly. Hell, he could be in his 90s.
that's because Ebert thinks Plummer's character played an "important wartime role". I don't know where he got that idea from. the guy just made some money with the nazis. I'll quote a guy from the IMDB.com boards: "...he could be 30 in 1945 then 87 in 2002 but what's the big deal in the first place??? I'll show Ebert the 110 years old housekeeper from my friend's farm who swims and rides horses."

all the so called "plot holes" that people seem to figure out have at least a reasonable answer and most of them are clearly questions from someone who did not understand the movie.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/06 06:10 AM

Requiem For a Dream
(2000/Aronofsky)
A long overdue rewatch, although so strong are the images and themes in this film that I had remembered much of it. Perhaps the most accurate depiction of the lives of drug users next to the last half of Goodfellas. Memorable for its unapologetic portrayal of extreme pain, humiliation, and tragedy, made even more effective because of the interweaving four storylines all with the similar theme. Aronofsky utilizes perhaps the most blazingly unconventional, in-your-face, edit-happy directorial style in modern or in all cinema, which makes it one of the most emotionally difficult but aesthetically rewarding viewing experiences in memory. Eagerly awaiting The Fountain.

Blackboard Jungle
(1955/Brooks)
A decent, if not outdated look at juvenile delinquency at the turn of the century. Famous for being the first film to use rock and roll music, it's somewhat ironic that the film opens with a message to the viewers warning them of a social plague. It almost seems as if the film can't decide whether its purpose is to entertain or to inform. Either way, good performances by Vic Morrow, the always amazing Sidney Poitier (in an eerie similar role reversal from To Sir, With Love) and the recently departed Glenn Ford.

Zerkalo
(1975?/Tarkovsky)
While it presents its images in a wider range of formats than Last Year at Marienbad, covers more chronological ground than Wild Strawberries, and doesn't ever really find its way into any sort of long-term narrative the way Mulholland Dr. did, this perhaps stands, at least in my mind, as the least impressive of the films of its kind, although it is interesting that this film is the only autobiographical one among the bunch. Tarkovsky executes some nice camera moves at certain points, and some of the slow-motion, silent sequences work pretty well, but overall, the emotional effect is lost. I'm still very interested in seeing some more of Tarkovsky's work.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/06 05:17 PM

Man of Aran
(1934/Flaherty)
Supposedly a pioneer in the utilization of non-synchronus sound, this film, despite it's impressive technical accomplishments considering the time period, is ultimately so uneventful and so redundant, nothing of worth can really be salvaged. The only real interesting aspect was the editing, rapid-fire at times, which made some sequences more exciting. And how or why this is considered a documentary is beyond me. The people in the film were not professional actors, and I think actually lived under the conditions in which they are shown, but it is staged just like a dramatic fiction film, and shot like one as well.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/06 05:43 PM

absolutely agreed about Requiem For A Dream. this is one of the most stunning, shocking and well directed movies I've ever seen. I'm dying to see it again 'cause I only watched it once.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/09/06 12:21 AM

Paris, Texas
(1984/Wenders)
Wonderful use of color, great performance by Harry Dean Stanton. While the character's motivations aren't always clearly explained, Wenders has still crafted a good film. I enjoyed it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/09/06 01:09 AM

Tony M, its a great movie.

Hell, despite the negative reviews from Cannes, I still want to see Afronsky's THE FOUNTAIN.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/09/06 03:32 AM

SinCity **
I liked the color scheme very much. There are many story lines, but they run in parallel. I wonder what was the point of it, though they all are based on the same theme.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/09/06 07:11 AM

Hard Candy ***
(First Viewing)

Ellen Page put together a fantastic performance. I still can't believe this is the little girl who played Kitty Pryde in X3
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/09/06 10:05 PM

The Perfect Score
(2004/Robbins)
Enjoyable movie about stealing the SAT, made even funnier because I MURDERED that test. I'm in love with Scarlett Johansson.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/06 06:37 AM

Invincible
(2006/Core)
Good cinematography and music here, really setting the time period well. It kept upsetting me to see Mark Whalberg trotting around in the 70's without being called Dirk Diggler.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/06 08:47 AM

Malice ***
(First Viewing)

A good and unpredictable thriller with a very recognizable cast: Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin, Bill Pullman, George C. Scott, Anne Bancroft, Peter Gallagher, Tobin Bell, and also cameo's by Gwyneth Paltrow and Brenda Strong.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/06 04:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Malice ***
(First Viewing)

A good and unpredictable thriller with a very recognizable cast: Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin, Bill Pullman, George C. Scott, Anne Bancroft, Peter Gallagher, Tobin Bell, and also cameo's by Gwyneth Paltrow and Brenda Strong.
The highlight of the movie was the hot scene with nicole kidman, ofcourse there was that twist at the end
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/06 06:03 PM

Oh absolutely. I watched the movie for one reason and one reason only: Nicole Kidman :p
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/06 06:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Oh absolutely. I watched the movie for one reason and one reason only: Nicole Kidman :p
omglolhawt!
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/06 08:06 PM




This is a movie I just saw a few weeks ago.
As you can see it stars James Woods as an assassin,and Brian Dennehy as a cop/crime auther.
When Dennehy has run fresh out of ideas for his new book,he is aproched by Woods who offers him a chance to write about him,and his former imployer, mob tycoon David Matlock-- played by Paul Shenar(Sosa from Scarface).Woods says they can help eachother;he can get revenge on Mtlock for fireing him,(the book would ruin the kingpin) and Dennehy would hit it big agian with what is garrenteed by Woods to be a "best seller."


I have to say this is one of the best action/thrillers I've ever seen, and Woods is great in this nasty role.
Good Stuff!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/06 09:06 AM

Aguirre: The Wrath of God
(1972/Herzog)
A good character study, hampered by Herzog's failure to establish any real lasting narrative arc, his overuse of freehand (although I have trouble blaming the guy here, considering he's shooting in the middle of a jungle with a reported 8 person crew), bad special effects, and the annoyingly dubbed dialogue. Kinski was good, but didn't get enough screen time. I liked the subtle guitar and organ soundtrack though.
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/06 03:22 PM

Hollywoodland (2006)


One of the worst ever. No character development, and Ben Affleck's bad impersonation of George Reeves ruins the film. Unlike the movie "Quiz Show" which took an isolated incident from the 1950's and made us care, this piece of crap goes on for two hours or so making us care we'll be late for dinner. Ordinarily I would say wait for the DVD, but in this case don't waste the money.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/06 09:36 PM



I always enjoy watching this film,great story line and kathy bates role is so convincing,7/10
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/06 04:33 AM

The illusionist ***
Cast: Edward norton, Jessica Biel. This is a romantic story involving a magician and a soon-to-be princess. Ed Norton doesn't have lengthy dialogues to speak, but he steals the show every minute of his screen presence. The movie itself was very interesting contrary to my apprehensions about the period setting. Do watch it, you will like it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/06 01:38 AM

The Illusionist
(2006/Burger)
I'm pretty sure this is the only film I've ever seen twice in the theater. Enjoyed it more this time around, further appreciated the cinematography, and Phillip Glass' fantastic score. Norton's performance is top notch, and I'll reiterate that Rufus Sewell is the standout here. An especially rewarding viewing considering I knew the twist. Go see this if you haven't.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/06 06:12 PM

Sixteen Candles
(1984/Hughes)
Really enjoying Hughes mid 80's films. While this is clearly the one going for the cheapest laughs, and Hughes displays little of his more mature storytelling abilities, both director and star Molly Ringwald have some standout moments. Anthony Michael Hall outdoes himself as well. One thing I don't get is how this film is rated PG. Nudity, language, alcohol. Beats me. Very enjoyable overall.

Night Mail
(1936/Watt & Wright)
A well-made early documentary telling the story of a special mail-delivery train that operates in England and Scotland. We watched this film in class mainly to explore the idea of using narration to make up for the lack of quality sound work. Watt & Wright use the "Voice of God" style narration; an authoritative, unopinionated booming voice that spouts the many modern technological facets of the special train. The most entertaining part though was the seemingly-random inclusion of a performance of a train rhyme by the stern-voiced narrator, almost sung, almost rapped.

Land Without Bread
(1932/Buñuel)
Narration plays a much more vital role here, with virtually no dialogue, and it's interesting that here, the narrator sometimes refers to things that "we" saw, inferring he was part of a travelling group visiting this country. This documentary focuses on the people of a remote Spanish town living in abject poverty, plagued with disease and famine, many of whom are stricken with deformities. Buñuel chooses to have running triumphant trumpet music playing in the background throughout, an interesting choice, but one that sharply contradicts with the images of graphic animal deaths, along with the matter-of-fact treatment of human suffering, elements that make the film particularly disturbing. Even worse was the fact I read afterwards, revealing that Buñuel himself dictated the torture and murder of several animals to get the shots he wanted.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/06 11:25 PM

She's All That
(1999/Iscove)
One of the best of the flood of high school comedies released in the late 90's boy band era, although also one of the cheesiest at times (read: synchronized dance sequence). All the principal players are spot on though, Iscove's direction is manageable, and everybody loves a little Kevin Pollak every once and a while.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/06 12:44 AM

Ying xiong - (Yimou Zhang;2002;Hong Kong/China)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/06 06:21 AM

DV, if you don't mind, can you write your views on the movie. i haven't seen chinese movies except for the martial arts ones. i am curious...
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/06 07:15 AM

That's actually Hero, which I'm pretty sure is a martial arts movie.

I'd recommend In the Mood For Love. I don't know if that's chinese specifically.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/06 09:24 AM

Ying xiong functions almost like a Chinese Spaghetti western. It's not about the fights that fill the film, but the importance of peace, even at the expense of a ruthless leader trying to achieve it. The music sounds very Morriconeesque, in a good way. The visuals are excellent, and the surreal fights are great to watch, even if there are several corny moments of floating (like the yellow forest scene). The lake scene was beautiful, with Nameless and Broken Sword fighting on the surface of a lake.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/06 09:30 AM

Solaris
(2002/Soderbergh)
Very much a potential four star film. Soderbergh's work here nearly fully encompasses a directorial style that I would hope one day to posses. Very reminiscent of 2001, but with a much more humanistic, relatable edge. Thought-provoking and overall totally engrossing. I'm somewhat interested in seeing Tarkovsky's original.

Building No. 7
(2006/Soderbergh)
An interesting, hypnotic, visually complex short, supposedly shot in homage to Godard's Alphaville. Can't wait to see my first film from him. Soderbergh is massively talented. He breathes life into the no-budget short film, which is really inspiring to someone still stuck at this stage of filmmaking.
Posted By: Turi Giuliano

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/06 11:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]She's All That
(1999/Iscove)
One of the best of the flood of high school comedies released in the late 90's boy band era, although also one of the cheesiest at times (read: synchronized dance sequence). All the principal players are spot on though, Iscove's direction is manageable, and everybody loves a little Kevin Pollak every once and a while. [/b]
Maybe you should wait outside a while.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/06 06:35 AM

Black Dahlia ***
Very interesting murder mystery directed by Brian De Palma. The music is good and the acting from everyone is great. There are a lot of similarities with LA Confidential. So in terms of freshness in theme, it doesn't offer a lot. Still I liked it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/06 06:53 AM

PCU ** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Got to see it on the big screen tonight. Not a great comedy but definitely worth the midnight screening on a Friday night
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/06 06:11 AM

Enter the Dragon ***
(Second Viewing)

To me, this felt like an Asian/marial arts version of James Bond
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/06 07:23 AM

Casino ***
The downfall of something that starts off very good seems to be a recurring theme of scorcese movies. Casino is similar to Goodfellas and Raging bull in that context. As usual, Deniro and Pesci act top class. The way scorcese presents the story, you don't feel sorry for any of the characters, though it is ultimately a tragedy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/06 08:13 AM

Stay Alive **
(First Viewing)

"If you die in the game, you die for real." Enough said. The video game version of The Ring. It's one of those, it's so bad it's good movies
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/06 09:52 PM

King Creole
(1958/Curtiz)
My first Elvis film, my first Curtiz film, and overall a very enjoyable musical. I really liked the fact that there wasn't random instances of song, no mass-synchronized dance sequences, no spur-of-the-moment rhyming lyrics. It was more realistic than any other musical I've seen. Curtiz brings a great artistic touch, using shadows and silhouettes with great effectiveness. I'm interested in seeing more Curtiz, not quite ready for Casablanca though.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/06 08:10 AM

Weird Science
(1985/Hughes)
Decently funny, although its 4th quarter descent into complete absurdity and schmaltz was somewhat dissappointing. If anything, worth it for Anthony Michael Hall's performance alone. The least impressive of Hughes' mid 80's films but still fun to watch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/06 08:35 AM

Thank You For Smoking *** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Probably the funniest movie I've seen since The Wedding Crashers. Pick this sucker up on October 3rd. "The great state of Vermont will not apologize for its cheese"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/06 05:19 AM

The Notorious Bettie Page **
(Second Viewing)

Didn't really do it for me the 2nd time around either
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/06 07:39 AM

Three Times ** 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/29/06 05:37 PM

Click **
(Second Viewing)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/06 07:15 AM

Back To School ***
(Nth Viewing)

YES! I got to see another personal favorite movie of mine on the big screen
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/06 09:39 PM

ALL THE KING'S MEN (2006) - **1/2

FYI - My honest rating for this film is **, but I have the 1/2 because despite the film's problems, Penn at least delivers the bacon.

What went wrong?

The Pulitzer prize-winning masterpiece of American literature is a compelling and thoughtful account of a Huey Long-esque figure's rise from noble political crusader to a beast of the machine, to his bloody downfall. It documents the 1930s South in such a fashion that few books have ever pulled off.

Yet, the film from Steve Zillian is simply neither compelling nor thoughtful. If this film was a sentient being, he would be like the co-worker who doesn't clean up or courteous at work. As in, if this film was a person, it wouldn't give a shit...but unlike the OTHER film I saw today, it just doesn't care about what its doing.

Sean Penn kicks ass, in the best Oscar-hunting performance that the Academy usually digs. Even if I question him as being authentic or really organic as a demagogue "man of the people" politician from the Deep South of the Great Depression(since as a person from the South, film actors either get the accent right or wrong. No middle ground. Luckily, Penn doesn't fuck up like say Nicole Kidman did with COLD MOUNTAIN).

However, and I can't fucking believe I'm saying this, but Hopkins, Winslet, Law....OScar-nominated, respected English actors....really coast like mother fuckers. Maybe they did the best that they could with what Zailian wrote for them, or they simply saw this movie as a nice Oscarbait opportunity.

Sadly, despite the nice budget, the pretty cinematography, and even the nice-sounding cast, I should have suspected something when SONY pulled this movie from the Oscar season of last year, into September of this year.

Zailian was the scriptwriter of course for Spielberg's SCHINDLER' LIST, a cerebral, emotional tale of a dark time in history, with a central player trying overtly and not to deal with such inhumanity. ALL THE KING'S MEN is simply artificial Oscar-bait that in any other year, with the Weinstein Brothers Oscar-machine, might have been up for several Oscars.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/06 10:46 PM

Hollywoodland ***
This is set in 50's and is about the murder of Superman. The director creates a nice atmosphere and the music is excellent. This is somewhat like Black Dahlia in terms of mood and pace. I liked it a lot.
Posted By: Ryan Taylor_dup1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/06 12:37 AM

21 Grams ****
Posted By: Ryan Taylor_dup1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/06 12:38 AM

****/4
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/06 12:55 AM

Glad you liked 21 Grams Ryan. I thought it was an awesome movie myself. I haven't seen it in a while but I'd give it *** or *** 1/2
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/06 04:43 AM

The Descent **
An above average horror movie - it has a few nice ideas and the scenes are shot well, mostly inside a cave. Worth watching once.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/06 06:42 AM

The Bad Sleep Well *** 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/06 07:36 PM

A Prairie Home Companion ***
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Ryan Taylor_dup1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/06 09:02 PM

25th Hour
***.5/4
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 08:30 AM

Edmond **
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 12:32 PM

Somebody should edit the "Discussion" out of the subject.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 12:39 PM

The most important thing is that there is the possibility to discuss. It's optional, not obliged.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 01:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Somebody should edit the "Discussion" out of the subject.
I think you're right, Mick. This has (sadly) become another Games thread spinoff..... the only thing left to do is combine "What I ate while watching a movie". :rolleyes:

The idea of this is to DISCUSS film. What you liked about it (or didn't like).... what the movie is about.... your recommendation for others to see it, etc.

Too many of the threads that get replies end up being lists, not discussions. Thats sad. I hate to see someone post a response without giving any "why" the member wrote what he did. Come on people, if you have something to say, say it!!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 01:37 PM

Well discuss, eh?

How about if I take a Cleveland Steamer on poor HOLLYWOODLAND, an average if expensive HBO-like movie that somehow escaped the tube and went to theaters. HOWEVER, it says something that Ben Affleck is the best thing going for HOLLYWOODLAND, and this coming from a guy that hated that fuck hack's guts. But yeah, He does good, and I wouldn't be surprised, nor angry, if he got a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. Besides, Matt Damon has to stop paying for his pal's electric bills, right?

But BLACK DAHLIA...ohh, that deserves a major review...it leaves one with a smile! :p
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 01:50 PM

Hollywoodland does sound interesting. As a kid I watched Superman and remember his death/suicide was such a shock. However, I thought it was concluded that it was suicide and although I've heard the rumors that it was murder, I don't know the circumstances that make some think it was murder.

I admit however, I don't really know anything about Reeves personal life at all. I probably will end up renting it at some point.


TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 02:01 PM

The movie itself, despite the melodramatic and conspiracy subplots, does leave this impression that Superman did blow his brains out all over his Fortress of Solitude. I have to agree with that assessment as well.

Interestingly, I remember reading a piece once written by Mark Hamill. Yes, Luke Skywalker, but a major comics nerd he still, and as a kid, like many of the 1950s, he loved that SUPERMAN series. He wrote of how Reeves' suicide was like the first "close" person to have died that he cared about. Real riveting stuff.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 05:45 PM

Assigning star ratings without further elaboration is an insult to a work of art. It's reductive, scientific and without logic, since, without an opinion to say why, it creates an inconsistent list of films you've seen and "judged".

Cinema is Dead around here.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 07:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Assigning star ratings without further elaboration is an insult to a work of art.
How is it an insult? I agree with Enzo, it's optional and if anyone wishes to know more about a movie they need only to ask. I post reviews when I'm in the mood or when I feel a movie deserves it.

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Cinema is Dead around here.
We haven't seen you, ronnie (a little bit), DVC, Don Andrew, Vercetti, etc. posting here lately
Posted By: Ryan Taylor_dup1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 09:33 PM

Jet Li's Fearless - ****/4

I went to this movie just for the martial arts action, but it actually had a very good story. Too bad that Jet Li suposedly won't have any more martial arts movies.
Posted By: Ryan Taylor_dup1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 09:49 PM

I saw Hollywoodland and the Black Dahlia, and personaly I thought that Hollywoodland was much better than Dahlia.

Hollywoodland - ***.5/4

The Black Dahlia - **.5/4
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/06 09:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Assigning star ratings without further elaboration is an insult to a work of art. It's reductive, scientific and without logic, since, without an opinion to say why, it creates an inconsistent list of films you've seen and "judged".
I think this is very hypocritical of you, someone who in his proviews never bothers to say what he likes or dislikes about a film, but delivers a rather dull and impersonal 2-3 sentences simply stating what the film contains. If anything, reducing cinema to words is the insult to art.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 12:52 AM

Any reaction to a film is personal, surely. Because I refrain from the first person doesn't mean I'm speaking for anybody else but myself. Whether or not my résumés are dull is up to whomever reads them, I suppose, but they're not merely synopses. Are they?

My last five Proviews were as follows:

Irréversible (four stars out of four)
What begins as a brutally, disturbingly violent film turns out to be a calmly, gently uplifting one - but for the fact the narrative order is reversed (or is it?). Noé films in long-takes, with a swirling camera constantly, and frustratingly, always moving; the pivotal moment is the rape scene, for which the camera finally settles on one axis, and shows us the shocking incident with an unflinching gaze, the one time we'd prefer to move elsewhere. The use of sound is fantastic.

Top Gun (one star)
Cruise has developed drastically as an actor, but here he plays the familiar role of his early career: the arrogant rebel destined for success, with his biggest adversity being his own ego. Formulaic stuff, not to mention one of the cheesiest films ever made, but there are some impressive shots of distant planes against sunsets. It probably boasts the most dangerous level of testosterone ever produced in a man's action film (the oily flesh on show in the volleyball scene being a notable example), and the line which comes from an angry higher-up at one point, "I want some butts!" rings alarming bells.

The Shining (one star)
Popular horror film; many call it the best. Its most effective element are the long, screeching drones, at their most atmospheric when Kubrick cuts between silent screaming faces and the best shot of the film: an elevator hallway filling up with blood.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) (two stars)
Often brilliant to look at - some of the early establishing shots are very impressive, and Darcy's final emergence through the fog is irresistible. The dance scenes are a treat, with the camera tracking over several separate conversations at once, interweaving as the participants move around. As a contemporary adaptation of a classic novel already famous as a BBC TV series, its aesthetic comes as a pleasant surprise.

Pulp Fiction (three stars)
Responsible, so far, for an endless list of imitations, though this clever, verbose and thoroughly self-indulgent piece remains incomparable. It is a confident mix of written wit and complimentary visuals; first viewings offer laughs and pleasure in the script, but it's Tarantino's camera, perhaps overlooked at first, which cranks up the aesthetic.

I try, wherever possible, to make the critique exclusive to the film. I read many film reviews (even ones I've written in the past) and what is written could have applied to any film. I'm against adjectives, negative or positive, without elaboration, the same way that I'm against star ratings without further elaboration (and aren't star ratings merely just another adjective?).

If anything, I'm trying to use words (which are inadequate enough) to enhance my own understanding of a film. I don't mean understanding its narrative or story, but valuing its cinematic aspects. And that's why in my Proviews you find that "impersonality" (that is, they're precisely personal to the individual film).

I love Duck Soup, and I love Tarkovsky's Stalker. But "Fantastic, I love it" would be a pretty reductive response to either if I was to place the two reviews together for comparison, no?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 01:00 AM

If any of you want my impressions about any of these movies in a little more detail than I already provided, let me know:
Illusionist, Black Dahlia, Hollywoodland, The Descent.

I too prefer more discussion about movies here.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 01:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
How is it an insult? I agree with Enzo, it's optional and if anyone wishes to know more about a movie they need only to ask. I post reviews when I'm in the mood or when I feel a movie deserves it.
Then why specifically make a thread titled Discussion? Why not just call it "Rate the last movie you just watched [out of four stars or whatever]"?

Words are an inadequate substitute for emotions, but it's even worse to be lazy about it. My signature on the film board reads: "Just as the best way of responding to someone when they say hello to you is to say hello back, the most valid reponse to Cinema is to make a film." Which is the main problem I have against so-called academics such as Ebert or whomever. They're like war journalists who've never been to the front.

Quote:
We haven't seen you, ronnie (a little bit), DVC, Don Andrew, Vercetti, etc. posting here lately
I love Cinema. I absolutely love it. I'd die for it. And I'm not kidding. But I don't see any passion coming from anybody else.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 01:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:

[b]The Shining
(one star)
Popular horror film; many call it the best. Its most effective element are the long, screeching drones, at their most atmospheric when Kubrick cuts between silent screaming faces and the best shot of the film: an elevator hallway filling up with blood.
[/b]
IMO shining is a masterpiece. The atmosphere Kubrick creates is just amazing. Probably if one were to watch it alone on a cold night, it might have a better effect. Jack Nicholson's transformation from a normal guy to a 'possessed' man is brilliant. I also think that it was a clever idea to make the hotel as one of the characters. If any of you hasn't watched it, do watch it. I like it more than "A clockwork Orange" and "Full Metal Jacket", the only other movies of Kubrick that I have watched.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 01:20 AM

Oh Ryan Taylor, why oh why is HOLLYWOODLAND better than the filthy enjoyable pulp thriller BLACK DAHLIA? You know, elaborate yourself because, your James Dean avatar doesn't cut it.

I gotta disagree with Capo, a guy I do respect, on one review.

THE SHINING (1980) - *****

What makes Kubrick's horror masterpiece a hallmark of the horror genre of American cinema is that it accomplished something that few, if any, have actually acheived.

THE SHINING, a superior dramatic treatment of the same plot and storyline based on Stephen King's alcoholic, feel-good ending morality tale(where can even argue that the book's optimistic ending for the protagonist is partly based on King's own struggles with alcoholism), is truely a Gothic literary film.

No, not the goths like those fat girls that like to dress in black over at the local mall, or those depressed Emos that should just get it over with, and kill themselves. I mean Gothic Literature of the 19th century, and continued in intervening revival periods in the 20th century.

As wikipedia describes Gothic Fiction?: "Prominent features of gothic fiction include terror (both psychological and physical), mystery, the supernatural, ghosts, haunted houses and Gothic architecture, castles, darkness, death, decay, doubles, madness (especially mad women), secrets, hereditary curses, persecuted maidens and so on."

Certainly alot of details, including the Overlook Hotel(which looks like a castle fortress in the mountains with its own gothic-inspired architecture) does make my point credible.

Hell, THE SHINING was the last movie that Ebert put in his GREAT MOVIES list before he got sick. At least somebody is in my corner.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 01:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Any reaction to a film is personal, surely. Because I refrain from the first person doesn't mean I'm speaking for anybody else but myself. Whether or not my résumés are dull is up to whomever reads them, I suppose, but they're not merely synopses. Are they?

My last five Proviews were as follows:

[b]Irréversible
(four stars out of four)
What begins as a brutally, disturbingly violent film turns out to be a calmly, gently uplifting one - but for the fact the narrative order is reversed (or is it?). Noé films in long-takes, with a swirling camera constantly, and frustratingly, always moving; the pivotal moment is the rape scene, for which the camera finally settles on one axis, and shows us the shocking incident with an unflinching gaze, the one time we'd prefer to move elsewhere. The use of sound is fantastic.

Top Gun (one star)
Cruise has developed drastically as an actor, but here he plays the familiar role of his early career: the arrogant rebel destined for success, with his biggest adversity being his own ego. Formulaic stuff, not to mention one of the cheesiest films ever made, but there are some impressive shots of distant planes against sunsets. It probably boasts the most dangerous level of testosterone ever produced in a man's action film (the oily flesh on show in the volleyball scene being a notable example), and the line which comes from an angry higher-up at one point, "I want some butts!" rings alarming bells.

The Shining (one star)
Popular horror film; many call it the best. Its most effective element are the long, screeching drones, at their most atmospheric when Kubrick cuts between silent screaming faces and the best shot of the film: an elevator hallway filling up with blood.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) (two stars)
Often brilliant to look at - some of the early establishing shots are very impressive, and Darcy's final emergence through the fog is irresistible. The dance scenes are a treat, with the camera tracking over several separate conversations at once, interweaving as the participants move around. As a contemporary adaptation of a classic novel already famous as a BBC TV series, its aesthetic comes as a pleasant surprise.

Pulp Fiction (three stars)
Responsible, so far, for an endless list of imitations, though this clever, verbose and thoroughly self-indulgent piece remains incomparable. It is a confident mix of written wit and complimentary visuals; first viewings offer laughs and pleasure in the script, but it's Tarantino's camera, perhaps overlooked at first, which cranks up the aesthetic.

I try, wherever possible, to make the critique exclusive to the film. I read many film reviews (even ones I've written in the past) and what is written could have applied to any film. I'm against adjectives, negative or positive, without elaboration, the same way that I'm against star ratings without further elaboration (and aren't star ratings merely just another adjective?).

If anything, I'm trying to use words (which are inadequate enough) to enhance my own understanding of a film. I don't mean understanding its narrative or story, but valuing its cinematic aspects. And that's why in my Proviews you find that "impersonality" (that is, they're precisely personal to the individual film).

I love Duck Soup, and I love Tarkovsky's Stalker. But "Fantastic, I love it" would be a pretty reductive response to either if I was to place the two reviews together for comparison, no? [/b]
You talk about the films as if they were affecting someone other than yourself.

"Popular horror film; many call it the best."

"Noé films in long-takes, with a swirling camera constantly, and frustratingly, always moving; the pivotal moment is the rape scene, for which the camera finally settles on one axis, and shows us the shocking incident with an unflinching gaze, the one time we'd prefer to move elsewhere."


I do enjoy reading people's comments on films more when they talk in first person. Cinema, when stripped down, is really an interaction between director and viewer. It's a form of communication. The reason we watch films is due to an infatuation of some sort; we want to experience something life-changing, or at least something that will affect the way we think or feel, or even leave an imprint on our minds. I don't feel you project that in your proviews for some of your favorite films.

I'm not implying that you should not talk about the actual film at all, and simply type things like, "omg i luvd it" and "dis movee iz mu lief," I just feel the way you express your love for certain films comes off as a bit dull and anti-climactic.

To me, Mista Mista writes the perfect proviews. He manages to provide insight into the positive and/or negative qualities of the film, while still expressing raw emotion and personal bias. Keep it up Mista.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 01:58 AM

I dunno DVC, what about MY reviews?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 01:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
To me, Mista Mista writes the perfect proviews. He manages to provide insight into the positive and/or negative qualities of the film, while still expressing raw emotion and personal bias. Keep it up Mista.
Dude. Thanks.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 02:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:
I dunno DVC, what about MY reviews?
I always found your reviews to seemingly be discarding the film as a movie so to speak, discarding the ideas of characters and the world within the world and whatnot. I seem to find myself always reading about the actors or the historical context of the film in your reviews. I mean I'd have to sit and study one to pinpoint my feelings on your work, but overall they're different, good but different.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 03:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Then why specifically make a thread titled Discussion? Why not just call it "Rate the last movie you just watched [out of four stars or whatever]"?
***OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT***

This thread has officially been renamed "Rate the last movie you just watched!" (Personal opinions and or reflections on the work are optional)

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Words are an inadequate substitute for emotions, but it's even worse to be lazy about it.
I know, laziness is one of my few flaws :p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 05:51 AM

You know, I sort of now remember why I actually wrote real reviews, for money, most of the time anyway now.

Oh Hagen, if you continue this thought process evolution of yours, you'll end up like Capo: Lots of great words, but little if any that actually connect logic to review-readers themselves.

Besides, when I'm done with my BLACK DAHLIA review, I'll show why it fucks HOLLYWOODLAND up its melodramatic ass.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 05:56 AM

Sorry if you interpreted my comments in a negative way Ronnie. Wasn't meant that way.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 03:39 PM

My film "reviews", however brief, assume that the reader is in fact myself. It's the only way I can assign star ratings with confidence, and the only way I can feel comfortable in saying what is good and what is bad.

But I guess that I'm not primarily interested in loving or hating a film. I can enjoy anything, given the right context; what you're reading is, I suppose, a very concise textual analysis, wherever possible. I'm interested in how cinematic a film is. Which is why I am frustrated and disappointed by people who love films "because it had a great story". What the hell is cinematic about a story?

I don't use first-person because I don't have to. It's a given (or should be) that what I am saying is coming from me, from my mind, from my personal reaction to what I've just witnessed.

What is the purpose of writing these "Proviews", anyway? To recommend, or dissuade, to other film lovers. But I don't believe in "taste", good or bad. I could never say with full confidence, for instance, whether or not you'll absolutely love a film. I never hype films like that up. And likewise, I would never say, "Never see this film; avoid it at all costs". I believe my way of reviewing is more effective, at least to me,as regards recommendation: you can read my response to a film and say whether or not it sounds like something you might be interested in. But at the same time, if it happens to be something you might consider watching yourself, you're not going to go into it with too high or too low an expectation.

What's the point in saying, "I love the film" when it's clear that I do, giving it four stars? My words should compliment the star rating, not repeat it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 04:05 PM

A very fair point Capo.

Thing is, and sadly Hagen along with many other reviewers, seem stuck on the process of DEDUCATION, instead of INDUCTION.

Deducting reviews is where you take a film, and you strip the movie apart, and automatic subtraction occurs, to which then the film is criticized for "it could have been great, if only BLAH and BLAH". Thus, people "deduct" points, say 100 being MASTERPIECE, until the reviewer is done with their deduction, onto the final score.

As I see it, along with others who follow the Induction process, we actually GIVE points to films for cool shit. A point there, a point there. Perhaps the cinematography is beautiful. Maybe the editing kicks ass the lord. Thing is, we add up all the things we liked about the movie, and then see our score.

Let's consider these two schools of criticism compared to a movie I recently reviewed: Michael Cimino's YEAR OF THE DRAGON (1985).

The New York Times review, which you can dig up over at the NYT website, really blasted the film as a "great film imploded within" and some pretentious ramblings I still don't compute. Either way, its a decent example of a deductive matter of reviewing.

Check MY review of it in the BB.Net archives, and notice how that I gave points to Rourke's acting work, Cimino's nice detail for really a genre-fluffer material piece, and so on, and so on. I didn't subtract points or star-ratings for my problems with the picture that I noticed in my review.

P.S. - Hagen, dude you didn't hurt my feelings. I mean, why should I be pissed when basically, you said that you liked my reviews?

I only wrote that bit of constructive criticism towards you because, well honestly, I didn't understand your post. "Err What sonny?!?"

It happens, don't let it bother you.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 04:07 PM

Ronnie, a short point on my star ratings:

No stars - Ordinary or worse.
One star - Good; recommended.
Two stars - Great; highly recommended.
Three stars - Excellent; essential viewing.
Four stars is an extension on three stars, and marks a film of evolving 'depth' over several viewings.

Anyway, I think The Shining is good. I love the tracking shots of the kid on his bike and the difference in sound as he goes over different surfaces.

But after reading your response of the film, I must ask a question: Is it a great film or merely a lesson in how to adapt a gothic novel?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 04:13 PM

I say both, to your question about THE SHINING.

You said things that I pretty much agreed with, followed by DVC and others, on regards to THE SHINING, so I simply decided to not rehash the same criticisms or points of agreement.

Instead, I just added an idea that I don't see many SHINING reviews actually concentrate on, me thinks.

Besides Capo, don't you hate it when you're reading several reviews in a row of the same movie, when people write the same points/criticism over and over, more repetitive than a XEROX machine could ever dream to be?

At least thats why I didn't write more on THE SHINING. If anything, that reason is why I had a damn migraine trying to write that review for REAR WINDOW (1954). I mean, what can you add to the mix a film that's not only had the great critics written articles about, but friggin BOOKS, all featured this one movie? I'm still not happy with that review, though people say its good, so maybe I'm just beating myself up too badly for cheap masochistic fun.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 05:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ronnierocketAGO:

P.S. - Hagen, dude you didn't hurt my feelings. I mean, why should I be pissed when basically, you said that you liked my reviews?

I only wrote that bit of constructive criticism towards you because, well honestly, I didn't understand your post. "Err What sonny?!?"

It happens, don't let it bother you.
I had interpreted it as an attack. My mistake.

And as far as the induction/deduction process, I personally assume every film will be a 2 star film, an average film. If it doesn't meet my expectations, it goes down. If it exceeds them, it goes up. And usually, my only expectation going into a film is that I will enjoy it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 07:03 PM

Jackass ** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Gearing up for the sequel sometime this weekend, hopefully
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/06 08:44 PM

Why hasn't the subject been changed?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/06 06:01 AM

Umm, because I was joking
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/06 07:19 AM

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

It was a long time since I've watched a brilliant comedy. Some great witty and geeky humor.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/06 07:36 AM

My last "Netflix Night":

Black Circle Boys (1997) Good

Kids in America (2005) Okay

Mafia Doctor (2003) Meh.

Sorry for the long reviews. :p
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/06 06:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
Words are an inadequate substitute for emotions, but it's even worse to be lazy about it.
Sometimes I feel I harass the film by typing some lame words about it. Most of the time I have emotions about a film, but can't translate them into words.
Especially in English.

I think there was a good discussion on the last page.
An exchange of opinions without a single word of name-calling or whatever. Very rare on these boards.
Plus, it was pretty much in-depth and argumented.
Mes félicitations, les gars!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/06 07:58 PM

Infernal Affairs ***
(Second Viewing)

Gearing up for The Departed on Friday
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/06 08:38 PM

Man, I wish people would realize that save for the basic premise, THE DEPARTED is really not a remake of INFERNAL AFFAIRS, but instead more of a different take with the material.

So please folks, grade THE DEPARTED on its own, and not behind IA's shadow....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/05/06 08:11 AM

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) ***
(Nth Viewing)

Gearing up for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning on Monday. R. Lee Ermey and Jessica Biel were most enjoyable from this movie
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/06/06 08:32 PM

The Departed *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

I'm sorry ronnie but this is a remake. They took the "basic premise" of the movie, shots from Infernal Affairs, bits and pieces of the movie, etc. If it's not a remake of Infernal Affairs than what is it? Notwithstanding, the movie was great! Nicholson should be up for an Academy Award (although it's hard to say if he'll win it or not). This movie had A LOT of humor in it (which is really one of the only differences I saw between it and Infernal Affairs). Great use of music by Marty as always and Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio put together some great performances.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 02:05 AM

The Proposition - (John Hillcoat;2005;Australia/UK)
An outlaw is given the proposition of killing his older brother to save his younger brother from the noose.
One of those films that comes by, combining a gritty and poetic quality all the same. The outback adds a very breathtaking and atmospheric quality to the film as well as the soundtrack which consists of traditional sounding strings and some more avant-garde use of sound editing. Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone were both great, especially Pearce in keeping a powerful presence in his scenes.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 02:38 AM

The Departed
(2006/Scorsese)
Excellent comeback film. While Scorsese's work since Casino has had some good moments here and there, he hasn't had a 3 star film in over a decade. Cast was great, especially Alec Baldwin and Nicholson. Story was convoluted but interesting, and while it dragged a little in the middle, the ending made up for it. Scorsese opts for a pretty simple lighting style, except for one notable exception where Nicholson is cast in a devilish red glow in one scene. And some of the trademark Scorsese camera work was back. Overall, great film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 02:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] The Proposition - (John Hillcoat;2005;Australia/UK)
An outlaw is given the proposition of killing his older brother to save his younger brother from the noose.
One of those films that comes by, combining a gritty and poetic quality all the same. The outback adds a very breathtaking and atmospheric quality to the film as well as the soundtrack which consists of traditional sounding strings and some more avant-garde use of sound editing. Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone were both great, especially Pearce in keeping a powerful presence in his scenes. [/b]
Jeez. When was the last time you wrote a proview?
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 04:08 AM

The Departed (2006) ****/****
Absolutely great movie and great effort by Martin Scorsese. Although it lagged in some parts (barely) and there were a few annoying continuity errors (no big deal, though) the finale more than made up for any flaws whatsoever. The acting was superb from everyone and everyone did better than expected, especially Mark Whalberg who stole every scene he was in. Possibly Marty's best film since Goodfellas or at least Casino.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 06:37 AM

Coffy **
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 08:23 AM

Zatoichi, Episode 1: The Tale of Zatoichi ***
(First Viewing)
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:20 AM

Spoilers Alert - Do not read further if you haven't seen the movie and don't want it spoiled.

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
In the Mood for Love
2000/Kar-wai
BTW, Wong is his last name. That is assuming you were using Kar-wai as his last name like you would Scorsese or Hitchcock.

Quote:
A visually brilliant film, thoroughly succesful in both pleasing the viewer's eye as well as telling a story and expressing character's feelings without any dialogue. I found it interesting that director Wong Kar-wai was seemingly able to tell us more about the emotional state of our characters in the segments set to music than in any other verbal exchange. And by the way, what music it was. I immediately downloaded the repeated theme right after I was done, great little piece of music.
The waltz he used alluded to the "dance"/"romance"/"interaction" between the two characters. In addition to the theme music, Yumeji's Theme , which was orignally composed for Suzuki's Yumeji, the soundtrack is great. Included are the Spanish language Nat King Cole songs used in the film, the Beijing opera music, and Bryan Ferry's version of the standard, In The Mood For Love .

Quote:
I also really appreciated Kar-wai's apparent determination to never shoot his character's straight on. There's always things distorting or abstracting our view, which worked to make every shot more interesting to look at. He was also able to make some of the best use of mirrors I've seen in a long while.
The reason why he framed shots behind screens, through windows, behind walls, etc., was to make the audience feel like a neighbor eavesdropping. On a related note, Wong's decision to never show the spouses' faces or have them offscreen is remarkable and extremely effective. As for the mirror motif, it visually expresses the "double" concept: Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan's shared situation; Mr. and Mrs. Chow compared to Mrs. Chow and Mr. Chan; Mr. and Mrs. Chan compared to Mr. Chan and Mrs. Chow; Mr. Chow compared to Mr. Chan; Mrs. Chan compared to Mrs. Chow, etc. BTW, the short story that inspired Wong is title "Tete Beche" (inverted postage stamps).

Quote:
As for other high points, anyone who's seen this film knows that the incredible set decoration and costume design go without saying. Kar-wai crafts a sort of romanticized, colorful, almost dreamlike recreation of the early 60's, to the point where the viewers almost feel as if they are seeing the events on screen as fond memories, somewhat embellished over time in the character's minds.
Adding to that romanticized and dreamlike memories concept is Wong's use of literary intertitles. It lends this story a timelessness. A sense that it did indeed happen; thus, contained within time at the same time.

Quote:
All in all, this was to be a four star film but I felt the ending was somewhat lacking. The meaning of the news reel clip showing the Cambodian President arriving went over my head, as well the poetry at the end. I felt as though all of the sexual tension build up and the sense of tragic loss was somewhat wasted in the conclusion. This may have been somewhat due to the fact that my borrowed DVD started skipping in the closing minutes and I had to stop and then skip around, but overall any intended emotional response was lost on me.
That is a fair criticism if indeed this film was only about the potential love affair and the infidelity. But, the bigger purpose of the film is 60's Hong Kong as remembered from Wong's childhood and 60's Asia. Its Hong Kong title translates to Flower Like Years, indicating an era that has past. More specifically, Wong recalls cramped living conditions, neighbors gossiping, etc., all extremely imporant narratively and thematically. We see the social constraints on the main characters. Love is used to explore the bigger concerns of memory, time, and nostalgia.

The literary intertitles, from a novel not a poem, reiterates Wong's themes. Themes which have dominated Wong's body of work so far.

Wong addressed the Singapore and Cambodia sections. Specifically in regards to Cambodia, they already made the decision to have the character at the Angkor Wat ruins in Cambodia. So, they had to find a narrative justification for the character being there. He was a journalist, so a major news event around that time was the French president's visit to Cambodia.

Secondly, Wong felt he needed to jolt the audience with news/documentary footage to distance themselves from the two characters for the purpose of contemplation and putting their situation into a much wider social context.

Lastly, the sexual tension and loss is not weakened or lost in the Cambodia section (the finale). In fact, it is strengthened. Dont' we see Mr. Chow bear his soul and secret into the hole in the temple wall? Considerable time has passed since his time spent with Mrs. Chan. We see how much and how long the loss has affected him; so much so, that he had to unburden himself. In my opinion, it strengthens what we saw earlier.

Quote:
And am I mistaken, or did this never happen?

Or this?

Didn't the two main characters never get together? Did I miss something? Anyway, good film, close to being great.
You're right. They never did get together. The first image is a deleted scene. The second picture is a production still and/or deleted scene used for publicity (posters and press kits).
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 08:56 PM

Interesting to re-read my words form a while ago, and also your in depth analysis was appreciated. I'm very interested in seeing 2046, and probably revisiting a non-skipping copy of this at some point.

Great first post. Welcome to the boards.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 10:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Interesting to re-read my words form a while ago, and also your in depth analysis was appreciated. I'm very interested in seeing 2046, and probably revisiting a non-skipping copy of this at some point.

Great first post. Welcome to the boards.
Thanks for the welcome. Much appreciated.

It's not clear how much your copy skipped, but for me, skips really kill the experience. Did it skip much in the temple scene? Because the tracking camera was elegant as it was throughout the movie.

I'd urge you to revisit the movie viewing it in the context of an era passed, memory, time, and the past's effect on the present and future. The temple ruins can stand in for a person's memories (stories, faces, places - weathered by time, yet still there).

As for 2046, it's the type of film that fits and works within a certain approach. Like how a Tarkovsky film viewed within Hollywood narrative expectations will disappoint and frustrate. In the Mood For Love is a rather linear albeit episodic narrative. 2046 is a visual/narrative representation of a person's memory - extremely non-linear and episodic. There is play b/w past, present, future and at first glance it may appear messy and confusing; but it aptly mirrors how the mind works (jumping from memory/thought to memory/thought irregardless of order or logic). Think Last Year at Marienbad meets 2001 . So in short, it's art cinema with the hallmark qualities of subjectivity and ambiguity. Many make the mistake of expecting In the Mood For Love Part 2 in terms of narrative, plot, and style.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:07 PM

24framespersecond...

I like you.

I suggest you join these boards: http://filmcinemamovie.proboards76.com/index.cgi
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
24framespersecond...

I like you.

I suggest you join these boards: http://filmcinemamovie.proboards76.com/index.cgi
Homo.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
DV, if you don't mind, can you write your views on the movie. i haven't seen chinese movies except for the martial arts ones. i am curious...
Some great Chinese movies (non-martial arts) that might be of interest:

mainland China:
World (Jia Zhang-ke)
Platform (Jia Zhang-ke)
Unknown Pleasures (Jia Zhang-ke)
Raise the Red Lantern (Zhang Yimou)
Story of Qiu Ju (Zhang Yimou)
Red Sorghum (Zhang Yimou)
Yellow Earth (Chen Kaige)
Farewell My Concubine (Chen Kaige)
Blue Kite (Tian Zhuangzhuang)

Taiwan:
Yi Yi (Edward Yang)
Flowers of Shanghai (Hou Hsiao-hsien)
Millenium Mambo (Hou Hsiao-hsien)
Goodbye South Goodbye (Hou Hsiao-hsien)
Good Men Good Women (Hou Hsiao-hsien)
Time To Live Time To Die (Hou Hsiao-hsien)
Wedding Banquet (Ang Lee)

Hong Kong:
In the Mood For Love (Wong Kar-wai)
Chungking Express (Wong Kar-wai)
Happy Together (Wong Kar-wai)
Fallen Angels (Wong Kar-wai)
Days of Being Wild (Wong Kar-wai)
2046 (Wong Kar-wai)
Actress (Stanley Kwan)
Rouge (Stanley Kwan)
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
Think Last Year at Marienbad meets 2001.
Two of my very favorite films. I'll probably be getting to 2046 earlier than I had planned.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bogey:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] 24framespersecond...

I like you.

I suggest you join these boards: http://filmcinemamovie.proboards76.com/index.cgi
Homo. [/b][/quote]YOU!
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:

[b]Zerkalo

(1975?/Tarkovsky)
While it presents its images in a wider range of formats than Last Year at Marienbad, covers more chronological ground than Wild Strawberries, and doesn't ever really find its way into any sort of long-term narrative the way Mulholland Dr. did, this perhaps stands, at least in my mind, as the least impressive of the films of its kind, although it is interesting that this film is the only autobiographical one among the bunch. Tarkovsky executes some nice camera moves at certain points, and some of the slow-motion, silent sequences work pretty well, but overall, the emotional effect is lost. I'm still very interested in seeing some more of Tarkovsky's work. [/b]
Is this your first Tarkovsky? I'm not sure what you meant by "among the bunch" - among Tarkovsky's work or films "like" Mirror? If so, it's sort of a bad place to start to get into Tarkovsky because it is such a dense and yet opaque work. Yet I admire that you maintain an interest to explore more. Like you already noted, Mirror is constructed out of different formats (narrative forms) and shifts time and color.

He wasn't interested in constructing a logical and cohesive narrative (he does have that ability albeit episodically in Ivan's Childhood and Andrei Rublev ). Instead like much of his body of work, he invites contemplation to compare and contrast events/images to derive meaning. In fact his Nostalghia is basically an anti-narrative. His Sacrifice is rather linear and classical in construction, but it resists narrative logic at the same time.

I wholeheartedly recommend his Stalker - the quintessential cinematic experience; something that expands one's notion of the boundaries of cinema making it boundless. I think it's his best work and along with Ivan's Childhood it's his most forward-driven plot.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[b] Think Last Year at Marienbad meets 2001.
Two of my very favorite films. I'll probably be getting to 2046 earlier than I had planned. [/b][/quote]Well, how do you like that? Perfect!

One more thing to note in terms of invoking 2001, it's about both works' primacy of the image, use of the scope format, the visual/musical poem aesthetic, but not the science-fiction element.

There was quite a bit of complaint among Wong fans that it was a terrible attempt at science-fiction, which it was not intended to be.

Happy viewing. I'm eager to read your reactions.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/06 11:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
24framespersecond...

I like you.

I suggest you join these boards: http://filmcinemamovie.proboards76.com/index.cgi
Ah. Anyone who watched Stalker is a-o.k. in my book. Someone who likes it?...even better!

Appreciate the invite. Is that your boards?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 12:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
Some great Chinese movies (non-martial arts) that might be of interest:
Thanks 24fps and welcome to the boards. I am planning to get netflix in January next year, hopefully I will find some of these movies on it. BTW, your first post was great
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 12:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by bogey:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] 24framespersecond...

I like you.

I suggest you join these boards: http://filmcinemamovie.proboards76.com/index.cgi
Homo. [/b][/quote]YOU! [/b][/quote]No, you!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[quote]Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[b]
[b]Zerkalo

(1975?/Tarkovsky)
While it presents its images in a wider range of formats than Last Year at Marienbad, covers more chronological ground than Wild Strawberries, and doesn't ever really find its way into any sort of long-term narrative the way Mulholland Dr. did, this perhaps stands, at least in my mind, as the least impressive of the films of its kind, although it is interesting that this film is the only autobiographical one among the bunch. Tarkovsky executes some nice camera moves at certain points, and some of the slow-motion, silent sequences work pretty well, but overall, the emotional effect is lost. I'm still very interested in seeing some more of Tarkovsky's work. [/b]
Is this your first Tarkovsky? I'm not sure what you meant by "among the bunch" - among Tarkovsky's work or films "like" Mirror? If so, it's sort of a bad place to start to get into Tarkovsky because it is such a dense and yet opaque work. Yet I admire that you maintain an interest to explore more. Like you already noted, Mirror is constructed out of different formats (narrative forms) and shifts time and color.

He wasn't interested in constructing a logical and cohesive narrative (he does have that ability albeit episodically in Ivan's Childhood and Andrei Rublev ). Instead like much of his body of work, he invites contemplation to compare and contrast events/images to derive meaning. In fact his Nostalghia is basically an anti-narrative. His Sacrifice is rather linear and classical in construction, but it resists narrative logic at the same time.

I wholeheartedly recommend his Stalker - the quintessential cinematic experience; something that expands one's notion of the boundaries of cinema making it boundless. I think it's his best work and along with Ivan's Childhood it's his most forward-driven plot. [/b][/quote]It was and is my 1st Tarkovsky, I was speaking of other films without much in the way of narrative not other Tarkovskys, and I've been interested in seeing Stalker for a while, mostly due to DVC.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Conventionally shot, no innovative or interesting camera techniques. Basic lighting, never really seemed to take advantage of the beautiful contrast between lights and darks showcased in some B&W movies. Audience holds no real emotional connection or sympathy for the main character. Story is a bit boring. Emotionally, it seemed to be a one-note symphony. No real exploration of any side characters. Anti-climacitc ending. Symbolism, if any, ultimately seemed too vague.
Sorry to be upping old discussions, guys. Just new to the boards and looking back at old discussions.

Mista Mista Tom Hagen, it appears I'm singling you out, but it just so happens what your wrote makes for good discussion so far. I'm also jumping from page to page in no specific order.

Anyway, what you just described as "Bicycle Thief"'s aesthetic is the Italian neo-realist aesthetic. They sought to eradicate artifice and capture reality without embellishment resulting from a dialogue between the filmmakers and the environment.

WWII destroyed Italy's filmmaking physical infrastructure; thus, it was make do with what you got, which wasn't much. As a result, filmmakers shot on location and used non-professional actors and available lighting, which culminates in a rough/amateur look and feel compared to polished filmmaking or the norm. In terms of story, folks like De Sica and Rossellini focused on the poverty and harsh living conditions post-WWII.

The importance of "Bicycle Thief," seems to me, places in historical significance. If you look at the old Sight and Sound polls, it topped the list a few times and remained in the top 5-10 for a while. It has now dropped in evaluation, but not stature.

One of the problems the film's stature causes for it is the expectations it causes and the context. "Bicycle Thief" is nowhere near the wonder (in terms of scale, story, technical qualities) of what you find in most top 20's (the usual suspects: Vertigo, 2001, Citizen Kane, Rules of the Game, Godfathers). A top 20 film is usually associated with innovation, grandiose, wonder, excitement. But, there lies a tiny film in that bunch.

Its story hasn't aged well. Some people find the films' contrivances (seems to be the main criticism of the film)to be at odds with the Italian neorealist aesthetic.

Personally, its value lies in the fact that one doesn't need a $200 million budget to make a movie that has powerful moments.

I no longer like the film as a whole, but some moments remain poignant and the most touching I've encountered thus far.

Marty Scorsese's "My Voyage To Italy" is a personal documentary (on DVD) on his memories of Italian films of his youth especially Italian Neorealism. Nice info and enjoyable piece, but Marty spoils every single movie as he covers the endings and key plot events.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b]För att inte tala om alla dessa kvinnor (All These Women / Now About These Women)
Ingmar Bergman
1964 Sweden (1st time; DVD)
A music critic arrives at the house of a virtuoso cellist to write his biography; but the wife, mistresses and servants get in his way.
Surface furnishings suggest an entirely different name altogether behind the director's credit; but dive beneath the stunning colour, slapstick humour and theatrical tone, and here is one of Bergman's torn artists, niggled at by those around him, with the burdens of expectation alienating his genius to the end.
[/b]
I've noticed you watched quite a bit of Bergman from some of your posts throughout this huge thread (I like this thread, BTW).

Have you been fortunate to catch some supposedly fine early light/comedic/romance Bergman like "Summer Interlude" and "Summer of Monika?"
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
A Fistful of Dollars ***

Probably my 2nd favorite Clint Eastwood movie (behind only Escape From Alcatraz, but it might be better than it, I'd have to rewatch that too). A great movie, with a great cast and great score. My favorite of The Man With No Name Trilogy. And I'm getting pissed off waiting for the Region 1 Special Edition DVD
I recommend Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" if you haven't seen it yet. "Fistful of Dollars" is a remake of Yojimbo.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] A Fistful of Dollars ***

Probably my 2nd favorite Clint Eastwood movie (behind only Escape From Alcatraz, but it might be better than it, I'd have to rewatch that too). A great movie, with a great cast and great score. My favorite of The Man With No Name Trilogy. And I'm getting pissed off waiting for the Region 1 Special Edition DVD
I recommend Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" if you haven't seen it yet. "Fistful of Dollars" is a remake of Yojimbo. [/b][/quote]I've seen and loved both, though it's been a while since I've seen either. Leone's best western is definitely Once Upon A Time in the West though.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[quote]Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
[b] 24framespersecond...

I like you.

I suggest you join these boards: http://filmcinemamovie.proboards76.com/index.cgi
Ah. Anyone who watched Stalker is a-o.k. in my book. Someone who likes it?...even better!

Appreciate the invite. Is that your boards? [/b][/quote]Stalker is my favorite movie of all time. To even attempt to explain the massively profound impact it has had on me is laughably impossible. Once the thought of it enters my mind, I become so overwhelmed by its beauty and intelligence, that I am at a loss for words.

But anyways, it's not my website...it's actually Capo de la Cosa Nostra's. I think you'd like posting there.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
A Short Film About Killing is one of the best films I've ever seen. I've not seen the shorter Dekalog version however.

I think it has the most intense ending in the history of cinema. One of the few times I've ever cried watching a movie.

I hope you enjoy it, Hagen.
I presume you saw the Kino DVD of "Short Film..." Anyway, it is a far superior transfer than "Decalogue 5: Thou Shall Not Kill." As a result, the cinematography stands out even more.

The Decalogue episode is great because it is so concise (any of the Decalogue episodes irregardless of quality are exemplars of tight and compelling storytelling in under 60 minutes).

I think both versions are two of the most powerful works I've encountered.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] A Fistful of Dollars ***

Probably my 2nd favorite Clint Eastwood movie (behind only Escape From Alcatraz, but it might be better than it, I'd have to rewatch that too). A great movie, with a great cast and great score. My favorite of The Man With No Name Trilogy. And I'm getting pissed off waiting for the Region 1 Special Edition DVD
I recommend Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" if you haven't seen it yet. "Fistful of Dollars" is a remake of Yojimbo. [/b][/quote]I've seen and loved both, though it's been a while since I've seen either. Leone's best western is definitely Once Upon A Time in the West though. [/b][/quote]Lucky for you know decisively what your favorite Leone is. Me, I can't decide between that or The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 02:47 AM

Once Upon a Time in America is my favorite Leone film by a long shot.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 03:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[b]
quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
A Fistful of Dollars ***

Probably my 2nd favorite Clint Eastwood movie (behind only Escape From Alcatraz, but it might be better than it, I'd have to rewatch that too). A great movie, with a great cast and great score. My favorite of The Man With No Name Trilogy. And I'm getting pissed off waiting for the Region 1 Special Edition DVD
I recommend Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" if you haven't seen it yet. "Fistful of Dollars" is a remake of Yojimbo. [/b][/quote]I've seen and loved both, though it's been a while since I've seen either. Leone's best western is definitely Once Upon A Time in the West though. [/b][/quote]Lucky for you know decisively what your favorite Leone is. Me, I can't decide between that or The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
Western-wise. Once Upon a Time in America is his misunderstood masterwork to me. Leone is one of my favorites.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 03:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
Just wanted to mention, the ending here and the storyline as a whole really reminded me of Dead Man Walking with Sean Penn. Ever seen it? I had the sort of reaction to that, that you felt towards this.
For me, the genius of Kieslowski was how he handled the two main characters in Decalogue 5/Short...Killing.

***Spoilers Ahead***

Usually, like in Dead Man Walking, in films dealing with capital punishment, the filmmaker presents the inmate so that we align our sympathies with them. Also, in such movies, the victims are presented as "good" and wrongly convicted.

We get neither from Kieslowski. The killer is not like Sean Penn. We have a hard time sympathizing and empathizing with him as we saw his terrible acts done with coldness, but Kieslowski presents him with a little heart (his love and guilt for his sister). Still, he is hard to accept. This complicates the audience's stance in regards to capital punishment. Does capital punishment become a little more acceptable in regards to a less sympathetic murderer than another?

As for the victim (the taxi cab driver), he is unlike most victims in most movies. The cab driver discriminates among passengers, lies to a couple that he'll give them a ride, etc.

Kieslowski avoids crude good versus bad. He gives us human beings - fallible, the capacity to do both good and bad.


*** End Spoilers ***
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 03:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[quote]Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Don Vercetti:
[b]
quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
A Fistful of Dollars ***

Probably my 2nd favorite Clint Eastwood movie (behind only Escape From Alcatraz, but it might be better than it, I'd have to rewatch that too). A great movie, with a great cast and great score. My favorite of The Man With No Name Trilogy. And I'm getting pissed off waiting for the Region 1 Special Edition DVD
I recommend Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" if you haven't seen it yet. "Fistful of Dollars" is a remake of Yojimbo. [/b][/quote]I've seen and loved both, though it's been a while since I've seen either. Leone's best western is definitely Once Upon A Time in the West though. [/b][/quote]Lucky for you know decisively what your favorite Leone is. Me, I can't decide between that or The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
Western-wise. Once Upon a Time in America is his misunderstood masterwork to me. Leone is one of my favorites.

Agreed. OUATIA never fails to strike me emotionally. It leaves me numb.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 03:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
For me, the genius of Kieslowski was how he handled the two main characters in Decalogue 5/Short...Killing.

***Spoilers Ahead***

Usually, like in Dead Man Walking, in films dealing with capital punishment, the filmmaker presents the inmate so that we align our sympathies with them. Also, in such movies, the victims are presented as "good" and wrongly convicted.

We get neither from Kieslowski. The killer is not like Sean Penn. We have a hard time sympathizing and empathizing with him as we saw his terrible acts done with coldness, but Kieslowski presents him with a little heart (his love and guilt for his sister). Still, he is hard to accept. This complicates the audience's stance in regards to capital punishment. Does capital punishment become a little more acceptable in regards to a less sympathetic murderer than another?

As for the victim (the taxi cab driver), he is unlike most victims in most movies. The cab driver discriminates among passengers, lies to a couple that he'll give them a ride, etc.

Kieslowski avoids crude good versus bad. He gives us human beings - fallible, the capacity to do both good and bad.


*** End Spoilers ***
That's what I love so much about A Short Film About Killing. Kieslowski puts his complete faith in the audience by refusing to take a side. The entire thing is so inconclusive; there are a million answers and nobody is wrong.

Sadly, it's the only Kieslowski film I've seen so far. I need to see more.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 03:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Sadly, it's the only Kieslowski film I've seen so far. I need to see more.
Oooh, I envy your position to experience his other works for the first time.

If I could offer some useful advice.

"Decalogue" is a cut off point stylistically and thematically. Prior to the series, his films were stylistically classical and Neorealist. His work was more political and social as well.

Post-Decalogue. Kieslowski's films turn more to the personal and art cinema aesthetic.

Decalogue is a transition point leaning more towards the films before it.

Stylistically, it really is night and day.

Let me know if I could be of more help.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 03:44 AM

Jet Li's Fearless ***
(First Viewing)

Not his best movie (Hero) but a very enjoyable way to go out
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 06:27 AM

Just last night I watched Walk The Line, now I've never cared for the music of Johnny Cash, or June Carter. But I will admit having been elected to the song writers HOF, Coutry music HOF, & the Rock N Roll HOF. Johnny Cash is a man to be respected.

I think both Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon, did fantastic jobs as Johnny Cash, & June Carter.

And I did learn some things about the life of "The man in black"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 08:19 AM

The Omen (2006) ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 06:07 PM

I watched most of Dead Man a couple weeks ago. It made me think of a few members here. I'm really mad I didn't get to finish it.. but it wasn't my house, and someone turned it off to play Guitar Hero. Which I proceeded to pwn.

Anyway, what I saw of it I thought was excellent. I'm gonna have to find somewhere around here to rent it from, or better yet buy it. I had no idea Neil Young did the score for it either.. pleasant surprise.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 06:33 PM

Dead Man is the best black and white film I have ever seen.

Glad you liked what you saw, bogey. It's one of those films where every element comes together perfectly to create something truly mindblowing. Did you see any scenes towards the end of the film?
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 07:02 PM

You were the first one I thought of, actually.. I really didn't see much of the end of the movie... we had to stop it because we had to go satisfy the munchies, and when we got back someone had turned it off. I think we only got a little bit past the part with Iggy Pop in it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/06 09:39 PM

Employee of the Month ***
(First Viewing)

Dane Cook is one of the funniest men alive today! It was also great to see Andy Dick working again
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/06 02:03 AM

I caught two films in a row yesterday; the first was as good, but no better, as I had anticipated, the second was the best film of 2006...


The Departed
An engaging thriller, both very funny and often quite shocking - Scorsese manipulates the volume so well that the brutal gunshots and splatters of blood inject as much power as possible in otherwise more quieter moments. He has assembled another fine cast, with everybody in just the right place, including a show-stealer from Mark Wahlberg. It is of little visual interest, but is edited with the same pace as Cape Fear, and what begins as a casual, run-of-the-mill remake emerges as a powerful, thrilling, topsy-turvy exploration of masculinity, and, more specifically, rats ratting each other out and not getting away with it. Impressive.

Children of Men
Outstandingly-shot film, full of breathtaking sequences, using long takes and a hand-held, fiercely independent and roaming camera which restricts our view but enhances the immediacy of many incredibly complicated settings. The most impressive of these are the rebel attack on a car full of people, with the camera rotating three-sixty degress inside the car, before alighting and ending up left to observe two dead policemen as the car speeds off; the giving birth of a child in some worn-out, secluded safe house, with the very near threat of war and manic dogs outside; and the descent of a stairwell in a building at the heart of the fierce battle, with the relentless cry of a baby which, by the end of the shot, has silenced the guns and brought calm to a scene of devastation. It's genuinely thrilling, with a believable grittiness rarely seenin sci-fi; ultimately, life-enhancingly powerful.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/06 02:11 AM

Capo I presume you have stopped using star system. Or are these no-star movies?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/06 02:14 AM

No, I was just lazy in transforming the code. I gave The Departed two stars, Children of Men three. That's "great, highly recommended" and "excellent, essential", respectively.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/06 06:50 AM

Layer Cake **
(First Viewing)
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/06 09:23 AM

What'd you think of that one Irish? I've been meaning to revisit it, one of my favorites from last year.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/06 05:27 PM

I'd have to see it again. I wasn't feeling well and lost the storyline about 30-45 minutes into it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/06 09:50 PM

THE DEPARTED (2006) - ****1/2

The Marty is back.

In easily his best effort since CASINO, if not the masterpiece GOODFELLAS, Scorsese returns to the world of mobsters and whackings on the streets, this time in the Irish sphere in Boston.

INFERNAL AFFAIRS(****), the Hong Kong International sensation, was a pretty damn good movie. It took a great premise, and actually rocked the joint with pretty-well execution.

However, Scorsese actually improves upon the concept of INFERNAL AFFAIRS. Perhaps its the elaboration on the beginnings for Damon and DiCaprio, or Scorsese getting a hell of a cast together to kick ass. Hell, I still can't believe I saw Mark Whalberg ownining the joint in his scenes.

Then again, it could be that with THE DEPARTED, its ending, while quite similar to INFERNAL AFFAIRS, is very different in tone and mood. With IA, the ending is very solemn and of sorts, a happy ending that arises from the tragedy that occurs.

With THE DEPARTED, its not an audience pleasing ending, but more appropriate for the fate of certainly the last victim of this universe.

Jack Nicholson is a lock to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, and besides the usual technical noms expected for a multi-nom Scorsese movie(Schoonmaker for editing, etc.), I actually think Damon and DiCaprio each make a case for a nomination for Best Actor. Who knows, the Academy might give a mercy fuck to the great Martin fucking Sheen. Hell, they did it to Alan Alda for AVIATOR.

Most of all, of the last few years, this is Scorsese's best chance at winning the Best Director Oscar. This film isn't obvious Oscar baiting, but actually an entertaining drama that doesn't sacrifice its artistic merits to score big at the box-office(with Scorsese's biggest opening weekend in his career).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/06 04:04 AM

I hope and pray Marty wins the Oscar next year but I'm not holding my breathe with Clint Eastwood coming out with Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/06 04:45 AM

First off, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA is a 2007 release, which is smart. Why would Sony/Paramount fuck themselves out of 2 possible Oscar contenders and waste them in the same year?

Second, as I see it, FLAGS could very well win Best Picture.

However, I also see THE DEPARTED winning Best Director, since Eastwood has won what, two Oscars for that same category, he'll be like Oliver Stone was for JFK. Alot of press and heat, but Scorsese is the babe this year. Besides, people wanting to vote for Scorsese can do it emotionally with a very damn good movie with them. Save for Wyler and Ford, nobody has won 3 prizes in that category.

At least thats how I see things playing.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/06 10:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[quote]Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[b] Some great Chinese movies (non-martial arts) that might be of interest:
Thanks 24fps and welcome to the boards. I am planning to get netflix in January next year, hopefully I will find some of these movies on it. BTW, your first post was great [/b][/quote]No problem. Glad to be of help. I'm pretty sure all of the films are available on Netflix.

Just curious, what are your 5 or 10 favorite movies? I ask because it might be a shock how different those Asian films are from the martial arts/action genre Hong Kong movies. And, some of them are different going by Western filmmaking norms.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/06 10:06 PM

For those that like "Twelve Monkeys," be sure to check out Chris Marker's "La Jetee" - the inspiration for Gilliam's film. One of the truly innovative and unique works ever. Available in Region 2 DVD or seen on a Region 1 DVD collection titled, "Shorts: Dreams."

An image:

http://www.docpoint.info/press2005/marker/pikku/la_jetee.jpg
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/06 10:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
[quote]Originally posted by Irishman12:
[b] Tokyo Story ***
(First Viewing)

Moved a little slow but very enjoyable with a touching story/message to it.
The only film in tsp's top 10 list I haven't seen. Doesn't sound that interesting. [/b][/quote]I hope that doesn't dissuade you from attempting to get into Ozu. There are many genius filmmakers, but Ozu I think is really deserving of really being considered one of the few greatest of the greatest.

Ozu doesn't have imaginative plots or stories; they're pretty straightforward. They are, despite their variations (large and small), about family.

His characters aren't larger than life, but that's what's so great about them. Often times, people say they love cinema because there are edification possibilities; portrayals of the human condition; insight; or reflection of life...no matter how personal or indiosyncratic the auteur's world (themes and techniques, etc.) is.

His characters are everyday people. The relatable/resonance factor goes through the roof in his films.

"Tokyo Story," while in my opinion not his greatest film, shines because of his ability to capture family and the conflicts/relation between generations and age.

One might say, "Yeah, films about family?...big deal." But, most family portrayals are extreme: dysfunctional or sappy. Ozu's are beyond gross generalizations.

As for his visual style, Ozu was very much experimental. There are more ways to craft a cinematic visual style than a moving camera!

A great intro to Ozu, of the ones I've seen, would be "Late Spring" (I think his best work) or "Record of a Tenement Gentleman."
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/06 11:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Barry Lyndon is the least accessible of his films, and I think it's his third best. The cinematography in that film is nothing short of breathtaking. I love it.
I can see that. For me though, in terms of accessibility it's only behind "Full Metal Jacket" and "Shining" because those fit loosely under very appealling genres: war and horror. In terms of his best, for me, it's "Barry Lyndon."

Agreed on the cinematography...so great that it's a good enough reason alone to check out the movie. That is not to say that I think Kubrick's narration is something to sneeze at.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/06 11:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[quote]Originally posted by Don Zaluchi:
[b] [b]Ladri di biciclette / The Bicycle Thief
(1948) Vittorio De Sica / Italy 9/10 (I switched from stars to numbers :p )
A bit slow at the start but it more than makes up for it in the final twenty minutes. Raw Emotion is the only way to describe this film. A gem of Italian Neorealism, shot on a shoestring budget with non-professional actors, the experience is amazing. [/b]
I'm glad you enjoyed this movie. Raw emotion, that's right! And if you are interested in Italian Neorealism, I'd suggest you "Rome, Open City" (by Roberto Rossellini, 1946). Oh, and another "must see" by Vittorio De Sica is definitely "Umberto D." [/b][/quote]Have you seen the works of Alberto Lattuada? I haven't but, his "Mafioso" has been screened recently in New York (a work I've been wanting to see for some time).

I really like the two Ermanno Olmi's I've seen. Highly recommended for Italian Neorealism admirers.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/06 11:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
For those that like "Twelve Monkeys," be sure to check out Chris Marker's "La Jetee" - the inspiration for Gilliam's film. One of the truly innovative and unique works ever. Available in Region 2 DVD or seen on a Region 1 DVD collection titled, "Shorts: Dreams."

An image:

http://www.docpoint.info/press2005/marker/pikku/la_jetee.jpg
Have you seen Sans Soleil? It's the only Marker film I've seen, and one of my favorite movies of all time. I'd love to see La Jetee some time soon.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/06 12:11 AM

I just rented United 93. What an emotional rollercoaster of a movie. It's difficult to make a good movie when everyone knows how it ends, but the director does an admirable job nonetheless. No melodramatics here. For example, the "Let's roll" line was delivered in the matter-of-fact manner in which it was originally stated.

I was somewhat surprised there was no real development of 2-3 characters that were on the plane talking with their loved ones. I thought we might have seen Todd Beamer's wife or one of the other victim's family members. But there were multiple storylines occuring so that added dimension may have not been what the film needed.

The confusion of the day is front and center. And seeing the guys who played the terrorists made me hate jihadists even more than I already did. It makes me sick how 19 men caused such devastation to not only the victims, but their families and friends as well. What makes me hate these terrorists is that they somehow had the idea that they can continue praying and deem themselves as holy men while at the same time carrying out mass murder.

I have watched films I like more than once and I really liked this movie. But I don't think I can bear to watch it again.

4 out of 4 stars
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/06 08:07 AM

The Fast and the Furious **
(Second Viewing)

Pretty lame action movie that is laughable in parts
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/06 02:07 PM

THE FAST & THE FURIOUS (2002) - **

Irishman is right. This is the POINT BREAK of street car racing(though with the film, one would be given the idea that its boring and not risque, despite Rob Cohen's hackish attempts at trying to make it neither) to the point(pun!) that now, I'll give a favorable rating to POINT BREAK the next time I catch it, since at least it had a humorous robber gimmick("I'm still not a crook!")
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/06 07:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:

Just curious, what are your 5 or 10 favorite movies? I ask because it might be a shock how different those Asian films are from the martial arts/action genre Hong Kong movies. And, some of them are different going by Western filmmaking norms.
I presume you are not asking about martial arts movies. Because I frankly don't have so many favorites and don't even remember the names of many of those movies I watched on TV. These are my favorite 10 movies:

The top three in strict order, the rest not so rigid.

1. Apocalypse Now - Redux
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. Godfather part 1/2
4. Raging Bull
5. American Beauty
6. Taxi Driver
7. Requiem for a Dream
8. Vertigo
9. Dead Man
10. Matrix part1
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/06 07:15 PM

Edit: Removed accidental double post
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/06 07:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[quote]Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[b]
Just curious, what are your 5 or 10 favorite movies? I ask because it might be a shock how different those Asian films are from the martial arts/action genre Hong Kong movies. And, some of them are different going by Western filmmaking norms.
I presume you are not asking about martial arts movies. Because I frankly don't have so many favorites and don't even remember the names of many of those movies I watched on TV. These are my favorite 10 movies:

The top three in strict order, the rest not so rigid.

1. Apocalypse Now - Redux
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. Godfather part 1/2
4. Raging Bull
5. American Beauty
6. Taxi Driver
7. Requiem for a Dream
8. Vertigo
9. Dead Man
10. Matrix part1 [/b][/quote]I'm quite interested to know yours 24fps. Care to share?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/06 07:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I'm quite interested to know yours 24fps.
As am I.
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/06 09:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 24framespersecond:
[quote]Originally posted by Lavinia from Italy:
[b] [quote]Originally posted by Don Zaluchi:
[b] [b]Ladri di biciclette / The Bicycle Thief
(1948) Vittorio De Sica / Italy 9/10 (I switched from stars to numbers :p )
A bit slow at the start but it more than makes up for it in the final twenty minutes. Raw Emotion is the only way to describe this film. A gem of Italian Neorealism, shot on a shoestring budget with non-professional actors, the experience is amazing. [/b]
I'm glad you enjoyed this movie. Raw emotion, that's right! And if you are interested in Italian Neorealism, I'd suggest you "Rome, Open City" (by Roberto Rossellini, 1946). Oh, and another "must see" by Vittorio De Sica is definitely "Umberto D." [/b][/quote]Have you seen the works of Alberto Lattuada? I haven't but, his "Mafioso" has been screened recently in New York (a work I've been wanting to see for some time).

I really like the two Ermanno Olmi's I've seen. Highly recommended for Italian Neorealism admirers. [/b][/quote]I haven't seen any Lattuada or Olmi films. Which two Olmi films have you seen?
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 01:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
I presume you are not asking about martial arts movies. Because I frankly don't have so many favorites and don't even remember the names of many of those movies I watched on TV. These are my favorite 10 movies:

The top three in strict order, the rest not so rigid.

1. Apocalypse Now - Redux
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. Godfather part 1/2
4. Raging Bull
5. American Beauty
6. Taxi Driver
7. Requiem for a Dream
8. Vertigo
9. Dead Man
10. Matrix part1
Yes, I wasn't asking about martial arts movies. Just wanted to see if any of my previous recommendations might need some preface of some sorts based off of your taste.

Except Wong Kar-wai, most of the films I suggested might raise the objections/criticisms of being slow. But, so are some Western classics like some of what you cited above: the Coppolas, Scorseses, and Jarmusch (save the violence). So, I don't see much problem. I think steady is the better word than slow.

Cheers.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 01:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonVitoCorleone:
Have you seen Sans Soleil? It's the only Marker film I've seen, and one of my favorite movies of all time. I'd love to see La Jetee some time soon.
Yes, I have. Remarkable isn't it. Intelligent cinema, but not intellectual (a play on a Welles quote).

Sadly, those two and "Le Joli Mai" (another great one) are the only ones I've seen.

If you have Netflix or some other rental service, bump "La Jetee" to the top of your queue ASAP.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 02:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I'm quite interested to know yours 24fps. Care to share?
Okay. Only if you and DVC, and anyone else, do the same (not unless you guys already did earlier in this huge thread; care to point me to the page number?)

1-In The Mood For Love (Wong, 2000)
2-Chungking Express (Wong, 1994)
3-Happy Together (Wong, 1997)
4-Godfather Part 2 (Coppola, 1974)
5-Friday Night (Denis, 2002)
6-Three Colors: Blue (Kieslowski, 1993)
7-Late Spring (Ozu, 1949)
8-La Jetee (Marker, 1962)
9-Stalker (Tarkovsky, 1979)
10-Orpheus (Cocteau, 1950)

Gosh, I had to leave out so many others and very funny ones at that (weird because I love to laugh). Note these are my favorites according to my personal aesthetic and criteria. No objectivity was intentionally strived for. And they all could move higher or lower on any given day. That's just how I feel today.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 02:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Zaluchi:
I haven't seen any Lattuada or Olmi films. Which two Olmi films have you seen?
Oh, make that three: "I Fidanzati," "Il Posto," and "Tree of Wooden Clogs."

All highly highly recommended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 08:07 AM

2 Fast 2 Furious * 1/2
(First Viewing)

THIS is exactly why I never watched these movies when they first came out, because they are pieces of sh*t. Casting Cole Hauser as Carter Verone was a HORRIBLE idea as well
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 01:31 PM

edit
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 01:32 PM

1. Goodfellas (1990/Scorsese)
2. Magnolia (1999/Anderson)
3. Fight Club (1999/Fincher)
4. The Godfather Pt II (1974/Coppola)
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968/Kubrick)
6. Heat (1995/Mann)
7. American Beauty (1999/Mendes)
8. Boogie Nights (1997/Anderson)
9. The Godfather (1972/Coppola)
10. Casino (1995/Scorsese)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 05:06 PM

The Outsiders ***
I picked it up from my library just because it was directed by Coppola. From the poster and tagline, I thought it would be a goofy teen movie. But I was very wrong. This movie is a powerful portrayal of tragedy and hope associated with youth. The two main characters, ponyboy and johnny are developed really well. This was one of those small movies that coppola made through Zoetrope in 1983. I am now looking forward to his Youth without Youth, supposed to be a small personal movie from Coppola after a long time.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 06:16 PM

1. Stalker (Tarkovsky; 1979)
2. Dead Man (Jarmusch; 1995)
3. Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes (Herzog; 1972)
4. Paris, Texas (Wenders; 1984)
5. Chinatown (Polanski; 1975)
6. A Woman Under the Influence (Cassavetes; 1974)
7. Le Samourai (Melville; 1967)
8. Krótki film o zabijaniu (Kieslowski; 1988)
9. Vivre sa vie : Film en Douze Tableaux (Godard; 1962)
10. Professione: Reporter (Antonioni; 1975)

Something like that. It was hard to leave out a lot of movies.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 07:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by svsg:
[b]The Outsiders ***
I picked it up from my library just because it was directed by Coppola. From the poster and tagline, I thought it would be a goofy teen movie. But I was very wrong. This movie is a powerful portrayal of tragedy and hope associated with youth. The two main characters, ponyboy and johnny are developed really well. This was one of those small movies that coppola made through Zoetrope in 1983. I am now looking forward to his Youth without Youth, supposed to be a small personal movie from Coppola after a long time. [/b]
Wow, that's amazing that you think it is anything but a goofy teen movie. To each his own.

I agree w/you about the development of Ponyboy & Johnny, but that's it. IMO, it contains some of the worst, most cliched acting ever by Patrick Swayze and Matt Dillon ("Do it for Johnny, man" and "he's just a kid"). It's interesting seeing a lot of today's leading actors (Cruise, Swayze, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane) and some actors who have fizzled out (Emilio Estevez, C. Thomas Howell, Leif Garrett, and Ralph Macchio).

I liked this movie when I was 13, but I didn't really have a lot of cultural perspective at that point.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/06 08:16 PM

Yet, you're shocked that Swayze and Dillon couldn't cut the acting mustard? I mean, thats like being surprised that Steven Seagal can't act.

THE OUTSIDERS is nice but overrated. Of course, I haven't seen that supposed "recut" that Coppola made.

Meanwhile, I always prefered RUMBLE FISH. :p
Posted By: Don Zaluchi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/06 12:18 AM

1. The Godfather (Coppola)
Magnolia (P.T. Anderson)
The Royal Tenenbaums (Wes Anderson)
Rushmore (Wes Anderson)
Contempt (Godard)
Leon (Besson)
Le Samourai (Melville)
Taxi Driver (Scorsese)
Bob Le Flambeur (Melville)
Irreversible (Noe)

This list is in no way difinitive .
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/06 05:09 PM

I currently rate six films four stars. So here's my top six, in alphabetical order:

Don't Look Now (1973/Roeg)
Éloge de l'amour (2001/Godard)
Eraserhead (1976/Lynch)
Irréversible (2002/Noé)
Taxi Driver (1975/Scorsese)
Weekend (1967/Godard)
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/06 06:18 PM

I'm surprised you don't rank Vivre sa Vie among Godard's best, Capo. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/06 06:55 PM

Figured I'd repost these here as this thread has livened up a bit as of late.

Permanenet Record
(1988/Silver)
An effective look at teen suicide and its after-effects. Suprisingly respectable direction, especially coming from a woman, and one with as little expierience as Silver. Keanu Reeves retains his Bill and Ted surfer accent, but he keeps it from crossing into laughable, and displays some early acting chops. The outdated music is the only real negative, but overall, enjoyable.

Reassemblage
(1982/Trinh)
An interesting experimental documentary, where the subjects of the film (the people of Senegal), are just as important to the overall mix as the filmmakers themselves. Not only a commentary on documentary filmmaking, but also just on the way we as humans look at different cultures and strange objects. This film, having been directed by a woman, also seems to have some sort of message about the female presence in the Senegal culture, although this was a little bit unclear. Technically, Trinh's rapid fire editing was enjoyable, but her choices in audio mixing seemed a bit odd at times.

Lapis
(1966/Whitney)
Momentum
(1969/Belson)
While I'm so glad to have finally moved into the avant garde section of my film course, I was not blown away by these first two selections. Yes, they both effectively dive headfirst into the idea of cinematic purism we've been discussing; producing something that can only be created on film, and yes, they are both visually and mentally stimulating despite the near-complete lack of any explanation, but I feel as though personally, I will most likely have trouble ever considering avant garde films independently from my preconceptions derived from the ending to 2001, along with various Windows screensavers and Media Player displays. Original for their era, but perhaps cheapened by the passage of time.

La Dolce Vita
(1960/Fellini)
Great black and white cinematography, great performance by Mastroianni, some interesting ideas tossed around by Fellini. Despite the many notable positive aspects here, the overwhelming redundancy and sprawling length of the film are stifling. The last 15 minutes were great, showing some similarities to 8 1/2, but it was too little too late here. And why is it that if you listen to the dialogue and watch the actor's move, they never sync up? Mildly annoying. Still very interested in seeing more Fellini though.

A Trip to the Moon
(1902/Melies)
Really liked the set construction, as well as the primitive special effects.

Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat
(1895/Lumiere)
Glad I finally thought to look this up online. Anyone know of other classic shorts I might find on youtube?

Wild at Heart
(1990/Lynch)
Decent. Could've used more Willem Dafoe.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/06 09:35 PM

The King of Comedy
(1983/Scorsese)
Very enjoyable. Well made film with consistent undertones of humor and peculiarity. Scorsese and DeNiro craft yet another dynamic character study. Really enjoyed the little news montage at the end, very un-Scorsese, but very good.

It's Not Just You, Murray!
(1964/Scorsese)
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 12:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by afsaneh77:
Makhmalbaf's work is not very popular here. The best popular movie from Iranian cinema that I can recommend and I think you might like it is [b]Rang-e khoda/Colour of God by Majid Majidi. This picture is very beautiful and touching. Let me know if you get around to watch it. [/b]
Are Kiarostami and Panahi in the same boat as Makhmalbaf as far as a lack of popularity?
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 01:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
[quote]Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
[b] Irish, have you given up on Dekalog?

Mick
I was just going to post about that before reading this. Yes I have. I watched the first disc (3 episodes) and I got the 2nd disc through Blockbuster Online on Monday but sent it right back out because I wasn't in the mood to watch it. Maybe one day I'll continue it but as of now I doubt it. The first episode was good but 2 & 3 just didn't do it for me [/b][/quote]Irishman12, have you decided to revisit the Decalogue yet? I know this post is ancient, but I was browsing.

Anyway, in my opinion, not every Decalogue episode is a masterpiece. For me the flaws (not failures) are Decalogue 3 and 7. Whereas Decalogue 4 is an interesting failure.

With that said, Decalogue 5 is without a doubt a masterpiece, but not an easy viewing. In fact, the whole series is not an easy viewing because it depicts difficult situations that dramatize the harsh realities of the human condition. Decalogue 8 has an interesting premise and succeeds.

So, I'd say jump ahead to the 3rd disc and watch Decalogue 10. It's a tremendous black comedy. That should be a good way to get back into it. Then maybe follow it with:

Episode 6, 9, 8, then save the best for last (Episode 5). Or, 10, 5, 6, 9, 8.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 04:56 AM

No, I haven't watched them since

Friday the 13th: Part 2 **
(Nth Viewing)

Yet another movie I got to see on the big screen, on Friday the 13th no less
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 06:35 AM

Monster House * 1/2
(First Viewing)

This movie almost looked interesting enough for me to check out in theaters. Luckily I didn't because I didn't hardly enjoy it
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 11:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I wanted to ask if anyone here has seen Il Conformista, also known as The Conformist. Ive read that its pretty good, I liked the general concept, and Im pretty interested in seeing it, but the chances of that happening without me signing up for Netflix seem like next to nothing.

Anyone seen it?
MMTH,

The extended version is being released this December.

About the movie, I don't know if you haven't seen it yet (I'm going through this thread page by page), but it has the reputation of being possibly the perfectly shot film. Vittorio Storaro's career is legendary as is this film.

If someone were to ask a cinematographer to show them how film is an art, "Conformist" would be one of them.

TCM has shown in twice w/i the last year.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 12:40 PM

That's funny because I just saw The Conformist 2 days ago. I loved it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 02:31 PM

What consitutes a "perfectly shot film" as opposed to, say, an "incredibly shot film"?

DVC, I rented Masculin féminin and Vivre sa vie on the same day, and watched them in immediate succession. Since I don't own them (yet), I was unable to revisit them when I recently re-explored Godard's work. All I remember, of both films, is liking them very very much. My database entry for Vivre sa vie reads:

"As the opening title explains, this is a film told in twelve scenes; every shot, in its rejection of basic cinematic rules, constantly reminds the viewer who is behind the camera, and the narrative dances along with building momentum until the Monogram B Picture finale."
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 03:23 PM

The Conformist is an excellent film. The ending was frightening.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 04:30 PM

Nacho Libre ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 04:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
What consitutes a "perfectly shot film" as opposed to, say, an "incredibly shot film"?

DVC, I rented Masculin féminin and Vivre sa vie on the same day, and watched them in immediate succession. Since I don't own them (yet), I was unable to revisit them when I recently re-explored Godard's work. All I remember, of both films, is liking them very very much. My database entry for Vivre sa vie reads:

"As the opening title explains, this is a film told in twelve scenes; every shot, in its rejection of basic cinematic rules, constantly reminds the viewer who is behind the camera, and the narrative dances along with building momentum until the Monogram B Picture finale."
Cool, thanks.

I think Vivre sa Vie, along with A Short Film About Killing, are the ultimate "show, don't tell" films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 07:21 PM

Mission:Impossible III ***
(First Viewing)

Definitely the best of the trilogy. Philip Seymour Hoffman was on top of his game with this performance!
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/06 11:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
What consitutes a "perfectly shot film" as opposed to, say, an "incredibly shot film"?

All I remember, of both films, is liking them very very much. My database entry for Vivre sa vie reads:

"As the opening title explains, this is a film told in twelve scenes; every shot, in its rejection of basic cinematic rules, constantly reminds the viewer who is behind the camera, and the narrative dances along with building momentum until the Monogram B Picture finale."
Capo,

"Perfectly" is an adjective I've seen used by other cinematographers to describe Storaro's work in the film.

Doesn't Godard shoot one of the scenes in "Vivre Sa Vie" in shot/reverse shot albeit not in typical analytic editing? Godard in the film shoots each scene differently and thus giving us a survey of different cinematic techniques moreso than breaking them - shows the endless possibilities on how to stage a scene. In the process, he strays from norms and "breaks rules."
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/06 12:40 AM

I have yet to see The Conformist, but it should be coming very soon. Would I lose anything by missing out on the extended cut?

Don't Look Now
(1973/Roeg)
Some interesting cross-cutting techniques and a fantastic ending can't quite save an otherwise frustratingly mediocre film.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/06 05:27 AM

The Departed
(2006/Scorsese)
2nd viewings are always more satisfying. Really enjoyed Nicholson and Baldwin's performances, Scorsese's humor shined through more, and his directing techniques are the best we've seen in years. Yes, it's a bit long, but there are no long sections that drag, and the ending more than makes up for it. A masterful film for my favorite director, perhaps his 5th or 6th best. And he's one of the few directors where that's actually saying something. See it, see it, see it, if you have not. After how long I'd been waiting for this film, it is just so satisfying.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/06 05:30 AM

2 stars for such an enthusiastic review?

Or am I reading things wrong?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/06 05:31 AM

I realized my mistake a second before you had.

Edited.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/06 06:15 AM

Cool, and I guess if I compare my ratings with yours...I think we're in the same rating range.

More and more, I am certain that Scorsese will win the Best Director Oscar in Febuary. FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS isn't the critical orgy that the overrated MILLION DOLLAR BABY is, and with 2 Oscars to his belt, Eastwood lacks luster for 2006.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/06 06:25 AM

I'm just pulling for this and United 93 when Oscar season rolls around.

Did you ever end up seeing that?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/06 07:04 AM

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift **
(First Viewing)

Not as painfull as I imagined (that was left to 2 Fast 2 Furious) but this trilogy is nothing to "ride" home about (suspect_5) :p
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/06 09:48 PM

The New Guy
(2002/Decter)
Decent comedy. Eddie Griffin's the man, and the O'Connell Brother's cameo was great.

The Last American Virgin
(1982/Davidson)
Nice little 80's high school flick, with an awkward moment here and there due to some exaggerated sexual antics, but overall, good. Although the suprisingly sad ending kinda comes out of left field.

Some Kind of Wonderful
(1987/Deutch)
It may have been directed by Howard Deutch, but you can tell good old John Hughes is a major force here (he wrote and produced). It was interesting to see Eric Stoltz in one of the only other films I've seen him in aside from Pulp Fiction, as he plays a drastically different character here. Compared to all the other teenage-aimed films that we've watched in my class, this one just rings so much truer, whether it be dialogue or the situations or the emotions, you can just tell there's a master of the genre behind the wheel. Hughes and Deutch also teamed up for 1986's Pretty in Pink, so I'll have to check that out sometime soon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/06 03:16 AM

An American Haunting *
(First Viewing)

Horribly bad, slow and repetitive movie
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/06 03:19 AM

Are you a Some Kind of Wonderful fan Irish?

It was my first real "Leah Thompson is hot" movie, and I know how much you like her.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/06 03:27 AM

Yeah I am a fan. My 3 favorite Lea Thompson movies are probably Back to the Future, Back to the Future Part II and Some Kind of Wonderful
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/06 06:29 AM

The Break-Up ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Definitely funnier the second time around. Vince Vaughn is one of my favorite comedians alive today
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/06 06:49 AM

Final Destination ***
(Second Viewing)

I LOVED this, the first time -- but I think the "shock value" is pretty much gone after seeing it once already. Once you know when things are gonna happen, it takes a lot away from it. If you're gonna see it for the first time, then grab an arm! But after that, it's just neat to pause and go frame-by-frame -- and to watch the xtras -- to see how they did it...

If you've never seen it: Watch it NOW!!!!

But if you have already, wait a couple years...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/06 07:49 AM

REDS (1981) - ****1/2 (Third Viewing)

I wrote my lengthy and incoherent review months back, which you can still find in the archives.

As perks with my new job, I get free shit...and I got the new REDS DVD as part of the gig.

With the nicely, and refreshingly remastered transfer, I forgot how beyond the performances and, unbelievably, Beatty's docu-drama narrative, its DP Vittorio Storaro that made this fucker work. When watching his work on the Russian Revolution, the snows of Finland, the sands of Africa, and the buorgeosis of the NYC intelligentsia of the turn of the century.....he so deserved the Cinematography Oscar. To think, he claims that he shot more feet of footage for REDS than he did for his other "epic" movie, APOCALYPSE NOW.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/06 09:24 AM

Midnight in the garden of good and evil (1997), directed by Clint Eastwood.

A film noir set in the Deep South. Mysterious, gothic, humorous. The final scene is absolutely impressive. Excellent performances by Kevin Spacey and John Cusak. Jude Law's final grin (or was it supposed to be a smile?) is chilling.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/06 01:12 AM

I've just seen Aldrich's Kiss Me Deadly on the big screen. I'd expect Turnbull and SC to have seen it. Maybe others. Any thoughts?

Mine:

Fifties noir, but not; you can't help but look a little puzzled when it all turns a bit sci-fi, or even sigh (or smile) once you realise the narrative, with all its new faces and false leads, is going nowhere. Shot in absolutely hypnotic black-and-white, and played straight by Ralph Meeker as the hero, it is a bleak, though not humourless, piece of work, and a very enjoyable one.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/06 03:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by J Geoff:
[b]Final Destination ***
(Second Viewing)

[/b]
I liked it. My friend says that part 2 is full of gory stuff. I don't mind gore, but it has to be meaningful, not stuffed in just for the sake of it. Anyway, have you seen it? Is it any good?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/06 03:21 AM

I really liked Final Desitination too. I only saw it this past year, not really knowing much about the movie, but was entertained (and surprised) throughout the film. Loved the ending.


TIS
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/06 07:50 PM

It's great to get to see one of your favourite films on the big screen, on actual film.

Saw Singin' in the Rain today. Golly. What a masterpiece. And tomorrow I have a dilemma: to watch Citizen Kane on the big screen, or The Godfather.
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/06 08:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
And tomorrow I have a dilemma: to watch Citizen Kane on the big screen, or The Godfather.
Hmmm. Steak or lobster.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/06 08:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra:
It's great to get to see one of your favourite films on the big screen, on actual film.

Saw Singin' in the Rain today. Golly. What a masterpiece. And tomorrow I have a dilemma: to watch Citizen Kane on the big screen, or The Godfather.
I am not so sure this applies to all kinds of movies. I recently saw Godfather and Shawshank, two of my favorites on a relatively big screen (my school theater has something like 8' x 8' screen). But I didn't feel anything special compared to wathing them on my laptop. Maybe movies that depend mainly upon visual/audio special effects will make a difference. BTW, this week they are screening A Clockwork Orange in my school, another of my favorites
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/06 08:50 PM

But what I mean by big screen, is an actual film print projected onto a big screen. No TV.

Just as a live performance is the best way to judge a musician by, a big screen viewing is the best way to judge a film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/06 10:16 PM

Well, in the spring, FULL METAL JACKET print was screened at my school, and yeah....a Kubrick Masterpiece all the way.

Interestingly, the big print we've got for the spring to play at the theatre screen, and it WILL kick so much ass:

SCARFACE!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/06 01:43 AM

The Life and Death of 9413, a Hollywood Extra
(1928/Florey & Vorkapich)
Interesting silent short, telling the story of a man who comes to Hollywood to find fame and fortune but instead finds nothing but failure and despair, and he seems to descend into psychosis and depression. The setting is depicted here in hellish shadows and stark lighting contrasts courtesy of Citizen Kane's Gregg Toland. Add in some primitive, frantic hand-held sequences and the film produces a wonderfully terrifying sense of futility and dehuminization for our main character. In an early scene, he is branded across the forehead with the number 9413, signifying his worthlessness among the masses of Hollywood hopefuls, and it is only upon his eventual death and ascension to Heaven that he is freed from his worldly confines and his enthusiastic smile returns.

The Fall of the House of Usher
(1928/Watson & Webber)
Foreboding and indistinct, nothing clear is really transmitted here, although you know that's how the directors wanted it.

Fuji
(1974/Breer)
Really enjoyable short, mixing quick cutting camera work containing fleeting a sense of nostalgia, with simplistic stop motion animation, all focusing on the ominous Mount Fuji as it passes by through a train window. The only soundtrack is the coming and going sounds of the train over a rickety track. It all adds up to form what seems like a glimpse of someone's distant memories projected onto the screen. Great little piece of work.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/06 08:12 AM

Dazed and Confused
(1993/Linklater)
Fantastic. I love how Linklater's films are all so different.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/06 05:18 PM

Mothlight
(1963/Brakhage)
A "found foliage" film composed of insects, leaves, and other detritus sandwiched between two strips of perforated tape.
Interesting experiment in expanding the parameters of what is considered cinema. Personally, I saw it as a comment of sorts on the invisible hyperactivity in nature, that what may appear soft and slow and gentle, at its micro-levels, is hectic and rapid-fire. We viewed Window Water Baby Moving after this, which is just a silent film showing the birth of Brakhage's daughter, but I couldn't quite bring myself to watch.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/06 11:28 PM

Fast Times at Ridgemont High
(1982/Heckerling)
Fun little movie, didn't really live up to my expectations though. Could've used more Sean Penn, and less on the cliched Jennifer Jason Leigh storyline. Overall, enjoyable. And why is this the only film I've ever seen with a Led Zeppelin song in it?
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/06 11:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Irishman12:
Trying to get more in samurai and Japanese movies, and this was one of the few that was available. I also plan on seeing Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo, Sanjuro. I recently saw Samurai Rebellion and was disappointed some with the story but the directing was fantastic. I currently have Kill! and Samurai Spy that I'd like to see
"Harakiri" (Masaki Kobayashi) is highly recommended. "Sword of Doom" (Kihachi Okamoto) also.

Since majority of people visiting these boards like crime/gangster films, I bring up "Yakuza Papers" (Kinji Fukasaku). Pulpy, extremely-stylized, absurd, funny, violent, break-neck, etc. See:

http://www.image-entertainment.com/detail.cfm?productID=32100
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/06 12:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MistaMista Tom Hagen:
I have yet to see The Conformist, but it should be coming very soon. Would I lose anything by missing out on the extended cut?
MMTH,

I did a little browsing around and it seems some sources mistakenly referred to the upcoming Conformist DVD as extended rather than special edition. According to IMDB, there's a cut that is 5 minutes longer. I suspect that the extended notion comes from the 5-hour cut DVD of Bertolucci's other masterpiece "1900" to be released on the same day (shot once again by the master Storaro).
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/06 02:51 AM

One From The Heart (FF Coppola, 1982)
5/5 rating
1st viewing
*Notes on my rating rationale after brief review

Frannie (Teri Garr) and Hank (Frederic Forrest) are a couple, who upon celebrating their anniversary, realize something essential to their relationship and themselves.

The plot and story are simple, but its expression and dramatization are anything but. Coppola chooses to depict love in its most popular form - young love and fairy tale conception (naive, ideal, passionate); thus, criticisms of thin character depiction aren't suitable because it is obvious Coppola was not concerned with deep probing of the human condition like in his other films. Coppola viewed it as the complete opposite to "Apocalypse Now" in terms of mood and treatment.

One of the best 80's American films yet virtually unseen, Coppola's innovative and daring musical that is entirely cinematic despite its fusion of two arts/mediums - theatre and cinema. Unfairly maligned because of its finances and industrial goals (it was pulled after only a week theatre-run), it is an intoxicating revisionist musical - its songs dominantly narrate via the Tom Waits musical score rather than plot (i.e. characters breaking into song and dance in scenes). It is not a musical in the vein of "Sound Of Music," "Singing In The Rain," or "Grease."

Wonderfully touching and hilarious performances from the leads and supporting roles (Harry Dean Stanton in a perm!, Nastassia Kinski, Raul Julia).

Few films have amazed me with such wonder and magic: Coppola brilliantly fuses theatre stagecraft with cinematic techniques; the legendary Vittorio Storaro bathes scenes in light and color; Dean Tavoularis remarkably constructs Las Vegas; and the Tom Waits score is infectious.

Highly recommended.

The 5/5 rating is based on my reaction to the film. I do not compare it to other 5/5 films and adjust accordingly. Nor does it mean I think it is flawless. I think masterpieces can have flaws and good movies can be flawless.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/06 04:03 AM

Batman Robin No stars.

Joel Schumacher is the devil. Arnold Schwarznegger is horribly miscast, campy, corny, gross, terrible. Clooney is an ok (to put it nicely) Bruce Wayne, and a horrid Batman. The only half way decent part of this piece of trash was Michael Gough.

Thank you so much, Christopher Nolan.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/06 04:56 AM

Slither **
(First Viewing)

A horrible B movie that pokes fun at these "invasion/alien" movies. Pretty funny stuff but overall pretty forgettable.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/06 09:26 PM

First post on the new boards.

American Beauty
(1999/Mendes)

Pump Up the Volume
(1990/Moyle)
Posted By: Mike Sullivan

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/06 05:31 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Well, in the spring, FULL METAL JACKET print was screened at my school, and yeah....a Kubrick Masterpiece all the way.

Interestingly, the big print we've got for the spring to play at the theatre screen, and it WILL kick so much ass:

SCARFACE!

Been there... done that... and Joe, leme tell ya: it's a hell of an experiance. Not as mind blowing as saw "Lawerence of Arabia" or "2001: a space odyssey", but a great ride nevertheless.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/06 06:54 AM

Soylent Green * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Pretty horrible Charlton Heston movie
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/06 06:56 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Well, in the spring, FULL METAL JACKET print was screened at my school, and yeah....a Kubrick Masterpiece all the way.

Interestingly, the big print we've got for the spring to play at the theatre screen, and it WILL kick so much ass:

SCARFACE!


Enjoy, the most I've ever enjoyed watching Scarface was a couple of years ago at a theater in Austin called The Paramount
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/06 11:40 AM

The house of mirth (GB, 2000)
directed by Terence Davies

A most refined drama in the style of my beloved Visconti and Ivory, based on a novel by Edith Wharton. Along with Scorsese's The Age of Innocence (Wharton again) and Iain Softley's The Wings of the Dove, it is a must see for anyone who cares about period dramas, showing the hypocrisies of a wealthy society where women were nothing without a rich man by their side. Gillian Anderson, the popular Scully in the X-files series, is astonishingly good in the leading role. Alessandro Marcello's Oboe Concerto in D Minor (Slow Movement) is a most fitting soundtrack for such a story.

Highly recommended to the ones who don't give a damn for action.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/06 10:18 PM

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning ***
(First Viewing)

I really enjoyed this and I daresay it was better than the 2003 remake Texas Chainsaw Massacre with Jessica Biel. Some pretty strong images in this movie that was a bit surprising with what they were able to get away with.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 01:38 AM

The Bourne Identity **
(Second Viewing)

Hopefully the sequel is better. It didn't do it for me either time. Never saw this movie as "great." It's not terrible but it's nothing to ride home about.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 02:23 AM

The Prestige
(2006/Nolan)
One of the better films of the year thus far, although the remaining two months look daunting. Jackman and Bale are excellent, once you get over their somewhat awkward accents, and the surprise appearance from David Bowie was fantastic. Perhaps too convoluted at times, although I'm sure this turns into a sense beautiful complexity upon further rewatches. The problem with the story here was that although I didn't always understand how they got there, I always seemed to know where things were going to end up. What I'm trying to say while the twists themselves weren't shocking revelations, it was still fun to watch the Nolans work their way there.

Omar's right about the period detail here, in a notably different approach than that taken by The Illusionist's Neil Burger. Where Burger seemingly opted to acknowledge the fact that he was making a period piece film, playing around with different cinematographic lighting schemes and whatnot, Nolan seemed to go for dead-on realism. At this point, I'm not completely sure which I preferred.

I was surprised to find that I've actually seen all of Nolan's films from Following onwards. While I find his body of work thus far somewhat uneven, from the potential 4-star film, Memento, to the seemingly vastly overrated Batman Begins, I'm personally impressed with his films, the ideas he brings to the table, his cinematic techniques, and just in general, his potential to become a truly legendary directing talent of this generation or perhaps the next. I'm sure mostly all here will be going to see this film, but I'll give another recommendation for it anyway.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 03:31 AM

The TCM prequel was hardcore?

Clearly no one has seen TCM 2 by Tobe fuckin Hopper. Best part? None of that artificially silly "pretty" look that Ridley Scott would take a shit on.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 05:23 AM

Saw ***
(Fourth Viewing)

Gearing up for numero 3 later this week
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 06:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Bourne Identity **
(Second Viewing)

Hopefully the sequel is better. It didn't do it for me either time. Never saw this movie as "great." It's not terrible but it's nothing to ride home about.


You see Irish.....IMO that movie is in the top ten list of last decade....
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 07:17 AM

THE BOURNE IDENTITY is a pretty entertaining spy thriller that unlike the BOND franchise in the last decade, seems to be relevant to the geo-political and mood of our times.

While Liman, known mostly for small indie-minded fare, does a man's job with action, its the sequel BOURNE SUPREMACY that is even more tuned in with the post-9/11...with Greengrass delivering an even more action-potent picture of a sequel.

Considering that trilogies usually get fucked in the 3rd part (X3 anyone? ), I have reserved optimism for BOURNE ULTIMATUM...but, it should be good. Mind you, SHOULD is the magic word!

Just imagine....Pitt was supposed to do that movie instead of Damon, but an injury and scheduling got him off the flick. Talk about a whole other movie....

THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) - ***1/2
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (2004) - ****
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 07:23 AM

Foxy Brown ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A pretty darn good Pam Grier movie that was more enjoyable than Coffy
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 07:24 AM

Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Bourne Identity **
(Second Viewing)

Hopefully the sequel is better. It didn't do it for me either time. Never saw this movie as "great." It's not terrible but it's nothing to ride home about.


You see Irish.....IMO that movie is in the top ten list of last decade....


Well that's your opinion. IMO the movie wasn't that good
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 07:25 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
THE BOURNE IDENTITY is a pretty entertaining spy thriller that unlike the BOND franchise in the last decade, seems to be relevant to the geo-political and mood of our times.

While Liman, known mostly for small indie-minded fare, does a man's job with action, its the sequel BOURNE SUPREMACY that is even more tuned in with the post-9/11...with Greengrass delivering an even more action-potent picture of a sequel.

Considering that trilogies usually get fucked in the 3rd part (X3 anyone? ), I have reserved optimism for BOURNE ULTIMATUM...but, it should be good. Mind you, SHOULD is the magic word!

Just imagine....Pitt was supposed to do that movie instead of Damon, but an injury and scheduling got him off the flick. Talk about a whole other movie....

THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) - ***1/2
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (2004) - ****


I love films by Liman and Greengrass seperately but have little interest in seeing these. Although you've put in a good word.
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 02:03 PM

Marie Antoinette did not entirely suck, and it had its moments. Main reason I went to see it is because Sofia Coppola directed it, and while I would not tell people to rush out and see it, I would recommend it on DVD.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/06 06:04 PM

Meshes of the Afternoon
(1943/Deren)
Very interesting short. Deren moves gracefully around a villa, seeing a haunting man with a mirror for a face, keys and knives dissappearing and switching, and eventually, clones of herself. In the end, she is awoken from what seemed like a dream by a gentle male figure, but upon the sudden arrival of the knife from the dream, she stabs him in the forehead, shattering his cranium to reveal a beach and an ocean inside. In the end, we find that the film was perhaps a pictoriliazation of the dying woman's thoughts, as the male figure from earlier enters her appartment to find her dead from an apparent suicide.


A Study in Choreography for the Camera
(1945/Deren)
A silent short in which we watch a slow-moving dancer moving in and out of several different settings as he dances. Less entertaining than the former film, could've used some music.


Scorpio Rising
(1963/Anger)
Perhaps the best short film I've ever seen. Anger mixes varying motifs, from religion to masculine idealism, to nazism, to homosexuality, all wrapped up in colorful, fast-paced but visually detailed film with no dialogue but a fantastic late 50's soundtrack. While it was somewhat dissappointing to see the vague homosexual undertones that were established in the first half descend into an orgy around the midpoint of the film, the scenes and montages that proceeded to wrap the piece up redeemed it. What begins as a nostalgic look at the age of Marlon Brando films, leather jackets, and cigarettes, eventually morphs into what appeared to be a comment on societal views of gay organizations and ideals. Another key element of the film seems to be the "live fast, die young" idea, with the sporadic appearances of a grim reaper, a noose, and newspaper articles about motorcycle accident deaths forming a morbid picture of the youth's future. And the somber ending bathes a fallen biker in the red flashes of an ambulance siren. Overall, a complex, sometimes disturbing, consistently fascinating film.


Kustom Kar Kommandos
(1964/Anger)
Supposedly originally conceived as a companion piece to Scorpion Rising, Anger ran out of of money so it was instead released a simple 2 minute video of a greaser buffing his custom car and then driving it away to a slow song from the 60's. The only real point of interest here is odd KKK reference in the title.


Rabbit's Moon
(1972/Anger)
We watch as a man dressed as a white rabbit jumps around the forest which is bathed in blue light. He is obsessed with the moon, and is visited by a demonic clown and a beautiful woman as he is engulfed in the moon's gaze. Anger utilizes good music again, but the meaning or quality of this short is otherwise lost on me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/06 05:10 AM

Barbarella ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

What a horribly great movie
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/06 07:59 AM

Saw II ***
(Third Viewing)
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/06 05:45 PM

Watching Primal Fear on TV. Ed Norton was so great in this movie. Otherwise, it's so-so. The book was better.
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/06 05:58 PM

I watched Scent Of a Woman. I love that movie. Whoo-ah! Al really makes you think he is blind.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/06 06:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Watching Primal Fear on TV. Ed Norton was so great in this movie. Otherwise, it's so-so. The book was better.


I agree the book was better, as most usually are. But I liked this movie and Edward Norton was awesome as Aaron Stampler. I wished the movie would have ended exactly as the book ended. The other movie I really liked Norton in was Red Dragon.

SB - did you read the other books in this storyline by William Diehl?
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/06 07:52 PM

Goombah, I did read the whole trilogy. The first two were good, the third was just meh. I was sorry that the movie didn't include Aaron's background in Crikside, especially his relationship with his teacher.

And I agree, loved Ed Norton in Red Dragon.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/06 11:04 PM

Why do people watch films?

And do they watch them?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 02:23 AM

MAJOR LEAGUE II (1994) - **

Sequels in Hollywood tend to be formulaic, or subconciously are remakes. LETHAL WEAPON, DIE HARD, etc.

When the efforts are good, we forget this fact. When they aren't, what happens is we get piss-poor "remakes" of the same story, which then are sold off as "sequels". In a way, its like the Russian mob selling simple whole-grain alcohol as "genuine" vodka in some liquor stores.

Once again, Charlie Sheen has control problems. Berenger struts his veteran knowledge. Hayes can't hit worth a damn. We've seen this before, and things don't improve. We get new "wacky" guys that are molded into winners, from a Japanese player who's mostly used for lame subtitle/lost in translation jokes, to a catcher who can't throw the ball around the diamond. Whatever.

Thing is, logic is tossed out of the game. How does a player that, while accumilated a decent stash of money but still having to play to pay the bills, suddenly get, oh over $50 million(and if the film was made now, it would be over 100 million) to buy a baseball club...then lose it?

Then again, nobody involved seemed to give a shit about this movie. This was the time when Sheen's once-promising movie career was spiraling into simply the movies he made inbetween drug arrests and hooker scandals. Tom Berenger was very close in his career transformation of direct to DVD fare. At least Dennis Haysbert got elected President on TV.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 02:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Why do people watch films?

And do they watch them?


I really wish you were in my film class. You'd love it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 02:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Why do people watch films?

And do they watch them?

Why?
Because film is primarily a visual medium.

We do merely watch it as long as we do not connect to it. For example, if I watch a program on leopards in Africa, most likely I am just watching it. Nothing more. On the other hand a film having intersting characters very quickly makes me forget that I am watching something and I start experiencing something and get involved.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 03:58 AM

But characters aren't specific to Cinema.

You can find characters in a novel, on stage, in a play, and so on. I am becoming more and more obsessed, invested entirely in the image. In style, in excess, in authorship and visual composition. My interest in Character is only in relation to how it might be cinematically evoked.
---
Anyway, I've seen five films in the past two days, four of which were on the big screen:

Rebecca (1940/Hitchcock): Suffocatingly constructed "woman's picture", full of feminine aspirations to be desired by the male, who here, played by Laurence Olivier, is a welcome contrast to the infuriating (and effective) Joan Fontaine. The final half-hour or so opens up into a murder mystery we care little about, and the ambiguities hitherto maintained are lost. [A shoddy bfi print upset the rhythm.]

Children of Men (2006/Cuarón): 2nd time, I wanted to catch it again before it disappears from cinemas. Outstandingly-shot film, full of breathtaking sequences, using long takes and a hand-held, fiercely independent and roaming camera which restricts our view but enhances the immediacy of many incredibly complicated settings. The most impressive of these are the rebel attack on a car full of people, with the camera rotating three-sixty degress inside the car, before alighting and ending up left to observe two dead policemen as the car speeds off; the giving birth of a child in some worn-out, secluded safe house, with the very near threat of war and manic dogs outside; and the moving to different levels via a stairwell in a building at the heart of the fierce battle, with the relentless cry of a baby which, by the end of the shot, has silenced the guns and brought calm to a scene of devastation. It's genuinely thrilling, with a believable grittiness rarely seenin sci-fi. Best film so far this year.

Sky Captain and the World Tomorrow (2004/Conran): It might be easy to defend this film as a) experimental, b) an interesting failure, or c) visually fantastic. We probably shouldn't ignore the fundamental innovations of blue-screen, but just because it's new and experimental doesn’t mean it is by default any good; the acting is atrocious, often painful to watch, with nobody interacting with their CGI surroundings. Sound design is very flat, and it doesn't even look all that nice.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944/Minnelli): Piercingly colourful musical, which, if it suddenly becomes preachy in its nostalgia and family moralsin its final quarter, is delightful from beginning to end due to some wonderful performances and a sharp, often dark script. The younger children, sweet, innocent and imaginative, are all obsessed with murder and death, whilst the older daughters, including Judy Garland, are interested solely in impressing the men in town. The narrative, divided into four seasons in a year - three of which constitute a single night - gives a real sense of depth to these characters without ever becoming detached; Minnelli only cuts when he has to. Certainly purged away the pain caused by Sky Captain.

And I also rewatched Godard's Weekend (1967) on DVD; probably my favourite film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 06:07 AM

Shaft (1971) *
(First Viewing)

Thank goodness this nightmare is over. This was suppose to be such an "important" movie that I couldn't wait for it to be over with
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 06:14 AM

MAJOR LEAGUE 3: BACK TO THE MINORS (1998) - * - BOMB

God, this movie sucked.

If #2 defied some logic in the minds of the audience in order to recreate the same movie that #1 was....

#3 outright makes a universe that only the Bush Administration would gladly call home.

The shit that the filmmakers had to gaul to try to pass through us is incredible. Let's see...

*Somehow, despite being another franchise, and supposedly brand new faces, that being a minor league club instead of the Cleveland Indians...somehow the manager, Scott Quantum friggin Leap Bakula, meets up with Dennis Haysbert and that Japanese dude from the 2nd movie, with both now happy to play minor league ball. Huh?

*Dorn has gone from being a guy with some cash in #1, enough cash to own a franchise, only to lose it in #2, and now enough to have bought ANOTHER team, the Twins. ?

*Ted McGinnis...hasn't he appeared in a movie/TV show that hasn't failed?

*Poor Bob Urkel, now knocked from the major leagues to that of a lowly minor league baseball broadcaster.

*Ok, so Bakula is able to have an exhibition game, in the middle of the minor league season, against a major league club in the middle of its season...and why? How?

*When people in a restaurant, in Minneapolis, openly root for a minor league club to beat their local MLB franchise....really, you think average people, much less the media, give a flying fuck about a minor league team, much less one going against a MLB club that's apparently super losers themselves? You think people would give a fuck if the Royals played their AAA affiliation?

*Worse yet, a rematch that...fuck this shit.

P.S. - I originally gave the movie a *1/2, but because the nonsense pissed me off so much, it got bumped to a total loser.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 07:20 AM

Quote:
Shaft... This was suppose to be such an "important" movie that I couldn't wait for it to be over with
What constitutes an "important" film?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 07:43 AM

Shaft is an icon of 70's cool. When you think of blacksploitation films, Shaft tends to be high on the list and I just don't feel this movie lived up to the hype.

Zatoichi, Episode 2: The Tale of Zatoichi Continues ** 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 01:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Shaft is an icon of 70's cool. When you think of blacksploitation films, Shaft tends to be high on the list and I just don't feel this movie lived up to the hype.
High on the list of what?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 03:43 PM

Good/important blaxploitation films.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 04:32 PM

But what makes a blaxploitation film important?
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 05:17 PM

Oh you, everytime I think you might just be confused, you're being philosophical.

"Blaxploitation films starred primarily black actors, and were the first to feature soundtracks of funk and soul music. Although criticized by civil rights groups for their use of stereotypes, they addressed the great and newfound demand for Afrocentric entertainment, and were immensely popular among black audiences. The blaxploitation genre officially began in 1969 with the release of Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. This film is also noteworthy in that it was written, directed, produced, and funded by Melvin Van Peebles, an African American. This remained the premise of the early blaxploitation films: film by, for, and about black people."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 05:52 PM

What makes Citizen Kane so important than Capo?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 06:27 PM

The films I find "important" are ones I establish a personal connection with. Films that are important to me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 07:20 PM

I can agree with that DVC. My comment about Shaft was that I felt it was (and still is possibly) a very important film in the African-American community.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/06 11:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
What makes Citizen Kane so important than Capo?
I know you mean that question in jest, but to establish where my own questions were hinting at, I'll offer a serious answer:

I find Citizen Kane important because, when I watch it, I want to make films.
Posted By: Luca Brasi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/06 12:29 AM

Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Watching Primal Fear on TV. Ed Norton was so great in this movie. Otherwise, it's so-so. The book was better.


I saw that on tv yesterday afternoon. Ed Norton is a fantastic actor. I haven't read the book so I'm not familiar with the different ending...though I thought the ending to the movie was good.

He was good in Red Dragon but I liked his acting better in Primal Fear. If you liked him in that you'll love him in The Score opposite Robert De Niro, his talent is beyond belief in that movie.
Posted By: Ryan Taylor

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/06 01:07 AM

Flags of our Fathers - ****/4
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/06 07:01 AM

The Bourne Supremacy **
(First Viewing)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/06 08:20 AM

The Life & Times of Irishman (2006) - **
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/27/06 01:14 PM

Hmm, never heard of that one ronnie. Who stars in it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 12:41 AM

THE LIFE & TIMES OF IRISHMAN (2006) - **

Acclaimed writer/director/editor/composer/producer Richard "Dick" Hed wants to tell us a self-glamorized story about a guy that after going to a nice college, and after graduation, working his movie tastes out at a homely Blockbuster workplace. Hed wants us to experience an uplifting story about a film buff turned critic that attacked the elitism among movie critics, the snobbery of their self-perceived knowledge.

Dick Hed wants to give us a true movie hero that loved film, but not snob on the latest "crappy" blockbuster picture released by Hollywood.

Instead, Hed gives a shallow, illogical, and mediocre effort that much like the subject of his would-be epic drama, never explains exactly why this critic was a true rebel proletariat for folks on the "street". The protagonist supports THE FANTASTIC FOUR or X3 because he simply liked it, but Hed never bothers to explain why. One must have characters that, if they believe in an concept or idea that is rather stupid to everyone else, at least be understanding as to why they decide as they do.

In a way, Dick Hed is more clear as to why other critics of the protagonist's time and region of the internet are critics worth listening to. TomHagen is punchful and potent. Capo is intelligent and suave with his dash of his Euro-centric mental matrix. DonVercetti's love of music, an audio poetry, has a clear effect on his reviews. RRA is well, the smartest dumb guy that one always finds at those local liquor joints, smarter than the average yokel, but still a hopeless yokel.

Too bad Mr. Hed wasn't so illustrative of his "hero".
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 01:47 AM

That actually sounds like a pretty shitty movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 01:59 AM

Not shitty, but mediocre and really, a waste of time.

Thing is, I liked Dick Hed's previous work, so yeah I'm very disapointed.

P.S. - I still wonder what that raging Dick Hed's idea was in casting that hack of an actor Paul Walker in the lead. A pretty boy that a paper bag full of moth balls could appear more personal.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 02:15 AM

Hmm ronnie, I checked at work today and I didn't see that movie anywhere in our system. Has it been released in theaters yet or even DVD?

Rest Stop * 1/2
(First Viewing)

I want the 85 minutes of my life back. This is one of the reasons why I don't like low-budget movies because they're corny and have crappy writing
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 02:18 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
This is one of the reasons why I don't like low-budget movies because they're corny and have crappy writing


Great generalization there.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 06:17 AM

Totally Awesome **
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 08:07 PM

Saw III ** 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 08:14 PM

Saw III ** 41/80
(First Viewing)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/06 11:56 PM

Irish, even the low budget but great efforts of writer/director Dick Hed?

Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 12:01 AM

Dick Hed??? That's really his name?? LMAO



TIS
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 12:05 AM

Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Dick Hed??? That's really his name??


No silly. His real name is Richard Cranium.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 01:08 AM

You see, Richard Cranium changed his name to a pen name when he entered porn...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 06:31 AM

Little Man **
(Second Viewing)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 08:25 AM

John Tucker Must Die * 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 08:59 AM

Black Rain
(1989/Scott)
Perhaps one of the most visually brilliant films I've ever seen. When you combine the late 80's, with Ridley Scott, and Tokyo, it's a serious formula for success. The generic action movie plot doesn't help, and I'm not quite sure Michael Douglas can play the tough guy role, but overall, very enjoyable.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 03:42 PM

I watched all of these films yesterday:

À bout de souffle Breathless
Ace in the Hole
Adventures of Robin Hood, The
After Hours
Aladdin
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Alien
All Quiet on the Western Front
All the President's Men
American Graffiti
Amores perros Love's a Bitch
Amputee, The
Andrey Rublyov Andrei Rublev
Animal Crackers
Année dernière à Marienbad, L' Last Year at Marienbad
Annie Hall
Ansiktet The Face/The Magician
Apocalypse Now (and Apocalypse Now Redux)
Auch Zwerge haben klein angefangen Even Dwarfs Started Small
Badlands
Ballon rouge, Le The Red Balloon
Bambi
Bande à part Band of Outsiders
Barton Fink
Battaglia di Algeri, La The Battle of Algiers
Beauty and the Beast
Before Sunrise
Before Sunset
Ben-Hur
Berlin Horse
Big Sleep, The
Birds, The
Birth of a Nation, The
Bleeder
Blow Up
Boot, Das
Boucher, Le The Butcher
Bride of Frankenstein
Brighton Rock
Bringing Up Baby
Broken Flowers
Bronenosets Potyomkin Battleship Potemkin
Brown Bunny, The
Bullitt
Caché Hidden
Cape Fear
Casablanca
Chong qing sen lin Chungking Express
Cercle rouge, Le The Red Circle
Charme discret de la bourgeoisie, Le The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
Chinatown
Children of Men
Cinema Paradiso (and Cinema Paradiso - The Director's Cut)
Circus, The
Citizen Kane
City of God
Clockwork Orange, A
Closer
Color of Money, The
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Crossfire
Day of the Jackal, The
Dead of Night
Deer Hunter, The
Dekalog The Decalogue
Deliverance
Die Hard
Dinner Rush
Doctor No
Dr. Strangelove
Dogville
Dolce vita, La The Sweet Life
Don't Look Back
Double Indemnity
Du Rififi chez les hommes Rififi
Duck Amuck
Duck Soup
Duel
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Easy Rider
Easy Street
Elephant
Elephant Man, The
Elizabeth
Empire Strikes Back, The
Et Cetera
Être et avoir To Be and To Have
Eyes Wide Shut
Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain, Le Amelie
Fanny och Alexander Fanny and Alexander
Fantasia
Fargo
Fate Morgana Mirage
Femme est une Femme, Une A Woman is a Woman
Festen The Celebration
Finding Nemo
Finding Neverland
Fistful of Dollars, A
Fitzcarraldo
Five Easy Pieces
Fliegenden Ärzte von Ostafrika, Die The Flying Doctors of East Africa
Flora
Fly, The
For a Few Dollars More
Foreign Correspondent
Frankenstein
From Russia With Love
Full Metal Jacket
Funny Games
Gangs of New York
Garden State
General, The
Gerry
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
Gladiator
Godfather, The
Godfather Part II, The
Goldfinger
Gone with the Wind
Good Night, and Good Luck.
GoodFellas
Gosford Park
Graduate, The
Grapes of Wrath, The
Grease
Great Dictator, The
Great Escape, The
Great Race, The
Greed
Große Ekstase des Bildschnitzers Steiner, Die The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner
Groundhog Day
Hannah and Her Sisters
Happiness
Hauz aus Glas Heart of Glass
Heat
His Girl Friday
Horse Feathers
House of Games
How Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck
Hudsucker Proxy, The
Hustler, The
I am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang
Idioterne The Idiots
Ikiru Living/To Live
In Cold Blood
In the Bedroom
In the Heat of the Night
In the Mood For Love
Incredibles, The
Inherit the Wind
Insider, The
Insomnia
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Invisible Man, The
Irréversible Irreversible
Jeder für sich und Gott gegen alle Every Man For Himself and God Against All of Them/The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser
Jétee, La The Jetty / The Pier
Jules et Jim Jules and Jim
Julien Donkey-Boy
Kabinett des Dr. Caligari, Das The Cabinet of Dr Caligari
Kagemusha The Double/Shadow Warrior
Kárhozat Damnation
Killing Fields, The
Kes
Kid, The
King Kong
King Kong
King of Comedy, The
Kiss Me Deadly
Klute
Kongkabale King's Game
Krótki Film O Zabijaniu A Short Film About Killing
Kumonosu-jo Throne of Blood
LA Confidential
Lady Vanishes, The
Ladykillers, The
Lantana
Last Resort
Last Seduction, The
Laura
Lawrence of Arabia
Leonidestorm Leonid Shower
Letter from an Unknown Woman
Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The
Lion King, The
Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King
Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers
Love is the Devil - Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon
Los Amantes del Circulo Polar Lovers of the Arctic Circle
Magnolia
Maltese Falcon, The
Man in the White Suit, The
Man Who Knew Too Much, The
Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The
Man Who Wasn’t There, The
Manchurian Candidate, The
Manderlay
Manhunter
Marathon Man
Masculin Féminin Masculine Feminine
Mean Streets
Medium Cool
Meet Me in St. Louis
Memento
Mépris, Le Contempt
Metropolis
Miller's Crossing
Misery
Mississippi Burning
Modern Times
Monkey Business
Mothlight
Mulholland Dr.
Murder, My Sweet Farewell My Lovely
Music Box, The
My Darling Clementine
Mystery Train
Narrow Margin, The
Neighbors
New World, The
Night at the Opera, A
Nightmare Before Christmas, The
No Man's Land
Noon va Goldoon Moment of Innocence
North by Northwest
Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens Nosferatu
Notorious
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Odishon Audition
Old Dark House, The
Oliver!
Once Upon a Time in America
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Otto e Mezzo Eight and a Half
Out of the Past Build My Gallows High
Paris, Texas
Performance
Persona
Petit soldat, Le The Small Soldier
Pianist, The
Pierrot le fou
Pinocchio
Player, The
Pledge, The
Plein solei Purple Moon
Prénom Carmen First Name: Carmen
Psycho
Pulp Fiction
Quatre Cents Coups, Les/The Four Hundred Blows
Rabbits
Raging Bull
Ran Chaos
Rashomon
Rear Window
Règle du Jeu, La The Rules of the Game
Reservoir Dogs
Return of the Jedi
Rope
Run Lola Run
Salaryman 6
Sånger från Andra Våningen Songs From the Second Floor
Sans soleil Sunless
Save Me
Saving Private Ryan
Scenes From a Marriage
Schindler’s List
Seconds
Se7en
Shadow of a Doubt
Shichinin no Samurai Seven Samurai
Shine
Sib/The Apple
Singin’ in the Rain
Singing Detective, The
Sjunde Inseglet, Det The Seventh Seal
Smultronsället Wild Strawberries
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Solyaris Solaris
Some Like It Hot
Sorrow and the Pity, The
Soufrière, La
Southern Comfort
Spider
Spiral Staircase, The
Stagecoach
Star Wars
Straight Story, The
Strangers on a Train
Steet of Crocodiles
Strictly Ballroom
Stroszek
Su Zhou He
Sunset Boulevard
Sympathy for the Devil
Team America World Police
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Terminator, The
Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The
Thin Red Line, The
Third Man, The
39 Steps, The
This is Spinal Tap
Trois Coleurs: Bleu Three Colours: Blue
Trois Coleurs: Blanc Three Colours: White
Trois Coleurs: Rouge Three Colours: Red
Three Kings
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Titanic
Torn Curtain
Touch of Evil
Towed in a Hole
Toy Story
Traffic
Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story
Truman Show, The
12 Angry Men
2046
21 Grams
Twin Peaks
2001: A Space Odyssey
Unforgiven
United 93
Unknown White Male
Uzak Distant
Vertigo
Videodrome
Voksne mennesker Dark Horse
Vozvrashcheniye The Return
Walkabout
Werckmeister harmóniák Werckmeister Harmonies
Wesele The Wedding
West Side Story
West Wittering Affair, The
When Harry Met Sally
White Diamond, The
White Heat
Wicker Man, The
Window, The
Wings of Desire
Withnail & I
Witness
Wizard of Oz, The
Wolf Creek
Wolfman, The
Woodstock
Woyzeck
Zamilované maso Meat Love
Zatoichi
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 03:48 PM

The Life and Times of Irishman
2006 / Dick Hed / USA

Another reason why IMDb isn't the most reliable source on the web: the release of this film has been so limited (two screens in America, one in the UK) that it hasn't reached many sources on the Internet. My curiosity was aroused when I saw it was showing at the National Film Theatre in London, so I travelled down there yesterday to see it. £11.00 in (average cinema costs over here are £5), and it was a very amusing, low budget effort, with corny acting and risible dialogue, which added to the charm of the film.

The leading actress, the one whom our hero fancies, was HOT HOT HOT, and just another reason to watch the film again and again.

I'll definitely be buying the DVD when it comes out.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/06 10:04 PM

Nowhere
(1997/Araki)
A group of teenagers try to sort out their lives and emotions while bizarre experiences happen to each one, including alien abductions, bad acid trips, bisexual experiences, suicides, bizarre deaths, and a rape by a TV star. All of this happens before "the greatest party of the year".
A colorful barrage of violence and sex, fast-paced and disturbing. Described by critics as "90210 on acid," "MTV meets Requiem for a Dream," "a complete waste of time," as well as "a bizarre masterpiece." Polarizing to say the least, it may seem to lack substance on the surface, and contain a whole lot of symbolism that represents little to nothing, but overall it's a hell of a viewing experience, cheapened only perhaps by the cop-out-to-humor ending.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/06 12:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
The Life and Times of Irishman
2006 / Dick Hed / USA

Another reason why IMDb isn't the most reliable source on the web: the release of this film has been so limited (two screens in America, one in the UK) that it hasn't reached many sources on the Internet. My curiosity was aroused when I saw it was showing at the National Film Theatre in London, so I travelled down there yesterday to see it. £11.00 in (average cinema costs over here are £5), and it was a very amusing, low budget effort, with corny acting and risible dialogue, which added to the charm of the film.

The leading actress, the one whom our hero fancies, was HOT HOT HOT, and just another reason to watch the film again and again.

I'll definitely be buying the DVD when it comes out.


Would you mind buring me a copy? I'd love to see it but it's not playing anywhere near me, Blockbuster doesn't have it yet and I can't find it anywhere to download it on the Internet
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/06 12:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I watched all of these films yesterday:


I think I understand what you mean
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/06 07:37 AM

Invocation of My Demon Brother
(1969/Anger)
Anger takes us on a psychadelic trip through the occult, touching on themes of death, drugs, and the supernatural. Mick Jagger does the score and the Stones make an appearance. Anger's use of rapid cross-cutting, superimposing several seperate shots, and just his editing in general makes this a masterpiece for its time.


Puce Moment
(1949/Anger)
More from the avant garde, some of Anger's early work. We watch as an old fashioned Hollywood starlet flips through her multitude of dresses, looks at herself in the mirror, perhaps hallucinates, and then takes her dogs for a walk. I read that due to the need to overexpose the film, Anger had his star move very slowly and then sped it up in post-production. This adds an eerie sort of quality to her movements, as evident in her rapidly swinging earrings. The highlight is the soundtrack, which consists of a Mick Jagger-like singer over an acoustic guitar, although this music was supposedly added some 15 years later, which accounts for the fact that it's very much 60's-sounding. Overall, interesting. Anger's body of work is very much worth exploring for those who haven't. Youtube has a lot of his stuff.
Posted By: Ryan Taylor

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/30/06 10:34 PM

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - ****/4
(4th Viewing)
Probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite movie of all time and my favorite score of any movie.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/06 06:21 AM

The Shining
(1980/Kubrick)
My 2nd viewing, this time on the big screen. Nicholson and Kubrick are masters of their respective arts. This is one of the very few films which I feel benefits from being shown in fullscreen for some reason. I get the sense Kubrick just knows how to make better use of the frame. Also really enjoyed the score much more this time around, especially the Tangerine Dream opening number.


The Exorcist
(1973/Friedkin)
Didn't live up to the hype for me. Repetitive and predictable, the thrills are cheap and drama is forgettable. Maybe it just paled in comparison, since I saw it directly after The Shining, but this just didn't do it for me. For any fans of this film, I was watching the "Version You've Never Seen." Is the theatrical release any better?


Six Shooter
(2005/McDonagh)
Winner of the Best Live Action Short Oscar last year, Filmed and set in Ireland, comical and yet morbid, reflecting the traditional Irish pessimistic point of view on life. McDonagh revels in the awkward silences. Well worth a watch on Youtube if you've got the time.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/06 06:51 AM

Prestige ***

Interesting throughout, but way too complex. This is similar to Illusionist in theme which I liked more. Acting wise, both Jackman and Bale do a good job. One funny thing was the characters of Tesla and Edison. My school text books only showed their scientific achievements, little did I know that they were doing some rather nasty things
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/06 10:10 AM

AFSANEH: A TRUE STORY (2006) - ***1/2

A cultured girl in the very religious-government of modern Iran that tries to exert her love for movies, despite the authorities pressuring her and others of this age group to think outside of western pop culture.

Mary Juana, most noted in the past for the allegations of drug and alcohol abuse as reported by the media, has made a comeback from the tabloids and once again made me realized why she was considered a rising writer/director star years ago, when she made "Honey Deal".

What she does is make a touching, little drama that despite my fears that I was stuck having to watch a melodrama chick teen angst flick....I connected with. Maybe its the premise that people over in regimes that our government is opposing, also dig the same movies we do, but unlike in America, to do such things isn't a time-killing past time. Its defying a government trying to impose its moral, religious, and political will on the youth.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/06 11:01 AM

Thanks for your review. I'll be sending complimentary DVDs to anyone else who cares to write a review as well.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/06 05:00 PM

I just finished Syriana over the weekend. I thought it was good, but not great. There were a couple of really compelling scenes and I thought Clooney's character was well played. I have never been a huge Matt Damon fan, so he sort of brought the movie down IMO. All in all I liked the multiple storylines and would recommend the film.

3.5 out of 5 stars
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/06 06:36 PM

The Black Imp
(1905/Melies)
Enjoyable Melies piece, notable for its use of cinematic innovations to create humor. He uses some of the same effects here as he does in A Trip to the Moon.


A Corner in Wheat
(1909/Griffith)
My introduction to Griffith. Decent.


The Lonedale Operator
(1911/Griffith)
Griffith moves into more complex editing and scene framing techniques. Interesting to see the films that would come to define the informal set of rules by which films are still shot and edited to this day. This film contains one of the first ever instances of a moving camera, as one shot is taken from a moving train.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/06 07:01 AM

Scream ****
(Nth Viewing)

Definitely my favorite horror movie of all time and I got to see it on the big screen for only the second time! I gave it 4 stars in terms of being one of the greatest horror movies of all time, IMO.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/06 08:57 AM

I watched "Fever Pitch" (starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon) for the first time earlier today. I was greatly disappointed.

Its a light-hearted romance about a die-hard Red Sox fan (Fallon) meeting and falling in love with a business woman (Barrymore) just before and during the World Championship 2004 Red Sox season.

Being a Boston fan myself I loved the references to and coverage of the Sox but the rest of the movie fell totally flat. There was absolutely no "chemistry" between the stars, the script was weak and it was way too predictable.

The movie had lots of potential but Fallon couldn't rise to the occasion (I could picture Adam Sandler doing a much better job).

I give it one star (only for the Red Sox connection).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/06 02:26 PM

SC, I do basically agree with you.

FEVER PITCH (**1/2) is basically a baseball geek movie, written by Red Sox fans in the Farrelly Brothers, that which a romance, no matter how expected, is shoe-horned into the middle of it.

In a way, if you took out the romantic storyline, its basically a story about a die-hard fan that has to learn that, believe it or not, there is life outside of Fenway Park. One could even have made it be about a story about all people of all obsessions that overtake way too much of their reality. Not that I condemn such fandoms of sports or whatever, but certainly SC, you know well of who I speak of.

Of course, this isn't an indie small movie. This is a considerable Hollywood-funded production, so instead of possibly a smart little movie about fans, its a chick flick with balls (literally and not of the good kind )

Besides, Jimmy Fallon was always that hack on SNL that was considered to be a major player, yet no one could ever explain why. I still remember when on his last show, they had a "tribute" to his work, and the audience was like half-heartedly into it. I don't blame 'em!

FEVER PITCH isn't a bad movie, but like the 2006 season for your Red Sox SC, its instantly forgettable, and for the better.

P.S. - Hey Irishman, I was going to ask you why SCREAM is a masterpiece (you know, s*it, giggles, civil debate), but what's the point?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/06 06:09 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - Hey Irishman, I was going to ask you why SCREAM is a masterpiece (you know, s*it, giggles, civil debate), but what's the point?


The cast was AMAZING, the movie was well written and original (this was the first time I had ever seen 2 killers in a movie), the music was good, there was a good blend of humor with horror and the costume was fantastic!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/06 10:51 PM

The Cast was good,But not amazing..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/06 06:20 PM

Another Inside Man?

I haven't seen the movie myself so I can't say if its story's outcome warrants a continuation or not, but, despite its box office success, Spike Lee's INSIDE MAN doesn't strike me as the sequel-spawning type. Lee and mega-producer Brian Grazer apparently beg to differ, though, because the pair are developing a follow-up to the film. No word yet on what exactly what it would be about or whether the first movie's stars - including Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster - will return to their roles and, while Lee is producing and already working on a script with, the original movie's writer, Russell Gewirtz, he's still in negotiations to actually direct this one. Should he decide to take that gig, he will have to decide if the sequel, over one of several other projects he's considering including the fantasy thriller SELLING TIME, will be next movie he shoots.

Source: JoBlo

De Niro and Fitty?

I can hardly think of an odder pairing than Robert De Niro and 50 Cent (Actually how about De Niro and William Shatner in SHOWTIME?) but it's actually happening. De Niro and Fitty have signed on to star in the upcoming cop drama NEW ORLEANS. As you might expect, the film deals with New Orleans post-Katrina and follows a cop (De Niro) who believes his partner died during the hurricane. When he finds out he was actually shot, he and his new partner (50) seek to find the truth and uncover police corruption. The project has seen extensive rewrites since its original conception as MICROWAVE PARK. It was originally set in LA and followed four detectives but was changed to include a post-Katrina storyline. TV director Tim Hunter ("Deadwood," "Cold Case") will step behind the camera for Millennium Films. De Niro has his next directorial effort THE GOOD SHEPHERD hitting theaters and recently wrapped production on STARDUST. 50 Cent can be seen next in HOME OF THE BRAVE with Samuel L. Jackson and Jessica Biel.

Source: JoBlo
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/06 06:27 PM

That's probably your longest post in this thread.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/06 06:33 PM

Don't get used to it
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/06 07:07 PM

Before I talk about INSIDE MAN sequel.....what was so smart about the script for SCREAM?

Really, talk about a script that, if it was a person, is that annoying jackass of a nerd working at the video store that makes a big deal that it knows everything in and out of a genre, but thats the depth of their intelligence. Then you proceed to bash him in with your bucket of free popcorn.

Anyway, INSIDE MAN sequel doesn't surprise me. Why not? It was Lee's first serious financial hit.

Hell, I can already see it. Clive Owen up to his shenanigans again...somewhere.....I'll pay to see it.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/06 07:10 PM

The New York Hat
(1912/Griffith)
One of the more complex Griffith films we've seen thus far, with increased use of title cards.


The Musketeers of Pig Alley
(1912/Griffith)
Perhaps considered the first gangster movie, with Griffith's first variation from the simple "good triumphs over evil" theme.


The Lonely Villa
(1909/Griffith)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/06 08:02 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Before I talk about INSIDE MAN sequel.....what was so smart about the script for SCREAM?

Really, talk about a script that, if it was a person, is that annoying jackass of a nerd working at the video store that makes a big deal that it knows everything in and out of a genre, but thats the depth of their intelligence. Then you proceed to bash him in with your bucket of free popcorn.

Anyway, INSIDE MAN sequel doesn't surprise me. Why not? It was Lee's first serious financial hit.

Hell, I can already see it. Clive Owen up to his shenanigans again...somewhere.....I'll pay to see it.


Again, what I found smart about Scream was that it was the first time I had ever seen more than 1 killer. It wasn't a redundent Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street or Halloween kind of killer. It was just 2 average psychopathic high school kids.

As for a sequel to Inside Man, as much as I enjoyed the movie I didn't think they'd make a sequel out of it. What's #2 gonna be, Inside Man: The Fort Knox Mission?
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/06 01:27 AM

Wow, two killers is very innovative. Never before Scream has any movie, nevertheless a cult horror, had two killers.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/06 01:28 AM

Hey Hagen, I'm impressed with you. A good dedication in digging around old stiff D.W. Griffith's work. Much more than I've ever done. Keep up the damn good work.

Irish - average highschool psychopathics? You mean they look as good as Liev Schreiber...and in their 20s?

No, I've known a real medical-certified psychopath back in high school, Irishman. The sort that was cited by the local police for, or suspected of, killing several pets in his neighborhood, but never a stint of jailtime in Juvi hall or real prison.

I didn't know him personally, but I saw every day. I never met him (thank God), but we were of the same class. He was quiet, and nobody thought much of him. Then in senior year, he jumped on some guy at a joint, actually was able to cut the poor guy's nostril(think CHINATOWN, but with knuckles instead of a blade), break 10+ bones on his face, before one of the jumped-guy's buddies pulled out his revolver of a handgun and blasted this crazy fuck to the next world. Police found his personal belongings, and after reading his journals and internet postings...the guy very well might have been on his way to being a serial killer of some form.

If anything Irish, you want a movie that, according to a good friend of mine that now works for the police as a detective, is really accurate, or at least more accurate compared to the rest of Hollywood's take on the nutty killers?

HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER (1989), which I gave my 5-star masterpiece rating some years back.

Check that out sometime Irish. I think you would like it.

P.S. - I did like the Drew Barrymore-cameo opening in SCREAM.
Posted By: Double-J

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/06 01:36 AM

Originally Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

The Musketeers of Pig Alley
(1912/Griffith)
Perhaps considered the first gangster movie, with Griffith's first variation from the simple "good triumphs over evil" theme.


Good movie, although I prefer Broken Blossoms. Musketeers is a bit too short for my taste.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/06 03:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Vercetti
Wow, two killers is very innovative. Never before Scream has any movie, nevertheless a cult horror, had two killers.


Hey, they asked so I told. And you wonder why I don't review movies
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/06 03:30 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - I did like the Drew Barrymore-cameo opening in SCREAM.


That's what did it for me too. SPOILER! it was like seeing Robert De Niro die halfway through 15 Minutes, you just don't see it in every movie. END OF SPOILER
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/06 04:20 AM

Irish, come on man. This is the reason why I have problems with you as a critic....and its not for the reason you would assume.

The problem you have as a film critic, and I won't name names, but several other prominent film critics on BB.Net seem to concur with me for the same reasons:

*LACK OF DEPTH IN ANALYTICAL EXPLANATION - I applaud you Irish for what you wrote for SCREAM. I probed your conclusions, since I disagreed with some of them, but you actually explained for once your reasonsing for your judgement. Even if I think SCREAM is an overrated pop fluff piece from the 1990s, at least you tried to defend yourself. Keep doing it.

*THIN SKIN - Really, I wish you would not care what people think of your opinions, and simply express your opinions.

Its like with you on X3 and FANTASTIC FOUR. Sure, I those movies outright pissed me off for various reasons which I've given in the past. However, so you like them. Fine. I'll disagree with you, and even argue on that topic, but in the end, it doesn't matter. We have our opinions.

You are of Irish ancestry, like me. We Irish-Americans have pride in fighting to the bitter end. We are loud and very vocal with what we think. We could care less if it pisses people off. If they try to f*ck with us, they get a bat to the skull.

In other words, have guts, have pride, have some thick skin. BELEIVE what you write is absolutely right, and that everyone else is either partly right, or totally wrong. You are the only critic that matters to you. Act like you have a pair. If DV has a problem with your review, then debate it. Try to convince him to your side, and if that fails, oh well. However, at least the film you're defending has a supporter on its side.

Hell, I've chastised Capo and Hagen over several reviews, but they argued back, and at least held their ground. If anyone critiques you wrongly, you quit.

Its like recently with BLACK DAHLIA. That movie has been trashed at IMDB, Oscarwatch, everywhere...and I defend it as a pretty good, if flawed, picture. Yes, people call me idiotic. Yes, people tell me that I should kill myself. Yes, people wish I was aborted. However, I show everyone my balls, I try to use logic in my arguments, and I attempt to make people at least concede on several key points, which I've gained in the last few days (for example, I've gotten the DAHLIA-haters at my campus to concede that the movie does have Oscar-nomination worthy art direction, Harnett is good, that slow motion sequence on the stairwell is great, you name it).

Irish, you can be worthy of the name Irishman...or else, you might as well rename yourself "PolakMan"...and this is coming from a part-Polak himself.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/06 04:57 PM

I appreciate the words you stated ronnie but here are my few reasons why I post the way I post:

*WRITING SKILLS - I don't have strong writing skills. I never have and probably never will. I've never been a writer nor do I really care for writing (and YES, this is coming from a MBA student).

*FILM "CRITIC" - For the most part, unless I'm truly passionate about a film (like the Kill Bills, Scarface, Scream, etc) will I REALLY make an effort to write a decent review. I don't consider myself a film critic really. That's why I never wrote the 2 or 3 paragraphs or half-page reviews on movies.

*THIN SKIN - I've tried in the past to have civilazied conversation with "other pominent film critics on BB.Net" but it always seemed that (in not so many words) I was "dumb" or my opinion was "wrong" if I felt a certain way about a film (like X3 or The Fantastic Four) It might not have been their intention to make me feel so or it may very well have been, I don't know for sure.

So in conculsion ronnie, again I appreciate you brining these matters to my attention and I hope that my retort will help you understand better where I am coming from. I'm not as well educated as you and the other "prominent film critics" on this board. I won't lie, I don't either understand or pay as much attention to the lighting, camera work, etc or a film unless it REALLY stands out at me. Likewise, we've already had the debate on whether film is art or entertainment and I feel my opinion on that matter is well documented. I'm one of "those" people, but it takes different strokes to move the world!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/06 08:59 PM

Gojira **
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/04/06 05:16 AM

The Da Vinci Code ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

For whatever reason, seemed more enjoyable a second time around
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/04/06 06:51 AM

BEVERLY HILLS COP (1985) - ***

Decent action/comedy feature that was an insane box-office blockbuster hit back in the decade of excess. Lacks the stylish visuals of the Tony Scott-helmed sequel, and makes one wonder how a out-of-town cop gets as much leeway in another city, another police territory, another state, without getting his balls busted for doing so. But yeah, with RUSH HOUR and the rest of the BHC movies, why do I even bother asking?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/04/06 08:51 PM

I took my little brother to the cinema with the intention of seeing the Borat movie. The 80 year old asshole at the ticket counter wouldn't sell a ticket to my little brother because he's only 13 and the film is rated-R. I told him that he could go fuck himself and left.

How ridiculous is it that someone isn't allowed to experience a work of art because of their age? Land of the free my ass.

I am fucking infuriated right now.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 04:48 AM

I just finished watching the tape I had of "Misery" with my mom.

I don't think any movie can ever do a book justice, especially on a psychological one like this - the novel gives such analysis of the characters that every part of it captures you...and it's sort of frustrating to watch a movie after reading the book and think about all of the great parts they weren't able to include, as well as all of the background info of what each person was thinking, wanting, planning...

But that's just how I feel about book vs. movie - nothing against this one in particular, because I thought it was great. Both Kathy Bates and James Caan were incredible, and I think they did as good a job as you possibly can to bring the characters to life on screen. My mom and I were both laughing at Annie's strange antics - "Oh, Paul!" - but I'd be willing to admit it must've been nervous laughter. Here I am, several minutes after it finished, and my heart is still pounding! I think I'll be seeing Annie in my dreams tonight...and now I have a face to the name!
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 05:22 AM

The sledgehammer scene makes me cringe just thinking about it! I remember the first time I watched Misery. Til this day...Cathy Bates frightens me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 05:25 AM

xxx_don_corleone_xxx, when and why did you change to XDCX? That's the first I'm noticing that
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 05:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
xxx_don_corleone_xxx, when and why did you change to XDCX? That's the first I'm noticing that


Winter's coming. The cold causes shrinkage.

Seriously...it was too long. Anytime I'd post...it'd distort the page. With my name shortened...it keeps everything nice and neat.
Posted By: Double-J

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 05:34 AM

Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone


How ridiculous is it that someone isn't allowed to experience a work of art because of their age? Land of the free my ass.


I feel the same way. Whenever I bring little girls to the porno theatres, I get strange looks, and the usual escort to the police station.
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 05:47 AM

Originally Posted By: XDCX
The sledgehammer scene makes me cringe just thinking about it! I remember the first time I watched Misery. Til this day...Cathy Bates frightens me.
I'd heard so much about that part before ever seeing it that the actual scene didn't freak me out too much. Then, a while after it'd passed, I realized my feet were "hurting" at the thought of it.

Just think, one of those nuts could be living right next door...
Posted By: Don Sicilia

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 06:17 AM

This is one of my favorite parts from the movie:

"This isn't what happened last week--have you all got amnesia?--THEY JUST CHEATED US--THIS WASN'T FAIR - HE DIDN'T GET OUT OF THE COCKADOODIE CAR!"
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 06:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Sicilia
This is one of my favorite parts from the movie:

"This isn't what happened last week--have you all got amnesia?--THEY JUST CHEATED US--THIS WASN'T FAIR - HE DIDN'T GET OUT OF THE COCKADOODIE CAR!"

I don't know if I even want to think about this.

I know what this quote is about, from the book, but...it was not in the movie I just watched. And I'm starting to worry. We taped it off the Family Channel - is it possible that they cut out a scene (or several scenes?!) from the movie, because of the viewing audience??? I mean, my dad fell asleep about halfway through, but I know I didn't. And I didn't black out. If that "cockadoodie" Family Channel cut out part of that movie...which they must have...
Posted By: Don Sicilia

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 06:42 AM

SPOILER ALERT (in case people hasn't seen it)

It was in there Gina. It was right before the part where she tells him that he must start the book right where his last book ended, with the main character in the grave.

I can't imagine why cockadoodie would have been edited out. It's not "spice" after all!
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/06 06:54 AM

Well, "spice" was bad because of the hidden word it contained. Maybe that's why cockadoodie would be considered bad.

(Good God...what's happened to me? Those dirty birdies, JG and DM, have made my mind all oogy.)

I really don't remember that part in the movie, though - maybe I'll check it tomorrow, because this is going to drive me crazy.

Edit: I just read over the script online - skipped to that part, then to other parts...and whatever "version" I taped is missing a LOT. I can't believe this! It's like I didn't even see the movie!
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/06 01:05 AM

When they play films like Misery on the Family Channel, it's like why even bother watching it,you know? I just saw Jeepers Creepers on the sci/fi channel. I know they cut a few parts, but lemme tell you, I was still freaked the hell out. Escpecially by the ending, and if anyone knows what I'm talking about you'll agree with me: That ending was like "DAMN!!!!!!" Such a shame.
It stuck with me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/06 03:07 AM

JEEPERS CREEPERS, eh? You know whats scarier?

Director Victor Salva:

"His directing career has been overshadowed by his 1988 conviction for having mutual oral sex with a 12-year-old boy, Nathan Forest Winters, who had acted in his low-budget slasher movie Clownhouse. The sexual acts were videotaped by Salva, forcing a guilty plea.

In April 1988, Salva pleaded guilty to one count of lewd and lascivious conduct, one count of oral copulation with a person under 14 and three counts of procuring a child for pornography. Salva was sentenced to three years in prison. He served 15 months of the sentence before being paroled."

courtesy: Wikipedia
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/06 07:04 AM

The Road To Guantanamo **
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/06 09:00 AM

Feast ** 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/06 12:39 PM

V for Vendetta
(2006/McTeigue)
Visually sumptuous, has something fairly relevant to say as well. The performances were nothing special, but a great story.


Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
(2006/Charles)
For some reason I had trouble giving 3 stars to a film with this mockumentary style, I kind of prefer straight up narrative fiction comedies I guess, but this is the most I've laughed in the theaters in a while.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/06 01:05 PM

Ifs funny that Ali G is no longer funny to people anymore,so he brings Borat into the limelight now..
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/06 08:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Ryan Taylor
Flags of our Fathers - ****/4



I just got back from seeing it. No doubt in my mind that Eastwood will get another Academy Award.

FANTASTIC MOVIE! In my opinion it may be the best movie of the year.

A must see movie.


Don Cardi
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/06 10:38 PM

No doubt? He won't.

FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS was an early Oscar favorite for the last year, and now that its come out, I can safely predict...FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS...that Eastwood will not win an Oscar for this movie.

Its reviews, as one can find at Rotten Tomatoes, range from disapointment to solid positive reviews, but none of which I would describe as being "enthusiastic". Plus, a $120 million movie, financially it got slaughtered at theaters by the Japanese.

As of my current Oscar analysis(I like to think the Oscars the same as politics, but more interesting since its movies, and its outcome doesn't threaten millions of people), FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS will be lucky to get a nomination for both Best Picture and Director, with the latter being a possible 50/50 chance for Eastwood.

But the Best Director race is shaping up to be a 3-way dance. Scorsese with THE DEPARTED, Condon with DREAMGIRLS, and Steven Soderbergh with THE GOOD GERMAN. My money is on Scorsese at the moment.

Anyway, FLAGS was a pretty good film, but really, Eastwood needs to leave Paul Haggis. That black hole of considerable shit...really DC, Eastwood has to get back to some great writers that served his considerable directorial talent well, like say David Webb Peoples(who scripted UNFORGIVEN).

Now LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA sounds damn interesting, with Iwo Jima being told from the Japanese perspective. Who knows, maybe Eastwood will get his 3rd Best Director Oscar for that.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/06 08:44 AM

Motor Home Massacre
(First Viewing)

This is the first movie that I didn't give at least 1 star to. What a COMPLETE piece of sh*t. It looked like a bunch of college kids took a video camera around with them and shot this "script" as part of fulfillment for a class.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/06 09:15 AM

Wrong Turn **
(First Viewing)

Not as bad as I had heard it was. Kind of a The Hills Have Eyes: The Wilderness Edition
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/06 07:34 PM

Check this thread out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/10/06 08:33 AM

Deliverance ***
(First Viewing)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/06 07:23 AM

Borat **
Politically incorrect and crude humor has been used effectively to make this movie quite hilarious. In fact, most of the crowd in the theater was laughing all of the time. There is a scene that borders on porn, and too long to be funny. Other than that, it is a funny movie, provided one can laugh at one's own cultural quirks.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/06 08:05 AM

Larry David said he had to stop watching it because it was actually physically hurting him from laughing so much.

I think it's the second best film of the year.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/06 08:16 AM

Accepted **
(First Viewing)
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/06 01:59 PM

THE PASSION of ronnierocketAGO, 7.5/10

2006, Rette Nick.

This controversial movie with its CAPITAL LETTER titles to the many slang words yet to be defined by Mr. Webster has its fans and foes. Rette Nick, made his debut here after being attacked and banned in other places for his choice of using capital letters in the title of his columns. Shortly after, his persistence in writing long reviews put him on the map and eventually was recognized by some readers, and was offered his first job. In this very strange and hard to read movie Rette paints his hero as a stubborn critic who is being misread and misunderstood by others. Many think that "The Last Temptation of RRA" to be a better movie, mainly because they liked the idea of him retiring from reviewing movies altogether. I can't find a single person, who has been safe from the dark humor of this movie, and all known organizations and groups have taken offense at some point of this movie, yet have not been complaining much only to rejoice in the criticism, which is made at their foes.

Eventually the protagonist is being crucified for what he believes is his extreme passion for the movies, while all are gathered around his crucifix with contentment. The movie has been rated R-200 due to its extreme violence and use of profanity and is only suitable for those over 200 years old, with valid ID.

Short message of the film: There's no winning when you start criticizing your passion... and yes, I sneaked into the theater illegally.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/06 02:31 PM

Wow, that movie sounds very inspirational. I'll check it out when I next visit the local DVD bootleggers.

COOL WORLD (1992) - * - BOMB

There are two types of bad movies. The usual kind, where you can eventually find ways to mock the shit out of it, and excuse the pain you suffered. The second kind, you can't.

Ralph Bakshi was a naughty talented animator mostly known for his "retroscoping" style(i.e. film people, then draw over their movements and bodies) in such works as the pretty insane WIZARDS, the infamously overrated FRITZ THE CAT, the crappy(-ier) version of LORD OF THE RINGS, and the flawed but interesting AMERICAN POP.

Thing is, I usually found something to appreciate or at least to defend Bakshi with. (I mean, WIZARDS you had mutant magical creatures with thicker than brick Brooklyn accents.)

But with COOL WORLD, he fails. Not just fail, but fail as amazingly as the Hindenburg or Senator John Kerry.

Maybe the core problem is that the film has 3 story-ideas that perhaps could have worked individually in a decent flick. A 1940s' mediocre-cop (Brad Pitt) gets trapped in a f*cked-up alternate reality of cartoons, and becomes its cheif law enforcer. An infamous comic book artist(Bryne) of the present day goes into the world of his creation. A cartoon babe wants to escape into the real world. Together, we get a motion picture that has no clear concept or narrative approach of what it wants to be.

As a result, the audience has the same reaction that a person would if they found that an intruder broke into their home, stole their computer, and then shit on the bed. We're angry, we feel vioalted, and quite revolted that we wasted our time.

Of course, it might very well be that this disaster is aggreviated by Bakshi's notably inept shooting of live-action. Really, why couldn't he hire some hack commercial director to do it? Surely they wouldn't have bombed as well as Bakshi did.

You know, now I'll be nicer to Brad Pitt's movies. Maybe MEET JOE BLACK, LEGEND OF THE FALLS, OCEAN'S 12, MR. & MRS. SMITH, and other of his crap aren't as awful as I figured. Now I've seen Pitt's super turkey.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/06 06:44 PM

A GOOD YEAR (2006) - **1/2

Sir Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors. He is the master stylish visualist of his generation. He's behind ALIEN, BLADE RUNNER, GLADIATOR, LEGEND, BLACK RAIN, you name it.

He was career was in the toilet before GLADIATOR won Oscars and slayed the box-office. Afterwards, he either delivered critical-liked (MATCHSTICK MEN, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN) or profitable (HANNIBAL), but at least he was a major player again in Hollywood.

Yet, now I fear that he's making the same generic shit that fucked his career in the first place. While KINGDOM OF HEAVEN got re-cut from being a great movie into that of a mediocre GLADIATOR-clone, and lost money in theaters, at least the movie did good enough on DVD in the Director's Cut, with great praise, to at least redeem the effort.

THE GOOD YEAR doesn't. With GLADIATOR lead Russell Crowe, Ridley Scott, I guess, sought to make a pleasing little romantic comedy in the vineyards of France. The problem when talented filmmakers intentionally seek to produce generic efforts, we they deliver. Francis Ford Coppola with ONE FROM THE HEART, and now this.

I do hope that AMERICAN GANGSTER next year, with Crowe(again) and Denzel Washington in a true story-based crime saga of 1970s Harlem, Ridley Scott makes a comeback from this average flick.

Really, from a Ridley Scott fan, A GOOD YEAR is Ridley's worst since G.I. JANE.
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/06 12:02 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
JEEPERS CREEPERS, eh? You know whats scarier?

Director Victor Salva:

"His directing career has been overshadowed by his 1988 conviction for having mutual oral sex with a 12-year-old boy, Nathan Forest Winters, who had acted in his low-budget slasher movie Clownhouse. The sexual acts were videotaped by Salva, forcing a guilty plea.

In April 1988, Salva pleaded guilty to one count of lewd and lascivious conduct, one count of oral copulation with a person under 14 and three counts of procuring a child for pornography. Salva was sentenced to three years in prison. He served 15 months of the sentence before being paroled."

courtesy: Wikipedia
Good Lord.
And I was wondering if it was just me who sensed homosexual undertones...now I know there's a reason,cause of that information.Who produced it,Micheal Jackson??!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/06 01:09 AM

I like it when homosexuality and paedofilia are assumed to be one and the same.
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/06 05:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I like it when homosexuality and paedofilia are assumed to be one and the same.


Well,you know what I mean.I would assume there are homosexual pedophiles,if they are only into boys.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/06 02:29 PM

Originally Posted By: Brwne Byte
Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I like it when homosexuality and paedofilia are assumed to be one and the same.


Well,you know what I mean.
On the contrary. I suppose I did, but I chose to be finicky about your ignorance.

Sorry.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/06 09:30 PM

Irishman :

1) Deliverance is a classic and I strongly suggest you get your hands on the soundtrack - its outstanding.

2) About the movie RRA suggested, try to type in the blockbuster search : "The Life and Times of an Irishman" - maybe then it would come up.

--
--

RRA- You mentioned all those Bakshi films, and yet you forgot his masterpiece. FIRE AND ICE (1983) - is what I consider to be the greatest animated movie ever. Not only that, but its one of my all time favorites. I dont care about Bakshi's other films but this one is a gem. Bakshi hooked up with Frank Frazetta (the amazing comic book/fantasy artist) in an "adult" animated movie which holds some of the greatest animation you will EVER witness on screen. And yes, its been more than 20 years.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/06 11:58 PM

I didn't comment on FIRE & ICE because I haven't seen it.

But what surprises me Fame is....someone else on BB.Net has actually seen a friggin Bakshi? Awesome!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/06 01:39 AM

Originally Posted By: Fame
Irishman :

1) Deliverance is a classic and I strongly suggest you get your hands on the soundtrack - its outstanding.

2) About the movie RRA suggested, try to type in the blockbuster search : "The Life and Times of an Irishman" - maybe then it would come up.


Nope, still nothing bro
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/06 04:20 AM

I try to get interested in the Star Wars episodes they're running on Cinemax, but I just can't. I liked the original three episodes, but he later ones seem contrived. Also, I think Darth Vader evolved at entirely too young an age.

Watched Mobsters earlier today. I like it more and more each time I do.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/06 07:39 AM

An Inconvenient Truth ***
(First Viewing)
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/06 08:36 AM

Originally Posted By: olivant
I try to get interested in the Star Wars episodes they're running on Cinemax, but I just can't. I liked the original three episodes, but he later ones seem contrived. Also, I think Darth Vader evolved at entirely too young an age.

Watched Mobsters earlier today. I like it more and more each time I do.


Mobsters is a really good movie. Kind of a guilty pleasure, but it is really well put together.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/06 08:30 AM

See No Evil ***
(First Viewing)

Not a bad way for WWE to get their film department off the ground. For me, time will tell if The Marine was able to follow this one up
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/06 08:48 AM

Mad Max * 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/06 11:09 AM

Shall we move this to the Games section?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/06 05:51 PM

No it's fine right here Capo. Feel free to post something
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/06 07:25 PM

Snakes on a plane*
Some of the snakes look fake, though for the most part they are convincing. Lot of gore and slime, FBI, cop drama, sentimentality and other routine hollywood cliches. You can skip this one, unless you paid 50 cents for the ticket, like I did
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:21 AM

Okay, my month so far. I've seen 23 films in 15 days.

The Proposition
John Hillcoat
2005 Australia / UK (1st time; big screen)
A lawman in nineteenth century Australia an outlaw is sent to fetch his brother, a brutal murderer, to a lawmanin charge of a town in which a family was pillaged and killed.
Unusually fantastic film, unusual in that it doesn't quite add up to much as a whole, fantastic because it reaches such intense heights that it must be seen by all. As a series of episodes involving dirty-looking, rather savage men conversing with one another in a theatrical tone, it develops effectively, with each individual scene having a poetic weight to it. It's very well-written, almost novelistic (John Hurt's turn as a bounty hunter is brief but brilliant), and viciously acted. Becoming increasingly violent as it progresses, not only suggestively but visually, the fact that director Hillcoat isn't afraid to show these moments of brutality in all their bloody gore without succumbing to satisfaction of blood-thirsts is telling of some potential. Fully absorbing.

Back to the Future Part II
Robert Zemeckis
1989 US (1st time; DVD)
Marty and the Doc travel to the future to save the former's son from trouble, and end up having to go back again to 1955 in order to save 1985 from destruction.
An even more dense film than the first, both in terms of narrative confusion and the emotional complexities which would probably result from time travel. It is sometimes a mere retread of setpieces done in the first, but adapted to different contexts, which in itself becomes fun to watch, such as the way a skateboard in 1985 has evolved into a hoverboard by 2015. In the latter stages of the film, when the narrative returns to the events of the first film, we get a very clever bringing-together of two parallel stories at their climax, one we've already been told, and one we're being told, though the latter injects new interest into the former because it has the capability of changing it...though its goal is to maintain it.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Tim Burton
2005 UK / US / Australia (2nd time; DVD)
A down-to-earth boy living with his family in a poverty-stricken house wins one of five tickets to visit Willie Wonka's chocolate factory.
What is often a colourfully sumptuous work, glistening with an appropriately candy-like feel (if the opening credits look edible, you can almost taste the actual factory scenes), is also an unbearably preachy, moralistic one. It is set up very much in the vein of Amelie, but the comparison is unfavourable. Characters are superfluous, not least of all the Bucket family, and are set up with an ill-timed voice-over and acting which, if it is supposed to be like Dahl's cartoonish caricatures, is also very annoying. Depp's facial expressions are sufficient enough even if his accent has an awkward theatricality to it, and an horrendous script lets him down - the best bits are the various ways in which the despisable kids and their parents are discarded... though, sadly, the title character survives.

Blue Velvet
David Lynch
1986 US (Nth time; DVD)
A young man discovers a severed ear, and, investigating with the help of the local policeman's daughter, uncovers the darkness beneath the innocence of his suburban town.
Lynch creates a believably dangerous, surreal world by presenting it as a sort of nightmare, zooming into and out of, respectively, a rotten ear at the beginning and a healthy ear at the end. Told entirely from the point of view of its young male protagonist, it is a complex film, not least due to the disturbing voyeurism which drives the hero's investigations and thus the narrative. It means that there is always a tension present, not in the way which, say, Carpenter creates in Halloween, with points of view from the killer, but instead by filtering the narrative, and thus visual composition, through its hero's perceptions. A fantastic, multi-layered thriller, always dark, often funny, and very unique.

Caché (Hidden)
Michael Haneke
2004 France / Austria / Germany / Italy (2nd time; big screen)
When a bourgeois couple start receiving video tapes of their home under surveillance, the husband relates to an incident from his childhood.
A slow, riveting, austere work which explores cinematography to the point that the plot is almost irrelevant, though some might find it of interest as a reflection of Franco-Algerian relations, and the implications of guilt stemming from the Algerian War. Shooting in long-takes and without music, Haneke keeps his audience at arm's length throughout; the result is a cool, deeply ambiguous film which offers no (or many) solutions, ultimately as empty or as deep as you want it to be: it involves you insofar that you wish to be involved, and so many will no doubt walk away in confusion if not fury. Either way, to those interested in cinematic form, it will likely make you think about what and how you watch Cinema.

Sexy Beast
Jonathan Glazer
2000 UK (Nth time; DVD)
A retired thief now living in Spain is visited by a vicious gangster who wants him to do one last job.
Primarily of interest as a lesson in acting, and the ways in which Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley subvert their previous expectations to create two contrasting characters; the first a man whose past comes back to haunt him, and who is no longer interested in the life he left behind, the second a disturbed, violent psychopath obsessed with his own pride and reputation. As an exploration of male egos clashing, or on masculinity, it might not offer anything you can't find in, say, Scorsese's work, but there is much to be dug out of these characters, and whereas Scorsese's masculinity is measured only by its implosive self, here we have two female characters which lend weight, and happiness, to the retired men who do not wish to lead a life of crime anymore.

Monty Python's Life of Brian
Terry Jones
1979 UK (1st time; DVD)
A Jew in Roman times is mistaken to be the Messiah.
To envisage this deliberately noisy mess of a film, imagine one which drains, from every image, from every line, from each and absolutely every molecule of aesthetic or production value, the folly of human life. The comedy has a regurgitative rhythm, to the point that it might, given a chance and the right mood, be generally very funny, if only because humans can only go so far in resisting crude, cheap and frankly annoying humour.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Larry Charles
2006 US/UK (1st time; big screen)
A TV reporter from Kazakhstan travels to New York with his agent, and thence to California, in search of cultural enlightenment and Pamela Anderson.
It is perhaps too lazy to defend Sacha Baron Cohen's shameless anti-Semitism here by guarding him with the fact that he is devoutly Jewish himself. Similarly, it might also be naïve to assume his intention is to expose the ignorance in general, or racism in particular, of those unwitting individuals he confronts in the course of the film - or indeed, that of those who laugh at the film. As a mockumentary, it works a whole lot better than Ali G inda House, and, regardless of the (deliberately) difficult questions arising from possible racism, its best moments are its visual gags - Borat 'settling into' his new hotel room, an elevator; causing disastrous, expensive havoc in an antiques store; and a lengthy naked wrestle with his obese agent in the hotel at which they're staying, with Borat's penis covered with an exaggeratedly long censor.

Romanzo criminale
Michele Placido
2005 Italy/UK/France/US (1st time; big screen)
In 1970s, three childhood friends decide to take over Rome's underworld, and are undone by their own ambition and greed.
It sounds like familiar stuff, and for the most part it is, but this epic film, full of dingy, washed-out settings and brilliant acting, has a drive and sustained energy which must be admired, given its two-and-a-half hour running time. It isn't as romanticised as, for example, the Sicilian scenes from The Godfather Part II, which works in its favour, and the music, a mixture between American funk records and an original, composed score, lends it a weight it would otherwise miss. If anything, it could have been even longer, with deeper explorations into these characters, who find themselves, in the course of the film, at the mercy of the ebb and flow of likeable and expendable.

Back to the Future Part III
Robert Zemeckis
1990 US (1st time; DVD)
Marty travels back to 1885 in order to save Doc, happily settled in the Wild West, from murder.
Visually, probably the best of the trilogy, with the clear blues of the sky strikingly shot against the vast oranges of the desert; as a kind of mergance between the two, Fox does a lot of jumping around in a multi-coloured cowboy suit. Because this is no mere revisit of the first two, and is an extension of the same story, it's very complicated, especially early on - obvious exposition is excusable here, though the climactic rise in sentimentality, with Doc falling in love, might not be.

Shi mian mai fu House of Flying Daggers
Yimou Zhang
2004 China/Hong Kong (1st time; DVD)
As the government hunt down an underground group of assassins, three individuals find themselves in emotional dilemma.
A magnificently realised film, surely one of the most remarkable aesthetic achievements in recent Cinema. Zhang exploits colour to extraordinary effect, using it as a means of character portrayal, having costumes compliment and contrast against their surroundings depending on emotional state - it is seen best in the latter stages of the film, wherein one character is dressed in green, another in blue, and they journey from a bamboo forest, entirely green, to an autumnal red valley, and thence to a snowy, vastly open terrain. Zhang has a fine sense of pace and rhythm, and in terms of editing and visual composition, it is one of the most measured films ever made.

Konec stalinismu v Cechách (The Death of Stalinism in Bohemia)
Jan Svankmajer
1990 UK 1st time; YouTube)
Stalin's head is cut open, and what follows is the history of the last fifty years of Czechoslovakia.
Symbolism-heavy short, the best moments of which are the clay figurines being made and discarded on a conveyor belt which leads back to the beginning of itself, and the painting of the Czech flag on every object possible. Further knowledge of the history it depicts will probably enhance the appreciation.

Kárhozat (Damnation)
Béla Tarr
1987 Hungary (2nd time; DVD)
A hopeless man, distanced from society, is in love with a singer, but she's married…
Thoroughly bleak, visually gorgeous film, deliberately abandoning plot in order to allow its camera full chance to convey meaning. Its characters are captured, mostly, as secondary objects within the all-seeing frame, often obscured by walls and pillars in the foreground. It's always raining, the music is melancholic and neverending, and the dialogue is poetic and cynical, as its protagonist, a Beckett-like anti-hero, realises he would die for the woman he loves, but alas, she would not for him.

Touch of Evil
Orson Welles
1958 US (2nd time; DVD)
A Mexican cop clashes with an American captain over a murder on the border.
The opening shot is one of Cinema's finest achievements, and what happens thereafter is a lesson in sustained excellence: the acting, particularly from Welles as a corrupt, overweight cop, is fantastic, and the editing and visual storytelling are sublime, with two parallel narratives happening at the same time over the course of twenty-four hours. Notable moments are as follows: Heston phoning his wife at the motel, with the man who has been harassing his wife seen being arrested in the background; Welles telling somebody to shut the door and we cut, as the door is shut, to another door in the other story opening; and the climax, in which Heston follows Welles, recording what he says, with both beginning far from one another and finishing within actual earshot, so that the need for cutting is less necessary, and the situation more tense.

Elephant
Gus Van Sant
2003 US (4th time; DVD)
An ordinary day in an American high school turns into a disaster when two friends go through with their plan to randomly kill their fellow students.
A powerful, multi-character drama which, when viewed, is immediately excellent, though one is not necessarily sure why. Shot in long-takes, with the camera tracking from behind its characters through empty hallways, it is a haunting depiction of human tragedy and a subtle exposé of society's finger-pointing. Upon revisits, one can't help but think it could have been even better, with tighter editing and the discarding of chapter titles, which add little.

2046
Wong Kar-wai
2004 France/Germany/Hong Kong/China (3rd time; DVD)
Returning from Singapore to Hong Kong in the late 1960s, a writer of futuristic erotic novels tries to forget a past love affair.
More ambitious than In the Mood for Love, both aesthetically (a CGI future, more eclectic choice of music) and narratively (enhancing the protagonist's heartbreak by means of including his own fiction), it develops from an erotic, rather cold affair into a poignant, reflective hymn to lost love.

Gerry
Gus Van Sant
2001 US/Argentina/Jordan (3rd time; DVD)
Two friends on a day's hiking trip casually stroll off path and become lost.
A film largely improvised and ironically dealing with the perils of improvisation; it is astonishing to look at, with many long takes giving otherwise ordinary images of two men walking a surreal, unfamiliar edge. Van Sant will often cut to an empty shot of mountainous terrain and hold the camera there, and because of the rather abstract visual of such framing, the viewer cannot tell how close or how far away the camera is from the rock, how big the rock is, or where the characters will enter and how big they will be - close up or in the distance? It's a unique way in conveying the increasing anonymity of the two characters as they walk further into peril. Recommendable to friends as a kind of endurance test.

Grand Canyon
Lawrence Kasdan
1991 US (1st time; big screen)
In LA, the lives of an immigration worker, his wife, his secretary, his son, and the black man with a deaf daughter and poor sister who saves his life, all interweave.
Terrible, for the most part; it's a love or hate affair, and many may find some moments of worth. Haggis' Crash owes much to it, and as a comment on life-changing coincidences, Magnolia may even too. Still, it's entirely missable, often risible stuff.

Garden State
Zach Braff
2004 US (2nd time; DVD)
An actor on medication all his life returns to his home town to attend his mother's funeral.
Braff establishes a world of subversion, accessible enough to attract fans of the rom-com, and original enough to stand on its own accord, and even mark him as a promising debutant director. It's a very lazy film - if the editing is economic in cutting when awkward moments arise, the writing isn't as good as it ought to have been; and it has an annoying tendency to deflate genuine heartfelt moments with obvious, and out-of-mood humour... the most unforgiveable of the bunch is the dive into cliché at the end.

True Lies
James Cameron
1994 US (2nd time; big screen)
An American Secret Agent battles with terrorists while lying to his wife about his job.
An action feast made for Schwarzenegger's one liners and physical presence on screen; being knowingly ridiculous does not excuse an excessive running time - cutting of about forty minutes would have helped.

Hana-bi (Fireworks)
Takeshi Kitano
1997 Japan (1st time; big screen)
A cop in debt to the Yakuza retires, robs a bank, and takes his wife, dying of Leukemia, on one last trip.
A lesson in understatement - Kitano's performance lies at the heart of a film whose emotional weight lies entirely within and is never allowed to expose itself. Those wishing to will find and be able to extract the most poignant of moments, such as those in the scenes between the fatalistic cop and his wife. The static camera and use of silence compliment Kitano's onscreen persona with such intensity that it's unmissable and original stuff; tender and funny with explosions of violence.

Le genou de Claire (Claire's Knee)
Eric Rohmer
1970 France (1st time; DVD)
A writer spends July at the summer home of an old female friend, and finds himself tempted by two teenaged girls living there.
One of those acutely measured films that fly by - in this case as a series of conversational episodes - that, when it comes to end, you really don't want it to…though it ends when it should. A perceptive, witty film whose disturbing premise is given a credible, even charming, touch, through the outrageously naive characters. Each scene is given a chapter title - a quick intertitle informing us of the new date, and thus indicating a jump in time; but really, it's just another transitional effect, and the sense of time doesn't really matter. Impressive.

Fellini-Satyricon
Federico Fellini
1969 Italy/France (1st time; DVD)
A "free-form" adaptation of Petronius' Satyricon. [Specific narrative synopsis will help little.]
Messy to the point of being of vague interest, Fellini adds from start to finish a new energy, a new visual, with each new scene and often even within the same scene; after two hours, you really don't know what to expect. But it is not to say it is visually impressive - energy and innovation are two different things, and there isn't one memorable image in the entire work - more a feeling, stemming from the excessive ugliness of it all. Subtitles, presumably left over from the original print, are telling: character after character mumbles, as we're told, "Vulgar Latin". You get the feeling it's all meant to shock and engage - rather ineffective, though.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 03:57 AM

Capo, capo, capo:

1) Life of Brian -1st time?????????????????
Youve been an englishman for 19 years and never watched it?
impossible.

2) Life of Brian - no stars????????????????
probably the best of Monty Python, one of the greatest comedies out there....Im shocked. Again.
I dont know what is cheap annoying humour, but if thats what Life of Brian presents, then I really hope for more.
What is the opposite of cheap humor? intelligent humor, witty humour, and the like? thats great as well, but dont set your standards too high capo, you wont enjoy a lot of films that way.

Generally speaking- If its quality you seek in films, thats great. But you're only hurting yourself by not enjoying what is less than quality as well. Did you really expect True Lies to be such a quality film before you saw it? and why did you see it?

3) True Lies - I like this film. A silly/action hollywood. No need for me to hide behind the "guilty pleasure" title I see ppl saying again and again about non-quality films they like. I dont have any guilty pleasures. When I like a film, I say so and dont feel guilty about it.

I LOVED Troy BTW.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 05:30 AM

Fame.....You going to try to argue with Capo? Good luck.

Based on Capo's rating system, I agree with him on TRUE LIES. James CAmeron I guess wanted to make a lighthearted "fun" rom-com take on the Arnold action film. Whats with talented filmmakers trying to belittle themselves with trying to make such "fun" fare? Cameron, like Ridley Scott with the mega-flop A GOOD YEAR, probably had a good time making their movies.

Its just they're the only ones that did.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 05:44 AM

Still, Capo giving a higher grade for the 2nd BACK TO THE FUTURE film than the really really well-made THE PROPOSITION, surprises me.

Anyway, I do agree with you Fame, in that LIFE OF BRIAN is great...and if I ever bother to pen up a full-fledged review, it would probably fetch it a 5-star rating.

Besides, there is more intellect and insight into the irony of history in 2 minutes of PYTHON comedy than in 2 hours of any Sasha Baron Cohen work. The latter is great, and I really liked BORAT, but the day when his movie beats up upon Python's career best....something is very wrong.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 08:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Grand Canyon
Lawrence Kasdan
1991 US (1st time; big screen)
In LA, the lives of an immigration worker, his wife, his secretary, his son, and the black man with a deaf daughter and poor sister who saves his life, all interweave.
Terrible, for the most part; it's a love or hate affair, and many may find some moments of worth. Haggis' Crash owes much to it, and as a comment on life-changing coincidences, Magnolia may even too. Still, it's entirely missable, often risible stuff.


Amazing how two people can find something TOTALLY different. (Well, "amazing" may be overstating it).

I love "Grand Canyon". I love the type of movie that deals with life-altering events and the possibilities of how we all have to take some sort of responsibility for others. "Grand Canyon" is this type of movie, and its wonderfully paced, acted and filmed.

Perhaps this is why I love "Its a Wonderful Life" and you don't, Mick.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 09:30 AM

To Die For ** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 09:57 AM

Originally Posted By: SC
I love "Grand Canyon". I love the type of movie that deals with life-altering events and the possibilities of how we all have to take some sort of responsibility for others. "Grand Canyon" is this type of movie, and its wonderfully paced, acted and filmed.


I totally agree, SC. And found Kline's performance once more brilliant. The final scene, to pick just one, is absolutely breathtaking.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:24 PM

To once again run over my star rating system:
Four stars is life changing for me.
Three stars is essential viewing; must see.
Two stars is great, highly recommended.
One star is good, worth watching.
No stars is as missable as it is watchable or worse.

There's a lot of room for no stars films, it's the biggest boundary to fall into, because that way I can allow a slow, steady filter to create a list of films worth watching. It allows me to love the films I love with more profundity.

Originally Posted By: Fame
Capo, capo, capo:
2) Life of Brian - no stars????????????????
probably the best of Monty Python, one of the greatest comedies out there....Im shocked. Again.
I dont know what is cheap annoying humour, but if thats what Life of Brian presents, then I really hope for more.
What is the opposite of cheap humor? intelligent humor, witty humour, and the like? thats great as well, but dont set your standards too high capo, you wont enjoy a lot of films that way.
'Cheap' humour in that they tend to run each line and scenes in general, right into the ground. They take funny concepts and draw them out over the course of a few clumsy minutes. They'll take one good idea and turn it into an industry to profit from it, to drain as much from one idea as possible; it's an exhausting film to watch as a result, because it's also energetic. There's an awful, cluttered feel, heavily improvised, and so there are several gags which work fine, but many which don't. The whole thing is just an excessive accumulation of unconnected sketches. I think the most witty visual gag in the entire thing was when we cut to a long-shot of the guy in the hole with long hair jumping up and down, and then he sees the mass of Messiah-worshippers approaching, and disappears into the hole again. It's good use of camera placement as a form of humour.

Quote:
Did you really expect True Lies to be such a quality film before you saw it? and why did you see it?
I've seen True Lies before, and remembered it being ridiculous; I saw it on the big screen yesterday as part of a university screening, and realised it was knowing pastiche. Does being self-aware of your ridiculousness excuse you from criticism, though? I'm not sure, but that's not my point, really. My point, which I made in the critique, is that it is too long, and even as a pastiche of action films, and of Arnie himself, there's little to be found.

Quote:
Generally speaking- If its quality you seek in films, thats great. But you're only hurting yourself by not enjoying what is less than quality as well.
I've left this part until last, because frankly, I don't get it.

Why would anybody actively seek a bad film? I don't want to watch bad films, but I can only say films are bad if I watch them. How am I to enjoy films which are "less than quality"? I could make a conscious effort to meander myself to the film I'm watching, but it doesn't mean I have to agree with it. Some might call that snobbery, or elitism; but it works both ways - I don't like True Lies for the same reason a lot of people would despise Tarr's Damnation - on the most basic level, I fail to connect with the film. The reasons for this failure in connection will change from film to film, and mood to mood, but if I consciously override my reaction and "lower myself" to the standards of the film (no, that's wrong: if I bring myself to the level of the film), then I'm immediately bringing down all of the other films I love.

If somebody marries an ugly wretch of a woman, what does that say about the beautiful lovers he's had prior to that?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy
Originally Posted By: SC
I love "Grand Canyon". I love the type of movie that deals with life-altering events and the possibilities of how we all have to take some sort of responsibility for others. "Grand Canyon" is this type of movie, and its wonderfully paced, acted and filmed.


I totally agree, SC. And found Kline's performance once more brilliant. The final scene, to pick just one, is absolutely breathtaking.
It might have been breathtaking had the entire film's emotional core not rested on that allegory; the Grand Canyon as both decidedly American landmark and a 'gulf' in social classes. I found it laughably obvious.

It, like many films of its kind, is too hasty in showing these social problems, but woefully naive in solving them. I don't think Kasdan would argue too much if I said that it's an idealised solution at the end of the film, using family as a means of reconciliation and bringing together generations and race.

It's open to the worst of clichés, but is probably aware of that (hopefully). Of course, we have the "magical black man" who is used only as a means of bringing the white man to redemption - The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption being others. And we get Steve Martin, the stereotypical movie producer who wants a money shot of brains on a window one minute, gets shot and pisses his pants in another, and then sees the light, giving us a preachy lesson in what is acceptable and true to life in films, and what isn't... I was pleased his character changed back on itself again.

The acting was fine, I had no problems with it. But as one of those multi-character LA dramas, what makes it stand out, for you guys? Everything which you would expect to happen in it does, but nothing which you don't expect to happen in it does. That's a sign of an ordinary film, for me.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
To Die For ** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)
I want to see this. What worked for you, what didn't work for you? What stood out, what didn't stand out? What left you smiling and what left you frustrated? How would you rate it alongside the director's other works?

It's lazy to merely list, don't you think? Unless you're doing this as some kind of referencing for yourself.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:40 PM

It must be good for him to watch it 9 times..

Why have i not heard of this film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:44 PM

9 times?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:45 PM

Its says Nth Time,i presumed this was for 9 times maybe not.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:47 PM

I always use Nth as a generic replacement of a number; i.e. when I forget how many times I've watched a film.

Anyway, I didn't ask you about the film... though feel free to say your thoughts if you've seen it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:49 PM

Easy Now,i havn't seen it so won't comment,i was just making conversation
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 02:51 PM

You mean Easy Rider?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 03:00 PM

Whatever.Stick to the games thread your better at that
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 03:39 PM

Ronnie...why cant I argue with capo? is he maradona or something?

capo....whats a bad film? most films are bad, I tell you.
Should I only watch the good ones? no sir.
Each movie is a story Id like to explore. I learned quite a lot from movies I consider to be crap. Unfortunately, life is too short to watch all films so we do try to have some standards. Still, if I can enjoy watching a movie which is not of high quality, why shouldnt I? art is subjective; what's art for me may not be art for you, and vice versa.
I think Dr Zhivago is the most crafted film ever. I think every second in this film is a second worthy of place in the museum right next to Mona Lisa. Thats art for me. You may think the movie is overlong, with unnecessary scenes, not interesting etc.

Art is in the eye of the beholder.

Anyways...I want to ask about the rating system...never understood those stars. If I give "the usual suspects" 10/10 or 5 stars claiming it a masterpiece....and the next day I give "the godfather" the same rate....does that mean these movies are on the same level? because as much as I love the usual suspects I cant say its anywhere near the godfather...so there goes the paradox of the rating system.
A movie can be a 10/10 if it exceeds your expectations...and yet still be way behind another movie of the same rating, so how is your system work?

If I married an ugly woman after a number of beauties, it would mean that I found somethin within her that moves me. Beauty is no more than a shell.

If you shut away ugliness from your world, how will you know what is pretty?

GOOD must co-exist with BAD in order to exist.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 03:42 PM

Originally Posted By: Fame
GOOD must co-exist with BAD in order to exist.
Exactly. Which is why I should not make excuses for bad films. I'll elaborate later, though. I must be off.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 03:56 PM

Fame, Capo has his own opinions. Its like telling irishman to actually post reasons for his rating verdicts...its pointless to try to change it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 06:13 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Fame, Capo has his own opinions. Its like telling irishman to actually post reasons for his rating verdicts...its pointless to try to change it.

I think you're missing the point here, RRA. I admire Fame's reponse to my rating of Life of Brian, and find in it a good reason to say a few things myself. It isn't pointless at all, because I am not as stubborn or cinematically ignorant as Irishman.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 06:38 PM

Another systematic breakdown of your post, Fame.

Originally Posted By: Fame
Ronnie...why cant I argue with capo? is he maradona or something?
No, I'm not. I'm about three feet taller, for starters. And three tons lighter.

Quote:
capo....whats a bad film? most films are bad, I tell you.
Should I only watch the good ones? no sir. I learned quite a lot from movies I consider to be crap.
A bad film is one which fails to engage me, for whatever reason, or sends me away having experienced nothing new. I too think there is a lot to be said about experiencing 'bad' films, in that it helps us to appreciate the 'good' ones we love.

Quote:
Each movie is a story Id like to explore.
I'm not really interested in stories. I don't watch films for stories, or even read novels for stories. My engagement with narrative, if at all, is via the formal structuring, the cinematic evocation. It's the same way orally, too; I don't enjoy listening to jokes, because most people don't know how to tell them. It's not the joke, or the 'story', but the way it is told. I think of texts in general as aesthetic blankets which drown and devour me, and I let my personality seep through the blanket so that it becomes personal to me. There's nothing cinematic about a story.

Quote:
Still, if I can enjoy watching a movie which is not of high quality, why shouldnt I?
So you're saying that, although you enjoy it and don't consider it a guilty pleasure, you think True Lies is a crap film? So on whose terms is it crap? Your terms, or an external value system?

Quote:
art is subjective; what's art for me may not be art for you, and vice versa.

I agree it's subjective, but would like to think that our definition of Art could be the same. That way, we can view our differences in the same ballpark. I think Dr. Zhivago is a work of art too, for instance, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. I may have misunderstood you, here, but it seems to be that you're saying that all Art is good and if it isn't good, it isn't Art? If you are, I disagree, and I never understand praises such as, a 'true work of art.' To me, that's a description, an adjective to describe the film or the aesthetic, not a measurement of value.

Quote:
Art is in the eye of the beholder.
Oh, please. You think I don't know that? But, as I've already said, I don't necessarily think people's definitions of Art should differ (though they do), I do think there's an endless subjectivity within that, as regards appreciating it.

Quote:
Anyways...I want to ask about the rating system...never understood those stars. If I give "the usual suspects" 10/10 or 5 stars claiming it a masterpiece....and the next day I give "the godfather" the same rate....does that mean these movies are on the same level? because as much as I love the usual suspects I cant say its anywhere near the godfather...so there goes the paradox of the rating system.
A movie can be a 10/10 if it exceeds your expectations...and yet still be way behind another movie of the same rating, so how is your system work?
Well, I'm against the out-of-10 system because there's just too much room for inconsistency; it's too mathematical and vague, yet at the same time very specific to the mood you happened to watch the film in. I haven't seen anybody use it with any kind of convincing logic; there's little reason behind each of the points on the scale, because there are so many, and so, whenever I ask people about it, they cna't explain why one film is a 7 and not an 8, and another film is an 8 and not a 7. It's the same reason why I'm against half-stars, which to me completely eliminates the point of having stars over an out-of-10 scale.

With stars, I have five boundaries. No stars means mediocre or less, because I think it's quite easy to make an average film. My rating system thus lends more attention and time to those worth watching: one star has sufficient enough worth to be of value, and is recommendable. But it might not have the lasting impact of a film with two stars, which is great, and has much in it of interest (highly recommended). That film in turn, while it had a lot in it, didn't blow me away, and thus is not essential viewing - three stars is essential viewing. I never give four stars to a film before the third viewing at least - it's simply an extension on three stars, but more personal favourite for me. Life-changing, perhaps, or the primary influence on my own aesthetic and way of thinking.

Thus, films with the same rating aren't necessarily as good as one another, but can be described by the same adjective: excellent, or great, or watchable, or not, and so on. But each film has a different reason as to why they should be so. Which is why in my critiques, as I defended recently in this thread to DVC, I'm not primarily interested in saying "This movie was awesome" or "This movie was rubbish", but make my response completely individual to the film.

Quote:
If I married an ugly woman after a number of beauties, it would mean that I found somethin within her that moves me. Beauty is no more than a shell.
You've mistook me to mean beauty is the aesthetic surface. Not so. Beauty is the core of things. And by ugly I meant personality. Either way, my metaphor was ineffective, perhaps inappropriate altogether.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 06:48 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Still, Capo giving a higher grade for the 2nd BACK TO THE FUTURE film than the really really well-made THE PROPOSITION, surprises me.
The whole Back to the Future trilogy is fantastic, and I think the second is the best. Dense and intelligent philosophies filtered through a visually exciting and narratively accessible film.

The Proposition was great, and I'd love to see it again.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 06:49 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Whatever.Stick to the games thread your better at that
There's something vaguely amusing in irony, no?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 06:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
To Die For ** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)
I want to see this. What worked for you, what didn't work for you? What stood out, what didn't stand out? What left you smiling and what left you frustrated? How would you rate it alongside the director's other works?

It's lazy to merely list, don't you think? Unless you're doing this as some kind of referencing for yourself.


Nicole Kidman was awesome as the lead role of Suzanne Stone. Matt Dillion was good with his limited role and it was good to see a young Joaquin Phoenix who did a great job as James. The flash backs were used wisely throughout the film. I haven't seen that many Gus Van Sant films and I'm not a huge fan of his but I would say this is probably one of my favorites of his.

And no I don't think it's lazy to merely list, as this has been a topic of conversation before.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 07:08 PM

Thanks. You should post short elaborations on the films you see more often.

I think it's important to ask yourself why certain things make you tick and others don't.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 07:11 PM

Do you ever enjoy stories, Capo?

Can you enjoy stories, or even only capture them, without paying attention to the way they are told to you?

I myself, primarily watch films and read books, to name two, for the story. One of the reasons why I watch films for example and not read a book (or vice versa), is to differ between the possible mediums in which a story comes to me.
Also, because a different medium brings along different ways to tell a story, ways which wouldn't be possible in any other medium.

That said, I also watch films for the cinematic value, for the images. Just like I read books for howthe story is written, and not for the story in se.

The difference, to conclude, lies in what functions we se in the mediums that tell stories. You, Capo, enjoy them for the way the stories are told, the artistic value (I hope I am paraphrasing your thoughts correctly here), while I primarily (although not exclusively) watch movies/read books/et cetera for the story in se, with special attention for the way the are told.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 07:17 PM

I've nothing really against story, it's just not the primary means of engagement with a work of art for me.

Someone once said, "Martin Scorsese is a great storyteller". I took it as an insult, though it was intended otherwise.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 07:19 PM

Irishman, I think that ppl here simply miss the great reviews you used to write in this thread. For example, this great post you made about "Gone with the wind" :


Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Gone With The Wind #4 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

The epic tale of a woman's life during one of the most tumultuous periods in America's history. From her young, innocent days on a feudalistic plantation to the war-torn streets of Atlanta; from her first love whom she has always desired to three husbands; from the utmost luxury to absolute starvation and poverty; from her innocence to her understanding and comprehension of life.

This was my first time viewing this movie and I quite enjoyed it. A great masterpiece with great performances by everyone from Clark Gable to Vivien Leigh to even Hattie McDaniel. I loved a lot of the "pull away" shots that were done as well as the shots of the characters and it looked like just an outline of them (the characters themselves were dark/black).



The first paragraph was well-written Irishman, but I mostly enjoyed reading the bit on the "pull away" shots. It shows you do have a cinematic eye...that is, when you're not watching the babes

You dont have to of course, but I hope to read more posts like that one Irishman, I think you can do wonders.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 07:25 PM

Actually Capo, You misunderstood me.

I simply trust your ratings. Notice how save for a rare occasion, I don't challenge your ratings anymore. I trust your judgement. Besides, its not like some people on these boards (among whom I've met called WORLD TRADE CENTER a "intellectual-thought provoking" movie, and which I've ignored since then) that I don't respect their taste or even logic.

Anyway, you are right in that of that trilogy, BTTF 2 is the most daring film narrative-wise. My problem is with the 3rd Act. While I'm seeing it as very original on Zemeckis and Gale's part, I realize, "wait, I'm watching the first movie again". It must be me.

Besides, the editing pace is just...off. Even Zemeckis admits as much, since he was basically on a fucked-editing schedule in post-production, since he was having to shoot part 3 simultaneously.

However, a good movie.

Now BTTF 3, as I said before in my mini-review I published in this thread, I thought of it as the STAR TREK or DR. WHO episode of the trilogy. Nothing tied in anchor to the original film, but very playful in exploring the time-travel plot fantasy element. Besides, it gave Zemeckis an excuse to finally make a western.

So my question to you Capo is....grade on the first movie?

BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (1989) - ***
BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III (1990) - ***1/2
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 07:29 PM

Fame, how about you write up a review defending TROY as a good movie, which I totally fucking-cadillac-flame-torched disagree.

But hey, I'm up to argue about it.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 07:37 PM

I already started, but I'm waiting to see Alexander, and then compare it with KoH and Troy in the same review.
And you ronnie, you told me AGES ago that you'll write a review on POINT BLANK and Im still waiting.

Capo, thanx for taking the time to reply, I gotta go now, but will reply on my next visit.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 07:39 PM

I've missed a lot of films out that I've watched recently; I watched a lot in October, but didn't feel inclined to post my thoughts in a thread decidedly against Cinema.

But as regards Back to the Future: Colourful and inventive, immensely detailed too: Michael J. Fox has ample charm to carry this witty, well-written adventure, and the chemistry between him and other actors, notably Christopher Lloyd as the mad professor, is enjoyable to watch. Along with Part II, I rate it three stars; essential viewing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 08:06 PM

Originally Posted By: Fame
Irishman, I think that ppl here simply miss the great reviews you used to write in this thread. For example, this great post you made about "Gone with the wind" :


Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Gone With The Wind #4 on the AFI Top 100 List ****

The epic tale of a woman's life during one of the most tumultuous periods in America's history. From her young, innocent days on a feudalistic plantation to the war-torn streets of Atlanta; from her first love whom she has always desired to three husbands; from the utmost luxury to absolute starvation and poverty; from her innocence to her understanding and comprehension of life.

This was my first time viewing this movie and I quite enjoyed it. A great masterpiece with great performances by everyone from Clark Gable to Vivien Leigh to even Hattie McDaniel. I loved a lot of the "pull away" shots that were done as well as the shots of the characters and it looked like just an outline of them (the characters themselves were dark/black).



The first paragraph was well-written Irishman, but I mostly enjoyed reading the bit on the "pull away" shots. It shows you do have a cinematic eye...that is, when you're not watching the babes

You dont have to of course, but I hope to read more posts like that one Irishman, I think you can do wonders.


Well I really do appreciate that. In fact, I think you're the first person EVER to compliment me on a review I wrote, so thank you
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/06 08:16 PM

Alright, I agree with you on the first BTTF picture.

Fame, why compare? Just review TROY....TROY the motion picture itself. But whatever, its your review.

TROY (2004) - **

I'm sure Warner Brothers thought they had their own GLADIATOR for 2004. That is, a sand & sandal sword epic based on the Ancient World, that theoratically would be a populist financial box-office hit that would also impale on Oscar night.

The problem is, the GLADIATOR mold had a crack in it, and WB didn't realize that their $140+ million investment was a drippy leak.

What I hate is, you have a great cast stuck in an uninspiring script adaptation of the Homeric legend that is neither willing to accept the emotional tragedy of the saga, nor gulling enough to make for serious token to audiences.

Worse, you get Wolfgang Petersen. God, what happened to that German? Years back, he was a revelation with DAS BOOT, and directed the really good thriller IN THE LINE OF FIRE. Since then, AIR FORCE ONE....THE PERFECT STORM....and TROY. Plus, the super box-office flop dreck POSEIDON.

Shit, look at the cast! Pitt, Bana, O'Toole, Cox, Bloom, Sean "Sharpe!" Bean, Krueger, you name it.

Thing is, Pitt can be a great actor...when he gives a shit. Otherwise, he coasts without bothering much to act. Its the latter that appears in TROY. Cox is one of my personal favorite actors, but he Chews the scenary up like a T-Rex mauls fresh meat. O'Toole was so embarrased with the movie, he disowned the sucker at the official premiere. Bloom is the stiff hackful pretty boy that we have here, before he dramatically improved with KINGDOM OF HEAVEN and the 2nd PIRATES movie.

The only people that escape are Bana, Krueger, and Bean. Well, Bean is always good with whatever is given to him. Bana is alright, and Krueger...nothing wrong.

But really, TROY is such a mediocre movie that despite millions thrown on the big screen, I just don't care anything about what is happening...and this from a mythology buff.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/06 09:14 AM

Just for you Fame

Superman Returns *** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

After a long period in space, looking for the remains of planet Krypton, Superman returns to Earth. He misses Lois Lane, who got married and has a son with Richard White. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor plots an evil plan, using crystals he stole from the Fortress of Solitude, to create a new land and submerge the USA.

I'm probably the only member on here who feels this way but I enjoyed this movie more than Batman Begins. Sure this movie ran a little long (with a runtime of about 2 hours and 26 minutes), but like I said, I enjoyed it more than old Bats. To start, I feel one of the only people alive who could fill the shoes Gene Hackman left as Lex Luthor is Kevin Spacey (who I believe is one of the finest actors alive today). Brandon Routh was great as Superman and stepped up to the challenge nicely. Kate Bosworth I was against at first and here's why, she's a good actor but she just looks too young for the part IMO. Finally, Parker Posey added some candid humor as Luthor's sidekick, Kitty.

What a spitting image:

Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/06 10:00 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

The acting was fine, I had no problems with it. But as one of those multi-character LA dramas, what makes it stand out, for you guys? Everything which you would expect to happen in it does, but nothing which you don't expect to happen in it does. That's a sign of an ordinary film, for me.


Thats the wonderful thing about art (and I'm including filmmaking) ..... we each get something different out of it (probably because we each SEEK something different out of it).

When I watch a movie I want to be told a story, visually. It need not be "deep" and have symbolic and metaphorical references. If its well acted, well written, well directed and tells a decent story then I'm happy. I don't want to look for hidden meanings .... while I respect (and find interesting) your "take" on the meaning of the end of "Grand Canyon" I simply think that the individuals standing on the rim of the Canyon are humbled by its sheer size and beauty. But thats all I need to see.

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/06 08:07 PM

SC, I don't actively seek hidden meaning in a film. And I agree, a cigar is always a cigar.

Anyway, I just saw two films back-to-back at the cinema. One disappointing, the other fantastic.

Little Children
Todd Field
2006 US (1st time; big screen)
A man and woman have an affair in a town in fear of a recently released child molester.
Ambitious follow up to In the Bedroom for Field, but a very disappointing one. The opening shots are promising, setting a disturbing, haunting tone left over from the (amazing) trailer. But there's an awkwardness to this film which begins when the von Trier-like, over-literate, all-knowing voice-over is introduced. It is thematically very confused, bringing two or three separate narratives together which don't seem to really connect - the relationships between the married man and married woman and the paedofile and his mother seem to be taken from two separate films, ones which would have had little to say and even less to explore, and the ex-cop who seeks last-minute redemption could have been discarded altogether. The narratives certainly don't compliment one another, or justify any of the others' existence. Field is interested mainly in humans and their relationships with one another within society, which means the film is often of interest, but the means by which he explores his preoccupations is very frustrating. It will most likely enhance one's appreciation of films which tackle their difficult moralities more confidently, such as Solondz' Happiness, for instance.

The Prestige
Christopher Nolan
2006 US/UK (1st time; big screen)
In Victorian London, two rising magicians strike up a rivalry when one of them invents a new trick, and the other wishes to find out how it is done.
Outstanding: a film told for the most part in flashback, with one character reading another character's journal... and within that narrative, the other character reads the principle character's journal. On top of this, parallel to this dual-perspective, we've a third character reliving the fatal night which begins the film. It's spellbinding stuff, narratively exciting and completely authentic. Nolan is growing vastly in confidence and skill, and one would hope that he continues to be prolific, ambitious and vastly intelligent. His direction of actors is admirable - all the performances are notable, but Bale, at the very top of his game, gives further evidence of being the finest actor currently working. Nolan also has a fine sense of pacing and volume, knowing when to cut and what to - it's incredibly complicated stuff made to look effortless, much like the magic tricks themselves.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/06 08:22 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
And I agree, a cigar is always a cigar.



Again, I disagree with you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceci_n'est_pas_une_pipe
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/06 10:25 PM

But where, in my post, did I say an image of a cigar is always a cigar?
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/06 10:38 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
But where, in my post, did I say an image of a cigar is always a cigar?


You dont have to. What you think is a real cigar is in fact an image of cigar in your brain.

Dont think im ignoring your previous posts brother, just tryin to maneuver between that, my Troy review, my other new thread etc...it will all be here later.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/06 11:51 PM

Ok, expect a series of posts...post no.1:

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Originally Posted By: Fame
GOOD must co-exist with BAD in order to exist.
Exactly. Which is why I should not make excuses for bad films.


Neither do I. But Troy or True Lies are not BAD films in my book. I meant films which are not profound, of high quality etc to still be worthy of my time. I embrace all forms of joy- from top notch quality to silly entertainment. If that makes me half shallow then so be it.

Post no.2 on the way...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 12:07 AM

But if you enjoy True Lies then how is not high quality?

Is quality judged by an external value? An unsaid hierarchy?
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 12:56 AM

Originally Posted By: Fame
Ronnie...why cant I argue with capo? is he maradona or something?
Quote:
No, I'm not. I'm about three feet taller, for starters. And three tons lighter.


but Maradona is handsomer.


Quote:
I'm not really interested in stories.


Its true that there are great movies out there with simple plots. But life is a collection of stories, how can you not be interested in other stories? I dont remember your reviews to be simply a description of the camera angle, the great visuals, and thats about it. The story is always there. Consider this paradox:
You said you despise "filmed stories/filmed plays" if I remember correctly. Taking a book or story and film it is dismissable in your eyes? Like you explained about the greatness of a joke(its not the joke, but how you tell it) - take it here: if you only care about HOW its being told, then why dismiss a filmed play? it could be told in a very special way. Yet you dismiss it for sticking to the plot with nothing new, and just a while back you said you dont care about plots? do u see the paradox here?
Indeed, some great movies are filmed plays IMO. Henry V, Death of a Salesman, Julius Caesar - top notch films in my book, because they portray the written pages in an outstanding manner. That way of portrayal is something new, regardless of it being loyal to the written play.

Why isnt the Matrix, LOTR, Terminator and Ten Commandments in your top 10 films for example? all great visuals methinks.
You have Taxi Driver in your top 10 - is it the visual take that stood out in this film, or is it the character study which hits you most?
Is "The French Connection" no more than a movie with a memorable, visually outstanding, chase?

If theres a great film about 2 guys talking in a cafe. Will you dismiss it solely based on it being poor in the visual department?

The story/ the plot is the substance, the core. Every film begins with that. You work your way from there, building the film in the visual method you prefer.

Are you familiar with Da Vinci's painting - The Last Supper?
What would this painting be if it was not a portrayal of...well,the last supper? thats the story within this painting.
You take that away, and what do you have? a bunch of guys eating dinner. Beautiful picture, but worldwide masterpiece?



Quote:
it seems to be that you're saying that all Art is good and if it isn't good, it isn't Art?


By all means NO. Art can be disgusting, manipulative, dangerous and dishonest.

Post no.3 on the way......
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 01:24 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
But if you enjoy True Lies then how is not high quality?

Is quality judged by an external value? An unsaid hierarchy?


Quality is judged by every person individually. Thats why I'm against lists such as AFI's list. I love most of the films there, but having such a list is pointless IMO.
I enjoy True Lies for the cheap humor it has; I like, for example, when Jamie Lee Curtis uses the water in a flowerpot to wet her hair, tryin to be sexy, followed by the funny instructions she gets from the tape- that amuses me, the shallow person that I am.
I also love the witty humor in Casablanca, if that is somewhat of an opposite type of humor in your book. I can watch Casablanca, one of my favorites, on a daily basis (and for a while I did) but I dont limit myself to movies only of that caliber. True Lies is a 'light snickers' type of film, which is another type of films to enjoy. I didnt expect it to be better, in fact, it couldve been a disaster, but I like it the way it is.

I enjoy playing basketball and I enjoy playing chess. I wouldnt call basketball a high-quality game like chess is. I still enjoy playing basketball. Does that help you understand how one can enjoy something that is not of high quality? There are certain degrees of quality.

Post no.4 on the way....
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 01:42 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Fame, how about you write up a review defending TROY as a good movie, which I totally fucking-cadillac-flame-torched disagree.

But hey, I'm up to argue about it.


Good. Now I know that at least ONE person will reply to my review

You know what? No need to be a stubborn ass when not needed. You want a review, you got it. Fuck Alexander. Give me 24 hours. I have to leave tomorrow anyway so now I'll have the excuse of "running away from the forum after writing a positive review on Troy, chicken Fame". Splendid

Post no.5 on the way....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 01:47 AM

Fame, you never said anything about my Superman Returns review
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 02:00 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


Thing is, Pitt can be a great actor...when he gives a shit.

O'Toole was so embarrased with the movie, he disowned the sucker at the official premiere.



Im gonna comment on what Im not gonna say in my review.

Pit gave a shit about this film...he gave a big shit actually, maybe the biggest shit he ever gave. He worked hard preparing for the role for a long time. I dont know where you get it that he didnt give a shit in this film.
How does O'toole, or any other actor's opinion on the film fits into your own review? and besides, dont you just love it when things are taken out of context? O'Toole said a lot of bad shit after filming was over mostly because he hated working with Petersen. But whatever, to each his own.

Post no.6 on the way....
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 02:15 AM

Irishman, I was replying by order of messages-yours just happen to be right after ronnie's review which is exactly NOW:

Thats the spirit, Irish! Keep it up with these kind of reviews. Im hardly a reviewer myself but I like to read about movies.

I've yet to see Superman Returns, but I cant wait. I loved the first half of Superman I, and LOVED Superman II. Superman II is what I consider to be the greatest comic book film to date. The Batman films cant touch it. Superman III and IV however is another story. Wont see those again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 02:40 AM

Superman II was great and is up there for me in terms of the greatest comic book movie ever made. But for me personally, it doesn't get any better than Sin City.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 02:40 AM

Wait, BIGGEST "Shit" he ever gave?

Fact is, Brad Pitt is like the younger and less-scientology nutty Tom Cruise. When they put away their whorish passions for money, gross-points, and the media spotlight and actually act, they deliver great acting work. The problem is, with Cruise knocked off his throne as the biggest male movie-star of Hollywood, Pitt is poised to take over, for ebtter or for worse.

In a way Fame, the perfect explanation of my point with Pitt is FIGHT CLUB and TROY.

Both roles needed charismatic men with masculine qualities of the highest ideal. Brad Pitt was very believable as a fascist figure that easily sways the disgruntled men of GenX/Y to his cause, until the viewer realizes that he isn't a promised-savior...he's simply another ideological manipulator who sways desperate people to his dangerous goals (which history has way too many of unfortunately).

But Acheilles in TROY is simply a "rock star" of a warrior(Pitt's words, not mine)....Fame, you have no idea how fucking disapointed I was with Pitt. With the famed saying that a star that burns twice as fast as other stars, lasts only half as long...Pitt seemed very right to be a person that would be a hero in Greek and later Western mythology.

Instead, we get an obvious prima donna that whines, groans in angst that I would expect in a pussy-goth-punk indie movie about high school, and which Pitt never gives me a reason to give a shit about Acheilles, which I didn't think was actually possible.

(Well to be fair, I also blame the mediocre script and direction. But again, when Pitt has painfully shown that he can be one of our best charismatic actors of our era, I can't excuse him).

As for O'Toole's comments, its not just because his problems with Peterson. Hell, after the hell that David Lean made the poor guy suffer with, in legendary exploits, on LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, when Lean offered him the lead part in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, O'Toole basically had an emotional breakdown(based from known accounts) and said he couldn't go through with it again.

But, he always talks about it, without problems, in any press junket. He's proud of that great movie, and appreciates Lean's talent. He still hated the insane production schedule.

Then again Fame, sometimes an actor's negative opinion on their movies go totally against my super-positive reviews on those films. Alec Guinness always thought STAR WARS was sillyness, and even after making alot of nice cash from it, he still refused to take it seriously in his long illustrious career.

Burt Reynolds badmouthed BOOGIE NIGHTS right through press junket interviews, until he found out that the movie got great raves, and was set to score some nominations. He turned 180 degrees, and "loved" the film. He got his supporting actor nomination, but that is why I don't respect fucking Smokey.

Hell Fame, director Alan Parker considers his PINK FLOYD THE WALL to be "the most expensive student film ever made" and quite dislikes it. Yet I seriously belief its a (pun!) wall-banging of a rock musical narrative, and absolutely crucial in the evolutionary development of the music video.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 03:18 AM

Originally Posted By: Fame
Consider this paradox:
You said you despise "filmed stories/filmed plays" if I remember correctly. Taking a book or story and film it is dismissable in your eyes? Like you explained about the greatness of a joke(its not the joke, but how you tell it) - take it here: if you only care about HOW its being told, then why dismiss a filmed play? it could be told in a very special way. Yet you dismiss it for sticking to the plot with nothing new, and just a while back you said you dont care about plots? do u see the paradox here?
Indeed, some great movies are filmed plays IMO. Henry V, Death of a Salesman, Julius Caesar - top notch films in my book, because they portray the written pages in an outstanding manner. That way of portrayal is something new, regardless of it being loyal to the written play.
Very true. I've nothing against adaptations. But many I think miss the point of adapting; it's not merely a case of 'staying true' to the original narrative, but it adds nothing specifically cinematic. And I've called many films "filmed-theatre" which are not adaptations, they were written for the screen, and my criticism was that they were nevertheless neglecting the whole idea of being cinematic.

I enjoy stories, and I dislike some too, but I don't like stories for the sake of stories. Imagine somebody tells you a story out of nowhere, with no particular relevance. They tell you just for the sake of telling you a story. It's boring business. No, like I said, I enjoy stories, if they're good, but don't approach a film expecting to be told one. My primary point of engagement with a film is its aesthetic, its formal qualities. The first fact of Cinema is the image, the visual, and sounds. When I write of what a film is about, you'll note I never regurgitate plot synopsis, but rather explore the film's thematic exploration.

You could say an entire narrative comprises littler narratives. Such as a man going into his house. It's told in one shot, from one camera angle, and that is a self-contained, rather ordinary story. We then cut to a shot of the man inside the house. When Cinema was in its early stages, this cut was feared to confuse audiences; they wouldn't make the link. Nowadays, the opposite is true, sometimes to a narrowing effect, such as when Lynch cuts from one character to another in Lost Highway, people get confused and walk away from the film having dismissed it. What if those two shots of a man walking into a house and of a man inside of a house showed two different people inhabiting two different parallel universes? They're linked together with a simple, invisible transition, and brought together, and are assumed to be of the same cohesion. Cinema in this respect is an illusion; the camera is truth 24-times-per-second, and every cut's a lie.

Quote:
Why isnt the Matrix, LOTR, Terminator and Ten Commandments in your top 10 films for example? all great visuals methinks.
You have Taxi Driver in your top 10 - is it the visual take that stood out in this film, or is it the character study which hits you most?
I love Taxi Driver because it's an exploration of violence, of the social external impact on an individual mind, how that impact is internalised through repressed rage, and how it's externalised again through more violence. A cycle, evoked through a pattern of mundanely repetitive shots - the camera on the bonnet of the taxicab, riding through the New York night, to the sound of Bernard Herrmann's score. Why aren't The Matrix and The Terminator in my top ten? Because neither match the profound resonance of those films in my top ten. If I had a top ten, which I don't.

Quote:
If theres a great film about 2 guys talking in a cafe. Will you dismiss it solely based on it being poor in the visual department?
In the context of what I've been saying, if it's an exploration of a theme which interests me, which I find of interest, I'll give it merit. But cinematically speaking, if its aesthetic value is very ordinary, I'm not going to consider it essential viewing.

Quote:
The story/ the plot is the substance, the core. Every film begins with that. You work your way from there, building the film in the visual method you prefer.
So what about films without a story or plot? I think every film begins with the visual. Not all films need a story to exist, but all films needs some kind of visual to exist.

Quote:
Are you familiar with Da Vinci's painting - The Last Supper?
What would this painting be if it was not a portrayal of...well, the last supper?
If not a picture of The Last Supper, it would be a picure of a bunch of guys at a table, wining and dining. But it would still be beautiful to look at, if it was painted in the same way.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 03:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Fame
I enjoy True Lies for the cheap humor it has; I like, for example, when Jamie Lee Curtis uses the water in a flowerpot to wet her hair, tryin to be sexy, followed by the funny instructions she gets from the tape- that amuses me, the shallow person that I am.
So you're more open-minded than me because you are able to lower yourself to enjoy True Lies? I'm not saying you are lowering yourself, though; that's what you implied. I would argue that in order to engage with the film and its humour, you were already on its level. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I'm not above you because I don't find it funny, and you're not above me because you do.
Quote:
I also love the witty humor in Casablanca, if that is somewhat of an opposite type of humor in your book. I can watch Casablanca, one of my favorites, on a daily basis (and for a while I did) but I dont limit myself to movies only of that caliber. True Lies is a 'light snickers' type of film, which is another type of films to enjoy. I didnt expect it to be better, in fact, it couldve been a disaster, but I like it the way it is.
You're conjuring a notion of high films and low films, in quality terms, and that you as a viewer raise or lower yourself to do that. I don't view Cinema as a vertical hierarchy; I think of it as a terrace of houses, and I walk along it, in a horizontal fashion. I approach every film with the same goal: simply to enjoy it. That allows a lot of room for appreciation, I think, and also a lot of room for not. Any other adjective, such as "thought-provoking" or "mindless" is narrowing me chances of appreciation.

Quote:
I enjoy playing basketball and I enjoy playing chess. I wouldnt call basketball a high-quality game like chess is.
Oh, I would, in so far that a lot of chess players wouldn't be able to play basketball on any kind of competent level, and vice-versa. There is a specific knack to both.

It's why I have no hesitation in saying Dumb and Dumber is just as good a film as The Godfather.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 03:28 AM

I love Dumb and Dumber.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 03:35 AM

I liked SUPERMAN RETURNS, but better than BATMAN BEGINS? No wonder I question Irishman's logic. I should have noticed something when he thought that the Red Sox will seriously contend next year.

If anything, RETURNS does suffers from problems:

(1) Too much loyalty to the Donner films. His work is a good foundation to work with, but its not durable enough that I would build a house on. Worse, Bryan Singer decided to carry over the one damn problem with the really good original SUPERMAN film: Camp.

(2) Alot of plot holes that arrive because people haven't seen the first two movies. Why you all think the movie only made $200 million in America? I mean, yeah I understood why Luthor would know where the Fortress of Solitude. Hell, I even know how Kryptonina sperm would score in a human womb. But imagine if I hadn't seen SUPERMAN or the Donner/Lester committee sequel SUPERMAN II?

Picky? Sure, but why be slavish that badly to the Donner films? The Brando-Jor El footage was a great touch. But SUPERMAN RETURNS did raise a question that never popped into my skull with Donner's films: What does the Fortress of Solitude in those movies actually good for, besides being a labor of work for Union workers and a nicely-paid Art Director?

(3) Kevin Spacey is great casting for Lex Luthor. But which Lex Luthor? If it was to follow the campy/smartass intellectual taskmaster that Irish wanted that we got from the Gene Hackman regime, then its successful.

Thing is, I HATE that Luthor. You know what Lex Luthor I wanted?

I forgot which episode, but in an JUSTICE LEAGUE:UNLIMITED animated series episode, after leader King Gorilla had led the Legion of Doom to turn every human into an ape, and failed, he had a Legion board meeting. Luthor outright told him how fucking stupid and pointless his plot was(which viewers would agree). took out his gun, blasted him away, and took power of the group.

That Luthor is a ruthless cold-blooded "killah". His smarts, and one very nice bank account, counters Superman's powers. Spacey can be a ruthless bastard very easily. Too bad instead that the quietly-homosexual Spacey instead played it for camps. Too bad...

(4) Wait, the kid can throw a piano, but can't punch through a door? Singer is too smart for such Ratner-esque mistakes.

Yet, there are good things in SUPERMAN RETURNS. Brandon Routh I really doubted, but man, he IS Superman. Singer was right on the money. The stadium sequence is real feel-good. The 3rd act with the hospital is really....well, it brings things to home.

I think its the fact that like X3 and FANTASTIC FOUR, I can't help but....realize that I prefer the vision in my head. I'll share it later in the morning when I pen it up.

Still, SUPERMAN RETURNS is a good film, and I hope the sequel is really superior.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 04:08 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I think its the fact that like X3 and FANTASTIC FOUR, I can't help but....realize that I prefer the vision in my head.


I still don't understand why you and ronnie continue to refer to these movies. YES, I liked them. And YES, I'm sure I'm not the only one. But I also do like other comic book movies, take The Punisher for example.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 04:20 AM

Irish, which PUNISHER film version? The shitty one with Dolph Lundgren, or the shitty one with Jane?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 04:39 AM

Thomas Jane (haven't seen the Dolph Lundgren version yet)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 07:44 AM

The Road Warrior ***
(First Viewing)

Max is travelling in a post apocalypse Australia where Gasoline is the most valuable commodity. He becomes involved in a struggle between bandits and a town that has build defenses around a small refinery. He must cross the no man's land several times to allow them to make a dash for freedom, pursued by the bandits in their vehicles.

This was about 1000 times better than Mad Max. The directing was better for one and the story was a HELL of a lot better as well. Also, Mel Gibson was more of a bada$$ as Max in this film than the previous one.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 09:33 AM

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome *
(First Viewing)

Mad Max is a former cop who finds himself in a post-apocolyptic desert town called Bartertown. He is hired by the leader of the city to fight in a gladiator like arena called Thunderdome, so he can kill Auntie's rival master blaster. He is later banished and finds a group of children that survived a plane crash during the war. They believe he is their former pilot Captain Walker. Some of the children leave to find their fabled tomorrow morrow land. So Mad Max has to save them from the desert and from Auntie's Bartertown.

So in Mad Max, Gibson plays a cop looking for revenge. In The Road Warrior, he plays a bad motherf*cker. And in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, he's a babysitter!? WTF? The worst of the trilogy, thank goodness this torture is FINALLY over!
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 10:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
So you're more open-minded than me because you are able to lower yourself to enjoy True Lies? I'm not saying you are lowering yourself, though; that's what you implied. I would argue that in order to engage with the film and its humour, you were already on its level. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I'm not above you because I don't find it funny, and you're not above me because you do.




Do you judge ppl on account of the movies they like?
On what level can u find me? depends. Prince of Persia is a game with 12 levels. I dont start playing from Level 12 because its the most complicated and interesting level. I start with Level 1 which is a piece of cake, and I love this level as well.

Now if I remember correctly, capo, you're quite dandy when it comes to WWE or whatever they call that crap nowadays, and I ask you, do you lower yourself when you watch them "wrestling"?

But I wont say, that a person like you, who can name those wrestlers with eyes closed is in the same level of that bad joke called WWE, because I dont think you are. The fact that you enjoy watching WWE tells me absolutely nothing on the nature of your character. All sorts of ppl can watch it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 03:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Fame
Do you judge ppl on account of the movies they like?
Not so much by the films, but the honesty with which they enjoy those films. You're being very honest in your appreciation of True Lies, but I think, by 'admitting' it is of "lower quality", you're adding an unnecessary confusion to the entire notion of film appreciation. It's not a film which is meant to provoke philosophical thought as much as a Tarkovsky film would. If you appreciate it on its own terms, then it's pretty effective at what it does. But save from a setpiece in which a horse chases a car, I find it of little interest. It adds nothing new.

I won't respond to the Prince of Persia metaphor, because its inclusion is a little vague.

Quote:
Now if I remember correctly, capo, you're quite dandy when it comes to WWE or whatever they call that crap nowadays, and I ask you, do you lower yourself when you watch them "wrestling"
I don't watch it anymore; it's become bloated with too much of a good thing. My former appreciation was in regards to my fascination with spectacle, with the idea of a continuing saga, with all kinds of interweaving relationships. Kind of like a soap opera on steroids...
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 07:51 PM

That video game analogy is completely irrelevant to cinema. You beat level 1 to get to level 2. I don't watch shitty Michael Bay movies to rise to great Michael Mann movies.

I don't look for deep meanings or enigmatic riddles in films. Filmmakers make films to express feelings for the most part or do something different. Cassavetes can explore a destroyed marriage in Faces or Scorsese can take a story of several gangsters, and turn it into a wonderfully paced docu-drama like Goodfellas. Most modern filmmakers make films to appeal to a shallow audience. Michael Bay or Ron Howard are to the film industry what Britney Spears or N'Synch would be to the music industry.

Some people try to pass off a horrible piece of work as innovative and deep as well such as Tony Scott with Man on Fire and Domino, the former taking an average story too seriously with nothing to back it up and the latter taking a true story and changing it to appeal to idiots. Both enhance this with the ridiculous wannabe-innovative editing.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 08:26 PM

I overcame my long period of laziness. I felt like an asshole to just throw out a rating for my favorite filmmaker, so here's my belated mini-review for The Departed.

The Departed - (Martin Scorsese;2006;USA)
Two moles on opposite sides of the law are pitted against each other when mob boss Frank Costello learns of the police mole.
While it looked as if Scorsese wouldn't blow our minds as much as he used to, he belts out his best film since Goodfellas. Nicholson and Dicaprio are on the mark in their roles with strong support from Damon, Wahlberg, and Sheen. The best supporting performance came from Ray Winstone who I wish to see more of after this and The Proposition. The music is also excellent from The Stones' "Shelter" to the wonderful Van Morrison/Waters/The Band version of "Comfortably Numb" with all others in between from Lennon to Nas. Overall Scorsese brings us a trenchant direction that produces a crime film that pulls you into it's story.

Annie Hall - (Woody Allen;1977;USA)
A neurotic stand-up comedian in New York City recounts his relationship with Annie Hall.
One of the absolute greatest comedies ever. Woody Allen's wit is on the spot and everything manages to intrigue me from the minor comments to the subtle gestures characters make. While being a hilarious and critical look at relationships and life it manages to ring true most of the time. Allen's direction retains some old fashioned simplicity with his credit title cards but manages to be very innovative in his editing and narrative. An excellent film.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/06 08:40 PM

Originally Posted By: Don Vercetti
The best supporting performance came from Ray Winstone who I wish to see more of after this and The Proposition.


See Sexy Beast. The only leading role I've seen him in, and a fantastic film as well.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/06 03:16 AM

I would also recommend Nil by Mouth, probably his best performance, and directed by Gary Oldman!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/06 04:35 AM

You, Me & Dupree **
(Second Viewing)

For newlyweds Carl and Molly Peterson, life can't get any sweeter as they begin anew to settle down into married life. With a nice house and established careers in tow, nothing seems to get in their way. However, Carl is about find out just how much friendship means when Randy Dupree, his best friend has been displaced from his home and fired from his job because of attending their wedding. Taking his friend in, what Carl and Molly are about to experience is that the fine line between a few days and whatever else is after, can be a lot more than they bargained for. Especially when their friend overstays his welcome in far too many ways than he should.

It got funnier with a second viewing and Owen Wilson is a very funny person, but ultimately, most of the funny parts are already in the trailer
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/06 04:40 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I would also recommend Nil by Mouth, probably his best performance, and directed by Gary Oldman!


What the fuck is going on with these unnecessary exclamation points? Stop screaming at me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/06 08:31 AM

Clerks II *** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

A calamity at Dante and Randall's shops sends them looking for new horizons - but they ultimately settle at Mooby's, a fictional fast-food restaurant. Free from his dead-end job (and lodged in a new one), Dante begins to break free of his rut, planning to move away with his clingy fiancé. Dante is ready to leave the horrors of minimum-wage New Jersey behind, but Randal - always the more hostile of the two - starts to become overwhelmed by his own rancor.

The reason for the high rating was in part due to the fact that Mr. Kevin Smith had to follow up his cult classic Clerks. and did so beautifully. Stepping into the batter's box and hitting a home run, proving the Jay & Silent Bob characters have life in them and were missed during their brief 5 year layoff. Same old Dante and Randall with more movies and people to poke fun of while Smith never ceases to gross us out.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/06 09:40 PM

All the kings men ***
Excellent acting from Sean Penn. I think he deserves an oscar for his performance as a very convincing politician. Overall story and plot are ok, with some good performances from a recognizable star cast.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 01:07 AM

Carlito's Way.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 01:11 AM

Originally Posted By: olivant
Carlito's Way.

you are competing with Irishman now, and I must say you are winning it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 02:37 AM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Originally Posted By: olivant
Carlito's Way.

you are competing with Irishman now, and I must say you are winning it


Oh don't worry, I'll catch up
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 06:35 AM

UKM: The Ultimate Killing Machine * 1/2
(First Viewing)
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 11:38 AM

Originally Posted By: Fame
Do you judge ppl on account of the movies they like?


well, to me it can be a good evaluation criterion. The best being people's love for animals. That's one of the first things I try and enquire about people. And in my experience if people don't love animals they surely don't love people either.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 02:19 PM

Yesterday I watched Béla Tarr's Sátántangó, a seven-and-a-half hour epic.

The ebbs and flows of Tarr's epic film mean the viewer's interest, or attention span, comes and goes; it's probably best to make use not only of the two given intervals, but also of the twelve chapters which divide this laborious film. Because it is so slow, often with lengthy sequences without any kind of character interaction whatsoever, following what little narrative there is is especially difficult. Further evidence of where Van Sant found inspiration for his last three films: not only is there more shots imitated in Gerry, but the non-linear editing obviously influenced Elephant: and here, this coverage of events from different view-points seems to have no purpose other than to make the editing of the narrative compliment the way, in individual scenes, Tarr's camera moves through space. A lot of standout sequences happen to be involving animals of some sort: the opening shot, of cattle leaving a barnyard; a small girl force-feeding a cat rat-poison, with the cat struggling at first and then, when left alone, remaining still; and horses galloping into a town square and circling a statue, with three humans marching off into the distance; the penultimate chapter, in which two men edit a letter on a typewriter, with the camera circling them at a snail's pace; and, regardless of the expected ebbs and flows of such a difficult, ambiguous film, who can deny the power of the final moments, that crescendo of distant bells, and the slow descent into inevitable darkness?
---
After that I watched Bergman's Persona.

Fantastic and fascinating, a film which evolves and rewards enormously when revisited. Shot in piercing black and white, its images will haunt and linger. Bergman explores cinematic illusion by means of a character's insanity: a conscious charade of mental illness in one character, the descent into frustration and identity confusion in another. Bold and daring, it has that rare, elusive quality of having been economically efficient - edited to the point of being inch-perfect in length and pace. Aesthetically resounding and psychologically profound.


---

Lav, I'm not particularly fond of animals.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 02:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Lav, I'm not particularly fond of animals.


from someone who can watch a seven-and-a-half hour movie and a Bergman movie soon after I can expect anything!

Anyway, I already knew you don't like animals. What can I say? Nobody's perfect.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 03:40 PM

You are, my love; you are.

Come give me a cuddle.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 07:12 PM

I don't like animals at all and I love people. Your entire way of thinking has just been proven false, Lav.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 10:22 PM

[I don't even know why I posted this. Sorry to God, my parents, my family, my friends, to myself, to everybody under the Sun.]
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 10:43 PM

Somebody hack into your account Capo?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/06 10:48 PM

FUCK YEAH!+ MOTHERUFUCKER!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D::D
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 08:35 AM

Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
I don't like animals at all and I love people. Your entire way of thinking has just been proven false, Lav.


That doesn't make it less true to me, dude.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 08:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Come give me a cuddle.


I'm on my way to you, Cucciolo. I'll bring you "The Battleship Potemkin" in its original version and we'll watch it over and over until we get horny like hell.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 09:19 AM

I watched "The Notebook" for the first time yesterday.

It was overly sappy, it was mushy.

It was excellently acted, written and directed.

It was one of the best "romance" movies I've ever seen.

It was also one of the saddest films I've ever seen.

Anyone who has ever been in love and has had that love get away MUST see this.

Anyone who has ever watched a loved one lose a battle to Alzheimer's MUST see this.

James Garner and Gena Rowlands steal the movie although Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams (mmmmmmm) ably hold their own.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 10:34 AM

Bah, if you want a film about two people who love each other, though in a crazy way, you should see not Nick Cassavetes' corny The Notebook, but his father John Cassavetes' A Woman Under the Influence..
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 10:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Vercetti
Bah, if you want a film about two people who love each other, though in a crazy way, you should see not Nick Cassavetes' corny The Notebook, but his father John Cassavetes' A Woman Under the Influence..


I had seen it many years ago. A great movie but a tough movie to watch. "The Notebook" was at times just as difficult to sit through, but I liked it better.

I would've loved to have been able to hang with Cassavetes and his little "crew" (Ben Gazzara and Peter Falk). Talk about fun!
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 11:05 AM

I didn't know John Cassavetes' son was a director! Or anything in the business. I think I wasn't even aware he had a son, come to think of it.

I like John's 60's work, particularly "The Killers" and "The Dirty Dozen". He was one sexy guy back then.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 11:59 AM

Originally Posted By: SC
I watched "The Notebook" for the first time yesterday.


Yeah, as a tear jerkers'lover (:p), I heard about that movie but still have to watch it (probably because for some mysterious reasons it was not successful here in Italy)....I definitely will watch it sooner or later, especially after your review, SC!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 01:23 PM

I've not seen The Notebook, but I am delighted to see this thread churning with discussion again. References left, right and centre, critiques, feedback, general chit-chat.

Even Irishman's back reviewing films, which I am very pleased to see.

Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 02:03 PM

Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy
I definitely will watch it sooner or later, especially after your review, SC!


I've got a general feel for the type of movies you like, Lavinia, (from your posts here) and I think you'll need a box of tissues near you when you watch this one.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 02:23 PM

Originally Posted By: SC
I think you'll need a box of tissues near you when you watch this one.


Great! I know it may sound slightly sick, but
the more I cry while watching a movie the more I like it! Am I curable?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/06 02:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy
I know it may sound slightly sick, but the more I cry while watching a movie the more I like it! Am I curable?


Probably not.... you're a hopeless romantic.

(Don't change).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/06 12:19 AM

Three films today; two shorts, one feature, all for the first time and all on the big screen. The first two explore dreams and the personality filtered through them - one on dream logic, the other dream content. The feature, seen last, was my fifth Fellini film.

Meshes of the Afternoon
Maya Deren / Alexander Hammid 1943 US 1st time; big screen
A woman dreams of being murdered by herself; she wakes up and is killed again.
One of the most genuinely unsettling films ever made, in the feelings its askew cinematography conjures and the lingering tone left by Teiji Ito's score (added 1952). The entire thing is edited and shot so as to constrict the audience in every way possible. It'll probably give you nightmares - its imagery and general style of narrative is echoed by Lynch in Mulholland Dr.


Gently Down the Stream
Su Friedrich 1981 US 1st time; big screen
Fourteen dreams from a filmmaker's personal journal are scratched in text onto film, coinciding with images of a woman swimming.
Disturbing not in content but in the frankness with which its intimacy is achieved, this experimental short looks a lot like the kind of thing Greenaway likes to do - overlaying images and text so as to create a rich visual pattern; less about the logic of dreams and more to do with the actual content, it is daringly personal stuff; and entirely silent, which makes it often uncomfortable to watch.


La strada The Road
Federico Fellini 1954 Italy 1st time; big screen
A simpleton is hired and exploited by a brute as he travels from town to town and circus to circus, and falls for him.
A film all about humanity's need for love and companionship, without really knowing it; it is a decidedly downtrodden affair lifted throughout by Masina's portrayal of the woman taken for granted and led astray by whomever she might meet. It would be an annoying, rather obvious performance if it wasn't so fiercely controlled, and the circus scenes fetch up all kinds of similarities to Chaplin. Speaking of whom, its downfall is probably its undying need to gain its audience's love, flattering them with a sugary ebb and flow of emotions, and it isn't all that great to look at. Still of great interest, however, with lots of ambiguity and interesting scenes and characters - the Fool is one for discussion more than anybody.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/06 06:07 AM

Scoop ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A student journalist, for a college paper, visiting friends in contemporary London happens upon the scoop of a lifetime. Along the investigative trail, she finds magic, murder, mystery - and perhaps love, with a British aristocrat.

This wasn't as good as Allen and Johansson's last effort Match Point (which is my favorite Woody Allen movie). Neither of them shined as much the 2nd time around but it was a good break to see Hugh Jackman in something other than an X-Man film. Not that I have anything against Wolverine but it's just a nice change to see him expand his range as an actor. What I enjoyed most from this film were the scenes on the boat with the Grim Reaper. I haven't really seen too many scenes like that from the afterworld and again it was a nice change for me.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/06 08:41 AM

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/06 08:51 AM

Man On Fire *** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

In Mexico City, the former CIA assassin and presently an alcoholic decadent man John Creasy (Denzel Washington) is hired by the industrialist Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony), with the recommendation of his old friend Rayburn (Christopher Walken), to be the bodyguard of his young daughter Pita (Dakota Fanning) and his wife Lisa (Radha Mitchell). Pita changes the behavior of the cold Creasy, making him live and smile again, and he feels a great affection for her. When the girl is kidnapped Creasy swears to kill each one responsible for the abduction.

Just gearing up for Deja Vu later on this week and thought I'd brush up on my Tony Scott a little. It's well documented here my thoughts and feelings about Tony Scott and this particular movie. My second favorite Tony Scott film behind only True Romance. This was Denzel's best performance since either Training Day or Philadelphia. However, Denzel had some competition for scene stealer and that was in 10-year-old Dakota Fanning who seemed to be well beyond her years in this film. Congrats to the both of them and Mr. Scott who put together a fantastic show.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/06 04:39 PM

Sad thing is, I do hear that DEJA VU's surprise ending is like a retarded characture of JACOB'S LADDER. Like I care. I'll get pissed when Tony Scott finally gets around to directing that sure-to-suck THE WARRIORS remake.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/06 08:22 AM

Casino Royale ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous, and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to '00' status. Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar where he is to spy on a terrorist, Mollaka. Not everything goes to plan and Bond decides to investigate, independently of MI6, in order to track down the rest of the terrorist cell. Following a lead to the Bahamas, he encounters Dimitrios and his girlfriend, Solange. He learns that Dimitrios is involved with Le Chiffre, banker to the world's terrorist organizations. Secret Service intelligence reveals that Le Chiffre is planning to raise money in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro at Le Casino Royale. MI6 assigns 007 to play against him, knowing that if Le Chiffre loses, it will destroy his organization. 'M' places Bond under the watchful eye of the beguiling Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together and even torture at the hands of Le Chiffre. In Montenegro, Bond allies himself with Mathis MI6's local field agent, and Felix Leiter who is representing the interests of the CIA. The marathon game proceeds with dirty tricks and violence, raising the stakes beyond blood money and reaching a terrifying climax.

I can sum up this Bond film in two words: pretty disappointing. I dug Daniel Craig as the cold-hearted pr*ck James Bond and still don't see why so many people were on his a$$ from the start of this project. However, my biggest beef with the movie was it's length. I thought the movie was gonna end about 5 times before it finally did. I liked the note it left on but felt some things should have been cut (it felt like 2 1/2 hours). As for the other characters, Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen were good but nothing spectacular. Maybe I'll warm up to this with a second viewing but as of now, I kind of have a sour taste in my mouth (mind you, this is only the third James Bond film I've seen in theaters, with the last one being Tomorrow Never Dies). GoldenEye was the first for those wishing to know.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/06 01:20 PM

Very interesting critique, there, Irishman. My flatmates saw it last night, and loved it (I had to do an essay), and I must be honest, I'm looking forward to it. Eva Green is absolutely gorgeous, and I've heard it's a lot more gritty, which was my biggest problem with Die Another Day, which I'd rank as one of the worst Bond films.

Yesterday I saw two films on the big screen, one for the second time, which I found rather pointless, another was a masterpiece:

Shrek 2
Andrew Adamson / Kelly Asbury / Conrad Vernon 2004 US 2nd time; big screen
The ogre must race against time in order to retain his new wife, whose parents are plotting against him.
So drenched in references to pop culture, and so reliant on audience awareness of such references, in ten years time this film might have fallen into complete obscurity; different actors play the same minor characters depending on which country it was distributed in, and it is so determined to be hip and of its time that it will soon be outdated. There are a few good visual gags here and there, most of them involving minor characters, but the humour is often forced and simply not funny; it doesn't even look all that astonishing.


Les enfants du paradis Children of Paradise
Marcel Carné 1945 France 1st time; big screen
The Boulevard of Crime, 19th Century Paris: the lives of a stage actor, a mime, a whore, a thief, a nobleman and an actress intertwine, and cross again seven years later.
Spellbinding for those who adore multi-layered scripts and visual frames packed with action and movement; it is entrenched in period detail so as to be seamless, and so riveting in its characters and exploration of acting and the entire notion of acting, that it belies its three-hours running time. Told in two parts; the first an interesting, extended means of expositing its characters, the second, set years later, bringing them back together again for a bitter explosion of love, regret and deep sorrow.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/06 06:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Very interesting critique, there, Irishman. My flatmates saw it last night, and loved it (I had to do an essay), and I must be honest, I'm looking forward to it. Eva Green is absolutely gorgeous, and I've heard it's a lot more gritty, which was my biggest problem with Die Another Day, which I'd rank as one of the worst Bond films.


I'll look forward to reading what you had to say about it upon viewing it
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/06 06:33 PM

Poor Irish and his tush. Tsk Tsk Tsk.

BTW, for such a LOTR fan, I'm surprised you could stand ROTK's 12 endings, but not CASINO ROYALE.

Besides Irish, I wish you would quit your silly artificial expections on films. Its like a round peg into a square hole. Its a disaster waiting to happen. The only expectations I have is that good people associated with a property make something happen worth my time, but thats it. I mean, how fair is it to expect a certain tempo, narrative, or even what one expects in a movie not seen yet?

Thats why when my reviews touch upon "disapointment," its always with the finished product itself. SUPERMAN RETURNS, while I enjoyed it, I felt disapointment in that it opened a can of worms, but not totally open it, but half-ass fashion with a knife, not a can opener.

Its like BATMAN BEGINS. I didn't know what I would get. Maybe a good movie, maybe it would be a bad movie. I mean, Chris Nolan is a great filmmaker but so what? Great filmmakers make bad movies too.

As for CASINO ROYALE, well more complete thoughts later today, but I'll tell you this: My old man saw all of the Bond films in theaters, from DR. NO onto ROYALE yesterday, and he called CASINO ROYALE the best Bond movie ever.

Besides, Daniel Craig is the first Bond in generations that I believed could seriously kick someone's ass in a fight. Not the suspension of belief I (seriously) needed with Moore and Dalton, or half-suspension with Brosnan.

Really, I like this new Bond, and it'll whack the competition over Thanksgiving weekend.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/06 07:07 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Besides Irish, I wish you would quit your silly artificial expections on films. Its like a round peg into a square hole. Its a disaster waiting to happen. The only expectations I have is that good people associated with a property make something happen worth my time, but thats it. I mean, how fair is it to expect a certain tempo, narrative, or even what one expects in a movie not seen yet?


All I've ever heard from people who have seen Casino Royale is how great it is and, as you're father said, could be THE best Bond film ever. How can you not have high expectations with a billing like that? I had absolutely NO interest in seeing Borat but because so many people have said it was so great and hilarious, I'm going to go see it now (with expectations).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/06 08:46 PM

Easy Ronnie; it's only natural to have certain expectations of a film. You can't force yourself to love a film, and nor should you. If, for whatever reason, it fails to connect with you on the basic level, then it's not a good film, to whomever is watching.

You were disappointed with A Good Year, for instance.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/06 03:18 AM

Not really Capo.

Sure, Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors.

But fuck, when that project was announced, and I read the plot synopsis...I didn't know what to think. A drama? A romantic drama?

Its like with Scott's AMERICAN GANGSTER, which potentially could be good. Good cast, good material to work with, etc.

A GOOD YEAR on the otherhand, I had nothing.

So how the f*ck can that be expectations?

Oh and Irish, pleeeeeeeeeeeeease. You can't help yourself? You forgot a rule I PMed you to learn months ago:

"The only critic worth a true shit to you that you can totally trust, is you."

I love my Dad, but his taste in movies was like Vietnam: A Mess. Can any of you suckahs say the same about your parents?

However, with people that I know have taste in movies, I take under advisement and at least try to read into what Capo, DV, Mike Sullivan, Hagen, etc., say. Those guys I sometimes totally agree with, and sometimes we're polarized (like me and Capo on SCARFACE, or me and Hagen on ROLLERBALL, for example).

My point being, those guys know their movies, but the only critic that truely knows for sure to digest what they've seen, is YOU.

Poor Irish, he's the guy that'll break under interrogation by me with simply a mighty rope jolt to the balls!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/06 06:24 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Poor Irish, he's the guy that'll break under interrogation by me with simply a mighty rope jolt to the balls!


Well I do have to think about the future
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/06 09:00 AM

Domino ***
(Third Viewing)

Based on the true story of Domino Harvey, daughter of film actor Laurence Harvey. Tired and unsuited to the pretentiousness of her high-society LA life, Domino leaves the glitterarti behind and sets off to become a bounty hunter. She quickly falls under the wing of veteran hunter Ed Mosley and his crew and becomes an unlikely natural in the art of bounty hunting. But things really heat up when a masked gang pilfer the contents of an armored car, and before long the mob, a crazed TV producer, the FBI and a terminally ill child have all got caught up in the crazy situation.

Keira Knightley played a good Domino Harvey and Lucy Liu was enjoyable as well as Taryn Miles. Other than that, no one really stood out to me except for Mo'Nique. This was the first movie or rather part of her's that I saw and liked. A step down from Man On Fire but hopefully a step in the right direction with Deja Vu. And I do agree with some here that after watching this film for the third time, I think Tony got a little crazy with the "MTV style" shooting. I thought it was fine in Man On Fire and sometimes in this film, but at times it did get to be a little much.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/06 07:55 PM

Casino Royale **
Hardly any gadgets and the Bond is not shy of violence. International locations, bad villains and a great looking woman... all in all, nice entertainment.

soon to come: review of Fountain
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 12:05 AM

Casino Royale follows the formula of Batman Begins. Im pretty sure ppl who liked BB will also like CR. While both movies portray the beginning of their characters, they actually go as far as making them "mere human" as they can. No aura here folks. You want to see some superheroes or charming agents go look someplace else. Batman Begins will show you a man in a costum of a bat. It's down right to this point that the film bothers to explain how every little gadget actually works. No tricks here, we dont want to see Wayne suddenly wearing a black outfit flying around. No sir, you have to explain how everything works, we dont want no fantasies here. This new Bond can really kick your ass, things are simple- he's so human and such a badass....but is that what Bond supposed to be? ppl got tired of that charming looking fella and they want someone more human to relate to. These movies who deal with beginnings are the excellent way to get the Bond and Batman franchise out of the mud they were in, and thats wonderful, the question is how far its going to work when the movies will get back to the point where their heroes are heroes not for being so "human" but for being that tiresome superhero/ charming agent we've seen before. Or maybe we dont need that anymore. Dont sell us that "aura", its out of fashion.

Both movies were fun to watch. BTW.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 12:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy


The best being people's love for animals. That's one of the first things I try and enquire about people. And in my experience if people don't love animals they surely don't love people either.


Lavinia, you're bound to love me...for I am an animal myself. Quite a wild one at that. 'specially in bed.

But really:

1) I've got 2 dogs.

2) I'm vegetarian.

3) I never EVER pushed an old woman down the stairs.

4) I dont kill ppl on Sundays.


I mean...what more could you ask for?
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 01:08 AM

Originally Posted By: SC
Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy
I know it may sound slightly sick, but the more I cry while watching a movie the more I like it! Am I curable?


Probably not.... you're a hopeless romantic.

(Don't change).


Careful SC, before you know it she'll be quoting CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN non-stop. Dont say I didnt warn you

But really - that was one of your best posts. 'specially what you said in parenthesis

Lavinia- have u seen the tearjerker "My Life" with Michael Keaton?
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 01:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra


Yesterday I saw two films on the big screen, one for the second time, which I found rather pointless, another was a masterpiece:



Just curious...how many masterpieces have u seen? not an exact number, but is it around 50...100...500 ?

I dont think Ive seen more than 50 masterpieces.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 01:36 AM

I've seen around three hundred and fifty films that I'd consider absolutely excellent, Fame.

And here's another one:

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Michel Gondry 2004 US 3rd time; DVD
A man decides to get his memory erased of his ex-girlfriend, and, halfway through the procedure, realises he still loves her.
Extraordinarily resonant exploration of memory, love and flawed relationships. Gondry's direction has a loose feel, very casual and very immediate, and Kaufman's script is so tightly concerned with itself, with its own narrative, that the result is a film which evokes an unusual intimacy without really concentrating on its central relationship... at least not in the conventional sense. It seems, for instance, to relish and concentrate more on those moments of embarrassment, those awkward silences which often speak more than conversations, and since it starts at the bitter end and works its way back, the ending, at once tragic and hopeful, couldn't be more explosive. Together, Gondry and Kaufman grasp these memories and wrap them together as a kind of recollection of dreams, and the real revelation of the film, the real winner, is the undying endurance of love itself. Remarkable.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 02:13 AM

I see. Well, there really are many wonderful films out there, but masterpiece to me is really, REALLY something huge.

Same question for everyone else-

1) how many masterpieces have u seen?

and 2 more questions:

2) which director has the biggest number of films in your masterpieces list?

3) which actor has the biggest number of films in your masterpieces list?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 02:44 AM

As far as directors, probably Godard or Hitchcock.

I'm not interested in actors.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 04:25 AM

Thing is, I believe that a movie has to fucking earn itself a 5-star, Masterpiece rating.

Put it another way, I have a close associate who gave 5 star ratings to 2006 movies like CASINO ROYALE, BLACK DAHLIA, and MIAMI VICE.

I quite dig those movies, but 5 star? Hell no.

Hell, I've knocked down many movies that I've reviewed in the past from the 5-star level they had enjoyed. Case in point, ANIMAL HOUSE.

Still, Stanley Kubrick has an insane number of "masterpieces" that I would grade 5 stars. DR. STRANGELOVE, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, THE SHINING, and FULL METAL JACKET. So yeah, he's #1 for me.

Oh and Fame, I've heard more than once that CASINO ROYALE as being chided as "BOND BEGINS", which is fitting...still, despite Irishman's wet panties, its the best Bond film in decades.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 05:28 AM

The Fountain ****
Darren Afronsky is a genius. He made Requiem for a Dream and now he comes up with this stunning masterpiece. The concept, visuals and the excellent sound track by the same composer, Clint Mansel and acting are all excellent. The whole experience was just amazing. Go and watch it immediately.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 05:37 AM

svsg, THE FOUNTAIN is indeed a well that smart and tasteful people will be rewarded with in taking a taste of.

I'm glad you dug the shit out of it too.
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 05:54 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


Still, Stanley Kubrick has an insane number of "masterpieces" that I would grade 5 stars. DR. STRANGELOVE, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, THE SHINING, and FULL METAL JACKET. So yeah, he's #1 for me.


Ronnie I think you have to put Kubrick's final masterpiece about secret societies and skullduggery 'Eyes wide shut' on that list.

It is loaded with obvious references to the secret societal world of Freemason symbology, ritual, and philosophy. Including various muscial works from the famous mason Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart's famous 'magic flute'(afs wrote a review of it somewhere) was very revolutionary/unique in that he was one of the first to discuss the philosophies of this famous group. He died early, many think at the hands of his masons, b/c of this exposing piece called 'the magic flute.'

Kubrick too broke the mold with his piece dealing with secret societies(more specifically freemasonry). He uses the typical 'pezzonovante'(politicians, judges, doctors, etc) to represent his masked version of the masons. And of course, Kubrick died suddenly and mysteriously right after the movie was made.

It is a movie I know that I will watch for the rest of my life.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 07:31 AM

Deja Vu ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

An ATF agent travels back in time to save a woman from being murdered, falling in love with her during the process. A brief review here for Deja Vu. Not a bad movie but nothing great either and it was surprisingly easy to follow (as I thought I might have been lost from time to time but was pleased to find that was not the case). Denzel was enjoyable as was James Caviezel, who I was surprised to even see in the film. And for those Tony Scott haters out there, he stayed clear away from the "MTV style" directing that plagued you during Man On Fire and Domino. So with that, you might actually want to think about seeing this in the theaters, although more than likely I'm sure you'll wait 'til DVD (if that).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 12:49 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Thing is, I believe that a movie has to fucking earn itself a 5-star, Masterpiece rating.
I currently give four stars, my top rating, to ten films.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 03:14 PM

Which 10 exactly Capo? Anyway, looks like we're both in the same boat. Unlike Ebert, we don't give away 3 stars or full-score ratings like candy.

Ice, EYES WIDE SHUT was really great. Not a masterpiece, but damn great, and sadly treated with either indifference or hostility by most people.

Then there was Kubrick's BARRY LYNDON. Among the best-shot films in history, its held back by Kubrick's decision to have a narration track.

Still, glad to see someone else considers (probably rightly) EWS a masterpiece.

The rest of the Kubrick filmography:

EYES WIDE SHUT (1999) - ****1/2
BARRY LYNDON (1975) - ****
LOLITA (1962) - NO RATING - NOT SEEN
SPARTACUS (1960) - ***
PATHS OF GLORY (1957) - ****1/2
THE KILLING (1956) - ***1/2
KILLER'S KISS (1955) - ***

*AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001) - ****

*=Not a true Kubrick film as we know, but its like if someone ever took up Hitchcock's noted "blind man given his sight back" outline and actually filmed it. Its not the master's work, but traces would be visible in the material.

Though I'm sure Kubrick wouldn't have put the sacraine touch that Spielberg gave to AI.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 03:27 PM

The ten are as follows:

Blue Velvet David Lynch, 1986
Don't Look Now Nicolas Roeg, 1973
Éloge de l'amour In Praise of Love Jean-Luc Godard, 2001
Eraserhead David Lynch, 1976
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Michel Gondry, 2004
Irréversible Irreversible Gaspar Noé, 2002
Manhattan Woody Allen, 1979
Persona Ingmar Bergman, 1966
Taxi Driver Martin Scorsese, 1976
Weekend Jean-Luc Godard, 1967

I expect a few more to be added when I next revisit them...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 03:32 PM

You know Capo, I don't have a problem at all with your scores for those films.

Anyway, you heard about that stunt that Lynch did in LA?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/06 08:07 PM

Haha, yeah.

"Without this cow, there'd be no cheese in Inland Empire."

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/06 07:44 AM

Beerfest ***
(Second Viewing)

Two brothers travel to Germany for Oktoberfest, only to stumble upon secret, centuries-old competition described as a "Fight Club" with beer games. I think this is the best Broken Lizard film. I've only seen Super Troopers once and plan on watching it again in the next week given I have the time to do so. Definitely "the ultimate drinking movie!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/06 09:25 AM

Pulse
(First Viewing)

Imagine our wireless technologies made a connection to a world beyond our own. Imagine that world used that technology as a doorway into ours. Now, imagine the connection we made can't be shut down. When you turn on your cell phone or log on to your e-mail, they'll get in, you'll be infected and they'll be able to take from you what they don't have anymore -- life.

The only reason I watched this movie was because it was a free rental from work. One of the WORST "horror" movies I've ever seen in my life. It's not even a "it's so bad it's good" movie like Stay Alive. It's just plain BAD!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 01:22 AM

Another two for the masterpiece list, and one more for the four-star elite.

Lost In Translation
Sofia Coppola 2003 US/Japan Nth time; DVD
Two Americans in Japan, one an actor, the other a lonely wife over on her husband's business, meet up and enjoy each other's company.
The loneliness of life, communicated via two people, both frustrated by their respective inert marriages, who find one another in the same alien world. Two notable points, then: the excellent performances carry the film with remarkable weight, and the vision of a new culture, a new way of life, daunting at first and warming at the finish, is wonderfully achieved. Coppola's style is unique, both hip and invididual, accessible and obscure; it's a massively popular film, for instance, but her narrative might fit best in what academics - however outdated they are - define as 'Art Cinema': an accumulation of situations which might not add up to much as a story, which invites us to explore the central relationship, to connect to it, on a much deeper level than otherwise allowed. Perceptive, brave, and utterly fantastic.


Marie Antoinette
Sofia Coppola 2005 Japan/France/US 1st time; big screen
An Austrian princess is wedded, at 15, to a French Dauphin in the hope of bringing together Versailles and Vienna. At 19 she becomes Queen of France, but trouble is brewing amongst the public.
Ambitious and misunderstood, a tragic, rather quiet film about a girl entering a world completely alien to her, and becoming slowly seduced by it. Seduction is the key word - it's visually fantastic, meticulously designed, and overall irresistible. It's probably going to be remembered (if at all) as a hideously inaccurate biopic with an out-of-place soundtrack. But Coppola continues to impress, as a deceptively bold director who moves on with each film. She has a fine sense of pace, and her control of actors is brilliant; the two can be seen together most evidently when the title character is deflowered, and we cut to the birth of her first child - it might seem too pacy and convenient for some, but Dunst's facial expression lends a weight other directors would have missed (and her performance in general is another lesson in subtlety). Arresting from start to finish, and the final shot, a very brief coda, is haunting and implicit.


----

I must see The Virgin Suicides,and quick. But I must say, I think it is most rewarding to enter Coppola's films with as blank a slate as possible, with as few expectations as possible. If that seems obvious, it is especially the case with her.

Coppola's style is not only interesting in itself, but sparks all kinds of debates when placed at the centre of stuff like box-office draw, film and gender, and art/popular discussions. Such things are reductive, but I think she's a fantastic director who is, I suspect, going to be very misunderstood if she continues with this trend of individualistic vision.

...And I very much hope she does. I hope her ambition and confidence isn't knocked by the mixed, cautious reactions Marie Antoinette has received, and I hope she continues to attract funding for her films. It would be a shame if she didn't. For now, though, let us rejoice in this risky, very wonderful number she is dancing, a fine line between box-office success and artistic preoccupations. Can she entertain both, and if so, for how long?

Marie Antoinette was so good, so decorated, so rococo, so "empty", if you like, that I simply didn't wish to discuss it with the group of cineastes with whom I saw it... so futile I suspect, would my praises have been.

I like the way she handles her narratives, too. In both Lost In Translation and Marie Antoinette I see a tendency to unfold narrative as a series of situational repetitions - and in the case of the latter, visual repetitions, in the form of the daily feasts between Marie and Louis. There's certainly room, perhaps justification, for boredom here, for some, but her rhythm and pacing are too controlled for me to be switched off by it. In fact I find it enthralling.

Marie Antoinette might work either way on a revisit, so I'm not going to see it again until it comes to DVD - just as going in with few to no expectations on a first time is a must, I think it even applies (and even to Lost In Translation, too) when you revisit her films.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 01:25 AM

Anyone ever watch the movie "11:14"?

It seems to always be on satellite, but I never am able to catch it from the begining. So I haven't watched it yet.

Is it any good?



Don Cardi
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 01:30 AM

Watch it, DC!!

Its a little confusing at first, but stick with it. It involves a bunch of stories that become intertwined and all get wrapped up at the end.

I enjoyed it.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 01:39 AM

I remember you telling me about it a while back. But as I said, everytime I come across it, the movie has started already. I won't watch a movie unless I see it from the begining.

I'll do a search through my DVR and set a timer for it.

Thanks SC.


Don Cardi
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 01:46 AM

Great reviews Capo.

So, how would you rank Sofia with her old man?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 01:58 AM

Ronnie, I was actually going to say in my post that Sofia has sparked all kinds of interest in me as regards watching her dad's work, the stuff I've not seen.

I think she has all the makings of a fantastic director and good career, but hope she doesn't become the bloatedly unprofitable daughter of her father.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 02:09 AM

Well, when FF Coppola dies, and she takes command of his hotel/wines/movie empire, then we may worry.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 02:48 AM

Virgin suicides is an excellent movie.

Spoiler Alert
When the small girl says to the treating doctor "How do you know, you have never been a 13 year old girl?", we understand the characters' pain and tragedy that is awaiting them.
Spoiler End


Lost in translation is again a superb movie. I am going to re-watch it soon. I think Coppola did an excellent job in recreating the loneliness and the general mood. The lighting especially.

I am however biased against period dramas. So I will most likely skip Marie Antoinette.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 03:01 AM

Grudge 2**
An average horror movie. The problem was that every time you expect something scary to show up on the screen, it actually does. Being predictable, it fails to scare the audience after a while. I was waiting for it to end after a while.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 05:41 AM

Super Troopers **
(Second Viewing)

Thorny, Mac, Rabbit, Foster and Farva are Vermont state troopers out to have a good time. Stationed in a remote area near the Canadian border, the troopers, avid pranksters with an affinity for syrup, have a knack for screwing up on the job. But when budget cuts in the town of Spurbury threaten their livelihood and pit them against arch-rival Spurbury P.D., the five friends try to straighten up and fly right. That is, until a dead body is discovered and a possible drug ring is unearthed. The super troopers spring into action attempting to solve the crime, save their jobs, and outdo the local police department.

Not as funny as Beerfest and I never understood why everyone loved this movie? It had it's funny moments but overall it was just OK.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 07:24 AM

Two SHIT movies in two nights... what a waste of time:

Little Man **
I really expected better from the Wayans. The Making-of surely was better than the movie itself - which I didn't find that funny at all, surprisingly. Some parts were "cute", but they couldn't really do it justice in a PG-13 movie.

The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift *
I love watching the extras for shitty movies - especially the director's commentary during the deleted scenes! This gets 1 star simply for the director giving serious-sounding reasons why certain scenes were deleted, when in fact, 90% of the movie should've been deleted! Awful.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 07:29 AM

Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Two SHIT movies in two nights... what a waste of time:

The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift *



I was about to spend money and watch this at one point, the trailers were good. Glad I didn't
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 07:31 AM

Originally Posted By: svsg

I was about to spend money and watch this at one point, the trailers were good. Glad I didn't


Feel free to rent it, if you have insomnia some night...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 08:19 AM

The Punisher: The Extended Cut ***
(First Viewing)

Special agent Frank Castle had it all: A loving family, a great life, and an adventurous job. But when his life is taken away from him by a ruthless criminal and his associates, Frank has become reborn. Now serving as judge, jury, and executioner, he's a new kind of vigilante out to wage a one man war against those who have done him wrong.

Thomas Jane was a very good Punisher and John Travolta was passable as Howard Saint. However, probably the worst casting was James Carpinello as Bobby Saint. I felt he overacted and tried too hard to be a bad a$$. For some guys it just seems to come natural and it felt forced from him. However, Ben Foster was the surprise scene stealer as Dave who added a nice bit of comic relief alongside John Pinette as Bumbo. Finally, Laura Harring was enjoyable for the very minor role she was given. Bring on the sequel!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 08:26 AM

Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Little Man **
I really expected better from the Wayans. The Making-of surely was better than the movie itself - which I didn't find that funny at all, surprisingly. Some parts were "cute", but they couldn't really do it justice in a PG-13 movie.


I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for the Waynes brothers for one reason and one reason only, In Living Color. Sure their last 2 movies sucked (White Chicks and Little Man) but let's not forget these are still the same guys who gave us In Living Color, Scary Movie and to a lesser extent I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. Hopefully, next year's Homey the Clown will get them back on track.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 09:58 AM

I watched two crappy movies and a good one over the weekend.

War of the Worlds. Directed by Steven Spielberg (2005). This was the most disappointing of the bunch. I always have great expectations when it comes to Spielberg. Well this wasn't the case. I never enjoyed too much sci fi stuff and special effects unless we face a masterpiece as ET was its own way. Well, this time Spielberg gave us a shallow movie - to put it mildly - with no fairy tale. I wonder how much money had to be wasted on such an idiotic thing. Is this the same director of Schindler's list?

Broken Flowers. Directed by Jim Jarmusch (2005). I thought to see Bill Murray in that Lost in translation state of grace once again. All I got was a sleepy movie with no end. The plot idea was not that bad. Too bad it wasn't developped at all.

An unfinished life. Directed by Lasse Hallström (2005)
Good movie with great visuals and top class performances by Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman. Even Jennifer Lopez's acting was tolerable.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 10:07 AM

How is Broken Flowers not developed? Personally I consider it just shy of the best of it's year. Jarmusch is one of the most important directors of the last 25 years. It relies on subtle ideas.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 11:35 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Vercetti
How is Broken Flowers not developed? Personally I consider it just shy of the best of it's year. Jarmusch is one of the most important directors of the last 25 years. It relies on subtle ideas.


I prefer gross ideas then...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 01:43 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
I am however biased against period dramas. So I will most likely skip Marie Antoinette.
See it, see it, see it. Seriously, it's full of all kinds of deliberate anachronisms.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 04:15 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
The ten are as follows:

Blue Velvet David Lynch, 1986
Don't Look Now Nicolas Roeg, 1973
Éloge de l'amour In Praise of Love Jean-Luc Godard, 2001
Eraserhead David Lynch, 1976
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Michel Gondry, 2004
Irréversible Irreversible Gaspar Noé, 2002
Manhattan Woody Allen, 1979
Persona Ingmar Bergman, 1966
Taxi Driver Martin Scorsese, 1976
Weekend Jean-Luc Godard, 1967

I expect a few more to be added when I next revisit them...


Nice list. I've seen all but #2 and #3.
Persona and Manhattan are great films, but neither is the best of their director. My pick would be ANNIE HALL for Woody and THE SEVENTH SEAL for Bergman. WILD STRAWBERRIES in 2nd place, also better than Persona IMO.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 04:52 PM

BROKEN FLOWERS is great. 2nd best for Jarmusch. I will review it soon.

And capo, I must say, you're giving out masterpieces like they were candy bars - everytime I come here you've just seen 1 or 2 masterpieces, whats the secret?

Hey rons, u think Craig will last another 4-5 films? BATMAN ROYALE could be the same story we had with Goldeneye..but whether he'll go on or not, I think it's safe to say that Brosnan will not be back. Whaddya think?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 06:41 PM

Fame, why bring up Brosnan? Fuck, hes happy to get away from that formulaic BOND shit that he had no serious control with. Hell, go watch THE MATADOR. He'll have a decent film career (which I can't say for Moore or Dalton), much like he was churning out before GOLDENEYE.

Well, Daniel Craig is booked for at least 3 movies(which is how EON has signed people for the part for the last few decades), and if they can keep up the same quality and intensity that CASINO ROYALE delivered, then yeah he'll stay. But he'll diversify in-between with hopefully good acting jobs.

The thing is Fame, will EON simply continue with original stories, since now after ROYALE they've exausted the entire Fleming-Bond collection of titles and story ideas, or...and this is what some websites claimed recently is the big deal...

CASINO ROYALE isn't a prequel, but a total reboot. Like BATMAN BEGINS, a start from scratch, and EON has the balls, they'll continue and do the original books in order. Which means, LIVE & LET DIE is next.

I was reading up the entire plot summary at wikipedia, and I realized, with the tone and aggression that ROYALE went for, the literary version of LIVE & LET DIE would fit perfectly for the next movie.

Besides, it ties into with the (finally) black Felix Leiter.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/06 06:47 PM

Also, Liv, you disapoint me! DISCIPLINE! We need a good spanking!

BROKEN FLOWERS is really really good, and honestly Murray should have gotten an Oscar nomination for his work, but oh well.

Off topic, but I remember when Murray got visibly pissed when he lost the Oscar to Sean Penn back in 2004. That was good TV, much like when Robert Altman got upset when Ron Howard beat him in 2002, and fellow nominee David Lynch had to walk over and comfort him.

And people have the gaul to wonder why I don't respect Opie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/06 08:19 AM

Shadow of a doubt ***
Murder brought into a small town. Everyone in the small town is innocent except for the new visitor. Hitchcock is great at telling simple stories and building up mystery all the while. Though I liked Vertigo much better, this is quite good. This is my second Hitchcock movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/06 04:57 AM

Casino Royale
Martin Campbell 2006 US/UK/CzechRepublic 1st time; big screen
James Bond is given his Double-O status and is entered into a high stakes card game to track down a rich funder of terrorism.
Generally very good: less about saving the world than saving the franchise, which it does sufficiently - but in doing so, it creates a hell of a lot of potential for other directions. Comparisons with Batman Begins are easy yet unfavourable, since that film was revitalised by Christopher Nolan... With a more confident, less "in-the-box" director, these Bond films could perhaps venture down what would probably be considered a more "artistic" route, with an emphasis more on the character's psychology. Let's not kid ourselves, after all: not only are the villains becoming more and more unmemorable with each film, but the most intriguing scenes here are those in which Bond finds himself in a sort of character crisis, first when he meets the MI6 accountant who offers a character analysis of him, and then as he frantically washes himself of an ememy's blood following a gritty, not-so-clean kill. He's ruthless, brutal, very interesting because of his charm, and begs further exploration as a born-again phenomenon.


Les hurdes Land without Bread
Luis Buñuel 1933 Spain 1st time; big screen
Documentary on the Hurdanos, a remote area of Spain inhabited by peasants.
Excessively didactic and with too much of an agenda - arousing pity from images and social comment - to be comfortably placed as a documentary. The English voice-over, added after the film was banned in Spain, is horrid.


Festen The Celebration
Thomas Vinterberg 1998 Denmark 2nd time; big screen
At a formal gathering to celebrate his 60th birthday, a patriarch's eldest son drops a bomb when he makes a speech and a very serious accusation.
Few films have achieved the sustained energy of Festen, the aggressive aesthetic, the ferocious narrative, or the fierce rollercoaster of emotions. Essentially, it's a black comedy, at times uncomortable to watch because it is so well handled, tackling a disturbing subject theme with much confidence. Sharp and perceptive, with tremendous acting and a daring script, it must be continually praised for tackling major and awkward scenes instead of avoiding them. Gutwrenching, powerful, and quite possibly one of the best films ever.


Crash
David Cronenberg 1996 US/Canada 2nd time; big screen
A married couple become involved with a group of people with an overwhelming fetish for car crashes.
Cronenberg often begins his movies in the thick of it - little exposition, no real closure, and in between there's an endurance-testing, patience-requiring exploration of whatever theme is being tackled. Here, we have a succession of sex scenes in and around cars, increasing each time in disturbing, almost de-eroticised frankness. There are some incredible, brief explosions of intensity - Ballard having sex with Helen Remington for the first time, Ballard meeting Vaughan in the hospital for the first time, Vaughan's car ramming Ballard's wife from the rear ... in fact, as Vaughan, Elias Koteas steals the entire film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/06 09:27 AM

Das Boot: The Original Uncut Version ***
(First Viewing)

A detailed look into the claustrophobic and terrifying world of a German U-boat crew hunting ships from undersea. Gritty, realistic, and peppered with black humour, this is one of the few sympathetic portrayals of the war from the German side to be released in western distribution.
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/06 11:00 PM

Has anybody seen Coal Miner's Daughter? Based on Loretta Lynn's life. It's on tv now. Remind's me of my husband's family in Kentucky. My husband's great uncle was an extra in that movie. He's in a couple scenes.

Tommy Lee Jones reminds me of my husbands uncle Daniel. Talks just like him.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 04:45 AM

The Terminal **
Tom Hanks acts really well and the concept is also great. But I think I am biased against Spielberg - He makes these super formulaic commercial movies that are creative but don't touch me on any level
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 04:47 AM

Patton. Need I say more?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 05:43 AM

Originally Posted By: olivant
Patton. Need I say more?

Yes. Please.
Capo was right in his remark when he said that this is not a game thread, please tell us what you liked and what you didn't.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 08:13 AM

Originally Posted By: svsg
The Terminal **
Tom Hanks acts really well and the concept is also great. But I think I am biased against Spielberg - He makes these super formulaic commercial movies that are creative but don't touch me on any level


Another disapponting Spielberg's movie. Even the excellent performance of Hanks isn't enough to save it. Coupled with the insignificant if not irritating War of the worlds and the nothing more than decent Catch me if you can, Minority Report and A.I., it marks a worrying decline of inspiration and geniality and a patent demand for cash.

I still have to watch Munich though. I hope, I do hope!, it will cheer me up. Otherwise I'll stick to Schindler's list , Saving Private Ryan , Amistad, Empire of the Sun , The Color Purple , ET and Jaws when I need to think about Spielberg's movies.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 08:16 AM

Superman II ****
(Nth Viewing)

Picking up where "Superman: The Movie" left off, three criminals from the planet Krypton are released from the Phantom Zone by a nuclear explosion in space. They descend upon Earth where they could finally rule. Superman, meanwhile, is in love with Lois Lane, who finds out who he really is. Lex Luthor escapes from prison and is determined to destroy Superman by joining forces with the three criminals.

To begin, I realize this movie isn't on the same level as a Raging Bull or a Goodfellas. However, in the realm of comic books, this is one of the greatest of all-time and I felt deserved a 4-star rating. This is easily my favorite Superman and it's probably in my top 3 for greatest comic book movies ever. Does it get any better than Christopher Reeve as the bumbling Clark Kent? However, Terence Stamp really made this movie for me as General Zod with his infamous "Kneel before Zod!" remarks. Sarah Douglas was also enjoyable as well as General Zod's sidekick, Ursa. Other enjoyable elements of this film include: the amount of humor used, Ned Beatty as Otis, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and of course Gene Hackman as Mr. Lex Luthor himself.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 08:18 AM

Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy
Originally Posted By: svsg
The Terminal **
Tom Hanks acts really well and the concept is also great. But I think I am biased against Spielberg - He makes these super formulaic commercial movies that are creative but don't touch me on any level


Another disapponting Spielberg's movie. Even the excellent performance of Hanks isn't enough to save it. Coupled with the insignificant if not irritating War of the worlds and the nothing more than decent Catch me if you can, Minority Report and A.I., it marks a worrying decline of inspiration and geniality and a patent demand for cash.


Of this list, I rather enjoyed Catch Me If You Can the most (surprisingly), followed by War of the Worlds. I have yet to see A.I. but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that Minority Report did infact suck.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 05:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy
[quote=svsg]The Terminal **
I still have to watch Munich though. I hope, I do hope!,

I liked Munich a lot.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 06:00 PM

I think Munich is Spielberg's worst film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 09:19 PM

Capo, worst even than 1941 or even ALWAYS?

You kidding me.

Oh wait.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/06 09:21 PM

Irish, which version of SUPERMAN 2? The old flawed Lester version, or that new edit that Donner pulled off?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/06 12:50 AM

The Lester version. I'm gonna try to see the Donner cut tonight or tomorrow. That's why I watched the Lester version first so I could compare the two
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/06 02:31 AM

Just watched "Inside Man" with Denzel Washington.

A pretty entertaining movie with some twists and turns. Not a great movie by any means, but definitely worth a watch.



Don Cardi
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/06 03:28 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Capo, worst even than 1941 or even ALWAYS?

You kidding me.

Oh wait.
I haven't seen those.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/06 05:18 AM

I both agree and disagree with Lavi.

THE TERMINAL(2004) - mediocre would-be situational romantic comedy, without any interesting literal narrative to which to fly beyond the decent premise. What if a foreigner's country is wiped off the map, and he's stuck indefinate limbo at La Guadia at NYC? The problem is, Spielberg never answers it in an intriging, substantial fashion. Film Rating - **

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (2002) - If the remarkable true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. didn't happen, someone would have created it. Spielberg again partakes in his psychodrama babble about divorce, but for the most part it allows him to tackle two things that fascinated him and the numerous directors attached for years to the project. One, the 1960's jet-set culture of America(and like TEMPLE OF DOOM, Spielberg plays his James Bond geek-fetish), and two, that this very entertaining cat and mouse pop-drama does play into a key American ideological belief, that in re-invention of the invidiual's self. Lukewarm ending aside, its a film that doesn't fade with frequent viewings. Film Rating - ***1/2

MINORITY REPORT & WAR OF THE WORLDS (2002;2005) - Its fustrating when watching these films. There are science fiction details in the schematics that I fucking dig. Yet while at times Spielberg appears to be bold in an autuer statesman sort of way, he folds back with the essential need for a nicely-wrapped up happy ending of a commercial package. MINORITY REPORT itself appeared to be setup for a BRAZIL-esque ending. Instead, we get a TOTAL RECALL-tyle clear-cut, resolution that is absolutely unneeded by the material. As for WAR OF THE WORLDS, the 9/11, Holocaust, and WW2 allusions forces investment in many viewers, but most will wonder by the final credits with a nagging question that distracts from the rest of the film: "Ok, the Army gets flattened into pancakes, but a smartass kid charges against them, and somehow lives?" Final Ratings for Both - ***

A.I.: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001) - An underrated, odyssey of a fairy set in a future when robots built in the image of man become more human than their creators. I was, and still certain, Stanley Kubrick's film would have been great back in 1999 when the master died. I was just pleased that Spielberg was able to deliver a very satisfying film on an artistic and intellectual fashion. Unlike the rest of the movies listed in this posting, A.I.'s ending is appropriate, and well-earned. The WWE-esque flesh farm sequence doesn't quite compute. Film Rating - ****
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/06 02:29 PM

NOVEMBER
41 films; 37 features; 25 first viewings; 20 on the big screen.
----------------------------------------------
The Proposition
John Hillcoat 2005 Australia / UK 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Back to the Future Part II
Robert Zemeckis 1989 US 1st time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Tim Burton 2005 UK / US / Australia 2nd time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Monty Python's Life of Brian
Terry Jones 1979 UK 1st time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Larry Charles 2006 US/UK 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Romanzo criminale
Michele Placido 2005 Italy/UK/France/US 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Back to the Future Part III
Robert Zemeckis 1990 US 1st time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Shi mian mai fu House of Flying Daggers
Yimou Zhang 2004 China/Hong Kong 1st time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Konec stalinismu v Cechách The Death of Stalinism in Bohemia
Jan Svankmajer 1990 UK 1st time; YouTube
----------------------------------------------
Kárhozat Damnation
Béla Tarr 1987 Hungary 2nd time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Touch of Evil
Orson Welles 1958 US 2nd time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Elephant
Gus Van Sant 2003 US 4th time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
2046
Wong Kar-wai 2004 France/Germany/Hong Kong/China 3rd time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Gerry
Gus Van Sant 2001 US/Argentina/Jordan 3rd time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Grand Canyon
Lawrence Kasdan 1991 US 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Garden State
Zach Braff 2004 US 2nd time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
True Lies
James Cameron 1994 US 2nd time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Hana-bi Fireworks
Takeshi Kitano 1997 Japan 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Le genou de Claire Claire's Knee
Eric Rohmer 1970 France 1st time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Fellini-Satyricon
Federico Fellini 1969 Italy/France 1st time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Little Children
Todd Field 2006 US 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
The Prestige
Christopher Nolan 2006 US/UK 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Banlieue 13 District 13
Pierre Morel 2004 France 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Sátántangó
Béla Tarr 1994 Hungary/Germany/Switzerland 1st time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Persona
Ingmar Bergman 1966 Sweden 3rd time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Meshes of the Afternoon
Maya Deren / Alexander Hammid 1943 US 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Gently Down the Stream
Su Friedrich 1981 US 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
La strada The Road
Federico Fellini 1954 Italy 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Shrek 2
Andrew Adamson / Kelly Asbury / Conrad Vernon 2004 US 2nd time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Les enfants du paradis Children of Paradise
Marcel Carné 1945 France 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Michel Gondry 2004 US 3rd time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Lost In Translation
Sofia Coppola 2003 US/Japan Nth time; DVD
----------------------------------------------
Marie Antoinette
Sofia Coppola 2005 Japan/France/US 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Casino Royale
Martin Campbell 2006 US/UK/CzechRepublic 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Les hurdes Land without Bread
Luis Buñuel 1933 Spain 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Festen The Celebration
Thomas Vinterberg 1998 Denmark 2nd time; big screen
----------------------------------------------
Crash
David Cronenberg 1996 US/Canada 2nd time; big screen
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/06 02:32 PM

And so begins December's viewing; I've already seen more films this year than I did last.

Night Moves
Arthur Penn 1975 US 1st time; DVD
A private eye - a former professional footballer in a struggling marriage - gets wrapped up in a missing girl case.
What is it about 1970s character studies that makes such enthralling viewing? They certainly don’t make them like they used to, and this whizzes past in 99 minutes: Hackman's performance is full of recurring, credible mannerisms, and the script seems to be driven by ambiguity - dialogue points to nothing, and the relationship between the protagonist and his multiple problems make for interesting viewing which would these days sit uneasily in the same film. It tackles difficult subject matter, a notch below Chinatown, and offers no resolution. Fantastic.


Miami Vice
Michael Mann 2006 US 2nd time; big screen
Two drugs squad cops infiltrate a drugs ring.
Mann's least impressive film, for which he has adopted a point-and-shoot method. If filming on DV has freed him up economically, it's also made him a lousy visualist. His work is becoming increasingly prone to caricature: the baddies all have baldy heads and Swastika tattoos, and there's almost a knowing, satirical nod near the end when the camera zooms in on a thug's greasy forehead, and a red spot in particular. The script is intolerable - the characters would do much better if they didn't speak at all. Ludicrous, ineffective bullshit.


Basically, I waited long enough to see Night Moves that it couldn't have been anything less than brilliant in order to be satisfactory. Miami Vice was the same situation I had with revisiting Munich: I got more out of it, but what was bad first time round was accentuated even more a second time round.

"Ships move, that's why they call them ships." - Jamie Foxx's best line of the film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/06 06:56 PM

Superman II - The Richard Donner Cut ***
(First Viewing)

I felt there was too much recap from Superman: The Movie at the beginning of this film. Also, it was very choppy until about the halfway mark. There were some nice added things SPOILERS my favorite was probably when General Zod was in the White House, grabs a gun and starts shooting people However, I felt that when Lois Lane "discovered" that Clark Kent was really Superman, I felt it was too rushed and I didn't buy it. At least with Lester's cut, she notices when she takes Clarks glasses from him to clean them. With this version, she's just sitting at her desk with her newspaper open, looking at a picture of Superman and Clark standing across the room, and "just happens" to put it together. Plah-leze! Furthermore, I felt it was just rushed into the film and it didn't take hardly anytime to realize how monumental this discovery was. END OF SPOILERS. Not a great version of the film and inferior to Lester's effort.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 01:04 AM

CLERKS 2 (2006) - **** (2nd Viewing)

Unbelievable. I first expected Kevin Smith to make an obvious cash-in sequel to his legendary-debut film. I mean JERSEY GIRL flopped, and doing a small and cheap CLERKS sequel would get him back in the good financial graces with the Weinstein Brothers.

Then I figured, Smith would make a fun movie, like DOGMA and JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK.

I don't believe it, Smith not only makes his best movie since CHASING AMY, but as well he brings back Randall Graves and Dante Hicks with a meaningful story that very well feels to be a fitting conclusion to the whole Jersey "View Askewverse" of Smith's.

We get the usuals from Smith. The pop culture diatribes and debates. The gross-out juvenile humor. Crazy f*cked-up circumstances that the characters become trapped in.

However, its the perception of age that makes CLERKS 2 special even within Smith's filmography. The climax of the thematic climax comes to ahead with the jail scene that definately will make for a well-earned happy ending. Seriously, I was impressed with Jeff Anderson in this sequence, especially since the man isn't a natural or even a frequent actor.

BTW, the movie is very quotable. "Pickle Fucker!", "Pillowpants?", the LOTR/STAR WARS argument, "you ugly fucking chud!", etc.

CLERKS 2, as it looks, will be #5 on my top 10 list for 2006.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 05:00 AM

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest ***
(Second Viewing)

Legend has it that a tortured soul called Davy Jones lives beneath the sea with a terrible sea beast at his command. Unfortunately for the notorious pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, this particular legend is very real. Years ago, Jack made a deal with Davy Jones, who is now expecting him to make good on his promise by handing himself over to Jones's servitude. But Jack will not give in without a fight, which is especially bad news for Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, who always seem to get caught up in Jack's mishaps. If Jack can't find a way to rid himself of Davy Jones once and for all, it may just spell the end for the three adventurers.

Definitely better with a second viewing but not as good as the first movie. What really disappointed me about this installment the most was the lack of humor. There is humor in the film, don't get me wrong, but not as much as in The Curse of the Black Pearl. However, the special effects for this movie were outstanding. And let the debate begin, but I think this is Johnny Depp's best character as Captain Jack Sparrow (or at least my favorite).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 08:18 AM

Miami Vice * 1/2
(First Viewing)

After a tragic security breach in the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force (JIATF), the FBI ask for help from the Miami authorities, who are not part of the compromised group. This assignment goes to Detectives James 'Sonny' Crockett and Ricardo 'Rico' Tubbs. Going undercover as offshore boat racers and outlaw smugglers Sonny Burnett and Rico Cooper, they take on the narcotrafficking network of the mysterious Archangel de Jesus Montoya-Londono and his Cuban Chinese banker Isabella. The intensity of the case pushes Crockett and Tubbs out onto the edge where identity and fabrication become blurred, where cop and player become one - especially when Crockett falls for Isabella, and when there is an assault on Tubbs's loved ones.

I have to agree with Capo here:

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Miami Vice
Michael Mann 2006 US 2nd time; big screen
Two drugs squad cops infiltrate a drugs ring.
Mann's least impressive film, for which he has adopted a point-and-shoot method. If filming on DV has freed him up economically, it's also made him a lousy visualist. His work is becoming increasingly prone to caricature: the baddies all have baldy heads and Swastika tattoos, and there's almost a knowing, satirical nod near the end when the camera zooms in on a thug's greasy forehead, and a red spot in particular. The script is intolerable - the characters would do much better if they didn't speak at all. Ludicrous, ineffective bullshit.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 05:53 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Miami Vice
Michael Mann 2006 US 2nd time; big screen
Two drugs squad cops infiltrate a drugs ring.
Ludicrous, ineffective bullshit.



If by 'big screen' you mean paying and watching in a theater, the obvious question that comes to my mind is - why did you pay to watch a movie for the second time when according to your own rating it has Zero stars? why? why? why?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 09:30 PM

The Last Samurai ***
Very entertaining movie from the beginning and an OK performance from Tom Cruise. This movie highlights the cultural differences between the east and west and also acknowledges the stereotypes associated with them. I like the ending too.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 09:46 PM

Miami Vice **

I liked the dark, the black, the night. The story line was not that good. Acting was decent, but not outstanding. I enjoyed watching this movie.

Casino Royale ***

Finally, a true Bond. I liked Sean Connery and Timothy Dalton as Bond, because they were bastards. And yet, they were cool.
Roger Moore was an ass, too queer. Brosnan was too 'stereotypically British', too sophisticated; and his stunts were over the top.

Now, about the new Bond. It wasn't over the top: no big weapons by Q (no Q at all, in fact), no invisible cars, no bazooka launchers on Vipers. In stead: a cardiac machine, and 2 be-u-ti-ful Aston Martins (especially the '64). What it did had was a good amount of fighting; a sober and cool, yet bastard Bond; and a damn exciting game of Poker. Don't forget an evil bad guy.

This film/actor can go straight in the Connery/Dalton league.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 10:22 PM

I disagree, I don't think the storyline for MIAMI VICE wasn't good, it just wasn't anything special nor creative. Almost like something penned for television, which fans on these boards of MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE 3 just conveniently forgot to include in their reviews.

Whatever haters will, and fans of the film will have to admit, is that MIAMI VICE itself plays like a 2 hour pilot for a would-be television series of gritty cop drama violence on HBO. The problem is, the production's numerous problems(including a bloody hurricane) escalated the budget into $135 million. Opps!

Still, I think MIAMI VICE is a worthy film in Mann's filmography, much like the much-at-the-time derided CASINO was for Martin Scorsese in 1995. MIAMI VICE lacks the Shakesperean-drama epic level of duality of HEAT and COLLATERAL. Hell, even THIEF is better than MIAMI VICE. However, MIAMI VICE is truely Mann totally going commercial, for better or for worse.

I know Irishman put a bad word to the good comic book films of that sub-genre when he tried to excuse the limitations of SUPERMAN 2(either version) as for being par with that genre. With that lack of logic, then MIAMI VICE is a really great film. Its not, its just a good cop/crime movie, nothing more or less.

Remember folks, don't knock a genre to make your movie greater than it is. "For an action movie, its good" is word-fucking orgy antics for basically saying, "its a bad movie I'll defend".

Svsg, glad to see you dug CASINO ROYALE as well. The staff at AndersonVision (Sully,Me,others) all gave it high marks, and I assume it will be in the top 5 of all of our lists. Right now, its #3 behind THE DEPARTED and UNITED 93.

P.S. - Irishman, what no creative individual thoughts on VICE from you? I would like to hear it.

Ratings:

MIAMI VICE (2006) - ***1/2
SUPERMAN II (1981) - ***(More thoughts later today)
CASINO ROYALE (2006) - ****
THE FOUNTAIN (2006) - ****1/2 (Go see this movie now!)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 10:30 PM

RRA, no Prestige in your list?

Edit: sorry, I thought this was your 2006 list
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 10:39 PM

No I saw PRESTIGE...either I forgot to rate it here on the boards, or it just slipped out. It'll be on my top 10 list.

In fact....

THE PRESTIGE (2006) - ****

If that earlier magic movie with Norton and Giammati played by conventional populist terms, THE PRESTIGE is magical in that its a gripping tale of men in a time period, much like the 1960s, where anything seemed within the hands of science. Much less that the tale is a duel between two magicians that will have a rivalry across time, much like Jackman's later 2006 release THE FOUNTAIN, and will impact it as well.

This isn't the genre-impact maker that MEMENTO or BATMAN BEGINS is, but its much like Nolan's earlier INSOMNIA. That is, a pretty good movie that many movie buffs will take personally into their bossum for the calendar year of 2006.

With Nolan's entry of sorts into the "SteamPunk" of science fiction, I can't bloody wait for his THE PRISONER, which should be utterly fucking fascinating. Oh, and that Batman sequel. *cough*

P.S. - David Bowie's small role in the movie just ruled. Certainly Nolan casted him for Tesla in part to the really underrated THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH from Nick Roeg in the 1970s.
Posted By: Letizia B.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 10:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

----------------------------------------------
Banlieue 13 District 13
Pierre Morel 2004 France 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------



What did you think of it? I was wondering if any of you guys had seen this movie... I totally loved it. Does the absence of stars mean you actually rate it as being that low?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 11:13 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Miami Vice
Michael Mann 2006 US 2nd time; big screen
Two drugs squad cops infiltrate a drugs ring.
Ludicrous, ineffective bullshit.



If by 'big screen' you mean paying and watching in a theater, the obvious question that comes to my mind is - why did you pay to watch a movie for the second time when according to your own rating it has Zero stars? why? why? why?
I am of the mindset that a failure in connection between a film and me is a shortcoming on my part, not the film's, for whatever reason. So, if I have the patience and will, I always try and give films a second chance. I caught Miami Vice again because I already had a pass for the theatre at which it was playing (a university student film union), so I thought why not? Money shouldn't matter, otherwise, but, alas, it does.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 11:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Letizia B.
Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

----------------------------------------------
Banlieue 13 District 13
Pierre Morel 2004 France 1st time; big screen
----------------------------------------------



What did you think of it? I was wondering if any of you guys had seen this movie... I totally loved it. Does the absence of stars mean you actually rate it as being that low?
Schematic stuff, of little interest really, though some of the stunts are excellent - it uses the sport of free-running as an excuse for its action. Fast and short, passably enjoyable.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 11:20 PM

The best film of the year so far is either The Prestige or Children of Men. Both lead the competition by a long shot.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/06 11:59 PM

What I bloody hate is that CHILDREN OF MEN never came to my area. Oh well...I'll update my 2006 list into next year, since my lists are always changing and being modified.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 12:47 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - Irishman, what no creative individual thoughts on VICE from you? I would like to hear it.


Well like I said I agreed with Capo and by the end of the film I just didn't care anymore. I didn't care about the characters, I didn't care about the story, I didn't care about the movie, I just wanted the credits the roll.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 12:54 AM

Ok. See, you could have simply written that. But, I can't complain. At least you wrote your thoughts on VICE out.

BTW, go read my Honorable Mention list, and comment on SUPERMAN RETURNS. I want a fight!

*cue crappy MORTAL KOMBAT metal techno-pop mix*
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 02:41 AM

These are my reviews of movies from 2006. Sorry for the space wastage, but I wanted it in one place, so I can link to it in another thread I plan to strart!

-------------------------------------------------------------
Inside Man *
The theme is bank robbery. Clive owen and Denzel Washington do a good job, but the movie has nothinggreat to offer.


MI-3
I have not watched the first two parts and on my friend's recommendation, I decided to watch this on DLP screen which has an amazing video quality. But the movie turned out to be total crap, full of usual car chases, explosions and gun fight sequences. My $8.5 down the drain


16 blocks *
I had absolutely zero expectation from the movie and watched it because the ticket was just 50 cents It was pretty decent in fact, though not exceesively loaded with action or twists, as one expects the movies of this type to be. Bruce willis is good as the honest cop, but Mos Def really acts well.


Da Vinci Code **
I saw this today. I haven't read the book and I am still not very clear about certain details. Overall, interesting movie, but nothing mind-blowing. Certainly I expected more from the movie going by the trailer, so it leaves me a little dis-satisfied.


Over the Hedge **
Animated movie about a racoon and a bunch of hibernating animals. The racoon destroys the stored food of a large bear and has to replenish it in a week. It teams together with a bunch of animals fresh out of hibernation who have no idea about outside (human) world, to gather food by stealing from the humans. It is not all that funny in the beginning, but towards the end it is hilarious. I have a minor complaint with children's movies including this - they often have some preachy dialogue about the importance of family etc, which I find a little annoying and out of place. However these movies are specifically targetted towards kids and not someone like me, so I dont know, maybe the kids do enjoy that kind of stuff!


Sentinel *
Routine hollywood FBI/CIA traitor plot with a minor difference - it is president's security in the place of FBI/CIA. Usual car chases, helicopters, shooting sequences, good man framed, proves his innocence finally. $1 (dollar theater), 2 hours, no complaints BTW stars Michael Douglas, not that it makes any difference...


X-Men **
X-Men 3 **
Both movies are entertaining for the 2 hours or so that you watch them. And safely forget them afterwards.


Scoop **
Woody Allen movie, supposed to be a romantic comedy. It was neither quite romantic, nor was it much of a comedy. Woody Allen acts really well though, while Scarlet Johanson manages to look cute all the while.


Miami Vice **
Great visuals and music. Otherwise, a generic FBI narcotics drama/thriller that hollywood churns out every now and then.


The illusionist ***
Cast: Edward norton, Jessica Biel. This is a romantic story involving a magician and a soon-to-be princess. Ed Norton doesn't have lengthy dialogues to speak, but he steals the show every minute of his screen presence. The movie itself was very interesting contrary to my apprehensions about the period setting. Do watch it, you will like it.


Black Dahlia ***
Very interesting murder mystery directed by Brian De Palma. The music is good and the acting from everyone is great. There are a lot of similarities with LA Confidential. So in terms of freshness in theme, it doesn't offer a lot. Still I liked it.


Hollywoodland ***
This is set in 50's and is about the murder of Superman. The director creates a nice atmosphere and the music is excellent. This is somewhat like Black Dahlia in terms of mood and pace. I liked it a lot.


The Descent **
An above average horror movie - it has a few nice ideas and the scenes are shot well, mostly inside a cave. Worth watching once.


Prestige ***
Interesting throughout, but way too complex. This is similar to Illusionist in theme which I liked more. Acting wise, both Jackman and Bale do a good job. One funny thing was the characters of Tesla and Edison. My school text books only showed their scientific achievements, little did I know that they were doing some rather nasty things


Borat **
Politically incorrect and crude humor has been used effectively to make this movie quite hilarious. In fact, most of the crowd in the theater was laughing all of the time. There is a scene that borders on porn, and too long to be funny. Other than that, it is a funny movie, provided one can laugh at one's own cultural quirks.


Snakes on a plane*
Some of the snakes look fake, though for the most part they are convincing. Lot of gore and slime, FBI, cop drama, sentimentality and other routine hollywood cliches. You can skip this one, unless you paid 50 cents for the ticket, like I did


All the kings men ***
Excellent acting from Sean Penn. I think he deserves an oscar for his performance as a very convincing politician. Overall story and plot are ok, with some good performances from a recognizable
star cast.


Casino Royale **
Hardly any gadgets and the Bond is not shy of violence. International locations, bad villains and a great looking woman... all in all, nice entertainment.


The Fountain ****
Darren Afronsky is a genius. He made Requiem for a Dream and now he comes up with this stunning masterpiece. The concept, visuals and the excellent sound track by the same composer, Clint Mansel
and acting are all excellent. The whole experience was just amazing. Go and watch it immediately.


Grudge 2**
An average horror movie. The problem was that every time you expect something scary to show up on the screen, it actually does. Being predictable, it fails to scare the audience after a while. I was waiting for it to end after a while.

Departed(Forgot to rate)
Just saw the movie. It is not one of his best movies, but it is interesting on its own. The cast is great and DiCaprio is excellent. The ending is very good. Overall good, but I will not rewatch this anytime soon.

Babel **
3 Parallel story lines, two tragedies and one positive. I would have rated it high, had there been some real connection among them. The camera work was good sometimes with very wide shots, but many times had unnecessary closeups.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 08:04 AM

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby ***
(Second Viewing)

NASCAR stock car racing sensation Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) is a national hero because of his "win at all costs" approach. He and his loyal racing partner, childhood friend Cal Naughton Jr. (John C. Reilly), are a fearless duo -- "Shake" and "Bake" by their fans for their ability to finish so many races in the #1 and #2 positions, with Cal always in second place. When flamboyant French Formula One driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) challenges "Shake" and "Bake" for the supremacy of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby must face his own demons and fight Girard for the right to be known as racing's top driver.

About as good, if not better than Anchorman. Right now it's too tough for me to call and I'd say to see Anchorman before I could be positive, but they're both good nonetheless. Will Ferrell and John C. Reily worked well together as Shake and Bake! However, I would have liked to see more of David Koechner in this film. Probably one of the easist movies to quote in recent memory.

"I'm Ricky Bobby, and if you don't chew Big Red, then f*ck you"
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 08:24 AM

Originally Posted By: svsg
The Last Samurai ***
Very entertaining movie from the beginning and an OK performance from Tom Cruise. This movie highlights the cultural differences between the east and west and also acknowledges the stereotypes associated with them. I like the ending too.

I confess I was totally biased. But the movie got some sort of fascination. So yes, I totally agree, SVSG. And the ending was absolutely breathtaking.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 08:30 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Capo, worst even than 1941 or even ALWAYS?


I enjoyed Always, a very Spielbergish movie.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 08:35 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
La strada The Road
Federico Fellini 1954 Italy 1st time; big screen


just one star for the only Fellini's movies I really dig?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 01:13 PM

I've since knocked it down to no stars, since it has had no lasting effect on me whatsoever. I gave a mini-lecture on Fellini to my seminar group last week.

He's an interesting director, I'd love to see all of his films; I'll never shy away from it.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 01:42 PM

A film has to have a lasting effect for you to give it any stars?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 02:11 PM

Yes.

I've been revising my star system, to cater more for good films. One star means, "Of significant, lasting merit."
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 02:31 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I've since knocked it down to no stars, since it has had no lasting effect on me whatsoever.


NO STAR? NO LASTING EFFECT? Capo, just Masina's face, her eyes, her innocence would have a lasting effect on anyone. I'm totally disappointed it didn't mean anything to you!

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
He's an interesting director, I'd love to see all of his films; I'll never shy away from it.


Honestly his kind of movies are not my kind of movies. But La strada, of course. I watched all his major films because you cannot do without, especially being Italian. But I was never really interested in his visionary filmography which, on the contrary, you should like, being the Lynch's fan you are. I'm sure Lynch owes Fellini a lot.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/06 02:44 PM

Hmm, I see few similarities between the two.

Masina's performances are very Chaplinesque. I don't like didactic narratives. I don't rate La notti di Cabiria any higher, either.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/06 03:43 AM

I finally got to watch UNITED 93 today. I thought that it was very well made. While it touched on all the events that happened on 9/11, it also did what I thought was an excellent job of conveying the mass confusion and chaos that took place within the airlines, the FAA and the military, without laying blame on one particular group or person. The way it was shown almost made you understand how people in charge that day were confused and in chaos.

The director also did an excellent job of showing what transpired on flight 93, without any hollywood hype or controversy. For all of the documentaries that I've watched, and all that I've read about what transpired on flight 93 that day, the director seemed to have stayed with the facts and did not inject his own ideas or interpretations into the story. Even the ending, (which of course we all know how it ends) was done with style and class without having to visually show any graphic details of the flight crashing into the ground.

A very well made movie.



Don Cardi
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/06 04:18 AM

Now you know DC why I didn't exactly care much for WORLD TRADE CENTER the motion picture.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/06 04:42 AM

I watched Boxcar Bertha last night. Definitely a lot different than anything I've ever watched by Martin Scorsese. I was actually impressed, and entertained throughout. Not his best work, but that's kinda like saying Da Vinci's "Last Supper" is good, but not as good as the Mona Lisa.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/06 06:28 AM

Fantastic 4
What crap
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/06 09:20 AM

All the King's Men *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Based on the Robert Penn Warren novel. The life of populist Southerner Willie Stark, a political creature loosely based on Governor Huey Long of Louisiana.

What a great and intriguing storyline. This should definitely garner Sean Penn and probably even Jude Law more Oscar nominations. They worked well together and Kate Winslet and Anthony Hopkins were enjoyable as well. My only beef with the film was James Gandolfini's accent. He looked the part but the Louisiana accent was HORRIBLE!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/06 11:41 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Hmm, I see few similarities between the two.


Same morbid attraction for abnormalities, for instance. Similar visionary set (more grotesque in Fellini, more gothic in Lynch). Same trend to descend to unconscious levels of poetry which seems to lead nowhere.

IMO, of course.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/06 05:22 PM

I think both are very personal filmmakers, but I think their preoccupations differ. They are the authors of their films, the defining, significant authority. Auteurs? Decidedly.

Needless to say, I connect far more with Lynch.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/06 07:55 AM

The Wicker Man **

Surfing in London airport! Watched this on flight to london. I presumed this would be a crappy movie, but pretty interesting. Nothing great, but reasonably spooky. Hopefully on my flight to india, I get to see more movies.

I also saw Da Vinci Code (again) on flight. This time I understood a little more, but it disappointed me more. Should reduce a star from my rating
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/06 08:01 AM

I should be watching The Wicker Man sometime later this week svsg. I'm not expecting a lot from it as others at my work have seen it and said it was a piece of crap but I'll find out for myself

An Evening With Kevin Smith ****
(Third Viewing)

An Evening With Kevin Smith documents the director's 2001/2002 speaking tour through 5 stops, including Cornell University, Indiana University, Kent State University, University of Wyoming, and Clark University. Students from all 5 schools ask Kevin about anything ranging from his takes on religion to his relationship with Jason Mewes.

Some of the best stand-up I've ever seen. Kevin blends humor with real-life stories to get an inside look at Silent Bob. HIGHLY recommended for any and all Jay & Silent Bob fans. Hopefully the sequel is just as good!
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/06 09:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
kaos.


chaos.



In all seriousness, really glad you liked it DC.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/06 09:41 AM

Originally Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen




how do I join, Hagen?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/06 11:23 AM

Which Wicker Man, guys, the remake? I've not seen it, but the original is a fantastic film.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/06 11:29 AM

Originally Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen
Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
kaos.


chaos.



Guess that you are too young to remember "GET SMART" and the organization called KAOS.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/06 01:16 PM

Allegro
Christoffer Boe 2004 Denmark 1st time; big screen
A famous pianist returns to Copenhagen and is tempted into "the Zone", where lost memories are found again.
Very interesting, striking up conscious similarities to Stalker, but at less than ninety minutes, it hardly has the chance to offer much worth. It has an ultra-grainy visual, shot entirely at night; the novelty of a mysterious place where one might retrieve lost memories wears thin halfway through. Thematically of interest, and boasting a great deal of potential, and there seems to be signs, or intentions, of an emotional core somewhere deep down, but it's hidden in remote, distanced dialogue, and character purpose is entirely unconvincing.


Borom Sarret
Ousmane Sembene 1966 Senegal 1st time; big screen
A day in the life of a poor wagoner, who takes people from here to there for little cost.
Discard any kind of accusations of crude technicalities, and this is gripping for two primary reasons: firstly, it is a rare look into African culture of the mid-sixties, and secondly, it is so new, so fresh, so different - and consciously so - to conventional Western filmmaking. Camera angles have a kind of conscious ideology to them - such as the low/high angles to denote class division; the dialogue is overdubbed, naively, into French, so as to draw us into empathy by means of remote distancing; and there is a persistent rhythm throughout, invoked by a recurring musical motif, of minimalist and effective percussion.


Notting Hill
Roger Michell 1999 US/UK 1st time; big screen
An ordinary bookshop worker can't believe his luck when the world's most popular actress walks into his store, and what begins is an on/off love affair.
The synopsis shows much potential, but the commercial intentions of Michell and scriptwriter Richard Curtis let it down. There are genuine moments of interest: Julia Roberts more or less playing herself, attending a birthday meal as the lowly Hugh Grant's date is full of potential; there's some neat visual editing late on when Grant walks down one single street over different seasons of the year, with invisible cuts changing from autumn to snow to spring to summer; and in general, it explores the whole concept of stardom and celebrity, and how these figures of worship are prone to human emotions too. The makers would have achieved much more had they eradicated the lousy one-liners, forced humour and re-drafted the final third into a more succinct, less predictable - perhaps more bitter- affair. But it's just another craft-it-for-the-chicks film, alas.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/06 03:45 AM

Capo is right. The original WICKER MAN was a terrific film with Christopher Fucking Lee. Yes, that's his name. Check his birth certificate.

The remake with Nic Cage...lets just say it was doomed to be a burning dog turd as soon as the movie opened.

THE WICKER MAN(1973) - ****
THE WICKER MAN (2006) - **
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/06 08:24 AM

An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

In this second Q&A with Kevin Smith he now enters the homes of some of his fans in Toronto and London.

Not as funny as the original and kind of disappointing. Still interesting to hear more stories by Kevin Smith but not as good as the original.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/06 01:52 PM

Sedotta e abbandonata Seduced and Abandoned
Pietro Germi 1964 Italy 1st time; DVD
In 1950s Sicily, a father of five's honour comes under threat when he finds out one of his daughters has lost her virginity to her sister's fiancé.
This begins with a dramatic revelation and then, for the next two hours, concentrates on the desperation of its aftermath and consequences. It's a brilliant film, excessive and exhaustive, and often rather funny; Germi shows a fierce confidence in his writing, and admirable control of cinematic form. Highly stylised stuff, it's visually exciting and superbly edited... He knows when to cut and what to, and the shot-to-shot relations between the end of one scene and the beginning of the next (such as doors closing and opening, or dialogue mirrored across different spaces in time) creates a sustained energy and tension, of events spiralling into one another. Seemingly, a massive influence on The Sopranos - there's a moment where a rumour escalates into scandal around town, which might have consciously been echoed in season five of the show, when rumous fly regarding Tony and Adriana's possible fling.


Add this to your Netflix queues as soon as possible, folks.It's available on Criterion.
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/06 05:26 PM

Derailed.
It was OK, not the greatest.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/06 06:25 PM

Little miss sunshine *
Anothe movie on flight! Some poignant moments in an otherwise goofy movie, whose highlights are the little cute girl and steve farell(?) (the guy in 40 yr old virgin).

I watched the new version of wicker man, it is not dog turd as rra says , but nothing great either.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/06 08:42 AM

A Scanner Darkly ***
(First Viewing)

The L.A. of a not-too-distant future suffers a surge of drug abuse involving a new ultra-addictive and eventually brain-damaging substance simply named "D". Bob Arctor is an undercover narc leading a double life, dutifully reporting to his superiors while effectively having abandoned whatever normal existence he had for a "D" user/dealer career. But this schizophrenic situation and the drug-induced memory and concentration lapses put Bob under mounting.

Visually this movie was AMAZING. I'd say it's probably up there with Sin City in terms of just eye-candy on the screen. Robert Downey Jr. however stole the show with his comidic outbursts and adrenaline lifestyle. He really worked well together with Woody Harrelson (they just feed off each other well). It was great to see Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson and Winona Ryder working again (and on a meaningful project). Richard Linklater does not disappoint with this film!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/06 05:56 PM

Told you Irish.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 12:41 AM

What did you tell me? I don't remember your review
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 02:08 AM

Figures, you didn't read my Honorable Mention list(#11-20) of 2006. Umph!

But yeah, A SCANNER DARKLY was on it. Check the list out sometime!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 03:59 AM

Lady In The Water ***
(Second Viewing)

Cleveland Heep, a stuttering apartment superintendent, encounters a girl named Story swimming in the complex's pool. He soon learns that she comes from the Blue World, and has a message for mankind. Will he be able to help her complete her mission?

Not as affective the second time around but still an enjoyable, brought to life, bedtime story. Paul Giamatti was easily the gem of this film as the stuttering apartment superintendent. If for nothing else, his performance alone is worth seeing.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 05:25 AM

The Last Emperor - (Bernardo Bertolucci;1987;France/Italy/UK)
A biopic of Pu Yi, who became emperor of China at age 3 and was used as a powerless pawn for most of his life.
A grand film that has some truly beautiful and gritty splices of Chinese society. The most powerful thing about the film however is it's depiction of Pu Yi, who was a nothing more then political eye candy, not even allowed to leave his residence in the Forbidden City or even his mansion when he was controlled by the Japanese. John Lone gives a subtle yet brutally lonely portrayal of a man who went from being emperor of China to a mere gardener. The music and accurate depiction of China also adds a lot to the atmosphere, but nothing as much as the on-location filming of the Forbidden City.

Match Point - (Woody Allen;2005;UK/USA/Luxembourg)
An Irish tennis player floats into English aristocracy and soon into a love triangle that proves to threaten his new lifestyle.
A very dark and different Allen film that proves to show his more pessimistic side. It has a nice Noir feeling and atmosphere that enhances the plot while boasting a very good opera soundtrack that sets the mood perfectly. Jonathan Rhys Meyers gives a very good performance, often stealing some scenes as the at times existentialist protagonist. Scarlett Johansson also shows how well she can act as her seductive yet sympathetic character. I love the ending as well, which appeared to go into a cliche but then 180's wonderfully. Allen's direction and especially dialogue is great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 06:09 AM

The Wicker Man (2006) **
(First Viewing)

A sheriff investigating the disappearance of a young girl from a small island discovers there's a larger mystery to solve among the island's secretive, neo-pagan community.

It had a pretty nice ending to it but other than that this movie is VERY forgetable. Does anybody else feel that Nicholas Cage doesn't act? Not to take anything away from the man because I do enjoy his work but it just seems like he plays himself in almost every movie. It doesn't seem like he's playing a character so much as he's playing Nicholas Cage.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 06:34 AM

Cage's problem is that like that at times with Brad Pitt or even the local space cadet, Tom Cruise.

When they give a total shit about the movie they are working on, you get good work from them. Just compare Nic Cage's work in say something like LEAVING LAS VEGAS, to that of WICKER MAN, and his upcoming shit-fest GHOST RIDER.

It happens.

Irish, go check out the original bad boy WICKER MAN from the 1970s. Unsurprisingly, its much better than the medicore effort you had to sit through.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 08:04 AM

I can't get ahold of a copy to do so (I'm interested to see Christopher Lee in the role)

Material Girls *
(First Viewing)

Two wealthy sisters, both heiresses to their family's cosmetics fortune, are given a wake-up call when a scandal and ensuing investigation strip them of their wealth.

I think this movie pretty much cements that fact that Hilary Duff (and perhaps Lindsay Lohan) will NEVER have successful movie careers.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 09:36 AM

Ouch Irish. Its not paying to see BATTLEFIELD EARTH in theaters(like moi), but I give you credit today for having to go through such a trainwreck.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 06:44 PM

Thank you ronnie. I like Hilary but da*n, that was torture. I also couldn't find you're review for A Scanner Darkly. Could you provide a link por favor?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/06 06:55 PM

First off Irish, I never submitted a review of A SCANNER DARKLY for BB.Net. I was busy, and I promptly forgot it. It happens. Hell, same with CRANK, THE PROTECTOR, and other 2006 titles.

Again, if you read the post that I submitted earlier, I did my sort-of kiss-up/catch-up review with my 2006 Honorable Mention thread that I posted days back.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/06 09:36 AM

School of Rock **
(First Viewing)

After being fired from his own band, the guitar player Dewey Finn (Jack Black) needs to raise some money to pay for his rent and his bills. When his friend and school teacher Ned Schneebly (Mike White) is called to a temporary work in an expensive private school, Dewey pretends to be Ned and accepts the job. He finds talented young musicians in his class, and he decides to form a rock-and-roll band with the students and win a competition called "Battle of Bands" to raise the prize and be recognized in the show business.

Not a bad film but not great by any stretch of the imagination. Jack Black has the potential to put together a REALLY great comedy and I'm still waiting for it. However, I was very happy to see Sarah Silverman cast as the girlfriend as I feel she's a very under utilized actress.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/06 09:58 AM

Forest Gump

Gump, gifted with a low IQ which lets him be adorably childlike even as he grows up, leads a very charmed life: a mother who loves him immensely and who sleeps with the school principal in order to make sure her child has the best education, a miraculous incident that eliminates the need for him to have braces for his legs, a childhood girlfriend who remains faithful to him till the end, surviving Vietnam with a medal, and, in general, a propensity for turning everything that happens to him into good.

I wonder what the movie is trying to say. From one perspective, it implies that intelligence (as measured by IQs and the general idea of what "smart" is) is a very unnecessary trait. But I think one can look beyond that and say that childlike innocence, which can be considered stupid, has its rewards. Throughout the movie, Gump is in situations where he is harassed by other people but he never takes offense (except, of course, when his girl Jenny is being abused) at any of the insults thrown at him. He is indeed not completely stupid, even though he is portrayed as such, since he can re-assemble guns at high speed, run like crazy, play ping-pong like a maniac, and so on.

The fact that Gump doesn't take offense, I think, is what keeps him content. He becomes a millionaire, but gives most of the money away. He is honest and open and this, along with his Alabama accent, endears him to the audience. But this gets tiresome after a while (especially after 2 hours). I thought the movie was overly long, but that's the only negative thing I have to say.

Gump rubs elbows with many famous personalities over the last half of the century including Elvis Presley and Nixon, thanks to computer technology (General Dan doesn't really lose his legs either---they are just erased and the background is then touched up by using computer graphics programs). The account of how Gump is responsible for the gyrations that is so characteristic of Presley is very telling of the motives of this movie. Gump is contrasted to the famous males, who are idols (in some cases) in today's society, and it appears as though he is better off in comparison: Gump's choices in life seem to determine his niceness (he goes to Vietnam, keeps his promises ("a promise is a promise"), harbours no ill-feelings or grudges, and is not greedy with fame or money) and successes. Contrast this to the choices his lifetime girl friend Jenny makes: she wants to be famous and rich, but ends up being a druggie. The people she is surrounded by are all of a dubious nature: a sexually-abusive father, a show audience more interested in her naked body than her folk-music playing, and an abusive hippie-boyfriend.

I'm tired now. I think I'm going home." --Forrest Gump

"Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get." --Forrest Gump

"Stupid is as stupid does." --Forrest Gump

"I guess sometimes there just aren't enough rocks." --Forrest Gump

4/5
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/06 10:05 AM

Nice review DE NIRO, I am yet to watch this movie
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/06 10:07 AM

What Forest Gump, it was on Uk tv last night,i think this film is great.

Should check it out,Good soundtrack as well
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/06 02:05 PM

That's a good review, De Niro. You should comment more often!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/06 06:25 PM

Geri's Game
Jan Pinkava 1997 US 1st time; YouTube
An old man plays himself at Chess, almost loses, then has a "heart attack".
Funny, gaining from a likeable old chap who outwits his own alter ego. It's got that usual Pixar feel, from the very beginning, with an accordion soundtrack and lovely to look at visuals. The sound of the chess pieces slamming on and scraping along the board is nice and crisp, too.


Zidane, un portrait du 21e siècle Zidane: a 21st Century Portrait
Douglas Gordon / Philippe Parreno 2005 France/Iceland 1st time; big screen
April 23, 2005: Real Madrid take on Villareal at home in the Spanish football league; the cameras follow playmaker Zinedine Zidane for the entire match.
That's the selling point, but it is slightly misleading: there is, now and then, a detracting, rather unnecessary cut-away to the empty corridors of the stadium while the match goes on, and it is often caught at the awkward mid-way point between concentrating on Zidane alone, and placing him in the context of the match itself - the original televised coverage is mixed in too, and POV shots are even attempted at one point, with cut-aways to the scoreboard edited into Zidane looking at it. So it's imbalanced to begin with, and the half-time interval, a newsreel of events which happened around the world on that day, tries to give it a sort of existential weight it probably already had anyway. But this is fascinating. It might help to follow football as a sport, but Zidane is treated very much like a Herzogian genius, enigmatic and brooding, so that the film is very much a character study of loneliness, of being under pressure as an athlete, of being in and out of a game as part of a team. Its best moments are those in which the filmmakers refrain from cutting and let the camera watch in long-shot as Zidane stands and watches the game, in his own world, his white jersey contrasting against the green pitch, and thousands of fans watching on behind him; Mogwai's soundtrack compliments these moments greatly. It's one of those experiences that you only remember in fragmented images and tones, with a very weird, lingering feel of wanting to see it again. [The screening I saw missed an integral part of the film, which is Zidane's actual voice-over, or running commentary, at points in the match. The subtitles were there still, but for whatever reason, be it projection, speakers or print, the version I saw was devoid.]


Hard Candy
David Slade 2005 US 1st time; DVD
A 14-year-old girl meets up with a thirtysomething guy she met in an Internet chatroom, and, suspecting he is a paedophile, turns the tables on him.
Daring, challenging, certainly interesting film which must be admired - perhaps seen - for deciding to tackle such a difficult subject by grabbing it by the balls. That is not to say, however, that it does it particularly well, and it is interesting to see the limitations of representing paedophilia in Film; it is drastically miscast, for starters, and the script early on is interesting but possibly in the wrong way: we're cheering for the bad guy, because not only is the kid extremely annoying, but her acting and the lines she has to play with are flat. The camera is often static and the framing symmetrical, with its middle-class suburban house allowing characters to be shot against block solid colours - red, grey, white, pink, and so on. Besides visual sumptuousness, it's nothing less than ludicrous when you're watching; but upon reflection, it is probably worth revisiting again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/06 11:45 PM

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Kazakhstani TV personality Borat is dispatched to the United States to report on the "greatest country in the world." With a documentary crew in tow, Borat becomes more interested in locating and marrying Pamela Anderson than on his assignment.

Sacha Baron Cohen is a genius! I still don't get the whole histeria that's surrounded this film, but I did enjoy it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 08:15 AM

Vulgar * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Will Carson is a loser who works as a children's party clown which takes a turn when he saves the life of a little girl from her abusive father which makes him an instant local celebrity. His rise to fame has him making headlines in local newspapers and even getting his own TV children's show as Flappy the Clown. But while Will has seemingly forgoten his past, his past did not forget him as a denerate, low-life psycho-sexual pervert/serial killer and his two dim-witted sons blackmail Will for money to cover up a humiliating sexual assault they did on Will a year earlier.

Pretty lame work from Brian O'Halloran and the Viewaskew crew.

The Last Kiss *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Anxieties threaten the future of a domesticated couple.

Rachel Bilson's performance as the bubbly college sophomore was my favorite of the film. However, all actors were on from Zach Braff and Eric Christian Olsen to Jacinda Barrett. I recommend seeing this film when it comes out on DVD on December 19th.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 10:15 AM

Swingers **
(First Viewing)

This is a story about Mike, a guy who left his girl in New York when he came to LA to be a star. It's been six months since his girlfriend left him and he's not doing so good. So, his pal and some other friends try and get him back in the social scene and forget about his 6 year relationship.

This came recommened from a friend (same with Vulgar) and I'm really starting to question his taste in movies. Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn worked well together but this movie was hardly a comedy (a few funny moments but nothing extraordinary). Also, this film was anything but great, which is all I heard about it before viewing it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 11:54 AM

Irish, the one thing thats keeping you back is the fact that you use people's opinions for judging movie.

Its like if Capo praised, say, WEEKEND(not that I would, but whatever), and I then hated it because it wasn't great like Capo said.

Retarded, isn't it?

Hell Irish, thats like pissing on some Dali surrealist painting because its not as "mind-tripping" as some dude tells you that it is.

Dear God man, you know better.
You seriously need to quit "Cockbuster" or something.
You're better than such nonsense.

External factors, i.e. other people's opinions, being your sole criteria for grading a film's internal quality....what do you think this website is, IMDB?

Now SWINGERS, lets review what you wrote critically:

"This came recommened from a friend (same with Vulgar) and I'm really starting to question his taste in movies. Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn worked well together but this movie was hardly a comedy (a few funny moments but nothing extraordinary). Also, this film was anything but great, which is all I heard about it before viewing it."

Points I want to comment on:

(1) Well, I don't blame you about your friend. I've only known nimrods that liked VULGAR. Really, I use that as my dividing movie between the decent-taste folks and the retarded masses that need to be herded and locked away at IMDB. If you think VULGAR is a total piece of dogshit, then you're cool with me. If Hitler hated VULGAR, he would be my dawg.

If someone I knew liked VULGAR, they're dead to me. To the showers they go!

(2) Otherwise, SWINGERS is not a comedy. Well, its a comedy like ALIENS is an "action" movie(despite those memorable action sequences being what, only 20-30 minutes out of a 137 minute picture? Besides, ALIENS is a sci-fi drama with action.).

If anything, as I mentioned in my RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW from eons back, SWINGERS isn't a comedy, its really a pop culture hipster drama time capsule of a movie of Generation X, at the Los Angeles nightscene.

Put it another way, Liman & Favreau's SWINGERS is to the west coast of California that Kevin Smith's CLERKS was for the East Coast of New Jersey. Sure one is about guys that crash parties nightly and quoting how cool Tarantino and Scorsese(notice the RESERVOIR DOGS and GOODFELLAS homage shots?) are, and the other is a black & white flick about slacker workers talking about contractor workers on the Death Star.

But CLERKS and SWINGERS are both dramas, with humorous scenes intercut within those well-written screenplays, of a generation that basically compared and interacted with the world based on what they had been exposed to with pop culture in movies, TV, etc.

When Vaughn and Favreau enter the Las Vegas Casino, they act like(with Liman shooting as such) being "cool cats" in Sin City like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack were. Then they go inside, and the mundane reality contrasting what they expected, is funny in a honest way. They aren't high-rollers, but forced to play cheap poker card tables with senior citizens.

Now, what "funny" is for one individual, is completely different for another person. MONTY PYTHON are humorous because of their dry humour laced with irony and intelligent jokes at assumptions and expectations. THREE STOOGES are funny because they beat the hell out of each other. That movie COMMANDO is hilarious because its so completely stupid in an incredible way. I mean, a villain that basically is Freddie Mercury with steroids. Dear Lord!

SWINGERS' humor is more about the awkwardness of reality, whatever obvious or keeps to itself. A great scene is when Vince Vaughn breaks into a monologue at a cafe. Notice that Favreau is embarrased with Vaughn's actions, and the rest of the customers think Vaughn is an asshole. However, Vaughn's character is the sort of friend that that we've had before. That is, the likeable bastard that'll go to the bat for you.

Then again, SWINGERS could simply be summed up as about a guy who doesn't get over his big "love" in life, and seems doomed to repeat his dead-end existence with the rest of his screwed-friends. But by the end, with Favreau hooking up with a new relationship that may or may not hash out(it doesn't matter). Point is, he's gotten over his depression, and seems to have evolved. His pal Vaughn....nope.

Now Irish, you're right on some points. Favreau and Vaughn always have great chemistry. SWINGERS, the decent MADE, even BREAK-UP(which otherwise was a horrid cowflop). Also, its not a great movie. Its a really good "small" film thats relevant to people in their 20s and 30s. Which is why your rating for SWINGERS surprised me.

The reason why I'm busting your balls Irish is that, you have potential to be a very good critic. Hell, you've penned some decent quick-blurb reviews that are pretty fine. You've heavily improved once you started actually explaining your score-verdicts. But quit grading movies based on what people have said.

I didn't hate DA VINCI CODE because Ebert or BB.Net's mrsoprano liked it. I just hated DA VINCI CODE because it was an expensive reved-up muscle car that someone never bothered to fuel it with the gasoline to start the momentum up. REally, a flatliner if I've ever seen one.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 01:23 PM

The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006)

The US v John Lennon

Has anybody seen this yet,out in the Uk December 8th
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 01:25 PM

I'll get a chance at seeing it in February, De Niro.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 02:51 PM

I love Swingers, btw. In my opinion, its better precisely because it doesn't go for the obvious humor. Vaughn's more recent movies, from Wedding Crashers to Anchorman to whatever else, have all been good but there's no real basis in everyday reality, they're kind of just stories set up to tell jokes. Swingers is more than that to me, kind of, like Ronnie said, just a showcase of a cultural group that emerged in the mid 90's, the retro-swinging late 20's/ealy 30's LA struggling actors. And it's just the fact that the members of this group, or at least the ones that we're focusing on, HAPPEN to be funny, that makes this film a comedy.

You're so money and you don't even know it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 03:35 PM

THANK YOU Hagen.

My favorite quote from SWINGERS?

"Look, I made Gretzky's head bleed!"
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 04:38 PM

Mel Gibson's 'Apocalypto'....... (Greatest movie ever? )

The movie analogizes the ancient-tribal practice of human sacrifice to today's modern wars. Ancient societies in all corners of the globe sacrificed their citizens to the Gods, Gibson believes current day war is another form of human sacrifice. Gibson says in September of 2006: [wikipedia] "The precursors to a civilization that’s going under are the same, time and time again... What’s human sacrifice if not sending guys off to Iraq for no reason?"[/wikipedia]

Here is a review from one of the 'conspicracy' websites. If you click on the link you can see a piece of the movie. I hope you read it and go see this movie. I don't see a lot of movies on the big screen but this is a big screen must. The cinematography is some of the best ever.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.infowars.com/articles/media/apocalypto_most_powerful_film_of_all_time.htm

Mel Gibson's Apocalypto is the most powerful film of all time, it is packed with strong positive messages and it is the most polished, iconic and awe-inspiring allegorical warning against the unrestrained power and abuse of government that cinema has ever seen.

The plot of the film depicts Aztec warrior armies being sent on missions to capture and enslave neighboring tribes and bring them back to be used as fodder for human sacrifice. Set in Mesoamerica just before Spanish contact, it depicts the decline of the Maya civilization.

Gibson again sets the tyrannical power of the state against the family and the rag-tag bands, it's what we witnessed in The Patriot and Braveheart but the message is driven home even more authoritatively in Apocalypto. In almost every case throughout history, the state is brutal, murdering and oppressive and it is out to dominate and enslave the only people you can trust, your family, your brethren, your tribe.

The film details the horrors of unrestrained government and how tyrants always seize the reigns of control, press on the nerve of power and abuse, dominate and terrorize populations. This is the norm of human history.

Apocalypto highlights the process of targeting the leading warriors of the enemy tribe, the tallest, toughest, meanest, would be the prime candidates for sacrifice and torture. This was done in an attempt to please the gods with the most coveted sacrifice and is the reason why indigenous populations in the region today are little over 5 foot tall on average.

Human sacrifice is a fundamental tenet of all historical dictatorships. It was practiced in ancient Germany, Greece, Asia and across the planet. The Mayans saw it as a normal function of society and would consider anyone who dissented as insane. Just as today, the police state, the surveillance state, torture and numerous other bizarre and abusive actions of the state are being normalized.

A telling moment in the film serves as commentary for the foreknowledge and exploitation of astronomical occurrences throughout history, where elite guilds versed in the secret wisdom of astronomy would anticipate solar and lunar eclipses and use them to hoodwink their populations into believing they held divine power, thus enlisting their enslavement and obedience under the threat that sun and moon would not return unless the people displayed total submission.

Parallels can be drawn to modern times where a population paranoid, fearful and uneducated can be brought to heel by manufactured monsters and imagined foreboding disasters in the name of the war on terror.

The film also illustrates how elites throughout history push bread and circuses, sporting and gladiatorial events, to distract the public from real issues and create false heroes to dislodge the natural mooring of man's moral compass and create a vacuum of good examples of how humans should function in a free society.

The Britney Spears of yesteryear, the adulated ones with their robes, bobbles and trinkets are exalted above all others and worshipped as gods on earth.

The film also has a message of rejecting fear as a sickness, again alluding to today's society where fear is used as a method of brainwashing and control by the state.

Watching the film evokes a total immersion in the atmosphere of the experience. You are able to suspend disbelief and really imagine you are there in Mesoamerica. You feel the ancestral memories of the elders around the camp fire, it stirs the instinctive echoes of time that we as humanity all share.

There are very few films that have the impact of leaving you uplifted and enlightened as you leave the cinema, and for those impressions to stick. Apocalypto achieves this and teaches a philosophy of perseverance and courage that maintains an indelible mark on the viewer.

Mel Gibson is already being subjected to ridiculous hit pieces which attack him for depicting the real nature of the brutal Mayan culture.

An Austin-American Statesman article written by Chris Garcia features an interview with assistant professor in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Texas, Julia Guernsey.

The arguments used to bash Apocalypto are nitpicking jabs at minutia which are then exploited to demonize the message of the entire film, such as claimed minor inaccuracies in cave drawings and outright false assertions such as the notion that women were not involved in the sacrificial rituals.

The sacrifices themselves are not denied and in fact are exalted as nothing more than a cultural tendency. Guernsey even has the temerity at one point to spew that human sacrifice and sacrifice of babies was a "pious act" done "with solemnity." Guernsey recoils and sneers at the very notion that human sacrifice should be condemned.

Slamming a precise portrayal of Mayan culture as offensive and racist is to be expected from moral relativists who are completely absent any factual evidence to counter Gibson's depiction. The Nazi culture was barbarous, genocidal and a disgrace to humanity - is it racist towards German people to suggest this was the case?

Bounding babies and small children every morning and sacrificing them to the water gods and the fertility gods is wrong. It was wrong then and it would be wrong now.

Cutting someone's heart out at sunrise and sunset is wrong. It is not racist or offensive to judge a culture if it is clearly distasteful. It is not unacceptable to discern what is right according to our innate moral compass. In fact, any attempt at removing the boundaries and definition of evil is simply evil itself trying to erase our frame of reference to characterize it.

Mel Gibson is Stanley Kubrick on steroids and Apocalypto elevates him to the position of the greatest living director in the world today. He is the standard of casting, cinematography and research. Apocalypto is avant garde, state of the art and evergreen at every step of the way.

The world is not a safe place and history shows that the most dangerous force is always government and the crime syndicates that grow up around it. The same high priesthood that manipulated and controlled the Mayan tribes of thousands of years ago were beholden to the same statecraft of tyranny that is embraced by our rulers today. Apocalypto is the very definition of this message and its power obtains it the accolade of the most important film of our generation - and possibly of all time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 06:58 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Put it another way, Liman & Favreau's SWINGERS is to the west coast of California that Kevin Smith's CLERKS was for the East Coast of New Jersey. Sure one is about guys that crash parties nightly and quoting how cool Tarantino and Scorsese(notice the RESERVOIR DOGS and GOODFELLAS homage shots?) are, and the other is a black & white flick about slacker workers talking about contractor workers on the Death Star.


Yeah I did catch that and enjoyed them very much

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
The reason why I'm busting your balls Irish is that, you have potential to be a very good critic. Hell, you've penned some decent quick-blurb reviews that are pretty fine. You've heavily improved once you started actually explaining your score-verdicts. But quit grading movies based on what people have said.


It could just be my "expectations" that get in the way again. For me, if I haven't seen a movie yet and someone recommends one (and I get a couple of opinions) and if they all say it's "great" or "really good" then I expect (there's that word again) a decent flick. This guy who recommended this movie to me knows me and should know my taste in movies. So for him to say, hey watch this, (and again, if everyone has nothing but positive things to say about it) it better be worth my time (because I have never had the desire to see it myself without them recommending it to me). I don't go in with the expectation that I'll love the movie, but I do expect to enjoy it (which I did with Swingers) but again, I never saw what so many people LOVED about this film and Borat. As I said in my review of Borat, I just don't see what all the hysteria was about. Maybe I'm just too against the "norm"? I expected to see a similar following to movies such as Sin City or V for Vendetta (my favorite movies the past 2 years) and Kill Bill had a similar following for a brief period of time. But sometimes, when everyone says I LOVED that movie, it's great; I for some reason usually don't agree with them. For example (and I've used these before) but I enjoyed Superman Returns more than Batman Begins and I liked Nacho Libre more than Napoleon Dynamite.
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/06 07:14 PM

I saw Birth yesterday.It was well,um...interesting.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/06 08:49 AM

Jackass 2 ***
(First Viewing)

Chris Pontius, Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Bam Margera, and the whole crew return to the screen to raise the stakes higher than ever before.

Just as good if not superior to the first Jackass movie. More of the boys finding new ways to punish their bodies and each other
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/06 11:40 AM

So what crazy stunts do they do this time?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/06 12:55 PM

Many.

But the stunt that shocked me the most was probably Steve-O placing a blood leech on his eyeball.

Yeah, that screwed with me.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/06 03:51 PM

Ive seen the trailer and it looks crazy,those guys have got balls.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/06 03:57 PM

The JACKASS both have balls, and lack of brains.

Really, I think even the crew knows that one of them will eventually meet their demise from these stunts.

My money is on Steve-O.

P.S. - On second thought DeNiro, Steve-O jabbing a fish hook THROUGH his cheek, and then swimming in a sea full of sharks....jesus christ.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/06 03:57 PM

Walk The Line 2005

Talents Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, are absolutely amazing as June and Johnny

Story goes…Johnny Cash (Phoenix) is about to play his now-famous Folsom Prison live concert. It's 1968. He's sweating and fondling the dangerous edge of a table saw in his "dressing room," as the crowd of inmates, the "audience" awaiting, is erupting.

Wearing his now signature black on black with black attire, Johnny stops for a moment to drink in his surroundings and we are all whisked back to the events that brought this man into the forefront of American musical history.

John, J.R. Cash was born in poverty and had it tough. Though this seems to be some sort of perquisite for legendary talents-to-be, Cash's story isn't all post crop farm fanfare glitter and fine buffets. During his early years, Cash some how starts to write deep poetry - for himself. Cash somehow picks up a guitar and teaches himself. And, Cash somehow manages to find himself at Sun Records (the pinnacle of the birth of American Rock and Roll really).

At his big audition, the Hymn song he and his band have prepared doesn't impress the producer at all. But, Cash somehow remembers a poem, err, song he strummed about back in the service…

Enter that voice; that deep different desiring near desperate perhaps from a far away once-descended, but made-it-out, storytelling voice.

Cash is immediately signed, cuts a record, and heads out on a whirlwind tour of musical historical proportions. This little "jig-o-talents" that was to cross a few state lines, included a list of "about-to-bes" that would ultimately produce the Holy Grail of Rock Show Posters for some squiling present-day person found featured on the Antique Road Show. It had a group of names unequalled in R&R Fables; Cash of course, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins…and, along for the ride is the beautiful and famous-since-diapers, June Carter (Reese Witherspoon)…

June's a good girl and Cash is a bad boy - it's the grand ol' story, an opera in the making - 'nough said? But, this is no regular love story.

One of my fav films of the last 10 years 5/5
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/06 07:21 PM

Just watched Mobsters for the first time. I actually kind of enjoyed it. It wasn't exactly historically accurate, and Luciano (Christian Slater) and Co. looked like a bunch of pretty boys who don't look like they could fire a gun...but it was a decent film nonetheless.

Slater playing "Lucky", though...was just weird.

Not the greatest film I've ever seen, but still entertaining.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/14/06 04:16 AM

Edward Scissorhands
Tim Burton 1990 US Nth time, 1st in years; DVD
A boy with artificial hands upsets his new community.
Catch this in the right mood at the right time and it might just hit all the right notes too. Because Burton likes to present his worlds as if they were cartoons, his films often lack any kind of plausibility; this seems an inane criticism of a work clearly grounded in fantasy, but the problem here is Burton doesn't quite know what he wishes to do - he seems to be caught between going all out on the contemporary 'Phantom of the Opera' route, and being a loveable favourite for the kids. It looks lovely, and Elfman's score is as helpful as ever, and the ending is sour enough to be fresh, but the modern-day coda is misjudged, both in terms of delivery and the fact that it lends a distinct period to the elongated flashback narrative.


Starsky & Hutch
Todd Phillips 2004 US 1st time; DVD
Two cops, both clumsy for different reasons, are teamed together and take on a drugs bust.
A pleasant surprise indeed: it not only looks good, but it has a wonderful rhythm, which stems from good timing in a lot (not all) of the gags and a great chemistry between Stiller and Wilson, who shine at the centre of a close-knit supporting cast. The soundtrack's cool, the humour isn't too overbearing, and there seems a genuine sense of control to the whole thing. Many of the things don't work, however, and it probably won't repay a rewatch; the nod to the original actors at the end is clever, but then run into the ground with obvious, obvious winks to the viewer.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/06 12:13 AM

Apocalypto *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

As the Maya kingdom faces its decline, the rulers insist the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw, a young man chosen for sacrifice, flees the kingdom to avoid his fate.

A fantastic and brutal story told by a man who is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors, Mel Gibson. Mel has brought us Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ and now Apocalypto. What I love about Mel's style probably the most is he constantly keeps the camera moving (a lot of pan shots). For some reason, that just attracts me to him that he doesn't keep the camera in one place for very long. Another element of this film that I wasn't expecting to see that much was the brutality (some of the characters in this film had quite the taste for blood and death). Definitely a movie that if not viewed in theaters, should be a rental, if not a purchase.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/06 04:04 AM

Bloodsport ***
(First Viewing)

Frank Dux has entered the "kumite", an illegal underground martial-arts competition where serious injury and even death are not unknown. In town for the fight are a number of fighters (all with different styles), as well as a journalist determined to get her story. Chong Li, a particularly ruthless and vicious fighter is the favorite, but then again Dux has never fought him before.

I had seen parts of this before but never from beginning to end. Jean-Claude Van Damme's best movie along with Kickboxer. Forest Whitaker was enjoyable as Rawlins (i.e. "bad cop"). A nice montage before the final day of the tournament and even Bolo Yeung was quite intimidating as Chong Li.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/06 05:19 AM

Groundhog Day.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/06 05:59 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Bloodsport ***
(First Viewing)


Irish, is this the movie where the opponent throws some chemical powder into the eyes of van damme while fighting and then he fights without looking at the opponent?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/06 06:02 AM

Originally Posted By: olivant
Groundhog Day.

What about it?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/06 06:28 AM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Bloodsport ***
(First Viewing)


Irish, is this the movie where the opponent throws some chemical powder into the eyes of van damme while fighting and then he fights without looking at the opponent?


Yes it is


Death Warrant * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Detective Louis Burke joins a task force put together by the governor to investigate a series of unexplained deaths in the Harrison Penitentiary. While Burke poses as an inmate, attorney Amanda Beckett acts the role of his wife. Burke does succeed in befriending a few of the inmates who help him with the investigation. Inmates are mysteriously being murdered and it turns out, they are being murdered for their body organs. Burke begins an escape from the penitentiary, pursued by hundreds of angry inmates who have been set free and armed with the knowledge that Burke is a cop.

A pretty action-less movie that had a good concept on paper, but wasn't able to deliver on film. Jean-Claude Van Damme was horriablly average as detective Louis Burke and Patrick Kilpatrick was VERY lackluster as the villian, The Sandman. His character was just too unrealistic/unbelivable for me at times and interferred with the movie. The only positive to come out of this movie was Cynthia Gibb who played the attorney/detective Burke's "wife," who I felt was the only one who put forth the effort to do the best with what they were given.
Posted By: Ayperi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/06 06:50 PM

I just watched Reservoir Dogs again, and Walk the Line, I think both are very good.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/06 02:40 AM

Nixon - (Oliver Stone;1995;USA)
The life and downfall of President Richard Nixon.
Stone's best film mainly because it succeeds in depicting a generally disliked president as a generally good person who was deeply flawed and at times close-minded. Nixon appears to be a man rather then an evil caricature while not making him seem like a great person like a recent 9/11 docu-drama about the Bush administration. It doesn't hide the dirty side of politics while at the same time not being a politcally biased film. Stone's direction is great while not too intense like U-Turn. Hopkins' performance is very good, while at times comes close to being too much. The best however, is an unrecognizable Paul Sorvino as Henry Kissinger.

The Departed - (Martin Scorsese;2005;USA)
Two moles on opposite sides of the law are pitted against each other.
Scorsese's best film since Casino. The story, backed by great performances and directing manages to be very engaging and effective even on the second viewing. As always Scorsese provides great direction, cinematography, and music as well. "Shipping off the Boston" by Dropkicking Murphys, "Comfortably Numb" by Roger Waters and Van Morison, and of course "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones. It may also be Dicaprio's best performance. Jack Nicholson shines the most however with his great adlibbing and of course Ray Whinstone is wonderful. The second best of 2006.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/18/06 11:08 PM

Double Impact **
(First Viewing)

Jean Claude Van Damme plays a dual role as Alex and Chad, twins separated at the death of their parents. Chad is raised by a family retainer in Paris, Alex becomes a petty crook in Hong Kong. Seeing a picture of Alex, Chad rejoins him and convinces him that his rival in Hong Kong is also the man who killed their parents.

Another subpar Van Damme movie and another fight with Bolo Yeung towards the end of the film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/06 07:32 AM

What's with this van-damme marathon, Irish ?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/06 07:41 AM

A friend of mine has them and he's a HUGE Van Damme fan. I've never seen most of these before and have plenty of free time on my hands so I figured, why not?

Hard Target **
(First Viewing)

Natasha Binder comes to New Orleans looking for her father, who has gone missing. In doing so, she meets a very hard man called Chance. He helps her find out that her father was killed by an organisation who sell the opportunity to hunt human prey. They are taking advantage of a police strike in New Orleans.

Another bad Jean-Claude Van Damme movie, hardly any martial arts/kickboxing in this film. It's a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie and he hardly fights. FIGHT MOTHERF*CKER! It'd be like penning Schwarzenegger for a film and not giving him any one liners (it's their trademarks). And I have to ask, what's with all the doves in John Woo movies? I've seen a couple of his movies now and they all have doves in them. What's the deal?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/06 01:43 PM

Actually I12, that's my favorite Van Dam movie. I am not a big fan of his, nor do I think he's necessarily a good actor, but I like that one. When he was kicking ass protecting the girl (outside by the car). The guy has some moves that's for sure.

TIS
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/06 06:14 PM

I love that movie!!
Van DAMN Jean Claud is HOT!!!
The part with the car is awsome.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/06 06:29 PM

Wow, I didn't realize there were so many Hard Target fans out there No one wants to take up Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Death Warrant, Double Impact, etc?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/19/06 06:31 PM

Bloodsport and Kickboxer where both decents films in there day.havn't seen for years though
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 01:29 AM

Kickboxer ***
(Nth Viewing)

Kurt Sloan is the corner-man for his brother, U.S. kickboxing champion Eric Sloan. When Kurt witnesses his brother become maliciously paralyzed in the ring by Thailand champion Tong Po, Kurt vows revenge. With the help of Zion, a kickboxing trainer who lives in a remote area of Thailand, Kurt trains for the fight of his life.

Head and shoulders the best Jean-Claude Van Damme movie along with Bloodsport. Great action and fighting scenes and Michel Qissi was great as "Tiger" Tong Po. I enjoyed his performance more in this movie as the villain than I did Bolo Yeung's in Bloodsport.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 03:51 AM

I liked Kickboxer 2 much better than the original.

"If my brother knew I was teaching women's aerobics he'd come back from the dead and beat my ass"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 04:15 AM

Yeah and I LOVED the way they wrote in brother #3

The One * 1/2
(First Viewing)

There is not one universe, but there are many, which is a multiverse. Supposing you are just one person, there are many other versions of you in the other universes, there are ways to travel, but only a police agency, MVA, can travel only for police procedures. Gabriel Yulaw (Jet Li)is a former MVA agent, who killed another version of himself in self-defense. It made the other versions of him stronger. When Yulaw found out about this, he became power-hungry killing the 122 other versions for two years. After killing Lawless (also played by Jet)and getting captured by his former partner Roedecker (Delroy Lindo) and a new MVA agent Funsch (Jason Statham) Yulaw managed to escape the prison and is trying to kill his last target, Gabe Law (also played by Jet) who is a police officer. Roedecker and Funsch now have to arrest Yulaw before he can kill Gabe.

Another movie watched based on a recommendation from a friend. The CGI and wiring were blatantly obvious in parts which hindered my enjoyment of the film. My motto is if you want to use CGI, fine. But try to make it look neat and presentable. Obvious wiring or CGI just sticks out to me and almost makes me want to laugh. However, Jason Statham and Carla Gugino were nice additions to the film. Not Jet Li's best (see Hero and Fearless for that).
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 05:26 AM

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (Kubrick;1964) ****

This is my first time watching this film, believe it or not. I was going through the free movies in my "OnDemand" menu, and came across it. I'd heard great things, so I decided to watch it.

The only thing I regret is not watching this film sooner. Great performances all around, especially Peter Sellers (Group Captain (G/C) Lionel Mandrake/President Merkin Muffley/Dr. Strangelove) and George C. Scott. (Gen. 'Buck' Turgidson).

But my favorite was by far was Brig. Gen. Jack D. Ripper, as portrayed by Captain McKlusky himself, Sterling Hayden. His constant rants about bodily fluids had me in stitches.

My favorite quote from the film:

Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 07:41 AM

Lionheart ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Lyon Gaultier's brother gets murdered after welshing drug associates in Los Angeles. Lyon is in North Africa serving the last six months of a hitch in the French Foreign Legion when he gets word of the incident, and he unsuccessfully petitions his cold-blooded superiors for leave to tend to family matters. Desperate, Lyon knocks several legionnaires out and stows away on a steamer headed for America. Once Lyon gets near New York harbor, Lyon jumps ship and tries to come up with a way to get enough money to head for California. Lyon comes into contact with street-fight promoter Joshua, an alcoholic ex-street-fighter who links Lyon up with Cynthia, an organizer of no-holds-barred bare-knuckle fights that secretly entertain the wealthy across the country.

An enjoyable Van Damme movie and Harrison Page was great at being the funny guy of the movie.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 05:39 PM

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)



Nicholson went nuts in The Shining, but he did the time in Cuckoo's Nest as a rough-and-tumble felon looking to escape hard prison by spending a little quality time in a psychiatric institution. Little does he realize his phony illness is about to get him into all kinds of trouble. Louise Fletcher's Nurse Ratched, however, is the character who has since entered into the American lexicon, as have a host of other characters and scenes (most memorably: Nicholson's narration of a World Series game that's not on TV). Faithfully adapted from Ken Kesey's stirring novel.

Along with It Happened One Night and The Silence of the Lambs, these are the only three films to win all four major Oscars (actor, actress, director, picture).

4/5

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 06:02 PM

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is Shawshank with a tragic ending. I don't mean plot wise, but its general message. A great film and great characters.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 08:22 PM

Rocky Balboa ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

In this new installment of the Rocky series, Rocky Balboa returns to the ring to fight the present world champion. It's been many years since Rocky Balboa has been in the ring. Through that time his wife Adrian died of cancer, and he and his son, Rocky Jr., have been growing apart. Rocky owns his own restaurant, and people will come in just to hear his stories. Now ESPN is holding these virtual boxing matches pairing up fighters from different eras, it is a competition. And in the end it showed that if there was a match between "Young" Rocky and the champion Mason "The Line" Dixion, Rocky would win. Seeing this virtual fight makes Rocky remember how much he misses being in the ring. So he re-registers for his license which creates a media firestorm, and who should hear about it but Mason himself. Pay-Per-View won't pay him anymore because they believe that he is fighting all second rate fighters, and that he's a "paper champion". So his people suggest a fight between him and Rocky. The opportunity is brought to Rocky who at first is a little cautious at first, but soon agrees also. Now it is a Battle of the Ages. A true battle of Will v.s. Skill. With the help of Paulie, Tony (his old trainer), and of course his son, it is truly, his final countdown.

The most enjoyable part of the movie is the final fight between Rocky and Dixon because it is so authentic to a HBO Pay-Per-View fight. The camera movement, angles, announcers were all were with care and it showed. Other than that, the first hour or so of the film seem to move rather slow and Mason is never built up as a superior champion/threat so Rocky's fight (in my mind) isn't as great as his past foes.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/20/06 10:47 PM

El laberinto del Fauno Pan's Labyrinth
Guillermo del Toro 2006 Mexico / USA / Spain 1st time; big screen
Spain, 1944: a young girl arrives at a mountainside camp with her pregnant mother, newly married to a captain in Franco's regime, and finds both comfort and anxiety in her fantastical imaginations.
Del Toro is doing all kinds of interesting things here: his shots are crafted with transitions already in mind - he'll often zoom in to black and then re-emerge in a different world, or show different angles within the same scene via effortless pans, so that cuts are often sweeping and invisible, and keep the momentum going between the different narrative threads. Speaking of which, the narrative is much more dependent on the 'real' world than the trailers made out, and all the better for it. Visually excessive, it is highly original, very inventive and altogether weird.


London to Brighton
Paul Andrew Williams 2006 UK 1st time; big screen
A prostitute and a young homeless girl flee from a gangster whose pimp father they killed.
The kind of gritty 'realist' thriller that knocks a few critics to the floor and is hailed - for not very long - as the best British film in years. It is shot not only in Scope but almost entirely in close-up, so there is an in-your-face brutality to it throughout. The acting is effective and real at times, particularly in newcomer Lorraine Stanley, who begins and ends the film with a ferocious black eye, and in between shows various faces as a well-worn girl who accepts the dangers of prostitution.


Last Days
Gus Van Sant 2005 USA 3rd time; DVD
The final hours of a rock musician who is surrounded by hangers-on.
A film which ranges from intense (Michael Pitt making his way through a succession of instruments) to flat (Van Sant's non-linear editing by now seems to have lost novelty and purpose). It gains much from Pitt's mumbling performance, and a lot of images, most of them of the actor in white T-shirt and red pants, surrounded by greenery, are likely to leave a haunting impression, of loneliness more than anything. The 4:3 ratio isn't quite as powerful here when seen on the small screen, and it isn't as visually innovative as Gerry or narratively ambitious as Elephant.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 01:03 AM

Raw Deal **
(First Viewing)

Mark Kaminsky is kicked out of the FBI for his rough treatment of a suspect. He winds up as the sheriff of a small town in North Carolina. FBI Chief Harry Shannon, whose son has been killed by a mobster named Patrovina, enlists Kaminsky in a personal vendetta with a promise of reinstatement into the FBI if Patrovina is taken down. To accomplish this, Kaminsky must go undercover and join Patrovina's gang.

A decent 80s Arnold action flick with a pretty noticable cast including: Darren McGavin, Paul Shenar (whom I haven't seen since Scarface), and Robert Davi.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 01:21 AM

Hey Irish, if I remember correctly you really liked Sin City right? Did you find that a lot of the connections were too easy to pick up on? That kind of ruined the movie for me
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 01:28 AM

Is Raw Deal the famous "You shouldn't drink and bake," Ah-nuld film?
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 01:46 AM

I just checked IMDB......thats the one Mrs. R
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Hey Irish, if I remember correctly you really liked Sin City right? Did you find that a lot of the connections were too easy to pick up on? That kind of ruined the movie for me


What do you mean, a lot of the connections were too easy to pick up on? What connections? And yes, I absolutely LOVED the movie (my favorite movie of 2005).
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 02:14 AM

Between the 3 different people, you could figure out how a certain person was involved in the 3 different stories right away. I think that was something they were trying to build up as a shock to "bring everything together" but I figured it out WAY too early. Its a good movie though, I like the black and white but how they use certain colors.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 03:52 AM

Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Is Raw Deal the famous "You shouldn't drink and bake," Ah-nuld film?



My favorite part is when he is finally going to war with the mobsters. He throws on his shades, blasts the Rolling Stones "Satisfaction" song, and kicks out the windshield!

Vintage Arnold.

Good movie.


Don Cardi
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 07:44 AM

Sudden Death ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The Vice-President is being held at gunpoint. The Pittsburgh Civic Arena is wired with enough explosives to blow up the whole city. And if $1 billion isn't delivered soon, thousands will die. Darren McCord (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is in the arena. An arson investigator, he's seen what explosives can do to people. And he won't let it happen again. Because this time, one wrong move and his daughter dies, too.

Man, Powers Boothe can be a cold-hearted b*stard when he needs to be. In fact, those are probably the only roles I've seen him in other than Red Dawn. Boothe definitely carried the movie by himself as the cunning and witty terrorist/villain/bad guy.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 02:26 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is Shawshank with a tragic ending. I don't mean plot wise, but its general message. A great film and great characters.


I watched it AGES ago. Time to rewatch. I'm a huge fan of these psychiatric/hospital/prison movies.....The more disturbing the best! BTW, anyone remember Shock corridor (USA 1963, director Samuel Fuller). GREAT ONE!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 02:40 PM

I've just been given Garfield 2 as a Christmas present. Can't wait to watch it! Garfield is my hero. Lazy, smart and slightly overweight. I definitely can relate.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/21/06 09:45 PM

La pianiste The Piano Teacher
Michael Haneke 2001 France / Austria 1st time; DVD
A piano teacher who lives with her possessive mother seeks solace in a pupil who has fallen for her, but her tendency towards what society looks at as depraved drives them apart.
Haneke is a fantastic director: not only is he daring and confident, but also fiercely controlled. His films are rich in all kinds of thematic intricacies, are almost always of visual interest, and uphold an intense and unsettling ambiguity in their exploration of psychologically elusive characters. Not only is this film fascinating to watch as a character study, but is interesting in how its narrative unfolds as a series of matter-of-fact events which never really lead into one another; what might be considered as emotional detachment is made intimate by a powerful performance from Isabelle Huppert. Original stuff, and throughout the entire duration of the film, which seems far longer than it is in some rhythmical resounding way, you can never predict what is going to happen next.


Trop belle pour toi! Too Beautiful for You
Bertrand Blier 1989 France 1st time; DVD
A car salesman cheats on his beautiful wife with his seemingly ordinary secretary.
The promotional synopses and critical responses to this film seem to have missed the point: even positive reactions tend to focus on terms such as 'amusing romantic comedy'. It is certainly not without a good dose of wit, but to say it is funny or even romantic seems to be overlooking: a) its seductive cinematography, b) its elusive editing technique, and c) the melancholic unfolding of the narrative. What begins as a film told in flashes and snippets of reflection moves into something far more weighty and 'active', using Schubert's music as a means of both diegetic and non-diegetic emotional core. Impressive and underseen.


Sauve qui peut (la vie) Slow Motion
Jean-Luc Godard 1979 France / Switzerland 1st time; DVD
The lives of a filmmaker, his lover and a prostitute cross.
Difficult to sit through without fidgeting, so few are this film's interesting ideas; it begs for revisits, but doesn't do anything to deserve such attention. Visually dull, it is caught in the creatively inert void between Godard's moving camera of the sixties and his static compositions of the eighties. Tedious.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/06 01:42 AM

Timecop ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The perfection of time travel brings with it new opportunities for criminals. The government sets up a special police force (T.E.C.) to ensure the new technology isn't abused. Max Walker, one of these timecops learns of a corrupt politician's plot to become president using the device. Senator McComb discovers Walker on his trail and the real action begins--in Walker's own past!

I remember seeing previews/trailers for this movie when it initally came out 12 years ago but thought I wouldn't enjoy it (I'm not a huge Sci-Fi fan). However, I did enjoy this film very much which kind of surprised me because I didn't enjoy The One with Jet Li that I saw only a couple of days ago. Plenty of action and humor to go with this interesting look at the dangers of time travel. Finally, it was great seeing Mia Sara whom I haven't seen since she played Sloane Peterson in Ferris Bueller's Day Off 8 years prior.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/06 07:26 AM

Universal Soldier ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Luc Devreux and Andrew Scott are US soldiers who kill each other in Vietnam when Devreux interferes with Scott's slaughter of a friendly village. Listed as MIA, they are actually flash-frozen and shipped to a top-secret facility where a team of scientists turn the two, along with other select specimens, into super-soldiers known as "UniSols." While helping foil a terrorist takeover of the giant McKinley Dam, Devreux starts having flashbacks to his former life, and makes a break from his colleagues. The increasingly human Devreux teams up with TV reporter Veronica Roberts, while they are chased across much of the Midwest by Scott, and the police, who capture them long enough for Scott to find them. After a chase, thinking that they killed Scott in a truck crash, Veronica takes Devreux home to his parents in Louisiana, only to have Scott catch up with them for a brutal confrontation.

Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren work well together as "UniSols." I'm disappointed Dolph wasn't given more big action roles as I felt he could have been a big action star (maybe not the caliber of Schwarzenegger or Stallone, but definitely along the lines of Van Damme). It was also good to see a cameo from Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, whom people will remember as Deebo from the film Friday. Finally, Ally Walker was sensual as reporter Veronica Roberts and I wonder why her career never took over either?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/06 08:52 PM

Double Impact is Van Damme's best film, I think.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/06 09:54 PM

Not into Kickboxer or Bloodsport?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/06 10:12 PM

I've not seen either of those to be fair, but I remember loving Double Impact. I must have seen that film more than five times.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/06 10:15 PM

Dial M for Murder
Alfred Hitchcock 1954 USA 1st time; TV
An ex-Tennis champion plots with an old friend to murder his wife, but his plan goes wrong and he has to backfoot…
One setting, essentially, and a thriller told in two halves, the first constructing "the perfect crime" and the second re-constructing it, or deconstructing it, as a plausible work of fiction. The first half works best because everything is meticulous and convincing; the second half is interesting for its self-reflexivity, but lacks conviction and seems a rather unnecessary way to save Grace Kelly, since the cop who solves the case has no purpose or reason to do so.


From Russia With Love
Terence Young 1963 UK Nth time; TV
SPECTRE recruit a Russian spy to kill James Bond and steal an encoding machine.
Possibly the best Bond film, the second of the lot, grounded enough to be taken seriously, though marred by camp one-liners and obvious gags - it is at its best when it is being brutal, the fight scene on the train being the main attraction. There is one throwaway scene in Turkey, in which Bond is invited to watch two near-naked gyspy women settle an affair by fighting one another; it has all the crowd-stroking hilarity of a risible Russ Meyer catfight.


Tom Jones
Tony Richardson 1963 UK 1st time; TV
In 18th century England, the adopted son of a nobleman causes havoc, follows his love to London, and is followed in turn by those who wish to hang him.
On the surface there's no evident reason why this should work: a period piece which does not want to be taken seriously, high production values seem overlooked in favour of bawdy humour, and the frequent breaking of the fourth wall seems contrary to the box-office takings at the time. It is an original film, possibly or probably influenced by John Fowles's novel The French Lieutenant's Woman, with a narrator who knows everything about everyone; in turn it has possibly or probably influenced Winterbottom's Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story and Jeunet's Amelie. Energetic and exceedingly witty, its irresistible charm stems from its hero, who seems to have been directly placed from the present day into a time where society's moral tirades get in the way of simple love.

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/06 01:52 AM

Bad Santa ***
(Nth Viewing)

It is the height of the festive holiday season and merry shoppers have begun their yearly pilgrimages to their local malls. Among the drove is a pair of con men, on a decadent road trip as Santa and his elf. Rather than spreading good cheer, the duo's motive is to rob each establishment, a strategy that becomes complicated when they encounter an 8-year old that teaches them the true meaning of Christmas.

This is fastly becoming one of my favorite Christmas movies of all-time and this was the first movie that I liked by Billy Bob Thorton. Tony Cox was great as his sidekick, Marcus as was John Ritter as Bob Chipeska. Finally, Bernie Mac makes his presence known as the security, Gin.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/06 05:56 AM

I hated bad santa. It was plain bad IMO. I don't know, maybe I just don't have the appreciation for "dark humor"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/06 07:50 AM

To each his own svsg. I loved it

Wake of Death **
(First Viewing)

Ben Archer (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a thug/enforcer for a criminal organization. Tiring of the work, he tells his coworkers that he's ready to retire. His wife Cynthia is a social worker for the INS. She brings a Chinese refugee girl to their home. Soon, Sun Quan (Simon Yam) wants his daughter back. Cynthia Archer is murdered, and Ben's son Nicholas disappears, along with the Chinese girl. Ben must save the children and avenge his wife's murder.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/25/06 07:46 AM

Ocean's eleven *
Totally ludicrous movie, but I enjoyed it thoroughly
I have to revisit the debate that Vercetti and Capo were having once regarding good movies vs favorites. I don't know if any of you have the interest/energy for it, but I have some fresh questions in this matter.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/06 12:27 AM

The Good Shepherd ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Edward Wilson, the only witness to his father's suicide and member of the Skull and Bones Society while a student at Yale, is a morally upright young man who values honor and discretion, qualities that help him to be recruited for a career in the newly founded Central Intelligence Agency. While working there, his ideals gradually turn to suspicion influenced by the Cold War paranoia present within the office. Eventually, he becomes an influential veteran operative, while his distrust of everyone around him increases to no end. His dedication to his work does not come without a price though, leading him to sacrifice his ideals and eventually his family.

Overall, a rather dull and pretty uneventful movie. It was somewhat slow and long. I felt Angelina Jolie's talents were wasted on this film as Matt Damon's "wife." It was great to see a cameo from Joe Pesci and it was also great to see Robert De Niro in a decent movie. The last decent movie he did IMO was either 15 Minutes or Meet the Parents. I did however enjoy William Hurt's performance the most because he just seemed very cool, confident and commanded respect when he was onscreen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/06 03:48 AM

The Age of Innocence **
(First Viewing)

Society scion Newland Archer is engaged to May Welland, but his well-ordered life is upset when he meets May's unconventional cousin, the Countess Olenska. At first, Newland becomes a defender of the Countess, whose separation from her abusive husband makes her a social outcast in the restrictive high society of late-19th Century New York, but he finds in her a companion spirit and they fall in love.

Another slow and dull movie that I found uninteresting. My only enjoyment from the film, other than a few select shots from Martin Scorsese, was a young Winona Ryder.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/06 04:16 AM

When the kid kicks the midget in the balls, ahhh.....that my friends is good cinema
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/06 04:40 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
I have to revisit the debate that Vercetti and Capo were having once regarding good movies vs favorites. I don't know if any of you have the interest/energy for it, but I have some fresh questions in this matter.
Whether Vercetti is or isn't, I'm always up for that debate, especially when somebody has new questions to raise.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/06 06:31 PM

"THE QUEEN" (2006) ****

You can sign me up for anything Helen Mirren's in--I'd pay to see her play the lead role in "The Two-Ton Tony Galento Story." She is the best actress on this planet.
I was expecting a great performance by her. I didn't much think about the movie. What I got was a stupendous performance in a brilliant film. She looks, acts, walks, breathes so much like Queen Elizabeth that you have to continually remind yourself that you're not watching the real Queen. She has a terrific little intro to new Labour PM Tony (Mr. Modernize Britain) Blair and his Royals-resenting wife (Michael Sheen and Helen McCrory), bests the two of them, and seems to drift back into her vapid little world. But soon enough, Princess Di buys the farm in France, and the pressure's on. First the Royals determine to ignore the event ("She was no longer an HRH," snorts the Queen and her fathead husband Prince Philip, played perfectly by James Cromwell). But the phenominal outpouring makes Blair, who at first seems like a latter-day Brit flower child, step up to the plate and remind the Queen that there's somethin' goin' on and ya don't know what it is, do you, Mrs. Windsor. He gets some support from Prince Charles (Alex Jennings, who plays him as weak but not quite the total airhead he seems to be in real life). Meanwhile, the Royals go on stag hunts at Balmoral and try their best to ignore the frenzy. Finally, the Queen cracks her facade and, in a touching and superbly realized scene, with quiet dignity makes nice to the British people.
As Elizabeth, Mirren manages the extraordinary task of showing the Queen as chilly but not totally without a heart. She manages to balance the stuffy protocol side with her overarching sense of duty, and you're left admiring her at last. Stephen Frears' direction is economical and tasteful. He also adds several wickedly understated funny lines, many of them courtesy of the Queen Mother (Sylvia Sims). This is a first-rate film from start to finish.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/06 06:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa NostraFrom Russia With Love
[size:8pt
Terence Young 1963 UK Nth time; TV
SPECTRE recruit a Russian spy to kill James Bond and steal an encoding machine.
Possibly the best Bond film, the second of the lot, grounded enough to be taken seriously, though marred by camp one-liners and obvious gags - it is at its best when it is being brutal, the fight scene on the train being the main attraction. There is one throwaway scene in Turkey, in which Bond is invited to watch two near-naked gyspy women settle an affair by fighting one another; it has all the crowd-stroking hilarity of a risible Russ Meyer catfight.[/size]


I agree, Mick, that this was the best by far of the Bonders. For me, Lotte Lenya and Robert Shaw really made the film--as menacing a pair of villains as ever graced(?) the screen. Shows the triumph of acting over the gadgetry that polluted so many other Bonders.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/06 09:05 PM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
"THE QUEEN"
I'm catching this on Thursday.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/06 01:40 AM

The Black Dahlia ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The Black Dahlia is set in 1940s Los Angeles. Two cops, Bucky Bleichert (Josh Hartnett) and his partner, Lee Blanchard, investigate the death of Elizabeth Short, a young woman found brutally murdered. Bucky soon realizes that his girlfriend had ties to the deceased, and soon after that, he begins uncovering corruption and conspiracy within the police department.

I felt Mia Kirshner was the most enjoyable as Elizabeth Short and Hilary Shawnk and Josh Hartnett did a fine job as well. Brian De Palma did a good job directing but the story in parts seemed to be a little confusing and moved rather fast in parts.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/06 09:52 PM

King Kong: Deluxe Extended Edition *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Set in the 1930s, this is the story of a young and beautiful actress Ann Darrow from the world of vaudeville who finds herself lost in depression-era New York and her luck changes when she meets an over-ambitious filmmaker Carl Denham who brings her on an exploratory expedition to a remote island where she finds compassion and the true meaning of humanity with an ape Kong. The beauty and the beast finally meet their fate back in the city of New York where the filmmaker takes and displays the ape in quest of his fame by commercial exploitation which ultimately leads to catastrophe for everyone including a playwright Jack Driscoll who falls in love with Ann and plays an unlikely hero by trying to save her from Kong and her destiny.

I think I finally got my fill of Kong with the added 13 minutes which had some pretty cool extra creatures and "fight scenes" if you will. Visually speaking, this is one of the best movies I've seen in recent memory and in my top 3 for films last year. Naomi Watts was great as was Jack Black (I still don't understand what people had against him in this picture?).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/06 12:00 AM

Originally Posted By: Turnbull
"THE QUEEN" (2006) ****

My two cents, having just seen it:

The Queen
Stephen Frears 2006 UK / France / Italy 1st time; big screen
In the several days following Princess Diana's death, the Queen of England's reputation comes under threat, and is saved by newly-elected Prime Minister Tony Blair.
There is one moment here in which the camera sweeps us away into a breathtaking shot of rural England, craning high over head and belying any suggestion of either CGI or even an aircraft of some sort. As a whole, though, it looks like a shot-for-TV film, the kind of topical two-parter that might find its way onto channel 4; nothing particularly wrong with that, although with the aesthetic flatness comes an emotional emptiness, of vague interest because of performances, but little to none to those who are not interested by the English monarchy, the English government, or Princess Diana's death. Frivolous.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/06 12:16 AM

I realize this is only news but I still thought it was worthy enough to discuss:

Deep Does Mercury?

It would seem that a natural progression for Johnny Depp after modeling Jack Sparrow after a flamboyant, slightly effeminate classic rocker would to be to actually play a flamboyant, slightly effeminate classic rocker. And, according to The Independent, that's exactly what he may be doing in the not too distant future. Depp's apparently been approached about portraying Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in a biopic being developed by Robert DeNiro's company, Tribeca Productions. Queen guitarist, Brian May, recently confirmed that the film is in active development, mentioning "Discussions are at an early stage" and had this to say about Depp possibly playing Mercury: "He would be a worthy counterpart for Freddie on screen. I don't think I can say any more right now."

Source: JoBlo

I believe Johnny Depp can play ANY part put in front of him and I think he would make a GREAT Freddie Mercury. Thoughts?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/06 02:45 AM

Yep, I can definitley see that. Good choice.

Spike Lee is on tap to direct a film about James Brown's life...who can play him? I don't have the article around, but I do remember reading about it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/06 05:37 AM

Yeah I heard that too Don Andrew. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jaime Foxx but I don't know if they'll go with him since he already has done Ray Charles. What about Eddie Murphy?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/06 07:22 AM

The Quest **
(First Viewing)

Chris embarks on an odyssey of self-discovery that spans the globe. Kidnapped and enslaved by gun smugglers, sold by pirates and thrust into the murky underworld of gambling and kickboxing, Chris' journey takes him to forbidding Muay Thai Island where deadly martial arts are taught, the colonial splendor of British East Asia, the dank back alleys of Bangkok, desolate deserts once trod by the warriors of Genghis Khan and finally, the ancient Lost City. There he must face the ultimate test of his manhood in the fabled Ghang-gheng, the ancient winner-take-all competition in which the deadliest fighters from around the world employ the most spectacular feats of martial arts skills ever displayed in order to win the prized Golden Dragon.

Jean-Claude Van Damme's one and only directorial duty and it is an easily forgetable movie. There wasn't a whole lot of action in the film and for the little action there is, the fight scenes are weak and uneventful. Roger Moore was in the film but he was mediocre at best. To me, this tried to be more of a "feel good" movie rather than an action film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 04:01 AM

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Extended Edition ****
(First Viewing)

Based on the classic novel by CS Lewis. Four London children are sent to a professors country home in order for protection during World War II. There they find a magic wardrobe which leads to a mystical land called Narnia, which is being ruled by an evil witch. To defeat the Witch, they must join forces with Aslan, the lion God of Narnia, and the great battle between good and evil.

I gave this film 4 stars because in the genre of children/family movies, this film is an instant classic. Great set designs and shooting locations along with great CGI work (a lot of CGI work was needed for this film but it wasn't corny or overly done). Tilda Swinton was great as the stone cold, heartless White Witch as was Georgie Henley as innocent little Lucy Pevensie. Nothing of subsequent value made a difference in the 7 extra minutes of added footage. I'm looking forward to the second movie in the trilogy which is what I hear Disney is going to do, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. It looks like Disney has another cash cow trilogy on their hands, The Chronicles of Narnia that is following in the footsteps of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 06:26 AM

They Live ***
(First Viewing)

Nada, a down-on-his-luck construction worker, discovers a pair of special sunglasses. Wearing them, he is able to see the world as it really is: people being bombarded by media and government with messages like "Stay Asleep", "No Imagination", "Submit to Authority". Even scarier is that he is able to see that some usually normal-looking people are in fact ugly aliens in charge of the massive campaign to keep humans subdued.

Only the third John Carpenter movie I've seen behind Halloween and Christine. A very compelling and original story about aliens ruling the world starring Roddy Piper and Keith David. I wonder why Roddy didn't have a better acting career than he had? I do have a TON of respect for Keith David after he's appeared in, but not limited to: Platoon, Men At Work, There's Something About Mary and Requiem for a Dream. I knew this was the movie where the infamous South Park cripple fight came from, but it was good to finally see the original. Now I'm intrigued to see more John Carpenter movies such as Escape From New York, The Thing, Big Trouble In Little China, Escape From L.A. and possibly Village of the Damned.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 03:21 PM

I need to see They Live again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 04:57 PM

It was surprisingly good to me for a first viewing. How about any of the other John Carpenter movies I've listed? Seen any of them? If so, what did you think of them?
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 05:14 PM

"The Thing" is one of my favorites. It is often compared very unfavorably to the 1951 Hawks/Nyby "The Thing (From Another World)"--trashed, in fact. Nonsense! Carpenter's version is truer to the original story ("Who Goes There?"). It constantly builds a harrowing sense of suspense, distrust, menace and flat-out horror. The specials are unsurpassed. Great film!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 05:41 PM

Great, thanks Turnbull, I'll have to give it a look sometime soon (granted I have the time once school begins).
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 08:05 PM

Spiderman 2 **
It is a feel good movie and I liked it a lot. I can watch any movie with Kirsten Dunst in it Toby Maguire is great too as the nerdy hero. Nice happy movie to start the year!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 08:13 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
I can watch any movie with Kirsten Dunst in it


I'm the same way with Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts but not that dirty slut Kirsten Dunst. I'm sorry, not a slap at you personally, but I HATE that woman
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 08:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12

I'm the same way with Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts but not that dirty slut Kirsten Dunst. I'm sorry, not a slap at you personally, but I HATE that woman

No problem Irish, I too love Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts.... and Keira Knightley
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/06 08:40 PM

I love Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Connelly, Kristen Davis, Bridget Moynahan, Elizabeth Hurley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Eliza Dushku, Keira Knightley, Hilary Duff, Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Trachtenberg, Jordana Brewwster...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/01/07 11:14 PM

Black Christmas (2006) ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A remake of the 1974 horror movie Black Christmas. The movie tells the story about Billy, a young boy who was abused by his mother as a child. While his mother was cheating on Billy's father, she eventually killed his father and kept Billy in the attic - for good, while she was with her lover and starting a "new" family. As Billy's mother fell pregnant with a daughter and treated her with love, which Billy had never experienced with his mother, Billy came out of the attic after years and brutally murdered his mother and her lover. Cut to present day, a group of eight sorority sisters consisting of Kelli (Katie Cassidy), Dana (Lacey Chabert), Lauren (Crystal Lowe), Megan (Jessica Harmon), Claire (Leela Savasta), Heather (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Megan (Jessica Harmon) and Melissa (Michelle Trachtenberg) and their house mother (Andrea Martin),who now live in Billy's childhood home, find themselves being harassed by threatening and intimidating mystery phone-calls during Christmas Break and as one of the girls goes missing, the girls begin being murdered one by one by no other than Billy.

This was a bootleg copy so the quality wasn't great but the movie itself was enjoyable. I can't really think of another "decent" Christmas slasher flick and I enjoyed this one. Some pretty nice and exaggerated death scenes with a pretty hot cast makes for a decent holiday horror flick.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/07 12:15 AM

Wolf Creek
Greg McLean 2004 Australia 4th time; DVD
Screenplay: Greg McLean; Producer: Greg McLean, David Lightfoot; Photography: Will Gibson; Editing: Jason Ballantine; Music: Frank Tetaz; Cast: John Jarratt, Cassandra Magrath, Kestie Morassi, Nathan Phillips.
Three backpackers, an Australian male and two English tourists, get stranded in the Outback, and take the offered help of a seemingly genuine local.
Effective, confident piece of filmmaking; it looks marvellous, presenting beautiful images of the Australian landscape as if from a postcard, which are contradicted by the brutal violence which occurs. The opening hour is a subtle lesson on how to absorb and ultimately wrong-foot an audience, and after that it is a tremendously sustained gore-fest reminiscent of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. McLean plays wonderful tricks with character point-of-view... he sets up three main characters, for instance, and makes a point of showing them all together and then in pairs without the other one, and even sometimes alone, so that it is very much a film about three people. But when the terror kicks in, the perspective shifts from one victim to the other, and it is from this (and the brilliant acting helps too) that McLean can induce panic or terror or hope in his audience with ease. The disturbing factor in the scene in which one of the girls is tortured, for instance, stems from the significant fact that we are only seeing it from the other girl's perspective; it would create a very different feel if the camera were to move elsewhere, or if it were the male through whom we were watching the scene. Very bleak, cinematic, and rewarding.

Hannah and Her Sisters
Woody Allen 1986 USA 2nd time; DVD
Screenplay: Woody Allen; Producer: Robert Greenhut; Photography: Carlo Di Palma; Editing: Susan E. Morse; Cast: Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Carrie Fisher, Michael Caine, Woody Allen, Dianne Wiest, Max von Sydow.
Three sisters' love lives intertwine over a two-year period: one of them has an affair with the other's husband, while the third falls for the second's ex-husband.
It is very interesting to note that while many films made in the eighties have dated rather badly, this masterpiece seems to have been made a decade earlier alongside the director's Annie Hall or Manhattan. It has a deceptively complicated visual structure, that looks on the surface very austere but to a keen eye is very stylised and significant in creating meaning; most of the scenes are not only in long-take, but with the characters filmed in long- or medium-shot, which is interesting in itself, but heightened even more by the lengths to which Allen goes to maintain a real sense of space for his actors to be swamped in - the camera tracks and pans so eloquently that it often goes unnoticed. Narrative shows Allen at his best, too; he rarely gets credit for experimenting with the medium, but there are plenty of things to be found here: various characters offering internal monologues that contradict the actions being played out, which allows the film to be funny and psychologically perceptive simultaneously. His best film...?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/07 12:17 AM

I saw 338 films last year, 240 were for the first time, and 88 of which were on the big screen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/07 08:47 PM

Snakes On A Plane * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Riding his motorcycle in Hawaii, Sean Jones witnesses the brutal murder of a prosecutor. When the villains come to take out Sean, Agent Nelville Flynn comes to his rescue. In order to protect Sean for the trip back to L.A., Flynn takes over the entire First Class section of Pacific Air Flight 121. Displeased First Class passengers aside, the flight is uneventful until hundreds of angry, poisonous snakes are released into the cabin. Once the snakes begin attacking, it is up to Agent Flynn and Sean to keep the plane in the air and save as many passengers as they can.

A decent B movie that wasn't it was all cracked up to be. Samuel L was his usual bad a$$ self but aside from that, the movie was overrated. My two favorite lines:

"D*mn, are you playing that video game or is that video game playing you, son?"

"Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherf*cking snakes on this motherf*cking plane!"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/07 10:37 PM

And so begins 2007...

Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man
Lian Lunson 2005 USA 1st time; big screen
A tribute concert to Leonard Cohen, with renditions of his songs from Nick Cave, The Handsome Family, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Beth Orton, Antony, Jarvis Cocker and others, juxtaposed with an interview with Cohen himself.
Interesting both as a recollection for fans and introduction for novices, which unfolds as a kind of nostalgic collection of memories from Cohen himself, helped along by the live performances which connect him to the contemporary music scene and beyond. It is helped immensely by the appearance of Cohen himself, shot in close-up and speaking with open, measured control, and by the fact that the live performances are not only very good, but captured for the most part in a very intimate way: the highlights are Martha Wainwright's rendition of "Tower of Song" and Antony's "If It Be Your Will", both shot with the camera zooming in from a distance. Lunson doesn't always play it straight, however, and the film suffers from unnecessary tinkering with visuals and transitions, as if trying too hard to lend a poetry or gravity to a subject whose natural persona already outweighs any attempt at an artistic aesthetic; it keeps cutting, for instance, to an empty shot of a glittery red curtain and overlaying a blurred image of it over certain scenes, and the sound is often cluttered too much with the performances and Cohen's voice intruding upon one another, which isn't helped by an irritating echo effect added in post-production. There is nothing to be gained, either, by the inclusion of Bono and Edge from U2, whose insights seem to be there only to make the film more commercial or accessible; their final performance with Cohen, performed before the same red curtain from before, seems slightly and oddly hilarious, and Cohen's humble presence is undercut by a popular rock group who probably take themselves too seriously - tellingly, in one of the closing talking heads, Bono begins his final tribute with, "To talk seriously for a second..." and you can't help but hear alarm bells over all that he has said prior to that.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/07 10:40 PM

Viskningar och rop Cries and Whispers
Ingmar Bergman 1972 Sweden 1st time; DVD
A dying woman is tended to by her maid and two sisters.
Spellbinding stuff from start to finish, a film which began as a recurring, stubbornly insistent image in the director's imagination, and found its way over the course of a few years into a narrative about the persistence of Time and the inevitability of Death. It is grounded in Bergman's most controlled manner, an air of artistic - that is, personal - excellence and technical - that is, aesthetic - achievement. It takes on themes from all his other films, for instance, but stands alone in visual style, told entirely in imagery of blacks, whites and reds, with actors shot against the block-red walls of the interior setting, an immaculate mansion. The title is entirely fitting, as the narrative unfolds in long bouts of silence, with characters tormented by ticking clocks and whispers which lead in and out of their flashbacks (the transitions to which are notified by a fade to red), and exploding every now and then into violent screaming and inexplicable tears; a mesmerising work, really, terrifying and bleak, though shot with such fine detail and attention paid to characters' claustrophobic fear of death (or life?) that the closing moments, a flashback to green fields and white dresses, is uplifting and relieving.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/07 07:01 AM

Beer League ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Beer, broads and baseball combine with hilarious results in Artie Lange's Beer League, an over-the-top comedy about a group of misfits whose weekly softball games seem to have a lot more to do with getting into fights for macho dominance than hitting home runs. Artie is an unemployed and unmotivated drunk that is predictably still living with his mother. He is on a losing softball team, and he and his teammates are facing the end of softball as they know it if they can't pull it together. When love enters his life, it unexpectedly alters Artie's low self-esteem, and the odds for winning, not only the league trophy, but a new life, are certainly looking up. He and his teammates will have to go for the win, and survive all the comedy and chaos along the way.

Not quite sure why the movie is entitled Beer League because it didn't really combine beer and softball like I thought it would. Regardless, it was a very funny movie that didn't get a lot of exposure in theaters or on DVD (the Blockbuster I rented it from only had 3 copies). However, it was nice to see and hear a movie that looks like it was shot around my area of New York, so I could kind of relate to it on that level. It was also great to see Ralph Macchio & Seymour Cassel working again.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/07 12:48 PM

Irish, it is nice to see you writing detailed reviews. Please continue the trend
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/07 05:57 PM

Thanks svsg, we'll see how long it lasts
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/07 06:25 PM

Matrix Revolutions (part 3) No Stars
This is almost like a spoof of the first two parts. Ridiculous stuff. The fight between humans and machines was too long and boring for most part. Then you have all the cliched hollywood lines about love, choice, peace etc. And the fight scene between Neo and Smith is laughable. In the first part there were some deep philosophical questions. The second part already set the trend of non-sense with "going to source", 'key maker', 'frenchman' and other assorted garbage. The third part takes it to the next higher level. Everyone told me not to watch it, but I made the 'choice', like morpheus
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/07 10:09 PM

I think Matrix is one of the most overated films in history.Ive never been able stomach this film in full
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/03/07 10:58 PM

JFK ****
(Nth Viewing)

A mixture of fact and speculation surrounding the death of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on 22nd November, 1963. New Orleans District Attorney, Jim Garrison, re-opens the files on the investigation and takes a critical look at the facts given by the F.B.I. His persistent questioning and poking his nose where it shouldn't be causes his and his family's lives to be at risk. But he keeps on the trail and soon uncovers a lead which points to the the war in Vietnam.

What negative thing can be said about this film? My favorite Oliver Stone film and I believe it's his greatest work. Definitely one of the 10 best movies of the 1990s with an incredible cast that includes, but is not limited to: Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Bacon, Gary Oldman, Joe Pesci, Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Sissy Spacek, John Candy, Donald Sutherland, Brian Doyle-Murray, and John Larroquette. It's such a f*cking shame what happened to that man on November 22nd, 1963 (in front of his wife no less) and the way the government covered up the autopsy and "investigation". My personal opinion is that Johnson had something to do with it but that's just me. Whether or not you believe Oliver Stone, Jim Garrison, or the movie, it is still a masterpiece.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 12:57 AM

Höstsonaten Autumn Sonata
Ingmar Bergman 1978 Sweden 1st time; DVD
A journalist invites her recently widowed mother to stay with her and her husband, but things turn bitter…
Draining in the same sense as Scenes from a Marriage, using extended conversation as a way of both establishing its characters and their relationships and also bringing them to their closure. It does this cleverly and interestingly, using non-diegetic flashbacks, all shot from the same head-on angle and from the same long-shot distance, as cut-aways during the conversations; there's only one time we hear any sound in any of these flashbacks, after a revelation of a would-be affair between the mother's husband and her pre-illness daughter... the sound is of the husband's footsteps leaving the house having kissed the daughter the night before, and the sound of the shoes on wood is quietly devastating. Bergman's use of colour isn't as obvious or interesting as when he uses it elsewhere, and it might have even looked better in black-and-white, especially with such an important scene involving piano keys. It is probably Ingrid Bergman's best performance, and Liv Ullmann is brilliant, playing out of type, and with the most to do over the course of the film. The two most interesting characters in the film, however, are Ullmann's husband who opens the film with a speech to camera, and the terminally ill daughter, whose scenes are effectively painful to watch. In the end, it is a good job that Bergman a) writes good dialogue, and b) is an expert at extracting good performances from his actresses.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 01:00 AM

Code inconnu: Récit incomplet de divers voyages Code Unknown: Incomplete Tales of Several Journeys
Michael Haneke 2000 France / Germany / Romania 1st time; DVD
The lives of several people cross: an actress, her boyfriend, his brother, an immigrant with whom the brother clashes, an illegal immigrant who is deported back to her home.
Terrific: an emotionally intense, thematically dense and cinematically intelligent work, probably Haneke's best, but so teasing and daring, so original and bold that it'll probably go overlooked - even Caché, in all its austerity, seems more accessible. Haneke begins and ends scenes in the middle of situations and sentences, never really letting them unfold to the full, and to make an entire narrative out of such fragmented snippets of information which are so geographically and culturally diverse, is challenging enough, but so fantastic is his hold on aesthetic that the main set-pieces are brilliant to watch, not only as stand-alone pieces of wonderful camera-work, but as a kind of narrative device, or as a way of creating meaning: the camera is like a parasite, or a leech, which latches onto whichever is the most interesting piece of dialogue at the time of recording - it follows one conversation so far then another character will enter the frame and it will follow them. It's more curious and less free than what Altman did, but is exciting to watch and essential in creating a kind of frustrating 'blindness', whereby a cut to another, more relieving angle would seem decidedly out of place, and in which characters are trapped and fail to communicate. The best scenes are the opening, in which the camera tracks an entire boulevard back and forth in real time, observing two characters walking and talking, then leaves one to follow the other, who drops a sandwich wrapper on a beggar and is confronted by a black boy; a conversation in a restaurant between an actress and her friends, and then, in the same restaurant (and take) the black boy and his girlfriend from earlier in the film; an unsettling, unflinchingly shot scene on a train in which two thugs terrorise the actress; and the final few 'scenes', the only time in the film where sound overlaps from one shot to the next, bringing together a few of the principle characters without offering any solution as to what awaits them.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 01:00 AM

Both Classics.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 01:02 AM

Le temps du loup Time of the Wolf
Michael Haneke 2002 France / Austria / Germany 1st time; DVD
A mother and her two children are caught up in famine and a severe shortage of supplies when their husband and father is shot at their holiday home.
Every great director seems, at one point or another, to make their version of the apocalypse. Haneke's is a great film that outstays its welcome but lingers afterwards even so, thanks in large sum to the consistent dreariness and the final moments. It begins in an incredibly tense fashion, similar to something from Funny Games, and pits its characters and audience thereafter into a bleak vision of life; it looks beautiful but feels curiously out of place in view of the director's other work: it's hermetic and not concerned directly with the 'real' world, and the visuals are crisp and dark but camera movement feels rather ordinary. Fascinating and interesting because of that, though, and the narrative has a fine sense of falling apart upon itself, a bit like Videodrome's structure, in that we begin with a solid, happy family and the perspective, as the film ventures further into abandoned terror, sort of wanes and becomes all-seeing (or simply muddled), with other characters intruding our 'story' and the family becoming immersed in hopelessness and wider social despair. The two final shots, in stark contrast to one another, one of a boy being comforted at night by a fire, and then a 'static' shot from a train moving through the green countryside to wherever, are brilliant.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 01:06 AM

Werckmeister harmóniák Werckmeister Harmonies
Béla Tarr 2000 Hungary 2nd time; DVD
A travelling truck, with a huge whale inside and a mysterious figure called the Prince, arrives in a small town, and hell breaks loose.
This comes and goes in turns as interesting and fantastic and… well, astonishing. Tarr's camera is one of the most hypnotic in Cinema, and here it captures, in one-take, some brilliant scenes: last orders in a bar, in which our hero is introduced and shows all the men what happens when there is a total eclipse (a fitting, metaphorical summary of events to come, actually); the arrival of the whale in the huge trailer, pulled painstakingly along by a creaking tractor at night, with distant lights casting shadows on the houses and streets until the trailer passes; the march of a crowd of men towards a hospital, which seems to go on forever. But the most impressive shot is the attack itself, on the hospital, with the camera tracking and turning corridors like a lonely dog, watching on as the men cause havoc, until they come across a helpless, naked old man. Mihály Vig's score is phenomenal, too, and used at the most appropriate times. But it is too easy to fall in love with so meticulously designed and efficiently shot images, and superlatives as a result amount to cliché; it might be better to recommend it, then, as a film unlike any other, not too far removed from Tarr's other films, and once seen, not forgotten.

[Sidenote: Since I use a lot of code in this thread, it's much easier to have one film per post, since whenever you add some code the cursor goes right back to the beginning of what you're writing, so I'd have to scroll all the way back down to find where I was at.]
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 04:06 AM

What a lazy ass.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 04:46 AM

Irish, nice review on JFK. Not Stone's best movie, but thats only belittling JFK. This and NIXON are perhaps Stone's supreme triumphs as a directors before he got full of his own style with subsequent works.

Fuck BEER LEAGUE. Watch BEERFEST again! My #10 movie of 2006.

"Schitzengigglez"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 04:51 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, nice review on JFK. Not Stone's best movie, but thats only belittling JFK. This and NIXON are perhaps Stone's supreme triumphs as a directors before he got full of his own style with subsequent works.


FINALLY some appreciation! I begin to write my reviews and I was wondering what happened to some recognition (J/K) Moving on, I've only seen Nixon once and I wasn't too keen on it. I'd have to give it another viewing sometime down the road but I remember by the end of it, I was glad it was over (I'm not as passionate about Nixon as I am about Kennedy).

And I agree, Beerfest is better than Beer League although I did enjoy both.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/07 07:26 AM

Dane Cook: Vicious Circle * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Vicious Circle captures the hottest comic in America in his first HBO comedy event, a unique "in the round" performance before his hometown Boston fans.

Not Dane's best stuff on this 90 minute stand-up routine. The very first performance I saw from Comedy Central a couple of years ago was much more enjoyable, and it was only 30 minutes. This wasn't a horrible performance (it had its moments), but he did a bit about crying that last about 15 minutes. I think he spent too much time on some jokes and seemed to have only a couple of jokes that he spent A LOT of time talking about.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/07 12:51 AM

Repo Man
(First Viewing)

Frustrated punk rocker Otto quits his supermarket job after slugging a co-worker, and is later dumped by his girlfriend at a party. Wandering the streets in frustration, he is recruited in the repossession of a car by a repo agent. After discovering his parents have donated his college fund to a televangelist, he joins the repossession agency (Helping Hand Acceptance Corporation) as an apprentice "repo man". During his training, he is introduced into the mercenary and paranoid world of the drivers, befriended by a UFO conspiracy theorist, confronted by rival repo agents, discovers some of his one-time friends have turned to a life of crime, is lectured to about cosmic unconsciousness by the repo agency grounds worker, and finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue concerning a huge repossession bounty on a 1964 Chevy Malabu driven by a lunatic government scientist, with Top Secret cargo in the trunk.

A very lame film with some pretty weird sh*t in it. I thought the story was a little confusing it parts and didn't explain things too clearly, particularly the 1964 Chevy Malabu. Harry Dean Stanton was really my only enjoyment from the movie but overall I thought this was a horrible movie. People had been asking for it quite a bit at my work and it was on TV, so I figured I'd record it see what was so great about it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/07 05:38 AM

A brief history of Irishman at the movies:

RONIN (1998)

"What's in the briefcase? What? It makes no sense. This sucks!"

PULP FICTION (1994)

"WHAT THE F*CK?!!? What's in the damn briefcase! This sucks! Wait, Quentin Tarantino made this movie? *pause* BEST MOVIE EVAH OF 1990s!!!"

BTW Irish, did you know that Tarantino actually is a major fan of REPO MAN?(Though knowing him, he's got like 67,942 favorite movies)

Hell, its a really admired cult movie from the 1980s, and one that yours truely reviewed for the now-morbid RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW.

"A very lame film with some pretty weird sh*t in it. I thought the story was a little confusing it parts and didn't explain things too clearly, particularly the 1964 Chevy Malabu. Harry Dean Stanton was really my only enjoyment from the movie but overall I thought this was a horrible movie."

Poor Irish, its about as confusing as a European TV Ad. Besides, the plot is simple. Notice the map of the United States in the credits. Notice how the red line starts in LOS ALAMOS, New Mexico. Look it up at wikipedia. Major governmental site for nuclear research. Ding!

So what was the big deal with the 1964 Chevy Malibu? Basically the nutty scientist was stealing away a top secret, and aparently super awesome, radioactive weapon. What is this green glowing thing? Its a MacGuffin. It doesn't friggin matter. If anything, its almost an excuse of a final stage in the punk Otto's days in LA.

Though notice how the green glow in the back trunk zapped everyone, it embraces the one character, albeit mentally slow, that probably isn't occupied by the viles of humanity, and which he allows Otto to enjoy as well.

Sadly, your mistakes that you made when you watched SWINGERS have occured again. Shame on you!

If SWINGERS, like CLERKS, were time capsule movies about a group of slacker males, albeit different coasts of America, in mid-1990s America, REPO MAN is from a decade earlier. Besides capturing the trademark essential but natural weirdness of Los Angeles. It contains as well alot of the notable acts of the punk rock music movement in LA of the time in its worthy soundtrack.

As for this being "weird," thats like calling President Bush a fool. Nobody is going to dispute it. Attacking it for being weird is like slamming KILL BILL for being badass.

Thing is, its the weird essence of humor in REPO MAN that makes it a really good cult classic. Take all the products that are shown in the movie, all with generic labels. BEER, SODA, CHIPS. Certainly these days, like 22 years ago when REPO MAN was made, we have foods and products that seem to be rather similar in how they taste, save for the pretty corporate label.

Hell, the best gag in the movie is when Otto takes out a can from his fridge and starts eating. What is it? The can is simply titled FOOD. The fact that its like that green gloop that the family in the SIMPSONS gobbled up for years for dinner...

Really, the best one-line sentence that explains my feelings on REPO MAN is this, that someone from IMDB wrote: "An absurdist punk rock sci fi classic"

How true!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/07 07:29 AM

Never saw Ronin
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/07 07:32 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Take all the products that are shown in the movie, all with generic labels. BEER, SODA, CHIPS.


I did like the labels and how they all looked alike (that was nice)
Posted By: Antihero

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/07 08:25 AM

I just watched "Blood Diamonds", and i must say i was left with a strange feeling in my stomach. The great things about the movie was the realistic views on the terrible situation in Africa (Chirlden soldier, civil war etc.). Your left with information that you normally dont get from the media, who often pretends that Africa dosen´t excist.

When that is said, i actully found the rest of the movie really unintteresting. It kinda remiends me of a 90´s action movie, with the Governator...
Posted By: The Mob

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/07 06:36 PM

I just watched

License To Kill.

Wow, has to be one of my favourite Bond's ever (I'm a Bond Maniac.)

Timothy Dalton played a great Bond, and the villian Sanchez has to be one of the best in the series.

8/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/07 07:31 PM

Have you seen Goldfinger or GoldenEye, The Mob?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/07 05:15 AM

Brokeback Mountain ****
(Third Viewing)

In the Summer of 1963 Wyoming, two young men, Ennis a ranch hand and Jack an aspiring rodeo bull rider, are sent to work together herding sheep on Brokeback Mountain, and what had otherwise been anticipated to be a rather uneventful venture, will soon turn into an affair of love, of lust, and complications that will spand through 19 years of their lives. Through marriage, through children, and through the mighty grip of societal confines and the expectations of what it is to be a man.

A truly beautiful and powerful love story. "That gay cowboy movie" as it has, and probably will be known as forever, was the best picture of 2005 IMO and was robbed at the Oscars (BIG surprise there). Beautiful scenery and wonderful performances turned in by Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, and Anne Hathaway. Enjoyable cameo's also from Randy Quaid, Linda Cardellini, and Kate Mara. Ang Lee truly deserved his Best Director Oscar if you ask me because he didn't use a lot of camera tricks. I feel he didn't try to tell the story through his directing, but rather trusted in the story and screenplay enough to not interfere with his perspective. I'm not trying to sound rude here but to me it just seems Ang shot the film as it was originally wrote and didn't try to make it "Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain."
Posted By: The Mob

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/07 05:18 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Have you seen Goldfinger or GoldenEye, The Mob?


I've seen them all, and I own them all.

I don't know why some people dont like LTK, I found it very good, and it's right there in my top 5, with Casino Royale, Goldfinger, OHMSS, TLD.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/07 05:22 AM

I didn't hate License To Kill (and I've only seen it once) but I don't really remember loving either of the Timothy Dalton James Bond movies. I do remember enjoying Franz Sanchez and young Benicio del Toro's performances. But as I stated earlier, my 2 favorite Bond movies are Goldfinger snd GoldenEye. However, my least favorite Bond was probably On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Posted By: The Mob

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/06/07 05:25 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I didn't hate License To Kill (and I've only seen it once) but I don't really remember loving either of the Timothy Dalton James Bond movies. I do remember enjoying Franz Sanchez and young Benicio del Toro's performances. But as I stated earlier, my 2 favorite Bond movies are Goldfinger snd GoldenEye. However, my least favorite Bond was probably On Her Majesty's Secret Service.


Goldfinger is always and enjoyable watch, as for Goldeneye, I hate beggining, but I like it after about the first 30 minutes.

I must say I'm surprised to see OHMSS as your least favourite, most people found it the best. My only problem with it was George Lazenby, and Diana Rigg. Although I loved Savalas at Blofeld.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/07 05:43 AM

What do you hate about the beginning of GOLDENEYE anyway?

Of course, GOLDFINGER is the shit. Probably the only comic bookish Bond movie that never falls into the self-parody trap of camp and sillyness that Moore's 007 works would repeatedly do.

Glad that you quite dug CASINO ROYALE as well.

Of course OHMSS is pretty good, and of course, Irish would hate it. Too predictable these days, I'm afraid.

While Lazenby doesn't draw a light as Bond, he doesn't fail either. What I dug about OHMSS is that while previous and subsequent Bond efforts would have the hero crack a safe as easily as a box of Cracker Jacks, OHMSS shows how cracking locks take effort and time.

I did like the opening. It threatens to be camp non-sense when Lazenby breaks the fourth wall and refer to Connery, but its funny.

But mostly, maybe its the tragedy of the ending. While each of those Bond flicks always have the gadget-popping hero score with the girl at the end, they never come back. Bond is a womanizer, but whatever because its his nature, or its dictated by fate, who knows. But those 007 movies rarely talk about such a fact for Bond, though GOLDENEYE did mention it.

When OHMSS didn't make as much money as say GOLDFINGER or YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE did, alot of people asserted that downer ending of OHMSS is why it failed.

What a crock of shit. CASINO ROYALE, if you will, had a downer ending, and guess what? Its the highest grossing Bond film ever, with $63 million over the amazingly mediocre DIE ANOTHER DAY.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/07 04:15 AM

Bandidas **
(First Viewing)

In turn-of-the-century Mexico, two very different women become a bank-robbing duo in an effort to combat a ruthless enforcer terrorizing their town.

Plenty of eye candy in this "Western" but that's the extent of it. It was like going to see Snakes On A Plane, you knew what you were gonna get. Fortunately for male viewers, most should walk away from this film satisfied, that is if they are a fan of either Penelope Cruz or Selma Hayek's work. Consider me Pro Cruz (screw that skank Hayek)! Aside from the two main stars, Steve Zahn as always lightens the mood and can always find a way to make me laugh. Dwight Yoakam was equally enjoyable as the villain, Tyler Jackson.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/08/07 06:07 AM

Idiocracy
(First Viewing)

Joe Bauer, an Army librarian, is judged to be absolutely average in every regard, has no relatives, has no future, so he's chosen to be one of the two test subjects in a top-secret hibernation program. He and hooker Rita were to awaken in one years, but things go wrong and they wake up instead in 2505. By this time, stupid people have outbred intelligent people; the world is (barely) run by morons--and Joe and Rita are the smartest people in America.

Now I've seen my fair share of stupid movies in my lifetime (moreso recently than I care to admit), but this movie REDEFINES that phrase "stupid movie." The movie wasn't funny WHATSOEVER. I cannot believe this is the same Mike Judge who gave us Office Space. The best way for me to give an accurate opinion of what I really thought about this movie: take Napoleon Dynamite for instance. A pretty silly and "stupid funny" movie that took quite a risk in that it had very little expectations of being the phenomenon that it was and had great risk of being an absolute disaster. Now Napoleon was able to catch on, but Idiocracy is the disaster Napoleon Dynamite could have been. I think the movie tried to be silly and "stupid funny" but was doomed after the first 5 minutes (which was the only time I laughed during the movie). I would rather cut my eyes out with shards of glass than see this movie again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 08:01 AM

The Illusionist *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Eisenheim (Edward Norton) is a magician in early 1900's Vienna, who falls in love with a woman well above his social standing. When she becomes engaged to a Crown Prince, Eisenheim uses his powers to free her and undermine the stability of the royal house of Vienna.

A very surprisingly great movie from director Neil Burger. Edwarton Norton and Paul Giamatti both did terrific jobs, particularly with their accents. I'm hoping this performance will land Edward Norton another Oscar nomination. Rufus Sewell, whose previous work I am unfamilar with did a great job too as Crown Prince Leopold. Before watching this film, the friend I was watching it with posed the question to me, "what bad movie has Edward Norton done?" A very good question and the only answer I could come up with was Keeping the Faith, Think about it for yourself, it's pretty hard to figure out.
Posted By: Puppeteer

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 12:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Before watching this film, the friend I was watching it with posed the question to me, "what bad movie has Edward Norton done?" A very good question and the only answer I could come up with was Keeping the Faith, Think about it for yourself, it's pretty hard to figure out.


Death To Smoochy. Norton was great in American History X, but it's not a good movie. Of course, it's just my opinion.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 06:36 PM

I disagree. American History X was great and Death To Smoochy was a very enjoyable dark comedy (I love Robin Williams)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 09:08 PM

I agree with Irish.

AMERICAN HISTORY X and DEATH SMOOCHY are good, though the first more or less works as well as it does simply because of Norton, and the second....some uncreative scripting choices aside, its an enjoyable flick that allows Robin Williams to be a crazy bastard, with Norton as the Jimmy Stewart-Gee-I'm-So-Naive protagonist.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 09:24 PM

This is really turning out to be some type of Twilight Zone/bizaro world ronnie because we keep agreeing with each other as of late (except of course on the subject of James Bond)
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 09:40 PM

I don't see many movies, but a few months ago I watched American History X and enjoyed it. I thought Edward Norton's performance was powerful.

There are some provocative scenes in films, which may be well done, but deal with an intensity or unpleasant subject matter, that make it difficult to view a second time. The scene where Norton's character erupts in a bigoted and violent tirade at a dinner with his family and mother's Jewish boyfriend is one such scene that I wouldn't be in a hurry to revisit.

Should I check out Death to Smoochy?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 10:20 PM

I would say yes to Death To Smoochy. It's dark humor but as I said, I love Robin Williams and Edward Norton. What can you really lose by watching it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 10:54 PM

DEATH TO SMOOCHY I enjoy, but its really an average comedy that thinks its being rather naughty, but not really. But Williams is fun(instead of being annoying, which is rare for a comedy) and Norton plays fun for laughs.

Never the less, the best scene in the movie is the infamous "cock cookie" scene that Norton plays brilliantly.

"It's......a ROCKETSHIP!"

Speaking of which, another great acting job by Norton was one that he neither gets noted for, nor actual screen credit. His tragic Brando-esque work as the masked leper King of Jerusalem in KINGDOM OF HEAVEN(which with its 180+ minute director's cut, might be the best movie of 2005). The fact that you can understand his motivations while unable to see his face, is remarkable.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/07 11:53 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Speaking of which, another great acting job by Norton was one that he neither gets noted for, nor actual screen credit. His tragic Brando-esque work as the masked leper King of Jerusalem in KINGDOM OF HEAVEN(which with its 180+ minute director's cut, might be the best movie of 2005). The fact that you can understand his motivations while unable to see his face, is remarkable.


He absolutley reminded me of Brando in his performance. It was amazing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/07 12:57 AM

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning *** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

It is 1969 - the height of the Vietnam War. Two young men are spending a last weekend with their girlfriends before being shipped overseas to the war. At the same time, the only major business - a meat-packing plant - goes out of business. One of the men who works in the plant is Thomas Hewitt - a deformed, demented psychopath who will become known as Leatherface - and when he finds out what is happening he savagely murders the foreman of the plant. The two young men and their girlfriends are headed down a lonely highway when they are involved in an accident that cripples their vehicle. Soon they encounter the sheriff - who is not really the sheriff but the psychopathic uncle of Leatherface - and he kidnaps 3 of them to take them to his home for the developing monster Leatherface to "refine" his murderous abilities. The one girl who escaped unnoticed attempts to rescue them with the help of a biker whose girlfriend was killed by the sheriff, and what follows is a night of sheer terror at the hands of a family of cannibalistic, inbred psychopaths.

This has just catapalted it's way as one of my favorite horror movies of all-time. What isn't to love about this film? It's more disgusting, bloodier and gorier than the 2003 remake. As I said in my first review of this picture, this was a pretty hardcore movie, and the unrated version (which is what I watched today) was even more so. It really pushed the envelope. Jordana Brewster was absolutely gorgeous as the main character, Chrissie and R. Lee Ermey is always the man to watch when onscreen as Sheriff Hoyt. Director Marcus Nispel did a wonderful job restoring this franchise back in 2003 with his remake of the original and I felt this time around director Jonathan Liebesman did a wonderful job picking up where he left off, made the movie his own, and was able to make a more disturbing and enjoyable movie IMO. This was my 9th favorite movie of 2006 and for good reason. I really hope New Line decides to either remake The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (which I have not seen) or just creates a sequel to the 2003 remake.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/07 05:53 AM

The Protector * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Kham grew up with elephants in Thailand. Elephants are majestic creatures, bred for peace, but prepared for war. When an evil Asian gang kidnapped the bull and the baby elephant during a festival and smuggled them to Sydney Australia, Kham must travel to a foreign land, and unravel a conspiracy that will reach into the highest strata of Australian law and business circles. With only his Muy Thai fighting techniques, and a disgraced Thai-descent police sergeant, he must reclaim his elephants, and his heritage against almost impossible odds.

Another decent action flick from Tony Jaa. The man is an INCREDIBLE athlete and should be playing in the NBA or NFL, LoL. But seriously, great action scenes with a sub par plot. I watched the uncut international version which was 27 minutes longer than the U.S. version. I did feel this version had a lot of unnecessary scenes that could of (and probably were) cut from the U.S. version. Maybe if I have time I'll check out the U.S. version and maybe I'll enjoy it more than the uncut international version.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/07 06:32 PM

All I know is, when TRANSFORMERS crash and burns Michael Bay's career, Irishman will be there to rescue him.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/07 08:01 PM

Just on movies he produces, not directs. I'm NOT seeing Transformers.

Employee of the Month ***
(Second Viewing)

At Super Club, a large warehouse store, the employees strive to obtain the "Employee of the Month" award with the benefits of having their picture featured on the wall of fame in the staff lounge. Zack Bradley (Dane Cook), a box boy, and Vince Downey (Dax Shepard), a cashier, are two competitive Super Club employees. Vince has become head cashier of the store and winner of seventeen consecutive "Employee of the Month" awards. Zack, on the other hand, is a slacker but is popular with his colleagues. Zack has not won any "Employee of the Month" awards and has no desire to except when Amy (Jessica Simpson), a new cashier who only dates "Employee of the Month" winners, transfers to the store. Zack and Vince compete to get Amy's attention through competition and courtship. Vince attempts to impress Amy with skills as a cashier and his seventeen "Employee of the Month" awards, while Zack attempts to use several methods of charm and comedy to win her affection. After realizing that Amy is falling for Vince, Zack believes his only chance to get her is to win Super Club's next "Employee of the Month" award.

Again, I think Dane Cook is one of the funniest men alive today and upon a second viewing, Dax Shepard did a really good job too. A good cast with Jessica Simpson, Efren Ramirez, Brian George, Harland Williams, and of course the man himself, Mr. Andy Dick.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/07 08:20 PM

Irish, I'll give you this.

You've stayed consistently on a movie thats probably a major contender for the Razzies this time.

Whatever I think you're right or not, is irrelevant. Thats balls to stick it through still now.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/11/07 09:05 PM

Thanks man. We all have our different tastes in movies
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/07 01:01 AM

Crank *** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Chev Chelios is a professional assassin working for the West Coast crime syndicate. Chev's girlfriend Eve doesn't know what Chev does and Chev is planning to quit the crime syndicate so he can spend more time with her. But for Chev, things about to get very bad, when he learns he has been injected with a poison called "The Beijing Cocktail" by his rival Verona, which will kill him if his heart rate drops. Trying to stay alive and seeking help from friend, Kaylo and Doc Miles, to keep his heart pumping. Chev sets out to find answers as well as protecting Eve, and get his revenge on those who have betrayed him before the poison kills him.

This is the movie that solidified Jason Statham as my current favorite action hero. I think this film blows the two Transporter movies out of the water. This movie has it all: action, humor, sex, drugs, violence, etc. One of the greatest action films I've seen in recent memory and again, has everything any adrenaline junkie could need or want. I even got to see Dwight Yoakam again as Doctor Miles and it's always a pleasure to view Ms. Amy Smart onscreen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/07 07:33 AM

The Thing *
(First Viewing)

In the midst of the Antartican snowfield, the scientists and workers of a small American research base are shocked when a helicopter begins to circle their camp, chasing and shooting at a dog. When the helicopter is destroyed and the passenger's are killed by accident, the dog is let into the base and the American's begin to wonder what has actually happened. The helicopter is discovered to be of Norweigan make, and probably linked to the Norweigan base not too far from their own. Helicopter pilot J.R MacReady offers to travel to the Norweigan base and find out what has happened. On arrival, he finds that the place has been totally destroyed. He also discovers a mangled body that looks as though it was once that of a person, which he brings back with him to study. It is only then that the clues begin to add up; the dog morphs horribly into a strange creature that attacks the researchers. They manage to fight it off, but the base's doctor has come to a conclusion: an alien with the power to transform and take the appearance of anybody else is amongst them. Who is infected already, and who can be trusted? J.R MacReady sets out to find the answers to exactly that.

I know I'll get some flack from ronnie for this but I found the movie boring. It was disgusting in parts and really the only time there was an excitement was when the alien would transfrom in someone/something. As I've said before I really dig Keith David's work and Kurt Russell had his whole Jeff 'The Dude' Briges look going for him, but other than that I didn't see what was so special about this movie.
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/07 07:37 PM

Once again, I don't watch a lot of movies, but I was up late last night and switching through the stations, saw that The English Patient was on. I remember it won quite a few awards, so I thought I'd check it out.

Let's just say it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. I think I missed the first 10 minutes, and I tuned out a couple of times for a few minutes. The characters were rather bland and the plot moved so slowly. I forced myself to watch it to its conclusion. Was anyone else bored to death by this movie?

By the way, maybe I tuned out at some crucial moments, but how did the guy get so mangled in the first place. He started to sound like Jeff Goldblum in The Fly.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/07 12:41 AM

Fuck THE ENGLISH PATIENT. Oscar bait that hooked, line, and sinkered the AMPAS.

Shit Irish, why should I bother with you?

Only hosers would think THE THING sucked, but liked Bay's quite bloody bad remakes. I'm sure you'll wank all over this thread about how good the pointless THE HITCHER remake is, nevermind the really good original from the 1980s with Rutger "Da Shit" Hauer.

So I'm not surprised.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/07 01:17 AM

CHILDREN OF MEN (2006) - *****

Folks, Capo was friggin right.

THE FOUNTAIN is a really great film, but CHILDREN OF MEN is a sci-fi drama where its massive and gaudy autuer ambitions are actually matched. It is the best film fo 2006, and I can't believe that I just saw that year's only masterpiece.

My friend complained that the film was too depressing. That's like saying that STAR WARS is too exciting. CHILDREN OF MEN's future is a depressing reality where there is no hope, personified in British government worker Clive Owen. Women are infertile, mankind will become extinct, and there is nothing that can be done.

Yet after he makes a discovery of a pregnant woman among the ranks of a countryside militia army, he is given a reason to give a damn now. In a time when the government and terrorist militia groups are no better or worse, there is a noble mission now.

Really, it would be a damn shame if this movie doesn't get serious noms, though its probably likely to get script and cinematography nominations.

I'll have to think of more appropriate and dignified words to add in regards to CHILDREN OF MEN, but when the most powerful scene throughout cinema in 2006 is the divine walk through the war-fighting apartment building that force both armed sides to pause to gaze upon an actual miracle, you have a special film that truely should be seen by everyone*.

*=Yes, even Irishman, who'll declare it boring and too long.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/07 01:51 AM

CRANK (2006) - ***1/2

Luckily, Irish is right on the money with Jason Statham's newest action-vehicle that did decent business in theatres, but it will go psychopathic on video. Its too rewarding for the action film buff(i.e. most heterosexual men that know better) to not do so.

CRANK isn't the right title for this movie. Of course, people would assume CRACK would be a melodramatic drug ghetto tale, but CRACK is the appropriate name, since CRANK is a movie that in its insanity and gaul that immediately begin, and doesn't pause until the end.

However, Irish should realize that what Directors/Writers Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor pulled off with only $12 million is what Michael Bay and Tony Scott tried and spectacularly fell short with their $100+ million movies. Hell, Neveldine/Taylor's cinematography and visuals remind me of when Oliver Stone was very fresh with this style, before he got self-indulgent.

Maybe why Neveldine/Taylor succeeded where Scott and Bay failed is that the duo matched the stylized narrative to a very lean, mean, simple B-action pulp story. Better yet, and this is what impressed me most, Neveldine/Taylor never once went overboard. Unlike say DOMINO, MAN ON FIRE, or DEJA VUE, I never once got sick of the visuals that get in the damn way of a story, like kidney stones or something.

Hell, I'm sure Tony Scott is crying like a little girl in his Malibu home right now, seeing that two punk kids(compared to the old fart) made a movie that will have actually mattered and made a difference for the often abused Hollywood action genre, while his shit is soon forgotten like Albert Pyun.

Certainly some sequences in CRANK, under any other director, would have totally stunk up the joint like a rotten egg. Having sex in public in Chinatown, snorting cocaine from the floor of a bathroom, making a cell phone while falling from the sky, driving through a mall so careless and unbothered(which I haven't seen this side of BLUES BROTHERS) and other stuff that seem so left field, and yet they work because of the chaos of it.

Hell, I can't wait for Neveldine/Taylor's next work. They are promising people that hopefully don't become the next Tony Scott.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/07 07:40 AM

Glad you liked it ronnie. Have you seen or are you gonna see either The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning or Employee of the Month anytime soon?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/07 05:09 PM

Funny, I thought I wrote that EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH was a total piece of dogshit moronic comedy, but in case I didn't: EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTHS is a total piece of dogshit moronic comedy.

Besides, Dane Cook is really overrated as a stand-up. Decent, sure. Otherwise, he isn't anymore special than the generic white comic. Let him impress me behind the mic before he jumps to the big screen(though apparently, since EMPLOYEE failed like many of his jokes, he will be forced to. Not like that is a bad thing. Hell, Robin Williams' film career almost died before it began with POPEYE).

Anyway, The biggest reason why I despise the TEXAS CHAINSAW remake from Michael Bay is the cinematography. Everyone looks pretty, the scenery looks pretty. The problem is, so does the gore and the backwoods of Texas(which I've seen, and they aren't pretty).

That's why Rob Zombie impresses me. When he wants to show something that really is a shitty dump, he gives us a shitty dump, whatever it be a run-down gimmick store, trailer park, brothel, etc.

Besides, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING, amazing how the origin of Leatherface and his precious blade is that its just there, and he picks it up. Wow, how....lame.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/07 07:53 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Besides, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING, amazing how the origin of Leatherface and his precious blade is that its just there, and he picks it up. Wow, how....lame.


I can give you that and also the pretty scenery. Thanks for your side of the story
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/07 02:37 AM

Unknown **
(First Viewing)

Five men wake up in a locked-down warehouse with no memory of who they are. They are forced to figure out who is good and who is bad to stay alive.

They try to sell this movie as a cross between The Usual Suspects and Memento. I say the premise is more along the lines of Saw then either or those 2 films (without the gore of course), where 5 guys wake up a in a room and don't know who they are or how they got there. A great cast including James Caviezel, Greg Kinnear, Bridget Moynahan, Joe Pantoliano, Barry Pepper, and Jeremy Sisto. An interesting story but nowhere near as good as a Usual Suspects or Memento. For whatever reason, the story just didn't hold me in suspense until the very end like those movies did.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/07 03:17 AM

Originally Posted By: klydon1
I don't see many movies, but a few months ago I watched American History X and enjoyed it. I thought Edward Norton's performance was powerful.

There are some provocative scenes in films, which may be well done, but deal with an intensity or unpleasant subject matter, that make it difficult to view a second time. The scene where Norton's character erupts in a bigoted and violent tirade at a dinner with his family and mother's Jewish boyfriend is one such scene that I wouldn't be in a hurry to revisit.

Should I check out Death to Smoochy?



Edward Norton is my favorite actor... But if you want to further explore his amazing talent, check out Fight Club if you haven't already done so. It's my favorite film of his, and although many people rate his performance just a small notch below that of American History X, I think they're about on the same tier. I'd also reccomend 25th Hour, Down in the Valley, and Rounders above Smoochy (although, Smoochy is excellent in its own way. And very funny, I will add).
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/07 03:22 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Funny, I thought I wrote that EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH was a total piece of dogshit moronic comedy, but in case I didn't: EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTHS is a total piece of dogshit moronic comedy.

Besides, Dane Cook is really overrated as a stand-up. Decent, sure. Otherwise, he isn't anymore special than the generic white comic. Let him impress me behind the mic before he jumps to the big screen(though apparently, since EMPLOYEE failed like many of his jokes, he will be forced to. Not like that is a bad thing. Hell, Robin Williams' film career almost died before it began with POPEYE).

Anyway, The biggest reason why I despise the TEXAS CHAINSAW remake from Michael Bay is the cinematography. Everyone looks pretty, the scenery looks pretty. The problem is, so does the gore and the backwoods of Texas(which I've seen, and they aren't pretty).

That's why Rob Zombie impresses me. When he wants to show something that really is a shitty dump, he gives us a shitty dump, whatever it be a run-down gimmick store, trailer park, brothel, etc.

Besides, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING, amazing how the origin of Leatherface and his precious blade is that its just there, and he picks it up. Wow, how....lame.


I'm a closet fan of Dane Cook's standup. His movies are shit, but I silently enjoy his stand up. I think the problem is that he is over-praised. I wouldn't say over-rated, just over-praised. Too many beer-drinking, testostorone-overdriven, sexually awkward (you know... "yer ghey!") college frat boys enjoy his work, and that makes it difficult for me to watch his performances in a crowded room without strangling every single person in that room with my thighs while I force a bottle of excedrin down their throats with my right hand, and slip sheets of blotter into their drinks with my left. It's a mere curse.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/07 04:36 AM

Prey *
(First Viewing)

An American family on holiday in Africa becomes lost in a game reserve and stalked by lions.

Basically this is an 80 minute movie about a family hiding in a car, trying not to get eaten alive by lions, tigers and others who are Africa's finest. THAT'S IT! However, this is based on true events that just didn't work well for a movie. Sure, Bridget Moynahan is hot but take that away from the film and it's complete SH*T! On second thought, you can add that to the film and you'll still come out with the same result.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/07 07:36 AM

The Marine ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A group of diamond thieves on the run kidnap the wife of a recently discharged marine who goes on a chase through the South Carolinian wilderness to retrieve her.

WWE films succeeds again in its second endeavor The Marine, although it wasn't superior to it's first release, See No Evil. This movie did for explosions what Assault on Precinct 13 did for head shots. I counted at least 13 explosions throughout the course of this movie, so nobody has any substance in their argument that the movie didn't have explosions or action. Also, it wasn't as well done as Crank but it was still an enjoyable action movie with some pretty modest humor. I am looking forward to (and might actually see, depending on how the trailer looks), WWE's third feature length film, The Condemned starring 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin due to be released on April 27th.
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/07 10:52 PM

Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
Originally Posted By: klydon1
I don't see many movies, but a few months ago I watched American History X and enjoyed it. I thought Edward Norton's performance was powerful.

There are some provocative scenes in films, which may be well done, but deal with an intensity or unpleasant subject matter, that make it difficult to view a second time. The scene where Norton's character erupts in a bigoted and violent tirade at a dinner with his family and mother's Jewish boyfriend is one such scene that I wouldn't be in a hurry to revisit.

Should I check out Death to Smoochy?



Edward Norton is my favorite actor... But if you want to further explore his amazing talent, check out Fight Club if you haven't already done so. It's my favorite film of his, and although many people rate his performance just a small notch below that of American History X, I think they're about on the same tier. I'd also reccomend 25th Hour, Down in the Valley, and Rounders above Smoochy (although, Smoochy is excellent in its own way. And very funny, I will add).


I first remember seeing him in a movie where he was on trial for murder in a case that involved the arch-bishop of Boston. I thought he was great in that film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/07 01:11 AM

Primal Fear is the movie you're referring to klydon and yes it was very good
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/07 01:37 AM

Thanks, Irish.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/07 01:41 AM

No prob klydon
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/07 02:23 AM

Rocky Balboa (2006; Stallone) ***

Stallone did it. He's delivered the best Rocky since Rocky II and has finally recaptured the spirit of the original. The story is improbable, but that is Rocky, the ultimate underdog story. The music, featuring composer Bill Conti back for his first Rocky film since III, helps this film again capture the great atmoshpere of the original. It's cinematography is gritty and fits perfectly with the familiar places we have become acquainted with over 30 years.

The acting is top notch and the casting for every part was pretty much spot on. The fight seen was pretty realistic and features again, Stallone's meticulous direction. I liked this film alot and while it's probably Rocky bowing out as he did in the end, the Rocky films ended fittingly.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/07 06:26 AM

I gotta agree with DA, and this coming from someone that doesn't like the ROCKY movies.

I mean, the original ROCKY is a pretty effective drama that works everytime I watch it. But ROCKY II basically was Stallone writing a piss-poor romantic melodrama, though that movie mostly works until the coma, which kills whatever positive momentum it has.

Now ROCKY III and ROCKY IV became the cartoonish go-go USA sequels, much like their RAMBO cousins. Instead of a down and out Italian meathead in Philadelphia getting a shot at the title, and then winning it in the re-match...its now Stallone being a pompous bitch after winning, getting whopped by Mr. T, crying like a little bitch, then regaining the title.

But ROCKY IV...I mean, the finale sequence is laughable. Tell me folks, would the American President stand up and applaud a Russkie fighter trashing an American boxer at Madison Square Garden? Come on!

Less said about ROCKY V the better.

Thing is, ROCKY BALBOA felt like a sincere return to the naturalism of the first movie without mostly the sillyness of the sequels. I say mostly because many scenes of Rocky's kid and the girl from the original movie seem rather forced, but I'll let them slide.

Why? Because like Don Andrew said himself, it returns to the fact that in ROCKY, Balboa simply wanted to prove that he could last it out with the world's best fighter, and not another meathead hack boxer. With ROCKY BALBOA, its a has-been legend wanting to show that he aint a has-been, and against perhaps the first ROCKY in-ring film opponent that is sympathetic. A worthy champion that came a generation too late, for now he is the king fish of simply a little pond.

I liked this movie. I was hoping that it would make up for the nonsense of ROCKY III, IV, V, and parts of ROCKY II, and it does.

Hell, like DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE, I now believe that ROCKY BALBOA is the only true "sequel" to the original ROCKY.

Thanks all to DA for reminding me about the flick.

ROCKY (1976) - ****
ROCKY II (1979) - **1/2
ROCKY III (1982) - **
ROCKY IV (1985) - *1/2
ROCKY V (1990) - * - BOMB
ROCKY BALBOA (2006) - ***
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/07 09:51 AM

Saw III ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

After eluding the cops, psychopathic killer Jigsaw turns an abandoned warehouse on the edge of town into a gruesome torture chamber in this third installment of the horror series. Jigsaw's new protégée Amanda kidnaps a doctor who's forced to keep the evil master alive. Barely clinging to life, Jigsaw begins to carry out his gruesome plans for the lady doc and another helpless victim.

I think as the Saw franchise has gone on in time, the movies have gotten worse. Not to say that they're terrible, but I feel that Saw II wasn't better than Saw and futhermore I feel Saw III wasn't any better than Saw II. These are still enjoyable movies, but I'm REALLY wondering how they're going to make a Saw IV before the end of the year no less, with what transpired in this latest installment. Writer Leigh Whannell, who has written all 3 Saw screenplays has that task ahead of him. I still do however consider Tobin Bell as the best choice for the Jigsaw character and Shawnee Smith has done a good job in the last 2 films as his apprentice.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/07 12:38 PM

Since the 3rd of this month, I've seen the following. Preceding each title is a link to my short review.

>>> Werckmeister harmóniák Werckmeister Harmonies
Béla Tarr 2000 Hungary 2nd time; DVD

>>> Julien Donkey-Boy
Harmony Korine 1999 USA 2nd time; DVD

>>> 2 ou 3 choses que je sais d'elle 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her
Jean-Luc Godard 1967 France 1st time; DVD

>>> Marnie
Alfred Hitchcock 1964 USA 1st time; TV

>>> Uzak Distant
Nuri Bilge Ceylan 2002 Turkey 2nd time; DVD

>>> Koza
Nuri Bilge Ceylan 1995 Turkey 1st time; DVD

>>> Ivanovo detstvo Ivan's Childhood
Andrei Tarkovsky 1962 USSR 1st time; DVD

>>> Nostalghia Nostalgia
Andrei Tarkovsky 1983 Italy 1st time; DVD

>>> Tempo di viaggio Voyage in Time
Andrei Tarkovsky / Tonino Guerra 1982 Italy 1st time; DVD

>>> Offret The Sacrifice
Andrei Tarkovsky 1985 Sweden 1st time; DVD

>>> Heimat - Eine deutsche Chronik Homeland: A German Chronicle
Edgar Reitz 1984 West Germany 1st time; DVD

>>> To Catch a Thief
Alfred Hitchcock 1955 USA 1st time; TV

>>> Children of Men
Alfonso Cuarón 2006 UK / USA 3rd time; big screen

>>> Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
Jim Jarmusch 1999 France / Germany / USA / Japan 2nd time; DVD

>>> Kárhozat Damnation
Béla Tarr 1987 Hungary 3rd time; DVD
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/07 11:13 PM

Science of sleep **

As the title indicates, this movie is about the dreams of a man. Weird and intriguing, just like dreams. This is the type of movie that would give Capo an orgasm
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/07 11:20 PM

Today I saw Gone With the Wind for the second time, on the big screen. First time round I was mightily impressed by its scope and detail; this time I was bored.

Gone With the Wind
Victor Fleming / George Cuckor / Sam Wood 1939 USA 2nd time; big screen
A stubborn heroine lives through the American Civil War, driven by her three passions - two are men, the other her homeland.
Grandiose treatment of an important time in American history, balancing the brutalities of Civil War with a complicated love story which has its ups and downs, and certainly moments of delight. But on the whole, it is a tiresome, rather frivolous affair, all effort and little reward. It is a crafted film, not an artistic one, for which the producer, not the director(s), should get all the merit. Can production values alone save a film, though?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/07 08:03 AM

Big Trouble In Little China * 1/2
(First Viewing)

When trucker Jack Burton agreed to take his friend Wang Chi to pick up his fiancee at the airport, he never expected to get involved in a supernatural battle between good and evil. Wang's fiancee has emerald green eyes, which make her a perfect target for an immortal sorcerer named Lo Pan and his three invincible cronies. Lo Pan must marry a girl with green eyes so he can regain his physical form. Now, Jack must save Wang's fiancee from Lo Pan and his henchmen, and win back his stolen truck.

Some pretty weird Chinese sh*t was going down in this movie that was, well...weird. Kurt Russell kind of had this John McClane-esque to him but I felt Kim Cattrall's efforts were wasted in this movie. She's a better actress than this and I just felt it wasn't a good character for her.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/07 02:53 PM

Irish, whats so weird about BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA anyway?

I mean, I might understand why such a remark for the pretty trippy REPO MAN, but BIG TROUBLE?

Besides, "Some pretty weird sh*t" is getting old as a standard reply to movies that feature metaphysics or insanity.

THE FOUNTAIN - "Some pretty weird Mayan shit!"

BLUE VELVET - "Some pretty weird sex shit!"

A SCANNER DARKLY - "Some pretty weird drug shit!"

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE - "Some pretty weird British shit!"

Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/07 03:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Today I saw Gone With the Wind for the second time, on the big screen. First time round I was mightily impressed by its scope and detail; this time I was bored.


Bored? Fiddle-dee-dee.

PS. My second name is Scarlett. Honest.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/07 05:36 PM

The Departed (2006; Scorsese) ****

Alright! Marty might just get his Oscar. A nice, tightly woven plot is helped out even more by the acting, which is outstanding. Nicholson is Nicholson, DiCaprio and Damon shine, and the supporting players are even pretty darn good. The music is very good, although I didn't care for Van Morrison's cover of "Comfortably Numb," I could deal with it. Great film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/07 05:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Lavinia from Italy
Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Today I saw Gone With the Wind for the second time, on the big screen. First time round I was mightily impressed by its scope and detail; this time I was bored.


Bored? Fiddle-dee-dee.

PS. My second name is Scarlett. Honest.


Oh, really it is?

Well quite frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/07 05:58 PM

Glad you dug the movie, DA.

Anyway, if Scorsese doesn't win in Febuary, then he will NEVER win a competitive Oscar. Not that he needs recognition from those stupid FUCKS at the AMPAS. But yeah, compared to GANGS OF NEW YORK and AVIATOR, THE DEPARTED is one that if Scorsese win, he might actually be a deserving person (especially if Greengrass, Cuaron, and Aronofsky get NO nominations).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 04:21 AM

Curse of the Golden Flower ***
(First Viewing)

China, Later Tang Dynasty, 10th Century. On the eve of the Chong Yang Festival, golden flowers fill the Imperial Palace. The Emperor (Chow Yun Fat) returns unexpectedly with his second son, Prince Jai (Jay Chou). His pretext is to celebrate the holiday with his family, but given the chilled relations between the Emperor and the ailing Empress (Gong Li), this seems disingenuous. For many years, the Empress and Crown Prince Wan (Liu Ye), her stepson, have had an illicit liaison. Feeling trapped, Prince Wan dreams of escaping the palace with his secret love Chan (Li Man), the Imperial Doctor's daughter. Meanwhile, Prince Jai, the faithful son, grows worried over the Empress's health and her obsession with golden chrysanthemums. Could she be headed down an ominous path? The Emperor harbors equally clandestine plans; the Imperial Doctor (Ni Dahong) is the only one privy to his machinations. When the Emperor senses a looming threat, he relocates the doctor's family from the Palace to a remote area. While they are en route, mysterious assassins attack them. Chan and her mother, Jiang Shi (Chen Jin) are forced back to the palace. Their return sets off a tumultuous sequence of dark surprises. Amid the glamour and grandeur of the festival, ugly secrets are revealed. As the Imperial Family continues its elaborate charade in a palatial setting, thousands of golden armored warriors charge the palace. Who is behind this brutal rebellion? Where do Prince Jai's loyalties lie? Between love and desire, is there a final winner? Against a moonlit night, thousands of chrysanthemum blossoms are trampled as blood spills across the Imperial Palace.

Zhang Yimou is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors now with Hero, House of Flying Daggers and now Curse of the Golden Flower. Visually, this man brings it to the table with thousands of extras, costumes, scenery, etc. Not as much action in this film as I might of anticipated but still very good nonetheless. However, there were some bada$$ ninjas in the film that EASILY made up for the lack of action. I'm looking forward to whatever Zhang Yimou puts out next and it was also good to see Chow Yun-Fat, whom I haven't seen since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Finally, Gong Li is an international star and for good reason. She really puts together an enjoyable performance as Empress Phoenix: strong, independent, defiant. And for those interested, Harry Knowles put together a pretty humerous review on his website, Ain't It Cool that I TOTALLY agree with!
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 04:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
The Departed (2006; Scorsese) ****

Alright! Marty might just get his Oscar. A nice, tightly woven plot is helped out even more by the acting, which is outstanding. Nicholson is Nicholson, DiCaprio and Damon shine, and the supporting players are even pretty darn good. The music is very good, although I didn't care for Van Morrison's cover of "Comfortably Numb," I could deal with it. Great film.


It's not a cover, it's Roger Waters with Van Morrison for his In the Flesh tour.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 07:22 AM

Flyboys **
(First Viewing)

The adventures of the Lafayette Escadrille, young Americans who volunteered for the French military before the U.S. entered World War I, and became the country's first fighter pilots.

Good special FX and aerial fights/shots but overall, I felt this was a poor attempt at trying to be a Disney movie. The movie tried so hard to be a "family movie" but yet didn't commit to it 100%. There was of course the sappy love story that appears to HAVE to be in ever war movie now (ENOUGH ALREADY!) and I just didn't buy some of what the movie was selling. For example, there is one African-American actor on the 6-man team, Eugene Skinner, and no one wants to room with him. So here comes James Franco's character, Blaine Rawlings, who's from Texas, who just happens to want to room with him. I'm sorry, I DON'T BUY IT! Skinner's father was a slave and here comes a good ol' boy from the deep south who wants to room with him!? Get the f*ck outta here with that sh*t. Don't spit on my cupcake and tell me it's frosting. Now don't get me wrong, James Franco did a fine job, but ultimately the poor guy doesn't have much of a career outside of the Spider-Man franchise.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 07:33 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, whats so weird about BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA anyway?

I mean, I might understand why such a remark for the pretty trippy REPO MAN, but BIG TROUBLE?

Besides, "Some pretty weird sh*t" is getting old as a standard reply to movies that feature metaphysics or insanity.

THE FOUNTAIN - "Some pretty weird Mayan shit!"

BLUE VELVET - "Some pretty weird sex shit!"

A SCANNER DARKLY - "Some pretty weird drug shit!"

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE - "Some pretty weird British shit!"



Ok, I probably should have clarified, some pretty weird Chinese sh*t is boring and TOTALLY not relevant to me. Again, this was another movie that I only watched based on a recommendation and I let my feelings known to that person that I felt this movie sucked. I just thought the visual effects were bad and I just was bored throughout the entire movie. Basically, and what it ALWAYS boils down to me is story! STORY STORY STORY and this film's story I didn't find any particular interest in. I hope Gary Goldman & David Z. Weinstein who wrote the movie found it very theroputic because viewing the film was anything but for me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 07:35 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Gone With the Wind
Victor Fleming / George Cuckor / Sam Wood 1939 USA 2nd time; big screen
A stubborn heroine lives through the American Civil War, driven by her three passions - two are men, the other her homeland.
But on the whole, it is a tiresome, rather frivolous affair, all effort and little reward.


I felt the EXACT same way after I watched Lawrence of Arabia
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 08:49 AM

Poor Irish. Tsk Tsk Tsk...

I'm warning ya mate, some BB.Net movie men think you have no rep or pop.

I disagree. As soon as I find the Quentin Tarantino praise blurb, you'll correct yourself.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 10:10 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I'm warning ya mate, some BB.Net movie men think you have no rep or pop.


Ask me if I care You wanted me to write my reviews so I wrote them. If they don't like them, then they don't have to read them. I'm not hear to try to gain a "rep" or friends for that matter.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 12:28 PM

Somebody on the film board once said that Tim Burton's films are "uniformly pretty but never beautiful". Lawrence of Arabia is beautiful for me, but Gone with the Wind is uniformly pretty.

There is nothing cinematic about a story.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 12:28 PM

Somebody on the film board once said that Tim Burton's films are "uniformly pretty but never beautiful". Lawrence of Arabia is beautiful for me, but Gone with the Wind is uniformly pretty.

There is nothing cinematic about a story.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 03:39 PM

Irish, for someone that doesn't care, you're rather touchy.

You should follow my example. Anyone basically gives a love tap against your argument, you counter-argue it in a very stern tone. Fight Irishman, you're Irish! Fight! Don't let someone attack you all the time and simply be a push-over. Take a gun to the next knife fight.

Anyway Irish, you envoked the "You don't need to read!" argument is fine and all, but tell me this. Why should someone read your review in the first place? Hell, why should I bother with you or DV or Capo's reviews? Why should they bother with me?

Take a classmate of mine. I was surprised when he outright challeneged my rather well-positive review of THE FOUNTAIN. He argued that I was jumping into a band-wagon in order to appear to be "hip," for you must remember, THE FOUNTAIN mostly either got negative or supportive mixed reviews from the media.

I replied that being "hip" for a movie that bombed in theatres and with critics is a rather bad plan. Besides, the sci-fi critic darling of 2006 is CHILDREN OF MEN by a Reagan-Mondale landslide. People trying to "hip" always latch onto something thtas very popular and supported by the general media, and the public.

Thing is, despite him attacking my controversial stance on THE FOUNTAIN as being possibly the best movie of 2006(remember, I declared it the BEST movie fo 2006 before I finally caught CHILDREN OF MEN in theatres), I liked the guy's fighting spirit. Fights are good for you, believe it or not Irish. Thats why I would rather have him instead some of my more sheepish colleagues on the other end of a film debate.

Fights forces one to confront his core beliefs and values, and decide what matters, whats worth pissing someone off over. Too many people try to be civil or diplomatic, not because they are courteous, but they want to avoid being embarrased or outright avoiding an argument of a fight.

Take BB.Net's very friggin cool Fame. He took it to the max when he tried to defend the much (rightly) maligned TROY. After his massive argument, where he did try to point out why TROY is better than say BATMAN BEGINS or KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, I still thought TROY was a very mediocre film.

Yet he actually made me concede on some points, especially about the obvious foreshadowing First Act moments in BEGINS and HEAVEN. He even made me re-evaluate my earlier mediocre grade on TROY.

Irish, a good critic is one that dictates the reader to their knees, argument-wise. A good critic is one that while they might lose, they would give a very good fight against you. Even in losing, honor can be acheived.

You are improving with your reviews Irish, but you lack...what's the word...you lack punch.

You gotta make people get hooked on your review. That fact is why I've been on a sabbatical from major movie reviewing for the AndersonVision website. Why?

Because I feel that for the last few weeks, all those reviews I posted here were very banal and worse, seemingly typified. I needed to be inspired, both in love and hate, to give my own tribute(or gunshot) against a movie.

The best compliment I ever got was from the late great Plawrence, a man that TWICE wrote that I made him realize that I was right in regards to analysis I conducted of Scorsese's CASINO and Cimino's YEAR OF THE DRAGON. I miss him.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 03:58 PM

You all seem like that you are competing against eachother..Ronnie it seems like you are putting Irish down with his reviews,should just worry about yourself instead of others..
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 05:29 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
You all seem like that you are competing against eachother..Ronnie it seems like you are putting Irish down with his reviews,should just worry about yourself instead of others..
Shut up.

Cinema is about nothing but competing, to see who can perform the most impressive tricks.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 05:56 PM

Competing for What?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:03 PM

DeNiro, my problem is that when people want to know "should I rent this movie?" for a certain catalogue title, I do know that some folks trust me, or at least seem to think I'm at least decent with recommendations.

REPO MAN? Really good 1980's cult classic.

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA? Popcorn-fun post-modernistic joke on the 1970s/1980s Action/Martial Arts protagonist.

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake and prequel? Dogshit.

Then again, its like Devin Farraci of CHUD, a critic that tends to piss me off.

I remembered when he bodyslammed BATMAN BEGINS harder than anyone ever did to Paris Hilton. Unfortunate, but hey not everyone digs Batman or comic book movies or whatever. Shit happens.

Then he praises the piece of moronic garbage FANTASTIC FOUR.

Logical consistency is nice. Take Capo and his pretty negative reviews for SCARFACE and MIAMI VICE. Two different movies, decades, filmmakers, etc., yet his logic consistency with both is sufficient.

Of course, I guess logical consistency is impossible to uphold. Hell, Roger Ebert trashed DIE HARD, yet put DIE HARD 2(you know, the crappy movie of the trilogy) on his top 10 list for 1990.

Go figure.

All I know is, I remembered being pissed at an English professor because he made me read THE CHOCOLATE WARS. Basically, kid told to sell chocolates to get funds for his school. With a poster in his locker saying "Disturb the Universe," he refuses to sell them, and he gets his ass ostricized, literally and figuratively, by the rest of the school. I thought originally, "what a downer of a depressing ending."

My professor's response?

"Remember the poster? Its half-complete. It should read "Disturb the Universe, but be ready for the consequences!""

So true, and this applies with criticism as well. I liked the idea that Irish keeps backing EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, since its the new ragdoll for hate against recent crappy Hollywood comedies on the internet. He's on the right path. He's starting to make his own mark!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:04 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Competing for What?
Self-truth.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:14 PM

Ohh k then,good luck
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:31 PM

It's not a question of luck; it's a questioning of making yourself completely naked before a film, or while making a film, and getting from it what you can, seeing what works and what doesn't work, what you might change and why certain things affect you they way they do.

Luck doesn't come into it. Passion and undying love for the medium, to the point where you feel closer to it than you do to most people, those are what matter.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:33 PM

Ohh k then,good luck
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:37 PM

It's not a question of luck; it's a questioning of making yourself completely naked before a film, or while making a film, and getting from it what you can, seeing what works and what doesn't work, what you might change and why certain things affect you they way they do.

Luck doesn't come into it. Passion and undying love for the medium, to the point where you feel closer to it than you do to most people, those are what matter.

You keep spelling okay wrong.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:39 PM

And i can't say ive sat naked watching a film either
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:40 PM

You're being facetious and you know it.

Open yourself to metaphors like a woman might open her legs. It's a rewarding process.
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 06:50 PM

I just saw BloodRayne, it was horrible. It had Meat Loaf.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 07:13 PM

Careful not to confuse facetiousness with sheer stupidity.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/07 09:50 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Why should someone read your review in the first place? Hell, why should I bother with you or DV or Capo's reviews? Why should they bother with me?


I really could care less if anyone does read my reviews.


Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, a good critic is one that dictates the reader to their knees, argument-wise. A good critic is one that while they might lose, they would give a very good fight against you. Even in losing, honor can be acheived.


Again, I don't care about being a good critic. I know I don't write as good of reviews as you and Capo and I'm fine with that. Going back to what DE NIRO said, I'm not trying to compete with you guys. If I'm a lousy critic in your eyes, so be it. I won't lose any sleep over it my brother, trust me
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/19/07 12:19 AM

We all think our opinions matter. Certainly its a form of our self-esteem, hoping to find people that agree with us.

Screw it, I won't say anymore, except...why angry if not caring?

Oh wait, thats how I feel with the Dolphins Head Coaching fiasco. *smack to forehead*
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/19/07 12:58 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
We all think our opinions matter. Certainly its a form of our self-esteem, hoping to find people that agree with us.

Screw it, I won't say anymore, except...why angry if not caring?


I agree that we all think our opinions matter and reviewing is a form of self-esteem. But who says I'm angry? You're interpreting I'm angry when in essence, I'm not. I'm apathetic.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/19/07 03:35 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I know I don't write as good of reviews as you and Capo...
Leave me out of this. I haven't said a thing about your reviews.

Everyone's a critic in my eyes. It's just not everybody makes the critical process a conscious form of understanding. And, if that bores them, why should they? I for one am fascinated by the layers and layers of transparent subjectivity which form a rather opaque form of "objectivity", and I love thinking about why I love things and why I might not like others so much.

Does that make me a good critic?

No. I think good critics make films; they don't write reviews.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/07 05:06 AM

Re- and Pre-Departed?

Martin Scorsese's Boston cop thriller THE DEPARTED has been making plenty of favorite lists since it hit theaters a few months ago, and despite the grim fates of a few characters (okay, most of them), there apparently could still be room for a franchise.

The movie is a remake of a lucrative Hong Kong trilogy called INFERNAL AFFAIRS, and the American version could follow a similar path according to the flick's hardheaded detective Mark Wahlberg. "We may do a sequel with a new cast, and a prequel and bring back the rest of the guys," says the former Funky Buncher. And should the director himself return (his first time revisiting his work... unless you count CASINO), he may find himself surrounded by plenty of colleagues and other A-listers: "They're talking to Robert De Niro and a couple of other.

Source: JoBlo
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/07 07:03 AM

I've never been that much of a fan for Scorsese movies, and I was looking forward to recording Funny Girl on another channel when I caught After Hours while I was surfing through channels. Let's just say that I also planned to schedule the record and go to bed since I had to get up this morning for work. But After Hours kept me awake after hours and I just couldn't forsake seeing this movie right then, too bad I didn't record it. It is one of the better dark comedies/thrillers that I've seen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/07 07:18 AM

AFTER HOURS (1985) - ****

Afs, I'm so glad you quite enjoyed it.

AFTER HOURS to me felt like the closest movie that Scorsese has made since 1973 that felt so much like MEAN STREETS in terms of scale and literacy.

If MEAN STREETS was about pennance under fire in a mob world, AFTER HOURS is baptism under the fire natural insanity. That means that everything that occured in AFTER HOURS could have happened, but the close proximity and sheer bad luck for the protagonist makes it seem so wacky and...well, nuts.

After KING OF COMEDY got crowned in theatres, AFTER HOURS was Marty's solid financial and critical return from that failure.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/07 08:57 AM

Hustle & Flow ***
(First Viewing)

Rapper DJay (Howard) works the angles to get his first record made, with help from assorted people in his Memphis 'hood. And when he hears that rap superstar Skinny Black (Ludacris) is heading to his area, he throws together a supreme hustle to grab Skinny's attention.

I heard Quentin Tarantino was asked what his favorite movies of 2005 were. His reply: Sin City, The Devil's Reject's and Hustle & Flow. I have seen and own the previous 2 movies on DVD and was looking for something new that I hadn't seen yet at work before I left and came upon Hustle & Flow. The movie never really seemed to interest me but for what it's worth, it was a lot better than I anticipated (although the pace of the movie was kind of slow). Terrence Howard was nominated for Best Actor for his part of DJay and rightfully so. I felt I was watching Scarface again with the amount of times he said 'man' or 'mang' but it added to his character. I really dug the deep south accent and he's putting together quite the resume recently, with roles in Crash, Ray, Hustle & Flow, Four Brothers and Idlewild. He was able to play a pimp but almost in a gentle sort of way, if that makes any sense. He seemed to be a very humble man who did what he had to so he could fulfill his dream of being a rapper, by any means necessary of course. It was great not to see the stereotypical "pimp" who constantly beats women and picks fights with others, meanwhile every other word out of his mouth is "f*ck" or "sh*t."

Secondly, it's always great to see the icon Isaac Hayes himself on the screen, as he had a small role in the film as bar owner Arnel. Finally, I always enjoy Anthony Anderson's work and have been since I first saw him in Me, Myself & Irene. However, I haven't seem him in too many dramatic roles and this was definitely a nice change for him. Over the course of the last 3 years he's also been on my favorite show on TV, The Shield, as kingpin Antwon Mitchell (again, another great dramatic role).
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/07 11:54 AM

I've not seen Mean Streets, but this was a much better movie than King of Comedy. It is a pity that it's so underrated compared to other Scorsese movies. Maybe about his other movies, it is the genre that doesn't appeal to me. If it was not for The Godfather's family theme/approach and the humane side of the organized crime, chances were, I wouldn't have liked that movie as well, not because of any shortcoming in directing, but because the theme would've not appealed to me.

I should say that the protagonist didn't stir up too much empathy in me, but his frustration was enough to keep it interesting and arouse the eager necessary to follow through.

But the reason I got hook up in the first place, reminds me of an episode of Seinfeld. Whenever I hear the piece Air on G String, I become paralyzed and would have to listen to it to the end.

Nice piece for the ending credit as well, I'd not come across this Mozart Symphony before.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/07 09:10 PM

Originally Posted By: afsaneh77
I've not seen Mean Streets, but this was a much better movie than King of Comedy.


I'd have to disagree with you on that one. I have only seen After Hours once and was glad it was over. In no way do I feel it's better than King of Comedy. But, I also didn't care for Mean Streets no matter how many times I've seen it, so you'll probably enjoy that too afsaneh.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/07 10:38 PM

No love for MEAN STREETS? No surprise.

Of course, KING OF COMEDY is underrated in itself....

Hell, Scorsese has never helmed a bad movie. Even his worst is better than some people's so-called best.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/07 11:25 PM

Though his effort for New York Stories (1988) is inadequate at best. That collaboration project was responsible for all three contributors' worst projects. Allen's is mediocre, Coppola's is heinous.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 12:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Though his effort for New York Stories (1988) is inadequate at best. That collaboration project was responsible for all three contributors' worst projects. Allen's is mediocre, Coppola's is heinous.


I agree with that statement but Scrosese's was the best IMO. It wasn't his best work, but for a 45 minute story, it wasn't his worst either.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 12:34 AM

It wasn't a story, it was a film.

I agree, his was the best of the three.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 12:46 AM

NEW YORK STORIES is an interesting experiment: An anthology made by three proud and (once) great directors*.

Allen and Scorsese's segments work actually. But Coppola's segment SUCKED. I mean jesus, its such a train wreck, I can't believe the same man behind GODFATHER and APOCALYPSE NOW actually had the gaul to sign his name to this crap.

Besides, Scorsese's segment is his take on the personality of artists. We see a proclaimed master in Nick Nolte, but whats behind his magic? We never know. Hell, we think he's an asshole.

Of course, so was Picasso, and good ole Salvador Dali....what can I say?

*=Sorry Coppola, but JACK killed ya man!

BTW folks, Al Pacino will play Dali in an upcoming Nichols movie. That should be a hoot.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 01:12 AM

It's Andrew Niccol, not Mike Nichols, Ronnie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 05:54 AM

Opps. Thanks for correcting me Capo.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 06:54 AM

Irish, I'm not so sure about that.

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No love for MEAN STREETS? No surprise.


Well, I can't hate a movie I've not seen, but I have had no anticipation to watch it. I figured it would be another mob glorifying movie at its best.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 07:08 AM

The Guardian **
(First Viewing)

The US Coast Guard version of "Top Gun" with a little "An Officer and A Gentleman" thrown in: an aging USCG rescue swimmer's team is killed in a horrific rescue mission. Immediately prior to this terrible event, his wife also announced that she cannot take anymore. His first love is always the rescue mission. This leaves him an obviously emotional wreck. His commender gives him a choice - quit or take a position as an instructor at the USCG training facility in Louisiana. Reluctantly he takes the position. Moving into the school, he immediately increases the 18 week curriculum that routinely fails half of the people that attend. Here he meets a young man with unlimited potential, but with some secret that seems to hold him back as a team player. Delving into his past, links are found that make him a psychic twin to the older man. Thrown into the midst of the story is a romance with a local girl. Rescue missions punctuate the beginning and end of the story with the training sessions the center of the film.

The man who directed The Fugitive and the fired director (news to me) from The Running Man, Andrew Davis brings us his first directed movie in almost 3 years, which is too soon if you ask me. Most of this film was tied up in training and tests of egos/power between Ben Randall (Kevin Costner) and Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher). The ending was very lame and way too dramatic for this film (I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen or plan on seeing this movie). It's also unfortunate that Kevin Costner's film career has reverted to Rumor Has It, The Upside of Anger, Open Range and Dragonfly.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 09:01 AM

Sorry Afs, I was talking to Irishman in regards to MEAN STREETS.

Anyway, MEAN STREETS has mobsters, but its not a mob drama. Its a drama that happens to have a few mobsters in the background. Its more or less Harvey Keitel the raised CAtholic who wants to do whats expected, or at least in hope to be the St. Francis of his neighborhood....so really, MEAN STREETS is hopes clashing with reality.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 09:18 AM

I gotta agree with you Irish in regards to THE GUARDIAN. Fuck that mediocrity.

But man, Andrew Davis....his career is now boiled down to basically being a hired-gun director that's having to helm any jobs that Hollywood gives him these days.

Which is a damn shame. His early THE PACKAGE is a pretty good, and slick, assassination thriller that almost wants to be the MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE for the last days of the Cold War. This would begin the first of a consecutive trilogy of works working with Tommy Lee Jones.

Then came UNDER SIEGE. Probably the only Steven Seagal movie that isn't just good for Flabby Seagull's much-abusive movie career, but a solid action vehicle in itself.

Maybe why it worked while Seagal's other movies were garbage is because Davis practically helms it in a guerilla warfare style of logic, much like earlier with John McTiernan's DIE HARD. Seagal's bullshit of quoting stale eastern philosophy and being fast while being a stoic smartass with the mouth....either missing or significantly downplayed.

But THE FUGITIVE would make, and unfortunately indicate the downhill start for Davis. Afterwards. Davis made the average-as-hell CHAIN REACTION, and the mediocre and quite shockingly lame & tame COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

Still Irish, go watch THE PACKAGE sometime. You might enjoy it.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 10:22 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Sorry Afs, I was talking to Irishman in regards to MEAN STREETS.

Anyway, MEAN STREETS has mobsters, but its not a mob drama. Its a drama that happens to have a few mobsters in the background. Its more or less Harvey Keitel the raised CAtholic who wants to do whats expected, or at least in hope to be the St. Francis of his neighborhood....so really, MEAN STREETS is hopes clashing with reality.



Ooops, my bad.

I'll put that on my to see list, it does sound appealing after all.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 06:55 PM

LADY IN THE WATER (2006) - **

Ladies and gentlemen, M. Night Shymalan has finally produced his HEAVEN'S GATE, his ONE FROM THE HEART, his 1941.

I mean he's made financial flop of a movie that people will usually cite, and all times as the punchline of some joke in Hollywood.

Shymalan seems to either have rapidly devoting fans, or many more that despise him. I'm neither. He's never done a real satisfactory movie for me, but hes done some nice ideas or shots that I dig. Though now I'm sure his ego has gotten ahold of him. Sometimes falling on your ass is good for you.

Yet ROBOT CHICKEN's slap against Shymalan is brilliant. "What a TWIIIIST!"

THE SIXTH SENSE was a pretty fun, if overrated, thriller. UNBREAKABLE was a great idea of a movie, if pooched by a script screaming to be rewritten 2-3 more times and an outright pathetic ending. SIGNS was preachy and at times ridiculous, but I still liked the basic geist of it.

Now THE VILLAGE, its not a bad movie. Its just not good either. It wants to be a mind-bending social commentary of a TWILIGHT ZONE episode. Its a nice ambition. Yet we knew Shymalan was going to pull a twist...and those with a functioning brain guessed it a hour at least before the finale.

But LADY IN THE WATER is just mediocre in its writing, direction, creative excercise, editing. The only thing that excels is Shymalan's ego.

Its a pity because Giammati is doing really good acting here. He will survive this. Maybe even Ron Howard's kid too, but its not certain for her.

Perhaps the biggest reason why LADY drowns is because its so...how I say...self-aware. A movie critic, to symbolize Shymalan's pissing on critics(usually those that hate him) and the monster movie formula. ZZZZZ At least Shane Black had the courtesy of making his Hollywood-pisser KISS KISS BANG BANG rather funny in the process.

But maybe the most annoying thing in LADY is Shymalan himself. His cameos in previous movies were in the tradition of Tarantino, Huston, Kevin Smith, Spike Lee, etc. Yet now, he plays a character thats destined, by Ron Howard's kid, to write a book that will earn world peace, but he will die because of it.

If that isn't hubris, then I need to boast my own arrogance.

Shymalan is lucky though. Warner Brothers had a bigger stinker of a financial disaster in the summer with POSEIDON. So Night can come back....but he can kiss his high amounts of money and creative control good bye.

"I see poor people!"
Posted By: Obsessed With The GodFather

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 10:31 PM



Just watched "Elvis & Me" story by Priscilla Presley.seen it about 10x over the years!
Beautiful love story such a shame.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 10:58 PM

The King just couldn't keep away from all the ladies.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/07 11:37 PM

nor all the bags of chips.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 01:56 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
nor all the bags of chips.


Or Fried Peanut Butter and Banana sandwiches...or this:

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 02:27 AM

What the hell is that?

What I wonder now is, how did that fat fuck NOT die earlier from all that grease and cholesterol?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 02:32 AM

The fool's gold loaf...I'll barf if ya make me explain.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 02:34 AM

Yuck.

BTW, true fact: Elvis' favorite movie? DR. STRANGELOVE.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 02:46 AM

Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) - (Ridley Scott;2005;UK/Spain/USA/Germany)
During Christian occupation of Jerusalem, a Knight returns to France to bring his son with him to the Holy land.
Seeing the director's cut is a completely different experience then the theatrical cut. Character motivations have the missing puzzles put it and some things are now noticed as a result of showing all the missing pieces that were cut "for time." At the same time it returns to the power of old Hollywood epics while retaining modern gritty realism. Superior to Gladiator and one of the best epics of the last half century and possibly further. While Orlando Bloom isn't the best choice as the protagonist, he works. It could've been better with someone else but it doesn't tear the movie apart. The story, acting, cast, direction, music, everything is top notch.


Crank - (Mark Neveldine/Brian Taylor;2006;UK/USA)
A hitman is drugged by his rival with an anti-adrenaline poison and must keep it up to live longer.
While some aspects of the style I liked, at times it quickly turns annoying at many times in that Man of Fire type of way. It does entertain though, mostly due to Jason Staham's presence. The main problem is the action is like Sin City only without the comic book atmosphere.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 03:04 AM

DV, glad I'm not the only to think possibly the restored edit of KINGDOM OF HEAVEN arguably makes one of the elite top 5 movies of 2005, if not the best...and probably Scott's best work since BLADE RUNNER.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 03:26 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Vercetti
Crank - (Mark Neveldine/Brian Taylor;2006;UK/USA)
A hitman is drugged by his rival with an anti-adrenaline poison and must keep it up to live longer.
While some aspects of the style I liked, at times it quickly turns annoying at many times in that Man of Fire type of way. It does entertain though, mostly due to Jason Staham's presence. The main problem is the action is like Sin City only without the comic book atmosphere.


That's exactly why I loved it
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 04:44 AM

No, really?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 04:54 AM

In my best Dr. Evil impersonation, "really!"
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 12:35 PM

I watched two films over the weekend: they couldn't have been more different, but I liked both.

Der Untergang (2004), aka The Downfall: Hitler and the End of the Third Reich . A German movie about the last days of Hitler in Berlin's bunker. I have no idea if this film has been released in the USA, however I strongly suggest everyone to watch it. Bruno Ganz's performance is pure genius.

In Her Shoes (2005), directed by Curtis Hanson (who shot L.A. confidential). A movie you may label as a chick flick, but it is indeed much more than that. It's a movie about family bonds, an intelligent, emotional, moving but not sappy film with first class performances. It brought a couple of smiles and a couple of tears to my face. Much more than most of contemporary movies usually do to me.

Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/07 09:48 PM

Lav, if you're interested, here are my thoughts on Downfall:

It looks like one of those new, crisp and suddenly popular TV dramas, too clean to be credible; it sounds like a muffled video game; it feels like a film set throughout, where, if the camera were to pan to the right at any moment, you may just see the rest of the cast fumbling about on set, ready for the next scene. Not even Ganz' sterling performance can lift it beyond its own claims of historical accuracy.
Posted By: Santino_Farricko

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/07 02:47 AM

Most recent movie I have watched would probably be Next of Kin.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/07 05:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Santino_Farricko
Most recent movie I have watched would probably be Next of Kin.


Thoughts?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/07 07:22 AM

I saw two films back-to-backon the big screen yesterday:

Apocalypto
Mel Gibson 2006 USA
Gibson's films are all seemingly based around the notion of life as freedom and death as slavery…or something like that. In order to show what is at stake in terms of freedom, in terms of life, he makes his films as gory as possible, so that when a character dies, he does not leave the world peacefully, but has his heart ripped out by an evil savage. For Apocalypto, Gibson has toned down the slow-motion that killed Passion and is more interested in getting one with events. If the events themselves are ludicrous, and we don't really care for any of these horrid people, then at least it has its moments of noteworthy action (the chase scenes through the forest are wonderful). And the scene in the middle of the movie, at the Mayan temple, shot in large amounts of dusty, sandy yellows and bright reds, with the captives being escorted to the top of the temple itself painted in blue, is wonderful and scary.


Babel
Alejandro González Iñárritu 2006 USA / Mexico
Less fragmented and more episodic than 21 Grams, and if it avoids the sags in interest found in Amores perros, it also fails to reach that film's emotional heights; it's probably because the familiar narrative technique isn't nearly as vital this time round - the novelty has worn off since the 2000 film, and it was vital to 21 Grams's meaning. Here, it's very solid without ever really needing to be present (other than perhaps to bind several events which happen to span several days into one consumable narrative), though an argument in defence might arise, and hopefully does, upon a second-viewing. Iñárritu confirms himself not only as an interesting artist, but also as an incredibly confident craftsman familiar with form and film language - his cutting between the various scenarios, and between various shots in those individual scenarios, is well controlled and effective; the first of these cuts between plot strands happens to involve children, as two brothers in Morocco scarper from the scene of a crime, and then a brother and sister run excitedly from their maid on a different continent; there is one moment where one character suffers a crescendo of screams as she lies in pain, and, just as we reach the peak in decibel, we cut to a POV of a deaf-mute in a completely different environment altogether; and the deaf-mute scenario offers the most interesting editing technique to produce meaning, in a Tokyo nightclub scene in which we cut between loud shots of drunken dancers and then to silent POVs as we watch on with only flickering lights. Great stuff. The scenes in Morocco are - or should be - the most tragically intended; the scenes in Tokyo the most aesthetically convincing; the scenes in Mexico the most arbitrary in view of the wider scope of the film; the scenes in Tazmarine the most emotionally intense. Also of note is the acting, and one of the performances in particular: it is often overlooked in Iñárritu's films because it is difficult to judge the pitch of an actor whose character's narrative arc is all out-of-sync, but Brad Pitt's effort here is very impressive indeed.

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/07 08:49 AM

I thought Apocalypto was wonderful Capo (I think I gave it *** 1/2). It was also in my top 5 list of last year along with:

1) V for Vendetta
2) United 93
3) The Departed
4) Apocalypto

I've yet to see Babel but I am looking forward to it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/07 03:01 AM

Buffalo '66 - (Vincent Gallo;1998;USA)
After a 5-year prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit, a man kidnaps a girl to pose as his wife to impress his parents.
One of the best films to come out in recent times. Gallo brilliantly shows a grotesque autobiographical character, only making him fascinating him with the layers of his troubled upbringing. Gallo's talent shines from his acting, direction, and musical compositions. It also manages to feel completely real. There's a scene where he runs to a bathroom to straighten his hair only to break down in tears with self-pity. While similar scenes have been used to rape emotion in other films, this scene is an example of one that rings true and some might even relate too. The focus of the film is mainly on Billy Brown's frustrated self-pity, which he covers with despicable manners that define him early on.

One of my all-time favorites.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/07 03:04 AM

Bravo Vercetti...I heard its good shit. I'll check it out this weekend.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/07 06:50 AM

Bottle Rocket **
(First Viewing)

Upon his release from a mental hospital following a breakdown, the directionless Anthony joins his friend Dignan (who seems far less sane than Anthony.) Dignan has hatched a hair brained scheme for an as-yet unspecified crime spree that somehow involves his former boss, the (supposedly) legendary Mr. Henry. With the help of their pathetic neighbor and pal Bob, Anthony and Dignan pull a job and hit the road, where Anthony finds love with motel maid Inez. When our boys finally hook up with Mr. Henry, the ensuing escapade turns out to be far from what anyone expected.

Brother Luke and Owen Wilson worked well together and it's a shame they don't get more films together. I've always liked Owen more than Luke and I thought Owen was the show stealer of this film. Both men were crazy and complete f*ck ups, but Owen was able to add some decent humor to the film. He seemed like an 8-year-old kid playing cops and robbers at some points. This was my first time I was exposed to Robert Musgrave's work. My favorite scene of his was when he discovered his brother was being arrested for being a drug distributor and he says to Anthony "Anthony, I need to talk to you, man... Anthony, I have got to talk to you! Look, I am sorry about this, this seems like a nice soiree, but I have got a family situation. I don't care what you think. I dont care! Tengo una situación con mi familia! Dignan does not want to deal with it, could you please come outside for a minute?"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/07 10:10 AM

Running With Scissors *
(First Viewing)

Young Augusten Burroughs (Cross) absorbs experiences that could make for a shocking memoir: the son of an alcoholic father (Baldwin) and an unstable mother (Bening), he's handed off to his mother's therapist, Dr. Finch (Cox), and spends his adolescent years as a member of Finch's bizarre extended family.

The events of this movie are ludicrous, and I didn't really care for any of the characters. The story at first seemed to be interesting and somewhat humerous, but that was quickly lost some 45 minutes into the picture. The movie kept going in and out, in and out between entertaining and boring. Alec Baldwin did a fine job with the amount of time he was in the film, as did Evan Rachel Wood and Annette Bening.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/07 05:47 AM

Kill Bill Volume 1 ****
(Nth Viewing)

"The Bride" was the deadliest assassin of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, until the day she decided to leave the business, assume a new identity, and get married. But it was on the day of her marriage that her old "friends" - O-Ren Ishii, Vernita Green, Budd, and Elle Driver, not to mention her boss, Bill - find her and assassinate the entire ceremony while Bill shoots her in the head, putting her in a coma. Well, Bill and his people should have tried a little harder because, after four years, the Bride has awakened from her coma. And Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Kill Bill Volume 2 ****
(Nth Viewing)

It all began when the nefarious Deadly Viper Assassination Squad moved in and assassinated the Plympton wedding party at the Two Pines Wedding Chapel in El Paso, TX. Well, all but one: The Bride, their real target. All they managed to do to her was put her in a coma. And four years later, she woke up and swore revenge on the lot of them. It began with the disposing of O-Ren Ishii/"Cottonmouth" and Vernita Green/"Copperhead". Now, the "Black Mamba" has only three left on her Death List: Budd/"Sidewinder", Bill's brother; Elle Driver/"California Mountain Snake", the deadly one-eyed assassin; and, of course, Bill/"Snake Charmer", her boss, teacher, and lover. However, Bill does possess one thing that keeps the ball in his court: B.B., the daughter the Bride thought she had lost in her coma. And now, at this point, the Bride knows only one thing: in the end, she will kill Bill.

I got to watch both of these movies as part of a dinner and a movie double feature at my local theater tonight. These movies have changed my life and are definitely some of my favorites in recent years (not to mention all-time as well). David Carradine knocked Daniel Day-Lewis out as my favorite movie villain of all-time as Bill. Personally, I felt it was a BIG slap in the face to Uma Thurman to not at least garner an Oscar nomination
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/07 05:52 AM

Bah, David Carridine getting slapped out of an Oscar nom was more disgraceful.

I mean, a villain thats likeable, but deserves to die. That's not easy for an actor to pull off.

Besides Irish, you should know that great villains make the great heroes.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/07 06:13 AM

ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN (1976) - ****1/2

Howard Hunt, the infamous White House-employed burgular busted at the Watergate Hotel in 1972 (and launch a 2-year process that would lead in Nixon resigning) died the other day.

The discovered connection between "HH" and the White House by Washington Post reporters Woodward and Bernstein would also launch the great journalistic story of the 20th century. They would inspire a new generation to get their shoes and work hard for the truth...along with that same generation to do their best to find the "great story," whatever its there or not.

People will complain that the movie gets too intertwined with the massive amounts of information and having to keep in mind the developing connections that the reporters dig up. However, we are so entrenched within the mystery that when viewers may or may not get lost, the dramatic narrative keeps you going full-steam.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/07 08:51 AM

Flags of Our Fathers **
(First Viewing)

In February, 1945, one of the fiercest battles of the Pacific theater of World War II occurs on the tiny island of Iwo Jima. Thousands of Marines attack the stronghold maintained by thousands of Japanese, and the slaughter on both sides is horrific. Early in the battle, an American flag is raised atop the high point, Mount Suribachi, and a photograph of the raising becomes an American cause celebre. As a powerful inspiration to war-sick Americans, the photo becomes a symbol of the Allied cause. The three surviving flag raisers, Rene Gagnon, John Bradley, and Ira Hayes, are whisked back to civilization to help raise funds for the war effort. But the accolades for heroism heaped upon the three men are at odds with their own personal realizations that thousands of real heroes lie dead on Iwo Jima, and that their own contributions to the fight are only symbolic and not deserving of the singling out they are experiencing. Each of the three must come to terms with the honors, exploitation, and grief that they face simply for being in a photograph.

I felt this movie didn't take enough time to establish the characters. Six men raised the flag at The Battle of Iwo Jima and only 3 of them are followed (because the other 3 died). However, when the 3 who died were being discussed, I had no idea who was playing them in the movie because they didn't really build on their characters into well into the movie. By then, I didn't care about the characters anymore (as painful as that may be to write). This is not Clint Eastwood's best by far and Letters From Iwo Jima is looking better than this (and seems to have actually earned the Best Picture nomination over Flags of Our Fathers).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/07 10:05 AM

Unbelievable...I agree totally with you Irish.

If anything, melodramatics and scriptwriter/producer Paul Haggis are a recipe for one to avoid watching a movie.

If anything, Hollywood is still stuck in the SAVING PRIVATE RYAN-template of WW2 drama...visually and in melodramatic writing.

I have to say, I'm not surprised at all that FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS got jack on the awards circuit, while also being slaughtered on the beaches when it went to theatres.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/07 07:56 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Unbelievable...I agree totally with you Irish.


HOLY SH*T! I thought for sure you or someone else would back this movie. I think that is the first time we are in "total" agreement
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/07 06:33 AM

The Driller Killer **
(First Viewing)

In New York, painter Reno Miller (Abel Ferrara) shares a loft with his girlfriend Carol (Carolyn Marz), who left her husband Stephen, and their roommate Pamela (Baybi Day). Reno is having difficulties paying his bills, while he is obsessed painting his masterpiece, a buffalo with a hypnotic eye. When a punk band moves to his building playing day and night, Reno cannot sleep and is driven insane, going to the streets with a drill, killing homeless derelicts. When the art dealer calls his painting a mockery, and Carol returns to her husband, leaving him alone, Reno goes totally mad.

I thought Abel Ferrara did a fine job acting, as the insane painter Reno and a decent job directing. However, I have NO idea what writer Nicholas St. John was thinking when he wrote this screenplay. I'm not quite sure how this movie got made, based on its storyline. Again, it's like Snakes On A Plane or Bandidas, you know what you're getting from the title and it didn't disappoint. It was exactly as cheesy and bad as I expected it to be, but I did enjoy it. Luckily, both men were able to rebound in 1990 with King of New York. However, I only heard about this movie maybe a week ago because it's going to be remade. If that is the case, consider me there for that one. I'd be VERY interested to see how or even why this movie would be remade.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/07 09:53 AM

Kagemusha ***
(Second Viewing)

In 1572, there is a civil war in Japan, and three powerful clans, leaded by the lords Shingen Takeda (Tatsuya Nakadai), Nobunaga Oda (Daisuke Ryu) and Ieyasu Tokugawa (Masayuki Yui), dispute the conquest of Kyoto. When Shingen is mortally wounded, the Takeda clan hides the incident and uses a poor thief to be the double of the strategist Shingen and keep the respect of their enemies. Along the years, Kagemusha incorporates the spirit of the warrior of the dead warlord.

Akira Kurosawa has got to be one of the finest visual directors I've ever seen. By watching more and more of his films, I'm beginning to appreciate him more. I love the way in this movie, how the 4 different parts of Shingen's banner (Wind, Forest, Fire and Mountain) all have different uniforms. Wind = blue, Forest = green, Fire = orange/red, Mountain = black/purple. Also, the way Kurosawa centers things like the opening scene where Shingen is seated in the center, his brother Nobukado to his right (stage left) and the thief Kagemusha is on the right with a single candel near him. That pretty much sets the tone for the movie right then and there. Although, I felt it did run a bit long at 177 minutes and I feel 20-30 minutes could have been cut out, I definitely enjoyed it more with a second viewing. Next, I hope to be able to find the time to view Ran a second time.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/07 05:05 PM

The Driller Killer 2/5

The plot...well there is this artist and he gets really stressed about paying the bills, noisy neighbors, and his girlfriend so he kills people with a power drill. Homeless people mostly - then he works up to more intimate targets.

I actually thought this was a terrible film for the first 10-20 min I was almost groaning - then something happened this film went so far down on my scale that it actually came back up. It was so bad to me that it actually turned out good.

First the look of the film, yes I didn't expect something this old to look digitally clear or anything but there is no way that this was shot of good film stock even for its era. However once associated with the character the graininess of the film like the rawness of the music helped or in some way conveyed the main characters mental and emotional state. The screenplay was minimal at best, but really how deep to you expect a movie about someone who kills people with power tools to be? I was going to say that it gets the job done, but really it almost feels incomplete. That along with the directing, where a lot of the shots are very close and sometimes muddled with darkness can be viewed either way. As serviceable craftsmanship or deliberate contributions to the telling of the story.

All in all not a horrible experience - but I'm not buying it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/07 05:21 PM

Glad you enjoyed it suspect_5
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 12:28 AM

Man, Abel Ferrara has made two really damn good dramas: KING OF NEW YORK and BAD LIEUTENANT.

Otherwise, he's unimpressive.

Still suspect, check out the criminally underrated BAD LIEUTENANT. Maybe Harvey Keitel's last great performance before he either quit, or Hollywood quit on him.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 06:20 AM

THE SIEGE (1998) - **1/2

Middle-Eastern terrorists demand the U.S. Government release their leader from custody. They declare war on New York City.

Made years before 9/11, one would think it would become much more relevant for movie-goers after the attacks.

Yet the same problem that sank the movie back then is the same fault that keeps it from being considerable for either intellectuals or movie buffs, a weakness that movies can't escape from: MEDIOCRITY!

What went wrong?

Maybe once upon a time, the original script drafts had potential for an engaging, suspenseful, but smart, political thriller. Yet after years in the pipeline, and with massive major movie stars in Denzel, Willis, and Warren Beatty's bitch, its bound for such a story to become more....generic enough....so to make more money in theatres.

Thats the problem with THE SIEGE. It wants to be smart and a possible "what-if?" martial law scenario in America, but either its not daring enough, or its got nothing useful to add to the conversation.

You can't win that war.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 07:57 AM

Corpi presentano tracce di violenza carnale, I (Torso) ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Someone is strangling coeds in Rome. The only clue is that the killer owns a red and black scarf, and police are stumped. American exchange student Jane and her friends decide to take a break from classes by going up to Danielle's uncle's villa in the country. Unfortunately the killer decides to follow, and the women begin suffering a rapid attrition problem.

I'm really starting to enjoy cheesy horror movies. This is only the 2nd Italian "horror" movie I've seen, with Suspiria being the first, and I felt this film was superior to it. The killer was easily predictable but I just felt the directing and some choice shots (as well as the storyline of course), made this film more enjoyable than Suspiria. Can anyone recommend some other Italian horror films that might follow in the Suspiria or Torso realm? Capo? ronnie?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 08:53 AM

TORSO is good, though the problem you had Irish with SUSPIRA is the same mistakes that American horror fans do when they jump into Italian horror cinema.

"Once you fuck the story, which doesn't matter at all, then its splendid horror cinema" - HALLOWEEN director John Carpenter

SUSPIRA's plot is generic-ass. I mean, a girl comes into a ballerina academy, which is run by a cabal of witches. Eh?

Forgetting the derivativeness of Italian horror cinema, I loved the slinky creep mood of SUSPIRA, and its editing narrative. Dario Argento rules, bitches!

Irish, you want recommendations?

Check out Luci Fulci's work. He's derivative as hell at times, but his ZOMBIE(a favorite of Tarantino) and for example is worth wathcing. Again, a shit-sandwich of a zombie story, but its the details that make it interesting.

I mean, you have a zombie fighting a shark. I don't need to say much more.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 09:55 AM

Jigoku (1960) *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A high school student has a friend who is pure evil. Him and his friend are outdriving one night when they hit a drunkard and the friend leaves him to die. The student's life then goes down hill from there.

One word can sum this movie up pretty accurately: beautiful. What a fantastic roller coaster ride this was. A lot of black backgrounds with wonderful music and extraordinary use of lighting. I love the concept of the movie because I haven't seen many films that deal with the depths of Hell in great detail. I'm not sure how many movies are made that do explore Hell but that's what makes this so original for me. Personally, this is definitely one of, if not THE best Japanese movie I've ever seen (and yes, that's including any and all of Akira Kurosawa's work that I've seen thus far).
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 10:21 AM

ZOMBIE by Luci Fulci - noted, I mean how the hell am I going to pass up a movie where a zombie and a shark throw down.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 02:01 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
THE SIEGE (1998) - **1/2



Funny that you should bring up this movie. I just watched it, for the first time, last night.

Your critque is dead on. It starts out by capturing the viewer's interest right away, but as it moves on, something is lost, especially when, as you correctly labeled it, the "what if" martial law scenes begin.

While the scenes of our country coming under martial law are somewhat disturbing, and had the potential to bring this movie up a notch or two, the movie just fails to "go the distance" with those scenes. It was as though the makers of the film were afraid to really step over that line.

An interestingly fast start to a movie that gradually loses steam as it tries to progress.

I agree with the **1/2 star rating.


Don Cardi
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 07:26 PM

Glad you agreed with me, Don Cardi.

THE PRODUCERS (2005) - **1/2

Mel Brooks is one of my favorite comic writers & directors. BLAZING SADDLES, YOUNG FRAKENSTEIN, the misunderstood SILENT MOVIE, SPACEBALLS, etc.

His THE PRODUCERS was his memorable 1968 directorial debut that landed him an Oscar victory for Best Original Screenplay, and really was a humorous comedy that, in its time, was the SOUTH PARK of its day. Teasefully risque, but smart.

Brooks resurrected THE PRODUCERS as an insanely successfull and popular Broadway musical with Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane that briefly made Americans care about Broadway plays. Thankfully, it was short-lived. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM established its Fourth Season around it. It won a truckload of Tonys, made millions, and a movie-adaptation was inevitable. (A movie based on a musical that itself was based on a movie)

Yet something about this movie is stagnant once the credits open. Why?

Theories abound, all correct in varying degrees. A musical designed for a live audience that then is played for a filmed set loses its charismatic magic. The SOUTH PARK-esque humor from the past now seems to be quite tame and nothing offensive about it. Maybe its that a movie, transformed into a musical designed for a stage, just doesn't seem to translate as well on a small screen.

My own hypothesis is that I blame the director. Susan Stroman helmed the original play, but seems to be as moving and fluid cinematically as a Polaroid camera.

While the movie never gets into a satisfying rhythmn, there is some nice things about THE PRODUCERS remake. Nathan Lane seems to always give it his best, and like MOUSE HUNT, he sometimes is forced to make a movie better than it should be.

But Will Ferrell. Wow, I tell ya folks, hes the best comic player that never got to be involved directly with a Mel Brooks movie. While he's been coasting with success from ANCHORMAN and TALLADEGA NIGHTS(really, both movies have the same basic premise), hes not been given his chance to be as fully dangerous on a physical level as his best work from SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE displayed.

Yet for an average movie, Will Ferrell owns the screen whenever he appears, and rather is great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/07 09:03 PM

Originally Posted By: suspect_5
ZOMBIE by Luci Fulci - noted, I mean how the hell am I going to pass up a movie where a zombie and a shark throw down.


Vulcan Video my friend?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/07 05:42 AM

Farce of the Penguins **
(First Viewing)

A mockumentary the illuminates penguin survival and mating rituals, as well as one bird's search for love while on a 70-mile trek with his hedonistic buddies.

Bob Saget writes a pretty funny comedy with this effort and it was all new to me since I haven't seen March of the Penguins. I think Samuel L. Jackson should do more narration/voice over work. I found Tracy Morgan and Mo'Nique to be my two favorite "penguin voices."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/07 07:52 AM

The Gathering
(First Viewing)

While going to the town of Ashby Wake, the drifter Cassie (Christina Ricci) is hit by a car driven by Marion Kirkman (Kerry Fox) and loses her memory. Marion invites Cassie to stay in her huge old house with her family, while recovering from the trauma. Cassie becomes very close to Michael, the young son of Marion's husband Simon Kirkman (Stephen Dallane). He is researching a recently discovered buried church from the First Century, with images of the crucifixion of Jesus and many anonymous persons watching it. Cassie starts having visions and premonitions with some locals, and decides to investigate the weird and nasty mechanic Frederick Michael Argyle (Peter McNamara). Her findings about who she is and the mystery relative to the locals and the town surprises her.

The perfect recipe for a sh*tty movie: 1 decent idea that doesn't transcend well into a screenplay or furthermore a movie, add 1 8-year-old puss boy who's afraid of his own shadow and needs to be comforted every scene and told "it's OK," add uncareable characters plus a ridiculous storyline involving 14 people who watch the crucifixion of Christ just for "curiosity" and are punished as a result of it for eternity by having to view every tragedy that befalls mankind, and cook for 92 minutes. Bon Appétit!
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/07 08:36 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Can anyone recommend some other Italian horror films that might follow in the Suspiria or Torso realm? Capo? ronnie?


Capo, Ronnie????

And who the hell am I? Nobody?

Ok, I'm in a forgiving mood today... Check "Deep Red" aka "The Hatchet Murders" (Profondo Rosso), possibly the most famous horror movie directed by Dario Argento. It scared me to death. You'll love it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/07 08:54 AM

The Descent
(First Viewing)

After a tragic accident, six friends reunite for a caving expedition. Their adventure soon goes horribly wrong when a collapse traps them deep underground and they find themselves pursued by bloodthirsty creatures. As their friendships deteriorate, they find themselves in a desperate struggle to survive the creatures and each other.

I actually heard someone liked this movie and thought it was pretty good (my prayers go to them). Horrible lighting, pitch black sets (yes I know it's suppose to take place in a cave but the audience should still be able to see what is going on), gollum-like creatures, 6 female hikers. Need I say more? Whatever you do, do yourself the favor and invest the 100 minutes of your life on something else. Avoid this movie at ALL COSTS!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/07 09:32 AM

Lavi, since Irish didn't respond to you, I apologize that you weren't mentioned.
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/07 11:39 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Lavi, since Irish didn't respond to you, I apologize that you weren't mentioned.



you are not supposed to apologize for anything, Ronnie. But, of course, for not being a GWTW fan......
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/07 12:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Descent
(First Viewing)
Avoid this movie at ALL COSTS!
That's got to be one of the silliest things I've ever read.

I didn't like The Descent, though. It opened nicely, full of claustrophobic darkness, though I would have liked it had Marshall made more use of the frame - he kept shooting his characters in the centre of frame, and it would have been far more effective had they been lost to either side of shot. There's a melodramatic moment near the end too when the one survivor resembles something out of Carrie, which I sort of liked. But the means by which she went about surviving was something like Tomb Raider, not a cave explorer chased by monsters. It had a lot of potential and little creative flair. I would have done away with the monsters altogether and it would have been a lot more taut and tense. But that would have been a different movie, then, I guess.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 10:03 AM

Little Miss Sunshine ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Olive is a little girl with a dream: winning the Little Miss Sunshine contest. Her family wants her dream to come true, but they are so burdened with their own quirks, neuroses, and problems that they can barely make it through a day without some disaster befalling them. Olive's father Richard is a flop as a motivational speaker, and is barely on speaking terms with her mother. Her uncle Frank, a renowned Proust scholar, has attempted suicide following an unsuccessful romance with a male graduate student. Her brother Dwayne, a fanatical follower of Nietzsche, has taken a vow of silence, which allows him to escape somewhat from the family whose very presence torments him. And Olive's grandfather is a ne'er-do-well with a drug habit, but at least he enthusiastically coaches Olive in her contest talent routine. Circumstances conspire to put the entire family on the road together with the goal of getting Olive to the Little Miss Sunshine contest in far off California.

I'm not quite sure why this got a Best Picture nomination over United 93, Apocalypto or even a dark horse (like last year's Crash), Thank You For Smoking.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 12:46 PM

Oh Irish, you still think the Oscars run based on substance? I bet you even think Presidential elections are won based on quality of the candidate's credences.



Anyway, what if I told you that the SAG (Screen Actors' Guild) union did everything in its power to stomp out Paul Greengrass' UNITED 93, a non-union actors movie? The fact that enough people in the AMPAS voting ranks were able to squeeze in a Best Director's nod for Greengrass, in spite of SAG being gestapo, is a testament to how much respect that U93 got.

APOCALYPTO got screwed because Mel Gibson screwed himself when he got hammered and yammered on about those Jews....no one wants to admit it, but thats why it only got a handful of tech Oscar noms.

Fox tried its best to score a Screenplay Oscar nod for THANK YOU FOR SMOKING, but Eastwood's LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA bested it for that slot. Opps.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 07:15 PM

Would that Carrieish moment be the scene on the DVD cover?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 07:17 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Oh Irish, you still think the Oscars run based on substance? I bet you even think Presidential elections are won based on quality of the candidate's credences.



I'm not that naive anymore, but I think it's a shame that Little Miss Sunshine got the nod over United 93.

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
APOCALYPTO got screwed because Mel Gibson screwed himself when he got hammered and yammered on about those Jews....no one wants to admit it, but thats why it only got a handful of tech Oscar noms.


I still feel The Passion of the Christ could have been (and maybe) should have been nominated for Best Picture if people would just set there personal or religious differences aside and view the film as an independent "piece of work" as others here have claimed. The same could be said for either volume of Kill Bill, ESPECIALLY for Uma Thurman and David Carradine being screwed out of there noms
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 09:00 PM

Irish, religion aside, PASSION OF THE CHRIST wasn't good enough to be a Best Picture nominee.

Really, name one unique thing about it compared to previous "faithful" Christ stories? I'm sorry, but having the will to be bloody gorey, which is cool and all, isn't enough to impress me.

Remember my BALLS column on Mel Gibson? Whatever one thinks of the movie(me? Decent but a better director was needed), one does have to admire somebody spending $30+ million of one's own cash on such a personal project.

Then APOCALYPTO, a ruthless movie about the Mayans, and one that wouldn't have the church groups going to see in raves of buses...that impresses me more.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 09:39 PM

Apocalypto isn't really about the Mayans as much as it contains them, though, is it? For me it was just a conventional chase movie with at least one gorgeous scene.

The Passion of the Christ was awful, I thought. I cannot really remember one lasting image in the entire thing. It had no narrative drive or purpose; there was certainly no arc there in any of the characters, and little emotional award. I think if anybody did have some emotional response to the film, whether in love or hate, it would have stemmed from religious views which stand outside and regardless of the actual film or the experience of watching it. It was not killed by horrid editing and dubious CGI.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 09:51 PM

I gotta agree with you Capo, on PASSION OF THE CHRIST.
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 10:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Apocalypto isn't really about the Mayans as much as it contains them, though, is it?


True, the term 'Mayan culture' is a very broad one. It represents a large number of tribes in a large area over a very long period of time. So to say the ppl in this movie are Mayan is misleading.

However, from what I have gathered the movie is quite accurate in it's portrayal of these human sacrifices.

I posted a review of this movie earlier. Mel Gibson said of the movie..."The precursors to a civilization that’s going under are the same, time and time again... What’s human sacrifice if not sending guys off to Iraq for no reason?"[/wikipedia] He is comparing the human sacrifice of sending the young to die in Iraq to the human sacrifices of the 'Mayans' who also sacrificed their young. All ancient cultures have practiced this. In Gibson's mind, war is a modern day human sacrifice not so unlike the literal human sacrifices of the 'Mayans.'
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/07 10:26 PM

But I got little out of it regarding Mayan "culture", the same as I get little out of 1950s New York in The Godfather. The fact you can relate Gibson's film to Iraq (as intended) means its setting is secondary to the fact it is an action film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/07 12:29 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I think if anybody did have some emotional response to the film, whether in love or hate, it would have stemmed from religious views which stand outside and regardless of the actual film or the experience of watching it.

I want to go a bit off-topic (i.e., my post is not pertaining to the movie 'Passion of Christ' or the religious views).

Is it possible to have an emotional response to a film just by the viewing experience, without having (or primarily being) anything to do with the views held outside the film? All my favorite movies are my favorites because they deal with the themes that I am currently dealing with or dealt with in my real life.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/07 09:58 AM

American Pie 5: The Naked Mile * 1/2
(First Viewing)

The movie will shift its focus on Erik Stifler, the cousin of Matt and Steve, a youngster who is nothing like his wild relations. Peer pressure starts to turn him to live up to the legacy of the other Stifflers when he attends the 'Naked Mile', a naked run across the college campus. Things get worse when he finds that his cousin Dwight is the life of the party down at the campus.

It's unfortunate that the American Pie franchise is coming to be the new age National Lampoon's series, which means that they'll take any piece of sh*t "comedy" and slap the National Lampoon's (or in this case, American Pie) name of it and expect it to sell (when it essence it's just tarnishing the original work or the series). Furthermore, it's more disturbing that Christopher McDonald has to resort to these types of movies. The man hasn't done a good movie since 2000's Requiem for a Dream and before that it was 1996's Happy Gilmore. The ending of the movie however was WAY too cheesy and "chick-flickish" even for an American Pie movie (that's what made it even worse). I will say one positive thing about the movie, at least it was better than American Pie 4: Band Camp.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/07 11:36 AM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I think if anybody did have some emotional response to the film, whether in love or hate, it would have stemmed from religious views which stand outside and regardless of the actual film or the experience of watching it.

I want to go a bit off-topic (i.e., my post is not pertaining to the movie 'Passion of Christ' or the religious views).

Is it possible to have an emotional response to a film just by the viewing experience, without having (or primarily being) anything to do with the views held outside the film? All my favorite movies are my favorites because they deal with the themes that I am currently dealing with or dealt with in my real life.
Very interesting question; I'm not sure. People's expectations going into a film and their opinions walking out of a film are never isolated, they're not floating on some asteroid thousands of miles from anything else. They might talk to somebody else about and decide they like it or decide they don't, they might read reviews, watch trailers, compare it without having seen it to other films.

Films relate to one another; it's a self-reflexive, intertextual medium, in itself and in our appreciation of it. There was a Swedish director, I forget who, who once claimed he had never ever seen a film. I found that hilarious and fascinating, and would, for the sole purposes of myth, like to believe it was true.

Herzog says, "Cinema is not the art of scholars, but of illiterates", which I take to mean several things, but here am going to use it to argue that the more educated we are outside of Cinema or cinematic practices, the less valid our appreciation of it is. Or perhaps it might even include education as regards film studies too - indeed, many people who actually study film study around it, skirting over issues such as social or economic representations of the time and culture in which it was made.

My dad isn't very educated. Not academically. He neverwent to university, and dropped out of high school as soon as he could. He hates his job, reads very little, but loves some of the films I suggest to him. As an example, we watched Tarkovsky's Stalker (1979) on the big screen together; it was my first time, his first time, and we both came out thinking it was fantastic. I connected with its existentialism and the cinematic shaping of that philosophy, whereas he openly admitted, "I don't have a clue what they're talking about, but it was fantastic." He liked the scenery, the depressing setting, the generally slow pace and consistent rhythm of the film.

I've been considering lately whether the most valid (or raw) response to a film might be from somebody such as Herzog's mysterious hero Kaspar Hauser, who, in The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1974) is locked away in a tower all of his life, and then released into society with absolutely no education as to what he is, or what the world is. He's old enough to move, eat, and his five senses are intact and sharp, but he hasn't communicated to anybody in his whole life. He has never seen beyond the stone walls of his cage.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/07 07:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
As an example, we watched Tarkovsky's Stalker (1979) on the big screen together; it was my first time, his first time, and we both came out thinking it was fantastic. I connected with its existentialism and the cinematic shaping of that philosophy, whereas he openly admitted, "I don't have a clue what they're talking about, but it was fantastic." He liked the scenery, the depressing setting, the generally slow pace and consistent rhythm of the film.

I haven't seen the film, but I will hazard a guess and say that Tarkovsky might have had both the factors in his mind while filming it, i.e. existentialism as the theme and the cinematographic aspects. Because of your academic background you picked up the existentialism philosophy and because of the non-academic background, your father picked up the ambiance part. Maybe the appeal for that particular setting has something to do with his current state of mind? Do you think that is likely or do you feel that his good response to that setting is purely based on the director's work?


Quote:

I've been considering lately whether the most valid (or raw) response to a film might be from somebody such as Herzog's mysterious hero Kaspar Hauser, who, in The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1974) is locked away in a tower all of his life, and then released into society with absolutely no education as to what he is, or what the world is. He's old enough to move, eat, and his five senses are intact and sharp, but he hasn't communicated to anybody in his whole life. He has never seen beyond the stone walls of his cage.

No, I disagree. Since that person has not had any social interaction, he will miss out entirely on several themes that a director wants to explore through a film. That is like asking a small kid to appreciate a complex film like Godfather, for example. Your hero is identical to a very young (and crudely put, unprogrammed) kid.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/07 10:19 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
That is like asking a small kid to appreciate a complex film like Godfather, for example. Your hero is identical to a very young (and crudely put, unprogrammed) kid.
Or like showing something like, say, Tellytubbies to Roger Ebert? The "complexity" works both ways, surely.

Imagine if somebody had never seen anything before, and they watched a Norman McLaren short experimental film. I don't the name, but I remember one where it was just a pink frame with yellow lines that he'd drawn onto the celluloid directly, and these lines moved and complimented the soundtrack, which was a succession of electronic sounds.

Completely abstract stuff, the meaning and appreciation of it entirely self-contained. It's the kind of stuff people call "artsy fartsy", because they cannot even begin to comprehend something whose meaning does not speak out, but draws in. In fact, it doesn't even draw in; it's just within its own self-contained existence.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/07 02:15 AM

I saw 120 films in January.

Here's a link.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/07 06:25 AM

Conan the Barbarian ***
(First Viewing)

A village is attacked by the evil ruler of the Snake Cult, Thulsa Doom and his evil warriors, when Thulsa Doom and his warriors kills his parents, a young boy named Conan is enslaved. Years later, Conan grows up and becomes a mighty warrior and is trained as a fighter. After years as a slave and as a gladiator, Conan is set free. Conan sets out on a quest as he vows to avenge his parents and solve the riddle of steel. Joined by a archer named Subotai, a beautiful thief who falls in love with Conan, Valeria and a Chinese wizard, Conan and his companions sets out to rescue Princess Yasmina, daughter of King Osric, from the Snake Cult, and get his revenge on Thulsa Doom and avenge his parents.

I was really surprised they got James Earl Jones to do this movie. However, it was great and I'm glad it wasn't really cheesy or dated. Some beautiful shots, particularly at Thulsa's "home" or temple. My favorite shot was probably at night with Thulsa at the top of the temple with the extras at the base with torches (just very beautifully shot). My favorite scene was probably when Conan stole his gem back and killed that giant snake, or when he punched that camel
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/07 09:19 AM

Conan the Destroyer **
(First Viewing)

Princess Jehnna has been captured by a sorcerer, so the evil queen Taramis (who wants to sacrifice Jehnna and take the throne for ever) asks from Conan to find her and bring her back to the castle. Conan accepts, because Taramis has magical powers and thus she is the only person who can bring his dead love back in life.

I REALLY cannot believe they cast Wilt Chamberlain in this movie. Not that he did a bad job acting but this was his ONLY acting part in a movie I believe. This movie seemed more slower paced than the original and just wasn't as captivating. However, it was great to see Ursa from Superman II, Sarah Douglas, in another movie outside of the Man of Steel.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/07 10:41 PM

What the hell?!?!?!?! I pull my head out of my ass, and God blinks.

First, Irish raped REPO MAN. Then, he urinated over the great THE THING. BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA gets defecated upon.

Yet for once, he gets the opinion right on a great 80's movie.

Donner's SUPERMAN and Nolan's BATMAN BEGINS start off as great myths that end up abandoning the mythic storytelling for finales full only of action sequences. I really love those movies, but you know I'm right.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN is maybe the only comic book "mythology" movie from Hollywood that begins and concludes as an outright satisfying myth of adventure and in storytelling.

Maybe its because of writer/director John Milius. He's more known as the right-wing gun nut who happened to be a scriptwriter of APOCALYPSE NOW, helmed the infamous RED DAWN, and the basis for John Goodman's character in THE BIG LEBOWSKI. Yet politics aside, Milius is a very philosophical writer with brains, and also not wanting to be a pussy in terms of action.

I mean Irish, you would agree that there is two thing about CONAN THE BARBARIAN that you won't ever see in Hollywood with such "comic book fare." One, the R-rating. When people get slashed, they get SLICED. People get rammed hard. There is nothing kiddie about this material.

Second, the finale. Any other comic book action movie, it would be yet another boring-ass finale fight between the hero and the villain. Instead, Milius rehashes the ending of APOCALYPSE NOW, and it actually works better for CONAN than it did for AN.

As for CONAN THE DESTROYER, its pathetic. Basically Dino DeLaurentiis got pissed that Milius told him to fuck off, so Milius was canned, and the movie's approach went from a hard-R to a PG-rating. The idea was that the sequel would earn more than BARBARIAN did, with the bigger tent theory.

The problem? the sequel grossed LESS than BARBARIAN. Besides, DESTROYER was mediocre, Wilt the Stilt not withstanding.

If anything, there are only two movies where Arnold Schwarzenegger actually acted, and acted WELL. That would be THE TERMINATOR, and CONAN. With his own hand, Arnold made himself King of Hollywood for a few years...but that is another story.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN (1982) - ****1/2
CONAN THE DESTROYER (1984) - **
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/07 11:07 PM

Glad we agree on Conan the Barbarian. I was watching this with 2 friends and before hand, I asked them which one they like best and no one was willing to say anything (I think it was because they were Destroyer fans and that movie sucked). But as I said in my review, Barbarian surprised me and was a great movie. And I agree with everything you said about it being the only comic book "mythology" movie from Hollywood that begins and concludes as an outright satisfying myth of adventure and in storytelling. And yes, the finale was great as well (beautifully shot).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/07 06:20 AM

The Covenant * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Four young men who belong to a supernatural legacy are forced to battle a fifth power long thought to have died out. Another great force they must contend with is the jealousy and suspicion that threatens to tear them apart.

The first half of the movie was pretty decent, but once the fifth "brother" was discovered, it just went down hill from there. The man wasn't a very good villain and the final scene between him and the main star was awful. Definitely an overuse of bubble "fireballs" that made it feel as if I was watching Mortal Kombat or something along those lines. Again, it started off fine but just ran outta steam halfway through.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/07 06:22 AM

Irish, what you expect from the infamous Renny Harlin?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/07 06:30 AM

Apparently not a whole lot. I didn't research him before, but now looking at his previous work: Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, Cutthroat Island, Driven and Exorcist: The Beginning, it's no wonder. I thought this movie would be pure sh*t going into it and the only reason I watched it is because I borrowed the DVD from a friend.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/07 09:10 AM

The U.S. vs. John Lennon ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A documentary on the life of John Lennon, with a focus on the time in his life when he transformed from a musician into an antiwar activist.

A very informative documentary that was put together very nicely. I didn't realize John Lennon was such a threat to the establishment and all of his obstacles with the U.S. Government.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/07 07:22 AM

Red Sonja ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The tyrant Gedren seeks the total power in a world of barbarism. She raids the city Hablac and kills the keeper of a talisman that gives her great power. Red Sonja, sister of the keeper, sets out with her magic sword to overthrow Gedren. The talisman's master Kalidor follows to protect her.

I'm really surprised that I enjoyed this movie and the Conan's as much as I did. I thought Brigitte Nielsen and Arnold Schwarzenegger worked very well together. Visually, they were well paired on screen as they favor each other in height. It would have looked awkward to have someone a foot smaller than him. My only real beef with the film was annoying 13-year-old Ernie Reyes Jr. who plays Prince Tarn. I wish Arnold would have just been her companion throughout the movie and they could have cut out Ernie Reyes Jr. and his sidekick.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/07 07:26 AM

Bridgette Nelson. From RED SONJA, to pairing up with Flavor Flav.

Fuck her.

Anyway, SONJA is a very average and forgettable adventure movie, yet its the crazy stuff behind the scenes that is more interesting. Ahhhnuld gets top billing, but try to count how many minutes he is in the movie. Under 10 minutes sounds about right. Yet Ahhhnuld made the movie basically to get out of the bitch hell that is a Dino DeLaurentiis contract.

Besides, the movie is known in some syndication prints and foreign territories as CONAN THE WARRIOR, despite -Zero- mention or appearance of the King of the Ancient World. But that is another story....
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/07 07:57 AM

DRESSED TO KILL (1980) - ***1/2

Superbly-controversial box-office hit from (underrated) filmmaker Brian DePalma that was derided as a misgynostic sex-ploitation flick full of poor DePalma trying to ape Hitchcock as much as possible.

Pfft, whatever.

DePalma gets trashed by the film geek chorus for wanting to make Hitchcock-inspired movies, yet when Quentin Tarantino makes a blaxploitation(JACKIE BROWN) or outright B-action fare (KILL BILL), what does the same chorus do? They applaud QT. What's the difference?

DRESSED TO KILL script-wise feels like an utterly R-rating envelope pushing(or perhaps a tear here and there) package wrapping of an otherwise very commercial-friendly story of a present.

Yet for such pleasing thriller material, DePalma directs with such flair, style, and such great soft-touch cinematography that he pushes his own screenplay into a rather nice thriller.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 03:16 AM

Epic Movie **
(First Viewing)

The twisted minds of two of the six writers of "Scary Movie" tackle the biggest mega-blockbusters of all time in "Epic Movie." The story centers on four not-so-young orphans: one raised by a curator at the Louvre (where an albino assassin lurks), another a refugee from Mexican "libre" wrestling, the third a recent victim of snakes on her plane, and the fourth a "normal" resident of a mutant "X"-community. The hapless quartet visits a chocolate factory, where they stumble into an enchanted wardrobe that transports them to the land of Gnarnia (with a "G"). There they meet a flamboyant pirate captain and earnest students of wizardry - and join forces with, among others, a wise-but-horny lion to defeat the evil White Bitch of Gnarnia.

Not as bad as I originally thought it'd be and definitely better than Date Movie. At least they're getting better. I had heard maybe a year or so ago about a movie like this was supposed to be attached to the Scary Movie franchise (I think it was going to be Scary Movie 5). I guess this was the result of it. Yes ronnie, your predication came true, I enjoyed Epic Movie!
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 03:39 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
DePalma gets trashed by the film geek chorus for wanting to make Hitchcock-inspired movies, yet when Quentin Tarantino makes a blaxploitation(JACKIE BROWN) or outright B-action fare (KILL BILL), what does the same chorus do? They applaud QT. What's the difference?


Agreed.

I suspect critics that give QT a pass do so because they do not have an attachment to blaxploitation, B-movie, grindhouse, Shaw Brothers, Argento, and other stuff that QT homages or lifts. With DePalma however, he's touching a giant of cinema.

The fact that Pauline Kael championed DePalma might have something to do with the polarization.

Sadly, reevaluation of DePalma's artistry might come much later via revisionists - some detractors will become supporters. Hitchcock wasn't taken seriously for a bit there.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 06:54 AM

Hollywoodland ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Hollywoodland is a uniquely compelling exploration of fame and identity, inspired by one of Hollywood's most infamous real-life mysteries. The film is the feature directorial debut for Allen Coulter (Emmy and DGA Award nominee for his work on The Sopranos and Sex and the City). June 16, 1959. The glamour of Tinseltown permanently fades for actor George Reeves, the heroic Man of Steel on TV's Adventures of Superman, as the actor dies in his Hollywood Hills home. Felled by a single gunshot wound, Reeves (portrayed in Hollywoodland by Academy Award winner Ben Affleck) leaves behind a fiancée - aspiring starlet Leonore Lemmon (Robin Tunney) - and millions of fans who are shocked by his death. But it is his grieving mother, Helen Bessolo (Lois Smith), who will not let the questionable circumstances surrounding his demise go unaddressed. Helen seeks justice, or at least answers. The Los Angeles Police Department closes the case, but Helen hires - for $50 a day - private detective Louis Simo (Academy Award winner Adrien Brody). Simo soon ascertains that the torrid affair Reeves had with Toni Mannix (Academy Award nominee Diane Lane), the wife of MGM studio executive Eddie Mannix (Academy Award nominee Bob Hoskins), might hold the key to the truth. But truth and justice are not so easily found in Hollywood. Simo pursues dangerous and elusive leads in both high and low places and, in trying to turn up the heat, risks getting burned. The detective also uncovers unexpected connections to his own life as the case turns more personal and he learns more about Reeves himself. Behind the icon was a complex man who gave his life to Hollywood in more ways than one.

I've never really been a fan of Adrien Brody, but he turned my head in King Kong and he did so again with Hollywoodland. I really enjoyed his performance as a private investigator who's a total dick just to "turn a buck." Diane Lane was great as usual and Ben Affleck was great as George Reeves. I'm glad Robin Tunney and Kathleen Robertson were cast as sister's because I don't get to see enough of them onscreen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 08:50 AM

Hercules In New York **
(First Viewing)

The divine Hercules is bored by his life on mount Olympus and asks father Zeus for a vacation on Earth. His request is denied, but by an accident with one of Zeus' lightning bolts he's thrown into New York. His inexperience with civilization and his arrogance lead into problems - until a college professor's daughter helps him to acclimatize. He starts to like living on earth and wants to stay for longer, even when father Zeus sends Nemesis to punish him.

How did this classic ever slip through the cracks of time? It's a good thing my friend is an avid Schwarzenegger fan at our other location or else I would have never even known of this movies existence. Put simply, it was enjoyable as a C-movie. Arnold Stang was great as the squirrely 'Pretzie' character who's really Hercules only friend on Earth. The film was poorly shot and editted (especially in one scene that's suppose to be Mount Olympus while car horns are still audible in the background).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 10:38 AM

The Wicker Man (1973) **
(First Viewing)

Sergeant Neil Howie arrives on a Scottish island looking for a missing teenager girl, Rowan Morrison. The place belongs to Lord Summerisle and is famous because of their plantation of apples and other fruits and their harvest. Sgt. Howie realizes that the locals are pagans, practicing old rituals, and Rowan is probably alive and being prepared to be sacrificed. The end of the story is a tragic surprise.

I really don't know which version of the film I like more, the 1973 or 2006 version. There are some elements of the old version that I like more, but then again there's some elements of the new version that I prefer. Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee did a great job with their respectful, butting heads characters. I like one main aspect of the film that I found superior in the 2006 version was the island was predominately female. I think it added more because Nicholas Cage intrudes onto their island (which is offensive enough to them), but the fact that he's a man I think adds a little more salt to the wound. Whereas the 1973 version, it was a prediminately male island which I didn't think worked as well.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 11:29 AM

Man who knew too much *
My third Hitchcock movie. Full of suspense, but what an anti climax. The movie is full of great sounds and excellent photography. I wish the ending was a little more satisfying
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 11:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Hollywoodland ** 1/2
(First Viewing)
Ben Affleck was great as George Reeves.

I was hoping he would get an oscar nomination for this role. So did I hope for DiCaprio for Departed. I was wrong on both
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 01:37 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Man who knew too much *
My third Hitchcock movie. Full of suspense, but what an anti climax. The movie is full of great sounds and excellent photography. I wish the ending was a little more satisfying
Which version was it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 07:33 PM

Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
DePalma gets trashed by the film geek chorus for wanting to make Hitchcock-inspired movies, yet when Quentin Tarantino makes a blaxploitation(JACKIE BROWN) or outright B-action fare (KILL BILL), what does the same chorus do? They applaud QT. What's the difference?


Agreed.

I suspect critics that give QT a pass do so because they do not have an attachment to blaxploitation, B-movie, grindhouse, Shaw Brothers, Argento, and other stuff that QT homages or lifts. With DePalma however, he's touching a giant of cinema.

The fact that Pauline Kael championed DePalma might have something to do with the polarization.

Sadly, reevaluation of DePalma's artistry might come much later via revisionists - some detractors will become supporters. Hitchcock wasn't taken seriously for a bit there.


I agree.

I also think its because trashing QT is so "not" cool. He's groovy. Nobody wants to look like a dick in trashing or attacking any part of his movies.

DePalma? Shit, I've seen Slavic whores treated better than DePalma. Save for SCARFACE and its rapper fanboy legion(that miss the point of the 3rd act), beating up DePalma for his "Hitchcock-fetish" is fair game. Its accepted.

Remember, most people have the mentality of following the pack. Right Irish?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 07:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Originally Posted By: svsg
Man who knew too much *
My third Hitchcock movie. Full of suspense, but what an anti climax. The movie is full of great sounds and excellent photography. I wish the ending was a little more satisfying
Which version was it?

The 1956 remade version in color.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/07 10:24 PM

The Maltese falcon *
I don't know what to expect from 40's movie, but I didn't quite enjoy it. All that smooth talking and style and getting away with all the dangers is stretching it a bit too far. Totally unconvincing stuff. And everyone with strange mannerisms and what not, looks amateurish and annoying. Anyway, I'll be careful venturing into the critically acclaimed zone from that era.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/07 12:44 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Remember, most people have the mentality of following the pack. Right Irish?


I agree and as I've said before, I think that's why I don't "love" some movies as much as others. Some recent examples include Casino Royale, Borat, Napoleon Dynamite, etc. But I agree that De Palma gets raped (I still feel his Untouchables is an underrated crime/gangster film).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/07 12:45 AM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Hollywoodland ** 1/2
(First Viewing)
Ben Affleck was great as George Reeves.

I was hoping he would get an oscar nomination for this role. So did I hope for DiCaprio for Departed. I was wrong on both


I didn't think Ben deserved an Oscar nomination, but I'm with you on Leo (he deserved one).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/07 06:01 AM

Legend * 1/2
(First Viewing)

A magical adventure which features elves, demons and other mythical creatures. Darkness, the personification of evil, plans to disperse eternal night in the land where this story takes place, by killing every unicorn in the world. Although he looks unbeatable, Jack and his friends are disposed to do everything to save the world and princess Lili (who Darkness intends to make his wife) from the hands of this evil monster.

The costume and makeup done for Tim Curry was amazing. He and Mia Sara did great jobs with their respectful roles, but ultimately, I found this movie to be very dull and boring (except for when Tim Curry was on screen of course).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/07 08:04 AM

The Quiet ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Dot (Belle), a young deaf and mute woman, is sent to live with her godparents (Falco and Donovan) and their daughter (Cuthbert). The new addition to the household realizes that everything is not copacetic in the home, and the family's dark come to light.

Camilla Belle and Elisha Cuthbert really do a great job in this movie and really expand their range as actresses. Some beautiful use of Beethoven music played throughout the film. The lighting and directing were enjoyable as well.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/07 12:36 PM

Irish, check out the Director's Cut of LEGEND.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/07 08:13 PM

I was thinking about watching that but I went with the shorter version. If I didn't like the 90 min version, why would I like a longer version?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/07 09:57 PM

Irish, were you eating your boogers when you were deciding which version? Why not use IMDB or wikipedia to study before making yourself look foolish?

Ridley Scott is one of the few directors that makes a substantially radical "Director's Cut" compared to whatever truncated theatrical edit he cut. Unlike most directors(Peter Jackson, Oliver Stone), he doesn't simply just add scenes that aren't necessary.

No, Scott's Director's Cuts are really different movies from the original.

Take BLADE RUNNER. The theatrical edit had a narration track that was removed from the director's cut, plus the latter version made it more obvious that Harrison Ford might be not so human.

As for LEGEND, trust me, unlike that fucking goddamn version you had to sit through, the Director's Cut is at least a competent movie.

No more super gay 80's techno-pop music from Tangerine Dream. Instead, Jerry Goldsmith's underrated beautiful score is restored. The extra minutes of scenes clear up so many plot holes and sillyness that plagues the American theatrical edit. Also, no pointless text prologue.

Better yet, the Director's Cut takes a good half hour before it reveals the Prince of Darkness...and its quite stunning.

Really irish, the American theatrical edit is quite a boring dated 80's music video mess. But the Director's Cut is to fantasy what BLADE RUNNER was for science fiction: A stunning living and breathing celluloid universe using visuals to tell a story. Of course, the DC edit of LEGEND's problem still reveals its problem. Its story is making sure its so archetype of the fantasy adventure myth, that in many of its genre-touches, its quite.....well-worn. Still, competent compared to the American theatrical edit.

LEGEND: American Theatrical Edit (1986) - *1/2
LEGEND: Director's Cut (2001) - ***1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/07 11:38 PM

I might give it a shot then. My logic of thinking was if I didn't like the 90 minute version (and thought it was dull and boring mind you), why would I enjoy a version that's 20-30 minutes longer? But I may take you up on it this week given the time.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/07 12:53 AM

I can guarantee you this Irish: You'll at least give it 2 stars out of 4. The safest bet of 2007 besides Martin Scorsese winning Best Director.

The 20 day coronation march for Marty begins!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/07 02:09 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

The 20 day coronation march for Marty begins!

Based on the merit of Departed or because it is long overdue?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/07 02:41 AM

DGA award.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/07 06:59 AM

SVSG, all the above, plus DA's point.

He won the DGA, Marty has it in the bag.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 09:10 AM

The Departed ***
(Second Viewing)

In South Boston, the state police force is waging war on Irish-American organized crime. Young undercover cop Billy Costigan is assigned to infiltrate the mob syndicate run by gangland chief Frank Costello. While Billy quickly gains Costello's confidence, Colin Sullivan, a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the police department as an informer for the syndicate, is rising to a position of power in the Special Investigation Unit. Each man becomes deeply consumed by his double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operations he has penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the mob and the police that there's a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin are suddenly in danger of being caught and exposed to the enemy-and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself. But is either willing to turn on the friends and comrades they've made during their long stints undercover?

I definitely think this is Marty's best movie since Casino and I would consider him a lock for Best Director/Best Picture, but I don't want to jinx it. I'm still really upset at Leonardo DiCaprio getting the nom for Blood Diamond and not this film, and the TOTAL snuff to Sir Jack Nicholson for his portrayal of crime kingpin Frank Costello. As usual, Marty's directing is top notch (as is the editing) but this film didn't hit me as hard in the music department as some of his previous films such as Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Casino just to name a few. As my good friend suspect_5 has said to me time and time again, "The Departed is Infernal Affairs with an Irish accent."
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 12:32 PM

THE WARRIORS (1979) - ****

Cult Classic masculine street western ballet of violence that perhaps is writer/director Walter Hill's best display of his potent dramatic action narrative filmmaking.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 03:36 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
THE WARRIORS (1979) - ****

Cult Classic masculine street western ballet of violence that perhaps is writer/director Walter Hill's best display of his potent dramatic action narrative filmmaking.


One of my personal fav films,first watched as a kid,i always like the baseball gang for some reason,but they always got thir ass kicked..
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 04:25 PM

If I ever get around to penning it up, THE WARRIORS would definately make my list of "Best Movies to Never get a Sequel."
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 04:30 PM

I'll admit...I had never even HEARD of The Warriors until I read about the video game. But hey...better late than never, right?

The film is a personal favorite of mine...and the game is excellent (albeit frustrating at times...King of the Hill, anybody?).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 04:39 PM

Well, THE WARRIORS videogame is almost like a test trial for many game features that Rockstar Games would later incorporate into BULLY, with the quirks worked out for the latter.

The King of the Hill is a bitch, but its easy to beat. Just stay in the deepest center of the top, and fight with your backs to the wall.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 07:38 PM

Strangers on a train **
This review will look identical to my recent review of Man who knew too much. Full of great visuals, sound and suspense, but a very timid ending. I like the way hitchcock constructs his frames with a camera at a low level looking upward - nice perspective.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 07:45 PM

Originally Posted By: XDCX
I'll admit...I had never even HEARD of The Warriors until I read about the video game. But hey...better late than never, right?

The film is a personal favorite of mine...and the game is excellent (albeit frustrating at times...King of the Hill, anybody?).


I'll do you one better, I've never seen The Warriors
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 08:57 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Originally Posted By: XDCX
I'll admit...I had never even HEARD of The Warriors until I read about the video game. But hey...better late than never, right?

The film is a personal favorite of mine...and the game is excellent (albeit frustrating at times...King of the Hill, anybody?).


I'll do you one better, I've never seen The Warriors


And better yet, you aint got street cred. You gotta bop!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 10:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Originally Posted By: XDCX
I'll admit...I had never even HEARD of The Warriors until I read about the video game. But hey...better late than never, right?

The film is a personal favorite of mine...and the game is excellent (albeit frustrating at times...King of the Hill, anybody?).


I'll do you one better, I've never seen The Warriors


The Irishman has never seen the Warriors but seen every other shity film on the market . You should check it out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 10:52 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Originally Posted By: XDCX
I'll admit...I had never even HEARD of The Warriors until I read about the video game. But hey...better late than never, right?

The film is a personal favorite of mine...and the game is excellent (albeit frustrating at times...King of the Hill, anybody?).


I'll do you one better, I've never seen The Warriors


The Irishman has never seen the Warriors but seen every other shity film on the market . You should check it out.


There are millions of other movies (or in this case, "cult classics") that I've yet to see. It takes time and I've got to be in the mood to watch it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 10:54 PM

Yeah DeNiro, Irish is too busy working at Blockbuster...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 10:56 PM

Thank you ronnie. I've never properly thanked you or told you how much I LOVE the way you put words into my mouth You should see a doctor soon my friend to see if he can get you some persriptions for that choronic foot-in-mouth syndrome you haven't seemed to shake yet
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 10:57 PM

Id be in my elements working there.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 11:00 PM

Wow, I've called you a fool, an idiot, a booger-eating retard, a fuckhead, attribute a fake movie called THE LIFE & TIMES OF IRISHMAN(from filmmaker Dick Hed), and I even outright called you an asshole once.

NOW you get offensive and jumpy when I trash your Blockbuster, or as I think it should be appropriately renamed, COCKBUSTER.

The individuality must be shredded in the name of the corporation!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/07 11:29 PM

No ronnie, I'm just tired of all your smart a$$ answers, your perception that you "know" everything, and especially your "ability" to think you know me and my life. You wanna talk movies, let's talk movies but please don't think you know ANYTHING about me based on what movies I watch and furthermore, which movies I enjoy
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 12:17 AM

I'm busting your balls, and sadly you are looking bad for the Yankee faithful. I thought Yank fans can take shit, and then throw it back with twice the velocity. I guess its just the majority.

Besides, the force trauma going from me to you can also go from you to me. If you want to shut me up, try busting MY balls.

If you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen.

Take Don Cardi. I remembered last year when I gave a veru mediocre review to WORLD TRADE CENTER, which he took heavy issue with. He PM'ed me and basically whooped my ass.

jGeoff? He's pounded me into the pavement more than once on PM during one of my nonsense madman periods.

The difference between YOU irish and those 2 cool cats? They fought me and took me to issue, not with whining or crying but by outright challenging me on my opinions.

Capo fights me on dozens upon dozens of reviews. Don Vercetti and Omar duel me time to time. Tom Hagen took my shit I gave him for the original ROLLERBALL and made me look foolish.

That is what you have to do Irish. Its not my fault that you're acting like Frank Lopez in SCARFACE: "Soft"

P.S. - Come on, do I need to trash Blockbuster again for you to actually fight for your opinions? Bring a gun to a knife fight.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 12:35 AM

Fuck it.

Cinema is dead, so as long as we think up alternative names to Blockbuster.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 12:37 AM

I'm not in the mood nor do I currently have the time to fight. Why can't I be "a lover and not a fighter?" As Lennon said, all we are saying is give peace a chance
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 12:38 AM

Capo is right.

But, cinema isn't dead. Not when 2006 wielded a really damn good year in movies.

The only cinema that will die is the day when movie theatres become non-existent.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 12:39 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I'm not in the mood nor do I currently have the time to fight. Why can't I be "a lover and not a fighter?" As Lennon said, all we are saying is give peace a chance


Funny you got pissy at me, but you forget that I was only supplementing a joke that DeNiro cracked. Get mad at him.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 12:39 AM

Interesting thought stemmed from that within me:

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. If it works for people, it might work better for films. Because sometimes I think of films as people. Interesting people, and honest people. In a way, I like all films.

Anyway, if we can't say anything nice about a film, we shouldn't say anything at all.

Can't say I believe in that; just an interesting thought, no?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 12:47 AM

Then Capo, what's the point of debating? Why bother giving thumbs down reviews?

Better yet, whats the point of the FCM website?

The answer to both questions is to DISCUSS about movies.

Why is WEEKEND such a great movie? Why did PEARL HARBOR suck so hard? Is MIAMI VICE solid entertaining cop/crime genre fluff, or a simplistic bottom-of-the-barrell crime genre work of Michael Mann?

Is INFERNAL AFFAIRS or its sequel THE DEPARTED superior?

Better yet, with this argument Capo, why criticize President Bush or your boy Tony Blair?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 01:10 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I'm not in the mood nor do I currently have the time to fight. Why can't I be "a lover and not a fighter?" As Lennon said, all we are saying is give peace a chance


Funny you got pissy at me, but you forget that I was only supplementing a joke that DeNiro cracked. Get mad at him.


Because DE NIRO couldn't believe it, banged his head on the brick wall and simply said I should check it out. But you came along with your sarcastic remark and rolley eyes (wasn't there a discuss on this board about how those eyes can get you into trouble?)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 01:14 AM

Fine, I apologize. Sheesh.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 07:00 AM

School for Scoundrels (2006) ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Jon Heder plays an unlucky meter reader who enrolls in a confidence-building class so he can win the love of the girl of his dreams. The class turns out to be something quite different when it becomes clear to the young man that his professor (Thorton), has his sights set on the same girl.

Napoleon Dynamite meets Bad Santa and the outcome is a hilarious comedy. I've loved Billy Bob's work ever since he dressed up as the old fat man that comes every Christmas, whereas Jon Heder's last comedy, The Benchwarmers was a complete bust (nice to see him rebound). Jacinda Barrett (Heder's love interest in the film) and complete b*tch roommate Sarah Silverman work fabulously together and Sarah steals every scene she's in. Finally, Michael Clark Duncan continues to make me laugh and the biggest surprise of the film was Ben Stiller with his New York accent and messed up long hair.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 10:03 AM

Marie Antoinette ***
(First Viewing)

Based on Antonia Fraser's book about the ill-fated Archduchess of Austria and later Queen of France, 'Marie Antoinette' tells the story of the most misunderstood and abused woman in history, from her birth in Imperial Austria to her later life in France.

What I really found interesting about this film is Director Sofia Coppola used modern music, which I really liked. However, the acting and casting of a few was kind of bad/suspect. Jason Schwartzman and Rip Torn, most noteably and among others, gave ZERO effort in attempting to produce a French accent. Other than that Kirsten Dunst was tolerable and borderline enjoyable.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/08/07 12:57 PM

The lack of French accents are the point, no? Dunst certainly doesn't have one.

Quote:
Why is WEEKEND such a great movie? Why did PEARL HARBOR suck so hard?
Does it suck? Or have you failed to find the good in it? You might just have to try a bit harder to see masterpieces in some films than you do in others.

Quote:
Better yet, with this argument Capo, why criticize President Bush or your boy Tony Blair?
I don't, that's the point; I feel unqualified to judge people I've never met.

By no means am I saying I live by this; but perhaps I should... I don't know.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 04:17 AM

Capo, does SCARFACE suck? You've said it before yourself that in each subsequent screening, you find it lacking more and more. So with your argument, are you failing to find any good within it?

Maybe we both are just chasing mice in our heads.

As for the Bush/Blair thing, your taxes pay Tony Boy Blair's salary. His boss is supposed to be the taxpayers.

Anyway Irish, glad you quite enjoyed MARIE ANTOINETTE. I think the "bad" acting is a misnomer. The French monarchy was full of people who were retarded in being human. To quote an old teacher of mine, if you lived Disneyworld your whole life, how can you deal with the real world?

In a way, this retardation leads to the monarchy to become a bunch of spoil brat children that never grow up.

But thats just my opinion.

COMMANDO (1985) - ***

Generic action-plot of American special forces badass (Ahhnuld) trying to save his daughter from mercenaries in under 11 hours doesn't make this movie.

What makes COMMANDO memorable for a generation is the outright cartoonish subreality of the movie. A man can fall from a plane and into a swamp pond without breaking legs. A car gets wrecked and flips over, but when flipped back, its repaired. One guy with enough ammo for the nation of Liberia can destroy a whole tiny island's army(though you have to admit, its an apt parallel to Grenada).

No, its two things that make the movie a camp 80's action-cheese classic. Its the humor of it. Take this scene where Ahhhnuld has THE WARRIORS' own maniac assassin Luthor(David Patrick Kelly) hanging over a cliff:

"Remember Sully when I said that I would kill you last?"
"Yeah Matrix, you did!"
"I LIED."

*Drops*

Maybe the Rae Dawn Chong casting makes it damn funny as well. Maybe its the casting of Kelly, 80's black bad mother fucker action man Bill Duke, Dan Hedaya as a Latin American dictator(the make-up is hilariously bad in itself). Hell, I almost forgot about the baddie of the movie, who basically is Freddy Mercury(heavy gay-moustache especially) pumped on steroids and adrenaline.

There is no coincidence that the finale fight of the baddie and Mercury-on-steroids is bordering upon softcore homoerotic pornography.

In a way, COMMANDO works because it does something that RAMBO 2 never could. COMMANDO knows its fucking idiotic, and relishes in it. RAMBO 2 really was trying to be seriously sincere as some sort of 80's anti-Vietnam statement in the midst of its own stupidity. COMMANDO is an all-out good excuse for Ahhhnuld to maim and kill people.

Guess which movie I prefer by a good war or two?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 06:43 AM

Babel ***
(First Viewing)

This is a complex tale of four interlocking stories. A poor Moroccan family acquires a rifle to protect their goats. An American couple's bus tour holiday is shattered when she is accidentally shot. That couple's children, at home in the USA with their nanny/housekeeper, accompany her to Mexico to attend her son's wedding. A Japanese father, whose wife has committed suicide some time ago, is unable to communicate with his teenage daughter. A tragic tale for all concerned.

I had been looking forward to this movie since I saw previews for it to hit theaters (but was never able to make a screening). It did run a little long at a runtime of 142 minutes but a great story with a great performance by Rinko Kikuchi (who plays the deaf-mute girl desperately in need of human contact). Even though he was only in one scene, I also LOVED Clifton Collins Jr.'s performance as the pr*ck boarder patrol officer.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 06:48 AM

Irish, what movie should win Best Picture? BABEL or DEPARTED?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 07:03 AM

You know I'm a Marty-a-holic so I'd go with Marty (he's been screwed in the past and this is his year). Based on movies alone, I still give it to The Departed. But Alejandro González Iñárritu is turning some heads and I'm glad because his last movie, 21 Grams, was great!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 07:16 AM

I asked Best Picture, not Best Director.

But yeah, this fellow Marty-holic...I'm happy that he's a fucking LOCK to win Best Director finally.

The 16 day coronation march to the Oscars continues...care to tag along?

Now what movie will win Best Picture?

For the first time in years upon years....its up in the air. You can make an argument for any of the Best Picture nominees(BABEL, DEPARTED, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA, THE QUEEN) to win.

Why?

THE DEPARTED - It's the clear-cut box-office champion. With over $120+ million smackers in American theatres, it will be perhaps the only massly-wide-seen Best Picture contender of this year. Yet it can lose because of the fact that its a remake, and remakes have NEVER won Best Picture. Never.

BABEL - Its the social-message movie of the year, and the sort of material that the Oscars love. However, CRASH's surprise win last year for Best Picture might turn Oscar voters from supporting this horse (which is a pity, since BABEL wipes its ass with that mediocre after school-special CRASH).

THE QUEEN - Yeah, it can win. People count it out for being a "too small" of a movie to win it all, but so what? If BABEL and DEPARTED split votes, THE QUEEN could get crowned.

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE - The underdog Sundance champ movie that's earned a big profit, and seems to be the "indie" champ in the competition. Better yet, it could be the "spoiler" over QUEEN if DEPARTED and BABEL split ballots. The problem for LMS is that its got no Best Director nods, and guess what? That usually means no chance at victory for LMS...in any other year.

LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA - People were shocked that Eastwood got Best Picture and Director nods for IWO JIMA, but should they be? People admire his back-to-back shot WW2 movies(including FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS) and LETTERS was well-better received than FLAGS.

The problem? Its grossed less than $10 million, and will continue to be very little-seen by Americans by the 25th, when the Oscars are announced.

Stay tuned!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 07:19 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
BABEL - Its the social-message movie of the year, and the sort of material that the Oscars love. However, CRASH's surprise win last year for Best Picture might turn Oscar voters from supporting this horse (which is a pity, since BABEL wipes its ass with that mediocre after school-special CRASH).


I agree, Babel was a better movie than Crash but I remember Crash still being a good movie. I've only seen it once (when it first came out on DVD) and I'm been meaning to rewatch it soon.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 08:27 AM

IMO Babel is full of characters that I can empathize with and hence it gets me involved deeply with the film. On the other hand, notwithstanding the excellent editing, Departed is full of indifferent guys. Some years from now, I will be tempted to revisit Babel and probably forget Departed. But I have to say that I enjoyed Departed thoroughly and I have already watched it twice.
Little Miss Sunshine has a predictable story and is not worthy of Oscar.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 12:26 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Capo, does SCARFACE suck? You've said it before yourself that in each subsequent screening, you find it lacking more and more. So with your argument, are you failing to find any good within it?

Maybe we both are just chasing mice in our heads.
Yeah, maybe. But they're cute so I allow them to. Mine wear big black sunglasses.

Scarface is a film I most certainly did not connect with, but into each of my viewings, which were both an incredibly long time ago, went outside influences urging me to like it, and so I was subconsciously resisting that... and I still think it's grossly overlong. I'd love to see it again, though, and soon.

As for Blair, I don't pay taxes because I'm not earning enough; I've been eligible to vote for over a year now, and never do. I'm not sure whether or not that's irresponsible, but I tend to live my life the same under any leader, so it makes little difference to me.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/07 12:34 PM

As for Oscar debates, I'm not even happy with the nominations; the only one I really don't mind is The Departed. I'll go for that, though I'm really not sure why.

I thought Babel was very good, but I had several problems with it. The non-linear narrative, for one, wasn't as essential to its meaning as in 21 Grams, it was more of a gimmick, less exciting, and in the end probably overlong. A few of the different narrative strands connected in a very wishy-washy way, and the Mexican boarder scene surprised me in how typical and ordinary it was. I had expected more of the director.

I seem to be in a heavy minority who didn't like The Queen. It was as if a popular made-for-TV drama was condensed down into a feature-length film and released in theatres due to the television success. The acting was very good, but I counted one shot in the entire thing which lifted it above banality.

The Departed is the best of the three nominations I've seen. I didn't really have any major problems with it at all; it didn't look very nice but it boasted an energy and punch which we've come to expect from Scorsese. He's never made a film that's dragged... even his long films hurtle by. The Departed seems the most consistent of the bunch, the most assured, the most solid, the most attractive. Scorsese's use of sound is fantastic. I'd like to see it again.

I've still to see Little Miss Sunshine and Letters.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/07 08:32 AM

Planes, Trains & Automobiles * 1/2
(First Viewing)

All that Neal Page wants to do is to get home for Thanksgiving. His flight has been cancelled due to bad weather, so he decides on other means of transport. As well as bad luck, Neal is blessed with the presence of Del Griffith, Shower Curtain Ring Salesman and all-around blabbermouth, who is never short of advice, conversation, bad jokes, or company.

A pretty notable cast including Steve Martin, John Candy (I miss him), Kevin Bacon, Edie McClurg an Ben Stein. This film had it's moments but nowhere near as hilarious as I had heard from a fellow employee.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/07 04:09 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

I thought Babel was very good, but I had several problems with it. The non-linear narrative, for one, wasn't as essential to its meaning as in 21 Grams, it was more of a gimmick, less exciting, and in the end probably overlong. A few of the different narrative strands connected in a very wishy-washy way, and the Mexican boarder scene surprised me in how typical and ordinary it was. I had expected more of the director.

I presume you mean parallel stories, rather than non-linear. I thought that each of the stories was linear by itself. My friends had problem with this and several other points. We went to the theater thinking that this is a story about an American couple in Iraq (it turned out to be Morocco!). We had no idea that there were 3 parallel stories. So all of us were waiting for the connection between the other two stories with the Moroccan one, which we thought was the main story. Half way through I realized it and watched the rest of the movie without that bias. Secondly they were looking for a strong connection between the 3 stories, which essentially was not the intention of the director. The connection, whatever little was just accidental, it is a trivial part in the big picture.

The Morocco Story - 2 arcs
.
A peaceful family dragged into problems and death because of the inherently sly nature of the younger son. A tragedy.
A couple with marital problems discovering their love when faced with adversity and fear of death. A positive arc.

The Japan Story - A complex arc
It starts happily with a deaf-mute girl with her friends, then descends deeper and deeper into tragedy with her sexual frustration. But at the end of it all she regains the love of her father who till then had been a stranger to her practically.

The Mexico Story - Completely tragic arc.

What should have been a routine day ends up totally life altering for the kids and the nanny, who after 15 years finds she cannot enter US. The kids are totally scarred with the near death experience.

That is how life is, bizarre. Unexpected tragedies and reversal of fortunes. I liked how the director deals with this theme with comparisons and contrast. My favorite is the Japan story however. It is beautiful, tragic, but ultimately reassuring. Great effort thematically. Ofcourse the technical brilliance has been alluded to by others including yourself. I would also like to mention that the very wide-angle closeups in Morocco were good.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/07 04:29 PM

What the hell was all that about though, the standing naked on the balcony? I liked the shot when it pulled away from the balcony, but that was mostly due to the music, too. It seemed far less grounded than his other two features.

The narrative is non-linear, because it's jumping back and forth between events that happened over the course of several days. The parallel stories within that narrative might unfold in order, but the narrative is non-linear.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/07 04:38 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
What the hell was all that about though, the standing naked on the balcony?

I think that naked shot was a metaphor to the father accepting and reaching out to his daughter as if she was a new born baby (naked and helpless). It is something he did not do because of his wife's presumably tragic death. That is my interpretation, by no means the definitive one.

Quote:
The narrative is non-linear, because it's jumping back and forth between events that happened over the course of several days. The parallel stories within that narrative might unfold in order, but the narrative is non-linear.

OK, you are the technical man, I'll agree with your definition
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/07 04:54 AM

Blue Velvet *
(First Viewing)

Returning home to visit his father who is in intensive care at the hospital, Jeffrey Beaumont stumbles upon a human ear he finds in a field. With local police detective Williams and the local police department unable to investigate, Jeffrey and Sandy, Detective Williams's daughter decide to do their own investigation. But what Jeffrey and Sandy's investigation leads them to discover that a dark underworld exists in their hometown. Jeffrey becomes suspicious of nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens, who is involved with Frank Booth, a violent and evil man.

A great and disturbing performance by Dennis Hopper (sometimes I feel the man doesn't receive the credit he deserves). Also, a great cameo there by Dean Stockwell (otherwise known as Al from the Quantum Leap series). Other than the film felt excruciatingly slow and I was bored with it. I forgot this was from David Lynch who brought us Mulholland Dr.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/07 08:52 AM

Robin Hood (1973) *** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Retelling of the Robin Hood legend with animals for the characters. Robin Hood is an outlaw who starts to form a gang in Sherwood Forest to fight the injustices of the Sheriff of Nottingham, who levies unpayable taxes upon the people.

One of my favorite and one of Disney's best animated films IMO
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/07 10:05 AM

ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA (1984) - ***** - Masterpiece

Man, the version shown on AMC is pathetically chopped up.

Seriously folks, never never EVER watch it on AMC. If you do, you lose points with me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/07 09:13 AM

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves **
(First Viewing)

After escaping from a Dungeon after being captured by the Turks during the crusades, Robin, son of Lord Locksley and a warrior Moor named Azeem return to England only to find Robin's father has been murdered by the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham and has taken over his Father's lands. Unable to be helped by Maid Marian Dubois, sister of Robin's friend Peter who died trying to help Robin and Azeem escape. Robin vows to avenge his father and flees to the Forest of Sherwood, home to a band of outlaws who have been banished from their villages by the Sheriff of Notingham. Combining the forces of the outlaws, Robin and his merry men set out on a crusade against the Sheriff of Nottingham and defeat the Sheriff of Nottingham and his henchmen who bids to take over the throne of England's rightful ruler King Richard and put a end to the corruption that has infested the English countryside.

A very noticable cast but the movie wasn't up to par. I was wondering while watching the film why it has seemed to "slip through the cracks of time" and now I know why. The movie was entertaining (if not overlong), with again, a very noticable cast. However, I felt the whole Sheriff of Nottingham/Alan Rickman's mother is a witch scenario should have been SCRAPED from the picture. On a positive side, this was an enjoyable part from Christian Slater before he life spiraled out of control. Also, Alan Rickman and Michael Wincott easily were the most enjoyable as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gisborne respectively. I'm becoming more of a Kevin Costner fan but I felt he didn't put forth 100% in this film. JFK he seemed to put forth the effort and even somewhat in The Untouchables but for me, in this picture, it was as if someone was forcing his hand the whole way through. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio did a great job as Maid Marian as did Michael McShane as Friar Tuck. Finally, it was great to see a cameo from Sir Sean Connery as King Richard, even if it was for only 2 lines of dialogue.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/07 01:01 PM

Irish, I totally agree with you on PRINCE OF THIEVES.

Then again, Rickman is fun in his comfortable Hollywood villain archetype work but nothing special.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/07 09:56 AM

In Like Flint * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Flint is again called out of retirement when his old boss finds that he seems to have missed 3 minutes while golfing with the president. Flint finds that the president has been replaced by an actor. Flint finds that a group of women have banded together to take over the world through subliminal brainwashing in beauty salons they own.

In all honesty, the only reason I bothered with this movie, is because I remember Austin Powers saying "it was his favorite movie" (plus that quote was on the DVD case). The movie itself was very disappointing. I never really felt a connection or cared about our secret agent Derek Flint (which is rather sad and CANNOT happen in a spy movie). I think this was basically just Fox's attempt to try to capitalize on the phenomenon the James Bond series begin in 1962 with Dr. No. Plus, I felt Flint was more of a scientist than a secret agent (he was just so knowledgeable and he just seemed more comfortable in the laboratory than in the field). Not to say that secret agent's can't be knowledgeable, but he seemed to be "too smart" for the profession if you know what I mean (basically, he liked his work more than the ladies, even though on screen they tried to persuade you otherwise).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/07 10:26 AM

Try OUR MAN FLYNT, which actually is a decent spoof/serious knock-off of the Bond craze of the 1960s.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/07 06:54 PM

Yeah I'm gonna try to watch it Thursday (gotta grab it from work)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/07 01:36 AM

Hannibal Rising ***
(First Viewing)

This is the story of the monster Hannibal Lecter's formative years. These experiences as a child and young adult led to his remarkable contribution to the fields of medicine, music, painting and forensics. We begin in World War II at the medieval castle in Lithuania built by Dr. Lecter's forebear, Hannibal the Grim. The child Hannibal survives the horrors of the Eastern Front and escapes the grim Soviet aftermath to find refuge in France with the widow of his uncle, mysterious and beautiful Japanese descended from Lady Murasaki Shikibu, author of the Tale of Genji. Her kind and wise attentions help him understand his unbearable recollections of the war. Remembering, he finds the means to visit the outlaw predators that changed him forever as they battened on helpless during the collapse of the Eastern Front. Hannibal helps these war criminals toward self-knowledge even as we see his own nature become clear to him.

Remember, this is a prequel to Red Dragon so there's not a lot of blood & guts. It's the transformation of Hannibal Lecter. Figuring out what makes him tick and trying to understand how he came to be the way he turned out. Gaspard Ulliel really impressed me at the tender age of 22 to play the teenage Hannibal Lecter. During the first part of the film, he didn't say much but when he finally did, I think it made him even more of a monster. Visually vicious. Secondly, I didn't realize there was going to be so much of a Japanese undertone to the film (which I really enjoyed since I've really gotten into the Japanese cinema and culture since the Kill Bill movies came out a couple of years ago). Gong Li is a great actress and put together another great performance as Hannibal's Aunt, Lady Murasaki Shikibu. Finally, the entire European cast was just fantastic, particularly Rhys Ifans who was the main villain in this tribe of cannibals.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/07 08:34 AM

Cleopatra (1963) ***
(First Viewing)

The film is the historical and poetical drama of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt who wants to stabilize her power by using the tensions in the Roman Empire. Due to her beauty Julius Caesar as well as Marc Antony, his oponent, fall in love with her but Cleopatra deceides for the wrong side and loses in the end all; and Egypt is being integrated into the Roman Empire.

I really miss BIG Hollywood Roman Epic's like this and others. I miss the beauty sets, thousands of extra's/costumes, with at least a 240 minute runtime. Rex Harrison (Julius Caesar), Elizabeth Taylor (Cleopatra) and Richard Burton (Marc Anthony) were all great in their respectfull roles. Does anyone know of any other great Hollywood Roman Epic's other than Ben-Hur, The Ten Commandments and Cleopatra that I should check out?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/07 03:23 PM

spactacus is a classic have you seen this one.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/07 03:36 PM

Spartacus is definitely one of my all time favorite movies right up there with the Godfather I and II.

A true classic.


"One man says no, and all of Rome trembles!"


Don Cardi
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/07 09:14 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
spactacus is a classic have you seen this one.


I've seen it once and remember not liking it that much
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/07 10:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Spartacus is definitely one of my all time favorite movies right up there with the Godfather I and II.


Every time you bring up "Spartacus" I think of Peter Graves as the pilot in "Airplane" as he asks the little kid visiting the cockpit if he likes gladiator movies.

I just saw "Love Letters" (1945) for the first time and I absolutely loved it!. Its the story of a soldier returning from WWII (Joseph Cotten) hooking up with the widow (Jennifer Jones) of one of his war buddies. The twist is Cotten used to write love letters to the lady as a favor for his friend (and she has amnesia). Its a mystery/melodrama and a great romance story.

Ayn Rand has the writing credits and Cotten and Jones are superb together (they paired in a few other films together as well). If you get to see this little known classic (perhaps on TCM) make sure to tape it! (Its not available on DVD).

The ladies will LOVE it, and us guys can be happy to just look upon Jones, a classic beauty.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/07 11:39 PM

Daredevil ** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Fate deals young orphan Matt Murdock a strange hand when he is doused with hazardous waste. The accident leaves Matt blind but also gives him a heightened "radar sense" that allows him to "see" far better than any man. Years later Murdock has grown into a man and becomes a respected criminal attorney. But after he's done his "day job" Matt takes on a secret identity as "The Man Without Fear," Daredevil, the masked avenger that patrols the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen and New York City to combat the injustice that he cannot tackle in the courtroom.

Just gearing up for Mark Steven Johnson's next film, Ghost Rider which comes out tomorrow. As much as I hate Ben Affleck, I think he really did a good job as both Matt Murdock & Daredevil. Michael Clarke Duncan is such a presence on screen as Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin. Jon Favreau always lightens the moods in his movies (I love this guy) and I throughly enjoyed the cameo's by both Stan 'The Man' Lee and Kevin Smith (as Jack Kirby, Forensic Assistant). I boycotted this movie when it came out in theaters because I didn't buy the whole "blind superhero" premise but since watching it on DVD, I have enjoyed it. I felt the movie got a lot of unnecessary criticism and it wasn't as bad as others would lead you to believe.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/07 12:17 AM

The Ten Commandments is based in Egypt, btw.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/07 03:31 AM

Originally Posted By: SC
I just saw "Love Letters" (1945) for the first time and I absolutely loved it!. Its the story of a soldier returning from WWII (Joseph Cotten)...
Shamefully, I've never heard of that film, but speaking of Cotten, I watched Welles' The Magnificent Ambersons for the second time a fortnight ago, and was mightily impressed, by the general production, by Cotten's performance in particular.

I've seen him in that film, Citizen Kane, and Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt, and he's been excellent in all three.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/07 05:07 AM

Stranger Than Fiction **
(First Viewing)

Karen Effiel is an author writing her latest novel about an isolated man named Harold Crick. What she doesn't know is that her fictionalized character is real. The real Harold Crick is an IRS agent who has lived a dull existence and one day begins to hear Karen's voice as she narrates what she puts on paper to what Harold has and is doing. Because of this Harold enlists the help of a literary professor to find out what is happening and ends up changing things about his life including beginning a relationship with his IRS client, a government-hating bakery owner named Ana Pascal. Harold, however, finds trouble when he hears that Karen plans to kill him.

Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Emma Thompson were all enjoyable in this picture but ultimately, the subject matter didn't interest me too much. It was funny at times and it was worth the rental, but overall, I could care less about it.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/07 06:34 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Shamefully, I've never heard of that film, but speaking of Cotten, I watched Welles' The Magnificent Ambersons for the second time a fortnight ago, and was mightily impressed, by the general production, by Cotten's performance in particular.

I've seen him in that film, Citizen Kane, and Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt, and he's been excellent in all three.


Other than those titles you mentioned above I've only seen Cotten in one other movie - "Gaslight", and I'd highly recommend that (with Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman).

BTW - This "Love Letters" takes place in England. Reminds me a little of "Rebecca" and "The Uninvited" with its country home and train rides into London. I probably would not have ever heard of it either, except for the good luck of having Turner Classic Movies (TCM), a cable network which airs mostly 1940's/50's classics.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/07 08:11 AM

A Good Year ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A British investment broker inherits his uncle's chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold.

Russell Crowe does a good job at being a pr*ck in this movie, and Ridley Scott even delves into his brother Tony Scott's bag of tricks in one shot. When Russell Crowe is walking around his chateau, taking pictures, Ridley's shot's reminded me of the "MTV video music" shot style that annoyed so many others here on this board during Man on Fire. An enjoyable movie but I'm not one for romantic comedies, but I had to see this since it was Crowe and Scott reteaming again.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/07 08:48 AM

NO WAY OUT (1987) - ***1/2

The very basic thriller plot doesn't make the movie, but the 3rd act where director Roger Donaldson applies the pressure to our jugular until there is no more air coming from our lungs. The surprise twist ending adds a whole new level to the movie when watched again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/07 04:11 AM

Ghost Rider ***
(First Viewing)

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

I know some will discredit this movie because it was done by Daredevil director, Mark Steven Johnson or some of the cheesy scenes, but overall, I really did enjoy this film. So much so, that I daresay it deserves a second viewing in theaters from me. First off, Nicholas Cage was GREAT as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider. At least he seemed to give a sh*t about this character, rather than just "going through the motions" as he seemed to in the remake of The Wicker Man. I've always enjoyed Eva Mendes' work since I first saw her in 2001's Training Day. She doesn't disappoint again as Johnny's love interest and reporter, Roxanne Simpson. Finally, Peter Fonda did a great job himself as Mephistopheles. He didn't shout or show a lot of anger, but the man got his point across and was a presence on screen. If you were debating to see this movie, I would recommend it. It might not be worth the $8.50 for some folks, but definitely worth a matinee showing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/07 07:53 AM

Man of the Year **
(First Viewing)

On a lark, the host of a late-night political talk show (Williams) decides to run for president. The thing is, he never expected to win.

Good performances by Robin Williams and Laura Linney, but ultimately this movie blew all of their good jokes in the first 20-30 minutes of the film. The rest of the time, it was very serious except for maybe the last 5-10. As if the norm nowadays, most (if not all) of the funny parts were already disclosed to us in the film's preview.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/07 11:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Ghost Rider ***
(First Viewing)

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

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


Where did Cage actually himself to "give a shit"? Do I need a microscope to look for this "giving" that he doesn't do?

If anything, it wasn't the Cage of LEAVING LAS VEGAS, where he wasn't the nervous-tick-riden "uhh yeah" Cage that we've known for years. Hell, Cage in GHOST RIDER isn't even the "fun" Cage of FACE/OFF where acting "coasting" is disguised as "fun".

If anything, I want you Irish to tell me what he added to the movie besides the massive paycheck and gross points he demanded.

Maybe the fact that he was so funny in a bad way in WICKER MAN may have saved him from harsher criticism than he deserved with GHOST RIDER.

But honestly, Cage isn't why GHOST RIDER fails. He's a non-factor. I blame Mark Steven Johnson, and while Irish you give him the Pardon Clinton-style, he is the cancer to why GHOST RIDER fails as much as why DAREDEVIL was problematic.

I mean, for a protagonist who's ass is owned by the Devil, there is never any sense of actual regret or pain in having binded yourself to Old Scratch's oath. Like the Bush administration failing to get enough ground troops to occupy Iraq, MSJ's failure in the opening premise for the movie dooms what subsequently happens.

In a way, the premise of GHOST RIDER the iconic comic book character isn't some fucking silly "Bad to the Bone" being played with Blaze having fun. No, GHOST RIDER the premise is like the Black Sabbath version of the Sleepy Hollow or The Devil & Daniel Webster. Its a civilian coming face to face with the supernatural darkness of myth, and being transformed.

Instead, we get a video game of a movie that is made to appeal to the elementary/middle-school demographics. You know, kids.

Maybe what pisses me off so much about GHOST RIDER is that Peter Fonda's superb work is wasted. Hollywood won't give him more work anytime soon. Even the very wrong Irishman can't deny that.

GHOST RIDER (2006) - **
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/07 02:12 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
If anything, I want you Irish to tell me what he added to the movie besides the massive paycheck and gross points he demanded.


He had more energy than he seemed to put forth in The Wicker Man and he was more enjoyable/entertaining as Johnny Blaze. The question I pose to you is, who do you think could have done a better job as the Ghost Rider?

As for the movie overall, I think some need to go into it expecting this film not to be on par with the X-Men or Spider-Man franchises. Again, I felt Daredevil and now Ghost Rider are unjustily criticsed. Yes there are some humerous and/or cheesy moments in Mark Steven Johnson's film, but what would YOU have done differently? I've seen worse comic book movies than Daredevil and Ghost Rider (i.e. Hellboy and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/07 03:34 AM

Actually, Nic Cage could have worked as Ghost Rider, believe it or not.

But its the approach that he and MSJ decided to go for is what I don't care for. Like DAREDEVIL's Ben Affleck, you're never given a reason to give a damn about Blaze's problems. Without a hook launched by the movie, you're only midly interested, but like air being deflated out of a ballon, It quite quickly becomes flat to the point that the only emotion coming from a viewer is rage at the mediocrity.

The idea of GHOST RIDER is of a supernatural curse placed upon an immortal. If anything, I might have been inspired by the mood and atmosphere provided by HIGHLANDER, if I was going to make GHOST RIDER. Don't let images of 80's techno-pop tunes from Queen and sword-fighting enter your head. That movie, in its Director's Cut, is really moody as hell with a protagonist that's been cursed with immortality by an unseen power, and now forced to confront his past for the last time.

What am I talking about? A moody emotional movie about the loss of life and innocence instead of an empty, mediocrity set by FOX to sell to the middle-school loser kids? How silly of me for believing that inherently, any comic book property, if done right, can kick ass.

But tell me Irish, while you're defending GHOST RIDER and DAREDEVIL with the "lower standards" argument, why are they better than LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN and HELLBOY?

I mean, to quote Sid Haig in THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, I call what I see: 4 Very-Mediocre movies without any substance. What did Mark Steven Johnson do special to DD and GR besides wasting my time?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/07 04:22 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Actually, Nic Cage could have worked as Ghost Rider, believe it or not.


And as I said in my reivew, Nic Cage did work as Ghost Rider

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
But its the approach that he and MSJ decided to go for is what I don't care for. Like DAREDEVIL's Ben Affleck, you're never given a reason to give a damn about Blaze's problems.


In Daredevil, Matt's problem is that he and his father were trying to both make comebacks (Matt from becoming blind and his father as the prize fighter). His father wouldn't take the dive for Fallon and as a result, got clipped. At this point in his life, Matt wasn't able to stand up for those less fortunate, let alone himself. When we pick up with Ben Affleck entering the picture, he now IS capable of delivering his own brand of justice for the rapist scumbags who continue to get aquitted due to their legal help and for those who exploit the poor and less fortunate.

In Ghost Rider, I at least cared that Johnny was "somewhat" willing to sell his soul to save his father. I say somewhat because he never signed his name, but cut himself on the contract and the devil said "he would accept that." So basically, he signs a contract he never fully intended to sign yet, his father was cured but died in an accident caused by the devil, and now he is cursed to fulfill his end of the bargain. He got screwed at every angle and the devil continues to take advantage of him.


Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
But tell me Irish, while you're defending GHOST RIDER and DAREDEVIL with the "lower standards" argument, why are they better than LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN and HELLBOY?


As a result of "the argument" (film as art vs. entertainment) here on this board, I found Mark Steven Johnson's movies more entertaining. I like the CGI and visual FX more and the stories (not to mention the casts of both movies) more interesting. I found Hellboy to be the most boring comic book movie I've ever sat through (remember I left the theater?) and it was VERY overrated IMO. As for The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, I dig Sir Sean Connery & Peta Wilson but that's where it ends. The story didn't seem too interesting to me but I honestly do owe it a second rewatch (I just remember not being blown away by it when I first watched it).
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/07 05:49 AM

Magnolia ***

I watched it with a lot of interruptions, so I could not enjoy it fully. Plus I was watching with a bunch of guys, so many of the scenes intended to be serious were turned into comedy. Nonetheless, the movie was enjoyable and I liked the transitions between the parallel stories. One thing I did not understand was the frog rain. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Our resident Magnolia fan MistaMista can throw some light on this, I hope.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/07 06:18 AM

It was intended to be a Biblical climax. It was a true story that a tornado sucked up frogs and rained them on a town, so that inspired the idea and Anderson enjoyed the Biblical feel to it. Think of it as divine intervention with a sense of humor.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/07 06:54 AM

The Prestige *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A mysterious story of two magicians whose intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy -- full of obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences. From the time that they first met as young magicians on the rise, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden were competitors. However, their friendly competition evolves into a bitter rivalry making them fierce enemies-for-life and consequently jeopardizing the lives of everyone around them. Set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century London.

The movie, much like The Illusionist, is a magic trick itself. But this one keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat more than Edward Norton's birthday tricks. Great chemistry that proved to be an intense rivalry on screen between Wolverine and Batman themselves, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson were also great in their respectful roles. Mr. Nolan is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors with Memento (my favorite Nolan movie), Insomnia, Batman Begins and now The Prestige. I have yet to see Following but I hear it's good. I didn't realize he co-wrote Memento, Batman Begins and The Prestige. A fantastic director and writer. I guess you can throw me in with Don Andrew, ronnie and others who are eagerly anticipating his next film, The Dark Knight, July 18, 2008.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/07 09:02 AM

Decoys 2: Alien Seduction 1/2
(First Viewing)

Sam, a college student in a small Northwestern town, reluctantly joins his roommates in a contest to see who can hook up with the most gorgeous co-eds by the end of the semester. But when men slowly start disappearing around town, he and his friends learn that when it comes to beautiful women, it's what's inside that really matters.

Hot females, bad script, bad CGI, bad jokes, bad acting.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 01:02 AM

No comments, concerns or criticisms on my Prestige review? Shocking...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 01:13 AM

The Prestige is a fantastic film. It's Nolan's best film, and the one which, like Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers, binds all his previous works together thematically. It's deeply self-reflexive, riveting, very exciting Cinema, presented in the same vein as the magic tricks within the narrative.

I loved it from the opening shot to the final shot: we've got the same story told from two interweaving narratives, both in flashback, both collected memories in the form of a retrospective, written journal, and bound together by Caine's voice-over.

Nolan is a director growing in confidence and skill. He knows when to cut and what to; with a crescendo of music, and a simple cut from this to that, he'll build to an emotional climax with what seems to be little effort.

Amazing, amazing film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 02:14 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
No comments, concerns or criticisms on my Prestige review? Shocking...


Not really shocking when you're right.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 02:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Don Vercetti
It was intended to be a Biblical climax. It was a true story that a tornado sucked up frogs and rained them on a town, so that inspired the idea and Anderson enjoyed the Biblical feel to it. Think of it as divine intervention with a sense of humor.

Thanks, that makes sense now.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 02:24 AM

Irish, Following is a very interesting movie. Shot in BW, and not as complex as Memento. Clever plot.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 04:38 AM

Kingdom of Heaven. Superb.
Posted By: manicmontana

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 05:06 AM

blood diamond is awesome!!!!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 05:10 AM

I caught YOU, ME AND DUPREE On Demand tonight. I was disappointed.

WEDDING CRASHERS was so much better. I guess Owen Wilson's not ready to carry a movie yet.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 05:16 AM

Yeah Owen is ready. Go watch BOTTLE ROCKET sometime.
Posted By: manicmontana

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 05:19 AM

click was suprising...not what i expected..the first half was comedy thaen all of a sudden it starts going all deep and shit
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 05:26 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Yeah Owen is ready. Go watch BOTTLE ROCKET sometime.

I'll check it out, thanks Ronnie.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 05:28 AM

Originally Posted By: manicmontana
click was suprising...not what i expected..the first half was comedy thaen all of a sudden it starts going all deep and shit

Yeah, pretty soon Sandler will be doing horror movies with Jim Carrey.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 05:36 AM


Novecento (1900) (1976)

Directed by: Bernardo Bertolucci
Starring: Robert De Niro, Gérard Depardieu, Burt Lancaster, Donald Sutherland, Sterling Hayden

All-Star cast did well, but at 5 hrs 15 mins (uncut version) it felt quite interminable to me (and I love epic films). I'm too tired and weak to go any further right now... lol
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 05:41 AM

Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Novecento (1900) (1976)

Directed by: Bernardo Bertolucci
Starring: Robert De Niro, Gérard Depardieu, Burt Lancaster, Donald Sutherland, Sterling Hayden

All-Star cast did well, but at 5 hrs 15 mins (uncut version) it felt quite interminable to me (and I love epic films). I'm too tired and weak to go any further right now... lol


Excellent movie Geoff ! Bertolucci is often criticized for being a communist sympathizer because of the way they're depicted in the movie, but I thought it was great.

Donald Sutherland was a great bad guy, almost cartoonish, but great nonetheless.

An excellent look into the class sytem.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 06:33 AM

Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield
(First Viewing)

A poor excuse at an Ed Gein movie. Horrible directing, bad script and too many character holes. We're never told how or why Ed is Ed. And the whole movie isn't even based on him. A great deal of the movie is spent on the town's deputy, his mother and his girlfriend. For a better version of the life of Ed Gein, check out In the Light of the Moon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/07 08:41 AM

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan *** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Kazakhstani TV personality Borat is dispatched to the United States to report on the "greatest country in the world." With a documentary crew in tow, Borat becomes more interested in locating and marrying Pamela Anderson than on his assignment.

Truly more enjoyable with a second viewing. Sacha Baron Cohen is such a talented actor and Ken Davitian who played Borat's sidekick Azamat, was very enjoyable as well. I love US and A and I like you. NICE!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/07 09:45 AM

Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny **
(First Viewing)

In Venice Beach, naive Midwesterner JB bonds with local slacker KG and they form the rock band Tenacious D. Setting out to become the world's greatest band is no easy feat, so they set out to steal what could be the answer to their prayers -- a magical guitar pick housed in a rock-and-roll museum some 300 miles away.

Jack Black is one of my favorite comedians but this movie wasn't what it's all cracked up to be. I've never listened to a Tenacious D album, and this movie doesn't really want me to either. Just another stoner movie with a better soundtrack than most.
Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/07 12:47 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No more super gay 80's techno-pop music from Tangerine Dream.


SHUT UP.

(Thief)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/07 08:40 AM

Our Man Flint **
(First Viewing)

When the intelligence agencies of the world find that their agents are being murdered at an alarming rate their leaders all write out the qualities an agent will need to succede against the terrible crisis they are facing. Derick Flint is the only agent with all the qualities, but his old boss refuses to work with him until ordered to by the president. Flint is the worlds greatest secret agent, worlds greatest lover, an expert on electronics and Dolphin speech and goes to Moscow for Ballet (To Teach!) When attempts on his life are made, Flint begins to search out the mad scientists who want to remake the world after taking over with the aid of their earthquake machine.

Better than the sequel but ultimately, the Flint movies aren't in the same class as the James Bond and Ausin Powers franchise.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/07 03:00 PM

Originally Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No more super gay 80's techno-pop music from Tangerine Dream.


SHUT UP.

(Thief)


I admit, their music for THIEF rocked.

But still, their music for LEGEND sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked!
Posted By: Freddie C.

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/07 11:34 PM

I saw Doctor Zhivago for the first time last night. I had low expectations (I thought it would be boring), but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. I even liked it more than the other Lean movies I've seen (LoA, BotRK).
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/07 11:46 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Originally Posted By: MistaMista Tom Hagen
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No more super gay 80's techno-pop music from Tangerine Dream.


SHUT UP.

(Thief)


I admit, their music for THIEF rocked.

But still, their music for LEGEND sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked sucked!


Tangerine Dream is a HELL of a band. I haven't checked out any of their stuff from the 80s, and I'm hesistant, because 90% of all music seemed to halt in the 80s and decide to suck. But, their shit from the 70s is mind-blowing. Phaedra is an excellent album. I don't know, I just don't think music would be what it is without them. They were really some of the first full-fledged techno (even though, for some reason, everyone on the internet seems to insist Pink Floyd's "Meddle" was the first techno/ambient album)... Without Tangerine dreams, alot of great artists wouldn't exist as we know them today, amongst them DJ Shadow, Radiohead and Aphex Twin... All damned good musicians.

Off topic, but oh well. Deal with it. Tangerine Dream pwns.

A bit off t
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 12:10 AM

Ahh, but you said it best yourself. "In the 1970s..."

I'll give another dash of evidence to help the Dream faithful.

Their score for Friedkin's SORCERER was pretty good too.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 12:28 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Ahh, but you said it best yourself. "In the 1970s..."


And in that respect you said "In the 1980s..." You could say the same about virtually any recording artist in the 1980s. Over-produced and sloppy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 12:30 AM

LLC, you got me there.

I still wished I was born in the 1970s. Seriously, the mediocrity of the 80's severly damaged me...
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 12:32 AM

Imagine what this decade is doing to me.

I would've been glad to settle for the 70s or 90s. I mean, I would have like to have been old enough to enjoy the music and cinema of the 90s at the time it was being produced, rather than five or ten years later.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 01:18 AM

Be careful LLC, since there is alot of great fare that is out in the current state.

Shit, look at the great ones we got for 2006. CHILDREN OF MEN, UNITED 93, THE FOUNTAIN, THE DEPARTED, CASINO ROYALE....
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 02:15 AM

There are some decent films. I still really need to see Children of Men... Thank god for DVD, the theaters around here wouldn't touch it. I suppose living in upstate New York doesn't help. It's pretty ill-cultured once you get a few miles north of Albany.

Music... Few and far between. There are some great acts, but for every good band there are five shitty ones flooding the mainstream radio.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 09:53 AM

Casino Royale ***
(Second Viewing)

Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous, and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to '00' status. Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Uganda where he is to spy on a terrorist, Mollaka. Not everything goes to plan and Bond decides to investigate, independently of MI6, in order to track down the rest of the terrorist cell. Following a lead to the Bahamas, he encounters Dimitrios and his girlfriend, Solange. He learns that Dimitrios is involved with Le Chiffre, banker to the world's terrorist organizations. Secret Service intelligence reveals that Le Chiffre is planning to raise money in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro at Le Casino Royale. MI6 assigns 007 to play against him, knowing that if Le Chiffre loses, it will destroy his organization. 'M' places Bond under the watchful eye of the beguiling Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together and even torture at the hands of Le Chiffre. In Montenegro, Bond allies himself with Mathis MI6's local field agent, and Felix Leiter who is representing the interests of the CIA. The marathon game proceeds with dirty tricks and violence, raising the stakes beyond blood money and reaching a terrifying climax.

A great way to reintroduce James Bond since his last 3 films: Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day (which I consider to be the second best Brosnan Bond) were rather lackluster. Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen were fantastic as Vesper Lynd and Le Chiffre respectfully. I really enjoyed Daniel Craig as Bond and still don't understand why everyone was on the man's case before the movie even came out? The movie was more enjoyable and made more sense with a second viewing, but as I stated the first time around, it's NOT the best Bond ever made. That title goes to either Goldfinger or GoldenEye.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 11:43 AM

Did someone hear something? Me neither.

HOFFA (1992) - **

There is good material to be made for a movie based on the infamous Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa, but despite Jack Nicholson, this isn't the one.

I blame David Mamet's script and Danny Devito(?)'s direction for why we as an audience never get a satisfying hook to bite into this story, and dammit, when its Hoffa's story, its just wrong. You have mafia, Labor politics, fighting against a corrupt system, a legendary disapearance, you name it...and DeVito can't direct compelling cinema out of it?

Pathetic.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 04:25 PM

I thought they had burned every VHS and DVD of that movie, and just kept a single "back up" copy to air on AMC every other day.

I agree with you... Pretty mediocre... A few goodies here and there. As a death scene on its own, their "idea" behind Hoffa's dissappearance was entertaining, I must say.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 04:31 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO



HOFFA (1992) - **

.... and dammit, when its Hoffa's story, its just wrong.
Pathetic.



Is this meant to say that the story was not an accurate one Ronnie?


Don Cardi
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 06:45 PM

Accuracy is always a plus, but its not essential. Shit, look at Oliver Stone's great but incredibly incorrect JFK.

I'm just commenting that Jimmy Hoffa is one of those incredible "small" stories in American history in the 20th century, but when a History Channel, 1-hour documentary is more compelling and enchanting than a 140 minute expensive movie with Nicholson and David Mamet scripting.....

Let's just say that the movie has problems.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 08:42 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Did someone hear something? Me neither.


Just because YOU don't see it, doesn't mean it's not there
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 08:50 PM

*Tumbleweed flies across Desert*

Right.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 09:56 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO



I'm just commenting that Jimmy Hoffa is one of those incredible "small" stories in American history in the 20th century, but when a History Channel, 1-hour documentary is more compelling and enchanting than a 140 minute expensive movie with Nicholson and David Mamet scripting.....



Point taken.



Don Cardi
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 10:02 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Shit, look at Oliver Stone's great but incredibly incorrect JFK.


Where did you hear it was incorrect? B/c Peter Jennings (Rip) can kiss my arse!

EDIT-(MAYBE...Jim Garrett was a carpet bagger. But come on...he was the first to question the obvious technicalities of ..."Back and .....to the left...." Plus, the movie opened up many a mind to the possibilities of an OBVIOUS conspiracy who otherwise would have been in the dark.)


-Here's my boy Bill Hicks on JFK. Plz listen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQBus_RKZ9E
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 10:59 PM

I watch Hoffa every time it is on. However, it lacks something. Nicholson's portrayal of Hoffa is amazing, right on the money. But either Hoffa wasn't that interesting of a guy or the production was lacking in some way.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 11:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Ice
-Here's my boy Bill Hicks on JFK. Plz listen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQBus_RKZ9E


That link didn't work for me. Does anyone else have this problem or no?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 11:28 PM

Hoffa the person is really a symbol in retrospect.

Before being sent to jail(and subsequently pardoned by Nixon), he was the last Labor Union leader that was one of the most important political figures in America. Better yet, he was when unions had a vast landslide majority of labor workers in the country. But after Hoffa's "disapearance," and with "Open Shop" legislation, Labor Unions steadily lost their influence. Shit, they're not as vitally important for the Democratic Presidential nomination as they once were.

Anyway Olivant, I blame Danny DeVito the director. His other movies like DEATH TO SMOOCHY for example, can't credit Devito for whatever good quality one finds in them.

Which is sad, because in some sequences in HOFFA, DeVito at times was trying to echo the misery and disapointment of old age that was in the masterpiece ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA. Let me say that again, he was "trying"...he still fails, but its not out of effort.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/07 11:37 PM

Well, hold the presses....if my pals that PMed me are right, the wind actually gave a really good review to CASINO ROYALE. Nice.

I blame the UK tabloids for being assholes in regards to Craig. You see, for better or for worse, Bond is basically UK's fucking blockbuster lifeline out to the world, and the UK media get real personal when it comes to 007.

Now why they hated Craig? Because he wasn't well-known(even in England), because he had blonde instead of brunette/black hair, because he wasn't an obvious chick-magnet, and other petty shit that one would expect from an IMDB posting fanboy, not the media...

Yet Craig proved them wrong. Now lets hope EON doesn't drop the ball like they did a decade ago after the franchise-resurrection committed by GOLDENEYE(which, not coincidently, Martin Campbell also directed).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/07 09:04 AM

Taxi Driver ****
(Nth Viewing)

New York City cab driver Travis Bickle constantly, almost obsessively, reflects on the ugly corruption of life around him, and becomes increasingly disturbed over his own loneliness and alienation. In nearly every phase of his life, Bickle remains a complete outsider, failing to make emotional contact with anyone. Unable to sleep night after night, Travis haunts the local pornography emporiums to find diversion, and begins desperately thinking about an escape from his depressing existence.

I definitely think this is the movie that really made Martin Scorsese a name. I think this was the movie were he really started to develop his own sense of directing and also his wonderful use of music (great soundtrack). I LOVED his cameo in the film as the 'homicidal passenger in Travis' cab.' Also, Harvey Keitel was great and even comedic at times as Jodie Foster's pimp boyfriend Matthew. Ultimately though, the prize of the film is Mr. Travis Bickle himself, Robert De Niro. I think I enjoy this movie more and more each time I watch it.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/07 10:40 AM

He didn't develop a style and great soundtrack back during Mean Streets?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/07 04:07 PM

Not in my opinion, no. I felt Taxi Driver was really THE movie that put Marty on the map.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/07 06:02 PM

Thing is, MEAN STREETS was the movie that first got Marty a reputation or talent, and basically landed him the job of helming TAXI DRIVER (of course, he had to get DeNiro to tag along as well).

Marty will win on sunday...and it'll be the highlight of the Oscars program this year.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/07 08:29 AM

True Romance ****
(Nth Viewing)

Clarence and Alabama are newlyweds who acquire an unexpected wedding present. Unknown to the blissfully happy couple, ruthless gangsters are on their tail, determined to reclaim their lost property.

I am proud to say I finally got to see Tony Scott's masterpiece on the big screen. A terrific script (written by Quentin Tarantino), and fantastic cast. One of my two favorite Gary Oldman part's as Drexel Spivey (the other was Lee Harvey Oswald in JFK).
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/07 08:45 AM

Great movie. Gary Oldman is one of the all time great bad guys.

For some reason, I used to get him confused with Gary Sinise, probably because they're both named Gary.

He also gets an honorable mention for HANNIBAL, where he played the disfigured pedophile.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/07 01:12 PM

Was Oldman a pedophile in HANNIBAL? Maybe I missed something, but wasn't he just a homo/bi-sexual rich Virginian who basically had one bad night out with the good Doctor...

Anyway, glad to hear that one person really liked TRUE ROMANCE. Its a really fun "chick flick with guns."
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/07 04:50 PM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy

For some reason, I used to get him confused with Gary Sinise


Gary Sinise

"I'm Gary Sinise! I raise my voice to indicate any emotion other than indifference! GARRR JOHN MALKOVICH!!!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 06:50 AM

Casino ****
(Nth Viewing)

This Martin Scorsese film depicts the Janus-like quality of Las Vegas--it has a glittering, glamorous face, as well as a brutal, cruel one. Ace Rothstein and Nicky Santoro, mobsters who move to Las Vegas to make their mark, live and work in this paradoxical world. Seen through their eyes, each as a foil to the other, the details of mob involvement in the casinos of the 1970's and '80's are revealed. Ace is the smooth operator of the Tangiers casino, while Nicky is his boyhood friend and tough strongman, robbing and shaking down the locals. However, they each have a tragic flaw--Ace falls in love with a hustler, Ginger, and Nicky falls into an ever-deepening spiral of drugs and violence.

Martin Scorsese's "unofficial sequel to Goodfellas." For a while this was my favorite Martin Scorsese movie but now it's probably #3 on my list behind Raging Bull and Goodfellas. The ending of Nicky Santoro's character is still one of the most violent I've ever seen. Also, this is the last time Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese have worked together on one of his projects. Why is that? I thought I remember hearing they had a falling out. Is that true? Creative differences or what?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 07:28 AM

Good review.

Though really, I always considered CASINO to be a complementary, "side-story" true-story mafia tale set in the same universe of GOODFELLAS, but without any connections. In a way, its like FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS and LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA were sold in 2006.

Anyway, the reason why DeNiro and Scorsese haven't worked again is different reasons. DeNiro has gradually settled into more of a film producer, making millions from those MEET comedies(and probably even more if they go ahead with #3) so he can produce movies personal to him(i.e. THE GOOD SHEPERD), and to his Tribeca film festival. I wish DeNiro would kickass acting-wise again in a film, but hey, its his career, his choice.

Of course, I thought THE GOOD SHEPHERD was a mess, but its obviously a personal project of his so I can't get too pissed about it(or maybe I can. I still think DeNiro blew a great opportunity to tell the real slam dunk dirty expose drama of the CIA's nasty work in the 1950s like Iran, Guatemala, you name it!)

Anyway, Scorsese meanwhile is off trying to get his Oscar or at least continue to direct his documentaries and whatever projects that come to him. Hell, he and DeNiro came close a few times of working together again.

GANGS OF NEW YORK in the late 1970s was going to have DeNiro play Bill the Butcher against The Clash's Joel Strummer as Amsterdam. By 2002, DeNiro lost interest(and too old) and Strummer was dead.

Scorsese tried to interest DeNiro with BRINGING OUT THE DEAD, but DeNiro politely passed on it(and I don't blame him. Its basically a retread of TAXI DRIVER). DeNiro also tried and failed to secure some sort of film part within Scorsese's biggest box-office hit, THE DEPARTED(if I remember right, the Martin Sheen and Jack Nicholson roles could have been his).

Perhaps the biggest problem so far with making another DeNiro-Scorsese reunion is the fact that Scorsese has found a new frequent lead male star that's become a pupil under his watch: Leonardo DiCaprio. Certainly Leo Boy had raw potential talent as an actor, but he's blossomed with Scorsese in just 3 movies so far. Besides, he increases Scorsese's financial viability within Hollywood for the next good number of years.

Anyway, DeNiro and Scorsese are possible to work together again. There has been that "childhood neighborhood" script that Scorsese has personally been toying with for decades that DeNiro wants in with, and of course THE DEPARTED sequel where DeNiro would probably be the baddie to survivor Mark Whalberg(that is, if Scorsese decides to direct it).

Interestingly, you all know that DeNiro and Scorsese in 1995 were supposed to make CLOCKERS instead of CASINO? It was going to be a police procedural tale, but they lost interest, and Scorsese got enraptured with CASINO instead. He stayed as a producer, where CLOCKERS was retooled as a solid gangbanger drama from Spike Lee.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 08:11 AM

The Return 1/2
(First Viewing)

Joanna Mills been having strange visions since she was 11 years old after an automobile accident, which they are 's beginning to realize her visions are memories, after befriending a man named Terry Stahl, who appeared in one of them. As she getting closer to the truth, she will know some secrets should stay hidden.

What a complete, mindnumbing sh*tfest of a movie. Terrible story that derived zero interest or emotion out of me. It's a good thing that Sarah Michelle Gellar can claim the Buffy series as her claim to fame or else she'd be just another pretty face with a sh*tty resume. Oh wait, too late with Scooby-Doo, Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, The Grudge, The Grudge 2 and now The Return. Her only enjoyable movies were I Know What You Did Last Summer (it was A LOT better than this piece of sh*t), Cruel Intentions and her 2 scenes in Scream 2.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 08:20 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Though really, I always considered CASINO to be a complementary, "side-story" true-story mafia tale set in the same universe of GOODFELLAS, but without any connections. In a way, its like FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS and LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA were sold in 2006.


I agree that Casino and Goodfellas are in the same universe but without any connections like Flags Of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima. I've just heard so many people throw around the term that Casino is the "unofficial" sequel to Goodfellas. Much like Carlito's Way could be thought of as the "unofficial" sequel to Scarface.

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Anyway, the reason why DeNiro and Scorsese haven't worked again is different reasons. DeNiro has gradually settled into more of a film producer, making millions from those MEET comedies(and probably even more if they go ahead with #3) so he can produce movies personal to him(i.e. THE GOOD SHEPERD), and to his Tribeca film festival. I wish DeNiro would kickass acting-wise again in a film, but hey, its his career, his choice.

Of course, I thought THE GOOD SHEPHERD was a mess, but its obviously a personal project of his so I can't get too pissed about it(or maybe I can. I still think DeNiro blew a great opportunity to tell the real slam dunk dirty expose drama of the CIA's nasty work in the 1950s like Iran, Guatemala, you name it!)


I agree. I was rather disappointed in The Good Shepherd and thought the ball was fumbled with this try. Maybe someone else can pick it up and run it in for the touchdown. Although, he did direct A Bronx Tale which isn't a great movie (at least compared with a Goodfellas, Casino or Godfather) but still enjoyable. I still do look forward to his next try behind the camera.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 09:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Though really, I always considered CASINO to be a complementary, "side-story" true-story mafia tale set in the same universe of GOODFELLAS, but without any connections. In a way, its like FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS and LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA were sold in 2006.


I agree that Casino and Goodfellas are in the same universe but without any connections like Flags Of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima. I've just heard so many people throw around the term that Casino is the "unofficial" sequel to Goodfellas. Much like Carlito's Way could be thought of as the "unofficial" sequel to Scarface.

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Anyway, the reason why DeNiro and Scorsese haven't worked again is different reasons. DeNiro has gradually settled into more of a film producer, making millions from those MEET comedies(and probably even more if they go ahead with #3) so he can produce movies personal to him(i.e. THE GOOD SHEPERD), and to his Tribeca film festival. I wish DeNiro would kickass acting-wise again in a film, but hey, its his career, his choice.

Of course, I thought THE GOOD SHEPHERD was a mess, but its obviously a personal project of his so I can't get too pissed about it(or maybe I can. I still think DeNiro blew a great opportunity to tell the real slam dunk dirty expose drama of the CIA's nasty work in the 1950s like Iran, Guatemala, you name it!)


I agree. I was rather disappointed in The Good Shepherd and thought the ball was fumbled with this try. Maybe someone else can pick it up and run it in for the touchdown. Although, he did direct A Bronx Tale which isn't a great movie (at least compared with a Goodfellas, Casino or Godfather) but still enjoyable. I still do look forward to his next try behind the camera.


Thing is, A BRONX TALE is a small little movie, where the screenplay and actors dominate it. For better or for worse, Chazz is the autuer force of that film, not DeNiro. Its a story with stage play sensibilities, but played out on a stage the size of a 1950's neighborhood. DeNiro did a decent, capable job on his first directing job.

Maybe DeNiro's problem is that possibly, he isn't talented or indepth enough(like say his buddy Marty Scorsese) to have tackled such a story like THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 05:35 PM

Nueve Reinas **
Argentinian film whose title translates to "Nine Queens". Nothing great, but interesting throughout. It has shades of 'Following', 'Lock Stock and 2 smoking barrels' etc, but the plot is different and has a clever twist in the end.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 05:40 PM

Anybody else recognise the major influence De Niro's had over Scorsese's casting choices since Casino? He basically vouched for Di Caprio, and Scorsese's using him now as a kind of muse the same way he did with De Niro in the seventies. I also see Matt Damon in both The Departed and The Good Shepherd; the two are in obvious overlap as regards acting circles and who works for who. It's a neat, little, reliable community of players.

De Niro understands acting and actors better than most, I think, due to him himself being an amazing performer; while everybody else was criticising Leo for his looks in the nineties and saying they were sort of holding him back, De Niro recognised his talent and ability and potential, and is the primary reason, I think, why Scorsese is so keen on working with him. And Leo has proved already I think that he's worth a bit of meat.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 05:42 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Nueve Reinas **
Argentinian film whose title translates to "Nine Queens". Nothing great, but interesting throughout. It has shades of 'Following', 'Lock Stock and 2 smoking barrels' etc, but the plot is different and has a clever twist in the end.
Plawrence, a massive fan of heist movies (they were his favourite "genre"), said he liked this film very much. I too remember very charismatic performances, slick direction and the usual twist.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 06:03 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Anybody else recognise the major influence De Niro's had over Scorsese's casting choices since Casino? He basically vouched for Di Caprio, and Scorsese's using him now as a kind of muse the same way he did with De Niro in the seventies. I also see Matt Damon in both The Departed and The Good Shepherd; the two are in obvious overlap as regards acting circles and who works for who. It's a neat, little, reliable community of players.

De Niro understands acting and actors better than most, I think, due to him himself being an amazing performer; while everybody else was criticising Leo for his looks in the nineties and saying they were sort of holding him back, De Niro recognised his talent and ability and potential, and is the primary reason, I think, why Scorsese is so keen on working with him. And Leo has proved already I think that he's worth a bit of meat.


Mate, you're absolutely CORRECT.

Then again, we tend to forget DeNiro acted with a 19-year old Leo Boy in THIS BOY'S LIFE.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 07:01 PM

Anyone here discuss The Machinist in the past? It's a rather disturbing film. Just saw it the other night. I was talking to a friend who suffers from insomnia and said that the film captured that inability to distinguish real life from possible dreams or hallucinations perfectly. I know that everyone's gone on and on about Christian Bale's weight loss, but with or without it, I think he did an excellent job.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 07:21 PM

Yeah, I think The Machinist is a good film, too. Bale's the best actor working at the minute, I reckon (either him or Paddy Considine). I loved the dark, brooding atmosphere throughout, but didn't like the way things were all shaped up to be something else, then explained and solved towards the end. I think Brad Anderson's previous film, Session 9, suffered from the same thing.

But I'm due a rewatch of both.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/07 07:53 PM

I liked The Machinist but was a bit dissapointed when it didn't fully meet my expectations and it seemed to resemble David Fincher's Fight Club just a bit too much. Still an enjoyable watch though, for the most part. I think I gave it two stars (although my system has changed slightly since then).
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/07 07:00 AM

Painted Veil ***
Great acting by Naomi Watts and Edward Norton and excellent cinematography and music. I am not sure if many of you will have access to this movie in theaters, but this has to be watched in big screen for the great visuals. Wonder why this movie went unnoticed. Watch it!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/07 09:14 AM

Fast Food Nation ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

An ensemble piece examining the health risks involved in the fast food industry and its environmental and social consequences as well.

A very interesting film that takes an in depth look at the fast food industry. I thought the film started out well with a narrow focus, but by the end of it, I felt it just branched out too much and was trying to balance it all. However, it did end on a powerful note. Probably my third favorite Richard Linklater film behind Dazed and Confused and A Scanner Darkly. Worth the rent and I'll probably purchase the DVD.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/07 08:37 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Painted Veil ***
Great acting by Naomi Watts and Edward Norton and excellent cinematography and music. I am not sure if many of you will have access to this movie in theaters, but this has to be watched in big screen for the great visuals. Wonder why this movie went unnoticed. Watch it!


This is finally out? Damn, I've really been behind on Norton's recent release dates. It's good to see him getting back into his niche after a long absence.

Now if they could just get Motherless Brooklyn together...
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/07 01:31 AM

I think it released almost 2 months back! I was hoping it would not be taken off from theaters till I got free time. Only one theater in Dallas, Angelika, had it, I think there is one in NY too.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/07 01:38 AM

Cool, I'll have to check it out.

I need to make it a point to see more of his films in the theater... I went to go see Fight Club once, for a special viewing, but when I got there, it was the Indian remake of the original Fight Club...
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/07 03:38 AM

MIAMI BLUES (1990)

I saw this over the weekend for the first time and I loved it.
I can't believe I'd never seen it before.

A very young and very lean Alec Baldwin played a very good bad guy back then.

It's a little offbeat, but if you see it on cable, it's worth watching.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/07 10:09 AM

The Last Temptation of Christ *** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

The carpenter Jesus of Nazareth, tormented by the temptations of demons, the guilt of making crosses for the Romans, pity for men and the world, and the constant call of God, sets out to find what God wills for him. But as his mission nears fulfillment, he must face the greatest temptation: the normal life of a good man. Based, not on the Gospels, but on Nikos Kazantzakis' novel of the same name.

A great portrayal as Jesus the man. The Bible teaches us that Jesus was both human and divine but most (if not all) movies focus solely on his divinity. I applaud Martin Scorsese for having the balls to show Jesus on screen struggling with being the Son of God. And as such, you can imagine the blacklash. I read movie theaters were burned in the Middle East, people probably boycotted Martin Scorsese movies, and I know Blockbuster promised to never carry the film in their stores. In any case, Willem Dafoe put together a good performance as Jesus. Harvey Keitel however, seemed a little bit out of place. He did a good job as Judas but I think his thick New York accent was still a distraction and maybe he should have been recast. Unfortunately, this film has seemed to have slipped through the cracks of time as I hardly hear anyone mention it, let alone know what it is.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/07 06:20 AM

Sleepaway Camp * 1/2
(First Viewing)

After a horrible boating accident kills her family, Angela, a shy and sullen young girl, moves in with her eccentric aunt Martha, alongside her protective cousin Ricky. One summer, Martha sends the kids to Camp Arawak. Soon after their arrival, a series of bizarre and increasingly violent accidents begins to claim the lives of various campers. Who is the twisted individual behind these murders? The disclosure of the murderer's identity is the most shocking climax in the history of American cinema.

A pretty cheesy 80s horror flick with a messed up ending. Guessing who the killer was wasn't too difficult but they still threw a curveball at you.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/07 08:56 AM

8 1/2 ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

8 1/2 is about Guido Anselmi, an Italian director who has lost all inspiration for his upcoming movie, and it's too late to back out. And aside from the fact that he can't make the film, his mistress, wife, producer, and all the rest of his friends, are pressuring him about one thing or another. So he retreats into his dreams to shelter himself from the pressure, and there, he finds inspiration to make his new film, and face the world.

A well made film that I didn't understand most of the time. Plus I thought the run time was very long at 138 minutes. Plus the actors talked so fast and it was hard to keep up.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/07 04:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
8 1/2 ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A well made film that I didn't understand most of the time. Plus I thought the run time was very long at 138 minutes. Plus the actors talked so fast and it was hard to keep up.

I liked it for its cinematography and music. Nino Rota (the composer for Godfather) does an excellent job here.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/07 05:35 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
8 1/2 ** 1/2
Plus the actors talked so fast and it was hard to keep up.
Read the subtitles.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/07 08:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
8 1/2 ** 1/2
Plus the actors talked so fast and it was hard to keep up.
Read the subtitles.


I did, but when they're talking so fast and throw the subtitles on for 3 seconds and then move on AND have multiple speakers going at the same time, it just makes it hard
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/07 09:30 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
8 1/2 ** 1/2
Plus the actors talked so fast and it was hard to keep up.
Read the subtitles.


I did, but when they're talking so fast and throw the subtitles on for 3 seconds and then move on AND have multiple speakers going at the same time, it just makes it hard


Suck it up. I like to throw my necessary glasses across the room, throw in Fellini flicks, set the playback speed to three times the original, and take a shot of hard liqour between each line of dialouge and see if I can understand what's going on. For each line I miss, I pause the film, and do a handstand across a bed of nails that has been convieniently wrapped in barbed wire and sprinkled with burning coals. Why? Because I'm a fucking film-buff, bitch-man. GRRRR, I'M GONNA' MESS YOU UP, MOFO!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/07 10:11 PM



I just watched The Fountain. Fantastic.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/07 11:57 PM

Heathers ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Veronica mingles with Heather I, II and III to be as popular as them, even though she hates them. She hates them enough to wish they were dead, but she would never want to be their cause of death though. When she starts dating Jason Dean, however, she finds herself involved in the murdering of most of her enemies, covered up as suicides.

A very interesting film looking at teenage suicide that can be quite disturbing at times. Some dark comedy as well as great performances by young Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, and Shannen Doherty.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 12:45 AM

When I can be bothered, I'm going to post my thoughts (written the last time I saw it) on every film reviewed in this thread... as long as I've seen it, of course.

My thoughts on Heathers:

The American high school as a metaphor for society itself, as Christian Slater points out towards the end; a clever subversion of teen flick conventions, highly original and with a macabre humour reminiscent of Ealing's The Ladykillers. The end seems strangely tame.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 05:08 AM

Following ***
(First Viewing)

The protagonist of Following is Bill (Jeremy Theobald). Bill is an unemployed aspiring writer who lives a solitary and boring life in London, England. Bill has a fascination with people, and with hopes of finding material to write about, begins to pick individuals out of a crowd, and to follow them. Bill establishes rules to keep him out of trouble and to keep his 'following' random, but soon enough he breaks one of his rules by following someone more than once. The character he follows on numerous occasions first is Cobb (Alex Haw). Cobb a confident and intelligent burglar catches Bill spying on him and soon involves Bill in his peculiar burglaries. Similar to Bill's interest in following, Cobb has a great interest in the individuals he is stealing from. During the robbery of a residence Bill becomes interested in the woman (Lucy Russell) who owns the flat, so he begins to follow her. Eventually he decides to meet her and they begin seeing each other. This upsets Cobb as he also learns the woman has asked Bill to do a job for her. But things are not as they seem, and soon Bill will find out why.

I liked the way the movie jumped from the end to the begining and wasn't straight forward. Nolan begins his film career with a wonderful story. The directing was a little amateur in some parts but the story made up for it. This film seemed to remind me very much of Nolan's second work, Memento. Also, why was the film shot in black and white? Was it all he could afford a la Kevin Smith and Clerks?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 08:01 AM

I just re-watched "The China Syndrome" for about the tenth time but the first viewing in a long time. I'm still impressed by the movie and its cast.

It stars Jack Lemmon as a shift supervisor at a new nuclear power plant, Jane Fonda as a tv newswoman and Michael Douglas as her cameraman. An accident at the plant causes the shutdown of the facility and its subsequent re-opening is highlighted by Jack Lemmon taking a drastic step (to prevent the re-opening).

To the youngins out there who don't remember when the movie was first released - it came out in mid-March, 1979. Two weeks later the nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island (Pennsylvania) had an emergency in which the state came close to being a nuclear disaster. The movie enjoyed great box office after that (and mostly BECAUSE of that) but regardless its still a good movie and I'd recommend it to those of you whom haven't seen it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 08:09 AM

The Warriors *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Cyrus, the messianic leader of the largest gang in New York, declares a truce and calls a summit with all the major gangs in attendance. During the meeting, he expresses his wish to unify all the gangs into one large super-gang. During the summit, Cyrus is assasinated and the murder is pinned on a member of a gang known as the Warriors. Now, all the other gangs are hunting the Warriors down before they can prove their innocence. "CAN YOU DIG IT?"

Well ronnie, you were right for a change, I REALLY did dig The Warriors. I watched the Director's Cut so I don't know how much was added back to the film, but whatever the case maybe, this was a pretty darn good movie. The story was just so fascinating and kept me glued to the screen. I also loved the comic book style panel between scenes. A good cast with James Remar as Ajax being the most recognizeable to me. I'm looking forward to Tony Scott's remake, although I do question what he can improve on? My biggest beef with the potential remake is the fact that it'll take place in L.A. and not New York
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 09:18 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Warriors *** 1/2
(First Viewing)


It sounds as though you enjoyed it.... I did, too. Part of the fun (for me) was seeing parts of the City that I know. You may want to check out another "gang" movie from that period - "The Wanderers", a Bronx based Italian gang starring a very young Ken Wahl.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 10:04 AM

Escape From New York * 1/2
(First Viewing)

The year is 1997. Due to huge crime rates, the United States turns its once great city of New York into a maximum security prison where hardcore criminals are put for life. All the bridges leading into the city are mined, a large wall is built along the shoreline and a large police force army is based there to stop or kill any attempted escapees. En route to a conference, the President, on board Air Force One, is forced to eject in a pod when a female terrorist takes over the controls and crashes the plane into a building. A new prisoner, ex-soldier Snake Plissken is offered his freedom if he goes in, frees the President and finds a tape with important information for the conference. Snake agrees but to ensure his co-operation he is injected with a small but powerful explosive that will only be destroyed if his mission isn't successful. Snake must set out into the decaying city, filled with immoral criminals, and he must succeed - for his own life.

I just don't see Kurt Russell as an action star. I like some of his work but he just doesn't do good action movies IMO (from what I've seen thus far). I thought the idea was good but poorly executed on screen. Very cheesy with some bad costumes, sets, etc. And as much as this may pain our own Snake member, I found the character to be rather dry. I would say this deserves a remake more than The Warriors. Maybe Tony Scott will change his mind although I doubt it. I personally would rather see a remake of this than The Warriors.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 10:15 AM

Originally Posted By: SC
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Warriors *** 1/2
(First Viewing)


It sounds as though you enjoyed it.... I did, too. Part of the fun (for me) was seeing parts of the City that I know.


Again, that's what's going to tick me off the most about the remake is that it'll be set in L.A. and not the Big City
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 11:45 AM

Well I TOLD YOU that THE WARRIORS rules. But Irish, try if possible to watch the superior theatrical edit. I believe its still in circulation.

What was superior about it to the "Director's Cut" is the fact that with the DC, Walter Hill wanted to insist in the comic book idea of THE WARRIORS.

Which is fine, except its not needed. The story and the masculine action pulp narrative itself is comic bookish enough as it is. Its like squirting chocolate syrup over chocolate ice cream. It's not needed.

Plus, the DC to me did a weak job in the introduction of the Furies. In the DC, its some cutesy "Holyshit, its the Furies!" or whatever nonsense.

But in the theatrical edit, its just so cooler. When we first see the Furies arming themselves with their baseball bats, they're laughable. I mean, guys dressed up as Yankee/Mets rejects in full face paint. How could you take THAT seriously?

Then when the Warriors break through the subway, they are silently confronted by the Furies, and we realize it. The Furies are bastard stalkers that don't need to waste energy talking threats in order to intimidate you. It's something when the big mouth fight-all-the-time Ajax even agreees that fleeing is a good option.

Anyway Irish, play the really fun as hell video game from Rockstar Games as well.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 11:50 AM

Latino Review had gotten a script draft of THE WARRIORS remake that Tony Scott is supposed to helm...

...and I tell ya, it sounds fucking retarded.

Certainly there are some silly things in the original THE WARRIORS. Multi-ethnic gangs with comic bookish banners and gimmicks. But you know what? Within Walter Hill's serious macho-street western, it makes sense. You accept the idea of flashy gang apparel.

But the remake....oh God, let me recount the retarded ideas that the remake wants to do:

*The Rogues? Well guess what? They're the Rogues because they are "rogue" LA policemen. Yikes.

*The Furies are now a Mexican gang that carries baseball bats, called "El Furies".

Maybe its just me, but I miss the crazy bastardized KISS/Yankees hybrid that was The Furies...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 01:32 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Following ***
(First Viewing)
I've seen it once, too, a long time ago:

An inventive film in which all of the characters are expendably uninteresting; as a comment on privacy invasion and social identity, it outweighs its thriller narrative far more.

Irish, whatdo you mean by "amateurish" direction?

And I'm not sure about the black and white, but it's probably ecomonical reasons; Nolan shot it over weekends on a shoestring budget.
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 02:44 PM

Originally Posted By: SC
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Warriors *** 1/2
(First Viewing)


It sounds as though you enjoyed it.... I did, too. Part of the fun (for me) was seeing parts of the City that I know. You may want to check out another "gang" movie from that period - "The Wanderers", a Bronx based Italian gang starring a very young Ken Wahl.


I almost forgot about the movie "The Wanderers". That movie is unique because there is a scene where the gang members are riding in a car and the setting suddenly shifts from day to night while there is no apparent change in the characters. While I haven't seen the movie in almst 20 years, I remember how gripping the sudden shift immediately changed the whole mood of the movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 04:58 PM

And who can forget the football field climax?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 05:02 PM

"Don't fuck with the Wongs"
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 06:41 PM

The Departed (Scorsese, 2006) ****

A true return to form for good ol' Marty, and definitely deserving of the "Best Director" and "Best Picture" Oscars that it received. I don't know if it was the best film of 2006, as I didn't see many films from last year. But standing on it's own, it was definitely good enough to win those Academy Awards.

Leo turned in an all-star performance...but the biggest surprise to me was Matt Damon. It was fantastic. And Jack Nicholson was great, as always.

I'm not gonna go on about "lighting" and "camera work", as I'm not really well-versed in that area. All I can say is it felt like a true Scorsese epic...and Marty's knack for story-telling is unparalleled.

Congratulations on the Oscar, Marty! You deserved it!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 08:54 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Well I TOLD YOU that THE WARRIORS rules. But Irish, try if possible to watch the superior theatrical edit. I believe its still in circulation.


Really!? I've always been told the opposite a la Legend and others.


Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Plus, the DC to me did a weak job in the introduction of the Furies. In the DC, its some cutesy "Holyshit, its the Furies!" or whatever nonsense.

But in the theatrical edit, its just so cooler. When we first see the Furies arming themselves with their baseball bats, they're laughable. I mean, guys dressed up as Yankee/Mets rejects in full face paint. How could you take THAT seriously?


Sure the face paint makes them look silly but I started to take them more so when I saw them swinging those bats
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 09:04 PM

Irish, sometimes although rare, the theatrical edit in my opinion is much better than the "director's cut".

This is the case for me with THE WARRIORS at least.

Another problem I had with THE WARRIORS Director's Cut was the title-card early in the movie that Walter Hill insisted:

"Sometime in the Future..."

Thing is, watch the movie again and watch the subway walls. Would the future have theatrical re-releases of Warren Beatty's very forgotten HEAVEN CAN WAIT? Nah!

If anything, I always loved the notion that THE WARRIORS either took place in a crazy alternative reality where gangs across ethnic lines in New York City, inspired by the Black Panthers' regalia and militant organization, went nuts with uniforms and colors and such.

Then again, maybe my biggest problem with Walter Hill's Director's Cut is the fact that the theatrical edit was a very masculine, straight-forward western with a colorful comic book punch of potentcy to it.

The comic book panel editing breaks up this very forceful narrative.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/07 11:44 PM

Blade ** 1/2
(Second Vieiwng)

Blade, along with his life-long friend Whistler battle vampires. Blade was born of a mother bitten by a vampire, he possesses all their strengths and none of their weaknesses. He is known as the day walker because sunlight does not affect him. With the addition of a new ally, Dr. Karen Jenson, Blade endeavors to prevent the evil Frost from unleashing the blood god, La Magra, upon the world.

This movie kicked a lot more a$$ with a second viewing. This really surprised me as a good comic book movie because the first time around I wasn't really impressed. Also, I think of comic book movies in 2 ages, pre-2000 and post-2000. Why is 2000 the magic year you may be asking yourself? Because that's when X-Men came out and REALLY started this whole "comic book movie phenomenon" in my mind. Plus the FX in the movies just got better and some shots in Blade and even other movies such as The Crow and Spawn were cheesy. Now don't get me wrong, their were plenty of good comic book movies made prior to 2000, such as the Supreman franchise, the Batman franchise, and Blade. However, I think most of the comic book movies since 2000 have been better like the X-Men franchise, the Spider-Man franchise, Sin City, V for Vendetta, The Punisher, The Fantastic Four, From Hell, Hulk, Daredevil, Ghost Rider and the list goes on and on.

One final note about the movie, Wesley Snipes was bad a$$ as Blade, as was Stephen Dorff as Deacon Frost, Arly Jover as Mercury, and finally Kris Kristofferson as Abraham Whistler.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/07 05:51 AM

Harsh Times * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Jim Davis is an ex-Army Ranger who finds himself slipping back into his old life of petty crime after a job offer from the LAPD evaporates. His best friend is pressured by his girlfriend Sylvia to find a job, but Jim is more interested in hanging out and making cash from small heists, while trying to get a law enforcement job so he can marry his Mexican girlfriend.

I'm still trying to figure out why Christian Bale stared in this film? He did American Psycho, Batman Begins, The Prestige and now this L.A. wanna be ganster? I thought it was a bad idea from the previews and it's a worse idea when you actually sit through the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/07 09:14 AM

Blade II ***
(Third Viewing)

A rare mutation has occurred within the vampire community. The Reaper. A vampire so consumed with an insatiable bloodlust that they prey on vampires as well as humans, transforming victims who are unlucky enough to survive into Reapers themselves. Now their quickly expanding population threatens the existence of vampires, and soon there won't be enough humans in the world to satisfy their bloodlust. Blade, Whistler (Yes, he's back) and an armory expert named Scud are curiously summoned by the Shadow Council. The council reluctantly admits that they are in a dire situation and they require Blade's assistance. Blade then tenuously enters into an alliance with The Bloodpack, an elite team of vampires trained in all modes of combat to defeat the Reaper threat. Blade's team and the Bloodpack are the only line of defense which can prevent the Reaper population from wiping out the vampire and human populations.

Wesley Snipes does it again as the half-human, half-vampire superhero Blade. I've really grown to appreicate these movies so much more with just a recent viewing. Leonor Varela was also great as Nyssa. I'll probably finish off the trilogy sometime this weekend. It's been great thus far and I remember Blade: Trinity being my favorite during the last go round.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/07 06:27 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, sometimes although rare, the theatrical edit in my opinion is much better than the "director's cut".


That's how I felt about Donnie Darko. The Director's Cut just explains things way too much, and the viewer loses alot of room to interpret.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 07:36 AM

Zodiac (2007) *** 1/2
(First Vieiwng)

A serial killer in the San Francisco Bay Area taunts police with his letters and cryptic messages. We follow the investigators and reporters in this lightly fictionalized account of the true 1970's case as they search for the murderer, becoming obsessed with the case. Based on Robert Graysmith's book, the movie's focus is the lives and careers of the detectives and newspaper people.

Again props are directed towards ronnie for first directing this movie to my attention I believe. It was a little long but a great investigation into the Zodiac killer. Jake Gyllenhaal, Anthony Edwards, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo (yes, romantic comedy "superstar" Mark Ruffalo) were all enjoyable. I'm really happy for Robert Downey Jr. as he's been in some pretty decent movies in the past couple of years including: Gothika, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Good Night and Good Luck, A Scanner Darkly, Zodiac and next year's Iron Man. As for Mr. Fincher, I'd rank this as my third favorite film of his behind Fight Club and Se7en.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 07:45 AM

I really need to get out and see Zodiac as soon as humanly possible.

Here's some fun trivia for you: Robert Downey Jr. was actually just playing himself in A Scanner Darkly. They just told him the cameras were off, and that's what they ended up with.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 07:46 AM

Really? Then I think a case could be made for him in Zodiac in certain scenes
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 07:48 AM

I don't know, I don't think that he can hit any closer to home than a character who teaches the audience how to make home-made cocaine in his first two minutes on screen.

I'll have to check it out.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 04:18 PM

I tell ya, while I'm still trying to figure out my film rating for ZODIAC, this is certain.

Mr. Fincher, we missed you.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 04:52 PM

RR,

I want to see Zodiac. It looks good by the brief previews I saw. Let me know what you think. I was considering seeing it this weekend or soon at any rate.


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 06:46 PM

You should TIS and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it as well
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 08:02 PM

World Trade Center
Oliver Stone / 2006 / USA (1st time; big screen)

Stone's film has no real energy, no real explosive or electric rhythm, no narrative drive. It's not a bad film by any means - in fact it's rather watchable - but it's decidedly ordinary. It looks like a TV movie, viewable to all, with intentions of inspiration and shortcomings in production value. Two moments of mild effect - when the first tower falls, with the men inside, and when the two survivors first hear help above on the ground. It's a conventional film, though, about an extraordinary event; and what is it that makes Nicolas Cage far more enjoyable to watch when he's deliberately and physically disabled under a pile of rubble, as opposed to a pro-active, no-shit member of the emergency services...? Flat.

---

The Illusionist
Neil Burger / 2006 / USA (1st time; stream)

It begins with a "come on, let's get on with it" exposition, a flashback within a flashback, and unfolds finally as a piece of detective fiction, in which the detective is a secondary character yet the one through which we view events, in awe of the mysterious illusionist of the title. The middle third is the best bit by far - it creates great potential for a battle of wits between the master magician in love with the bride-to-be of the jealous, bad-tempered prince. Suggestions of a thriller, potential for a more exciting second half, though, are cut short, and it turns out to finally be rather quite ordinary. Oh well.

---
Superman Returns
Bryan Singer / 2006 / USA (1st time; stream)

Action comedy, really, and it's good stuff. In fact, it's very good stuff, at times. A tad long, and the final quarter isn't nearly as good as the first three, but it boasts a shameless charm and succession of cheesy one-liners, a very old-fashioned goodie versus baddie plot with adequate enough romantic interest. A better lead could have helped, because this one is a bit cardboard, but the action scenes are really cool in an "I wish I was Superman" kind of way.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 08:05 PM

The History Boys
Nicholas Hytner / 2006 / UK (1st time; big screen)

Having not seen the play, one would imagine, knowing there have been only slight and minor changes, it is a superb production - well written, great cast (the original cast show here, too), daring and ambiguous, emotionally involved and involving. The narrative here pitches boys either hitting adolescence or caught up in the middle of it; either way, they're all in some way confused, under the direction of their homosexual teacher who they allow to fondle them out of school hours. It's a very funny script, very sharp, acted in a manner not so different from what the theatrical version would require, but captured vividly with a succession of panning zooms, which creates a lot more movement than what would perhaps be expected. As it progresses, it becomes more and more psychologically complex and a lot more serious. Whether the final coda warms or repels is down to taste and/or mood when viewing, but it is cleverly done even so.

---

Also, the films I saw in February can be seen here, and the reviews for a lot of them are here.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/07 08:50 PM

Let's Go to Prison *
(First Viewing)

John Lyshitski is a car stealing slacker, with a weed problem, and has been in Illinois' Rossmore State Penitentiary so many times, he knows it's entire population of both staff and cons by their fast names. Cursed with the old ill luck of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, in possession of the wrong car, he's been deemed a lost cause repeat offender in the eyes of everyone else. When the heartless judge, who has been behind most of his sentences, goes to the big court house in the sky, John decides to ruin the man's legacy by having the judge's only offspring, Nelson Biederman IV, thrown in the slammer along with him. Here, the world-class selfish jerk learns a certain old lesson the hard way: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. But has John somewhat gone too far in the payback department?

I'm liking Dax Shepard more now that I've seen him in Employee of the Month and now this film. However, too much homosexual tones between Will Arnett and Chi McBride. At first it was funny but by the end of the movie I thought it was enough. Some funny parts but ultimately, I'm glad I got paroled from this film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/07 12:06 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Superman Returns
Bryan Singer / 2006 / USA (1st time; stream)

Action comedy, really, and it's good stuff. In fact, it's very good stuff, at times. A tad long, and the final quarter isn't nearly as good as the first three, but it boasts a shameless charm and succession of cheesy one-liners, a very old-fashioned goodie versus baddie plot with adequate enough romantic interest. A better lead could have helped, because this one is a bit cardboard, but the action scenes are really cool in an "I wish I was Superman" kind of way.


It was a joke. It should be nominated for bottom 100 list. Totally ludicrous.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/07 03:19 AM

Blade: Trinity ***
(Second Viewing)

The Vampire nation awakens the originator of the race, Dracula. Meanwhile elements of the nation are setting up blade for the murder of human. Blade then teams up with the Nightstalkers, including Whistler's daughter to battle the father of the nosferatu.

Not as enjoyable as the first time around, but still an interesting story. I liked the action sequences in Blade II better. And a BIG beef I had with this film was the fact that Blade only used his sword ONCE in the entire film. In this film there seemed to be more punching, kicking type fighting. In Blade II I liked the use of guns, sword and knives. Some interesting casts in this movie with Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds, Parker Posey and Paul Levesque (HHH).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/07 05:43 AM

The Crow ** 1/2
(Third Viewing)

Eric Draven and his fiancée are brutally murdered on Devil's Night, a night when the henchmen of crime-boss Top Dollar traditionally indulge in wanton acts of violence and arson. A crow brings Draven's restless soul back from the dead and he sets out to wreak revenge upon his killers.

Third time was a charm for me to really enjoy this movie. Michael Wincott does a GREAT job as the villain and plays them so naturally. It's a shame his film career hasn't taken off better. The last great movie he was in was in 2002's The Count of Monte Cristo. Brandon Lee also did a great job and it's a shame this picture had to be the death of him. It looked like he had a promising career ahead of him.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/07 08:15 AM

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen **
(Second Viewing)

In this extraordinary adventure, the Fantom is trying to start a World War, and be at the head of it. The Fantom has highly superior weapons to the normal weapons of that day, and he also has extreme cunning, as we see by his tricking the countries into suspecting each other for war-mongering. A supposed loyalist to her Majesty's Empire is sent to fetch Allan Quatermain(Sean Connery) in an effort to track down the group who is trying to start the war. In a private and secret meeting, Quatermain meets who he is to be teaming up with on this mission. He is accompanied by Captain Nemo (Naseeruddin Shah), Mina Harker (Peta Wilson), Rodney Skinner (the Invisible Man, Tony Curran), Dorian Gray (Stuart Townsend), Tom Sawyer (Shane West), and Dr. Henry Jekyll (Also Mr. Edward Hyde, Jason Flemyng). Soon into their adventure they discover that the Fantom is behind these attacks, but there is more to this war than battle and cunning.

Not as bad the second time around. Sean Connery is always delightful on screen, even if it is in a sub-par movie such as this. What I don't get is, Alan Moore wrote From Hell (which was a wonderful movie), The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and V for Vendetta. However, when the movies came out, he received credits for From Hell and this film, but none for V for Vendetta. Why is that? I know David Lloyd wrote some as well but why only give credit to him and not Alan Moore?
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/07 02:56 PM

Just saw Zodiac last night. A decent crime flick, some pretty graphic murder scenes...some are hard to watch. Robert Downey Jr. was very good as a crime journalist.

I give it *** stars!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/07 03:24 PM

I have read some reviews for Zodiac, and they seem to be pretty good. In reading info on the film, they don't say it's based on a true story. However, it IS isn't it??? I assume it takes place during that era.

I remember it being in the news during the late sixties and seventies. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they never did catch this killer right???

TIS
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/07 05:24 PM

Never caught him, the guy who most thought was "the zodiac" died of cardiac arrest during an interrogation. The movie is entirley accurate from what I hear. During the none murder scenes the movie is pretty funny, which caught me off gaurd since I was expecting a "CSI" type of movie. I've always liked David Fincer (the director) his movies : Se7en, The Game, Fight Club, and Panic room are always entertaining.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/07 06:56 AM

Black Snake Moan *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A God-fearing bluesman (Jackson) takes to a wild young woman (Ricci) who, as a victim of childhood sexual abuse, looks everywhere for love, never quite finding it.

Samuel L. Jackson is such a GREAT actor. I'm almost convinced the man can play anything. He can play a southern country boy and still make it cool and believeable. Both he and Christina Ricci were awesome in this film. I'd say either this performance or her role in Monster are Christina Ricci's greatest work. Unfortunately, this movie didn't make a lot of noise opening weekend, only $4 million, but I predict it should make its money back on DVD.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/07 08:47 AM

Spawn **
(Second Viewing)

An assassin named Al Simmons is double-crossed and murdered by his evil boss Jason Wynn. Al makes a deal with the devil and returns to earth as Spawn to see his wife. He is ordered by the devil's minion, The Clown, to kill Wynn. Wynn has made a deal with the clown too and is suppose to destroy the world with a deadly virus that will help start Armageddon and allow Hell to attack Heaven. Spawn must choose between Good & Evil.

More enjoyable with a second viewing and John Leguizamo was enjoyable as the Clown/Violator.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/07 10:33 AM

La Double vie de Véronique **
Directed by Kieslowski. This is full of beautiful images and sounds. I just finished watching this... I am a little confused about the story/plot. But in the end I don't care because my only connection to this movie was at a visual level and not emotionally with the characters.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/07 05:59 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
La Double vie de Véronique **
Directed by Kieslowski. This is full of beautiful images and sounds. I just finished watching this... I am a little confused about the story/plot. But in the end I don't care because my only connection to this movie was at a visual level and not emotionally with the characters.


Maybe I can help a bit with the story/plot.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/07 09:37 PM

Kundun ***
(First Viewing)

In 1937, in a remote area of Tibet close to the Chinese border, a two year old child is identified as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the compassionate Buddha. Two years later, the child is brought to Lhasa where he is schooled as a monk and as head of state amidst the color and pageantry of Tibetan culture. The film follows him into adulthood: when he is 14, the Chinese invade Tibet and he is forced into a shaky coalition government; he travels to China to meet with a cynical Mao; and, finally, in 1959, ill and under siege, he flees to India. Throughout, he has visions of his people's slaughter under Chinese rule.

I was really surprised I liked this movie as much as I did because it's not Martin Scorsese's usual genre. His second religious movie, with his first being The Last Temptation of Christ. Based on both of these, I'm looking forward to one of his next project's Silence. It's about two Jesuit priests, Sebastião Rodrigues and Francis Garrpe, travel to seventeenth century Japan under the Shogunate regime (which has isolated itself from all foreign contact) to see how the evangelical mission is going. There they witness the persecution of Japanese Christians at the hands of their own government, which wishes to purge Japan of all western influence. Eventually the priests separate and Rodrigues travels the countryside, wondering why God remains silent while His children suffer. Finally, even though he was only in the movie for about 2 scenes, I thought Robert Lin did a great job as Chairman Mao.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/07 09:42 PM

fight Club

I loved this movie! It's got such a great twist and the acting is supberb. I'm no good at reviews but this is one of the best movies I have ever seen.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/07 10:16 PM

Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
Originally Posted By: svsg
La Double vie de Véronique **
Directed by Kieslowski. This is full of beautiful images and sounds. I just finished watching this... I am a little confused about the story/plot. But in the end I don't care because my only connection to this movie was at a visual level and not emotionally with the characters.


Maybe I can help a bit with the story/plot.


Wow, that would be great.

SPOILER WARNING

In the end the puppeteer says that he made two dolls just in case one of them gets damaged. And he also mentions that the second one avoids the dangers the first one experiences. So I speculate that Veronica and Veronique are something similar to that. Why do they look identical? Is it just a coincidence or they are somehow related to each other? And secondly, the puppeteer says that he later realized why he chose her for answering his question on psychology (that is, would a woman respond emotionally to a stranger) for his book. What does he realize and how does all this fit into the plot?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 12:06 AM

Eragon ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Orphaned farm boy Eragon (Ed Speleers) destiny is sealed forever when a mystic stone chooses him for its keeper, this is no ordinary stone, this is the last surviving egg of the dragon race. Eragon is now the new Dragon Rider, the boy who will be savior to the repressed peoples of the Kingdom ruled by the wicked King Galbatorix (John Malkovich) and his evil wizard Durza (Robert Carlyle). Running, hiding and battling across the lands with his mentor Brom (Jeremy Irons) and the gracious dragon Saphira (voiced by Rachel Weisz), together, with the beautiful Princess Arya (Sienna Guillory), this Band of Brothers learn more about themselves, their responsibilities and their destinies. Who shall succeed toward the end? Shall good overcome evil? Or will all be lost to the dark forces forever? Fly with the adventure.

A nice new trilogy could be on the horizon for the fantasy world post-Lord of the Rings. An interesting story line with some good action sequences. If the first story in any trilogy sets the story line, Eragon 2 and Eragon 3 could be some pretty nice fantasy flicks (if they get made). I haven't heard anything yet and this movie costs $100 million to make and only took in $75 million at the box office. It should make a profit on DVD however.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 04:20 AM

I just watched "Brooklyn Lobster" for the first time and was blown away by the fine performances and its story.

Filmed in Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay, it tells the story of a man who owns a lobster restauarant/retail outlet who faces losing his business and his family. Danny Aiello plays this guy who loves both. Danny Aiello is ABSOLUTELY SUPERB! as is Jane Curtin who plays his wife. Its a poignant, hard hitting drama well worth seeing.

Its a WONDERFUL character study (other family members and friends) and its nicely told. You'll see some of Aiello's "29th Street" character reinvented here (and I think thats his best role).

Martin Scorsese had SOMETHING to do with this film (but its not listed in the credits).

Check it out! (its on "On Demand" on the local cable stations now).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 04:27 AM

Aiello is very overlooked. Great actor whenever I see him.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 04:30 AM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Aiello is very overlooked. Great actor whenever I see him.


I think so, too.

If you enjoy watching him, you should definitely see this movie, Mick.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 04:31 AM

Thanks for the recommendation, SC! I'll be sure to look it up in my On Demand menu!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 07:08 AM

Road to Perdition ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Mike Sullivan works as a hit man for crime boss John Rooney. Sullivan views Rooney as a father figure. However after his son is witness to a killing he has done Mike Sullivan finds him self on the run trying to save the life of his son and at the same time looking for revenge on those who wronged him. Jude Law co stars as a hit man hired to kill Sullivan.

I remember seeing this film in theater's over 4 years ago. It didn't blow me away then and it didn't blow me away now. A good cast with Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig. My only hiccup with the movie is the fact that Tom Hanks is a hitman. I'm sorry, but I don't buy the fact that Tom Hanks mows down people with a tommy gun. I just don't see him in that role as that guy.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 12:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Aiello is very overlooked. Great actor whenever I see him.


I agree Capo. He always gives 100% in his performances and I find him to be very convincing and entertaining no matter what type of character he portrays. He also has an excellent singing voice and whenever he performs at the caberet here where I live, he always sells out.

I have to check out this movie.


Don Cardi
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 01:33 PM

I went Sunday to see Zodiac. Although obviously far from an uplifting movie, it was very good. The first half or so of the movie concentrates on the killings/killer which refreshed my memory, with all the notes/letters this madman sent to the police. It was just a little graphic, but not as blood/guts as it could have been, which I think was a wise move. You get the point without it.

What a reminder of just how "mad" this guy was. So cold. The scene with the mother/baby in the car! Made me cringe.

The acting was good. I am always impressed by Robert Downey Jr. and really only have seen Jake G. in one other movie. However, I went with my daughter who is in love with Jake, and didn't realize it was a true story until I told her.

She did get a chuckle a couple times (as did I), when one police department wanted to fax something to a couple other districts, and neither had a fax. Not to mention how smokey the newsroom was, and some of the plaid pants that the men wore.

Also, Zodiac's first murder in Riverside CA was a RCC student, and that's where both my daughters attended (although years later of course).

TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 03:49 PM

TIS, oh really? That is fascinating.

Irish, glad you liked the movie.

ZODIAC (2006) - ****1/2

Thoughts to be posted later.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 04:21 PM

TIS, I just checked Graysmith's book (played by Jake G.) out of the library. I didn't start it yet, but I wanted to grab it before the movie made everyone want to go out and get it.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 07:00 PM

svsg -

Spoilers in the entire post

Originally Posted By: svsg
In the end the puppeteer says that he made two dolls just in case one of them gets damaged. And he also mentions that the second one avoids the dangers the first one experiences. So I speculate that Veronica and Veronique are something similar to that.


A couple of people have a reading of the film in that Weronika's(the one in Poland) spirit is sort of an angel to Veronique (the one in France) and sort of "guiding" her. Perhaps directly or indirectly.

If you recall, prior to W dying, we see sort of an emotional bond and telepathic or intuitive bond (e.g.; one burns their hand and the other recoils her hand).

And there are other instances in which people have connected the puppets to the two protagonists.

Originally Posted By: svsg
Why do they look identical? Is it just a coincidence or they are somehow related to each other?


They are two different people, but "doubles."

Originally Posted By: svsg
And secondly, the puppeteer says that he later realized why he chose her for answering his question on psychology (that is, would a woman respond emotionally to a stranger) for his book. What does he realize and how does all this fit into the plot?


Let me get back to you on what it is the puppeteer, Alexandre, realized. I only watched the movie once, but will pop in the DVD tomorrow.

As for the whole Alexandre plot. People have read Alexandre to be a metaphor for Kieslowski, or the filmmaker in general and also in the context of this very film.

Another reading is Alexandre is a metaphor for destiny, fate, or chance.

But, on a more basic story level, I think the Alexandre subplot further illustrates W and V and especially V. The intuition and desire for connection on V's part.

Of the movie, Kieslowski said -

“The realm of superstitions, fortune-telling, presentiments, intuition, dreams, all this is the inner life of a human being, and all this is the hardest thing to film.” But he recognized the riskiness of the undertaking: this story, he commented elsewhere, “deals with things you can’t name. If you do, they seem trivial and stupid."

Spoilers in the entire post
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 07:45 PM

Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
She did get a chuckle a couple times (as did I), when one police department wanted to fax something to a couple other districts, and neither had a fax.


That's so crazy TIS because I laughed too and leaned over to my friend and told him "how great the technology was in 1969"
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 08:12 PM

Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
svsg -
..........


24 fps, Thanks for the explanation.

I forgot to mention, there is an audition scene where a woman sings. Her voice is almost like a musical instrument, very very high pitch. Superb superb stuff. One should watch this movie for all the sound effects at least.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 09:16 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
24 fps, Thanks for the explanation.


My pleasure, svsg.

Originally Posted By: svsg
Superb superb stuff. One should watch this movie for all the sound effects at least.


And for the images as you earlier noted! One of the most gorgeous movies one can encounter.

If you like the music in Double Life of Veronique, I recommend Kieslowski's Three Colors: Blue, if you haven't seen it yet. Dare I say I like the music better in the latter. The cinematographer is also the same for both films so you know you'll be in for a visual treat.

Plus, it's not as metaphysical or mystical as DLV which might mean a more enjoyable first viewing for some.

I really hope you watch it. It's fantastic.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 09:19 PM

The Most Dangerous Game (1932) *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A cabin cruiser is shipwrecked off the coast of a remote island, and its three passengers manage to reach the island safely. The island is owned by a strange and enigmatic count who invites them to stay. But he has an underlying motive for his apparent generosity: Count Zaroff enjoys hunting--and he only hunts the most dangerous game: humans!

Another RKO, Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong classic. Just one year later they'd change cinema history forever with King Kong. I'm really starting to enjoy some of these older 1930's movies more. This is just one example and Leslie Banks as Count Zaroff was awesome!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/07 10:12 PM

I second what 24fps says about Trois coleurs: Bleu. Visually wonderful, and the soundtrack (composed, I believe, before editing begun, so Kieslowski cut it to fit the musical piece) is gorgeous.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/07 12:17 AM

ZODIAC (2006) - ****1/2

Ladies and gentlemen, let's stand up and applaud for a moment.

With his masterpiece SE7EN, his very great cult classic FIGHT CLUB, his mindfuck funhouse thriller THE GAME, and the well-shot/but/lame scripted PANIC ROOM, David Fincher was the bad-boy autuer with a heavy cinema street cred.

But with ZODIAC, which is so damn very great, I think its time to pop out the champagne, and crown Fincher as a Master Filmmaker. He's earned his colors. His movies are now can't-miss events.

While the 160 minute running-length may frighten some folks away, its totally worth it. Its 1st half is a police procedural in a effortless docu-drama execution that is breathtaking, followed by a second half that succeeds in shorter time than Brian DePalma's THE BLACK DAHLIA wished in its wildest wet dreams.

People have complained that the movie lacks "character depth." Thing is, some people confuse melodrama with depth. Gyllenhall, Downey, Anthony E.R. Edwards, Mark Ruffalo, and the other fine actors give their own subtle depth to their roles which make the characters relatable and as deep as a great movie can be.

You know, ACTING.

But Fincher's mastery is his careful and comprehensive set-up of ZODIAC. When the critical scene within a house happens, when the film turns suddenly from a good mystery into making the audience very nervous and anxious. The fact that Gyllenhall perfectly parlays the viewer's emotions on his face is incredible.

When I saw ZODIAC, I really dug the hell out of it. But since seeing it 3 days ago, I've thought about it more and more...and its impressing me more and more.

Which me realize this: I had no idea that I've missed Fincher at the movies. Thanks for coming back. Please stay around this time!

ZODIAC is a sure-fire Oscar contender for Best Cinematography. Anyone agree?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/07 04:43 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
ZODIAC is a sure-fire Oscar contender for Best Cinematography. Anyone agree?


As of now sure. But it's WAY too early to start talking Oscars already. It hasn't even been 10 days since Marty's name was announced
Posted By: Antihero

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/07 07:31 AM

-Cocaine Cowboys 2006
Plot:
In the 1980s, ruthless Colombian cocaine barons invaded Miami with a brand of violence unseen in this country since Prohibition-era Chicago - and it put the city on the map. "Cocaine Cowboys" is the true story of how Miami became the drug, murder and cash capital of the United States, told by the people who made it all happen.

Woow! This Documentary really knocked me of my feets. I learned a lot of things i had no idea that cocaine had such an impact on Miami. There is a part in the movie about a "Godmother", a colombian woman, who had a lot of power during the late 70´s and start 80´s, who´s really interessting.
I can only recomend to watch this!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/07 08:29 AM

The Sword of Doom *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Ryunosuke is a sociopathic samurai without compassion or scruples. When he is scheduled for an exhibition match at his fencing school, the wife of his opponent begs Ryunosuke to throw the match, offering her own virtue in trade. Ryunosuke accepts her offer, but kills her husband in the match. Over time, Ryunosuke is pursued by the brother of the man he killed. The brother trains with the master fencer Shimada. In the meantime, however, Ryunosuke earns the enmity of the band of assassins he runs with, and it becomes a question of who shall face him in final conflict.

A very beautifully shot movie that has me engulfed from the opening frame of Omatsu and her grandfather crossing a mountain pass. I liked the way the movie ended. However, it is very unfortunate Kihachi Okamoto wasn't able to direct more as was planned. But based on this film alone, he put together a fantastic movie. I just wish I had more
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/07 05:34 AM

The Gravedancers *
(First Viewing)

After a night of drunken exploits, Allison, Harris, and Kira are chased and terrorized by the ghosts of a child pyromaniac, an ax murderer, and a rapist.

The first movie I've been able to see from the After Dark Horrorfest. So far it looks to just be a huge marketing ploy by Lions Gate. It's worked thus far for me because I've seen one and still want to see the other 7. Whether or not they're good is a different story.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/07 08:45 AM

The Nativity Story ***
(First Viewing)

A drama that focuses on the period in Mary and Joseph's life where they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

I had heard this movie did some noise at the box office but don't remember seeing a lot of trailers/advertisements for it. I also thought it was gonna be a cheesy, preachy movie (which I'm glad to say I didn't find that to be the case). The film was well directed and was done by the director or Thirteen, Catherine Hardwicke. Keisha Castle-Hughes did a good job as Mary, Oscar Isaac was good as Joseph, but my personal favorite was Ciarán Hinds was King Herod.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/07 08:45 AM

300 ****
(First Viewing)

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

Easily my favorite movie of the year thus far and I think the only contender to knock it from its throne will be Grindhouse. Everything I had heard about this film prior to viewing it was DEAD ON! This is most definitely a guys movie. Great battle scenes, humor, sets, CGI, cast, etc. I really loved the sets and CGI work in the film, as I did with Sin City. Visually speaking, both movies are breathtaking. I think this paid a great tribute to Frank Miller as did Sin City and will only help to encourage more Frank Miller graphic novel movies to be made. Worth a second viewing in the theaters. Whatever you do this weekend, see 300!
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/07 10:18 AM

300

BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR - (granted the first of every year is generally filled with shit that the studios sunk money into only to decide that it wont make it in either the Summer blockbuster season or the Fall award season)

You know what it is about - 300 Spartans the fiercest fighters of Greece defend everything they know against the insurmountable odds that is the entire force of the Persian armies. It is a true story somewhat but this movie which gets it's name from a Frank Miller comic (mini-series or Graphic novel) goes more for Frank's stylistic approach than historical accuracy.

I can not tell you the last time I was more satisfied when I left a movie (and since I see like one a week most weeks of a year - lets just say I've left alot of movies). It is everything that I wanted or expected from it - it looks beautiful every frame every scene. There is no doubt that every frame has computer enhancement but it does not detract or distract in anyway it is one of the times when it really does add to the aesthetic of the movie.

The action...I almost wet my pants and ejaculated at the same time - I can't recall the last time I saw violence this good, this visceral. There seems to be trend in Hollywood to shoot action closer and closer as if trying to convey the kinetic fury of it, but all that does is shorten the frame and give a claustrophobic viewpoint almost to where you can't see or "feel" what's going on. Well that is something that this movie doesn't suffer from the action explodes off the screen and you get to see every bloody slash, stab, and hit. The scope manages to be massive and personal but never confined the edges of the frame hinting at more violence but not distracting from the focal point - letting the battlefield breath. Or in other words it kicked ass, lots and lots of ass.

The style and action of this movie alone are enough to see it. Hell it's enough to warrant a second viewing in the theater plus a DVD purchase. (of course I own Bats on DVD so that whole buy on DVD recommendation might not hold that much credibility). The movie is not just style and action...ok it is mostly style and action but for god's sake it's damn good style and great action. Both of which feed off of the characters. In that regard King Leonidas is the movie and Gerard Butler is fantastic. He is totally believable as a Spartan ruler both hardened and passionate, arrogant and well arrogant. This movie depends on his performance and it is all the better because of it.

The queen portrayed by Lena Headey had to seem if not on par with Leonidas at least able to stand with him, which she did. Though not given all that much for or as a part she did great with the scenes she had commanding your attention making you believe in what her character was doing and why. Each soldier's character may seem interchangeable with any other but it is that aspect which make the audience believe in their strength and steel like resolve. You care for these men - knowing the result of the battle you still pull for them hope for them - laugh when they laugh feel saddened when one of them falls. It is not just some hollow force your watching but almost a character itself in the Spartans. The Persians were well the bad guys, and your hero is only as good as his opponent. The Persians in 300 were ominous, vicious, unrelenting, and at times freaky. Xerxes the proclaimed God-King was larger than life in every regard (it took over a hundred men to carry his chair) and represented just about the antithesis to every thing Leonidas stood for. (duh hence the totally awesome battle)

10 - like I said best movie of the year

** upon reading comments on another movie I might have to amend to say MOST ENTERTAINING MOVIE OF THE YEAR - as best would seem to encompass tech. aspects and plot and such. *cough *cough *Fincher *cough
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/07 06:12 PM

Considering its March, its way way way too early to call a movie the "best" of the year. Even if ZODIAC does kick ass.

Hell, I had all but ordained UNITED 93 last year as the best work of 2006....then THE DEPARTED came out. Then CASINO ROYALE. Then THE FOUNTAIN, and of course my eventual #1 movie of 2006...CHILDREN OF MEN.

All I know is, so far for 2006, ZODIAC will most likely shoot its way into the Top 10.

My only concern with 300 is Zach Snyder. Why? If he fucks up Miller's 300, then he'll drop the ball with Alan Moore's WATCHMEN...and I don't want to see the greatest graphic novel ever penned fucking wasted. Dammit, leave the mediocre wasting to GHOST RIDER!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/07 01:19 AM

Originally Posted By: suspect_5
(of course I own Bats on DVD so that whole buy on DVD recommendation might not hold that much credibility).


AMEN to that! Good review suspect
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/07 01:23 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Dammit, leave the mediocre wasting to GHOST RIDER!


You gotta say this about Ghost Rider - Eva Mendes boobs never looked so good -

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/07 02:11 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Dammit, leave the mediocre wasting to GHOST RIDER!


You gotta say this about Ghost Rider - Eva Mendes boobs never looked so good -



AMEN to that too I've heard Nic Cage is pushing for her to be She-Hulk should they make a movie about her. I'm all for Eva in that role!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/07 02:13 AM

Damn Coppola men have all the luck.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/07 04:14 AM

The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning
(First Viewing)

Cousins Bo, Luke and Daisy are sent to Hazzard County, Georgia for the first time to live with their Uncle Jesse. Jesse is a farmer and a moonshiner and is constantly battling his old rival Boss Hogg who is the corrupt city commissioner of the small town. This film is a prequel set before the time period established in the 1979 Hit TV Series.

It's a good thing this movie never came to theaters. A horrible display at a prequel. The original Dukes of Hazzard movie wasn't that great and did not warrant a prequel or sequel. Apparently Warner Bros. likes to throw money away. It's truly a shame that Christopher McDonald was ever attached to this piece of sh*t.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/07 08:52 AM

The Art of War 1/2
(First Viewing)

Shaw is an operative for the United Nations' covert dirty-tricks squad, using espionage and quasi-ethical tactics to secure peace and cooperation. When a shipping container full of dead Vietnamese refugees turns up on the docks and China's ambassador is gunned down at a dinner celebrating a new trade agreement with China and the US, Shaw is framed for the murder and must evade the FBI and Triad gangsters to find out what is really going on.

A complicated storyline with a predictable ending doesn't make for a good flick (even if it is a Wesley Snipes action movie). The fight scenes were lame and this wasn't as interesting as I anticipated.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/07 09:40 AM

When I said best - I meant so far this year I mean obviously the list gets adjusted as the year goes on and more movies come out.


I mean look at my avatar obviously there is at least one other movie that I'm dying to see...lol
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/07 05:02 PM

I've got to agree with Irish on ART OF WAR. A very mediocre as hell movie produced on Wesley Snipes' downslide of his career. Now he's a Direct-to-DVD action star, like other washups Seagal and Van Damm.

Better yet, Michael Biehn is wasted. At least Robert Rodriguez included him in his GRINDHOUSE feature.

THE ART OF WAR (2000) - *1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 03:39 AM

The Dreamers ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The tumultuous political landscape of Paris in 1968 serves as the backdrop for a tale about three young cineastes who are drawn together through their passion for film. Matthew, an American exchange student, pursuing his education abroad in Paris, becomes friends with a French brother and sister duo, named Theo and Isabelle, who share a common love of the cinema. While the May 1968 Paris student riots--which eventually shut down most of the French government--are happening around them, the three friends develop a relationship unlike anything Matthew has ever experienced, or will ever encounter again.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 05:30 AM

I just rewatched "The List of Adrian Messenger" (for the first time in a long time). If anyone wants to see a good old-fashioned whodunit with a few surprises this is a good choice.

Made in 1963 it stars George C. Scott as a retired intelligence officer investigating the death of a friend. Its a little dry but cameo appearances by Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Robert Mitchum and Frank Sinatra add to its appeal. Kirk Douglas rounds out the cast.

Its not shown much on tv (unfortunately) and I don't think its available on DVD but if you can get a VHS copy (library?) you should be happy you did.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 05:46 AM

I finally saw WORLD TRADE CENTER tonight on demand.

I was reluctant to see it in the movies because I was one of the people that thought it was just too soon for the subject matter. But then I got to thinking about the thread on war movies and it occurred to me that our veterans have watched movies about wars that they've been in, even sooner.

Anyway, I found it to be fair. No better, no worse. I knew going in that it would be anti-climactic because we all knew how it would end. I was moved by some of the little touches, like the pictures of all of the missing up in the hospital. I'd forgotten about those being posted in every hospital and local bar and on every telephone pole imaginable.

The effects were frightening, especially the shaking of the insides of the towers. It wasn't political whatsoever, I'll give Stone credit for that. All in all, a fair movie that was thought provoking at the very least.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 06:59 AM

12 Angry Men *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The defence and the prosecution have rested and the jury is filing into the jury room to decide if a young Spanish-American is guilty or innocent of murdering his father. What begins as an open and shut case of murder soon becomes a mini-drama of each of the jurors' prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused, and each other. Based on the play, all of the action takes place on the stage of the jury room.

Henry Fonda did a GREAT job Juror #8/Mr. Davis. Always cool and composed, never having to shout or name call to get his point across. A wonderful script and enjoyable directing by Sidney Lumet. I really liked the many pan shots he'd use in the room. I'd really be surprised if this didn't get a 50th Anniversary Special Edition DVD. Although I thought Tax Driver would have gotten a 30th Anniversary Edition last year and didn't
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:01 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I finally saw WORLD TRADE CENTER tonight on demand.

I was reluctant to see it in the movies because I was one of the people that thought it was just too soon for the subject matter. But then I got to thinking about the thread on war movies and it occurred to me that our veterans have watched movies about wars that they've been in, even sooner.

Anyway, I found it to be fair. No better, no worse. I knew going in that it would be anti-climactic because we all knew how it would end. I was moved by some of the little touches, like the pictures of all of the missing up in the hospital. I'd forgotten about those being posted in every hospital and local bar and on telephone pole imaginable.

The effects were frightening, especially the shaking of the insides of the towers. It wasn't political whatsoever, I'll give Stone credit for that. All in all, a fair movie that was thought provoking at the very least.


If you liked World Trade Center then I would endorse a viewing of United 93. I found it to be much better and more moving.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:25 AM

Shawshank Redemption (N+1th time) ****
This is the only movie I like with a 'message'. The message is clearly that of hope and perseverance. Everytime I feel low, I watch this and it makes me feel good.
Brooks lost hope, Andy never lost hope... Red is suspicious and cynical, but eventually finds the truth in Andy's belief. Great contrast in characters. I used to think that the twist at the end is very important, but now I know the ending and I still revisit this movie every now and then. It is not always about clever camera tricks and cool sounds and fancy editing. Sometimes the story and dialogues are so powerful that I couldn't care less if it fits the description of the cinematic medium by the purists on the board. Great great movie.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:41 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Henry Fonda did a GREAT job Juror #8/Mr. Davis.


Not to mention Lee J. Cobb in his second best role (behind "On the Waterfront"). Cobb portrayed the angry father peerlessly and passionately.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:46 AM

Yes SC, I'd say he was my second favorite behind Fonda. I also did like Joseph Sweeney as Juror #9/Mr. McCardle.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:53 AM

I loved Jack Klugman in that movie. He was a very gritty NY character actor all those years before he became Oscar Madison.

Years later on THE ODD COUPLE, they kind of spoofed 12 ANGRY MEN, using Felix as the holdout juror.

Great, great movie. And not to go off topic but THE ODD COUPLE is one of the great sitcoms in television history.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:59 AM

I also liked Jack Warden as Juror #7 who was obsessed with making it to the Yankees/Indians game
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 10:32 AM

I watched "Monster House" with my kids last night....
Not really my cup of tea to be honest although the little people (and my wife) seemed to enjoy it
This morning the kids are watching "The Princess Diaries 2" which is a pile of cack i have been forced to sit through several times already
Hence the reason i have gone next door and come on the computer
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 03:46 PM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Shawshank Redemption (N+1th time) ****
This is the only movie I like with a 'message'. The message is clearly that of hope and perseverance.
Couldn't you say that every film has a message so long as you wish to find one?
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 06:50 PM

I'm watching The Towering Inferno on tv. I just love re-watching classics. It makes me very nostalgic. Any excuse to look at Paul Newman will do too. hahaha. But I'm also reminded of just how aweful some of the acting is too.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:01 PM

Beth, Mr. Babe and I watched that late last night. And we just rented the remake of Poseidon. It must be disaster movie week.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:02 PM

Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Originally Posted By: svsg
Shawshank Redemption (N+1th time) ****
This is the only movie I like with a 'message'. The message is clearly that of hope and perseverance.
Couldn't you say that every film has a message so long as you wish to find one?

That is the reason I wrote 'message' instead of message. I agree with you that every movie has a message if you care to dig. Some of them are very blatant and preachy(shawshank fits in that category as well). I usually hate movies like that, with Shawshank being the exception. That is because I relate to the characters in the movie and this movie has been a huge impact on me. The first time I saw this, I dismissed it as being corny, not any longer.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 07:13 PM

I love Shawshank Redemption. I think it's done better on video than in the theaters. When I first saw the title, I had no idea what it was about, and usually passed it over. I saw it a few years ago, and have seen it a couple more times since.


TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 08:25 PM

SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION was a dud in theatres, then became one of the most rented-titles in the 1990s.

Then Ted Turner, somehow, had gotten the TV rights on the cheap. Which is why TBS/TNT basically played the movie so damn much for years...which probably is why the movie has such a dedicated following now.

It deserves it too.

I think the best thing about SR is the fact that it actually deserves its happy ending. It works to earn it. Few films do that these days.

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994) - ***** - Masterpiece
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/07 08:36 PM

I caught the tail end of STATE OF GRACE (1990) this morning and I noticed that Encore will be re-broadcasting it a couple of more times this month. I guess to coincide with St. Patrick's Day.

This was a very good movie based on the Westies and the Irish mob. It was originally released less than a week before GOODFELLAS and was in and out of theaters in about 10 minutes as a result of this ill advised release date.

Sean Penn was great as the conflicted undercover cop. Ed Harris was great as a tough guy long before he settled into "good guy" roles, like in STEPMOM. And Gary Oldman was, well, Gary Oldman. That man is the most overlooked actor in Hollywood, in my opinion. A very good, very gritty and very real take on the west side of the 1980's. I'm gonna order it on DVD.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/07 01:21 AM

THE POPE OF GREENWICH VILLAGE (1984) ***1/2 stars

From the DVD:

Turn up the Sinatra, put on a leather jacket, and slip intp "a rollicking, high-voltage movie that produces tears of laughter" (New York Daily News). Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts and Daryl Hannah "create emotion-charged characters who tingle with energy and play with conviction" (The Hollywood Reporter) in this modern-day classic that's as robust and powerful as Italian espresso!
In New York's Little Italy, smooth-talking hustler Charlie (Rourke) works in a restaurant and dreams of one day buying his own with girlfriend Diane (Hannah). His wiry cousin Paulie (Roberts) waits tables, skims money off checks and is always scheming to score big. But they're all about to pull a scam on the wrong guy - Bed Bug Eddie (Burt Young), the Mafia king of Greenwich Village! Now these small-time con men are in big-time trouble - trouble so big that even their mobster uncle might not be able to save them.






This is one of my all-time favorite New York movies. It's a somewhat faithful adaptation of the Vincent Patrick novel, which I HIGHLY recommend as well. This is long before Mickey Rourke became the poster boy for bad plastic surgery, Daryl Hannah went hippie and Eric Roberts became famous for being Julia's drug addled and envious brother.

This was one of those movies in the 80's that I just had to own. Do you remember paying $75 for a movie on VHS before Blockbuster and Suncoast came along ?

I highly recommend it.

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/07 05:28 AM

Field of Dreams ***
(First Viewing)

Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella hears a voice in his corn field tell him, "If you build it, he will come." He interprets this message as an instruction to build a baseball field on his farm, upon which appear the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and the other seven Chicago White Sox players banned from the game for throwing the 1919 World Series. When the voices continue, Ray seeks out a reclusive author to help him understand the meaning of the messages and the purpose for his field.

As big of a baseball fan that I am I've never seen this movie (or The Natural or Eight Men Out). Both of which I plan on vieiwng this week given the time. I definitely think James Earl Jones was the star of the film, even more so than Kevin Costner. He just commands so much pressence on screen and was humerous in many parts. Ray Liotta was also good in his pre-Goodfellas role. I didn't expect the movie to be as heartwarming as it was.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/07 06:01 AM

Both great movies Irish, but FIELD OF DREAMS is really special. I actually cried when I saw it in the movies in 89' and the ending still chokes me up now.

I won't ruin it for you, but believe me, you'll never play catch again without thinking of the ending of this beautifully sentimental movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/07 07:31 AM

Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Both great movies Irish, but FIELD OF DREAMS is really special. I actually cried when I saw it in the movies in 89' and the ending still chokes me up now.


I cried too man. It got to me too
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/07 07:33 AM

Tokyo Drifter **
(First Viewing)

Tetsu has joined his yakuza boss in going straight, but when a rival gang threatens to bring them back into the gang wars, Tetsu must become a drifter to keep the pressure off his old boss.

Some great music in this film and I loved the final shootout in the club. The white set and the singer and our main character are dressed all in white while the "bad guys" are in dark suits. It really came out well onscreen. Other than that, I wasn't too impressed with this film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/07 08:27 AM

The Pursuit of Happyness ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

In 1981, Chris Gardner was a struggling salesman in little needed medical bone density scanners while his wife toiled in double shifts to support the family including their young son, Christopher. In the face of this difficult life, Chris has the desperate inspiration to try for a stockbroker internship where one in twenty has a chance of a lucrative full time career. Even when his wife leaves him because of this choice, Chris clings to this dream with his son even when the odds become more daunting by the day. Together, father and son struggle through homelessness, jail time, tax seizure and the overall punishing despair in a quest that would make Gardner a respected millionaire.

A great performance by Will Smith and his son Jaden. A heartwarming story about hope and the never say die attitude. Unfortunately, I don't get to see much of Will's work. The last movie of his I've seen prior to this was I, Robot and the last movie of his that I throughly enjoyed was Bad Boys II (and I only say that because I thought it was going to be a horrible movie).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/07 07:49 PM

Ask and thy shall receive. I thought a remake of Escape From New York could be warranted and it looks as if that will come to fruition. I know it's not a movie review but it is movie news.

Butler to Escape NY?

Prior to 300 most people (aside from his rabid PHANTOM OF THE OPERA fans) weren't all that knowledgable about Gerard Butler. Now with the $70 million-plus opening of 300, I don't think Butler will have that problem anymore. Case in point: a bidding war has erupted over a remake of ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK with Butler set to star. CAA put together the package with Butler starring, Neal Moritz producing and a script by Ken Nolan (BLACK HAWK DOWN). Butler would star in the Snake Plissken role Kurt Russell made famous in John Carpenter's cult classic. I'm not sure I fully support a ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK remake (especially one remade by Neal "STEALTH" Moritz) but if there has to be a guy to step in for Russell in Plissken's shoes, Butler is definitely that guy. Butler can be seen next in the dramedy PS, I LOVE YOU with Hilary Swank.

Source: JoBlo
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/07 08:24 PM

Fuck that.

ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK is a lean, mean B-action movie with a Z-budget charm to it.

I'm sure the remake is $60 million with CGI, alot of nicely paid talented actors given garbage to work with....

But at least John Carpenter, Debra Hill's estate, and Kurt Russell are getting some cool cash from all this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/07 10:15 PM

At least Tony Scott's not directing it, eh ronnie?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/07 04:11 AM

Oh, you would drop your pants and grill the lizard if Tony Scott decided to direct it, wouldn't you?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/07 05:46 AM

The Rock ***
(Second Viewing)

A group of renegade marine commandos seizes a stockpile of chemical weapons and takes over Alcatraz, with 81 tourists as hostages. Their leader, a former highly-decorated U. S. general, demands $100 million to be paid in ransom, as restitution to families of soldiers who died in covert operations and were thereby denied compensation. Otherwise, he is threatening to launch 15 rockets carrying deadly VX nerve gas into the San Francisco Bay area. An elite SEAL team, with support from an FBI chemical warfare expert (Stanley Goodspeed) and a former Alcatraz escapee (John Mason), is assembled to penetrate the terrorists' defenses on Alcatraz and neutralize the rocket threat before time runs out.

Wow, Michael Bay actually made 2 good movies. This was probably his best with the original Bad Boys being his second best. I've yet to see Armageddon but his career has gone downhill since Pearl Harbor. That in itself was a total f*cking wreck as was The Island. I did enjoy Bad Boys II but felt it was a very unnecessary remake. Really, did the world need another Bad Boys or was it just Martin Lawrence? A very noticable cast Bay was able to put together in this film and was VERY surprised to see Vanessa Marcil (I just wasn't aware she was in the movie). Cage and Connery were good but Ed Harris stole the show for me as General Hummel.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/07 05:47 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Oh, you would drop your pants and grill the lizard if Tony Scott decided to direct it, wouldn't you?


Probably I'd rather see him tackle this project than The Warriors I'll say that. I am in favor of this remake but again, I don't see the point in The Warriors remake. But I'm sure others can see things the other way too.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/07 05:52 AM

THE WARRIORS remake aint happening....or at least not happening with Tony Scott.

I can guarantee it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/07 08:46 AM

Ransom **
(First Viewing)

Tom Mullen, rich airline owner, is shocked when his son is kidnapped. He is willing to pay the two million dollar ransom, but the drop goes wrong. So Tom turns the ransom money into a bounty on the head of the kidnapper.

I've never seen a parent act so recklessly with the life of their child in any movie or TV show as I did this film. The story kept going around in circles and it was the same song and dance. I was really surprised to see former New Kid on the Block star Donnie Wahlberg in the picture, as this was only his second film of his career. I still dig Ron Howard though, it wasn't his fault the script was crappy. His best work before this movie was Far and Away and after that wasn't until 2001's A Beautiful Mind.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/07 10:06 PM

I made an hour-and-a-half train journey yesterday to see Lynch's Inland Empire. Review coming up...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/07 03:45 AM

Eight Men Out ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The great Chicago White Sox team of 1919 is the saddest team to ever win a pennent. The team is bitter at their penny pincher owner, Charles Comiskey, and at their own teammates. Gamblers take advantage of this opportunity to offer some players money to throw the series (Most of the players didn't get as much as promised.) The Sox almost come back from a 3-1 deficit. 2 years later, the truth breaks out and the Sox are sued on multiple accounts. They are found innocent by the jury but baseball commissioner Landis has other plans. The eight players are suspended for life, and Buck Weaver, for the rest of his life, tries to clear his name.

A great look at the Black Sox scandel. I'm really not surprsied as much before viewing this movie seeing how much of a tightwad Charles Comiskey was. The players just wanted their end and if the owner didn't give it to them, he had to expect they'd get it for themselves.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/07 04:44 AM

Monster House **
The Animation is ok, and the first half is hilarious. The fat kid, babysitter and her boyfriend are great, but the rest of the characters are not so interesting. The second half is sort of boring and feels too long. Good for kids.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/07 07:05 AM

The Natural ****
(First Viewing)

An unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league in this magical sports fantasy. With the aid of a bat cut from a lightning struck tree, Hobbs lives the fame he should have had earlier when, as a rising pitcher, he is inexplicably shot by a young woman.

One of, if not, THE best baseball movie I've ever seen. How could you not just want to stand up and cheer for Robert Redford? He had the whole good mannered, country boy routine down cold. A great performance and a great feel good baseball/sports movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/07 09:07 AM

Bull Durham **
(First Viewing)

Crash is an aging minor league ball player, brought up from another team to mature a young pitcher with maturity problems. Both of them become involved with Ann, a baseball groupie with her own perspective on the game.

Not a bad baseball comedy. Nothing outstanding but I was surprised at some of the language.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/07 08:59 PM

The Punisher (1989) ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Based on the Marvel Comic, Dolph Lundgren is Frank Castle an ex-cop who lives in the sewers and acts as judge, jury, and executioner to the city's criminals in retaliation for the unpunished murders of his wife and kids. Frank's ex-partner Jake (Louis Gossett Jr.) finally catches up with the vigilante as he tries to stop the Japanese mob, which is trying to take over the city's mafia operation.

I really thought Dolph Lundgren did a good job as The Punisher. This was A LOT better than I expected and I enjoyed it very much. It had mafia and yakuza figures and it was actually set in New York. I probably enjoyed the remake more because it went in depth with the Frank Castle character. What I didn't like about this film is they never really say how or why he became The Punisher. The movie just picks up with him being "on the loose" for the past 5 years. Sure we know his family was blown up in a car explosion, but why? There were too many questions that needed to be answered. Also what I liked about the remake more was Frank Castle had military training, whereas in his picture we're only told he was a former cop. I think the military training is more believable for succeeding at the task at hand (namely riding the city of crime figures).
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/07 09:00 PM

SPOILERS!!!!!!!

SPOILERS!!!!!!!




Just finished watching "You've Got Mail". Obviously I admire The Godfather references, but I am a complete and total sucker for the scene in that absolutely beautiful garden, and that line, I wanted it to be you so badly.

It gets me every time.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/07 09:04 PM

Oh yeah, Brinkley the labrador in Riverside Park with "somewhere over the rainbow" playing, great scene.

A very guy friendly "chick flick". I loved it.
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/07 10:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I did enjoy Bad Boys II but felt it was a very unnecessary remake.


Yeah, um I'm going to go ahead and say that Bad Boys II was a sequel not a "remake".

You keep bashing these Bay moives - but I don't think you've watched them all the way either, so basically you're talking out your Irish you know what kind sir.

Now am I really going to sit here and say that Bay is a great and masterful film maker - no not really. However at what he does he is more than above par. So instead of social commentary his films are filled with explosions. You know what that is what some people want to see. Did Pearl Harbor suck...yes. Was the Island bad...beyond belief - I mean not Sean Bean as a bad guy, Scarletts fantastic aesthetic appeal, and Djimon Hounsou forceful presence were enough to save it. However being as I've watched them I can say that - without trying to just sound like I have taste.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 03:12 AM

Originally Posted By: suspect_5
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I did enjoy Bad Boys II but felt it was a very unnecessary remake.


Yeah, um I'm going to go ahead and say that Bad Boys II was a sequel not a "remake".


I meant sequel, not remake. And yes I do feel it was unecessary


Originally Posted By: suspect_5
You keep bashing these Bay moives - but I don't think you've watched them all the way either, so basically you're talking out your Irish you know what kind sir. However being as I've watched them I can say that - without trying to just sound like I have taste.


Ah, I own Bad Boys and Bad Boys II. I've seen The Rock, Pearl Harbor and The Island. Really the only Bay movie I haven't seen is Armageddon (which given the time, I'll do this weekend). So what's with all this "you haven't seen them all sh*t?"
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 04:01 AM

I saw Red Eye yesturday. It was pretty good.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 04:32 AM

ARMAGGEDON is a piece of shit that is autuer Bay's ultimate retarded statement. Hell, Billy Bob Thornton in retrospect admits that if it wasn't for the cash, he wouldn't been 300 miles close to that turkey.

The problem with BAD BOYS is that it follows very closely the buddy-cop formula to the hilt, but I've seen it numerous times...and hell if I can ever remember:

(1) The villains & their scheme
(2) What did Martin Lawrence ever do to make him justified as a worthy cop protagonist? Will Smith is doing his jiggy with guns, but Martin is supposed to be a clown...except he's about as funny as a Nazi Death Camp.

If anything, what makes BAD BOYS suffer is the fact that it lacks "something" to make it worthwhile. It has the formula, but without anything unique gimmick added, it becomes an average-ass action movie.

BAD BOYS 2 though is just a mediocre 150-minute movie that is 60 minutes too long. Apparently, Bay intentionally kept alot of unncessary footage so to piss off his critics. It worked. That is very petty, since it kept his movie from playing as much in theatres as it could, and make a bigger profit.

But don't get me started on the fucking retarded 3rd act in Cuba. Miami cops take out the Cuban Army? Hey, I know its a banana dictatorship and all, but its an ARMY...and Miami police wouldn't exactly last long against an ARMY.

Did I mention the 5 minute car-ride from Havana to Guantanamo Bay? Jesus....

Thing is, Irish, you ever heard the story about Michael Bay and Ed Harris?

Short answer is, Bay got some bruises.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 04:46 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


But don't get me started on the fucking retarded 3rd act in Cuba. Miami cops take out the Cuban Army? Hey, I know its a banana dictatorship and all, but its an ARMY...and Miami police wouldn't exactly last long against an ARMY.

Apparently you haven't seen Rambo, part 2
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 05:19 AM

svsg, not only part 2, but I've seen RAMBO 3...and lived.

Have you?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 05:27 AM

Have you seen this Ronnie ? It's actually painful to look at.

http://www.ramboiv.moonfruit.com/
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 05:33 AM

I agree pizzaboy. I enjoyed ROCKY BALBOA, but this RAMBO IV sounds basically like THE APOSTLE thrown into a blender with RAMBO III. Yeech.

What I dont is, "He's Back, and this time, its personal"

Huh? I thought John Rambo was pissed when America left POWs to rot back in Vietnam, or when the Soviets were like Gestapo-exterminating the Afghans...now he's personal?

This sounds like a Stephen Colbert comedy sketch.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 05:47 AM

I LOVED Rocky Balboa because it wasn't even really a fight movie, it was a movie about acceptance and moving on and I think it was done rather well.

Another Rambo, however, is a revolting notion. I guess that's why Sly's been toting human growth hormone through Europe, because it's personal.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 05:52 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
svsg, not only part 2, but I've seen RAMBO 3...and lived.

Have you?

I was (brain)dead after part 2
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 05:55 AM

I agree pizzaboy.

When you read about him, Stallone was one of the bigger super-egomaniacs in Hollywood in the 1980s, quite a turn from being a humble aspiring actor/writer. Years of flops and being a bloody joke perhaps put him back several pegs. Good for him.

But with ROCKY BALBOA, he actually made the first ROCKY sequel that's a worthy sequel to ROCKY. No sillyness of getting revenge or fighting the Russians or winning...

If anything, I'm just shocked that Stallone actually kept the only logical and right ending to the fight. The Sly of old would have demanded the usual ROCKY ending.

ROCKY BALBOA (2006) - ***

BTW, you reminded me pizzaboy....I laughed when I read that Mr. Balboa was using the roids.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 05:56 AM

Originally Posted By: svsg
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
svsg, not only part 2, but I've seen RAMBO 3...and lived.

Have you?

I was (brain)dead after part 2


As silly and dumb as RAMBO 2 is, RAMBO 3 is even more stupid. That is an acheivement in its own right.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 05:59 AM

Are any of the supposed alternate endings included in the Rocky Balboa dvd ?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 06:00 AM

Well, Sly shot like numerous different conclusions to the fight:

(1) Sly win by knockout
(2) Split-Decision
(3) Loss - Points(SPOILER)
(4) Win - Points

I think its the Win by points that is on the DVD, but I'm not sure.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 06:19 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Thing is, Irish, you ever heard the story about Michael Bay and Ed Harris?

Short answer is, Bay got some bruises.


No I haven't heard of it. What's the long answer?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 06:31 AM

Basically Irish, if the reports are to be believed, Michael Bay fancies himself to be a Steven Spielberg sort of director. However, he wanks himself to think of himself as James Cameron's heir apparent.

Egomaniac aside, he repeatedly asked Ed Harris over and over again during THE ROCK shoot in how Cameron shot this and that scene in THE ABYSS.

Ok, so what? Harris and Cameron fucking hated each other in the infamous hellish production of THE ABYSS, so having a punk music video director fancying himself to be Cameron repeatedly asking about THE ABYSS, which was not a fun time at all for Harris....it sorta pissed Harris off.

After telling him politely to quit, Bay kept doing it...and Harris proceeded to punch him. The crew joked and laughed at Bay for getting his annoying-ass knocked down by Harris.

Hey Irish, answer me this about THE ROCK....why is there mining shafts on Alcatraz?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 07:35 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Hey Irish, answer me this about THE ROCK....why is there mining shafts on Alcatraz?


I was wondering the same thing myself It's a Michael Bay movie, maybe suspect_5 knows?
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 09:15 AM

Hey Irish I sorta remember you telling me something about turning one movie off halfway through - thus my insinuation that you haven't watched them all.

As for the mine shafts...? Maybe it was part of the military installation - some type of subterranean supply conveyance...yeah I'm just talking out my ass
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 10:58 AM

Your asshole talks, like NAKED LUNCH? Wow

what military installation?

Yes, Alcatraz was an American base during the American Civil War, but that basically meant some guys on a piece of rock in San Fran Bay, with some guns and maybe a canon or two. The deepest holes they dug was for the latrines.

Also, I have serious problems with Ed Harris' character motivations in regards to THE ROCK.

He wants to honor his forgotten comrades by bio-weapon bombing the city. Right. Unless he's really a rogue Al Qaeda agent, this is bullshit that no American would think.

Besides, why not simply take over Alcatraz and making it very open? Force it to be public, and embarras the fucking hell out of the American government.

You know, instead of DIE HEAD knock-off #26.

Still, it tells you Michael Bay's lame and terrible career so far when his fans, and haters, seem to agree that this is Bay's best shot film. Talk about being damned with faint praise.

THE ROCK (1996) - **1/2
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 11:32 AM

Full slate of quick-ratings of Bay's autuership of garbage:

BAD BOYS (1995) - **1/2
THE ROCK (1996) - **1/2
ARMAGGEDDON (1998) - * - BOMB
PEARL HARBOR (2001) - * - BOMB
BAD BOYS II (2003) - *1/2
THE ISLAND (2005) - **
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 01:29 PM

Originally Posted By: suspect_5
Hey Irish I sorta remember you telling me something about turning one movie off halfway through - thus my insinuation that you haven't watched them all.


Nope, I've seen them all the way through. I turned Blood Diamond off halfway through
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 01:36 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


PEARL HARBOR (2001) - * - BOMB
*



Ronnie, I am interested to know why it is your opinion that Pearl Harbor was a bomb.



Don Cardi
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 01:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


PEARL HARBOR (2001) - * - BOMB
*



Ronnie, I am interested to know why it is your opinion that Pearl Harbor was a bomb.

Apart from the love scenes,i thought this was a decent film,which ive watched many times..must just be me..



Don Cardi
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 01:50 PM

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


PEARL HARBOR (2001) - * - BOMB
*



Ronnie, I am interested to know why it is your opinion that Pearl Harbor was a bomb.


Don Cardi



Apart from the love scenes,i thought this was a decent film,which ive watched many times..must just be me..
Posted By: Lavinia from Italy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 02:02 PM

Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Apart from the love scenes,i thought this was a decent film,which ive watched many times..must just be me..


I liked the movie. The attack scene was absolutely impressive. And the love story...well...I liked it too. I admit Lassie and Rin Tin Tin were better actors than Ben Affleck, but I loved this movie all the same.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 02:20 PM

So im not the only one,lol
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 03:41 PM

Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


PEARL HARBOR (2001) - * - BOMB
*



Ronnie, I am interested to know why it is your opinion that Pearl Harbor was a bomb.



Don Cardi


Oh I will...when you tell me why you didn't like THREE KINGS.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 03:44 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


PEARL HARBOR (2001) - * - BOMB
*



Ronnie, I am interested to know why it is your opinion that Pearl Harbor was a bomb.



Don Cardi


Oh I will...when you tell me why you didn't like THREE KINGS.




I don't know why I even bother trying.


Don Cardi
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 03:51 PM

What?

You didn't answer me back in the Top 25 War Films thread. Its a honest to god question. I don't care if you liked THREE KINGS or not. I just wanted to know why.

Come on big guy...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 03:59 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Originally Posted By: suspect_5
Hey Irish I sorta remember you telling me something about turning one movie off halfway through - thus my insinuation that you haven't watched them all.


Nope, I've seen them all the way through. I turned Blood Diamond off halfway through


I think Irish shares my sentiments with BLOOD DIAMOND, though I watched it through.

In a way, BLOOD DIAMOND the basic idea is alright, until its shoehorned into an action movie, with greedy fuck foreign Whitey becoming good to help save the day.

But, its watchable...but Edward Zwick is better than this. Then again, I said the same with THE SIEGE, and that was about 10 years ago.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/07 11:34 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
but Edward Zwick is better than this. Then again, I said the same with THE SIEGE, and that was about 10 years ago.


His prior work I've only seen Glory which I enjoyed and The Last Samurai which REALLY surprised me and I own
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 03:09 AM

I didn't care for LAST SAMURAI, but that is another story for another time. Lets just say historics and logic don't orgasm right for me with John Logan's script.

But GLORY was really good. Which is why I say that Zwick is better than the output he's been producing.

GLORY (1989) - ****
LAST SAMURAI (2002) - **1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 04:27 AM

Jesus Camp ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The basic storyline follows a year in the lives of three children from evangelical Christian families in Missouri, and focuses considerably on their experience at an evangelical summer camp ("Kids on Fire" in Devil's Lake, ND).

Disturbing and sick in some parts the way the elders in this camp brainwash these children. I understand it's important to have religion (I'm a very religious person myself) but this is too extreme for me. I guess others have there own sets of beliefs.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 04:30 AM

Seeing that clip on the Oscars about aerobics to Jesus or something made me stray away.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 05:23 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Jesus Camp ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The basic storyline follows a year in the lives of three children from evangelical Christian families in Missouri, and focuses considerably on their experience at an evangelical summer camp ("Kids on Fire" in Devil's Lake, ND).

Disturbing and sick in some parts the way the elders in this camp brainwash these children. I understand it's important to have religion (I'm a very religious person myself) but this is too extreme for me. I guess others have there own sets of beliefs.


I loved the segment when the camp worker talks about how Christiandom needs their own holy devoted warriors, like the suicide bombers for Islam.

So far, they're getting closer!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 06:47 AM

The Time Machine (1960) *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

From the book by H.G. Wells, a scientist and tinkerer builds a time machine and uses it to explore the distant future where there are two races, a mild gentle race, and a cannibalistic one living underground. His machine is stolen by the underground race and he must risk being captured (and eaten) to return to his own time.

I must admit I went into this movie thinking it'd be horribly cheesy and distracting. To my surprise this was a really good movie. Sure it had its cheesy moments but the Morlock's really looked great on screen. This is far superior to the 2002 remake with Guy Pearce and continue to wonder why Hollywood wants to remake these classics? THEY WERE DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 06:48 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Jesus Camp ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The basic storyline follows a year in the lives of three children from evangelical Christian families in Missouri, and focuses considerably on their experience at an evangelical summer camp ("Kids on Fire" in Devil's Lake, ND).

Disturbing and sick in some parts the way the elders in this camp brainwash these children. I understand it's important to have religion (I'm a very religious person myself) but this is too extreme for me. I guess others have there own sets of beliefs.


I loved the segment when the camp worker talks about how Christiandom needs their own holy devoted warriors, like the suicide bombers for Islam.

So far, they're getting closer!


You saw it ronnie? If so, what did you think of it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 07:08 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Time Machine (1960) *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

From the book by H.G. Wells, a scientist and tinkerer builds a time machine and uses it to explore the distant future where there are two races, a mild gentle race, and a cannibalistic one living underground. His machine is stolen by the underground race and he must risk being captured (and eaten) to return to his own time.

I must admit I went into this movie thinking it'd be horribly cheesy and distracting. To my surprise this was a really good movie. Sure it had its cheesy moments but the Morlock's really looked great on screen. This is far superior to the 2002 remake with Guy Pearce and continue to wonder why Hollywood wants to remake these classics? THEY WERE DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!


Yeah, the original TIME MACHINE is a shining point for us sci-fi nerds. Glad you enjoyed it Irish.

Interesting, the hackjob director of the horrid TIME MACHINE remake was Simon Wells, a descendent of H.G. Wells, and the bastard behind CON AIR and the first TOMB RAIDER picture.

How far the apple has fallen from the creative tree.

THE TIME MACHINE (1960) - ****
THE TIME MACHINE (2001) - *1/2
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 07:10 PM

Okay Ronnie, gimme a quick CON AIR review.

You can pan the movie, but you can't pick on Brookyln's own Steve Buscemi, deal ?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 07:23 PM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Time Machine (1960) *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

From the book by H.G. Wells, a scientist and tinkerer builds a time machine and uses it to explore the distant future where there are two races, a mild gentle race, and a cannibalistic one living underground. His machine is stolen by the underground race and he must risk being captured (and eaten) to return to his own time.

I must admit I went into this movie thinking it'd be horribly cheesy and distracting. To my surprise this was a really good movie. Sure it had its cheesy moments but the Morlock's really looked great on screen. This is far superior to the 2002 remake with Guy Pearce and continue to wonder why Hollywood wants to remake these classics? THEY WERE DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!


Yeah, the original TIME MACHINE is a shining point for us sci-fi nerds. Glad you enjoyed it Irish.


Any other old sci-fi gems like this that you can recommend? I've never seen the 1958 version of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman. Any good?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 07:48 PM

I never saw ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN Irish, but I assume its B-monster sexploitation fare of its time from the 1950s. Still, when Joe Bob Briggs of MONSTERVISION fame loves it, its worth checking it out then.

Pizzaboy, what gives? Buschemi might be the only good thing in CON AIR. But deal anyway. He's gotta feed his kids.

CON AIR (1998) - **1/2

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer's output has a shit-to-quality ratio of 7-to-1, but I'll give him this. He knows how to make lots and lots of money. That's why behind Spielberg, he's the big daddy in Hollywood.

Establishing the 1990s over the flippin-top action blockbuster template with hack master Michael Bay in BAD BOYS and THE ROCK earlier, Bruckheimer takes the mold and effectively makes the same movie that patronizes to the poor white males of the south and midwest...while insulting them quite openly. As a southerner, this pisses me off.

Take the opening of CON AIR. Its so emotionally manipulative in a contrived way. Soldier guy Nic Cage saves his pregnant wife and bad violent hooligans. Because the evil judicial system wants to give him the death penalty anyway, he cuts a 7 year manslaughter plea deal.

This doesn't make sense. Surely an emotional jury would have found him not guilty, on the premise of Self-Defense. Right?

But yeah, I forgot. With logic, there wouldn't be a movie.

However, while the usual action dynamics as you would expect in a Bay-esque picture is going on, I tuned out. However, John Malkovich takes his super-genius baddie that is over the top like the rest of the movie, but its entertaining. Too bad the rest of CON AIR doesn't do this for me.

As for Steve Buschemi, he was fun. A crazy-ass C-grade Hannibal Lecter clone serial killer that turns out to be whacky.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/07 07:57 PM

Ronnie, although there are times when I'd like to send you to your room without dinner, it's reviews like that, that have me falling out of my Lazy Boy from laughing.

I'll tell you this, I agree with you about the southern boy stereotype. I've lived every day of my 40 plus years in and around New York City and even I was offended for you guys.

Sweet Home Alabama!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 01:59 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Ronnie, although there are times when I'd like to send you to your room without dinner, it's reviews like that, that have me falling out of my Lazy Boy from laughing.

I'll tell you this, I agree with you about the southern boy stereotype. I've lived every day of my 40 plus years in and around New York City and even I was offended for you guys.

Sweet Home Alabama!


Thanks for the compliments,

WHAT A MINUTE. "At times..."?!? Like what?

I know I accidently egged your house and all with Ostrich eggs(Ten-times the goo!), but be reasonable!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 02:23 AM

KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE (1977) - ***

You've got to start somewhere.

Before filming AIRPLANE!, and starting an entire film sub-genre to which they become hopelessly trapped by Hollywood, the ZAZ Clan (David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, Jerry Zucker) wrote KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE, a series of comedic sketches, commercials, trailers, etc. Before shooting the monster hit ANIMAL HOUSE, John Landis directed KENTUCKY FIRED MOVIE.

KFM overall is good fun, with some killer sequences. The JFK assassination game SCOT-FREE. The Appeal to the Dead charity foundation. Feel-Around Theatre. CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS IN TROUBLE. "Show me your nuts!" *acts goofy, makes faces*

Yet the film dragged by jokes and gags that are either DOA, or simply won't make sense to people who didn't live in the mid-70s.

Take "A Fistfull of Yen," a 25 minute ZAZ-treatment parody of Bruce Lee's ENTER THE DRAGON. A good joke, followed by 4 minutes of dullness.

What I mean is, whenever hacks try to make parody movies(like say DATE MOVIE, EPIC MOVIE, SCARY MOVIE, etc.) they always go for the easiest jokes to pen, which usually end up stinkning the worst.

Example? Take stock footage of New York City, slap HONG KONG title card at the bottom. Ha ha, its so funny, Jay Leno wouldn't put it in his monologue.

But again, you have got to start somewhere...and KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE is a good start for ZAZ and Landis...before they crashed and burned hard in Hollywood.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 02:37 AM

Just rewatched "Hud" on tv. Its possibly Paul Newman's best role as he portrays a ruthless, self-absorbed son of a Texas rancher. Patricia Neal is absolutely awesome (her best role) as the family's housekeeper and Melvin Douglas is great as the father.

Its in black and white but its still a beautifully filmed movie and its a wonderful character study of this sonuvabitch (Newman) who almost makes you feel sorry for him.

If you've never seen it its an "SC MUST SEE"!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 02:38 AM

Amen on HUD, SC.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 02:40 AM

Gosh, it's been ages since I've seen Hud, but yea it was a great film. I loved Paul Newman back in the day. One of my favorites (and one in which he was totally "hot" ) was Long Hot Summer.



TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 05:46 AM

Con Air ***
(First Viewing)

When Cameron Poe, of the US Army, is found guilty of manslaughter after killing a drunk man while protecting his wife outside a bar, he is sent to jail for eight years. During that time his daughter is born, but he waits patiently in his cell until his release date. He is flown home on board the Jailbird, which also transports some very dangerous convicts to a maximum-security prison in Louisiana. The convicts manage to escape directed by Cyrus "The Virus", who also leads the plane's take-over and re-routes it to an abandoned airfield to catch another plane which will take them to a foreign country. With Poe's help, the authorities learn where the convicts are headed for and manage to get there before they take off again.

Probably Simon Wests' best work. The General's Daughter was pretty weak and the remake When A Stranger Calls was too watered down for the PG-13 rating and also was more of a suspense movie than horror film. Another noticable cast and I was extremely surprised to see Dave Chappelle in there. John Malkovich was brilliant as Cyrus 'The Virus' Grissom. Although, my biggest beef with the film was the use of the song "How Do I Love" by Trisha Yearwood. To me it just didn't seem to fit the film. Finally, and I don't know this may just be me, but this seemed like a Michael Bay film. I know he didn't have any part in it but to me, it just felt like I was watching Bay (not in a bad way).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 05:50 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I've lived every day of my 40 plus years in and around New York City


You are truly blessed!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 08:36 AM

Manhunter ***
(First Viewing)

An FBI specialist tracks a serial killer who appears to select his victims at random.

I still prefer Red Dragon over this. It had a better cast, explained the characters/storyline more and in greater depth and the movie seemed darker. I didn't like how the film ended and also Dr. Hannibal Lecktor (yes Lecter with a K & O) was hardly in the film. Anthony Hopkins was much better than Brian Cox in that role, although Brian wasn't horrible. William Petersen did a good job as Will Graham but again I prefer Edward Norton. My favorite character out of this film was probably Dennis Farina as Jack Crawford. Don't get my wrong I still enjoyed this movie (as can be seen by the 3-star rating), but between the 2, I don't think this holds a candle to Brett Ratner's (director of X-Men: The Last Stand) version, Red Dragon.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 01:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Con Air ***
(First Viewing)

When Cameron Poe, of the US Army, is found guilty of manslaughter after killing a drunk man while protecting his wife outside a bar, he is sent to jail for eight years. During that time his daughter is born, but he waits patiently in his cell until his release date. He is flown home on board the Jailbird, which also transports some very dangerous convicts to a maximum-security prison in Louisiana. The convicts manage to escape directed by Cyrus "The Virus", who also leads the plane's take-over and re-routes it to an abandoned airfield to catch another plane which will take them to a foreign country. With Poe's help, the authorities learn where the convicts are headed for and manage to get there before they take off again.

Probably Simon Wests' best work. The General's Daughter was pretty weak and the remake When A Stranger Calls was too watered down for the PG-13 rating and also was more of a suspense movie than horror film. Another noticable cast and I was extremely surprised to see Dave Chappelle in there. John Malkovich was brilliant as Cyrus 'The Virus' Grissom. Although, my biggest beef with the film was the use of the song "How Do I Love" by Trisha Yearwood. To me it just didn't seem to fit the film. Finally, and I don't know this may just be me, but this seemed like a Michael Bay film. I know he didn't have any part in it but to me, it just felt like I was watching Bay (not in a bad way).


Uhh, you read what I wrote earlier right?

Bruckheimer effectively took Bay's over-the-top Fuck-You style in the 1990s, and produced movies with Wells and Tony Scott, among others, shooting. This also includes up to Antoine Fuqua with the flop KING ARTHUR(which is why he was called the black Michael Bay for some time).

As for MANHUNTER, glad you liked it. I think its flawed, and I admire its attributes more so than I actually like it, but MANHUNTER is a nice refreshing picture since the serial killer sub-genre is so refined, so expected, so boring(probably why I really liked ZODIAC so well).

Besides, its attributes maybe makes it barely sqeak over the prime example of the assembly-line serial killer thriller...RED DRAGON. Barely.

Thing is, complaining that an over-abused baddie is hardly featured in a film isn't exactly....legit.

The problems with MANHUNTER is the 80s-ness of it. Yikes. The shootout ending is just out of place, like boss Dino DeLaurentiis told Mann to get some action made.

What I did like the most about MANHUNTER was its initial pacing. Usually, the serial killer thriller that Hollywood produces goes like this: Killer strikes, cops clean up, killer stalks, cops chase, etc.

With MANHUNTER, unless my memory fails me, the first half-hour to 40 minutes is William Petersen investigating the brutal murders. What makes this special is that when the Tooth Fairy finally makes his appearance, with his hostage awakening in his home, its just so goddamn creepy without the need of music or over-the-top sets or even some expected comic book supervillainy details....you know, like RED DRAGON.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 06:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Just finished watching "You've Got Mail".
Check out Ernst Lubitsch's Shop Around the Corner (1940), from which the Hanks vehicle derives.
Posted By: Enzo Scifo

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 09:12 PM

Platoon - 3 stars

A movie that didn't really 'did' something with me, but yet I feel to 'mis-acknowledge' the quality of the movie by giving it less than 3 stars.
I enjoyed the fighting scenes, I admit, they were cool. They made me want to go in there, and fight myself.
I liked the music of Samuel Barber; and I liked the unnuanced juxtaposition of Barnes versus Elias.

Anyone else who didn't recognize Johhny Depp until you saw his name in the credits?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/07 11:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: Enzo Scifo
Anyone else who didn't recognize Johhny Depp until you saw his name in the credits?


I saw his name in the opening credits and kept an eye out for him. Back in the old 21 Jump Street days.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/07 07:07 AM

Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Van Wilder II: The Rise of Taj is the sequel to the successful 2002 release, National Lampoon's Van Wilder. Taj (Kal Penn) from the first film, heads to England's prestigious Oxford University to further his studies while in the process, showing the uptight student body how to party.

Not quite sure why this was made. National Lampoon's Van Wilder with Ryan Reynolds was funny and enjoyable. This wasn't as bad as I had heard, but not that funny. Kal Penn had done some good work recently with his brief stint on 24 followed by his role in Superman Returns, then his does this crap.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 01:53 AM

La Vita è bella (1997)

La Vita è bella, e anche è Roberto Benigni.


... Good movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 03:16 AM

Hermione's out

Emma Watson is out of the final two HARRY POTTER films, it has transpired. Watson apparently wants to do other roles, growing tired of only being recognised as 'that girl from HARRY POTTER' and has turned down a reported £2 million-per-movie offer to stay on.

Rupert Grint mentions that despite having made 5 films together, neither he or Daniel Radcliffe speak to Watson anymore.

Source: JoBlo

WTF!?

Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 03:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Rupert Grint mentions that despite having made 5 films together, neither he or Daniel Radcliffe speak to Watson anymore.


Sounds like she turned bitch?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 03:25 AM

Or she grew up. Give her a break.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 03:27 AM

Oh, well sure. I mean I totally understand that she wants to do other roles. I'd hate to be known as Hermione my whole life. In fact, I'm glad she got out.

BUT.

It sounds like she turned bitch.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 03:31 AM

Does it? You're basing it what you perceive from the article.

Maybe she got freaked out by Harry Potter showing his wand publicly in his play.

Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 03:35 AM

Okay, you got me.

I wonder who will replace her?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 03:51 AM

No idea.

I need to check out if this is true or not...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 05:35 AM

Turistas * 1/2
(First Viewing)

American siblings; Alex & his younger teenage sister Bea along with their close friend Amy are backpacking through Brazil, meeting up with fellow similar companions; Brit mates; Finn & Liam, together with Australian traveler Pru on a cross country bus. Bearly surviving after it crashes and now all thrown in together. Further mishaps occur due to becoming stranded by so-called 'friendly locals' some of whom have deprived them of all their belongings & processions! Searching for any sympathetic police, they meet familiar face Kiko, who offers leading them to sanctuary. But upon finally reaching this supposed safe haven Amy soon vanishes, it's only then they discover far too late their saviors offering shelter are operators of a black market specializing in running human organs seeking unwilling donors to benefit their misfortune countrymen. In their captor's eyes; foreigners have come into Brazil raping their precious lands of its rubber, sugar, gold, even using its people as throw away sexual playthings. For this exploiting of their country, our backpackers are now set to go under the surgeon's scalpel, courtesy of Zamora, Brazil's answer to doctor giggles.

Not a bad movie but too reminicent of Hostel. Also the underwater chase scene shot The Descent style ran a little long. The movie started out good, but in the final act it just didn't balance the rest of the film (which is a shame because I really enjoyed the first half).
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:18 AM

The Departed has anyone heard of it??

well, it's a very enjoyable movie, just for the heck of it. Martin Scorsese will never do anything that isn't at least worth watching. the guy is a hero, and his finally-Oscar winning flick is hardly among his top 10. top 5? NO WAY!

the plot has just too many flaws, and if it wasn't for Jack Nicholson's acting and Scorsese natural talent to film (even when he wants to do something bad, he can't), it all could fall apart. anyway, it does have an amazing first scene, and another beautiful shot to the sound of "Gimme Shelter"
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:22 AM

Ive got to see this film!!!!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:30 AM

 Originally Posted By: Tony Mosrite
Martin Scorsese will never do anything that isn't at least worth watching. the guy is a hero, and his finally-Oscar winning flick is hardly among his top 10. top 5? NO WAY!


Not even in his top 10!? \:o Are you kidding me? Marty's Top 10:

1) Raging Bull
2) Goodfellas
3) Taxi Driver
4) Casino
5) The Departed
6) Cape Fear
7) The Last Temptation of Christ
8) The Aviator
9) The King of Comedy
10) Gangs of New York
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:32 AM

I just watched Insomniac.I never got around to watching it when it came out in 02.The chemistry between Pacino and Robin Williams is spot on.At first i thought "not Al playing another damn cop"but as the story unfolded i really enjoyed him turn into a bad cop and running around trying to cover his tracks,after he killed his partner by accident.Williams is superb as the killer and i love it when both these titans share the screen but i guess all you guys have probably already seen it. ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:35 AM

Yeah I've seen it and remember it being a good flick. It's done by fellow Memento, Batman Begins and The Prestige director Christopher Nolan. I really enjoy the Robin Williams "Bad Guy" Trilogy: Death To Smoochy, Insomnia and One Hour Photo.
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:42 AM

Oh yeah i love One Hour Photo.Thats a great film.Williams shouldeve won an oscar for that performance imo
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:44 AM

I also just watched Jackass 2.Those dudes are completely crazy!!Some of the shit they do i had to turn away from the screen.I hate that Steve O guy.I'd love to punch him in the jaw.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:47 AM

I like Steve-O but my favorite is either Johnny Knoxville or Brandon Dicamillo
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 06:52 AM

You know that rapper that died recently "OL Dirty Bastard"?Well at his wake Steve O stripped naked and started doing backflips nude in front of ODB's mom and a member from Wu-Tang Raekwon grabbed him and threatened to knock his teeth out if he didnt apologize.So he's standing there nked apologizing to his mom.LOL
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 07:25 AM

Wow, I have never heard of that. That's in poor taste. There's a time and place for that and it's NOT at a funeral
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 07:35 AM

Steve-O is a notorius drunk/drug user. At this point, he'll be the first of the JACKASS crew to die....not from his retarded stunts, but from his antics.

To think, his dad is the President of NABISCO.
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 10:29 PM

YES!!! I finnaly saw The Departed.I had high hopes when i sat down on the couch to watch this and after i watched it i watched it again straight away.Not because it blew me away but so i could really absorb the film.Now maybe due to my high hopes it let me down in certain parts but it is a pretty good movie.Jack Nicholson is great at this part and Dicaprio performs brilliantly but the story line isnt great.Im going to watch it again tonight and see how i feel about it tommorow.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 11:38 PM

Glad you liked it Insomniac.

My problems with THE DEPARTED, is mostly story choices that I'm not the biggest fan of.

I mean, I really respect Willie Monahan the scripter, but why did Leo and Damon have to boink the same gal? Its like cheap emotions writing 101.
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/07 11:41 PM

Yeah i know what you mean.THats what i meant when i said that some parts were a let down>the story lacked at times.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 12:52 AM

Also, while I really liked THE DEPARTED(still do, its my #4 movie of 2006) but another problem I have is how the movie at times can't decide if Damon is the tragic protagonist, or a real slime ball villain.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 01:28 AM

To me, the romantic triangle was the only flaw in the film. It was completely unnecessary. However, I never saw Damon's character as anything except cold-hearted, ruthless, greedy and ambitious. DiCaprio was amazing. I haven't seen Blood Diamond yet, but I can't imagine that his performance could possibly be better.
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 01:31 AM

Blood Diamond is a great film.I actually like it better than The Departed.Dicaprio is on point in both films.
Posted By: insomniac

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 02:40 AM

JUst watched Nacho Libre with Jack Black.I actually enjoyed this film.It got nothing but bad reviews but i liked the subtle comedy in it and Jack Black's facial expressions are priceless.LOL
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 03:33 AM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
To me, the romantic triangle was the only flaw in the film. It was completely unnecessary.


The love triangle was in the original movie Infernal Affairs.
Warning, Spoiler:
In that movie, Leo's character is the father of the baby and not Matt Damon's
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 03:46 AM

No its not.

Remember, the cop-mole in INTERNAL AFFAIRS had his own girl, while the Mob-mole once had a flame he had to let go for the sake of his job, he never had another love afterwards.

Besides, your spoiler is assuming a whole lot without certainty.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 08:47 AM

Fulltime Killer ***
(First Viewing)

For many years professional assassin O has resided in an isolated world of killing and loneliness, which only becomes worse after the death of his love, Nancy. But his life begins to change once he meets the innocent Chin. Chin, hired to clean O's apartment, has never met her employer. However, soon the flamboyent and reckless Tok enters Chin's life with a mission--to unveil O's identity and usurp his place as the number one sharp-shooting assassin in the game.

A great story about 2 assassin's: 1 wants to get out and retire while the other wants to be the #1 assassin. Andy Lau was brilliant as Tok (the assassin who wanted to be #1). Some good use of music in there including Beethoven's 9th Symphony.
Posted By: Don Vercetti

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 09:27 AM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
To me, the romantic triangle was the only flaw in the film. It was completely unnecessary. However, I never saw Damon's character as anything except cold-hearted, ruthless, greedy and ambitious. DiCaprio was amazing. I haven't seen Blood Diamond yet, but I can't imagine that his performance could possibly be better.


I disagree. The romantic triangle is done very well and the best part is it opens more doors for the characters and adds more depth to them. One of my favorite scenes in the film is just Dicaprio raising the childhood picture of Madeline.

Irish, what do you mean by that spoiler?

SPOILER
Leo is the father in The Departed.
SPOILER
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 09:35 AM

I do agree DV, that was a great scene.

Still, Leo's doctor that he later bangs is the same woman that Damon bangs.....I understand why its done writing-wise, but its rather convenient, don't you think? Its not a serious flaw and doesn't detriment the movie at all, but I'm talking out of my ass.

Thing is, why do people think Damon's character is a cold-hearted bastard?

Which leads to my other problem with THE DEPARTED. Was the shot of Damon stabbing the Chinese meat-packer necessary? Without it, Damon's character is a tragic one that is understandable absolutely in his actions...at least in the idea that he wants it all: Escape the streets and progress through the police ranks.

The fact that in the 3rd act, the thin-dam he's held barely finally crashes, and he drowns in it. So again, did Damon need to stab the Chinese worker?

As for the spoiler, who says Leo is da daddy?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 09:59 AM

ON DEADLY GROUND (1994) - *1/2

Its amazing how far Steven Seagal's career has collapsed.

In the late 80s and early 90s, he was hot shit in the action film world. His debut-film ABOVE THE LAW was a sleeper profit-maker. HARD TO KILL, MARKED FOR DEATH, and OUT FOR JUSTICE all hit #1 in theatres. Then his peak came with 1992's UNDER SIEGE, a mega-hit that also was a pretty damn good action movie, in spite of being a DIE HARD knock-off.

What happens next with ON DEADLY GROUND is similar to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Remember folks when TERMINATOR 2 was the movie of summer 1991? Well, all that money and goodwill evaporated with the turkey LAST ACTION HERO.

Thing is, LAST ACTION HERO had a good premise, it just ends up being an Arnold ego-fest and going way way over-budget. Plus, JURASSIC PARK ate it like a lawyer on a toilet.

ON DEADLY GROUND is just a piece of shit action floater with a plot that Joel Silver and Jerry Bruckheimer would consider stupid, that Steven Seagal tried his best to be his ultra-statement on his pro-environment conservationist.

Worse, he tried to go Orson Welles on us as Director/Producer/Writer/Actor...with hilarious results.

Hilarious that is, to people that couldn't believe I wasted my time with this movie. They had a good deserved ha-ha over my folly. Someone has to take a bullet for them without money to spend.

The film has what you would expect from any Seagal picture of the time. The same zen/martial arts master that is always on top of things. The same master that also was a former Marine or Ranger or special forces hero or whatever(you know, to explain why he's such an amazing killing machine).

Which reminds me, its the same paradox that Billy Jack of the 1960s/70s presented. For such a man of peace and zen-philosophy, kicking ass and killing people is okay. Weird, isn't it?

Which I don't mind. You can't have an action hero that never was a super-soldier if they are to do incredible gunfighting feats...even if DIE HARD proved that you don't need it.

Back on track, Seagal finds out that in the Alaska wilderness, an Evil Oil Corporation and its unclean drillers is polluting the local Eskimo lands. Seagal gets pissed, he kills many people, and for some reason, he does alot of nut-kicks.

What is hilarious though is the movie's baddie, played by the great Michael Caine. Another Evil Oil Corporation CEO that pollutes for his money, but he's got a special gimmick: Like Seagal, he was a former U.S. special forces soldier.

Huh?

The action is lacking and starting to horribly repeat with the fight scenes, but its not the problem. Its just that Seagal is incompetent in shooting fighting sequences. With ABOVE THE LAW & UNDER SIEGE, Andrew Davis was able to helm Seagal believably without Seagal's ego-bullshit. Notice how in those two movies, Seagal gets his ass beaten alot. Other movies, he's punch-proof.

But the icing on this Fuck You cake is Seagal's finale speech, detailing why the environment must be saved, pollution sucks, and why corporations should all go to hell. Its agonizingly lame as it is, but rumor has it that it was originally 11 minutes long(!) to which it was chopped out because test screening audiences laughed at how silly it is.

Ouch.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 10:22 AM

HARD TO KILL (1990) - ***

You all know that RRA here is a sucker for pulp garbage revenge stories, and what a doozy.

Police officer Steven Seagal videotapes a crooked local city politicial official (William Sadler) cutting a drug deal with the Mafia. The baddie finds out, and has Seagal and his family shot and killed...

...except Seagal lives, but in a serious coma. His police buddies fake the records as if he had died, so to keep the vulnerable protagonist from getting whacked. Seven years later, Seagal lives, he finds out that the local politician is now a U.S. Senator with eyes on the White House. Safe to say, Seagal is sorta pissed, and naturally seeks what all male protagonists in the action genre do...go out for REEEEEEEEVENGE!

*cough* sorry.

Up to Seagal slipping into the coma, its a really good action-film, but then the energy from this provacative garbage-fun opening saps away. But, its still a solid action churner.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 04:39 PM

rrA, Regarding your question about the spoiler posted above, I have seen it discussed elsewhere.

Warning, Spoiler:
When she confronts Damon about the CD from Leo, she says to him, And I thought I was the liar. This has led people to theorize that she believes that she is carrying another man's child. However, it could just mean, Wow! And I felt bad for cheating on you!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/07 05:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Vercetti
Irish, what do you mean by that spoiler?

Warning, Spoiler:

Leo is the father in The Departed.


Yes I know that.

Warning, Spoiler:
I was saying that in the Hong Kong version, Infernal Affrairs, that was the case too. I've heard a lot of people saying they wondered who the father was
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/07 05:15 AM

Volver * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Raimunda lives in Madrid with her daughter Paula and her husband Paco, who is always drunk. Her sister, Sole, is separated and works clandestinely as a hairstylist for women. The two sisters lost their parents in a fire in La Mancha, their birth village, years ago. Their aunt, Paula, still lives in the village and continues to speak about her sister Irene, mother of the two sisters, as if she were still alive. When the old aunt dies the situation changes and the past returns(volver) in a twist of mystery and suspense.

Penelope did a great job and deserved her Oscar nomination. And DAMN did she look good doing it ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/07 08:12 AM

Armageddon ***
(First Viewing)

After a shuttle explosion in space and a meteor shower in New York, a retired navy officer, Karl (John Mahon) discovers an asteroid the size of Texas on a collision course with Earth. It will wipe out everything living including bacteria. There's only one thing to do - drill a hole in the asteroid, plant a nuke in it, and blow it away. To do the job, NASA administrator Dan Truman (Billy Bob Thornton) calls upon the best deep core driller in the world, Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis) who leads his team along with A.J. Frost (Ben Affleck). With only 18 days to destroy the asteroid, it's a race against time to save all creation and prevent Armageddon.

This might sound a little strange coming from me but I have a new found respect for Michael Bay. I own Bad Boys and Bad Boys II and will eventually own The Rock and Armageddon. Let it not be said that Michael Bay doesn't know how to blow sh*t up and make an entertaining movie. He's really showed me something with these last 2 movies and I'd even go so far as to consider giving Pearl Harbor another watch in the near future. I think I might officially retire as a Bay basher. However, getting back to the movie, this is easily Bay's funniest movie. Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton and Steve Buscemi were all great. Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler were tolerable. Overall a great and noticeable cast. The special FX's were awesome as well, especially when some of the asteroids hit New York City and Paris.

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/07 08:34 AM

You know who actually knew how to blow stuff up without the same old orange keroscene fires? James Cameron. He exploded a bloody office building in TERMINATOR 2. Better yet, he had a wonderful one-take shot of a helicopter flying under a bridge. Now that is cool....Bay though, he would edit it with at least 40 different shot-choices and make this accomplish seem quaint.

If anyone wants to read a great review of ARMAGEDDON, read this epic review from the always funny Agony Booth website. They got that fucker dialed down to a zero...and its accurate.

http://www.agonybooth.com/armageddon/

"Somehow, some way, Michael Bay over-directed this movie to the point where it lost all trace of the one thing that all movies have taken great pains to cultivate since the dawn of cinema. You can call it a long music video. You can call it a two and a half hour commercial. Call it a 150-minute trailer if you like. But in my mind, Armageddon has no right to call itself a movie."
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/07 09:56 PM

The Departed's love triangle could have been explored a lot more. The way it is, it's treated far too redundantly, though it does offer a chance for emotional complexity in the characters, which I'm always up for - especially when they're played by two good actors in DiCaprio and Damon.

Regarding Damon as the tragic protagonist or slime-ball villain: isn't that just ambiguity, or good writing?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/07 07:45 AM

Black Christmas (2006) **
(Second Viewing)

A remake of the 1974 horror movie Black Christmas. The movie tells the story about Billy, a young boy who was abused by his mother as a child. While his mother was cheating on Billy's father, she eventually killed his father and kept Billy in the attic - for good, while she was with her lover and starting a "new" family. As Billy's mother fell pregnant with a daughter and treated her with love, which Billy had never experienced with his mother, Billy came out of the attic after years and brutally murdered his mother and her lover. Cut to present day, a group of eight sorority sisters consisting of Kelli (Katie Cassidy), Dana (Lacey Chabert), Lauren (Crystal Lowe), Megan (Jessica Harmon), Claire (Leela Savasta), Heather (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Megan (Jessica Harmon) and Melissa (Michelle Trachtenberg) and their house mother (Andrea Martin),who now live in Billy's childhood home, find themselves being harassed by threatening and intimidating mystery phone-calls during Christmas Break and as one of the girls goes missing, the girls begin being murdered one by one by no other than Billy.

Probably one of the most straight forward horror movies I've ever seen. There's no guessing game involved. You know who the murderer is from the start. It wasn't as good without the "theater commentary" the first time around although a heck of a sorority house with Katie Cassidy, Michelle Trachtenberg, Leela Savasta, Crystal Lowe, Lacey Chabert, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/07 03:31 PM

Ahh, fair point Capo....fair point mate.

FIRE DOWN BELOW (1997) - **1/2

Anyone from the 60s and 70s remember those nutty BILLY JACK B-movies? You know, hippie-Zen loner comes to town, protect the downtrodden by beating the shit out of the evil conservative rednecks.

Well, in this box-office dud, Steven Seagal effectively follows the BILLY JACK template, except instead of fighting Neo-Nazi bikers terrorizing hippies, its corporate rednecks who want to dump toxic waste in Appalachia. Effectively its Seagal being the bloody Tree-hugger savior like the quite bad ON DEADLY GROUND, but at least he's learned to make a passable, but forgettable, action fare. People that go to see action films don't go for the message.

FIRE DOWN BELOW is not a good movie, but its not bad either. Its just a shrug. Still, Kris Kristofferson has fun as the baddie, Marg Helgenberger(despite this movie flopping, she did find success as the female lead in the TV mega-hit C.S.I.) is decent, and hey criminally underrated southern acting legend Harry Dean Stanton is in the background.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/07 12:35 AM

Well, despite the rumors what Irish posted days earlier, looks like Watson is staying onboard with HARRY POTTER:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2007/23/c6173.html
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/07 06:33 AM

Death of a President **
(First Viewing)

One year after the assassination of President George W. Bush in Chicago, an investigative documentary examines that as-yet-unsolved crime.

A great fictional movie that really came across as authentic and made you think about things in a different light. I kinda felt from the movie that it was Pro-Bush but Anti-War.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/07 08:08 AM

Kill Bill 2 **
Stylish, innovative, entertaining, visually stunning and totally ludicrous.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/07 08:32 AM

This is off-topic, but years back M. Night Shymalan was temporarily involved with SUPERMAN. It didn't last long but he did write a script treatment for the movie he would have made.

Bruce Willis as Pa Kent, Haley Joel Osment as Jimmy Olsen, and other shit. Joaquin Phoenix was desired to play Superman.

Thing is, I read the treatment....its ok, but its got your typical Shymalan plot twist. Wanna know what it was?

Warning, Spoiler:
Superman....is an ALIEN! Dum Dum Dum!!!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/07 02:27 AM

PINK FLOYD THE WALL (1982) - ****

I reviewed this baby years back for RRA'S CULT MOVIE REVIEW, but I checked it out again and it still rocks(pun absolutely intended).

Like Rock Hudson's closet activities, its no secret that I'm a huge Floyd fan, especially with their landmark album THE WALL. Sometimes ambition and egomania room together in the same creative dormhouse, since thats what Alan Parker's THE WALL motion picture is.

While the idea of filming a dramatic narrative without exposition dialogue is pretentious, and the editing narrative energy itself is inconsistent from being outright genius to outright sluggish as hell, but when THE WALL movie's magic occurs, you forgive the faults.

All the music videos that roam the forbidden zone of MTV can trace their bastard ancestry to THE WALL, not TOMMY. That's a FACT.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/07 03:07 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


Thing is, I read the treatment....its ok, but its got your typical Shymalan plot twist. Wanna know what it was?

Warning, Spoiler:
Superman....is an ALIEN! Dum Dum Dum!!!


That's hardly a plot twist. Even if Shyamalan made a biography of mother Theresa, she would be an A****. \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/07 03:28 AM

Whats funny is I used that gag once to fool a real-life movie news website into thinking its legit.

You all know AINT IT COOL NEWS, right? Moriarty is the cheez-whiz prick that runs it. At the chat room I was able to tell him about this major scoop...and the fat chipmunk actually was falling for it, until I gave the "plot twist" punchline.

Subsequently, I'm still banned from the chat. It was worth it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/07 06:03 AM

Children of Men ***
(First Viewing)

Set in 2027, when no child has been born for 18 years and science is at loss to explain the reason, African and East European societies collapse and their dwindling populations migrate to England and other wealthy nations. In a climate of nationalistic violence, a London peace activist turned bureaucrat Theo Faron, joins forces with his revolutionary ex-wife Julian in order to save mankind by protecting a woman who has mysteriously became pregnant.

Clive Owen delivers his usual great work and Alfonso Cuarón did a fine job directing. It was rather humerous seeing Michael Caine as a stoner with that long white hair

Warning, Spoiler:
And could Julianne Moore have had a smaller part? Geez, I figured she'd be in the entire movie and a shot to the throat takes her out in the first 20-30 minutes
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/07 05:52 AM

Rinne (aka Reincarnation)
(First Viewing)

The actress Nagisa Sugiura is selected for the cast of a horror movie about a professor that killed his family, guests and staff in the Ono Kanko Hotel to prove his theory that people's souls are reincarnated after death. When the director, cast and crew arrive in the hotel, Nagisa sees dead people moving around the place. Along the shootings, she has nightmares and visions of the killing and she realizes that the people involved in the movie are actually reincarnation of those killed in the hotel, and she was the killer professor in her previous life, ending absolutely insane.

From the few Japanese horror films I've seen I'm not a fan. The only one that I liked was Jigoku. I don't know if director Takashi Shimizu is a big stud in Japan but I've found his work to be totally weak. This movie sucked, The Grudge sucked, and I stayed WELL away from The Grudge 2.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/07 06:03 AM

Something to Talk About

False advertising.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/07 08:25 AM

Three Colors - Blue **
Similar to the other kieslowski movies, this one too is full of great shots and more significantly, amazing sounds. As there is no plot, the interest in the movie is purely a function of the visual content. I should be watching the other parts of this trilogy soon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 07:15 AM

Ronin **
(First Viewing)

Ronin is the Japanese word used for Samurai without a master. In this case, the Ronin are outcast specialists of every kind, whose services are available to everyone - for money. Dierdre (undoubtedly from Ireland) hires several Ronin to form a team in order to retrieve an important suitcase from a man who is about to sell it to the Russians. After the mission has been completed successfully, the suitcase immediately gets switched by a member of the team who seems to work into his own pocket. The complex net of everyone tricking everyone begins to surface slowly, and deadly.

Robert De Niro and Jean Reno worked well together. Natascha McElhone & Stellan Skarsgård were enjoyable as well. The storline seemed interesting but I got bored of the case switching hands so many times. I was more interested in seeing the teams complete tasks. Overall a decent movie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 09:29 AM

Monster-In-Law Zero stars
A predictable and mostly not humorous comedy about an evil mother in law(of a woman). The daughter in law is played by jenifer lopez. Silly stuff. Avoid it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 10:03 AM

svsg, MONSTER-IN-LAW is a piece of shit. Whoever pitched that fucker must have had a quick and easy as hell pitch with the studio:

"Okay, we get our own MEET THE PARENTS....but switch the gender roles of Stiller and DeNiro!"

Exec: "Genius! That's the best damn creative idea since INDEPENDENCE DAY!"

MONSTER-IN-LAW (2003) - *1/2
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 01:40 PM

I watched Ladder 49 on tv this weekend. I had never seen it in the movies because I didn't think it would be all that exciting of a movie. As a native Baltimorean seeing familiar sites in the movie might have made it somewhat enjoyable. But I can't really say the movie was two thumbs up. I think it was billed as a John Travolta film, when he is basically a bit actor. During the fire sequences I felt like I was watching the same theme over and over. I feel they pretty much stole the plot from Backdraft with having a friend die, and then the main character die at the end. But it was cool seeing shots of Looney's Pub. I used to live literally 5 blocks from the place.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 05:31 PM

Thats good to know Beth.

Supposedly, when LADDER 49 came out, the producers were making a big deal in the press that it was more "realistic" and "accurate" than BACKDRAFT. Whatever that is so or not, who knows.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 06:12 PM

Wellington Wolf

Theaters aren't exactly overgrown with werewolf movies (decent or otherwise) these days, and this isn't likely to make lycanthrope fans any happier...

Apparently a remake of the 80s "classic" TEEN WOLF is in the works, and Dark Horizons says SMALLVILLE's beefy Boy of Steel Tom Welling will have a part in the flick. But what's even more curious than Welling getting more movie parts after the tragic remake of THE FOG is that he's reportedly not the hirsute moon-howler -- word is this new TEEN WOLF is... a wolfette. We can only assume she'll play hoops, or at least cheerlead for the basketball team. Welling will probably play some sort of dreamy hunk, speculation mine.

For those who missed or conveniently forgot the more embarrassing chunks of the 80s, the TEEN WOLF "franchise" featured Michael J. Fox and Jason Bateman as students cursed with excess hair and a friend named Chubby (he was obese, y'see).

Source: JoBlo

OK, one word, WHY?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 06:13 PM

Depp want Sin

Is that title an incredible word play or what? He wants in... to Sin City... want Sin... Geddit?

Apparently, both Antonio Banderas and Johnny Depp want into SIN CITY 2. As you know, both have been involved with Robert Rodriguez in the past, with ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, and it transpires they both want some time in front of the green screen.

Wallace, a brooding artist, who after being drugged repeatedly finds himself hallucinating through much of the story 'Hell and Back' could be the role Depp plays, as Rodriguez says that "(Depp) was interested in doing the Jackie Boy character (played by Benicio Del Toro)... But there is a better role for him in ('Hell and Back'). I kept going, 'Gosh, Jackie Boy is a small part, he could be really good (as Wallace).' When he wasn't available, I thought maybe it was meant to be."

Banderas, also went on to say "I'll do anything in that. I'll be the hunchback. You have to bring me onboard, that looks amazing." Rodriguez and Miller are apparently now going through the characters to find one that Banderas can play.

Source: JoBlo
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 06:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Deep want Sin

Is that title an incredible word play or what?
Woulda been had you not misspelled it. \:\/
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 07:41 PM

Johnny Deep. Now that's funny.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 08:08 PM

Wow, ronnie actually "acknowledging my pressence"? I'm feel so honored
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 08:30 PM

You're in his sig. Lighten up.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 08:33 PM

You know, its a privlige to be part of my signature. I've had people come up to me on the street, demanding and outright begging that I include them....but no, its a special honor.

Sadly, Sicilianbabe lost his byline with the current resident. Oh well, there is always next year...

BTW, doesn't Johnny Deep sound like a bad porno-acting name?

JOHNNY DEEP in....PIRATES OF THE CARRAS-YOUR-ASS-NOW

hehe
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 08:35 PM

And what is this quote in reference too? Wow, now I am forever "immortalized" by ronnie's signature. Can my day get any better? I think not!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 08:36 PM

Just wait...

Johnny Deep stars in....EDWARD PENISHANDS
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 08:37 PM

LMFAO
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 09:02 PM

Love the fabricated signature ronnie. What helps with your self-esteem I guess \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 09:05 PM

I applaud anyone that welcomes my help in re-augmentating their self-esteem.

JOHNNY DEEP in....THE ASTRONAUT'S WHORE
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 09:17 PM

Like you've never misspelled a word in your entire life. "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone" \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 09:20 PM

Whats funny is, a spelling mistake may have created a really good comedy joke for these boards. What's wrong with that?

"Samuel L. Bronkowitz is proud to present JOHNNY DEEP in....SLEEPY SWALLOW!"
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 09:21 PM

Hey Irish, I'm leaving for Blockbuster, anything new this week ?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 09:23 PM

Nothing really great. I purchased Curse of the Golden Flower but others here would tell you to see Children of Men
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/27/07 09:50 PM

I can live with misspellings. In fact I care little for misspelling, as long as I can still read the word, but I found it ironic you were making specific reference to the fact that it was a pun. When really it wasn't.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/07 12:49 AM

Accidents happen....but Johnny Deep will stay with us for a good while...at least until I run out of porno-parody titles of Depp's catalogue.

"Tonight on the Spice Channel, Johnny Deep stars in WILLY WANKER & THE SEXUAL CHOCOLATE FACTORY"
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/07 12:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Accidents happen....but Johnny Deep will stay with us for a good while...at least until I run out of porno-parody titles of Depp's catalogue.

"Tonight on the Spice Channel, Johnny Deep stars in WILLY WANKER & THE SEXUAL CHOCOLATE FACTORY"


Johnny Deep stars with R Kelly in THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.

I want to pee on you...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/07 01:00 AM

Pizza, thats funnier. We all know how rappers love to act...or try....but he would have to be a WHIZZER to screw up that part.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/07 07:43 AM

Rounders ***
(Second Viewing)

A young man (Damon) is a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks.

I really love it when a film is so great a great cast of actors want to join in on it. Where to begin? Matt Damon was awesome as Mike 'the Card Shark' McDermott. Edward Norton as we all know doesn't make bad movies and he was good as the always down on his luck guy, Worm. John Turturro as Knish, John Malkovich as the Russian, Famke Janssen as Petra, and Gretchen Mol as Jo round up a rather awesome cast. I'm not much of a poker player and find watching it on ESPN to be extremely boring but this movie was anything but that!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/07 10:16 AM

ROUNDERS is a pretty good picture, and its to the poker card culture like THE HUSTLER still is for billards....badass movie that every player digs.
Posted By: fathersson

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/07 12:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Rounders ***
(Second Viewing)

A young man (Damon) is a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks.

I really love it when a film is so great a great cast of actors want to join in on it. Where to begin? Matt Damon was awesome as Mike 'the Card Shark' McDermott. Edward Norton as we all know doesn't make bad movies and he was good as the always down on his luck guy, Worm. John Turturro as Knish, John Malkovich as the Russian, Famke Janssen as Petra, and Gretchen Mol as Jo round up a rather awesome cast. I'm not much of a poker player and find watching it on ESPN to be extremely boring but this movie was anything but that!



Well, at least we know who plays what part.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/07 01:23 PM

LORDS OF DOGTOWN (2005) - ***

Solid docu-drama about the birth of the skateboarding culture of competition in southern California in the 1970s. The documentary was much stronger and powerful, but this drama will be adopted very much by the 'boarder people for years to come.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/07 05:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: fathersson
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Rounders ***
(Second Viewing)

A young man (Damon) is a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks.

I really love it when a film is so great a great cast of actors want to join in on it. Where to begin? Matt Damon was awesome as Mike 'the Card Shark' McDermott. Edward Norton as we all know doesn't make bad movies and he was good as the always down on his luck guy, Worm. John Turturro as Knish, John Malkovich as the Russian, Famke Janssen as Petra, and Gretchen Mol as Jo round up a rather awesome cast. I'm not much of a poker player and find watching it on ESPN to be extremely boring but this movie was anything but that!



Well, at least we know who plays what part.


And which part would that be? Are you barely here for another 2 seconds and already tossing out personal insults?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/07 01:51 AM

Kurutta kajitsu (aka Crazed Fruit) ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Spending their summer on an exotic beach, two brothers fall for the same beautiful girl, whose charm and looks may hide more than they they bargained for.

A great movie that was controversial in Japan upon it's release in 1956. Great soundtrack and great beach shots.

Warning, Spoiler:
I really enjoyed the ending with the little brother killing his girlfriend and older brother when he found out there were sleeping together. Darn woman are the DEVIL!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/07 05:07 AM

Killer Klowns from Outer Space **
(First Viewing)

When a small town is invaded by aliens from outer space who are capturing and killing the townspeople, no one takes them seriously. Why? The aliens all look like circus clowns, use weapons that look clown like, and all have painted on smiles. Only a few of the young people in the town realize the danger and of course no one believes them. Armed with an ice cream truck they try and rescue their friends.

God Bless free screenings, as this was the only way I would have seen this movie and I'm glad I did. I hope nobody on this film EVER took it seriously at any point in time. Truly hilarious horror/sci-fi movies. If you haven't seen this movie, I would recommend it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/07 06:17 AM

Three Colors: White **
This was a bit of let down. This is neither technically as great nor emotionally as strong as Blue. The background music is excellent. There is one scene where two men slide on ice as the music soars in the background. That was beautiful. I am hoping that the final part of this trilogy would be better than the rest.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/07 07:18 AM

FACT: It is scientifically impossible to take KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE seriously.

Seriously, people need My Facts or they will suffer lesser lives.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/07 12:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Three Colors: White **
This was a bit of let down. This is neither technically as great nor emotionally as strong as Blue. The background music is excellent. There is one scene where two men slide on ice as the music soars in the background. That was beautiful. I am hoping that the final part of this trilogy would be better than the rest.
I'd like to see it again, because I don't remember much if anything at all, but yeah, I agree, it's such a let-down, a real sag.

But Red is astonishing.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/07 03:49 AM

BALLISTIC: ECKS VS SEVER (2002) - * - BOMB

Jesus Christ.

Irish, I dare you and your balls to watch this movie...all the way through. What a pointless waste of time movie with NO redeeming qualities.

No action scenes to justify it.
No "So painfully bad, its funny" MST3K-inspired comedy...just shit!
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/07 10:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Three Colors - Blue **As there is no plot, the interest in the movie is purely a function of the visual content. I should be watching the other parts of this trilogy soon.


Not taken by the story's relation to what the color blue in the French flag "stands" for: freedom?

The commentary is pretty good. The speaker spoke of Kieslowski using "liberty" as a point of departure much like how he and his scriptwriter used the Ten Commandments in the same way in the Decalogue. "Liberty/freedom" lead Kieslowski to explore "independence."

Binoche shuts herself off from everyone, but is it really freedom or independence? She has lost her loved ones; she is free, but she really isn't.

Can one be independent and thus free if one isn't a social beast?

Blue also has a subplot or subtheme of Europe's union.

As for White, most people don't know that it's a black comedy.

"White" in the flag "represents" "equality." As a point of departure, Kieslowski took equality and crafted a story about "revenge" or "getting even" as equality.

Significantly, Kieslowski explores a nascent Poland in capitalism through the gangster/land owning plot.

"Red" is "fraternity" and Kieslowski said it's a film "against indifference."

Hope you enjoy the last of the trilogy. There's a good chance you'll like it.
Posted By: fathersson

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/07 11:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: fathersson
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Rounders ***
(Second Viewing)

A young man (Damon) is a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks.

I really love it when a film is so great a great cast of actors want to join in on it. Where to begin? Matt Damon was awesome as Mike 'the Card Shark' McDermott. Edward Norton as we all know doesn't make bad movies and he was good as the always down on his luck guy, Worm. John Turturro as Knish, John Malkovich as the Russian, Famke Janssen as Petra, and Gretchen Mol as Jo round up a rather awesome cast. I'm not much of a poker player and find watching it on ESPN to be extremely boring but this movie was anything but that!



Well, at least we know who plays what part.


And which part would that be? Are you barely here for another 2 seconds and already tossing out personal insults?



It is not a personal insult. It is a comment about your review. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it an insult. An insult would to be calling you a cry baby or a moron. So lets us stop with the drama. Read what you wrote about the movie, all you basically wrote was who played what parts. And PLEASE don't challenge me to do better, that would so childish.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/07 01:52 PM

Let's stop with the drama and start telling the truth.

It isn't all that nice to see you back, FS! \:D
Posted By: fathersson

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/07 06:32 PM

That is OK Mick, I'll have a brew for you too....
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/07 06:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond

Not taken by the story's relation to what the color blue in the French flag "stands" for: freedom?

Honestly I didn't know the significance of the colors till now. I didn't think of the flag at all. I thought the significance would be known only in the third part
I still have to think about what you said. Thanks for the explanation.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/07 10:08 PM

Anybody seen THE GROOMSMEN with Edward Burns ? It's ALWAYS available at my local Blockbuster, which is why I'm hesitant to rent it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 12:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
BALLISTIC: ECKS VS SEVER (2002) - * - BOMB

Jesus Christ.

Irish, I dare you and your balls to watch this movie...all the way through. What a pointless waste of time movie with NO redeeming qualities.

No action scenes to justify it.
No "So painfully bad, its funny" MST3K-inspired comedy...just shit!


No thanks, I'll pass (at least for now) \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 12:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: fathersson
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: fathersson
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Rounders ***
(Second Viewing)

A young man (Damon) is a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks.

I really love it when a film is so great a great cast of actors want to join in on it. Where to begin? Matt Damon was awesome as Mike 'the Card Shark' McDermott. Edward Norton as we all know doesn't make bad movies and he was good as the always down on his luck guy, Worm. John Turturro as Knish, John Malkovich as the Russian, Famke Janssen as Petra, and Gretchen Mol as Jo round up a rather awesome cast. I'm not much of a poker player and find watching it on ESPN to be extremely boring but this movie was anything but that!



Well, at least we know who plays what part.


And which part would that be? Are you barely here for another 2 seconds and already tossing out personal insults?



It is not a personal insult. It is a comment about your review. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it an insult. An insult would to be calling you a cry baby or a moron. So lets us stop with the drama. Read what you wrote about the movie, all you basically wrote was who played what parts. And PLEASE don't challenge me to do better, that would so childish.



Do better \:p
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 01:09 AM

I loved ROUNDERS, it's one of my favorite gambling movies ever. Of course my favorite is LET IT RIDE, with Richard Dreyfuss. I got the horse right here, his name is Paul Revere...
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 05:27 AM

Independence Day (2nd viewing) Zero Stars
This is one of the worst movies ever made by mankind. If you value your intelligence, avoid it. My IQ dropped 10 points after watching this. I know a natural question may arise in your mind, as to why I would watch it for the second time... Well, I went to a friend's house for dinner and I was forced to watch it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 06:21 AM

svsg, as lame as INDEPENDENCE DAY is, its watchable....compared to GODZILLA.

FACT!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 06:38 AM

Anyone that watches and rents as much horror garbage but passes up on action...what's the difference?

"Tonight, Johnny Deep starts in....BOINK BREAK"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 06:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Independence Day (2nd viewing) Zero Stars
This is one of the worst movies ever made by mankind. If you value your intelligence, avoid it. My IQ dropped 10 points after watching this. I know a natural question may arise in your mind, as to why I would watch it for the second time... Well, I went to a friend's house for dinner and I was forced to watch it.


I couldn't disagree with you more. I loved Independence Day in the theaters and it's still probably one of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 07:43 PM

Irish, both the friends with whom I watched, think that the movie was great. Probably I am in the minority, but I found it to be totally ridiculous plot wise. The special effects were ok sort of, nothing great. To be fair, when I watched this movie in theaters when it was released, I did not think of it so badly. Now my tastes have become totally different and I cannot enjoy it anymore. I found the following scene to be really scary when I watched it first:
Warning, Spoiler:
The alien skull splits open suddenly
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 07:45 PM

It's a piece of shit.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 07:46 PM

I'm not a sci-fi fan but I enjoyed INDEPENDENCE DAY. To a certain extent, aren't most sci-fi movies ridiculous, plotwise ?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 07:49 PM

Its no worse than the Superman films or the catwomen films in my opinon i don't know why people go crazy over these
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 07:49 PM

I have never seen Independence Day, but I was under the impression it was a blockbuster in the theaters and I just assumed it was good. Then again, I don't like "all" SciFi movies either. A matter of taste I guess.


TIS
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 07:54 PM

im about to go and watch About Schmidt on Tv..
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 08:04 PM

Deniro, I didn't like Superman Returns as well (I haven't seen the first part). I really liked About Schmidt. Do let us know how you find it.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 08:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Probably I am in the minority, but I found it to be totally ridiculous plot wise.


Well, yeah. It's sci-fi.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 08:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Probably I am in the minority, but I found it to be totally ridiculous plot wise.


Well, yeah. It's sci-fi.


I agree Bogey. In sci-fi films, isn't a ridiculous plot implied, most of the time anyway ?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 08:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Probably I am in the minority, but I found it to be totally ridiculous plot wise.


Well, yeah. It's sci-fi.

Probably you misunderstood me. I am not saying I have a problem with alien spaceship story, but with the plot details. Like the president going and fighting, flying planes etc. And that totally laughable speech he gives in the end. And how those two guys go to outer space, escape all the bullets and come out safely at the last moment out of that hole, and also throw in some family sentimental drama, father-son relationship, marriage vows, and whatnot, you get the perfect hollywood soup. ok, I am about to throw up.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 08:29 PM

Well, yeah. But even still, its sci-fi. Its supposed to be outlandish. You can do all the things you can't generally do in a drama, or even a comedy. The president can be some crazy undercover Jackie Chan-esque woman sent here by the Vulcans to destroy the honey bees, and it doesn't have to make sense.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 08:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
Well, yeah. But even still, its sci-fi. Its supposed to be outlandish. You can do all the things you can't generally do in a drama, or even a comedy. The president can be some crazy undercover Jackie Chan-esque woman sent here by the Vulcans to destroy the honey bees, and it doesn't have to make sense.


Well that's odd. You just perfectly described my image of Dick Cheney.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 09:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
Well, yeah. But even still, its sci-fi. Its supposed to be outlandish. You can do all the things you can't generally do in a drama, or even a comedy. The president can be some crazy undercover Jackie Chan-esque woman sent here by the Vulcans to destroy the honey bees, and it doesn't have to make sense.


Huh?

This is like people, like my adversary, who excuse the dumbass bullshit in action movies as saying thats what "action" movies are made up of.

NO NO NO!

Same with sci-fi. Look at the great science fiction movies I love. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, BLADE RUNNER, STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KAHN, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, DARK CITY, THX 1138, etc.

They all involve, in some or another, exploring the moral quandaries using the technology genre aspect of sci-fi.

2001, its about the evolution of mankind. BLADE RUNNER is about what makes humanity...well, humanity. TREK 2 is good adventure trash pulp, but it does ask about creation and destruction of life. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL is humanity not able to ensue peace among itself, with aliens willing to militarily intervene against us. DARK CITY is about our memories and the environment that could, or could not, determine how we will act as individuals. THX 1138 is about the individual's essence to escape with curiosity.

INDEPENDENCE DAY isn't a bad movie, but its not worth a fart. The only nice thing about it I can say is, its not as messy or bad as Roland Emmerich/Dean Devlin's other movies(STARGATE, THE PATRIOT, GODZILLA) that all share one trait: Great potential premises blown to shit by lukewarm weak executions.

Hell, STARGATE is more remembered now for a pretty fun TV show than it is as a movie.

INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996) - **1/2
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 10:23 PM

Just finished watching,and very much enjoyed,another thinking film to do with appriciating(SP)life.7/10
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/07 11:37 PM

Anybody ever see an Irish mob flick called ASH WEDNESDAY ? It's slim pickings at Blockbuster tonight, so I'll probably grab it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 12:34 AM

Do tell us pizzaboy how it goes, mkay?

THE DEPARTED (2006) - ****

I think after the hoo-rah and Oscar-wins have died down, THE DEPARTED will end up like fellow Best Picture-winner SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. It'll be a staple of Cable TV for years to come.

Certainly this remake will be a different yet equally intriging Americanphile take on Hong Kong's INFERNAL AFFAIRS. Both have their charms and problems.

I still think its sort of convenient, but not damaging, that DiCaprio and Damon happen to bang the same woman. I know why Monahan did it, but I still question it.

Either way, Scorsese has some financial and critical clout with his Oscar-win, and I hope we gives us some really good work in the wake of his victory.

SILENCE will be a good start.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 12:53 AM

Anything new on the possible prequel/sequel to THE DEPARTED ?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 01:02 AM

Nothing much, but don't expect Scorsese to return as a director.

But, he could pull a CLOCKERS. To those not familiar with that deal, Universal had bought the film rights to the crime novel CLOCKERS, which Scorsese was slated to direct, with Robert DeNiro to star as the cop protagonist.

But Scorsese became much more enamored and interested in reteaming with Nick Pileggi when the latter pitched CASINO. With such, Scorsese stayed as a producer on CLOCKERS but vacated the directing chair. Thus Scorsese's former protege student at NYU Spike Lee took over CLOCKERS.

Then again, who knows. Scorsese is busy with a ever-growing plate. He's doing SILENCE next, that Teddy Roosevelt cowboy movie with Leo DiCaprio(and Nick Meyers scripting), some kids fantasy book, and that Wall Street true life-drama that Scorsese/Leo are attached to.

Of course, Scorsese could make the DEPARTED sequel because there is potential money to be made if it works. Mark Whalberg starring, Scorsese would be able to cast people that he couldn't the first time around...like Robert DeNiro, Dennis Leary, Harvey Keitel, etc.

If I hear anything, you all will be the first to know.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 01:09 AM

What do you know about SILENCE Ronnie ? I know the plotline being about the Jesuit movement in Japan but have you heard anything about casting ?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 01:23 AM

Nothing more than what some others have heard and posted on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silence_%282008_film%29

I dont know about if the Day Lewis and Keitel castings will happen, but who knows.

Speaking of which, I know a few people on BB.Net, and in PMs sent to me, that questioned about the Teddy Roosevelt movie, and let me tell you this.

Most think of Roosevelt as a big-heavy imperialist President that was an athletic redneck.

Yet that movie, I think might happen for 2010 at this rate, will be about Teddy's early young days when after his wife and mother died on the same night(damn Reaper, what had a dinner date to make?) and he went out west to Montana...to find himself, blah blah, becomes a cowboy...

Its good historical material to work with to craft into a drama. But some also criticize the Leo DiCaprio casting. That former teen idol of TITANIC has seriously improved as an actor under Scorsese's watch. Hell, I think he was screwed out of a Best Actor Oscar nod for THE DEPARTED.

Anyway, since this is a young Teddy before gaining weight, Leo would fit that, but people forget that the Roosevelts were as eastern establishment old wealth as you can get in New York City, aristocratical and heavily educated and influent in several languages. Hell, he read ANNA KARENINA, that massive as hell Russian book from Leo Tolstoy, in a week.

Besides, Nick Meyers is always a capable scriptwriter. His Sherlock Holmes books are considered to be the best works written on the character after Doyle died. His screenplay should be interesting. Who knows, maybe it'll encourage someone to let him direct again, and he was good at it(TIME AFTER TIME, STAR TREK 2: THE WRATH OF KAHN, THE DAY AFTER, TREK VI: UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY)
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 01:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Just finished watching,and very much enjoyed,another thinking film to do with appriciating(SP)life.7/10


And that movie was...?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I have never seen Independence Day, but I was under the impression it was a blockbuster in the theaters and I just assumed it was good. Then again, I don't like "all" SciFi movies either. A matter of taste I guess.


TIS


It was a Blockbuster hit. The budget was $75 million and went on to gross over $306 million (not a bad return, huh?). Plus, this was at least for me, the movie that made Will Smith an A-list movie star. He was wrapping up on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the year before this he did Bad Boys but again, this movie made so much bank at the box office, it was hard not to look at Will differently. It's where the kid from Fresh Prince grew up. But as I said, I still love the movie and it's one of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:07 AM

That's right on the money Irish. Smith wrapped Fresh Prince in May of 96' and released Independence Day roughly 6 weeks later. Not a bad segue if you ask me.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:09 AM

I LOVED Judd Hirsch as the very Orthodox Jewish father of Jeff Goldblum, I thought he was one of the best "little touches" to the movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I have never seen Independence Day, but I was under the impression it was a blockbuster in the theaters and I just assumed it was good. Then again, I don't like "all" SciFi movies either. A matter of taste I guess.


TIS


It was a Blockbuster hit. The budget was $75 million and went on to gross over $306 million (not a bad return, huh?). Plus, this was at least for me, the movie that made Will Smith an A-list movie star. He was wrapping up on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the year before this he did Bad Boys but again, this movie made so much bank at the box office, it was hard not to look at Will differently. It's where the kid from Fresh Prince grew up. But as I said, I still love the movie and it's one of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time.


Wow, you totally ignored BAD BOYS, you know...that action movie that despite being an empty LETHAL WEAPON clone, actually made hard cash a whole year before ID4. The Will Smith fan letter is sincere and nice, but at least acknowledge history right.

Anyway, I agree pizzaboy....Hirsch really stole the movie, to me, from the people paid 10 times much more than him. Hell, even with the garbage the writers give him, he still flexes everyone out of the room on NUMBERS. Now that is impressive.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:21 AM

He's a phenomenal actor. One of my favorite police officer depictions was Hirsch as the detective in 1983's WITHOUT A TRACE, loosely based on the Etan Patz disappearance, with a happy ending however. And who could forget him as Alex Reger on TAXI, one of my all-time favorite sitcoms.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:24 AM

Don't forget ORDINARY PEOPLE pizza. Sadly, that good movie is now remembered as the flick that "beat" RAGING BULL for the Oscar.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
One of my favorite police officer depictions was Hirsch as the detective in 1983's WITHOUT A TRACE, loosely based on the Etan Patz disappearance, with a happy ending however.


I absolutely LOVED that ending
Warning, Spoiler:
(driving back from Connecticut with the police escort)!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:30 AM

"WHO THE HELL IS HANK ?"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I have never seen Independence Day, but I was under the impression it was a blockbuster in the theaters and I just assumed it was good. Then again, I don't like "all" SciFi movies either. A matter of taste I guess.


TIS


It was a Blockbuster hit. The budget was $75 million and went on to gross over $306 million (not a bad return, huh?). Plus, this was at least for me, the movie that made Will Smith an A-list movie star. He was wrapping up on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the year before this he did Bad Boys but again, this movie made so much bank at the box office, it was hard not to look at Will differently. It's where the kid from Fresh Prince grew up. But as I said, I still love the movie and it's one of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time.


Wow, you totally ignored BAD BOYS, you know...that action movie that despite being an empty LETHAL WEAPON clone, actually made hard cash a whole year before ID4. The Will Smith fan letter is sincere and nice, but at least acknowledge history right.


Bad Boys budget was $23 million and it only made a little over $65 million at the box office. I stick with my original analysis of Will Smith and how Independence Day catapulted him into stardom thank you very much
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:53 AM

Don't get mad at me because of a mistake on your part.

You made it out that Will Smith went from FRESH PRINCE to ID4 like directly or some sillyness.

Yes, ID4 and later MEN IN BLACK a year later made him a $20 million paycheck-earning movie star but BAD BOYS proved that Smith was:

(1) A legit movie star outside of TV
(2) Legit action star(which he transfered to ID4)
(3) Made him a direct hook for the young people/MTV crowds

Its like when foolish people back in 1994 were saying that Quentin Tarantino came out of "nowhere" with PULP FICTION.....in spite of the fact that RESERVOIR DOGS had great word and made a profit in theatres.

I prefer complete history compared to fractured history.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I prefer complete history compared to fractured history.


That's your opinion. To each his own. And as I said in my original post, "Plus, this was at least for me, the movie that made Will Smith an A-list movie star."
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:00 AM

Technically, did Will Smith even get front billing on ID4?

MEN IN BLACK was his first, proper A-list movie star flick, getting top billing over Tommy Lee Jones.

But yeah, this is a fight over ants.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:02 AM

While BAD BOYS was his first mainstream hit, INDEPENDENCE DAY was clearly his first blockbuster. And that's coming from an impartial movie fan.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Technically, did Will Smith even get front billing on ID4?

MEN IN BLACK was his first, proper A-list movie star flick, getting top billing over Tommy Lee Jones.

But yeah, this is a fight over ants.


Does he need to get top billing to be a star? For a 3rd time, "Plus, this was at least for me, the movie that made Will Smith an A-list movie star." Hence, this being the movie where he transitioned from regular star to A-list star (in his next film, Men In Black).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
While BAD BOYS was his first mainstream hit, INDEPENDENCE DAY was clearly his first blockbuster. And that's coming from an impartial movie fan.


Thank you pizzaboy, we're both in agreement
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:06 AM

But if this is all about perspective....what if I thought your perspective was slightly incorrect?

Its like Pink Floyd. Most people remembered them as early as only DARK SIDE OF THE MOON in what, 1973? This in spite of PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN and A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS, and several film soundtracks.

But whatever, if that is your perspective, then you're correct.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:11 AM

I didn't say my perspective was right or wrong. I was simply stating it. You are the one who's judging it based on "historical accuracy" when again, it's just my perspective.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:35 AM

V for Vendette. Soooo good.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:39 AM

THE ITALIAN JOB (2003)

A fun movie. Charlize Theron is so forking hot!

Did I really just say that ?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:51 AM

pizza.......I would be willing to park my car straight into Theron's garage.

\:\)

Irish, whats the deal? I thought you were giving a history, then I realized that in your perspective, it makes sense...and I corrected myself. You were right.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 09:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Huh?

This is like people, like my adversary, who excuse the dumbass bullshit in action movies as saying thats what "action" movies are made up of.

NO NO NO!

Same with sci-fi. Look at the great science fiction movies I love. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, BLADE RUNNER, STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KAHN, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, DARK CITY, THX 1138, etc.

They all involve, in some or another, exploring the moral quandaries using the technology genre aspect of sci-fi.

2001, its about the evolution of mankind. BLADE RUNNER is about what makes humanity...well, humanity. TREK 2 is good adventure trash pulp, but it does ask about creation and destruction of life. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL is humanity not able to ensue peace among itself, with aliens willing to militarily intervene against us. DARK CITY is about our memories and the environment that could, or could not, determine how we will act as individuals. THX 1138 is about the individual's essence to escape with curiosity.

INDEPENDENCE DAY isn't a bad movie, but its not worth a fart. The only nice thing about it I can say is, its not as messy or bad as Roland Emmerich/Dean Devlin's other movies(STARGATE, THE PATRIOT, GODZILLA) that all share one trait: Great potential premises blown to shit by lukewarm weak executions.

Hell, STARGATE is more remembered now for a pretty fun TV show than it is as a movie.

INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996) - **1/2


All the movies you mentioned are very good.

I just meant some movies aren't meant to be taken THAT seriously. And a lot of sci-fi movies fit into that category. But that doesn't mean they aren't good.

This is all just opinions, and I think we're kicking the shit out of a dead horse.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 02:04 PM

bogey, if its all just opinions and not worth taking seriously...then why bother posting anything good or bad about any movie? Better yet, why would some people up in New England decided to create a GODFATHER fan website and forums?

Movies hit each individual differently. Hell, compare the positive reviews of a movie, and you'll never two reviews the same. But each review of each person reads into that person's enculturation, beliefs, etc.

Thing is, I encourage people to be intellectually honest and have balls to put them out on the slab, for everyone to read. Yet many people I know hate it when they get blasted by people who absolutely disagree.

To quote Harry Truman, if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 03:48 PM

THE BODYGUARD (1992) - *1/2

Remember when Whitney Houston was America's pop music queen, instead of the local crack whore queen?

Well, she tried acting....and paired up with Kevin Costner, who was a HUGE movie star at the time. The movie, and the soundtrack, made hard cash, but this movie sucks. The leads share no chemistry, and while Costner is coasting around this crap script, Houston's lack of skill in acting is painfully obvious.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 04:38 PM

I saw 32 films in March. 22 were for the first time. Thirteen were on the big screen.

A few highlights, lowlights, and general points of discussion:

Inland Empire
David Lynch 2006 USA / Poland / France
An actress in Hollywood may or may not have an affair with a co-star, and her persona splinters into several parallel dimensions.
Lynch's most self-indulgent film is three hours long, and could quite have easily been double that without seeming it - there's absolutely no conventional narrative arc, no way of foreseeing where things are going or anticipating what's to come, so that it's impossible to measure how long it's been going on and how long it might continue to go on. It's incredibly innovative, a step forward in Lynch's personal ambitions: instinctive, imaginative, entrenched in its own world - its own worlds-within-worlds - so that any approach to it which might seek some kind of connection from the hermetic fiction to the environment in which it is consumed (i.e. anything outside of the film) seems to be missing the point. Indeed, rather than requiring active deconstruction (as almost all narratives do), it's a textural experience, a fabrication which is meaning, not an encoded narrative which has meaning. The move to low-budget DV has freed him up in two senses: visual expression and narrative flexibility. Lynch is a master of 'uncomfortable space': some of the shot compositions are frighteningly intimate; very few scenes have establishing shots, so that conversations, even presented in the most basic, shot-reverse shot fashion, have a disturbing edge; and each intra-scene cut seems to be ever-so-slightly delayed. It's erotic at times, funny at others, agreeably bizarre, and often terrifying: unique, original, and easily reduced to pathetic superlatives or wordy descriptions. A quote from Calvino's Invisible Cities might be telling: "I realized I had to free myself from the images which in the past had announced to me the things I sought: only then would I succeed in understanding the language [...]".

The Illusionist
Neil Burger 2006 USA
In turn of the century Vienna, a stage magician meets a childhood love, who is about to be married to the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
It begins with a "come on, let's get on with it" exposition, a flashback within a flashback, and unfolds finally as a piece of detective fiction, in which the detective is a secondary character yet the one through which we view events, in awe of the mysterious illusionist of the title. The middle third is the best bit by far - it creates great potential for a battle of wits between the master magician in love with the bride-to-be of the jealous, bad-tempered prince. Suggestions of a thriller, potential for a more exciting second half, though, are cut short, and it turns out to finally be rather quite ordinary. Oh well.

World Trade Center
Oliver Stone 2006 USA
Two Port Area policemen are trapped under the rubble of the Twin Towers, and keep one another alive until help arrives.
Stone's film has no real energy, no real explosive or electric rhythm, no narrative drive. It's not a bad film by any means - in fact it's rather watchable - but it's decidedly ordinary. It looks like a TV movie, viewable to all, with intentions of inspiration and shortcomings in production value. Two moments of mild effect - when the first tower falls, with the men inside, and when the two survivors first hear help above on the ground. It's a conventional film, though, about an extraordinary event; and what is it that makes Nicolas Cage far more enjoyable to watch when he's deliberately and physically disabled under a pile of rubble, as opposed to a pro-active, no-shit member of the emergency services...? Flat.

Superman Returns
Bryan Singer 2006 USA
Five years after returning to his home planet, Superman comes back to Earth and saves the world from Lex Luther's plans.
Action comedy, really, and it's good stuff. In fact, it's very good stuff, at times. A tad long, and the final quarter isn't nearly as good as the first three, but it boasts a shameless charm and succession of cheesy one-liners, a very old-fashioned goodie versus baddie plot with adequate enough romantic interest. A better lead could have helped, because this one is a bit cardboard, but the action scenes are really cool in an "I wish I was Superman" kind of way.

Rocky Balboa
Sylvester Stallone 2006 USA
Rocky, now widowed and owner of an Italian restaurant, wishes to take up boxing again.
A lot more subdued than what might have been expected, and all the better for it. There's no real build up to the fight, here, no oppositional adversity for the hero to overcome; instead, his demons are entirely internal, and the character seems preoccupied by how his career is now perceived by others - and so, at times, it seems Stallone too is concerned about his own career, in view of the franchise for which he is famous. Possible routes of interest are suggested but never followed up on in any great depth: the real baddies here are those who organise the exhibition match, all in it for the money, with backstage sniggering going on about how much they're making from it. The fight itself is filmed in two styles: the introductions and first two rounds are all shot as if they are a real fight shown on pay-per-view television, with commentators, announcers, and all the expected camera angles (with a cameo from Mike Tyson at ringside), and so it is suggested that the film might finally be a comment on the state of modern boxing, all money and little heart; but thereafter it blends into an equally self-reflexive and intertextual, but very different, style, that of rapid montage, in which, with every punch absorbed, Rocky has flashbacks to other moments in the five preceding films. But it's less about the fighting, here, and more about upholding and revisiting one's own persona, fame and myth; and as a veteran action star now making films, Stallone is a lot more effective than Eastwood, at least.

A Prairie Home Companion
Robert Altman 2006 USA
The last broadcast of a live radio show, as seen onstage and backstage, through the eyes of the participants and a mysterious woman.
Reductive, perhaps, but an initial point of reference: Altman's Nashville (1975), another multi-character musical had a lazy ending which brought everything together, whereas this is very succinct and satisfying, at once implicit and ambiguous; but whereas Nashville's three-hour duration gave an epic weight and allowed Altman to give a wealth and depth to each of his characters' personalities, because it is only two hours, A Prairie Home Companion is at times a little imbalanced. Another half-hour or so would have ironed its narrative out into a much more consistent rhythm and flow - and the writing and acting are both excellent enough to have made it quite watchable at a longer length. It's a brilliant film, though, full of laughs, full of wit, full of energy and colour and confidence, unfolding finally as a film driven by nostalgic characters caught up in a world slowly drowning in melancholy. Altman's camera is less casual, less roaming than his other films, but is riveting all the same - various pans and simultaneous zooms, difficult to describe but lovely to watch, bring us in and out of this conversation and that conversation.

Die Große Stille Into Great Silence
Philip Gröning 2005 France / Switzerland / Germany
Documentary on the silent Carthusian Monks in the Grande Chartreuse, France.
Like the monks themselves, Gröning goes about his business in a very humble, almost silent fashion, with no music, no voice-over, almost no interviews. It's an interesting premise because the subject matter is so unique, but it's a complete waste of an opportunity; to be frank, it is one of the most annoying, dumbfounding and frustrating documentaries made. In fact, it lacks the required insight to be classed as a documentary, and certainly isn't expressive enough to be a feature in its own right - it captures various activities without any insight as to why they go about what they do, why it is that these men have chosen a life of complete seclusion; it only serves to mystify these monks further, instead of de-mystifying them, so that anybody coming into the documentary not knowing who they are or what they do leaves the theatre having endured three hours of point-and-shoot filming of various religious rituals which aren't given any context at all. It defeats its own purpose: Gröning apparently waited close to two decades to get permission to film there, and the final product falls way short of revealing anything interesting about a potentially fascinating subject. The time-lapse shots, of the entire vicinity in the snowy mountains, are effective in their tranquility, but are completely undercut by inconsistent transitions (the film has no rhythm at all) and lazily assembled intertitles, quotations from the Bible. These quotations have some sort of obscure connection to the footage surrounding them, a bit like the Victorian quotations preceding each chapter in Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman; but while Fowles did immense research in assembling an eclectic, convincing range of quotes from all kinds of different sources, Gröning uses two or three and peppers them throughout his documentary as if to hammer the same point home time and time again, to the effect that, by the end of the film, you know what each intertitle says in French and German before the English subtitles come up translate it for us.

The Set-Up
Robert Wise 1949 USA
An ageing boxer fights his last bout despite angst from his girlfriend, and the fact he's supposed to lose in a staged knockout.
One of those rapid, brief B-movie productions made on an assembly line of forgotten masterpieces, by Wise, who here shows himself to be a very efficient, economic filmmaker - in the implicit, exciting exposition of narrative, in the tense, atmospheric bulk of the boxing fight itself, in the succinct, satisfying climax. Studio-bound, of course, but with an air of sweaty, dingy seediness hanging over it; you can't help but imagine that the sweat, blood and tears are in some way inherited from the rapid, low-budget production itself.

La science des rêves The Science of Sleep
Michel Gondry 2006 France / Italy
An insecure, Mexican artist moves to France and falls in love with his neighbour in his dreams.
This and Eternal Sunshine share a common emotional impact in the way they unfold: in a very casual manner, strikingly original in form and hilariously written and performed, so that any real emotional weight is accumulated as the narrative progresses in its deceptively nonchalant manner, and, come the climax of both films, an attachment has formed between viewer and film which seemingly wasn't on the cards at all. It's utterly refreshing stuff, energetic and perceptive, and determined to subvert expectations, from things such as overall narrative pattern to smaller details such as conventions of fictional character. At first, the ending might seem abrupt and unsatisfying in confirming that the narrative has been overwhelmed by its own fantasies ("when is it going to go back to reality?"), similar to, say, Videodrome, but it's written so as to be open to a hell of a lot of interpretation - what seemingly takes place during one night of dreams might actually be a collection of memories of real events, filtered into one dream-like narrative... that's the science of sleep, after all. Visually meticulous, emotionally complex, sharply written and excellently performed.

Iklimler Climates
Nuri Bilge Ceylan 2006 Turkey
A university lecturer breaks up with his younger wife when the two become bored by marriage and commitment.
Ceylan's films are obviously very personal; and all share the same world, the same vision, you see the same core entourage of actors from film to film, many of whom are friends and family. Here, in perhaps his most personal film yet (dedicated to his son), he and his real-life wife star as a couple whose marriage has already crumbled when the film begins, and generally dives into further despair as it goes along. His style is very unique and very difficult to describe - it doesn't resemble anybody else's, it's visual without being excessive, and his way of editing from scene to scene is very ambiguous. There is a scene early on, for instance, at the beach, in which the director watches his wife swimming in the sea and talks to himself, imagining that he is breaking up with her... only, he moves and behind where he was we see his wife is really next to him (a bit like the mirage scene in Gerry), and she begins to talk back, and so you'd expect to cut to a wide shot at the end of the scene, showing him alone again, with his wife in the sea, so that the conversation is confirmed to have been a dream, an illusion. But it doesn't, it cuts to the next scene, and it's very ambiguous and effective, the way things happen - similar to Julio Medem's dives in and out of realities, but a lot more subtle and casual. Climates is a fantastic film, full of great, individual scenes which unfold in lengthy bouts of silence, of emotional constipation, of lingering looks and close-ups. There are two incredible, ambiguous sex scenes, one in which two-way seduction turns into aggressive lust verging on rape, the other shot in out-of-focus, slow-motion close-ups, so that the intimacy is held at a distance. Tracing his work as a whole, Ceylan seems to have become more controlled, more disciplined with each film he's made; this shows signs of a more deliberate, self-aware and excessive self-indulgence (as opposed to the seemingly natural, instinctive way his previous films unfold), and it's his best film yet.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 06:37 PM

Quite coincidentally, I saw two Edward Burns films this weekend. I say coincidentally because I'm not really a fan of his, even though I love indie films.

Anyway...

THE GROOMSMEN (2006)

A decent film about five thirtysomething buddies getting together for a wedding in City Island (The Bronx), where they grew up. Jay Mohr was actually quite funny and John Leguizamo very believable as a closeted gay man coming home and coming out to his friends after some time away. Burns played his usual level headed big brother type of character and Brittany Murphy, who annoyed me to no end, played his fiancee. A fair movie that I enjoyed because of the on location City Island footage. If you're familiar with the area, it's worth an hour and a half out of your life.

ASH WEDNESDAY (2002)

Burns as big brother to Elijah Wood in an Irish gangster pic set in Hell's Kitchen in the early 80's. A decent plot, but Wood, who by my best guess, was about 20 at the time, actually looked about 16, making the movie that much less believable. Rosario Dawson, who was actually very good, played his wife, but again, although she's probably about the same age as Wood, looked too old to play his wife. A very predictable ending. Overall, I can't really recommend it.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 06:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Yet many people I know hate it when they get blasted by people who absolutely disagree.



Ronnie, feel free to blast me all you want. Won't bother me at all. \:p

I just meant sommmmmeeeeeee people take debates WAY too seriously, feelings get hurt, members get banned, babies are destroyed.

I know what I'm trying to say, I just can't make it come out right.

Opinions are like assholes.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 07:17 PM

Somebody take pity and let me know if Rocky Balboa wins or loses the fight. No, you will not spoil it for me.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 07:30 PM

It comes with an alternate ending Olivant, so you can have it any way you like. Honestly, it was a very good movie and the best since the original.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 08:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Yet many people I know hate it when they get blasted by people who absolutely disagree.



Ronnie, feel free to blast me all you want. Won't bother me at all. \:p

I just meant sommmmmeeeeeee people take debates WAY too seriously, feelings get hurt, members get banned, babies are destroyed.

I know what I'm trying to say, I just can't make it come out right.

Opinions are like assholes.


I used to take film debates super seriously, to the point of cruxcifying anyone that dissed a movie I loved like an act of war or something (MistaTomHagen can attest to it with his blood-stained ROLLERBALL review) but now unless the reviewer writes something completely stupid or amazingly ignorant, or something I don't understand, I'll then make a comment about it.

Anyway bogey, you're bullet proof! \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 08:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Quite coincidentally, I saw two Edward Burns films this weekend. I say coincidentally because I'm not really a fan of his, even though I love indie films.

Anyway...

THE GROOMSMEN (2006)

A decent film about five thirtysomething buddies getting together for a wedding in City Island (The Bronx), where they grew up. Jay Mohr was actually quite funny and John Leguizamo very believable as a closeted gay man coming home and coming out to his friends after some time away. Burns played his usual level headed big brother type of character and Brittany Murphy, who annoyed me to no end, played his fiancee. A fair movie that I enjoyed because of the on location City Island footage. If you're familiar with the area, it's worth an hour and a half out of your life.

ASH WEDNESDAY (2002)

Burns as big brother to Elijah Wood in an Irish gangster pic set in Hell's Kitchen in the early 80's. A decent plot, but Wood, who by my best guess, was about 20 at the time, actually looked about 16, making the movie that much less believable. Rosario Dawson, who was actually very good, played his wife, but again, although she's probably about the same age as Wood, looked too old to play his wife. A very predictable ending. Overall, I can't really recommend it.


Good reviews pizzaboy. You should do this more often. How about those Rourke flicks we were talking about earlier? ;-)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 08:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
Somebody take pity and let me know if Rocky Balboa wins or loses the fight. No, you will not spoil it for me.


I won't say it, but think it through olivant. Stallone made ROCKY BALBOA as the only true proper sequel to the first movie, and its about cyclical history. Now what happened to Rocky in the match in numero uno?

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Oh and Capo...I seem to agree with you on the satisfying ROCKY BALBOA, the enjoyable if nothing remarkable SUPERMAN RETURNS, the overrated THE ILLUSIONIST(folks, stick to THE PRESTIGE), and the very very very blandly safe WORLD TRADE CENTER.

If anything Capo, I think you abolishing your star-rating has helped your reviews out. The words, not your stars, define the reviews.

If only I was that confident enough in MY words....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 11:33 PM

Forbidden Planet *
(First Viewing)

An expedition is sent from Earth to Altair in the constellation of Aquilae (some 17 light years from Earth) to discover what happened to a colony of settlers on its fourth planet, Altair-4. What they discover is how and why an alien race of geniuses destroyed itself overnight while leaving their technology intact at some point in the distant, distant past.

Not the cheesy sci-fi movie I was hoping for. I was hoping for something along the lines of the original The Time Machine. However, it was quite a site to see Leslie Nielsen without white hair
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/07 11:56 PM

GET SHORTY (1995)

John Travolta in his initial go around as Chili Palmer, the Miami Beach, by way of Brooklyn, loan shark with dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Gene Hackman steals the film as Harry Zimm, the small time movie producer in big time debt to Delroy Lindo's Bo Catlett. It co-stars Rene Russo, as beautiful as ever, as Chili's love interest and a young James Gandolfini as Bear, Bo's bodyguard. David Paymer is hysterical as Leo, the dry cleaner who Chili tracks down in Vegas to collect a debt. It's adapted from the Elmore Leonard novel, whose books normally don't adapt very well, BIG BOUNCE anyone ? However, director Barry Sonnenfeld nailed it with this one, by sticking to the story and keeping with the deadpan dialogue. I loved it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 12:32 AM

GET SHORTY is a movie that was made in a unique time, when the concept of a brutal gangster/movie-buff taking over Hollywood was a unique idea. Now in the decade and several years after Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith and other pop culture-referening directors have laid their seed, I doubt GET SHORTY wouldn't be as unique....especially with that surprise little cameo in the movie's end that I got a kick out of.

Good review pizzaboy.

GET SHORTY (1995) - ***1/2
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 12:41 AM

Hey Ronnie, your compliments are gonna blow up my head and turn me into a frustrated movie reviewer, just like you.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 12:43 AM

Well, I need someone to share the scotch with at the local watering hole.

How you like yours? ;-)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 12:50 AM

J&B, rocks, soda back.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 01:19 AM

*Cue iZac robot from FUTURAMA*

You Got it!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 01:30 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
pizza.......I would be willing to park my car straight into Theron's garage.

\:\)

Irish, whats the deal? I thought you were giving a history, then I realized that in your perspective, it makes sense...and I corrected myself. You were right.


Keep your car away from Charlize's garage Ronnie. She's mine!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 01:33 AM

Yeah but she doesn't have your name on the garade door...

Wait, this JUST in....I have the latest lewd Paparrazi photos..

She does have YOUR name on her garage. Damn, I apologize Pizzaboy...she's yours to park in, and then reverse, in, reverse, in, until you run out of fuel. Apologies.

;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 01:34 AM

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 05:44 AM

The Good Shepherd ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Edward Wilson, the only witness to his father's suicide and member of the Skull and Bones Society while a student at Yale, is a morally upright young man who values honor and discretion, qualities that help him to be recruited for a career in the newly founded Office of Strategic Services (OSS, the predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency). While working there, his ideals gradually turn to suspicion influenced by the Cold War paranoia present within the office. Eventually, he becomes an influential veteran operative, while his distrust of everyone around him increases to no end. His dedication to his work does not come without a price though, leading him to sacrifice his ideals and eventually his family.

Definitely better with a second viewing but still very long. A great cast of characters round up Robert De Niro's 2nd directoral duty, including Matt Damon (he's beginning to become like Edward Norton in that they don't do many bad movies. Name a bad Edward Norton or Matt Damon movie), Angelina Jolie, William Hurt, Alec Baldwin, Joe Pesci (back after an 8 year hiatus), Michael Gambon, John Turturro, and the man himself Mr. Robert De Niro. I wouldn't consider it the best spy movie ever but it's up there. Give it a shot pizzaboy on Tuesday if you haven't seen it already (or give it another shot) ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 05:45 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Yeah but she doesn't have your name on the garade door...


Uh-O, break out the crucifix because ronnie made a boo boo
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 05:48 AM

Die Hard *
This is one of those movies that everyone in the world except me seems to have watched. Well I saw it finally. I can understand the reviews of other action movies now which always refer to this movie as some sort of trend setter. Quite predictable, but managed to hold my attention throughout. You have all the action you want - gunfights, explosions, hostage drama etc etc. Not a movie of my liking though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 05:55 AM

Have you seen Die Hard With A Vengence? My favorite of the trilogy
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 06:09 AM

No Irish, yet to watch.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 06:24 AM

DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE is really good, but better than DIE HARD? no.

DIE HARD is the best because it could have been another retarded Joel Silver/Lawrence Gordon-produced action flick that was expected of the Arnold/Stallone era. Yet instead, elements brought in gave the movie such an incredible fresh taste that revitalized the action genre(which in fashion Hollywood did what was expected, copying DIE HARD instead of being inspired by it.)

In fact, the only post-DIE HARD-inspired-yet-fresh Hollywood action movie was SPEED in 1994...but that was directed by Jan DeBont, who was the DP of DIE HARD.

Elements include...

(1) "REGULAR JOE" PROTAGONIST - Even that new release SHOOTER had to make sure that its hero is common like the inbred rednecks in the midwest, south, and the white trash up in New England and in California. Yet everyone forgot that while they're condenscending normal people with such contrived nonsense, Bruce Willis himself was the regular joe. Former bartender-turned actor, he could have become another Jersey truck driver.

And he basically plays himself, a New Jersey middle-aged guy that took his shoes off, only wearing his wife-beater shirt, when terrorists open fire. Hell, who can even say he actually ever had fired any of those automatic weapons?

As a cop, maybe he only as training for his service revolver, and hes having to improvise like hell on the fly(which explains why he overdoes the explosives when he detonates the plastic bomb). He is a guerilla warefare action character, not an one-man exterminating genocide force.

(2) THE PAIN - Which is when his character had to face dangers that Arnold and Sly would have solved without a scratch, we actually feel Willis' pain. John McClane is human, and hes as easy to wreck as the rest of us. A gunshot rips his shoulder, blood flies on the wall, and we wence. He has to walk through a floor of broken glass, and his feet are mauled. Ouch.

But its even a simple scene like Willis falling down the shafts when his gunstrap snaps. It scares the hell out of him, and we don't blame him. Its especially funny when he ties that firehose to his waist, about to jump from a roof about to explode....him praying to God that he'll never go up another tall building ever.

Few action movies afterwards made us this concerned for a action hero's concern. A few exceptions occur when the audience actually go "ohhhh!" like SIN CITY when a certain character gets his "second weapon" taken from him.

(3) TERRORIST MOTIVATION - The 1970s inspired Hollywood for YEARS that such terrorists fought only for ideology, yet with DIE HARD, we have baddies that simply want the damn money.

"You think they'll really release them?"
"Who cares."

Its stale now, but at the time it was fresh.

(4) SMARTASS - Willis was a sitcom star before DIE HARD with MOONLIGHTING, and he was a comedian. This made him a natural smartass in the dialogue.

"You listen to me asshole-"
"Asshole? I wasn't the one that got butt fucked on live TV, DWAYNE!"

(5) BASTARD - I've written about this before, but John McClaine in DH and in DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE is in reality a bastard in peacetime. His wife hates him, his co-workers can't stand him, his boss has him on suspension, and while he is charming and decent in short doses....surely all his friends don't want to bother with his alcoholic asshole personality in the long term.

Yet shit hits the fan, he goes Jack Bauer on ya immediately. Hell, DHWAV was funny when he's having to do all that insanity while having a hangover.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 06:57 AM

Wow rra, you have found so much hidden profound stuff the movie didn't even have Just joking.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 07:01 AM

I should blame this on Capo.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/07 07:00 PM

Blame it on me, blame it all on me.

Die Hard is fantastic. As much about corporate America and outright fucking annoying and inadequate red-tape procedure as it is about kicking foreign terrorist ass.

Die Hard 2 is still head and shoulders above most other action films being made at the time, but it's basically a retread of the first film's narrative template... which works only because Bruce Willis is great.

Die Hard with a Vengeance is very good, in general, but too much in the vain of the Lethal Weapon formula, bringing in bad ol' Samuel L. for some white-black racial tension... very formulaic, but very good at being formulaic; and Jeremy Irons is pretty good.

Die Hard 4.0 looks shit.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/07 01:04 AM

Capo, I think we share the same criticims on DIE HARD 2, where it has such stuff that hacks it like:

*WILLIS THE UNSCRATCHABLE - In the first and third movies, Willis gets the shit beaten out of him but #2, he falls off an airplane wing and shakes it off. I know this is status quo for action movies, but I liked the DIE HARD principle that the pain stays. Maybe I'm a masochist.

*BLAND VILLAINS - I always liked William Sadler, but he's given garbage to work with as some renegade Green Berets trying to reinstate an anti-commie leader. The only provacative interest is his APOCALYPSE NOW-like nude yoga in his hotel room, but otherwise Rambo eats these guys for breakfast.

*CONTRIVED RED TAPE - Sure parts of DIE HARD involves convenient red tape from the state tying up the hero's hands but in DH2...despite "dead" spooks getting gunned down years after their "death" in the airport terminal, explosions, and a known past-spook conveninently at the airport...nobody believes John McClane.

Nevermind this was the same hero that a year earlier that had his 15 minutes of fame.

Thing is, Dennis Franz has made a career of working the asshole part, but compare his cop part in Brian DePalma's DRESSED TO KILL: His character uses people, sometimes circumventing them, to get done what he wants.

DIE HARD 2 isn't a bad movie, its just...like every other action movie that came out after the first DH flick. So really, DIE HARD 2 not only ripped the original off, without the franchise moniker, it would be one of the best knock-offs of all-time.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/07 01:17 AM

My favorite part of DIE HARD 2 was John Amos, a perennial good guy, taking a turn as the ultimate two-faced bad guy. I thought he was the best part of the movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/07 01:28 AM

pizzaboy, yeah that was a good story-turn considering Amos...too bad the movie wasn't as cool as that though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/07 05:40 AM

The Last King of Scotlan ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

In the early 1970s, Nicholas Garrigan, a young semi-idealistic Scottish doctor, comes to Uganda to assist in a rural hospital. Once there, he soon meets up with the new President, Idi Amin, who promise a golden age for the African nation. Garrigan hits it off immediately with the rabid Scotland fan, who soon offers him a senior position in the national health department and becomes one of Amin's closest advisers. However as the years pass, Garrigan cannot help but notice Amin's increasingly erratic behavior that grows beyond a legitimate fear of assassination into a murderous insanity that is driving Uganda into bloody ruin. Realizing his dire situation with the lunatic leader unwilling to let him go home, Garrigan must make some crucial decisions that could mean his death if the despot finds out.

Forest Whitaker did a great job and was glad to see him win an Oscar for this role. I had never heard of General Idi Amin Dada before this film but seems like an interesting man. James McAvoy did a good job as well as Dr. Nicholas Garrigan .
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/07 11:59 PM

My dad has told me that he knew kids that had escaped Uganda and Idi Amin when he went to school with them.
Posted By: Double-J

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 12:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I had never heard of General Idi Amin Dada before this film but seems like an interesting man.


He was a real humanitarian...
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 01:37 AM

EASY MONEY (1983) ***

I stumbled across this little gem by accident tonight. Rodney Dangerfield stars as Monty Capuletti, a lifetime drinker and gambler, who has to stay sober for one year in order to inherit his mother in law's fortune. Joe Pesci is absolutely priceless as his best friend Nicky, "Who am I ? I'm the guy that put the bathrooms in this joint!". Jeffrey Jones, of FERRIS BUELLER fame, plays the ultimate foil, as Monty's brother in law, who is constantly trying to sideline Monty's attempts at sobriety in order to inherit the money himself. Is it great filmmaking ? Probably not, but for my money, it's one of the funniest movies ever made. I highly recommend it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 03:33 AM

 Originally Posted By: Double-J
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I had never heard of General Idi Amin Dada before this film but seems like an interesting man.


He was a real humanitarian...


Yeah, after the movie they said he killed like 300,000 Ugandies. And from the beginning of the movie, he seemed like he was a likable guy (or maybe that was just Forest Whitaker)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 03:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
EASY MONEY (1983)

I stumbled across this little gem by accident tonight. Rodney Dangerfield stars as Monty Capuletti, a lifetime drinker and gambler, who has to stay sober for one year in order to inherit his mother in law's fortune. Joe Pesci is absolutely priceless as his best friend Nicky, "Who am I ? I'm the guy that put the bathrooms in this joint!". Jeffrey Jones, of FERRIS BUELLER fame, plays the ultimate foil, as Monty's brother in law, who is constantly trying to sideline Monty's attempts at sobriety in order to inherit the money himself. Is it great filmmaking ? Probably not, but for my money, it's one of the funniest movies ever made. I highly recommend it.


I've only seen it once but I enjoyed it. But you gave it zero stars
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 03:36 AM

Thanks Irish, I just edited it and gave it 3 stars.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 03:37 AM

Good man. On a 4-star scale, correct? Pick anything else up at Blockbuster today?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 03:47 AM

Actually, I never got to Circuit City tonight or Blockbuster, but I did pick up 4 dvds at K-Mart this morning, very cheap (4 for $20)

1) Miami Blues (1990)

2) Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964)

3) The Firm (1993)

4) Wise Guys (1986)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 07:57 AM

Notes On A Scandal ***
(First Viewing)

Barbara Covett (Dame Judi Dench) is a veteran and cynical schoolteacher who is close to retirement. She is barely tolerated by her less brilliant and acerbic colleagues who know nothing about her private life which consists mainly of taking care of Portia, her aging cat, and spending countless hours alone. The only means she has found to take the edge off her desperate loneliness is writing in her journal. When Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett), a younger, attractive woman, joins the faculty as an art teacher, Barbara watches her from afar and has nothing but caustic things to say in her diary about her clothing and her care-free manner. Despite her disdain for this woman, Barbara finds herself reaching out to her. Sheba responds by inviting her to dinner at her house to meet Sheba's lecturer husband (Bill Nighy), who is twenty years her senior, and their two children, a sexy and rebellious 16-year-old daughter and a younger boy with Downs Syndrome. Instead of opening herself to these people, Barbara immediately sees them as competition to be beaten in the battle for Sheba's attention. Later, when Barbara discovers her new friend in a classroom having sex with Steven (Andrew Simpson), a 15-year-old from the school who has artistic talent; she realizes that knowledge of this secret gives her power over Sheba which she can use for her own purposes. Barbara promises to not tell anyone but insists that the affair must end immediately. Sheba says she will but finds herself drawn back to the boy again and again. Sheba seems uneasy with Barbara's friendship and is appalled when she discovers the older woman might have a sexual interest in her. The tenuous relationship between the two women reaches a crisis point when Barbara's cat is dying and she asks Sheba to go with her to the vet. She chooses to go with her family to see their son in a play instead. In revenge, Barbara sets in motion the scandal that will rock both their lives in ways they never imagined.

Glad to see the Academy got it right and nomiated both Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench for this film. I haven't seen The Queen or Dreamgirls yet so I can't say whether or not I agree with the winners. But these 2 actresses worked wonderfully together and I would have liked to have seen/heard this movie receive more press. A GREAT story again with great performances. Nothing too fancy, but just a straightforward great storyline.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 08:03 AM

Boogeyman *
The first half is scary as hell, many many unexpected shocking moments. The second half was dragging, with not much scary scenes. It ends very ridiculously though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 05:53 PM

I agree svsg. I saw the once once and thought it was terrible. I'd probably give it zero or only 1/2 star
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/07 05:55 PM

Question of the Day...which Boogeyman is more crappy?

The movie, or the WWE Wrestler?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 01:28 AM

WISE GUYS (1986) ***

I picked this up at K-mart yesterday in the 2 for $10 bin. It's an old favorite that I must have seen 20 times on VHS back in the 80's.

Danny DeVito and Joe Piscopo star as Harry and Moe, two gofers for New Jersey mob boss Mr. Costello (Dan Hedaya), who dream of one day opening the first Italian-Jewish deli. The boys are sent to place a routine 10k bet on a thoroughbred at the Meadowlands and take it upon themselves to put the money on their own horse, My Baby, and naturally lose. In turn, they are each given the contract, to kill each other! Hilarity ensues when Costello dispatches hit man Frank "The Fixer" Accavano, played brilliantly by Captain Lou Albano, to track the boys down and kill them. They flee to Atlantic City in hopes of being protected by "Uncle Mike" and casino host Bobby D (Harvey Keitel). This movie was directed by Brian DePalma sometime in between SCARFACE and CARLITO'S WAY and the results are hilarious. "Thank yooooooou Mister Accavano."

It's one of my favorite mob comedies ever. Why doesn't someone out there start a thread on the best mob comedies ever ? C'mon Ronnie, make yourself useful.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 07:59 AM

Bobby ***
(First Viewing)

The story of the assassination of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, on June 6th, 1968, which centers around 22 people who were at the Ambassador Hotel where he was killed.

By far Emilio Estevez's masterpiece as a director (with Men at Work coming in second) \:p An extremely noticeable cast with Emilio Estevez, Laurence Fishburne, Heather Graham, Anthony Hopkins, Helen Hunt, Joshua Jackson, Ashton Kutcher, Lindsay Lohan, William H. Macy, Christian Slater, Elijah Wood, Demi Moore, Freddy Rodríguez, Martin Sheen, Sharon Stone and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. I sometimes feel history has overlooked RFK due to the enormous shock the country felt when JFK was murdered just 5 years prior. Glad to see Bobby got his movie and what a great and honorable respect paid to him. Unfortunately the man was too dangerous and I think he was going to make some radical changes that scared people who were too comfortable.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 12:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
WISE GUYS (1986) ***

"Thank yooooooou Mister Accavano."



No no no, thank yoooooou Mr. Acavano!
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 12:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Bobby ***
(First Viewing)



I've been meaning to see this Irish. Your review makes it seem as though it is definitely worth a viewing. I'll have to check it out.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 12:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
WISE GUYS (1986) ***

"Thank yooooooou Mister Accavano."



No no no, thank yoooooou Mr. Acavano!


No no no, thank you Mister......ah, fork it, this could go on all day.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 12:37 PM

DC, be careful when you rent BOBBY. Lets just say, without going technical, that Emilio Estevez writes a love letter to Robert Kennedy, but its written like a 5 year old with crayons.

Of course, I'm anal about cinema efforts and execution...

Anyway, Sharon Stone did a really good job in BOBBY...and in the same year of BASIC INSTINCT 2!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 12:40 PM

Also, I didn't like WISEGUYS but bear in mind I don't like mafia comedies in general. They all seem to either miss the mark or simply want to make fun of the obvious joke targets of the genre.

In fact, maybe the only "mob comedy" that I liked was maybe THE FRESHMAN...

Still, Brian DePalma delivers great technical work on WISE GUYS(remember that surveillance camera POV?)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 12:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Also, I didn't like WISEGUYS but bear in mind I don't like mafia comedies in general. They all seem to either miss the mark or simply want to make fun of the obvious joke targets of the genre.

In fact, maybe the only "mob comedy" that I liked was maybe THE FRESHMAN...

Still, Brian DePalma delivers great technical work on WISE GUYS(remember that surveillance camera POV?)


You didn't like MIDNIGHT RUN ?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 12:57 PM

MIDNIGHT isnt a mafia comedy. A mafia comedy is a movie that who's primary premise is that its a joke on the Mob and its stereotypes.

MIDNIGHT RUN is a buddy movie mixed with Road Trip movie...and pretty good at it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 01:32 PM

Irish Pants, are you copying your synopses from IMDb or something? They're mighty long, compared to your actual review, no?

Brevity's a lovely thing, man, especially when it comes to, well, you know, regurgitating a film's plot.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 01:38 PM

Capo, IMDB doesn't have a plot summary...but what was the plot of THE LIFE & TIMES OF IRISHMAN anyway?

;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 03:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
MIDNIGHT isnt a mafia comedy. A mafia comedy is a movie that who's primary premise is that its a joke on the Mob and its stereotypes.

MIDNIGHT RUN is a buddy movie mixed with Road Trip movie...and pretty good at it.


Thank you Mr Strasberg, for telling me what a buddy movie is. Would I be correct in stating that Bing Crosby and Bob Hope invented the genre, with their "Road" movies ?

Okay, back to mob comedies, MY BLUE HEAVEN ?
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/07 08:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
It's one of my favorite mob comedies ever. Why doesn't someone out there start a thread on the best mob comedies ever ?


There's a restored 1962 mob comedy classic making the rounds in theatres, it's called Mafioso directed by Alberto Lattuada and starring the great Alberto Sordi....Check play dates and trailer here:

http://www.rialtopictures.com/mafioso.html
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 08:52 AM

Grindhouse ****
(First Viewing)

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

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

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 12:22 PM

Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction aren't as personal as Kill Bill?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 03:24 PM

I guess not Capo...

Though honestly, the more budget and insane creative control that QT has gotten over the years, his movies have more and more lack the awesome narrative energy that DOGS contained.

As I pointed out years back in my review of DOGS, sometimes inexperience actually helps. Yet with more directing work under QT, I do wonder...

Even FICTION, a masterpiece in itself, and as great as it is...I credit the screenplay moreso than the direction but whatever.

I'm sure QT's DEATH PROOF delivers but Robert Rodriguez? His scriptwriting is more erratic than my grandpa's alzheimers. Jesus Christ...

Whats funny is, a CHUD website review commented that QT has finally equaled the outright self-exertive creative effort, at the risk of alienating funders and some audiences, at the same rate as one of Tarantino's heroes...Brian DePalma.

Either that is the best, or worst, criticism a director can get.

P.S. - Irish, whats the last movie you hyped to hell that you didn't love?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 03:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
MIDNIGHT isnt a mafia comedy. A mafia comedy is a movie that who's primary premise is that its a joke on the Mob and its stereotypes.

MIDNIGHT RUN is a buddy movie mixed with Road Trip movie...and pretty good at it.


Thank you Mr Strasberg, for telling me what a buddy movie is. Would I be correct in stating that Bing Crosby and Bob Hope invented the genre, with their "Road" movies ?

Okay, back to mob comedies, MY BLUE HEAVEN ?



I educate for free!

Sorry, didn't care for MY BLUE HEAVEN either. Rather damn silly as it is, but eh whatever.

I think the problem I have with mob comedies is that the mafia in reality, and shown in media, is just too easy to ripe up for parody. Plus, many such movies that tried to attack an actor's mob cinema legacy (i.e. DeNiro/Caan) just don't work either.

ANALYZE THIS had a good idea: What if a major mobster gets psychologically unraveled? I mean, its potential...and instead of focusing on DeNiro having to fight back tears while slicing some prick's thumbnails off, it becomes a buddy movie with Crystal...

As for MICKEY BLUE EYES, Hugh Grant just sucks. He always did, and now he's basically the go-to guy for Hollywood Romantic Comedy parts for British Male(unless he wants too much, Colin Firth is on the horn).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 03:36 PM

I generally think that Tarantino's films have become progressively more messy, more bloated, less controlled and less disciplined as he's moved through each film.

His dialogue is tedious at best now, and his films haven't been of visual interest since Pulp Fiction.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 03:48 PM

Capo, QT's lesser movies are still better than most people's "best" movies...but yeah, you're right about the "progressively" comment.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 03:56 PM

I didn't really care for MICKEY BLUE EYES either, but I still enjoy the genre. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't take 5 minutes of Jay Mohr's MAFIA or Stallone's OSCAR, but I think if it's well written and well acted, it's a fun genre.

Let's assume that 29TH STREET is a mob comedy. Now tell me you don't like that one, and I just may have to get our consigliere on your ass!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 05:02 PM

I haven't seen 29TH STREET. Sorry.

The only media outlet I've seen thats done great mob parody was THE SIMPSONS. Years back, in a Treehouse of Horror episode, everyone was given immortality. Cut to the show's mob comedy-stand-ins for "Tony" and his boys trying to kill a snitch with machine guns. They keep pumping him with lead, and he won't die. Eventually, the mobsters just shrug with fustration and leave.

Now thats funny.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 08:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - Irish, whats the last movie you hyped to hell that you didn't love?


Batman Begins, Casino Royale, Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest, Saw III, House of Flying Daggers, etc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 08:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I generally think that Tarantino's films have become progressively more messy, more bloated, less controlled and less disciplined as he's moved through each film.

His dialogue is tedious at best now, and his films haven't been of visual interest since Pulp Fiction.


That's probably why I've enjoyed them so much. They're just so outlandish and over-the-top. As I said, I just felt that QT's and RR's last 2 movies seem to come out better because it looks like they REALLY enjoyed themselves poking fun at old Asian martial arts flicks or Grind House films. Sin City wasn't poking fun at anything, it was just simply the greatest comic book movie ever made (sorry Bats, but it's true).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 09:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - Irish, whats the last movie you hyped to hell that you didn't love?


Batman Begins, Casino Royale, Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest, Saw III, House of Flying Daggers, etc.


Huh? I should have said "liked" not "loved."

You gave 3 stars to PIRATES 2 and CASINO ROYALE, and sorta came around partly on the side of BEGINS after most of the board wrote our love letter reviews and ratings to it.

I'm not saying anything, but...has a movie not only bitter disapointed you, but soul-crushingly disapointed as fucking hell?

For example, yours truely once read a convultingly long sci-fi 1,000 page book that had a decent first half. Good possible drama material for a movie.

Then I saw BATTLEFIELD EARTH the movie in theatres.

I might as well had my balls on the bandsaw.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 09:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - Irish, whats the last movie you hyped to hell that you didn't love?


Batman Begins, Casino Royale, Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest, Saw III, House of Flying Daggers, etc.


Huh? I should have said "liked" not "loved."

You gave 3 stars to PIRATES 2 and CASINO ROYALE, and sorta came around partly on the side of BEGINS after most of the board wrote our love letter reviews and ratings to it.

I'm not saying anything, but...has a movie not only bitter disapointed you, but soul-crushingly disapointed as fucking hell?

For example, yours truely once read a convultingly long sci-fi 1,000 page book that had a decent first half. Good possible drama material for a movie.

Then I saw BATTLEFIELD EARTH the movie in theatres.

I might as well had my balls on the bandsaw.


Yes sir I have. Date Movie, Scary Movie 2, Scary Movie 3, Scary Movie 4!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 09:55 PM

You had expectations for them?

And what about EPIC MOVIE?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 10:05 PM

I had expectations for Scary Movie 2 since I enjoyed the first one so much. Scary Movie 3 I had expectations for just for pure curiosity since the Waynes Brother's were no longer on the project. Again I did have expectations for Date Movie (because I'm a pretty good sucker for spoof movies). However, I had zero expectations for Epic Movie, which is probably the reason why I didn't hate it as much as Date Movie.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 10:13 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I generally think that Tarantino's films have become progressively more messy, more bloated, less controlled and less disciplined as he's moved through each film.

His dialogue is tedious at best now, and his films haven't been of visual interest since Pulp Fiction.


That's probably why I've enjoyed them so much. They're just so outlandish and over-the-top. As I said, I just felt that QT's and RR's last 2 movies seem to come out better because it looks like they REALLY enjoyed themselves poking fun at old Asian martial arts flicks or Grind House films. Sin City wasn't poking fun at anything, it was just simply the greatest comic book movie ever made (sorry Bats, but it's true).


Uhh, no. It's true because you say so?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 10:38 PM

I have to agree with him, actually. I can't think of a better comic book adaptation than Sin City.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 10:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I generally think that Tarantino's films have become progressively more messy, more bloated, less controlled and less disciplined as he's moved through each film.

His dialogue is tedious at best now, and his films haven't been of visual interest since Pulp Fiction.


That's probably why I've enjoyed them so much. They're just so outlandish and over-the-top. As I said, I just felt that QT's and RR's last 2 movies seem to come out better because it looks like they REALLY enjoyed themselves poking fun at old Asian martial arts flicks or Grind House films. Sin City wasn't poking fun at anything, it was just simply the greatest comic book movie ever made (sorry Bats, but it's true).


Uhh, no. It's true because you say so?


Uhh, no I say it's true because it's my opinion. You feel you are right that Batman Begins is the greatest because that's your opinion. Well, I feel the exact same way about Sin City. "Opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has one"
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 10:48 PM

Except for those who have them surgically closed off.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 10:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
I have to agree with him, actually. I can't think of a better comic book adaptation than Sin City.


Another devoted Sin City fan! I don't know why but I could have sworn you were a Batman buff, LLC. Batman's my favorite super hero and all but when coming down to movies, I'd take Sin City over anything any day of the week. In fact, I'd say the greatest comic book movies are:

1) Sin City
2) Superman II
3) Spider-Man
4) X2
5) Batman

You can go down from there but I wouldn't even consider Batman Begins to be in the Top 5.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 10:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

Another devoted Sin City fan! I don't know why but I could have sworn you were a Batman buff, LLC.


Because I am. I love Batman, and the first two Tim Burton films are right behind Sin City on my list. But I think that Sin City beat them by just a hair.

Frank Miller is a God; Have you taken a look at Frank Miller's work on the "Dark Knight" series? Miller + Batman = Absolutely amazing.

But still; nothing really beats Sin City for me. I've read all seven books, and they're the best comic book work I've gazed upon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/07 11:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
Frank Miller is a God; Have you taken a look at Frank Miller's work on the "Dark Knight" series? Miller + Batman = Absolutely amazing.


I have and I wasn't too impressed with it. I did like 300 and I'm trying to get a hold of Ronin since they're going to make it into a movie and it deals with samurai's and just sounds like it'd be right up my alley.

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
But still; nothing really beats Sin City for me. I've read all seven books, and they're the best comic book work I've gazed upon.


I agree. Those and probably Batman: The Long Halloween Series are the BEST comic books I've ever read. Although, I'm kinda bummed about Sin City 2. At first I hard Angelina Jolie would play Ava Lord but now I'm hearing it'll be Rachel Weisz. Who would you rather have? Personally, I like Angelina and I thought that's why they put a halt onto production, to allow her to have her child and then do the movie?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 12:21 AM

I don't know... I'm sure the film will be great regardless, so I'm indifferent. The only thing that'd bum me out is not using Depp in "Hell and Back"... And I understand they're saving that for Sin City 3, so there is a chance he'll get in there. Actually, I sort of doubt it. But "Hell and Back" will be good anyways, it's my favorite of the seven books.

By the way, which books are they using for two? I remember reading up on it when they were announced, but I haven't really been paying close attention to the filming/production, so I've forgotten. I know they're using "A Dame To Kill For" (which should be cool, it'll give the casual fans a bit of insight on Dwayne, and explain certain lines that didn't make sense in the first film), then I think I remember Miller saying something about writing a new, eighth book for the film, and I forget what else they're using... I'm blanking. Help me out? It's bothering me now that I think about it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 12:27 AM

Yes they are using "A Dame To Kill For." I believe they might use some other short stories from the "Brooze, Broads, and Bullets" if I'm not mistaken (I believe that's the correct book with the short stories). And also I have heard about Frank Miller writing a new story for Nancy post-Hartigan (apparently she's gonna take revenge for those who helped "kill" him).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 08:17 AM

Night At The Museum 1/2
(First Viewing)

When Larry Daley, a divorced father who can't seem to keep a job for more than a week, applies for a job at the Museum of Natural History, he is assigned as a night guard. However, a seemingly easy job turns out to be a wild ride when he finds that an ancient curse has caused the "inhabitants" of the museum to come to life.

Not Ben Stiller's finest work. Ben Stiller runs too hot and cold for me. He did There's Something About Mary, Meet the Parents, Along Came Polly and Dodgeball. But then he does this movie, Zoolander, Orange County, Duplex, Starsky & Hutch, Envy and Meet the Fockers.The movie made some bank at the box office (the budget was $110 million and made almost $248 million), but it was too much of a kids/family movie for me. Also not Robin Williams finest hour either (neither was his last film, Man of the Year).
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 02:59 PM

Orange County is far from a gem, but as far as b-list comedies go (which is pretty much the bulk of Stiller's filmography), I thought it was pretty damn funny. I loved how it almost seemed as if it was made as an homage to The Graduate.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 03:59 PM

Why is it that Stiller can only do one kind of schtick?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 04:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Why is it that Stiller can only do one kind of schtick?


I think he's one of those guys with an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude.

Look at Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler. Why would they all of a sudden want to be taken seriously when they've made creers and bazillions of dollars out of playing 40 year old adolescents. I think Stiller is too smart for this. Then again, he comes from a showbiz family, so maybe he knows better.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 04:11 PM

As for Jim Carrey, his career has been on the downslope for the last few years. Its broken.

Sandler still makes money, but he did pretty darn good in PUNCH DRUNK LOVE. Funny enough, he was supposed to play the cab driver in COLLATERAL before he quit and Jamie Foxx replaced him. Opps.

pizzaboy, go watch PERMANENT MIDNIGHT sometime. Stiller playing serious as a fucked-up junkie sitcom writer.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 04:13 PM

Saw it Ronnie, loved it.

I just meant that Stiller hasn't tried to make it a permanent thing. Very few actors have made the transition. There's only one Tom Hanks and very few Michael Keatons, for that matter.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 04:20 PM

Thing is, the really great comedians do actually turn out to be pretty good dramatic actors(while the flip-side, I can't say).

Maybe its because of comics' essential need for timing that make them work as dramatic actors.

Besides, Stiller is enjoying his nice paychecks too much. I can't blame him, but is this all there is in life...Conan?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 04:26 PM

Actually Ronnie, you're right. Jerry Lewis immediately comes to mind. He's turned in some quite impressive dramatic work over the years. On the other side of the coin is DeNiro. I'm not even gonna get into the cartoonish peformances in MEET THE FOCKERS, etc...but if you go back to 1988's MIDNIGHT RUN, you can see a real talent for comedy.

Buddy movie/Mob movie ??

Damn you RonnieRocket!!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 04:26 PM

Carey and Sandler might be declining in financial success, but are assuming artistic success, I feel. Carrey was excellent in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but hasn't really done much of interest since. And Sandler was fucking fantastic in Punch Drunk Love. What a great film... PT Anderson is a genius. I love his sense of humor, it's so awkward and dark.

Barry: "I wanted to ask you something because you're a doctor... I don't like myself sometimes. Can you help me?"
Walter: "Barry... I'm a dentist..."
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 04:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Actually Ronnie, you're right. Jerry Lewis immediately comes to mind. He's turned in some quite impressive dramatic work over the years. On the other side of the coin is DeNiro. I'm not even gonna get into the cartoonish peformances in MEET THE FOCKERS, etc...but if you go back to 1988's MIDNIGHT RUN, you can see a real talent for comedy.

Buddy movie/Mob movie ??

Damn you RonnieRocket!!


If MIDNIGHT RUN is a mob movie, then GET SHORTY is a mob movie. Then CORKY ROMANO is a mob movie.

You see not the dangerous road ahead if we drive on?

MIDNIGHT RUN rocks...kicks ass...but its not a mob movie.

P.S. - Poor Jerry Lewis. He actually was surprisingly a fluid director on the few times he was given the camera.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 04:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
Carey and Sandler might be declining in financial success, but are assuming artistic success, I feel. Carrey was excellent in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but hasn't really done much of interest since. And Sandler was fucking fantastic in Punch Drunk Love. What a great film... PT Anderson is a genius. I love his sense of humor, it's so awkward and dark.

Barry: "I wanted to ask you something because you're a doctor... I don't like myself sometimes. Can you help me?"
Walter: "Barry... I'm a dentist..."


But what has thou Sandler done since PUNCH DRUNK LOVE? Maybe if he teams up with QT on that WW2 movie, it would be cool...but it'll be more CLICKS and that gay marriage comedy he's doing.

As for Carrey, yes he rocked in ETERNAL SUNSHINE, but meanwhile FUN WITH DICK & JANE was a dud(and the fact that it wasn't funny doesn't help matters), LEMONY SNICKET was a disapointment for Paramount, and NUMBER 23 pulled a 69 in theatres.

Plus, Carrey had several major projects that got cancelled because of his behavior, like USED GUYS, where he was to play a male prostitute with Ben Stiller. That sucker would have made money. Instead, Stiller is making money on his own work.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 07:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Actually Ronnie, you're right. Jerry Lewis immediately comes to mind. He's turned in some quite impressive dramatic work over the years. On the other side of the coin is DeNiro. I'm not even gonna get into the cartoonish peformances in MEET THE FOCKERS, etc...but if you go back to 1988's MIDNIGHT RUN, you can see a real talent for comedy.

Buddy movie/Mob movie ??

Damn you RonnieRocket!!


If MIDNIGHT RUN is a mob movie, then GET SHORTY is a mob movie. Then CORKY ROMANO is a mob movie.

You see not the dangerous road ahead if we drive on?

MIDNIGHT RUN rocks...kicks ass...but its not a mob movie.

P.S. - Poor Jerry Lewis. He actually was surprisingly a fluid director on the few times he was given the camera.


MIDNIGHT RUN is a buddy movie. GET SHORTY is a satirical look at Hollywood, in the tradition of THE PLAYER and THE BIG PICTURE. CORKY ROMANO is a waste of time, starring a mentally challenged out of work Saturday Night Live geek, teaming up with poor Peter Falk, who plays the same role as he did in COOKIE. Poor Columbo.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 08:57 PM

Three Colors: Red *
This was the most disappointing of the lot. Very good use of red color. But neither visually captivating nor great background score as with other two parts. Till the end I was wondering what was the point of the movie. Plot makes very little sense to me. There is a clever touch in the very last scene, but that is not worth going through the entire movie.

Rashomon ****
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I can't believe it was made in 1950. Very minimal dialogues and keeps your attention by just great shots and excellent music. Great screenplay and acting. This is my first Kurosawa movie and I was totally blown away by its brilliance. One annoying thing is that some of the actors laugh very wierdly in the movie, maybe it is a japanese thing, I dunno.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 09:18 PM

Three Colours: Red has very good use of colour but isn't visually captivating?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 09:53 PM

I meant clever use of red color. Like the tail lights of car or the red poster among many many other examples. Since the title is 'red' his use of red color throughout the movie is justified and also noteworthy. But that alone is not enough to call it captivating. Because most of the shots themselves were nothing great. Unlike "Double life of veronique' where not only were the green color filters great, but also the scenes themselves were captivating. For example, how verinique sweeps the autumn leaves with her hand.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 09:57 PM

I can't remember much, to be honest (though remember thinking it was amazing), but isn't their a great scene involving a dog?

The ending is brill.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 10:03 PM

Yeah, the woman chases the dog and it goes running into a church and then she follows it... It was nice. Maybe I am forgetting some other scene, because two different dogs were in a lot of scenes.

I agree with you on the ending, never expected it and was kind of pleased that the ending was rewarding for having watched all the three parts \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 11:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Funny enough, he was supposed to play the cab driver in COLLATERAL before he quit and Jamie Foxx replaced him. Opps.



Any reason on why he quit?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/07 11:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Rashomon ****
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I can't believe it was made in 1950. Very minimal dialogues and keeps your attention by just great shots and excellent music. Great screenplay and acting. This is my first Kurosawa movie and I was totally blown away by its brilliance. One annoying thing is that some of the actors laugh very wierdly in the movie, maybe it is a japanese thing, I dunno.



I agree. Rashomon was the first Kurosawa film that I really enjoyed enough to buy. It's still my favorite and his choice of shots are EXCELLENT!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 12:14 AM

No idea, but considering that while COLLATERAL came out in 2004, that year Sandler gave us the silly 50 FIRST DATES and the rare James L. Brooks flick that failed to do shit at the Oscars in SPANGLISH. Take that in mind.

BTW, My girl made me go see friggin REIGN OVER ME this weekend. If the ads looked like a schmaltzy drama that too easily could be interpreted as a gay chick flick movie...for men.....you have no idea.

Don Cheadle, you're better than this. Adam, you're still in the doghouse.

REIGN OVER ME (2007) - **
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 12:25 AM

Oh, your "girlfriend" wanted to see it, huh Ronnie ?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 12:28 AM

Yeah. Well, what can I say? In the end, everyone got what they wanted. She got to see that shitty bullshit melodrama that might pull a PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS awards success, and I got vagina.

Fair Trade.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 12:29 AM

Man law.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 12:32 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No idea, but considering that while COLLATERAL came out in 2004, that year Sandler gave us the silly 50 FIRST DATES and the rare James L. Brooks flick that failed to do shit at the Oscars in SPANGLISH. Take that in mind.

BTW, My girl made me go see friggin REIGN OVER ME this weekend. If the ads looked like a schmaltzy drama that too easily could be interpreted as a gay chick flick movie...for men.....you have no idea.

Don Cheadle, you're better than this. Adam, you're still in the doghouse.

REIGN OVER ME (2007) - **


I don't really have any real expectations for this, but for some reason, I want to see it. I don't know why that is, because it looks like an overly standard drama, based upon trailers.

EDIT: ...Must be because the makeup department made Sandler look like a threeway cross between Bob Dylan, Adam Sandler with a crack habit, and Cher...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 12:33 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Man law.


I love those ads...its like the greatest chauvinistic humor idea that MARRIED WITH CHILDREN somehow never wrote into an episode.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 12:37 AM

No Mam!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 02:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone


I don't really have any real expectations for this, but for some reason, I want to see it.


I concur. I'm not racing to the theaters but I hope to see it there (I think the last Adam Sandler movie I saw on the big screen was Click and before that The Longest Yard).
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 03:10 AM

I just like seeing him take on dramatic roles, or roles in dark-comedies.

Must I reference Punch Drunk Love again?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 03:14 AM

Well even if you mustn't LLC, I'm sure you will.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 03:15 AM

No, that was a good movie and a nice change for Sandler. Click was pretty bad. BTW LLC, I think I'm gonna check out Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas again tonight. I'm in the mood right now. I was planning on Raising Arizona but again I'm in the mood and we'll see how it goes.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 03:20 AM

I picked up THE FIRM for $5 the other day. I think I'm gonna watch it overnight. I'm off this week.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 03:24 AM

Wal-Mart $5.50 bin?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 03:29 AM

K-Mart, four for $20.

THE FIRM, WISE GUYS, MIAMI BLUES, ROBIN AND THE SEVEN HOODS.

A steal.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 08:31 AM

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas ***
(Third Vieiwng)

An adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's novel of the same name. The film details a whacky search for the "American Dream", by Thompson and his crazed, Samoan lawyer. Fueled by the massive amount of drugs they purchased with an advance from a magazine to cover a sporting event in Vegas; they set out in the Red Shark. Encountering police, reporters, gamblers, racers, and hitchhikers; they search for some undefinable thing know only as the "American Dream" and find fear, loathing and hilarious adventures into the dementia of the modern American West.

Well LLC, I guess third times a charm. I think my earlier issues with the film were the overuse of drugs but once I pushed past that, I actually somewhat cared about Raoul Duke and what he had to say. Benicio Del toro was very good but Johnny Depp was AWESOME! In my mind, he has to be one of the top three, if not the BEST actor alive today. The man can play any part and make it as entertaining as possible. He is truly blessed and gifted as an actor. Also this film had a fantastic soundtrack!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 09:49 AM

Pfft, only after LLC lectured your ass. \:D
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 05:34 PM

Yeah, Irish, Depp was fucking fantastic. If you've ever seen any footage of the real Thompson, you'd know he nailed him right on the head. Depp actually spent three months living in Thompson's basement, walking around the house observing him and mimicking his mannerisms and speech patterns. Did you watch it on the Criterion Collection DVD? If so, check out the "Fear and Loathing on the Road to Hollywood" documentary. It's a BBC film from 1978 that follows Hunter as he drives from his home in Colorado, through Las Vegas, and on to Hollywood, where he meets with representatives of Universal to begin planning 1980's Where the Buffalo Roam, the first attempt to capture Hunter on the big screen. It's quite interesting, and watching that, you just come to appreciate Depp's performance so much more.

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Pfft, only after LLC lectured your ass. \:D


\:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:07 PM

No I haven't seen any of the special features. I was thinking about watching the alternate ending that you were describing but this sounds interesting too.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:10 PM

Criterion just bloody rules. FACT.

Now if they would ever get ACE IN THE HOLE done, I would be happy...then I would find something else to bitch about.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:13 PM

Yeah I'll give you that, Criterion's ALWAYS have the best DVD's. They're a bit more expensive but worth it.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
No I haven't seen any of the special features. I was thinking about watching the alternate ending that you were describing but this sounds interesting too.


I'd recommend any of the special features, but above all else, watch the the "Fear and Loathing on the Road to Hollywood" on disk two, and the deleted scenes on disk one (which includes the alternate ending I mentioned, and my favorite, "The DA from GA" in which Duke and Gonzo make up some bullshit story to scare a DA from Georgia after the Marijuana conference in the Flamingo... The story is absolutely hilarious, and it's a shame it was removed, but if you listen closely to the man on the payphone in the lobby of the Mint, when Duke is checking in and tripping on LSD, he is telling the same exact story).
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Yeah I'll give you that, Criterion's ALWAYS have the best DVD's. They're a bit more expensive but worth it.


Word. I've noticed that Amazon and several other retailers have marked Fear and Loathing down to $30. I remember it was $40 just a year ago, when I bought it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:23 PM

Criterion is expensive, but the presentation/digital transfer/special features are worth the cost.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:25 PM

I care little for special features, to be honest, but Criterion's transfers are fantastic. Their sleeve designs are usually brilliant, too, if you like that sort of thing.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:28 PM

Definately. I think product design is an important part of the DVD.

But if you spend more time on design than transfer and even, in some cases, special features, you can die.

Luckily, Criterion does an excellent job on all three.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 06:32 PM

Because Criterion doesn't get a third party to do its transfers. They only do the DVDs if they can acquire the negative prints themselves.

Big difference, especially since they actually care about print preservation.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 11:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Three Colors: Red *
This was the most disappointing of the lot. Very good use of red color. But neither visually captivating nor great background score as with other two parts. Till the end I was wondering what was the point of the movie.


Maybe this will help a little.

The Red color on the French flag is said to represent fraternity or brotherhood. Kieslowski and Piesiewicz take that as a departure point to go the opposite route of the spirit of brotherhood which is indifference to your fellow human being. Kieslowski did say the film is a movie against indifference.

Then, a part of the film is to show helping someone else (i.e., the Judge "helping" Valentin's love life).

It's the most mystical movie of the trilogy and is very much in line with Double Life of Veronique.

Is the Judge some type of mystical figure? Notice that he checks Valentin's ticket to presumably check what ferry she is riding and what seat she has. Does he know that the Young Judge and Valentin are meant to be together? And if so, he's having a direct hand in it so to speak.

Notice what happens to the Young Judge is exactly what happened to the Old Judge in the story he told Valentin (i.e., he saw his
girlfriend having an affair). There is also the mirror-instance of both judges dropping their books on the day of the exams and the page showing happened to contain the question/answer on the exam.

So, the Old Judge who was coldly indifferent to humanity and eavesdropping on people's privacy redeems himself through helping another.

We see a need for connection throughout the movie. Fate is another theme. Notice the massive crane shot that links Valentin and the Young Judge as their paths will cross in the future, but at the moment they don't even know that they live very near eachother.

Is it fate? Or chance?

Nothing is clear-cut. It's just not one of those movies.

I like Three Colors: Blue the best while most lean towards Red.

 Quote:
Plot makes very little sense to me.


The plot is actually simple, it's just the ambiguity that makes it seem incomprehensible (side note: are the concept of chance and fate really comprehensible to human reason and intellect?).

Plot and Story: A young student and model by chance (or fate) runs over a dog which leads to her meeting with the dog's owner, a retired judge who eavesdrops on his neighbors. Their encounter and subsequent relationship has profound effects not only on their lives, but other people as well.

 Quote:
There is a clever touch in the very last scene, but that is not worth going through the entire movie.


The last scene is very important in sort of making concrete the abstract concepts of fate or chance, but it's not the entire point of the movie (fraternity, brotherhood, indifference).
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 11:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Big difference, especially since they actually care about print preservation.


It's true they care about film print preservation, but they don't actually do print preservation. They make HD masters (digital tape) from digitally-cleaned up telecine (which is the type of "preservation" they do, a digital clean-up).

HD masters are not a replacement for preserving actual film prints or full restoration.

Their DVD producers do sometimes assist with restoration efforts. But mostly, the film restoration was done by someone else and Criterion handles the digital part for DVD. Criterion was in fact very instrumental in finding the original negative of Grand Illusion.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/07 11:34 PM

That's absolutely correct 24.

Its like the original Kurosawa DVDs of YOJIMBO and SEVEN SAMURAI, among others. They were based on not-so-great prints issued by Toho over in Japan, but apparently their new DVD re-issues have much better transfers...at least from what I hear.
Posted By: donpedro

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 07:12 AM

Just watched Man on Fire, Denzel Washington. The man does not make a bad film. However, the little girl steals the show, she is brilliant. Plenty of action and a twist at the end.

Definately ****.


Ciao
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 08:07 AM

I Spit On Your Grave ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The film follows Jennifer, a writer who is working on a new novel and needs to get out of the city to finish it. She hires a riverside apartment in upstate New York to finish her novel, attracting the attention of a number of rowdy male locals. They catch Jenifer one day and strip her naked for the village idiot (Matthew) and rape her. Jennifer is later attacked and raped a further two times by the four degenerates, and her novel is also destroyed. But Jennifer slowly recovers and in her now-twisted, psychotic mind, she then begins to seek revenge on the four men who raped her.

The second Grind House film I've seen (with Coffy being the first). Obviously a lot of money wasn't spent on costumes seeing as how nobody seemed to hardly wear any. There's about a 20-30 minute rape scene and I've never seen this much nudity in a film unless it was a porno. An enjoyable movie about revenge for those who have never seen it. And for those who have, any thoughts?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 08:08 AM

 Originally Posted By: donpedro
Just watched Man on Fire, Denzel Washington. The man does not make a bad film. However, the little girl steals the show, she is brilliant. Plenty of action and a twist at the end.

Definately ****.


Ciao


Glad you enjoyed it. It's my second favorite Denzel Washington movie behind Malcolm X and it's my second favorite Tony Scott movie behind True Romance.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 08:23 AM

Brazil
(First Viewing)

Sam Lowry is a harried technocrat in a futuristic society that is needlessly convoluted and inefficient. He dreams of a life where he can fly away from technology and overpowering bureaucracy, and spend eternity with the woman of his dreams. While trying to rectify the wrongful arrest of one Harry Buttle, Lowry meets the woman he is always chasing in his dreams, Jill Layton. Meanwhile, the bureaucracy has fingered him responsible for a rash of terrorist bombings, and both Sam and Jill's lives are put in danger.

What an incredibly dull and boring movie. I was into this for about the first 15-20 minutes and then it just kept going on and on. Terry Gilliam officially makes weird movies (this being more weird than Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas). I really don't know why Robert De Niro was apart of this movie (he's barely in it by the way).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 10:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Brazil
(First Viewing)

Sam Lowry is a harried technocrat in a futuristic society that is needlessly convoluted and inefficient. He dreams of a life where he can fly away from technology and overpowering bureaucracy, and spend eternity with the woman of his dreams. While trying to rectify the wrongful arrest of one Harry Buttle, Lowry meets the woman he is always chasing in his dreams, Jill Layton. Meanwhile, the bureaucracy has fingered him responsible for a rash of terrorist bombings, and both Sam and Jill's lives are put in danger.

What an incredibly dull and boring movie. I was into this for about the first 15-20 minutes and then it just kept going on and on. Terry Gilliam officially makes weird movies (this being more weird than Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas). I really don't know why Robert De Niro was apart of this movie (he's barely in it by the way).


Oh boy, do LLC, me, and Turi have to lecture your ass again for you to reverse your score again?

Besides, I bet in Texas you never were forced to read 1984, right? A pity, for you would have so got the movie more(or least maybe more if you expected more than simply DeNiro's cameo acne-scared face. "Renegade Engineer!" You gotta love Gilliam)

Well, since you haven't read it, the whole movie is Gilliam's Monty Python-esque pisser on bureaucracies, and really his own version of the dystopia of 1984. Very creative film, and its ending, a conclusion of a whole heroic daydreaming subplot, is feel-good in spite of what would appear initially to be a downer.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 03:12 PM

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Terry Gilliam 1998 USA Nth time
An outlaw journalist and his fiendish attorney find themselves on assignment in Las Vegas, covering a motorcycle race while being feuled by a briefcase full of illegal drugs, and find themselves on a search for the American Dream.


In 1971, Hunter S. Thompson and Oscar Z. Acosta, criminal attorney, went on a weekend-long voyage to Las Vegas to get away from Los Angeles, where they were both lending their skills to a murder case. The results became monumental, as Hunter documented them in a series ran by Rolling Stone Magazine that would be entitled "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and later, in 1972, be published in one piece as a novel. For nearly thirty years, movie producers fought to obtain rights while simultaneously spreading the belief that the book was impossible to adapt for the big screen. And this seemed logical; Hunter's writing and long passages of inner-dialogue were not made with a film in mind. But somehow, Terry Gilliam managed to make the perfect adaptation. He captured Hunter's unusual tone and bizarre use of imagery in his visuals; the extras look like they just wandered out of a rave, the cinematography will make you feel drunk and dizzy, and the sound effects sound like they came from some kind of Asian animal-pornography stockpile.

Gilliam, who claims to have never have done hallucinogenic drugs of any sort, seems to capture the experience just as Hunter wrote it, who is nothing short of an LSD veteran. So, it's safe to say Gilliam couldn't have done a better job directing. In fact, I will contest that this is his masterpiece. Beyond that, the acting is spectacular. Col. Depp spent three months living in Hunter's basement, mimicking his every move, and as a result, portrayed him almost exactly when it came time to film. His mannerisms, facial expressions, speech patterns... Everything about him is absolutely Hunter. Benicio Del Toro, who is also at the top of his game, had nothing but stock footage and grim memories to work with, as Acosta has been listed as a missing person since the early/mid 1970s. And based upon what he was given to work with, he did a flawless job. And it's safe to say that the writing and narrative are all spectacular... This is by far, my favorite movie of all time.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 03:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Brazil
(First Viewing)

Sam Lowry is a harried technocrat in a futuristic society that is needlessly convoluted and inefficient. He dreams of a life where he can fly away from technology and overpowering bureaucracy, and spend eternity with the woman of his dreams. While trying to rectify the wrongful arrest of one Harry Buttle, Lowry meets the woman he is always chasing in his dreams, Jill Layton. Meanwhile, the bureaucracy has fingered him responsible for a rash of terrorist bombings, and both Sam and Jill's lives are put in danger.

What an incredibly dull and boring movie. I was into this for about the first 15-20 minutes and then it just kept going on and on. Terry Gilliam officially makes weird movies (this being more weird than Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas). I really don't know why Robert De Niro was apart of this movie (he's barely in it by the way).


Oh boy, do LLC, me, and Turi have to lecture your ass again for you to reverse your score again?

Besides, I bet in Texas you never were forced to read 1984, right? A pity, for you would have so got the movie more(or least maybe more if you expected more than simply DeNiro's cameo acne-scared face. "Renegade Engineer!" You gotta love Gilliam)

Well, since you haven't read it, the whole movie is Gilliam's Monty Python-esque pisser on bureaucracies, and really his own version of the dystopia of 1984. Very creative film, and its ending, a conclusion of a whole heroic daydreaming subplot, is feel-good in spite of what would appear initially to be a downer.


I'm not going to get into it in detail now, but let me lay down some basic facts:

1.) Gilliam kicks ass.
2.) Brazil kicks ass.
3.) "1984" kicks ass. One of the greatest books of all time.

Irish, you think Gilliam is weird? Gilliam is eccentric but tame in my mind. Go check out some Lynch, and you'll need new pants.

But honestly, I thought Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was much weirder than Brazil Fear and loathing had one of the strangest men in the film world, Gilliam, teaming up with one of the strangest men in the literary world, Thompson. Everything about Fear and Loathing is bizarre... Even the costume design and the facial structures of the extras.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 04:52 PM

You know what LLC? You might just be right about FEAR & LOATHING being more audacious than BRAZIL...and yet, I think BRAZIL is more, how I say, accomplished as a film.

Its like Ridley Scott. His best shot film is still ALIEN, but BLADE RUNNER is his artistic legacy.

Anyway Irish, Gilliam aint weird. Do we have to explain that sometimes wacky people aren't weird? Frank Zappa wasn't weird, just outside the Norm.

You want a real bloody weirdo? Lynch. If word is right, INLAND EMPIRE is his self-indulgent weird-pretentious fest yet.

Which is good and bad news.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 05:20 PM

In my opinion, if something is credited "weird", especially in art, it's a compliment.

Why fit normalities when you can do something so out there and original that you leave people going, "Wh... The hell? Did I just get fucked?"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 05:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Irish, you think Gilliam is weird? Gilliam is eccentric but tame in my mind. Go check out some Lynch, and you'll need new pants.


No thanks. I've already seen Mulholland Dr. and Blue Velvet and don't wish to see anything more from the man. The same could possibly go for Gilliam. Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas was good. Brazil and The Brothers Grimm both sucked! Just neither of these men are my cup of tea.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 05:48 PM

You kidding me? I thrive upon that sort of uniqueness.

At least check out Gilliam's 12 Monkeys before completely ignoring the fact that he is a genius.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 05:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
In my opinion, if something is credited "weird", especially in art, it's a compliment.

Why fit normalities when you can do something so out there and original that you leave people going, "Wh... The hell? Did I just get fucked?"


You're weird LLC.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 05:52 PM

Irish, just quit. Just quit posting, watch Gilliam's 12 MONKEYS, THE FISHER KING, MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL, even TIME BANDITS, then you can talk Gilliam with me and LLC on the adult dinner table.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 05:53 PM

Boys... boys...
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 06:22 PM

Bah... at least I changed his mind about Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas... IE, best movie ever, lawlz (two-way tie with Fight Club, coincidentally).

Speaking of which, I need to rewatch Fight Club. It's been too long. And, I obviously cannot choose between the two, and choose to live a life of cinematic polygamy with the two films... We're quite happy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 06:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
You kidding me? I thrive upon that sort of uniqueness.

At least check out Gilliam's 12 Monkeys before completely ignoring the fact that he is a genius.


A friend of mine told me to. I might down the road but not right now
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 06:25 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, just quit. Just quit posting, watch Gilliam's 12 MONKEYS, THE FISHER KING, MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL, even TIME BANDITS, then you can talk Gilliam with me and LLC on the adult dinner table.


I've seen Monty Python & the Holy Grail a couple of times. You guys go ahead at the "adult dinner table." I'll stick with the kids meals, thanks. They're usually cheaper ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 06:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
You kidding me? I thrive upon that sort of uniqueness.

At least check out Gilliam's 12 Monkeys before completely ignoring the fact that he is a genius.


Monkey lover!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 06:26 PM

Well, the solution here is clear.

We shall fight to the death.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 07:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, just quit. Just quit posting, watch Gilliam's 12 MONKEYS, THE FISHER KING, MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL, even TIME BANDITS, then you can talk Gilliam with me and LLC on the adult dinner table.


I've seen Monty Python & the Holy Grail a couple of times. You guys go ahead at the "adult dinner table." I'll stick with the kids meals, thanks. They're usually cheaper ;\)


Poor Junior....
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 09:01 PM

GREEN MILE is on.

Michael Duncan Clarke should have won best supporting actor.

I should have said he was deserving, because he did, in fact win.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 09:13 PM

No he didn't. Sir Michael Fucking Caine won it. No really, "Fucking" is his legal middle name. I looked it up.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 09:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond


Maybe this will help a little.


24fps, what will I do without you for decoding all these cryptic movies \:\) Thanks.

The judge was an interesting character and I could sort of understand his story. The model's story was not clear to me. As I see from your reply, the director is dealing with many many themes here, so the movie is not about one specific thing, namely 'fraternity'.
In retrospect I too like 'blue' the most, followed by white and red, in that order. I am just beginning to venture into non-english movies. It is interesting to see the work of different directors outside of hollywood.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 09:28 PM

BTW 24fps, are you also a member of capo's film board? Atleast I don't see this username there.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/07 11:35 PM

SVSG,

Personally, I think Valentin's story is easier to understand than the Old Judge's. Although, I can understand where you are coming from.

No, I'm not a registered member at FCM, but I do lurk there because my good friend posts there.

There are lots of great non-English language stuff!!!
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 12:29 AM

I'd recommend registering, it's a nice group of people.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 12:33 AM

Yeah it is, besides the occasional groping, its a great site of film buffs geeking out over movies.

In a way, its Anti-IMDB...geek out, without the retarded jerks polluting the place.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 07:09 AM

Raising Arizona *
(First Viewing)

Recidivist hold-up man H.I. McDonnough and police woman Edwina marry, only to discover they are unable to conceive a child. Desperate for a baby, the pair decide to kidnap one of the quintuplets of furniture tycoon Nathan Arizona. The McDonnoughs try to keep their crime secret, while friends, co-workers and a feral bounty hunter look to use Nathan Jr. for their own purposes.

Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter did a fine job, as did John Goodman but not the Coen's brother's best work (see The Big Lebowski followed by Fargo for that.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 08:30 AM

OMGROTFLMFAOLOLSUICIDEISTHEONLYJUSTANSWERTOSUCHMINDNUMBINGNONSENSE!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 09:03 AM

Rushmore **
(First Viewing)

Max Fischer is a precocious 15-year-old whose reason for living is his attendance at Rushmore, a private school where he's not doing well in any of his classes, but where he's the king of extracurricular activities - from being in the beekeeping society to writing and producing plays, there's very little after school he doesn't do. His life begins to change, however, when he finds out he's on academic probation, and when he stumbles into love with Miss Cross, a pretty teacher of the elementary school at Rushmore. Added to the mix is his friendship with Herman Blume, wealthy industrialist and father to boys who attend the school, and who also finds himself attracted to Miss Cross. Max's fate becomes inextricably tied to this odd love triangle, and how he sets about resolving it is the story in the film.

Wes Anderson really surprised me with his work on this film. It's not that I don't like his film (this one was shot very well) but I don't hardly find them funny. Bottle Rocket was probably his funniest, but The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou sucked and this wasn't hardly funny either. I'll give The Royal Tenenbaums a shot but I'm not expecting much from it either.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 09:46 AM

Try Schindler's List; it's a hoot!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 07:42 PM

I did and it's fantastic but it's not a comedy
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 08:14 PM

Oh boy, lectures aren't working.

Detention for you!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 08:22 PM

Yeah, don't count on me being there
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 08:25 PM

Too bad.

While you're not attending detention, how about cleaning up your posts in that Marlin thread? I cleaned mine up after I acted like a jackass.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/07 08:30 PM

Have I posted in there since?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/07 06:06 AM

Code Name: The Cleaner
(First Viewing)

Cedric the Entertainer plays Jake, a seemingly regular guy who has no idea who he is after being hit over the head by mysterious assailants; when he finds himself entangled in a government conspiracy, Jake and his pursuers become convinced that he is an undercover agent.

How Cedric the Entertainer can continue to make movies is beyond me. He's the actor equivalent of Michael Bay. Although lately I have myself become a Bay fan so that analogy was for those who still hate Bay and wonder how he can continue to make movies as well. How or why Lucy Liu EVER got on board this wreck is also beyond me. I guess money speaks louder than common sense. Robert Adetuyi should NEVER be able to write another script again. He was one of the writer's and was also one of the mad men behind Stomp the Yard. Director Les Mayfield gets his last pass since he did direct Encino Man and Blue Streak, but his last film, The Man sucked just as badly as this (leading to the question of how or why Samuel L. Jackson was ever involved with that project either). But we'll save that for another time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/07 08:06 AM

The Royal Tenebaums ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Three grown prodigies, all with a unique genius of some kind, and their mother are staying at the family household. Their father, Royal had left them long ago, and comes back to make things right with his family.

Probably Wes Anderson's best and funniest movie. I'm still not a huge fan of his but at least I don't hate him as much anymore.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/07 05:02 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I did and it's fantastic but it's not a comedy


Are you kidding me? Schindler's List is the funniest black-and-white movie since the days of Chaplin!

I was laughing so hard all the way through, I needed eight hernia-operations by the time it was over.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 05:22 AM

Blade Runner *
(First Viewing)

In a cyberpunk vision of the future, man has developed the technology to create replicants, human clones used to serve in the colonies outside Earth but with fixed lifespans. In Los Angeles, 2019, Deckard is a Blade Runner, a cop who specialises in terminating replicants. Originally in retirement, he is forced to re-enter the force when five replicants escape from an offworld colony to Earth.

I don't know why so many people consider this to be such great movie? Pretty uneventful. Rutger Hauer was enjoyable as the villain, but other than that a pretty boring movie.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 05:30 AM

You can casually post all the reviews you want, but there is no denying that Schindler's List is one of the funniest films of the 20th century.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 01:49 PM

Hey LLC, guess which reviewer I am.

PULP FICTION (1994) - *

Why do so many people like this movie? Its so goddamn boring with the talky dialogue, minutes upon minutes inbetween the action scenes. Jackson is bad mother fucker cool(because you know, everyone knows that!) but the movie makes no darn logical sense. Travolta goes from alive to dead to alive, Willis appears in only one episode, and then the movie goes into more friggin boring talky dialogue about religion or something.

I'll give you two guesses LLc. \:D
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 05:21 PM

I rewatched two movies recently that are worthy of mention here:

"Love With the Proper Stranger" - stars Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood (mmmmm) in a highly stylish love/comedy story. Filmed on location in New York (New Yorkers will love seeing the real life streets) in black & white, this showcases the two stars in among their best roles. Made in 1963, it tells the tale of abortion (then a taboo subject) and two people who discover love. Some of the scenes are crudely filmed but that adds to the gritty feeling of the movie.

Italians will LOVE the mothers in this, somewhat cliched, portrayals (they're absolutely hilarious).

Look for Richard Castellano ("Clemenza") as an uncredited extra in a scene about 5 minutes into the movie (he appears just briefly).

"Shenandoah" - stars James Stewart as a widower raising a family during the Civil War. The family is drawn into the war despite Stewart's wishes against it and the movie depicts how he and the family deal with the consequences of the conflict. Its a wonderfully told story and Stewart is outstanding as the tough patriarch. Some decent action but the movie's true strength comes from its insights into the sense of family (above everything else).
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 05:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Hey LLC, guess which reviewer I am.

PULP FICTION (1994) - *

Why do so many people like this movie? Its so goddamn boring with the talky dialogue, minutes upon minutes inbetween the action scenes. Jackson is bad mother fucker cool(because you know, everyone knows that!) but the movie makes no darn logical sense. Travolta goes from alive to dead to alive, Willis appears in only one episode, and then the movie goes into more friggin boring talky dialogue about religion or something.

I'll give you two guesses LLc. \:D


Are you Mick? Like, without the accent?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 09:33 PM

LLC, you didn't need TWO guesses? ;\)

SC, I always liked SHENANDOAH. Thanks for bringing it up.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 10:08 PM

INLAND EMPIRE **1/2

Pretty stupid and boring film. Laura Dern was okay but her character wasn't really all that interesting. I'm no way seeing another David Lynch film.

PS. How isn't Schindler's List a comedy? I'd rank it alongside Duck Soup.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 10:15 PM

I don't think I've seen gas used so comically since the abundance of fart jokes in Dumb & Dumber.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/07 10:23 PM

The only bits that aren't really funny (or at least up to the other standards) are when water comes out of the showers and when Lame Kneasin cries at the end and says he could have saved more.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 12:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Hey LLC, guess which reviewer I am.

PULP FICTION (1994) - *

Why do so many people like this movie? Its so goddamn boring with the talky dialogue, minutes upon minutes inbetween the action scenes. Jackson is bad mother fucker cool(because you know, everyone knows that!) but the movie makes no darn logical sense. Travolta goes from alive to dead to alive, Willis appears in only one episode, and then the movie goes into more friggin boring talky dialogue about religion or something.

I'll give you two guesses LLc. \:D


Man that ronnie's a FUNNY guy. PLEASE, someone get him a microphone. He needs to on stage with cracks like these. "That's gold, Jerry. GOLD!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 12:12 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
PS. How isn't Schindler's List a comedy? I'd rank it alongside Duck Soup.


All I'm saying is that if Rushmoreis in the comedy section, then I should be laughing during some point of the film. If I'm not, then it's not a comedy. Continue to be immature if you want but if I'm not laughing at a comedy, then it's not good ;\)
Posted By: Tom

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 12:17 AM

I just saw Babel. I knew it was going to be decent because of the oscar nomination but I'm getting sick of those dusty movies but I actually really like this movies.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 12:52 AM

Jerry? Who the fuck is Jerry?

At least make sense with your rebutes.

Yeah Capo, how dare you lecture Irish on comedy. I mean, EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH was so friggin great because it was funny. Fuck Bill Murray!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 12:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Jerry? Who the fuck is Jerry?


It's a quote from Seinfeld. You know, that show about nothing.


 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Yeah Capo, how dare you lecture Irish on comedy. I mean, EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH was so friggin great because it was funny. Fuck Bill Murray!


Don't put words into my mouth ronnie, it makes you look like even more of an a$$
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:00 AM

Why you so mad? You didn't like RUSHMORE because it didn't make you laugh-piss your pants. You thouhht EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH was. Whats the big deal?

Oh, Jerry SEINFELD....wow, why not something more recent...like less than 10 years ago.

"Yeah, give Dane Cook the mic!"

Use that next time, and your jabs would make more sense.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:04 AM

I just saw Cape Fear and I didn't find it that good, the ending was good though.
Warning, Spoiler:
Was Max supposed to look like Jesus when he drowned?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:07 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Why you so mad? You didn't like RUSHMORE because it didn't make you laugh-piss your pants. You thouhht EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH was. Whats the big deal?


The big deal is I've told you time and time again to not put words in my mouth. I love Bill Murray and nowhere did I say "f*ck him." Yeah I didn't hardly laugh at Rushmore so you know what, I didn't enjoy it that much. Stick with the elitest board ;\)

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Oh, Jerry SEINFELD....wow, why not something more recent...like less than 10 years ago.

"Yeah, give Dane Cook the mic!"

Use that next time, and your jabs would make more sense.


Seinfeld's a classic and it's not that hard or far fetched to pull quotes from it. I'm good though, don't need any advice on how to "jab"
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:08 AM

DP, the remake?

Its a good film, but lets just say its best importance is giving SCorsese needed financial credibility in Hollywood for a few years.

I dont know about the Max-Jesus Christ thing. Thats new to me. Watch, if possible, after the credits...for a disturbing surprise.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:11 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Stick with the elitest board ;\)


Stick with the retarded board.
Aharharahr aeihlaskghaiskd!
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:13 AM

I didnt see after the credits but I'll check it out. Oh yea the remake the Scorcese-De Niro one. I got the double set the 1962 aswell so I'll watch that soon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:13 AM



 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Stick with the elitest board ;\)


Stick with the retarded board.
Aharharahr aeihlaskghaiskd!


I wouldn't know about that since I don't frequent there. I'm happy as can be right here, but thanks for thinking of me to expand my "online versatility"
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:16 AM

DP, if you didnt care for the remake, you might enjoy the original. One thing the original has over the remake is the Black & White cinematography gives off an atmosphere that color can't do.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:18 AM

You want increased versatility Mick?

Who you think you are, Sojo?
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:21 AM

I'll be sure to watch the orginal very soon. I also recently watched se7en which I enjoyed, espically the ending. The whole plot was great aswell. I've been watching alot of Morgan Freemans films recently and I think he's a great actor.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:26 AM

He is a great actor. I'm still surprised he never made a lucrative career as a voice-actor.

SEVEN is a masterpiece DP...and Fincher made another great one in ZODIAC, albeit a different pace of a serial killer film. Too bad it got shot in theatres.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:31 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
He is a great actor. I'm still surprised he never made a lucrative career as a voice-actor.

SEVEN is a masterpiece DP...and Fincher made another great one in ZODIAC, albeit a different pace of a serial killer film. Too bad it got shot in theatres.


I thought Zodiac would of been a great success in theatres. I'll have to wait for the DVD, as I think its an 18. My favourite David Fincher movie is Fight Club. I've never seen Panic Room but it's on TV soon so I'll watch it then.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonPacino
My favourite David Fincher movie is Fight Club.


My favorites in order are:

1) Fight Club
2) Se7en
3) Zodiac
4) The Game
5) Panic Room

I wouldn't worry about missing too much from Panic Room. I've only seen it once when it was in theaters and have never really had a desire to view it again.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:43 AM

I've only seen two, Se7en and Fight Club. Maybe I'll rent Panic Room later. Is The Game any good?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:47 AM

DP, the problem with PANIC ROOM which Irish surely will agree with me....is that while Fincher as always is great with visuals and editing narrative....

the script SUCKED. I mean, sucked worse than a Bangcock whore.

HEll, watch PANIC ROOM on mute. It would probably seem alot better than it really is.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
the script SUCKED. I mean, sucked worse than a Bangcock whore.




I'll probably rent Panic Room from Blockbuster or something in a few weeks.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonPacino
Is The Game any good?


Yeah I enjoyed it. I've only seen it once but compared with my top 3, that's the reason it came in forth (stiff competition)
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 02:02 AM

I suppose it would have to be something great to beat se7en or fight club.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 02:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonPacino
I suppose it would have to be something great to beat se7en or fight club.


THE GAME is very good...like Brian DePalma's RAISING CAIN, its a thriller that is just Fincher have a good time fucking with the viewer.

You'll like it.

THE GAME (1997) - ***1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 02:05 AM

Yes it would. Zodiac was great but again, personally it wasn't better than Fight Club or Se7en, but it's in good company ;\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 02:08 AM

I would ask why....but it can't be done. Right?

;\)

Filmmaking-wise, SEVEN is the technical-masterpiece for Fincher, while FIGHT CLUB is that cultural impact movie of a decade and generation.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 02:13 AM

I thought Kevin Spacey was very freaky in Seven. I also thought Ed Norton was brilliant in Fight Club, along with Brad Pitt. I found myself laughing at some of Ed Norton's line in Fight Club.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 02:20 AM

Try reading the book by Chuck Palahnuik, DP. Its a trip on its own. Though even "Da Chuck Wagon" even admits the movie's ending is better than the book's.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 02:23 AM

Is the book called Fight Club aswell. I'll look for it on amazon.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 02:26 AM

Yup.

You know what the funny thing about FIGHT CLUB, a book about guys trying desperately to restore their self-masculinity is?

The author is homosexual. You have no idea how so many people I know refuse to believe that.

But Chuck P. rules as an author. His book SURVIVOR was set as a film before 9/11 derailed it. Spacey/Kidman were on that project. INVISIBLE MONSTERS(my personal favorite Chuck book) is just an insane road trip tale, and CHOKE is a good read in itself(and was a Darren Aronofsky project before, like his Batman and ballet movies, were abandoned.)
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 03:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
PS. How isn't Schindler's List a comedy? I'd rank it alongside Duck Soup.


All I'm saying is that if Rushmoreis in the comedy section, then I should be laughing during some point of the film. If I'm not, then it's not a comedy. Continue to be immature if you want but if I'm not laughing at a comedy, then it's not good ;\)


But it's a total fucking double standard. You can laugh at a movie in the Drama section, but you can't not-laugh at a movie in the Comedy section.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 03:06 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


But Chuck P. rules as an author. His book SURVIVOR was set as a film before 9/11 derailed it. Spacey/Kidman were on that project. INVISIBLE MONSTERS(my personal favorite Chuck book) is just an insane road trip tale, and CHOKE is a good read in itself(and was a Darren Aronofsky project before, like his Batman and ballet movies, were abandoned.)


Deja vu.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 04:23 AM

Vampyros lesbos **
(First Viewing)

Linda is a young American lawyer, working in a law office in Istanbul. During the night, she has passionate dreams in which a sexy brunette harasses, and makes love to her, from which she's unable to defend herself. A minor case about an inheritance forces her to travel to one of the small islands off the Turkish coast. Then, her nightmares come upon her - in a lively manner.

Another Grind House film that was enjoyable if not laughable as well. Once again Quentin Tarantino inspires me to branch off into other genre's.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 04:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
PS. How isn't Schindler's List a comedy? I'd rank it alongside Duck Soup.


All I'm saying is that if Rushmoreis in the comedy section, then I should be laughing during some point of the film. If I'm not, then it's not a comedy. Continue to be immature if you want but if I'm not laughing at a comedy, then it's not good ;\)


But it's a total fucking double standard. You can laugh at a movie in the Drama section, but you can't not-laugh at a movie in the Comedy section.


Yes because drama's don't (or shouldn't) aim at being funny, comedies should. If a drama is funny then that's just an added bonus. But I'm of the mindset that if a comedy isn't funny, it's not worth a sh*t to me (why else would I be watching it?). It'd be like watching a horror movie like Saw, Scream or a Friday the 13th without anyone dying.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 06:13 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Yes because drama's don't (or shouldn't) aim at being funny, comedies should.


They shouldn't? Drama is probably the most emotionally complex form of cinema. And, unless you're on prozac or happen to be Leonard Cohen, I find humor is the most common of human emotion. I think it's only natural that a film trying to capture the essence of human emotion should also capture the perplexity as well. So, why not throw in humor? Besides, if you think about it, most of the great dramas of our time are absolutely histerical, in retrospect. If I were to list my favorite films right now, at least 85% or more of them are probably categorized as dramatic pieces, most often. But, you know how many of them probably make me laugh? More than half. More than 1/3, perhaps.

 Quote:
But I'm of the mindset that if a comedy isn't funny, it's not worth a sh*t to me


Today, I saw Blades of Glory. Probably the funniest movie I've seen in a long time. But did it move me? No. Effect me? Yeah, until I stopped laughing. Did it change me? Nope. It didn't do anything emotionally for me, not on a long term time-scale. Bottom line is, it was a b-grade comedy, like most comedies being released today. What comedic film makers seem to forget it, humor, although a common emotion, is not the only emotion. Yet, they seem to ignore this fact, and want nothing more than you to laugh. Sure you have your exceptions; look no further than Wes Anderson. The ending of The Life Aquatic was as beautiful and moving as the film was absolutely hysterical. There are certain points in the film in which I never thought I'd laughed so hard. But as the film came to a close, and Anderson made brilliant use of Sigur Rós's "Staraflur", I had chills. The bulk of American comedies today set out to make you laugh, and that's fine and dandy, but then what? It's like pornography... As the film goes on, you start feeling better and better, until you reach some sort of peak, and laugh it all out. Then it's all over, and you leave the theater back where you started, and most likely won't remember a thing about the film in a week or two.

 Quote:
It'd be like watching a horror movie like Saw, Scream or a Friday the 13th without anyone dying.


Right, because you can't be scared unless someone dies.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 09:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
All I'm saying is that if Rushmoreis in the comedy section, then I should be laughing during some point of the film. If I'm not, then it's not a comedy.


The fact that you didn't laugh doesn't mean it's not a comedy. People have different senses of humor. I know people that find Seinfeld, the sitcom and the man's standup, insufferable and absolutely unfunny -- it doesn't mean Seinfeld is not a sitcom or that Seinfeld isn't doing stand-up comedy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 01:26 PM

What, no room for argument about "dramedies"?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 03:28 PM

Irish, genuinely, how would you define the term "elitist" in the context in which you used it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 03:33 PM

I think the poor chap thinks anyone that outargues or whips him is elitist.

Which means Capo, you and me are pigs. Where's my troph...
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 03:50 PM

Not to offend anyone, but I find this board a tad more elitist at times than FCM... Just check out any political thread on the BB. Alliances seem to form in every one. And they usually end in the old "Alright, let's see who has the bigger penis."

If I hadn't eaten half of mine that time I was stranded in the Sierra Mountains, I would be winning SO many more arguments around here.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 03:56 PM

LLC, oh yeah. You get old people that get all emotional and try to claim "America" as their shield for any argument, left and right. It becomes more flag-waving sizing than in dick-sizing.

You bit yours? I thought you told me last week it was a lion that ate it.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 04:00 PM

Shhh... That's what I tell the ladies.

Nothing turns them on more than the time I killed that lion with my bare hands when I spent a year studying Buddhism in Antarctica, at the expense of half my manhood.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 05:24 PM

Though I have a different opinion regarding the scope of dramas, I tend to agree with Irish on his view regarding comedies. They should at least try to be funny. If they are not funny(to me) then they are are not comedies(to me). Though someone else may find them to be comedies. There is no way one can speak for others, so that definition sounds right to me.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 05:32 PM

Yeah, but a comedy can not be funny, but still be a good movie. Just like a comedy can be really funny, but not be a good movie at all.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 05:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
Yeah, but a comedy can not be funny, but still be a good movie.
I am sure I am ok with that , though I am not finding any examples to justify myself that I agree. Did you find any popular comedy not funny, yet good?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 08:04 PM

Smokin' Aces ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

In these interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes, Mob boss Primo Sparazza has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Piven)--a sleazy magician who has agreed to turn state's evidence against the Vegas mob. The FBI, sensing a chance to use this small-time con to bring down big-target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody-under the supervision of two agents (Reynolds and Liotta) dispatched to Aces' Lake Tahoe hideout. When word of the price on Aces' head spreads into the community of ex-cons and cons-to-be, it entices bounty hunters, thugs-for-hire, smokin' hot vixens and double-crossing mobsters to join in the hunt. With all eyes on Tahoe, this rogues' gallery collides in a comic race to hit the jackpot and rub out Aces.

The style of this film reminded me of Snatch somewhat, which I enjoyed. Some light humor early on but I thought the ending was too dramatic (better than the alternate ending but still too dramatic). I always love Jeremy Piven's work.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 08:14 PM

Piven's good Irish, no doubt. He plays smug little weasels so well that I can't help but think he's one in real life.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 09:01 PM

That he does. My favorite movie of his is probably PCU. I do however need to start watching Entourage
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 10:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
That he does. My favorite movie of his is probably PCU. I do however need to start watching Entourage


If you even are remotely interested in Piven, start watching it. He's absolutely brilliant in it.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 10:56 PM

This is more than a day late and a dollar short, but I went a year and a half ago around Christmas time to see the new King Kong. The film went black with about a half hour left to go. They couldn't fix it, gave the audience a free admission and apologized. Of course this happens right before my favorite part, at the end where Kong gets loose and runs the streets of NYC. I never did see the ending....

Until today, when I happened to see it was on with about a half hour or so left to go and finally saw the end. Poor Kong, the big lug.


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 11:00 PM

Which version is your favorite TIS?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 11:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Which version is your favorite TIS?


I'm one who really doesn't mind remakes, if they are done well. I like the updated look. However, nine times out of ten the remakes are never as good. \:\/ Of course it really depends on the movie too. If one actor/actress is the only one you see in a role, no number of sequels would make it IMHO.

As far as King Kong, I'd probably with go with the Fay Wray original even though so dated and very old.

I did like the one with Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange, but liked this new one better than that one. Both the remakes were a little too long but the special effects in the new one were good I thought.

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/07 11:23 PM

Personally, I'd rank them:

-2005
-1933
-1976

I've only seen parts of the Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange 1976 version. I need to sit down and watch it but as you said, visually the 2005 version is the best and I'm spoiled which is the reason why it's my favorite.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 12:09 AM

Remember Irish when me and LLC lectured you on how it doesn't matter a movie's length as long as its justified?

Well that said, why did PJ decide on a 3 hour Kong? Nothing that I saw in theatres justified it.

I think the main coarse problem with Peter Jackson's fanboy remake of the 1933 movie he loved is that he applied the same very serious "epic war movie" attitude towards KONG when its the wrong approach. For God sakes, this isn't saving Middle-Earth or some shit...its a bloody giant monkey!*

Worse, there is no fun with the movie. Oh the film TRIES to have fun, but there is nothing to get us perked up for a popcorn ride. Nothing. Nada.

*=The original 1933 movie seems more logical than the $220+ million remake in one way. The old school, its a wild beast of a creature that stomps, kills, eats and does what a undomestic monster of nature is expected in New York City. Yet it seems to have this fascination with the female protagonist as what...plaything or a pet?

Either way, we dig how Kong fights the Air Force off, kicking ass before he goes down in Tony Montana fashion.

With the 2006 remake, it becomes the most expensive f*cked-up beastiality subtext flick I've ever seen. PJ tries and fails to make Kong a victim of...something. With such a crazy love story, why bother having Adrien Brody then? I mean, besides the most f*cked-up love triangle in this decade so far?

I would think Irishman would argue with me, but I can expect it won't happen. He knows that possibility of arguing successfully for his case is about as fruitfull as well punching a brick wall.

As for the 1976 movie....Dino DeLaurentiis makes another super-expensive flop of a would-be superhit flick thats remembered only as cheesy, silly-looking, and worse....looking cheap despite the budget figures. Even Jeff Bridges admits its his greatest mistake(which he only did because he loved the 1933 movie as a kid). It happens. The '33 movie works for what it is, an adventure/monster movie at a time when parts of the world seemed still wild and unexplored and when exploring was still considered a profession of legends and awesomeness.

KING KONG (1933) - ****
KING KONG (1976) - *1/2
KING KONG (2005) - **
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 12:37 AM

"With the 2006 remake, it becomes the most expensive f*cked-up beastiality subtext flick I've ever seen. PJ tries and fails to make Kong a victim of...something. With such a crazy love story, why bother having Adrien Brody then? I mean, besides the most f*cked-up love triangle in this decade so far?"

I find that very funny. Yea, one hell of a love triangle isn't it? It goes to show that some women really do like a little "animal" in their man.

I think as far as remakes go, perhaps another good reason they usually aren't as successful nor as good as the original is simply because we know the story. It was told once, and that same "magic" doesn't occur the second time.

I know it's discussed here how Hollywood has to make remakes because it can't come up with anything original. Sometimes, maybe that's the case. If KK was a new story it most likely would have been better received. Imagine what a spectale it must have been when the 1933 version came out.

I saw the recent remake of "The Omen". The storyline/script was faithful to the original, the acting was good, but it still wasn't the same as the original. \:\/

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:01 AM

Midnight Cowboy ***
(Second Viewing)

Texas greenhorn Joe Buck (John Voight) arrives in New York for the first time. Preening himself as a real 'hustler', he finds that he is the one getting 'hustled' until he teams up with a down-and-out but resilient outcast named Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman). The initial 'country cousin meets city cousin' relationship deepens. In their efforts to bilk a hostile world rebuffing them at every turn, this unlikely pair progress from partners in shady business to comrades. Each has found his first real friend.

Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight put together some really great performances. Definitely better the second time around and I LOVE the film's soundtrack of Everybody's Talkin'
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I would think Irishman would argue with me, but I can expect it won't happen. He knows that possibility of arguing successfully for his case is about as fruitfull as well punching a brick wall.


No ronnie I'm just tired of seeing you post, reading through 5 paragraphs of pointless chatter to get to the point. Oh and you always say I have to get the last word. Have you still not looked in the mirror yet? I guess not \:\/
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:08 AM

Girls, let's settle this with good old fashion group sex.

You bring the condoms, I'll bring the harpoon. Oh, and can someone bring this thing?:

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:16 AM

Hey what you and your friend do on the other board, leave it there when you come over here ;\)
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Midnight Cowboy ***
(Second Viewing)

Texas greenhorn Joe Buck (John Voight) arrives in New York for the first time. Preening himself as a real 'hustler', he finds that he is the one getting 'hustled' until he teams up with a down-and-out but resilient outcast named Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman). The initial 'country cousin meets city cousin' relationship deepens. In their efforts to bilk a hostile world rebuffing them at every turn, this unlikely pair progress from partners in shady business to comrades. Each has found his first real friend.

Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight put together some really great performances. Definitely better the second time around and I LOVE the film's soundtrack of Everybody's Talkin'



I haven't seen Midnight Cowboy in years. Dustin Hoffman was wonderful in that film. If I'm not mistaken, at the time before or even when it was released they gave it an "x" rating. Anyone else remember that? Even though it was a serious movie, one of the most memorable lines.... "I'm walking here!" Ha ha

Btw, I'm sure you all know that Jon Voight is Angelina Jolie's father.

TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I would think Irishman would argue with me, but I can expect it won't happen. He knows that possibility of arguing successfully for his case is about as fruitfull as well punching a brick wall.


No ronnie I'm just tired of seeing you post, reading through 5 paragraphs of pointless chatter to get to the point. Oh and you always say I have to get the last word. Have you still not looked in the mirror yet? I guess not \:\/


In other words, you don't have an argument against me, as always. How about you call me elitist and wind this up? Its bedtime for you bonzo.

On second thought, using your preference for statements instead of reasoning, lets see how it works:

Old Style: "Irishman states but never explains in comparative criticism why a movie is better than another. When people outargue him or sink his points to shit like that iceberg did to the Titanic, he calls them elitist and cries about it. He defends himself like a girl with polio. Either movies are great or boring-as-hell. He's a whore for Tarantino, yet unlike many whores, he doesn't display any creative thoughts on his own that make people stand attention and think."

New Irish-Proposed Style: He Sucks. \:p
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:22 AM

Just watched Rhinestone again. The production quality of that movie, the acting, Stallone's singing, the depth of his perfromance, I just can't watch it enough. It's the only movie I have on CD. I don't understand why it wasn't nominated in all categories.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Midnight Cowboy ***
(Second Viewing)

Texas greenhorn Joe Buck (John Voight) arrives in New York for the first time. Preening himself as a real 'hustler', he finds that he is the one getting 'hustled' until he teams up with a down-and-out but resilient outcast named Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman). The initial 'country cousin meets city cousin' relationship deepens. In their efforts to bilk a hostile world rebuffing them at every turn, this unlikely pair progress from partners in shady business to comrades. Each has found his first real friend.

Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight put together some really great performances. Definitely better the second time around and I LOVE the film's soundtrack of Everybody's Talkin'



I haven't seen Midnight Cowboy in years. Dustin Hoffman was wonderful in that film. If I'm not mistaken, at the time before or even when it was released they gave it an "x" rating. Anyone else remember that? Even though it was a serious movie, one of the most memorable lines.... "I'm walking here!" Ha ha

Btw, I'm sure you all know that Jon Voight is Angelina Jolie's father.

TIS


Yes, such a loving father figure, she absolutely f*cking hates him. I hate him for ANACONDA alone, but thats another thing.

MC is a really good movie, and whats funny about that X-rating is, the director approved it. He thought the subject material wasn't appropriate for young people, with guardians or not, to watch it at the time.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
Just watched Rhinestone again. The production quality of that movie, the acting, Stallone's singing, the depth of his perfromance, I just can't watch it enough. It's the only movie I have on CD. I don't understand why it wasn't nominated in all categories.


Wait wait, RHINESTONE with Dolly Parton and Sly?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:38 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I would think Irishman would argue with me, but I can expect it won't happen. He knows that possibility of arguing successfully for his case is about as fruitfull as well punching a brick wall.


No ronnie I'm just tired of seeing you post, reading through 5 paragraphs of pointless chatter to get to the point. Oh and you always say I have to get the last word. Have you still not looked in the mirror yet? I guess not \:\/


In other words, you don't have an argument against me, as always. How about you call me elitist and wind this up? Its bedtime for you bonzo.


No ronnie as I just said I'm tired of seeing you post. If you want me to say it and if it'll end this, fine you win. Happy?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:42 AM

Win? WIN? WIN?!?

The fight was won before it even began!

Seriously, you would be a good jobber in wrestling. You would masterfully sell it(which even in my best substantial-days can't cut off as well). You'll rule like the Conquistadors and Flash Funk!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:45 AM

...or Brooklyn Brawler, making a living off of surprising Royal Rumble berths.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Win? WIN? WIN?!?

The fight was won before it even began!

Seriously, you would be a good jobber in wrestling. You would masterfully sell it(which even in my best substantial-days can't cut off as well). You'll rule like the Conquistadors and Flash Funk!


Fine. Whatever. Get in your cracks and let's get back on topic and discuss movies.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:51 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Hey what you and your friend do on the other board, leave it there when you come over here ;\)


You laugh, but I get the feeling you're posting in nothing but a single tube sock.

Guess where you're wearing it? I'll give you a hint. It's not your foot. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 02:53 AM

Why is it that people demand to get back on topic when they lose?

But, I agree...back to the movies. Enough of kids stuff.

300 (2007) - ***

Yeah I reviewed it already, but I tell ya, that SOUTH PARK episode guaranteed that I can't watch 300 without piss-laughing again. I should feel bad for Zach Snyder, but he did the DAWN OF THE DEAD remake so fuck him. Lost of half-a-star.

THIS IS LESBOS! *groin-kick*

Yeah, that macho movie that some people gave 4-full stars to, I wonder how they can watch it without realizing how some of it just...so...gay. I mean before the dyke jokes on SOUTH PARK. Man-Meat versus Dead-Meat.

\:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 03:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
...or Brooklyn Brawler, making a living off of surprising Royal Rumble berths.


He's the greatest of the jobbers...making one hell of a career of being a jobber-to-the-stars(to those that don't know, thats a guy that beats up super-jobbers and sometimes mid-cards, but job out to "stars". Self-explaining I know) while his poor brother was an outright jobber.

Besides, Brooklyn Brawler fought The Rock. Now Aint That Cool?
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 03:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: olivant
Just watched Rhinestone again. The production quality of that movie, the acting, Stallone's singing, the depth of his perfromance, I just can't watch it enough. It's the only movie I have on CD. I don't understand why it wasn't nominated in all categories.


Wait wait, RHINESTONE with Dolly Parton and Sly?


You got it. That's the one and only.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 03:27 AM

Oh cool. I like Dolly(native of Sevierville, East Tennesse) and she did alot for the region's poor kids. Decent theme park too.

But Sly...I still wonder why Stallone was casted for RHINESTONE. I know ROCKY and RAMBO made him a major star and all, but...he can't sing.

But RHINESTONE isn't as bad of a movie as its Razzie-winning bad street-cred rep makes it out to be. Its just...Sly can't sing. Of course he can't talk either, but that didn't wreck his career.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 03:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Oh cool. I like Dolly(native of Sevierville, East Tennesse) and she did alot for the region's poor kids. Decent theme park too.

But Sly...I still wonder why Stallone was casted for RHINESTONE. I know ROCKY and RAMBO made him a major star and all, but...he can't sing.

But RHINESTONE isn't as bad of a movie as its Razzie-winning bad street-cred rep makes it out to be. Its just...Sly can't sing. Of course he can't talk either, but that didn't wreck his career.


I have to confess that I have my Rhinestone dvd right next to my Godfather tape. There are actually many parallels between the two films. Of course, I can't neglect my next two favorite films: Gigli and Ishtar.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 03:37 AM

What about HUDSON HAWK?

Do not neglect The Willis!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 03:37 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Why is it that people demand to get back on topic when they lose?

But, I agree...back to the movies. Enough of kids stuff.

300 (2007) - ***

Yeah I reviewed it already, but I tell ya, that SOUTH PARK episode guaranteed that I can't watch 300 without piss-laughing again. I should feel bad for Zach Snyder, but he did the DAWN OF THE DEAD remake so fuck him. Lost of half-a-star.

THIS IS LESBOS! *groin-kick*

Yeah, that macho movie that some people gave 4-full stars to, I wonder how they can watch it without realizing how some of it just...so...gay. I mean before the dyke jokes on SOUTH PARK. Man-Meat versus Dead-Meat.

\:D


So now that you've given 300 3-stars and Grindhouse 4-stars, what is your favorite movie of the year thus far? (not limited to just those 2. They are just my favorites).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 03:40 AM

300 was decent, GRINDHOUSE was good but nothing unique fun...

but ZODIAC is the best of 2007 so far. ****1/2

Really, Fincher actually made doubts to his status as Master disapear faster than the real Zodiac killer.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/07 03:49 AM

True, Zodiac would be #3 for me
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 07:20 AM

Pearl Harbor * 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Two childhood best friends, Rafe (Ben Affleck) and Danny (Josh Hartnett), grow up wanting to fly planes. When Rafe gets the chance to join the Royal Air Force during World War II, he takes it - leaving his new love, Evelyn (Kate Beckinsale), a dedicated Navy nurse, and Danny, also a pilot, behind. Danny and Evelyn are transferred separately to the idyllic paradise of Hawaii, where they eventually meet through a connection to Rafe, who has been declared missing. But just as the love triangle begins to get complicated, Dec. 7, 1941 arrives, changing all of their lives forever.

Not Bay's finest work (I think close to an hour of this film could have been cut). Although it was enjoyable that the Japanese characters spoke Japanese and not English (made it seem a little authentic). And let it not be said that Michael Bay can't assemble a good cast and blow crap up. He makes entertaining popcorn movies.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 11:30 AM

"And let it not be said that Michael Bay can't assemble a good cast and blow crap up."

I would more or less say that was Bruckheimer. Yes hes produced dozens of bad movies, but I'll say this about Jerry. As a pimp, he knows how to make a shitload of money from crap.

Plus, he occasionally does pop a decent/good movie out of his ass(while Bay still is hitless). BEVERLY HILLS COP 1 and 2, Michael Mann's awesome THIEF(Bruckheimer's first solo producing effort), CRIMSON TIDE, the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN flicks. Hell, even C.S.I. on TV.

Bruck Boy has his new lapdog pet director in Gore Verbinski, and unlike Mikey Bay who left his master for a new one in The Beard over at Dreamworks....Verbinski CAN and DID direct quality before joining Bruckheimer's stable.

"Although it was enjoyable that the Japanese characters spoke Japanese and not English (made it seem a little authentic)."

You want that of the Pearl Harbor story without Bay's bullshit and the pointless and failure of a love story? Go watch TORA! TORA! TORA! Its weird that movie, and the great THE LONGEST DAY, had adversarial respect in a macho-way, of the enemy that would get trashed by Fox News today as unpatriotic.

You know, instead of FDR standing up on his own in a would-be inspirational moment that instead was met at the screening I went to back in 2001 with LAUGHS.

Its just weird how the people in the movie don't feel like characters as if they just stepped out of 1941, but instead Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers dressing up like its 1941 with the wink of knowing safely the end-result.

I remembered as well a guy I knew that was a WW2 Veteran. He saw the movie, and was absolutely livid. "They didn't make a war movie, they made a goddamn cosmetics commercial with guns and planes."

PEARL HARBOR (2001) - * - BOMB

FOR IRISH: Fuck PEARL HARBOR, Bay is shit without Bruckheimer and Bruck Boy has found a new talented director lapdog, watch TORA! TORA! TORA!, real Veterans hated the movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 01:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Though I have a different opinion regarding the scope of dramas, I tend to agree with Irish on his view regarding comedies. They should at least try to be funny. If they are not funny(to me) then they are are not comedies(to me).
So then "comedy" is by your definition a positive criticism of a film; it is not a description. That means if you call something a comedy, it's automatically funny.

And so if it isn't funny, what is it?

To me, it's an ineffective comedy. But it's still a comedy.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 07:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
So then "comedy" is by your definition a positive criticism of a film; it is not a description. That means if you call something a comedy, it's automatically funny.

And so if it isn't funny, what is it?

To me, it's an ineffective comedy. But it's still a comedy.

If I were to use a definition instead of a positive criticism, then I need to fit it into a genre very accurately. And sometimes, that is so difficult. What is common among Annie Hall, American pie and Pulp fiction to fit them into a genre? But if I used a subjective criterion like "it made ME laugh", it is easy to classify very dissimilar films into a genre. That is why I prefer "comedy/not comedy to me" instead of "good comedy and ineffective comedy" as a strict definition. BTW, I find a lot of so-called serious films funny by their sheer ridiculousness.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 07:25 PM

Donnie Darko (unrated)
I did not understand the movie at all. Something to do with time travel and stuff like that. Can anyone please explain the plot within a spoiler tag. I need to re-watch it to rate it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 07:29 PM

Svsg, its simply about an evil rabbit that hates Jake G.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 09:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Donnie Darko (unrated)
I did not understand the movie at all. Something to do with time travel and stuff like that. Can anyone please explain the plot within a spoiler tag. I need to re-watch it to rate it.


One of my all time favorites. It's not easy to comprehend on one viewing, or even explain, for that matter. But I'll try my best.

Warning, Spoiler:
I don't know exactly what it is you need explaining... The philosophy behind it? The actual physical plot itself? Well, regardless, Donnie Darko is a spectacular "cause and effect" film. Basically, it all starts when Donnie is dragged out of bed, while in a subconscious sleep-like state, by Frank, who is implied to be a mere product of schizophrenia. Now, I think what's really interesting is, there is actually a deleted scene that reveals Donnie is not a schizo, and that he is actually being fed placebos. However, I sort of prefer they kept that out, as it allows the audience more room to breath, and analyze the film for themselves.

Now, back to where I was going. When Donnie is pulled out of bed, a jet engine falls directly on his bed, as you know. The serial codes are burned off, and there are no reports of a crashed aircraft. Anyways, feeling as though he owes Frank his life, Donnie feels obligated to do as he tells him to do, which leads to a series of whacky events. And of course, time-travel kicks in when Frank asks Donnie about it, and Donnie feels as though he is to look into it.

But here is what interesting. When you think about it, all of the bad that happens in the film (The firing of the English teacher, the arrest of the motivational speaker, the death of the girl friend, the death of Frank, etc.) is a direct result of the actions Donnie makes because of Frank. At the end of the film, it's revealed Frank is a guest at Donnie's party, who Donnie winds up killing. Coincidentally, Frank is also the boyfriend of Donnie's sister. But, the whole thing about the end, as Donnie gazes out over the mountains beside his dead girlfriend, and sees a time portal emerging in the sky, I think he seems to realize he could prevent all the pain he's created if he just gave himself up.

Then we're brought back to the very beginning of the film. Donnie is in bed, awake, and laughing--in the commentary, director Richard Kelly explains this is because Donnie is under the belief it was all just a dream. But I think in some subconscious way, Donnie still knows that he has to die. So he ignores Franks calls this time around, and lays in bed to die, thus saving the town of Middlesex from his "fear" as Patrick Swayze's character would have said. The jet engine fell off of his mother's plane in the future, fell through a time portal, and landed on Donnie's bedroom--thus the reasoning behind why no crash is reported. Donnie dies, and others are freed, for better or for worse.

In the end, it would seem as though Donnie is a Martyr.



I probably could've explained it better. It's been six months or so since I last viewed it. But, in a nutshell, there is my explanation.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 09:30 PM

Sounds like you hit it in the nail with a sledgehammer.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 09:33 PM

Yeah.

And I forgot to mention, the soundtrack kicks ass. Richard Kelly did right, and managed to put together some of the great bands of the 80s that, unlike most of the popular music of the time, didn't suck. The film opens with my absolute favorite Echo and the Bunny Man Song, "The Killing Moon" which makes the film all the better for me.

I just wish he would have put some My Bloody Valentine on there.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 09:37 PM

LLC, you know what my favorite part of the movie is?

Warning, Spoiler:
the "Horror movie" double feature is EVIL DEAD & LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, and the latter being choosen is no fucking coincidence.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 10:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone


Warning, Spoiler:
I don't know exactly what it is you need explaining... The philosophy behind it? The actual physical plot itself? Well, regardless, Donnie Darko is a spectacular "cause and effect" film. Basically, it all starts when Donnie is dragged out of bed, while in a subconscious sleep-like state, by Frank, who is implied to be a mere product of schizophrenia. Now, I think what's really interesting is, there is actually a deleted scene that reveals Donnie is not a schizo, and that he is actually being fed placebos. However, I sort of prefer they kept that out, as it allows the audience more room to breath, and analyze the film for themselves.

Now, back to where I was going. When Donnie is pulled out of bed, a jet engine falls directly on his bed, as you know. The serial codes are burned off, and there are no reports of a crashed aircraft. Anyways, feeling as though he owes Frank his life, Donnie feels obligated to do as he tells him to do, which leads to a series of whacky events. And of course, time-travel kicks in when Frank asks Donnie about it, and Donnie feels as though he is to look into it.

But here is what interesting. When you think about it, all of the bad that happens in the film (The firing of the English teacher, the arrest of the motivational speaker, the death of the girl friend, the death of Frank, etc.) is a direct result of the actions Donnie makes because of Frank. At the end of the film, it's revealed Frank is a guest at Donnie's party, who Donnie winds up killing. Coincidentally, Frank is also the boyfriend of Donnie's sister. But, the whole thing about the end, as Donnie gazes out over the mountains beside his dead girlfriend, and sees a time portal emerging in the sky, I think he seems to realize he could prevent all the pain he's created if he just gave himself up.

Then we're brought back to the very beginning of the film. Donnie is in bed, awake, and laughing--in the commentary, director Richard Kelly explains this is because Donnie is under the belief it was all just a dream. But I think in some subconscious way, Donnie still knows that he has to die. So he ignores Franks calls this time around, and lays in bed to die, thus saving the town of Middlesex from his "fear" as Patrick Swayze's character would have said. The jet engine fell off of his mother's plane in the future, fell through a time portal, and landed on Donnie's bedroom--thus the reasoning behind why no crash is reported. Donnie dies, and others are freed, for better or for worse.

In the end, it would seem as though Donnie is a Martyr.



Thanks LLC. I have a few questions (for now) -- please see the spoiler.
Warning, Spoiler:

1) Donnie's mother's aircraft engine comes back through a worm hole and Donnie also finds another wormhole to come back to the same time and same place in order to die? Right? strange coincidence....
2)If frank was real in the alternate universe Donnie was briefly living in until he dies, then why does he reply to Donnie "why are you wearing the human suit" when he is asked why he is wearing the rabbit suit? And first of all what is that rabbit suit all about?
3)If Donnie is supposed to some schizophrenic guy who imagines stuff, then Frank is also imaginary and the whole time travel thing too. Right? Then that contradicts the whole plot as I have described in (1). Why combine time travel plot with dream/hallucination/schizophrenia plot. This adds a lot more gratuitous confusion.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 11:25 PM

"Wake up".

Most frightening voice, ever.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/07 11:55 PM

"Redrum" for me the most frightning voice

The little kid screaming that in "The Shining" that always used too freak me out as a kid..
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 12:03 AM

I just think he needs to clear his throat, or have a Locket or Tune or something.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 12:07 AM

yeah maybe..
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 12:35 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone


Warning, Spoiler:
I don't know exactly what it is you need explaining... The philosophy behind it? The actual physical plot itself? Well, regardless, Donnie Darko is a spectacular "cause and effect" film. Basically, it all starts when Donnie is dragged out of bed, while in a subconscious sleep-like state, by Frank, who is implied to be a mere product of schizophrenia. Now, I think what's really interesting is, there is actually a deleted scene that reveals Donnie is not a schizo, and that he is actually being fed placebos. However, I sort of prefer they kept that out, as it allows the audience more room to breath, and analyze the film for themselves.

Now, back to where I was going. When Donnie is pulled out of bed, a jet engine falls directly on his bed, as you know. The serial codes are burned off, and there are no reports of a crashed aircraft. Anyways, feeling as though he owes Frank his life, Donnie feels obligated to do as he tells him to do, which leads to a series of whacky events. And of course, time-travel kicks in when Frank asks Donnie about it, and Donnie feels as though he is to look into it.

But here is what interesting. When you think about it, all of the bad that happens in the film (The firing of the English teacher, the arrest of the motivational speaker, the death of the girl friend, the death of Frank, etc.) is a direct result of the actions Donnie makes because of Frank. At the end of the film, it's revealed Frank is a guest at Donnie's party, who Donnie winds up killing. Coincidentally, Frank is also the boyfriend of Donnie's sister. But, the whole thing about the end, as Donnie gazes out over the mountains beside his dead girlfriend, and sees a time portal emerging in the sky, I think he seems to realize he could prevent all the pain he's created if he just gave himself up.

Then we're brought back to the very beginning of the film. Donnie is in bed, awake, and laughing--in the commentary, director Richard Kelly explains this is because Donnie is under the belief it was all just a dream. But I think in some subconscious way, Donnie still knows that he has to die. So he ignores Franks calls this time around, and lays in bed to die, thus saving the town of Middlesex from his "fear" as Patrick Swayze's character would have said. The jet engine fell off of his mother's plane in the future, fell through a time portal, and landed on Donnie's bedroom--thus the reasoning behind why no crash is reported. Donnie dies, and others are freed, for better or for worse.

In the end, it would seem as though Donnie is a Martyr.



Thanks LLC. I have a few questions (for now) -- please see the spoiler.
Warning, Spoiler:

1) Donnie's mother's aircraft engine comes back through a worm hole and Donnie also finds another wormhole to come back to the same time and same place in order to die? Right? strange coincidence....
2)If frank was real in the alternate universe Donnie was briefly living in until he dies, then why does he reply to Donnie "why are you wearing the human suit" when he is asked why he is wearing the rabbit suit? And first of all what is that rabbit suit all about?
3)If Donnie is supposed to some schizophrenic guy who imagines stuff, then Frank is also imaginary and the whole time travel thing too. Right? Then that contradicts the whole plot as I have described in (1). Why combine time travel plot with dream/hallucination/schizophrenia plot. This adds a lot more gratuitous confusion.


To answer your questions:

Warning, Spoiler:
1) Yes. But is it a coincidence? That's open to debate, for sure. Remember the scene about the spheres, which reasserts the idea of destiny... It's as if Donnie was always meant to find a wormhole back to the exact time and place in which the engine would surface from a separate wormhole.

2) I think Frank's response was intended to be sarcastic, or maybe even a bit hostile as it was Donnie who put him in the position he was in. Sort of his way to retort and hint, "You'll find out in time". The significance of the suit? None, other than Frank died on Halloween, in his Halloween costume. So, it's only naturally that when his corpse, or soul, or whatever, stumbled across a wormhole (or a wormhole stumbled across his soul, if you will), he was sucked in while wearing his costume.

3)Well, it would, but like I stated previously, there is a deleted scene that reveals that Donnie is 100% sane. There would have been obvious advantages to keeping the scene in the final cut, in that it would clear up some genuine confusion, but at the same exact time, I'm convinced it may have deteriorated the quality of the film, by removing a large portion of the wide-range of space that is left available for the audience to interpret. So, Donnie is not schizophrenic. But even if he was, he would have had no idea who Frank was (he was his sisters boyfriend, but this is only revealed in a deleted scene, and it's implied throughout the film that the family has no idea she's in a relationship). Furthermore, Donnie had never seen Frank's Halloween costume. So the idea that Donnie was hallucinating Frank and his costume, only to come face to face with a reality of the same name, appearance, personality, etc... is highly unlikely. Besides, the only time Donnie saw Frank was when he took his medication. If the medication were real, he would not be hallucinating. Even if they were placebos, as revealed in the deleted scene previously referenced, he would not hallucinate, on the basis that the placebo effect is quite possibly the most potent drug reaction of all. I think, mainly, Frank made it a point, or destiny made it a point, only to appear when Donnie had taken his medication. This way, it'd be easier to convince him that he was not hallucinating, but stuck at the center of a bizarre reality.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 07:58 AM

The Irish In Us *
(First Viewing)

The family consists of Pat, the cop, Mike the fireman, Danny the boxing promoter and Ma. Pat wants Danny to get a real job, because most of his fighters end up in Polookaville and Pat wants to marry Lucille. This means that he will leave the family and Danny needs a income to help support Ma. But Danny believes he has the fighter named Carbarn who will bring him fortune and is going with that. But Lucille meets Danny on the road one day and it means trouble for the family as she does not love Pat, but loves Danny.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 08:03 AM

Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 08:12 PM

Sounds like a Celtic porno.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 09:15 PM

Yeah staring James Cockney
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 09:57 PM

You like Cockney? I heard he was a dickhead.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 11:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
You like Cockney? I heard he was a dickhead.


You know how I know you're gay ?

You just said cockney and dickhead in the same sentence.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 11:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
You like Cockney? I heard he was a dickhead.


You know how I know you're gay ?

You just said cockney and dickhead in the same sentence.


And that makes you a PRICK!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 11:29 PM

It's from THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN, you stool sample.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 11:47 PM

No diaper boy, its Coldplay.

\:D
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 11:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No diaper boy, its Coldplay.

\:D


Whaddaya want from me ? I'm a middle-aged white guy. You're lucky I know THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/07 11:59 PM

Lucky?

You feel lucky.....punk? ;\)

P.S. - You're that old?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/07 12:02 AM

Old ??

Why you little red neck Jeff Foxworthy-Roger Ebert wannabe.

I'll give you old...


Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/07 12:17 AM

Hey, you know how fighters in boxing are trained as much in the defense move-arsenal as well for offense?

You leave a vulnerable spot, you get a ROCKY IV-esque Apollo Creed-death blow.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/07 12:25 AM

God, could Coldplay possibly ripoff Radiohead anymore?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 05:19 AM

The Replacement Killers * 1/2
(First Viewing)

John Lee is the best hitman money can buy. But when John refuses to kill because of the seven year-old son of his target, John's bosses send someone after John to kill him and then take his place in the ring of hitmen. John then teams up with Meg Coburn to help him escape these "Replacement Killers."

I need to see more Chow Yun-Fat movies. From what I've seen, he's a pretty decent action star. I should probably see more of Mira Sorvino's work as well. The beginning of this movie started off well but by the midway point it was so predictable it wasn't even funny. If for any consolation, it did get me in the mood to watch more Bruce Lee movies
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 07:13 AM

Foxy Brown ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

A sexy black woman, Foxy Brown, seeks revenge when her government agent boyfriend Michael is shot down by gangsters led by the kinky couple of Steve Elias and Miss Katherine.

It's a shame Pam Grier never had a bigger career, she's a fine actress.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 07:45 AM

Hey boy, how about Woo and Fat in their glory days, before their aged bellies came to Hollywood.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 08:51 AM

Coffy ** 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Coffy is a nurse whose younger sister gets involved in drugs and is severely injured by contaminated heroin. Coffy sets out on a mission of vengeance and vigilante justice, killing drug dealers, pimps, and mobsters who cross her path.

And thus concludes my Pam Grier double feature for the night. I used to like Foxy Brown more than Coffy but after a second viewing of each, I think it's a little harder to decide (although at this point in time I'm still leaning towards Foxy Brown).
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 08:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Replacement Killers * 1/2
(First Viewing)I need to see more Chow Yun-Fat movies. From what I've seen, he's a pretty decent action star.


See his Hong Kong stuff for proof of his action star reputation -

Hard Boiled - John Woo (more double-fisting gun action)
City on Fire - Ringo Lam (the movie that probably served as a template for Resevoir Dogs)
The Killer - John Woo
Better Tomorrow - John Woo
God of Gamblers - Wong Jin
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 05:53 PM

I've seen Hard Boiled and The Killer once and need to see them again. And I've seen A Better Tomorrow II but also need to see that again along with the original. Thanks!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 08:14 PM

The Big Boss (aka Fists of Fury) **
(First Viewing)

Chein is a city boy who moves with his cousins to work at a ice factory. He does this with a family promise never to get involved in any fight. However, when members of his family begin disappearing after meeting the management of the factor, the resulting mystery and pressures forces him to break that vow and take on the villainy of the Big Boss.

Not to bad for one of Bruce Lee's first films. Some pretty decent fighting scenes and I thought the ending was put together nicely. Any other Bruce Lee buffs out there?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 08:37 PM

Snake loves Bruce Lee; and he happens to be around lately, too.

I have Big Boss and Enter the Dragon on VHS.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 08:42 PM

I did an ICON column on Bruce Lee(when I was still writing that series)...

Bruce Lee's best asset was his tremendous charisma.

He is the James Dean of martial arts cinema.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 09:00 PM

Anyone who owns a Bruce Lee DVD, which one would you choose out of the 3?
#1

#2

#3
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 09:04 PM

I will never buy a Bruce Lee collection that doesn't have "Enter the Dragon"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 09:09 PM

I already own the 2-disc special edition that Warner Bros. put out
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/07 09:23 PM

Irish, you know...there are websites that review such stuff. DVD Review, DVDVerdict, etc. They could tell you which is worth it or not.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/07 03:13 AM

OK, thanks ronnie. I just didn't know if anyone (Snake perhaps?) had one of these and could offer up an opinion.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/07 05:43 AM

Fists of Fury (aka The Chinese Connection) ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Chen Zhen returns to the international compound of China only to learn of his beloved teacher's death. This is compounded by the continual racist harassment by the Japanese population in the area. Unlike his friends, he confronts it head on with his mastery of martial arts while investigating his teacher's murder.

Either this or Enter the Dragon is my favorite Bruce Lee movie. The opening fight in the Japanese Dojo was great and Bruce Lee was just crazy in this film. He really seemed to take great pleasure in killing those responsible for his master's death. The sets were great and were very clean with plenty of room to move around them.

Warning, Spoiler:
For the second straight film, Bruce is put under arrest at the end. Although I liked the ending of this one were he ran for the gunman and was (as I was lead to believe) killed from the gunshots heard
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/07 07:56 AM

Way of the Dragon (aka Revenge of the Dragon) * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Tang Lung (Bruce Lee) arrives in Rome to help his cousins in the restaurant business. They are being pressured to sell their property to the syndicate, who will stop at nothing to get what they want. When Tang arrives he poses a new threat to the syndicate, and they are unable to defeat him. The syndicate boss hires the best Japanese and European martial artists to fight Tang, but he easily finishes them off. The American martial artist Colt (Chuck Norris) is hired and has a showdown with Tang in Rome's famous Colosseum.

This one was very silly and almost seemed to be making fun of itself.
Warning, Spoiler:
I don't think this point is any clearier than when Bruce Lee pulls out Chuck Norris's chesthair
Also the fight scenes weren't that great either, not even the final fight between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris \:\(
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 03:03 AM

The Queen **
(First Viewing)

The Queen is an intimate behind the scenes glimpse at the interaction between HM Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair during their struggle, following the death of Diana, to reach a compromise between what was a private tragedy for the Royal family and the public's demand for an overt display of mourning.

British politics, what a bore Helen Mirren did a fine job as Queen Elizabeth II, but I just found the story to be too dry and dull.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 03:37 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12


British politics, what a bore


But American politics = teh awzuhmnezzzzz!!!!!!11 right?
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 03:56 AM

Irishman---I totally disagree about Way of the dragon!
Ok, most of the film follows the same ol formula, but its that fight at the end which makes this film a legend!
Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris at the colosseum!!
I must have watched that fight alone a 1000 times, no kidding!!
How can you say that fight scene is not great??one of the best fight scenes ever filmed!!!!!!!!I am totally serious, chesthair or not. The cat is just as classic.
Sorry I sound so childish and enthusiastic about this, but being a martial arts freak, this scene is a masterpiece to me. And I consider it Lee's best fight on screen. Enter the dragon is an altogether better film, but nothing can beat that colosseum fight!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 04:38 AM

I understand and agree with Fame on this one.

I think Irish is used to the ole wire-flying nonsense of recent years, and Chan/Li spectacular stunt fights...and hey, I dig that shit too, but...its like wrestling. I like hardcore fights, and high-flying spot fests. Who doesn't?

But what was great about Bruce Lee, as I said before...was his CHARISMA. The fact that Chuck Norris had some of his own(which helped him out in his eventual successful film and TV career) made the finale work its charm.

(Plus, considering that Lee found Norris at a martial arts tournament in California, talk about respect from a lauded martial arts master to a relative movie greenhorn(who before WAY OF THE DRAGON, did only the Dean Martin-flick WRECKING CREW as a bit character) and made Norris LOOK like a worthy opponent for Bruce Lee.)

Still, what I mark over for WAY is the ending and its whole philosophy of adversarial respect.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 05:39 AM

NO HOLDS BARRED (1989) - *1/2

I had to cover this movie, considering its hall of fame-induction over at the WrestleCrap website. It was made at the height of "Hulk" Hogan's popularity as the super duper household-name megastar of Pro Wrestling in the late 1980s. About 12 years before Vince McMahon would successfully get The Rock hitched into Hollywood with THE SCORPION KING, he would try to penetrate Tinseltown with the WWF's top-draw in his own movie property.

Instead, its a dog of the movie with jobber-quality quality that would unfortunately herald a long line of Hogan's pathetic attempts at acting. I guess Bret Hart's pissing of Hogan as a "bad actor" in the WWF isn't exactly just an opinion.

But yeah, it deserves all the hatred and laughable ridicule that its received over the years...and probably even more. Its so stupid and retarded, its sorta laughably fun...but not enough to redeem it in the likes of MANOS or even RED ZONE CUBA.

But the problem with NO HOLDS BARRED is the star himself, Hulk Hogan. This movie, apparently rewritten at the last minute by Hogan and ole Vince, is egotistical masturbation on an epic scale. Hogan paints himself as this aw schucks decent guy who is absolutely all about loyalty to the company, charity, and fair work.

Huh? Is this the same Hogan that left AWA to jump to WWF in the 1980s, then WCW in the 1990s when people came up to him with sweeter paydays? Isn't this the same Hogan who botched a money-promising feud against Bret Hart, refused a clean loss to Sting in 1998, and many more incidents that I don't need to repeat?

Anyway, like my 5-stars, a movie has to be seriously, horribly, very f*cking bad to get the bottom one-star rating score, so it instead gets a door prize.

But I tell ya, brother, it came close....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 05:53 AM

Enter the Dragon ***
(Third Viewing)

A martial arts expert is recruited to infiltrate a drug operation under the guise of taking part in an invitational competition sponsored by the one handed crime boss. This was Bruce Lee's most popular film in the west.

Definitely Bruce Lee's best and my personal favorite movie. Lee's best role who's always wise, cool and calm (never a hot head). It's always great to see John Saxon kick some a$$ and was probably the first movie that introduced Bolo Yeung to American audiences. The greatest kung fu movie by many and I would consider it so as well. It's such a tragedy that Bruce Lee died at the tender age of only 33. He had such a promising career ahead of him \:\(
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 05:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12


British politics, what a bore


But American politics = teh awzuhmnezzzzz!!!!!!11 right?


It's more tolerable to me than British
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 06:01 AM

What's so tolerable about American politics anyway?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 06:03 AM

Jack Bauer
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 06:06 AM

Huh?

With that logic, how about for UK politics....JAMES BOND.

I win, boy. \:D
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 07:02 AM

Grindhouse *
Planet Terror
Directed by Rodriguez. This was more interesting than the second movie. Funny in a bizarre way and also resembling Tarantino's usual style of film making.
Death Proof
I don't know if this was a spoof, tribute or just a plain old B-grade movie. Except for the cool car stunts, this movie wasn't good. Tarantino should stop making all this homage-for-some-random-crap genre and make some original movies for a change.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 07:35 AM

Svsg, be careful or Irish will call you elitist!

Anyway, I quite understand absolutely what you're saying. Seriously, if any of those 2 films were released seperately, they would flop.

I think the best thing I can say about PLANET TERROR is that its a movie that could have been released on its own. While DEATH PROOF is really a glorified short film. Seriously, would B-car exploitation movies of the 70s have not one, but TWO dining conversations that don't matter really in the movie at all?

Remember when QT would have his pop culture statements and conversation bits that were natural and didn't feel out of place?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 12:57 PM

I remember No Holds Barred. Zeus fucking scared the shit out of me when I was little. For some reason I used to think he had killed somebody in the ring once.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 02:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12


British politics, what a bore


But American politics = teh awzuhmnezzzzz!!!!!!11 right?


It's more tolerable to me than British


American politics have made me want to vomit perpetually since 1968.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/07 10:05 PM

Game of Death **
(Second Viewing)

Bruce Lee plays Billy Lo, a HongKong based movie actor, who is a box office draw. His girlfriend, Ann Morris is a singer who is also climbing to the top. Now it seems the syndicate wants Billy and Ann to join their "management firm". But Billy knows that they will be treated like property, so he refuses and tells her to do the same. So they try to "encourage" him to join but he still refuses. He would be advised that they will not stop, so he must stop them, permanently. He is even more hesitant to do that but when an attempt on his life is made, he fakes his death and alters his appearance, and decides to go after the syndicate; taking them out one at a time.

The 10-15 minutes Bruce Lee was actually in the movie were awesome. Did I think the movie needed to go ahead as planned since they had some footage of Lee? No. Was it their way of paying homeage to him? I don't know. But once you move past the fact the main guy isn't really Bruce Lee and try to enjoy it, it is decent. The fight scenes were the best I've seen in a Bruce Lee film and my all-time favorite fight is now Bruce Lee vs. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

This is one of my favorite cinematic images:



What I loved about the end of this film was how Bruce Lee would fight a guy, climb a staircase, fight another guy, climb a staircase, etc. It made me think I was watching/playing the old Kung Fu game for the NES (one of my personal favorite games of all-time BTW)





Finally, it was again nice to see the film that inspired Quentin Tarantino to use the yellow jumpsuit for Uma Thurman in Kill Bill Volume 1.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/07 01:09 PM

Game of Death II 1/2
(First Viewing)

While investigating his friend Chin Ku's (Hwang Jang Lee) death, martial artist Billy Lo (Bruce Lee) is killed. His younger brother, Bobby Lo (Kim Tai Chung), investigates both deaths. His search takes him to Japan, where he befriends Lewis (Roy Horan), master of the Castle Of Death. But when Lewis is brutally murdered, Bobby must investigate the mysterious Fan Yu temple, where he must enter an underground pagoda and face off with the most terrifying of enemies.

This to me seemed to exploit Lee's death. At least with the the first Game of Death they had some shot footage of him to use. This film was made 8 years after his death and really just used old scenes from Enter the Dragon. Now that I've seen all the Bruce Lee movies, can anyone recommend a good Jackie Chan film (I haven't seen much of his work either)
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 03:09 AM

Those Games of death films are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to "Bruceploitation". Some of the films and stars during that "bruceploitation" period seem almost ridiculous in trying to fill the void which was created after Lee's death. Chinese cinema was in major trouble. It took a while before Jackie Chan emerged. Still, for the sake of deleted scenes and whatnot, Game of death I and II are essential films for any Bruce Lee fan out there. Note that the funeral of Billy Lo is actually the real funeral of Bruce Lee.

Anyways Irishman, you are far from watching all of his movies; those 6 movies are the easy part - now try and get hold of his movies from the 40's and 50's when he was just a boy \:D

But if you got TCM - I'm sure you can catch "Marlowe".

Anyway, you want some Chan recommendations:

-Well, there's the classic "Drunken Master" - a must-see for every Chan fan out there. His first major hit and still a cult film to this very day. You can start with that one.
(BTW you've already seen him in "Enter the dragon" - but that was a small part)

-There's the very famous "Rumble in the bronx" - its a fun movie, I think you'll like it. The plot BTW is said to be based on Bruce Lee's "Way of the dragon".

-Then you got the Police Story series. The 4th is the most popular and rightly so. Also my favorite Jackie Chan film. The full title is Jackie Chan's First Strike (PS4). What I really dig in this film is the outstanding choreography of the fights. Awesome stuff there. Plot is secondary, as usual with his films, but who cares about that? \:D

-Need I tell you of the "Rush Hour" films? probably not. Still, I highly recommend the first, the second was not as good, but still y'know. And I think they're filming a third one right now.

-There are really lots o other films, tho some are harder to get, but I think that should give you a good start.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 03:13 AM

Hey Irish, you REALLY think those producers did GAME OF DEATH out of respect for Lee? Ha Ha Ha!

More like out of respect for their WALLETS...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 03:17 AM

 Originally Posted By: Fame
Anyways Irishman, you are far from watching all of his movies; those 6 movies are the easy part - now try and get hold of his movies from the 40's and 50's when he was just a boy \:D


Weren't those the only ones he starred in though? Thanks for the Chan recommendations. And yes I've seen the 2 Rush Hours (I'll probably buy the special edition DVD's next month)
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 04:55 AM

I really like Chan's Who am I it has some of the best fight scenes I think especially the fight on the roof. Also Black Dragon has some pretty good stuff (and I own that one so you can borrow it)...and as Fame said First Strike also has some pretty good stunt work in it.

If you want to go another way with Chinese cinema you cold go for some of the wire work films like my favorite The Bride with White Hair or Heroic Trio and actually Heroic Trio is directed by Johnny To - which I recommend you watch several of his films Running Out of Time I & II, The Mission, Fulltime Killer, and the pretty funny Running on Karma.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 05:19 AM

I saw Fulltime Killer and that was very enjoyable. My only problem with Chan is he's made so many films (it might be hard to get a lot of them, plus I'd like to weed through the "sucky" ones)
Posted By: suspect_5

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 05:49 AM

"sucky Chan movies" then don't watch The Prisoner unless you like very thin ripoff scenes from Cool Hand Luke- how ever there is one early Chan movie which I'm having trouble remembering right now but the stunts on the highway were just out there amazing I'll try to find out which one it is.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 08:16 AM

Hey Irish, quit being such a wuss. Do it like the rest of us do. Go through IMDB, ask action fans/Chan-afficiondos/Martial Arts nuts for recommendations, read up on reviews, check out Chan's best known movies, etc.

suspect, WHO AM I? is a decent movie...just funny enough, it went straight to video in North America because Hollywood refused to distribute it(despite being, I believe, the most expensive movie in Hong Kong history).

Are you trying to piss me off with the Bay avatar? \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 08:54 PM

Hard Boiled ***
(Second Viewing)

Tequila is a "hard boiled" cop who loses his partner in a shoot-out with gun smugglers. In order to bring down the gun smugglers, Tequila must team up with an undercover cop named Tony, who goes undercover as a hired gun with a Hong Kong Triad, which is run by a vicious boss named Johnny Wong.

I am now convinced John Woo is one of the great action directors of all time. Great fighting, shoot out and explosion scenes. This is another reason why I think Chow Yun-Fat is a great action star. He's not a martial artists like a Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, but to me, he's like the Bruce Willis of Hong Kong. What other action films did John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat do together besides Hard Boiled and The Killer?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:25 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12


I am now convinced John Woo is one of the great action directors of all time.


The early 1990s called. They said "NO SHIT!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:40 PM

Not all of us have seen every John Woo film. I've only seen A Better Tomorrow II, Hard Boiled, The Killer, Hard Target, Face/Off and Mission: Impossible II
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Not all of us have seen every John Woo film. I've only seen A Better Tomorrow II, Hard Boiled, The Killer, Hard Target, Face/Off and Mission: Impossible II


You admitted to seeing M:I 2, that piece of shit?

You're brave.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:49 PM

Number One was enough for me..
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:50 PM

"Rodrigo D: No Future" 3/4

About real life in Colombia, no trained actors were used, and all but 1 character wound up being killed before the movie was released. Its just an honest look at live in the slums. (Subtitled)

"Turtles Can Fly" 3/4

About children from Afghanistan before the U.S. Invasion. It was a little slow moving at times but overall it was factual and you really see how other people live, also subtitled.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Not all of us have seen every John Woo film. I've only seen A Better Tomorrow II, Hard Boiled, The Killer, Hard Target, Face/Off and Mission: Impossible II


You admitted to seeing M:I 2, that piece of shit?

You're brave.


I saw the entire trilogy and it didn't do it for me. III was the best but that's not saying much. ronnie, I thought you said Criterion was going to rerelease Hard Boiled in July?
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:54 PM

Hey Irish, Is Deer Hunter any good?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:57 PM

Yeah well Criterion is still considering re-releasing it...but not this summer.

As for the M:I movies, neither are worth a damn at all.

Part 1, maybe I guess the "best" of the bunch, in what Tom Cruise didn't control away from Brian DePalma, you have the master director try to have fun with his own Hitchcock-esque spy thriller "Mistaken Man" conspriacy movie...while Cruise jammed in his super expensive and loud summer blockbuster nonsense.

Part 2 is a piece of shit. Cruise took it away from Woo, and made "Asia's MArtin Scorsese" his bitch.

Part 3, well JJ Abrahams was always overrated as a writer/producer for TV with ALIAS, and he directs M:I 3 like TV...I don't pay $8 to watch TV in theatres.

Besides, P.S. Hoffman outacts Cruise not once, but twice around the scientology crazy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/07 11:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: Mignon
Hey Irish, Is Deer Hunter any good?


It is. Really good drama of home and a war far away that basically screws up 3 friends, for good, from a small mining town.

Michael Cimino makes such a damn good movie, and then basically killed his career when using his carte blanche from DEER HUNTER, he makes HEAVEN'S GATE, which destroyed United Artists. A pity.

Still, Cimino also made the pretty good YEAR OF THE DRAGON with Mickey Rourke(go review that Mick)

DEER HUNTER (1978) - ****
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 12:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: Mignon
Hey Irish, Is Deer Hunter any good?


Yes I enjoyed it. Not De Niro's greatest role but worth watching if you've never seen it
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 12:05 AM

Thanks Ron ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 12:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Mignon
Hey Irish, Is Deer Hunter any good?


It is. Really good drama of home and a war far away that basically screws up 3 friends, for good, from a small mining town.

Michael Cimino makes such a damn good movie, and then basically killed his career when using his carte blanche from DEER HUNTER, he makes HEAVEN'S GATE, which destroyed United Artists. A pity.

Still, Cimino also made the pretty good YEAR OF THE DRAGON with Mickey Rourke(go review that Mick)

DEER HUNTER (1978) - ****


You're right to a degree Ronnie but getting fired from FOOTLOOSE half way through making it is what really put the nail in the coffin for Cimino.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 12:06 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Yeah well Criterion is still considering re-releasing it...but not this summer.


You think it will still come this year? Also, still no word on The Killer being rereleased? If not, what version do you own (if you own it) or worth owning?
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 12:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Mignon
Hey Irish, Is Deer Hunter any good?


Yes I enjoyed it. Not De Niro's greatest role but worth watching if you've never seen it


Thanks Irish ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 12:15 AM

No prob Mig. Let us know when you get a chance to see it
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 12:35 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Mignon
Hey Irish, Is Deer Hunter any good?


It is. Really good drama of home and a war far away that basically screws up 3 friends, for good, from a small mining town.

Michael Cimino makes such a damn good movie, and then basically killed his career when using his carte blanche from DEER HUNTER, he makes HEAVEN'S GATE, which destroyed United Artists. A pity.

Still, Cimino also made the pretty good YEAR OF THE DRAGON with Mickey Rourke(go review that Mick)

DEER HUNTER (1978) - ****


You're right to a degree Ronnie but getting fired from FOOTLOOSE half way through making it is what really put the nail in the coffin for Cimino.


Well, HEAVEN'S GATE though ensured that Cimino would never have any serious power on his movies ever again. (which is why when he signed on for FOOTLOOSE, if he had overspent the budget-cap, he would have lost his salary.)

As for Cimino and FOOTLOOSE, he got fired because he wanted to overhaul the (retarded) script...and the studio quite liked it.

But yeah, you're right Pizzaboy...it sorta didn't help Cimino.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 01:39 AM

I have a personal connection with Deer Hunter. I was very depressed when I watched this movie. The movie is filled with so much tragedy that it had an effect on me what is termed as catharsis in dramatics. I will never forget that movie. I want to watch it soon. It is a great movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 02:30 AM

The Deer Hunter is magnificent.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 06:33 AM

Ed Wood ***
(First Viewing)

A biopic of the life and work of the legendary 'worst director of all time', Edward D.Wood, Jr., concentrating on the best-known period of his life in the 1950s, when he made 'Glen or Glenda', 'Bride of the Monster' and 'Plan 9 From Outer Space', and focusing on both his transvestism and his touching friendship with the once great but now ageing and unemployed horror star Bela Lugosi.

This just solidifies my love for Johnny Depp, the man (like Gary Oldman) can play ANYTHING. A well deserved Oscar for Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi. I hate Tim Burton but this was one of his best films IMO.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 01:20 PM

I caught GRINDHOUSE over the weekend. I actually enjoyed it very much. I guess I'd give the edge to Tarantino's contribution by thismuch.

Is it me or does that Fergie chick look like a man ? A very homely man. A bit like a post plastic surgery Mickey Rourke with a wig.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 01:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I hate Tim Burton but this was one of his best films IMO.


Why do you hate Tim Burton?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 01:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I hate Tim Burton but this was one of his best films IMO.


I agree that it's one of his best films...but why do you hate him?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 05:00 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I caught GRINDHOUSE over the weekend. I actually enjoyed it very much. I guess I'd give the edge to Tarantino's contribution by thismuch.


Glad you enjoyed it pizzaboy. See, another survivor of the "3-hour" deathtrap
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 05:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: XDCX
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I hate Tim Burton but this was one of his best films IMO.


Why do you hate Tim Burton?


We've been through this in the past on a couple of occasions. I think he's overrated and most of his movies I just don't like.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 05:33 PM

Overrated by who, though? In most of the discussion circles I take part in, Tim Burton comes off as a seriously underrated director, as opposed to the likes of Scorsese or Lumet.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 06:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: XDCX
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I hate Tim Burton but this was one of his best films IMO.


Why do you hate Tim Burton?


We've been through this in the past on a couple of occasions. I think he's overrated and most of his movies I just don't like.


why is he overrated? Why doesn't he cut the mustard?

Anyway, I think I agree with XDCX on Burton though I'm not even the biggest fan of his.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 08:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I caught GRINDHOUSE over the weekend. I actually enjoyed it very much. I guess I'd give the edge to Tarantino's contribution by thismuch.


Glad you enjoyed it pizzaboy. See, another survivor of the "3-hour" deathtrap


Well Irish, in all fairness to the naysayers, the running time DID delay my seeing it for a couple of weeks. If it wasn't such a high budget release it could very well have been out of theaters by now and they would have made 10 bucks less at the box office. I really did enjoy it though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 08:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I really did enjoy it though.


See, don't be afraid of the runtime ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 08:45 PM

I suffered through ALEXANDER just for the Rosario Dawson furburger shot.

I'd do it again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 08:47 PM

Not me (God bless the fast-forward button) ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 08:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Not me (God bless the fast-forward button) ;\)


No no Irish, I beg to differ, thank God for the pause button.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 09:01 PM

Tu shae
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/07 11:30 PM

Pizzaboy joins a long list of guys who loved Dawson's "peaks"...including Jason Mewes, who apparently told Dawson that he masturbated to that scene.

If a guy came up to you, if you're a woman, and told you that he likes to jack it up to your image...is that flattering or insulting?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 12:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Pizzaboy joins a long list of guys who loved Dawson's "peaks"...including Jason Mewes, who apparently told Dawson that he masturbated to that scene.

If a guy came up to you, if you're a woman, and told you that he likes to jack it up to your image...is that flattering or insulting?


Well, whenever I'm stopped in the street by a young lady and she tells me that she wore out yet another set of batteries thinking about me, I'm usually flattered, but I'm an easy going guy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 12:27 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Pizzaboy joins a long list of guys who loved Dawson's "peaks"...including Jason Mewes, who apparently told Dawson that he masturbated to that scene.

If a guy came up to you, if you're a woman, and told you that he likes to jack it up to your image...is that flattering or insulting?


Well, whenever I'm stopped in the street by a young lady and she tells me that she wore out yet another set of batteries thinking about me, I'm usually flattered, but I'm an easy going guy.


Mate, you own Irishman, you own me...you own us all. You are the man! \:D
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 06:55 AM

Naked Gun - The final insult*
Forgettable comedy, not boring though \:\/

I watched about 80 minutes of Citizen Kane and had to stop because of some work. I was thoroughly disappointed and bored. I can't see what is so great about it... I don't know what is in store in the remaining half hour or so, but I am too reluctant to watch it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 07:52 AM

Little Children *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Little Children centers on a group of young marrieds, whose lives intersect on the playgrounds, town pools and streets of their small community in surprising and potentially dangerous ways.

I definitely think this was one of last year's best films and was overlooked by many. Throw Kate Winslet into the "I don't do bad pictures category." A fantastic story that ran a little long at times but was wonderful nonetheless.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 09:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Naked Gun - The final insult*
Forgettable comedy, not boring though \:\/

I watched about 80 minutes of Citizen Kane and had to stop because of some work. I was thoroughly disappointed and bored. I can't see what is so great about it... I don't know what is in store in the remaining half hour or so, but I am too reluctant to watch it.


I dare you too.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 10:18 AM

I agree with DeNiro. You went through 80 minutes already, finish up or be seen as a WUSS!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 01:13 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
[quote=ronnierocketAGO]


Mate, you own Irishman, you own me...you own us all. You are the man! \:D


Thanks pal, now where's my review of THE GOOD SHEPHERD ?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 05:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Naked Gun - The final insult*
Forgettable comedy, not boring though \:\/

I watched about 80 minutes of Citizen Kane and had to stop because of some work. I was thoroughly disappointed and bored. I can't see what is so great about it... I don't know what is in store in the remaining half hour or so, but I am too reluctant to watch it.


I did enjoy Kane but don't believe it to be the greatest movie of all time
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 06:35 PM

Me, on Kane:

Various cinematic tools and techniques to communicate meaning; the only film that comes close is Jeunet's Amelie in terms of "filmmaking for beginners". Vertov's Man With a Movie Camera takes it even further.

Deep, rich cinematography and a fine script; it's one of those rare examples that is decidedly auteuristic ('of the director') and still collaborative in the mainstream Hollywood respect.

Watch it again, from the start.

(Do people watch films in more than one sitting here?)
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/07 10:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
it's one of those rare examples that is decidedly auteuristic ('of the director') and still collaborative in the mainstream Hollywood respect.


It's one of many examples in that respect. I wouldn't say, "rare."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 03:22 AM

Dreamgirls ***
(First Viewing)

Based on the 1981 Broadway musical comes Dreamgirls, a story of greed, tough hate, and romance. Three young women Deena Jones (Knowles), Effie White (Hudson), and Lorrell Robinson (Rose) desire to become pop stars and get their wish when they're picked to be backup singers for the legendary James "Thunder" Early (Murphy). Then they're set free for leads, but Curtis Taylor (Foxx) and Effie's brother C.C. (Robinson) decide for Deena to be lead which upsets Effie.

I'm not a fan of the musical genre, but this was a great movie and I'd say another one of last year's best movies. Jaime Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles and Eddie Murphy were all great in their respective roles. Although when Jennifer Hudson sang "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," I think that was one of the worst acting jobs to a song I've ever seen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 06:22 AM

Waterworld *
(First Viewing)

In the future, the Earth is engulfed with water when the polar ice caps melts, leaving the lands and civilization beneath the sea. In "Waterworld" drifters sail across the waters of the world on their man-made ships, trading for supplies and salvaging what is left of civilization, communities of survivors lives in towns called "Atolls" and a force of evil pirates "The Smokers" travel across Waterworld in search of a mythical island called "Dryland". Arriving at a Atoll, a mysterious drifter without a name called The Mariner is sentenced to death when the community discover he is a mutant. When the Atoll is attacked by The Smokers led by their evil leader Deacon, a woman named Helen and her adopted daughter Enola bribes The Mariner to take them to Dryland, believing The Mariner has been there. But the Mariner, Helen and Enola are pursued by Deacon and the Smokers, when The Mariner learns the tattoo on Enola's back is in reality a map that will lead them to Dryland.

It took me 12 years to see this film and I could easily have died a happy man without seeing it. Did anyone else who has seen this feel as if it was a 1990s version of Mad Max on the High Seas? At least they were able to save money on the set designs. Kevin Costner & Dennis Hopper, you guys are MUCH better than this. I really shouldn't be surprised though as Kevin Reynolds directed this. Besides this film, he's been responsible for the following 2 train wrecks: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Tristan + Isolde. Some how he was able to string 2 good movies together: 187 (1997) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) but that's it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 07:52 AM

Plan 9 From Outer Space **
(First Viewing)

"Can your heart stand the shocking facts about Graverobbers from Outer Space?" That's the question on the lips of the narrator of this tale about flying saucers, zombies and cardboard tombstones. A pair of aliens, angered by the "stupid minds" of planet Earth, set up shop in a California cemetery. Their plan: to animate an army of the dead to march on the capitals of the world. (The fact that they have only managed to resurrect three zombies to date has not discouraged them.) An intrepid airline pilot living near the cemetery must rescue his wife from this low-budget terror. "Can you prove it *didn't* happen?"

Definitely not the worst movie of all-time as I've seen worse. Sure it's cheesy with scenes that change from night to day, cardbord tombstones and the Bela Lugosi stand-in covered his face for the entire movie. But as a low-budget Z horror film I did enjoy it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 08:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Waterworld *
(First Viewing)

In the future, the Earth is engulfed with water when the polar ice caps melts, leaving the lands and civilization beneath the sea. In "Waterworld" drifters sail across the waters of the world on their man-made ships, trading for supplies and salvaging what is left of civilization, communities of survivors lives in towns called "Atolls" and a force of evil pirates "The Smokers" travel across Waterworld in search of a mythical island called "Dryland". Arriving at a Atoll, a mysterious drifter without a name called The Mariner is sentenced to death when the community discover he is a mutant. When the Atoll is attacked by The Smokers led by their evil leader Deacon, a woman named Helen and her adopted daughter Enola bribes The Mariner to take them to Dryland, believing The Mariner has been there. But the Mariner, Helen and Enola are pursued by Deacon and the Smokers, when The Mariner learns the tattoo on Enola's back is in reality a map that will lead them to Dryland.

It took me 12 years to see this film and I could easily have died a happy man without seeing it. Did anyone else who has seen this feel as if it was a 1990s version of Mad Max on the High Seas? At least they were able to save money on the set designs. Kevin Costner & Dennis Hopper, you guys are MUCH better than this. I really shouldn't be surprised though as Kevin Reynolds directed this. Besides this film, he's been responsible for the following 2 train wrecks: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Tristan + Isolde. Some how he was able to string 2 good movies together: 187 (1997) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) but that's it.


Save WHAT money? WATERWORLD is more known now for the infamous production overspending than the movie itself(nevermind that the flick Drowns).

Consider this. They bought up all the possible steel available for sale in Hawaii(where it was shot)...then found out that they needed more, so they had to spend MORE cash on steel from all over Oceania.

But my favorite, while Kevin Costner got his own private helicopter to fly him from the floating set of the "city" so he can get back to his exclusive rented-Malibu home with top chef. The crew had to live in a barge.

Worse, they only had one portapotty...for a crew of hundreds. Opps.

Anyway, Robert Zemeckis was supposed to shoot WATERWORLD, but Kevin Costner whined. He wanted his good "buddy" Kevin Reynolds from ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES(which was a profit-maker) to helm it, and Universal said OK. The problem? For the movie's complicated technical and FX situations, Reynolds had no experience(unlike Zemeckis) and it showed.

Besides IRISHMAN, its not exactly an open secret that Reynolds got fired and Costner took over to direct for the rest of the production.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 11:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
it's one of those rare examples that is decidedly auteuristic ('of the director') and still collaborative in the mainstream Hollywood respect.


It's one of many examples in that respect. I wouldn't say, "rare."
Okay, fair enough. But I can think of only a few directors whose productions are of the same kind of example: Hitchcock's masterpieces, Wilder's best work, probably Sirk, too.

I guess I could revise what I said and say Kane is rare in that it is also very good...

But you might disagree with that, too.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 11:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Waterworld *
(First Viewing)It took me 12 years to see this film and I could easily have died a happy man without seeing it.
I don't understand this. That's a criticism which can only be said after viewing the film; and so your desire to see it in the first place contradicts it.

I'd like to see Waterworld; I have a feeling I might find it quite good.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 11:26 AM

Good luck Capo.

WATERWORLD (1995) - **
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 02:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
[quote=ronnierocketAGO]


Mate, you own Irishman, you own me...you own us all. You are the man! \:D


Thanks pal, now where's my review of THE GOOD SHEPHERD ?


Its in the Random Post thread.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 03:54 PM

I saw it Ronnie. It's well written, good job!

I'm gonna watch it tonight. Being that it's almost 3 hours long and has mixed reviews I've been putting it off.

I'll let you know.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 08:30 PM

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

True story of the kung-fu king Bruce Lee that dwell not on his mysterious death but his inspirational life and improable rise to stardom from the streets of Hong Kong.

I had seen parts of this but never the whole way through. I thought it was a very respective homage to the greatest martial artists to ever grace the silver screen. It covers his personaly life, family and his acting career (not just one of them, which I enjoyed). Anybody else seen this? It seemed a little bit "made for TVish" but still enjoyable nonetheless.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 09:34 PM

Man On The Moon (1999; Forman) **

Boy, was it fun having Andy Kaufman get a movie. This movie isn't bad either...Jim Carrey is great as Kaufman onstage. But that's the problem with this film. It showcases Kaufman's on stage persona wonderfully, but we don't get much off-stage. Carrey's off-stage Kaufman comes off as a spaced out fool, and not much more. There is just not enough insight into Kaufman himself for this to be much more than a re-enacment of Kaufman's greatest pranks and hoaxes.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 10:33 PM

Can someone tell me why "Memento" is 26 on IMDB and Forest Gump is 77 that list is messed up.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 11:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Can someone tell me why "Memento" is 26 on IMDB and Forest Gump is 77 that list is messed up.


1) IMDb is the fucktard capitol of the world.

2) Their votes are counted towards what films are in the top 250.

But those two statements don't necessarily go together. #1 is just a thought on IMDb while #2 is how the list is actually composed.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/07 11:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Okay, fair enough. But I can think of only a few directors whose productions are of the same kind of example: Hitchcock's masterpieces, Wilder's best work, probably Sirk, too.

I guess I could revise what I said and say Kane is rare in that it is also very good...

But you might disagree with that, too.


Yes, I do disagree, respectfully. It's unreasonable to think that, with the enormous output and resources that Hollywood had, very good autueristic-collaborative movies in the studio system are rare.

I agree with your examples of Hitchcock, Wilder, and Sirk.

But, the best work of auteurs like Ford, Nicholas Ray, Lang, Hawks, Keaton, Chaplin, Sturges, Walsh, late Murnau, Avery, Chuck Jones, Clampett sit in the company of Citizen Kane.

Movies like Singin' in the Rain do as well.

Some directors, who on the whole, maybe aren't elite, but some of their films are: Berkeley, Bacon, Minnelli, Preminger, Peckinpah, Anthony Mann, Penn, von Sternberg

The best of the modern auteurs range from very good to masterpieces and definitely sit in the company of Citizen Kane: Malick, Scorsese, Altman, Coppola, Spielberg, Kubrick

Some obviously are auteurs doing fine work, sometimes: PTA, Fincher, Michael Mann, Wes Anderson, Nolan



Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/07 02:26 AM

My post regarded pre-1967, under the Hays Code and what might constitute "classical narrative cinema".

But good post.

Singin' in the Rain is one of the best films I've ever seen.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/07 04:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
My post regarded pre-1967, under the Hays Code and what might constitute "classical narrative cinema".


Lots of those autuers I named made their works, that range from very good to masterpieces, pre-1967 and in the classical narrative style.

 Quote:
Singin' in the Rain is one of the best films I've ever seen.


Same here!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/07 05:22 AM

Zodiac **
This has a plot similar to Hollywoodland. Usually I like Jake Gyllenhaal, but in this movie, he is just okay. Mark Ruffalo shines though. The movie is at least 15 minutes overlong. It needed to be a bit long in order to give us the feeling that two decades have passed. But the movie didn't do much in terms of visual setting to convince us of the passage of time. The early part is shot with a lot of yellow filter and later on, we don't see much of it. But that is about it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/07 05:40 AM

Alpha Dog ***
(First Viewing)

A drama based on the life of Jesse James Hollywood, a drug dealer who became one of the youngest men ever to be on the FBI's most wanted list.

Yes the 3-star rating is correct, you didn't misread it. I'm as surprised as you to see it up there. A drama about a bunch of wannabe white kids in California with the T-Lake. Sounded like a receipt for disaster right? Wrong. A great young cast lead by Emile Hirsch (the geeky kid from The Girl Next Door), Shawn Hatosy, Anton Yelchin, Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried and my personal favorite, the speed freak himself Mr. Ben Foster (seriously, this kid's work gets better each time he's in front of the camera). He was enjoyable in The Punisher as the pierced up funny guy Dave, he really showed me his range as a young actor as Mars in Hostage, he was just a name to throw into X3 as Angel and he raises the bar again for himself in this film. Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone and Harry Dean Stanton do a good job as well rounding out the cast. Glad to see director Nick Cassavetes rebound from his last diaster, John Q (I didn't see his last film, The Notebook).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/07 05:44 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Zodiac **
This has a plot similar to Hollywoodland. Usually I like Jake Gyllenhaal, but in this movie, he is just okay. Mark Ruffalo shines though. The movie is at least 15 minutes overlong. It needed to be a bit long in order to give us the feeling that two decades have passed. But the movie didn't do much in terms of visual setting to convince us of the passage of time. The early part is shot with a lot of yellow filter and later on, we don't see much of it. But that is about it.


I quite enjoyed Zodiac. I believe I gave it *** 1/2 after my first viewing. I agree that it runs a little long but Fincher is the man with Se7en, Fight Club and now Zodiac. Probably my 3rd favorite movie of the year thus far behind Grindhouse and 300
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/07 07:25 AM

The Hitcher (2007) 1/2
(First Viewing)

Collegiate couple Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) and Jim Halsey (Zachary Knighton) hit the road in a 1970 Oldsmobile 442, en route to spring break , but their pleasure trip soon turns into a waking nightmare after encountering the mysterious hitchhiker John Ryder, a.k.a. The Hitcher (Sean Bean). The initial encounters with Ryder are increasingly off-putting for Grace and Jim, and they bravely fight back when he ambushes them. But they are truly blindsided when he implicates them in a horrific slaying and continues to shadow them. The open road becomes a battleground of blood and metal as, in trying to elude not only Ryder but also New Mexico State Police Lieutenant Esteridge's (Neal McDonough) officers, Grace and Jim must fight for their lives and face their fears head-on.

Could this film be any more vague? They don't answer a single question about ANY of the characters (particularly the hitcher). A COMPLETE waste of time. I've never seen the original 1986 version but it can't be any worse than this. Hopefully music video director Dave Meyers never gets a chance to direct in Hollywood again. Michael Bay should be ashamed to have his name attached to this movie. Sean Bean, you're MUCH better than this man And can Sophia Bush try to have a decent film career? She's beginning to turn into Sarah Michelle Gellar with this crappy resume: Stay Alive (although I did enjoy it because it was so cheesy), John Tucker Must Die and now this film

Warning, Spoiler:
A quick goof I found. In a convenient store, Zach ask's Sophia's character if he should get Cheetos or Doritos (to which she says Cheetos). He then asks her if he should get Ding Dongs or Twinkies (to which she replies Ding Dongs). After he pays for the food and she goes to the bathroom, the next shot is of Zach filling up their car with gas while he's downing a Twinkie. DUH!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/07 08:40 AM

Irish hating a bastard egg from Bay's crappy stable of horror remakes?

I AM SHOCKED!
The world is ending!
The Seas will boil!
Moon covered in blood red!
The Dead coming back to life!
Cats and Dogs, Living Together!

MASS HYSTERIA!!!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/07 08:42 AM

Svsg, what is up with your sheer romanticism with HOLLYWOODLAND? Yeah its a nice flick, yeah Ben Affleck rocks in it, but jesus its not the standard banner as of lately.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/07 05:39 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Svsg, what is up with your sheer romanticism with HOLLYWOODLAND? Yeah its a nice flick, yeah Ben Affleck rocks in it, but jesus its not the standard banner as of lately.


I don't know why, but the first film that came to my mind after watching this was hollywoodland. After I pushed for Affleck's nomination into Best Actor at FCM, it is natural for you to form this opinion But honestly I do find these two movies to be of similar quality and it was not an insulting comparison to make.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/07 05:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish hating a bastard egg from Bay's crappy stable of horror remakes?

I AM SHOCKED!
The world is ending!
The Seas will boil!
Moon covered in blood red!
The Dead coming back to life!
Cats and Dogs, Living Together!

MASS HYSTERIA!!!


Not everything Bay puts his names on turn out well. Again, Pearl Harbor wasn't great and neither was The Island. As a producer, I dug The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning and that's it. His other 2 producing projects The Amityville Horror and this film both sucked. I'm not the Bay boy (see suspect_5). I'm just not a Bay basher anymore either ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/07 02:02 AM

Deliver Us From Evil **
(First Viewing)

Moving from one parish to another in Northern California during the 1970s, Father Oliver O'Grady quickly won each congregation's trust and respect. Unbeknownst to them, O'Grady was a dangerously active pedophile that Church hierarchy, aware of his predilection, had harbored for over 30 years, allowing him to abuse countless children. Juxtaposing an extended, deeply unsettling interview with O'Grady himself with the tragic stories of his victims, filmmaker Amy Berg bravely exposes the deep corruption of the Catholic Church and the troubled mind of the man they sheltered.

A very interesting and insightful look at the corruption and cover up going on in the Catholic church about pedophile priests. The documentary focuses primarily on the Jyono family and deals with 2 other of O'Grady's victims. It also follows O'Grady's track record from the mid-1970s until the mid-1980s in 4 different California parishes. The most disturbing fact is how much damage this man was able to do on his own. Imagine it on a national and global scale. \:\(
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/07 05:04 AM

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus *
(First Viewing)

Turning her back on her wealthy, established family, Diane Arbus (Kidman) falls in with Lionel Sweeney (Downey Jr.), an enigmatic mentor who introduces Arbus to the marginalized people who help her become one of the most revered photographers of the twentieth century.

Maybe I had the wrong idea of what this film was about prior to viewing it. I thought it was going to be about Diane Arbus becoming a photographer, which was not the case. Instead it solely focuses on her relationship with Lionel Sweeney. I thought it was pretty dull and strange.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/07 05:32 PM

FRACTURE (2007)***

I caught this above average court room drama - thriller last night.

Anthony Hopkins stars as a Hannibal type, minus the fava beans and chianti, charged with the attempted murder of his no good cheating tramp of a wife. Ryan Gosling co-stars as the assistant district attorney who becomes torn between prosecuting the case and moving on to a six figure job in corporate law with a prestigious firm. David Strathairn, who boinked Carmela Soprano last year, was great in a supporting turn as the DA. I found it intelligent with lots of twists and turns and not at all predictable.

Pizzboy likes, he gives it 3 slices.
Posted By: Patrick

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/07 05:33 PM

I just watched High Fidelity for a class. I finished up the book last week, so I decided to watch the movie too. It was a good read and watch. I recommend it. John Cusack does a great job in the film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/07 11:42 PM

I haven't seen it yet but I heard it was good. I'm not a John Cusack fan. I don't know just something about him rubs me the wrong way but I do enjoy Jack Black's work
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/07 12:24 AM

The Gathering
Gwent Jykmel 2007 UK (1st time; big screen)

Fantastic. It's about several film buffs who meet on an internet message board, decide there is no hope whatsoever in the film industry, and meet up to make their own film, under new, Dogme-like rules; the manifesto isn't adhered to, though, and, though they create a masterpiece, some of the members wish to have their names removed from it, since it is nothing like how they imagined, and others want to claim all the credit for it. The end shot of the film is beautiful: the lead member of the crew, realising he is the only one in love with Film itself, ("Saying you like films is completely different to saying you like Cinema," he says), fucks off and vanishes forever by swimming into the sea...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/07 07:12 AM

Birth * 1/2
(First Viewing)

In New York, the widow Anna (Nicole Kidman) decides to get married to her fiancé Joseph (Danny Huston) after having grieved the death of her beloved husband Sean for ten years. A ten year old boy comes to Anna's mother (Lauren Bacall) birthday celebration and claims to be the reincarnation of Sean, and Anna believes in him.

Nothing extraordinary from the cast or director. Another forgetable Nicole Kidman pic.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 08:22 AM

Pride & Prejudice, 2005, Joe Wright.

For a year this DVD was sitting idly on the shelf as I had not come around to watch it. For someone who has fast forwarded through the book and has not been able to sit through the '95 mini series, this didn't seem so tempting.

But I have to say that brevity and taste in adaptation of the book for the sake of a movie has played a strong role in making it even more appealing to the impatient audience of the 21st century. Furthermore, acting and selection of the characters has outdone anything that I could have had in mind. Beautiful cinematography suited for a hate/love story, marvelous sets and costumes, also great editing has made it even more rewarding. It also boasts a great score and I can't help but say that this movie did bewitch me body and soul... to the degree of watching it three times already in the past few days. I never thought that one day I'd be obsessed with Pride & Prejudice. Amazing!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 09:33 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Birth * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Another forgetable Nicole Kidman pic.


Just like all of her films,i watched a very early Kidman film the other night Called "Dead Calm" from 1989,that was OK.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 11:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: afsaneh77
Pride & Prejudice, 2005, Joe Wright.
Macfadyen's walk through the fog towards the end is astonishing.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 11:38 AM

Indeed, and the music accompanying this scene masterfully conveys this astonishment.

I wish I could get the music sheets/midis for piano sonatas of this score somewhere for free, alas, I've not found anything yet.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 12:20 PM

I love the ball sequence, too. The camerawork and sound editing is very impressive; with interweaving conversations captured in one take, with lots of movement in and out of frame; ambitious choreography pulled off well.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 01:05 PM

Yes, I wonder how many takes they must have had for that ball sequence. I can't really say which of Elizabeth/Darcy encounters is my most favorite. All elements are blend with such a great taste in their right places, it doesn't fail to impress when you go back and watch it over and over again.

But I adore those in Rosings the most. Especially when they are sitting in the chapel and Elizabeth's eyes meet those piercing blue eyes of Darcy and camera roles back so fast thank God, just when you feel your heart drop off your chest. Amazing camera work...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 07:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Birth * 1/2
(First Viewing)

Another forgetable Nicole Kidman pic.


Just like all of her films,i watched a very early Kidman film the other night Called "Dead Calm" from 1989,that was OK.


I don't think I've ever heard of it
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 07:12 PM

Never much cared for Nicole Kidman.

Her nude scenes remind me of the bare chested pre-teen Vietnamese boys on the Save The Children commercials.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/01/07 11:52 PM

Bakushû (aka Early Summer) ***
(First Viewing)

In postwar Tokyo, this household is loving and serene: older parents, their 28-year-old daughter Noriko, their married son, his devoted wife, and two rascally sons. Their only discontent is Noriko's lack of a husband. Society is changing: she works, she has women friends who tease and argue, her brother sees her independence as impudence, she sees it as normal. When her boss suggests that she marry a 40-year-old bachelor who is his friend, all the members of her family press her to accept. Without seeking their advice, and to their chagrin, Noriko determines her own course of action.

Setsuko Hara really did a great job as the main star, Noriko. This concludes the "Noriko Trilogy" as I've also seen Late Spring and Tokyo Story although I do need to rewatch both in the near future.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 03:59 AM

300 *
You have to read my review keeping in mind that I don't like LOTR, Braveheart, Star Wars, Gladiator(to some extent), Independence day, majority of the action movies and in general formulaic hollywood with corny lines about freedom, hope etc. I like Sin City though. Now what happens when you mix together the parts that I dislike the most from all the above mentioned movies? You get 300. I somehow was under the (wrong) presumption that this is a serious historical movie on the battle between 300 Spartans and a huge number of Persians. I didn't know much about Spartans until this movie... still it is to be seen more as stylistic effort than a historical movie. Some of the visuals are wonderful and grand. Several others betray the computer technology used. You might like it if you like grand inspiring films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 05:19 AM

Edward Scissorhands **
(First Viewing)

A modern day fairy tale which tells the story of Edward, the man created by an inventor, who died before finishing him and left Edward with scissors where he should have hands. One day when the local "Avon" representative calls at the historic mansion where Edward has been living alone, she takes him home to stay with her family. He has to adapt to the new life and environment that he isn't used to. Soon he shows a talent in cutting hair and hedges, and wins every body's heart. But life isn't always so sweet.

Not Johnny Depp's or Winona Ryder's finest work. I know this film has quite a following but it didn't impress me in the least.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 05:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
300 *
You might like it if you like grand inspiring films.


My 2nd favorite movie of the year thus far. I thought it was absolutely fantastic and it made some serious bank at the box office (although box office numbers today can be misleading). How Disturbia can be the #1 movie in the country 3 weeks in a row is beyond me. And don't even get me started on how Stomp the Yard or Are We Done Yet? made more money than Grindhouse! But back on topic, so far everything Frank Miller touches is gold (and I'm cool with that).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 09:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
300 *
You might like it if you like grand inspiring films.


My 2nd favorite movie of the year thus far. I thought it was absolutely fantastic and it made some serious bank at the box office (although box office numbers today can be misleading). How Disturbia can be the #1 movie in the country 3 weeks in a row is beyond me. And don't even get me started on how Stomp the Yard or Are We Done Yet? made more money than Grindhouse! But back on topic, so far everything Frank Miller touches is gold (and I'm cool with that).


But is it because of Miller's story in the first place, or the movie that Snyder made?

Because really, more and more I am just not that impressed visually with Snyder's flick.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 04:51 PM

A combination of both
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 05:14 PM

You mean the slow motion....or the man-meat abs?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 05:19 PM

Slow motion, the backdrop, etc. (not the man-meat abs)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 08:27 PM

Spider-Man *** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

A rather odd thing has just occurred in the life of nerdy high school student Peter Parker: after being bitten by a genetically modified spider, his body chemistry is altered mutagenically. He can now scale walls and ceilings, he has superhuman strength and super-fast reflexes, and he develops a precognitive sense that warns him of approaching danger. Adopting the name Spider-Man, Peter first uses his newfound powers to make money, but after his uncle is murdered at the hands of a criminal Peter failed to stop, he swears to use his powers to fight the evil that killed his uncle. At the same time, scientist and businessman Norman Osborn, after exposure to an experimental nerve gas, develops an alternate personality himself: the super-strong, psychotic Green Goblin! Peter Parker must now juggle three things in his life: his new job at a local newspaper under a perpetually on-edge employer, his battle against the evil Green Goblin, and his fight to win the affections of beautiful classmate Mary Jane Watson, against none other than his best friend Harry Osborn, son of Norman Osborn! Is this challenge too much for even the Amazing Spider-Man to handle?

Just gearing up for numero 3 on Friday. This is my favorite one thus far and think Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe and Rosemary Harris were perfect casts for their individual roles.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 10:53 PM

Where are you getting your synopses from?

That has to be the most disgusting review I've ever read.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 11:13 PM

Whats so "disgusting" about it?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 11:22 PM

That, as a lover of film, and as somebody who has the free will and sound mind (he's not a retard, and he's not living under an oppressive regime which might stamp on his opinions), he's been utterly, undeniably and unforgiveably lazy.

When a retelling of a film's story is more than quadruple in length of the things you actually have to say in response, it's not a good sign of the film. But since Irish seems to like the film, it's not by any means a good sign of him.

In short, I see absolutely no reason why he would even think about posting what he did here. It's a waste of space (in general, on the Internet, and in particular, on this board); of time (his and mine); and, finally and most importantly, a waste of an opinion - and therefore, a waste of time having consumed the film in the first place.

This thread might as well be in the Games Section, because that's what it's become. A regurgitation of what a film tells story-wise (and I'd be surprised if he even wrote that himself), and little if anything more.

Is that what Cinema's worth? A few lines? A few stars? So you can watch a film and say you've just watched it in a post?

Of course, this will probably meet the unoriginal, and again thoroughly lazy response such as, "But I don't like films the way you do", or "I don't know about cinematography or directing", but that doesn't mean you're engaging with the film in any less active a way than me. And for someone who watches a lot of films - no, someone who dedicates a lot of time to watching them - I see no reason why further analysis isn't interesting or indeed possibly essential.

What a fucking waste.

It's disgusting. It's a real, genuine sign of the inertia of society as a whole.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 11:27 PM

I see what your saying but we all don't take films as serious as you,and look at it as a career more for entertainment.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 11:31 PM

I've already nullified that response by commenting on it in advance.

This should be moved to the Games forum.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 11:33 PM

Stop Bitching..Your always moaning
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 11:49 PM

I moan not because I can, not because I have the right to moan, but because I feel the need to moan, because I know that not moaning would be dishonesty, would be lying to myself, would be turning the other cheek on something my deeper, inner, truer instincts believe in or have faith for.

Your first response was anticipated, your second is merely typical of The Ignorant.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 11:56 PM

Power to the people..
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/07 11:59 PM

Power with what, at what? Power over whom? To what ends, by which means?

Don't start throwing clichés around when you don't know what they mean.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 03:09 AM

2879

Oh, sorry, wrong thread.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 03:14 AM

Dont worry Turi, I wont tell anyone about your sex-change operation.

Oh sorry, that was supposed to be in a PM.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 06:18 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Where are you getting your synopses from?


IMDB. Same place I've been getting them for months now
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 06:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
That, as a lover of film, and as somebody who has the free will and sound mind (he's not a retard, and he's not living under an oppressive regime which might stamp on his opinions), he's been utterly, undeniably and unforgiveably lazy.

When a retelling of a film's story is more than quadruple in length of the things you actually have to say in response, it's not a good sign of the film. But since Irish seems to like the film, it's not by any means a good sign of him.

In short, I see absolutely no reason why he would even think about posting what he did here. It's a waste of space (in general, on the Internet, and in particular, on this board); of time (his and mine); and, finally and most importantly, a waste of an opinion - and therefore, a waste of time having consumed the film in the first place.

This thread might as well be in the Games Section, because that's what it's become. A regurgitation of what a film tells story-wise (and I'd be surprised if he even wrote that himself), and little if anything more.

Is that what Cinema's worth? A few lines? A few stars? So you can watch a film and say you've just watched it in a post?

Of course, this will probably meet the unoriginal, and again thoroughly lazy response such as, "But I don't like films the way you do", or "I don't know about cinematography or directing", but that doesn't mean you're engaging with the film in any less active a way than me. And for someone who watches a lot of films - no, someone who dedicates a lot of time to watching them - I see no reason why further analysis isn't interesting or indeed possibly essential.

What a fucking waste.

It's disgusting. It's a real, genuine sign of the inertia of society as a whole.


I appreciate your kind comments. No joking, that JUST made my night, so thank you Capo!
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 06:35 AM

Irish, how come you're always sick?
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 06:41 AM

You should probably see a doctor..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 08:53 AM

Laberinto del fauno, El (aka Pans Labyrinth) * 1/2
(First Viewing)

In 1944 fascist Spain, a girl, fascinated with fairy-tales, is sent along with her pregnant mother to live with her new stepfather, a ruthless captain of the Spanish army. During the night, she meets a fairy who takes her to an old faun in the center of the labyrinth. He tells her she's a princess, but must prove her royalty by surviving three gruesome.

Everything I had heard about this movie is VERY misleading. It's not really a fantasy movie. Crap, 3/4 of the movie deals with the Spanish 1944 time period, which I felt they spent too much time exploring. I would have liked to have seen a more fantasy driven movie than a period piece/"fantasy." It shouldn't surprise me though as I'm not a fan of Guillermo del Toro's work. Blade II was enjoyable but Hellboy was grossly overrated.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 08:54 AM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
Irish, how come you're always sick?


Ah, but was I born that way or was I made that way? Hmmm.....who knows for sure?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 09:08 AM

Hey Irish, your rogues gallery is increasing by the day. At this rate, I can retire by Christmas.

BTW, what is UP with posting these incredibly long summaries? How about....

SPIDER-MAN (2002)

Summary: High School Student Peter Parker is biten by a radioactive spider, and gains super powers. He swings around New York City as he has to fight the Green Goblin.

There...how hard is it?

Surely as a man that called my reviews boring, you would know better.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 06:06 PM

Because then I'd be accused of not putting enough "depth" in my posts, etc. And honestly, I'm just too lazy to write a summary for every movie I watch
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/03/07 07:29 PM

Spider-Man 2 *** 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Peter Parker (Tobey McGuire) can't seem to catch any kind of break. Being Spiderman has brought him nothing but problems as far as his personal life is concerned. Not only that, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) is engaged to astronaut John Jameson, and Peter may lose her forever. Things are so bad for him that he is pushed past his breaking point, so he decides that he doesn't want to be Spiderman anymore, until a freak accident transforms Dr. Otto Octavius into Dr. Octopus, a super-villian with four metal tentacles coming out of him. Peter realizes that only Spiderman can stop him, but of course, problems arise. Mary Jane gets caught in the middle, and Harry Osborn, who still blames Spiderman for the death of his father, Norman Osborn, also the Green Goblin, wants him dead. Spiderman will have to push himself past his limits if he's going to survive.

Alfred Molina was another great addition to the franchise as Doc Ock. The villains have been great thus far but I'm a little skeptical about Topher Grace as Venom in the 3rd installment. Oh well, I'll judge for myself on Saturday.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/07 07:27 AM

The Human Stain ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The Human Stain is the story of Coleman Silk (Hopkins), a classics professor with a terrible secret that is about to shatter his life in a small New England town. When his affair with a young troubled janitor (Kidman) is uncovered, the secret Silk had harbored for over fifty years from his wife, his children and colleague, writer Nathan Zuckerman, fast explodes in a conflagration of devastating consequences. It is Zuckerman who stumbles upon Silk's secret and sets out to reconstruct the unknown biography of this eminent, upright man, esteemed as an educator for nearly all his life, and to understand how this ingeniously contrived life came unraveled.

Anthony Hopkins did a fine job and I'm looking forward to his next film, Fracture. I need to see more of this man's work. Nicole Kidman was pretty uneventful in this film.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/07 06:51 PM

PROZAC NATION (2001)

It stunk, but I never realized that Christina Ricci had such big boobs.

Irish, post a picture!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/07 06:59 PM

Here are my thoughts on the last five films I saw:

I liked it very much.

I didn't like this one so much.

This one was good.

Good job I saw this one in the theatres.

I can't wait to see the next film he stars in.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/07 07:00 PM

You okay today, Capo ?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/07 07:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
PROZAC NATION (2001)

It stunk, but I never realized that Christina Ricci had such big boobs.

Irish, post a picture!


Just wait until the end of June and buy Black Snake Moan with her and Samuel L. Jackson in it!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/07 07:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Here are my thoughts on the last five films I saw:

I liked it very much.

I didn't like this one so much.

This one was good.

Good job I saw this one in the theatres.

I can't wait to see the next film he stars in.


Very instructive. Now don't you feel better that you were able to express yourself?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/07 08:16 PM

Shut up, namuh.

My new word for backward humans. LOLZ!!!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/07 11:20 PM

Primal Fear ***
Clever script and more importantly amazing acting by Edward Norton. Even though the court room drama is nothing but routine, the way in which the movie teases the audience to take sides for/against the defendant constantly is notable. The music is good too, especially in the beginning.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 12:40 AM

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

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

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

The first is still my favorite movie of the trilogy and I really can't see this franchise going on without Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi (although unfortunately it might). This is definitely the best comic book franchise ever in terms of the films. Each of these films is great whereas Batman and Superman had some bumps in the road, nothing has slowed down Spider-Man.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 03:31 AM

Yojimbo ****
(Second Viewing)

Sanjuro, a wandering samurai enters a rural town in nineteenth century Japan. After learning from the innkeeper that the town is divided between two gangsters, he plays one side off against the other. His efforts are complicated by the arrival of the wily Unosuke, the son of one of the gangsters, who owns a revolver. Unosuke has Sanjuro beaten after he reunites an abducted woman with her husband and son, then massacres his father's opponents. During the slaughter, the samurai escapes with the help of the innkeeper; but while recuperating at a nearby temple, he learns of innkeeper's abduction by Unosuke, and returns to the town to confront him.

Since Capo has given us the option of choosing only one response, I'll go with #1, I liked it very much. Better a second time and probably my third favorite Kurosawa film behind Rashomon and Throne of Blood.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 03:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Here are my thoughts on the last five films I saw:

I liked it very much.

I didn't like this one so much.

This one was good.

Good job I saw this one in the theatres.

I can't wait to see the next film he stars in.



You forgot the names \:D

Capo, have you read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ?

I'm off to watch SOPHIE'S CHOICE for the first time. Will post my comments here later on today.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 12:13 PM

Fame, the titles don't really matter. I could be watching anything. I've not read any Austen. Have you read any Woolf? I have Sophie's Choice unwatched back home; I love Klute and All the President's Men.

Irish, check out Kagemusha (1980) and Ran (1985) if you've not already. They're my two favourite Kurosawa films. Both excellent works.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 01:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, check out Kagemusha (1980) and Ran (1985) if you've not already. They're my two favourite Kurosawa films. Both excellent works.


I've seen Kagemusha twice and I need to see Ran a second time
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 01:35 PM

I think Nolan, the best director of all these super-hero films, could take Batman to a whole new level.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 06:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Spider-Man 3 *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

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

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

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


I was dissapointed too. All that hype for an OK film IMO. Raimi messed up some of the charaters I think. I agree with you on this being the best comic-movie franchise but I think Batman may surpass it with the Bale-Nolan combination. I hope Raimi and Tobey stay because they were great in 1 & 2. 1 was great but I thought 2 was even better. 3 was crammed although I did like it. All in all I think Topher Grace gave the best performance.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 11:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonPacino
I agree with you on this being the best comic-movie franchise but I think Batman may surpass it with the Bale-Nolan combination.


However, Batman still has some blackeyes from Batman Forever and Batman & Robin in a lot of people's eyes. Sure Batman Begins revived the franchise, but all 3 Spider-Mans were great. The same can't be said for Batman, Superman, X-Men, etc.

 Originally Posted By: DonPacino
I hope Raimi and Tobey stay because they were great in 1 & 2. 1 was great but I thought 2 was even better. 3 was crammed although I did like it.


One of the main reasons I love 1 the best is because of Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin. He was fantastic, the best villain in the franchise IMO and I just love him as an actor (he's one of my personal favorites).

 Originally Posted By: DonPacino
All in all I think Topher Grace gave the best performance.


I agree, he did a great job and just wished they wouldn't have done Sandman. They could have easily focused on Venom and the New Goblin.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 11:32 PM

Well, Batman Begins really is that start of a whole new Batman franchise, so I wouldn't necessarily lump in the two pieces of shit that were Forever and Ice Skating Party with the new Batman films.

However, I would still say the original Batman franchise was better than Spiderman's simply because of Batman and Returns.
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 11:43 PM

Forever wasn't nearly as bad as Batman & Robin. Irish, I hope Venom returns for the 4th with Topher playing him. Willem Dafoe was geat in Spiderman 1, but my favourite movie of his is Platoon. I also agree with you that all 3 Spiderman movies were great but I'd of actually preferred Topher Grace as Spiderman. If he had beefed up a bit he would be perfect, especially for some snappy on-lines IMO.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 11:52 PM

Yeah, Begins is a different franchise altogether, I reckon.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 11:52 PM

Speaking of Nolan, I've just watched The Prestige. Astonishing film, one of the best I've ever seen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/07 11:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonPacino
Forever wasn't nearly as bad as Batman & Robin.


I agree. In fact it's my 2nd favorite of the franchise behind only the original Batman of 1989.

 Originally Posted By: DonPacino
Irish, I hope Venom returns for the 4th with Topher playing him.


RUMOR!

Warning, Spoiler:
I'm hearing if a Spidey 4 is made, the villains will be The Lizard (who has cameo's in all 3 Spider-Man films as Dr. Curtis Connors) and Carnage
Posted By: DonPacino

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/07 12:04 AM

Warning, Spoiler:
I heard Spider-man 4 has been confirmed already. I hope they make up a story explaining how Venom got away. Maybe Brock in prison with none other than Cletus Cassidy(sp) aka Carnage and somehow the symboite finds them. I also hope Lizard included as he's one of my favourites.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/07 04:43 AM

Lone Wolf McQuade **
(First Viewing)

J.J. McQuade is a Texas Ranger who doesn't exactly follow the rules, is unruly, and prefers to work alone, which earns the nickname, Lone Wolf McQuade. When he discovers some criminals have automatic weapons, he discovers that they were stolen from the military. He tries to handle it on his own, as usual, but in the end, an old friend, and a prisoner, whom he was keeping under wraps, are killed. He is then relieved of duty. But then an FBI agent, who also wants to get these guys, offers to help McQuade, and along with a rookie, they track down the mastermind.

The more of David Carradine's work I see, the more I respect the man. He single-handedly carried this movie and just commands so much presence onscreen. The man has so much confidence and carishma onscreen, I find it hard to not emulate him. Chuck Norris was enjoyable as the lead but again, nobody does it for me like David Carradine does it. Only the second Dana Kimmell movie I've seen. Her first was Friday the 13th Part III which is probably my favorite of the franchise and in many aspects due to her. A great young actress who, unfortunately, stopped acting too soon \:\(
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/07 08:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra


(Do people watch films in more than one sitting here?)


Never. If I dont have 2 hours free, I wont start watching.
Also, I will never see a movie from the middle of it. I cant do that, even if its a movie I'm dying to see. If I lost even one minute from the start, I'll simply turn it off and wait for next time to see it.

Maybe it sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I believe every minute counts in movies.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/07 11:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Have you read any Woolf? I have Sophie's Choice unwatched back home; I love Klute and All the President's Men.



I've only read "To the Lighthouse". Not an easy read, considering the philosophical tone. I wouldnt recommend it to everyone.

Sophie's Choice

Adapted from the novel bearing the same name, Sophie's Choice is the story of a unique relationship between a holocaust survivor (Sophie), her lover Nathan and their new neighbour Stingo. From this outline the plot evolves into revealing secrets from Sophie's past as she tells her story to Stingo.

Not everyday do you witness such a friendly triangle of a couple and a newcomer. A truly unique sort of relationship that I can only dream our society would accept. These scenes, though serve as the outline for Sophie's story, are also the essence of the film. One cannot work without the other. The present is inextricably bound to the past in this film and is not to be taken as a mere introduction.

Many viewers before me have praised Meryl Streep's performance in this film, and I find no reason to disagree. She learned to speak english with a polish accent as well as fluent german, and acted the flashback scenes in Auschwitz with much authenticity. She literally begged Pakula for the role, and the effort she put into it is visible and rewarding.

With that said, I have to say that character-wise I was far more intrigued by Nathan. Like Stingo, I also felt that he's larger than life. You could not anticipate his reactions. He played two different characters embodied in one, that often times I wondered whether he's got the leading role in the film. Kevin Kline gave his once-in-a-lifetime performance, it was a beauty. (Shame really, that he later went down the hill and ended up making the horrible "Wild Wild West"....but I guess all actors fall down that hill every once in a while.)

Stingo however, while being the story teller, is basically no more than just that. There's not much to learn from his character. He make friends with Sophie and Nathan, thus leading us into their world. He also falls in love with Sophie, thus she ends up revealing her story to him (us). In order to serve the plot as this channel between them and us, he possess the character of the easy-going somewhat naive writer who learns a lesson about life on his temporary stop in a brooklyn apartment.

It is the story of Sophie, Nathan, and Stingo's relationship.
It is the story of Sophie and Nathan's relationship.
It is the story of Sophie.

You get 3 stories in 1. What more can you ask?

****/*****

Cant wait to read the book.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/07 07:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: Fame
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra


(Do people watch films in more than one sitting here?)


Never. If I dont have 2 hours free, I wont start watching.
Also, I will never see a movie from the middle of it. I cant do that, even if its a movie I'm dying to see. If I lost even one minute from the start, I'll simply turn it off and wait for next time to see it.

Maybe it sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I believe every minute counts in movies.


I'm the exact same way!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 04:20 AM

Great review Fame. When you do pen up a cinema opinion, you sir rock.

THE RUNNING MAN (1987) - ***

Produced during Arnold Schwarzenegger's incredible box-office hot streak, this enjoyable B-action movie with sci-fi curtain dressings has "Ahhnuld" compete in a super-popular TV game show where he fights for his Austrian Oak arse against colorful killers that somehow the WWF didn't think up of first in the 1980s. Even without Arnold, this movie still would have been solid cool.

In other words, its THE CONDEMNED, but without sucking it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 05:48 AM

Road House (1989)
(First Viewing)

Dalton is the Cooler in bars; He backs up and directs the bouncers. He takes a job in a Road House that has gotten far too rough. His attempts to clean things up put him in conflict with Brad Wesley, the town bully and rich person.

A much better flick than I expected but I just don't see Patrick Swayze as the kung-fu/action star. It's hard for me to see him in that role. He did a fine job, as did Sam Elliott, but I just have a hard time believing Swayze as a martial artist in any sense of the word.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 05:50 AM

Grindhouse
(Second Viewing)

From cult movie directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez comes a unique film experience: a double-bill of thrillers that recall both filmmakers' favorite exploitation films. "Grindhouse" (a downtown movie theater in disrepair since its glory days as a movie palace known for "grinding out" non-stop double-bill programs of B-movies) is presented as one full-length feature comprised of two individual films helmed separately by each director. Tarantino's film, "Death Proof," is a rip-roaring slasher flick where the killer pursues his victims with a car rather than a knife, while Rodriguez's film "Planet Terror" shows us a view of the world in the midst of a zombie outbreak. The films are joined together by clever faux trailers that recall the '50s exploitation drive-in classics.

I had the night off from work and decided to treat myself again with my favorite film of 2007. Still great a second time around and again, time wasn't a factor. I'm still scratching my head over why it bombed at the box office but that's just me. If you didn't see it in theaters, see it on DVD!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 08:48 AM

Sanjuro 1/2
(First Viewing)

In Japan circa Eighteenth Century, nine young men decide to present an accusation of corruption in their clan to the local superintendent. However, the group is betrayed, but the ronin Sanjûrô Tsubaki (Toshirô Mifune) saves them from the superintendent's men. The uncle of the leader of the rebel clansmen, the Chamberlain Mutsuta (Yûnosuke Itô), is kidnapped, and his wife and daughter are detained and made prisoner of the superintendent, and he tries to force Mutsuta to write a fake confession letter declaring being corrupt. Sanjûrô helps the group to rescue the Chamberlain and his family.

In his sequel to Yojimbo I felt some of the characters mystique was lost. He appears wiser and more likeable in this film, but I was pleased with Yojimbo by itself.

Warning, Spoiler:
My favorite part of the movie was also the most surprising when Toshirô Mifune's character cuts Tatsuya Nakadai's character down. But what really surprised me was the blood-splatter displayed by Akira Kurosawa. Not as exaggerated as other filmmakers, but still uncharacteristic for a Kurosawa flick.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 08:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
PROZAC NATION (2001)

It stunk, but I never realized that Christina Ricci had such big boobs.

Irish, post a picture!


Just wait until the end of June and buy Black Snake Moan with her and Samuel L. Jackson in it!


She gets naked with Sam Jackson ??
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 08:38 PM

You see her breasts
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 08:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
You see her breasts


Niiiiiiiice (Borat)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 08:51 PM

Why does Black Snake Moan sound like a racist porn film?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 08:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
You see her breasts


Niiiiiiiice (Borat)


Besides the obvious advantage of seeing the movie for that reason, it was rather good and I'll be buying it on DVD June 26th ;\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/07 10:42 PM

DOWN IN THE VALLEY (2005) - ***1/2

This movie got shat on in its reviews, which is a darn pity, since this is the sort of small-film vehicle that Hoffman and Pacino would have used their star power to get funded back in the 1970s.

Except now its the 00s, and its Edward Norton exploring a rather uneasy role that can't win awards now. While awards are given to actors who portray dead famous people, non-controversial parts, or a crippled/homosexual/AIDS-riden/retarded character, Norton gives off the sort of performance that I miss.

What kind of performance? Body language. Sure DOWN IN THE VALLEY's unnecessary expositional dialogue alerts an audience to who this person is, but Norton's eyes and body talk is enough to tell us who he is: A loser who's operable fantasies have slowly become his life, and fall off a damn cliff when he meets up with a groovy emo-girl who herself has some fantasy/reality problems of her own.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/07 01:16 AM

Seven Samurai
(Fourth Viewing)

A village is constantly attacked by well armed bandits. One day after an attack they seek the wisdom of an elder who tells them they cannot afford weapons, but they can find men with weapons, samurai, who will fight for them, if they find samurai who are in down on their luck and wondering where their next meal will come from. They find a very experienced samurai with a good heart who agrees to recruit their party for them. He selects five genuine samurai and one who is suspect but the seven return to the village to protect it from the forty plus bandits.

My least favorite Toshirô Mifune role. Everytime I see this he seems to get on my nerves but it is becoming less frequent. I do however love how Kurosawa always centers everything in his frames. He is a genius with a camera and this is probably the most I've enjoyed this film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/07 08:50 AM

The Departed
(Nth Viewing)

In South Boston, the state police force is waging war on Irish-American organized crime. Young undercover cop Billy Costigan is assigned to infiltrate the mob syndicate run by gangland chief Frank Costello. While Billy quickly gains Costello's confidence, Colin Sullivan, a hardened young criminal who has infiltrated the state police as an informer for the syndicate, is rising to a position of power in the Special Investigation Unit. Each man becomes deeply consumed by his double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operations he has penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the mob and the police that there's a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin are suddenly in danger of being caught and exposed to the enemy-and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself. But is either willing to turn on the friends and comrades they've made during their long stints undercover?

Most deserving of Best Director and the Best Picture of 2006. A very LONG overdue Oscar to Marty, but deserving nonetheless. His previous 2 films The Aviator and Gangs of New York were push overs compared to The Departed and felt if either of those films won, it would have been more out of pity. However, last year the competition was weak and Marty has his best movie since Casino and in some people's eyes, as far back as Goodfellas. Leonardo DiCaprio continues to impress me and I've been a fan of his ever since Catch Me If You Can. Matt Damon is like Edward Norton, the men just don't make bad movies. Jack Nicholson is so awesome as Boss Costello, humerous yet still evil, it's great to have him back from his 3 year absence. I felt Mark Wahlberg deserved the Best Supporting Oscar over Alan Arkin. Like Costello, he's brutal in his verbal attacks yet the audience can't help but to purk up when they see him on screen. Finally, even though it was a smaller role, I felt Alec Baldwin was a nice addition who was also light hearted towards both Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon. Kudos to William Monahan on a FANTASTIC script (also well deserving of his Oscar for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/10/07 07:37 AM

Epic Movie
(Second Viewing)

The twisted minds of two of the six writers of "Scary Movie" tackle the biggest mega-blockbusters of all time in "Epic Movie." The story centers on four not-so-young orphans: one raised by a curator at the Louvre (where an albino assassin lurks), another a refugee from Mexican "libre" wrestling, the third a recent victim of snakes on her plane, and the fourth a "normal" resident of a mutant "X"-community. The hapless quartet visits a chocolate factory, where they stumble into an enchanted wardrobe that transports them to the land of Gnarnia (with a "G"). There they meet a flamboyant pirate captain and earnest students of wizardry - and join forces with, among others, a wise-but-horny lion to defeat the evil White B*tch of Gnarnia.

Absolutely sickening that David Carradine was ever attached to this movie (no matter how small the role was). One of the few times where the second viewing was worse than the original. Probably better than Date Movie but that's just splitting hairs. Really, how is it that movies like this continue to get made yet Daredevil can't get a sequel and Grindhouse bombs at the box office?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 12:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Epic Movie
(Second Viewing)

The twisted minds of two of the six writers of "Scary Movie" tackle the biggest mega-blockbusters of all time in "Epic Movie." The story centers on four not-so-young orphans: one raised by a curator at the Louvre (where an albino assassin lurks), another a refugee from Mexican "libre" wrestling, the third a recent victim of snakes on her plane, and the fourth a "normal" resident of a mutant "X"-community. The hapless quartet visits a chocolate factory, where they stumble into an enchanted wardrobe that transports them to the land of Gnarnia (with a "G"). There they meet a flamboyant pirate captain and earnest students of wizardry - and join forces with, among others, a wise-but-horny lion to defeat the evil White B*tch of Gnarnia.

Absolutely sickening that David Carradine was ever attached to this movie (no matter how small the role was). One of the few times where the second viewing was worse than the original. Probably better than Date Movie but that's just splitting hairs. Really, how is it that movies like this continue to get made yet Daredevil can't get a sequel and Grindhouse bombs at the box office?


Dude, Carradine has to feed his bastard children around the world somehow. Besides, where the hell where you for about 20 years before KILL BILL when that fucker was doing so many B-sci-fi/action turkeys to pay his utility bills.

I forgive guys like Madsen, Carradine brothers, Rutger Hauer, and other vets that admit doing total crap for the paycheck. BEsides, they gotta eat. Its not like super stars of Hollywood that choose deliberately to work on piece of shit blockbusters for way too much money.

As for DAREDEVIL, well it sucking didn't help its sequel chances. Plus, its profit-margins were shit. Oh, and Ben Affleck didn't do that shit anymore, and FOX thought he was financial poison. Plus, that ELEKTRA spin-off sort of failed too.

P.S. - I bet that you're gonna assault on Danny Trejo's ass when you watch DELTA FARCE, right?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 03:15 AM

Tokyo Olympiad
(First Viewing)

Ichikawa's cameras follow the 1964 Summer Olympics from opening to closing ceremonies. Sometimes he focuses on spectators, as athletes pass in a blur; sometimes he isolates a competitor; other times, it's a closeup of muscles as a hammer is thrown or a barbell lifted; or, we watch a race from start to finish. We see come-from-behind wins in the women's 800 and the men's 10,000 meters. We follow an athlete from Chad from arrival to meals, training, competition, and loss. Throughout, the film celebrates the nobility of athletes pushing themselves to the limit, regardless of victory.

A GREAT documentary about the 1964 Olympics that took place in Tokyo. A 3-hour journey to give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what happened over those 15 days in October of 1964. It truly made the viewer feel as if they were actually there and surprisingly, the quality of the film is terrific (in part due to Criterion, I'm sure). The film begins with the opening ceremony, then shows at least bits and pieces of every event and usually the winners and ends with the closing ceremony. An interesting look for those who feel that sports play a huge role in our world (almost as much as politics).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 03:15 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - I bet that you're gonna assault on Danny Trejo's ass when you watch DELTA FARCE, right?


I have no plans to see Delta Farce
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 06:39 AM

The Most Dangerous Game (1932)
(Second Viewing)

After surviving a shipwreck in reefs not signalized in the maritime charts, the famous hunter Rober "Bob" Rainsford (Joel McCrea) is lodged by the Russian hunter Count Zaroff (Leslie Banks) in his castle in an isolated island. Bob meets Eve Trowbridge (Fay Wray) and her brother Martin Trowbridge (Robert Armstrong) also survivors of another wrecked vessel and hosted by Zaroff. Sooner, Bob and Eve find that they are part of a hunting game plotted by the insane Zarof where they are the chase, and they have to escape and survive until the next morning to Zaroff and his hounds.

Definitely a film that I'd put up there with the likes of King Kong or anything else. Leslie Banks was terrific as Count Zaroff. A little short with a runtime of only 63 minutes, but every minute is worth it. If you've never seen this film or have enjoyed the short story which it's based on, get your hands on a copy of this picture. You won't be disappointed!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 06:45 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Definitely a film that I'd put up there with the likes of King Kong or anything else.
"Anything else"?

You mean 'old' films...?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 07:00 AM

Yeah I should have specified. Yes, I'd put it up there with other classics
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 07:13 AM

Have you seen Joel McCrea in Foreign Correspondent? It's one of my favourite Hitchcock films.

And Leslie Banks is in the 1934 version of The Man Who Knew Too Much.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 08:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Great review Fame. When you do pen up a cinema opinion, you sir rock.

.


Thanx man. I think you'd be pleased to know that next week I'll be watching ANGEL HEART and YEAR OF THE DRAGON for the first time.

I've yet to see THE DEPARTED but I must say I find it quite amusing that DiCaprio, Damon and Wahlberg are in the same film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 08:28 AM

Amusing how? Is it here to amuse you? What makes it funny? Like a clown?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 01:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Have you seen Joel McCrea in Foreign Correspondent? It's one of my favourite Hitchcock films.

And Leslie Banks is in the 1934 version of The Man Who Knew Too Much.


I haven't seen either
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 01:44 PM

I just got "Butterfly" and "Crash" (1978) in the mail, anyone seen them yet?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 01:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Fame
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Great review Fame. When you do pen up a cinema opinion, you sir rock.

.


Thanx man. I think you'd be pleased to know that next week I'll be watching ANGEL HEART and YEAR OF THE DRAGON for the first time.

I've yet to see THE DEPARTED but I must say I find it quite amusing that DiCaprio, Damon and Wahlberg are in the same film.


Oh f*cking awesome man! Two very good Mickey Rourke vehicles in the 1980s, and worthy flicks for Michael "I killed a studio that Tom Cruise now Runs" Cimino and Alan "What the Hell happened to my career?!?" Parker.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 01:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - I bet that you're gonna assault on Danny Trejo's ass when you watch DELTA FARCE, right?


I have no plans to see Delta Farce


But you did for EPIC MOVIE? I won't ever see it, but I won't hold it against you if you do want to see it. I mean, someone on these boards have to take the bullet for the rest of us.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 01:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
I just got "Butterfly" and "Crash" (1978) in the mail, anyone seen them yet?


You mean CRASH that airplane crash TV drama, and not David Cronenberg's cool movie about people getting sexually aroused from car wrecks?
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 02:08 PM

No, the sexually aroused from car wrecks one.

There was a crash made in 2000 or so too wasn't there? Thats why I said 1978
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 02:36 PM

Cronenberg's Crash is 1996.

It's brilliant.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 02:50 PM

Yeah you're right, I must have clicked on the wrong movie when I saw 1978...don't ask lol.

The 2005 Crash I heard was decent, not the same as 1996 but that 1996's was better.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 02:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Spider-Man 3 *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

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

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

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


I saw Spider-Man 3 last night and I think Irish's review is fair, although I think 3 1/2 stars is a bit generous. I'd give it 2 1/2 to 3.

I think this series works on many levels. Of course it's a superhero movie but it's also a love story and at many times an outright comedy. I enjoyed it but I think it just had too much going on. I found Sandman a bit too sympathetic and I thought that Venom could have been fleshed out a bit more. Had they concentrated on one villain instead of two maybe they would have had time to do so.

James Franco was great. He has that rare ability to make you love him then hate him in the blink of an eye. I find Harry's character to be the most tragic of the trilogy. If it's the end of the franchise (as we know it anyway) I think the ending was very fitting.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 03:01 PM

Spiderman-4 is planned for 2009 the last I read......umm yeah
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 03:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Spiderman-4 is planned for 2009 the last I read......umm yeah


Who's supposed to star ?
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 03:36 PM

Not sure yet the last I heard, but I think trilogies are fine. I hated the ending of SM-3, but still. They start milking these franchises for all they are worth, and the 3rd installment was HORRIBLE, it had nothing on the first 2.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 05:39 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Not sure yet the last I heard, but I think trilogies are fine. I hated the ending of SM-3, but still. They start milking these franchises for all they are worth, and the 3rd installment was HORRIBLE, it had nothing on the first 2.


Spider-Man 3 Spoiler Alert

Warning, Spoiler:
I hated the end, too. Sandman walking off into the sunset like some smpathetic anti-hero was ridiculous and Harry getting killed off was a bad idea. Watching the Goblin and Spider-Man in action together was the best part of the movie. I know they have to stay true to the comic book but they could have looked the other way in the name of entertainment.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 06:01 PM

Here is my question for the entire Spider Man series.....they spent how many 100's of millions on that franchise? And not once, NOT ONCE, did an assistant somewhere say "Hey, lets spring for the $40 to get MaryJane a bra?"
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 06:12 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
And not once, NOT ONCE, did an assistant somewhere say "Hey, lets spring for the $40 to get MaryJane a bra?"


Or let's get her teeth fixed.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 06:14 PM

I guess we were looking at different things ;\) lol
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 06:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
I guess we were looking at different things ;\) lol


Hey Junior, I might be, er, 40 something but I'm not dead!!

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 07:04 PM

Try $300 million for SPIDER-MAN 3. No, I don't know where the cash went. I mean, remember last summer when the media shat on SUPERMAN RETURNS for costing $225+ million? My My time flies!

Pizzaboy, Irishman is the Salvation Army/Goodwill of criticism. If he likes a flick, he really likes it. If he hates it, its pure hatred. Seriously, he and Ebert should go out for booze sometime and talk about that quaint method of ratings.

I haven't seen SPIDER-MAN 3, but jesus the hate against it on the internet reminds me of the insane levels that BATMAN & ROBIN, THE PHANTOM MENACE*, and others got.

*=Speaking of that, anyone bust a laugh when George Lucas called SPIDERMAN 3 silly? I haven't seen SM3, but considering that Lucas' bullshit with the prequels....I don't he has shit to shit on SM3.

In other words, its like if Brett Ratner criticized Richard Donner for directing formulaic cop action/comedy sequels to the nill point? You know, hypocrisy?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 07:36 PM

George Lucas is really a hypocrite making a statement like that. I mean, it's okay that we're gonna see INDIANA JONES using a walker and his father using one of those Boca Raton scooters to hunt the Holy Grail, but God forbid someone wants to capitalize on the rebirth of the superhero craze. Then it's silly.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 11:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - I bet that you're gonna assault on Danny Trejo's ass when you watch DELTA FARCE, right?


I have no plans to see Delta Farce


But you did for EPIC MOVIE? I won't ever see it, but I won't hold it against you if you do want to see it. I mean, someone on these boards have to take the bullet for the rest of us.


I'm have a gluttony for punishment I guess seeing as how I've seen BOTH Date Movie and Epic Movie (twice)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 11:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Spiderman-4 is planned for 2009 the last I read......umm yeah


The villains are supposed to be
Warning, Spoiler:
The Lizard and Carnage
But yes, I've also heard Sony plans on doing at least 3 more. All I can say is GIVE ME KRAVEN!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/07 11:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Pizzaboy, Irishman is the Salvation Army/Goodwill of criticism. If he likes a flick, he really likes it. If he hates it, its pure hatred. Seriously, he and Ebert should go out for booze sometime and talk about that quaint method of ratings.


As long as he's buying \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/07 02:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
P.S. - I bet that you're gonna assault on Danny Trejo's ass when you watch DELTA FARCE, right?


I have no plans to see Delta Farce


But you did for EPIC MOVIE? I won't ever see it, but I won't hold it against you if you do want to see it. I mean, someone on these boards have to take the bullet for the rest of us.


I'm have a gluttony for punishment I guess seeing as how I've seen BOTH Date Movie and Epic Movie (twice)


Ouch. Maybe you go out with your girl next time, she'll put clothespins on your nipples. Double the pleasure!
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/07 02:04 AM

I'm about to watch Analyze This for abut the 100th time. I love it. So, tell me someone, what the hell were Crystal and DeNiro thinking when they made that piece of crap sequel Analyze That?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/07 02:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Spiderman-4 is planned for 2009 the last I read......umm yeah


The villains are supposed to be
Warning, Spoiler:
The Lizard and Carnage
But yes, I've also heard Sony plans on doing at least 3 more. All I can say is GIVE ME KRAVEN!


All I say is....No More.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/07 02:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Pizzaboy, Irishman is the Salvation Army/Goodwill of criticism. If he likes a flick, he really likes it. If he hates it, its pure hatred. Seriously, he and Ebert should go out for booze sometime and talk about that quaint method of ratings.


As long as he's buying \:p


You make a crippled sick old man buy for you? What a bastard! ;\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/07 03:12 PM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
I'm about to watch Analyze This for abut the 100th time. I love it. So, tell me someone, what the hell were Crystal and DeNiro thinking when they made that piece of crap sequel Analyze That?

money \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/07 03:15 PM

DeNiro has been doing crap to help support his Tribeca festival, and to get personal stuff like THE GOOD SHEPERD a reality.

I don't know what Pacino's excuse is.

SVSG, ka-ching!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/07 08:09 PM

The Fountain
(First Viewing)

Spanning over one thousand years, and three parallel stories, The Fountain is a story of love, death, spirituality, and the fragility of our existence in this world.


I know I didn't understand everything that happened in this movie but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Hugh Jackman has put together some good films since the original X-Men and his 2 latest The Prestige and The Fountain are just what he needs to throttle him as an A-list actor (if he isn't one already). I still need to see Pi but I did enjoy Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream and The Fountain. I wonder what took him so long to make another film? 6 years its been. In any case, I'm eagerly anticipating the next film that he's writing, Lone Wolf and Cub for a 2008 release!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/07 10:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The Fountain
(First Viewing)

Spanning over one thousand years, and three parallel stories, The Fountain is a story of love, death, spirituality, and the fragility of our existence in this world.


I know I didn't understand everything that happened in this movie but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Hugh Jackman has put together some good films since the original X-Men and his 2 latest The Prestige and The Fountain are just what he needs to throttle him as an A-list actor (if he isn't one already). I still need to see Pi but I did enjoy Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream and The Fountain. I wonder what took him so long to make another film? 6 years its been. In any case, I'm eagerly anticipating the next film that he's writing, Lone Wolf and Cub for a 2008 release!


What took 6 years? Try an aborted BATMAN: YEAR ONE film project with Frank Miller. Now thats a script you should try to read sometime. Imagine Miller's macho-forceful narrative, but neutered with insanely stupid shit(Alfred is a black mechanic, the Batmobile is a cadillac, and Batman kills everyone in sight!)

Nevermind THE FOUNTAIN initially began as a $70+ million movie with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. When Pitt got moviestar prima-donna pissy, he quit and the movie was "toned down" for $35 million with Jackman and Darren A's wife Weisz.

Who says LONE WOLF & CUB* is his next? He's got that Boston boxing movie next with Matt Damon and Mark Whalberg, and that ballet movie. My money is on the boxing flick being next.

*=IMDB.com aint reliable at all. Anyone can post info. I should try to pencil in VEGA BROTHERS for 2008, and you'll report it earnestly.

But, glad you liked the movie.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/07 01:32 PM

I watched, for the first time in years, Saturday Night Fever. It's been on a lot recently, but for some reason I was in the mood to see it yesterday. It was kind of fun. What a young (and thin) Travolta. \:o Reminded me of just how popular that movie was at the time. Whethr you like/liked Disco or not, Travolta had some great moves that's for sure. \:\) And, I'm sure that the BeeGees had no idea how big their music would be because of that movie. It was fun and reminiscent to watch again. \:\)


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/07 04:56 AM

Dark Blue 1/2
(First Viewing)

Set in the Los Angeles Police Department in April 1992, Dark Blue is a dramatic thriller that takes place just days before the acquittal of four white officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King and the subsequent L.A. riots. In this racially-charged climate,the LAPD's elite Special Investigations Squad (SIS) is assigned a high-profile quadruple homicide. As they work the case, veteran detective Eldon Perry, known for his tough street tactics and fiery temper, tutors SIS rookie Bobby Keough in the grim realities of police intimidation and corruption. Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Holland, the only man in the department willing to stand up to the SIS, threatens to end Perry's brand of singlehanded "justice" on the Los Angeles streets. While navigating through the tumultuous neighborhoods of South Central L.A., Perry and Keough must track down cold-blooded killers and face their own demons, which prove to be more ruthless than the criminals they pursue.

Director Ron Shelton had a pretty decent career going with Bull Durham, White Men Can't Jump, Cobb and Tin Cup until his final 3 projects: Play It To The Bone, Dark Blue and Hollywood Homicide. Same thing goes for Kurt Russell. Hopefully Grindhouse will revive his career although that's doubtful now since it was considered a dud at the box office.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/07 02:15 PM

I watched World Trade Center Saturday night and was disappointed. While the story of the two main characters was certainly compelling, I just walked away with an empty feeling from the film. I learned some things about the survivors - namely the hell they experienced while under the rubble. Seeing one of the guys buried with the two survivors commit suicide after more debris fell was awful. I never knew about all of the fire shooting down the rubble at different intervals after these two men were trapped.

Part of the problem for me was that there were a massive amount of stories to be told on 9/11. To limit the stories to be told in a film was, no doubt, a tough choice. Oliver Stone wisely left his politics out of the film, but it was still a rather vanilla movie IMO.

I'd give it 2 stars out of 5. I'm not a big Nicholas Cage fan to begin with, but he was less annoying in this film than in his others.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/07 02:32 PM

WTC is awful.

Cage is at his most effective when he's literally crippled under an entire felled building. It looks like it was shot for TV, shows little skill for editing, lacks any rhythm whatsoever.

Flat, completely ordinary.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/07 03:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: goombah
I watched World Trade Center Saturday night and was disappointed. While the story of the two main characters was certainly compelling, I just walked away with an empty feeling from the film. I learned some things about the survivors - namely the hell they experienced while under the rubble. Seeing one of the guys buried with the two survivors commit suicide after more debris fell was awful. I never knew about all of the fire shooting down the rubble at different intervals after these two men were trapped.

Part of the problem for me was that there were a massive amount of stories to be told on 9/11. To limit the stories to be told in a film was, no doubt, a tough choice. Oliver Stone wisely left his politics out of the film, but it was still a rather vanilla movie IMO.

I'd give it 2 stars out of 5. I'm not a big Nicholas Cage fan to begin with, but he was less annoying in this film than in his others.


I've got to concur with your score and review. If it wasn't just the fact that the film was amazingly bland, flat, and non-offending to the point that whatever possible story, in humanistic and in cinematic dramatic narrative storytelling, is both screwed over...and considering that Paul Greengrass's UNITED 93 was non-political but was able to create an intelligent and artful film...it makes WORLD TRADE CENTER and Oliver Stone both look even more unimpressive.

The fact that the real-life people had total control of their story might factor into this. I'm not trashing them, since its their story, they would have the right to control it, but there is a story to work with dramatically...and that its two men trapped in purgatory on Earth: Darkness and rubble traps them from the light, yet their lives of the "Light" hanging by a string.

Right?

WORLD TRADE CENTER (2006) - **
UNITED 93 (2006) - ****1/2
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/07 04:31 PM

Great point about United 93 Ronnierocket. I forgot about that movie and it was far superior to Stone's movie and was made without any big-time actors. I agree with you - it is their story and I don't want to sound like I'm trashing what they experienced. But how in the hell can a movie about (arguably) the most devastating day in our nation's history be described as "bland?" Somehow, Stone managed this nearly impossible feat quite easily.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/07 07:46 PM

Hook
(First Viewing)

Peter Pan (Williams) has grown up to be a cut-throat merger and acquisitions lawyer, and is married to Wendy's granddaughter. Captain Hook (Hoffman) kidnaps his children, and Peter returns to Never Land with Tinkerbell (Roberts). With the help of her and the Lost Boys, he must remember how to be Peter Pan again in order to save his children by battling with Captain Hook once again.

I thought the story was pretty lame. I think they should have done a live action film based on the Disney cartoon, like they would later do in 2003. The Lost Boys were quite irritable as I figured. Dustin Hoffman was the only benefit of watching the film as Captain James Hook. Although I was very surprised to see a young 19-year-old Gwyneth Paltrow in only her second movie. \:o
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/07 11:33 PM

Hotel Rwanda 2004 (nth Viewing)



Hotel Rwanda tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a Rwandan hotel manager whose world is turned upside-down during his country's political unrest and subsequent genocide. Turning his hotel, the Milles Collines, into a makeshift refugee camp, Rusesbagina shields hundreds of Tutsi citizens from certain death at the hands of the Hutu.

Defintley one of the best filmsof the new Millenium,pity its based on true events.

Hey Irish how do you get those nice stars next to the film title.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/07 06:15 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Hey Irish how do you get those nice stars next to the film title.


It's in the "smilies" box next to "wrap some text in PHP tags" and "color some text" above
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/07 01:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Hook
(First Viewing)

Peter Pan (Williams) has grown up to be a cut-throat merger and acquisitions lawyer, and is married to Wendy's granddaughter. Captain Hook (Hoffman) kidnaps his children, and Peter returns to Never Land with Tinkerbell (Roberts). With the help of her and the Lost Boys, he must remember how to be Peter Pan again in order to save his children by battling with Captain Hook once again.

I thought the story was pretty lame. I think they should have done a live action film based on the Disney cartoon, like they would later do in 2003. The Lost Boys were quite irritable as I figured. Dustin Hoffman was the only benefit of watching the film as Captain James Hook. Although I was very surprised to see a young 19-year-old Gwyneth Paltrow in only her second movie. \:o


Oh, that 2003 film that flopped?

Anyway, HOOK has a nice "high concept" premise idea that could have been a contender. I mean, what if Peter Pan did grow up? One can work wonders with such an idea.

Instead, it becomes cooked up as a lame vehicle that I guess Spielberg was trying to create yet another broad entertainment mega-hit....only for it to backfire severly in his face. I think another critical mistake is the casting.

Robin Williams? *roll eyes* Thing is, he only came in after Kevin Kline was screwed over with delays on another film. You know, Kline would have been more interesting (and it would seem more obvious from the outset of an obvious has-been charismatic hero having to get back into the tights)...

Hey Irish, imagine if Spielberg had made his live-action Peter Pan movie with MICHAEL JACKSON in the 1980s as it almost happened?

Ewww.

HOOK (1991) - *1/2
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/07 01:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: goombah
Great point about United 93 Ronnierocket. I forgot about that movie and it was far superior to Stone's movie and was made without any big-time actors. I agree with you - it is their story and I don't want to sound like I'm trashing what they experienced. But how in the hell can a movie about (arguably) the most devastating day in our nation's history be described as "bland?" Somehow, Stone managed this nearly impossible feat quite easily.


Well, Oliver Stone's career was fucked after the mega-critical/financial bomb ALEXANDER...and he took a project that would ensure that his career would continue, and it did work of sorts, WORLD TRADE CENTER did make a profit, and conservative-columnists wrote favorably of the flick(and for leftie Stone, that IS weird for me to be writing).

Anyway Goombah, I had to make the point clear about those real people because last year when I reviewed WORLD TRADE CENTER, Don Cardi got on me for calling the characters in the film "bland & boring to the point that you don't care about them at all" because somehow he thought I was saying that about the REAL people in life or something to that effect. I had to write a lengthy PM to him, explaining how it was just my review of a flat movie, not the people.
Posted By: goombah

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/07 02:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: goombah
Great point about United 93 Ronnierocket. I forgot about that movie and it was far superior to Stone's movie and was made without any big-time actors. I agree with you - it is their story and I don't want to sound like I'm trashing what they experienced. But how in the hell can a movie about (arguably) the most devastating day in our nation's history be described as "bland?" Somehow, Stone managed this nearly impossible feat quite easily.


Well, Oliver Stone's career was fucked after the mega-critical/financial bomb ALEXANDER...and he took a project that would ensure that his career would continue, and it did work of sorts, WORLD TRADE CENTER did make a profit, and conservative-columnists wrote favorably of the flick(and for leftie Stone, that IS weird for me to be writing).

Anyway Goombah, I had to make the point clear about those real people because last year when I reviewed WORLD TRADE CENTER, Don Cardi got on me for calling the characters in the film "bland & boring to the point that you don't care about them at all" because somehow he thought I was saying that about the REAL people in life or something to that effect. I had to write a lengthy PM to him, explaining how it was just my review of a flat movie, not the people.


Ronnie
I understood your point. That's why I found the movie so frustrating: how can these characters be boring in the film when what the real people actually experienced was anything but boring. It was the complete opposite in real life.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/07 09:15 PM

Vanishing Point 1/2
(First Viewing)

Kowalski, the hero of the story, works for a car delivery service. He takes delivery of a 1970 Dodge Challenger to take from Colorado to Frisco, California. Shortly after pickup, he takes a bet to get the car there in less than 15 hours. After a few run-ins with motorcycle cops and highway patrol they start a chase to bring him into custody. Along the way, Kowalski is guided by Supersoul - a blind DJ with a police radio scanner.

These are the best chase and stunt scenes on a highway that I've ever seen! Richard C. Sarafian was, to my surprise, superior to Tarantino in this regard. I loved Death Proof and, in my opinion, easily superior to Planet Terror, however Vanishing Point was probably a little better than Death Proof. Barry Newman pulled off a GREAT job as Kowalski. What impressed me the most with him was his ability to look like a bad a$$ sitting behind the wheel of a car for 90+ minutes. Great action but I was disappointed with the ending.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/07 10:52 PM

I've just come back from seeing Letters From Iwo Jima on the big screen, and can say upon initial reflection that it's yet another tremendous tally on Eastwood's "filmmaking by numbers" formula, quite a nice addition to an oeuvre consisting of over-hyped, over-long, ultra-ordinary treatments of interesting, sometimes fascinating concepts.

Eastwood's films are bland to the point that I come from them feeling rather hateful, towards this film, every other film, and people in general.

While we're at it, or while I'm in this inarticulate mood, I can't fucking stand Hotel Rwanda. What a big fucking joke of a film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/07 11:47 PM

Unforgiven is probably a top 30 film for me. If I recall, aren't you a fan of it Capo?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/07 11:49 PM

UNFORGIVEN is a great film. I have to admit though, I'm a bit bored with Eastwood's latter films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 12:50 AM

THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

40-year-old Andy Stitzer has done quite a few things in his life. He's got a cushy job stamping invoices at an electronics superstore, a nice apartment with a proud collection of action figures and comic books, good friends, a nice attitude. But there's just one little thing he hasn't quite gotten around to doing yet--something most people have done by his age. Done a lot. Andy's never, ever, ever had sex--not even by accident. So is that such a big deal? Well, for Andy's buds at the store, it sure is. Although they think he's a bit of an oddball, there's certainly a planet full of stranger (and homelier) guys who've at least had one go at having a go. They consider it their duty to help Andy out of his dire situation and go to great lengths to help him. But nothing proves effective enough to lure their friend out of lifelong chastity until he meets Trish (Catherine Keener), a 40-year-old mother of three. Andy's friends are psyched by the possibility that "it" may finally happen...until they hear that Andy and Trish have begun their relationship based on a mutual no-sex policy.

Gearing up for Judd Apatow's next picture, KNOCKED UP. This and WEDDING CRASHERS were easily the best comedies of 2005. Although since then the comedy genre hasn't been too great at striking gold again. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson both didn't have a great 2006 with THE BREAK-UP and YOU, ME AND DUPREE respectfully. However, Steve Carell is really on top of his game right now (I haven't seen THE OFFICE but I hear good things). Catherine Keener is making more of a name for herself, and I'll always remember Paul Rudd from CLUELESS (yes I know but it was one of his first movies). It's good to see Elizabeth Banks branch out from the SPIDER-MAN franchise where she's given her 2 lines of dialogue and is quickly hid away for the rest of the film. However, Seth Rogen was the most impressive for me in this film. He had the best lines IMO and I just connected with him (he also had the best and some of the only funny lines in YOU, ME AND DUPREE). I'm really looking forward to see him in a starring role and hope KNOCKED UP is a success! We need a worthy comedy already!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 01:08 AM

Or...erm...drama...umm...comedy...err.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 01:09 AM

Just watched Pan's Labyrinth, excellent movie. It has subtitles so a lot of you might not be into that, but the story itself was great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 01:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
Or...erm...drama...umm...comedy...err.


Why are you trying to start an argument?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 01:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Just watched Pan's Labyrinth, excellent movie. It has subtitles so a lot of you might not be into that, but the story itself was great.


I found the movie to be very misleading. All I had heard about it was what a great fantasy movie it was.

Warning, Spoiler:
I would consider it a period piece really. Spain 1944. About 15-20% of the film is actual fantasy. I was very disappointed with it and thought it was misleading, as did other coworkers of mine.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 01:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
Or...erm...drama...umm...comedy...err.


Why are you trying to start an argument?


I'm just kidding around dude.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 01:28 AM

I do agree with you a little Irishman, although I heard about it from someone who watched the movie so I got their review of it. I saw the commercial for the DVD after I watched it and saw that it was a little misleading.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 01:48 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Just watched Pan's Labyrinth, excellent movie. It has subtitles so a lot of you might not be into that, but the story itself was great.


Pfft, I laugh at lazy people who somehow prefer bad-dubbing over subtitles.

Why does dubbing suck ass?

Tell Irishman to watch SCARFACE in its French or Spanish-dubbed track...and you'll see it right away. The intensity and uniqueness of performances are pissed away by ill-timed dubbings that don't fit the actors at all. (Really, the Spanish track has a subdued Tony Montana. :D)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 01:49 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
Or...erm...drama...umm...comedy...err.


Why are you trying to start an argument?


Calm down man. Go get a massage, and come back.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 02:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
UNFORGIVEN is a great film. I have to admit though, I'm a bit bored with Eastwood's latter films.


UNFORGIVEN rocks.

But I do agree, Eastwood's last few films(not including LETTERS, since I haven't seen it) haven't wowed me.

MYSTIC RIVER and MILLION DOLLAR BABY both are nice showcase pieces with great actors but goddamn their scripts are weak. Anyone that tells you that MYSTIC RIVER follows the tradition of CHINATOWN....slit their nose nostril for me.

FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS was OK, but Paul Haggis couldn't script out of a melodrama piece if his kids were on fire. He's the sort of hack that is getting the awards and accolades, but he WILL become a subject of total ridicule in the near future. He's set for that trap.

As for Clint Eastwood, I think he's a pretty darn good director...but mostly for his work way before recent years when it became acceptable that Eastwood is both an ACTOR and DIRECTOR seperately...and not simply an ACTOR playing DIRECTOR as a hobby.

I mean THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES. BIRD. HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER, PALE RIDER, UNFORGIVEN, the fun crazy-bitch-psycho flick PLAY MISTY FOR ME, the criminally mother f*ckin underrated WHITE HUNTER, BLACK HEART(and that one is better than MYSTIC RIVER, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, & FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS...combined.)

The problem with Clint is that he directed so many star-vehicle clunkers. Hell, the serial killer-detective flick BLOOD WORK came before MYSTIC RIVER.

I still remember when in the Oscar campaign earlier this year, the serious Scorsese-backers were at a cyberwar with the Eastwood supporters. "Marty's" boys called Eastwood an Oscar-hungry shithead, while "Clint's Guys" called Scorsese a desperate old man trying to win an Oscar out of ego without needing it to validate his career.

It was hilarious.

PLAY MISTY FOR ME (1971) - ***
HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER (1973) - ***1/2
THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (1976) - ****
PALE RIDER (1985) - ***
HEARTBREAK RIDGE (1986) - ***
BIRD (1988) - ***1/2
WHITE HUNTER BLACK HEART (1990) - ****1/2
UNFORGIVEN (1992) - ****1/2
A PERFECT WORLD (1993) - ***1/2
MYSTIC RIVER (2003) - **1/2
MILLION DOLLAR BABY (2004) - ***
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS (2006) - ***
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 06:14 AM

DEJA VU 1/2
(Second Viewing)

A ferry filled with crewmen from the USS Nimitz and their families was blown up in New Orleans on Mardi Gras. BATF Doug Carlin is brought in to assist in the massive investigation, and gets attached to an experimental FBI surveillance unit, one that uses spacefolding technology to directly look back a little over four days into the past. While tracking down the bomber, Carlin gets an idea in his head: could they use the device to actually travel back in time and not only prevent the bombing but also the murder of a local woman whose truck was used in the bombing?

Not Tony Scott's best work (see MAN ON FIRE), or Denzel Washington (see MAN ON FIRE or MALCOLM X), or James Caviezel's (see THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST), although I must confess, it was a nice twist to see James as the villain after he just finished playing Jesus only 2 years prior. Unfortunately, Tony Scott's films have gotten weaker since MAN ON FIRE.

-MAN ON FIRE -
-DOMINO -
-DEJA VU - 1/2

I'm also not a fan of Tony Scott's proposed next project, a remake of THE WARRIORS (especially with it taking place in Los Angeles rather than New York). Needless to say being one of the only Tony Scott fans on this board I will see it, however my expectations will be low.

On a totally unrelated note, the quotes used to sell this DVD I found to be quite hilarious as Pete Hammond of Maxim was quoted not once but twice! The front cover quote reads, "a hugely entertaining high-octane action suspense thriller." The back reads, "will keep you bolted to the edge of your seat." I guess Pete has never seen MAN ON FIRE \:\/ What my attraction is to Mr. Hammond was his quote for RUNNING SCARED read, "makes KILL BILL look like Seaseme Street" Since then, if I see a Pete Hammond quote, I make sure to read it to see if he can top that asinine statement.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/07 12:19 PM

You could say that trailers for Pan's Labyrinth were insulting in another way: most of them, save for the ones circulated in arthouse cinemas, gave no indication that it was in Spanish with subtitles. Same with Gibson's Apocalypto. Some even said "From the director of Blade," (as opposed to Cronos or The Devil's Backbone, haha.

Trailers are always misleading; Little Children was the most disappointing film of last year in some respects because the trailer was so fucking good, and then the film turned out to be piss.

Anyway, Pan's Labyrinth is a tremendous film full of ambition and detail and technical wizardry, rich in allegory and suggestive ambiguity.

Man on Fire is heinous.

But that's the opinion of an elitist fuckface well out of his depth in this thread; argue with logic, not with "but thats jsut ur opinono OMG!"
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/07 01:17 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


But I do agree, Eastwood's last few films(not including LETTERS, since I haven't seen it) haven't wowed me.

I don't know who said it, but I somehow thought it was you who said that Letters was better than Flags. Didn't see either \:\(

 Quote:

MYSTIC RIVER and MILLION DOLLAR BABY both are nice showcase pieces with great actors but goddamn their scripts are weak. Anyone that tells you that MYSTIC RIVER follows the tradition of CHINATOWN....slit their nose nostril for me.

I liked Mystic River except for its bad ending. I like both the actors and the pace of the film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/17/07 01:55 AM

Svsg, I said that a friend of mine thought LETTERS wiped its ass with FLAGS, and I said its probably true.

I think MYSTIC RIVER's ending is maybe the biggest thing that annoyed me. Its like a tragedy thats then vindicated. Bizarrely silly.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 03:29 AM

12 Angry Men ****
Though I am seeing it for the first time, I knew the exact scenes beforehand. I recently saw the indian remake of this movie, which was basically a scene by scene copy of this. I loved it when I watched that version and was hoping that the original version would be even better. In a way I appreciate it because the copy did not dilute the strength of the original in anyway, except the basic blunder that I haven't heard of jury(public) deciding a case in India. Ok with all that off-topic comments in place, let me tell my thoughts about this movie.
I found it great that the whole movie was made in one room and it did not make it even a bit boring. This is a movie that relies solely upon the dialogues and acting, very little in terms of visual appeal. I liked the character of Henry Fonda especially because I relate to that kind of thinking, giving room for doubt. When I watched the movie, I was reminded of several board members who shall remain unnamed ( \:D )- the way each member of the jury argued.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 04:34 AM

KNOCKED UP 1/2
(First Viewing)

Slobby Ben and up and coming career girl Alison meet at a bar, and end up having a one night stand. Eight weeks later, Ben is shocked when Alison meets him and reveals that she is pregnant. Despite having little in common, the two decide that they have to at least try to make some kind of relationship work for the baby's sake.

WOO HOO, I officially went to my first advanced screening! I was pissed because last year I had the opportunity to see The Departed early too but I had to work so unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend. However, today I made plans to be off of work by 5 so I could wait in line to get a seat.

As for the movie, it was kind of a let down. It wasn't as funny as THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN although a lot of the cast members were kept in tact for this film. Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen worked well together as the main stars of the film and I enjoyed Jonah Hill and Jason Segel's work the most. Even though the film was rated R, some of the humor seemed to be a bit childish. I don't know how to explain it really since different things make different people laugh but I felt liked some of the jokes were made for a PG-13 audience. Overall, it wasn't a bad movie but not as good as I was hoping coming from Judd Apatow coming off the heels of THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 11:30 AM

svsg, 12 Angry Men is fantastic, I love it.

I'm with you on the BB thing. Whenever Fonda spoke I thought immediately of Plaw, who was still alive when I watched it.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 02:50 PM

it was a great day wednesday for me as I re-watched Kill Bill Vol. 2 - which is a masterpiece, only gets better as I watch it again and again - but I really got sucked into Scorsese's After Hours, which I watched for the first time. I bet some people here will know what I'm talking about.

just another Scorsese film 10 times better than The Departed. and definitely one of my favorites of him.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 05:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: Tony Mosrite
it was a great day wednesday for me as I re-watched Kill Bill Vol. 2 - which is a masterpiece, only gets better as I watch it again and again - but I really got sucked into Scorsese's After Hours, which I watched for the first time. I bet some people here will know what I'm talking about.

just another Scorsese film 10 times better than The Departed. and definitely one of my favorites of him.


What? Irishman thought it was bloody boring and didn't get it. Poor him.

Yeah AFTER HOURS rocks, and better than THE DEPARTED for sure. Glad you love it Tony Mosrite.

AFTER HOURS (1985) - ****
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 05:57 PM

I agree Ronnie. Great movie!! I thought Dunne and Arquette were both Oscar worthy. I enjoyed it every bit as much as KING OF COMEDY.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 06:25 PM

 Originally Posted By: Tony Mosrite
it was a great day wednesday for me as I re-watched Kill Bill Vol. 2 - which is a masterpiece, only gets better as I watch it again and again


I couldn't agree with you more here as KILL BILL VOLUME 2 is my favorite Tarantino movie and is superior to VOLUME 1

 Originally Posted By: Tony Mosrite
just another Scorsese film 10 times better than The Departed. and definitely one of my favorites of him.


But here's where you lose it. No way is AFTER HOURS better than THE DEPARTED. And yes, I did find it boring
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 06:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I agree Ronnie. Great movie!! I thought Dunne and Arquette were both Oscar worthy. I enjoyed it every bit as much as KING OF COMEDY.


My favorite part has to be the ending.

Warning, Spoiler:
The guy has a fucking shitty night out on the town, a mob wants to kill him, and he gets trapped in plaster as a statue...until Cheech & Chong's van and its sharp turn breaks him out of his prison, except its back at his workplace. Time to go BACK to work! Something about that made me laugh.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 06:31 PM

Irish Irish Irish...why do people need to choose between AFTER HOURS and KING OF COMEDY? Both rule, bitches.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 06:40 PM

I didn't say anything about THE KING OF COMEDY. I enjoyed it and own the DVD
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 07:20 PM

Irish, boring is not only a boring word, but it means you're a boring person. Only boring people get bored. Boredom is a shortcoming on your part, not the film's.

I win you lose.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 08:44 PM

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (1996) 1/2
(First Viewing)

Sherman Klump is an incredibly fat and good-hearted man. He is a college professor on the verge of a breakthrough in DNA restructuring when he meets an admirer of his, named Carla, who is a teacher new to Klump's college. He is enamored of her, but is frustrated by his tremendous bulk. He then decides to test a formula on which he's been working on himself. He is then transformed into the lecherous swinger, Buddy Love, and romantic complications ensue.

Eddie Murphy needs a 1980s comedy more than a crack addict needs another hit. Far bellow par for what an Eddie Murphy comedy used to be.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 08:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, boring is not only a boring word, but it means you're a boring person. Only boring people get bored. Boredom is a shortcoming on your part, not the film's.

I win you lose.


And you wonder why I call you an elitist Fine, I'm a boring person and only a boring person would know what a boring movie is. So I'm boring and so is the movie. I win! \:D
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 09:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, boring is not only a boring word, but it means you're a boring person. Only boring people get bored. Boredom is a shortcoming on your part, not the film's.

I win you lose.


And you wonder why I call you an elitist Fine, I'm a boring person and only a boring person would know what a boring movie is. So I'm boring and so is the movie. I win! \:D


People, consider the source. Guy thought Mean Streets was stupid.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 09:09 PM

I just finished watching a movie that I probably haven't seen in over 20 years....

The Idol Maker with Ray Sharkey.

By no means a classic or anything like that. Just a very entertaining, sit back and enjoy type movie with an excellent performance by Sharkey.

Anyone ever see it?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 09:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
And you wonder why I call you an elitist
Who said I wondered? I know why you think I'm elitist. Because you don't understand me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 09:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, boring is not only a boring word, but it means you're a boring person. Only boring people get bored. Boredom is a shortcoming on your part, not the film's.

I win you lose.


And you wonder why I call you an elitist Fine, I'm a boring person and only a boring person would know what a boring movie is. So I'm boring and so is the movie. I win! \:D


People, consider the source. Guy thought Mean Streets was stupid.


Yeah, and Kurt Russell sucks as an action star...then BOOM, masturbation reviews on GRINDHOUSE once QT says its ok to dig Da Mullet.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 09:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I just finished watching a movie that I probably haven't seen in over 20 years....

The Idol Maker with Ray Sharkey.

By no means a classic or anything like that. Just a very entertaining, sit back and enjoy type movie with an excellent performance by Sharkey.

Anyone ever see it?


Yeah I've heard of that flick. Haven't seen it, but whats it about? (Remember when people asked this question before IMDB came about?)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 10:25 PM

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES 1/2
(First Viewing)

Sensitive study of a headstrong high school football star who dreams of getting out of his small Western Pennsylvania steel town with a football scholarship. His equally ambitious coach aims at a college position, resulting in a clash which could crush the player's dreams.

A great look at how players and coaches alike wish to escape a small steel town. Tom Cruise did a good job but Lea Thompson was the reasoning behind the viewing. She absolutely smoked up the screen. A nice 1980s football drama.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 10:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, boring is not only a boring word, but it means you're a boring person. Only boring people get bored. Boredom is a shortcoming on your part, not the film's.

I win you lose.


And you wonder why I call you an elitist Fine, I'm a boring person and only a boring person would know what a boring movie is. So I'm boring and so is the movie. I win! \:D


People, consider the source. Guy thought Mean Streets was stupid.


Sure did. Got a problem with it? Totally overrated on this board. Nowhere close to being as good as GOODFELLAS, RAGING BULL or CASINO.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 10:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ALL THE RIGHT MOVES 1/2
(First Viewing)

Sensitive study of a headstrong high school football star who dreams of getting out of his small Western Pennsylvania steel town with a football scholarship. His equally ambitious coach aims at a college position, resulting in a clash which could crush the player's dreams.

A great look at how players and coaches alike wish to escape a small steel town. Tom Cruise did a good job but Lea Thompson was the reasoning behind the viewing. She absolutely smoked up the screen. A nice 1980s football drama.


You mean the VARSITY BLUES of its day?(i.e. forgettable teen-angst whiney Hollywood vehicle about jocks who are bitches.)
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 10:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I just finished watching a movie that I probably haven't seen in over 20 years....

The Idol Maker with Ray Sharkey.

By no means a classic or anything like that. Just a very entertaining, sit back and enjoy type movie with an excellent performance by Sharkey.

Anyone ever see it?


Yeah I've heard of that flick. Haven't seen it, but whats it about? (Remember when people asked this question before IMDB came about?)


Ray Sharkey plays Vincent Vacarri, a songwriter with an eye for talent, who just cannot seem to catch a break in the music business. That is until he takes a neighborhood wiseass kid and begins to cultivate and mold him into this teen idol. Eventually the success goes to this kid's head and Sharkey begins to see that he is losing control over this kid. So Sharkey goes out and finds another kid with raw talent and also turns him into a teen idol. Sharkey protects these boys, does what he thinks is best for their careers, and gives them everything that they want. But we begin to see that there is something much deeper within Sharkey's character that starts to rise to the surface, a self contained reason as to why Sharkey is so bent on becoming the ultimate Idol Maker.

Joe Pantoliano (Ralphie on The Sopranos) is Sharkey's partner and co-writer on the music, and Richard Bright (Neri from The Godfather) plays Sharkey's uncle.

As I said, not a classic by any means, but a very entertaining movie with a decent storyline.

Definitely worth a watch.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 10:35 PM

Here's one you both might agree on,I watched "Casablanca" for the first time last night,brilliant film,an ultimate classic.And that's all i have so say about that one..
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 10:48 PM

DC, Pizzaboy and I were talking about that movie not to long ago. It's a wonderful film. My favorite scene is when the kid is onstage, and Sharkey is in the wings, lipsynching and doing every hand gesture in complete tandem with the performance. It's been years since I've seen it, but I remember it fondly.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/07 10:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
DC, Pizzaboy and I were talking about that movie not to long ago. It's a wonderful film. My favorite scene is when the kid is onstage, and Sharkey is in the wings, lipsynching and doing every hand gesture in complete tandem with the performance. It's been years since I've seen it, but I remember it fondly.


Could it be because Sharkey's character is from Arthur Avenue?

Do you remember who played Sharkey's mother in the movie?

It's a fun movie to watch.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 04:01 AM

I could cheat and look it up on imdb, but honestly I don't remember. Like I said, it's been a long time since I've seen it.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 05:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, boring is not only a boring word, but it means you're a boring person. Only boring people get bored. Boredom is a shortcoming on your part, not the film's.

I win you lose.


And you wonder why I call you an elitist Fine, I'm a boring person and only a boring person would know what a boring movie is. So I'm boring and so is the movie. I win! \:D


you both have good arguments, it's a tie for a while.

but as for good taste for movies, Irish you're down! and how is AFTER HOURS boring??? anyway.... I get happy everytime I see people remember THE KING OF COMEDY. it might be the most underrated movie of all time in my opinion. I just love it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 07:05 AM

Elephant ***
Excellent movie by Gus Van Sant. I am too sleepy now. I will edit this post to write a few senteces of review tomorrow.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 08:29 AM

APOCALYPTO 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Set in the Mayan civilization, when a man's idyllic presence is brutally disrupted by a violent invading force, he is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression where a harrowing end awaits him. Through a twist of fate and spurred by the power of his love for his woman and his family he will make a desperate break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life.

I really cannot wait to see what Mel Gibson does next. The man is shaping up to be a fine director with BRAEVEHEART, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST and now APOCALYPTO under his belt. He hits another homerun as director with this film. Another controversial movie although nothing on the scale that THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST created, still an interesting look at the Mayan civilization. If you enjoyed THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, then I would recommend this movie. The temple scenary was absolutely fantastic as were the costumes. Definitely my favorite scene of the movie. Mel also throws in some action towards the end when the main character makes his journey back home, so the movie isn't totally dull. I don't understand why this wasn't on more top 10 lists last year. Maybe because it was another controversial movie but if that was the case, it's horsesh*t to ignore its achievement.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 09:29 AM

The temple scene stands out in that film. Nothing else has stayed with me. I think he's a poor craftsman.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 12:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
..And that's all i have so say about that..

Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 12:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
I could cheat and look it up on imdb, but honestly I don't remember. Like I said, it's been a long time since I've seen it.


Olympia Dukakis
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 02:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
DC, Pizzaboy and I were talking about that movie not to long ago. It's a wonderful film. My favorite scene is when the kid is onstage, and Sharkey is in the wings, lipsynching and doing every hand gesture in complete tandem with the performance. It's been years since I've seen it, but I remember it fondly.


Could it be because Sharkey's character is from Arthur Avenue?

Do you remember who played Sharkey's mother in the movie?

It's a fun movie to watch.



Great movie DC.

Sure, the Arthur Avenue scenes were great, especially the ones filmed inside Mario's, but I love the film on other levels as well, the whole "Italian-American experience" that it brings to light.

Vinnie's father is half a wiseguy yet Vinnie seems to want more out of life. He loves music, not so much for the money, but as an art. Being set in the early 60's, at a time before most Italians became upwardly mobile, it's an especially realistic portrayal of New York City Italian life. It hit really close to home for me.

Vinnie's character is actually based on Bob Marcucci, who ironically was from Philadelphia, not the Bronx. He was responsible for the careers of Frankie Avalon (Tommy D) and Fabian (Cesare).

Sharkey, who was actually half Irish - half Italian, spoke perfect Italian!
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 02:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Boredom is a shortcoming on your part, not the film's.


THAT's a GREAT pt.

If one thinks a film is sooo boring, why oh why would one even bother mentioning it? You know what I do with shit?...I step right around it.

Of course, some films never mean to serve an artistic purpose and are SHEERLY financial in their intentions/motivations. Those films ARE boring and should be shot dead.

Such as...Rocky V.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 02:52 PM

Also

Spider man 2,3,4,5,6,7,8
X Men 2,3,4,5
Freddy V Jason
Alian v Predator
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 03:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: Ice


Of course, some films never mean to serve an artistic purpose and are SHEERLY financial in their intentions/motivations. Those films ARE boring and should be shot dead.

Such as...Rocky V.


I would even rate a Paris Hilton movie ahead of Rocky V b/c at least she would be offering some quasi original ideas. Original in that she hasn't made the same movie 4 other times.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 04:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
DC, Pizzaboy and I were talking about that movie not to long ago. It's a wonderful film. My favorite scene is when the kid is onstage, and Sharkey is in the wings, lipsynching and doing every hand gesture in complete tandem with the performance. It's been years since I've seen it, but I remember it fondly.


Could it be because Sharkey's character is from Arthur Avenue?

Do you remember who played Sharkey's mother in the movie?

It's a fun movie to watch.



Great movie DC.

Sure, the Arthur Avenue scenes were great, especially the ones filmed inside Mario's, but I love the film on other levels as well, the whole "Italian-American experience" that it brings to light.

Vinnie's father is half a wiseguy yet Vinnie seems to want more out of life. He loves music, not so much for the money, but as an art. Being set in the early 60's, at a time before most Italians became upwardly mobile, it's an especially realistic portrayal of New York City Italian life. It hit really close to home for me.

Vinnie's character is actually based on Bob Marcucci, who ironically was from Philadelphia, not the Bronx. He was responsible for the careers of Frankie Avalon (Tommy D) and Fabian (Cesare).

Sharkey, who was actually half Irish - half Italian, spoke perfect Italian!



Sharkey plays a perfect Italian. I didn't realize that it was shot inside Marios. I was there many years ago and remember that it was an excellent restaurant.

Ever see Sharkey as Sonny Steelgrave in the Ken Wahl 'WISEGUY' television series? Outstanding show with an outstanding performance by Sharkey.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 05:05 PM

Great show DC. I have the entire series on dvd.

I actually meant to say the whole "arc" on dvd.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 05:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
The temple scene stands out in that film. Nothing else has stayed with me.


After a second viewing, I agree. What would you give the film?
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 05:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: Tony Mosrite
I really got sucked into Scorsese's After Hours, which I watched for the first time. I bet some people here will know what I'm talking about.


I found this to be the best Marty picture that I've ever seen. And I did get sucked into it, while I had plans for watching another movie, but then I couldn't stop watching it.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 07:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: Ice
 Originally Posted By: Ice


Of course, some films never mean to serve an artistic purpose and are SHEERLY financial in their intentions/motivations. Those films ARE boring and should be shot dead.

Such as...Rocky V.


I would even rate a Paris Hilton movie ahead of Rocky V b/c at least she would be offering some quasi original ideas. Original in that she hasn't made the same movie 4 other times.


I really detest every single installment of Rocky.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 07:39 PM

The problem with the ROCKY movies is that they progressively got simpler, sillier, and generic-audience friendly turds. Considering that Stallone scripted all the movies, and directed ROCKY II through Part IV, I say hes to blame.

If anything, look at Stallone with the first ROCKY. Struggling would-be actor/writer with a voice fucked-up that traditionally wouldn't cut it in Hollywood...but he made it.

By the time of the bomb(financially, critically, and creatively) that was ROCKY V, Stallone was an super mega-egomaniac this side of Hulk Hogan. He needed to not only be humbled, but CRASH & BURN humbled.

Maybe thats why ROCKY BALBOA is actually a decent movie.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 07:42 PM

Well, he did give the world STOP OR MY MOM WILL SHOOT.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 07:43 PM

Don't forget PARADISE ALLEY(the only Italian-American Great Depression movie that centers around Pro Wrestling!)
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 07:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
I really detest every single installment of Rocky.



He laughed all the way to the bank!

Rocky cost about $1.1 million to make, and grossed about $225 million worldwide. Rocky II grossed $200 million worldwide. And that's just from his first two Rocky movies!


Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 07:51 PM

NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS
(First Viewing)

Professor Sherman Klump is getting married. And the Klump family could not be more delighted for him. But Buddy Love, his Mr. Hyde alter-ego from the first film, is back and trying to make it on his own. Buddy keeps resurfacing in untimely outbursts, and threatening the portly professor's marriage plans to colleague Denise Gaines. Utilizing Denise's cutting-edge DNA research, Sherman decides to rid himself of his monstrous nemesis -and his disruptive outbursts-once and for all by extracting Buddy's DNA from his system. But Buddy bursts full-bodied into Sherman's world and lays claim to the professor's astounding invention - a revolutionary youth serum. Desperate to keep it from Buddy, Sherman hides the serum in the Klump family home, thinking it will be safe. Buddy correctly divines where Sherman has placed the serum, but to get it, he has to deal with the entire Klump family first.

Another terrible script. I don't see how writer Steve Oedekerk continues to get work. Here are some of the projects he's helped write, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS, THUMB WARS: THE PHANTOM CUTICLE, BAT THUMB, THE GODTHUMB, FRANKENTHUMB, THE BLAIR THUMB, KUNG POW: ENTER THE FIST, THUMBTANIC and BRUCE ALMIGHTY (I didn't find it to be that great). Why do I get the feeling that NORBIT will be exactly like these last 2 films? I was really hoping that I-SPY would have gotten Eddie back on track in 2002. Then he did DREAMGIRLS last year. But no, he still continues to do THE DADDY DAY CARES and DR. DOLITTLE'S, etc. If Quentin Tarantino every makes INGLORIOUS BASTARDS and if the rumors are true and he casts Eddie Murphy, I pray that will finally turn around his downward spiraling career.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 07:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Don't forget PARADISE ALLEY(the only Italian-American Great Depression movie that centers around Pro Wrestling!)


A very enjoyable and fun movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 08:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS
(First Viewing)

Professor Sherman Klump is getting married. And the Klump family could not be more delighted for him. But Buddy Love, his Mr. Hyde alter-ego from the first film, is back and trying to make it on his own. Buddy keeps resurfacing in untimely outbursts, and threatening the portly professor's marriage plans to colleague Denise Gaines. Utilizing Denise's cutting-edge DNA research, Sherman decides to rid himself of his monstrous nemesis -and his disruptive outbursts-once and for all by extracting Buddy's DNA from his system. But Buddy bursts full-bodied into Sherman's world and lays claim to the professor's astounding invention - a revolutionary youth serum. Desperate to keep it from Buddy, Sherman hides the serum in the Klump family home, thinking it will be safe. Buddy correctly divines where Sherman has placed the serum, but to get it, he has to deal with the entire Klump family first.

Another terrible script. I don't see how writer Steve Oedekerk continues to get work. Here are some of the projects he's helped write, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS, THUMB WARS: THE PHANTOM CUTICLE, BAT THUMB, THE GODTHUMB, FRANKENTHUMB, THE BLAIR THUMB, KUNG POW: ENTER THE FIST, THUMBTANIC and BRUCE ALMIGHTY (I didn't find it to be that great). Why do I get the feeling that NORBIT will be exactly like these last 2 films? I was really hoping that I-SPY would have gotten Eddie back on track in 2002. Then he did DREAMGIRLS last year. But no, he still continues to do THE DADDY DAY CARES and DR. DOLITTLE'S, etc. If Quentin Tarantino every makes INGLORIOUS BASTARDS and if the rumors are true and he casts Eddie Murphy, I pray that will finally turn around his downward spiraling career.


Fuck Murphy.

He's an asshole with a legendary shithead reputation in Hollywood (which is a good reason probably why the industry voting-members snubbed Eddie at the Oscars).

Irish, Murphy doing absolutely crap isn't anything new. In fact, his downward spiral began with THE GOLDEN CHILD, a turkey of a flop. I dare you to watch that turd sometime.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 08:25 PM

He was never better than in TRADING PLACES, never worse than ANYTHING after BEVERLY HILLS COP II.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 08:29 PM

I watched THE GOLDEN CHILD once.

The only thing I remember was Charlotte Lewis being incredibly hot.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 08:31 PM

I think Tiger Woods played THE GOLDEN CHILD.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 08:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, Murphy doing absolutely crap isn't anything new. In fact, his downward spiral began with THE GOLDEN CHILD, a turkey of a flop. I dare you to watch that turd sometime.


I did and I own it on DVD. It's better than any comedy he did in the 1990s save for BOOMERANG and BEVERLY HILLS COP III
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 09:34 PM

I watched I-Spy with Eddie Murphy in a while back that was OK,just a simple comady with i think Owen Wilson,i looked on IMDB and they won some awards for this film.----Worst Screen Duo for that Year...LOL
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 09:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, Murphy doing absolutely crap isn't anything new. In fact, his downward spiral began with THE GOLDEN CHILD, a turkey of a flop. I dare you to watch that turd sometime.


I did and I own it on DVD. It's better than any comedy he did in the 1990s save for BOOMERANG and BEVERLY HILLS COP III


Umm, what about THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN? Not really a special comedy, but it did have a cool political plot(scheming jerk who happened to have the same last name as his Congressman, runs for that House seat, and WINS based on name recognition) that actually came true years later(Then again, director Jonathan Lynn was the brains behind YES MINISTER, that great British TV series about politics).

THE GOLDEN CHILD for Eddie Murphy is for that career like LAST ACTION HERO was for Arnold Schwarzenegger: Super big-budget lame dud that wrecked their careers.

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
He was never better than in TRADING PLACES, never worse than ANYTHING after BEVERLY HILLS COP II.


What do you mean by BHC2 exactly pizzaboy?

Oh, and yeah TRADING PLACES rules bitches. "Ohh, bubbles! When I was a kid, I had to fart in the tub!"
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 10:05 PM

Elephant ***
One of the great things about slow movies is that while the scenes unfold slowly, the audience start to gather their personal thoughts about the theme and slowly get involved deeper and deeper into the movie. This is one such movie, where you will not see any story at all. It just shows one day in a school that ends in a shootout. We are shown bits and pieces of various characters before the incident, but we are not allowed to know more about them. The beautiful part is that many scenes are shot in multiple angles and we get to see a different perspective as the character changes, sometimes meeting at the same point where we left with the previous character. The camera moves painfully slowly or is static to the point that the action happens outside the frame often. The music is great, especially when one of the shooter plays the piano. I am not sure if it is a popular piece of music, can anybody comment? This is a slow, but high quality movie. If you are not very particular about story/plot, you might like it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 10:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Elephant ***
One of the great things about slow movies is that while the scenes unfold slowly, the audience start to gather their personal thoughts about the theme and slowly get involved deeper and deeper into the movie. This is one such movie, where you will not see any story at all. It just shows one day in a school that ends in a shootout. We are shown bits and pieces of various characters before the incident, but we are not allowed to know more about them. The beautiful part is that many scenes are shot in multiple angles and we get to see a different perspective as the character changes, sometimes meeting at the same point where we left with the previous character. The camera moves painfully slowly or is static to the point that the action happens outside the frame often. The music is great, especially when one of the shooter plays the piano. I am not sure if it is a popular piece of music, can anybody comment? This is a slow, but high quality movie. If you are not very particular about story/plot, you might like it.


What was incredible about ELEPHANT was the fact that its a pastiche of high school personalities. There is a story, but the plot isn't the focus of the film at all, but instead a device to allow us to glimpse a voyeur sight of these people, without any bullshit expositional dialogue or whatever nonsense that unsecure directors would have to make us CLEARLY understand.

I can't wait for Irish's review.

*cue The Comic Book Guy from THE SIMPSONS*

"The most boring movie EVER!"
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 10:44 PM

I took my 10 year old today to see Shrek The Third. It was ok but I didn't like it as much as I liked Shrek #2. Has anyone else seen it yet?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/19/07 11:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, Murphy doing absolutely crap isn't anything new. In fact, his downward spiral began with THE GOLDEN CHILD, a turkey of a flop. I dare you to watch that turd sometime.


I did and I own it on DVD. It's better than any comedy he did in the 1990s save for BOOMERANG and BEVERLY HILLS COP III


Umm, what about THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN? Not really a special comedy, but it did have a cool political plot(scheming jerk who happened to have the same last name as his Congressman, runs for that House seat, and WINS based on name recognition) that actually came true years later(Then again, director Jonathan Lynn was the brains behind YES MINISTER, that great British TV series about politics).

THE GOLDEN CHILD for Eddie Murphy is for that career like LAST ACTION HERO was for Arnold Schwarzenegger: Super big-budget lame dud that wrecked their careers.


I never saw THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN, but surprise surprise, I did enjoy LAST ACTION HERO. Sure it's lame, but at least it's better than JUNIOR, KINDERGARDEN COP, etc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 02:14 AM

LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
(First Viewing)

The island of Iwo Jima stands between the American military force and the home islands of Japan. Therefore the Imperial Japanese Army is desperate to prevent it from falling into American hands and providing a launching point for an invasion of Japan. General Tadamichi Kuribayashi is given command of the forces on the island and sets out to prepare for the imminent attack. General Kuribayashi, however, does not favor the rigid traditional approach recommended by his subordinates, and resentment and resistance fester among his staff. In the lower echelons, a young soldier, Saigo, a poor baker in civilian life, strives with his friends to survive the harsh regime of the Japanese army itself, all the while knowing that a fierce battle looms. When the American invasion begins, both Kuribayashi and Saigo find strength, honor, courage, and horrors beyond imagination.

Clint Eastwood as an actor is fine but as a director the man just doesn't impress me. UNFORGIVEN, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS and LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA were all Ok. My favorite Eastwood directed movie would probably have to be MYSTIC RIVER and even that I didn't think was great. The only positive thing I can say about this movie was what a good job Ken Watanabe did. Other than that, I was pretty much bored (yes, there goes that word again) with it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 04:17 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, Murphy doing absolutely crap isn't anything new. In fact, his downward spiral began with THE GOLDEN CHILD, a turkey of a flop. I dare you to watch that turd sometime.


I did and I own it on DVD. It's better than any comedy he did in the 1990s save for BOOMERANG and BEVERLY HILLS COP III


Umm, what about THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN? Not really a special comedy, but it did have a cool political plot(scheming jerk who happened to have the same last name as his Congressman, runs for that House seat, and WINS based on name recognition) that actually came true years later(Then again, director Jonathan Lynn was the brains behind YES MINISTER, that great British TV series about politics).

THE GOLDEN CHILD for Eddie Murphy is for that career like LAST ACTION HERO was for Arnold Schwarzenegger: Super big-budget lame dud that wrecked their careers.


I never saw THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN, but surprise surprise, I did enjoy LAST ACTION HERO. Sure it's lame, but at least it's better than JUNIOR, KINDERGARDEN COP, etc.


But Irish, thats like saying its better to have skin cancer than AIDS. Sure technically its better....but wouldn't we rather have neither?

The problem with LAST ACTION HERO, besides "Ahhnuld" taking over that production, changing the script to fit his ego-masturbation needs in the process and making it the most expensive movie of its day, is that the idea of LAH is really great, and in some ways its a nice joke on action cinema in general.

However, when it becomes more about a joke about Arnold himself and not of cinema itself, thats when the movie fails.

Still, the movie is alright and there are MUCH worse Ahhnuld films out there. *cough* THE 6TH DAY

"You killed Mozart!"
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 04:19 AM

 Originally Posted By: Mignon
I took my 10 year old today to see Shrek The Third. It was ok but I didn't like it as much as I liked Shrek #2. Has anyone else seen it yet?


Considering that the 2nd movie was a wreck of a flick that will age amazingly bad within 5 years, I guess I am FUCKED if my little cousin forces me to take him to see it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 07:27 AM

A BETTER TOMORROW 1/2
(First Viewing)

This John Woo film tells the tale of Mark and Ho, friends and couriers for a Hong Kong crime syndicate with a large counterfeiting operation. Ho is double-crossed during a set-up and turns himself in to the police and Mark is shot during the firefight of a retribution hit. The plot is complicated by the fact that Ho's younger brother, Kit, is a rookie cop whose reputation is tarnished by his gangster brother. When Ho gets out of prison, he wants to start a new life, free of crime. Unfortunately, he is haunted by his past, with the crime bosses leaning on him and Mark encouraging him to return to a life of crime as his partner. In typical Woo fashion, the various factions clash and our protagonists engage both the police and the gangsters in a bloody bullet-fest.

Not John Woo's best work but John Woo on an off day is still better than most director's on a good day in terms of action. There wasn't a lot in this film but I am excited to see A BETTER TOMORROW II again!
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 08:41 AM

WALLACE AND GROMIT AND THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT

Watched this last night with the kids!
Sheer brilliance!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 04:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Mignon
I took my 10 year old today to see Shrek The Third. It was ok but I didn't like it as much as I liked Shrek #2. Has anyone else seen it yet?


Considering that the 2nd movie was a wreck of a flick that will age amazingly bad within 5 years, I guess I am FUCKED if my little cousin forces me to take him to see it.


Little cousin, Ronnie ? Yeah right, you know you can't wait to see it.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 04:38 PM

FATSO (1980) ***1/2

Dom DeLuise stars as Domenick DiNapoli, an overweight New Yorker, being pressured by his cousin Antoinette (Anne Bancroft) to lose weight, after the premature death of his morbidly obese cousin Sal. With the help of Chubby Checkers, a Weight Watchers like support group, and the love of his new girlfriend Lydia, he faces his food demons.

This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. I don't know if it's a New York thing, an Italian thing or a weight loss thing, but if you're any or all of these I defy you to watch this movie without doubling over in laughter.

It's one of the great movies ever about Italian-American life and culture. And like I say, it's hysterical.

Yes Virginia, you can make a great movie about Italian-Americans without a single gangster in the film.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 05:36 PM

Patton (1970) ****

First things first: George C. Scott is a powerhouse in this film. Him and Karl Malden truly shine in this film. The widescreen cinematography is also brilliant, and is effectively used to give an excellent view of many battle scenes. Jerry Goldsmith's score is also wonderful. Francis Ford Coppola's script is also very good, overall a great film, one of the greatest war films ever.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 07:01 PM

Don Andrew, your sig is the greatest thing ever.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 07:25 PM

Just watched Pink Floyd The Wall, and it annoys me that it is credited to Alan Parker alone; what about Gerald Scarfe's animation?

Excellent film, though.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 07:34 PM

I just saw Cop Land for the first time. I loved that movie! What does everyone else think of it? For some reason I don't hear much about that movie, so I'm not sure if it's hated or just underrated or maybe I just somehow missed out on it until now.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 07:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
Don Andrew, your sig is the greatest thing ever.


Yours is pretty sweet too. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 08:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Mignon
I took my 10 year old today to see Shrek The Third. It was ok but I didn't like it as much as I liked Shrek #2. Has anyone else seen it yet?


Considering that the 2nd movie was a wreck of a flick that will age amazingly bad within 5 years, I guess I am FUCKED if my little cousin forces me to take him to see it.


Little cousin, Ronnie ? Yeah right, you know you can't wait to see it.


Cute Pizza, REEEEAL cute, except I hate the little bastard, STILL!, for making me take him to see ERAGON. Afterwards, I asked him nicely if he liked the film:

"Nah, that gay film sucked."

This 11 year old has a bright future ahead of him!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 08:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I just saw Cop Land for the first time. I loved that movie! What does everyone else think of it? For some reason I don't hear much about that movie, so I'm not sure if it's hated or just underrated or maybe I just somehow missed out on it until now.


I think its a good film with a nice story that gets the viewer really involved with the film, and hell the cast is dynamite.

Whatever his movies work (WALK THE LINE, COP LAND) or fail (IDENTITY), Writer/Director James Mangold can be credited with a knack that seems not that special considering his casts, which is that he seems to always get the best work from his actors.

Surely with his minimal cop part, Robert DeNiro could have coasted. Harvey "Jerry Bruckheimer, where's my next check?" Keitel could have coasted as the baddie. Robert Patrick could have coasted as the baddie sidekick. Ray Liotta could have coasted as a burned-out psychotic(a schtick he's always been playing for the last decade at least). Shit, Sylvester STallone the egomaniac fuck could have coasted as the lead.

Instead, they all busted their asses for what other castings and filmmakers would be a commercial genre movie, and we get a good movie as a result.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/20/07 08:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Just watched Pink Floyd The Wall, and it annoys me that it is credited to Alan Parker alone; what about Gerald Scarfe's animation?

Excellent film, though.


Not only that mate, but what about the fact that Alan Parker DISOWNS the movie?

A pity, since while I'm sure the film was too rough for the artistic expectations that Parker, Scarfe, and Roger Waters had, the film is rather creatively igniting for the musical genre(while cinema didn't pick up the film's ball and ran with it, MTV Music Videos did), unlike Alan Parker's other musical EVITA(great technical scope, but in soul its as empty as Madonna's conscience.)

Favorite part of the flick Capo?

PINK FLOYD THE WALL (1982) - ****
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 04:29 AM

THE GOOD GERMAN
(First Viewing)

While in post-war Berlin to cover the Potsdam Conference, an American military journalist is drawn into a murder investigation which involves his former mistress and his driver.

Even though I'm not a fan of the genre, this is the best homeage to the Noir genre I've ever seen. Steven Soderbergh really does a marvelous job making the audience feel as if the movie was really taking place in 1945. The black and white was obviously a nice touch to keep the audience in this perspective, but he does so much more with the way he changes scenes, etc. What I enjoyed the most out of this film was Tobey Maguire stepping out of his Spider-Man costume to drop quite a few F bombs along with a beat down of George Clooney. I'm sorry but I'm not used to see Tobey do that even after 3 SPIDER-MAN films.

Warning, Spoiler:
My only real beef with the film was the ending. I just felt it was too CASABLANCAish. It felt like a rip off and would liked to have seen Soderbergh be more original
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 06:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE GOOD GERMAN
(First Viewing)

While in post-war Berlin to cover the Potsdam Conference, an American military journalist is drawn into a murder investigation which involves his former mistress and his driver.

Even though I'm not a fan of the genre, this is the best homeage to the Noir genre I've ever seen. Steven Soderbergh really does a marvelous job making the audience feel as if the movie was really taking place in 1945. The black and white was obviously a nice touch to keep the audience in this perspective, but he does so much more with the way he changes scenes, etc. What I enjoyed the most out of this film was Tobey Maguire stepping out of his Spider-Man costume to drop quite a few F bombs along with a beat down of George Clooney. I'm sorry but I'm not used to see Tobey do that even after 3 SPIDER-MAN films.

Warning, Spoiler:
My only real beef with the film was the ending. I just felt it was too CASABLANCAish. It felt like a rip off and would liked to have seen Soderbergh be more original


Then how about Tobey in THE ICE STORM, before that Spidey stuff?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 12:25 PM

Favourite scene in The Wall:

"We Don't Need No Education", with an assembly line of kids institutionalised into robots, all wearing anonymous, scary masks and falling into a grinder out of which meat exits. The production values impressed me very much, and the theme held resonance.

I can't fucking stand the education system.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 01:04 PM

says the one who's studying higher education
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 01:34 PM

I'm in it because I believe I'm strong enough to use it to my means; I've gone through the last three or four years struggling to maintain a sense of individuality, personality, and not be bogged down into a dumbed down institutionalised robot with aspirations of buying a car and bringing up a family and then die "happy".

Higher education has a problem with fees; I've been here a year now, enjoyed it, but can't quite see how £3,000 has been justified (and they don't tell you this before you come, but that's just admin fees, it doesn't count all the fucking textbooks they tell you that you need to buy in addition. Everything before higher education has a serious problem with the way the system is set up.

Basically, it's not so much teaching these days as it is bringing people up to serve the State and make money. Everything is taught with the purpose of making a profit. Everyone is in love with Money. Education doesn't really educate; it manipulates. There's little room for a personality these days.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 04:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE GOOD GERMAN
(First Viewing)

While in post-war Berlin to cover the Potsdam Conference, an American military journalist is drawn into a murder investigation which involves his former mistress and his driver.

Even though I'm not a fan of the genre, this is the best homeage to the Noir genre I've ever seen. Steven Soderbergh really does a marvelous job making the audience feel as if the movie was really taking place in 1945. The black and white was obviously a nice touch to keep the audience in this perspective, but he does so much more with the way he changes scenes, etc. What I enjoyed the most out of this film was Tobey Maguire stepping out of his Spider-Man costume to drop quite a few F bombs along with a beat down of George Clooney. I'm sorry but I'm not used to see Tobey do that even after 3 SPIDER-MAN films.

Warning, Spoiler:
My only real beef with the film was the ending. I just felt it was too CASABLANCAish. It felt like a rip off and would liked to have seen Soderbergh be more original


Then how about Tobey in THE ICE STORM, before that Spidey stuff?


Haven't seen it. I've seen parts of the film but none with Tobey, only the Christina Ricci parts and 1 with Ms. Weaver and the car key party, etc.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 05:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Favourite scene in The Wall:

"We Don't Need No Education", with an assembly line of kids institutionalised into robots, all wearing anonymous, scary masks and falling into a grinder out of which meat exits. The production values impressed me very much, and the theme held resonance.

I can't fucking stand the education system.


Great sequence, though my personal favorite sequence might have to be the Fascist power-dream hallucination sequences tied to the tunes "In The Flesh", "Run Like Hell", and "Waiting For the Worms."

STOP!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 07:35 PM

A BETTER TOMORROW II
(Second Viewing)

In this sequel, Ho (Ti Lung) initially refuses to go undercover to bust the gang he used to work for in exchange for his release from prison. He only accepts after his little brother, the policeman Kit (Leslie Cheung) accepts the assignment. Meanwhile in New York Ken Gor (Chow Yun-Fat), the twin brother of Mark Gor from the 1st movie, shelters the boss of the gang, who has had to flee after it is taken over by a more aggressive leadership.

Some better action scenes but still not great (see THE KILLER or HARD BOILED). Although the end shoot out is probably my favorite John Woo action scene ever. I thought Chow Yun-Fat was a little wasted in this picture having to babysit the cataonic Uncle Lung for most of the film. Still some great stuff from the best action director ever, John Woo. I don't think I'll waste my time with A BETTER TOMORROW III. Has anyone seen it?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/21/07 09:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I'm in it because I believe I'm strong enough to use it to my means; I've gone through the last three or four years struggling to maintain a sense of individuality, personality, and not be bogged down into a dumbed down institutionalised robot with aspirations of buying a car and bringing up a family and then die "happy".

Higher education has a problem with fees; I've been here a year now, enjoyed it, but can't quite see how £3,000 has been justified (and they don't tell you this before you come, but that's just admin fees, it doesn't count all the fucking textbooks they tell you that you need to buy in addition. Everything before higher education has a serious problem with the way the system is set up.

Basically, it's not so much teaching these days as it is bringing people up to serve the State and make money. Everything is taught with the purpose of making a profit. Everyone is in love with Money. Education doesn't really educate; it manipulates. There's little room for a personality these days.


You're just realizing this now?
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/07 01:26 AM

PB, I LOVE Fatso. Although this may sound sick, the wake is one of the funniest scenes in the movie - all those huge, over-the-top floral arrangements!!

Blib, I also enjoyed Cop Land. I just saw it the other day, for the first time in years. After Goodfellas, I think it might have been Liotta's best performance.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/07 02:08 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
You're just realizing this now?
Who said it was anything new for me? I've been saying it for years.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/07 05:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
PB, I LOVE Fatso. Although this may sound sick, the wake is one of the funniest scenes in the movie - all those huge, over-the-top floral arrangements!!


"Take me with ya' Sally Boy!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/22/07 11:59 PM

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
(Nth Viewing)

This swash-buckling tale follows the quest of Captain Jack Sparrow, a savvy pirate, and Will Turner, a resourceful blacksmith, as they search for Elizabeth Swann. Elizabeth, the daughter of the governor and the love of Will's life, has been kidnapped by the feared Captain Barbossa. Little do they know, but the fierce and clever Barbossa has been cursed. He, along with his large crew, are under an ancient curse, doomed for eternity to neither live, nor die. That is, unless a blood sacrifice is made. Full of edge-of-the-seat action and swashbuckling adventures, this is a movie you won't want to miss!

Just gearing up for AT WORLD'S END on Friday. Definitely the best of the trilogy with Johnny Depp as the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow and Keira Knightley as the delicious Elizabeth Swann. A fantastic script and a surprise smash hit that has had VERY high expectations for its sequels (some of which DEAD MAN'S CHEST failed to meet in some people's opinion, including mine).
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 12:01 AM

Iconic?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 12:05 AM

Yes, iconic
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 01:36 AM

Amazing how Irish prefer a movie where the supposed "Luke Skywalker" archetype character is rather damn useless, way over the film where he proves he can cut the mustard.

Seriously, I'm shocked that Irish hasn't jumped on the "Spidey 3 Sucks" Band Wagon.............................................yet.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 05:54 AM

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST 1/2
(Third Viewing)
Once again thrown into the world of the supernatural, Captain Jack Sparrow finds out that he owes a blood debt to the legendary Davey Jones, Captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman. With time running out, Jack must find a way out of his debt or else be doomed to eternal damnation and servitude in the afterlife. And as if this weren't enough, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann are arrested and sentenced to death unless Will can get Lord Beckett Jack's compass, who are forced to join Jack on yet another misadventure.

Much like DREAMGIRLS and other films, I enjoy this movie with each additional viewing. After seeing it in theaters last summer I was on board of the "Pirates 2 Sucks" band wagon but I'm off of it now. I think much like SPIDER-MAN 3, the PIRATES sequels just have enormous expectations placed upon them that few (if any) movies can meet. It was great seeing Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley back and I also really enjoyed Bill Nighy's work as Davy Jones. One thing this film is superior at than the original are the special FX. Jones and his crew look marvelous on screen!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 01:48 PM

De Niro should check out Shane Meadows's films; most of them are filmed in Nottingham.

I saw his new one yesterday, This Is England, which I think a lot of people here would love, but, alas, probably won't ever get to see it due to limited exposure.

My short response to the film:

An expansion upon A Room for Romeo Brass (and this is his most autobiographical film since that film), early on - in fact as early as the credits and opening establishing shots - it has an air of obviousness about it; one might be forgiven for groans of "It's not going to be like this, is it?" It gets better, though, even if Meadows is a decent storyteller at best, and a lazy one at worst - whenever he hits a narrative pitfall, he'll use a montage sequence to some sort of acoustic tune (predictable way of evoking some emotion and sense of time lapse), and the ending is almost insulting. But whatever of story-telling deficiencies, this is his most ambitious film yet, a multi-threaded tale of literal gang-culture and political allegory (it covers the Falklands War and immigration at a time of endless and futile efforts in Iraq), and does so in psychologically and morally complex ways. These two levels of narrative are weaved together by a third, the contrived but excellently-performed father-son relationship between the film's young protagonist and the older gang-leader and would-be nationalist. And if it's a messy 100 minutes or so, it is not without moments as explosive, powerful and intense as anything Dead Man's Shoes had to offer. That film's star, Paddy Considine, is absent here, but in his place is Stephen Graham, whose performance is nothing short of staggering; he steals all the film's best moments - his first scene proper, in which he tells of his time in jail with racist abandon; giving a speech on immigrants and the government and the Falklands; when he explodes into fury upon an underling who asks him if he really believes in "all this shit"; an attack on an Asian corner shop; a subtler moment of half-convincing affection; and he's completely convincing as a torn psychopath in the climax. Meadows is incredible at evoking tension and portraying power struggles, and he is at his best when he is simply showing several men in one place with their egos threatened by other forces.

I recommend Meadows's films to a lot of people round here; though he's not as good, fans of Scorsese should definitely check him out. I'd be very interested into seeing how you find them, Irish...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 02:05 PM

Meadows's feature films, in order:

TwentyFourSeven (1997)


A Room For Romeo Brass (2002)


Once Upon a Time in the Midlands (2002)


Dead Man's Shoes (2004)


I'd rank them thus:
1. Dead Man's Shoes
2. This Is England
3. A Room For Romeo Brass
4. TwentyFourSeven
5. Once Upon a Time in the Midlands

Dead Man's Shoes and A Room for Romeo Brass feature sterling performances from Paddy Considine, a tremendously talented actor who's actually just showing signs of making it big after starring in these smaller-budgeted films. Like I said in my review of it, he's not in This Is England, and I actually went into it with caution because when he's not in Meadows's films, they tend to suffer somewhat... but Stephen Graham, whose face you may recognised from Snatch (see below), is magnificent. Considine (see below below) is in Cinderella Man, if you've seen it.


^^ Stephen Graham, who's ferocious in This Is England.


^^ Paddy Considine, one of my favourite actors currently working.

Check them out asap, guys!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 03:41 PM

what all these are film in Nottingham,cool

Stevhen Graham i agree is a top actor,from what i seen of him...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 07:08 PM

THE KILLER
(Second Viewing)

In this bloody tale of loyalty and friendship, Chow Yun-Fat is Jeffrey, an assassin who wishes to leave the business so he can take care of Jennie, the beautiful lounge singer who he inadvertently blinded during a previous assignment. Danny Lee is the determined cop who will stop at nothing to bring him in, only he realizes that Jeffrey is no ordinary assassin, and wishes to help him in his quest. Only problem is that Jeffrey's employers refuse to pay him for his last job, money which is needed to restore Jennie's eyesight.

Definitely John Woo's masterpiece. I didn't know how he could out do himself with A BETTER TOMORROW II or HARD BOILED, but somehow he managed. Again, he is in my opinion, the best action director I've ever seen. I agree with what Quentin Tarantino once said, "If you can direct action well, you can do anything." However, much credit needs to go to Chow Yun-Fat as well. In every movie he's the character you love. Whether he's playing the hero or the villain, I always find myself wanting to be him. He just always seems like he's in command whenever he's on screen (and that's not an easy thing to do). I've found the last John Woo/Chow Yun-Fat movie that I haven't watched yet, ONCE A THIEF. If you've never seen a John Woo/Chow Yun-Fat movie, check out A BETTER TOMORROW, A BETTER TOMORROW II, HARD BOILED and THE KILLER. I know they're difficult to get a hold of, but trust me, it's well worth it!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 07:16 PM

What are the big Memorial Day releases? I haven't even been paying attention.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 07:48 PM

APOCALYPTO, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA, EPIC MOVIE (for the teenage crowd), THE GOOD GERMAN, and VENUS
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/23/07 09:00 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
EPIC MOVIE (for the teenage crowd)


You'll be first in line to buy it.. ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 05:59 AM

Umm no See my review above
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 06:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Umm no See my review above


Teenagers liked EPIC MOVIE??!

Wow, thanks for thinking very LITTLE of us...:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 08:23 AM

ONCE A THIEF
(First Viewing)

Once a Thief is an action/comedy/romance movie involving the plight of three master thieves (in the mode of Pink Panther). All three were raised by the same father and in fact were most certainly street orphans. The story begins with a successful art heist followed by a pledge to make this the last crime ever for the trio. The plot revolves around the theft of a mysterious "cursed" painting and how its obsession affects the family.

Sadly, this is the worst John Woo film I've ever seen (and that includes MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II). Luckily, Chow and Woo ended their relationship on a good note with HARD BOILED the year after this film's release. Some action but the comedy was weak and overall, Woo should stick with the shoot 'em up flicks.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 06:28 PM

I watched American History X yesterday. What a coincidence we have a heated debate on racism in another thread. I was reminded of DJ all the time. Review to follow in the evening.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 07:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
I watched American History X yesterday. What a coincidence we have a heated debate on racism in another thread. I was reminded of DJ all the time. Review to follow in the evening.


You know what I would like to see sometime? The alleged Director's Cut. The one that claimed by the director would have guaranteed Norton the Oscar(if Norton hadn't taken the movie away and only got a nomination.)
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 08:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
EPIC MOVIE (for the teenage crowd)


Teenage is synonymous with dumb-shit?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 08:24 PM

No, teenage is meant for, the teenage (or younger crowd). Didn't have a lot of people yesterday over the age of 20 hassling me for EPIC MOVIE. Now APOCALYPTO, forgeddaboutit!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 08:28 PM

Yeah, but at the same time, did you have many people who were intelligent asking for the movie?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/24/07 09:26 PM

Irish, quit using customers of Blockbuster. I'm sorry, but thats like depending on PLAYBOY subscribers to tell you what fucking is like.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 12:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, quit using customers of Blockbuster. I'm sorry, but thats like depending on PLAYBOY subscribers to tell you what fucking is like.


I'm telling you man, large breasted blonde women with a hankering for anal sex in stopped elevators; that's how it happens in real life.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 02:48 AM

ARCHANGEL (2005) - **

Don't you love it when suddenly an actor becomes famous as a marketing selling name, companies and distributors dig up their old works and re-release them?

A year before becoming possibly the best James Bond, Daniel Craig starred in the BBC TV picture adaptation of Robert Harris' mystery book about a western historian researching the opened-up Russian archives when he comes upon possibly Joseph Stalin's diaries...only to discover something more dreadful is on the arise...

Never read the book, but since I enjoyed Harris' FATHERLAND and ENIGMA novels, I'm sure ARCHANGEL was a good read.

BBC movies, like HBO, has great street cred for producing small movies that look and sometimes are as good as movies sent out to theatres. In this case, its like the digital cameras that hack direct-to-DVD horror productions are using were (again) shot on the cheap, and we get one giant underwhelming movie.

Really, your cinema history fails when it begins good, churns along allright, but by the 2nd half, you continuously lose interest and care of the mystery itself because of how weepy the filmmakers make it. Despite that, I was willing to give the movie a "watchable but forgettable as hlel" rating until the ending....

...when the opening quote is re-prised, and you immediately want to throw your shoe at the TV screen. Really, the only people that do such amatuerness are people who are unsecure of their own talents, and of the audience.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 02:50 AM

I loved Fatherland too!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 03:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I loved Fatherland too!


Yeah, too bad the HBO movie tried its damn best to be commercial friendly and as cheerful as possible(though in a movie where the Nazis WIN and European Jewry is extinct, how IS that even practical?)

Still, Rutger Hauer is awesome.

FATHERLAND (1994) - **1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 06:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, quit using customers of Blockbuster. I'm sorry, but thats like depending on PLAYBOY subscribers to tell you what fucking is like.


Yeah but I did find it funny that so many customers have complained about PAN'S LABYRITH being subtitled. In fact, a gentleman was going to rent it and a coworker of mine knew the man and struck up a conversation with him. She was telling him how she enjoyed the movie, however she warned him it was in subtitles. Once he heard that word, he put the video down, wrapped up his conversation and left. Too much effort to read and watch a movie I guess \:\/
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 06:48 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, quit using customers of Blockbuster. I'm sorry, but thats like depending on PLAYBOY subscribers to tell you what fucking is like.


Yeah but I did find it funny that so many customers have complained about PAN'S LABYRITH being subtitled. In fact, a gentleman was going to rent it and a coworker of mine knew the man and struck up a conversation with him. She was telling him how she enjoyed the movie, however she warned him it was in subtitles. Once he heard that word, he put the video down, wrapped up his conversation and left. Too much effort to read and watch a movie I guess \:\/


They're callled LAZY BASTARDS.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 06:54 AM

Oh I know. When he left I laughed at the guy. I understand where he was coming from because I was like that 5 years ago or so. But I did think of you
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 11:40 AM

Haha, I can't even begin to respond to that.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 08:12 PM

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

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

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

Warning, Spoiler:
After initially being against Chow Yun-Fat being cast in this film, I'm more upset now that they hardly used him. Plus, when Will died, I was hoping Elizabeth would go with Jack \:\(
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 08:19 PM

American History X **

Depending on where you live, you might react differently to the issues of race addressed in the movie. As with Crash, I feel that the issue of racism has been treated in a very direct way, which I did not like much. It could have been a little subtle, but that is not to be expected since the main character is a neo-nazi, who are... well, not subtle at all in thier ideas. I don't know how true are the depictions of jail environment that is acutely divided into neo-nazi and black groups.
Now moving on to the cinematic part, Edward Norton packs in a very powerful performance, one of his best IMO. His physical appearance and transformation is all so believable. There is a flashback scen in the end at the dinner table. His appearance and demeanor in that scene is so different from the initial ones that they almost look like two different actors. Great great acting.
Warning, Spoiler:
And that rape scene in jail is absolutely impacting

There are some great scenes, but the overall execution of the film leaves me somewhat unsatisfied.

RRA, I did not understand your comment on Edward Norton's role. Do you feel that he hijacked the movie to pad up his role?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 08:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END


Irish, are there lot of slimey creatures in this part too, as with pirates 2? That is something I don't want to see \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/25/07 08:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END


Irish, are there lot of slimey creatures in this part too, as with pirates 2? That is something I don't want to see \:\)


Not as much as PIRATES 2 but Davy Jones and his crew are still around
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 02:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
American History X **

Depending on where you live, you might react differently to the issues of race addressed in the movie. As with Crash, I feel that the issue of racism has been treated in a very direct way, which I did not like much. It could have been a little subtle, but that is not to be expected since the main character is a neo-nazi, who are... well, not subtle at all in thier ideas. I don't know how true are the depictions of jail environment that is acutely divided into neo-nazi and black groups.
Now moving on to the cinematic part, Edward Norton packs in a very powerful performance, one of his best IMO. His physical appearance and transformation is all so believable. There is a flashback scen in the end at the dinner table. His appearance and demeanor in that scene is so different from the initial ones that they almost look like two different actors. Great great acting.
Warning, Spoiler:
And that rape scene in jail is absolutely impacting

There are some great scenes, but the overall execution of the film leaves me somewhat unsatisfied.

RRA, I did not understand your comment on Edward Norton's role. Do you feel that he hijacked the movie to pad up his role?


Who knows. I just know the film's credited director CLAIMS that "his cut" of the movie is better, and would have won Norton the Oscar. Norton hated THAT cut and basically got New Line Cinema to play it his way(or he threatened to disown it).

Still, I would like to see that original edit for kick's sake.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 03:13 AM

Warning, Spoiler:
I know the original script included a shot of Norton shaving his head in front of a bathroom mirror, after his brother had been shot. If the original cut included that, it'd be all the more interesting. I just don't know which ending would have bettered the film, cinematically or emotionally.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 03:20 AM

If that is true LLC, it would have been appropriate....and chilling.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 03:42 AM

I forget where I read it; perhaps the miscellaneous facts section of its wikipedia page? I don't recall. Or perhaps it was IMDB trivia. I know, neither sound that fruitful a source. \:p

But I've thought it over many times. Both would add a nice emotional spike to the climax. The alternative suggesting that you can never really correct a warped mind... I like it. I think I prefer it, actually, on the basis that I'm just a dark mother fucker.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 04:48 AM

I was expecting that ending, though I am not sure which one I would have liked more.

South Park - longer and uncut
***
It is just outrageous, politically incorrect and at the same time hilarious. Creativity wise, great effort. I haven't seen the original, but I felt that the 'longer' version is a little too long.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 07:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: svsg
American History X **

Depending on where you live, you might react differently to the issues of race addressed in the movie. As with Crash, I feel that the issue of racism has been treated in a very direct way, which I did not like much. It could have been a little subtle, but that is not to be expected since the main character is a neo-nazi, who are... well, not subtle at all in thier ideas. I don't know how true are the depictions of jail environment that is acutely divided into neo-nazi and black groups.
Now moving on to the cinematic part, Edward Norton packs in a very powerful performance, one of his best IMO. His physical appearance and transformation is all so believable. There is a flashback scen in the end at the dinner table. His appearance and demeanor in that scene is so different from the initial ones that they almost look like two different actors. Great great acting.
Warning, Spoiler:
And that rape scene in jail is absolutely impacting

There are some great scenes, but the overall execution of the film leaves me somewhat unsatisfied.

RRA, I did not understand your comment on Edward Norton's role. Do you feel that he hijacked the movie to pad up his role?


Who knows. I just know the film's credited director CLAIMS that "his cut" of the movie is better, and would have won Norton the Oscar. Norton hated THAT cut and basically got New Line Cinema to play it his way(or he threatened to disown it).

Still, I would like to see that original edit for kick's sake.


I know this is off the subject but I heard Martin Scorsese had to cut about 45 minutes of GANGS OF NEW YORK (it was almost 4 hours). That is most definitely a movie that I would like to see the extended version, but Miramax (or whoever owns the rights now) has been reluctant to release it \:\/
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 12:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: svsg
American History X **

Depending on where you live, you might react differently to the issues of race addressed in the movie. As with Crash, I feel that the issue of racism has been treated in a very direct way, which I did not like much. It could have been a little subtle, but that is not to be expected since the main character is a neo-nazi, who are... well, not subtle at all in thier ideas. I don't know how true are the depictions of jail environment that is acutely divided into neo-nazi and black groups.
Now moving on to the cinematic part, Edward Norton packs in a very powerful performance, one of his best IMO. His physical appearance and transformation is all so believable. There is a flashback scen in the end at the dinner table. His appearance and demeanor in that scene is so different from the initial ones that they almost look like two different actors. Great great acting.
Warning, Spoiler:
And that rape scene in jail is absolutely impacting

There are some great scenes, but the overall execution of the film leaves me somewhat unsatisfied.

RRA, I did not understand your comment on Edward Norton's role. Do you feel that he hijacked the movie to pad up his role?


Who knows. I just know the film's credited director CLAIMS that "his cut" of the movie is better, and would have won Norton the Oscar. Norton hated THAT cut and basically got New Line Cinema to play it his way(or he threatened to disown it).

Still, I would like to see that original edit for kick's sake.


I know this is off the subject but I heard Martin Scorsese had to cut about 45 minutes of GANGS OF NEW YORK (it was almost 4 hours). That is most definitely a movie that I would like to see the extended version, but Miramax (or whoever owns the rights now) has been reluctant to release it \:\/


Irish, I think most people would LOVE to see that epic cut from Scorsese. GANGS OF NEW YORK has some great stuff in it, yet from watching the unusually truncated editing scheme(how you can tell this? Scorsese NEVER usually uses dissolves. Think abou it!) there seems like a great movie lies in Miramax's vault in several cans.

The problem is that Scorsese isn't interested. He moves on. Of course it could be that the Weinsteins giving him migraines daily probably why he won't revisit the situation.

Scorsese could go back to it. Hell, people forget about the NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 01:13 PM

You know, its funny......When I was told of PIRATES 3's ending last year, it was the same.....except different person in Depp instead of the inevitable final pick.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 02:00 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: svsg
American History X **

Depending on where you live, you might react differently to the issues of race addressed in the movie. As with Crash, I feel that the issue of racism has been treated in a very direct way, which I did not like much. It could have been a little subtle, but that is not to be expected since the main character is a neo-nazi, who are... well, not subtle at all in thier ideas. I don't know how true are the depictions of jail environment that is acutely divided into neo-nazi and black groups.
Now moving on to the cinematic part, Edward Norton packs in a very powerful performance, one of his best IMO. His physical appearance and transformation is all so believable. There is a flashback scen in the end at the dinner table. His appearance and demeanor in that scene is so different from the initial ones that they almost look like two different actors. Great great acting.
Warning, Spoiler:
And that rape scene in jail is absolutely impacting

There are some great scenes, but the overall execution of the film leaves me somewhat unsatisfied.

RRA, I did not understand your comment on Edward Norton's role. Do you feel that he hijacked the movie to pad up his role?


Who knows. I just know the film's credited director CLAIMS that "his cut" of the movie is better, and would have won Norton the Oscar. Norton hated THAT cut and basically got New Line Cinema to play it his way(or he threatened to disown it).

Still, I would like to see that original edit for kick's sake.


I know this is off the subject but I heard Martin Scorsese had to cut about 45 minutes of GANGS OF NEW YORK (it was almost 4 hours). That is most definitely a movie that I would like to see the extended version, but Miramax (or whoever owns the rights now) has been reluctant to release it \:\/


You know how I bitch day and night about the editing and cutting of Once Upon a Time in America... \:\/
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 03:50 PM

LLC, you should try to watch the fucking toxic baby shit-edit that the AMC channel airs. Its like the infamous American edit and the Director's Cut mated, and produced a mutant fetus from like IT'S ALIVE.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/26/07 05:44 PM

I can't even fathom a television edit... Especially considering all of the sexual content.

I have no problem with the four-hour DVD cut though. It makes for one hell of a great film. But if Leone wanted a 6-8 hour two-parter, that's what I want to see. It just blows my mind that (assuming the DVD commentary is correct) he shot 10 hours of footage, not including multiple takes and such.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 02:34 AM

THE DOORS 1/2
(First Viewing)

Oliver Stone's homage to 60's rock group The Doors also doubles as a biography of the group's late singer, the "Electric Poet" Jim Morrison. The movie follows Morrison from his days as a film student in Los Angeles to his death in Paris in 1971, at the age of 27. The movies features a tour- de-force performance by Val Kilmer, who not only looks like Jim Morrison's long-lost twin brother, but also sounds so much like him that he did much of his own singing. It has been written that even the surviving Doors had trouble distinguishing Kilmer's vocals from Morrison's originals.

Val Kilmer put together a terrific performance as Jim Morrison. I can't believe he didn't even get an Oscar nomination for this. Michael Wincott was awesome as well. I didn't and still don't know a lot about The Doors or Jim Morrison. I've heard and like a couple of their songs. Pretty interesting take by Oliver Stone but not much about his youth or really how the band was formed.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 03:01 AM

Scarface (2nd viewing)**
That I could watch it for the second time reflects the entertainment value of this movie. Highly over-rated though. And quite a disappointing performance from Al Pacino too. Leaving aside the over-the-top nature of the film, the film almost follows an arc similar to many of the mob movies of Scorcese. Starting with a quick rise and ending with an unstoppable downfall. I like the subtleties like the relationship between Tony and Gina and also the character of Bolivian drug lord.

Upcoming Review: The Graduate
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 05:08 AM

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END (2007) - ***

Am I the only one who wanted to giggle, in a perverted way, because of how a Disney-banner movie opening up with people being hanged, in a nice Jewish Holocaust assembly style, and with a 8 year-old kid taking the plunge himself.

And remember, Disney turned down BACK TO THE FUTURE and its $200 million back in the early 1980s because of the infamous mother/kid kissing scene. Wow, what a long time ago.

But really, what a ballsy opening for such a "family" adventure popcorn fest, and its probably why I don't tolerate anytime someone tries to defend Michael Bay.

Why?

Because if Bay had even tried to shoot the insane ultra-big budget kitchen sink-included climax, it would been done in ugly-ass orange camera filter, ADHD-inspired rapid fire editing that turns whatever awesome action sequence into an unintelligible mess, and some crappy one-liners.

But Verbinski, he with his editors somehow keep the action-narrative steady and with a firm grip even when I'm sure a good portion of the audience wasn't exactly clear what was happening, but like Boone and Otter from ANIMAL HOUSE...

"Germans?!?"
"Forget it, he's rolling."

Thank you boys. Maybe the rock n roll fun editing tempo scheme of DEAD MAN'S CHEST is missing with AT WORLD'S END, its equal to the first film in thrills, joys, and some intense action (just luckily not as afoot and loose as the first film.)

Besides, the Keith Richards cameo is a laugh riot.

Interestingly, if what I remember is TRUE, the ending of AT WORLD'S END was changed from script to the final film. You wanna know the difference?

Warning, Spoiler:
In the movie, Will Turner (Orlando ElfBoy Bloom) stabs the heart of Davey Jones and becomes the new lord of the seas.

In the script that I was told about last year, the 10 years/1 day and green light myth keys were kept....except it was JOHNNY DEPP who became immortal, riding out for the rest of eternity as a free pirate on the waters, and a guaranteed legend.

This was altered probably because Bruck Boy wants to open a loophole for a possible 4th PIRATES movie...and to write out a few people who probably wouldn't come back (and save millions).

Which ending would have been better? The Depp ending makes absolutely logical sense (and really the first 2/3rds of the film seemed to set this up) while the final ending is a good attempt at a mythical ending. Certainly a good debate topic.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 05:40 AM

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK
(First Viewing)

As King Louis XIV prepares to rule France, he proves to be a cruel ruler. When he becomes responsible for sending a soldier, Rauol, to his death so he can have his love, Christine, Raoul's retired musketeer father and two other retirees ban together to overthrow the king. Captain D'Artagnan does not agree with his king but is loyal to him and refuses to be apart of the musketeers' plan. However, they learn that Louis has a secret good twin brother named Phillipe, who has been imprisoned in the castle and his face hidden behind an iron mask. Could Phillipe be a solution and safe haven to the people of France?

I never read the book but the movie sure did suck. Fresh off his TITANIC stardom, Leo is still trying to convince me as a serious actor and not just eye candy for the ladies (he doesn't accomplish this until CATCH ME IF YOU CAN). A noticeable cast but a poor script, poor acting, the directing seemed like it was made for TV, and bad sword fighting scenes.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 05:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Scarface (2nd viewing)**
Highly over-rated though. And quite a disappointing performance from Al Pacino too.


I couldn't disagree with you more than on these 2 points. This is the best acting job I've ever seen Pacino do in his entire career.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 06:50 AM

The Graduate *
Quite ordinary contrary to my expectation. I cannot understand its popularity. It has some clever funny moments in the beginning, but it soon descends into silliness. Maybe this was the first movie in its genre, but I have seen a zillion romantic comedies with that kind of ending. Dustin Hoffman is good though.

Upcoming Reviews: Rear Window, North by Northwest, Psycho, Pi
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 05:11 PM

 Quote:
I cannot understand its popularity.
Read about the end of the Production Code in Hollywood, the films in the years immediately prior to it, and the impact of Bonnie & Clyde on the box-office, its use of violence, a new level of ambiguity in sexual psychology, and how free and casual both that film and The Graduate seem to be in light of the restrictions of the films made under the self-regulations of the Production Code. I recommend Hollywood Cinema by Richard Maltby. It's an expensive book, so don't buy it; borrow it from a library. Good academic databases should stock it at least once, in some form or another. Needless to say, The Graduate is, or can be seen as, an embodiment of the adolescent angst felt deeply by the baby boom generation, and its feel-good rebellious ending was quite impacting.

I really, really like The Graduate. It's still very refreshing today, I think. The soundtrack, Hoffmann's performance and the said ending hit all the right chords for me.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 07:18 PM

The Graduate will always remain a personal favorite of mine. Mick really just hammered it down with that last sentence on the Baby boomers, so I'll spare the rant.

I can't wait to read your thoughts on Pi though. Aronofsky is a favorite of mine... The Fountain just supports my suspicions that he'll be one of the greats of the current generation of film, to be remembered decades from now.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 07:38 PM

I loved "The Graduate"! Granted, it is pretty tame I guess by today's standards and perhaps dated I don't know. I don't remember if it was given an X rating at the time or an R, but I know it played in it's realease at the adult theater, where I went to see it. Hoffman became an instant star, and S&G soundtrack made the movie even more appealing.

The ending was great (at the church )! Everytime I hear Mrs. Robinson, I can't help but think of Benjamin riding down the freeway in his red convertible.

TIS
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 07:51 PM

DISTURBIA (2007) *1/2

Caught this last night. It was either this, Shrek or Pirates. Whaddaya want from me?

Anyhoo, Shia LaBeouf as a paranoid Peeping Tom. That's it.

Meh.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 08:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I loved "The Graduate"! Granted, it is pretty tame I guess by today's standards and perhaps dated I don't know. I don't remember if it was given an X rating at the time or an R, but I know it played in it's realease at the adult theater, where I went to see it.


That's funny. \:p Especially as it's been re-rated to a PG...

What was all the fuss about? Just the idea of a college kid and a middle aged house-wife having an affair? Anything in particular?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 08:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I loved "The Graduate"! Granted, it is pretty tame I guess by today's standards and perhaps dated I don't know. I don't remember if it was given an X rating at the time or an R, but I know it played in it's realease at the adult theater, where I went to see it.


That's funny. \:p Especially as it's been re-rated to a PG...

What was all the fuss about? Just the idea of a college kid and a middle aged house-wife having an affair? Anything in particular?


Funny part about that was that the "middle aged" Ann Bancroft was all of 6 years older than Dustin Hoffman.

One of the first great "feel good" endings that I can remember. I loved it.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 08:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Everytime I hear Mrs. Robinson, I can't help but think of Benjamin riding down the freeway in his red convertible.


I think of someone else
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 08:53 PM

I don't know LLC. I suppose yea the storyline or maybe the ever-so-brief nudity of Bancroft (the camera moved so swiftly though that if you blinked you missed it ) It does seem funny now, especially that it was released in the 60's where "times they were a-changing". ;\)

PB, I didn't think Bancroft was only a few years younger than Hoffman. Interesting! There was one word that Benjamin was told to remember (I think by Elaine's father). Do you remember what that word was? Much of it was silly and corny and yet, new at the time. Hard to put your finger on it. I loved Benjamin's nervousness at the hotel. At least he remember his toothbrush.

P.S. My brother, at the time kept getting told that he looked like Dustin Hoffman. My sister and I called him Dusty for a long time.

TIS

DMC, I suppose every young man has his "Mrs. Robinson" hu? Older women are like a fine wine. They improve with age. At least that's what I keep telling myself every damn birthday that goes by.

Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 09:04 PM

I'm sure EVERY young man has one, some are just much better than others ;\) Everyone knows I love older women though, so I can't argue with the fact that they do improve with age \:\)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 09:13 PM

I've always wanted to have an affair with a teacher. Like, seriously, it's been a fascination of mine for a while now. \:D
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 09:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I don't remember if it was given an X rating at the time or an R, but I know it played in it's realease at the adult theater, where I went to see it.

TIS

I definitely think I saw some censored/edited version then. I did not see any nudity, except for one scene in the beginning, where again it was for a split second. Perils of illegal downloads I guess \:\/

Edit: I don't even know why I downloaded it in the first place. It is available on DVD in my school library for borrowing. Many times, they only have the tape version or restrict some movies only for watching in the library itself. Apparently the film studies department reserves it for the entire year. very annoying. That's why I don't check my library for films very often. I can watch all hitchcock and lynch movies on DVD in my library, except that I can't borrow them. Don't know what the film studies people are upto. I am going to get netflix soon.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 09:58 PM

I doubt it SVSG... The movie is extremely tame in its entirety. It's down to a PG by modern MPAA standards.

It's just the continual growth of the open-mind at time pursuits. Although, time seems to be moving a bit faster than growth.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 10:15 PM

I agree that you probably saw an uncensored version. The nudity I was referring to was when Mrs. R shuts the door and the camera seems to quickly flash her body. It's easy to miss. I can't imagine on "uncensored" version. It's funny how things change no??

Anyway, I can see where one wouldn't care for the movie. It's one of those that was best at it's time, even though I don't mind seeing it from time to time even still.

TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 10:45 PM

"Plastics" are the future, TIS. ;\)

Speaking of which, loved when Hoffman appeared on SIMPSONS and a joke on GRADUATE:

"Ms. Krabappel, are you trying to seduce me?"
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 10:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
DISTURBIA (2007) *1/2

Caught this last night. It was either this, Shrek or Pirates. Whaddaya want from me?

Anyhoo, Shia LaBeouf as a paranoid Peeping Tom. That's it.

Meh.


DISTURBIA is a piece of shit movie designed for the idiotic and self-indulgent teenie-bopper mall rats.

A pity, since the basic REAR WINDOW-ripoff could have worked. DISTURBIA is contrived, but instead of a drug-pusher that NOBODY believes(groans from the audience)....

Pizzaboy, what if the stupid kid is a drug pusher, and he got house arrest...EXCEPT, he keeps cooking up drugs in his basement or becomes a middle-man between the pushers and the buyers. Anyway, he sees the murder, but he can't call the cops.

If he did, they would come to his house, discover his activities....and Bubba will be raping his ass for the next 5 years at the local pen.

But even if he is a scumbag, he gets a fellow associate and his nice girl neighbor to spy and peg the murderer down.

See? No contrived nonsense.

Pizzaboy, I GUARANTEE my idea would be better than the movie.

P.s. - Doesn't everyone here hate theatres that have 20+ screens, and have are clogged up with several screens just for ONE movie?

Its like my local mall theatre, 3 screens for SHREK 3(it sucked), 3 for SPIDER-MAN 3(Not bad, just BOTCHED), and 3 for PIRATES 3 (decent fun)...and only two screens left.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/27/07 11:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
DISTURBIA (2007) *1/2

Caught this last night. It was either this, Shrek or Pirates. Whaddaya want from me?


PIRATES \:p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 12:18 AM

 Quote:
Many times, they only have the tape version or restrict some movies only for watching in the library itself.
Same here. I've got access to shitload of films, but laziness prevents me from seeing many of them. It's a good thing, though, for preservation reasons. Not everyone who rents films cares about them.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 03:22 AM

Rear Window ***
All the Hitchcock movies I have watched till now have one thing in common. The crime is done by normal people and is investigated by normal people. Right in the neighborhood and not in some faraway gangster world. The thrill is not in some twist at the end, but in the whole process leading to the end. Excellent use of sound and gripping scenes throughout.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 03:31 AM

I'd put Hitchcock in my top five favourites. The others would be Lynch, Godard, Bergman and Herzog.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 03:39 AM

FAMILY GUY PRESENTS: STEWIE GRIFFIN - THE UNTOLD STORY
(First Viewing)

The major sub-plot circles around the youngest Griffin, Stewie, has a near death experience at a pool when a lifeguard chair falls on him, but survive. After having a vision of being in Hell, he decided to change his ways, but didn't last long. When watching TV, he and Brian spots a man that looks like Stewie, who is convinced that he is Stewie's actually father, until Stewie learns that the man is actually Stewie in his adult state and has been vacationing from his own time. Stewie visits thirty some years later realizing that his adult self, going by the name Stu, is blue-collar middle-age virgin who is working at a Circuit City-type store and is not seeing anyone. Meanwhile, Peter and Lois are trying to teach their two older kids, Meg and Chris to date. In the future, Chris, who hasn't changed a lot, is working as a cop and is married to a foulmouth hustler named Vanessa, and Meg is now going under the name "Ron", which she had a sex-change after college.

It didn't go the SOUTH PARK route (i.e. musical or obsene language) which I respected. It still maintained it's TV audience without overstepping the bounds. The first half of the film was rather enjoyable and quite humorous but the second half really just finished out the story without much flare. I'm curious to see how THE SIMPSONS movie compares to this and the SOUTH PARK film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 05:33 AM

NORBIT 1/2
(First Viewing)

A mild-mannered guy (Murphy) who is engaged to a monstrous woman (Murphy) meets the woman of his dreams (Newton), and schemes to find a way to be with her.

This is without a doubt the worst Eddie Murphy movie I have ever seen! I wouldn't be surprised if this turd single handly helped the Academy in voting against Eddie for Best Supporting Actor for DREAMGIRLS. Likewise, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s career continues to spiral downwards.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 06:37 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
NORBIT 1/2
(First Viewing)

A mild-mannered guy (Murphy) who is engaged to a monstrous woman (Murphy) meets the woman of his dreams (Newton), and schemes to find a way to be with her.

This is without a doubt the worst Eddie Murphy movie I have ever seen! I wouldn't be surprised if this turd single handly helped the Academy in voting against Eddie for Best Supporting Actor for DREAMGIRLS. Likewise, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s career continues to spiral downwards.


You know, I should feel awful that you sat through NORBIT...but I don't, nor I won't.

I called crap on Eddie with GOLDEN CHILD, the lousy VAMPIRE IN BROOKLYN, and other losers (HARLEM NIGHTS?), but you stuck with your "Uncle Eddie", even when he slaped you across the jaw, you asked for seconds.

The Onion was right.

"Eddie Murphy Fucks Self for $20 million"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 08:55 AM

CATCH AND RELEASE 1/2
(First Viewing)

After the sudden death of her fiancé, Gray Wheeler finds comfort in the company of his friends: lighthearted and comic Sam, hyper-responsible Dennis, and, oddly enough, his old childhood buddy Fritz, an irresponsible playboy whom she’d previously pegged as one of the least reliable people in the world. As secrets about her supposedly perfect fiancé emerge, Gray comes to see new sides of the man she thought she knew, and at the same time, finds herself drawn to the last man she ever expected to fall for.

I'd like to see Kevin Smith act more and have more than 1 line of dialogue like he does in his Jay & Silent Bob movies. The man is a comic genius and wish he would portray that more himself on screen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 08:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
NORBIT 1/2
(First Viewing)

A mild-mannered guy (Murphy) who is engaged to a monstrous woman (Murphy) meets the woman of his dreams (Newton), and schemes to find a way to be with her.

This is without a doubt the worst Eddie Murphy movie I have ever seen! I wouldn't be surprised if this turd single handly helped the Academy in voting against Eddie for Best Supporting Actor for DREAMGIRLS. Likewise, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s career continues to spiral downwards.


You know, I should feel awful that you sat through NORBIT...but I don't, nor I won't.

I called crap on Eddie with GOLDEN CHILD, the lousy VAMPIRE IN BROOKLYN, and other losers (HARLEM NIGHTS?), but you stuck with your "Uncle Eddie", even when he slaped you across the jaw, you asked for seconds.

The Onion was right.

"Eddie Murphy Fucks Self for $20 million"


Yeah THE GOLDEN CHILD I've always liked. I've never seen A VAMPIRE IN BROOKLYN, HARLEM NIGHTS, DADDY DAY CARE, THE ADVENTURES OF PLUTO NASH, etc. That's why I said on NORBIT that it was the worst Eddie Murphy movie I had seen (not the worst one ever made).
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 01:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

It didn't go the SOUTH PARK route (i.e. musical or obsene language) which I respected.


But that's part of the charm of the South Park film, which is wonderful.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/28/07 06:56 PM

I won't lie, the tunes are catchy. Just when I went into the theaters, I wasn't expecting a musical
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/07 05:35 AM

I just watched Thank You For Smoking. Very entertaining movie. I'm not sure how accurate it is when it comes to the tobacco industry and the "war" against it, but it was very believable with a lot of humor. The whole idea of the "M.O.D. (Merchants Of Death) Squad" was very funny to me!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/07 05:52 AM

Great movie Blibble! I loved it when I saw it in theaters. I need to own it on DVD but I'm waiting to see if Fox releases a special edition (since they and Universal are the "kings" of double-dipping DVDs)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/07 05:00 PM

THE FIRM (1993) ***

Mostly faithful adaptation (ending notwithstanding) of the novel of the same name that put John Grisham on the map.

Tom Cruise stars as Mitch McDeere, an idealist lawyer fresh out of Harvard Law School and new to the Memphis law firm of Bandini, Lambert and Locke. A job that affords he and his wife (Jeanne Tripplehorn) an affluent lifestyle beyond his wildest dreams. But when the Feds confront him with evidence of corruption and murder at The Firm, Mitch sets out to find the truth in a deadly crossfire between the FBI, the mob and The Firm.

Directed by Sydney Pollack and co-starring Gene Hackman as a shady law partner and Ed Harris as an even shadier FBI agent, the acting was top notch. Gary Busey and Paul Sorvino added memorable cameos. I enjoyed it.

Okay Ronnie, this one was made in Tennessee, just like you. So, I'm waiting...
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/29/07 07:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I just watched Thank You For Smoking. Very entertaining movie. I'm not sure how accurate it is when it comes to the tobacco industry and the "war" against it, but it was very believable with a lot of humor. The whole idea of the "M.O.D. (Merchants Of Death) Squad" was very funny to me!


Great movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 02:29 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
THE FIRM (1993) ***

Mostly faithful adaptation (ending notwithstanding) of the novel of the same name that put John Grisham on the map.

Tom Cruise stars as Mitch McDeere, an idealist lawyer fresh out of Harvard Law School and new to the Memphis law firm of Bandini, Lambert and Locke. A job that affords he and his wife (Jeanne Tripplehorn) an affluent lifestyle beyond his wildest dreams. But when the Feds confront him with evidence of corruption and murder at The Firm, Mitch sets out to find the truth in a deadly crossfire between the FBI, the mob and The Firm.

Directed by Sydney Pollack and co-starring Gene Hackman as a shady law partner and Ed Harris as an even shadier FBI agent, the acting was top notch. Gary Busey and Paul Sorvino added memorable cameos. I enjoyed it.

Okay Ronnie, this one was made in Tennessee, just like you. So, I'm waiting...


Yeah well, Cruise's scientology sacrificial rituals are still felt.

The only Grisham movie I ever liked was Coppola's THE RAINMAKER adaptation (hell, the author thinks its the best of the Hollywood movies based on his books).

As for THE FIRM, I like Sydney Pollack, but my problem with him is that a good large chunk of his career is fluff commercial movies like THE FIRM. Pollack is a better actor than director anyway.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 04:45 AM

RRA, what is your rating for Rainmaker?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 06:11 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
The only Grisham movie I ever liked was Coppola's THE RAINMAKER adaptation (hell, the author thinks its the best of the Hollywood movies based on his books).


I read The Firm, The Rainmaker, and A Time to Kill. Going by the novels, The Rainmaker was the best adaptation and in my opinion the best movie without comparison to the book. I also enjoyed A Time to Kill in both formats.

I never liked The Firm. The only reason it put Grisham on the map is because he took a common formula of a thriller and added the whole law firm aspect. So it seemed new to people, but it really wasn't. A Time to Kill and The Rainmaker actually had heart which set them above The Firm.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 01:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
The only Grisham movie I ever liked was Coppola's THE RAINMAKER adaptation (hell, the author thinks its the best of the Hollywood movies based on his books).


I read The Firm, The Rainmaker, and A Time to Kill. Going by the novels, The Rainmaker was the best adaptation and in my opinion the best movie without comparison to the book. I also enjoyed A Time to Kill in both formats.

I never liked The Firm. The only reason it put Grisham on the map is because he took a common formula of a thriller and added the whole law firm aspect. So it seemed new to people, but it really wasn't. A Time to Kill and The Rainmaker actually had heart which set them above The Firm.


I'll go along with that. My favorite Grisham novel is THE PARTNER, which has never been adapted for the big screen. There are some wonderful chapters set in Portugal and with the right direction it would make a great movie.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 02:16 PM

Personally, my favorite Grisham novel is A Time to Kill. I would have to say that The Street Lawyer is my second favorite. He's fun "hanging around the pool" reading. And, sorry, PB, but The Partner is my LEAST favorite of his books.

I was never thrilled with any of the film adaptations, A Time to Kill least of all, considering that they gave that great monologue to Matthew M. (abbreviated to avoid spelling errors) instead of to the jury foreperson.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 02:52 PM

THE STREET LAWYER was okay, a little too idealistic for my taste but the rights of the homeless are important, and too often, overlooked.

THE BRETHREN was pretty good, too. Corrupt judges doing time together in federal lock-up. What a concept!

The main problem with Grisham is that after awhile, all of his books seemed pretty much the same.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 03:21 PM

Grisham does do great courtroom, though. I think that, after QBVII, A Time to Kill is one of my favorite courtroom dramas. Although some may say that QBVII cannot be dismissed as merely a courtroom drama, Leon Uris wrote about the trial superbly.

And so that this doesn't wander into a Books We Just Read thread, QBVII was also one of the best miniseries ever made.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 03:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
RRA, what is your rating for Rainmaker?


THE RAINMAKER (1997) - *** (Good)

You know, as a book, the only Grisham novel I think I would enjoy adapting would have been his THE TESTAMENT. An odyssey of a journey for an alcoholic lawyer. Redemptive without being moralisticly cheesy and cheap.

As for A TIME TO KILL, the movie is an example of how in Hollywood, you can have an impressive cast of great actors stuck in a melodramatic movie.

I mean, the scene of the Deep South Rednecks(a term I give since surely such white trash are far, if they exist this sharply, away from Tennessee) meeting up the Klan is like COBRA soldiers meeting up with Cobra Commander...just like from a saturday morning cartoon.

Of course, its Mississippi.... \:p

A TIME TO KILL (1996) - **1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/30/07 07:43 PM

CQ
(First Viewing)

Paris, 1969. The filming of a sci-fi movie set in the distant year 2000 is in trouble. The director's obsession with the actress who plays the sexy secret agent Dragonfly (Angela Lindvall) has clouded his judgement and the film has no ending. A young American (Jeremy Davies), in Paris to document his life on film with total honesty, is brought in to finish the movie with a bang. This proves to be difficult when the line between his fantasy life and reality becomes blurred, and he finds himself seduced by the charms of Dragonfly.

A nice homeage to BARBARELLA and some of the other sexy Sci-Fi movies from the 1960s and 1970s.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/07 07:50 AM

HOSTEL
(Nthing Viewing)

While backpacking through Europe, college students Paxton (Jay Hernandez) and Josh (Derek Richardson) seek the ultimate vacation through sex, drugs and unforgettable experiences. When a friendly stranger informs the two of a hostel in Bratislava that offers the most beautiful and promiscuous women in all of Europe, Paxton and Derek trek with their new Icelandic friend Oli (Eythor Gudjonsson) to find the hostel that sounds too good to be true. When arriving to Bratislava, the trio found that the hostel was everything and more of what they expected. The events that follow are sure to deliver the unforgettable vacation that the two were looking for. Mystery, suspense and fear direct this film to its bloody ending.

I'm glad Hollywood seems to be doing more gory films as I've really gotten into the horror genre more with the likes of SAW, HIGH TENSION, HOSTEL, etc. I think trying to scare people stricly is becoming harder in Hollywood because nowadays it's too predictable. Gore on the other hand adds that shock value to see how far they'll push the envelope. Looking forward to HOSTEL: PART II.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/07 02:37 PM

Golden Eye (Zero Stars)
I have to confess that I haven't seen any bond movies before except for the recently released prequel, which I sorta liked. I was somehow reluctant to watch these just based on people's description. But it turned out exactly to be what I feared - total brainless affair. Perhaps because I have seen similar movies like Entrapment and Miami Vice, the process of watching this one was painful. Somewhere near the last half hour, I thought the movie should have ended, with no story left. But they had to show all the cool(yawn yawn) stunt scenes they had filmed nevertheless. If you are not a fan of the bond series, skip this safely.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/07 02:54 PM

I like the Bond series for their endless inventive set-pieces, blend of crude eroticism and one-liners which would sink any other film bar the one it appears in. Go for early Connery (Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball) and the sole George Lazenby effort, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, to see how brilliant they are. I don't care much for the Moore films; Dalton had something about him which I liked, and the Brosnan films became tame and undisciplined after Tomorrow Never Dies. Die Another Day is one big bloated, fat, grandiose film which doesn't come close to the ice-cool appeal of the Lazenby film or the melting pot of the Connery films.

I like GoldenEye, though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/07 06:28 PM

GOLDENEYE and GOLDFINGER are my 2 favorite Bonds. ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE was probably my least favorite.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/07 06:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
GOLDENEYE and GOLDFINGER are my 2 favorite Bonds. ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE was probably my least favorite.


Pre DICK table!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/07 07:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Golden Eye (Zero Stars)
I have to confess that I haven't seen any bond movies before except for the recently released prequel, which I sorta liked. I was somehow reluctant to watch these just based on people's description. But it turned out exactly to be what I feared - total brainless affair. Perhaps because I have seen similar movies like Entrapment and Miami Vice, the process of watching this one was painful. Somewhere near the last half hour, I thought the movie should have ended, with no story left. But they had to show all the cool(yawn yawn) stunt scenes they had filmed nevertheless. If you are not a fan of the bond series, skip this safely.


Mate, GOLDENEYE is HAMLET compared to Michael Bay's garbage (which I'm sure Irish will then try and fail to defend) in the "brainless thrills" department.

Anyway, the Roger Moore-era really honestly killed Bond. Oh sure all those movies in the 70s and 80s made a profit, but did anyone really care? Timothy Dalton could have been the ruthless bastard Bond, if EON were fully behind it, instead of trying to shoehorn him still as a Moore-charmer.

In a way, Craig is getting to do what Dalton wanted to do, except Craig has the keys to the kingdom now.

As for GOLDENEYE, it was a nice breath of fresh air for the Bond franchise. Plus, take away the Bond universe....and you have a decent spy action-thriller.

Plus, I think I liked GOLDENEYE back in the day because it offered us a new Bond...one that is aging, very mortal to the fact that the Cold War is over, and that he's failed many of his friends and loves in the past. I mean, you could milk that texture for any action template tale.

Instead, TOMORROW NEVER DIES And the subsequent Brosnan 007 entries don't bother with this and simply went on with business like the Moore-regime...nothing mortal or interesting Bond, just an archetype male that people picture themselves as. Pity.

Still, TND as a movie is actually a nice action movie until it jumps the boat(literally) in the 3rd with the stealth warship. Beforehand, you had Jonathan Pryce being the new non-ideological, self-profit wanting GOLDFINGER of the 1990s...but once we get on the ship, it becomes a bad John Woo movie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/07 07:34 PM

I didn't know it was pierce Brosnan's first bond movie. He is pretty decent in his role. Any suggestions for a good Dalton bond movie?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/31/07 08:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
I didn't know it was pierce Brosnan's first bond movie. He is pretty decent in his role. Any suggestions for a good Dalton bond movie?


I guess THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS (which back in the day actually did better financially than Moore's last few 007 offings) as default.

LICENSE TO KILL is a movie that should have been a contender, but, the devil is in the details.

Instead of some wanna-be world conqueror or some laserbeam weapon from space, simply Bond going to war with a Latin American drug lord out of revenge...its a nice change of pace.

However, it would have been effective if the person Bond was avenging (Felix) had died, instead of simply maimed and his wife dead. Seriously, the ending is so happy go-happy, when its nuts. Why so happy? What revenge did Bond get? So he defeats the baddie, so what? Felix is still a cripple and his wife is under ground permanently.

Again, thats why I wrote as I did about the Dalton-Regime. The EON producers wouldn't let go of the Moore-spectre, and wanted to be different at the same time. You can't have it both ways.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 02:35 AM

I forget what people thought of it, but I saw Zodiac today. My thoughts...

Zodiac
David Fincher
2007 USA
A serial killer terrorises California in the 60s and 70s, teasing both the police department and the Media.
Nothing short of impressive, in concept and in execution. Fincher seems to have a wide vocabulary of filmmaking tools, and, perhaps more importantly, the confidence to employ them, for various means. This is a deep, intelligent and convincing delve into subjective verisimilitude, with not only shifting character identities, but a self-conscious nod to how the film has come to be made: the author of the book from which it is adapted remarks at one point, "I'm thinking of writing a book", and, years later, we see it as a bestseller on shelves at an airport. The viewer, like everyone else inside the film, has, at the end of it all, no real concrete idea of who the Zodiac killer is. The one difference, however, is that we're viewing events not as victims, but as viewers to a manipulated narration of events. Fincher knows this; the opening is incredibly tense, frightening and finally shocking, as we see it through the eyes of the boy, the killer's first victim (in the film if not real life); later, when we revisit this first murder, we "watch" it again (mentally, because we're not shown it) through the girl's eyes, since it is revealed or supposed that she knew who the killer was. To go through the film scene-by-scene identifying all the different gazes through which we identify with the film's meaning would take far too long (though it would surely be beneficial to the appreciation of how immensely intelligent it is), but a few points to note: the point at which Gyllenhall's obsessed cartoonist has come to the foray of investigations is the point at which the actual killings are far in the past (both in story time, which is years, and narrative time, which is hours) and the identity of the killer is at its most obscure and elusive (because of all the endless details and clues cluttering up the narrative, and the emphasis on basic demarcations such as handwriting and fingerprints). There's one scene, in which he is persuaded down into the basement of an elderly man's home, who began the scene as a possible witness and before descending rapidly into prime suspect - he hasn't really, of course, but it's constructed, like the rest of the film, so that we view the film through a certain character's psychological state, and so when he turns off the basement light, all sorts of things are suggested. Soon after, alone at home, Gyllenhall hears his back door open, and the moving shadow on the wall takes on an almost expressionistic effect in creating meaning, in this case the absurd paranoia of his character - but for a title at the end, we might even doubt whether he received anonymous, heavy-breathing phone calls at all. There's one moment, too, early on, which shows somebody who we assume to be the killer, shown with the non-diegetic phone call of him informing the police of another killing - it seems out-of-place in a film about an unsolved murder spree, but it's decidedly clever, in further mystifying the entire case in (fictional) retrospect. Fincher employs his usually smooth pans, tracks and shot-to-shot transitions as well as proving how far ahead of most others he is at CGI - some of the period reconstructions are flawless and beautiful, including a birdseye-view tracking shot of a taxicab on its way to murder, and a gorgeous establishing shot of the Golden Gate Bridge - again, even if this time the city is specific and not anonymous (like in Seven), he is very, very effective in evoking location. At 160 minutes, its duration belies the discipline with which it has been made: every direction it takes, be it a cut, shift in gaze or narrative thread, a pan or a track, seems motivated.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 02:36 AM

...which amounts, by the way, to the best film of 2007 so far.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 02:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
...which amounts, by the way, to the best film of 2007 so far.


Capo, you hit the spot...and yes, it IS the best movie of 2007(so far).

If you had kept your old star rating system, what would you give it? 3? 4?

ZODIAC (2007) - ****1/2
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 03:05 AM

Three, definitely.

I only listed ten or so films with four. \:\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 03:13 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I forget what people thought of it, but I saw Zodiac today. My thoughts...

This is what I thought when I first viewed it. I am yet to watch a lot of movies this year. My impression of it today is positive, but not the very best. Mark Ruffalo rather than Gyllenhaal to me was the most memorable characater from this movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 03:19 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I forget what people thought of it, but I saw Zodiac today. My thoughts...

This is what I thought when I first viewed it. I am yet to watch a lot of movies this year. My impression of it today is positive, but not the very best. Mark Ruffalo rather than Gyllenhaal to me was the most memorable characater from this movie.


Yeah, not as good as HOLLYWOODLAND, right? ;D
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 03:50 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I forget what people thought of it, but I saw Zodiac today. My thoughts...

This is what I thought when I first viewed it. I am yet to watch a lot of movies this year. My impression of it today is positive, but not the very best. Mark Ruffalo rather than Gyllenhaal to me was the most memorable characater from this movie.


Yeah, not as good as HOLLYWOODLAND, right? ;D

\:D
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 04:21 AM

ronnierocketAGO and Irish. Are you the same person? Split personalities maybe? Kind of like Tyler Durden and Edward Norton? Total opposites that have the same interests but conflict in opinion?

Just curious.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 04:26 AM

Zodiac is an epic pile of shit.

How am I suppossed to enjoy a film that spends so much time presenting us dialogue that hammers out details of some stupid un-solved case that has no affect on my life or anybody else's?

What a fucking bore.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 04:53 AM

And god do I hate films that end with words on the screen explaining what happened afterwards.

"Robert Gilson was sentenced to three years in prison. He is now hailed as a hero in Niggertown, New Jersey.

When he got out, he fell in love with, and married, Emily Johannson, whom he met at the mall.

They have been married for 15 years, and have three children."

"Mary Klingston continued to live in her suburban home with her husband Joe, and their five children. She later divorced Joe in August of 1997. She is currently a prostitute."

"As for Damon...he unfortunately died in a severe car accident after the production of this film.

He was 36."

*Cue music, roll credits.


Ugh, that type of ending gives me the worst kind of diarrhea. So lazy and stupid.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 05:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
ronnierocketAGO and Irish. Are you the same person? Split personalities maybe? Kind of like Tyler Durden and Edward Norton? Total opposites that have the same interests but conflict in opinion?

Just curious.


No.
NO.
NO.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

First off, if I found out that I shared the same body with a 30-year old guy who likes Michael Bay, I would labotimize myself with a powerdrill.

Second, I would hear everyday of how Shelton Benjamin was "screwed" by the WWE. Oh and that Undertaker is an old SHIT who won't stay buried.

Third, I wouldn't be able to stand someone that acts like the realization of the worst Yankees fan stereotype, and then demands easiness and tolerance when fortunes don't go his way.

Fourth, Irish is the sort of person thats like the slow-witted child of the BB.Net family: Give him an old sock, and they'll be entertained by it. Give him explosions, and he excuses whatever nonsense the movie would have.

Me? Power Drill.

If Irish and me are the same person(despite a 10 year age gap), then ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, blibblebabble, I would seek a divorce immediately.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 05:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
Zodiac is an epic pile of shit.

How am I suppossed to enjoy a film that spends so much time presenting us dialogue that hammers out details of some stupid un-solved case that has no affect on my life or anybody else's?

What a fucking bore.


Compared to what? A fictional retarded serial killer crapper that doesn't matter to any of us because it SUCKS?

The epilogue text serves a purpose. ZODIAC isn't a horror or serial killer or even a thriller(but it does contain thrills)...its a police procedural movie and the movie's nearly-complementive 160 minute digestation of everything Zodiac makes it absolutely fascinating.

Besides, the movie dramatically tries to resolve itself with a satisfying narrative ending....yet Fincher still reminds the audience that the film's choosen "Zodiac" may not be the man himself.

The best docu-dramas are those that are absolutely fun when you learn and experience at the same time.

Plus, it was riveting despite the cramming of details and information. That accomplishment alone proves that Fincher is a master.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 06:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
ronnierocketAGO and Irish. Are you the same person? Split personalities maybe? Kind of like Tyler Durden and Edward Norton? Total opposites that have the same interests but conflict in opinion?

Just curious.


No.
NO.
NO.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

First off, if I found out that I shared the same body with a 30-year old guy who likes Michael Bay, I would labotimize myself with a powerdrill.

Second, I would hear everyday of how Shelton Benjamin was "screwed" by the WWE. Oh and that Undertaker is an old SHIT who won't stay buried.

Third, I wouldn't be able to stand someone that acts like the realization of the worst Yankees fan stereotype, and then demands easiness and tolerance when fortunes don't go his way.

Fourth, Irish is the sort of person thats like the slow-witted child of the BB.Net family: Give him an old sock, and they'll be entertained by it. Give him explosions, and he excuses whatever nonsense the movie would have.

Me? Power Drill.

If Irish and me are the same person(despite a 10 year age gap), then ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, blibblebabble, I would seek a divorce immediately.


DITO! Please ease up on the insults Blibble. In the infamous words of Don Vito Corleone, "what have I done to be treated so disrespectfully?" ;\)
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 06:10 AM

ROFFLES.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 06:14 AM

I forgot one thing about Zodiac; it is extremely bland and uninteresting visually. It seemed it like it was trying to be wide open and mysterious like a Haneke film, but it ended up feeling overpolished and just average. But a lot of our perceptions about a film's aesthetic is affected by what's actually happening in the film too.

Just a bad film overall. Fight Club was so much better. And I'd like to see Se7en too.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 08:10 AM

FANTASTIC FOUR 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

When an experimental space voyage goes awry, four people are changed by cosmic rays. Reed Richards, inventor and leader of the group gains the ability to stretch his body, and takes the name, Mr. Fantastic. His girlfriend, Sue Storm, gains the ability to turn invisible and create force fields, calling herself the Invisible Woman. Her younger brother Johnny Storm gains the ability to control fire, including covering his own body with flame, becoming the Human Torch. Pilot Ben Grimm is turned into a super-strong rock creature calling himself Thing. Together, they use their unique powers to explore the strange aspects of the world, and to foil the evil plans of Doctor Doom.

I have enjoyed pretty much every comic book movie I've seen since 2000 with the exception of THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN and HELLBOY. A good 100-minute comic book, action, superhero film that I don't need to deliever social commentary to enjoy. Sure it's not as good as the X-MEN or SPIDER-MAN franchises, but I think most of the Marvel properties (this, GHOST RIDER, HULK, DAREDEVIL, etc.) are judged too harshly. Was this movie fantastic? No. Was it an enjoyable superhero film? Yes. The cast was great and I look forward to FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 08:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
Just a bad film overall. Fight Club was so much better. And I'd like to see Se7en too.


I agree with you that FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN were better films than ZODIAC. However, I didn't find it to be horrible. I'd place it 3rd on my list for the best films of 2007 thus far (it's been pretty lackluster to me)

1) GRINDHOUSE
2) 300
3) ZODIAC
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 04:13 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FANTASTIC FOUR 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

I think it is a kids movie. I find it a little silly (it is not a negative criticism) and un-entertaining.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 05:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
Just a bad film overall. Fight Club was so much better. And I'd like to see Se7en too.


I agree with you that FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN were better films than ZODIAC. However, I didn't find it to be horrible. I'd place it 3rd on my list for the best films of 2007 thus far (it's been pretty lackluster to me)

1) GRINDHOUSE
2) 300
3) ZODIAC


Just because FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN are better films(hell, I have ZODIAC and FIGHT CLUB share the same rating) doesn't make ZODIAC any less brilliant.

Its logic like this why I hate the NEW YORK TIMES. If a new movie from a proclaimed master isn't as good as his best works, it sucks. What retarded bullshit.

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FANTASTIC FOUR 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

I think it is a kids movie. I find it a little silly (it is not a negative criticism) and un-entertaining.


I've got to agree with svsg here, but I'm more harsh.

Seriously, its funny how Irish never answered me one vital question....why is Doctor Doom(or as I call him, DDINO(Doctor Doom In Name Only) a bad guy in the movie?

He can't answer because he is a villain...simply because the script says so.

Thank God I'm not a TOOL or MARK like some people are.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 05:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
ronnierocketAGO and Irish. Are you the same person? Split personalities maybe? Kind of like Tyler Durden and Edward Norton? Total opposites that have the same interests but conflict in opinion?

Just curious.


No.
NO.
NO.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

First off, if I found out that I shared the same body with a 30-year old guy who likes Michael Bay, I would labotimize myself with a powerdrill.

Second, I would hear everyday of how Shelton Benjamin was "screwed" by the WWE. Oh and that Undertaker is an old SHIT who won't stay buried.

Third, I wouldn't be able to stand someone that acts like the realization of the worst Yankees fan stereotype, and then demands easiness and tolerance when fortunes don't go his way.

Fourth, Irish is the sort of person thats like the slow-witted child of the BB.Net family: Give him an old sock, and they'll be entertained by it. Give him explosions, and he excuses whatever nonsense the movie would have.

Me? Power Drill.

If Irish and me are the same person(despite a 10 year age gap), then ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, blibblebabble, I would seek a divorce immediately.


DITO! Please ease up on the insults Blibble. In the infamous words of Don Vito Corleone, "what have I done to be treated so disrespectfully?" ;\)


Hey, Blibble wasn't insulting you Irish. I think he thought that somehow me and you seemed so schzephrenic with each other, yet similar in some bastard ways.....its funny, but if I really DID share a body with you, I would save the future by castrating ourself the body or powerdrill to the skull, or whatever comes first.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 05:22 PM

BUG (2006) - ****

Irish will hate this movie. I'm sure talking about it to his Blockbuster co-workers, he says how boring it is, how not scary it is, and how nothing interesting happens. Then he sees me typing all of this, and he then writes of how he likes the movie, or how smart critics dug the movie.

Better yet, if Taratino and the media go ape for it, he'll follow suite.

But what makes BUG absolutely fascinating is that William Friedkin makes maybe his best fucking movie since TO LIVE & DIE IN LA two decades ago.

No, scratch that. Its fascinating because while the ad campaign make BUG seem like a horror infestation-insect thriller, its really in fact a love story.....albeit one where one crazy schzephrenic falls for a woman who seems to be a undiagnosed nutjob herself...and both fend off an invasion of deadly insects.

The first 2/3rds of the movie, you play along with the possibility that Michael Shannon is a victim of a conspiracy, but in the last 1/3rd, you realize...he's just fucking crazy. By this third act, you're watching madness enrapture two lonely people, and for the most crazy happy/downer ending of 2007 that I've witnessed.

To think that BUG started out as a written play, and Friedkin absolutely captures this intimacy of the stage with the screen, no surprise since he's been busy helming Opera productions for the last few years.

You all want a good Hollywood horror movie that is smart and worth-watching instead of more pretty people who can't act who get slashed up or another shitty remake? Go see BUG.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 06:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
BUG (2006) - ****

Irish will hate this movie. I'm sure talking about it to his Blockbuster co-workers, he says how boring it is, how not scary it is, and how nothing interesting happens. Then he sees me typing all of this, and he then writes of how he likes the movie, or how smart critics dug the movie.

Better yet, if Taratino and the media go ape for it, he'll follow suite.

But what makes BUG absolutely fascinating is that William Friedkin makes maybe his best fucking movie since TO LIVE & DIE IN LA two decades ago.

No, scratch that. Its fascinating because while the ad campaign make BUG seem like a horror infestation-insect thriller, its really in fact a love story.....albeit one where one crazy schzephrenic falls for a woman who seems to be a undiagnosed nutjob herself...and both fend off an invasion of deadly insects.

The first 2/3rds of the movie, you play along with the possibility that Michael Shannon is a victim of a conspiracy, but in the last 1/3rd, you realize...he's just fucking crazy. By this third act, you're watching madness enrapture two lonely people, and for the most crazy happy/downer ending of 2007 that I've witnessed.

To think that BUG started out as a written play, and Friedkin absolutely captures this intimacy of the stage with the screen, no surprise since he's been busy helming Opera productions for the last few years.

You all want a good Hollywood horror movie that is smart and worth-watching instead of more pretty people who can't act who get slashed up or another shitty remake? Go see BUG.


But how did Ashley look??
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 07:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FANTASTIC FOUR 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

I think it is a kids movie. I find it a little silly (it is not a negative criticism) and un-entertaining.


It is silly in certain parts but it probably has the most humor out of all the superhero movies in the past couple of years. The sequel looks a lot better though!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 07:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
Just a bad film overall. Fight Club was so much better. And I'd like to see Se7en too.


I agree with you that FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN were better films than ZODIAC. However, I didn't find it to be horrible. I'd place it 3rd on my list for the best films of 2007 thus far (it's been pretty lackluster to me)

1) GRINDHOUSE
2) 300
3) ZODIAC


Just because FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN are better films(hell, I have ZODIAC and FIGHT CLUB share the same rating) doesn't make ZODIAC any less brilliant.

Its logic like this why I hate the NEW YORK TIMES. If a new movie from a proclaimed master isn't as good as his best works, it sucks. What retarded bullshit.


I didn't say ZODIAC wasn't any less brilliant. I simply said I preferred FIGHT CLUB and SE7EVN rather than this movie and it was my 3rd favorite of 2007. Where did I say it was any less brilliant?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 07:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
BUG (2006) - ****

Irish will hate this movie. I'm sure talking about it to his Blockbuster co-workers, he says how boring it is, how not scary it is, and how nothing interesting happens. Then he sees me typing all of this, and he then writes of how he likes the movie, or how smart critics dug the movie.

Better yet, if Taratino and the media go ape for it, he'll follow suite.


Hey fathersson, ease up on the loving. As his signature, you've always got me in mind. For you're information, I've never seen BUG and I no longer work at Blockbuster. Come back with some new material you broken record
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 07:23 PM

KNOCKED UP looks hysterical.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 07:35 PM

 Quote:
Zodiac is an epic pile of shit.

How am I suppossed to enjoy a film that spends so much time presenting us dialogue that hammers out details of some stupid un-solved case that has no affect on my life or anybody else's?

What a fucking bore.

You've said that twice now, almost word for word. I don't get the "no effect on anybody else's life" part, because I've just given a rave review for it.

I don't get comparisons to Haneke, either, since I don't really see a relevant point of discussion between the two - and since you've only seen all of three films by him, I can't see how you would, either. The only way I see a similarity - and it's a vague one - is how both directors have an obvious great deal of pre-planned choreography for their scenes; Haneke more so, though, since his films are decidedly minimalist in terms of editing, and Fincher only for certain set-pieces.

Good Cinema doesn't start and end with Michael Haneke, or what you might term as "art cinema", though.

I'm (half) interested as to how you might counter my points of praise in my review. How Zodiac is a lesson in subjective verisimilitude - constantly shifting focus and placing the audience into a different character's identity.

I see also a lot of visual worth in Zodiac. Didn't you notice the subtle change in cinematography as we moved through the decades. Compare the colour and lighting in some of the early scenes to the late scenes. If that isn't attention to period and detail and/or visual authenticity, I don't know what is.

And I've not even hit upon his use of CGI yet.

As for the text epilogue, it wasn't so much lazy as economic. The narrative had already served its purpose. How do you wrap up a series of events which are still continuing in real life in mere imagery and dialogue?

Some text epilogues are worthless, or contradictory, like the ones at the end of Hotel Rwanda and Blood Diamond, because they're really pretentious in how they pull the film into sudden educational mode, contrary to the action conventions of the film.

But Zodiac's was similar to the one Melville uses at the end of Army in Shadows. Very efficient.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 07:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
KNOCKED UP looks hysterical.


It's not bad but not as funny as THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 07:46 PM

You saw it already? Where's the review?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 07:51 PM

Yeah I saw it a couple of weeks ago at an advanced screening (my first BTW).

KNOCKED UP 1/2
(First Viewing)

Slobby Ben and up and coming career girl Alison meet at a bar, and end up having a one night stand. Eight weeks later, Ben is shocked when Alison meets him and reveals that she is pregnant. Despite having little in common, the two decide that they have to at least try to make some kind of relationship work for the baby's sake.

WOO HOO, I officially went to my first advanced screening! I was pissed because last year I had the opportunity to see THE DEPARTED early too but I had to work so unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend. However, today I made plans to be off of work by 5 so I could wait in line to get a seat.

As for the movie, it was kind of a let down. It wasn't as funny as THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN although a lot of the cast members were kept in tact for this film. Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen worked well together as the main stars of the film and I enjoyed Jonah Hill and Jason Segel's work the most. Even though the film was rated R, some of the humor seemed to be a bit childish. I don't know how to explain it really since different things make different people laugh but I felt liked some of the jokes were made for a PG-13 audience. Overall, it wasn't a bad movie but not as good as I was hoping coming from Judd Apatow coming off the heels of THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 08:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
BUG (2006) - ****

Irish will hate this movie. I'm sure talking about it to his Blockbuster co-workers, he says how boring it is, how not scary it is, and how nothing interesting happens. Then he sees me typing all of this, and he then writes of how he likes the movie, or how smart critics dug the movie.

Better yet, if Taratino and the media go ape for it, he'll follow suite.

But what makes BUG absolutely fascinating is that William Friedkin makes maybe his best fucking movie since TO LIVE & DIE IN LA two decades ago.

No, scratch that. Its fascinating because while the ad campaign make BUG seem like a horror infestation-insect thriller, its really in fact a love story.....albeit one where one crazy schzephrenic falls for a woman who seems to be a undiagnosed nutjob herself...and both fend off an invasion of deadly insects.

The first 2/3rds of the movie, you play along with the possibility that Michael Shannon is a victim of a conspiracy, but in the last 1/3rd, you realize...he's just fucking crazy. By this third act, you're watching madness enrapture two lonely people, and for the most crazy happy/downer ending of 2007 that I've witnessed.

To think that BUG started out as a written play, and Friedkin absolutely captures this intimacy of the stage with the screen, no surprise since he's been busy helming Opera productions for the last few years.

You all want a good Hollywood horror movie that is smart and worth-watching instead of more pretty people who can't act who get slashed up or another shitty remake? Go see BUG.


But how did Ashley look??


Judd in BUG looks like a sexually-hungry white trash coke-head...and sexy at it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 08:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra


I see also a lot of visual worth in Zodiac. Didn't you notice the subtle change in cinematography as we moved through the decades. Compare the colour and lighting in some of the early scenes to the late scenes. If that isn't attention to period and detail and/or visual authenticity, I don't know what is.


I don't know how you call that attention to period. I am not saying that there wasn't any, but I couldn't find any and you haven't pointed out any. In my review I wrote about the yellow filter. I actually thought it was cool, but yellow filter alone won't make it different period. It is like using sepia/BW or some coarse grain film. I never thought about this point till now. How do films get away with that? Isn't it just a clever gimmick? Note that I do usually fall for that gimmick and appreciate it, but maybe I will start paying attention to this aspect from now on. I don't know if there was really any change in the way American towns looked in that particular span of twenty years, but I would speculate that they did. Ddi the movie bring out that difference? I can't recall. I noticed that he did stretch the film very long just to give us the feeling that a lot of time has passed by and nothing happened. But visual setting? I am not so convinced. Please educate me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 08:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
Just a bad film overall. Fight Club was so much better. And I'd like to see Se7en too.


I agree with you that FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN were better films than ZODIAC. However, I didn't find it to be horrible. I'd place it 3rd on my list for the best films of 2007 thus far (it's been pretty lackluster to me)

1) GRINDHOUSE
2) 300
3) ZODIAC


Just because FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN are better films(hell, I have ZODIAC and FIGHT CLUB share the same rating) doesn't make ZODIAC any less brilliant.

Its logic like this why I hate the NEW YORK TIMES. If a new movie from a proclaimed master isn't as good as his best works, it sucks. What retarded bullshit.


I didn't say ZODIAC wasn't any less brilliant. I simply said I preferred FIGHT CLUB and SE7EVN rather than this movie and it was my 3rd favorite of 2007. Where did I say it was any less brilliant?


No but you wrote it like as good as ZODIAC is as a film, its nothing to those others...and that tone of writing annoys me. Its fanboy review-writing that clogs up AICN and IMDB.

Why not simply just say its another damn good/great movie from Fincher? I mean, tone is everything in reviews.

Besides, FANTASTIC FOUR is funny? I already question your KNOCKED UP review, since what comedy is funny to you if FF is funny to you? I don't trust you with comedy.

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
BUG (2006) - ****

Irish will hate this movie. I'm sure talking about it to his Blockbuster co-workers, he says how boring it is, how not scary it is, and how nothing interesting happens. Then he sees me typing all of this, and he then writes of how he likes the movie, or how smart critics dug the movie.

Better yet, if Taratino and the media go ape for it, he'll follow suite.


Hey fathersson, ease up on the loving. As his signature, you've always got me in mind. For you're information, I've never seen BUG and I no longer work at Blockbuster. Come back with some new material you broken record


Okay, here is a new one.
22-29 - 4th place - AL East \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 08:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra


I see also a lot of visual worth in Zodiac. Didn't you notice the subtle change in cinematography as we moved through the decades. Compare the colour and lighting in some of the early scenes to the late scenes. If that isn't attention to period and detail and/or visual authenticity, I don't know what is.


I don't know how you call that attention to period. I am not saying that there wasn't any, but I couldn't find any and you haven't pointed out any. In my review I wrote about the yellow filter. I actually thought it was cool, but yellow filter alone won't make it different period. It is like using sepia/BW or some coarse grain film. I never thought about this point till now. How do films get away with that? Isn't it just a clever gimmick? Note that I do usually fall for that gimmick and appreciate it, but maybe I will start paying attention to this aspect from now on. I don't know if there was really any change in the way American towns looked in that particular span of twenty years, but I would speculate that they did. Ddi the movie bring out that difference? I can't recall. I noticed that he did stretch the film very long just to give us the feeling that a lot of time has passed by and nothing happened. But visual setting? I am not so convinced. Please educate me.


I think Capo was refering to the fact that its subtle touches of the visuals for different periods in the film's timeline....I mean, its the little devil details like that why Fincher is a master.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 08:55 PM

svsg, I'm not tech-savvy for this kind of stuff, but I think Zodiac accomplished two things, visually: overall and throughout, it looked like a Fincher film. Smooth, slick pans and tracks, eliminating the limitations of space (by crabbing through walls, etc.) - note the birdseye-view shot of the taxi, which was very neat, I dunno how he did it. Secondly, depending on which decade it was, I thought, as well as looking like Fincher (in visual style), it evoked that decade (in terms of visual feel). The sixties, seventies and eighties portions all looked very subtly different. It wasn't as obvious as Scorsese's same technique in The Aviator, though, probably because changes in look weren't as obvious in the 60s-80s as in the 30s-50s.

Not only did Zodiac have period detail in terms of mise-en-scene (props, locations, fashions and clothing, etc.) but the way in which it was filmed, too. It's a very self-reflexive film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 09:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
svsg, I'm not tech-savvy for this kind of stuff, but I think Zodiac accomplished two things, visually: overall and throughout, it looked like a Fincher film. Smooth, slick pans and tracks, eliminating the limitations of space (by crabbing through walls, etc.) - note the birdseye-view shot of the taxi, which was very neat, I dunno how he did it. Secondly, depending on which decade it was, I thought, as well as looking like Fincher (in visual style), it evoked that decade (in terms of visual feel). The sixties, seventies and eighties portions all looked very subtly different. It wasn't as obvious as Scorsese's same technique in The Aviator, though, probably because changes in look weren't as obvious in the 60s-80s as in the 30s-50s.

Not only did Zodiac have period detail in terms of mise-en-scene (props, locations, fashions and clothing, etc.) but the way in which it was filmed, too. It's a very self-reflexive film.


Same thing as I said.....basically. \:p
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/01/07 09:07 PM

I am planning to watch zodiac again, but I don't know when I will get a chance.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/07 03:06 AM

POINT BREAK
(First Viewing)

Johnny Utah (Reeves) is a Special Agent for the FBI. Utah gets partnered with Angelo Pappas (Gary Busey) an experienced agent who is more than committed to his work. The two are asked to investigate the number of robberies committed by a group called the Ex-Presidents, who wears masks of Presidents Reagen, Nixon, Carter and Johnson for their robberies. Pappas has a theory that the Ex-Presidents are a group of surfers, and asks for Utah to go undercover as a surfer. The problem is, Utah couldn't surf to save his life. That plus the two continuously being hassled by unpleasant and rough Agent Harp (McGinley). With the help of Tyler (Petty) a competent female surfer, Utah begins to gain the respect of local surfer Bodhi (Swayze) and his group. Utah forms a close bond with Bodhi, but the relationship between Utah and Bodhi becomes limited when Utah suspects that Bodhi and his group are the Ex-Presidents.

Man I wonder what happened to Patrick Swayze, the man was making a pretty nice life for himself with RED DAWN, ROAD HOUSE and now POINT BREAK on his resume. Then he turned in that GHOST piece of crap and it all went down from there. Also young Keanu Reeves is fresh off his Ted Logan role in Bill & Ted (thank Heavens). My biggest beef with the film was there was too much surfing. I liked the bank robbing and sky diving scenes and wish there was more of that. I felt too much time was wasted on Keanu and Patrick bonding while surfing. Somewhat disappointing (especially since it started out so good) but an enjoyable film nonetheless.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/07 03:08 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

Hey fathersson, ease up on the loving. As his signature, you've always got me in mind. For you're information, I've never seen BUG and I no longer work at Blockbuster. Come back with some new material you broken record


Okay, here is a new one.
22-29 - 4th place - AL East \:D


Wow, throwing in the Yankees jokes in a movies thread and it's only June 1st. Pathetic! I've never seen ronnie stoop so low
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/07 03:13 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

Hey fathersson, ease up on the loving. As his signature, you've always got me in mind. For you're information, I've never seen BUG and I no longer work at Blockbuster. Come back with some new material you broken record


Okay, here is a new one.
22-29 - 4th place - AL East \:D


Wow, throwing in the Yankees jokes in a movies thread and it's only June 1st. Pathetic! I've never seen ronnie stoop so low


Yeah, I roll my eyes at your lame reply too. For once, we agree.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/07 04:16 AM

North by Northwest ****
One of the best suspense thrillers I have ever seen. Right from the first scene till the end, it has that nail biting tension. The climax is amazing. It seems like Hitchcock carefully plans each of his frames... amazing photography. And as usual his attention to sound is excellent. I have nothing but praises for the film. After Vertigo, this is my favorite Hitchcock movie. Definitely watch it if you haven't.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/07 06:36 AM

THE HURRICANE
(First Viewing)

This film tells the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, an African-American man who rose above his troubled youth to become a top contender for the middle-weight boxing title. However, his dreams are shattered when he is accused of a triple murder, and is convicted to three natural-life terms. Despite becoming a cause celebre and his dogged efforts to prove his innocence through his autobiography, the years of fruitless efforts have left him discouraged. This changes when an African-American boy and his Canadian mentors read his book and are convinced of his innocence enough to work for his exoneration. However, what Hurricane and his friends learn is that this fight puts them against a racist establishment that profited from this travesty and have no intention of seeing it reversed.

Definitely not Denzel Washington's finest work. He's Denzel Washington so of course he did a fine job but I felt this role for him was a little weak. I've also have never been a fan of Vicellous Reon Shannon's work. He's more of a TV "star" than a movie star. Pretty uneventful throughout except for the last 30 minutes or so, but by then I had lost interest with the film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/07 06:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
North by Northwest ****
One of the best suspense thrillers I have ever seen. Right from the first scene till the end, it has that nail biting tension. The climax is amazing. It seems like Hitchcock carefully plans each of his frames... amazing photography. And as usual his attention to sound is excellent. I have nothing but praises for the film. After Vertigo, this is my favorite Hitchcock movie. Definitely watch it if you haven't.


Yeah, such a wonderfully entertaining popcorn thriller. Glad you loved it man.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/02/07 08:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Quote:
Zodiac is an epic pile of shit.

How am I suppossed to enjoy a film that spends so much time presenting us dialogue that hammers out details of some stupid un-solved case that has no affect on my life or anybody else's?

What a fucking bore.

You've said that twice now, almost word for word. I don't get the "no effect on anybody else's life" part, because I've just given a rave review for it.


Well, the film obviously had an effect on your life. But I'm not talking about the film, I'm specifically talking about the story; the case. Serial killers and unsolved cases don't excite me, especially in a film as bland and lifeless as this one.

 Quote:
I don't get comparisons to Haneke, either, since I don't really see a relevant point of discussion between the two - and since you've only seen all of three films by him, I can't see how you would, either. The only way I see a similarity - and it's a vague one - is how both directors have an obvious great deal of pre-planned choreography for their scenes; Haneke more so, though, since his films are decidedly minimalist in terms of editing, and Fincher only for certain set-pieces.


I wasn't comparing Haneke and Fincher head-to-head. Go back and read what I posted. You could easily remove the Haneke part and it'd still make sense.

 Quote:
Good Cinema doesn't start and end with Michael Haneke, or what you might term as "art cinema", though.


You got the wrong guy. I don't term anything. A film is a film.

 Quote:
I'm (half) interested as to how you might counter my points of praise in my review. How Zodiac is a lesson in subjective verisimilitude - constantly shifting focus and placing the audience into a different character's identity.


Placing the audience into different character's identities? If I remember correctly, most of the film was from Gyllenhaal's point of view.

 Quote:
I see also a lot of visual worth in Zodiac. Didn't you notice the subtle change in cinematography as we moved through the decades. Compare the colour and lighting in some of the early scenes to the late scenes. If that isn't attention to period and detail and/or visual authenticity, I don't know what is.


Yeah, I noticed the change in cinematography. So what? I'm all of a sudden suppossed to enjoy the film because Fincher paid great attention to detail?

 Quote:
As for the text epilogue, it wasn't so much lazy as economic. The narrative had already served its purpose. How do you wrap up a series of events which are still continuing in real life in mere imagery and dialogue?


You don't make the film in the first place.

Twinkle, twinkle, blah blah...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/07 11:58 AM

 Quote:
I wasn't comparing Haneke and Fincher head-to-head. Go back and read what I posted. You could easily remove the Haneke part and it'd still make sense.
Okay...

 Quote:
It seemed it like it was trying to be wide open and mysterious like a Haneke film, but it ended up feeling overpolished and just average.
Wide-open and mysterious. Well, it goes to enormous lengths to, if anything, de-mystify the case. It's the opposite to "wide-open", to me. What do you mean by "overpolished"? Slick and smooth? Clean-looking? As opposed to grainy, perhaps, and hand-held? I don't see how being "overpolished" is a bad thing.

 Quote:
But a lot of our perceptions about a film's aesthetic is affected by what's actually happening in the film too.
I don't understand this, really. What's your point? Do you mean subject matter, as opposed to a film's style or "form"?

 Quote:
Placing the audience into different character's identities? If I remember correctly, most of the film was from Gyllenhaal's point of view.
It isn't, though. The final third is, from the point where he mentions, cleverly, that he's thinking of writing a book (the one which we see sold on shelves later in the film, and the one from which the film is adapted).

 Quote:
Yeah, I noticed the change in cinematography. So what? I'm all of a sudden suppossed to enjoy the film because Fincher paid great attention to detail?
There are some beautiful flourishes in there, regardless of period detail - the period detail, which people often amount to "realism" or "historical accuracy" - doesn't really excite me all that much, since I never lived in San Fransisco and never have; it's a far-away reality to me. But you didn't find worth in the overhead tracking shot of the taxi - which belied any use of CGI for me, and seemed incredibly ambitious and difficult in concept, but pulled off very well.

I'll tell you what, I'll anticipate a quote from you: "So what, it's a nice tracking shot, now I'm supposed to care about the film?"

Well, yeah; even if you deem it as a gimmick (which it may or may not be), it's still beautiful enough in and of itself to be "of worth", no? I mean in strictly cinematic terms.

 Quote:
You don't make the film in the first place.
Oh, but then I could ask why make films in the first place? Why make anything? Why live?

I could easily say the same thing as you but apply it to Stalker. Tarkovsky didn't need to make that film to tell us about existentialism, did he?

Don't understand the "twinkle twinkle" part of your argument, either, but I'll assume it amounts to the ever-convincing, always-conclusive opinion of "whatever".
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/07 09:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Quote:
I wasn't comparing Haneke and Fincher head-to-head. Go back and read what I posted. You could easily remove the Haneke part and it'd still make sense.
Okay...

 Quote:
It seemed it like it was trying to be wide open and mysterious like a Haneke film, but it ended up feeling overpolished and just average.
Wide-open and mysterious. Well, it goes to enormous lengths to, if anything, de-mystify the case. It's the opposite to "wide-open", to me. What do you mean by "overpolished"? Slick and smooth? Clean-looking? As opposed to grainy, perhaps, and hand-held? I don't see how being "overpolished" is a bad thing.


That's exactly what I mean by overpolished. It works sometimes, like in 2046 and Magnolia, but when the film rarely leaves a suburb/office/car setting like in Zodiac, it ends up being painfully dull.

 Quote:
 Quote:
But a lot of our perceptions about a film's aesthetic is affected by what's actually happening in the film too.
I don't understand this, really. What's your point? Do you mean subject matter, as opposed to a film's style or "form"?


Yeah. For example, at first glance, Godard's films are nothing special visually, but when you watch the film, his visual style is always perfectly suitable to what he's filming.

 Quote:
 Quote:
Yeah, I noticed the change in cinematography. So what? I'm all of a sudden suppossed to enjoy the film because Fincher paid great attention to detail?
There are some beautiful flourishes in there, regardless of period detail - the period detail, which people often amount to "realism" or "historical accuracy" - doesn't really excite me all that much, since I never lived in San Fransisco and never have; it's a far-away reality to me. But you didn't find worth in the overhead tracking shot of the taxi - which belied any use of CGI for me, and seemed incredibly ambitious and difficult in concept, but pulled off very well.

I'll tell you what, I'll anticipate a quote from you: "So what, it's a nice tracking shot, now I'm supposed to care about the film?"

Well, yeah; even if you deem it as a gimmick (which it may or may not be), it's still beautiful enough in and of itself to be "of worth", no? I mean in strictly cinematic terms.


It's of worth to you since you found it to be a beautiful shot, and at the time I might have thought of it as beautiful as well (I can't really remember, which shows just how small of an impact the film had on me). But in the end, it's only one small part of a film that I hated.

 Quote:
 Quote:
You don't make the film in the first place.
Oh, but then I could ask why make films in the first place? Why make anything? Why live?

I could easily say the same thing as you but apply it to Stalker. Tarkovsky didn't need to make that film to tell us about existentialism, did he?


Of course he didn't. But Stalker changed my life, so I'm glad Tarkovsky made it. I'm also glad Fincher made Zodiac, Juenet made Amelie, Anderson made Boogie Nights, and on and on. Watching bad films is essential in order to appreciate the films you love.

Twinkle, twinkle, blah blah...
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/03/07 09:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
Anderson made Boogie Nights


I'll still contest that Boogie Nights is fucking genius.

Speaking of which, where's MistaMista been hiding? I miss that savage bastard.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/07 03:40 AM

GHOST RIDER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

When the motorcyclist Johnny Blaze finds that his father Barton Blaze has a terminal cancer, he accepts a pact with the Mephistopheles, giving his soul for the health of his beloved father. But the devil deceives him, and Barton dies in a motorcycle accident during an exhibition. Johnny leaves the carnival, his town, his friends and his girlfriend Roxanne. Years later Johnny Blaze becomes a famous motorcyclist, who risks his life in his shows, and he meets Roxanne again, now a TV reporter. However, Mephistopheles proposes Johnny to release his contract if he become the "Ghost Rider" and defeat his evil son Blackheart, who wants to possess one thousand evil souls and transform hell on earth.

I think this movie actually got better with a second viewing. The special FX were amazing and Nicolas Cage and Sam Elloitt fit their roles beautifully. I think this is as close as any of those "B" comic franchises are going to get to the likes of X-MEN or SPIDER-MAN because this is definitely better than FANTASTIC FOUR, HULK, DAREDEVIL, THE PUNISHER, etc. I really hope they give this a sequel, although I'd only want it done with the same cast and crew.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/07 07:45 AM

THE CORPORATION
(First Viewing)

Since the late 18th century American legal decision that the business corporation organizational model is legally a person, it has become a dominant economic, political and social force around the globe. This film takes an in-depth psychological examination of the organization model through various case studies. What the study illustrates is that in the its behaviour, this type of "person" typically acts like a dangerously destructive psychopath without conscience. Furthermore, we see the profound threat this psychopath has for our world and our future, but also how the people with courage, intelligence and determination can do to stop it.

I actually picked this up on a whim at work. I didn't even know we carried it but I was looking for something interesting to watch before I go and I'm glad I picked this up. By and large I am against corporations and am tired of the commercialization that takes place in this country. If you're in the same boat I am, then this documentary will interest you as it takes an in depth look at how corporations and governments around the world are practically ruining this planet. However, before anyone wants to get cute I don't believe all corporations or businesses are bad. Many of them aren't but many of them are.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/07 06:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
GHOST RIDER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

When the motorcyclist Johnny Blaze finds that his father Barton Blaze has a terminal cancer, he accepts a pact with the Mephistopheles, giving his soul for the health of his beloved father. But the devil deceives him, and Barton dies in a motorcycle accident during an exhibition. Johnny leaves the carnival, his town, his friends and his girlfriend Roxanne. Years later Johnny Blaze becomes a famous motorcyclist, who risks his life in his shows, and he meets Roxanne again, now a TV reporter. However, Mephistopheles proposes Johnny to release his contract if he become the "Ghost Rider" and defeat his evil son Blackheart, who wants to possess one thousand evil souls and transform hell on earth.

I think this movie actually got better with a second viewing. The special FX were amazing and Nicolas Cage and Sam Elloitt fit their roles beautifully. I think this is as close as any of those "B" comic franchises are going to get to the likes of X-MEN or SPIDER-MAN because this is definitely better than FANTASTIC FOUR, HULK, DAREDEVIL, THE PUNISHER, etc. I really hope they give this a sequel, although I'd only want it done with the same cast and crew.


The only good thing that didn't seem campy, cheesy, Silly, and H.L.(Hardcore Lame)* was Peter Fonda...too bad this video came stinker didn't give him enough to work with.

*=Hardcore Lame is when filmmakers or movies in general try to be "badass," only to end up looking super LAME.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/04/07 08:53 PM

Two Family House

Two Family House is an independant film that tells the story of Buddy Visalo, a man who regrets that he has passed up the one opportunity offered to him early in his life. So Buddy strives to make up for that missed opportunity by attempting to make it in life trying different businesses and coming up with different ideas.

His latest idea is converting a run down two family house into a business called Buddy's Tavern. He decides that he and his wife will use the upstairs apartment as their home, and the downstairs will be where the tavern is. Sure enough, with Buddy's luck, it's not so easy getting rid of the tenants because the housing laws cause him all kinds of complications.

What starts out as a problem eventually evolves into a totally unexpected romance.

Buddy is played by Michael Rispoli, who is better known as mob boss Jackie Aprile from season one of The Sopranos, along with a supporting cast of Sopranos characters include Katherine Narducci (Charmaine Bucco ), Sharon Angela ( Rosemarie Aprile), Vincent Pastore ( Big Pussy ) & Matt Servidio ( agent Harris ).

A very entertaining and enjoyable film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 06:46 AM

Pierrot le Fou

I was underwhelmed by this film on my first viewing, and I honestly have no idea how that happened. I must have been half asleep, because right now I'm thinking this is quite possibly Godard's best film, and one of the greatest films ever made.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 03:07 PM

Godard said of Pierrot Le Fou that "it is not really a film, it's an attempt at cinema. Life is the subject, with [Cinema]Scope and color as its attributes...In short, life filling the screen as a tap fills bathtub that is simultaneously emptying at the same rate."

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059592/trivia
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 03:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
Godard said of Pierrot Le Fou that "it is not really a film, it's an attempt at cinema. Life is the subject, with [Cinema]Scope and color as its attributes...In short, life filling the screen as a tap fills bathtub that is simultaneously emptying at the same rate."

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059592/trivia

I don't know if I will like this particular movie, but I like his allegory
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 08:55 PM

Godard and Lynch are my two favourite filmmakers, if you didn't already know. Check him out, svsg. I dunno how familar you are with him; check out his first film, Breathless (A bout de souffle) first, and move from there. He's very challenging, very innovative, absolutely spellbinding at his best.

DVC, I'm really interested in what you'd make of Sympathy for the Devil. Check it out asap, please, and get back to me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 09:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Godard and Lynch are my two favourite filmmakers, if you didn't already know. Check him out, svsg. I dunno how familar you are with him; check out his first film, Breathless (A bout de souffle) first, and move from there. He's very challenging, very innovative, absolutely spellbinding at his best.

DVC, I'm really interested in what you'd make of Sympathy for the Devil. Check it out asap, please, and get back to me.


Speaking of Lynch,

Capo, you ever read his legendary script treatment for RONNIE ROCKET?*

*=Now you all know where I got my username from.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 09:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Godard and Lynch are my two favourite filmmakers, if you didn't already know. Check him out, svsg. I dunno how familar you are with him; check out his first film, Breathless (A bout de souffle) first, and move from there. He's very challenging, very innovative, absolutely spellbinding at his best.

Breathless is the only Godardd movie I have seen. I didn't find anything special in it. I remember DVC pointing out that this movie was dealing with Americanization of France or something to that effect. I won't argue about its social significance, but as a plain movie, it didn't do anything special for me. Can you suggest me any more movies of his, that I can appreciate without any regard to the social impact or its historic significance in Cinema?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 09:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


Capo, you ever read his legendary script treatment for RONNIE ROCKET?*

*=Now you all know where I got my username from.

what about AGO in your username?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 10:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
DVC, I'm really interested in what you'd make of Sympathy for the Devil. Check it out asap, please, and get back to me.


Will do.

God-art has become my favorite filmmaker, and I've only seen 6 of his films. This Summer I'm going to make an attempt to see as many of his films as I can. Hopefully I can get through all of them.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/05/07 10:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


Capo, you ever read his legendary script treatment for RONNIE ROCKET?*

*=Now you all know where I got my username from.

what about AGO in your username?


Why not? ;\)

Besides, It gave a three-word prong to my name, almost like the name of a crappy Glam Rock tune.

"Ronnie Rocket...AGO!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/07 05:27 AM

HANZO THE RAZOR: SWORD OF JUSTICE
(First Viewing)

Not enough fighting scenes and the few that were in the film were horribly choreographed. Also, this is suppose to be an honest, straight line walking cop, yet he's a rapist? Probably one of the weakest samurai movies I've ever seen.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/07 06:11 AM

I absolutely love À bout de souffle too, and I'd also recommend Alphaville and a woman is a woman (a femme est une femme) . these 3 and pierrot le fou are the only Godard's films I have seen, but as for pierrot, I didn't like it at all. it was sooooo boring with all that singing and dancing in the bushes... I don't even remember what the hell it was about. obviously, one day in my time I'm still going to give it another shot.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/07 03:45 PM

Watch it again.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/07 04:58 PM

you bet! don't know when, but I will...

for a while, it's still in the same league of Miami Vice of films that I watched and were erased of my mind due to boredom.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/07 08:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HANZO THE RAZOR: SWORD OF JUSTICE
(First Viewing)

Not enough fighting scenes and the few that were in the film were horribly choreographed. Also, this is suppose to be an honest, straight line walking cop, yet he's a rapist? Probably one of the weakest samurai movies I've ever seen.


WHAT IS THIS?!?!?!

Irish, where's your plot summary LONGER than the movie!??!?!

Why, you...you...are AN IMPOSTER!

People, he has a BOMB in his ribcage! Run!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/07 08:34 PM

I've got 2 more reviews coming since I have to finish the trilogy so just hang tight. End transmission.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/07/07 08:38 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've got 2 more reviews coming since I have to finish the trilogy so just hang tight. End transmission.


We are DOOMED!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/07 05:40 AM

Pi ***
It is about a bunch of people interested in numbers. The main character is a gifted mathematician who is in search of fundamental patterns in nature. However he suffers from serious health and mental problems. This movie is shot entirely in black and white. You can see all the techniques used in Requiem for a Dream in this movie as well. Aronofsky establishes his unique style with rapid edits and an unstable camera. I have to point out the amazing use of sound to bring out the mental and physical pain. Almost like a noise. Though it is neither as influential as Requiem nor thematically as grand as Fountain, it announces the rise of a great talent.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/07 05:42 AM

I loved that movie Pi! Still can't figure out what the ants are all about, but a great movie. I liked how the filming got more and more grainy as things got crazier. Very good independant film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/07 05:43 AM

HANZO THE RAZOR: THE SNARE 1/2
(First Viewing)

Well Hanzo the Rapist is back. At least this time he has a better and more interesting storyline, better fight sequences and better shots. The trilogy rebounded nicely from the first installment so we have to go to the final film for the rubber match.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/07 03:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I loved that movie Pi! Still can't figure out what the ants are all about, but a great movie. I liked how the filming got more and more grainy as things got crazier. Very good independant film.

There is a similar ant thing in the Korean movie 'oldboy' which is a masterpiece. Once they bring in drugs and hallucinations, anything is possible
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/07 05:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HANZO THE RAZOR: THE SNARE 1/2
(First Viewing)

Well Hanzo the Rapist is back. At least this time he has a better and more interesting storyline, better fight sequences and better shots. The trilogy rebounded nicely from the first installment so we have to go to the final film for the rubber match.


Where's my SUMMARY?!?!?! Umm? I want my summary bigger than your review dammit! *Storms around the room!*
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/07 07:46 PM

HOSTEL: PART II
(First Viewing)

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

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

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/07 08:25 PM

I didn't enjoy the first one,so im not ganna like this...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/08/07 08:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HOSTEL: PART II
(First Viewing)

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

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


Eli Roth can KISS my ass.
How about an internet-adored filmmaker that can actually slit the wrist in talent?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/07 03:33 AM

Psycho **
I don't know if this was the first, but this must have been one of the earliest movies on multiple personality disorder. Since then, Hollywood has taken this concept and beaten it to death. Though some scenes show the usual brilliance of Hitchcock, the movie as a whole is not gripping throughout. Somewhere along the line, I lost interest in the movie. I'll repeat my usual (yawn yawn) comment on his movies - excellent use of sound.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/07 03:39 AM

PSYCHO is my favorite Hitchcock movie ever
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/07 03:47 AM

What is your preferred order of favorite Hitchcock movies?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/07 03:55 AM

From the ones I've seen:

1) PSYCHO
2) VERTIGO
3) NORTH BY NORTHWEST
4) ROPE
5) REAR WINDOW
6) THE BIRDS

How about yourself?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/09/07 04:11 AM

1)Vertigo ****
2)North by northwest ****
3)Rear Window ***
4)Psycho **
5)Strangers on a train **
6)Man who knew too much *
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/07 05:49 AM

21 grams ***
A great movie from Alejandro Gonzales, the director of Babel. Naomi Watts gives one of the best performances by anyone I have ever seen. You must watch this movie at least for that. It is a shame she did not win an oscar. Bencio Del Toro acts very well too. But I must warn you of two things if they matter to you. The stories(There are several of them in parallel) are extremely tragic and may make you sad. Secondly the editing is non-linear in a crazy way. It takes a while to understand which time frame the scene is in. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/07 06:31 AM

HANZO THE RAZOR: WHO'S GOT THE GOLD?
(First Viewing)

Not a bad trilogy but definitely nothing I'd yern to see in the near future. Pretty disappointing that there wasn't more fighting and the main character was a rapist. The few fight scenes were Ok but even still, they weren't the best choreographed fight scenes I've ever seen. If you're into any type of samurai movies like I am, stick with THE LONE WOLF AND CUB or ZATOICHI series.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/07 06:32 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
21 grams ***
Secondly the editing is non-linear in a crazy way.


This is what I love most about the film because you really have to pay attention and put the pieces together as the film develops. I also agree that Naomi and Benicio were enjoyable (Benicio was probably my favorite role of the film).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/10/07 07:53 PM

OCEAN'S THIRTEEN 1/2
(First Viewing)

Danny Ocean rounds up the boys for a third heist, after casino owner Willy Bank double-crosses one of the original eleven, Reuben Tishkoff.

The best OCEAN movie is saved for last. I didn't know or even think they could surpass the original buy they sure did. This will at least dispell that unpleasant taste left in your mouth after watching OCEAN'S TWELVE. Al Pacino definitely stole the show for me. I haven't seem him play a villain in a good movie in such a long time (truly an a$$hole in this picture). Ellen Barkin worked really well as Al's personal assistant. Don Cheadle and Bernie Mac were kind of buried in this film, although Bernie did have a bigger part than Don (which I was happy to see). Finally, Casey Affleck and Scott Caan had great chemistry together always bickering and breaking each others balls. My expectations for this film weren't much, but I walked out of it completely satisfied.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/07 02:16 AM

DREAMGIRLS
(Second Viewing)

Based on the 1981 Broadway musical comes Dreamgirls, a story of greed, tough hate, and romance. Three young women - Deena Jones, Effie White, and Lorrell Robinson - desire to become pop stars and get their wish when they're picked to be backup singers for the legendary James "Thunder" Early. Then they're set free for leads, but Curtis Taylor and Effie's brother C.C. decide for Deena to be lead which upsets Effie.

The casting of this film was great. Eddie Murphy, Jaime Foxx, and Beyoncé Knowles all fit into their roles perfectly. Also, Anika Noni Rose and Sharon Leal worked well as the backup singers to Beyoncé. Really my only beef with the film was Jennifer Hudson. It wasn't that she did a bad job but I just didn't really care about her or her character. I was really disappointed that this film didn't even get a Best Picture nomination. It would have lost out to THE DEPARTED but a nomination would have been nice. I don't understand why CHICAGO won Best Picture just 5 years ago and this film, which is superior, can't even get a nomination?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/07 03:18 AM

I haven't seen Dreamgirls, but IMHO chicago was completely crap, no redeeming features at all.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/12/07 03:44 AM

I agree. I watched half of CHICAGO and turned it off, I just couldn't take it. A pretty weak year in terms of the nominees. They were CHICAGO, GANGS OF NEW YORK, THE HOURS, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS, and THE PIANIST. I was pulling for GANGS OF NEW YORK (not Marty's best work but it's Marty)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 12:48 AM

BREACH 1/2
(First Viewing)

Based on the true story, FBI upstart Eric O'Neill enters into a power game with his boss, Robert Hanssen, an agent who was ultimately convicted of selling secrets to the Soviet Union.

Not as much espionage as I thought their might be. As a result it wasn't very suspensful which I thought I was going to be in store for. Chris Cooper I feel gets overlooked sometimes for his work. He was enjoyable in this as was Laura Linney and even Ryan Phillippe. Kind of a let down.

FYI, here's a picture of the real Robert Hanssen

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 05:51 AM

Cannibal Holocaust *
This cult movie is banned in most countries. For a good reason. This is the goriest, most repulsive and sickening movie I have ever seen. It features cannibalism and (real) animal killings. No director would make a movie like this today. As horrible it is to watch it, credit must be given to the director for making a bold movie, completely ignoring the timid morality and hypocrisy of film-making ethics. A kind review of this film can be found here
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 06:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Cannibal Holocaust *
This cult movie is banned in most countries. For a good reason. This is the goriest, most repulsive and sickening movie I have ever seen. It features cannibalism and (real) animal killings. No director would make a movie like this today. As horrible it is to watch it, credit must be given to the director for making a bold movie, completely ignoring the timid morality and hypocrisy of film-making ethics. A kind review of this film can be found here


Going by your description of the movie, I think this will be one I skip. Seriously, real animal killings? When was this movie made?
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 07:06 AM

I had an ex boyfriend who watched that movie and couldn't sleep for a week. And he wouldn't let me watch it, said it'd scar me or something.

I think its Rob Zombie's favorite film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 11:20 AM

I'd see it. \:\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 11:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Going by your description of the movie, I think this will be one I skip. Seriously, real animal killings? When was this movie made?

I think it was made in 1980. The animal killings were real, fortunately the cannibalism is fake ;\) One particularly brutal animal killing scene is the most disturbing part of the movie. Other than that, it is watchable to some extent. You may safely skip it. I watched it for the sake of watching the most controversial movies. It looks like no one wants to make these type of movies anymore. All the unimaginable movies were made in 70s-80s in europe. I deleted my review of Maladolescenza(features explicit child/teen nudity, but has an excellent subject/theme) here minutes after I posted it, not being sure of the reaction. I am planning to watch more of these cult/controversial movies in the future \:\)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 12:05 PM

Check out Gaspar Noé's Irréversible, if you haven't already. It's safely in my Top Ten Ever.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 04:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Cannibal Holocaust *
This cult movie is banned in most countries. For a good reason. This is the goriest, most repulsive and sickening movie I have ever seen. It features cannibalism and (real) animal killings. No director would make a movie like this today. As horrible it is to watch it, credit must be given to the director for making a bold movie, completely ignoring the timid morality and hypocrisy of film-making ethics. A kind review of this film can be found here


Where may I ask did you find a copy of this? I haven't been able to and it's been on my 'watch' list.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 05:57 PM

Irish, I downloaded it because I wanted to watch it un-cut. I am not sure what the DVD version is, but you can get it in amazon.
LINK
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 06:17 PM

Also, watch Pasolini's Salo, or 120 Days of Sodom. \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 06:18 PM

Yeah but I didn't want to have to spend $18 on a movie I've never seen. Did it cost anything to download it? Also, where did you download it from?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 06:54 PM

Well, it would have costed if it was a legal download ;\) \:p
Bit torrents are the only source for all these cult movies. i.e. if you want to watch them un-cut.
Capo, I will watch your recommendations, plus 2-3 more movies are in queue.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 07:01 PM

capo, salo looks good ;\)

Apparently (based on my search of controversial movies), USA is more liberal in terms of allowing/banning films compared to european countries. But the irony is that most of these movies are european and USA hardly produces such movies. Artistic courage vs fascism - interesting thought, or so I think \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 07:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Well, it would have costed if it was a legal download ;\) \:p
Bit torrents are the only source for all these cult movies. i.e. if you want to watch them un-cut.


Is this the site you got it from?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 07:51 PM

bittorrent.com usually has nothing useful. I usually download from isohunt.com, torrentspy.com, mininova.com etc. I just google(movie name torrent) and find the first site that offers it. None of these sites store the movie, it is always peer-to-peer. So these websites act as a tracker. And in most cases all these different websites I mentioned point to the same tracker. So in effect it doesn't matter which website I download it from. I check for number of seeds before downloading. Irish, if you are new (sorry for presuming) to torrents, then I would suggest downloading a software like Azeureus. Then it is a simple matter of googling. In case you know all this, just ignore all the suggestions \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 07:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
I just google(movie name torrent) and find the first site that offers it.


I don't know any of this so thank you for the suggestions, espcially the one listed above. If this is peer-to-peer, how do you protect against viruses? I used to download music all the time a couple of years ago and after getting so many viruses from it, I felt it wasn't worth it. Have you had similar experience?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 09:28 PM

I haven't experienced it yet on torrent sites I listed above, but it is always a possibility. I had a nasty virus attack recently from some other website ( I guess one of the filesharing ones like rapidshare/megaupload, not sure). It took me almost a week to get rid of them, inspite of having mcafee. It took me a combination of mcafee, avg, hijackthis, windows defender and vundofix to get rid of it. Mcafee is the only one I bought, all the rest are freeware. I found avg pretty good. But that is off-topic.
I can't imagine getting hold of any of the rare movies from a mainstream rental like blockbuster. The worst part is blockbuster (as you know better than anyone) will not even stock nc-17 movies If I go to a local blockbuster and ask for cannibal holocaust, they may dial 911
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/13/07 09:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
If I go to a local blockbuster and ask for cannibal holocaust, they may dial 911


No unfortunately, they'll probably just give you a blank stare. I've found in some stores the employees aren't very knowledgeable with movies made prior to 1983. I'm not saying I'm Mr. Movie Encyclopedia myself, but I'd like to think I'm fairly knowledgeable in terms of movie titles, actors, directors, etc. (although I'm sure a select few will vehemently disagree with me on that notion).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 12:47 AM

PRIMEVAL
(First Viewing)

A news team is sent to South Africa to capture and bring home a legendary 25-foot crocodile. Their difficult task turns potentially deadly when a warlord targets them for death.

This film started out pretty interesting but turned pretty disastrous about 30-45 minutes into it. First of all, I'm not a fan of the 'killer croc' genre or any gigantic killer animal genres. They seem pretty cheesy and unrealistic. Secondly, the CGI was pretty bad in some shots which took away from the suspense because I wasn't afraid when the croc came on screen, but rather I was laughing. Finally, films that take place in Africa are depressing. I hope that doesn't sound wrong/bad but they are. After I watch a movie that takes place in Africa I feel like hanging myself with an extension cord.

Best line of the movie though was from Orlando Jones: "I'm never gonna say this in front of a bunch of white people. Slavery was a good thing. Anything to get the f*ck out of Africa is a good thing."
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
[quote=svsg]I'd like to think I'm fairly knowledgeable in terms of movie titles, actors, directors, etc. (although I'm sure a select few will vehemently disagree with me on that notion).
I wouldn't disagree. As far as Blockbuster and its clientele goes, I think you'd be a pretty valuable employee.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:10 AM

If you're serious in that comment Capo, then I deeply thank you! \:\) And if not, you're a ballbusting pr*ck ;\) And if worse came to worse, you could be both
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
This film started out pretty interesting but turned pretty disastrous about 30-45 minutes into it. First of all, I'm not a fan of the 'killer croc' genre or any gigantic killer animal genres. They seem pretty cheesy and unrealistic. Secondly, the CGI was pretty bad in some shots which took away from the suspense because I wasn't afraid when the croc came on screen, but rather I was laughing. Finally, films that take place in Africa are depressing. I hope that doesn't sound wrong/bad but they are. After I watch a movie that takes place in Africa I feel like hanging myself with an extension cord.


Just about everything you said here actually made me want to watch this movie. I love these cheesy, bad cgi, killer animal movies. SciFi channel has become the home of these types of movies and you can watch one just about any time of the day. I find them worth the same as a good comedy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:14 AM

To each his own. I didn't enjoy this film but if you like these, then I would advise you to see it. But I do understand where you're coming from. That's why I enjoy some of the Grind House and Japanese movies I've been watching. Some of them are just so silly and tongue-in-cheek, I find myself asking, "where they serious when they made this!?"
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:22 AM

Any one seen the Meglodon movies about the massive prehistoric shark.Now those movies are good for a laugh.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:33 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
If you're serious in that comment Capo, then I deeply thank you! \:\) And if not, you're a ballbusting pr*ck ;\) And if worse came to worse, you could be both
I am a prick, but I was serious just for a second there. Make a note in your diary. ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:37 AM

I will. I think that's the first compliment I've ever received from you Capo, so yes, I will savor it
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:39 AM

It's not the first, actually. But I've gone far enough today. Next I'll be sucking your cock. \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:57 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Next I'll be sucking your cock. \:p


We don't need to go there. I don't remember the first compliment but again, it was much appreciated. We might not always agree on movies, movie reviews, etc. but I've gotta tell you Capo, I do respect you. So your words do carry weight with me.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 02:59 AM

Crikey, what's going on around here?
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 03:00 AM

Can you feel the love ;\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 03:04 AM

Speaking of crocs, has anyone seen a croc movie with Michael Gazzo (Frankie Pentangeli) as some kind of cop? I saw a small bit of it on TV long back, but that was when I had watched GF2 recently. It was kind of weird to see him in that role \:\)
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 03:38 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Speaking of crocs, has anyone seen a croc movie with Michael Gazzo (Frankie Pentangeli) as some kind of cop? I saw a small bit of it on TV long back, but that was when I had watched GF2 recently. It was kind of weird to see him in that role \:\)


Alligator
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 03:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Crikey, what's going on around here?


The boards are a more peaceful place now I guess. Why ruin a good thing?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 06:22 AM

SEPPUKU (aka HARAKIRI)
(First Viewing)

Peace in 17th-century Japan causes the Shogunate's breakup of warrior clans, throwing thousands of samurai out of work and into poverty. An honorable end to such fate under the samurai code is ritual suicide, or hara-kiri (self-inflicted disembowelment). An elder warrior, Hanshiro Tsugumo (Tatsuya Nakadai) seeks admittance to the house of a feudal lord to commit the act. There, he learns of the fate of his son-in-law, a young samurai who sought work at the house but was instead barbarically forced to commit traditional hara-kiri in an excruciating manner with a dull bamboo blade. In flashbacks the samurai tells the tragic story of his son-in-law, and how he was forced to sell his real sword to support his sick wife and child. Tsugumo thus sets in motion a tense showdown of revenge against the house.

What a Japanese masterpiece. Excellent camera movement in this film! This and RASHOMON are probably my all-time favorite Japanese movies. The only real problems I had with this film were the pacing (I saw a couple of places I felt could have been sped up or cut out) and the sword fighting scenes weren't well done. It seemed as if Tatsuya Nakadai had never held a sword before in his life. I'm not expecting this guy to be a full blown master in the "exquisite art of the samurai sword" (as Beatrix Kiddo likes to refer to it), but at least let me try to believe you're a samurai. That's one thing I always respected about actors such as Toshirô Mifune, Shintarô Katsu (from the ZATOICHI series), and Tomisaburo Wakayama (from the LONE WOLF AND CUB series), they may not have much practice or experience with the sword, but they at least come off on screen as being master's with the blade. However, other than those 2 complaints, I thought the film was fantastic.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 06:30 AM

Have you checked out the 2003 version of Zatoichi, yet? I recommended it a while back. It's directed by one of my favourite directors, Takeshi Kitano, whose style of ultra-violence and comedy may well sit well with you - it certainly does me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/14/07 03:20 PM

No, not yet. I've only watched a couple of episodes from the TV show and maybe the first 2 or 3 movies. From what I've seen I've really enjoyed the character, but haven't seen as much as I would like.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 01:34 AM

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS 1/2
(First Viewing)

Anne Welles, a bright, brash young New England college grad leaves her Peyton Place-ish small town and heads for Broadway, where she hopes to find an exciting job and sophisticated men. During her misadventures in Manhattan and, later, Hollywood, she shares experiences with two other young hopefuls: Jennifer North, a statuesque, Monroe-ish actress who wants to be accepted as a human being, but is regarded as a sex object by all the men she meets, and Neely O'Hara, a talented young actress who's accused of using devious means by a great older star (Helen Lawson) to reach the top, pulling an "All About Eve"-type deception in order to steal a good role away from her.

A powerful tale about 2 young women who ruin their lives and careers by being hooked on dolls (or pills). Although, I didn't care much for the characters, except for Nelly O'Hara whom I probably sympathized with the most, which numbed me up when trying to care when these characters destroyed their lives. Nelly had the talent and unfortunately, like so many of the greats (Monroe, Hendrix, Morrison, etc.) they were only able to share their gifts with us for a brief period in time and were taken away at too young of an age. I guess this was more powerful when it was made in 1967 as now a days, actors going into rehab and being hooked on booze, pills, etc. isn't as much of a surprise. In fact, I think it might actually be expected in today's world.
Posted By: james_cagney

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 06:03 AM

Recently watched movies:

I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang (1932)- Excellent film about the corruption and injustice of the prison system.

The Public Enemy (1931)- One of my favorite James Cagney films.

Return of the Living Dead (1985)- I'm a horror movie fan as well and I love this movie. So much fun!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 01:38 PM

Kitano's Zatoichi is similar to Kill Bill, and I like it a whole lot better.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 01:47 PM

I'm going to try to grab it from Blockbuster tonight. It's a double-feature too
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 01:53 PM

Double-feature? What with?
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 01:58 PM

I always thought Capo and Irishman have a lot in common. For instance, I dont think theres anyone in this board who watches as many movies as these 2. I think Capo is watching 60 or so movies per month and Irishman probably more.

I've seen 15 films lately, some great, some horrible, here we go:
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 02:26 PM

I always feel better when you're around, Fame. It makes me feel somehow more valid when I get philosophical and bitchy. \:\)
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 02:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg

Breathless is the only Godardd movie I have seen. I didn't find anything special in it. I remember DVC pointing out that this movie was dealing with Americanization of France or something to that effect. I won't argue about its social significance, but as a plain movie, it didn't do anything special for me.


I think Breathless is considered a milestone not due to its content or what it was dealing with, but because of the editing used in this film. It was revolutionary. All these short cuts you see, the philosophy behind it that you should only see what is necesssary. If there's a scene in which someone is walking in the street, enters a building, go up the stairs and then knock on the door - - - the new philosophy says it's a waste of time. Show him in the street for a second, on the stairs for another second, then cut to him standing in front of the door. The "in between" is severely cut. That technique was hardly used before. Some thought it was just lazyness on Godard's part, some held it as a revolutionary method, and it did started in a way the french revolution and influenced many other films.

If anything, I think it established the notion that the role of the editor is no less important, and sometimes just as important as that of the director.

Anyway, back to those 15 films:
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 02:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Double-feature? What with?


SONATINE, I believe Quentin Tarantino presents it. So yeah, I should be able to watch both this weekend
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 02:42 PM

 Quote:
I think Breathless is considered a milestone not due to its content or what it was dealing with, but because of the editing used in this film.
Its content is noteworthy too, of course: it's an explicitly conversational film exploring sexual politics in 1950s France, and it's a blend of pop art and high art, a clash of cultures, with references to Bogart one minute and then Chopin the next.

It's all made fashionable and timeless, of course, because of the said jump-cuts. (Jump-cut: a jump in otherwise simultaneous action. ie. not from scene to scene, but within the same scene; an interruption in the narrative discourse.) There's actually little to none philosophy behind them, actually, but I find a great deal of philosophy in them. Which means, that Godard had to cut the movie by some distance in order for the producers to distribute it, and, since he saw every scene as an essential one, he eventually overcame the problem by taking to the print with a pair of scissors, cutting at, as he says, "random places" (which I might not believe so much). But I like the jump-cuts; they have a youthful feel about them, they help maintain energy; they heighten a lot of the gags (like when Belmondo gets out of the taxi to lift up a woman's skirt); and they always remind me that I'm watching a film, a work of manipulation, as well as a manipulative work - I'm always a fan of that kind of stuff. As for the philosophy inside them, which I extract or interpret - or "put in" myself - they go alongside the film's existential thread, about "living in the moment". Great film by one of my favourite filmmakers.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 02:44 PM

Sonatine is brilliant! I remember recommending Kitano's films a while back, to you specifically as well as others.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 03:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: Fame
All these short cuts you see, the philosophy behind it that you should only see what is necesssary. If there's a scene in which someone is walking in the street, enters a building, go up the stairs and then knock on the door - - - the new philosophy says it's a waste of time. Show him in the street for a second, on the stairs for another second, then cut to him standing in front of the door. The "in between" is severely cut. That technique was hardly used before.


Gus Van Sant went totally in the opposite direction with Elephant. He would show a character walking all the way from his home to school \:D And I loved it for some reason, much to the fury of my friends who were watching it with me and were about to kill me for ruining a nice friday evening \:D \:D

 Quote:

Anyway, back to those 15 films:


Written in invisible ink ? ;\)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 03:08 PM

I'm torn between the montage of Hitchcock and Eisenstein and the tracking shots of Tarkovsky and Tarr.

If you like Van Sant's films, svsg, check out Béla Tarr's works: Sátántangó, Damnation, Werkcmeister Harmonies. They're fantastic - Van Sant's been heavily influenced by him.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 03:21 PM

Most people I talk to like Hitchcock for his skill in making great suspenseful thrillers. While I agree with them, I am of the opinion that his superiority lie in his photography and sound engineering skills. I don't know if the credit should be given to him or some other technicians who he may have used extensively in his movies that I am not familiar with.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 03:40 PM

Sorry for the short reviews, but 15 films in one post takes too much time :

here is a SPOILER warning for all films:

Alien *****/*****

(I watched the director's cut, which is in fact one minute shorter than the theatrical version.)

Superb film! This film is influenced by the 2 years earlier STAR WARS and it shows in the film. But what Scott did is a "hardcore" version of STAR WARS. There are no smooth images and toyish spaceships in this one. They are blunt and unattractive, very fitting for this film.
However, the greatest touch in this film is the element of suspense. The sound of the heartbeats was awesome. As well as the overall feeling that something is going to happen, yet it happens very seldom and only lasts seconds. It only adds to that we dont know what they're really dealing with, the unknown is perhaps the greatest fear.
"kitty, kitty, kitty" is perhaps my favorite scene. That tech guy looking for the cat, and then we see him looking up, the liquid goes down on his hat, and yet...nothing. Awesome.
Also, when they first examine the surface outside, and the camera moves towards the in-wall creature, we are waiting for it to open its eyes....cut to Ripley opening her eyes, anyone else noticed it? just awesome.

Aliens ****/*****

Not as good as the first I must say. But I still give it credit for being a Ripley film more than an alien film, which was a nice touch. Ripley the warrior. Ripley the team leader (Hicks was more like her pawn), and of course Ripley the mother figure.
Cameron wrote the script and directed, and while it is an intense action sci-fi I can't really say it goes without flaws.
For instance, the loudmouthed Vasquez is suddenly silenced when Ripley takes charge, I kept wondering if she was killed early in the film but strangely she's still there. Then there's the weird decision by Ripley to incinerate and bomb the hell out of Mother's nest when she barely makes it out with the child on her shoulder. WTF? She even goes to finish her entire ammunition not leaving anything for her way back. I dont buy it, not while the child is with her, not after all she went through to get her out. Did she really think she'll just blow the hell out of that nest and walk away peacefully?
Then, there's the similarity in the ending to "Alien" : again the alien is hiding in the ship and AGAIN it is killed when its being sucked to space.
Still, is was very good at times, hence my rating. My favorite scene is the elevator scene. Ripley's getting ready to fight. What a pre-battle scene! Cameron is a master in using elevators for his films (terminator 2 anyone?)
The whole notion of going down the elevator a very long way only adds to the feeling of tgoing down the "pits of hell", so to speak.

BTW- this must be the 5th film in which Michael Biehn plays a military commander. The Terminator, Aliens, The Abyss, Navy Seals, The Rock, and probably more I forgot. Talk about typecasting eh?

More reviews on the way...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 04:00 PM

THE MUMMY (1932)
(First Viewing)

In 1921 a field expedition in Egypt discovers the mummy of ancient Egyptian prince Im-Ho-Tep, who was condemned and buried alive for sacrilege. Also found in the tomb is the Scroll of Thoth, which can bring the dead back to life. One night a young member of the expedition reads the Scroll out loud, and then goes insane, realizing that he has brought Im-Ho-Tep back to life. Ten years later, disguised as a modern Egyptian, the mummy attempts to reunite with his lost love, an ancient princess who has been reincarnated into a beautiful young woman.

What I love about these 1930s movies (particularly FRANKENSTEIN, DRACULA, THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME, and THE MUMMY) is how simplistically they were made and also the nostalgic that comes with them (at least for me with the opening credits). Boris Karloff did another great job as I got to see him act more. The only Karloff movie I had seen prior to this was FRANKENSTEIN where he didn't have any dialogue. The man had a dominating and terrifying presence on screen. I'm hoping Universal makes a 75th Anniversary DVD for this like they did for FRANKENSTEIN and DRACULA last year, however due to sluggish DVD sales on those titles, I'm hearing Universal may pass. What a shame. \:\/
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 05:05 PM

Check out Bride of Frankenstein. It's tremendous. The Old Dark House, too (also by James Whale).
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 05:14 PM

Jean-Paul Belmondo is the coolest motherfucker in the world.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 08:38 PM

Here be your SPOILER warning.....

The Crow ****/*****

An atmospheric film. visually-stunning. The camera work is splendid and the images are delight. This film became very famous for 2 reasons:

1) Actor Brandon Lee was accidently killed during filming (by Michael Massee - who 24 fans know as Ira Gaines)

2) It is THE film of the Gothic community. Goths around the world embrace this film since the film tried to embrace their community as well by filming the beautiful gothic structures as well as Lee's makeup, the use of poems by Edgar Allan Poe, etc..

Tho I must say that while the visuals are great, the dialogue is somewhat forced, like the above mentioned poems. the way they are mentioned feels awkward as if they were only pushed into the script to capture the gothic feeling.

Anyway, this is one of the better comic-book films I've seen. I cant wait to read the comic book.

Pirates of the Caribbean - The BULLSHIT Curse */*****

The BULLSHIT Curse (ie the first in the trilogy) was a pain to watch and I only give it one star. It was simply boring, Bloom and Knightley were no more than beautiful faces, and to think that this is one of the most loved films among teenagers these days is truly sad. But I will say a couple of good things about it:

1) I love the fact that they did a film about the ride. I've always loved the disney ride and I thought it was a cool idea to make a film based on it. HOWEVER I didnt like the fact that they later closed the ride for "updating"...ie adding movie material into it. WTF? You dont mess around with the original. You make a movie based on the ride, NOT vice versa! Whatever.

2) Depp. The only good thing in this movie. He actually created an original character with unique way of speaking and unique body language. I loved how Bloom impersonated him. Anyway, despite the unique character of Jack Sparrow, the movie was not interesting.

I have no desire whatsoever to watch any of its sequels.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 08:39 PM

 Originally Posted By: Fame
I always thought Capo and Irishman have a lot in common. For instance, I dont think theres anyone in this board who watches as many movies as these 2. I think Capo is watching 60 or so movies per month and Irishman probably more.


Honestly I try to watch at least once a day (usually after dinner or before bed). I enjoy it and it's just a daily ritual for me. Thanks goodness for Blockbuster's Total Access program as now I'm usually never without a movie
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 08:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Sonatine is brilliant! I remember recommending Kitano's films a while back, to you specifically as well as others.


What other of his films did you recommend of his? And yes, I was able to snatch it up so I should be watching it by Monday at the latest. Isn't this the first actor other than Shintarô Katsu to portray the blind swordsman?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 08:59 PM

MR. BROOKS 1/2
(First Viewing)

The story follows a man with a murderous alter ego. Moore will play a tough detective whose devotion to her craft catches the attention and respect of the serial killer she is hunting, which leads to a symbiotic relationship.

This has got to be one of the two greatest roles I've ever seen Kevin Costner play (the other would be his portrayal of Jim Garrison in JFK). He worked so well with William Hurt in this film. They were both so sadistically humerous at times and the next moment, a stone cold killer. I don't think I ever saw him get angry in this movie. He was always claim, and even if he didn't have control of a situation, he accepted it and moved on. I really admired his performance and to an extent, his character in this film. Demi Moore was passable as a detective, however I was very happy to see Dane Cook (whom I have enjoyed since his WAITING days and even before), expand his range as a serious actor. Some here probably don't give a sh*t but at least the man is trying to not fall into the same pithole Adam Sandler and his career have gone. Finally, young Danielle Panabaker was very enjoyable as Costner's daughter, getting more grown-ups roles away from the YOURS, MINE AND OURS and SKY HIGHS of her career.

It's very sad for me to see this film has (as of last weekend), brought in $18.7 million and was the #7 movie in the country. At the local theater here in New York, their down to 2 showtimes per day so I'm thinking they're going to pull it pretty soon. Hopefully, MGM makes some of its money back through DVD rentals and sales. They just didn't push the film. I saw 1 trailer for it before a film. I never saw one on TV.

My only real beef with the film was the ending. They had the ball on the 1-yard line and f*cking fumbled it! Other than that disappointment, this film was great and definitely in my Top 3 for 2007 thus far. If you enjoy Kevin Costner and his work, and this film is still in your local theater, please go see it. I'm not even telling you to go, I'm asking nicely so this film will hopefully gross a little more. This could be why so many remakes and sequels are made because nobody supports the original work like MR. BROOKS.

Warning, Spoiler:
Just one last note of commentary. I love it now that actors are able to go outside of their "realms" so to speak. I loved Robin Williams as the villain in DEATH TO SMOOCHY, INSOMNIA, and ONE HOUR PHOTO. Likewise, I loved Kurt Russell as a bad guy in DEATH PROOF/GRINDHOUSE and now Kevin Costner as a serial killer. All I can say from Hollywood is please give me more!


----------------------------------------------------------------

Updated 2007 list thus far:

1) GRINDHOUSE
2) 300
3) MR. BROOKS
4) OCEAN'S THIRTEEN
5) ZODIAC
6) HOSTEL: PART II
7) BLACK SNAKE MOAN
8) GHOST RIDER
9) SPIDER-MAN 3
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 08:59 PM

I'd recommend Violent Cop, Boiling Point and Sonatine first; then move onto Brother, which was made in the US, then to Hana-Bi.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 09:02 PM

 Originally Posted By: Fame
Pirates of the Caribbean - The BULLSHIT Curse */*****

The BULLSHIT Curse (ie the first in the trilogy) was a pain to watch and I only give it one star. It was simply boring, Bloom and Knightley were no more than beautiful faces, and to think that this is one of the most loved films among teenagers these days is truly sad. But I will say a couple of good things about it:

1) I love the fact that they did a film about the ride. I've always loved the disney ride and I thought it was a cool idea to make a film based on it. HOWEVER I didnt like the fact that they later closed the ride for "updating"...ie adding movie material into it. WTF? You dont mess around with the original. You make a movie based on the ride, NOT vice versa! Whatever.

2) Depp. The only good thing in this movie. He actually created an original character with unique way of speaking and unique body language. I loved how Bloom impersonated him. Anyway, despite the unique character of Jack Sparrow, the movie was not interesting.

I have no desire whatsoever to watch any of its sequels.


It'd probably do you best to go with your last statement and not see the last 2. They were simply made for revenue and not to really expand the storylines or characters any further and it showed. Neither of these films hopes a candle to the original IMO. I must say Fame, I think you're one of the few people I know who has said they didn't like PIRATES. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I cannot argue too much with your assessment of Bloom and Knightley (however Knightley is VERY easy on the eyes mate and makes the time go by a little fast, eh?) ;\) Depp was the only real reason to watch any of the films. Hopefully, Disney will not make a 4th, however considering how much money this trilogy made, it wouldn't surprise me one bit. Plus Depp loves the character too much.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 09:04 PM

You know what Fame?

I may disagree with you on the first PIRATES (Its decent if full of annoying faults) but you know what?

You don't just write summaries and then one-sentence saying whatever its good or not. Your rating-scores are consistent.

Sir, you are a good reviewer. Can't wait to read more reviews from you in the future man.

No really, you wrote a great defense of TROY, a film I absolutely hate, and when someone can write a review better than the movie they're defending......that's real talent.

P.S. - You will be in pain with the latter ALIEN sequels. Owww....
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 09:10 PM

For a moment or several the other day I considered the possibility that I may, after all, miss my star ratings. But fuck it, then I realised how much of a gimmick it had become for me in the end, where I was watching films not so much to see them, but to somehow validate my overall database more, with so many films of suchandsuch a rating, and so many films of another. The more films I saw, of course, the more I felt the need to keep revising these systems, only because it was somehow "wrong" to have more than ten films with four stars. What a load of horse-crap.

I like what I like now.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 09:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
For a moment or several the other day I considered the possibility that I may, after all, miss my star ratings. But fuck it, then I realised how much of a gimmick it had become for me in the end, where I was watching films not so much to see them, but to somehow validate my overall database more, with so many films of suchandsuch a rating, and so many films of another. The more films I saw, of course, the more I felt the need to keep revising these systems, only because it was somehow "wrong" to have more than ten films with four stars. What a load of horse-crap.

I like what I like now.


Its WRONG?

Shit, I'm screwed then...
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 09:49 PM

Here be your SPOILER warning....

I'm gonna go real fast now, so here goes the remaining 11:


A Fish Called Wanda ***/*****

Apparently someone died while watching this movie. What a fun way to go eh? laughing your guts out. So I thought to myself: "this movie must be the funniest shit ever if someone died laughing while watching it." Well, it is funny. Death-like-funny? not IMO, but interesting film.

Maybe my biggest problem with it is that I dont think Jamie Lee Curtis is the sexy babe she is supposed to be in this film. Sexy perhaps...but not babe. ANYWAY.... this film is OWNED by Kevin Cline. He is the star by all means. This is probably the best movie of his career (together with Sophie's Choice). His energetic performance is spelndid. Best scene is the "fish n chips" scene. He actually wanted to eat real fish for the scene. Haha I believe that, totally.

damn it, I always promise short reviews and I cant keep my promise...but thats it...witness my short-reviews-skills from now on:

DOOM */*****

I'm a huge fan of the original game, but this film was a mess. You know DOOM doesnt really have much of a stroyline in the first place, but hey they killed the only storyline that actually existed and turned into a film about lab rats and mutations other than HELL. Fuck. Not to mention that the single gunner is now replaced with a group. Bah, what a waste.

Liar, Liar ****/*****

Jim Carrey at his best. What a wonderful mix of family comedy and adult comedy. In between the standard humor he has his moments throwing in the "strong" material in an offhand manner - he is a master of that combo.
Beating the shit out of himself in the bathroom was outstanding.
Next to another Carrey film.....

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ****/*****

An original idea and a great execution. Carrey shows that he can do drama as well as comedy. This is one of the films that you enjoy the second time watching just as much as the first time, because you have a new perspective and understanding the second time around. That hobbit was a miscast, though.

The War at Home *****/*****

A movie not seen by many. Too bad. One of the best post-nam movies out there. Directed by Emilio Estevez, and all I can say that this brat pack guy did an awesome job directing himself, Kathy bates and his father...Martin Sheen.
Hell, this is one of the most intense family dramas I have ever seen. When Esteves, who is also in the lead role, steps outside his house, the garden becomes the battlefield, and he portrays the anguish and confusion in a top-notch performance. And did I mention Kathy Bates in the role of the mother? holy shit! I've never seen her that good in any film, forget about Misery! Just watch this one, do yourself a favor.

5 more films.....
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 10:04 PM

Good reviews, keep the work up Fame.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 11:03 PM

Here be your SPOILER warning....

Raging Bull *****/*****
(no review since I'm planning a major review for this one, like the one I did for Troy)

Equilibrium ****/*****

What a nice gem! Bale was great in Batman Begins? well, you better see him in this one cos he turned an "average" futuristic film into a mind blowing experience! add in a great suppor from veteran Sean Bean, and this film, ladies n gentlemen, is a winner in my book.
"Sense offenders" are those who oppose the new world where emotions are illegal...since they are the cause for wars. Yeah whatever. So due to a mix of events, Bale ends up not taking his pills, thus beginning to FEEL. that emotional conflict he portrays is mesmerizing. He even has a little breakdown in one scene when he listens to classical music. Highly recommended.
This film is also famous for presenting a new fighting technique called Gun Kata, which Bale masters. It is said this is the movie with the highest number of on screen kills, but like I said, the action is realy secondary in this film.

Ong Bak **/*****

So Tony Jaa is the new shit of martial arts. Here be yer proof. But for crying out loud, can we have a slightly better scenes when he's not fighting? I know that the fight scenes are all that matters in this film, but please have merci! You have this guy on a wheelchair, the main villain, talking through a device which creates the most horrible sound your ears will ever experience. Torture, my friends, torture. And if that's not enough, you have the lead female screaming like a horny elephant when she loses her sister. But no, she had to lose her firend in the end of the film as well, and we are doomed once again.

The Protector ***/*****

The following Tony Jaa film. Peace to my ears!finally! the plot is even better this time. Instead of searching for some holy head of a statue, this time he is searching for a lost elephant. But yeah, the choreography of the fights is also much better than in Ong Bak. The scenes are more versatile. In one videogame-like scene he mounts the stairs, taking the baddies one-by-one or should I say five-by-five. And the opponents are also more interesting. All in all, this is a better film than Ong Bak. I made the mistake of watching this one first, so Ong Bak didnt gave me anything new, other than the knowledge that throwing refrigerators at your enemies is pointless.

Fantastic Four */*****

I would say plenty, only there's not much to comment about. Same type of dissapointment I had with PIRATES only this time the rescue wheel is Chiklis instead of Depp. The guy just didnt give in to CGI and insisted on acting it out. He was also the reason I watched it till the end.

Finally...........I rewatched my favorite film of all time.

Yeah...that one with Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis.

No...not the acrobats one.

Later folks.
Posted By: Fame

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/15/07 11:09 PM

Thanx rons for all the compliments. Keep it rockin!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 04:46 AM

You welcome Fame.

You know, you ever considered half-stars is that just not your thing?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 05:02 AM

THE ADDAMS FAMILY 1/2
(First Viewing)

For 25 years Uncle Fester has been missing. An evil doctor finds out and introduces a fake Fester in an attempt to get the Adams Family's money. Young Wednesday Addams has some doubts as to the sincerity of the new Uncle Fester. The fake Uncle adapts very well to the strange family. Can the doctor carry out her evil plans and take over the Adams Family's fortune?

I never saw the TV show and I've also enjoyed ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES so I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the original as much. It was rather weird seeing Christina Ricci at such a young age (she was only 11 when she made this film). In the 2 years it took to release VALUES, she grew up quite a bit. Finally, how can you hate a film when its soundtrack features 3 M.C. Hammer song ("This Is The Way We Roll," "Too Legit To Quit," and "Addams Groove")? Ah, if only I could get my hands on a time machine, I'd go back and live in the early 1990s.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 06:06 AM

I watched The Falcon and the Snowman (1985) tonight, and it was pretty good. But I'm not here to give a review -- I'm here to tell Capo that he's almost a spitting image (from the nose up) of Timothy Hutton in '85!! I swear, every 10 minutes or so, I was like, "it's Mick!" \:o



Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 12:28 PM

"From the nose up"!

I've never seen him before. I've had two people tell me now though that I look like a young Gary Oldman.

Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 03:44 PM

I'm to the belief that if by the year 2035, medical-science allows two men to have a love-child, if Mark Wahlberg and Heath Ledger were to have a baby, it'd look like Mick.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 03:48 PM

I saw OCEANS 13 and KNOCKED UP this week.

I can't really add to Irish's review. I enjoyed them both. Rooting against Al was more fun than I thought it would be.

I think I like KNOCKED UP more than Irish did. If you didn't find it as funny as THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN, it's because you were expecting it to be that funny. If KNOCKED UP came out of left field like the former film, you'd be rolling in the aisles.

But what do I know?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 04:07 PM

Glad you enjoyed them pizzaboy! Is MR. BROOKS still playing in your local theater?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 04:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Glad you enjoyed them pizzaboy! Is MR. BROOKS still playing in your local theater?


I live in New York City, boy.

If it's still in theaters, it's playing here.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 04:14 PM

Did you read my review of it? Try to see it this weekend if you have the time.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 04:16 PM

Actually, my dad wants to see it, so I might just take him today.

If he don't like it, I can always blame you. He's not too fond of the Irish , anyway.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 04:21 PM

That's OK. If he doesn't like it then I want HIS review of the film ;\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 05:06 PM

Well Pizzaboy, OCEAN'S 13 did apparently make up for the crappyness of OCEAN'S 12, thankfully.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 06:00 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
I watched The Falcon and the Snowman (1985) tonight, and it was pretty good. But I'm not here to give a review -- I'm here to tell Capo that he's almost a spitting image (from the nose up) of Timothy Hutton in '85!! I swear, every 10 minutes or so, I was like, "it's Mick!" \:o





Oh my god. At first I thought that was Capo. \:o
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 06:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Well Pizzaboy, OCEAN'S 13 did apparently make up for the crappyness of OCEAN'S 12, thankfully.


It's quite possible that OCEAN'S 12 was the hardest to follow film EVER.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 06:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
"it's Mick!" \:o





Wow, that's uncanny. I can see the Gary Oldman resemblance as well.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/16/07 07:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Well Pizzaboy, OCEAN'S 13 did apparently make up for the crappyness of OCEAN'S 12, thankfully.


It's quite possible that OCEAN'S 12 was the hardest to follow film EVER.


Its not hard to follow...its just STUPID.

The "Twist" makes no damn sense. You have Matt Damon scrambling to pull the caper off out of his ass, like someone who's head would become scrambled eggs if he doesn't cut it in time.

Then you have the "twist revelation," and once we see that Damon was privy to it...if Damon's character knew of it, why would he bother shoveling his ass to pull a needless caper off?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 01:23 AM

The Fountain
Darren Aronofsky 2006 USA 5th time
A young research-scientist obsessed and plagued with death fights to cure his wife of cancer while a 1,000 year journey through space and time is embarked upon.

Pi and Requiem for a Dream where remarkable for their cunning visual styles and chilling penetration of the human psyche. The Fountain has both of those, plus more thematic depth than I could have expected, making Aronofsky's third effort his best to date. How he developed as a storyteller so much in the seven year time-span between Requiem and this is beyond me... But, I have to say, it must be one of the most visually stunning films to come along since 2001: A Space Odyssey The future scenes, among others, where by far some of the most lavishly original images to grace my eyes in a while; and when I learned that he did not use CGI in the creation of these scenes, I was only further impressed.


The Departed
Martin Scorsese 2006 USA/Hong Kong 2nd time
A gangster pretends to be a cop, informing the Mob, whilst a cop pretends to be a gangster, informing the police.

I can't help but think the academy really only gave Scorsese the oscar to make up for lost awards and past times. This certainly wasn't his best; maybe not even one of his ten best. But that just goes to show of what caliber Scorsese is. I highly enjoyed this film, on the basis of cop versus criminal. It was very entertaining an interesting. But this is certainly more an actor's film than a director's film. The performances are all excellent... And Marky Mark Wahlberg officially has three movies that are worth a damn.


Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Larry Charles 2006 USA 2nd time
A local television personality from the middle east sets foot in America with a camera crew to make a documentary based in New York City, but finds himself on an epic journey to Hollywood in search of Pamela Anderson.

Probably the funniest film I've seen in a while. Just the sort of offensive mind-fuck that tickles my fancy. It certainly goes the extra mile, in terms of b-grade comedies. My only complaint--as is my complaint with films like Anchorman and Napoleon Dynamite--is that, while they're a good laugh, the catch on in pop culture at a disgusting rate, and then the morons that I loath but put up with on a daily basis start quoting lines at a criminal rate.


Apocolypto
Mel Gibson 2006 USA 1st time
Upon being captured for human sacrifice, a young Mayan man stuggles to survive.

Really, really good. Surprisingly, Moses does not make a cameo, and I don't think he killed more than three Jews. Go figure. No, seriously, despite the fact that Mel Gibson is a horrible human being who will most certainly burn in hell, assuming it exists, this was an excellent film; I'm not sure how much of it was historically correct, but it provided a very interesting view of Mayan society. This is the sort of movie I'd like to see appearing in theaters more often. I have to hand it to the man though... He sure does know how to take a film with a commercially unpopular premise, and turn it into a mega-million dollar epic that the studio's will actually support. Good on him and his weird, creepy elitist-agenda.


La Lettre The Letter
Michel Gondry 1998 France 1st time
An adolescent hears out the advice of his older brother upon falling in love with a young girl.

Classic Gondry. His first widely distributed short film, long before the years of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I much liked it; any man who says they cannot relate to it is a liar. Also, I believe this marks the start of that Gondry-styled surrealism... And, based upon its surreality alone, this short contained what could have been one of my favorite moments in Gondry's surrealism.


One Day...
Michel Gondry 2001 USA 1st time
A man's life-sized feces follow him out of the bathroom and accuse him of attempted murder before claiming to be his son.

Fucking hilarious. I love Gondry's sense of humor. So bizarre... I'm sure this had to be one of those sitting-around-the-office moments, when he just decided "I should do something with that gigantic crap-costume in my basement." I can't really say too much more about a short film with David Cross dressed as a giant shit.


Peacon Pie
Michel Gondry 2003 USA 1st time
A man drives a bed on wheels while singing the Elvis tune "Peacon Pie".

This reminded me of these really poorly made commercials we used to get around here in the late 90s, early 00s, of a local mattress dealership... I can't remember what the guy called himself, but he was really successful in the area, and all of his commercials involved him driving around on his mattress-car in his pajamas... They were almost identical to this short. Yeah, well, then he was convicted for embezzlement and false advertisement, and his stores closed down. Well, I can't really say anything that isn't in the plot outline, it's quite simple... Just a fun 90 second clip made while on the set of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 04:48 AM

ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES
(First Viewing)

Pugsley and Wednesday Addams aren't very happy with the new addition to the family: their new baby brother, Pubert. Morticia is restless, and Gomez only wants her to be happy, so he tries to fix everyone's problems by hiring a nanny. The Addams' finally find the perfect nanny in Debbie: a seemingly innocent woman with an impeccable wardrobe and a way with her hands. She charms the family, especially Uncle Fester, who is head-over-heels for her. However, Wednesday and Pugsley see through her sensual facade: Debbie is only after Fester for his money. Before they can rat on her, she has the kids sent off to summer camp, as she and Fester get married. While she tries (several times) to kill Fester and make it look like an accident, Pugsley and Wednesday must battle ever-cheery camp directors and spoiled rich kids to get back to their family and warn them of Debbie's plans.

I really think they could have squeezed another movie from this franchise. If it were made today they would have. It was great having the entire original cast back except Carol Kane replaced Judith Malina as Grandma (I like Carol Kane better anyway). This is Raul Julia's best work that I've seen. It's tragic he died the year after this film was released. Joan Cusack also did a really good job as Debbie Jellinsky, the babysitter/killer (some of her best work too). However, the real show stealer to me was Peter MacNicol. I've loved this guy ever since I saw him in GHOSTBUSTERS II in 1989. He easily had the best lines and made the film more enjoyable. I think he gets overlooked sometimes for being a pretty decent comedian. I really enjoy this guy's work (he was even in this past season of 24).
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 06:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Pugsley and Wednesday Addams aren't very happy with the new addition to the family: their new baby brother, Pubert. Morticia is restless, and Gomez only wants her to be happy, so he tries to fix everyone's problems by hiring a nanny. The Addams' finally find the perfect nanny in Debbie: a seemingly innocent woman with an impeccable wardrobe and a way with her hands. She charms the family, especially Uncle Fester, who is head-over-heels for her. However, Wednesday and Pugsley see through her sensual facade: Debbie is only after Fester for his money. Before they can rat on her, she has the kids sent off to summer camp, as she and Fester get married. While she tries (several times) to kill Fester and make it look like an accident, Pugsley and Wednesday must battle ever-cheery camp directors and spoiled rich kids to get back to their family and warn them of Debbie's plans.


You should really quote the source of whomever wrote this... and every other thing you (don't acknowledge that you) quote... At the very least, you could acknowledge that Mike Lira wrote that, as it appears in IMDb, and not you.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 02:02 PM

JOHN Q

Everytime I watch this movie, I like it even more than I did before.


Being a father myself, I would do exactly what John Q does in order to save my child's life.

If you've ever experienced the fustration of having to try and cut through the red tape and the bullshit that these insurance companies throw in your path, then you'll find yourself cheering and rooting for John Q.

source : Don Cardi's heart.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 02:05 PM

DC,

You must be watching TNT no? ;\) It just started here. I too have seen it before and it touches my heart every time.



TIS
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 02:13 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
DC,

You must be watching TNT no? ;\) It just started here. I too have seen it before and it touches my heart every time.



TIS


Yes TIS, I'm watching it as I type this. It's almost over.

What loving parent wouldn't do what this guy does to save his child's life?

When it came out in the movies, my wife and son went into one theater to see it, and my daughter, who was much younger back then, and I went into another theater to see a disney movie.

Afterwoods we all met back in the lobby of the theater, and when I asked my wife how the movie (John Q) was, my son turned around to me and said "Dad, all through the movie I kept thinking about how you would have loved it because I could see you doing what he did for me or my sister."

When I went to see it the following week, I finally realized what my son meant when he said that to me. He was right. ;\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 05:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Pugsley and Wednesday Addams aren't very happy with the new addition to the family: their new baby brother, Pubert. Morticia is restless, and Gomez only wants her to be happy, so he tries to fix everyone's problems by hiring a nanny. The Addams' finally find the perfect nanny in Debbie: a seemingly innocent woman with an impeccable wardrobe and a way with her hands. She charms the family, especially Uncle Fester, who is head-over-heels for her. However, Wednesday and Pugsley see through her sensual facade: Debbie is only after Fester for his money. Before they can rat on her, she has the kids sent off to summer camp, as she and Fester get married. While she tries (several times) to kill Fester and make it look like an accident, Pugsley and Wednesday must battle ever-cheery camp directors and spoiled rich kids to get back to their family and warn them of Debbie's plans.


You should really quote the source of whomever wrote this... and every other thing you (don't acknowledge that you) quote... At the very least, you could acknowledge that Mike Lira wrote that, as it appears in IMDb, and not you.


But jGeoff, it would make Irish's reviews be even LESS about the actual damn review! ;\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 05:13 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
The Fountain
Darren Aronofsky 2006 USA 5th time
A young research-scientist obsessed and plagued with death fights to cure his wife of cancer while a 1,000 year journey through space and time is embarked upon.

Pi and Requiem for a Dream where remarkable for their cunning visual styles and chilling penetration of the human psyche. The Fountain has both of those, plus more thematic depth than I could have expected, making Aronofsky's third effort his best to date. How he developed as a storyteller so much in the seven year time-span between Requiem and this is beyond me... But, I have to say, it must be one of the most visually stunning films to come along since 2001: A Space Odyssey The future scenes, among others, where by far some of the most lavishly original images to grace my eyes in a while; and when I learned that he did not use CGI in the creation of these scenes, I was only further impressed.



Yeah, THE FOUNTAIN will grow in time. Its that damn great.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 06:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
The Fountain
Darren Aronofsky 2006 USA 5th time
A young research-scientist obsessed and plagued with death fights to cure his wife of cancer while a 1,000 year journey through space and time is embarked upon.

Pi and Requiem for a Dream where remarkable for their cunning visual styles and chilling penetration of the human psyche. The Fountain has both of those, plus more thematic depth than I could have expected, making Aronofsky's third effort his best to date. How he developed as a storyteller so much in the seven year time-span between Requiem and this is beyond me... But, I have to say, it must be one of the most visually stunning films to come along since 2001: A Space Odyssey The future scenes, among others, where by far some of the most lavishly original images to grace my eyes in a while; and when I learned that he did not use CGI in the creation of these scenes, I was only further impressed.



Yeah, THE FOUNTAIN will grow in time. Its that damn great.


In my opinion, best film of 2006 is a jumble between The Fountain, A Scanner Darkly, and Le science des rêves.

The Fountain is probably on my top ten of the decade, actually.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 07:19 PM

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

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

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

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/17/07 08:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER
(First Viewing)

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

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


In a summer where Bay may have his biggest career hit ever....yeah, God hates us. We're that lucky.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/07 06:37 PM

ZATOICHI (2003)
(First Viewing)

Blind Zatoichi makes his living by gambling and giving massages. But behind his humble facade, Zatoichi is a master swordsman, gifted with lightning-fast draw and strokes of breathtaking precision. Zatoichi wanders into a town run by sinister gangs and a powerful samurai. He's destined for violent showdowns when he stumbles on two beautiful geishas avenging their parents' murder... Duels, wit and a touch of zen! Cult anti-hero Zatoichi is back in a sword-fighting adventure written, directed and starring Takeshi Kitano.

I thank you Capo for the recommendation. Even though I can't see anyone else in the role of Zatoichi other than Shintarô Katsu, I will give Takeshi Kitano A LOT of credit. He had some mighty big shoes to fill and did a fine job with his rendition of the character. The CGI blood was a nice touch as well, as were the constant limb cut-off shots. This was pretty much the type of samurai movie I was looking for and Capo hit it right on the head for me. My only real beef with the film was the last 5-10 minutes as I felt the dance rountine, as impressive as it was, wasn't necessary. Other than that, may the character of Zatoichi live on! I'm definitely looking forward to SONATINE now, which I should be able to watch tonight.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/18/07 06:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ZATOICHI (2003)
(First Viewing)

My only real beef with the film was the last 5-10 minutes as I felt the dance rountine, as impressive as it was, wasn't necessary.
Best bit in the movie! Glad you liked it, though. Sonatine has a strange sense of humour, deadpan camerawork and Kitano's usual charisma. I can't think of a more charming and satisfying blend of humane observations, tranquil humour and shattering violence.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 03:13 AM

I was walking past my local dvd shop when i decided to have a look through the "nothing over $2 box".Thinking i wouldn't find f all for two bucks my eyes caught the cover of Martin Scorceses King of comedy.With my last two bucks in my pocket i bought the fil took it home and watched.Firstly this is a great film.I really enjoyed it and DeNiro was killer funny as Rupert Pupkin.At time you really feel for the guy and i found myself laughing one minute,depressed the next.Anyway for two bucks it was an excellent find.A great film.Watch it if you havent already.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 03:40 AM

I agree whisper, it was a good film. One of Marty's overlooked movies
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 03:53 PM

SONATINE 1/2
(First Viewing)

A world-weary yakuza in Tokyo is assigned to take his clan to Okinawa to help settle a dispute between two factions. He's suspicious of the assignment, but he goes, and within a couple days, his role remains unclear and several of his men are dead. He retreats to a house on a remote beach to wait. The first night there, he rescues a young woman from an assault, and they develop a playful relationship. Over time, it becomes clear he's been set up, sent to Okinawa so that others can take over his lucrative territory. As his clan dwindles, he plans a revenge.

Very disappointing coming from Takeshi Kitano after I just watched his version of ZATOICHI. On the cover of this DVD is a quote of how it's reminiscent of GOODFELLAS. This film is in no way, shape or form reminiscent of Martin Scorsese's masterpiece. I would barely consider this a gangster picture. There's barely any violence and shootouts. It's basically about the boss, Aniki Murakawa, waiting on a beach like a dumbbell while people take over his turf. Seriously, that's about 1 hour or 1 hour 10 minutes of the 90 minute movie. As a result, I was almost asleep by the time Sonatine finally decided to take his revenge.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 03:54 PM

Hey Irish, whaddaya know about the RAGING BULL Special Edition DVD?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 03:57 PM

This DVD?

Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 04:10 PM

Yeah, how are the extras?

Do LaMotta and DeNiro appear together at all?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 04:35 PM

The specs are:

-Audio Commentary #1: Marty Scorsese and editor Thelma Schoonmaker

-Audio Commentary #2: Irwin Winkler, Robbie Robertson, Robert Chartoff, Theresa Saldana, John Turturro, Frank Warner, Michael Chapman and Cis Corman

-Audio Commentary #3: This third installment is called The Storytellers Commentary and it includes Mardik Martin, Paul Schrader, Jason Lustig and Jake La Motta.

-Raging Bull: Before the Fight

-Raging Bull: Inside the Ring

-Raging Bull: Outside the Ring

-Raging Bull: After the Fight

-The Bronx Bull

-De Niro Vs. La Motta

-La Motta Defends Title: Old MovieTone newsreel footage re-capping one of La Motta’s comeback victories.

-Theatrical Trailer and a 6-Page Commemorative Booklet.

----------------------------------------------------------------

From what I remember, the specs were good. I watched them when I bought the DVD when it first came out. I remember them being a little short but if you don't own this movie on DVD, get the specail edition! The movie itself has got to be in my Top 10 All-Time list
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 04:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SONATINE 1/2
(First Viewing)

Very disappointing coming from Takeshi Kitano after I just watched his version of ZATOICHI. On the cover of this DVD is a quote of how it's reminiscent of GOODFELLAS. This film is in no way, shape or form reminiscent of Martin Scorsese's masterpiece. I would barely consider this a gangster picture. There's barely any violence and shootouts. It's basically about the boss, Aniki Murakawa, waiting on a beach like a dumbbell while people take over his turf. Seriously, that's about 1 hour or 1 hour 10 minutes of the 90 minute movie. As a result, I was almost asleep by the time Sonatine finally decided to take his revenge.
Nah, it's nothing like GoodFellas. Kitano's got far too individual a style to be compared to Scorsese. Check out Boiling Point next, then Violent Cop, then Brother.

Don't lose hope. \:\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 06:17 PM

Irish, when was the Raging Bull DVD released? I checked in amazon, couldn't see any version released recently.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 06:20 PM

I just ordered it from Columbia House.

I have the "generic" one with no extras, so I'm really looking forward to the extra disc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 06:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SONATINE 1/2
(First Viewing)

Very disappointing coming from Takeshi Kitano after I just watched his version of ZATOICHI. On the cover of this DVD is a quote of how it's reminiscent of GOODFELLAS. This film is in no way, shape or form reminiscent of Martin Scorsese's masterpiece. I would barely consider this a gangster picture. There's barely any violence and shootouts. It's basically about the boss, Aniki Murakawa, waiting on a beach like a dumbbell while people take over his turf. Seriously, that's about 1 hour or 1 hour 10 minutes of the 90 minute movie. As a result, I was almost asleep by the time Sonatine finally decided to take his revenge.
Nah, it's nothing like GoodFellas. Kitano's got far too individual a style to be compared to Scorsese. Check out Boiling Point next, then Violent Cop, then Brother.

Don't lose hope. \:\)


Are these other gangster pictures?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 06:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Irish, when was the Raging Bull DVD released? I checked in amazon, couldn't see any version released recently.


It was released February 8, 2005. Here's the link for it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 06:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I have the "generic" one with no extras, so I'm really looking forward to the extra disc.


I had a bootleg copy myself. The quality on this is a lot better and as you said, the extras. I want to watch GOODFELLAS with the Martin Scorsese & Henry Hill commentary and I want to watch RAGING BULL with the Martin Scorsese and Jake La Motta commentary. I should have time to do all that this summer \:D
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 09:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Check out Boiling Point next, then Violent Cop, then Brother.

Don't lose hope. \:\)


Are these other gangster pictures?
Yeah.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/19/07 09:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I have the "generic" one with no extras, so I'm really looking forward to the extra disc.


I had a bootleg copy myself. The quality on this is a lot better and as you said, the extras. I want to watch GOODFELLAS with the Martin Scorsese & Henry Hill commentary and I want to watch RAGING BULL with the Martin Scorsese and Jake La Motta commentary. I should have time to do all that this summer \:D


I know you've never really been into MEAN STREETS, but if you watch it with the discussion on (Marty narrating along with Amy Robinson) you'll really gain insight into the film and where he gets almost all of his motivation from. It is without a doubt his most personal film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/07 01:25 AM

LETHAL WEAPON 1/2
(First Viewing)

Los Angeles police sergeant Roger Murtaugh, who has just turned 50 years old, is assigned to investigate the death of Amanda Hunsaker, a prostitute who is one of the daughters of bank president Michael Hunsaker, a friend whom Roger has known since they were in the Vietnam War together, but Roger hasn't seen Michael in 12 years. Beginning with this investigation, Roger is assigned a new partner Sergeant Martin Riggs, who has been suicidal ever since his wife Victoria "Vicky" Lynn Riggs died in a car crash in 1984. Riggs and Murtaugh's investigation of Amanda's death reveals that she was murdered. Upon hearing of this, Michael tells Murtaugh that he would like for whoever is behind Amanda's murder to end up dead, like Amanda. Riggs and Murtaugh's investigation continues and it makes them the targets of Shadow Company, a group of former Vietnam War era mercenaries who now bring heroin into the Los Angeles County region. Shadow Company's leader, General Peter McAllister, and his right hand man, Mr. Joshua, want Riggs and Murtaugh dead, no matter what the cost.

suspect_5 has been telling me to watch these films for a while now and I had 2 hours to kill, so I figured what the heck. I have a ton of respect for writer Shane Black since he wrote one of my favorite movies of all-time, THE LAST BOY SCOUT. This was the typical action film with not as much humor, but Mel Gibson made up with the excitement of his character, Riggs. Gary Busey was enjoyable for the minimal role he had in the film. And finally, I can't believe I caught this because she was in the film for about 15 seconds in quick shots, but this was Joan Severance's first film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/07 01:27 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I have the "generic" one with no extras, so I'm really looking forward to the extra disc.


I had a bootleg copy myself. The quality on this is a lot better and as you said, the extras. I want to watch GOODFELLAS with the Martin Scorsese & Henry Hill commentary and I want to watch RAGING BULL with the Martin Scorsese and Jake La Motta commentary. I should have time to do all that this summer \:D


I know you've never really been into MEAN STREETS, but if you watch it with the discussion on (Marty narrating along with Amy Robinson) you'll really gain insight into the film and where he gets almost all of his motivation from. It is without a doubt his most personal film.


Actually, I've been wanting to watch it the last few months but haven't been able to get a hold of it. The Blockbuster's closest to me in Texas and New York don't have it but no worries, I'm getting the DVD for my birthday.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/07 03:28 PM

SANSHO THE BAILIFF
(First Viewing)

In mediaeval Japan a compassionate governor is sent into exile. His wife and children try to join him, but are separated, and the children grow up amid suffering and oppression.

A truly tragic story about the family of a governor. The governor is very compassionate to the people he rules and as such, is run out of office by the businessmen of the territory. This film takes place before "human beings became compassionate" towards their fellow man. What made it so tragic for me was the father of this family was such an admireable man and as such, his family is split apart and sold into slavery. Pretty depressing but powerful at the same time.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/20/07 08:24 PM

One can never depend on COCKBUSTER. Right?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 01:08 AM

LETHAL WEAPON 2 1/2
(First Viewing)

Los Angeles police sergeant Roger Murtaugh and his partner, Sergeant Martin Riggs, are working on yet another drug related case. Soon after finding 1 million dollars worth of South African krugerrand in a crashed red BMW after a chase, Riggs and Murtaugh are assigned to keep an eye on Leo Getz, who is scheduled to testify in a case. There are people who don't want Leo to testify, and they are a group of drug smugglers led by Arjen Rudd, the minister of diplomatic affairs for the South African consulate. Rudd turns out to be the man that Riggs and Murtaugh are after in the drug case they were working on before Leo was placed in their protective custody, which doesn't look very protective when Leo is kidnapped by Rudd's right hand man Pieter Vorstedt. Riggs ends up falling for Rudd's secretary Rika Van Den Haas, who doesn't like Rudd. In a confrontation with Vorstedt, Riggs is told the true circumstances behind the death of his wife Vicky, who died in a car crash in 1984 the car crash was caused by Vorstedt, who was supposed to have killed Riggs. Minutes after Vorstedt tries to kill Riggs, Riggs finds Rika dead, and this sends Riggs over the edge.

The guys are back and pack a heavier punch. This time they also brought Joe Pesci with them. More humor and action scenes makes this probably my favorite LETHAL WEAPON of the series, as I've heard #3 & #4 aren't gems like the first 2.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 02:01 PM

ONIBABA
(First Viewing)

As a feudal war rages in 14th-century Japan, those left behind are struggling to survive. The wife and the mother of a soldier make their meager living by preying upon hapless samurai who come their way, killing them and selling their armor for food. When a friend of the soldier returns to the women's hut, they learn the fate of their soldier, and are forced to deal with this survivor. Tensions build as the young widow gives in to her loneliness, and the older woman fears abandonment, feels jealousy, and plots revenge.

What I love most about this film is the fact there isn't much dialogue. Much of the movie is represented as a visual imagery. Shindô does a fantastic job capturing these women's desperation and loniness though their actions. Literally I don't believe a line of dialogue is spoken in the first 5 minutes. It was wonderful because the tension was building up, I was wondering who was going to break the ice first. Not only that, but the opening scene with the women and samurai was pretty shocking to me for it's time. In addition, I would somewhat classify this as a horror movie due to the mask. Again, this would be in my Top 10 all-time favorite Japanese movies.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 04:44 PM

Nice review Irish, this sounds very good - I want to watch it soon. The only japanese movie I have watched is Rashomon and it is already in my all time top 10 or so. It might be a good idea to start a separate thread and compile your reviews of Japanese movies, the way you did for grindhouse movies.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 04:51 PM

Irish, have you seen Kwaidan? I can't remember.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 05:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
LETHAL WEAPON 2 1/2
(First Viewing)

Los Angeles police sergeant Roger Murtaugh and his partner, Sergeant Martin Riggs, are working on yet another drug related case. Soon after finding 1 million dollars worth of South African krugerrand in a crashed red BMW after a chase, Riggs and Murtaugh are assigned to keep an eye on Leo Getz, who is scheduled to testify in a case. There are people who don't want Leo to testify, and they are a group of drug smugglers led by Arjen Rudd, the minister of diplomatic affairs for the South African consulate. Rudd turns out to be the man that Riggs and Murtaugh are after in the drug case they were working on before Leo was placed in their protective custody, which doesn't look very protective when Leo is kidnapped by Rudd's right hand man Pieter Vorstedt. Riggs ends up falling for Rudd's secretary Rika Van Den Haas, who doesn't like Rudd. In a confrontation with Vorstedt, Riggs is told the true circumstances behind the death of his wife Vicky, who died in a car crash in 1984 the car crash was caused by Vorstedt, who was supposed to have killed Riggs. Minutes after Vorstedt tries to kill Riggs, Riggs finds Rika dead, and this sends Riggs over the edge.

The guys are back and pack a heavier punch. This time they also brought Joe Pesci with them. More humor and action scenes makes this probably my favorite LETHAL WEAPON of the series, as I've heard #3 & #4 aren't gems like the first 2.


But its not as good as FANTASTIC FOUR, right?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 06:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Nice review Irish, this sounds very good - I want to watch it soon. The only japanese movie I have watched is Rashomon and it is already in my all time top 10 or so. It might be a good idea to start a separate thread and compile your reviews of Japanese movies, the way you did for grindhouse movies.


Thanks for the kind words svsg. RASHOMON is my favorite Japanese movie of all-time BTW (good taste in movies we have) \:p ONIBABA is definitely up there (I hope you watch it soon), HARAKIRI is up there as well. I'm really into the samurai genre so most of my favorites are samurai movies. I'm not sure if that's what you're into but HARAKIRI was great regardless. THRONE OF BLOOD was great by Kurosawa along with YOJIMBO & SANJURO. Everyone else here will tell you the SEVEN SAMURAI is but I find it difficult to sit through for 3 1/2 hours (but that's just me). As for the seperate thread, I don't watch a lot of Japanese movies. It's just I've been able to get these through Blockbuster Online and 2 recent gems (HARAKIRI & ONIBABA) just have me begging for more. But if you and others think we should, I'm game. I just find it easier to complie all the movies into one thread.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 06:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, have you seen Kwaidan? I can't remember.


No I haven't, but it's on my list. Is it anything like I've watched recently?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 06:29 PM

BODY COUNT (1995)
(First Viewing)

Two vengeful assassins are loose on the streets of New Orleans and are looking to systematically murder some of the elite Special Crimes Agents responsible for sending one of them to prison. Now only the two leaders of the highly trained corps will be able to stop the slaughter.

I'm branching out a little with Sonny Chiba in a non-samurai role. I honestly only saw this film because I wanted to see more of Brigitte Nielsen's work. Really the only work of her's I've seen is: RED SONJA, ROCKY IV, BEVERLY HILLS COP II, and THE DOUBLE 0 KID. A surprisingly noticeable cast with Robert Davi (THE GOONIES, LICENSE TO KILL), Steven Bauer (he played Manny from SCARFACE), Brigitte and of course Sonny Chiba. Chiba was cool because he was an assassin but also for his up close kills used his skills with the samurai sword. A decent B or C action flick.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 06:46 PM

Irish, you can view Kwaidan here. I've still not seen it, though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 06:53 PM

Cool, thanks for the link Capo. Is it only an 1 and 13 minutes?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 09:05 PM

PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (2006)

I saw this on dvd last night. I enjoyed it but did Will Smith really deserve an Oscar nomination? I guess it was a weak year.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 09:31 PM

Irish, see Ran as soon as possible. I think it's Kurosawa's most astonishing film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 09:35 PM

I've seen it once and yes, I need a second viewing soon. It's on the list as well.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 10:02 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (2006)

I saw this on dvd last night. I enjoyed it but did Will Smith really deserve an Oscar nomination? I guess it was a weak year.


I haven't seen it yet, but did read the book. He's an amazing man. I understand that the movie didn't go into his childhood at all. It should have, because it made his commitment to his son even more astonishing. He was so violently and repeatedly abused by his stepfather, his mother was in prison, and to be such a good dad, having had no example! To be homeless and become a millionaire defies odds, but to be a good parent after an abusive childhood is just as unusual!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/21/07 10:04 PM

I actually just picked up the book today, SB!

While researching online, I found out that alot of liberties were taken with the book, so I want to read it.

I'll let you know.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/07 02:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I actually just picked up the book today, SB!

While researching online, I found out that alot of liberties were taken with the book, so I want to read it.

I'll let you know.


Was this before or after you requested that prison movies thread? ;\)

Hey Irish, check this review of the FANTASTIC FOUR sequel out from a buddy of mine: Adam Jahnke over at the Bits:

"When I was a kid, I read both Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer comics and liked them quite a bit. After sitting through two FF movies, the latest of which features the Surfer, I can’t for the life of me remember what I enjoyed about them. And that may be the worst thing you can say about any movie adaptation. It actually makes you forget what you liked about the source material in the first place. This time around, Reed and Sue are about to become Mr. and Mrs. Fantastic when the ceremony is interrupted by the appearance of the Silver Surfer in the skies over Manhattan. The Torch goes after him only to have his ass handed back, which results in some trouble with his powers later on. Meanwhile, Dr. Doom is back and wants to get his hands on the Surfer’s Power Cosmic, while everybody else just wants to prevent Earth from being devoured by Galactus, a big cosmic cloud that if you squint and tilt your head just so, bears a vague resemblance to its comic book counterpart in certain shots. To be fair, I had exactly the same reaction to Rise as I did to the first Four. This is no better and no worse than the original movie. The problems are still pretty much the same. The visual effects are still a mixed bag, with Mr. Fantastic and the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing coming across the worst and the Surfer looking pretty good. The cast, including Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba and Julian McMahon, are almost uniformly bland, better suited to a Fantastic Four soap opera than a movie. McMahon is a particular liability. His character needs to be eliminated immediately so the real Dr.. Doom can show up on screen someday. Only Chris Evans as Johnny Storm registers anything even close to enthusiasm for the gig. It’s kind of cool seeing the Silver Surfer on screen but really, it’s not a great character to build a movie around. Stories about somber, philosophical aliens who ride surfboards through the cosmos are a little easier to take seriously in comics, if indeed you’re able to take it seriously at all. Now I know what defenders of this movie will say. It’s aimed at kids, lighten up. I readily acknowledge that the Fantastic Four movies are geared toward younger audiences and I actually applaud Fox for that decision. We certainly don’t need anymore “dark” superhero movies. But the old FF cartoon that replaced the Human Torch with H.E.R.B.I.E. the robot was aimed at kids, too. That didn’t mean it was any good. (* *)"

ZING!
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/07 04:06 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (2006)

I saw this on dvd last night. I enjoyed it but did Will Smith really deserve an Oscar nomination? I guess it was a weak year.

I think he deserved a nomination.Also i enjoyed this film alot.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/07 04:16 AM

Irishman12, I got to say that you probably have the widest and unpredictable range of taste in movies. That's a compliment, by the way.

Going by some of your reviews, I would've never guessed you would like an Ozu or Mizoguchi film. I know people whose favorites are much like yours and they were bored by an Ozu film.

Harakiri is fantastic. It's in the highest category of classics.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/07 05:32 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (2006)

I saw this on dvd last night. I enjoyed it but did Will Smith really deserve an Oscar nomination? I guess it was a weak year.


It was. The nominees were:

-Leonardo DiCaprio (BLOOD DIAMOND)
-Ryan Gosling (HALF NELSON)
-Peter O'Toole (VENUS)
-Will Smith (THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS)
-Forest Whitaker (THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND)

Forest Whitaker was easily the runaway favorite. Personally, I wouldn't of minded seeing Will's nomination go to either Leonardo DiCaprio for THE DEPARTED or to Aaron Eckhart for THANK YOU FOR SMOKING.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/07 05:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
Irishman12, I got to say that you probably have the widest and unpredictable range of taste in movies. That's a compliment, by the way.

Going by some of your reviews, I would've never guessed you would like an Ozu or Mizoguchi film. I know people whose favorites are much like yours and they were bored by an Ozu film.

Harakiri is fantastic. It's in the highest category of classics.



Well thank you, I do appreciate that (and Capo's even mentioned it too). Recently, I've had this passion for Japanese classic films. Basically, any Japanese movie that the Criterion Collection puts out on DVD, I'll watch it. Ozu isn't my favorite Japanese director but I do enjoy his work. His films are drama pieces and I find them a little slow with not a lot of suspense/tension to keep me entertained, however ever film of his that I've seen, I've enjoyed. I've viewed his "Noriko Trilogy" (LATE SPRING, EARLY SUMMER, and TOKYO STORY). In addition I've seen LATE AUTUMN.

As for Mizoguchi, SANSHO was enjoyable but I'm not going to purchase it. The standard for me is if I liked a movie enough, I'll buy it. While I did enjoy SANSHO, I just don't envision myself viewing it multiple times. Other than Kurosawa, the 3 Japanese movies that have influenced me the most recently are JIGOKU, HARAKIRI, and ONIBABA. Has anyone else ever seen JIGOKU? That's also in my Top 10 Japanese list.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/07 05:49 AM

THE AVENGERS 1/2
(Third Viewing)

British Ministry agent John Steed (Ralph Fiennes), under direction from "Mother", investigates a diabolical plot by arch-villain Sir August de Wynter (Sean Connery) to rule the world with his weather control machine. Steed investigates the beautiful Doctor Mrs. Emma Peel (Uma Thurman), the only suspect, but simultaneously falls for her and joins forces with her to combat Sir August.

The biggest problem I find with this film was the script. It was incredibly weak. Connery's character I felt wasn't fully developed by the end, which by that point, was already a mess. The climax of the film had zero affect on me. I didn't hardly care about the characters, their mission or their "revenge." How Ralph Fiennes, Uma Thurma, and Sean Connery got talked into doing this picture is beyond me. I've never seen the original T.V. series so I'm not a diehard fan who's pissed that they officially f*cked the original series with this garbage (and subsequently, discouraged younger views from potentially seeing the original show). The only positive I came away with from this film was how delectable Uma Thurman looked. I mean wow \:o 1997 and 1998 were the years where I first started to notice Uma in BATMAN & ROBIN and THE AVENGERS. Note, I wasn't into PULP FICTION or first see it until later on.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/07 08:47 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Well thank you, I do appreciate that (and Capo's even mentioned it too). Recently, I've had this passion for Japanese classic films. Basically, any Japanese movie that the Criterion Collection puts out on DVD, I'll watch it. Ozu isn't my favorite Japanese director but I do enjoy his work. His films are drama pieces and I find them a little slow with not a lot of suspense/tension to keep me entertained, however ever film of his that I've seen, I've enjoyed. I've viewed his "Noriko Trilogy" (LATE SPRING, EARLY SUMMER, and TOKYO STORY). In addition I've seen LATE AUTUMN.

As for Mizoguchi, SANSHO was enjoyable but I'm not going to purchase it. The standard for me is if I liked a movie enough, I'll buy it. While I did enjoy SANSHO, I just don't envision myself viewing it multiple times. Other than Kurosawa, the 3 Japanese movies that have influenced me the most recently are JIGOKU, HARAKIRI, and ONIBABA. Has anyone else ever seen JIGOKU? That's also in my Top 10 Japanese list.


Yeah, Ozu's stuff that's available on Region 1-DVD has a calmness. It's like Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue. He has darker stuff like Tokyo Twilight and Early Spring. But, he has other funny stuff like Good Morning complete with farts. Blockbuster might have his silent comedy on VHS, I Was Born, But... - the original for Good Morning. (So much for the wholesale graveness stereotype of Ozu.)

As for Mizoguchi, you might like Ugetsu better than Sansho given your affinity for Onibaba and interest in Kwaidan.

Have you seen Sword Of Doom yet? That's a thrilling watch. I trust that you've seen all the other samurai Criterions: Kill!, Samurai Rebellion, Sword Of The Beast, Samurai Spy, Samurai I, Samurai II, Samurai III. Some are great all the way through; some are patchy with great moments.

Samurai Assassin is great, too. Not Criterion.

Of course, given your Kill Bill love, you've seen Shogun Assassin?.

For transgressive Yakuza-gangster stuff, you always can check out more Seijun Suzuki (especially Fighting Elegy and Youth Of The Beast) and Kinji Fukusaku (especially Fukusaku's mammoth The Yakuza Papers).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/22/07 03:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
Yeah, Ozu's stuff that's available on Region 1-DVD has a calmness. It's like Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue. He has darker stuff like Tokyo Twilight and Early Spring. But, he has other funny stuff like Good Morning complete with farts. Blockbuster might have his silent comedy on VHS, I Was Born, But... - the original for Good Morning. (So much for the wholesale graveness stereotype of Ozu.)


A year or 2 ago, Blockbuster did away with all of their old VHS tapes except for Kids and Family because they rent so well. That's another reason why I think the online thing has been so successful (the SELECTION!)

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
As for Mizoguchi, you might like Ugetsu better than Sansho given your affinity for Onibaba and interest in Kwaidan.


I have both UGETSU and KWAIDAN on my list and I'm looking forward to them

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
Have you seen Sword Of Doom yet? That's a thrilling watch. I trust that you've seen all the other samurai Criterions: Kill!, Samurai Rebellion, Sword Of The Beast, Samurai Spy, Samurai I, Samurai II, Samurai III. Some are great all the way through; some are patchy with great moments.


Yes, I own SWORD OF DOOM, SAMURAI I, SAMURAI II, and SAMURAI III on DVD. I didn't like KILL! and SAMURAI REBELLION after 1 viewing but I'm trying to watch them again and Blockbuster Online doesn't have them for some reason \:\( I haven't seen SWORD OF THE BEAST yet but it's on the list as well


 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
Of course, given your Kill Bill love, you've seen Shogun Assassin?.


Yes, I own the entire LONE WOLF AND CUB series

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
For transgressive Yakuza-gangster stuff, you always can check out more Seijun Suzuki (especially Fighting Elegy and Youth Of The Beast) and Kinji Fukusaku (especially Fukusaku's mammoth The Yakuza Papers).


I haven't seen too many Yakuza films but I do have Sydney Pollack's 1974 film THE YAKUZA on the list as well.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Since we've been discussing Japanese cinema at great lengths here recently, I've complied (as best I can with the resources I have available to me) my Top 10 All-Time Japanese Films:

1) RASHOMON
2) JIGOKU
3) HARAKIRI
4) ONIBABA
5) LADY SNOWBLOOD
6) The LONE WOLF AND CUB series
7) THRONE OF BLOOD
8) YOJIMBO
9) SANJURO
10) SWORD OF DOOM

And my own personal All-Time Top 10 list is:

1) SCARFACE
2) KILL BILL VOLUME 2
3) RAGING BULL
4) GOODFELLAS
5) THE GODFATHER
6) THE USUAL SUSPECTS
7) JFK
8) SCHINDLER'S LIST
9) FIGHT CLUB
10) MEMENTO
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/07 07:12 AM

I could write about these for a long time, but it's late. And I'm sure tomorrow I'll be too busy.... but here are some short comments (as usual for me)...

My last 3 NetFlix rentals were Pacino projects even I've never seen before (!)

(1) The Panic In Needle Park - I thought Al was wonderful! Maybe cuz it was just great to see a young Al again for the first time -- in his first major motion picture. I was entertained. ***

(2) The Local Stigmatic - I've enjoyed plays, I like them. But I just didn't *get* this one. A bit haphazard to me, and not that enjoyable - despite watching it twice (back-to-back, once with commentary) **

(3) Chinese Coffee - Holy crap! After Stigmatic I was prepared for another artfuck dud, but I LOVED THIS!!! On many levels it hit home (for me), so perhaps that's why it worked for me. Probably the best theater/film movie I've seen in years! If you're any type of "artist type", then rent this one - now! 5-stars (BTW, there is plenty "wrong" with it, Al directed -- but I'm talking about the brilliant writing \:p )

Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/07 08:27 AM

Hardly can wait for your next one on your list JG... ;\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/07 04:17 PM

This film is not yet rated *
Everyone interested in movies must watch this documentary. Not for its quality, but its content. Very interesting look at the MPAA ratings board and the way it rates the movies, especially NC-17. The film maker has put in a lot of work to expose (you will understand when you see the movie) the board members. It features a lot of interviews with film makers whose movies were rated NC-17. LLC, with your hatred for MPAA, this documentary will either give you a massive orgasm or a fatal heart attack \:\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/07 04:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
This film is not yet rated *
Everyone interested in movies must watch this documentary. Not for its quality, but its content. Very interesting look at the MPAA ratings board and the way it rates the movies, especially NC-17. The film maker has put in a lot of work to expose (you will understand when you see the movie) the board members. It features a lot of interviews with film makers whose movies were rated NC-17. LLC, with your hatred for MPAA, this documentary will either give you a massive orgasm or a fatal heart attack \:\)


There is a reason why many in Hollywood toasted when Jack Valenti croaked.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/07 04:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
This film is not yet rated *
Everyone interested in movies must watch this documentary. Not for its quality, but its content. Very interesting look at the MPAA ratings board and the way it rates the movies, especially NC-17. The film maker has put in a lot of work to expose (you will understand when you see the movie) the board members. It features a lot of interviews with film makers whose movies were rated NC-17. LLC, with your hatred for MPAA, this documentary will either give you a massive orgasm or a fatal heart attack \:\)


I've wanted to watch this too but haven't been able to get a hold of it \:\/
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/07 04:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
This film is not yet rated *
Everyone interested in movies must watch this documentary. Not for its quality, but its content. Very interesting look at the MPAA ratings board and the way it rates the movies, especially NC-17. The film maker has put in a lot of work to expose (you will understand when you see the movie) the board members. It features a lot of interviews with film makers whose movies were rated NC-17. LLC, with your hatred for MPAA, this documentary will either give you a massive orgasm or a fatal heart attack \:\)


I've wanted to watch this too but haven't been able to get a hold of it \:\/


With the miracle of the internet...whats your excuse?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/07 05:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
This film is not yet rated *
Everyone interested in movies must watch this documentary. Not for its quality, but its content. Very interesting look at the MPAA ratings board and the way it rates the movies, especially NC-17. The film maker has put in a lot of work to expose (you will understand when you see the movie) the board members. It features a lot of interviews with film makers whose movies were rated NC-17. LLC, with your hatred for MPAA, this documentary will either give you a massive orgasm or a fatal heart attack \:\)


I've wanted to watch this too but haven't been able to get a hold of it \:\/


Netflix is one of the co-producers of the movie. I haven't checked their website, but I believe they should have it. Ask one of your friends who has netflix. btw, one of the interviewees mentions that the main problem behind the NC-17 rating is that the mainstream video stores won't stock it. This includes walmart and blockbuster. I have mixed opinions about ratings. Though the obvious lack of uniform standards is worrisome, but I think ratings are a good idea. The blame must be shifted to big corporations like blockbuster who won't stock them. When they can sell cigarettes, beer and wine in Walmart for those who have ID, why not NC-17 movies. It doesn't necessarily mean harmful or perverted, it is just for adults!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/23/07 05:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
This film is not yet rated *
Everyone interested in movies must watch this documentary. Not for its quality, but its content. Very interesting look at the MPAA ratings board and the way it rates the movies, especially NC-17. The film maker has put in a lot of work to expose (you will understand when you see the movie) the board members. It features a lot of interviews with film makers whose movies were rated NC-17. LLC, with your hatred for MPAA, this documentary will either give you a massive orgasm or a fatal heart attack \:\)


I've wanted to watch this too but haven't been able to get a hold of it \:\/


Netflix is one of the co-producers of the movie. I haven't checked their website, but I believe they should have it. Ask one of your friends who has netflix. btw, one of the interviewees mentions that the main problem behind the NC-17 rating is that the mainstream video stores won't stock it. This includes walmart and blockbuster. I have mixed opinions about ratings. Though the obvious lack of uniform standards is worrisome, but I think ratings are a good idea. The blame must be shifted to big corporations like blockbuster who won't stock them. When they can sell cigarettes, beer and wine in Walmart for those who have ID, why not NC-17 movies. It doesn't necessarily mean harmful or perverted, it is just for adults!


No, I blame the hypocrisy of the MPAA who are more favorable for big studio movies than for smaller movies.

I mean, if some indies get slashed hard for any nudity, but SCARY MOVIE has a giant COCK through a glory hole and slapped with a R....what gives?

Oh and COCKBUSTER can fuck off. There is nothing redeeming about that shithole corporation.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/07 01:30 AM

TRAFFIC 1/2
(Third Viewing)

A modern day look at America's war on drugs told through four separate stories that are connected in one way or another. A conservative politician who's just been appointed as the US drug czar learns that his daughter is a drug addict. A trophy wife struggles to save her husband's drug business, while two DEA agents protect a witness with inside knowledge of the spouse's business. In Mexico, a corrupt, yet dedicated cop struggles with his conscience when he learns that his new boss may not be the anti-drug official he made himself out to be.

Steven Soderbergh's, Mr. Ocean's himself, masterpiece gets the Criterion treatment and for good reason. I really enjoyed his use of color, especially the blue when dealing with Michael Douglas' character or a member of his family. Also, the scenes in Mexico were excellent because of their rawness/realism. However, what I enjoyed most from this film was the cast (particularily the Hispanic cast). As much as I love Benicio Del Toro, he's one of my favorite actors, I don't think he deserved the Best Supporting Actor for this role. In 2000, I would have given it to Joaquin Phoenix for his work in GLADIATOR. However, I would have given it to Benicio 3 years later for his work in 21 GRAMS.

Other great hispanic cast members were: Tomas Milian, Clifton Collins Jr., Benjamin Bratt, and Salma Hayek for her one day of shooting. Did anyone else think Catherine Zeta-Jones fit perfectly into this role and didn't need to act too much out of her personality? Also Topher Grace was funny as the smart a$$ who always has an answer or opinion on anything. I was rather disappointed to see that Erika Christensen didn't get an Oscar nomination. I really felt this was probably the best work I've seen from her and was overlooked for whatever reason.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/07 05:56 AM

I too like the color filters used in Traffic, though it is a little too obvious.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/07 06:00 AM

Lucky You *

You can watch it for Robert Duvall or the pretty looking Drew Barrymore. Nothing great, a feel good movie with father-son relationship as its main theme. It would help you enjoy this movie better if you knew Poker rules. I don't, but it didn't matter all that much.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/07 03:25 PM

GATE OF FLESH 1/2
(First Viewing)

After World War II, some Tokyo prostitutes band together with a strict code: no pimps, attack any street walker who comes into our territory, defend the abandoned building we call home, and punish whomever gives away sex (who falls in love). Maya, a young woman whose family has died, joins the group. Into the mix comes Shin, a thief who's killed a G.I. The women allow him to hide while recovering from wounds, but then he won't leave. Maya is drawn to him, discovering as she falls in love that she can feel again; she's now more fully human, but at the same time, she's endangered herself and her livelihood. Can she and Shin make it out of Tokyo to establish life as a couple?

2 things impressed me the most with this film: pacing and dual images. This seemed like the fastest Japanese movie I've ever seen in my life. As soon as the title of the film comes on screen, the audience is thrown into the whirlwind of post-war Tokyo with no regard for credits, story build-up, character introduction, etc. Secondly and what I enjoyed more were the duel images on screen. A character would be onscreen to the right and on the left side, an image of another character off screen would suddenly appear so the audience could see his/her reaction to a situation. Satoko Kasai also did a fine job as the group's leader. Other than these, nothing really impressed me with this film and it seems to be the weakest from some of the other Japanese films I've viewed recently.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/07 07:54 PM

KING KONG (1976)
(First Viewing)

An expedition of the "Petrox" company, is exploring in search of petrol. A strange island where they arrive is the home of a giant ape, King Kong, that is captured by the expedition in order to make money exhibiting it to the world.

What a tragedy! They took an American classic with an iconic cineamatic ending and totally pissed all over it. The first mistake was using the World Trade Center instead of the Empire State Building. I'm guessing it was used because it was finally completed just 3 years earlier in 1973. Regardless, this was just one of the many faults with this film. Secondly, they brought on John Guillermin whose resume includes SHAFT IN AFRICA! At least the 1933 and 2005 versions of KONG were entertaining and had some suspense/action. This film was a complete snoozefest.
Warning, Spoiler:
Kong only fights 1 snake on Skull Island! \:o What's up with that?? No T-Rex battles or something similar?
I thought the 2005 version of a KONG was a love story, this film tried too hard to be such. I like some of Charles Grodin's work but he didn't do a good job at all at this versions "Carl Denham" aka Fred Wilson. I'll give more credit to Peter Jackson now for staying as close as possible to the original and not diminishing its memory.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/07 08:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
KING KONG (1976)
(First Viewing)

An expedition of the "Petrox" company, is exploring in search of petrol. A strange island where they arrive is the home of a giant ape, King Kong, that is captured by the expedition in order to make money exhibiting it to the world.

What a tragedy! They took an American classic with an iconic cineamatic ending and totally pissed all over it. The first mistake was using the World Trade Center instead of the Empire State Building. I'm guessing it was used because it was finally completed just 3 years earlier in 1973. Regardless, this was just one of the many faults with this film. Secondly, they brought on John Guillermin whose resume includes SHAFT IN AFRICA! At least the 1933 and 2005 versions of KONG were entertaining and had some suspense/action. This film was a complete snoozefest.
Warning, Spoiler:
Kong only fights 1 snake on Skull Island! \:o What's up with that?? No T-Rex battles or something similar?
I thought the 2005 version of a KONG was a love story, this film tried too hard to be such. I like some of Charles Grodin's work but he didn't do a good job at all at this versions "Carl Denham" aka Fred Wilson. I'll give more credit to Peter Jackson now for staying as close as possible to the original and not diminishing its memory.


A good idea next time is to break up your review into paragraphs.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/24/07 09:14 PM

BREACH (2007) - **1/2

You know, when the DATELINE special on the film's subject is more informative, more exciting, and rather more intriging than the film itself, thats when you've fouled up.

Director Billy Ray can't decide which character is worth investigating more in the dramatic sense: Chris Cooper as the traitor FBI Agent or Ryan Phillipe the rookie agent trying to entrap him.

Yet if BREACH fails, its not that Ray fails totally or is incompetent in the Michael Bay style. There is some things in BREACH that I liked, from a key scene where both characters do share the bond of living a life on the glass house of lies, to that of the ending, which reminds me of Alan Parker's elevator ride down to hell in ANGEL HEART.

In a way, BREACH fails like Danny Devito's HOFFA did. How can such fascinating true-life stories be shot as absolutely mundane stiff cinema tales? Though unlike DeVito, Billy Ray might have a future if he can get his act together.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/07 03:31 PM

THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI 1/2
(First Viewing)

Seibei Iguchi, a low-ranking samurai, leads a life without glory as a bureaucrat in the mid-XIX century Japan. A widower, he has charge of two daughters (whom he adores) and a senile mother; he must therefore work in the fields and accept piecework to make ends meet. New prospects seem to open up when Tomoe, his long-time love, divorces a brutal husband. However, even as the Japanese feudal system is unraveling, Seibei remains bound by the code of honour of the samurai and by his own sense of social precedences. The consequences are cruel.

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from this film but it wasn't it. I thought, by the title, it was going to be an action movie. Far from it. It's a touching drama film that was very slow paced. Rie Miyazawa was interesting as the main character's love interest but other than that, this is an easily forgetable movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/07 04:57 PM

If a drama is touching, Irish, how can be easily forgettable?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/07 04:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
If a drama is touching, Irish, how can be easily forgettable?


With Irish, anything is possible...including the impossible!

Will wonders ever cease?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/07 05:00 PM

Lav once described me as "intellectually superior, and therefore behaviourally indifferent." Which means that, for all my intelligence, little affects me emotionally, since I can distance myself from most things. How true that summation is I'm not quite sure, especially these days, but I find it amusing that I connect deeply with the twins in Peter Greenaway's masterpiece A Zed and Two Noughts, who, at one point in the film, admit that they have endless troubles "distinguishing between pleasure and grief". And indeed, for years now, I have gone along with Sartre's notion that he never had a sad day in his life - even when he was crying, it was in some way a kind of distorted euphoria.

The protagonist of Greenaway's The Draughtsman's Contract is described as "at once arrogant and naive". That too is something to which I relate; arrogance is never ignorant - though people can often be both - for arrogance, in the way I understand it to mean, is a self-conscious trait, and naivety is therefore a natural if not dangerous compliment to it.

Greenaway's films have been criticised at times, underneath praise for their individualistic flamboyance, for having no soul, for being emotionally empty or lacking in weight. And though I can see where people might find such shallowness, I must disagree. For, even with the layers of intense lighting, studio artificiality, and a showy, decorative tendency for the vulgar, for the baroque, for the grotesque, I almost cried the other night at a scene The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover, an absolute masterpiece if ever I've seen one.

I see in Greenaway's films much appeal for me personally: allegorical use of mise-en-scene; endless self-reflexivity; a deep, overbearing self-consciousness and -awareness, which dwarfs any would-be accusation of self-importance and/or pretentiousness; an unashamed attempt at sophisticated, intellectual art; an assumption and faith in the sophistication of the audience; a disciplined control of camera which commands attention; a constant, knowingly artificial style.

And themes with which I connect: the finality of death, dismemberment, landscape, high-brow vulgarities, individuals against the state, institutionalised societies, lists, the repeated visual and verbal motifs executed through witty rhetoric.

And an aesthetic exploration of: the verticality and horizontality of the frame; compositional symmetry; exaggerated, artificial colour; extreme and varied lighting; unconventional narrative; an imagistic cinema (as opposed to a writer's cinema); illustrated text; a new filmic grammar.

His is a highly creative, always imaginative and deeply personal and determined mind, who can make one film out of three films (ZOO) or one film out of nothing (Windows, H is for House). I'd liken him to a cinematic Italo Calvino or Jorge Luis Borges.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/07 06:44 PM

FIGHTING ELEGY
(First Viewing)

In Okayama in the mid-1930s, Kiroku attends high school and boards with a Catholic family whose daughter, Michiko, captures his heart. He must, however, hide his ardor and other aspects of his emerging sexuality, focusing his energy on a gang he joins, breaking school rules, and getting into scuffles (he tells her, "Oh, Michiko, I don't masturbate, I fight"). He comes under the influence of a young tough nicknamed Terrapin, and together they lead fights against rival gangs. Gradually, Kiroku and Terrapin align themselves with the right-wing Kita Ikki, and Kiroku becomes a stand-in for the attitudes of Japanese youth who embraced the imperialism leading to World War II.

What I like most about Seijun Suzuki is he is willing to do different things in his pictures. I described the dual images on screen in GATES OF FLESH and in this he did the same. In one particular scene in a classroom a teacher is on the left side of the screen and the students are on the right. As the teacher and students interact, the person speaking is visible while the other is blacked out. I thought it was very original and worth a shot so my hat again goes off to Seijun Suzuki for his originality. The story was also in some scenes the funniest I've seen in Japanese cinema. However, from only 2 pieces of his work, I'm not overly impressed with Seijun Suzuki.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/25/07 06:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
If a drama is touching, Irish, how can be easily forgettable?


Some of the story was touching and made me sympathetic towards the main character. However, the movie as a whole I felt was dull and I wouldn't have any desire to see it again.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 05:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: afsaneh77
Hardly can wait for your next one on your list JG... ;\)


Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Yeah, Afs recommended it to me so I pushed it to #4 on my 260-something long queue on Netflix. And let me add, this is not usually the type of movie that I watch. I consider it a "chick flick".

In any event -- Afs, my dear, you made it seem so depressing - and I was prepared to hang myself by hanging a noose beforehand. But in fact, I found it quite charming and even inspirational!

And the fact that Keira Knightley ("Pirates of the Caribbean" and sequels) stars in it, well...

The message in the movie is quite clear, and put into the most simplest/direct terms - how pride/arrogance/prejudice can lead us into misjudging people, and how that could almost cost you the love of your life.

I'm not gonna summarize the film here -- you can go to IMDB for that.

But besides the eye candy that helped to keep my attention, I thought the message was timeless, even if the setting and details weren't (18th Century England).

Before this, the only thing I knew about Jane Austen was that they used her name for the comedy "Mafia!". Before having seen the bonus features, I didn't even think that "Sense and Sensibility" would be related (haven't seen it, but I will now).

The story is a wonderful retelling of the classic "boy meets girl" (tho in this case it's girl-meets-boy(s)), but in a setting I wouldn't have dreamed about enjoying. The acting was very good, the eye candy was nice ( ;\) ), and I ended up enjoying a British period piece that I anticipated that I wouldn't. Especially being rated only PG (dammit! lol)

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 05:36 AM

Geoff, did you notice you mentioned Keira Knightley and eye candy thrice in the review \:D
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 05:57 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Geoff, did you notice you mentioned Keira Knightley and eye candy thrice in the review \:D



I should fire my editor \:D
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 06:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
In any event -- Afs, my dear, you made it seem so depressing - and I was prepared to hang myself by hanging a noose beforehand. But in fact, I found it quite charming and even inspirational!


I only wish you did not call me my dear! ;\) Goddess divine maybe?!

I didn't say the movie itself is depressing, quite the contrary, this is one of the best films I've ever seen. The fact that I've never come across such a love, that's what is depressing, because it makes you lovesick.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 06:49 AM

I see...

Well, I've (thought) I found such loves... but they haven't panned out.... so I guess I see what you're saying;....

What're you doing next Friday? ;\)
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 06:52 AM

I've not any plans yet... \:D
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 05:01 PM

Fin du cinéma
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 05:11 PM

Poor cinéma. RIP.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 07:52 PM

In the order I watched them over the past two days, all for the first time, all on DVD:

Intervals
Peter Greenaway
1969 UK
Several shots of Venice intersect one another repeatedly, with an interval of black in sequence to Vivaldi's Four Seasons.
An abstract, experimental film about Venice, without shots of water - its presence is felt, but never acknowledged visually. The soundtrack becomes more and more sophisticated as it goes on, with a very odd and difficult structure which comes to prominence once Vivaldi's music comes at the end.

H is for House
Peter Greenaway
1973 UK
Greenaway makes what he calls a home movie: at a time when his children are learning the alphabet at theit country home.
H is for House, yes, but it is also for Happiness, for Heaven, for Hell, Holocaust, Home movie, Hitchcock, Hollywood. An absurd notion, as Greenaway puts it, of collecting contradictory and disparate lexis under one category, as the dictionary does. It has a rhythmic, musical and verbal wit, an irresistable charm: decidedly English, in setting, in its distinct vocabulary, in look and feel.

A Walk Through H: The Reincarnation of an Ornithologist
Peter Greenaway
1978 UK
A narrator recounts the 92 maps he was given in order to find reincarnation.
A series of maps recorded with a keen, roaming camera, capturing all the fascinations of a map's minutae - for all their recurring simplicity, their various clashes of colour, shape, size and visual density makes for a fascinating 40 minutes or so, intercut with footage of birds, as the narrator walks his way through "H" (heaven or hell?) and into his next life.

Water Wrackets
Peter Greenaway
1975 UK
A tale of a mysterious, mythical dynasty of water-living species, without their visual presence, shot against footage of water.
Greenaway, with Intervals, explored the notion of making a film without actors, without the human figure dominating the frame - is it achievable and how? Even so, that film had Venetians walking to and fro across frame, whereas this is a step further into abstraction: all we see are close-up images of water in natural, rural flow: streams, burns, rivers, with the banks and shrubbery engulfing and sealing the imaginary, distant and yet somehow familiar world - familiar because we see them all the time, distant because of the attention paid to them. A serene voice-over lends some coherence or narrative order, and the soundtrack, of wind through trees, of water through valleys, is at once warming and haunting.

Windows
Peter Greenaway
1974 UK
In 1973, a narrator reveals to interior shots of panes and frames, 37 people died as a result of falling out of windows.
John Pym says of this, and quite rightly too, that it is "an example of making something out of nothing". For Greenaway, an artist with a tremendous imagination and obsessive drive, this results in short films that never really outstay their welcome (as short films so often do), blessed with a wit - both visual and audial, or visual because of audial - similar to the anonymous eclecticism of an Italo Calvino novel. Whatever of the original reason why he made this - appalled, he claims, of the statistics coming from South Africa of the time regarding mysterious deaths of people falling from windows. Juvenile and obviously made before his breakthrough into the maintained sophistication of feature films, it nevertheless it remains an important work in the context of his career thereafter, presenting in it four themes he himself recognises as having remained with him ever since: statistics, eclecticism, landscape, and death.

Dear Phone
Peter Greenaway
1976 UK
14 men, each with the initials HC, are caught up in various incidents involving telephone boxes.
Greenaway wishes to make an imagistic cinema, a filmmaker's cinema, as opposed to that wretched or neglectful, or lamentable or reductive usage of the medium: the writer's cinema - he argues that we've only seen 100 years of illustrated text, where the script provides the main bulk of a film, with little use made of what makes it unique. Here, then, he turns that on its head, filming actual text itself, first crudely scribbled writing and then finally moving towards (almost like a final draft of a script) typewriting. All instances involve phoneboxes, and all lead, in some way or another, from one to the next, not so much as a story, but definitely a cohesive narrative (all protagonists have the initials HC). In between, we have shots of that forgotten icon of Britishness: the red phone box. Shot in early mornings, by serene beaches, along rural lanes, popping out above high walls, alone or in pairs, behind obstacles and other geographical contexts, these lonely, almost empty shots, have a decidedly witty and complex air about them, much like the English setting of H is for House, with all the playful rhetoric and verbal repetition of a Calvino novel.

The Draughtsman's Contract
Peter Greenaway
1982 UK
In 17th Century aristocratic England, a draughtsman is hired to produce 12 drawings of a country estate before it changes hands, so long as he can have his way with the lady who owns it.
A delightfully acted film, a finely written film, a fast-paced romp and a visually disciplined one at that. Thematically dense, of course, as Greenaway's first venture into feature filmmaking, and so it is less abstract than his early shorts, but made with an arthouse flair which is a pleasure to watch: it's fresh, it's certainly original, it's rewardingly intellectual, and endlessly rewatchable. The most prominent question it raises (because cinema is an art for raising questions) is does a painter, or an artist, paint what he sees or what he knows; and what starts as a rather eccentric blend of list-making (the protagonist goes through the rules for his twelve paintings with arrogant naivety) and matter-of-fact eroticism turns eventually, through a convoluted structure of events, into a ludicrous murder mystery.

The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover
Peter Greenaway
1989 France / Netherlands / UK
A vulgar thief dines every night with his vulturous cronies and beautiful wife at an elegant restaurant, but it all goes tits up when the wife has a fling with another diner.
A very entertaining film, an often vulgar film (it opens with a man having shit poured over him), an always witty film, and an extremely well-acted, -written and -scored film (Michael Nyman's music takes it to emotional heights it would otherwise struggle to reach). Gambon relishes in his role as the Frank Booth-like villain, Mirren is astonishingly sexy in her costume design. It's an unashamedly artificial affair, with costumes changing colour according to the room in which they're shot, and the lighting is excessive; the camera crabs from one location to the next with all the distanced strain of Godard (La Chinoise and Weekend come to mind), at once flawless and demanding. Eroticism, food, violence and general vulgarities have never been blended with such an individualistic flair; and the first death in the film somehow, despite the self-consciousness and -reflexivity throughout, feels very (and tragically) real.

A Zed and Two Noughts
Peter Greenaway
1985 UK / Netherlands
The wives of two zoo-ologists, who happen to be twins, are killed in a car crash. The driver, who lost a leg and wants to lose the other, has an affair with both. Thematically dense, intellectually engaging and always challenging film, in its audacity, in its originality, in its merging of high art and avant garde tendencies with fictional narrative conventions. It's a collection of ideas or preoccupations in two chaotic hours, with arresting imagery, cinematography which demands and commands attention, and a dark and perverse tale of emotional weight. One might say it lacks soul, one might say it packs quite a punch - it depends on how close you hold Greenaway's thematic obsessions: death, decay, amputation, twinship, the uniqueness of so-called freaks, and an obsessive need to acquire information in order to understand life. Formally, on top of this - 'this' being essentially three different films in one - are explorations of the verticality and horizontality of the frame, compositional symmetry (to reflect the twins), the artificiality of the medium, and an obsessive experiment into litghting; Vierny's cinematography captures 26 different uses of light - moonlight, daylight, candlelight, car headlamps, etc. It's quite a masterpiece, really.

I've also watched Chaplin's Shoulder Arms, Triple Trouble, The Bond, The Adventurer and A Woman of Paris; the latter is a masterpiece.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/26/07 07:57 PM

By the way, The Draughtsman's Contract, The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover and A Zed & Two Noughts might be the best three films I've seen this year.

They're astonishing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 03:06 AM

THE GREAT ESCAPE
(First Viewing)

The Nazis, exasperated at the number of escapes from their prison camps by a relatively small number of Allied prisoners, relocates them to a high-security "escape-proof" camp to sit out the remainder of the war. Undaunted, the prisoners plan one of the most ambitious escape attempts of World War II. Based on a true story.

My first McQueen film and while I wasn't overly impressed with him as an actor, the film was terrific! A fantastic cast with a blend of comedy and action for 3 hours. What I really loved most about this film was every shot seemed to be executed so precisely, nothing was left to chance. The characters were also beautifully shot in the center of the frame. I was really reminded of Kuroawa's style while watching this.

The next time I'm in Blockbuster I'm going to check out BATTLE AT THE BULGE and THE DIRTY DOZEN (none of which I've seen). I've seen PATTON but remember hating it. I've also seen THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI and loved it. BTW, what happened to the 2-disc THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI Collector's Edition DVD that was suppose to come out last month Can anyone recommend any other classic war movies along these lines?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 05:57 AM

DEAD SILENCE 1/2
(First Viewing)

After receiving a weird package with the doll named Billy, Jamie's wife is murdered and he believe's Mary Shaw and Billy are behind it. Destined to find out the truth, Jamie goes to the town of Raven's Fair where the ventriloquist Mary Shaw used to perform and is buried. But Jamie is in for more than he expected.

Leigh Whannell & James Wan who brought us the SAW franchise should stick to just that, the SAW franchise. I'm glad I didn't buy into this movies marketing because of this to actually pay money to see it in theaters. The 2 biggest problems with the film: predictability and killer dolls. As soon as I saw the main characters father in the film, maybe 20-30 minutes into the picture, I already had the ending figured out. So basically I'm watching the movie for another 60-70 minutes waiting for what I already know is going to happen. The original SAW ended with a nice twist because I didn't see it coming. However, this time around, with all of the quick ending to give a quick microwaved version of how the story knots up perfectly, I yawn and say to myself lame. Secondly, any horror movie involving killer dolls cannot be taken seriously. Literally, pick them up and punt them across the room. Break them, they're either plastic or wood. They're dolls for crying out loud! So, as you can see, I don't think dolls make for good killers. SAW was much more original and suspenseful than this rip off of a story from the movie TALES FROM THE HOOD.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 06:29 AM

"The Next Voice You Hear" (1950) - stars James Whitmore (he played Brooks, the old librarian in "Shawshank Redemption") and Nancy Davis (better known as Nancy Reagan, wife of Ronald Reagan).

They're an average American couple living in suburbia in post WWII America. They have a 10 year old son who delivers newspapers to earn some extra money and they're expecting another baby. He drives an old car that needs work and she cuts coupons to save on their grocery bills. In other words they're EVERYDAY Americans.

One night their lives are changed forever. So are all the other Americans' lives. So are all the humans' lives on earth. God speaks to them on radio. This goes on for six nights in a row at the exact same time each night. I won't spoil anything by revealing what happens next.

Its a fascinating study of faith and our values. Its dated by today's standards but its definitely worth watching. It doesn't get played much on tv (I have a rare VHS copy) and its not been released on DVD so if you ever see it listed on your cable make sure to record it!!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 11:01 AM

That sounds very good!

I own over 200 films that I haven't watched yet. \:\/
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 03:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
That sounds very good!

I own over 200 films that I haven't watched yet. \:\/


Films that you never see? I usually never buy a DVD without having viewed it first
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 03:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
That sounds very good!

I own over 200 films that I haven't watched yet. \:\/

What is the average cost of a cinema ticket there and what is average cost range for a normal DVD (not special editions and such)?
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 03:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE GREAT ESCAPE
(First Viewing)

The Nazis, exasperated at the number of escapes from their prison camps by a relatively small number of Allied prisoners, relocates them to a high-security "escape-proof" camp to sit out the remainder of the war. Undaunted, the prisoners plan one of the most ambitious escape attempts of World War II. Based on a true story.

My first McQueen film and while I wasn't overly impressed with him as an actor, the film was terrific! A fantastic cast with a blend of comedy and action for 3 hours. What I really loved most about this film was every shot seemed to be executed so precisely, nothing was left to chance. The characters were also beautifully shot in the center of the frame. I was really reminded of Kuroawa's style while watching this.

The next time I'm in Blockbuster I'm going to check out BATTLE AT THE BULGE and THE DIRTY DOZEN (none of which I've seen). I've seen PATTON but remember hating it. I've also seen THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI and loved it. BTW, what happened to the 2-disc THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI Collector's Edition DVD that was suppose to come out last month Can anyone recommend any other classic war movies along these lines?


Serious Movies
From Here To Eternity (original)
Seargent York
Destination Tokyo
The Sand Pebbles

Comedic
Mr. Roberts (comedic yet serious, one of my all time favorites))
Stalag 17
Kelly's Heroes
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 04:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
That sounds very good!

I own over 200 films that I haven't watched yet. \:\/


Films that you never see? I usually never buy a DVD without having viewed it first
That's including films recorded from TV. \:\)

svsg, the average price I pay at the cinema is £5. DVD is around £10. But I rarely buy DVDs unless they're in the sale.

And I've promised myself not to buy anything else until I've seen the ones I have.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 04:10 PM

By the way, Irish, if you want to kill two birds with one stone (and what beautiful birds they are), by enjoying a PoW movie and venture into some brilliant French cinema, check out Jean Renoir's The Grand Illusion.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 04:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
My first McQueen film and while I wasn't overly impressed with him as an actor, the film was terrific!
McQueen wasn't a classicly good actor but he commanded a great presence on the screen. Definitely check out "Bullitt" and "The Cinncinnati Kid".


 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Can anyone recommend any other classic war movies along these lines?
The two you intend to see ("Battle of the Bulge" and "The Dirty Dozen") are pretty good. I'm somewhat partial to John Wayne pictures so I'd recommend "In Harm's Way" (he plays an admiral in the Navy). Another great movie to consider is "From Here to Eternity" (although its not truly a war movie - its set in that era).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 05:03 PM

Irish, what about WHERE EAGLES DARE?

You'll hate it, but shit its awesome.

I enjoyed KELLY'S HEROES too, but damn that hippie soundtrack has aged badly this side of polyester.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 05:13 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
That sounds very good!

I own over 200 films that I haven't watched yet. \:\/


Films that you never see? I usually never buy a DVD without having viewed it first
That's including films recorded from TV. \:\)


Gotcha. Yeah I only have 1 of those. I'm making FULL use of the Blockbuster Total Access Program ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 05:15 PM

SC & DC, thanks for the recommendations. Yes, I've seen FROM HERE TO ETERNITY and I did enjoy it. So, THE DIRTY DOZEN and BATTLE OF THE BULGE aren't on the same grand scale as THE GREAT ESCAPE, huh? What about THE LONGEST DAY or A BRIDGE TOO FAR? Other movies like that?

One more thing SC, I've seen about 3 John Wayne movies (STAGECOACH, THE SEARCHERS and one other one that I can't think of right now) and I was overly impressed with him either. Although, I would like to see RIO BRAVO.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 05:20 PM

I love The Dirty Dozen. Its got a lot of great actors in it (Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, John Cassavetes, Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, Robert Ryan, Donald Sutherland, etc.), and personally I find it interesting. Its a great book, as well. Long, but great.

The Great Escape though, is probably one of my favorite movies. I love me some Steve McQueen.

Stalag 17 is good, too. Very funny.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 05:26 PM

I'll second RRA's Where Eagles Dare recommendation. Great film.

I watched Eraserhead on the Absurda DVD last night, for the first time since I bought it.

Best film ever.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/27/07 05:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I'll second RRA's Where Eagles Dare recommendation. Great film.

I watched Eraserhead on the Absurda DVD last night, for the first time since I bought it.

Best film ever.


ERASERHEAD is an experience that everyone needs to take in.

Hell, when Stanley Kubrick was inspired by it when making THE SHINING.....Lynch must have done something right.

Anyway, I always liked WHERE EAGLES DARE more than DIRTY DOZEN.

Now sure I enjoy DIRTY DOZEN, with old school man's man personalities like Lee Marvin (who did kick Axis ass in WW2) and Bronson and Brown and others.

But WHERE EAGLES DARE is a better film. If Americans picture the "Men on a Mission" WW2 action/adventure subgenre with DIRTY DOZEN, the British picture WHERE EAGLES DARE.

It was pitched and produced as Richard Burton's son as his old man's last major hooray as a film star...and Burton does kick ass.

Its funny how Clint Eastwood actually got paid MORE than Burton in order to be a glorified second banana to Burton, but he rocks.

It was MGM's biggest hit for 1969 (or whatever year it came out) and it still works.

Why? Maybe its because the film opens up during the mission. Mystery surrounds these group of men, and the lone American who's stuck in it for some reason, THEN we get a flashback to the briefing.

Yet the whole film sets up a rather simple conspiracy that actually pulled off without being silly or contrived...

WHERE EAGLES DARE (1969) - ****1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 04:42 AM

SHOOTER
(First Viewing)

A marksman (Wahlberg) living in exile is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the president. Ultimately double-crossed and framed for the attempt, he goes on the run to track the real killer and find out who exactly set him up, and why.

A modern day JFK assassination with Mark Wahlberg getting the proverbial Lee Harvey Oswald treatment. What I did love about this movie, and not many movies that I see show this too often in a serious manner, is the precision these sharpshooters need in order to kill a target a mile or 2 away. Many people who I've talked to about SAVING PRIVATE RYAN said their favorite character was the sniper Pvt. Daniel Jackson played by Barry Pepper. This is basically that characters own film, which again is just amazing how great these guys are at their job. However, most of this film is Mark Wahlberg on the run trying to clear his name so there's not as much sniper action on his part but some to make the film enjoyable. Finally, Kate Mara did a great job with her accent and her character.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 04:57 AM

Onibaba ***

Riveting and an absolute aural/visual treat. I watched it based on Irish's review and I am glad I watched it. I found the expressions and dialogue delivery very dramatic and not natural. I found something similar to this in Rashomon, where the characters laugh in a very weird dramatic way. It looks like a japanese thing. This was made in 1964 and is a BW film. The extent of nudity is somewhat surprsing. I had no idea that japan was such an open society in 1964!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 05:27 AM

I'm so glad you enjoyed it svsg (and based on my review) Have you seen any of the other movies on my Top 10 Japanese list?

1) RASHOMON
2) JIGOKU
3) HARAKIRI
4) ONIBABA
5) LADY SNOWBLOOD
6) The LONE WOLF AND CUB series
7) THRONE OF BLOOD
8) YOJIMBO
9) SANJURO
10) SWORD OF DOOM

Also, what does your list look like?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 12:11 PM

Irish, sadly(or funnily) my list looks like this:
1)Rashomon
2)Onibaba

I am yet to watch any other japanese movies \:\( I'll watch Jigoku and Harakiri next.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 02:58 PM

Great choices! You're going to download them, right?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 03:59 PM

By july 15, the svsg family will be completely legitimate
Seriously, till I move to my new apt next month, most of the movies I watch will be downloaded. Hopefully I'll get blockbuster subscription then.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 06:32 PM

THE LOWER DEPTHS 1/2
(First Viewing)

In a slum flophouse, a collection of beggars and thieves bewail their lot in life, and Osugi, the landlady, fights with her sister, Okayo, over the man they both desire, the thief Sutekichi.

2 things really stood out to me in this Kurosawa film. The first was the opening scene, the bang of the drum, Kurosawa panning around the top of this hill while the shack where the residents live is in basically a pit. The first characters of the film come by and throw leaves into it with no regard for the people down there. That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the film. Secondly, watching this movie reminded me of Hitchcock's ROPE. Both ROPE and THE LOWER DEPTHS were able to accomplish difficult feats because most of their movies took place in 1 room. Actors would come in and out but most of the action was taking place in the same room, which is difficult to pull off without other sets/scenary but both men were wizards with a camera and it's not surprising for me to see that both gentlemen pulled it off beautifully.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 06:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
By july 15, the svsg family will be completely legitimate
Seriously, till I move to my new apt next month, most of the movies I watch will be downloaded. Hopefully I'll get blockbuster subscription then.


No troubles man. I need to start downloading movies since there are so many that I can't find. Do you know how much room it takes to download onto your computer? Again, that's what I'm afraid of doing, adding huge movie files onto my desktop.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 07:32 PM

Download them, and burn them to disc as data files, then wipe them off the computer.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/28/07 07:49 PM

That's a good idea Capo!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/07 03:05 AM

TOKYO STORY
(Second Viewing)

An elderly couple journey to Tokyo to visit their children and are confronted by indifference, ingratitude and selfishness. When the parents are packed off to a resort by their impatient children, the film deepens into an unbearably moving meditation on mortality.

Probably the most depressing film from the "Noriko Trilogy" (LATE SPRING, EARLY SUMMER and TOKYO STORY). What I love about these three films is the way the cast is able to stay intact over a 4 year span. The story works well as a study of the country life vs. the city life or the older generation vs. the younger generation (it works as both).

Warning, Spoiler:
What I find most disturbing about this film is the character of Noriko, portrayed by Setsuko Hara, cares the most about this couple and they're not even her birth parents. They're her in-laws. The kids are all shelfish and can't take a day or more off of work to entertain their folks while their in town. First of all, the parents live in the country and the trip to Tokyo is very grueling, particularly for an elderly couple. They nonetheless make the journey and are pawned off by their children to Noriko and anyone else who'll basically take them off of their hands. What's even more unfortunate is the fact that it takes the mothers funeral to bring them together as a family for a very brief moment. After which, and before they return to Tokyo, the kids are going through the mothers possessions, trying to get their hands on the items they want. A truly unfortunate story and I feel for the old man who is now left alone to take care of himself. It just makes me fortunate enough to have a better relationship with my parents than these characters did.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/07 05:08 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Do you know how much room it takes to download onto your computer? Again, that's what I'm afraid of doing, adding huge movie files onto my desktop.

Most movies are ripped from DVDs and compressed. They fall in two categories. Many are in 650-700 MB range which means that they will exactly fit into a CD. But quite a few of them are in the range of 1GB-1.4GB which will not only require two CDS, but also a software that will split video files well. I don't burn them into CDs. I have it stored in my laptop and when it occupies too much space, I transfer them to my external hard-disk. I have a 320 GB external hard-disk that can hold a lot of movies.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/07 05:14 AM

Runaway Jury *

Entertaining, but predictable. The script follows the usual hollywood formulas with clever twists and turns, punchlines, patriotism, good vs evil etc etc. All the big-name actors act well in their respective roles, but ultimately waste their talent for an average movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/07 01:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Runaway Jury *

Entertaining, but predictable. The script follows the usual hollywood formulas with clever twists and turns, punchlines, patriotism, good vs evil etc etc. All the big-name actors act well in their respective roles, but ultimately waste their talent for an average movie.


The one thing that bug the hell out of me about RUNAWAY JURY is how the anti-gun lobby are goodie-two shoes and the pro-gun lobby are the most evil scumbags.

If I had scripted that book (which wasn't much in the first place) then I would have made it that both ideological special interest lobbies do everything off the book in trying to get the verdict that they desire, fuck the law.

Its just the people that decide the outcome do it against the losers out of simple revenge.

Still, its sad when for a generic movie, its the one time that former roommates Gene Hackman and Dusty Hoffman get to act together in a Hollywood flick.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/07 02:54 PM

LATE SPRING 1/2
(First Viewing)

Noriko is 27 years old and is still living with her father Somiya, a widower. Noriko just recovered from an illness she developed in the war, and now the important question pops up: when will Noriko start thinking about marriage? Everybody who is important in her life tries to talk her into it: her father, her aunt, a girlfriend. But Noriko doesn't want to get married, she seems extremely happy with her life. She wants to stay with her father to take care of him. After all, she knows best of his manners and peculiarities. But Noriko's aunt doesn't want to give up. She arranges a partner for her and thinks of a plan that will convince Noriko her father can be left alone.

Even though this film was made first, I feel it's a combination of EARLY SUMMER and TOKYO STORY. Again, Setsuko Hara did a nice job as the main character Noriko, and another great story from Yasujiro Ozu.

Warning, Spoiler:
In EARLY SUMMER, the parents of Noriko are trying to convince her to get married as the father (the mother had already died) did in this film. And it's like TOKYO STORY because at the end, Noriko finally decides to get married, leaving her father all alone to care for himself. However, if memory serves me right, EARLY SUMMER differs in that Noriko doesn't get married at the end.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/29/07 08:33 PM

Greenaway's Vertical Features Remake is self-reflexive to the point of seeming, to unknowing eyes, a convincing - and, no doubt to some, a rather dull - documentary on having to remake a film all about natural and man-made vertical objects which contradict otherwise serene and banal landscapes. Interested in notions of the grid, or the parallelogram which we have decided constitutes the film frame, Greenaway shoots various footage and reassembles it all to differently timed sequences, each becoming more and more complex and musically-bound as it goes on. A mockery of the rampant structuralism at the time, it also happens to be as haunting as it is intellectual, with Brian Eno's entrance music going into each remake, and the images themselves have a loneliness about them, much like the empty, "dead" frames in Dear Phone.

The Falls (again, Greenaway): on the one hand it might be best to view this in one sitting, so that all the interrelated fictions are appreciated best in all their intertextual density, but on the other, one would be forgiven for dividing it up, perhaps into hourly sittings, in order to take some sort of break - or indeed retreat - from the absolute absurd mass of information overload. Narrated mostly in voice-over, with translations of fictional languages spoken over footage of interviews, landscapes, and footage of people naming as many birds as possible. It's a fascinating and rich experience exploring lists in the form of dictionaries and directories, knowledge in the form of catalogues and encyclopaediae, ornithology, languages, and the form of the medium itself - it's constantly witty in its verbal rhetoric, and editing must have been an unimaginably difficult process in which Greenaway no doubt found great excitement.

I watched last night Hitchcock's Secret Agent and The Skin Game.

Secret Agent: As good as anything Hitchcock made before hitting Hollywood, an overlooked masterpiece with a lively romance in the form of a ménage à trois, a killer wit and memorable characterisation (helped by good performances), and possibly the best sound design in any of his films: in the church, in which a corpse plays an intense organ drone, a murder scene at the top of a mountain, with the distant, almost non-diegetic wailing of a dog (it's edited over from a different strand in the narrative), and the industrial, overwhelming chugs of a chocolate factory; not to mention another climax on a train, with all the momentum and thrill of Hitchcock's best works.

The Skin Game:
Hitchcock turns away from murder suspense and into family drama stroke rather strange landowning hokum; it lacks both the experimental tendencies of previous films (it's two years after Blackmail) and the astonishing form he hit mid-thirties, but there are notable marks of interest even so, mostly in the wip-pans during otherwise theatrically-filmed conversation scenes, and the one standout sequence, the auction scene, the dialogue in which hardly flows, but the camera cranks up some sort of thrilling "who's going to get it" game of cat-and-mouse. Subject matter seems dull and almost laughable regarding the usual requirements of a dramatic feature-length narrative, but it shifts into a fascinating and ironic tragedy towards the end when the villain of the piece (brilliant performance from Edmund Gwenn) and his family are turned upon, and our sympathies move from wishing for his downfall to feeling some sort of deep sorrow for him.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 09:09 AM

Watched Kingpin again last night!
Hilarious \:\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:06 PM

Hot Fuzz (no stars)

IMDB is seriously becoming crap. This was ranked #122 with a rating of 8.3. I got fooled big time. It seems like all the new movies getting released are entering into top 250 casually. Anyway, coming to the point, this spoof/dark comedy is quite mediocre. Thank god, I have a "Dollar Theater" near my house for experimenting with suspicious movies. An honest policeman is posted to a village because he is doing too good in London. He uncovers a major conspiracy there. Take my word, skip this one.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Runaway Jury *

Entertaining, but predictable. The script follows the usual hollywood formulas with clever twists and turns, punchlines, patriotism, good vs evil etc etc. All the big-name actors act well in their respective roles, but ultimately waste their talent for an average movie.


John Grisham novels just don't adapt well. I did kind of like THE FIRM, but only because Gene Hackman stole the movie from scientology boy.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:12 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Hot Fuzz (no stars)

IMDB is seriously becoming crap. This was ranked #122 with a rating of 8.3. I got fooled big time. It seems like all the new movies getting released are entering into top 250 casually. Anyway, coming to the point, this spoof/dark comedy is quite mediocre. Thank god, I have a "Dollar Theater" near my house for experimenting with suspicious movies. An honest policeman is posted to a village because he is doing too good in London. He uncovers a major conspiracy there. Take my word, skip this one.


svsg, how did you feel about Shaun of the Dead?
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:18 PM

Saw Live Free or Die Hard last night. This is why I hate movie studios, they had to make this film PG-13! No blood, no cursing, no nothing! It is far from being a Die Hard film. How many snotty pre-teens know who John McClane is? I doubt many do. Even the franchise's catch phrase, "Yippy kay yay motherfucker" is cut down.

Some of the action scenes are neat, but are way over the top. I always say to my self, "Never see a PG-13 film." and I did it again. FOX should be ashamed of themselves, this is an R rated franchise. If you plan on seeing this, just rent the first three instead.

Verdict: C-
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:20 PM

Is HOT FUZZ what LLC is calling his pubes nowadays?
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:22 PM

I've always referred to my pubes as "The Amazon".
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: bogey

svsg, how did you feel about Shaun of the Dead?

Bogey, I haven't watched it yet. Is it good? I remember RRA reviewing it once.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Saw Live Free or Die Hard last night. This is why I hate movie studios, they had to make this film PG-13! No blood, no cursing, no nothing! It is far from being a Die Hard film. How many snotty pre-teens know who John McClane is? I doubt many do. Even the franchise's catch phrase, "Yippy kay yay motherfucker" is cut down.

Some of the action scenes are neat, but are way over the top. I always say to my self, "Never see a PG-13 film." and I did it again. FOX should be ashamed of themselves, this is an R rated franchise. If you plan on seeing this, just rent the first three instead.

Verdict: C-


and I absolutely agree.

Its decent, but nothing worth a damn. Its not a DIE HARD movie in spirit or even the same John McClane personality we saw in DIE HARD and DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE: That is, a charming asshole that you might like for awhile, but you wouldn't want to do anything with afterwards. The sort that runs his attitude off and gets him stuck at a crappy level.

Plus, McClane has a dirty mouth. At least DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE had the good sense to keep that.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff

Verdict: C-

Bduff, can you briefly explain your ratings.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Saw Live Free or Die Hard last night. This is why I hate movie studios, they had to make this film PG-13! No blood, no cursing, no nothing! It is far from being a Die Hard film. How many snotty pre-teens know who John McClane is? I doubt many do. Even the franchise's catch phrase, "Yippy kay yay motherfucker" is cut down.

Some of the action scenes are neat, but are way over the top. I always say to my self, "Never see a PG-13 film." and I did it again. FOX should be ashamed of themselves, this is an R rated franchise. If you plan on seeing this, just rent the first three instead.

Verdict: C-




Plus, McClane has a dirty mouth. At least DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE had the good sense to keep that.


And it had Sam Jackson.

Motherfucker.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: bogey

svsg, how did you feel about Shaun of the Dead?

Bogey, I haven't watched it yet. Is it good? I remember RRA reviewing it once.


Dude, why you still listening to IMDB?

Its a fucking retard zoo. If I have a problem with a certian board member, imagine a thousand of him and his mentalities at IMDB...with the stupidest shit they post seriously.

As for HOT FUZZ, let me guess...not as funny as HOLLYWOODLAND, right? ;D

Oh and SHAUN OF THE DEAD rocked, especially for Romero fans.

SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004) - ****
HOT FUZZ (2007) - ****
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: BDuff

Verdict: C-

Bduff, can you briefly explain your ratings.


He thought it was mediocre...and I don't blame him.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Saw Live Free or Die Hard last night. This is why I hate movie studios, they had to make this film PG-13! No blood, no cursing, no nothing! It is far from being a Die Hard film. How many snotty pre-teens know who John McClane is? I doubt many do. Even the franchise's catch phrase, "Yippy kay yay motherfucker" is cut down.

Some of the action scenes are neat, but are way over the top. I always say to my self, "Never see a PG-13 film." and I did it again. FOX should be ashamed of themselves, this is an R rated franchise. If you plan on seeing this, just rent the first three instead.

Verdict: C-




Plus, McClane has a dirty mouth. At least DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE had the good sense to keep that.


And it had Sam Jackson.

Motherfucker.


Oh yeah. I mean hell, that great scene in Harlem wouldn't fly in PG-13 land, but thats the point. Its like the utter hell for a white Irishman drunk in his middle-age 40s having to wear a sign that probably ensures a bullet to the skull.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Saw Live Free or Die Hard last night. This is why I hate movie studios, they had to make this film PG-13! No blood, no cursing, no nothing! It is far from being a Die Hard film. How many snotty pre-teens know who John McClane is? I doubt many do. Even the franchise's catch phrase, "Yippy kay yay motherfucker" is cut down.

Some of the action scenes are neat, but are way over the top. I always say to my self, "Never see a PG-13 film." and I did it again. FOX should be ashamed of themselves, this is an R rated franchise. If you plan on seeing this, just rent the first three instead.

Verdict: C-




Plus, McClane has a dirty mouth. At least DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE had the good sense to keep that.


And it had Sam Jackson.

Motherfucker.


Oh yeah. I mean hell, that great scene in Harlem wouldn't fly in PG-13 land, but thats the point. Its like the utter hell for a white Irishman drunk in his middle-age 40s having to wear a sign that probably ensures a bullet to the skull.


Well, I'm Italian and in my 40's and whenever I wear a sign in Harlem, pointing out the shortcomings of African-Americans, they all just laugh at me.

Crazy, bald headed white-boy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Saw Live Free or Die Hard last night. This is why I hate movie studios, they had to make this film PG-13! No blood, no cursing, no nothing! It is far from being a Die Hard film. How many snotty pre-teens know who John McClane is? I doubt many do. Even the franchise's catch phrase, "Yippy kay yay motherfucker" is cut down.

Some of the action scenes are neat, but are way over the top. I always say to my self, "Never see a PG-13 film." and I did it again. FOX should be ashamed of themselves, this is an R rated franchise. If you plan on seeing this, just rent the first three instead.

Verdict: C-




Plus, McClane has a dirty mouth. At least DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE had the good sense to keep that.


And it had Sam Jackson.

Motherfucker.


Oh yeah. I mean hell, that great scene in Harlem wouldn't fly in PG-13 land, but thats the point. Its like the utter hell for a white Irishman drunk in his middle-age 40s having to wear a sign that probably ensures a bullet to the skull.


Well, I'm Italian and in my 40's and whenever I wear a sign in Harlem, pointing out the shortcomings of African-Americans, they all just laugh at me.

Crazy, bald headed white-boy.



Yeah, but you don't wear a sign saying "I Hate N******"....right?

The TV version is funny. "I Hate Black People"

Yeah, "I Hate White People" would cause me to riot.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:34 PM

Nah, just a free Don Imus tee-shirt.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


As for HOT FUZZ, let me guess...not as funny as HOLLYWOODLAND, right? ;D

HOT FUZZ (2007) - ****

Okay, now I see why you want to bring in Hollywoodland here \:\) . Your handy tool to disagree with my rating.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:38 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: BDuff

Verdict: C-

Bduff, can you briefly explain your ratings.


He thought it was mediocre...and I don't blame him.

I understood that RRA! I just wanted to know if he has anything further down, like a D or F or something like that or C- was the absolute rock bottom. Just to get an idea of his scale when he reviews more movies.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:39 PM

Yeah no problem...

F- One the worst films you could possibly see! Everything about is terrible or poorly done.

D- to D+ - A film that is very bad but has one or two good scenes that save the film from getting an F.

C- to C+ - This is an average movie that is held back from poosibly being very good. Most sequels will get this grade. There some good things about this film but some bad things will hold it back.

B- to B+ - These are good movies, not great, but definetly worth a viewing. The good things about about out number the bad. If the film was sightly better it could be in the A range.

A- to A+ - These are truely great films that fans of movies should stop what their doing and just watch it. These movies will go down as classics. Worth multiple viewings and a purchase.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


As for HOT FUZZ, let me guess...not as funny as HOLLYWOODLAND, right? ;D

HOT FUZZ (2007) - ****

Okay, now I see why you want to bring in Hollywoodland here \:\) . Your handy tool to disagree with my rating.


Its also called a joke, like when somebody made fun of how I was a Michael Mann mark-whore (which didn't save ALI and MANHUNTER from average scores).

HOT FUZZ really is a great joke on the Hollywood action bullshit, and since you svsg have absolute disdain for it....one would have thought you would go for it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Yeah no problem...

F- One the worst films you could possibly see! Everything about is terrible or poorly done.

D- to D+ - A film that is very bad but has one or two good scenes that save the film from getting an F.

C- to C+ - This is an average movie that is held back from poosibly being very good. Most sequels will get this grade. There some good things about this film but some bad things will hold it back.

B- to B+ - These are good movies, not great, but definetly worth a viewing. The good things about about out number the bad. If the film was sightly better it could be in the A range.

A- to A+ - These are truely great films that fans of movies should stop what their doing and just watch it. These movies will go down as classics. Worth multiple viewings and a purchase.


Almost sounds like my 5-star system.

Though I never have done Zero or half-star(whats the difference?) but yeah, looks like Duff and me park our cars in the same garage.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:48 PM

Live Free or Die Hard is just a microcosm of what is happening to Hollywood as a whole. When a studio has produced a violent film with bad language they say "Hey, if we cut down some of the bad stuff we can get away with a PG-13 rating". You can't much money with an R rated film these days. Studios are very reluctant to make a R movie because they won't make a profit from it.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:53 PM

[quote=ronnierocketAGO looks like Duff and me park our cars in the same garage. [/quote]

Did you get that line from True Romance? Because I never heard that line before I saw it.

1/2 a star and no stars are basically the same thing in my book.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 06:59 PM

Is a rating system such as a star rating or letter grading a way of summing one's thoughts or providing a basis for one's thoughts? If, for example, an A means that "These are truely great films that fans of movies should stop what their doing and just watch it. These movies will go down as classics" and that they're "worth multiple viewings and a purchase", then does that mean the accompanying review is a verbose extension of that, or should it be taken separately?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Though I never have done Zero or half-star(whats the difference?) but yeah, looks like Duff and me park our cars in the same garage.


Are you trying to tell us something about your sex life?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Though I never have done Zero or half-star(whats the difference?) but yeah, looks like Duff and me park our cars in the same garage.


Are you trying to tell us something about your sex life?


Hush or no teabagging for you tonight.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Is a rating system such as a star rating or letter grading a way of summing one's thoughts or providing a basis for one's thoughts? If, for example, an A means that "These are truely great films that fans of movies should stop what their doing and just watch it. These movies will go down as classics" and that they're "worth multiple viewings and a purchase", then does that mean the accompanying review is a verbose extension of that, or should it be taken separately?


I usually think of the ratings-systems where I give my honest grade of a film, and the accompanying review is my explanation of that rating, thoughts, comments, etc.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:39 PM

I just watched, for the first time, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on LLC's suggestion. It was done very well and was pretty true to the book. From what I have read, Depp did a good impersonation of the real Hunter S. Thompson, which was a little irritating at first because of the halting way of talking. But I got used to it and the movie was very entertaining. Some scenes were even funnier than the book, like the part with Gary Busey as the cop.

Anyone who thinks this movie glorifies drug use is retarded.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Is a rating system such as a star rating or letter grading a way of summing one's thoughts or providing a basis for one's thoughts? If, for example, an A means that "These are truely great films that fans of movies should stop what their doing and just watch it. These movies will go down as classics" and that they're "worth multiple viewings and a purchase", then does that mean the accompanying review is a verbose extension of that, or should it be taken separately?

Most of my reviews do not elaborately and comprehensively talk about all the aspects of the film. I just mention the aspect that caught my attention most. Or sometimes random rants \:D . Stars are to be taken separately in my case. It tells me what impact the movie had on me. Anything which I rate as 4 stars (there are several of them) is of significant impact for me. I also give recommendations in my review like "skip this one" or "highly recommended".
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Its also called a joke, like when somebody made fun of how I was a Michael Mann mark-whore (which didn't save ALI and MANHUNTER from average scores).

HOT FUZZ really is a great joke on the Hollywood action bullshit, and since you svsg have absolute disdain for it....one would have thought you would go for it.

To be fair, I didn't react correctly to your post. Sorry. I am falling out of my appreciation for spoof genre. Somewhere they tend to become as ridiculous as the movies they spoof. Was Grindhouse a tribute or spoof? And what will make it better than the actual b-movies it was based on? Same goes for Hot Fuzz.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:47 PM

Watch what you say about GRINDHOUSE, it's Irish's birthday.

It's bad enough we're picking on Jeremy Piven AND the Yankees have a losing record.

The boy may just break down.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I just watched, for the first time, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on LLC's suggestion. It was done very well and was pretty true to the book. From what I have read, Depp did a good impersonation of the real Hunter S. Thompson, which was a little irritating at first because of the halting way of talking. But I got used to it and the movie was very entertaining. Some scenes were even funnier than the book, like the part with Gary Busey as the cop.


Yeah, Depp actually spent three months living in Thompson's basement, and following him around his farm up in Colorado, mimicking him. The two became something of best friends... Depp even threw down the $5,000,000 to construct the 300 foot canon that Thompson request his ashes be shot out of at his funeral.

 Quote:
Anyone who thinks this movie glorifies drug use is retarded.


Anyone who thinks the movie is even about drug use is retarded. The movie is about drugs like The Godfather is about the mafia.

But, I'm glad you liked it. I don't think they could've made a better adaptation. Everything about the movie is perfect. Even the cinematography and the weird camera lenses that seemed to warp a few textures make you feel intoxicated throughout the film. A great feat, considering Gilliam says he's never done any psychedelic drugs.

By the way, if you still have the DVD at hand, check out the deleted scenes. The one from the DA from Georgia is exceptionally funny.

EDIT: Did you catch the real HST's cameo appearance?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:48 PM

Busey, with his drug addled persona, was perfect for the film.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Busey, with his drug addled persona, was perfect for the film.


The film had some great cameo's... most of whom, coincidentally, have a rough history with drugs.

My favorite cameo from the film has to be Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, as the bassist of Jefferson Airplane, when he walks in on HST doing acid in the bathroom, and starts licking him.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:58 PM

Agreed, but I doubt it was a coincidence!
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 07:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
EDIT: Did you catch the real HST's cameo appearance?


No, where was he? I'm going to watch it again so I'll look for him.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 08:22 PM

In the flashback scene in the night club. Depp, as Duke, comes in on the narrative track, and says, "There I was... Jesus, there I am!" right as he turns to his left to find the real HST, in his old age, sitting at a table with a couple of young women.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 06/30/07 08:29 PM

Actually, FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS inspires people NOT to use drugs (unless they want acid trips of lounge lizards fucking)

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Its also called a joke, like when somebody made fun of how I was a Michael Mann mark-whore (which didn't save ALI and MANHUNTER from average scores).

HOT FUZZ really is a great joke on the Hollywood action bullshit, and since you svsg have absolute disdain for it....one would have thought you would go for it.


To be fair, I didn't react correctly to your post. Sorry. I am falling out of my appreciation for spoof genre. Somewhere they tend to become as ridiculous as the movies they spoof. Was Grindhouse a tribute or spoof? And what will make it better than the actual b-movies it was based on? Same goes for Hot Fuzz.


The good spoof films are those that piss on the genre cliches.

While Irishman eats up the last few shitty spoof films that only mock recent films, the best spoof movies were from the ZAZ clan before they had to job.

Like TOP SECRET, which pissed on the Elvis star movies and the spy/thriller pictures.

Or AIRPLANE!, which obviously mocked the disaster genre's over-seriousness.

Or NAKED GUN with the stoic police procedural.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 03:29 AM

I read your Die Hard thread, so I gotta ask, why all the hate for Die Hard 2? I watched it again the other night and thought it was pretty good. Not as good as Die Hard with a Vengence, but easily better than Live Free or Die Hard.

One thing I realized more as I watched the film was the extreme amount of violence. I remember I read an article stating that Renny Harlin had to cut the film down just to warrant an R rating. I was reading a review on the fourth installment and it mentioned only two scenes where blood is shown...that's a far cry from Die Hard 2.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 04:06 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Actually, FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS inspires people NOT to use drugs (unless they want acid trips of lounge lizards fucking)


I don't think it inspires people to do drugs, and I don't think it inspires them not to do them. I don't think drugs are the focus at all. In my opinion, it's stupid to be pro-drugs, and it's also very stupid to be anti-drugs (I'm talking drugs with little-to-none addictiveness and very little harm if used in responsible moderation... Marijuana, LSD, shrooms, alcohol, etc... I can understand opposing heroin, cocaine, meth, crack, and so on...)

HST is a smart individual. I think he's smart enough to accept the responsibility of drug use, and smart enough to realize that certain drugs really aren't as harmful as the media plays them up to be if used in very, very careful moderation. He must've, after all, he never had any health issues regarding drug abuse, never OD'd, or anything of the likes. I think he recognized which drugs were--mostly--safe to experiment with, and I think he knew which ones he had to be careful with.

It'd just stupid to take sides in this sort of a matter; I'd never recommend that someone try drugs, and at the same time, I'd never try to talk someone out of it unless they were about to go and do something utterly retarded like try one of the drugs I'd group into the category of "world's most dangerous drugs" (this entails heroin, cocaine, crack, meth-amphetamine, PCP, ketamine, and many others...) or if they were about to do something equally retarded with less dangerous drugs (IE, go off and eat acid before trying less intense drugs).

I think that's basically the attitude the film takes on. Its message really has nothing to do with drug-use. And, although they're a theme in his writing, I don't think HST ever really wrote a piece that was about drug-use. I think his attitude towards drugs was very indifferent.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 04:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
I read your Die Hard thread, so I gotta ask, why all the hate for Die Hard 2? I watched it again the other night and thought it was pretty good. Not as good as Die Hard with a Vengence, but easily better than Live Free or Die Hard.

One thing I realized more as I watched the film was the extreme amount of violence. I remember I read an article stating that Renny Harlin had to cut the film down just to warrant an R rating. I was reading a review on the fourth installment and it mentioned only two scenes where blood is shown...that's a far cry from Die Hard 2.


I thought my review made it clear, but if not:

The reasons why I really can't stand DIE HARD 2 at all are:

CHANGE IN CHARACTER - John McClane in DIE HARD and DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE is a charming wiseass of an incredibly tough bastard Irishman...who also is a complete asshole when outside of his comfort zone. He gets incredibly pulled into insane shit that just hits the fan.

He alienates everyone around him. Yeah he was a hero in LA with the events of DIE HARD, but that was 7 years ago. Since then, his wife left him again, nobody in his NYPD precinct wants anything to do with him, he probably smarted off way too many times against his superiors, and oh yeah...he's a damn alcoholic.

Sure you had Al the LAPD cop in DIE HARD being charmed by him, but imagined after awhile of McClane's behavior...even he would get tired of this jackass.

In DIE HARD 2, John McClane is reformed into this ready-go yuppie LAPD copper who is proactive. In DIE HARD and DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE, he tries his best to let other (better) people over the job for him, but he's always reactive against the threat, never proactive. Did he bomb the building to stop the baddies?

No, he bombed the building in DIE HARD because Alan Rickman's character was continuing to overkill the hell out of the downed-SWAT team, and McClane was fucking pissed. He's REACTIVE, not PROACTIVE.

In DIE HARD 2, he becomes this indestructable superhero. Willis in DIE HARD and even DHWAV was brilliant because he played McClane as a very vulnerable, yet tough, action figure. If it was Arnold or Stallone leaping off a building tied with only a firehose, we wouldn't be impressed.

But we saw McClane in pain, struggling in his epic guerilla war, and when he prays to God for him to survive this insane shit, and he does somehow escape the explosion, its thrilling and incredibly...we don't take the action heroics for granted.

In DIE HARD 2, he falls off a fucking AIRPLANE at full speed during take-off, hits the ground...and walks away from it. Renny Harlin, and Wiseman would do with LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, never shows McClane get the shit kicked out of him or in actual pain or anything to make us wonder if he will survive or not. Whatever.

With LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, you see McClane break/seperate his shoulder, get shot hard once, but otherwise indestructable.

CONTRIVED OBSTACLES - Back to my REACTIVE/PROACTIVE point, The difference between the bureaucratical obstacles in DIE HARD/DHWAV and that of DIE HARD 2 is that for the vast most part, the bureaucratical police actually are doing their job.

Its just they're uncreative, arrogant in assuming the dumbest of criminals they're dealing with, and ultimately asskicked by the smarter-baddies. But otherwise, they try to do their job.

In DIE HARD 2, the bureaucratical police get in McClane's way for....well, for no reason, except to create contrived drama as McClane is having to save the day. Nobody does their job, everyone is fucking useless, nobody is noble in their professions, just unprepared for the task at hand.

I mean, you have this guy that defeated terrorists a year ago telling YOU the head of Airport security that he saw something suspicious at the terminal. Wouldn't you at least check it out as part of your responsibility?

Thats why I give some break to LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD. The Feds do their jobs, they try...its just they're dealing with a smarter villain. Besides, unlike DIE HARD 2, the police listen to McClane.

DIRECT SEQUEL - DIE HARD 2 brings back characters from DIE HARD that don't matter at all. Al the cop, the asshole reporter....who cares? They're dead weight and artificial (unlike in the first film.)

Especially the reporter. In DIE HARD, he was like a reporter in our current media culture: Threading a very thin line between Real Hard news and Sensationalism, with a touch of irresponsibility.

In DIE HARD 2, he sets off a panic for no reason except to give the hero's woman a chance to kick his ass again. WHATEVER.

Though that begs a question....the airport has explosions, gunfire, and insanity going on but most people at the airport don't realize that something wrong is happening until the asshole reporter leaks it? HUH?

Plus, DIE HARD 2 ends exactly in coda like the first movie. This is the Coca Cola franchise effect, to quote Francis Ford Coppola.

VILLAIN'S MOTIVATIONS - LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD tows the line of DIE HARD and DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE in that we accept the villains causing mass chaos, killing innocent civilians, and hiring/investing in these complex schemes simply for one massive shitload of cash.

With DIE HARD 2, it makes a critical mistake like Michael Bay's turkey THE ROCK commits.

William Sadler (a good actor mind you) plays this ultra-patriotic American war hero who, with his spooks, try to fear an imprisoned Latin American coke dealing-Commie fighting Dictator (Noriega!) for the greater good of fighting the Soviet Union.

But like THE ROCK, as much as we want to believe such uber-patriots would go to great lengths to go against their nature and country for whatever their motivations are...

...the audience doesn't buy his or his fellow American henchmen the willingness to kill civilians or crash passenger planes into the ground.

People have and will continue to kill people for materialistic progress.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 04:37 AM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Actually, FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS inspires people NOT to use drugs (unless they want acid trips of lounge lizards fucking)


I don't think it inspires people to do drugs, and I don't think it inspires them not to do them. I don't think drugs are the focus at all. In my opinion, it's stupid to be pro-drugs, and it's also very stupid to be anti-drugs (I'm talking drugs with little-to-none addictiveness and very little harm if used in responsible moderation... Marijuana, LSD, shrooms, alcohol, etc... I can understand opposing heroin, cocaine, meth, crack, and so on...)

HST is a smart individual. I think he's smart enough to accept the responsibility of drug use, and smart enough to realize that certain drugs really aren't as harmful as the media plays them up to be if used in very, very careful moderation. He must've, after all, he never had any health issues regarding drug abuse, never OD'd, or anything of the likes. I think he recognized which drugs were--mostly--safe to experiment with, and I think he knew which ones he had to be careful with.

It'd just stupid to take sides in this sort of a matter; I'd never recommend that someone try drugs, and at the same time, I'd never try to talk someone out of it unless they were about to go and do something utterly retarded like try one of the drugs I'd group into the category of "world's most dangerous drugs" (this entails heroin, cocaine, crack, meth-amphetamine, PCP, ketamine, and many others...) or if they were about to do something equally retarded with less dangerous drugs (IE, go off and eat acid before trying less intense drugs).

I think that's basically the attitude the film takes on. Its message really has nothing to do with drug-use. And, although they're a theme in his writing, I don't think HST ever really wrote a piece that was about drug-use. I think his attitude towards drugs was very indifferent.


You're right, but my point WAS that the movie gave me a reason or two why to not try to mess with mind-reality altering substances.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 04:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


You're right, but my point WAS that the movie gave me a reason or two why to not try to mess with mind-reality altering substances.


Ah, alright. I thought you were trying to say it was an anti-drug film of sorts.

And that can't be right, because I snorted like, ten lines of heroin, OD'd, then snorted another three lines right after I saw the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 07:18 PM

LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
(First Viewing)

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

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

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

1) DIE HARD: WITH A VENGENCE
2) DIE HARD
3) LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
4) DIE HARD 2
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 07:22 PM

"...especially watered down to PG-13 rating so the teenie bobbers could get in on the action."

The funny thing is, you go to see more of these retarded teenie bopper films than teenie boppers do.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 07:31 PM

]
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 10:51 PM

Just watched UltraViolet........yes she has an ass, it got more screen time than her face...not really sure what the movie was about though. Seemed to just be a reason to put her in tight pants and show every possible scene from behind and between her legs.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 11:00 PM

Yeah I saw ULTRAVIOLET in theaters. I was bribed by a friend who paid for my admission ticket. Yeah, I remember it being pretty bad.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 11:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Just watched UltraViolet........yes she has an ass, it got more screen time than her face...not really sure what the movie was about though. Seemed to just be a reason to put her in tight pants and show every possible scene from behind and between her legs.


ULTRAVIOLET is a mess, which is a pity since that movie got fucking chopped up by the studio.

40+ minutes were cut out, the planned FX never finished, and FOX had a dud on its hands.

No wonder the movie makes no damn sense at all.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 11:51 PM

I think its funny how Irish likes being owned and trashed around these parts...if he didn't, he would try to argue against it or say something.

Maybe he gets a sadist kick out of it. Maybe its the Yanks having a bad year, maybe.....nah, its the Yanks sucking it this side of the Marlins.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/01/07 11:58 PM

Funny, I called that Irish would go apeshit for LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD in the shoutbox (and why not? He has a thing for anything thats Michael Bay or Bay-influenced). LLC owes me $10. \:\)

Anyway, while I defend LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD as being as average as DIE HARD 2, just not as fucking contrived, there are some things in it that still bug the shit out of me.

* Bland actor playing the villain....or is it decent actor stuck with really a shit part?

A computer programming genius? Thats like trying to sell John Wayne as Genghis Kahn. At least William Sadler in DH2 happens to BE a good actor despite the shit he was given to work with.

Which is sad, since Timothy David Olyphant worked so well on DEADWOOD.

My verdict? SHIT CHARACTER

*How does Bruce Willis know that the Asian assassin was the baddie's girlfriend?

PLOT HOLE!

*You know, John McClane STILL lost his entire 401K plan. Imagine him asking the Feds for help:

McClane: You know, I just saved the day. Can you help restore my 401K plan?

Feds: Why don't you work hard for it like any other decent American, instead of asking for a handout?

*Why exactly is Lucy McClane being a bitch with her father? Not that its a bad idea, but its execution in LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD seems simply as cheap contrived drama to stack the decks against McClane.

I mean, isn't it possible that she's the only person in his family that can tolerate him? It would have made the entire 3rd act mean absolutely alot more for the hero than the whole reversal of opinion nonsense.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 05:39 AM

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
(Third Viewing)

Following the Allied invasion of Normandy, two brothers lay dead in the wake of the onslaught. Meanwhile, in New Guinea, a third brother has been killed fighting the Japanese. After the Army General Staff learns that a fourth brother is missing in the French countryside, a rescue mission is ordered to find the young soldier and return him safely home. The mission is mounted by a veteran Ranger Captain commanding a squad of men who have mixed feelings about risking their lives to "Save Private Ryan".

This and PLATOON are probably 2 of the best war movies I've ever seen. This is also easily in the Top 5 of Spielberg's best and I might be generous enough to put it as high as number 2 (SCHINDLER'S LIST is his masterpiece). What worked the most for me with this film was the realism. Spielberg did a fantastic job at bringing the audience into the film and making them feel as if they were in the trenches with these guys.

Also, the opening battle scene on the beach is tough to get through. It shows the viewer very quickly just how brutal, ugly and vicious war can be. This stood out to me because some war films (particularly some of the classics) seem to glamorize the war. I'm not saying that's necessarily a bad thing, but Spielberg went in an opposite direction and said it wasn't all glamorous. As such, I think he offered a better tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for this country than some in the past.

Also, the cast was great for this film. Most, if not all of these guys are recognizeable now. Some of them weren't as much before this film (Edward Burns, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, and others), but since then have seen their careers grow from this. Barry Pepper was my favorite as I briefly stated in my review of SHOOTER. I respect his talent and his calmness throughout the picture. Also Tom Sizemore fit in beautifully. I just felt he was built for this picture and that role as Tom Hanks second in command.

How SHAKESPEAR IN LOVE beat this out for Best Picture I'll never know. However, in all fairness, I've never seen SHAKESPEAR IN LOVE, although I just can't imagine it being better than RYAN. For Michael Bay, this is the kind of movie he should have made when he was making PEARL HARBOR just 3 years later. Oh well, all will be forgiven if TRANSFORMERS kicks a$$ which I anticpated it will!

Finally, after watching this film, if Quentin Tarantino plans on still doing INGLORIOUS B*STARDS, I'd be excited to see it. Not only because it's Quentin, but also because I'd love to see how he could or try to surpass RYAN. I'd like to see Quentin try his hand at a war flick.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 05:44 AM

I got bored half way through into watching Shakespeare in Love. But my old roomie was a big fan of it. I am yet to watch Saving private Ryan and Schindler's list which you term as his best. I somehow see Spielberg more as a clever director than a great one. Again IMHO.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 05:51 AM

SHAKESPEAR just doesn't seem like my kind of movie. I'd really have to be in the mood to watch it.

svsg, have you heard, or do you know of anyplace I can download Ilsa, She-Wolf of the SS?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 06:05 AM

Torrents are the way to go. Install Azureus from
http://azureus.sourceforge.net/

Then download the torrent from http://www.torrentspy.com/torrent/457109/Ilsa_She_Wolf_of_the_SS_1975_XviD_DVDRip

There are 12 seeds (people who have full copies), so you should be able to download in a day or two. Usually the way this works is peers keep coming and going. So unless it is a very popular movie, it will take a while to download. The way to minimize the download time is by queuing up many files for download, so one or the other will be active at a given time.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 06:10 AM

BTW, Irish you are slowly venturing into the type of movies I have been watching lately. I see it is banned in a couple of places. Welcome \:D
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 06:38 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I think its funny how Irish likes being owned and trashed around these parts...if he didn't, he would try to argue against it or say something.


Mention his name again out of the blue, and you will be banned for life. Indeed, you are the Master Baiter. Grow the fuck up. (BOTH of you!) END of story!
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 07:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I think its funny how Irish likes being owned and trashed around these parts...if he didn't, he would try to argue against it or say something.

Maybe he gets a sadist kick out of it. Maybe its the Yanks having a bad year, maybe.....nah, its the Yanks sucking it this side of the Marlins.


With all due respect RRA (Seriously), I challenge you to post something about movies that doesn't include some sort of knock on Irishman. I'm not asking you to change, but, I triple dog dare you!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 03:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Torrents are the way to go. Install Azureus from
http://azureus.sourceforge.net/

Then download the torrent from http://www.torrentspy.com/torrent/457109/Ilsa_She_Wolf_of_the_SS_1975_XviD_DVDRip

There are 12 seeds (people who have full copies), so you should be able to download in a day or two. Usually the way this works is peers keep coming and going. So unless it is a very popular movie, it will take a while to download. The way to minimize the download time is by queuing up many files for download, so one or the other will be active at a given time.


Thanks brother, I really appreciate it!

And thank you Geoff & Blibble
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 04:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I think its funny how Irish likes being owned and trashed around these parts...if he didn't, he would try to argue against it or say something.

Maybe he gets a sadist kick out of it. Maybe its the Yanks having a bad year, maybe.....nah, its the Yanks sucking it this side of the Marlins.


With all due respect RRA (Seriously), I challenge you to post something about movies that doesn't include some sort of knock on Irishman. I'm not asking you to change, but, I triple dog dare you!


I don't know, I'll try my best. \:\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 07:23 PM

FAMILY BUSINESS (1989)

Hoffman, Connery and Broderick directed by the great Sidney Lumet.

What happened?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 08:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FAMILY BUSINESS (1989)

Hoffman, Connery and Broderick directed by the great Sidney Lumet.

What happened?


Broderick still asks himself why people still treat him, an adult in his 40s, like a kid.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/02/07 08:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FAMILY BUSINESS (1989)

Hoffman, Connery and Broderick directed by the great Sidney Lumet.

What happened?


Broderick still asks himself why people still treat him, an adult in his 40s, like a kid.



Bueller, Bueller, anyone???
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 01:47 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Just watched UltraViolet........yes she has an ass, it got more screen time than her face...not really sure what the movie was about though. Seemed to just be a reason to put her in tight pants and show every possible scene from behind and between her legs.


ULTRAVIOLET is a mess, which is a pity since that movie got fucking chopped up by the studio.

40+ minutes were cut out, the planned FX never finished, and FOX had a dud on its hands.

No wonder the movie makes no damn sense at all.


Sounds a lot like what happened to Alien 3. 35-40 minutes were cut out because thought the film wouldn't hold the audience's attention. Because of this, David Fincher (very good director), disowned the film.

If you ever get the chance, watch the directors cut, it's quite good. Just as good as Aliens in my opinion.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 02:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone
Just watched UltraViolet........yes she has an ass, it got more screen time than her face...not really sure what the movie was about though. Seemed to just be a reason to put her in tight pants and show every possible scene from behind and between her legs.


ULTRAVIOLET is a mess, which is a pity since that movie got fucking chopped up by the studio.

40+ minutes were cut out, the planned FX never finished, and FOX had a dud on its hands.

No wonder the movie makes no damn sense at all.


Sounds a lot like what happened to Alien 3. 35-40 minutes were cut out because thought the film wouldn't hold the audience's attention. Because of this, David Fincher (very good director), disowned the film.

If you ever get the chance, watch the directors cut, it's quite good. Just as good as Aliens in my opinion.


I must correct something here.

Yes, that alternative edit on the DVD boxset is MUCH BETTER than the theatrical edit...but its not a Director's Cut.

Fincher not only disowned it in the editing bay after FOX raped it, the movie was already raped by FOX's mendling during shooting, with Sigourney Weaver vetoing/demanding script changes, etc.

My point is, the "Director's Cut" doesn't exist. Thats why Fincher didn't involve himself with that DVD boxset. If he got it his way, it would only be if he go back in time, and make it with his full autuer creative powers that he has with say PANIC ROOM and ZODIAC.

Still BDuff, you're right. The alternative edit makes more logical sense, not as many annoying plot holes, etc. Still not much of a film though.

But its something compared to the mass liquid of nothingness that is ALIEN RESURRECTION.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 02:15 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FAMILY BUSINESS (1989)

Hoffman, Connery and Broderick directed by the great Sidney Lumet.

What happened?


Broderick still asks himself why people still treat him, an adult in his 40s, like a kid.



Bueller, Bueller, anyone???


Exactly. Hell, he was the lead in the pretty good GLORY...but no one remembers that fact. Pity really.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 03:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FAMILY BUSINESS (1989)

Hoffman, Connery and Broderick directed by the great Sidney Lumet.

What happened?


You didn't like that movie PB?

I enjoyed it very much.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 05:34 AM

DONNIE BRASCO 1/2
(Third Viewing)

This true story follows FBI agent Joe Pistone as he infiltrates the mafia of New York. Befriending Lefty Ruggiero, Pistone (under the name Donnie Brasco) is able to embed himself in a mafia faction lead by Sonny Black. Ruggiero and Pistone become tight as the group goes about collecting money for 'the bosses'. Eventually, the group become big time when Black himself becomes a boss, all the while Pistone collects evidence. However, the trials and tribulations of the undercover work become more than Pistone can bear. His marriage falls apart and to top it off, the mafia suspect a mole in the organization. The real dilemma is afforded to Pistone, who knows if he walks away from the mafia, Ruggiero will be the one punished.

I gave this film a third try and it still didn't do it for me so I think I'm finally done with DONNIE BRASCO. I know a lot of people enjoyed this film but for whatever reason, it never excited me. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. Al Pacino was his usual great self as Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero. Here's the first problem I had with the film. When we're introduced to Lefty in the beginning of the film he comes across as a big mob guy/bad motherf*cker. But very quickly into the movie his character to me becomes soft and by the end, almost a p*ssy. Secondly, Johnny Depp, as much as I love him didn't impress me at all really with this film. Sure he got the forgeddaboutit line done cold, but other than that I thought his performance was kind of stale. Also, Michael Madsen did a fine job but I don't think he had the same charisma that so many people loved from his Mr. Blonde character in RESERVOIR DOGS.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 12:16 PM

I think your first point of contention was the entire point of the film. It's not about the rise and fall of a gangster; it's about somebody undercover in the lower circles of a hierarchy. Basically, everybody gets shat on by those above, and by the end of it, we realise that Lefty is quite a sad, pathetic character in that most poignant turn of events: knowingly meeting his death.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 01:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
DONNIE BRASCO 1/2
(Third Viewing)

This true story follows FBI agent Joe Pistone as he infiltrates the mafia of New York. Befriending Lefty Ruggiero, Pistone (under the name Donnie Brasco) is able to embed himself in a mafia faction lead by Sonny Black. Ruggiero and Pistone become tight as the group goes about collecting money for 'the bosses'. Eventually, the group become big time when Black himself becomes a boss, all the while Pistone collects evidence. However, the trials and tribulations of the undercover work become more than Pistone can bear. His marriage falls apart and to top it off, the mafia suspect a mole in the organization. The real dilemma is afforded to Pistone, who knows if he walks away from the mafia, Ruggiero will be the one punished.

I gave this film a third try and it still didn't do it for me so I think I'm finally done with DONNIE BRASCO. I know a lot of people enjoyed this film but for whatever reason, it never excited me. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. Al Pacino was his usual great self as Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero. Here's the first problem I had with the film. When we're introduced to Lefty in the beginning of the film he comes across as a big mob guy/bad motherf*cker. But very quickly into the movie his character to me becomes soft and by the end, almost a p*ssy. Secondly, Johnny Depp, as much as I love him didn't impress me at all really with this film. Sure he got the forgeddaboutit line done cold, but other than that I thought his performance was kind of stale. Also, Michael Madsen did a fine job but I don't think he had the same charisma that so many people loved from his Mr. Blonde character in RESERVOIR DOGS.


"Here's the first problem I had with the film. When we're introduced to Lefty in the beginning of the film he comes across as a big mob guy/bad motherf*cker. But very quickly into the movie his character to me becomes soft and by the end, almost a p*ssy."

Irish, do you understand something literal or you understand the depths of humanity yet?

Lefty is a low-ranking scum sucker for the Mob. Hell, remember that scene when he's smashing a parking meter with a hammer to get those coins? He's pathetic....he won't ever be anyone, even in his outfit...and partly its because he's a fool. In a way, most mobsters are like Lefty more than they are honest or intelligent, right?

But he has the power to beat up people for their cash ,and get away with it. Plus with the Florida night club gig with Donnie, Lefty feels like a big shot now.

Really, its like if Tony Montana in SCARFACE stayed a low-ranking pusher/enforcer. Pacino plays Lefty so pathetically, you would almost sympathize with him....almost.


"Secondly, Johnny Depp, as much as I love him didn't impress me at all really with this film. Sure he got the forgeddaboutit line done cold, but other than that I thought his performance was kind of stale. Also, Michael Madsen did a fine job but I don't think he had the same charisma that so many people loved from his Mr. Blonde character in RESERVOIR DOGS.[/quote]"

What, you wanted Depp to do gimmicky acting where he's over the top this side of the PIRATES movies or ED WOOD or whatever some quirky stuff?

Depp kicks ass because imagine having to work a job where you have to wear a "mask" and be someone else 24/7....and certainly in the film, its obvious that as Joe Pistone is dying, "Donnie Brasco" is taking over.....why? Maybe because its more fun to be a high profilin/stylin gangster than a shit-paid FBI Agent.

I'm sure with your logic Irish, Al Pacino is stale as hell in SERPICO, or Christian Bale was stiff as hell in PRESTIGE and BATMAN BEGINS (funny that both Chris Nolan pictures involve identity).

As for MICHAEL MADSEN, whats with you? Mr. Blonde in RESERVOIR DOGS is a psychopath who gets a kick from sadism...and he boasts himself because I'm sure people fear him. But Madsen's character in DONNIE BRASCO is the absolute epitome of the Mafia: Using the bullshit of "code" and "honor," he betrays and kills everyone in his path to taking over...while guys like Lefty, who like to think they follow the code somewhat, end up working for him.

Really Capo, am I right?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 01:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FAMILY BUSINESS (1989)

Hoffman, Connery and Broderick directed by the great Sidney Lumet.

What happened?


You didn't like that movie PB?

I enjoyed it very much.


I liked it, I just thought it could have really been special. Maybe even a classic, and it wasn't.

It was written by Vincent Patrick, who wrote THE POPE OF GREENWICH VILLAGE, so I may have been expecting too much.

I like it well enough to own it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 06:18 PM

On Greenaway's 8½ Women (1999):

The critics may have a point in this being his least impressive feature film, though it is still considerably more conceptually and narratively original and visually seductive than a lot of other films, which might be a weak defence. If the acting seems unusually wooden (the script is great, but the delivery seems forced and unnatural at times) then at least it's in line with Greenaway's quest for an openly artificial cinema. The females here are all shot in a self-consciously beautiful way (Polly Walker, in one of her final scenes, and the one used for most promotional posters and DVD covers, is ravishing), the dialogue is almost always in reference to sex, and it handles emotional devastation in typical Greenaway fashion: that is, he puts a lot of faith in the "sophistication" (his word) of his audience, and doesn't manipulate them in the exploitative way; whether you connect to the film's dark, strange and provocative father-son relationship will depend not only on personal philosophies in life, but how close you connect with Greenaway's work as a whole... Indeed, ironically, this seems to be one of his most accessible films, and yet accessing it seems dependent upon familiarity with the director. There's something fantastic about certain, isolated images: the father holding a drill to his head is abstract and effective in showing his state of loss; the scene, even earlier than that, of him falling back into the bath, screaming and splashing, is a visual abstraction of complete grief; the aforementioned, unforgettable shot of Polly Walker's shadowy flesh as she sits with her back to us, masturbating the elderly protagonist; and the Herzogian shot of a pig with its front legs buried beneath it, its arse in the air.

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 07:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
whether you connect to the film's dark, strange and provocative father-son relationship will depend not only on personal philosophies in life, but how close you connect with Greenaway's work as a whole...

Doesn't it apply to all films and filmmkers?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 07:11 PM

I know you guys have already discussed this movie a couple of times, but I just watched Apocalypto last night. That was one of the best movies I've seen in a while. There was one moment where Rambo and Arnold in the Predator popped into my head, but only for a second.

Great movie. I'm going to watch it again today before I return it.

Warning, Spoiler:
I never would have guessed I would see a baby being born underwater like that. Mel Gibson is crazy.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 07:17 PM

Perhaps, yes. It may well be an empty statement on my part.

But appreciating one work from a filmmaker with a unique, individual style can sometimes depend on an overall evaluation of his body. Van Sant's Psycho remake comes to mind.

Somebody might hate Blade Runner, but their knowledge of Ridley Scott's career prior to it and after it would bring, I imagine, little further appreciation to that single film.

At any rate. Greenaway is by now one of my favourite artists.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 07:17 PM

Glad you enjoyed it Blibble. APOCALYPTO was one of my favorite films of last year and think a lot of people either missed out on it or trashed it solely because of Mel Gibson's past work, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.

Warning, Spoiler:
My favorite scene was the temple/human sacrifice scene. My eyes popped out of my head almost when they would chop the heads off and roll them down the temple steps, then the guy on the bottom would catch them in a net and throw them into a pile. Never let it be said that Mel Gibson isn't a brutal sonofab*tch
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 07:21 PM

This is what I wrote when I saw Apocalypto at the cinema:

Gibson's films are all seemingly based around the notion of life as freedom and death as slavery…or something like that. In order to show what is at stake in terms of freedom, in terms of life, he makes his films as gory as possible, so that when a character dies, he does not leave the world peacefully, but has his heart ripped out by an evil savage. For Apocalypto, Gibson has toned down the slow-motion that killed Passion and is more interested in getting one with events. If the events themselves are ludicrous, and we don't really care for any of these horrid people, then at least it has its moments of noteworthy action (the chase scenes through the forest are wonderful). And the scene in the middle of the movie, at the Mayan temple, shot in large amounts of dusty, sandy yellows and bright reds, with the captives being escorted to the top of the temple itself painted in blue, is absurd, pretty and frightening.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 07:22 PM

Hey Irish, have you seen Michael Bay's latest suckfest, THE TRANSFORMERS, yet?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 07:28 PM

I cannot get the following films from my head:

Eraserhead
A Zed & Two Noughts
Vertical Features Remake
Kárhozat
The Brown Bunny


I think the films I'm making at the moment are trying to replicate the multiple complexities these conjure in me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 07:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Hey Irish, have you seen Michael Bay's latest suckfest, THE TRANSFORMERS, yet?


Tonight my good man. Don't worry, I'll review it. How about yourself?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 08:17 PM

Not yet, I'm leaving for the Jersey shore in about half an hour, so maybe when I get back.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 09:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Hey Irish, have you seen Michael Bay's latest suckfest, THE TRANSFORMERS, yet?


I call it here first folks.

3-star review from The Irishman!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/03/07 09:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Hey Irish, have you seen Michael Bay's latest suckfest, THE TRANSFORMERS, yet?


I call it here first folks.

3-star review from The Irishman!



Irish is gonna like a Michael Bay movie?

You're really going out on a limb with that prediction, Ronnie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 01:42 AM

TRANSFORMERS
(First Viewing)

High-school student Sam Witwicky buys his first car, who is actually the Autobot Bumblebee. Bumblebee defends Sam and his girlfriend Mikaela Banes from the Decepticon Barricade, before the other Autobots arrive on Earth. They are searching for the Allspark, and the war on Earth heats up as the Decepticons attack a United States military base in Qatar. Sam and Mikaela are taken by the top-secret agency Sector 7 to help stop the Decepticons, but when they learn the agency also intends to destroy the Autobots, they formulate their own plan to save the world.

I never watched the cartoon growing up so I wasn't pumped up to see this movie until I saw the trailer. Michael Bay more than made up for PEARL HARBOR with this film. The last time I had this much fun at the theaters was when I saw GRINDHOUSE a couple of months ago. Plenty of humor, action and great special FX make this, IMO, the perfect big budget Blockbuster summer film (and yes, that's taking into account LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD). I was never a fan of Shia LaBeouf but he did a great job in this film and he actually made me into a fan. Now I don't dread seeing him in INDIANA JONES IV. The young man can act. Also Bernie Mac had a nice cameo (I LOVE this guy's work) as the man who sells Shia's character his car. Whether you're a fan of the old Transformers cartoons or not, this is a movie to be seen in theaters. It was better than PIRATES 3 and SPIDER-MAN 3, yet unfortunately I don't think it will make as much money as those franchise beasts. I hear there's talk of a TRANSFORMERS 2 for 2009 and all I can say is it won't come soon enough! This is definitely Bay's masterpiece (BAD BOYS is his second best movie). And it is with great pleasure that I say to you, ladies and gentlemen, the Bay is back!
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 01:57 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Hey Irish, have you seen Michael Bay's latest suckfest, THE TRANSFORMERS, yet?


I call it here first folks.

3-star review from The Irishman!



Juuuuusssst a bit outside.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 03:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
TRANSFORMERS
(First Viewing)

High-school student Sam Witwicky buys his first car, who is actually the Autobot Bumblebee. Bumblebee defends Sam and his girlfriend Mikaela Banes from the Decepticon Barricade, before the other Autobots arrive on Earth. They are searching for the Allspark, and the war on Earth heats up as the Decepticons attack a United States military base in Qatar. Sam and Mikaela are taken by the top-secret agency Sector 7 to help stop the Decepticons, but when they learn the agency also intends to destroy the Autobots, they formulate their own plan to save the world.

I never watched the cartoon growing up so I wasn't pumped up to see this movie until I saw the trailer. Michael Bay more than made up for PEARL HARBOR with this film. The last time I had this much fun at the theaters was when I saw GRINDHOUSE a couple of months ago. Plenty of humor, action and great special FX make this, IMO, the perfect big budget Blockbuster summer film (and yes, that's taking into account LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD). I was never a fan of Shia LaBeouf but he did a great job in this film and he actually made me into a fan. Now I don't dread seeing him in INDIANA JONES IV. The young man can act. Also Bernie Mac had a nice cameo (I LOVE this guy's work) as the man who sells Shia's character his car. Whether you're a fan of the old Transformers cartoons or not, this is a movie to be seen in theaters. It was better than PIRATES 3 and SPIDER-MAN 3, yet unfortunately I don't think it will make as much money as those franchise beasts. I hear there's talk of a TRANSFORMERS 2 for 2009 and all I can say is it won't come soon enough! This is definitely Bay's masterpiece (BAD BOYS is his second best movie). And it is with great pleasure that I say to you, ladies and gentlemen, the Bay is back!


Paragraph breaks please? PLEASE? PLEASE?!?!?!?

Whats funny of you saying its Bay's masterpiece....Bay lost the movie in post-production. Spielberg kicked his ass out, and only 15% of the final cut is what Bay cut himself.

So you call it his masterpiece, if you know any better, I would thank Spielberg and his army of monkey editors at DREAMWORKS.

Besides, GI JOE kicks TRANSFORMERS ass....and knowing is half the battle!

Plus, why is it better than PIRATES 3 or even SPIDERMAN 3?

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 03:25 AM

THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) - ***1/2

THE PLOT IN CASE YOU'RE TOO DAMN LAZY TO USE IMDB: Matt Damon is found floating in the Meditteranean Sea, suffering amnesia. Turns out he can kick ass for the Lord. Turns out also that some CIA spooks want him dead.

This should have been a generic-as-fuck movie. It really should have been.

I mean, the trailers sure sold it as such. Plus, it had the GOOD WILL HUNTING guy and occasional Ben Affleck butt buddy trying to be an action star. Pfft.

Instead, it became the sleeper hit of that summer, and did insane business on DVD. But why?

Robert Ludlum's novel was Cold War spyfare about a middle-aged guy fighting in divided Europe for his identity. But director Doug Liman and scripter Tony Gilroy re-evaluated the book and the post-Cold War world, and in doing so, they deliver the freshest thriller in spy cinema since the Fall of the Wall.

The devil is in the details. If Brad Pitt had done the film as he was supposed to, before injury forced him to drop out, the film wouldn't have worked as well. We accept Tyler Durden beating up assassins but Matt FUCKING Damon?

And that folks, is why he works so well for the film. Damon isn't a natural born action personality, and we buy his own confusion and fear when by trained instinct, he can become the calmest killing machine alive. Plus, Damon seems of the right age-frame to which he could have been recruited by the CIA and 5 years later after insane training and field work, he would be probably that damn efficient.

Plus, he gives off a sort of innocent charisma thats him an easy person to root for as an underdog against the CIA and its covert army. It explains why Franka Potente would indeed stick with him despite not knowing who he really is, nor if he might easily snap her neck to save himself.

Then there are other details that Hollywood has already been highly influenced by. The hero's own knowledge and automatic reactive measures obviously made a notice on the Bond franchise with CASINO ROYALE, and I bet Doug Liman's own-shot action sequences gave Christopher Nolan the guts to helm BATMAN BEGINS' own 2nd-unit shooting.

OFF-NOTE: Blibble, you triple dog-dared me. You owe me money.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 05:21 AM

INDEPENDENCE DAY
(Nth Viewing)

On July 2nd, communications systems worldwide are sent into chaos by a strange atmospheric interference. It is soon learned by the military that a number of enormous objects are on a collision course with Earth. At first thought to be meteors, they are later revealed to be gigantic spacecraft, piloted by a mysterious alien species. After attempts to communicate with the aliens go nowhere, David Levinson, an ex-scientist turned cable technician, discovers that the aliens are going to attack major points around the globe in less than a day. On July 3rd, the aliens all but obliterate New York, Los Angeles, and Washington. The survivors set out in convoys towards Area 51, a strange government testing ground where it is rumored the military has a captured alien spacecraft of their own. The survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens, and July 4th becomes the day humanity will fight for its freedom. July 4th is their Independence Day.

I know some here hate this film but I've always loved it. It's the best alien movie I've ever seen and in fact was the first sci-fi film I ever loved. The alien and spaceship designs are great and the CGI (for 1996) is fantastic. This is also the film I think of when talking about Will Smith post-Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and becoming the A-list actor that he is today. This is also director Roland Emmerich's masterpiece. He's also directed some enjoyable B-action films, UNIVERSAL SOLDIER, STARGATE and THE PATRIOT. I try to watch this every year around this time like other seasonal movies (A CHRISTMAS STORY, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, etc.)
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 06:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Besides, GI JOE kicks TRANSFORMERS ass....and knowing is half the battle!


Are you kidding? Didn't you ever watch the GI Joe cartoon? They shot a million lasers from their guns all over the place and nobody ever got hit! Except for an occasional jet here or there, but the guy inside always, while engulfed in the explosion, ejected and parachuted to safety.

If anyone kicked ass back then, it was He-Man! By the power of Grayskull!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 07:56 AM

Solyaris (1972) ***

This is the russian version, directed by Tarkovsky. I don't know if it is just me or if the plot is actually a little ambiguous and left to interpretation. More than the plot, I like the way the movie deals with some of the most basic, but unanswerable questions about life, death, humanity etc. It is very slow, absorbing and beautiful. It also poses a lot of provocative philosophical questions through the dialogue. Tarkovsky seems to switch between B/W and color arbitrarily(or so it appears) in different scenes. It doesn't seem to accomplish anything other than making us aware of the underlying technology in film-making, which might be bad. In any case, I like this version better than the english one with George clooney.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 01:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Besides, GI JOE kicks TRANSFORMERS ass....and knowing is half the battle!


Are you kidding? Didn't you ever watch the GI Joe cartoon? They shot a million lasers from their guns all over the place and nobody ever got hit! Except for an occasional jet here or there, but the guy inside always, while engulfed in the explosion, ejected and parachuted to safety.

If anyone kicked ass back then, it was He-Man! By the power of Grayskull!


He-Man? What kind of weak kid wanted to magically transform into a steroid beef cake of a man-raper?

As for G.I. Joe, the toys kicked ass. Pocket size, you could carry a good platoon in your pocket, and such cool retarded names. Tunnel Rat, Jouster, etc.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 03:00 PM

On Hitchcock's The Trouble With Harry (1955):
Black comedy in which death is as overbearing as it would be in Vertigo, with Burks' cinematography bringing an autumnal reverence and the dialogue peppered with reference back to the corpse causing problems; the difference is the matter-of-fact way in which everybody here goes about dealing with it. It should have been a lot funnier (especially with Edmund Gwenn, years after Hitchcock's The Skin Game) than it is, but the delivery is awkward for the most part. An interesting departure from material for which he was - and is - better known.

And Hitchcock's Stage Fright (1950):
The title credits unfold as a stage curtain raises and reveals London; thereafter, a mastepiece of intricate performances within performances, as acting and theatricality provides the main thematic thread, and a murder mystery providing the adequate stage for it. Every character is hiding under some sort of pretence to someone else - our heroine to everybody else, her mother, father, the villain, the suspect, the detective investigating everything. The twist ending could easily have ruined things, but doesn't, due to the stagebound denoument, the silence before it, the lighting and sweat upon the actors shot in close-up. Alistair Sim steals the show, and his efforts to win a doll by shooting a duck at a fair are hilarious.

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 06:45 PM

Wow, Vern shat on TRANSFORMERS, and you know what? He's right.

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33228

I mean, that one of his last paragraphs where he talks of how because of great popcorn fare of the past, he doesn't let mediocre summer blockbuster CRAP fucking slide....that's the entire basis of such popcorn fare.

Just because its not a serious film or an art picture or a political picture doesn't mean you shouldn't give a fuck when making it.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 06:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Solyaris (1972) ***

This is the russian version, directed by Tarkovsky. I don't know if it is just me or if the plot is actually a little ambiguous and left to interpretation. More than the plot, I like the way the movie deals with some of the most basic, but unanswerable questions about life, death, humanity etc. It is very slow, absorbing and beautiful. It also poses a lot of provocative philosophical questions through the dialogue. Tarkovsky seems to switch between B/W and color arbitrarily(or so it appears) in different scenes. It doesn't seem to accomplish anything other than making us aware of the underlying technology in film-making, which might be bad. In any case, I like this version better than the english one with George clooney.


Solyaris is an astonsihing film. The final moments are breathtaking.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/04/07 11:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Solyaris (1972) ***This is the russian version, directed by Tarkovsky. I don't know if it is just me or if the plot is actually a little ambiguous and left to interpretation.


No, it's not just you. Lots of European art cinema then and art cinema now favor ambiguity. Tarkovsky sought not to be overly straightforward nor impenetrably symbolic or abstract; he sought somewhere in the middle.

 Quote:
Tarkovsky seems to switch between B/W and color arbitrarily(or so it appears) in different scenes. It doesn't seem to accomplish anything other than making us aware of the underlying technology in film-making, which might be bad.


You missed stuff. There was a purpose behind the color switches. Some instances were extremely practical - to denote the past. Recall, the bald-headed man, Burton, playing the videotape at the home in the beginning in the movie. He was the young man being questioned in the b&w sequence.

Anyway, now that you've seen Solaris, you should seek out Tarkovsky's Stalker. A "science-fiction" that achieved what Tarkovsky wanted to do, but felt he failed with Solaris.

Personally, I also think Stalker is superior to Solaris. It's also his most exciting film.

Do not miss it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/07 12:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Solyaris (1972) ***This is the russian version, directed by Tarkovsky. I don't know if it is just me or if the plot is actually a little ambiguous and left to interpretation.


No, it's not just you. Lots of European art cinema then and art cinema now favor ambiguity. Tarkovsky sought not to be overly straightforward nor impenetrably symbolic or abstract; he sought somewhere in the middle.

 Quote:
Tarkovsky seems to switch between B/W and color arbitrarily(or so it appears) in different scenes. It doesn't seem to accomplish anything other than making us aware of the underlying technology in film-making, which might be bad.


You missed stuff. There was a purpose behind the color switches. Some instances were extremely practical - to denote the past. Recall, the bald-headed man, Burton, playing the videotape at the home in the beginning in the movie. He was the young man being questioned in the b&w sequence.

Anyway, now that you've seen Solaris, you should seek out Tarkovsky's Stalker. A "science-fiction" that achieved what Tarkovsky wanted to do, but felt he failed with Solaris.

Personally, I also think Stalker is superior to Solaris. It's also his most exciting film.

Do not miss it.


I have to say, I agree with 24 here.

STALKER surprised the shit out of me. Really, Tarkovsky was the Soviet Union's best filmmaker (oh yeah, I could say Eisenstein, but guess what? Tarkovsky has a better batting average).

As for SOLARIS, I really liked it...and its better than the Steven Soderbergh remake (though I have to say, the remake is pretty good on its own, but it lacks that certain touch that Tarkovsky's picture held.)

Tarkovsky may have thought SOLARIS failed, I don't.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/07 05:02 AM

STORY OF A PROSTITUTE
(First Viewing)

Seijun Suzuki directed this hard-hitting account of a woman who volunteers to serve as a "comfort woman" (prostitute to the Japanese army) at the Manchurian front in 1937. Harumi (Yukimo Nogawa) is desperate to get out of Japan to escape the memory of a doomed romance. She offers to serve the Army in Manchuria, where the sadistic Lieutenant Narita (Isao Tamagawa) uses her violently and wants her as his private servant. However, Harumi has become infatuated with Mikami (Tamio Kawachi), Narita's subordinate, and they embark on an affair that would mean certain punishment for both of them if it were ever to be discovered.

Probably the most enjoyable film from Seijun Suzuki that I've seen. He had a few choice shots such as the 2 overheads shots (I don't know why but I dig overhead shots). Also, the slow motion, especially towards the end, and the "dream" sequenes were a nice touch.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/07 07:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond

Personally, I also think Stalker is superior to Solaris. It's also his most exciting film.

Do not miss it.

Thanks 24fps! I'll watch it. Somehow I like this type of science fiction than the technology based ones. One of the reasons I like Fountain so much is its similar approach to science fiction.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/07 08:01 AM

Oceans 12 (no stars)
RRA has gone into the details of why it is bad. Just believe him and don't go my route of finding out the hard way. In short, don't watch it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/07 03:28 PM

Did you see OCEAN'S 13 yet svsg? It's the best of the trilogy
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/07 03:31 PM

No Irish, the reason I watched 12 was to make sure that I saw the whole thing in sequence. I am planning to watch it after a month or so when it comes to $-theater \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/05/07 03:45 PM

Gotcha. What rating did you give OCEAN'S 11?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 12:44 AM

I liked Oceans 11. The chemistry among the actors was great and I liked it for having a lot of clever action scenes compared to oceans 12. Andy garcia is totally relegated to some small role in 12 and many others were not utilized at all.
Oceans 11(nice entertainment) - **
Oceans 12(boring) - no stars
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 12:54 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
I liked Oceans 11. The chemistry among the actors was great and I liked it for having a lot of clever action scenes compared to oceans 12. Andy garcia is totally relegated to some small role in 12 and many others were not utilized at all.
Oceans 11(nice entertainment) - **
Oceans 12(boring) - no stars


You know, OCEAN'S 12's fatal mistake....besides the plot twist making no DAMN sense at all....is that you have people that absolutely do nothing. They're bloated dead weight. Nevermind appearances of people like Willis and Izzard who just add weight to the sinking Titanic.

I still think each OCEAN'S movie should have been about Pitt/Damon/Clooney assembling 8 new criminals for each cinematic scheme. At least make it interesting at each round of bat.

OCEAN'S 13 tried to cut out some of the dead weight. Roberts & Jones were not brought back. Yet #13 did have a plot turn in the 3rd Act involving a character from OCEAN'S 12 that I could have lived without.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 01:30 AM

BRANDED TO KILL
(First Viewing)

The film's story centers on Hanada, a.k.a. "No. 3 Killer," the third-best hit man in Japanese organized crime. Near the top of his game, his fortunes change when he encounters Misako, a mysterious, death-obsessed woman who brings him a particularly difficult mission. In a famous moment indicative of the film's eccentric sensibility, a butterfly lands on his gun's sight at the exact moment he pulls the trigger, causing him to miss the shot. This failure means that the killer becomes the target, and must run for his life from his former employers, and the mysterious "No. 1 Killer." While the film does contain some spectacular action sequences, the story is played less as a suspense thriller than as a surrealistic, psychosexual nightmare, filled with grotesque imagery and strange touches, from Hanada's fetish for the smell of boiling rice, to Misako's use of a dead bird's corpse as a rear-view mirror decoration.

This one was a little hard for me to follow but I think it's fair to say now I'm not the biggest fan of Seijun Suzuki's work. This was probably the most impressive film of his I've seen but I wouldn't really rush to see more of his work. There was a lot of imagery in this film but I felt it bounced around a lot. Towards the beginning, I didn't know if a scene was playing in real time or was a flashback.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 05:04 PM

Transformers
Directed by Michael Bay

When I was growing I use love Transformers, but never liked the idea of a live-action movie. I went to see this last night because my friends forced me to go against my own will! I wish I had stayed home and hadn't wasted $9.

The film is about Sam Witwicky who buys his first car, which turns out to be Autobot Bumblebee. Bumblebee defends Sam and his girlfriend Mikaela Banes from the Decepticon Barricade, before the other Autobots arrive on Earth. They are searching for the Allspark, a giant...cube. The Autobots are the good guys and the Deceptions are the bad guys.

If you've seen a few of Michael Bay's films (The Rock, The Island, Bad Boys II, etc) you know what to expect. It's low on story, lame dialouge, and confusing action sequences.

Jon Voight and John Tuturro looked out of place in this film. Shai LeBeouf isn't half bad as the male lead, but everyone else is wooden. Like all Bay films everyone woman is smokin'!

Some of the scenes were beyond ridiculous and after a while I really couldn't take the film seriously. Other than some cool action scenes and the hot women the film was a major dissapointment.

Verdict: D-
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 05:06 PM

Thanks BDuff, I don't think I'll see it in theaters.

Sounds like I can wait for the dvd.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 05:19 PM

You're better off renting it. Half of the theatre had little kids who didn't understand the term "shut up".
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 05:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
You're better off renting it. Half of the theatre had little kids who didn't understand the term "shut up".


I hate that. I had the same problem during FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER. That's another reason why I hate some of these movies having such lax ratings. Sure it gets more people into the theater, but how many of them are actually able to enjoy it? I'm almost dreading HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX next week for that very reason. Although, the kids in TRANSFORMERS behaved for me (thank Heavens). And speaking of the movie, again, I didn't grow up watching the cartoon. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with my extreme enjoyment of the film but I did love it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:03 PM

That's why I always take a hammer into the pics with me. There's nothing better than seeing someone's face when they say, "No" to my polite request for them to be quiet, and then the same person's face when I start hitting them in the skull with the weapon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:06 PM

Actually Capo I remember you saying how you love to watch movies alone in the theaters. I'm not too far behind you my friend on that notion ;\) From my experience, it's getting worse. I just feel like asking people, "have never been to the theaters? Do you not know you're suppose to be quiet? I didn't pay $8.25 to hear your commentary of the film. SHUT THE F*CK UP!"
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:08 PM

I love to go to mid-day, mid-week movies, all by myself. It's really the only way I can enjoy a movie anymore. As it is, I live in the Bronx, so I have to drive up to Westchester to avoid a very obnoxious crowd.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Transformers
Directed by Michael Bay

When I was growing I use love Transformers, but never liked the idea of a live-action movie. I went to see this last night because my friends forced me to go against my own will! I wish I had stayed home and hadn't wasted $9.

The film is about Sam Witwicky who buys his first car, which turns out to be Autobot Bumblebee. Bumblebee defends Sam and his girlfriend Mikaela Banes from the Decepticon Barricade, before the other Autobots arrive on Earth. They are searching for the Allspark, a giant...cube. The Autobots are the good guys and the Deceptions are the bad guys.

If you've seen a few of Michael Bay's films (The Rock, The Island, Bad Boys II, etc) you know what to expect. It's low on story, lame dialouge, and confusing action sequences.

Jon Voight and John Tuturro looked out of place in this film. Shai LeBeouf isn't half bad as the male lead, but everyone else is wooden. Like all Bay films everyone woman is smokin'!

Some of the scenes were beyond ridiculous and after a while I really couldn't take the film seriously. Other than some cool action scenes and the hot women the film was a major dissapointment.

Verdict: D-


BDuff, you are my homey for life.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
You're better off renting it. Half of the theatre had little kids who didn't understand the term "shut up".


That explains why TF is making $1.4 million per hour, on average.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:10 PM

Is Transformers meant to be taken seriously?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
You're better off renting it. Half of the theatre had little kids who didn't understand the term "shut up".


I hate that. I had the same problem during FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER. That's another reason why I hate some of these movies having such lax ratings. Sure it gets more people into the theater, but how many of them are actually able to enjoy it? I'm almost dreading HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX next week for that very reason. Although, the kids in TRANSFORMERS behaved for me (thank Heavens). And speaking of the movie, again, I didn't grow up watching the cartoon. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with my extreme enjoyment of the film but I did love it.


What, you loved the PG-13 DIE HARD 4. Hate to say this, but its our fault.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Is Transformers meant to be taken seriously?


No more than one NYPD cop taking out German terrorists in a LA skyscraper on his own.

No more than a bunch of teenagers with 70's hairstyles revolting and destroying the Galactic Empire.

No more than two contrasted-as-hell cops having to work together and then becoming buddies from it.

No more than Errol Flynn becoming a terrorist rebel in order to defeat the evil Saxon Kingdom.

No more than Immortals chopping each others' heads off for The Game.

No more than a fucking Archaeologist fighting Nazis over a Jewish artifact in British-controlled Egypt.

Capo, its all effort...or at least hauling ass to make something worth a damn instead of another bullshit picture that Bay pumps out of his ass (besides gerbels).

BTW, those movies I mentioned:

DIE HARD
STAR WARS
LETHAL WEAPON
THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
HIGHLANDER
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Really, just because a film is popcorn-fun in origin, AND isn't supposed to be profound....doesn't mean you sack it.

Its that sort of "fuck effort" mentality why horror genre in general from Hollywood has been ASS.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:35 PM

No more than taking Ronnie seriously.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 06:49 PM

The Adventures of Robin Hood is a documentary.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 07:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Transformers
Directed by Michael Bay

When I was growing I use love Transformers, but never liked the idea of a live-action movie. I went to see this last night because my friends forced me to go against my own will! I wish I had stayed home and hadn't wasted $9.

The film is about Sam Witwicky who buys his first car, which turns out to be Autobot Bumblebee. Bumblebee defends Sam and his girlfriend Mikaela Banes from the Decepticon Barricade, before the other Autobots arrive on Earth. They are searching for the Allspark, a giant...cube. The Autobots are the good guys and the Deceptions are the bad guys.

If you've seen a few of Michael Bay's films (The Rock, The Island, Bad Boys II, etc) you know what to expect. It's low on story, lame dialouge, and confusing action sequences.

Jon Voight and John Tuturro looked out of place in this film. Shai LeBeouf isn't half bad as the male lead, but everyone else is wooden. Like all Bay films everyone woman is smokin'!

Some of the scenes were beyond ridiculous and after a while I really couldn't take the film seriously. Other than some cool action scenes and the hot women the film was a major dissapointment.

Verdict: D-


BDuff, you are my homey for life.


Word up \:D
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 07:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
You're better off renting it. Half of the theatre had little kids who didn't understand the term "shut up".


I hate that. I had the same problem during FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER. That's another reason why I hate some of these movies having such lax ratings. Sure it gets more people into the theater, but how many of them are actually able to enjoy it? I'm almost dreading HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX next week for that very reason. Although, the kids in TRANSFORMERS behaved for me (thank Heavens). And speaking of the movie, again, I didn't grow up watching the cartoon. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with my extreme enjoyment of the film but I did love it.


What, you loved the PG-13 DIE HARD 4. Hate to say this, but its our fault.


I've already decided I will never pay to see another PG-13 again!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 07:37 PM

I swore I'll never give Bay my money again after ARMAGGEDON and guess what? I'm faithful to that vow.

TRANSFORMERS really is like Bay trying his best to make a human story this side of BATMAN BEGINS or CASINO ROYALE.

Of course, BAD BOYS was Bay trying to make LETHAL WEAPON, ARMAGGEDON was Bay trying to make an action movie out of a 1970s disaster movie, THE ISLAND was Bay trying to make an action movie out of a 1970s Sci-fi movie (hell, he did! CLONUS!) and now....

Better yet, TRANSFORMERS is Bay trying to make himself a Spielberg theme park spectacle this side of JURASSIC PARK. Unbelievable CGI creatures dominating the landscape, with the humans playing set-up for these beasts.

As for the "Human Story," Bay could have told a tale about a kid growing up into a man. Not this p****-emo angst about trying to hit up with a hot girl or Bay's continuing disturbing fetish-love for cars....but you know, about a kid learning that there is a world outside of his doinky little town in the middle of no where.

If anything, TRANSFORMERS is like the clusterf*** $200 million version of THE LAST STARFIGHTER. Same basic set-up, except with that Nick Castle 1980s picture, you buy the kid wanting to escape...wanting to fly the stars...and happening to be damn good at the trailer park video game consule. When he does end up having to save the universe, you eat up its goofy but charming tale.

With TRANSFORMERS, you just want to slap Shia Lebouf around. The fact that he's playing the son of Harrison Ford in the next INDIANA JONES film, makes me wonder what in the world is Spielberg thinking.

Bay should have had the "human story" be about a younger kid who happens to discover these Transformers. Now thats a adolescent fantasy that seems more believable of a hook than a teenager wanting a car.

Anyway, Bay continues his money-wasting over-the-top spectacle-but-not-that-impressive, and if it wasn't for two reasons, I would have given this movie the same rating as I gave ARMAGGEDON and PEARL HARBOR....a Bomb score.

The two reasons?

(1) The CGI. I tell ya, while the cast didn't give a damn, Bay certainly didn't bother to bother, ILM hauled ass with the CGI. In a way, I feel bad for those guys. They work hard to create eye-popping CGI robots fight...and all for a crappy film. Its BLACK HOLE all over again. I give half-a-star as consolation to ILM.

(2) The editing. Indeed, the usual Bay fare would have, on paper, the most AMAZING sequences shot for film, but which would be completely undone by Bay's ADD-induced editing narrative which cuts and jumps all the place to the point that you lose interest and get bored.

But only 15% of the film reportedly was cut by Bay, and the rest of the film cut by Spielberg and his editors is......manageble.

Yet even the best editing of Bay-shot footage can't salvage maybe the one thing that annoyed me more than anything else about TRANSFORMERS. The humor.

I once said that there is nothing worse than a completely unfunny comedy. For a movie where robots are supposed to duke it out, I don't want a stupid PANTS joke.

People who've seen the earlier are correct. The humor is designed to cool off the "serious" drama....but there is nothing serious about TRANSFORMERS...and when certain shots are supposed to make us care or give a damn....we instead are angry at the little kids that won't shut up (thank God for bootleg!)

When Bay's best film is one that Spielberg had to salvage and recut himself...Bay is a hopeless cause. Make him bunk beds with Uwe Boll.

TRANSFORMERS (2007) - *1/2 - Fuck Michael Bay
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 07:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I swore I'll never give Bay my money again after ARMAGGEDON and guess what? I'm faithful to that vow.

TRANSFORMERS really is like Bay trying his best to make a human story this side of BATMAN BEGINS or CASINO ROYALE.

Of course, BAD BOYS was Bay trying to make LETHAL WEAPON, ARMAGGEDON was Bay trying to make an action movie out of a 1970s disaster movie, THE ISLAND was Bay trying to make an action movie out of a 1970s Sci-fi movie (hell, he did! CLONUS!) and now....

Better yet, TRANSFORMERS is Bay trying to make himself a Spielberg theme park spectacle this side of JURASSIC PARK. Unbelievable CGI creatures dominating the landscape, with the humans playing set-up for these beasts.

As for the "Human Story," Bay could have told a tale about a kid growing up into a man. Not this p****-emo angst about trying to hit up with a hot girl or Bay's continuing disturbing fetish-love for cars....but you know, about a kid learning that there is a world outside of his doinky little town in the middle of no where.

If anything, TRANSFORMERS is like the clusterf*** $200 million version of THE LAST STARFIGHTER. Same basic set-up, except with that Nick Castle 1980s picture, you buy the kid wanting to escape...wanting to fly the stars...and happening to be damn good at the trailer park video game consule. When he does end up having to save the universe, you eat up its goofy but charming tale.

With TRANSFORMERS, you just want to slap Shia Lebouf around. The fact that he's playing the son of Harrison Ford in the next INDIANA JONES film, makes me wonder what in the world is Spielberg thinking.

Bay should have had the "human story" be about a younger kid who happens to discover these Transformers. Now thats a adolescent fantasy that seems more believable of a hook than a teenager wanting a car.

Anyway, Bay continues his money-wasting over-the-top spectacle-but-not-that-impressive, and if it wasn't for two reasons, I would have given this movie the same rating as I gave ARMAGGEDON and PEARL HARBOR....a Bomb score.

The two reasons?

(1) The CGI. I tell ya, while the cast didn't give a damn, Bay certainly didn't bother to bother, ILM hauled ass with the CGI. In a way, I feel bad for those guys. They work hard to create eye-popping CGI robots fight...and all for a crappy film. Its BLACK HOLE all over again. I give half-a-star as consolation to ILM.

(2) The editing. Indeed, the usual Bay fare would have, on paper, the most AMAZING sequences shot for film, but which would be completely undone by Bay's ADD-induced editing narrative which cuts and jumps all the place to the point that you lose interest and get bored.

But only 15% of the film reportedly was cut by Bay, and the rest of the film cut by Spielberg and his editors is......manageble.

Yet even the best editing of Bay-shot footage can't salvage maybe the one thing that annoyed me more than anything else about TRANSFORMERS. The humor.

I once said that there is nothing worse than a completely unfunny comedy. For a movie where robots are supposed to duke it out, I don't want a stupid PANTS joke.

People who've seen the earlier are correct. The humor is designed to cool off the "serious" drama....but there is nothing serious about TRANSFORMERS...and when certain shots are supposed to make us care or give a damn....we instead are angry at the little kids that won't shut up (thank God for bootleg!)

When Bay's best film is one that Spielberg had to salvage and recut himself...Bay is a hopeless cause. Make him bunk beds with Uwe Boll.

TRANSFORMERS (2007) - *1/2 - Fuck Michael Bay


Couldn't have said it better, Ronnie!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 10:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I swore I'll never give Bay my money again after ARMAGGEDON and guess what? I'm faithful to that vow.

TRANSFORMERS really is like Bay trying his best to make a human story this side of BATMAN BEGINS or CASINO ROYALE.

Of course, BAD BOYS was Bay trying to make LETHAL WEAPON, ARMAGGEDON was Bay trying to make an action movie out of a 1970s disaster movie, THE ISLAND was Bay trying to make an action movie out of a 1970s Sci-fi movie (hell, he did! CLONUS!) and now....

Better yet, TRANSFORMERS is Bay trying to make himself a Spielberg theme park spectacle this side of JURASSIC PARK. Unbelievable CGI creatures dominating the landscape, with the humans playing set-up for these beasts.

As for the "Human Story," Bay could have told a tale about a kid growing up into a man. Not this p****-emo angst about trying to hit up with a hot girl or Bay's continuing disturbing fetish-love for cars....but you know, about a kid learning that there is a world outside of his doinky little town in the middle of no where.

If anything, TRANSFORMERS is like the clusterf*** $200 million version of THE LAST STARFIGHTER. Same basic set-up, except with that Nick Castle 1980s picture, you buy the kid wanting to escape...wanting to fly the stars...and happening to be damn good at the trailer park video game consule. When he does end up having to save the universe, you eat up its goofy but charming tale.

With TRANSFORMERS, you just want to slap Shia Lebouf around. The fact that he's playing the son of Harrison Ford in the next INDIANA JONES film, makes me wonder what in the world is Spielberg thinking.

Bay should have had the "human story" be about a younger kid who happens to discover these Transformers. Now thats a adolescent fantasy that seems more believable of a hook than a teenager wanting a car.

Anyway, Bay continues his money-wasting over-the-top spectacle-but-not-that-impressive, and if it wasn't for two reasons, I would have given this movie the same rating as I gave ARMAGGEDON and PEARL HARBOR....a Bomb score.

The two reasons?

(1) The CGI. I tell ya, while the cast didn't give a damn, Bay certainly didn't bother to bother, ILM hauled ass with the CGI. In a way, I feel bad for those guys. They work hard to create eye-popping CGI robots fight...and all for a crappy film. Its BLACK HOLE all over again. I give half-a-star as consolation to ILM.

(2) The editing. Indeed, the usual Bay fare would have, on paper, the most AMAZING sequences shot for film, but which would be completely undone by Bay's ADD-induced editing narrative which cuts and jumps all the place to the point that you lose interest and get bored.

But only 15% of the film reportedly was cut by Bay, and the rest of the film cut by Spielberg and his editors is......manageble.

Yet even the best editing of Bay-shot footage can't salvage maybe the one thing that annoyed me more than anything else about TRANSFORMERS. The humor.

I once said that there is nothing worse than a completely unfunny comedy. For a movie where robots are supposed to duke it out, I don't want a stupid PANTS joke.

People who've seen the earlier are correct. The humor is designed to cool off the "serious" drama....but there is nothing serious about TRANSFORMERS...and when certain shots are supposed to make us care or give a damn....we instead are angry at the little kids that won't shut up (thank God for bootleg!)

When Bay's best film is one that Spielberg had to salvage and recut himself...Bay is a hopeless cause. Make him bunk beds with Uwe Boll.

TRANSFORMERS (2007) - *1/2 - Fuck Michael Bay


Couldn't have said it better, Ronnie!


Thanks.

I'm the Bobby "The Brain" Heenan of these boards. You all may hate me, you all may think I'm arrogant, you all may think I need to give clearance and allow mercy to dumb crap...

But you all know deep down in your bones that I AM RIGHT.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/06/07 10:51 PM

Only because everything you say is safe. \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 02:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I love to go to mid-day, mid-week movies, all by myself. It's really the only way I can enjoy a movie anymore. As it is, I live in the Bronx, so I have to drive up to Westchester to avoid a very obnoxious crowd.


It really doesn't matter now with all the kids being out of school. They're EVERYWHERE
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 02:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I love to go to mid-day, mid-week movies, all by myself. It's really the only way I can enjoy a movie anymore. As it is, I live in the Bronx, so I have to drive up to Westchester to avoid a very obnoxious crowd.


It really doesn't matter now with all the kids being out of school. They're EVERYWHERE


...and you're right there with 'em watching the Transformers. Way to go, Elias!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 02:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I love to go to mid-day, mid-week movies, all by myself. It's really the only way I can enjoy a movie anymore. As it is, I live in the Bronx, so I have to drive up to Westchester to avoid a very obnoxious crowd.


It really doesn't matter now with all the kids being out of school. They're EVERYWHERE


...and you're right there with 'em watching the Transformers. Way to go, Elias!


OK, that made my day. \:D
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 05:31 AM

The Big Lebowski **
While I was watching this movie, I was constantly reminded of Pulp Fiction and Lock Stock. This comedy is definitely not mainstream, you will enjoy it if you have a taste for movies such as the ones I listed. I found it ok.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 05:37 AM

Hara-Kiri **
This is a BW japanese movie. I like the way the drama builds up tension and sustains interest till the end. It is definitely not big on action. Visually appealing and a great ending. Thanks Irish for the recommendation.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 03:04 PM

KWAIDAN
(First Viewing)

This film contains four distinct, separate stories. "Black Hair": A poor samurai who divorces his true love to marry for money, but finds the marriage disastrous and returns to his old wife, only to discover something eerie about her. "The Woman in the Snow": Stranded in a snowstorm, a woodcutter meets an icy spirit in the form of a woman spares his life on the condition that he never tell anyone about her. A decade later he forgets his promise. "Hoichi the Earless": Hoichi is a blind musician, living in a monastery who sings so well that a ghostly imperial court commands him to perform the epic ballad of their death battle for them. But the ghosts are draining away his life, and the monks set out to protect him by writing a holy mantra over his body to make him invisible to the ghosts. But they've forgotten something. "In a Cup of Tea": a writer tells the story of a man who keep seeing a mysterious face reflected in his cup of tea.

I sometimes wish more movies would be like this. Instead of just a three hour story, we get 4 seperate, smaller stories over the course of the film. Anyone of these films would have been fantastic on their own, but to combine all 4 of them under one title was unbelievable. The small set designs and use of the colors blue and orange (particularly in stories 2 & 3) were fantastic! As such, thanks for the reco Capo
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 03:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
The Big Lebowski **
While I was watching this movie, I was constantly reminded of Pulp Fiction and Lock Stock. This comedy is definitely not mainstream, you will enjoy it if you have a taste for movies such as the ones I listed. I found it ok.


This and SNATCH are probably my 2 favorite comedies of all-time
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 03:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Hara-Kiri **
This is a BW japanese movie. I like the way the drama builds up tension and sustains interest till the end. It is definitely not big on action. Visually appealing and a great ending. Thanks Irish for the recommendation.


No problem man. Glad you enjoyed it. I would also recommend KWAIDAN, which was also directed Masaki Kobayashi
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 03:09 PM

Was that stream of Kwaidan the complete running time, Irish?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 03:17 PM

No, I got the DVD off of Blockbuster Online. The stream was only an hour and 13 minutes. The DVD was closer to 3 hours
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 03:54 PM

Over the next few days, I am going to watch these \:D :
Zerkalo(Mirror) - Tarkovsky - 1975
Stalker - Tarkovsky - 1979
Yojimbo - Kurosawa - 1961
La Strada - Fellini - 1954
Le Samourai - Melville - 1967
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 03:59 PM

Zerkalo is a favourite over on FCM. Stalker would probably be in my top ten. Le samourai used to be my favourite film. I've not seen Yojimbo, and find La strada somewhat dull. Happy viewing!
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 05:29 PM

Stalker is the greatest movie ever made. It's hard for me to understand why everybody else doesn't feel the same way.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 06:02 PM

You have said this for 10 other movies \:p
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 06:05 PM

No I haven't!
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 06:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
The Big Lebowski **
While I was watching this movie, I was constantly reminded of Pulp Fiction and Lock Stock. This comedy is definitely not mainstream, you will enjoy it if you have a taste for movies such as the ones I listed. I found it ok.


This and SNATCH are probably my 2 favorite comedies of all-time


The Dude abides...great movie!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/07/07 06:41 PM

At least we can agree on that BDuff \:D
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 05:02 AM

The only thing that annoys me about The Big Lebowski are the occasional dream sequences, and the random/weird nudity. The movie still cracks me up though. The scene with "The Dude" and John Goodman where;

Warning, Spoiler:
they are going to throw the suitcase with the money in it over the bridge is hilarious. There are plenty of other scenes that are funny, but that one sticks out for me. The way Goodman tries to take over the situation by stuffing the briefcase full of his undies instead of money, and arguing like he knows what he's doing, is so funny to me.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 05:53 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Yeah, Afs recommended it to me so I pushed it to #4 on my 260-something long queue on Netflix. And let me add, this is not usually the type of movie that I watch. I consider it a "chick flick".

In any event -- Afs, my dear, you made it seem so depressing - and I was prepared to hang myself by hanging a noose beforehand. But in fact, I found it quite charming and even inspirational!

And the fact that Keira Knightley ("Pirates of the Caribbean" and sequels) stars in it, well...

The message in the movie is quite clear, and put into the most simplest/direct terms - how pride/arrogance/prejudice can lead us into misjudging people, and how that could almost cost you the love of your life.

I'm not gonna summarize the film here -- you can go to IMDB for that.

But besides the eye candy that helped to keep my attention, I thought the message was timeless, even if the setting and details weren't (18th Century England).

Before this, the only thing I knew about Jane Austen was that they used her name for the comedy "Mafia!". Before having seen the bonus features, I didn't even think that "Sense and Sensibility" would be related (haven't seen it, but I will now).

The story is a wonderful retelling of the classic "boy meets girl" (tho in this case it's girl-meets-boy(s)), but in a setting I wouldn't have dreamed about enjoying. The acting was very good, the eye candy was nice ( ;\) ), and I ended up enjoying a British period piece that I anticipated that I wouldn't. Especially being rated only PG (dammit! lol)



I followed this up with Sense & Sensibility (1995) -- Kate Winslet -- another film I wouldn't have expected to like -- but I enjoyed it more than even P&P!

I'm sure you have already, Afs, but if you haven't .... check it out!

...and that's the last time I "review" chick flicks here. \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 05:57 AM

APOCALYPSE NOW
(Second Viewing)

Vietnam, 1969. Burnt out Special Forces officer Captain Willard is sent into the jungle with top-secret orders to find and kill renegade Colonel Kurtz who has set up his own army within the jungle. As Willard descends into the jungle, he is slowly over taken by the jungle's mesmerizing powers and battles the insanity which surrounds him. His boat crew succumbs to drugs and is slowly killed off one by one. As Willard continues his journey he becomes more and more like the man he was sent to kill.

I think the opening scene with The Doors song, The End, playing is one of the greatest openings I've ever seen. I definitely enjoyed this more with a second viewing. I cannot believe how much Martin and Charlie Sheen look alike. During certain points in the film, I felt I was watching Charlie in PLATOON instead of Martin. I'm very surprised to see Marlon Brando didn't get an Oscar nomination for this film. Unfortunately, he wasn't on screen very much, but when he was, it was truly a beautiful piece of art. I think this is his second best role of his I've ever seen (his Vito Corleone still reigns supreme with me).
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 06:14 AM


If you're gonna quote someone else's words/work from IMDb, please use the QUOTE tag and give credit. \:p ;\)
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 07:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
I followed this up with Sense & Sensibility (1995) -- Kate Winslet -- another film I wouldn't have expected to like -- but I enjoyed it more than even P&P!

I'm sure you have already, Afs, but if you haven't .... check it out!

...and that's the last time I "review" chick flicks here. \:p


Actually, I decided to do it different this time and read the book first. I usually see movies before I read their respective books, and that's if I ever read them.

I've finished the book yesterday, kept me till 3 O'clock in the morning to finish the last 30 chapters in one day, but I was so indulged after 20 chapters that I couldn't have put the book down.

I can't wait till I could spare some time to go out, buy the DVD and get to watch this one... I knew if I buy it before I read the book I might give in to temptation of skipping the book.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 07:14 AM


I obviously haven't read the novel, but I think this might be your new favorite story... ;\)

And no, I will NOT admit to being "moved" multiple times... ;\)


Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 07:21 AM

How did you know? \:D You may not be willing to admit it, but if I know anything of you of our conversations, I should know better than that. \:p
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 07:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff


I followed this up with Sense & Sensibility (1995) -- Kate Winslet -- another film I wouldn't have expected to like -- but I enjoyed it more than even P&P!

I'm sure you have already, Afs, but if you haven't .... check it out!

...and that's the last time I "review" chick flicks here. \:p

OK, this time you went beyond the 'eye candy' \:p
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 07:49 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
APOCALYPSE NOW
(Second Viewing)

I'm very surprised to see Marlon Brando didn't get an Oscar nomination for this film.

As you may be aware, I rate AN as my #1 favorite. Eventhough the movie depicts Kurtz as an enigmatic larger than life character, the main character to me was Willard. Though I have nothing against Brando's performance, I didn't care much for it. My opinion is that Brando's only contribution is to look really huge(though even that was not intended by Coppola originally - he had a fit person playing that tole in his script) and sort of dangerous. You also have to factor in the fact that he was the bigger star compared to Martin Sheen, which added to the film's selling. Kurtz is a derivative of "Hearts of Darkness", so that role had to be played by some known person. However Coppola intelligently shifted the struggle and focus to Willard.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 08:02 AM

Zerkalo **
Tarkovsky fills this movie with beautiful images and sounds. The background sounds transform smoothly in and out of the background music, which is excellent. My main problem with the movie is my inability to understand what the director wants to convey here. The themes are similar to those of David Lynch movies (which you know I am not a big fan of). What is reality, what is dream, which are real memories and which are altered memories.... it is all very confusing. On top of that, you have two different characters played by the same person. The abstractness of the film is the barrier that stops me from connecting to it. Nevertheless, the film does a great job in dealing with childhood memories (but is there something beyond it? I am sure there is, but what is it? These are the questions in my mind at this point). Maybe I need to watch it again.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 09:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Zerkalo **My main problem with the movie is my inability to understand what the director wants to convey here.


Trust me, you're not alone...

Tarkovsky felt that all his films are the type that should be watched more than once. This is true for The Mirror more than any other Tarkovsky film.

Anyway, think of this movie as someone's brain imprinted on celluloid. Memories and thoughts aren't linear. They're connected via associations not by logic.

It's safe to say that nearly everyone doesn't get everything on a first viewing.

Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 03:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
The Big Lebowski **
While I was watching this movie, I was constantly reminded of Pulp Fiction and Lock Stock. This comedy is definitely not mainstream, you will enjoy it if you have a taste for movies such as the ones I listed. I found it ok.


This and SNATCH are probably my 2 favorite comedies of all-time


I think that all FOUR of those MUST be included in the "Greatest Movies Ever" list, mostly b/c of the fact that they are all EXTREMELY innovative, original, AND of course, intricate. I don't believe that those qualities necessarily guarantee greatness, but I do think that greatness is achieved when those qualities are combined w/ POPULARITY. However, I don't think that Snatch, Pulp Fiction or Lock Stock are anywhere near as "funny" as Lebowski.
BTW-I do NOT watch a lot of movies.
BTW2-I guess I have to put Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket on my Greatest Ever List, too. It's much "funnier" - i.e more ha-ha type humor - than Pulp, Snatch, and Lock Stock, but it's like those three in that it's NOT an in-your-face brand of humor..
BTW3-SVSG makes a good pt in that the path of Snatch/LockStock's narrative does seem to run like that of Pulp Fiction. I DON'T think that Lebowski is comparable to those three, though.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 04:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
APOCALYPSE NOW
(Second Viewing)

I'm very surprised to see Marlon Brando didn't get an Oscar nomination for this film.

As you may be aware, I rate AN as my #1 favorite. Eventhough the movie depicts Kurtz as an enigmatic larger than life character, the main character to me was Willard. Though I have nothing against Brando's performance, I didn't care much for it. My opinion is that Brando's only contribution is to look really huge(though even that was not intended by Coppola originally - he had a fit person playing that tole in his script) and sort of dangerous. You also have to factor in the fact that he was the bigger star compared to Martin Sheen, which added to the film's selling. Kurtz is a derivative of "Hearts of Darkness", so that role had to be played by some known person. However Coppola intelligently shifted the struggle and focus to Willard.


yeah Brando was good, but his biggest contribution was his weight...and wasting millions for Coppola while sitting in his trailer, doing nothing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 05:02 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
APOCALYPSE NOW
(Second Viewing)

I'm very surprised to see Marlon Brando didn't get an Oscar nomination for this film.

As you may be aware, I rate AN as my #1 favorite. Eventhough the movie depicts Kurtz as an enigmatic larger than life character, the main character to me was Willard. Though I have nothing against Brando's performance, I didn't care much for it. My opinion is that Brando's only contribution is to look really huge(though even that was not intended by Coppola originally - he had a fit person playing that tole in his script) and sort of dangerous. You also have to factor in the fact that he was the bigger star compared to Martin Sheen, which added to the film's selling. Kurtz is a derivative of "Hearts of Darkness", so that role had to be played by some known person. However Coppola intelligently shifted the struggle and focus to Willard.


I wasn't aware of your fascination with the movie. Have you seen Redux? I haven't but I've heard fans who love it and others who have hated it? Where do you stand? I want to buy the Dossier Special Edition DVD which contains both versions.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 06:26 PM

I have seen the redux dozens of times. In fact I have seen the original version only once, long ago. I need to watch it again to make an accurate comparison. But I always argue against those who find the redux scenes out of place. I love all scenes in the redux version including the french plantation scene with which a lot of people have a problem. I have the dossier dvd pack. My only complaint with it is that the movies are split into two dvds.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 06:40 PM

How are the special features on the DVD? I just can't believe the Redux version has an added 50 minutes of footage \:o
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 06:59 PM

Some missing scenes are there, but not much. Then there is a lot of tech stuff if you are interested - like how they created the hovering helicopter helicopter sound, the colors used etc. There are many interviews of the editor and technicians involved. Other than these, the commentary by coppola is good. But if you want to see something really good, you have to watch the documentary called "Hearts of Darkness: A filmmkaer's apocalypse" by his wife Eleanor Coppola. It is tough to find, as it is out of distribution now. Dossier along with the documentary (which is not included) pretty much covers everything you want to know about the movie and its making.
BTW those 50 min are edited footage. There is some talk of some more raw footage, but IIRC Coppola mentions that it was never intended to be released in that form.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 07:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
APOCALYPSE NOW
(Second Viewing)

I'm very surprised to see Marlon Brando didn't get an Oscar nomination for this film.

As you may be aware, I rate AN as my #1 favorite. Eventhough the movie depicts Kurtz as an enigmatic larger than life character, the main character to me was Willard. Though I have nothing against Brando's performance, I didn't care much for it. My opinion is that Brando's only contribution is to look really huge(though even that was not intended by Coppola originally - he had a fit person playing that tole in his script) and sort of dangerous. You also have to factor in the fact that he was the bigger star compared to Martin Sheen, which added to the film's selling. Kurtz is a derivative of "Hearts of Darkness", so that role had to be played by some known person. However Coppola intelligently shifted the struggle and focus to Willard.


I wasn't aware of your fascination with the movie. Have you seen Redux? I haven't but I've heard fans who love it and others who have hated it? Where do you stand? I want to buy the Dossier Special Edition DVD which contains both versions.


Redux has about 40-50 extra minutes attached to it. It's worth watching just to see them even though they don't really add anything to the film. It's really just more screen time for Brando.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 07:37 PM

If someone finds a link that has translated versions of the poems used in Zerkalo, pleased share it. I could find only the russian version.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 09:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
APOCALYPSE NOW
(Second Viewing)

I'm very surprised to see Marlon Brando didn't get an Oscar nomination for this film.

As you may be aware, I rate AN as my #1 favorite. Eventhough the movie depicts Kurtz as an enigmatic larger than life character, the main character to me was Willard. Though I have nothing against Brando's performance, I didn't care much for it. My opinion is that Brando's only contribution is to look really huge(though even that was not intended by Coppola originally - he had a fit person playing that tole in his script) and sort of dangerous. You also have to factor in the fact that he was the bigger star compared to Martin Sheen, which added to the film's selling. Kurtz is a derivative of "Hearts of Darkness", so that role had to be played by some known person. However Coppola intelligently shifted the struggle and focus to Willard.


I wasn't aware of your fascination with the movie. Have you seen Redux? I haven't but I've heard fans who love it and others who have hated it? Where do you stand? I want to buy the Dossier Special Edition DVD which contains both versions.


Redux has about 40-50 extra minutes attached to it. It's worth watching just to see them even though they don't really add anything to the film. It's really just more screen time for Brando.


As interesting and fascinating as the REDUX editing is, the theatrical edit flows so much better, and doesn't lose its narrative momentum as REDUX does. The French Plantation sequence is spectacular, but it hurts. But its recommended watching.

APOCALYPSE NOW (1979) - *****
APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX (2002) - ****1/2
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/08/07 10:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
If someone finds a link that has translated versions of the poems used in Zerkalo, pleased share it. I could find only the russian version.

For those interested, here is a page that has some of Arseny Tarkovsky's poetry. He is the father of Andrei and his poems were used for the movie. I could spot two of them, the other two I do not remember.
http://oldpoetry.com/oauthor/show/Arseny_Tarkovsky
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/07 04:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
APOCALYPSE NOW
(Second Viewing)

I'm very surprised to see Marlon Brando didn't get an Oscar nomination for this film.

As you may be aware, I rate AN as my #1 favorite. Eventhough the movie depicts Kurtz as an enigmatic larger than life character, the main character to me was Willard. Though I have nothing against Brando's performance, I didn't care much for it. My opinion is that Brando's only contribution is to look really huge(though even that was not intended by Coppola originally - he had a fit person playing that tole in his script) and sort of dangerous. You also have to factor in the fact that he was the bigger star compared to Martin Sheen, which added to the film's selling. Kurtz is a derivative of "Hearts of Darkness", so that role had to be played by some known person. However Coppola intelligently shifted the struggle and focus to Willard.


I wasn't aware of your fascination with the movie. Have you seen Redux? I haven't but I've heard fans who love it and others who have hated it? Where do you stand? I want to buy the Dossier Special Edition DVD which contains both versions.


Redux has about 40-50 extra minutes attached to it. It's worth watching just to see them even though they don't really add anything to the film. It's really just more screen time for Brando.


More Brando? I'm there. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/07 06:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
APOCALYPSE NOW
(Second Viewing)

I'm very surprised to see Marlon Brando didn't get an Oscar nomination for this film.

As you may be aware, I rate AN as my #1 favorite. Eventhough the movie depicts Kurtz as an enigmatic larger than life character, the main character to me was Willard. Though I have nothing against Brando's performance, I didn't care much for it. My opinion is that Brando's only contribution is to look really huge(though even that was not intended by Coppola originally - he had a fit person playing that tole in his script) and sort of dangerous. You also have to factor in the fact that he was the bigger star compared to Martin Sheen, which added to the film's selling. Kurtz is a derivative of "Hearts of Darkness", so that role had to be played by some known person. However Coppola intelligently shifted the struggle and focus to Willard.


I wasn't aware of your fascination with the movie. Have you seen Redux? I haven't but I've heard fans who love it and others who have hated it? Where do you stand? I want to buy the Dossier Special Edition DVD which contains both versions.


Redux has about 40-50 extra minutes attached to it. It's worth watching just to see them even though they don't really add anything to the film. It's really just more screen time for Brando.


As interesting and fascinating as the REDUX editing is, the theatrical edit flows so much better, and doesn't lose its narrative momentum as REDUX does. The French Plantation sequence is spectacular, but it hurts. But its recommended watching.

APOCALYPSE NOW (1979) - *****
APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX (2002) - ****1/2


I like the French plantation scenes, but it didn't add anything to the movie itself. But like you said it's still worth a watch.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/07 06:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff

I like the French plantation scenes, but it didn't add anything to the movie itself. But like you said it's still worth a watch.

Since so many people think it didn't add anything to the movie, I think it is a failure on the part of Coppola to communicate. Especially because there is a big significance for the scene in his mind, as he explains it in the commentary. The whole movie has "going back in time" as one of its many themes. If you look at the beginning, you see choppers and gun fires etc. then we see bows and arrows and palm leaves for the boat etc. Then in Kurtz compund, we see even more primitive world. In essence, he wanted to show a gradual shift in time backwards as willard and his team slowly drift towards Kurtzian morality themselves. That is where the French Plantation scene is important. First of all the french are living in the past in vietnam. Some kind of time bubble that is not real. it is interesting to visit this time bubble in the backward journey through time. Secondly, we see the burial of "Mr Clean" with all state honors. This serves as a contrast for the way "chief" was treated upon his death later. Thirdly, the conversation between Roxanne and Willard is very profound. She reminds him that all that matters is that he is alive (her husband isn't, because of the war). At this point Willard has lost all purpose behind his mission. He is no different from Kurtz or Killgore. His journey has taken on its own course by then.
Knowing these facets of the scene makes it very enjoyable for me each time I watch this scene. When I watch Redux, I really don't care that it is long and meandering. It is an experience and not a movie at that point. I compare it to the movie "Dead man" which is again about a man's jounery into himself. I want it to go on and on forever.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/09/07 11:37 PM

BATTLE OF THE BULGE 1/2
(First Viewing)

In the winter of 1944, the Allied Armies stand ready to invade Germany at the coming of a New Year. To prevent this occurrence, Hitler orders an all out offensive to re-take French territory and capture the major port city of Antwerp. "The Battle of the Bulge" shows this conflict from the perspective of an American intelligence officer as well as from a German Panzer Commander.

What I am glad to see from some of these classic war films is they don't seem to glamorize the war. I think the Henry Fonda character was in this film, but overall, not as much as expected. An interesting perspective of the war from the point of view of tank warfare. I also like in this film the overture music to begin with and the intermission. It always reminds me of the old, BIG budget Hollywood films that would last about 4 hours.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 12:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: BDuff

I like the French plantation scenes, but it didn't add anything to the movie itself. But like you said it's still worth a watch.

Since so many people think it didn't add anything to the movie, I think it is a failure on the part of Coppola to communicate. Especially because there is a big significance for the scene in his mind, as he explains it in the commentary. The whole movie has "going back in time" as one of its many themes. If you look at the beginning, you see choppers and gun fires etc. then we see bows and arrows and palm leaves for the boat etc. Then in Kurtz compund, we see even more primitive world. In essence, he wanted to show a gradual shift in time backwards as willard and his team slowly drift towards Kurtzian morality themselves. That is where the French Plantation scene is important. First of all the french are living in the past in vietnam. Some kind of time bubble that is not real. it is interesting to visit this time bubble in the backward journey through time. Secondly, we see the burial of "Mr Clean" with all state honors. This serves as a contrast for the way "chief" was treated upon his death later. Thirdly, the conversation between Roxanne and Willard is very profound. She reminds him that all that matters is that he is alive (her husband isn't, because of the war). At this point Willard has lost all purpose behind his mission. He is no different from Kurtz or Killgore. His journey has taken on its own course by then.
Knowing these facets of the scene makes it very enjoyable for me each time I watch this scene. When I watch Redux, I really don't care that it is long and meandering. It is an experience and not a movie at that point. I compare it to the movie "Dead man" which is again about a man's jounery into himself. I want it to go on and on forever.


You know, thats a very good point svsg. Good job.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 03:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
BATTLE OF THE BULGE 1/2
(First Viewing)

In the winter of 1944, the Allied Armies stand ready to invade Germany at the coming of a New Year. To prevent this occurrence, Hitler orders an all out offensive to re-take French territory and capture the major port city of Antwerp. "The Battle of the Bulge" shows this conflict from the perspective of an American intelligence officer as well as from a German Panzer Commander.

What I am glad to see from some of these classic war films is they don't seem to glamorize the war. I think the Henry Fonda character was in this film, but overall, not as much as expected. An interesting perspective of the war from the point of view of tank warfare. I also like in this film the overture music to begin with and the intermission. It always reminds me of the old, BIG budget Hollywood films that would last about 4 hours.


I saw that a few weeks ago, and I agree it's a great film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 04:26 AM

oh yes, BATTLE OF THE BULGE...the same movie that offended the hell out of Eisenhower.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 04:44 AM

great input about Apocalypse Now. I didn't get the french plantation scene either, and you just made me want to watch it again.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 06:05 PM

Knocked Up
Direct by Judd Apatow

This might have been the funniest film I have seen in a long time! The film is about a 20 something, chubby, stoner named Ben (Seth Rogan) who knocks up a very sexy TV Executive named Alison (Katherine Heigle)....who was drunk when it happened.

The ensemble cast was hilarious especially Paul Rudd (Pete) and Jonah Hill (Jonah). Ben's stoner buddies are hilarious.

Back to the film. Alison is very unhappy that she is stuck with Ben...because he has no money and when he has it he spends it on pot. The only money he makes is off developing a porn site with his stoner friends. However the porn site turns out to be nothing more than a Mr.Skin knockoff.

The best scene in the film is when Ben and Pete go to Vegas to see Circus Soleil....on shrooms. Eventually Alison and Ben resolve thier differences (Such as Alison not liking doggy style sex) and learn to deal with each other. The birth scene was surprisingly graphic, many people were turning away during that scene. The film ends on a happy note which seemed appropriate.

If you liked The Forty Year Old Virgin or Anchorman then this film is for you.

Verdict: A
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 06:07 PM

I LOVED it BDuff!!

"My shit looked like a stuffed animal!!"
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 06:13 PM

Alison- Why don't you go FUCK your FUCKING Bong?
Ben- I will! I'll do it doggy style, too! For once!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 06:18 PM

Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 06:20 PM

You're like Babe Ruth's gay brother...Gabe Ruth.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 06:23 PM

I'm gonna go down Canal Sreet this weekend and try to get a bootleg.

I can't wait for the dvd.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 06:32 PM

Finding Nemo *

I have a great amount of respect for technical artists involved in making animation movies. It is tough enough to make a decent looking fish digitally, let alone making a mvoie full of sea creatures that can depict a variety of emotions. So that one star is for the technological achievement. If I were a kid (the target audience I presume) I would have loved seeing talking fishes and so on. But, the fact is that I am not. So I don't blame the film maker here. If I set aside the fact that the characters are animals instead of humans, I find the characters extremely annoying and irritating. The story is predictable and the plot sucks. Forgive my hypocrisy as I keep criticizing mainstream hollywood and continue to watch its products regularly.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 07:24 PM

Toy Story is the best Animated film by far, for me anyway.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 07:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I'm gonna go down Canal Sreet this weekend and try to get a bootleg.

I can't wait for the dvd.


You can watch it on your computer via tvlinks.com in the movie section. Pretty good quality
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 08:38 PM

I liked Finding Nemo, although Monsters Inc. will always be my favorite. My daughter says that when she gets her own car, she's going to get a vanity plate that says 23-19, the code the monsters used when they encountered a human.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 09:06 PM

MONSTERS INC rocks. Sulley's my boy.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 09:10 PM

MONSTERS INC was an amazing movie, one of the only "kid" films I actually liked.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 09:10 PM

MONSTERS INC was an amazing movie, one of the only "kid" films I actually liked.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 09:11 PM

John Goodman and Billy Crystal were both great.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 09:12 PM

My kids still run around imitating Boo saying Mike Wizowski!! And my oldest does a scarily excellent imitation of Roz. Wizowski - where's your paperwork!!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 09:15 PM

Randall was no forking good!!

And then he went on to make problems for Tony Soprano, too.
Posted By: DonMichaelCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 09:16 PM

I remember the whole Mike Wizowski thing...the sad part was I had a friend who was named Mike Wiznowski or something like that so we all made fun of him.

He's probably scared for life because of it but we were kids.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 09:33 PM

Randall scared the hell out of me. Loved the out-takes at the end.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 10:52 PM

SICKO
(First Viewing)

A documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories.

Again, another fantastic documentary by Michael Moore (he's my favorite documentary director BTW). He yet again appeals to me with another controversial topic that is near and dear to me, health care. The film shows our lack of support for citizens of the United States due to corporations wanting to line their pockets with profits (f*ck the patients). He also shows us Canada's system, France's (which is rated the best in the world by some), and Cuba. Yes our 90-mile away pal has better health care in their country than we do. Unfortunately, I know many will be turned off of this film due to their hatred of Michael Moore but I've always enjoyed his work. Whether you agree or disagree with him, watch this film if you have any care for the health care "given" in this country.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/10/07 11:21 PM

Yeah, that was a magic era for PIXAR. Too bad they've slipped on their last two films.

As much as I liked TOY STORY, I prefer the sequel.

My favorite PIXAR? probably THE INCREDIBLES.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 12:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Yeah, that was a magic era for PIXAR. Too bad they've slipped on their last two films.

As much as I liked TOY STORY, I prefer the sequel.

My favorite PIXAR? probably THE INCREDIBLES.


No love for Ratatouille? Seems like they recovered for the time being from the uneven Cars.

It's arguably Brad Bird's & Pixar's best yet and that means one of cinema's finest, period - animation, live action, or documentary. I personally prefer The Incredibles, but Ratatouille is slightly behind. After more viewings, who knows.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 02:06 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
My favorite PIXAR? probably THE INCREDIBLES.


No capes!!! I love little Edna.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 03:18 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Yeah, that was a magic era for PIXAR. Too bad they've slipped on their last two films.

As much as I liked TOY STORY, I prefer the sequel.

My favorite PIXAR? probably THE INCREDIBLES.


No love for Ratatouille? Seems like they recovered for the time being from the uneven Cars.

It's arguably Brad Bird's & Pixar's best yet and that means one of cinema's finest, period - animation, live action, or documentary. I personally prefer The Incredibles, but Ratatouille is slightly behind. After more viewings, who knows.


To be honest, you know what I thought RATATOUILLE is?

Its the movie version of a Tom & Jerry cartoon.

That said, its amazing how the original director jumped ship, and Brad Bird was hauled in by PIXAR to salvage it.

The reason why I rate THE INCREDIBLES so highly because you can enjoy it on 3 levels:

(1) An adventure story inspired by Bond and adventure pulp tales.
(2) Jokes about, but not at the expense of, superhero-dom.
(3) One hell of a mid-life crisis.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 05:35 AM

A BRIDGE TOO FAR
(First Viewing)

It is near the end of WWII. The Germans have lost most of France, and the Allied forces decide to give them the final hit. They plan to drop thousands of paratroopers in Holland and keep a few key positions there, until reenforcements arrive. The most important spot is the bridge of Arnhem; once it's captured, it can block everything west of Germany.

For whatever reason, I didn't find this film as nostalgic as the others that I've viewed recently (maybe it's due to the face that this movie was made later in 1977, and not the 1960s). I thought it was interesting to include the American, German and British soldiers point of view from this period of the war, however I felt they were trying to cram in too much. Even with a 2 hour 55 minute running time, by the time the credits roll, I'm spent. However, what I did love the most and what I'll applaud the film for the most was the fact that the German troops actually spoke German and not just English. I always enjoy hearing the original dialect as I feel it adds more authenticity to the movie (such as THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, APOCALYPTO just to name a few). As great as it was, I wonder how I would enjoy SCHINDLER'S LIST if it was spoken entirely in German and Hebrew?
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 05:38 AM

If Schindler's List was entirely in German and Hebrew, that would be bad-ass.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 05:40 AM

Hey Irish, while you're on such a trip, why not review TORA TORA TORA as well?
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 09:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
I followed this up with Sense & Sensibility (1995) -- Kate Winslet -- another film I wouldn't have expected to like -- but I enjoyed it more than even P&P!

I'm sure you have already, Afs, but if you haven't .... check it out!

...and that's the last time I "review" chick flicks here. \:p


Sense and Sensibility has a more complex story than that of Pride and Prejudice which could be more enjoyable on the first viewing considering its turn of events and twist in the end. Since I had read the book already, this movie didn't have much to offer. This while a decent movie is not the kind that makes me want to re-watch it many times as Pride & Prejudice (2005) does. I certainly enjoyed PP2005 more than this, and found its casting, script, cinematography, score, sets and acting superior to SS1995.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 08:10 PM

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

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

A better adaptation of the book than GOBLET OF FIRE. Unfortunately, it seems Warner Bros. is going to continue to handcuff the franchise but putting a ceiling on how long the films can be. I'd settle for extended versions a la THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, but haven't heard anything about that. The darkest film of the series thus far and I'm glad. Harry's growing up and things are becoming more serious. I think the first 2 films could get away with being warm, fuzzy and family friendly, but as the ratings for GOBLET and now PHOENIX show, things are getting more intense with a bump in the ratings from PG to PG-13. Hopefully THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE can continue the momentum, not to mention it's my favorite book of the series thus far.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/11/07 09:38 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
To be honest, you know what I thought RATATOUILLE is?

Its the movie version of a Tom & Jerry cartoon.


How so? Honestly, other than the chase aspect, I don't see it. That cartoon and this movie are worlds apart.

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/07 12:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
To be honest, you know what I thought RATATOUILLE is?

Its the movie version of a Tom & Jerry cartoon.


How so? Honestly, other than the chase aspect, I don't see it. That cartoon and this movie are worlds apart.


24fps, why don't you write a review of the movie (for that matter, I don't remember reading any of your reviews)? I haven't seen the movie and I am interested in reading your opinion on it, especially since you think so highly of it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/12/07 05:23 AM

THE LONGEST DAY 1/2
(First Viewing)

England in June 1944. Unseasonal storms. Allied troops are massed ready for the invasion of France, some already on the boats. The Normandy beaches will be their destination while paratroopers are dropped inland to take key towns and bridges. On the other side of the Channel the Germans still expect the invasion at Calais, and anyway the weather makes them think nothing is likely to be imminent. Eisenhower decides to go. Hitler sleeps on.

Like A BRIDGE TOO FAR, I enjoyed the Nazi's speaking in their native German. However, I also thought this film made the same mistake BRIDGE made, which was trying to cram too much into the film. New characters were constantly introduced throughout the film, regardless of how far into the picture we were and how little camera time they received. After watching these movies, I just appreciate SAVING PRIVATE RYAN even more because Spielberg decided to not jump into this pitfall some have, but rather focused on a select group of soldiers during this battle and made a movie about it. Finally, the battle scenes on the beach were what I was afraid was going to happen while watching these classic war films, glamorized. I know I shouldn't compare the two because RYAN was made 36 years later, but during RYAN, I felt (for however brief a time) how difficult and costly capturing that beach was. While watching THE LONGEST DAY, I didn't get a sense of that at all. All of the characters kept saying there were heavy casualties but very little of that was shown on screen. From the film, it seemed the soldiers captured the beach with minimal effort and there were hardly any Nazi's to fend off.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/07 04:37 AM

EARLY SUMMER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

In postwar Tokyo, this household is loving and serene: older parents, their 28-year-old daughter Noriko, their married son, his devoted wife, and two rascally sons. Their only discontent is Noriko's lack of a husband. Society is changing: she works, she has women friends who tease and argue, her brother sees her independence as impudence, she sees it as normal. When her boss suggests that she marry a 40-year-old bachelor who is his friend, all the members of her family press her to accept. Without seeking their advice, and to their chagrin, Noriko determines her own course of action.

Again, Setsuko Hara really did a great job as the main star, Noriko in this film, LATE SPRING and TOKYO STORY. I love the fact that Ozu was able to keep the same cast for the "Noriko Trilogy."
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/07 03:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX 1/2
(First Viewing)

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

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


I don't know how I would live with myslef if I saw a Harry Potter movie.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/07 03:48 PM

I'd have to kill you BDuff.

And you'd understand, too.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/07 04:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX 1/2
(First Viewing)

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

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


I don't know how I would live with myslef if I saw a Harry Potter movie.


In all fairness, the movies aren't horrible. The first 3 are very close to the books because the books aren't that long and the movies are, so they can incorporate so much. However, GOBLET and PHOENIX both should have either A) split the film into 2 volumes B) allowed each movie to have a runtime of at least 3 hours or C) release extended DVD versions. So far, none of these have come to pass and as such, the last 2 movies have been butchered. However, I thought PHOENIX was a better adaptation than GOBLET. If you enjoy the books, stick with them! However, view the movies at least once and try to enjoy them as much as possible. I favor the books as well but the movies are something special too \:\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/07 04:03 PM

You're a good kid, Irish.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/07 04:03 PM

Thanks. Some of it rubs off from you ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/07 04:04 PM

Okay, that just sounded gay.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/13/07 04:07 PM

No, something gay would be: "thanks pizzaboy. It's from all the pizza you share with me"
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 12:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
24fps, why don't you write a review of the movie (for that matter, I don't remember reading any of your reviews)? I haven't seen the movie and I am interested in reading your opinion on it, especially since you think so highly of it.


I don't like writing reviews mainly because I don't think I'm good at it. However, I will say that Ratatouille is more a movie for grown-ups that kids can enjoy rather than vice versa.

Any foodie, casual or hardcore, would like it. There's content like prejudice, etcetera, that the audience can take and apply to life.

Any live-action filmmaker would be jealous at the camera moves that this movie has. The level of animation in the actions and textures is nothing short of first-rate.

Quite a fine piece of artistry.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 02:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
 Originally Posted By: svsg
24fps, why don't you write a review of the movie (for that matter, I don't remember reading any of your reviews)? I haven't seen the movie and I am interested in reading your opinion on it, especially since you think so highly of it.


I don't like writing reviews mainly because I don't think I'm good at it. However, I will say that Ratatouille is more a movie for grown-ups that kids can enjoy rather than vice versa.

Any foodie, casual or hardcore, would like it. There's content like prejudice, etcetera, that the audience can take and apply to life.

Any live-action filmmaker would be jealous at the camera moves that this movie has. The level of animation in the actions and textures is nothing short of first-rate.

Quite a fine piece of artistry.


Mate, your reviews are good. I mean, look at Irish.

Point is, I think you should try. Make me look like a dumbass.

\:D
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 07:40 AM

Stalker ***
I am not sure if I really understood the film, but here is my view upon first viewing. This movie has a tangential (perhaps more than that) connection with Solyaris, another of Tarkovsky's movies. The main theme and the common point with the other film is the central character's approach to understanding life. Rather unwillingness to analyze the beauty of life and nature. Solyaris starts with an astronaut arguing that everything can be understood by scientific method. Later in that movie he gives up questioning it and embraces happiness even when he knows it is not real. In Stalker, two of the main characters are a scientist and a writer. In a way Tarkovsky takes the side of Stalker, the central character and attacks the pointlessness in analyzing life either through scientific means or by philosophy. In a great scene, his wife talks to the audience explaining beautifully that being in sorrow is not something awful. Perhaps the message is: Experience life as a miracle and do not deal with it in terms of academic knowledge. I have focussed a lot on the theme, some comments are necessary regarding the visual aspects of it. I don't know where he shot the scenes, but each frame is beautifully and thoughtfully constructed. One can again find the constant switching between BW, color and sepia. The sepia scenes have temporal significance, the BW ones again seem arbitrary or perhaps just to highlight the "Zone", a mysterious place within which most of the plot revolves.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 03:09 PM

Two big screen viewings....

On Cassavetes's Opening Night (1977):

Infinitely ambiguous work all to do with notions of acting. It opens with Rowlands and Cassavetes acting in a play, our view obscured by a theatre audience (it's fascinating to see how the inclusion of a fictional audience affects the otherwise harmonious reality of a film), and it unfolds in a continually episodic manner thereafter; it seems overlong, and the spiritualist turn of events midway through seems a bit naff, a mere plot device for Rowlands to have a breakdown (fighting with herself and throwing furniture at her imaginary friend), but it's easily forgivable in light of its overall lingering qualities. For one, it's a convincing, fantastic exploration of various relationships found in the cinema - actor-character, reality-metareality, actor-audience, audience-reality, author-audience, etc. The story, comprising the production of a stageplay and the interrelations of the cast and crew involved, is treated in a most elusive and liberating fashion, so that it becomes almost secondary to the performances (there's no exposition of who's who, no clarity given to how they know each other, and the play itself could be about anything, so sparingly are we given its scenes and details). If it loses its way somewhat in the final third, the final thirty minutes or so are unforgettable in their mystery and intensity: Rowlands and Cassavetes act on stage as in the opening scene, apparently ad-libbing outside the bounds of the script (or are they?), with the audience laughing at them (or with them?), and the writer, producer and director coming in and out of the theatre in either giddy excitement or helpless distress; there's something incredibly profound about this scene in particular, riveting as both a reality in itself and as a self-conscious deconstruction of all that has gone before it.

On Wiseman's Live Free or Die Hard (2007):

It's probably everything you expected it to be, and possibly more; if you thought it sounded naff, it is, and if you thought it sounded great, it is - naff because it's definitely a few stunts too far (there's a True Lies fighter jet scene near the end), great because Willis gives it his all. Patchy, yes, but certainly very good at times in a kickass sort of way, it's also quite clever in exploring where a franchise born in the 80s stands in today's technology based society, and how an old-fashioned, bad-mouthed cop might react when missplaced in his wrong kind of film. If action movies have moved on since the first film - one of the villain's henchman makes decorative use of the Parkour skills he showed off in French action film District 13, with McLane wondering whether he's up against a "fucking hamster" - then this effort readdresses that and the expectations which come with the genre (it's notably similar to 24, too). Incredibly silly, but all the better for it, and as a multi-stranded narrative of violent terrorist ass-kicking and exploration of the media and inadequacy of police procedure and the red tape that comes with such mumbo-jumbo, it might be the strongest since the first film.

On Hitchcock's Family Plot (1976):
Patchy - probably due to length - but still very interesting, a comic thriller (it seems too bloated and verbose to be lastingly funny or thrilling, though) all about doubling and facades, capped with a wink to camera at the end. Some scenes are great in and of themselves - the tampered-with car going down the hill reminds one of Duel - and some of the shots are cleverly composed to have symmetrical colour coordination and there are always mirrors present too. Good stuff, and it would be reductive and perhaps obvious to say "not his best".

On Buñuel's The Phantom of Liberty (1974):
His penultimate film, made on the back of The Discreet Charm's popularity, comprises a narrative deliberately more disparate and increasingly more surreal as it progresses, touching upon notions of true freedom of many kinds, the frustrating absurdities of social order and law and order. It looks amazing and is hilarious in its visual non-conformity and matter-of-fact timing: a man and wife invite four monks, a teenager and a damsel in distress to their hotel room, whence the couple take turns to visit the bathroom and change into S&M gear (it must be seen to be laughed at); a man we assume to be a pervert gives photographs to young children and tells them not to show their parents - later they are revealed to be shots of various European landmarks; and a missing girl helps the police to fill out the form describing her. A masterpiece.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 04:42 PM

Opening Night sounds fantastic.

You should see A Woman Under the Influence Capo.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 04:44 PM

You'd love Opening Night. That was my first Cassavetes, and a week after seeing it, its tone still lingers. I'd love to see more.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 05:40 PM

HIGH AND LOW
(First Viewing)

An executive mortgages all he owns to stage a coup and gain control of the National Shoe Company, with the intent of keeping the company out of the hands of incompetent and greedy executives. He needs the same money, though, to pay the ransom that will possibly save a child's life. His resolution of that dilemma -- the certain loss of the company vs. the probable loss of the child -- makes for one distinct drama, and an ensuing elaborate police procedure makes for a second.

Although Kurosawa's style in this film was rather bland, he didn't impress me this time around. However, the story, particularly the dilemma left with the main star, Toshirô Mifune, left for an interesting decision to be made. What's more important to a person: saving the money he's worked so hard to invest in a company (that if he gave it away, would bankrupt him and his family) or to save the life of an innocent child? I wish the film would have explored the process of coming to his decision in greater depth, reminiscent of a GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER. Unfortunately, I feel it's made too quickly in the film and the rest of the time they're trying to track down the kidnapper (still interesting BTW).
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:06 PM

I was able to watch Pan's Labyrinth last night. Wow. It was nothing like I expected. I didn't even know what to expect, but what little I thought might happen wasn't even close. I feel very lucky to have watched this movie right after Apocalypto. Two great movies in a row! It's been a while since I have seen movies of this level of quality, especially back-to-back.

I thought the movie would have been mostly fantasy, but to see the struggles of the little girl and her mother against the Captain (Can't remember their names) in the middle of a war was great. (Question: Was this movie supposed to be taking place during World War II?) The actor who played the Captain was absolutely brutal.

In fact, there were so many shockingly brutal scenes that it kept me on edge. It is easy to get caught up in the childlike fantasy story, then suddenly something gruesome happens to remind you that it's not a kids movie. For example:

Warning, Spoiler:
Their are the cute little fairies flying around making their chirping little noises. Next thing you know a horrible monster is biting their heads off!


If you don't mind the subtitles I would recommend this movie to any adult with a dark sense of imagination. This is one I will have to buy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:37 PM

I wasn't as much of a fan Blibble. I thought it was going to be a fantasy movie on the scale of a LORD OF THE RINGS, HARRY POTTER or CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. I'd watch it again but I wouldn't classify it as fantasy.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:42 PM

Yeah, I think that's why I was impressed. The movie consistently went in unpredictable directions. I thought it was going to be more Fantasy, like you said, but it wasn't. I like to watch a movie that I think I know what is generally going to happen next, and then nothing close to what I thought happens.

I also forgot to mention the camera work in the movie was great. I'd have to watch it again to bring up some specific examples, but there were several times where the camera movement reminded me of Sergio Leone's movies.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:44 PM

It belies right-out genre categorization, I think. It's a blend of horror, fantasy, perhaps even historical epic. It's a masterpiece of editing and cinematography. One of the most imaginative films of last year, rich in visual texture, camera movement, allegory and multi-stranded narrative.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I like to watch a movie that I think I know what is generally going to happen next, and then nothing close to what I thought happens.


I'm the complete opposite. I can't tell you how many times I've watched a movie thinking it was one thing and it wasn't even close. Many movies like that I haven't wind up liking, which is my own fault but that's just the way I am.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:50 PM

Do you think you could watch it a second time and enjoy it now that you know what it is?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:55 PM

 Quote:
Many movies like that I haven't wind up liking, which is my own fault...
Surely if a film deviates from your expectations (expectations as in story or genre, not good or bad), it's a sign of originality...? I used to think the same way as you, but I'm greatly excited these days when a film does something I don't expect it to.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Do you think you could watch it a second time and enjoy it now that you know what it is?


Sure. I just have to be in the mood and have to find the time. Time is a real problem now with work, my thesis and my Blockbuster Online movies, etc. Remember those movies I got for my birthday? Yeah, haven't touched those! I've never seen NEW YORK NEW YORK, BOB DYLAN: NO DIRECTION HOME, THE LAST WALTZ and I'd like to see MEAN STREETS and many others again \:\(
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/14/07 10:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I used to think the same way as you, but I'm greatly excited these days when a film does something I don't expect it to.


I'm not there yet brother. I'm not sure I ever will. It may just be my stubborn personality \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/07 04:23 AM

GOOD MORNING 1/2
(First Viewing)

This movie takes a look at a very Westernized subarban Japan in the late 50's. It focuses mainly on the daily lives of a small community and the way its members interact. It also demonstrates the power of speech and the way in which small talk acts as a lubricant for our daily lives.

The least impressive Ozu film I've seen but easily the funniest Japanese movie I've ever seen. The little boy Isamu, played by Masahiko Shimazu, was fantastic! Before long, I was eagerly anticipating him on screen. He was so cute, innocent and funny. He was really the highlight of the film and at such a young age.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/15/07 11:14 PM

CAPTIVITY 1/2
(First Viewing)

A young model is drugged, kidnapped and subject to harrowing torture in a cell of horrors in this spine chilling horror thriller. Jennifer is young, beautiful and famous. Everybody knows her name and her popularity brings her everything she wants in life- but one mans jealousy lures Jennifer to a dimension in torture when she finds herself drugged, captured and held in an underground maze of terror. Taken against her will and subject to psychological punishment, Jennifer soon questions her sanity as her watchful tormentor pits her in numerous twisted traps. After struggling to keep her mind, she meets with Gary, another prisoner in the sick games and together they try their wits to escape from the cells and defeat the madman behind the sick games- but are they already too late when they are bound, gagged and thrust into a world of pain?

I'm a horror geek nowadays so some of you knew I would be seeing this. Add in the fact that Elisha Cuthbert is in the flick and my seat is already paid for. The gore was a nice surprise as more filmmakers are continually trying to push the envelope and try new ways to scare/horrify/shock the audience. As for the story it was fairly predictable with the second cell mate and the ending. A decent horror film if you want to kill 90 minutes. It won't make any noise in the box office and might make it's money back on DVD (I'll be buying it).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 04:16 AM

MEAN STREETS 1/2
(Third Viewing)

In a series of character-led incidents set against the background of New York City's Little Italy, we follow the life of Charlie, a small-time member of the wiseguy community who collects protection money. His friends Tony and Michael are part of the community, but his other friend Johnny Boy is unreliable and therefore must be shunned. Charlie's secret girlfriend Teresa has epilepsy, and so must also be shunned. When Charlie's uncle Giovanni offers him a restaurant - the first step up the ladder - Charlie is forced to choose between his desire for power, his love for Teresa and his duty to protect his friend Johnny Boy.

Third time's a charm for me and this film. This was easily the most I've ever enjoyed it and while I'll never put it on the scale of RAGING BULL, GOODFELLAS or CASINO, it was a great movie. It's Marty's break-through movie that put him in the spotlight and for good reason. I think this is where he really flexed his muscles in terms of the music. I loved the opening credits with Be My Baby by The Ronettes blaring through the speakers. It immediately reminded me of GOODFELLAS and the Rags to Riches song by Tony Bennett. However, I felt at first Marty used too much music early on. The first or second time we're in the nightclub Marty goes through about 3 or 4 songs. In GOODFELLAS and his films since he spreads the songs throughout the film. However, once we get out of the nightclub, Marty does redeem himself by playing enjoyable tunes and placing them at the appropriate moments. Also this movie is a break-through for Marty because it's his first and thankfully not last great gangster picture. Personally, I wouldn't put this in my Marty top 5 list but I would put it in the top 10 now.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 04:19 AM

Damn right you liked it, bitch.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 04:19 AM

Im still yet to watch this.I always forget to pick it up.

I will definitely watch it though.Sounds pretty good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 04:39 AM

For those wondering, here's my Marty list from best to worst:

1) RAGING BULL
2) GOODFELLAS
3) CASINO
4) TAXI DRIVER
5) THE DEPARTED
6) CAPE FEAR
7) GANGS OF NEW YORK
8) MEAN STREETS
9) THE AVIATOR
10) THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST
11) THE KING OF COMEDY
12) KUNDUN
13) THE COLOR OF MONEY
14) WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR?
15) ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE
16) AFTER HOURS
17) BOXCAR BERTHA
18) BRINGING OUT THE DEAD
19) THE AGE OF INNOCENCE

*Note - I've never seen NEW YORK, NEW YORK or THE LAST WALTZ hence the reason they're not on the list
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 01:42 PM

It's about time you watched it.

Now watch it with the commentary on then put it in AT LEAST your top 5 Marty movies and we can talk.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:08 PM

Fat chance ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:09 PM

\:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:11 PM

Any other Marty recommendations Senor pizzaboy? I know I need to watch NO DIRECTION HOME, THE LAST WALTZ and NEW YORK, NEW YORK. I really want to watch NO DIRECTION HOME but it's 3 1/2 hours and I'm just having a difficult time squeezing it into my schedule right now. Also, what's your Marty list look like Lead ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:23 PM

WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR was better than THE AVIATOR.

\:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:28 PM

I'll fight you on that one. I've seen both twice but wouldn't mind seeing it again
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:30 PM

Okay Irish, today is a big day for you, so I won't pick on you.

BUT- does your man-crush on Leo have anything to do with your love for THE AVIATOR?

\:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:32 PM

Ok pizzaboy, what's with the man-crush business? First I've got one on Jeremy Piven, now Leo DiCaprio. You couldn't be further from the truth. What about the man in my avatar, Senor David Carradine? Anybody else you wanna tack on to this never ending list of yours ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Anybody else you wanna tack on to this never ending list of yours ;\)


Well, we all know that all of that arguing with RonnieRocket is just sexual tension.

\:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:38 PM

Whoa, hey now that's crossing a line brother
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/16/07 02:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Whoa, hey now that's crossing a line brother


I'm just kidding.

Jeez.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 01:01 AM

PICK-UP 1/2
(First Viewing)

Sexy hippie chicks Carol and Maureen get more than they bargained for when they hitch a ride with groovy hippie dude Chuck in his nifty mobile bus home. The trio get lost in the Florida Everglades following a fierce rain storm and embark on a startling spiritual journey of self-discovery.

This is officially the weirdest movie I've ever seen. I bought the first 2 volumes of Welcome to the Grindhouse on DVD and thus far, the first one hasn't disappointed. There wasn't a plot and barely a story. Really just 3 kids, running around nude in a swamp having sex. Blibble, this might be right up your alley being a grind house film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 01:13 AM

Hey Irish, whenever you done....get home by 11 or your dinner will get cold....sweetie.

\:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 05:21 AM

THE TEACHER
(First Viewing)

18-year-old Sean's first summer after completing high school is much spent with 28-year-old teacher Diane, who's husband is too often motorcycle-racing instead of with her. Wacko Ralph also has "the hots" for Diane; and it doesn't help that Sean was with Ralph's younger brother, Lou, when Lou died.

The second double-feature of Welcome to the Grindhouse Volume 1. This was a lot more reminiscent of what I would deem a grind house movie. An interesting story, almost a 1970s and more soft porn style of THE GRADUATE. Also some nice goofs on screen always add to the humor of the film. My only beef with it was the music. While the theme song for the film was enjoyable, it was the ONLY song played. Naturally it had run its course by the end of the movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 08:39 AM

THE THIEF AND THE COBBLER (1964-1991) - ****1/2

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2289381842757027473&hl=en

Animator Richard Williams in 1964 started the production, on his own, of an animated adventure story inspired by Near Eastern mythology like The Arabian Tales. He sought to craft a tale that would carry over his admiration for the dialogue-free artistic majesty of FANTASIA, but break the musical song & dance nonsense that Disney followed through for decades.

THE THIEF AND THE COBBLER was off and on again until the late 1980s. Williams got Warner Brothers to help put up the cash to finish the film after Williams' work on WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT. With 15 minutes of total animation to finish, and having to show the investors something, Williams had to deliver a rough cut workprint edit filled with the completed animation, and pencil tests/storyboards to fill in the gaps.

Warner Brothers hated the cut, and practically abandoned it this side of a dumpster baby. With what was completed of the film taken from Williams' feeble fingers, MIRAMAX picked it up and released their own dubbed/hacked up version: ARABIAN KNIGHTS, which easily is indeed one of the worst films I've ever seen.

Linked above is that Original WorkPrint edit, and really for the so-called "Greatest Animated Film Never Finished," THE THIEF AND THE COBBLER does lives up on its own merits beyond its behind-the-scenes chaotic history...almost.

While some people might have some difficulty in trying to watch such a rough cut, what is revealed is practically the film Williams sought to make for so long.

If this film had been released in the 1980s or earlier, or even as late as 1990, it would have brought possibly the breath of fresh air for Animation away from the damn Disney formula.

In other words, almost PIXAR before there was PIXAR (but without the self-aware wit and pop culture sensibilities). Trust me, it makes sense.

The film's highlight is in the Climatic Finale, where the mute title character The Thief going through comic insanity as everything is crashing around him, as he tries to steal the greatest treasure of them all.

With a hero that is a mute as well(save for an lovely moment in the ending), Williams was right. He had directed "a silent film, but with noise."



Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 01:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Hey Irish, whenever you done....get home by 11 or your dinner will get cold....sweetie.

\:D


Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 01:41 PM

 Quote:
18-year-old Sean's first summer after completing high school is much spent with 28-year-old teacher Diane, who's husband is too often motorcycle-racing instead of with her.
\:D My dream summer.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 02:43 PM

I just had to post this since it's such a horrid idea

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ace Ventura 3

Because SON OF MASK and DUMB AND DUMBERER taught us nothing about making bad spinoffs of Jim Carrey movies, we bring to you today news of ACE VENTURA 3 that will follow the son of Ace. Yes, SON OF ACE VENTURA. It's an idea so horrendous the creators must've been wearing at least 20 pairs of Bad Idea Jeans. If just the idea of a SON OF ACE VENTURA movie isn't enough to give you douche chills, know that it stars Josh Flitter, that f*cking annoying kid from LICENSE TO WED and NANCY DREW. When someone can say about you that you were the worst thing about LICENSE TO WED, a movie that features more hammy Robin Williams schtick than an all-night marathon of PATCH ADAMS, you know you're in trouble. And we're all in trouble when ACE VENTURA 3 hits theaters. Filming is set to begin this September in Orlando.

Source: JoBlo
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 02:57 PM

I think there could have easily been more Mask films; I'd've watched 'em!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 04:09 PM

No offense Irish, but ACE VENTURA 2 itself sorta sucked.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 05:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I just had to post this since it's such a horrid idea

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ace Ventura 3

Because SON OF MASK and DUMB AND DUMBERER taught us nothing about making bad spinoffs of Jim Carrey movies, we bring to you today news of ACE VENTURA 3 that will follow the son of Ace. Yes, SON OF ACE VENTURA. It's an idea so horrendous the creators must've been wearing at least 20 pairs of Bad Idea Jeans. If just the idea of a SON OF ACE VENTURA movie isn't enough to give you douche chills, know that it stars Josh Flitter, that f*cking annoying kid from LICENSE TO WED and NANCY DREW. When someone can say about you that you were the worst thing about LICENSE TO WED, a movie that features more hammy Robin Williams schtick than an all-night marathon of PATCH ADAMS, you know you're in trouble. And we're all in trouble when ACE VENTURA 3 hits theaters. Filming is set to begin this September in Orlando.

Source: JoBlo


You'll be first in line to watch it, however.

I thought the first was fun, I guess it was also a little added fun since it took place in my backyard. Loved the second as a whippersnapper, but it sucks.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 05:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I just had to post this since it's such a horrid idea

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ace Ventura 3

Because SON OF MASK and DUMB AND DUMBERER taught us nothing about making bad spinoffs of Jim Carrey movies, we bring to you today news of ACE VENTURA 3 that will follow the son of Ace. Yes, SON OF ACE VENTURA. It's an idea so horrendous the creators must've been wearing at least 20 pairs of Bad Idea Jeans. If just the idea of a SON OF ACE VENTURA movie isn't enough to give you douche chills, know that it stars Josh Flitter, that f*cking annoying kid from LICENSE TO WED and NANCY DREW. When someone can say about you that you were the worst thing about LICENSE TO WED, a movie that features more hammy Robin Williams schtick than an all-night marathon of PATCH ADAMS, you know you're in trouble. And we're all in trouble when ACE VENTURA 3 hits theaters. Filming is set to begin this September in Orlando.

Source: JoBlo


You'll be first in line to watch it, however.

I thought the first was fun, I guess it was also a little added fun since it took place in my backyard. Loved the second as a whippersnapper, but it sucks.


Plus, ACE VENTURA is this wet fantasy for Dolphins fans where Marino actually WINS the Super Bowl.

Same fantasy where Eagles were good enough to NOT get stomped by Dallas or Redskins.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 06:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I just had to post this since it's such a horrid idea

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ace Ventura 3

Because SON OF MASK and DUMB AND DUMBERER taught us nothing about making bad spinoffs of Jim Carrey movies, we bring to you today news of ACE VENTURA 3 that will follow the son of Ace. Yes, SON OF ACE VENTURA. It's an idea so horrendous the creators must've been wearing at least 20 pairs of Bad Idea Jeans. If just the idea of a SON OF ACE VENTURA movie isn't enough to give you douche chills, know that it stars Josh Flitter, that f*cking annoying kid from LICENSE TO WED and NANCY DREW. When someone can say about you that you were the worst thing about LICENSE TO WED, a movie that features more hammy Robin Williams schtick than an all-night marathon of PATCH ADAMS, you know you're in trouble. And we're all in trouble when ACE VENTURA 3 hits theaters. Filming is set to begin this September in Orlando.

Source: JoBlo


You'll be first in line to watch it, however.

I thought the first was fun, I guess it was also a little added fun since it took place in my backyard. Loved the second as a whippersnapper, but it sucks.


Plus, ACE VENTURA is this wet fantasy for Dolphins fans where Marino actually WINS the Super Bowl.

Same fantasy where Eagles were good enough to NOT get stomped by Dallas or Redskins.


I don't believe they showed them winning...so we didn't even get that satisfaction.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 06:23 PM

BLACK CANDLES 1/2
(First Viewing)

A young woman travels with her partner to England on the unexpected death of her brother. Staying with her sister-in-law, she finds her companion soon drawn into a satanic cult based in the house whose rites seem to centre somewhat on large-scale sexual congress.

I finally understand why some of these grindhouse movies were banned. Not that I'm complaining mind you, but every 2 or 3 scenes was a sex scene (sometimes between the same people). The dubbing job wasn't bad and I don't think it took away from the film. There was even a bestiality scene
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 06:38 PM

\:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 06:42 PM

Have you ever seen any of these films Capo, svsg or Blibble? They're interesting and I'm enjoying them but some are very strange.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 06:48 PM

Irish, the only ones that I watched are in my "movies that went all the way" thread. A few of them in that are of "woman in peril" type which is mainly for the purpose of nudity. Off topic, watch out for my review of "August Underground's Mordum", another aparently sick movie \:\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/17/07 06:52 PM

I just re-watched CHARIOTS OF FIRE (1981) for the first time in many years. Although I found it entertaining, I still feel it was overrated. I will admit, the scenery was just beautiful, especially the shots of Cambridge.

Capo, being our resident English movie reviewer, would you care to review it for us?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 02:31 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
For those wondering, here's my Marty list from best to worst


I think mine goes:

1.) Taxi Driver
2.) Raging Bull
3.) Mean Streets
4.) Goodfellas
5.) Casino
6.) The Last Temptation of Christ
7.) The Kind of Comedy
8.) The Color of Money
9.) Gangs of New York
10.) Cape Fear
11.) New York, New York
12.) The Aviator
13.) The Departed

I feel like I'm leaving something out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 02:41 AM

Wow, THE DEPARTED as his worst work? \:o
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 02:46 AM

On the larger scale of things I probably wouldn't put it up with his best work either.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 02:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I just re-watched CHARIOTS OF FIRE (1981) for the first time in many years. Although I found it entertaining, I still feel it was overrated. I will admit, the scenery was just beautiful, especially the shots of Cambridge.

Capo, being our resident English movie reviewer, would you care to review it for us?


Yeah, I agree with you pizzaboy....

Especially when TWO flims deserved that Best Picture Oscar much more: Steven Spielberg's RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and Warren Beatty's REDS.

Hell, DePalma's BLOW OUT is better.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 03:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Wow, THE DEPARTED as his worst work? \:o


I still have a few films of his to see, but yes. I can honestly say it's the worst of what I've seen. Not that I disliked it, it just seemed really bland and mediocre compared to the other films he's made.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 04:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Wow, THE DEPARTED as his worst work? \:o


I still have a few films of his to see, but yes. I can honestly say it's the worst of what I've seen. Not that I disliked it, it just seemed really bland and mediocre compared to the other films he's made.


More and more LLC....you might be onto something.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 05:11 AM

EVIL EYE
(First Viewing)

People around Peter Crane begin dying in mysterious fashion. How is Playboy Peter involved in this? He begins having nightmares dealing with murder...His psychiatrist has no idea of what Peter is suffering from. Even the police are in danger as they start investigating the case. What is the secret of the "Magic Circle"?

For some reason one of the movies of the double-feature has to suck and the other one has to enjoyable. Guess which one this is. Yeah, the one that sucked. Oh well, I still enjoy cheesy grindhouse films!
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 05:19 AM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Wow, THE DEPARTED as his worst work? \:o


I still have a few films of his to see, but yes. I can honestly say it's the worst of what I've seen. Not that I disliked it, it just seemed really bland and mediocre compared to the other films he's made.


I agree completely. I talked about this before when he won his Oscar for this movie. I felt it was a political award and he won it because he deserved it for movies he made in the past, not for The Departed.

The only thing I liked about The Departed was Mark Wahlberg's character, and I'm not even a fan of his. I liked the character a lot. That's not to say the other actors performances were bad, but they just didn't leave an impression the way other great movies do.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 05:33 AM

I thought THE DEPARTED was his best work since CASINO, maybe even GOODFELLAS. I think some of the Oscar was given to Marty based on his past accomplishments but also because last year's competition was weak. As a result, he easily won hands down but it was definitely his best since CASINO (i.e. better than KUNDUN, BRINGING OUT THE DEAD, GANGS OF NEW YORK, and THE AVIATOR).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 05:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I thought THE DEPARTED was his best work since CASINO, maybe even GOODFELLAS. I think some of the Oscar was given to Marty based on his past accomplishments but also because last year's competition was weak. As a result, he easily won hands down but it was definitely his best since CASINO (i.e. better than KUNDUN, BRINGING OUT THE DEAD, GANGS OF NEW YORK, and THE AVIATOR).


Last year was weak?

What about Paul Greengrass for UNITED 93?
What about Alfonso Cuaron for CHILDREN OF MEN?
What about Guillermo Del Toro for PAN'S LABYRINTH?
What about Darren "Fuck You" Arronofsky over THE FOUNTAIN?

Weak? Bullshit!

You won't reply Irish, but you know I'm damn right about this.

P.S. - THE DEPARTED is like CAPE FEAR was for Marty. A rare outright commercial hit for him, but nothing more.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 06:11 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
What about Paul Greengrass for UNITED 93?
What about Alfonso Cuaron for CHILDREN OF MEN?
What about Guillermo Del Toro for PAN'S LABYRINTH?
What about Darren "Fuck You" Arronofsky over THE FOUNTAIN?


I may be wrong, but wasn't Little Miss Sunshine up for best picture as well? I know lighthearted comedies don't usually win awards, but that movie was my favorite from last year. Followed by Apocalypto (no nominations right?) and Pan's Labyrinth.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 02:38 PM

 Quote:

Last year was weak?

What about Paul Greengrass for UNITED 93?
What about Alfonso Cuaron for CHILDREN OF MEN?
What about Guillermo Del Toro for PAN'S LABYRINTH?
What about Darren "Fuck You" Arronofsky over THE FOUNTAIN?
I think Irish was referring to the nominations, not the year's films.

Me? I think The Departed was a brilliant film. I think it's his best effort since The King of Comedy (1983), and would rank it behind that, Raging Bull, Mean Streets, GoodFellas and Taxi Driver. I need to revisit Cape Fear, though; that film may just be his most grippingly sustained work.

I last revised rankings for Scorsese's work on May 29th this year. Though I still need to see Kundun, Age of Innocence, Last Temptation and Boxcar Bertha, you can view how I currently rank his work here.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 02:40 PM

 Quote:
Capo, being our resident English movie reviewer, would you care to review it for us?
I've not seen it. I rarely get excited by triumph-over-adversity biopics. Especially sporting ones.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 02:46 PM

Okay, fair enough. It won BECAUSE it was a triumph over adversity film, and as Ronnie pointed out, REDS and RAIDERS...were both superior films. It didn't hurt that there were religious overtones, either. The Academy just loves that shit.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 03:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Quote:

Last year was weak?

What about Paul Greengrass for UNITED 93?
What about Alfonso Cuaron for CHILDREN OF MEN?
What about Guillermo Del Toro for PAN'S LABYRINTH?
What about Darren "Fuck You" Arronofsky over THE FOUNTAIN?
I think Irish was referring to the nominations, not the year's films.


Yes thank you Capo, that's what I was referring to



 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I last revised rankings for Scorsese's work on May 29th this year. Though I still need to see Kundun, Age of Innocence, Last Temptation and Boxcar Bertha, you can view how I currently rank his work here.


Any plans on watching THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST soon? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the picture.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 03:30 PM

My 2 cents on Departed: I really really liked DiCaprio's acting. I didn't know who Mark Whalberg was before the oscar hype. Jack Nicholson was in his usual mode, reminding us he is Jack Nicholson all the time. All the other characters (except Damon who was bland) were okay, nothing great. I liked the background music. But I don't think I will remember the plot or revisit the movie after 5 years. Nowhere near as great as Raging Bull or Taxi Driver, Scorcese's best movies IMO
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 04:31 PM

 Quote:
Any plans on watching THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST soon?
I have that and Kundun ready to go. But then again, I've had them "ready to go" for at least two years. \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 05:00 PM

KUNDUN surprised me. I enjoyed it quite a bit
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 06:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Okay, fair enough. It won BECAUSE it was a triumph over adversity film, and as Ronnie pointed out, REDS and RAIDERS...were both superior films. It didn't hurt that there were religious overtones, either. The Academy just loves that shit.


CHARIOTS won really because of the split-ticket situation.

In other words, Many in the Academy wanted to vote for RAIDERS, but more didn't because it wasn't serious enough to win the prize.

REDS got feverent support from critics, but many others thought it was too controversial* (commie-story released in the Reagan Decade!) and a few others thought it was too much of a DOCTOR ZHIVAGO rip-off.

Then some people liked ON GOLDEN POND.

Those 3 basically cancelled each other out, and CHARIOTS won as a result.

Look at the 2002 awards when people expected Marshall (CHICAGO) or Scorsese (GANGS OF NEW YORK) to win the Best Director Oscar that year, but because Marshall's work didn't impress that many people, and people felt giving it to Scorsese for a movie not good enough is a sham...

So instead, the dark horse Roman Polanski won for THE PIANIST, and in retrospect, it was the right call.

*=Whats funny is, Beatty showed REDS to President Reagan in 1981, and he quite liked it, except the ending (Reagan was a sucker for happy endings.)
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 06:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble

The only thing I liked about The Departed was Mark Wahlberg's character, and I'm not even a fan of his. I liked the character a lot. That's not to say the other actors performances were bad, but they just didn't leave an impression the way other great movies do.


I actually thought Marky Mark, and all the cops for that matter, were really stereotypical "hollywood" cops, and it sort of turned me off for brief periods.

He did give a great performance. I include this as one of three films (that I know off the top of my head) that Marky Mark does well in, and are actually worth a damn. I enjoyed this, Boogie Nights and I Heart Huckabees, but I can't think of any other films of his that didn't really suck. Am I forgetting one?
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 06:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
What about Paul Greengrass for UNITED 93?
What about Alfonso Cuaron for CHILDREN OF MEN?
What about Guillermo Del Toro for PAN'S LABYRINTH?
What about Darren "Fuck You" Arronofsky over THE FOUNTAIN?


I may be wrong, but wasn't Little Miss Sunshine up for best picture as well? I know lighthearted comedies don't usually win awards, but that movie was my favorite from last year. Followed by Apocalypto (no nominations right?) and Pan's Labyrinth.


By the way, did you see The Fountain? It was fucking amazing. I think you'd really enjoy it. I think it was my favorite film of 2006, followed by Pan's Labyrinth and A Scanner Darkly.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 10:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
What about Paul Greengrass for UNITED 93?
What about Alfonso Cuaron for CHILDREN OF MEN?
What about Guillermo Del Toro for PAN'S LABYRINTH?
What about Darren "Fuck You" Arronofsky over THE FOUNTAIN?


I may be wrong, but wasn't Little Miss Sunshine up for best picture as well? I know lighthearted comedies don't usually win awards, but that movie was my favorite from last year. Followed by Apocalypto (no nominations right?) and Pan's Labyrinth.


By the way, did you see The Fountain? It was fucking amazing. I think you'd really enjoy it. I think it was my favorite film of 2006, followed by Pan's Labyrinth and A Scanner Darkly.


Yes it was amazing, and I'm now honored that I actually saw it in theatres.

Yes, I'll use that over the younger kids 10 years from now.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 10:19 PM

I meant Blibble. \:p

But, yeah, you're a lucky bastard for seeing it in a theatre. Definitely a film that would be enhanced on the big screen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/18/07 10:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
I meant Blibble. \:p

But, yeah, you're a lucky bastard for seeing it in a theatre. Definitely a film that would be enhanced on the big screen.


Of course you meant Blibble, I just like to everyone know of my (correct) point of view.

Seriously, if only people listened to me, your lives would be longer.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 05:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
What about Paul Greengrass for UNITED 93?
What about Alfonso Cuaron for CHILDREN OF MEN?
What about Guillermo Del Toro for PAN'S LABYRINTH?
What about Darren "Fuck You" Arronofsky over THE FOUNTAIN?


I may be wrong, but wasn't Little Miss Sunshine up for best picture as well? I know lighthearted comedies don't usually win awards, but that movie was my favorite from last year. Followed by Apocalypto (no nominations right?) and Pan's Labyrinth.


By the way, did you see The Fountain? It was fucking amazing. I think you'd really enjoy it. I think it was my favorite film of 2006, followed by Pan's Labyrinth and A Scanner Darkly.


Nope, I haven't seen it. I don't even know what it's about! Scanner Darkly is one I've almost rented a bunch of times but always put it back. I guess it's worth watching?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 05:54 AM

THE HUSTLER
(First Viewing)

"Fast" Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary "Minnesota Fats" to a high-stakes match, but he loses in a heartbreaking marathon. Now broke and without his long-time manager, Felson faces an uphill battle to regain his confidence and his game. It isn't until he hits rock bottom that he agrees to join up with ruthless and cutthroat manager Bert Gordon. Gordon agrees to take him on the road to learn the ropes. But Felson soon realizes that making it to the top could cost him his soul, and perhaps his girlfriend. Will he decide that this is too steep a price to pay in time to save himself?

I've seen the unofficial sequel to this movie, THE COLOR OF MONEY, so I thought it was time to see the original. Obviously the crowing jewels of this film are the scenes with Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason playing pool. However, the film is quite depressing, even more so than MONEY. Plus with MONEY, Cruise and Newman were able to work more together than Newman and Gleason in HUSTLER. I'm somewhat disappointed with this movie but it was still very enjoyable.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:19 PM

"Shoot pool, Fast Eddie."
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
"Shoot pool, Fast Eddie."


From one of the best character studies I've ever seen on the screen (despite Irishman's review). Newman was superb as the loser turned winner and Jackie Gleason gave a fine performance as Minnesota Fats. George C. Scott was perfect as the gambler you love to hate and Piper Laurie all but stole the movie. Great drama, gritty dialogue and wonderfully paced!
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:28 PM

I've always been meaning to watch this movie. Watching Tom Cruise butcher the movie "The color of money" I want to get to watch Newman play Eddie without having to stomache the teeth with feet.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I've always been meaning to watch this movie.


Beth, you won't be disappointed. Newman was PHENOMENAL in it!
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:32 PM

Is Newman ever anything but. \:\) I have Butch Cassidy and The Sting. Besides this what other Newman movie is a must see.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:37 PM

It's a four star movie, no doubt about it.

Sorry Irish.
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:38 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
Is Newman ever anything but. \:\) I have Butch Cassidy and The Sting. Besides this what other Newman movie is a must see.


Cool Hand Luke, Slap Shot, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, The Long Hot Summer..
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
 Originally Posted By: Beth E
Is Newman ever anything but. \:\) I have Butch Cassidy and The Sting. Besides this what other Newman movie is a must see.


Cool Hand Luke, Slap Shot, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, The Long Hot Summer..



All must sees, Miss Bogey.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
Besides this what other Newman movie is a must see.


Ya gotta come up here and we'll have a Paul Newman festival.

You MUST see:

"Hud". He's a real bastard in it and Patricia Neal was wonderful.

"Cool Hand Luke" is another great character study (in this he plays an anti-establishment guy who goes out of his way to prove it).

"Hombre". He plays a guy raised as an Indian in this western drama about character.

"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". My personal favorite. A true classic about a drunk and what made him drink. Wonderful family dynamics and Liz Taylor was stunning!

I have a few more, too!
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:45 PM

I'll bring the corn for popping.

I don't think I've even heard of Hombre. That seems like it should be something interesting.

Cat on a hot tin roof could be some people's biography..haha.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I'll bring the corn for popping.


Don't forget the beer!
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I don't think I've even heard of Hombre. That seems like it should be something interesting.


Richard Boone plays a really bad guy that ends up bringing out the best in Newman's character. Its a little similar to "Stagecoach" in that it has a good study of people's perceptions to certain individuals (which end up getting brought down a peg or two).
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:53 PM

I should keep tabs on the schedule for TCM channel. It should play some of these movies once in awhile.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:54 PM

What about SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME?

"Don't worry bout a ting ma."
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:54 PM

I gotta send ya some copies of them. They're worth keeping!
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:55 PM

I'll trade ya them for my copy of "A tale of two pizzas". But that might end our friendship.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
What about SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME?

"Don't worry bout a ting ma."


"Now go be a champeeen, like I never was."
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
What about SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME?


I love that movie. I was in awe when I first saw it (as a kid). I knew about Rocky Graziano but didn't know much about Newman then. I remember seeing him in a movie a few months later and yelled "Hey, thats the guy who played Rocky Graziano".

I just re-watched it last month.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 02:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I'll trade ya them for my copy of "A tale of two pizzas".


No, thanks!! \:p

(Ya can't even GIVE it away).
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:01 PM

I don't think it's even worth the price of a stamp. I wonder if it's as bad as "Johnny Slade's greatest hits".
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:04 PM

Thats another one on my MUST PASS list.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:07 PM

Like passing gas.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:08 PM

It's amazing what some of the "lesser" Sopranos actors will do for a paycheck. Although, Frank Vincent has been an accomplished actor for some time now. Hey, I guess if the studios were dangling money in front of my face, I'd do the same thing.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:10 PM

I think Frank Vincent would star in a commercial for the opening of a supermarket.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:11 PM

I was REALLY happy to see his head get crushed last month.

That was payback for Paul.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:18 PM

I saw him on an interview about the time "This thing of ours" was being promoted. He has got to be the most egotistical jerk I've ever seen on tv. The way talked about the cast of The Sorpanos being "alike", meaning they were all Italian. If you weren't Italian he didn't want to talk to you.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:23 PM

He does seem like a bit of a jerk. About 2 years ago he published a book, some nonsense about how to be a "man's man." Anyway, he was at La Mela down on Mulberry Street promoting it, and the owner (a childhood friend of my Dad's) introduced us. He was like "oh okay, you know these guys, so they must be okay." But to anyone else, he wouldn't even look up from his plate of pasta. That's not how you go about promoting a book, of all things.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:31 PM

"A guy's guide to being a man's man". A manual how to be an egotistical chauvenistic pig. You haven't lived until you know the proper way to snip the end off of a cigar.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 03:35 PM

Yeah, that was the one, Beth.

What a jerk.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 04:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I was REALLY happy to see his head get crushed last month.

That was payback for Paul.
Warning, Spoiler:
please
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 04:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: LLC
He did give a great performance. I include this as one of three films (that I know off the top of my head) that Marky Mark does well in, and are actually worth a damn. I enjoyed this, Boogie Nights and I Heart Huckabees, but I can't think of any other films of his that didn't really suck. Am I forgetting one?
Three Kings is excellent. I haven't seem him in many films, but everyone I've seen him he's impressed me. Which films of his have you seen that weren't good?

 Originally Posted By: RRA
Seriously, if only people listened to me, your lives would be longer.
Yeah, but our grammar would go to shit. \:p

I watched my 38th and 39th Hitchcock films last night; his worst, which is Juno and the Paycock, and Lifeboat, a moderately brilliant effort.

Two more Bunuel films, too: The Milky Way and Tristana. The former has a fantastic ending: Jesus cures two blind people, and then one says, "I saw a bird! I recognised it by the sound of its ears!" Then Jesus gets upset because the guy interrupted Him saying how He's on Earth not to bring peace, but to cause family members to fight one another, because nobody is allowed to love anybody more than they love Him. The final shot suggests those two "cured" blind people haven't been cured at all.

HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 05:49 PM

Birds **
This movie builds up suspense and continues that way till the end. I find the ending somewhat unsatisfactory, though that is probably the most appropriate way to end it, because of the way the plot was constructed. The special effects are great for its time (in fact even in today's time), but look a little silly overall. Not one of Hitchcock's greatest, but entertaining nevertheless.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 05:59 PM

FACTORY GIRL 1/2
(First Viewing)

A beautiful, wealthy young party girl drops out of Radcliffe in 1965 and heads to New York to become Holly Golightly. When she meets a hungry young artist named Andy Warhol, he promises to make her the star she always wanted to be. And like a super nova she explodes on the New York scene only to find herself slowly lose grip on reality.

It's about time Guy Pearce made a movie worth watching (although I haven't seen THE PROPOSITION yet but hear it's OK). He and Sienna Miller were fantastic as both Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick. I'm not familiar with either person so this entire film was news to me. I'm very glad to see Sienna get a career of her own now that her business is done with Jude Law. She's a very talented young lady and hopefully can blossom even more into a fine actress. I'm sure for the fans of his music, viewers will be pissed that Hayden Christensen is playing Billy Quinn (aka BOB DYLAN). However, from where I stood, I thought he did a pretty decent job as him.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 05:59 PM

The Proposition is excellent, Irish. Check-a it-out!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:06 PM

I may just have to do that the next time I'm in Blockbuster ;\) I also hope to watch the NO DIRECTION HOME: BOB DYLAN film either tonight or tomorrow
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:07 PM

Blockbuster hasn't been the same since Irish left.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:14 PM

Hostel **

Clever premise and a well ececuted plot. What starts off as an overdose of topless girls, slowly descends into gore. That is what makes it interesting. The violence is pretty graphic though.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Blockbuster hasn't been the same since Irish left.


Right because you went into my store soooooooooooooo much ;\) \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Hostel **

Clever premise and a well ececuted plot. What starts off as an overdose of topless girls, slowly descends into gore. That is what makes it interesting. The violence is pretty graphic though.


I thought the second was easily as good. What I enjoyed about it most is it when further into how the business is actually run and not so concerned with cutting up the victims (although that's still going on).
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Blockbuster hasn't been the same since Irish left.


Right because you went into my store soooooooooooooo much ;\) \:p


Only two things in Texas, boy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:26 PM

Good thing I'm in New York
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Good thing I'm in New York


Are you back for good?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 06:52 PM

Until November. Then I'll fly back to Texas and attempt to graduate in December. After that, NO IDEA!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/19/07 08:31 PM

Cockbuster just always sucked as a store...and their recent financial troubles are no surprise.
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/07 12:56 AM

Review of the Exhibit: MOVIES ON THE MIND: PSYCHOLOGY AND FILM SINCE SIGMUND FREUD

"Organized by the Deutsche Kinemathek and making its only American stop here, this exhibit at the Academy in Los Angeles was designed to celebrate Sigmund Freud's 150th birthday in 2006 and to draw attention to the fact that both moving pictures and Freudian theory date back to the late 1890s."

http://www.tcm.com/movienews/index/?cid=177511&rss=press
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/20/07 04:07 PM

UGETSU
(First Viewing)

In the civil wars of 16th century Japan, two ambitious peasants want to make their fortunes. The potter Genjuro intends to sell his wares for vast profits in the local city, while his brother-in-law Tobei wishes to become a samurai. Their village is sacked by the marauding armies, but Genjuro's kiln miraculously survives, and they and their wives head for the city. However, Genjuro soon sends his wife Miyagi back home, promising to return to her soon, and Tobei, in his keenness to follow the samurai, abandons his wife Ohama. Meanwhile, a wealthy noblewoman, the Lady Wakasa, shows an interest in Genjuro's pots, and invites him to her mansion.

An interesting look at how ambition, war and greed can tear 2 seperate families apart. Both men leave their wives, one so he can be a samurai and the other so he can sell his pottery to bring his family above poverty status. An interesting character study with the character trying to sell his pots who had a wife and child.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/07 01:12 PM

The Da Vinci Code ***

In the Little Italy neighborhood here on Friday nights in July and August one of the restaurants uses it's parking lot and surround streets as an outdoor theatre. They have a projection screen on the side of the wall it uses to screen the movies. It's free, and they give free pop corn and you can bring your own food and beverages. Last night was The Da Vinci code.

I guess to give it a true review I would say in it's self it was probably an ok to good movie. The content of it is just not my cup of tea. I don't believe in the theory of Jesus and Mary Madgelane being married and having a child. The movie was at times confusing and hard to follow. Just like GF3 you flip flopped thinking who was good and evil. If the albino man was the good character after all that then that's just sad..haha. Was Sophie the holy grail, or the tomb Tom Hanks "discovers" at the end? It was also quit long. Just when you thought it was over another twist pops up. It was an enjoyable night in that we were veiwing outside in a nice setting. Sitting in a movie theatre and paying $10.00 to see it might have been different.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/07 07:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
The Da Vinci Code ***
Was Sophie the holy grail, or the tomb Tom Hanks "discovers" at the end?

Warning, Spoiler:
I think the secret about the (alleged) marital life of Jesus is the Holy Grail. It is definitely not sophie. It could be some object, like the tomb, but I think it is the secret.


 Quote:
It was also quit long. Just when you thought it was over another twist pops up.
That was quite annoying for me. It stretched too long after everything was over.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/07 09:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
The Da Vinci Code ***

In the Little Italy neighborhood here on Friday nights in July and August one of the restaurants uses it's parking lot and surround streets as an outdoor theatre. They have a projection screen on the side of the wall it uses to screen the movies. It's free, and they give free pop corn and you can bring your own food and beverages. Last night was The Da Vinci code.

I guess to give it a true review I would say in it's self it was probably an ok to good movie. The content of it is just not my cup of tea. I don't believe in the theory of Jesus and Mary Madgelane being married and having a child. The movie was at times confusing and hard to follow. Just like GF3 you flip flopped thinking who was good and evil. If the albino man was the good character after all that then that's just sad..haha. Was Sophie the holy grail, or the tomb Tom Hanks "discovers" at the end? It was also quit long. Just when you thought it was over another twist pops up. It was an enjoyable night in that we were veiwing outside in a nice setting. Sitting in a movie theatre and paying $10.00 to see it might have been different.


My problem with THE DA VINCI CODE, among other things, was:

(1) Ron Howard coasting. He knew he could shoot with the flair of a polaroid camera and still make hundreds of millions of bucks. Power to him I guess, loss of power to us.

(2) I never liked the whole concept of the Catholic Church or Opus Dei or whoever the fuck it was, that tried to kill Hanks and the girl.

Beth, tell me this girl. If some guy with a bad mullet told you that Jesus was married and had a kid, and that descendent IS the Holy Grail.....what would you do?

You wouldn't believe it. In fact, I can tell you right now, that the vast majority of the Catholic faithful wouldn't believe it either. With their power in their faith, they would tell Hanks to bugger off.

In other words, why would the Church be worried? They can call Hanks and the woman a pair of lunatics...and the faithful would follow.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/21/07 10:02 PM

This is what I wrote when I saw The Da Vinci Code back in 2005 on the big screen:
Structurally, with its fragmented opening, complex, double-crossing plot and a hero in over his head, this vaguely resembles Marathon Man, the kind of intelligent thriller not made these days. That is not to say, however, that Howard's adaptation of a bestselling novel rejuvenates the mystery or thriller genre; it is fairer to say that it is, perhaps disappointingly, though certainly expectedly, a novel translated to moving images.

Anyway, meanwhile...

On Hitchcock's Juno and the Paycock:
Interestingly dull film, an exemplary embodiment of "filmed theatre", with only hints of cinematic uniqueness in the form of tracking shots into the action onto the family's son, to infer an obvious psychological distress (regarding violence on the streets). Moments of comic levity won't make the ending any less sombre (it's a real downbeat affair), and Hitchcock brings into question his Catholicism in the form of a family forced to question their own faith when things go from bad to worse and then plummet even further. A forgettable oddity but for the director's credit.

On Hitchcock's Lifeboat:
A fine, tautly-handled piece in similar vein to (though not as powerful as) 12 Angry Men, in its single setting, dialogue-heavy characterisation, and the way in which its characters discuss their differences of opinion regarding the Nazi. It is the Nazi, too, who lends the film its complexity; leading the boat away from the safety of Bermuda in one moment but saving the crew in the next, he remains an enigma to us as much as he does to the characters - and all the better for that, because the climax and the twist in all of their narrative arcs makes for strong irony. The murder, two thirds through, is shot in such matter-of-fact fashion that, in its harrowing brutality, puts it up there with the oven scene in Torn Curtain.

On Buñuel's The Milky Way:
An ambiguous, complex and often very funny film, very abstract in tone and one of his most visually rich works too, exploring Catholic doctrine and the heresies which oppose or reject it. The director's fascination with Catholicism (and his sophisticated knowledge of it) recalls Godard's obsession with Marxism, though whereas Godard hammered political points home by lifting directly from various literary sources, Buñuel's ultimate ambivalence towards his subject lends a powerfully open tone to proceedings, lifting straight from the Bible and invoking quotes into conversations not to reject anything, really, but to draw up all kinds of hypocrisies and contradictions. Funniest part: when Jesus goes to shave, and His mother tells Him He suits a beard, and therefore keeps His facial hair, along with His would-be iconic visual representation. Most revealing part: the final scene, in which Jesus cures two blind men, only for them to continue (it is suggested) to use their sticks and ears as if sightless.

On Buñuel's Tristana:
Buñuel was capable of the most subtle of storytelling methods, narrating time, as he did in The Milky Way, in an elusively dream-like fashion (characters have dreams, but the dreams are actually happening as realities elsewhere) and with a casual disregard for convention - Tristana leaves her guardian/lover in one scene, and we cut immediately to two years later with her back on the scene, an otherwise risky technique (for means of credibility) but a rewarding one in this case. Deneuve and Rey are excellent. Emotionally complex (who do we side on and when and why?), and very rewarding; whether it requires more patience than the likes of the more surreal Discreet Charm is down to personal taste. But even this, one of his most accessible films, is not for everyone.

On Buñuel's The Exterminating Angel:
The reasons why the guests are unable or unwilling to leave - and indeed why outsiders are unable or unwilling to enter - are never given, and the entire narrative comprises these suit-clad guests becoming increasingly distraut, thirsty, ill and sexually frustrated, restricted to one room in an entire mansion, in the empty halls of which three sheep and one bear also lurk. Buñuel hated psychoanalytical readings of films and professed at the time of this that it didn't mean anything in particular, but even so, the inclusion of a similar escapade at a church in the final moments brings a knowing smile to familar fans' faces. Shot in harsh black and white, it is an absurd inviting allegory on the fall of Man if nothing else.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/07 05:06 AM

YOUTH OF THE BEAST
(First Viewing)

Joe Shishido plays a tough guy with a secret agenda. His violent behavior comes to the attention of a yakuza boss who immediately recruits him. He soon tries to make a deal with a rival gang a starts a gang war. His real motivations are gradually revealed as we find out how this all ties in with the murder of a policeman shown at the beginning of the film.

I was really hoping to enjoy this picture with it being a gangster film, but typical Seijun Suzuki. I don't understand why the man gets so much play from Criterion? Other than Kurosawa, Ozu or Suzuki are probably the 2 most popular Japanese directors on Criterions list. I think this may be the last film of his I have to watch. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the man or his work, but everything has seemed so bland to me (it never impressed me).
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/22/07 10:42 PM

From here to eternity. *****

Excellent movie. I'm glad I finally got around to seeing it. That Mary really is quite a ho...I mean Lorene.

Montgomery Clift...Yowyza! 'Nuff said there. \:\) Too bad he was gay.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 12:17 AM

I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY 1/2
(First Viewing)

Two straight, single Brooklyn firefighters (Sandler, James) pretend to be a gay couple in order to receive domestic partner benefits.

Glad to see Adam Sandler back in one of his better comedies in recent years. It's probably his best work since 2003's ANGER MANAGEMENT. Adam and Kevin James worked really well together. I'm not sure of their relationship offscreen but on, they genuinely seemed like best friends, which was needed for this film to be successful. I've said it time and time again, I love how Sandler uses his same cast of friends: Steve Buscemi, Allen Covert, Peter Dante, etc.
Warning, Spoiler:
I also couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Dave Matthews in this as a gay man
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 12:31 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Warning, Spoiler:
I also couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Dave Matthews in this as a gay man


Yeah, that's actually the only reason I plan to go see it. My friend is a big fan, he's been hounding me to go see it with him for that very cameo.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 12:46 AM

I'm a huge fan of his too but I had to do a doubletake because I didn't know he was going to be in it
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 03:57 AM

I just watched this fuckin weird movie called Holy Smoke.

It has Kate Winslet and Harvey Kietal(sp)

Its actually set in the outback of Australia.

Kate winslet is seduced by Kietal and she becomes his sought of sex slave.

It's a weird film with pissing on her self scenes, weird sex scenes and Kietal running around the outback in a fucking dress at one point.

Weird.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 06:42 PM

Le Samourai **
A french movie about a contract killer and his ethics. An interesting and tense drama that has shades of Hitchcock, Coppola's Conversation and French Connection. That is just a lazy way to describe it, as it obviously does not draw inspiration from the latter mentioned movies. Nice music and use of colors. However, its attempts to draw a parallel with a Samurai's ethics is very weak and ultimately the low point of the movie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 06:47 PM

Million Dollar Baby **

An undergog story with a tragic ending. You don't see that combination very often. If you take those two apart, each of them follows a predictable arc. But that is not the case and as a result, the end product is quite effective. Hillary Swank's acting is excellent.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 07:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Le Samourai **
A french movie about a contract killer and his ethics. An interesting and tense drama that has shades of Hitchcock, Coppola's Conversation and French Connection. That is just a lazy way to describe it, as it obviously does not draw inspiration from the latter mentioned movies. Nice music and use of colors. However, its attempts to draw a parallel with a Samurai's ethics is very weak and ultimately the low point of the movie.


I agree. I remember when Don Vercetti used to roam these parts I believe this was his favorite movie. I've only seen it once and while I remember liking it, it wasn't that impressive. I think I'm due for another visit however
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 07:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: whisper the don from down under
Its actually set in the outback of Australia.

It's a weird film with pissing on her self scenes, weird sex scenes and Kietal running around the outback in a fucking dress at one point.


Sounds like a saturday night in Melbourne. \:p
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/23/07 08:00 PM

It's a tad toned down for the big screen, though. True Australians cut themselves in the midst of sex. Ever watch an Australian porno? You'll never see so much flesh, blood, and bodily fluid in your life.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/07 08:28 AM

svsg, how come Le samourai disappoints, Million Dollar Baby impresses, but they're both reduced to the same star score?

And in relation to that question, how much do people grade a movie based on how well it fit their expectations? I know Irish, for one, does so a lot; and I don't think anybody outright doesn't.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/07 03:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
svsg, how come Le samourai disappoints, Million Dollar Baby impresses, but they're both reduced to the same star score?

And in relation to that question, how much do people grade a movie based on how well it fit their expectations? I know Irish, for one, does so a lot; and I don't think anybody outright doesn't.


I went back re-read my reviews and they do convey information somewhat different from what I feel. I liked Le Samourai better than MDB. Asked for a revisit, I will definitely choose Le Samourai over MDB. But it is nowhere as impressive as I expected it to be. You were right on that. The two stars reflect the expectations as well. I had none at all for MDB.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/07 05:50 PM

Ok for all of you movie buffs. I have a question. Several times now, I have seen "The Bourne Identity" with Matt Damon. It always is on very late and I can never stay up to finish it. \:p I was really into it and would love to see it in it's entirety. I keep saying I'm gonna rent it one day but haven't yet.

Anyway I didn't realize there was a 3rd Bourne film coming out Bourne Supremecy I think). Can't say I was ever a Matt Damon fan, and I can only speak for the first one but I really liked it. Anyone else have any opinion on this series of films.

Thanks

TIS
Posted By: M.M. Floors

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/07 05:56 PM

Bourne Identity is followed by Supremacy and 3rd movie Ultimatum.

I don't like the movies. The action is fun, but otherwise the movie doesn't pull me in. I've more like: 'oh well, finally the movie is over'. They stretched the movie to long. 1 or maybe 2 was good enough.

But...they still have many people who like it, thus the sequel will be made....so here it is: Bourne Ultimatum.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/07 06:01 PM

Thanks MM. I know the movie is very long which is why I never get to finish it. It did draw me in though and hopefully I'll be able to finish it one day.

Btw MM Floors. It's so nice to see you back. \:\) If I remember correctly you were in the military no????? How are you? I hope all is well.


TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/07 06:09 PM

*grafiti scrawled in NYC Subway*

MM Floors LIVES!

Anyway TIS, THE BOURNE IDENTITY is a pretty good action-ticket, but the sequel is superior, and probably easier to watch.

If the first film is a mystery-thriller, the sequel is a revenge-thriller shot by a much-better director.

(NOTE: SUPREMACY has some sub-plot about baddie Russians and their Oil grants, but don't concentrate on it too much. Just flow with the movie.)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/07 06:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: M.M. Floors
I don't like the movies. The action is fun, but otherwise the movie doesn't pull me in. I've more like: 'oh well, finally the movie is over'. They stretched the movie to long. 1 or maybe 2 was good enough.


I agree. I always found the movies overrated, particularly by a few fellow Blockbuster workers of mine. They're alright but I wouldn't run out to see them. You could do much better.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/24/07 07:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: M.M. Floors
I don't like the movies. The action is fun, but otherwise the movie doesn't pull me in. I've more like: 'oh well, finally the movie is over'. They stretched the movie to long. 1 or maybe 2 was good enough.


I agree. I always found the movies overrated, particularly by a few fellow Blockbuster workers of mine. They're alright but I wouldn't run out to see them. You could do much better.


Like FANTASTIC FOUR 2?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/26/07 05:44 AM

ZODIAC
(Second Viewing)

A serial killer in the San Francisco Bay Area taunts police with his letters and cryptic messages. We follow the investigators and reporters in this lightly fictionalized account of the true 1970's case as they search for the murderer, becoming obsessed with the case. Based on Robert Graysmith's book, the movie's focus is the lives and careers of the detectives and newspaper people.

A great investigation and look into the many different suspects of the Zodiac killer. Jake Gyllenhaal, Anthony Edwards, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo (yes, romantic comedy "superstar" Mark Ruffalo) were all enjoyable. I'm really happy to see Robert Downey Jr. kicking a$$ onscreen. This movie just makes me wanna see next year's IRON MAN film even more now. As for Mr. Fincher, I'd rank this as my third favorite film of his behind FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 02:06 PM

Zodiac is a knockout. Just thinking about it gets me excited. I think Fincher is one of the most promising directors currently working; he seems fully aware of existing film technologies, visual grammar and the possibilities of CGI and digital. It's definitely the best film of the year so far.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 02:21 PM

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE 1/2
(First Viewing)

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

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

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 05:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE SIMPSONS MOVIE 1/2
(First Viewing)

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

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


I'm seeing it today.

Harry Plopper!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 07:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
if you're a fan of the show, I'd say it's your duty to see it on the big screen.

I have never seen any episode of this show. Will it make any sense to me if I watch the movie or is it only for the regular viewers of the show?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 07:46 PM

I'm seeing Chuck and Larry... tonight.

I BETTER not be disappointed, Irish.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 09:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I'm seeing Chuck and Larry... tonight.

I BETTER not be disappointed, Irish.


A Lesbian friend of mine was insulted by it and called it "Gayface" comedy.

Then again, when was the last time Adam Sandler being a horndug of a retard actually played for the joke?*

*=WATERBOY
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 09:24 PM

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE (2007) - ***1/2

"The movie is funny, sassy and intelligent in that moronic Simpsons' way." - Roger Ebert

Remember my suspicions with EMPIRE Magazine that Paragon of Virtue probed me about?

No? Nevermind.

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE might very well be the most all-around enjoyable movie out of the expected-blockbuster pictures of this summer. If anything, this might be the first since those vaunted Golden Era of Seasons 3 through 8 where I actually laughed at a SIMPSONS joke.

So as a fan of way back in the day during its legendary prime-time top TV run in smarts and cracks, I am very pleased. People hate the stupid jokes, but SIMPSONS always mixed its intelligent gags with their stupid jokes but it works.

Take a favorite that Conan O'Brien* penned, "Marge vs the Monorail." Inbetween all that stuff about the town being swindled by a naughty contractor, you had Homey name the Possums that have nested in his new monorail-conducting job: "I named the big one Bitey!"

If anything, the movie "works" just because the best of the SIMPSONS scripters of the past were brought back into the fold, and they actually seemed to have tried taking time to make decent jokes (instead of this assembly-line process of blandness we've had for at least 10 years with the TV series) and we're rewarded. Truely guys like John Schwartzwelder (who probably wrote the ITCHY & SCRATCHY toon that started this film) never should have left, or been kicked out of, THE SIMPSONS.**

The crowd laughing at Itchy stabbing Scratchy with a flagpole convinced me early on that this will be a winner, and will own this weekend at the box-office at least. Who knows, with its good-laugh time, the show's global fandom, and the movie's short running time....it might challenge SPIDER-MAN 3, HARRY POTTER, PIRATES 3, SHREK 3, and TRANSFORMERS for the summer box-office belt. It just might.

You know what interests me though? I remembered all the rumored-plots of the movie over the years, but the one thing that carried over from first hearing about it 8 years ago to today is this: There was always a plan to permanently kill off a character in the film....and they carried through with it.***

*=Conan O'Brien had shot/voiced a cameo for the movie, but he was cut out. Pity.

**=Hey SIMPSONS TV writing staff, I know Schwartzwelder has anti-authoritarian views compared to your head writers' leftist views, but he's the man and YOU ARE NOT! Hire him back.

***=I won't say exactly who, but Springfield will miss its best botch-doctor in town!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 09:25 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Zodiac is a knockout. Just thinking about it gets me excited. I think Fincher is one of the most promising directors currently working; he seems fully aware of existing film technologies, visual grammar and the possibilities of CGI and digital. It's definitely the best film of the year so far.


promising?

Fincher is one of the MASTERS of this era in cinema. ZODIAC is Fincher officially fisting without consent against the naysayers.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 09:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
if you're a fan of the show, I'd say it's your duty to see it on the big screen.

I have never seen any episode of this show. Will it make any sense to me if I watch the movie or is it only for the regular viewers of the show?


I think it'll work, because the SIMPSONS fans I went to see it with today were satisfied.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 10:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Zodiac is a knockout. Just thinking about it gets me excited. I think Fincher is one of the most promising directors currently working;


I think Fincher ceased to be promising with Zodiac which is when he made the leap from promising talent who made very good or great movies to one of the best in the world.

I can see Ronnie calling him a master as Fincher has a very good case, but to me master is the best of the best and he's not there yet. He very well someday belong in that upper echelon. Just my opinion.

 Quote:
he seems fully aware of existing film technologies, visual grammar and the possibilities of CGI and digital.


I'm all for the collaborative nature of filmmaking so it's prudent to bring up the brilliant cinematographers Fincher has worked with so far:

Conrad Hall - in the company of the best of the best; the likes of Nykvist, Storaro, Willis, Toland, etcetera.

Darius Khondji - one of the most influential recent DPs

Harris Savides - one of the best contemporary ones

Cronenweth - very talented
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/27/07 11:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Zodiac is a knockout. Just thinking about it gets me excited. I think Fincher is one of the most promising directors currently working;


I think Fincher ceased to be promising with Zodiac which is when he made the leap from promising talent who made very good or great movies to one of the best in the world.

I can see Ronnie calling him a master as Fincher has a very good case, but to me master is the best of the best and he's not there yet. He very well someday belong in that upper echelon. Just my opinion.

 Quote:
he seems fully aware of existing film technologies, visual grammar and the possibilities of CGI and digital.


I'm all for the collaborative nature of filmmaking so it's prudent to bring up the brilliant cinematographers Fincher has worked with so far:

Conrad Hall - in the company of the best of the best; the likes of Nykvist, Storaro, Willis, Toland, etcetera.

Darius Khondji - one of the most influential recent DPs

Harris Savides - one of the best contemporary ones

Cronenweth - very talented


I have to say, not many people would bring up that point about the DPs.

You sir know your film.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 04:35 AM

I feel like I'm the only person in the world who hates Zodiac.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 04:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
I feel like I'm the only person in the world who hates Zodiac.


Thank God.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 04:53 AM

I also feel like I'm the only person in the world who hates Amelie.

And Boogie Nights.

And Goodfellas.

I just need one person to agree with me, then maybe I can have my sanity back.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 06:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
I also feel like I'm the only person in the world who hates Amelie.

And Boogie Nights.

And Goodfellas.

I just need one person to agree with me, then maybe I can have my sanity back.


I've never even heard of "Amelie", so just for the heck of it. I hate it too.

Happy? Now quit being such a hater! Goodfellas rules... Jerk.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 09:07 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I'm seeing Chuck and Larry... tonight.

I BETTER not be disappointed, Irish.


A Lesbian friend of mine was insulted by it and called it "Gayface" comedy.

Then again, when was the last time Adam Sandler being a horndug of a retard actually played for the joke?*

*=WATERBOY


It was hysterical. Kevin James was funnier than Sandler.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 01:47 PM

 Quote:
Harris Savides - one of the best contemporary ones
Agreed, and he's very outspoken, too; he's a good man to have around, I suppose, in times of complicated technological transition.

 Quote:
I feel like I'm the only person in the world who hates Zodiac.
What I don't understand, though, is that your hating it is the only criticism you've had of it. "I hate it" isn't a criticism, it's a response. A perfectly valid response, but only with further elaboration. I've praised the film for several things, now, and you've not really countered them.

You hate it despite its rich visual textures, the fact that it looks like film when it isn't, it's unconventional narrative, its expert editing, its thematic infrastructure...
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 05:26 PM

I've already explained why I don't like it multiple times Crapo. You simply stating reasons why you did like it doesn't make my reasons any less valid.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 06:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
I've already explained why I don't like it multiple times Crapo. You simply stating reasons why you did like it doesn't make my reasons any less valid.


I think what "Crapo" ( ) was saying, and it went right over your head, is that you haven't given any reasons why you hate it.

Please tell us your reasons. Nobody is saying your reasons for hating the movie aren't valid, we just want to hear your reasons.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 06:59 PM

They're in the shoutbox.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 07:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
They're in the shoutbox.


Well that doesn't help out me or anyone else who signs on later. I don't want to scroll up through the shout box and hope it is still there. Oh well. Don't worry about it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 07:35 PM

Okay, because the shoutbox is (rightfully) inadequate for such lengthy discussion, I'll continue it here...

 Originally Posted By: DVC
I've already explained why I don't like it multiple times Crapo. You simply stating reasons why you did like it doesn't make my reasons any less valid.
You've repeated your initial response to it several times, yes, but you've not said anything new in response to the film since I've praised it.

This is what you wrote about Zodiac a while ago, and repeated just now in the Shout Box:

 Originally Posted By: DVC
It's an incredibly dull, lifeless film that spends way too much time hammering out the details of an unsolved case that has no effect on my life, or anybody else's for that matter. There is far too much dialogue, and there isn't a single scene in the film I found interesting. The only thing that kept going through my head the entire second half of the film was "I DON'T CARE, I DON'T CARE, I DON'T CARE, I DON'T CARE." I hated the ending too. I can't think of anything lazier than ending a film with text, explaining to the viewer what happened to each character. And what's worse is, Fincher didn't really do anything before the ending to make me care about any of the characters.
But you wrote that before I ever said any praise for the film; since then, that's all that you've responded with. You've not gone to any "yeah, but" counterpoint, you've just thrown the same thing back into my face. Repeating a point doesn't make it more valid, either.

What your saying is similar to me replying to that quote above with nothing but the words "MASTERPIECE! MASTERPIECE!"

Furhermore, on FCM you actually said to somebody "Please don't [see the film]". What's all that about?

But I don't want to sound like a bully, here. I can't stand it when people try to push other people's opinions into corners; I know you like watching films, and I'm trying (if you'll indulge me) to fetch out the best of you, to bring yourself, if you like, closer to knowing your own tastes, by means of seeing what works and what doesn't work, and why that is. Does that make me pretentious? Possibly, but take it as a compliment that I even care enough to post all of this.

Keep in mind that Zodiac is not only a serial killer film. It's a film about information, about technologies, about communication. A large portion of the film comprises the to-and-fro between the Zodiac and the newspaper to whom he's writing - and writing, initially, in code. The film is dialogue heavy, you're right, but it's in line with being visual-heavy, too - Fincher lays text over imagery and does all sorts of things with CGI to invoke an environment fuelled by the acquiring and publication of information. There's a scene in the film where two police departments in two different cities communicate via telephone, and one cop wants to fax another cop the code Zodiac has sent them, and guess what, the other cop says they don't have a fax machine yet. It's a film all to do with transitions in technology, I think, during the sixties and seventies, and how a society can live in fear because of a lack of technology - very self-reflexively, it's a film in turn made at a time, in real life, when we're obsessed with watching the news, acquiring information, keeping in touch with "reality". It's also based on a book by one of the characters in the film, and that book is published during the film (at one point he says, "I'm thinking of writing a book about all of this"), and the book's a bestseller in an airport, seen in an establishing shot where the protagonist is travelling across the country via plane - times change, there's no pussy-footing around on the phone anymore. It's very clever, I think; visually, it looks like a film shot in the seventies, only it's made with digital technology... because Cinema itself is a medium in transition right now, and the digitial capabilities are finally being explored further in recent years.

To be honest, the most important point I thought should be at least considered in your reply above, was this, what I wrote:

 Originally Posted By: me
You hate it despite its rich visual textures, the fact that it looks like film when it isn't, it's unconventional narrative, its expert editing, its thematic infrastructure...


I realise you're prone to hyperbole, though: if you confessed to indifference due to subject matter, I could perhaps let you off. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 07:56 PM

Capo, you are so right about ZODIAC that no one else could possibly write a better analysis of the film.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/28/07 08:13 PM

No kidding. You've inspired me to go rent it tonight. Hopefully there is a copy left for me at Blockbuster.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 12:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC


"Hud". He's a real bastard in it and Patricia Neal was wonderful.



TCM is playing this now. I don't know, Paul Newman as a bastard is still quite lovable. \:\) I've got a hunch what I think is the cause of the rift between his father and him. I'll have to see if I'm right.

My favorite line so far. "You still got that itch? Let me know if I can take care of it".
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 01:19 AM

I knew Hud got drunk and drove and caused his brother's death. As soon as his father gave him a look when he was going out with his nephew, then gave him the keys, I figured that's what happened.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 01:44 AM

I knew a woman once called Spoiler Spoilersson! \:p
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 01:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
TCM is playing this now. I don't know, Paul Newman as a bastard is still quite lovable.


So... what'd you think of it??
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 01:59 AM

I thought it was very riveting. It was sad when they had to kill all the cattle. I kind of thought he and Patricia Neal would actually get together. I didn't suspect he'd try to rape her. I guess that's where the bastard part of him comes in.

It was kind of ironic. At the end all he had was his own bitterness, alone in an empty house.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 02:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I knew a woman once called Spoiler Spoilersson! \:p


Since when does a 44 year old movie need a spoiler.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 02:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
IIt was kind of ironic. At the end all he had was his own bitterness, alone in an empty house.


A fitting ending.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 02:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I knew a woman once called Spoiler Spoilersson! \:p


Since when does a 44 year old movie need a spoiler.
Well, to be honest, since the fact that I haven't seen it. What's the cut-off time for spoilers?
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 06:15 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I realise you're prone to hyperbole, though: if you confessed to indifference due to subject matter, I could perhaps let you off. \:p


Isn't that basically what I said in the first place?
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 08:34 AM

I should stop watching movies just because IMDb database recommends them based on a certain movie I've liked.

I watched Notebook yesterday and this chick didn't like this flick. If it is cliché, don't make it predictable; and even if you do, try maintaining a little chemistry. \:\/
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 08:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: afsaneh77
I watched Notebook yesterday and this chick didn't like this flick. If it is cliché, don't make it predictable; and even if you do, try maintaining a little chemistry.


You mean the "Notebook" with James Garner???

I loved the story.
Posted By: afsaneh77

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 08:47 AM

Well, James Garner and Gena Rowlands despite the memory issues had more chemistry than the young couple. The story might have been fabulous as a book, but this movie did not do it any justice.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 03:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: DonVitoCorleone
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I realise you're prone to hyperbole, though: if you confessed to indifference due to subject matter, I could perhaps let you off. \:p


Isn't that basically what I said in the first place?
Well, no. You said you hated it, that it had no relevance to anybody's life and chose not to admit praise for its aesthetic or technical value... in fact, forget "value", and replace it with innovation. You even said to a fellow film fan "Please don't [see this film]."
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 05:24 PM

We've already had this discussion Capo. I'm repeating myself all over again.

I never said the film doesn't have any relevance to anyone's life, I'm speaking specifically about the case. Fincher did nothing to make it interesting to me. "Aesthetic and technical value and/or innovation." Fine. Maybe the film has technical and aesthetic value to you, but not me. Nothing grasped me. And technical or aesthetic innovation doesn't automatically translate into greatness. I mean, the whole fucking idea of liking a film is all based on your emotional reaction to it while you're watching it. The rest comes later.

I don't know why you keep posting, you're not going to convince me to change my mind about the film, and you're not going to convince me to watch it again. I didn't like it. At all. I hated it. Nothing's going to change that, so why bother trying to convince me otherwise?

You're coming off as extremely unlikeable right now.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 05:39 PM

I suppose I am trying to convince you of the film's greatness, yes, but only by means of exposing the severe inadequacies of your argument. And the inadequacies I speak of are the telling other film fans not to see it, and ignoring the film's originality, lovely imagery and other stuff besides its story.

 Quote:
You're coming off as extremely unlikeable right now.
I'd rather be unlikeable "right now" than all the time. \:p

Oh well. I think it's a pity that you're overlooking that Fincher is using existing technologies in a way that have not been used before. Liking a film stems from the persistent enjoyment of it whilst watching, I agree. I'm just curious as to why you're not excited, whilst watching it, by the knowledge that Fincher is doing things which haven't been done before. It seems you took the premise and details of the case, magnified your indifference to them by the fact that it is in the end unsolved, and then switched off entirely, deciding to ignore technical, aesthetic and technological factors.

And to be fair and honest, DVC, you did say the case if not the film had no relevance to "[your] life or anybody else's". How you can account for others' tastes is beyond comprehension. And for the record, at the time, the case was relevant to the entire Californian region under terror, the killer himself, the investigators, the journalists covering it, and in turn the makers of the film, and then in turn again the viewers of the film. That's a lot of people that the case is relevant to, really.

 Quote:
Maybe the film has technical and aesthetic value to you, but not me.
So you didn't like its use of CGI, visual texture, cinematography, editing and the digital process involved in making it? If your answer is a simple NO, then fine... But I shall forever remain curious.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 08:40 PM

When I told Omar (right?) not to see it, I didn't actually mean it. I want to everybody to see every film ever made, ever. In fact, I'm glad I saw Zodiac. I was just emphasizing my hatred for the film by saying that.

 Quote:
So you didn't like its use of CGI, visual texture, cinematography, editing and the digital process involved in making it?


No.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/29/07 11:15 PM

GRAY MATTERS
(First Viewing)

Gray and Sam are brother and sister and best friends, flatmates in New York City, where she creates ad campaigns and he's a surgery intern. Their social life is too insular, so they head to a dog park so Sam can, maybe, meet a woman. He does - Charlie - a zoologist new in the city; he likes her immediately, and the feeling seems mutual. As the three of them spend time together, what if Gray's feelings for Charlie aren't just sisterly? Not only might this explain her solitary life, but it could lead to real dilemmas - with Charlie (who's sweet, but a bit opaque) and with Sam. No advice comes from Gray's therapist, but a co-worker and a cab driver give theirs. Can Gray sort things out?

I hope writer/director Sue Kramer never gets another movie to work on again. This was very bad in terms of the script and some of the acting. The jokes were just bad and not hardly funny at all. Thomas Cavanagh seemed like he was downing cans of Red Bull in between every take. Whether or not his character was supposed to be so hyper or if it's just his nature, it definitely took away from the film. Bridget Moynahan on the other hand, where has she gone? I, ROBOT made a little noise but her best film I think was staring alongside Nicholas Cage in LORD OF WAR. Before and since then it's been nonexistent and the streak, unfortunately, seems to continue. And remember the chick from LICENSE TO DRIVE and AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME and FROM HELL? What was her name again? Oh yes, Heather Graham. My how the mighty have fallen! I just hope her check for this film was worth the pile of sh*t which was the end result of this project.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 12:57 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: afsaneh77
I watched Notebook yesterday and this chick didn't like this flick. If it is cliché, don't make it predictable; and even if you do, try maintaining a little chemistry.


You mean the "Notebook" with James Garner???

I loved the story.


Or she could have meant the more recent movie, "The Notebook".

http://www.thenotebookmovie.com/
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 01:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
Or she could have meant the more recent movie, "The Notebook".

http://www.thenotebookmovie.com/


Same movie, Beth.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 02:06 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
GAY MATTERS


A-heh-heh-heh...

Yeah, that's what I read while quickly scrolling down the page. I apologize for my immaturity.

Actually, no, I don't. Immaturity rules. Anyone who disagrees is just fat. And not like, "Nukka, youse is PHAT," but like, "Fuck dude, you're fat."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 02:40 PM

THE NUMBER 23 1/2
(First Viewing)

Walter Sparrow becomes obsessed with a novel that he believes was written about him. As his obsession increases, more and more similarities seem to arise.
I had previously heard this movie was pretty bad but others said it was pretty good. I agree with the former. The story is rather ludicrous about a "killing" number. And in addition to that, there wasn't much of a shock value to the ending. I'm not saying every film has to have shock value to enhance it, but when it's a kind of a "who's-done-it" movie, sometype of twist is appreciated, rather than just saying 'meh' when the entire story is finally revealed. Finally, some of the CGI is shoty and as I've said again and again, CGI should only be used to enhance the film. I hate it when directors use it just to use it because it's available or they think it'll look cool. Instead, it takes away from the film and looks cheap.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 09:30 PM

Spiderman 3 *
I really really liked all the characters in the movie except Spiderman His character is totally annoying. I had seen the first two parts and really liked them for making the super hero human with all the weaknessnes and problems. But this time, it is not any of that. It is not even about the evil side taking over etc. He is a plain arrogant, indifferent jerk now that you cannot sympathise with. All the villians are infact likeable. Excellent performances overall. Plus Toby Maguire has put on a lot of weight overall, making him look bad. Nothing exceptional special effects wise. I am sure this is not the end of the series. Hopefully the next spidey sequel will be better.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 09:33 PM

I wasn't crazy about the ending.

Warning, Spoiler:
Sandman walking off into the sunset like a tortured anti-hero.

And Mary Jane is becoming a bit of a boozy slut if you ask me.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 09:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I wasn't crazy about the ending.

Warning, Spoiler:
Sandman walking off into the sunset like a tortured anti-hero.

And Mary Jane is becoming a bit of a boozy slut if you ask me.

I have never read the comics, so this may sound stupid. Are all these villians from the comics or are they created for the movie? And what about the endings? These are following something in the comics?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 09:41 PM

When Don Cardi gets back, I'm sure he'll be happy to fill you in. He's the resident Spider-Man aficionado.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/30/07 09:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I wasn't crazy about the ending.

Warning, Spoiler:
Sandman walking off into the sunset like a tortured anti-hero.

And Mary Jane is becoming a bit of a boozy slut if you ask me.


Becoming? Wasn't she always? Oh wait, that's Kirsten Dunst.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/07 12:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I have to say, not many people would bring up that point about the DPs.

You sir know your film.


Sadly, a majority of moviegoers (of all types) know of and acknowledge the importance of actors, directors, and screenwriters. Sadly, DPs get overlooked.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/07 05:24 AM

Zabriskie Point (Antonioni; 1970) ****

Another masterpiece from Antonioni. Although the dialogue in the film was corny at times, and the acting silted, I loved the anti-establishment aspect, the beautiful scenery, and the camera movements which Antonioni seems to have down to a science. The final scene is one of the most powerful, satisfying things I have ever witnessed. I can't wait to watch this again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 07/31/07 01:16 PM

A STORY OF FLOATING WEEDS 1/2
(First Viewing)

A melodrama about a traveling actor and his son, who thinks he (the actor) is his (the son's) uncle. When "Uncle" comes to visit with his struggling acting troupe, the 20-year-old son falls in love with one of the actresses under the uncle, which causes a lot of drama as actors are very low class in the Japanese society of the time and the father left his son specifically to keep him away from such a low-class situation.

Even though I'm not a fan of silent films, this really impressed me. First of all, the score was absoultely amazing. It terms of silent films, I think the music is just as important as the dialogue because in a sense, it is the dialogue. It helps make the audience understand what the characters are feeling by the tone. Secondly, you can really learn a lot by the body language of characters in silent films. I think today as a society, we are constantly bombarded with words from fellow workers, advertisements, news outlets, etc. This film seemed to be taking place during a simpler time when this was, fortunately, not the case.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 12:39 AM

WOMEN'S CAMP 119
(First Viewing)

A prisoner (Lorraine De Salle) is forced to serve as a doctor's assistant, giving her a front row seat for the horrible goings-on. There's the experiment to revive Nazi soldiers who have frozen to death by having nude women rub their bodies all over the corpse (that one works), and the experiment tries to "cure" homosexual men by having nude women dance for them. This is only some of the horrors that are going on there.

I haven't seen ILSA, SHE WOLF OF THE SS yet but if it's anything like this film, sign me up. This is the first from the GRINDHOUSE EXPERIENCE 20 FILM SET that I bought last week. We all know I'm a sucker for these types of films and this one wasn't any different. There was a brief 10-20 minute period were some captives escaped and they were chasing after them, but other than that the film was a pleasant surprise.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 04:22 AM

FLOATING WEEDS 1/2
(First Viewing)

A troupe of travelling players arrive at a small seaport in the south of Japan. Komajuro Arashi, the aging master of the troupe, goes to visit his old flame Oyoshi and their son Kiyoshi, even though Kiyoshi believes Komajuro is his uncle. The leading actress Sumiko is jealous and so, in order to humiliate the master, persuades the younger actress Kayo to seduce Kiyoshi.

I really have a newfound respect for director Yasujiro Ozu. This is the first and only time that I am aware of, where a director made a movie and later (25 years to be exact) remade the same movie. We're all familiar with other directors remaking classic films, but again, I've never seen a director remake his own work. It'd be like Martin Scorsese remaking AFTER HOURS or Robert Zemeckis remaking BACK TO THE FUTURE. And what I respect most about Ozu is he basically makes the same story but in ways, improves upon it as well. Basically the man had a second chance to make one of his films better and he succeeded. What a delightfully rare treat for a director. For any other fans of Japanese cinema (svsg and Capo most notably), I would highly suggest watching both A STORY OF FLOATING WEEDS followed by FLOATING WEEDS.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 06:06 AM

Persona (Bergman; 1966) ****

Visually stunning, deeply ambiguous, and wonderfully allegorical study of the human psyche. Bergman explores multiple themes of human relations and individual existence here, including the differences that lie between our internal and extrernal personae (thus, the title of the film), and our ability to know and reflect upon other human beings; two themes that have interested me for as long as I can remember. The film's form adds to this; there are multiple scenes where a still camera simply films a character (usually Alma) speaking, which is perhaps Bergman showing his internal persona, while there are also multiple scenes where Bergman abandons any type of dialogue/monologue in favor of a series of haunting, but seemingly meaningless images, which is perhaps Bergman's external persona showing through. Every scene in this film oozes with provocativeness, and a lot of the images Bergman creates will linger in my mind for quite some time. Incredible, incredible, incredible film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 03:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FLOATING WEEDS 1/2
(First Viewing)

For any other fans of Japanese cinema (svsg and Capo most notably), I would highly suggest watching both A STORY OF FLOATING WEEDS followed by FLOATING WEEDS.

Thanks for the reco, I12 \:\)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 03:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman
This is the first and only time that I am aware of, where a director made a movie and later (25 years to be exact) remade the same movie.
Hitchcock made The Man Who Knew Too Much in 1934, and then again in 1955, with a different studio, bigger budget and James Stewart and Doris Day in the leads. Michael Haneke's currently remaking his own Funny Games (1997) with Naomi Watts, too.

I'm woefully unfamiliar with Ozu.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 04:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FLOATING WEEDS 1/2
(First Viewing)

For any other fans of Japanese cinema (svsg and Capo most notably), I would highly suggest watching both A STORY OF FLOATING WEEDS followed by FLOATING WEEDS.

Thanks for the reco, I12 \:\)


Good deal. Let me know what you think please
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 04:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman
This is the first and only time that I am aware of, where a director made a movie and later (25 years to be exact) remade the same movie.
Hitchcock made The Man Who Knew Too Much in 1934, and then again in 1955, with a different studio, bigger budget and James Stewart and Doris Day in the leads. Michael Haneke's currently remaking his own Funny Games (1997) with Naomi Watts, too.


You learn something new everyday. Are those the only directors you know of that have remade their own work?

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
[I'm woefully unfamiliar with Ozu.


Whoa! \:o No TOKYO STORY, LATE SPRING, EARLY SUMMER, etc? Ozu is my second favorite Japanese director behind Kurosawa.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 06:34 PM

Swordfish *
There is a scene where Halle Berry appears topless. There is another scene where a chopper lifts a bus full of hostages and they fly all over the buildings sitting inside the bus. In another scene, a hostage explodes and causes shockwaves to travel wide and far destroying policemen and their cars.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 08:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Swordfish *
There is a scene where Halle Berry appears topless. There is another scene where a chopper lifts a bus full of hostages and they fly all over the buildings sitting inside the bus. In another scene, a hostage explodes and causes shockwaves to travel wide and far destroying policemen and their cars.


I take it you thought it sucked too................like me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 08:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman
This is the first and only time that I am aware of, where a director made a movie and later (25 years to be exact) remade the same movie.
Hitchcock made The Man Who Knew Too Much in 1934, and then again in 1955, with a different studio, bigger budget and James Stewart and Doris Day in the leads. Michael Haneke's currently remaking his own Funny Games (1997) with Naomi Watts, too.

I'm woefully unfamiliar with Ozu.


And Spielberg has had the urge to remake SUGARLAND EXPRESS.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/01/07 09:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

I take it you thought it sucked too................like me.

Right!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/07 01:01 AM

TORTURED ANGELS 1/2
(First Viewing)

A sleazy doctor is having an affair with both the star's mother and sister, even though the mother is married and the father is bed ridden due to illness. The woman is sent to a female correctional institution. The sleazy doctor gets the woman's sister pregnant but wants the sister to get an abortion. Instead, the sister commits suicide. The woman vows revenge on the doctor. She escapes from prison with another Asian woman and a "black" woman and goes gunning for the doctor. Meanwhile, the authorities are hunting for the women.

Wow, I can't believe an Asian women's prison movie and the only flesh shown is 1 a$$ shot. What is the world coming to? In all seriousness, this film turned into quite an enjoyable revenge movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/02/07 04:20 AM

RAW FORCE
(First Viewing)

A group of martial arts students are en route to an island that supposedly is home to the ghosts of martial artists who have lost their honor. A Hitler lookalike and his gang are running a female slavery operation on the island as well. Soon, the two groups meet and all sorts of crazy things happen which include cannibal monks, piranhas, zombies, and more!

I think the slow motion was a nice touch for the zombies as it added to their freighting appearance. I haven't seen ZOMBI 2 yet but this seems to be right up there with this like WOMEN'S CAMP 119 is reminiscent of ILSA, SHE WOLF OF THE SS. And I'm not sure how many other people know this but director Edward D. Murphy was in Martin Scorsese's GOODFELLAS. Yup, he was Liquor Cop #1.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 12:10 AM

SAVAGE MAN/SAVAGE BEAST 1/2
(First Viewing)

Here's a National Geographic style documentary that's alternately exploitive and informative. The film presents a wide variety of ways that humans interact with nature. It depicts the actual footage of a careless man (Pit Dernitz) leaving the safety of his car to film lions close up and ends up being their dinner. Other highlights include natives humping the ground in hopes of bringing life to the land, various big game hunting and last but not least naked hippies.

One of, if not THE worst documentary I've ever seen. Yes I should have seen it coming being that it is a grind house film, but still. This documentary was sick, brutal and even torturous at times. I feel the directors tried too hard to pull examples to support their 'hunting instincts claim' and failed. As you can probably tell I was offended by the material and will probably never watch this again. Count me out for the CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 02:46 AM

1) I just saw "Sicko" and really found it very interesting. Well worth watching.

2) Remember how I said I kept falling asleep cause "The Bourne Identity" was on so late and I couldn't stay awake? Well, I finally saw it in it's entirety and loved it. I plan to rent Bourne Supremecy soon (maybe this weekend)so I can see the latest one. \:\)

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 03:36 AM

DOUBLE SUICIDE 1/2
(First Viewing)

In 18th Century in Japan, the paper merchant Jihei (Kichiemon Nakamura) falls in love for the courtesan Koharu (Shima Iwashita), but he can not afford to redeem her from her master and owner of the brothel, since he spent all his money in the place with Koharu. Jihei's wife Osan tries to keep her husband with his two children and asks Koharu to leave him. The two lovers make a pact of double suicide to escape from the rigid rules of the Japanese society of 1720 and stay together after death.

Kind of a Romeo & Juliett story set in 18th century Japan. What impressed me most about the film was it seemed to be acted out as a play. The action would sometimes pause momentarily and a character would fill the crowd in to what was going on. I definitely need to view this again before I send it back because I'm sure I missed a lot. Also, the hooded figures were quite mysterious. Were they just stage hands moving scenary around or did they have some deeper meaning (angels of death perhaps)?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 03:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
1) I just saw "Sicko" and really found it very interesting. Well worth watching.


Glad you enjoyed it TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 03:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
1) I just saw "Sicko" and really found it very interesting. Well worth watching.

2) Remember how I said I kept falling asleep cause "The Bourne Identity" was on so late and I couldn't stay awake? Well, I finally saw it in it's entirety and loved it. I plan to rent Bourne Supremecy soon (maybe this weekend)so I can see the latest one. \:\)

TIS


That's GREAT gal!

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, I argue, is better than the first film. If IDENTITY was a thriller disguised as an intense action movie, the sequel is a Revenge-Drama disguised as an intense action movie.

THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) - ***1/2
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (2004) - ****

Of course, that ULTIMATUM is out this weekend as well. \:D
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 03:47 AM

RR,

I like the cat & mouse type plot line and all of the action. I don't know it's just entertaining to me.

Yesterday they went "behind the scenes" on one of the entertainment shows. In the previews of the Borne Ultimatum, if you've seen it, Damon jumps from a rooftop or another building into the window of a neighboring building. They showed it being filmed with a stuntman doing the jump (without any protection, just a straight jump) :o. However, jumping right behind him was a cameraman attached to a cable of some sort, shooting the jump. Man, the lengths they go to hu.

TIS
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 04:32 AM

I watched Zodiac last night. I don't mean to bring up old debates, but I agree with Capo. I really really really REALLY REALLY enjoyed it! (Sorry Capo, I'm not as good linguistically). I have been thinking about it all day today. I think it was a little extra special to me because it took place in the Bay Area where I'm from.

David Fincher's filming style is so visually pleasing. I especially liked the time lapse filming of the construction of the San Francisco Pyramid to show how a lot of time had gone by.

I'm not sure this is a movie I could watch over and over again, but I will probably end up watching it again at least once.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 04:44 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I watched Zodiac last night. I don't mean to bring up old debates, but I agree with Capo. I really really really REALLY REALLY enjoyed it! (Sorry Capo, I'm not as good linguistically). I have been thinking about it all day today. I think it was a little extra special to me because it took place in the Bay Area where I'm from.

David Fincher's filming style is so visually pleasing. I especially liked the time lapse filming of the construction of the San Francisco Pyramid to show how a lot of time had gone by.

I'm not sure this is a movie I could watch over and over again, but I will probably end up watching it again at least once.


Fucking groovy man.

Like THE FOUNTAIN, I am honored that I saw ZODIAC in theatres.
Posted By: DonVitoCorleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 05:58 AM

Masculin Feminin: 15 Faits Precis (Godard; 1966) ****

Godard's films are so complex, work on so many different levels, and encompass so many different things, it's difficult to talk about one of his films without mentioning another; and it gets to a point where you realize that he's created his own cinematic world, free of any type of criticism, wherein he makes the same film multiple times, though each film is radically different from the next in that he continues to introduce new ideas, employ new techniques, and use different tools each time. This leads me to believe that it is quite possible that Godard may be incapable of making a bad film. Obviously, the only way for me to test this would be to see every film he's released, which is something I'm planning on doing. But enough about me; Masculin Feminin is incredible. Visually and aesthetically it closely resembles Vivre sa Vie, although it covers a wider range of topics, introduces more characters, and is not as emotionally involving. I absolutely love the dialogue, the use of music, sound effects, on-screen text, and intertextuality; most notably references to Bob Dylan and Pierrot le Fou. The final scene is great; and the shooting of the letters in the word "Feminin" to create the word "Fin" is the coolest thing I've ever seen.

Jean-Luc GOD-Art
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 03:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I watched Zodiac last night. I don't mean to bring up old debates, but I agree with Capo. I really really really REALLY REALLY enjoyed it!


Fucking groovy man.

Like THE FOUNTAIN, I am honored that I saw ZODIAC in theatres.

I saw it in theater and remember liking it, but it definitely did not have as much impact as with you guys. With all these debates, I feel like watching it again. Someday I will.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 03:12 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SAVAGE MAN/SAVAGE BEAST 1/2
(First Viewing)

Here's a National Geographic style documentary that's alternately exploitive and informative. The film presents a wide variety of ways that humans interact with nature. It depicts the actual footage of a careless man (Pit Dernitz) leaving the safety of his car to film lions close up and ends up being their dinner. Other highlights include natives humping the ground in hopes of bringing life to the land, various big game hunting and last but not least naked hippies.

One of, if not THE worst documentary I've ever seen. Yes I should have seen it coming being that it is a grind house film, but still. This documentary was sick, brutal and even torturous at times. I feel the directors tried too hard to pull examples to support their 'hunting instincts claim' and failed. As you can probably tell I was offended by the material and will probably never watch this again. Count me out for the CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST.

Surprised you found it on DVD. When I was watching this genre of movies, I tried looking for a torrent of this movie, but could find only one source. Now I don't feel like watching it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 03:19 PM

La Strada ***
This is an Italian movie directed by Felini. Excellent portrayal of complex human relationships. The movie starts off being silly and boring, but slowly the complexity builds up and the by the end, it is just mind blowing. What sustains certain relationships, when it is clearly parasitic? Or is it symbiotic, rather than parasitic? The lengths to which people go in a hopeless direction and the tragedy behind it all - beautifully summed up by this movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 04:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SAVAGE MAN/SAVAGE BEAST 1/2
(First Viewing)

Here's a National Geographic style documentary that's alternately exploitive and informative. The film presents a wide variety of ways that humans interact with nature. It depicts the actual footage of a careless man (Pit Dernitz) leaving the safety of his car to film lions close up and ends up being their dinner. Other highlights include natives humping the ground in hopes of bringing life to the land, various big game hunting and last but not least naked hippies.

One of, if not THE worst documentary I've ever seen. Yes I should have seen it coming being that it is a grind house film, but still. This documentary was sick, brutal and even torturous at times. I feel the directors tried too hard to pull examples to support their 'hunting instincts claim' and failed. As you can probably tell I was offended by the material and will probably never watch this again. Count me out for the CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST.

Surprised you found it on DVD. When I was watching this genre of movies, I tried looking for a torrent of this movie, but could find only one source. Now I don't feel like watching it.


Yeah I would stay away from it. It was on this Grindhouse DVD that I bought last week:

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/03/07 08:44 PM

CONFESSIONS OF A POLICE CAPTAIN
(First Viewing)

One of the first films about the mafia occurrence, in which the fight is hopeless, because mafia reaches everything and everybody. A police inspector and a deputy public prosecutor try to prove that the architect in the city is in the mafia.

I'm not really sure why this is considered a grindhouse film but it was rather enjoyable about a police captain who hires an insane inmate to kill the kingpin figure in their city because he's beat the rap 3 times. I was reminded of Batman, Daredevil and some of the other superhero's who feel that justice wasn't served for an individual/group and they take it upon themselves to dish out their own brand of it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 02:15 AM

VENGEANCE IS MINE
(First Viewing)

Iwao Enokizu is a middle-aged man who has an unexplainable urge to commit insane and violent murders. Eventually he is chased by the police all over Japan, but somehow he always manages to escape. He meets a woman who runs a brothel. They love each other but how long can they be together?

The beginning of the film was really fantastic. The main star quickly disposes of two gentlemen, just giving into the urge he has. However, from then on, the story fumbles the great beginning they built. I really didn't see the relevance for his relationship with the hooker. I really didn't and thought they should have continued where they left off with at the beginning. It's a shame because I felt the movie could have been better \:\/
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 04:48 AM

PATHFINDER
(First Viewing)

A Viking boy is left behind after his clan battles a Native American tribe. Raised within the tribe, he ultimately becomes their savior in a fight against the Norsemen.

This film was doomed from the beginning. Hardly any connection is established between the main character and his village. So when they're all cut down to size as they say, I don't give a sh*t. And that's how I felt for the entire film. People were being slaughtered onscreen, with the CGI blood flowing like red win, and I've got a case of the apathies. Secondly, I've never been a fan of Karl Urban's work. Ever since I saw him in the LORD OF THE RINGS films, I felt he was nothing more than a pretty boy trying to act tougher than he was. Finally, it's not too surprising to see this film fall flat as writer Laeta Kalogridis also helped write Oliver Stone's ALEXANDER. I think enough's said on that one.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 06:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Like THE FOUNTAIN, I am honored that I saw ZODIAC in theatres.


Am I the only one who finds watching movies in the theater a pain in the neck? I love the whole movie experience, but what I don't like is that the rest of the audience can have an affect (or is it effect) on how much I enjoy the movie. I absolutely hate it when someone near me is talking the entire time, or eating some sort of food that comes in a crinkly wrapper. Maybe it's just me, but I prefer watching a movie at home in complete silence so that I'm not distracted by people around me and can get sucked into the movie the way the makers intended.

Certain movies on the other hand are better in the theaters, such as Grindhouse... and usually extremely serious or disturbing movies keep people from talking because they are in shock. Opening night for a movie is usually good if there is a big fan base for the movie already, such as a comic book movie, or something along those lines. But for the most part, I don't like watching movies in the theater.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 07:08 AM

PATHFINDER was fucked before it was ever shot.

I mean, the same title as a car? Oh, you ARE fucked indeed.

Damn Clancy Brown, you're better than this dreck. Karl Urban...fire your agent.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 02:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Am I the only one who finds watching movies in the theater a pain in the neck? I love the whole movie experience, but what I don't like is that the rest of the audience can have an affect (or is it effect) on how much I enjoy the movie. I absolutely hate it when someone near me is talking the entire time, or eating some sort of food that comes in a crinkly wrapper. Maybe it's just me, but I prefer watching a movie at home in complete silence so that I'm not distracted by people around me and can get sucked into the movie the way the makers intended.


No, you're not the only one. We talked about this briefly when FANTASTIC FOUR 2 and TRANSFORMERS came out because of all the kiddies who went to see it. Most of the times that I go to the theater it's fine, but kids movies now are beginning to be the death of me. The audience for TRANSFOMERS was fine but for FANTASTIC FOUR 2, the kids wouldn't shut up. Parents need to step in and tell them to shut up or Heaven forbid, take them out of the theater \:o I don't care if they paid for them or not. I didn't pay $8 to hear you or your brat during the movie. Likewise, I hate it when teenie boppers or adults talk during the movie. I also didn't pay $8 to hear your commentary on the movie. Why do people act as if they've never been to a movie before and are shocked to learn they have to be quiet?



 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Certain movies on the other hand are better in the theaters, such as Grindhouse... and usually extremely serious or disturbing movies keep people from talking because they are in shock. Opening night for a movie is usually good if there is a big fan base for the movie already, such as a comic book movie, or something along those lines. But for the most part, I don't like watching movies in the theater.


This is why I still go to the movies. Some movies you just HAVE to see on the big screen, such as GRINDHOUSE, 300, etc. Unfortunately, the audience is a craps shoot. However, if it's a movie that I'm really excited about like 300, GRINDHOUSE, TRANSFORMERS, THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, those opening night audiences are usually the best believe it or not. They are excited to see it too and understand the value of silence. But like I said, I'll always go to the theater to see a film on the big screen and try to tolerate the audience.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 02:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibble
Am I the only one who finds watching movies in the theater a pain in the neck? [and all that followed]
"The best way to for me to see a film is the biggest possible theatre, with the biggest possible screen, with the loudest possible Dolby; but just me, nobody else." Peter Greenaway

As a student, I have a lot of time on my hands, and whenever I can, I make sure I go see films on a morning weekday, to avoid all the popcorn munching and talking.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 03:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
As a student, I have a lot of time on my hands, and whenever I can, I make sure I go see films on a morning weekday, to avoid all the popcorn munching and talking.


Yeah going during the day on a weekday is usually the best time. Unfortunately, those days are almost done for me. However, at my favorite movie theater, the Alamo Drafthouse, every Tuesday is baby day. For the first showing of any of their films on Tuesday afternoons, infants are welcome are allowed in for free.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 04:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irish
For the first showing of any of their films on Tuesday afternoons, infants are welcome are allowed in for free.
I'm confused: are you complaining, or are you having a shave, wearing a cap and waltzing along in hope of a free ticket yourself? \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/04/07 05:01 PM

Complaining. I think I went to a baby day twice. Yeah, that won't happen again!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/07 01:21 AM

DOUBLE SUICIDE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

In 18th Century in Japan, the paper merchant Jihei (Kichiemon Nakamura) falls in love for the courtesan Koharu (Shima Iwashita), but he can not afford to redeem her from her master and owner of the brothel, since he spent all his money in the place with Koharu. Jihei's wife Osan tries to keep her husband with his two children and asks Koharu to leave him. The two lovers make a pact of double suicide to escape from the rigid rules of the Japanese society of 1720 and stay together after death.

Yeah, I'm convinced now this is a play made as a movie, which I thought was terrific. This time around, I found the wife of Jihei's to be probably the most tragic of them all. Sure Jihei and Koharu, the main lovers are tragic because the only way they can be together is in death. However, with Osan (Jihei's wife), she is married, has two children, and in love with a man who does not love her. She's done everything that's been asked of her as a wife and then some. Her character unfortunately, truly gets the shaft.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/07 04:54 AM

THE EXECUTIONER 2
(First Viewing)

An L.A. cop and a reporter team up to find a masked serial killer.

So far from the DVD set that I bought, this film fits the grindhouse title perfectly. The serial killer is suppose to be a delusional Vietnam vet and there's hardly any story built for that. The movie begins with a couple of war scenes and we're suppose to understand how or why this guy is messed up from the war? Secondly, the costume worn by this vigilante was by far the most ridiculous I've ever seen. It was basically a green army jacket, black leather gloves, and a scarf covering his face. Also, I'm not even sure there was a script to go by. It seemed, at least in a couple of scenes with the police captain, the actors were just imprompting. Finally, the directing was horrendous. It was like watching an 8th grade school project on film. Blibble or svsg, you guys may enjoy this one \:D
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/05/07 10:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
1) I just saw "Sicko" and really found it very interesting. Well worth watching.

2) Remember how I said I kept falling asleep cause "The Bourne Identity" was on so late and I couldn't stay awake? Well, I finally saw it in it's entirety and loved it. I plan to rent Bourne Supremecy soon (maybe this weekend)so I can see the latest one. \:\)

TIS


That's GREAT gal!

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, I argue, is better than the first film. If IDENTITY was a thriller disguised as an intense action movie, the sequel is a Revenge-Drama disguised as an intense action movie.

THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) - ***1/2
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (2004) - ****

Of course, that ULTIMATUM is out this weekend as well. \:D


Ok, so I don't go to the movies very often, but am I the only one who saw Bourne Ultimatum this weekend?

I loved it!! \:\) Literally gripped my interest almost from the very beginning. Talk about edge of your seat suspense. No shortage of it here that's for sure. And, what a great ending. \:\)

I saw all three within 2 weeks (or less). I honestly, I can't choose which one I like the best. Maybe because I saw it on the big screen, but this 3rd one is every bit as good as the first and second. I don't know, but if you like action/suspense this movie is for you. \:\)

Come-on, I can't be the only one who saw it.

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 01:45 AM

I haven't seen it yet. I may just wait for the DVD
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 02:28 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
1) I just saw "Sicko" and really found it very interesting. Well worth watching.

2) Remember how I said I kept falling asleep cause "The Bourne Identity" was on so late and I couldn't stay awake? Well, I finally saw it in it's entirety and loved it. I plan to rent Bourne Supremecy soon (maybe this weekend)so I can see the latest one. \:\)

TIS


That's GREAT gal!

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, I argue, is better than the first film. If IDENTITY was a thriller disguised as an intense action movie, the sequel is a Revenge-Drama disguised as an intense action movie.

THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) - ***1/2
THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (2004) - ****

Of course, that ULTIMATUM is out this weekend as well. \:D


Ok, so I don't go to the movies very often, but am I the only one who saw Bourne Ultimatum this weekend?

I loved it!! \:\) Literally gripped my interest almost from the very beginning. Talk about edge of your seat suspense. No shortage of it here that's for sure. And, what a great ending. \:\)

I saw all three within 2 weeks (or less). I honestly, I can't choose which one I like the best. Maybe because I saw it on the big screen, but this 3rd one is every bit as good as the first and second. I don't know, but if you like action/suspense this movie is for you. \:\)

Come-on, I can't be the only one who saw it.

TIS


Of course you weren't the only one. Hell, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM just set the biggest opening in the history of August film-releases, and the biggest in fact for the spy genre, at $70+ million. I guess August isn't the dumping ground for the summer season anymore.

So what is THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM? Its disguised and sold as an action movie, but its a political thriller, a fucking well-made one at that. Truely when a Hollywood trilogy doesn't drop the ball in the third act*, this is a rare event indeed.

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (2007) - ****1/2

*=Compare with such dropped-balls as say X-MEN, THE GODFATHER, MATRIX(with part 2 as well), etc.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 02:35 AM

FWIW, I went to an 11:00 a.m. showing and theater was nearly packed (a few empty seats). (I've never been to that early of a showing and seen a full theater. \:o

You do have a point RR as far as the "third" movie in a trilogy. Very unusual that the third isn't "less" than the other two.


TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 04:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
FWIW, I went to an 11:00 a.m. showing and theater was nearly packed (a few empty seats). (I've never been to that early of a showing and seen a full theater. \:o

You do have a point RR as far as the "third" movie in a trilogy. Very unusual that the third isn't "less" than the other two.


TIS


The three big moments the audience loved in ULTIMATUM:

*David Strathairn sees Bourne for the first time on the security camera in London: SHIT!

*Damon in Madrid calling in a report of gunfire to the cops, then fired shots off. The audience laughed at this.

*Biggest Laugh: "You really didn't think I would be at Taper Park, DID YOU?"

I do think its interesting that when I heard about what happens in ULTIMATUM way back in May, the first thing that came to mind was:

"Well, how can Greengrass make ULTIMATUM work as being 80% set between Matt Damon limping in Moscow to calling Joan Allen in New York? Wouldn't that be an awkward gimmick to pull off?"

But dammit, he made it work. Son of a bitch he made it WORK!

Then again, the other two big plot points of ULTIMATUM ultimately were toned down from being as explicit to being subtle(or as how I would describe as "subtle"):

Warning, Spoiler:


(1)Originally, before Greengrass got the bright idea of the ULTIMATUM-SUPREMACY connection, the 3rd Act of the earliet script drafts took place in Washington D.C. where, yes, Jason Bourne breaks into the heart of the CIA, and then the finale be that he is shot while falling into the Potomic River.

But when Greengrass wanted to pull that connection off, the whole D.C. part was re-written for NYC (but Bourne still breaks into the CIA, just not Langley)

(2) The fact that Damon and Julia Stiles' characters, before Damon got the amnesia, were an item together went from being outright explicit to being strongly suggested. Perhaps that change was for the better.

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 06:18 PM

Rock (No stars)
Directed by RRA's idol and GOD, Michael Bay \:p . This movie sustains itself on introducing larger-than-life characters one after another. First we see a vietnam war veteran who commands respect from everyone and has rambo-like capabilities. Then we have another nerdy genius who is a biological/chemical expert. And another legendary guy who broke out of Alcatraz prison. What follows is not very unexpected. It has all those clever moments, explosions, patriotism etc. etc.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 06:26 PM

Contact **
An interesting sci-fi movie starring Jodie Foster. The movie extensively deals with the science/religion debate and provides interesting arguments from both sides. Since I have an education in science and am an atheist, I feel that both this movie and Solyaris finally reflect the author/script-writer's bias against science. In science, an unanswered question is not a shameful thing. It is just an open problem that might get a solution someday. The religious people somehow construe the lack of scientific explanation for a phenomenon, a reason to attribute it to a supreme power. This movie also shows the loneliness of someone who believes in something that no one else believes. Overall, an intelligent movie.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 06:32 PM

Smiles of a Summer Night **
My first Ingmar Bergman movie (24fps, I heard you!!). This is a romantic comedy, but no like the kind that you see today in Hollywood. It does not provide laugh-out-loud moments at all. The movie has a goofy tone overall and introduces powerful thought provoking statements at regular intervals usually preceded by an ultra goofy line. The mechanics of love in different forms is explored through a bunch of people who fall in love, often with different persons among the same group.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 07:19 PM

300
(Second Viewing)

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

Easily the best 2 hours I've spent watching a film this year. As I said in my first review of this film, this is the ultimate guys movie. GLADIATOR is my favorite Roman period movie and this is better than it. The slow motion action scenes were phenomenal. Another Frank Miller novel turned into a masterpiece on screen. I'm incrediblly looking forward to his next adaptation, RONIN. Also, I'm looking forward to director Zack Snyder's next film, THE WATCHMEN even though I haven't read it yet. For once I will agree with Pete Hammond of MAXIM magazine about this movie, "A spectacular visual feast that is as inventive and groundbreaking as the first MATRIX."
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 07:27 PM

Lucky Number Slevin **
A lot of attention has been paid by the director towards visual appeal. The cinematography is great, with its nice use of colors. It also has a clever plot with a twist. The plot is somewhat confusing till the end, but is explained in the end. Good acting by everyone, but the movie is ineffective in convincing us that the two of the main characters are gangsters. Worth watching once.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 07:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Rock (No stars)
Directed by RRA's idol and GOD, Michael Bay \:p . This movie sustains itself on introducing larger-than-life characters one after another. First we see a vietnam war veteran who commands respect from everyone and has rambo-like capabilities. Then we have another nerdy genius who is a biological/chemical expert. And another legendary guy who broke out of Alcatraz prison. What follows is not very unexpected. It has all those clever moments, explosions, patriotism etc. etc.


Did you see TRANSFORMERS yet? \:p
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 07:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Rock (No stars)
Directed by RRA's idol and GOD, Michael Bay \:p . This movie sustains itself on introducing larger-than-life characters one after another. First we see a vietnam war veteran who commands respect from everyone and has rambo-like capabilities. Then we have another nerdy genius who is a biological/chemical expert. And another legendary guy who broke out of Alcatraz prison. What follows is not very unexpected. It has all those clever moments, explosions, patriotism etc. etc.


Did you see TRANSFORMERS yet? \:p


Man-crush on Shia LeBeouf? \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 07:46 PM

I think you have a man-crush on me lead ;\) That's the only Shia LeBeouf film that I've seen and yes I liked it but not for him. Now if you said I had a crush on Michael Bay, that'd be hard to dispute J/K
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 07:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

Did you see TRANSFORMERS yet? \:p

Couple of my friends who usually relish these type of movies, gave a bad review. So I am going to stay out \:\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 08:47 PM

Irish, you want to meet Shia. Yes? \:D
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 09:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, you want to meet Shia. Yes? \:D


Hey, give Shia credit, he's like the Anti-Lindsay. 21 years old, incredibly talented, although his parents were admittedly a mess, much like Lohan's, yet this kid seems to be all class. I like him.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 09:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

Did you see TRANSFORMERS yet? \:p

Couple of my friends who usually relish these type of movies, gave a bad review. So I am going to stay out \:\)


Rent the DVD when it comes out at least or download it \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 11:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, you want to meet Shia. Yes? \:D


Hey, give Shia credit, he's like the Anti-Lindsay. 21 years old, incredibly talented, although his parents were admittedly a mess, much like Lohan's, yet this kid seems to be all class. I like him.


True, its just I hated TRANSFORMERS and DISTURBIA. I mean, the latter was so contrived and forced, which is sad because one could have made a decent-good thriller out of that schlock.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 11:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Irish, you want to meet Shia. Yes? \:D


Hey, give Shia credit, he's like the Anti-Lindsay. 21 years old, incredibly talented, although his parents were admittedly a mess, much like Lohan's, yet this kid seems to be all class. I like him.


True, its just I hated TRANSFORMERS and DISTURBIA. I mean, the latter was so contrived and forced, which is sad because one could have made a decent-good thriller out of that schlock.


They should've just re-made REAR WINDOW, the kid actually does have the acting chops.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 11:50 PM

You know what would have made DISTURBIA work?

What if the hero-kid, the one busted for drugs and sent on house arrest, actually was running a meth lab in his house?

Thus when he sees the murder, he wants to do something about it, but at the same time, the dilemma is that if the cops come around, they'll find out about his lab and he serves hard jail time.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 11:53 PM

I like that, Ronnie.

You're quite a creative young man.

When you're not too busy being a dick. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/06/07 11:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I like that, Ronnie.

You're quite a creative young man.

When you're not too busy being a dick. \:p


Well, I'm a dick because I am creative.

Which means, I might be the next Ridley Scott/Francis Ford Coppola/David Fincher.

Creativity and positive results can excuse dickish behavior. \:D
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/07 12:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I like that, Ronnie.

You're quite a creative young man.

When you're not too busy being a dick. \:p


Creativity and positive results can excuse dickish behavior. \:D


Especially in Hollywood!
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/07/07 04:26 AM

Just watched The Simpsons(c).I didn't have high expectations and was ready to be let down.I was.There was no point in making this film.Just like the new episodes,it's just not the same.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 10:51 AM

Watched "16 Blocks" last night!
A by the numbers Bruce Willis cop movie but it was'nt that bad. I've seen a lot worse in my time.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 10:56 AM

"Bad Boys" is on Channel 5 tonight,which i will be watching for about the 5th time..9pm...Good film
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 11:31 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
"Bad Boys" is on Channel 5 tonight,which i will be watching for about the 5th time..9pm...Good film

Are you sure its only the 5th time now? \:\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 11:44 AM

I mean i will have seen he film for the 5th time...LOL
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 11:51 AM

\:D
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 12:11 PM

I watched super troopers again last night on video i love that movie
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 12:12 PM

haha yeah good old super troopers
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 12:13 PM

the first time i saw that movie i just laughed from start to finish
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 03:02 PM

I was never a huge SUPER TROOPERS fan. BEERFEST, absolutely but never found SUPER TROOPERS to be that funny
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 06:41 PM

DISTURBIA 1/2
(First Viewing)

After his father is killed in a car accident, things unravel for Kale Brecht and he is placed under house-arrest for punching his Spanish teacher. Having nothing better to do, Kale occupies himself by spying on his neighbors. But one night, he witnesses what appears to be a murder going on in Mr. Turner's house. Kale becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind these murders but, after a few unsettling run-ins with Mr. Turner, it becomes a matter of life and death. And the ominous question: Who is watching who?

Before Shia starred in the blockbuster hit TRANSFORMERS, he was in the teenie bopper remake of REAR WINDOW. I didn't expect much for this movie and I wasn't disappointed as a result. How this was the #1 movie in America for a brief period of time is beyond me. I didn't find the film suspenseful at all, but rather bland and predictable. I like David Morse and I think the only reason he agreed to this film was because he was able to star in it as the villain (an opportunity he isn't afforded very often). It could also have been the paycheck, I really don't know on that one. Glad Shia rebounded from this one with TRANSFORMERS and I'm sure his next film, the 4th INDIANA JONES film will be an even bigger success.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 08:56 PM

Watched The Simpsons film. Alright; watchable at worst (when is it not?), mostly because it's surreal and fast. A few real laughs, nothing special. Why make it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 09:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Watched The Simpsons film. Alright; watchable at worst (when is it not?), mostly because it's surreal and fast. A few real laughs, nothing special. Why make it?


$$$

Why ask the obvious questions?
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/08/07 09:44 PM

I was dissapointed with the simpsons i mean it was ok but i dont think ill ever bother buying it.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 02:39 AM

I knew it would be a let down,so i wasn't expecting to like it and i didn't.
Posted By: ap_capone48101

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 02:46 AM

Just watched Hot Fuzz. Pretty funny. Right now I'd say it was just a *little* better than Shaun of the Dead.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 02:48 AM

I thought Shaun of the dead was heaps better.Oh well.different strokes for different folks.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 03:19 AM

I've never watched either, I'm going to in the next couple of days
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 03:24 AM

Shaun of the Dead was epic.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 11:00 AM

All they need to do now is a Sequel..Shaun Of The Dead is already a classic,i was in tears watching this,so funny
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 02:59 PM

SHAUN OF THE DEAD
(First Viewing)

Shaun is a 29-year-old with no real ambition in life, much to the consternation of his friends, family, and fed-up girlfriend. With only a loyalty to his lazy best friend Edgar, a dead-end job where his employees step on him, and the good-ol' days, Shaun isn't exactly putting his best foot forward. But when the flesh-hungry undead start to rise in numbers around modern-day London, Shaun must come to the rescue of his girlfriend and mother before all hell breaks loose. With loyal Edgar at his side to fight the good fight, the two will have to pave their way through zombie-ridden London as Shaun must take on the first real challenge in his life--with comical results.

Better than I expected. I'm not a fan of zombie movies and furthermore, sorry as it might be to say, I'm not a fan of British movies/television. I just never really have. There are the few exceptions (SNATCH comes to mind right now), but by and large I've never been big on British film (especially British comedies). I'm glad this film proved me wrong and I'm looking forward to HOT FUZZ. Also, the zombie part of the movie was tolerable because it was done in a tongue-and-cheek style.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 03:17 PM

Us brits are the same with American sitcoms, i can only handle "Friends"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 03:27 PM

Me either, so you're not alone. But THE SIMPSONS, SEINFELD, and SOUTH PARK are all gold ;\)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 03:28 PM

Gold, Jerry!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 04:28 PM

Oh and the simpsons,never be able to watch South Park..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 06:25 PM

HOT FUZZ 1/2
(First Viewing)

Nicholas Angel is the finest cop London has to offer, with an arrest record 400% higher than any other officer on the force. He's so good, he makes everyone else look bad. As a result, Angel's superiors send him to a place where his talents won't be quite so embarrassing - the sleepy and seemingly crime-free village of Sandford. Once there, he is partnered with the well-meaning but overeager police officer Danny Butterman. The son of amiable Police Chief Frank Butterman, Danny is a huge action movie fan and believes his new big-city partner might just be a real-life "bad boy," and his chance to experience the life of gunfights and car chases he so longs for. Angel is quick to dismiss this as childish fantasy and Danny's puppy-like enthusiasm only adds to Angel's growing frustration. However, as a series of grisly accidents rocks the village, Angel is convinced that Sandford is not what it seems and as the intrigue deepens, Danny's dreams of explosive, high-octane, car-chasing, gunfighting, all-out action seem more and more like a reality. It's time for these small-town cops to break out some big-city justice.

Well I decided to give these 2 gents the once over and I wasn't as disappointed. I still don't understand the huge following SHAUN OF THE DEAD and this film have. Different strokes I suppose. This was definitely funnier and had more lasting laughs with me, especially the BAD BOYS II and POINT BREAK spoofs However, I will give the film some respect that they didn't try to just make a funny movie, they actually had a decent and twisting plot to the film. So on that point, they get points for ambition. Although, I don't think I'll have a desire to revisit these films anytime soon.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 07:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irish
I'm not a fan of British movies/television. I just never really have.
To be fair, I don't think you've seen many.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 08:07 PM

Vercetti might be pleased to know I finally watched High Fidelity last night. Great, great film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 08:21 PM

Awesome Capo.

Anyway, the one thing about British TV films I absolutely is how many are shot with shoe-string budgets, but look as epic and beautiful as the expensive Hollywood movies.

Hell, look at the 5th POTTER picture shot by Yates, who's only previous works, I believe, were British TV pictures.

Better yet, its also where Paul Greengrass also started.

So I respect directors who work British Television. Not all their works are good (ARCHANGEL from back in 2005 was mediocre-muck) but still, they impress me.
Posted By: ap_capone48101

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 08:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irish
I'm not a fan of British movies/television. I just never really have.
To be fair, I don't think you've seen many.
Extras and The Office are a must. Ricky Gervais = awesomeness.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/09/07 10:13 PM

I havn't seen extras yet..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 02:54 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irish
I'm not a fan of British movies/television. I just never really have.
To be fair, I don't think you've seen many.


I'll give you that, but from those I have seen, they haven't impressed me in the least
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:06 AM

Seventh Seal ***
I don't know what to take from it. It is an abstract and personalview of Bergman about several things, but mainly Death and God. I am too sleepy right now, but will comment more soon. In short, I liked it.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 08:38 AM

Extras is good DE Niro but no where near as good as the office did you ever used to watch im alan partridge that is the best comedy ever!!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 09:15 AM

I few a few of the shows..

Only fools and horses is the best british programme..
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 09:18 AM

of Course i can watch them every day of the week i must have seen each episode over 5o times each if not more.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 09:48 AM

Yeah me too..
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 12:49 PM

"Michel Serrault, the French actor who is best remembered for his role as the flamboyant transvestite in La Cage aux Folles (1978) and its sequels, died on July 29 of cancer at his home in Honfleur, France. He was 79. "


http://www.tcm.com/movienews/index/?cid=179293&rss=press
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:02 PM

TMNT
(First Viewing)

After the defeat of their old arch nemesis, The Shredder, the Turtles have grown apart as a family. Struggling to keep them together, their sensei, Master Splinter, becomes worried when strange things brewing in New York City. Tech-industrialist tycoon Max Winters revives four ancient stone warriors and enlists the help of the foot clan to help capture ancient monsters.

These aren't my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I've never seen the new show, but wanted to give the film a chance. It's just not the same without Shredder, or the giant turtle costumes, or Michelan Sisti for that matter lending his voice as Michaelangelo. I will give Ziyi Zhang mucho respect, she's really doing a better job with her pronunciation of the English language that I know she's been working on.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:03 PM

RUSH HOUR 3 got panned in today's papers.

I'm gonna see it anyway.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:05 PM

BROKEN ARROW (1996) - **1/2

Back in Hong Kong, John Woo was the Martin Scorsese of Asian Cinema. Since he's come to Hollywood with HARD TARGET, he's been a glorified action-jobber director. it almost makes one want to use the "O" word on John Woo......Overrated.

In this otherwise by-the-numbers cliche action meal ticket, the only innovative or actually interesting execution was that of the opening with the overhead shot of a boxing ring, surrounded by darkness as the combatants duke it out with their gloves.

Maybe its just me, but when a movie's sole cool grace is used in the opening credits, we're in trouble.

But I can't blame BROKEN ARROW's dull tip totally on Woo.

I love action movies, but there is always trouble when I'm totally rewriting the film's story within my head.

Take the mine sequence. I mean, why not simply have that John Travolta the bad guy had his goons plant explosives at every cavern-entrance to the mine, so to contain the nuclear bomb's explosion (remember, they just want to send a message to D.C.) and keep any government troops from disarming the bomb in time. But with Christian Slater and his Useless Love Interest, Travolta does this to trap them in a nuclear holocaust, and his gang runs off to avoid radiation. Then the Useless Love Interest knows something the bad guys and their mine-maps didn't know: There is a little-known river flowing under the caverns, which the heroes use to escape just in time.

BUT NOOOOOOO!

Instead, the movie has Travolta arming the bomb at 13 minutes, and does the most logical thing in his position...he chases after the heroes and continues their gunfight, then he has the mine's only entrance to the surface blocked off.

Or better yet, how Travolta's character goes from being rather-smart and prepared disgruntled employee going the DIE HARD profit route to, and then turn into a psychopath in the finale* for no reasonable explanation except to explain why the second bomb is ticking away, and an excuse for an 1980s-esque gay-as-hell bitch muscle fist fight between Slater and Travolta this side of COMMANDO.

BROKEN ARROW isn't a bad movie despite my whining. I got my forgettable thrills, gunfights, Useless Female Star, Dispensable jobber-troops, and Woo's trademark goofy slow-motion cinematography, but like DIE HARD 2 or any Michael Bay movie, it acts moronic just for the sake of its insepid plot.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:08 PM

[
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
RUSH HOUR 3 got panned in today's papers.

I'm gonna see it anyway.


Well, you know what you're getting with a RUSH HOUR movie.

Chris Tucker being loud(and way overpaid)

Jokes about Black people not shutting up.

Jokes about Asian people not speaking English or for being short.

Jackie Chan doing some nifty physical stunts(for his age) that at least earns him his massive paycheck.

Brett Ratner still jobbing as the poor man hack's Richard Donner.

Some generic-forgettable villain.

Jokes about the country/location of each movie.

Brett Ratner getting piad $5 million for something that any
other serviceble-jobber could do equally well for 20x less money.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:08 PM

GET SHORTY (1995) was the best of Travolta's mid-nineties, "comeback" roles.

PULP FICTION may have been the superior film, but I think Travolta's Chili Palmer was his best character.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:25 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
GET SHORTY (1995) was the best of Travolta's mid-nineties, "comeback" roles.

PULP FICTION may have been the superior film, but I think Travolta's Chili Palmer was his best character.


Both are great characters, but his Chili Palmer in GET SHORTY was allowed to dominate and own the movie.

PULP FICTION owns GET SHORTY, but damn Travolta is so much fun in GET SHORTY, its a shame that BE COOL wasn't cool.

GET SHORTY (1995) - ***1/2
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:32 PM

Excellent points, Ronnie.

He was soooo much fun as Chili, that Elmore Leonard actually wrote the sequel with him in mind. The book was fair, as far as the movie, meh, I thought Vince Vaughn and The Rock stole whatever funny moments were in it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Excellent points, Ronnie.

He was soooo much fun as Chili, that Elmore Leonard actually wrote the sequel with him in mind. The book was fair, as far as the movie, meh, I thought Vince Vaughn and The Rock stole whatever funny moments were in it.


Put it another way, Chili Palmer is who all of us wish we can be. Vincent Vega, sans the hitman profession, is who we really are.

Anyway, I also quite enjoyed the hell out of the third good Leonard-adaptation in the 1990s: Steven Soderbergh's OUT OF SIGHT. Seen that?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:37 PM

Loved it!!

I thought it was in the top 5 of 1998.

I'm partial to Elmore Leonard, I've been reading him for more than 20 years. His books are just so damn hart to adapt, though.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Loved it!!

I thought it was in the top 5 of 1998.

I'm partial to Elmore Leonard, I've been reading him for more than 20 years. His books are just so damn hart to adapt, though.


Its probably because of Leonard's wit and style thats pretty much to mis-adapt. I still laugh at the idea that QT always thought the heroin in RUM PUNCH was a white woman. The same guy that can quote obscure-as-fuck Z movies from the 1940s, but not realize a certain little mistake like that? (or maybe he conciously changed it to just suit Pam Grier, and invented that story to excuse it. I wouldn't put it past QT.)

I tell you what was good, KAREN SISCO. Carla Gugino took over from Jennifer Lopez, and Carl is BETTER. She's legitimately tough and can handle herself quite well (which I can't say the same for J-Ho). Of course it was such a good TV show, it was cancelled by ABC.

But if it had aired on USA network, it would still be on TV. Hell, any awesome show these days are only on cable TV.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:46 PM

THE THIRD SOLUTION (1988) - *1/2

"...overbaked spy melodrama..." - Leonard Maltin

Treat Williams, F. Murray Abraham, & Danny Aiello can be great actors who can make a movie worthwhile. However, the problem with the trio is that they take any movie-job, indiscriminate of quality, to pay for lunch, which means picking up any movie featuring any of them is amount to picking up a gun you find on the street, press it against your temple and pulling the trigger.

You have a 50/50 chance of hearing a *CLICK* or wondering why your brains are splattered on the street.

Unfortunately, with the Italian-produced THE THIRD SOLUTION, this gun chamber was loaded.

The film's biggest failure is that it never makes clear why exactly both the CIA and KGB are fighting their shadow war over the fact that the Vatican is negotiating a concordat with the Soviet Union. The best I could understand is that, I think, was that the Pope was to abandon Ukranian Orthodox Church from his realm in exchange for religious freedom to the Catholic Poland and the Baltics.

At least thats what I got from this this muddled train wreck of a movie.

Thing is, with Catholic theology at centre of this murder-mystery, if made clear and very much its consequences at severe stake, THE THIRD SOLUTION could have been as fun and enticing as Michael Apted's adaptation of GORKY PARK, except instead of a Soviet cop drama, its involves the Vatican.

I mean, the central idea could have worked as a nice detective story. In 1933 the Vatican contracted the infamous Reichskonkordat with Nazi Germany that basically traded away the political rights of German Catholics in exchange for non-state inteference of Catholic private schools (an agreement that Hitler of course broke immediately).

But instead, THE THIRD SOLUTION is about Treat Williams running around and F. Murray Abraham scheming himself into a plot twist that is supposed to be shocking, but instead I kept trying, and failing, to understand the logic of it.

Maybe the fourth solution I should have picked was never rent this stinker in the first place.

P.S. - Just because this movie sucks and annoyed me, the spoiler is that Abraham's Vatican priest character is a KGB operative.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:47 PM



THE NEST (2002) - ****

Now THIS is how you make a proper remake of a John Carpenter picture. In fact, it might be the best John Carpenter movie that JC never shot.

John Carpenter is a God to the French cinema-buffs, and how finely crafted this ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13-influenced picture is, it makes the previous remakes of Carpenter's movies, including the surefire-suck ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK remake, what they are: Shit stains.

THE NEST is really 3 stories, with 3 destinies intertwined at this one warehouse. A criminal crew trying to rob a truckload of electronics from the warehouse, some bored guards of the warehouse, and an armored police van transporting the most vicious Albanian gangster alive who are forced to make safe-haven at the same warehouse.

They are all beseieged by the gangster's army of endless-number of mercs trying to free him, and kill everyone else inside.

Really, unlike the "official" remake, THE NEST works so insanely well because of the same narrative-lessons that had worked for Carpenter's original AOP13.

Such lessons include the slow build-up that gives the heroes a chance to be fleshed out, so that when the war does begin, we care about the fates of our heroes. Hell, if my clock is right, for the 107 minute action movie, the "action" doesn't start until 40 minutes into the film. Its a testament to the skill of the filmmakers behind THE NEST that those 67 other minutes are intense as fuck.

Plus, I give absolute credit to them for actually making me guess who would ultimately survive.

Hell, even care for those that don't make it, they get proper endings. While that "official" remake had people dropping like flies and you the audience not giving a damn, THE NEST even made the required "chicken shit" character of such siege tales not job out.

I think its most Carpenter-esque quality is that the villains resemble the faceless evils that wrecked terror in Carpenter's early movies. Like Michael Myers in HALLOWEEN, the street gang in the original AOP13, the ghost pirates in THE FOG, and the monster in THE THING, these villains for THE NEST resemble more like giant killer insects with their nightvision goggles than people (which is quite deliberate).

Maybe the best telling of why this movie rocks is that there is a split-second decision for the security guard who gets beaten up by the robbers, but then hours later forced to fight with them to the bitter end. No nonsense scenes of him complaining about helping criminals or being "recruited" by the heroes. None of that bullshit. He makes his decision when he sees the mercs outside on the security monitors. That alone was enough to convert him.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 04:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Loved it!!

I thought it was in the top 5 of 1998.

I'm partial to Elmore Leonard, I've been reading him for more than 20 years. His books are just so damn hart to adapt, though.


Its probably because of Leonard's wit and style thats pretty much to mis-adapt. I still laugh at the idea that QT always thought the heroin in RUM PUNCH was a white woman. The same guy that can quote obscure-as-fuck Z movies from the 1940s, but not realize a certain little mistake like that? (or maybe he conciously changed it to just suit Pam Grier, and invented that story to excuse it. I wouldn't put it past QT.)

I tell you what was good, KAREN SISCO. Carla Gugino took over from Jennifer Lopez, and Carl is BETTER. She's legitimately tough and can handle herself quite well (which I can't say the same for J-Ho). Of course it was such a good TV show, it was cancelled by ABC.

But if it had aired on USA network, it would still be on TV. Hell, any awesome show these days are only on cable TV.


Hardly anything to argue with you about here, Ronnie.

You're right on about Gugino. And in fairness to Tarantino, Soderbergh made the same mistake. In OUT OF SIGHT, the novel, Karen was tall, blonde and "WASP-ish."

The reason that Elmore's novels are tough to adapt is because they're largely satirical. In satire the biggest laughs come from the narrative, not from the character dialogue.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Loved it!!

I thought it was in the top 5 of 1998.

I'm partial to Elmore Leonard, I've been reading him for more than 20 years. His books are just so damn hart to adapt, though.


Its probably because of Leonard's wit and style thats pretty much to mis-adapt. I still laugh at the idea that QT always thought the heroin in RUM PUNCH was a white woman. The same guy that can quote obscure-as-fuck Z movies from the 1940s, but not realize a certain little mistake like that? (or maybe he conciously changed it to just suit Pam Grier, and invented that story to excuse it. I wouldn't put it past QT.)

I tell you what was good, KAREN SISCO. Carla Gugino took over from Jennifer Lopez, and Carl is BETTER. She's legitimately tough and can handle herself quite well (which I can't say the same for J-Ho). Of course it was such a good TV show, it was cancelled by ABC.

But if it had aired on USA network, it would still be on TV. Hell, any awesome show these days are only on cable TV.


Hardly anything to argue with you about here, Ronnie.

You're right on about Gugino. And in fairness to Tarantino, Soderbergh made the same mistake. In OUT OF SIGHT, the novel, Karen was tall, blonde and "WASP-ish."

The reason that Elmore's novels are tough to adapt is because they're largely satirical. In satire the biggest laughs come from the narrative, not from the character dialogue.


I think you're right about Leonard's writings.

I think another reason that Carla is better than J-Lo is because with J-Lo, you expect Clooney to tap that ass. With Carla, if Clooney did tap her ass, it would mean that he really did seduce her (and more impressive) but whatever.

Then again, OUT OF SIGHT was the only movie that J-Lo did where she acted. A pity I guess that she squandered any goodwill from it and became the prima-donna bitch of Hollywood.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:04 PM

Jamie Foxx: "I've known J-lo since she was Hey-Ho."
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:04 PM

I finally got to watch the movie 300. I loved it. Classic Frank Miller darkness with some really fantastic battle scenes and great artwork. While it was a live action film, it almost had that video game look to it. Gerard Butler does a really good job as King Leonidas. A very enjoyable and entertaining movie.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I finally got to watch the movie 300. I loved it. Classic Frank Miller darkness with some really fantastic battle scenes and great artwork. While it was a live action film, it almost had that video game look to it. Gerard Butler does a really good job as King Leonidas. A very enjoyable and entertaining movie.


Did Irish pay for dinner? \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I finally got to watch the movie 300. I loved it. Classic Frank Miller darkness with some really fantastic battle scenes and great artwork. While it was a live action film, it almost had that video game look to it. Gerard Butler does a really good job as King Leonidas. A very enjoyable and entertaining movie.


Did Irish pay for dinner? \:p


Oh haha :D, be careful for Geoff might ban ya!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:08 PM

Nah, I'm all about having fun WITHOUT crossing the line.

Besides, me and Cardi are brothers from another mother.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I finally got to watch the movie 300. I loved it. Classic Frank Miller darkness with some really fantastic battle scenes and great artwork. While it was a live action film, it almost had that video game look to it. Gerard Butler does a really good job as King Leonidas. A very enjoyable and entertaining movie.


Did Irish pay for dinner? \:p


No. Not Irish, but someone very close to you. \:p ;\)
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:12 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO



Oh haha :D, be careful for Geoff might ban ya!



Some people should heed their own warnings. ;\) \:p ;\)
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:13 PM

Someone just loaned us their copy of 300, but we haven't watched it yet. Glad to know that you enjoyed it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO



Oh haha :D, be careful for Geoff might ban ya!



Some people should heed their own warnings. ;\) \:p ;\)


And if those warnings don't apply to me?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I finally got to watch the movie 300. I loved it. Classic Frank Miller darkness with some really fantastic battle scenes and great artwork. While it was a live action film, it almost had that video game look to it. Gerard Butler does a really good job as King Leonidas. A very enjoyable and entertaining movie.


Glad you loved it DC. I'd also recommend seeing DEATH PROOF when it is released on DVD in September and PLANET TERROR in October. Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to view the entire GRINDHOUSE experience until they re-release the DVDs next year some time.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:25 PM

Make sure you all see BLADES OF GLORY on dvd in a couple of weeks.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:28 PM

I need to. I wasn't able to see it in theaters. This week I grabbed DISTURBIA and TMNT. Next week I'm looking forward to FRACTURE and VACANCY
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Someone just loaned us their copy of 300, but we haven't watched it yet. Glad to know that you enjoyed it.


If you're into that Spartan / Roman type era stuff, and like action movies, then you will enjoy this one.

It's a fictionalized version of the real life Battle of Thermopylae.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:36 PM

Irish, FRACTURE was worth the price of admission for Anthony Hopkins alone. You'll like it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 05:41 PM

Sweet, thanks for the heads up. That and VACANCY looked interesting from the previews but I decided to wait for the DVD. I was planning on seeing FRACTURE in theaters, but I saw the DVD release was so close to it being released in theaters, again I decided to hold off.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/10/07 11:46 PM

THE 36TH CHAMBER OF THE SHAOLIN
(First Viewing)

The anti-Ching patriots, under the guidance of Ho Kuang-han, have secretly set up their base in Canton, disguised as school masters. During a brutal Manchu attack, Lui manages to escape and devotes himself to learning the martial arts in order to seek revenge. In a short period of time he masters the deadly use of his fists, feet and palms, along with such weapons as swords, sticks, and lances. With his learning complete, he takes on the Manchus.

I don't know if I necessarily agree this is the greatest martial arts movie of all-time. It's up there with ENTER THE DRAGON, and call me old fashion but I prefer Bruce Lee. However, the training scenes in this film were some of the best and exciting I've ever seen. There's no shortage of fight scenes in this film!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/07 03:49 AM

FLASH GORDON
(First Viewing)

Flash Gordon is an American football player who along with Dale Arden are returning to New York City after a long vacation, until the plane they are passengers on crashes into the laboratory of Russian scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov. Both Flash and Dale become unwilling passengers on-board Zarkov's rocket-ship as Zarkov sets a course for the planet Mongo. Arriving on Mongo, Flash and his companions find the planet is under the ruler-ship of the evil Emperor Ming the Merciless and Ming is attacking Earth with natural disasters as he bids to destroy Earth. Realising that Earth and the human race is in mortal danger, Flash decides to unite the kingdoms of Mongo and combine the forces of rivals Prince Baron and Prince Vultan to rescue Dale, who is to become Ming's wife and defeat Ming and save Earth from annihilation.

Believe it or not, if they ever remake FLASH GORDON, they'll have a standard to set it against. I thought this would be just another cheesy sci-fi movie. And even though it is slightly dated (1980), it was really a wonderful picture. I'd say it was a cross between BARBARELLA and MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE. Sam J. Jones just visually seem to fit as Flash Gordon and Max von Sydow was very enjoyable as Emperor Ming. Getting back to when the film was made, for 27 years old, I don't think this movie needs much of an undate visually with today's technology. Sure I'd love to see what they would come up with, but in doing so, I just feel the original would lose some of its appeal. Any other fans of FLASH out there?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/07 04:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Irish, FRACTURE was worth the price of admission for Anthony Hopkins alone. You'll like it.


You know, Hopkins is threatening to become the new Al Pacino, in that he takes movies that let him dominate the hell out of everything in sight this side of GODZILLA.

Not that is necessarily a bad thing. Hopkins would deserve the money.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/07 04:59 PM



WILD IN THE STREETS (1968) - ***

Only in the hippie-'60s or the drug-fueled '70s could such crazy stuff get funding and released to theatres, much less make a considerable profit.

In a way, this is the typical American International Picture, the most greatest of the "B-movie" studios (including Hammer Films & New World). On one hand, it was advertized and sold as a cheap teensploitation movie to make good money off the angry kids who hated the old-authority. Hell, in the pivotal year of hell that was 1968 for America, every extreme that could result of that year is presented.

Yet its made and funded by the same "old" people, who seemed legitimately scared that the hippies would be the anarchy that ends the world.

So its fun to watch such a fantasy to see both dimensions pumped into the narrative, but its better and smarter than it should have been. Plus, like alot of those AIP efforts, you have a great actor hanging around to make the damn thing work....like Hal Holbrook as the politician who inadvertedly sparks off the revolution this side of Franz von Papen.

I mean, the crazy s*** we get from this movie. We have a pop star-turned-President who only seems to complain about the old people in power, and his 4 bastard kids he pays child support for. We get a young Richard Pryor (!) as his drummer. The angry youth get the Constitution remedied to allow 14 year olds to vote and run for Federal Office.

And how they get the votes? Why they spike the D.C. water supply with LSD.

But all that means nothing compared to my favorite bit of insanity: The concentration camps for everyone over 30 years old, with people shipped in Peace sign-bearing buses, to which said old people are in a drug-faze for the rest of their days.

You know, like any other nursing home in our real world.

Ultimately, the pop star-President becomes dictator of America, and the one right idea that I liked honestly was the premise that he and his co-horts become the new abusive authority, with a new generation that's ready to take him down, in a continued never-ending cycle of revolution this side of Latin America.

Really, now we're stuck with these idiotic Direct-to-DVD movies that are gutter-jobs without any experimental smarts or crazyness that we would get from the Roger Corman/AIP days. That is what I miss the most, when the "B-movies" shown at the Drive-In actually beat the big-studio pictures at drive-ins.

Hell, look at the poster. Such an awesome poster, when these days we get this "Floating Heads" crap.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/07 07:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Irish, FRACTURE was worth the price of admission for Anthony Hopkins alone. You'll like it.


You know, Hopkins is threatening to become the new Al Pacino, in that he takes movies that let him dominate the hell out of everything in sight this side of GODZILLA.

Not that is necessarily a bad thing. Hopkins would deserve the money.


I think what they had in mind for this movie was to test Ryan Gosling's acting chops against Hopkins, to see how he'd hold up.

He was okay, but as you say, Hopkins dominated the hell out of the movie.

And no, it wasn't a bad thing.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/11/07 09:22 PM

I thought of writing a review of Seventh Seal, as I promised. But I am not in a mood for that because I saw another Bergman movie that is far more powerful and impacting than Seventh Seal.

Autumn Sonata ****
A successful piano artist(Ingrid Bergman) visits her daughter (Liv Ullmann) after seven years. The movie deals with the eruption of hatred between them that was always present, but never expressed. Bergman is able to go deep into the relationship and bring out the inner-most feelings of the characters. Very touching and powerful. Liv Ullmann's performance is just outstanding. Great music. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/07 01:03 AM

WHITE LIGHT/BLACK RAIN 1/2
(First Viewing)

WHITE LIGHT/BLACK RAIN looks at the reality of nuclear warfare with first-hand accounts from those who survived and whose lives were forever changed by the atomic bomb.

A great firsthand and, at times, powerful look at those who survived the atomic bombings of Japan. Survivors give their details of the loved ones they lost and how they were able to survive. They also provide their injuries to hopefully deter further use of nuclear bombs. What I found to be most disturbing is the fact that the "atomic bomb survivors" as they're known as, are outcasts in their country due to their diseases, illments, deficiencies, etc.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/07 06:12 AM

Ocean's 13 *
This is a good comeback from the incredibly stupid ocean's 12. I liked this one as much as I liked the first part. My favorite character in all the 3 movies is that of Brad Pitt. Al Pacino is okay, nothing great. There a lot of funny scenes, especially the ones in Mexico.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/07 06:15 AM

Aqua Teen hunger force movie.

This hilarious.I love the subtle humour.
Any one else a fan?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/07 03:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: whisper the don from down under
Aqua Teen hunger force movie.

This hilarious.I love the subtle humour.
Any one else a fan?


Like the TV show, need to see the movie.

But you know what would be a cooler movie?

VENTURE BROS.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/07 03:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Ocean's 13 *
This is a good comeback from the incredibly stupid ocean's 12. I liked this one as much as I liked the first part. My favorite character in all the 3 movies is that of Brad Pitt. Al Pacino is okay, nothing great. There a lot of funny scenes, especially the ones in Mexico.


One thing that Soderbergh learned from O12 was that he cut out some of the fat.

Though honestly, I still swear that each of the OCEAN'S movies should have only be consistent with Clooney/Pitt/Damon, which all 3 have to recruit a whole new gang of robbers for each picture. You know, make things interesting. Give cool-but-not-famous guys a shot, like say William Macy or Bruce Campbell or Will Patton, so forth.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/07 06:39 PM

THE POSEIDON EXPLOSION
(First Viewing)

The movie is inspired by a accident that happened in the 1970 near Galati, Romania. A team of firefighters is sent to an abandoned, burning ship, only to find out the ship is loaded with 70,000 bags of fertilizer, which explodes at 300 degrees Celsius, making the ship a giant bomb that threatens to take out the whole city of Galati.

I was surprised to see an actual grindhouse film being based on a true story. It's a shame they didn't get a better display \:\(
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/12/07 09:04 PM

Aguirre, The Wrath of God ***
German movie by director Werner Herzog. This is the first time I watched his movie. The movie is about a 16th century spanish commander and his hunger for power and fame. The movie ends as a tragedy with all his men dead. It is shot almost like a documentary with no background music. If you notice carefully, the director cheats in the end and includes some background music to produce the desired effect \:D You can compare it to dead man or apocalypse now, in the sense that it is about a journey both physically and symbolically.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/07 04:22 AM

EARTHQUAKE 7.9
(First Viewing)

Seizmologist Hoichi loses touch with his family when he predicts that there will be an earthquake in Tokyo of greater magnitude than the one in 1923, which his father predicted. Because of this he starts seeing another woman, who already has a boyfriend. Hoichi's wife wants to meet her before she will grant a divorce. Eventually, the earthquake he predicted does come, which changes all relationships and exemplifies the character of the Japanese.

Too much of a love story for a destruction or for that matter a grindhouse film. Still, the destruction scenes of Tokyo were enjoyable in a GODZILLA sort of way.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/07 05:53 AM

Has anybody seen the Movie Skinwalkers yet? if so please let me know what it was like thanks
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/13/07 05:53 AM

Finding Forester ***
Directed by Gus van Sant. This movie is inspirational in the way "Goodwill Hunting" is and the plot is also loosely similar. Though similar themes have been explored numerous times before, this movie deals with it in a non contrived way and there lies its strength.
Random Related: There is something about youth that people realize only after they are through it.

ps: I might include a Random Related section in my reviews (these are becoming shorter and shorter for better or for worse). It is not really about the movie, but about what responses/thoughts the movie evoked in me while watching it. In a way, it is a personal column, not necessarily something that will make sense \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/07 12:56 AM

VIOLENT PROFESSIONALS
(First Viewing)

When Milano police lieutenant Giorga's chief is murdered by an organized crime ring, he vows to avenge his boss's death. Going undercover to continue the chief's investigation, he plans to take over a pimping outfit and then proceed to beat up enough low-level thugs until the big guys in the crime ring take notice of him, letting him get close enough to uncover their secrets. Should this unorthodox method actually work, he still must take down the entire organization single-handed.

A different mob movie than I'm used to. The mafia commits crimes to promote anarchy to overthrow the government. Again, it's not my classic mob movie but it was enjoyable for a grindhouse film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/14/07 01:46 AM

Uncovered: The war on Iraq **
This documentary features interviews of dozens of people who were in CIA, weapons inspection program and foreign services for decades. They repeatedly say how their intelligence reports were twisted and modified by the Bush administration to justify the Iraq war. Basically they point out that the intelligence agencies did not feel that Saddam was a threat or he had WMD. But the neo conservatives in their hunger for power, ignored it and deliberately lied to the public. The movie spends almost all of the time in proving that the administration lied, but only about last 10 min into the real motivations behind their lies.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/07 05:36 AM

"Bad Day at Black Rock" - Spencer Tracy stars in this 1955 suspenseful drama about a man visiting a very small town that is trying to hide a secret.

Set after the end of WWII, Tracy encounters suspicion, hate and abuse by the likes of Robert Ryan (the big man in town), Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin (Ryan's "enforcers") and is helped somewhat by a more compassionate soul (Walter Brennan).

The superb cast speaks wonderful, taut dialogue and the sense of foreboding builds to a great climax.

Excellent movie and I highly recommend it. (This was my first time seeing it).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/15/07 04:10 PM

VACANCY
(First Viewing)

David and Amy Fox find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere when their car breaks down. Luckily, they come across a motel with a TV to entertain them during their overnight stay. However, there's something very strange and familiar about the Grade-Z slasher movies that the motel broadcasts for its guests' enjoyment. They all appear to be filmed in the very same room they occupy! Realizing that they are trapped in their room with hidden cameras now aimed at them filming their every move, David and Amy desperately find a means of escape through locked doors, crawlspaces and underground tunnels before they too become the newest stars of the mystery filmmaker's next cult classic!

Another film that I originally wanted to see in theaters that I'm glad I didn't. From the previews I thought it was sort of original and interesting, but unfortunately, wasn't executed as well. I thought it could have been more freighting. However, from watching it, the film did remind me of PSYCHO with the hotel room and everything. I always wondered what had happened to Frank Whaley but this wasn't the film to make a comeback in. Also, the killers in this were never really explained. There's 2 of them and you see the first one early on in the film so it's not a surprise to see him, but the other person is never really explained or identified. Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale worked well together as a couple on the verge of divorce and Luke was there to provide a comedy plug briefly. For those interested, I'd say wait until it comes on HBO.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/07 01:55 AM

FRACTURE
(First Viewing)

Wealthy, brilliant, and meticulous Ted Crawford, a structural engineer in Los Angeles, shoots his wife and entraps her lover. He signs a confession; at the arraignment, he asserts his rights to represent himself and asks the court to move immediately to trial. The prosecutor is Willy Beachum, a hotshot who's soon to join a fancy civil-law firm, told by everyone it's an open and shut case. Crawford sees Beachum's weakness, the hairline fracture of his character: Willy's a winner. The engineer sets in motion a clockwork crime with all the objects moving in ways he predicts.

If Anthony Hopkins has disappeared in the past couple of years, he is back. D*mn did he do a great job in this and the man can play some evil sonofab*tches! The story was incredible and thought provoking. I haven't seen Mr. NOTEBOOK himself, Ryan Gosling (even though it states he was in REMEMBER THE TITANS, I don't remember him) in a film. While he did a good job as an arrogant and ego driving young lawyer, Hopkins stole the show all by himself. My only real complaint about the film was the ending.

Warning, Spoiler:
Can the bad guy get away with it just once PLEASE!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/07 04:03 PM

THE SEVENTH SEAL
(First Viewing)

A Knight and his squire are home from the crusades. Black Death is sweeping their country. As they approach home, Death appears to the knight and tells him it is his time. The knight challenges Death to a chess game for his life. The Knight and Death play as the cultural turmoil envelopes the people around them as they try, in different ways, to deal with the upheaval the plague has caused.

This is my first Ingmar Bergman experience and I was definitely in over my head. While I'm not familiar at all with any of Bergman's work, this seemed to interest me extremely. A knight returning from the Crusades who is followed by Death, and then challenges him to a game of chess to win his life back. However again, a lot of it was over my head as I wasn't overly impressed (still impressed somewhat though). Max von Sydow was great as the knight crusader, Antonius Block; however, Bengt Ekerot as Death easily stole the show and was quite terrifying on screen with his face being the only visible part of his body shown.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/07 04:05 PM

That film sounds tripped out Irish.I'm going to try an find it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/07 05:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE SEVENTH SEAL
(First Viewing)
However again, a lot of it was over my head as I wasn't overly impressed (still impressed somewhat though).

Irish, as you may know from my reviews, I have started watching Bergman movies only recently. I will be watching 'Fany and Alexander' in the next two days. But among the ones I have already watched, Autumn Sonata is a master piece. I don't see it in the favorites of most people, but I was thoroughly moved by the film. Check it out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/07 05:37 PM

Have you seen THE SEVENTH SEAL yet?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/16/07 05:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Have you seen THE SEVENTH SEAL yet?

http://www.gangsterbb.net/threads/ubbthr...true#Post424613
http://www.gangsterbb.net/threads/ubbthr...true#Post425273
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/07 01:24 AM

FLETCH
(First Viewing)

Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher, Los Angeles journalist, really lives for his profession. As Jane Doe, he publishes articles that have caused several heads to roll in the past. Now, Fletch is at it again: In disguise as a bum, he lives at the beach, researching drugs and their dealing. One day, Fletch is addressed by Alan Stanwyk, a rich man, who asks him, the bum, a favour. For the sum of $50,000, Fletch should kill poor cancer-ridden Mr. Stanwyk with a gun, so that his wife will get the insurance money. What the guy didn't think of was Fletch's real profession. Returning into normal life, Fletch instantly takes up research not only to find out that Mr. Stanwyk is healthy as life itself but he also runs into certain connections between drug dealing at the beach, Alan Stanwyk, his private jet, the police and a very expensive piece of Land in Utah.

Not Chevy Chases best work nor director's Michael Ritchie (see DIGGSTOWN or THE GOLDEN CHILD for that). Usually, the way I rate comedies is by how much they make me laugh and this wasn't that great. Plus, I just didn't believe that Fletch could obtain all of the information he did so easily. Maybe it's the day we live in today where personal and private information is a lot more difficult to obtain than pretending to be someone else poorly. I think most people would have seen through or should have asked his character more questions and they would have nailed him.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/07 04:18 AM

Greenaway: Shorts
Peter Greenaway is a British director who does not believe in the tradition of humans occupying the center of the frame. All his shorts have someone narrating stories voice over, while the camera focuses on objects, not necessarily related to the story being narrated. I did not like his style much. I felt that (unrelated) voice-over many times killed any imaginations that the images evoked. There is an extras section in the DVD which contains his thoughts about the movie. It helped me appreciate some of the points that I had not noticed. My opinions on individual shorts:

Water wrackets *
Nice capture of reflections of light on still and moving water. The narration is apparently a spoof of fantasy stories, but I didn't(or couldn't) listen to it, again because it was some random stuff. Like Tarantino's characters talking in the background \:D

H is for house *
A home video with a cute kid. This explores the absurdity of classifying unrelated objects by alphabet.

Windows (Zero stars)
Deals with a fictional and amusing statistical account of people jumping off their windows to their death.

Dear Phone (Zero Stars)
Yawn Yawn.

Intervals (unrated)
To be fair, I dozed off because of 'Dear Phone' and don't remember anything of it. So unrated.

Reincarnation of an ornithologist **
This was the most interesting and longest of the shorts. It traces the journey of an ornithologist to heaven/hell after his death through a series of 92 maps. The background stories are of marginal interest, but the visual content is interesting. The maps are paintings with interesting imagery and the camera zooms in and out of the details to emphasize the meaning of the voiceover.

Random Related: Greenaway almost seems to have taken cinema to 100 years back! Why deal with still images most of the time and more importantly why voiceovers in places where music could have been more effective...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/17/07 06:55 PM

YO-YO GIRL COP 1/2
(First Viewing)

Recruited by a clandestine police organization, "K" must stop a plot by student radicals to create anarchy in Japan. Armed with a hi-tech steel yo-yo, and a new name (Asamiya Saki), she must infiltrate an elite high school to find the terrorists but finds an even more sinister plan is about to unfold.

With a title like this, how could I resist? Apparently this was Aya Matsuura's first starring film, whom is a pop singer in Japan. She did a nice job with the role, which is pretty valuable character over there apparently. However, Rika Ishikawa did a great job as the film's villain. It's surprising to see the making of special feature and see how sweet these girls are and then to see them in the film is a complete 180. If nothing else, this film is worth the final fight between the two characters.

NICK OF TIME
(First Viewing)

Gene Watson (Johnny Depp) is an ordinary public accountant returning home from his ex-wife's funeral and is met by Mr Smith (Christopher Walken) and Ms. Jones (Roma Maffia) who kidnap his daughter (Courtney Chase) and give him a gun, six bullets, a name-tag that will give him access to anywhere in a specific hotel, and the itinerary of Governor Grant (Marsha Mason) and is informed that he must kill the Governor in 1 hour and 15 minutes or his daughter will die. The rest of the movie follows Mr. Watson as he desperately attempts to warn the Governor without the knowledge of the two and finds out that the conspiracy against her reaches all the way to those she trusts most.

I'd have to say either POINT OF NO RETURN or NICK OF TIME has to be director John Badham's best picture. I've always felt this was an overlooked movie. Depp and Walken worked beautifully together and it's a nice change to be able to see Walken play such a blood thirsty pr*ck. Total nonstop suspense that will keep you enthralled in the story for the full 90 minutes. Speaking of which, I really enjoyed how the movie played like HIGH NOON where the story seemed to take place in real time over the course of the film. If you've never seen this, go to your local Blockbuster and pick it up (they should have it).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/07 04:39 AM

AMERICAN PSYCHO
(Nth Viewing)

Patrick Bateman, lives Wall Street by day and his nights are spent in ways impossible to fathom. Christian Bale plays this soul-less, modern monster whose zealous materialism and piercing envy fuels his homicidal activities.

Christian Bale continues to impress me and I think he's one of the best actors on the rise today. The only movie of his that I can say was bad was HARSH TIMES. I would say either this or THE PRESTIGE is his best film, both in part due to his villainous savvy that he displays. Truly, he was the showstopper of the film with his eradicate behavior, inappropriate musical history lessons at times, and dark humor. I'm a huge fan of Willem Dafoe and even though he wasn't used much, Bale was able to carry the film by himself.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/07 06:15 AM

Irish check out 'Machinist' if you like Bale. He has done the reverse of what DeNiro did for Raging Bull. In that movie, he virtually looks like a skeleton.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/07 06:24 AM

Fanny and Alexander ***
Bergman's autobiographical movie based on his childhood. Alexander, a small boy, has a fertile imagination that he uses to escape the harsh realities of his life. Fanny, his sister is a silent partner. I wonder why the title of the movie is worded so, as clearly Fanny is a minor character in the movie. The movie is character driven and has several instances where one or the other character makes a really impacting point, many in their weakest moments. Recommended.
BTW, this is a review of the theatrical release, running 188 min.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/18/07 04:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Irish check out 'Machinist' if you like Bale. He has done the reverse of what DeNiro did for Raging Bull. In that movie, he virtually looks like a skeleton.


No, Bale has out DeNiro-ed Bobby himself.

Plus, don't forget that Bale then had to gain all that weight back, plus muscle to do BATMAN BEGINS afterwards.

Thats more impressive then DeNiro, who got muscle then got super-bloated.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/07 04:08 PM

FRANK AND TONY
(First Viewing)

There's trouble in Frankie Diomede's criminal empire in Genoa. A French gangster has moved into Frankie's territory, so Frankie flies home to take care of business. He promptly has himself arrested so that he'll have the perfect alibi when his top local associate dies, but then Frankie's life gets complicated: his enemies have enough juice to keep him in prison for awhile, his associates and allies are killed one at a time, and attempts on his life start. Help comes from an unlikely source: Tony Breda, a wannabe wiseguy who's a Milanese raised in Hoboken. Tony designs a plan to spring Frankie from jail, and then all roads lead to Marseilles. Is Tony a future Mafia don?

The first name actor I've seen in a grindhouse film, Lee Van Cleef. Although this is one of the better grindhouse films that I've seen. I was thinking while watching it about how to remake it. Take out some of the silliness and keep the main plot, which was very intriguing. Basically Cleef gets himself arrested, has one of his cop buddies release him so he can kill one of his own men who betrayed him, and returns to prison so he'll have the perfect alibi. However, his friends start to die and his main rival is now trying to set him up for the murder of his friend when they capture the cop who let him free.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/07 04:47 PM

Pan's Labyrinth **
This is a fantasy movie not designed for kids. Of course, you have the usual dose of fairies and other mythical creatures, but there is also quite a bit of graphic violence. There are two stories, one of a girl and her mother and another of a guerrilla war. The two are related by the step father of the girl who is also the captain of the army who is fighting these guerrillas. I like the special effects, they are not overdone.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/07 05:50 PM

I wasn't too impressed with PAN's. I'll have to watch it again. I got the misconception it was a fantasy movie. I wouldn't classify it as so. Only about 10% of the film is fantasy, the rest is a period picture. Not only that, but as I've said here time and time again, you wouldn't believe the amount of people who rented this from Blockbuster and wanted to return it because it was subtitled. Guess which movie they wanted to swap it out for? Mel Gibson's APOCALYPTO. Oh how I love Austinites
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/19/07 08:46 PM

Haha, that's funny. Probably the blockbuster employees learnt from their experience, as yesterday when I went to rent it, the girl warned me that it was in Spanish with subtitles. She was kind of surprised when I said it was ok \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/07 02:07 AM

That's what a lot of our employees started doing too. I was too lazy and also, it says so on the back of the DVD. Customers should educate themselves sometimes and not rely totally on us.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/07 02:25 AM

What was the B&W movie with Richard Widmark as the psychotic killer and what was his character's name? He pushed his invalid mother down the steps.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/07 02:56 AM

Wild Hogs *
A predictable biker movie in the tradition of City Slickers. It does have some really hilarious moments.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/07 04:11 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Wild Hogs *
A predictable biker movie in the tradition of City Slickers. It does have some really hilarious moments.


So why only one star if it has hilarious moments? Because it's predictable? Or is there more that keeps it from getting a better rating?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/07 04:12 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Wild Hogs *
A predictable biker movie in the tradition of City Slickers. It does have some really hilarious moments.


So why only one star if it has hilarious moments? Because it's predictable? Or is there more that keeps it from getting a better rating?


Maybe he's trying to be diplomatic, since "Fuck this shit" isn't so elegant.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/20/07 07:29 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Wild Hogs *
A predictable biker movie in the tradition of City Slickers. It does have some really hilarious moments.


So why only one star if it has hilarious moments? Because it's predictable? Or is there more that keeps it from getting a better rating?


Maybe he's trying to be diplomatic, since "Fuck this shit" isn't so elegant.

Haha, nicely put RRA \:D

Seriously though Blibble, that one star is for those few funny moments. See, I paid $1.5 to watch it in a theater and I don't mind watching anything for that cost. It is not something you should plan to watch as it is run-of-the-mill, cliched and predictable comedy. That is why no more stars.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/07 01:34 AM

PERFECT STRANGER 1/2
(First Viewing)

A journalist (Berry) goes undercover to ferret out businessman Harrison Hill (Willis) as her best friend's killer. Posing as one of his temps, she enters into a game of online cat-and-mouse.

Halle Berry where have you gone? Aside from X3, I haven't enjoyed a Halle movie since 2003's GOTHIKA (which wasn't a finanical or critical success, but I enjoyed it nonetheless). Likewise, this film wasn't a huge financial success at the box office (only made $23 million domestically), it was much better than anticipated. From the brief backstory with Halle's character, she's fierce and compelling, letting the audience know she's not a woman to mess with. From the previews, I shook my head at how Bruce Willis could be attached to this film and even though he is buried a bit and it's not the Bruce Willis action star we all know and love, it was enjoyable to see the man expand his range in a dramatic suspense film. Surprisingly, Giovanni Ribisi made a big comeback in my eyes with this film. Very believable as a computer savvy genius who mentally is a few cards short of a full deck. While the story may seem predictable, the time flew by and the ending was a very nice treat to chew on. With this week being pretty slow in terms of quality rentals, check it out sometime.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/07 02:31 PM

Awakening i watched this movie last night it starred Robin Williams and Robert De Niro it was a superb film and Williams and De Niro were excellent the writing was great and ill admit it brought a tear to my eye.This scene especially

The scenes where the drugs effects wear off, and Leonard slowly loses control of his body in a stream of uncontrollable tics and spasms are heart-breaking. De Niro's performance is so convincing that you almost want to look away in several scenes.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/22/07 04:28 PM

KUNG FU PUNCH OF DEATH
(First Viewing)

In this period martial arts action drama, Fong Si Yu (Meng Fei) is a gifted but arrogant young man who has not learned how to manage his anger or use his gifts for the martial arts for positive purposes. Fong's reckless attacks upon the corrupt leader of a martial arts academy leads to the death of his father, and the disappearance of his mother; a further assault, which claims the life of a student, leaves Fong severely injured at the hands of Iron Fist Tan (Yasuaki Kurata) and the other members of the academy. A humiliated Fong is reunited with his mother, who helps to train him for an epic rematch against Tan and the embittered students.

This has got to be one of the two films Quentin Tarantino contributed to the L.A. Grindhouse Film Festival. I'd love to see QT do a kung fu movie myself and this was right up my alley as it was a kung fu and grindhouse film. The story was good and an enjoyable revenge tale. However, the villains were a nice change because the main character wasn't fighting just one person, but two. They're brothers and one fights only with his hands while the other fights only with his feet. Definitely more of a challenge when trying to fight two expert fighters at the same time as opposed to one.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/07 04:19 AM

Charulata ***
My first Satyajit Ray movie. This movie, set in 19th century India, explores the emotions of a married woman and her feelings towards her husband's brother. Being in a traditional society, she cannot express her feelings openly, and there in lies the complexity of the emotions. The director uses the ambient sound very well and in most cases the noise made by hawkers in the street or someone singing in the house becomes the background for the conversations. He also uses the ambient lighting and this makes it realistic, but tough to watch. The subtitles are pretty bad in the dvd, as they miss out on a lot of dialogue. Recommended.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/23/07 05:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
What was the B&W movie with Richard Widmark as the psychotic killer and what was his character's name? He pushed his invalid mother down the steps.


To answer my own question, Richard Widmark premiered in 1947 inKiss of Death as Tommy Udo - a pretty cool name.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/07 05:28 AM

Pirates of the Caribbean - At the world's end *
Good special effects. Nowadays we see so many of these special effects movies that technological achievements are not sufficient to impress the audience. Though I have seen the first two parts, I did not understand anything plot related. I think that is not important though. Even just as popcorn entertainment, it is too long to sustain the interest. I am sure it is not over, there will be more sequels until all the actors turn 70 and won't be able to act any further \:\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/25/07 11:45 PM

Le Cercle Rouge ***
This crime thriller is very similar to Le Samourai, another film by the same director. Though the story is nothing new, the film's strength lies in the way suspense is built and maintained till the end. There are many sequences with no dialogue at all, but are excellent visually.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 12:19 AM

Don't know why but I'm watching Snakes On A Plane. I know the movie bombed but I just wanna hear Samuel L. Jackson say:


..." I'm sick and tired of these motherfuckin' snakes on this motherfuckin' plane."

Can't we all apply that phrase at some point in our jobs or life? For instance, at work, I see all the discipline problem kids. There are days I want to say, "I'm sick and tired of these mothefuckin' kids at this motherfuckin' school." Gee, think I'd have the job for long?

TIS


Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 12:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Don't know why but I'm watching Snakes On A Plane. I know the movie bombed but I just wanna hear Samuel L. Jackson say:


..." I'm sick and tired of these motherfuckin' snakes on this motherfuckin' plane."

Can't we all apply that phrase at some point in our jobs or life? For instance, at work, I see all the discipline problem kids. There are days I want to say, "I'm sick and tired of these mothefuckin' kids at this motherfuckin' school." Gee, think I'd have the job for long?

TIS




As a truck driver, "I'm sick of these motherfuckin' drivers on this motherfuckin' highway!"

I have to say I really enjoyed Snakes on a Plane! You've probably watched it by now, but if not, please go into it with the 'fun' frame of mind. The plot is ridiculous but the action and the characters really aren't that bad. If you go into that movie realizing that you aren't watching an Oscar quality movie you might enjoy it. It reminds me of movies like Tremors and Anaconda, where the idea is sort of stupid, but if you look past it, it's a fun movie!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 12:43 AM

Hey Bibble,

It's on right now on HBO and the snakes are just beginning to make their appearance. They do give me the creeps. \:o

I got next to no sleep last night so I'm doubt I'll be doing much else but kicking back tonight. \:\/

Yea my next line was gonna be how sick I am of this MFing traffic on the MFing freeway. I'm not a truck driver, but drive a fair distance to/from work. I can relate. ;\)

TIS
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 01:41 AM

"Born Yesterday" (1950) starring Judy Holliday, Broderick Crawford and William Holden. Its on TCM now and I'm reminded again of how good this movie is. Crawford plays the gruff rich guy who hires William Holden to tutor Holliday, the quintessential dumb chorus line blonde. Its an hilarious movie and MUCH MUCH better than the remake with John Goodman and Melanie Griffith.

"Sopranos" fans will recognize this as the movie referred to by the screen writer that Chris kills.

If you're ever in the mood for a classic, this is to be considered.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 03:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Hey Bibble,

It's on right now on HBO and the snakes are just beginning to make their appearance. They do give me the creeps. \:o

I got next to no sleep last night so I'm doubt I'll be doing much else but kicking back tonight. \:\/

Yea my next line was gonna be how sick I am of this MFing traffic on the MFing freeway. I'm not a truck driver, but drive a fair distance to/from work. I can relate. ;\)

TIS


Let me know how you liked it \:D
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 06:04 AM

Snakes on a plane is ludicrous and not even 'fun'. Snakes look fake and after a while I didn't care, how many hundreds of them were there. There were so many of them right from the beginning that it loses its scare value.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 06:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Snakes on a plane is ludicrous and not even 'fun'. Snakes look fake and after a while I didn't care, how many hundreds of them were there. There were so many of them right from the beginning that it loses its scare value.


Why are people liking SNAKES ON A PLANE anyway?

Just because it was cool? Just because it makes you hip? Just because you don't know any better?

I don't mean YOU like you svsg. You're cool with me. You have smarts, you're not a fucking idiot like......you know.....in fact, you're a BAD MOTHER FUCKER svsg. Yeah!

But yeah, you can't depend on geeks. You just can't.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 06:10 AM

Letters from Iwo Jima *
This is a sympathetic look at the Japanese soldiers who fought the Americans on a Japanese island when they were clearly outnumbered. The dialogues are in japanese and is also narrated from the perspective of japanese themselves, with minimal screen presence of American soldiers. I did not like it much because it looks like it was designed to appeal to the sentiment rather than intellect. Every now and then we are shown the 'human' sides of the soldiers and constant references to the family and stuff makes it 'soap'-ish.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 06:17 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Just because it was cool? Just because it makes you hip? Just because you don't know any better?

I don't mean YOU like you svsg. You're cool with me. You have smarts, you're not a fucking idiot like......you know.....in fact, you're a BAD MOTHER FUCKER svsg. Yeah!

But yeah, you can't depend on geeks. You just can't.

Haha, I should now have a wallet that says "bad motherfucker" \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 06:25 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Just because it was cool? Just because it makes you hip? Just because you don't know any better?

I don't mean YOU like you svsg. You're cool with me. You have smarts, you're not a fucking idiot like......you know.....in fact, you're a BAD MOTHER FUCKER svsg. Yeah!

But yeah, you can't depend on geeks. You just can't.

Haha, I should now have a wallet that says "bad motherfucker" \:D


First thing tomorrow!
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 04:42 PM

How about "Boys Town"? One of the things I look for in the older B&W movies is how the characters, dialogue, etc. reflect the times. I think we are all pretty familiar with how fashions have changed since the 30s & 40s, but Mickey Rooney's antics do reflect what was cool back then at least for a teenager. There also seems to be a certain naivete that is refreshing when you compare it with the muck and mire in which young peole are immersed these days.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 06:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Why are people liking SNAKES ON A PLANE anyway?

Just because it was cool? Just because it makes you hip? Just because you don't know any better?

I don't mean YOU like you svsg. You're cool with me. You have smarts, you're not a fucking idiot like......you know.....in fact, you're a BAD MOTHER FUCKER svsg. Yeah!

But yeah, you can't depend on geeks. You just can't.


Since when is Snakes on a Plane cool or hip? It flopped. That doesn't mean one is a geek for liking it. Or a "fucking idiot" for liking it. Maybe those of us who enjoyed it aren't so shallow to dismiss a movie based on the the initial idea that "it looks stupid, therefore it is."

If you don't like it RRA that's fine. I would never expect others to like all of the same movies I do. But to call someone a fucking idiot for liking a movie that you don't is just plain ignorant. You're the fucking idiot.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 07:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Why are people liking SNAKES ON A PLANE anyway?

Just because it was cool? Just because it makes you hip? Just because you don't know any better?

I don't mean YOU like you svsg. You're cool with me. You have smarts, you're not a fucking idiot like......you know.....in fact, you're a BAD MOTHER FUCKER svsg. Yeah!

But yeah, you can't depend on geeks. You just can't.


Since when is Snakes on a Plane cool or hip? It flopped. That doesn't mean one is a geek for liking it. Or a "fucking idiot" for liking it. Maybe those of us who enjoyed it aren't so shallow to dismiss a movie based on the the initial idea that "it looks stupid, therefore it is."

If you don't like it RRA that's fine. I would never expect others to like all of the same movies I do. But to call someone a fucking idiot for liking a movie that you don't is just plain ignorant. You're the fucking idiot.


I haven't seen it, but I get the idea. It is a frightening concept though - the threat from which you cannot escape. I won't see it because I can pretty well figure out its 90 minutes.
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 08:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
"Born Yesterday" (1950) starring Judy Holliday, Broderick Crawford and William Holden.

"Sopranos" fans will recognize this as the movie referred to by the screen writer that Chris kills.



Yep, and this movie has yet another connection to Chris/Sopranos.

Crawford's lawyer advises him to marry Holliday b/c "a wife can't be dragged into court to testify against her husband." And of course, Adrianna has the same bright idea when she urges Chris into proposal, after her "apprehension" by the feds. I'm not sure what the law says, but Adrianna's legal counsel tells her that it IS in fact possible for a wife to be called to testify against her husband.

Either way, I think it's safe to say that Mr. Chase is a big fan of this movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/26/07 10:26 PM

AT CLOSE RANGE
(First Viewing)

Based upon the true story of Bruce Johnston Sr., his son, and his brothers; together, they constituted one of suburban Philadelphia's most notorious crime families during the 1970's. Their criminal activities ranged from burglary, theft, and ultimately, murder.

Sean Penn, at the young age of 26, put on a very good performance that would later set him up for later roles such as MYSTIC RIVER. The opening credits were absolutely fantastic because the camera is solely on Penn, not worrying about the road or where he's going. He's just a kid, out for a drive, unsure of everything. Christopher Walken was the show stealer with a role he very rarely plays, a vicious sonofab*tch, cold blooded killer. Yes he has somewhat played that before in KING OF NEW YORK but I've never see him to this extent. Ultimately, Mary Stuart Masterson's character is the most tragic. A small town girl who falls in love with Sean Penn's character and gets caught up in the family business. She risks her entire existence to be with him and what transpires is heartbreaking.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 01:07 AM

I saw the last 30 minutes of The Departed last night. I hope the first 90 minutes or so were better. DeCaprio did a great job of acting, but Damon - wooden. Those successive murders at the end - that was juvenile. It was like a game of Tag.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 02:50 AM

I liked the murder sequence. Probably the most lasting memory of the film for me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 03:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
I saw the last 30 minutes of The Departed last night. I hope the first 90 minutes or so were better. DeCaprio did a great job of acting, but Dillon - wooden. Those successive murders at the end - that was juvenile. It was like a game of Tag.


Matt Dillon was in THE DEPARTED?

Damn, Matt Damon got fucked!
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 08:17 AM


I watched THE QUEEN tonight... and was wondering why it wasn't titled THE QUEEN, DURING THAT WEEK (Diana died).... wtf?

I do, tho, wonder what our resident Brits thought about it....
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 08:26 AM

did you like it?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 08:31 AM


I thought Helen Mirren's performance was great - but - not knowing the actual history, I don't know anything.... so therefor I'm asking.... ;\)
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 12:42 PM

Damn, I missed the Snakes on a Plane discussion.

I motherfucking love that movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 03:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
Damn, I missed the Snakes on a Plane discussion.

I motherfucking love that movie.


Want to see my snake? Let me whip it out...
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/27/07 03:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: bogey
Damn, I missed the Snakes on a Plane discussion.

I motherfucking love that movie.


Want to see my snake? Let me whip it out...


Oh baby, oh baby. \:p
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 12:30 AM

 Originally Posted By: bogey
Damn, I missed the Snakes on a Plane discussion.

I motherfucking love that movie.


*high-five* "Geeks" Unite!
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 12:38 AM

Actually what is the definition of a geek? RRA basically said people who like Snakes on a Plane are geeks, and it was said in a negative way. What does it mean to be a geek? And why is it a bad thing?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 01:19 AM

I don't know in what sense the word was used by RRA, but one thing I know is that the hype for Snakes on a Plane was started and sustained by internet forums. Its growing popularity before its release was largely by word of mouth. But the problem was no had seen its preview or anything. The punchline by Samuel Jackson is funny indeed, and that was the only thing people knew before watching it. That it turned out bad (IMHO) is not shocking. The director had made 'cellular' and 'Final destination 2' before this. Neither of them are considered great works. What then was the rationale behind extra hype? Plane load of snakes? Samuel Jackson's dialogue? So the hype was negative in a way. Liking the movie after watching it is not negative. It is a matter of taste. I guess.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 03:29 AM

But I'm trying to understand what the word "geek" means and why it is used in a negative way. If I'm a fan of a movie and it makes me a "Snakes on a Plane" geek, then that's what I am. In the same sense RRA is a movie geek because he is obviously a huge fan of movies. I'm also a music geek. There are sports geeks. There are political geeks. If being a fan of something someone else doesn't like then each and every one of us are geeks.

Unless you hate everything.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 03:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Unless you hate everything.


Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 04:54 AM

Emo "Hate" geek.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 05:28 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Actually what is the definition of a geek? RRA basically said people who like Snakes on a Plane are geeks, and it was said in a negative way. What does it mean to be a geek? And why is it a bad thing?


Let me rephrase what I mean.

SNAKES ON A PLANE was hype without anything to hype with except a title.

And its nothing more than the most expensive Sci-Fi Channel Movie of the Week, and they weekly make movies that....ok, they just plain SUCK. SNAKES sucked.

I'm a movie geek, but I apparently call moronic fanboys "geeks," like my people in my region seem to call idiots "redneck," though everyone in East Tennessee is a redneck.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 02:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

I watched THE QUEEN tonight... and was wondering why it wasn't titled THE QUEEN, DURING THAT WEEK (Diana died).... wtf?

I do, tho, wonder what our resident Brits thought about it....


Yet to see it JG!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/28/07 03:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

I watched THE QUEEN tonight... and was wondering why it wasn't titled THE QUEEN, DURING THAT WEEK (Diana died).... wtf?

I do, tho, wonder what our resident Brits thought about it....


Yet to see it JG!


Don't bother, its shit..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 12:23 AM

BLADES OF GLORY 1/2
(First Viewing)

In 2002, two rival Olympic ice skaters were stripped of their gold medals and permanently banned from men's single competition. Presently, however, they've found a loophole that will allow them to qualify as a pairs team.

More marketing and star power than it is a funny movie. I have to admit, the draw of both Will Ferrell and Jon Heder is tempting (especially since I enjoyed Heder's last film, the overlooked SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS). And while this film has it's moments, it's not Ferrell's or Heder's finest work. Ferrell is a comic genius IMO but he didn't really show me anything new this time around.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 12:50 AM

We watched Snakes on a Plane the other night. Yes, it was an awful movie. It was predictable. It was ridiculously far-fetched, and it's characters were about as well-developed as a roll of film unfurled in the sunlight. The dialogue was as bad as bad can get. It was all those things. And I LOVED it. I squirmed and jumped and shrieked at all the times that I was supposed to. And I laughed when I was supposed to, too. It was one of those guilty pleasures, like a Fluffernutter, and about as empty of any worth, too.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 01:21 AM

I didn't think "Snakes On A Plane" would get this much attention. I tend to agree with you SB.

I am glad I didn't pay to see it, but it was one of those predictable, corny, unbelieveable, farfetched stories that simply put, was fun to watch. \:\) Sometimes you are in the right mood and frame of mind to kick back and watch a "nothing" type movie. This was fun. The fact that I would cringe at snakes made it a little more creepy to me, even though these snakes seemed exceptionally powerful.

Back when my kids were in Middle school or so, we'd rent scary movies every weekend. After seeing the biggies, we probably saw every lousy scary movie there was, but I have fond memories of some of them and so do my girls.

One short story video (I think Stephen King with 3 stories in one)was about a lady who hits a hitchiker accidently if I'm not mistaken. The hitcher haunts her every move saying, "Thanks for the ride lady." Ha ha - corny, but every time myself or my daughter's give a ride to each other for any reason, the other always say, "thanks for the ride lady." Don't know why that stuck but it did.

TIS
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 01:52 AM

I love doing stuff like that with the girls. One day when my oldest daughter was home sick from school, on the way home from the doctor we stopped and rented a bunch of the Halloween movies.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 02:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
I love doing stuff like that with the girls. One day when my oldest daughter was home sick from school, on the way home from the doctor we stopped and rented a bunch of the Halloween movies.


Yes it is fun isn't it? We are talking about having a "girls day" soon and watching some movies they loved while growing up. I can't even tell you how many times we saw Ferris Bueller, Footloose, Pretty In Pink and all the movies of that era. I think had I had boys instead of girls, a whole different batch of movies would be in my memory.

TIS
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 02:15 AM

I know what you mean. LOVE Footloose, and so does my daughter. Those days are such nice breaks from reality, aren't they??
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 04:23 AM

See! SB and TIS have nailed it. That's exactly what I was trying to say. Snakes on a Plane IS horrible. There's no deeper meaning to the movie. But it is still really fun in a stupid way. It is absolutely mindless which is a nice change of pace every once in a while.

For those of you who didn't like the movie, or won't watch it, I completely understand. I'm a rarity. I actually like those crappy SciFi channel monster movies. I love to laugh at how horrible the acting is, and how fake the monsters look, etc... So I enjoy the poor film making because it makes me laugh. But there's a reason those movies aren't popular, it's because they are indeed bad. And Snakes on a Plane happens to be one of the best of the bad movies.

Seriously I'm happy I'm not the only one though because I might feel the need for therapy or something.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 05:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
For those of you who didn't like the movie, or won't watch it, I completely understand. I'm a rarity. I actually like those crappy SciFi channel monster movies. I love to laugh at how horrible the acting is, and how fake the monsters look, etc... So I enjoy the poor film making because it makes me laugh.


That's why I like so many of the grindhouse movies I've seen. They're so horribly done, you can't help but laugh. And do I even need to drop KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE into this discussion?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 06:14 AM

Killer Clowns from Outer Space is near the top of my Blockbuster Online list. I've never seen it. My family of course looks at the list and keeps asking me why it's so high on the list, but as soon as I say "It's one of the stupid movies I like... " they roll their eyes and say "oh one of those movies".

But yes Irish, the Grindhouse movies are basically along the same line as the B-Movie Horror flicks like the multitude of SciFi channel crap. It's fun because it's so bad.

Those who get it, get it. The rest seem to be close-minded, condescending, Oscar-loving "geeks".... or, they are people who just don't have time because life keeps them from watching crap. The latter makes more sense to me because they have families to take care of, and bills to pay.
Posted By: AngelaMarie

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 07:05 AM

I recently saw the Bourne Supremacy and was disappointed. I loved the first two films. I found it unreasonable that Bourne would want revenge on the CIA.... and we needed more on the romance between Bourne and Nicki... we hardly got to see any of that, and no flashbacks or anything! Poorly done.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 01:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: AngelaMarie
I recently saw the Bourne Supremacy and was disappointed. I loved the first two films. I found it unreasonable that Bourne would want revenge on the CIA.... and we needed more on the romance between Bourne and Nicki... we hardly got to see any of that, and no flashbacks or anything! Poorly done.


I saw it a couple weeks ago and just loved it!!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. They never showed and romantic connection between Bourne and Nicki in the previous films, as far as I'm concerned. However, in this case, I was just as happy putting romance in the back seat and allowing for all the action. Just my opinion!!!! ;\)

TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 04:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
 Originally Posted By: AngelaMarie
I recently saw the Bourne Supremacy and was disappointed. I loved the first two films. I found it unreasonable that Bourne would want revenge on the CIA.... and we needed more on the romance between Bourne and Nicki... we hardly got to see any of that, and no flashbacks or anything! Poorly done.


I saw it a couple weeks ago and just loved it!!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. They never showed and romantic connection between Bourne and Nicki in the previous films, as far as I'm concerned. However, in this case, I was just as happy putting romance in the back seat and allowing for all the action. Just my opinion!!!! ;\)

TIS


In the original drafts, the Bourne/Nicki romance connection was made absolutely clear in that they both were an item before Bourne went amnesiac on her.

Ultimately, Greengrass was wise to dump it. Its still subtly clear in their scenes and dialogue ("You don't remember, do you?") so Greengrass can make THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM the best of the trilogy without story-junk getting in the way of the narrative. Plus, the audience at my screening LOVED Julia Stiles' smile at the end.

As for AngelaMarie's contention, I would argue this.

If Marie had lived, Bourne wouldn't have gone searching for his past. He says so in IDENTITY. But since she got skull-capped, he gets his revenge on the killer, but the pain stays. He apologizes to the poor girl whose parents he knocked off, but the pain stays.

So its part of this whole chain of events for him to get "revenge" by going home and knocking down the walls of the CIA.

Or, he's curious. Perhaps Bourne always knew that he willingly was engineered into an ass-kicking machine, but how does he know for sure? Its like those adopted kids who just can't put away trying to know who their real parents were.

But as soon as Bourne gets hooked up with the journalist, his war intensifies.

Its no longer the CIA mistakenly thinking he's gone rogue, or the CIA mistakenly thinking he killed agents in Berlin, its the inner-cabal of the CIA effectively going rogue themselves, killing anyone that gets in their way(even their own agents) and Bourne just fucks them up the ass.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 05:32 PM

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
(First Viewing)

An alien (Klaatu) with his mighty robot (Gort) land their spacecraft on Cold War-era Earth just after the end of World War II. They bring an important message to the planet that Klaatu wishes to tell to representatives of all nations. However, communication turns out to be difficult, so, after learning something about the natives, Klaatu decides on an alternative approach.

One of the best science fiction movies I've ever seen. And the special effects, for 1951, were very impressive. I loved the ending where the people of Earth are left with a choice and I thought it was cut at the appropriate time. Michael Rennie was so smooth and composed as the alien Klaatu. Likewise, the robot Gort was a menace not to be trifled with, even though he didn't have a line of dialogue. When you are able to put that fear and uneasiness into the audience without diglogue, you've done your job very effectively.

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/29/07 08:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
(First Viewing)

An alien (Klaatu) with his mighty robot (Gort) land their spacecraft on Cold War-era Earth just after the end of World War II. They bring an important message to the planet that Klaatu wishes to tell to representatives of all nations. However, communication turns out to be difficult, so, after learning something about the natives, Klaatu decides on an alternative approach.

One of the best science fiction movies I've ever seen. And the special effects, for 1951, were very impressive. I loved the ending where the people of Earth are left with a choice and I thought it was cut at the appropriate time. Michael Rennie was so smooth and composed as the alien Klaatu. Likewise, the robot Gort was a menace not to be trifled with, even though he didn't have a line of dialogue. When you are able to put that fear and uneasiness into the audience without diglogue, you've done your job very effectively.



Good review. Not as good as SPIDER-MAN 3, but ok. \:D
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/07 12:33 AM

[quote=ronnierocketAGO Plus, the audience at my screening LOVED Julia Stiles' smile at the end.

I didn't know whether to touch upon the ending because I didn't know if I'd spoil it, but I loved it. \:\) I was in a packed audience and you could feel the excitement/tension build as the news story about Borne was playing. Seeing Stiles face was perfect. \:\)

TIS

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/07 01:25 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
[quote=ronnierocketAGO Plus, the audience at my screening LOVED Julia Stiles' smile at the end.

I didn't know whether to touch upon the ending because I didn't know if I'd spoil it, but I loved it. \:\) I was in a packed audience and you could feel the excitement/tension build as the news story about Borne was playing. Seeing Stiles face was perfect. \:\)

TIS



Well, you could simply use [spoiler] text-function, or you can do what I do: I dance around them. If someone that DIDN'T see the movie read my review, they wouldn't get it.

But someone that did? Yup they get it.

I would also add that somehow, Greengrass makes the gimmick of BOURNE ULTIMATUM being built around the New York City ending of BOURNE SUPREMACY actually work.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/07 01:38 AM

I loved when Bourne broke into the office of the CIA director that was after him and was on the phone with him. The CIA director says to Bourne that he is in his office. Bourne says, "that's not likely". When the CIA Dir. says "why", Jason says, because if you were in your office we'd be talking face to face." I don't know, I just loved the whole thing. Oh, and I agree with the NYC ending is perfect. Any movie filmed in NYC is a plus IMHO. I'm all ready for a 4th installment. \:p

TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/07 02:13 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I loved when Bourne broke into the office of the CIA director that was after him and was on the phone with him. The CIA director says to Bourne that he is in his office. Bourne says, "that's not likely". When the CIA Dir. says "why", Jason says, because if you were in your office we'd be talking face to face." I don't know, I just loved the whole thing. Oh, and I agree with the NYC ending is perfect. Any movie filmed in NYC is a plus IMHO. I'm all ready for a 4th installment. \:p

TIS


On THE DAILY SHOW, Damon said that if a 4th BOURNE movie happens, it'll be called THE BOURNE REDUNDANCY.

I guess you could work something out, but its not essential. Its pretty obvious, without being pretty obvious, that the couple get back together and disapear.....Landy gets promoted probably(Director perhaps?) after helping to cause that whole cabal collapse with consequences all the way up to the White House*, and that CIA finally learns the lesson to just....try...to...fuck...with....Jason....Bourne.

*=One can only wish.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/30/07 12:20 PM

Of course it's not essential, and usually after three, if not even by two, sequels go downhill. I guess for me this is probably the only trilogy that I can't choose which one I like best. It'll probably be just as well to leave it at three, but money talks and this film was such a success, I think at some point there will be a 4th. Whether or not it'll continue to be successful, who knows. \:\/

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/31/07 03:44 AM

THE CRYING GAME
(First Viewing)

An unlikely kind of friendship develops between Fergus, an Irish Republican Army volunteer, and Jody, a kidnapped British soldier lured into an IRA trap by Jude, another IRA member. When the hostage-taking ends up going horribly wrong, Fergus escapes and heads to London, where he seeks out Jody's lover, a hairdresser named Dil. Fergus adopts the name "Jimmy" and gets a job as a day laborer. He also starts seeing Dil, who knows nothing about Fergus' IRA background. But there are some things about Dil that Fergus doesn't know, either...

I will certainly take my hat off to Jaye Davidson. He gave the best female performance by a male I've ever seen. Granted the only ones coming to mind right now are Robin Williams as Euphegenia Doubtfire in MRS. DOUBTFIRE and Dustin Hoffman as Dorothy Michaels in TOOTSIE, but he still did a great job. Although I saw it coming because that was the only fact I knew about the movie going into it but it was pretty obvious as well. The first time I saw his hands onscreen I could just tell. Also, for those who have seen it, did you ever think Jody and Dil were brothers rather than lovers? In the beginning of the film we're lead to believe (or at least I was), these characters were lovers. But towards the end of the film, I saw a closeness that rather than sexual in nation was a brotherly relationship. Anyone else see that?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/31/07 07:38 PM

The Falls *
Directed by Peter Greenaway. This is an extreme endurance test, running nearly 3 hours and 15 minutes. Like his shorts that I reviewed before, here again he narrates 92 stories of people affected by VUE(Violent Unknown Event) whose names contain the word "fall" against the backdrop of images. However, the difference is that it is not a short (infact unbearably long). Any novelty in technique is quickly offset by tiresome (although somewhat funny) narration. It is a pity, as his images (note: they are,for a good amount, static) are really beautiful and show his mastery over visual technique. Coming back to the content, it is very similar to his earlier shorts - ornithology, water bodies, flight, maps etc. He also refers to his own works many times and the film is aware of its own existence in relation to other works.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 08/31/07 11:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Of course it's not essential, and usually after three, if not even by two, sequels go downhill. I guess for me this is probably the only trilogy that I can't choose which one I like best. It'll probably be just as well to leave it at three, but money talks and this film was such a success, I think at some point there will be a 4th. Whether or not it'll continue to be successful, who knows. \:\/

TIS


I can see Universal trying to continue on without Greengrass and Damon, and perhaps even as a new DTV franchise.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/07 07:50 PM


I watched THE OUTSIDER (2005) last night, a documentary about James Toback making WHEN WILL I BE LOVED (2004, w/ Neve Campbell, Dominic Chianese, Mike Tyson), and absolutely fell in love with this non-mainstream writer/director! Not sure how I missed him until now -- he wrote Bugsy -- but his degenerate attitude is awesome! Now I gotta see all his films..... \:D Apparently he's a favorite of Harvey Keitel, who stars in FINGERS (1978) with Michael V. Gazzo

Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/07 08:04 PM


Oh yeah, I also watched PLAYING BY HEART (1998) which was quite a trip. An all-star cast (Jolie, Quaid, Connery, Burstyn, Rowlands, Mohr, John Stewart) that did a great job, but I knew "something was up" fairly early on in the movie. But still a nice parallel-stories film. Somewhat of a tear-jerker, tho.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/07 08:11 PM

Why is it so embarrassing for guys to admit they liked a good tear-jerker? I know those types of movies are labeled as "Chick Flicks" and guys generally don't want anything to do with them, myself included. But I admit that when I have no choice and I watch them with the girls in the house I usually end up really liking them. So why can't us men admit we like them without throwing out a disclaimer or being embarrassed?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/07 08:34 PM


Okay, fine - I was blubbering like a baby! Happy now? \:D

I don't think it's a true tear-jerker, tho. It had its moments, tho...

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/01/07 10:17 PM

NINE INNINGS FROM GROUND ZERO
(First Viewing)

Short, well-made documentary showing how the NY Yankees vs. AZ Diamondbacks world series games, just a month after 9-11, provided welcome relief from the uncertainty New Yorkers, and the nation, felt about how to proceed with their lives. The Yankees, during the series, came to symbolize and re-strengthen everything that was, and is, New York and America.

A great documentary that gives an in-depth firsthand exclusive of how the city of New York and the country came to cope with the tragic events of 9/11 and how the game helped in their healing. I appreciate it more almost 6 years after the events as more time has passed and the wounds aren't so raw. Even though I wasn't a fan of the outcome, I will give Curt Schilling credit by not being a pompous a$$ and with his assessment of Yankee fans.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/07 03:52 AM

HALLOWEEN (2007) 1/2
(First Viewing)

On Halloween 1963, Haddenfield, 10-year-old Michael Myers (Daeg Farch), estranged and mentally unstable, is imprisoned in Smith's Grove Sanitarium under the care of Dr. Sam Loomis (Malcolm McDowell) for the murders of his mother's (Sheri Moon) boyfriend, his older sister, and her boyfriend. Now, 15 years later, he is accidentally released and now in search of his baby sister Laurie (Scout Taylor-Compton) and Dr. Loomis must warn the residents of Haddenfield and get to Laurie before Michael does.

Rob Zombie outdoes himself again as he continues to impress me as a writer & director. A fantastic and brutal retelling of the origins of Michael Myers. For me personally Malcolm McDowell stole the show as Dr. Loomis because I've had an enormous amount of respect since I saw A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. However, most impressive was young Daeg Faerch who plays the 10-year-old version of Michael. His face and emotions did a wonderful job in helping to educate the audiences knowledge on this legendary character. And even though I haven't seen the entire franchise, this film had me begging for more. If you're a fan of Rob's or the franchise, you won't want to miss this.

RUSH HOUR 3
(First Viewing)

After an attempted assassination on Ambassador Han, Lee and Carter head to Paris to protect a French woman with knowledge of the Triads' secret leaders.
I can't believe it's been 6 years (RUSH HOUR 2) since I've last seen Chris Tucker in a film. And even though it was a welcomed return, the film was not. Probably the weakest of the trilogy with a runtime around 86 minutes, a weak script (especially with the jokes) and some shoty use of CGI/blue screens. However, Tucker and Chan mix and feed off of each other beautifully as they did in the first 2. Hopefully we won't have to wait another 6 years to see Chris on the silver screen again. I guess the world answered the question of it needed another RUSH HOUR film. The answer is of course no.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/07 12:56 PM

SNAKES ON A PLANE

Yes i know its been out for ages but i finally watched it last night!
I can honestly say i don't know how it became such a hit show!
It was'nt bad but it certainly was'nt great!
Mind you as a "scared of snakes" type of chap i was watching with one eye firmly wedged behind a cushion so i might have missed something along the way.... \:\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/02/07 07:59 PM

Funny, I liked Zombie's remake. People are crying as if Carpenter's original was perfect. Oh yeah? If so, then answer me:

*How could Myers, locked up for 15+ years, know how to drive a car? I didn't know they taught catonic kids some wheels.
*Why are the teenagers in their 20s?
*Why do you keep persisting that Mikey Myers always had his mask on? Remember that one shot when Nick Castle's face is crystal clear? This aint Jason Vorhees, people.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/07 12:25 AM

U TURN 1/2
(First Viewing)

When Bobby's car breaks down in the desert while on the run from some of the bookies who have already taken two of his fingers, he becomes trapped in the nearby small town where the people are stranger than anyone he's encountered. After becoming involved with a (unbeknownst to him) young married woman, her husband hires Bobby to kill her. Later, she hires Bobby to kill the husband.

I was disappointed with Sean Penn's character. Penn did a fine job acting, it was just his character was so soft. I wanted to root for the guy but he made it hard for me to being so spineless. Also, the ending was a little too much for me going back and forth between the 4 main characters. By the end I was pretty overwhelmed and just glad to get out of there.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/07 03:24 AM

KALIFORNIA 1/2
(First Viewing)

Brian Kessler, a journalist researching serial killers, and his photographer girlfriend Carrie set out on a cross-country tour of the sites of the killings. Sharing the ride and their expenses are Early Grayce, a paroled white trash criminal, and his girlfriend Adele. As the trip progresses, Early begins to appear more and more unstable, and Brian and Carrie begin to fear that they may have a real-life serial killer in the back seat of their car.

A great role for a young Brad Pitt to continue to jump start his career. He was the only retrieveable feature from the film. Seeing him as a poor, white trash, psychopathic killer is quite the change from the OCEAN'S trilogy. However, the script is ultimately flawed due to its inability to affect me on any personal level. Really the only character I had any sympathy for was Juliette Lewis' because she was so stupid and naive. However, when Pitt was killing people, it didn't matter to me and Pitt wasn't a very likeable villain either so I was screwed on both ends of the deal.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/07 04:42 AM

Was it his debut film? I remember seeing it long back but don't remember most of it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/07 04:48 AM

Vertical Features Remake *
Greenaway explores "vertical" structures like trees, poles, buildings etc with this 40 min long movie. This is a slide show and not a movie in the conventional sense. The camera does not even zoom in/out here. Some clever tricks with editing and music have been tried out in the last segment (It features 4 remakes of the movie itself)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/07 04:56 AM

Gerry ****
A slow but great movie by Gus Van Sant, featuring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. Two friends go on a trail and get lost. Gus takes his own sweet time with his scenes, with extended tracking shots of the characters through their journey and good use of background music. Must watch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/03/07 02:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Was it his debut film? I remember seeing it long back but don't remember most of it.


No, he was in COOL WORLD & A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT in 1992 but it was one of his early films
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 02:57 AM

I'm watching Demetrius and the Gladiators starring Victor Mature and Susan Hayward. It's a sequel to The Robe.

Mature is an underrated actor. He had a unique delivery and he made it all seem so simple.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 03:02 AM

I see that it is on here too. I always loved Victor Mature.
He also played Samson in Samson and Delilah, one of my favorites!!!

They use to have the 4:00 movie when I was a kid and I swear I remember seeing (and liking) a movie with VM and Betty Grable. Anyway, yea, I always liked him. \:\)

TIS
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 05:23 AM


SHEESH!!

I stumbled upon VS's (Versus Network's) Rocky marathon tonight... caught the tail end of #2, then started watching #3... after the second commercial break, I said screw it, and plopped the DVD in (I have the boxed set of 5)... then ended up watching #4... then #5 (which apparently I'd never seen before \:o ) What a night. Wow. As poor as they are, technically... I ALWAYS shed a tear at the end... so that makes them great.

(Thank goodness I had the DVDs, cuz it's still going on for another 45 mins on Versus lol)

...and it's nice to know I was watching a "Man's" network for once, besides Spike...

PS - "Versus" sounds like such a fighting theme... is that what men are know for??? Guess so. lol


PPS: R1 (*****), R2 (****), R3 (*****), R4 (***), R5 (**)

Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 05:28 AM

 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

I can honestly say i don't know how it became such a hit show!


I think that it was a giant joke that everyone was in on... I mean, no one actually expected a good film going in. The premise is terrible, so you know. The film just sort of became an inside joke in so many different circles of friends before it even came out that everyone just sort of ran with it. And I think that's exactly what the studio wanted.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 06:36 AM

Children of Men *
Compared to several board members who rate this very high, I wasn't all that impressed by it. The thing I liked the most was the cinematography, converting London from a modern city to a shady, filthy, run down and war torn place. The premise is interesting, but the plot is not too gripping.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 03:41 PM

I agree svsg. I wasn't impressed with CHILDREN OF MEN either. Did you see LITTLE CHILDREN with Kate Winslet?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 03:50 PM

No Irish, do you recommend it?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 04:01 PM

If the mood strikes you. I did enjoy it and own the DVD
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 04:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
If the mood strikes you. I did enjoy it and own the DVD


You actually bought a dvd, Irish?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 04:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Children of Men *
Compared to several board members who rate this very high, I wasn't all that impressed by it. The thing I liked the most was the cinematography, converting London from a modern city to a shady, filthy, run down and war torn place. The premise is interesting, but the plot is not too gripping.


2001 wasn't gripping either. Neither was METROPOLIS. Neither was THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH.

Sci-Fi isn't just a genre for thrillers or action pictures.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 04:37 PM

Watched The Queen last night. Helen Mirren was amazing. Don't know how much of it is actually factual, but it was done very well.

I remember waking up that morning to learn of Diana's death. I think her's and John-John's death were so surprising that I remember them as if they happened yesterday.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 04:38 PM

I saw HITCH (2005) over the weekend on TBS. It was a cute movie. That Eva Mendes is just beautiful.

Kevin James has really held his own with both Will Smith and, more recently, Adam Sandler. I guess he's gone from the KING OF QUEENS to the King Of Second Bananas.

There are worse jobs.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 04:42 PM

PB, Although I didn't love the movie, the scene where Will Smith is coaching Kevin James on how to dance is absolutely hilarious.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 04:46 PM

Yeah, it was.

Don't get me wrong. It wasn't a great movie, by any means. Just a "cute" movie. Probably a good "date" movie.

That Kevin James sure is nimble for such a big guy.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 04:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


2001 wasn't gripping either. Neither was METROPOLIS. Neither was THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH.

Sci-Fi isn't just a genre for thrillers or action pictures.

Agreed, I realized it as I was typing that 'gripping' was not the correct word, but again I am not able to find the right word to describe what was missing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/04/07 05:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
That Eva Mendes is just beautiful.


I second that emotion!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/05/07 03:27 PM

WIND CHILL
(First Viewing)

Two college students share a ride home for the holidays. When they break down on a deserted stretch of road, they're preyed upon by the ghosts of people who have died there.

George Clooney pissed his money away on this film being a producer. Most of the film took place in a car, which can get pretty crammy for 90 minutes. A haunted highway
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/06/07 04:08 AM

DEAD PRESIDENTS
(First Viewing)

This action film, directed by the Hughes brothers, depicts a heist of old bills, retired from circulation and destined by the government to be "money to burn." However, more broadly, it addresses the issues of Black Americans' involvement in the Vietnam War and their subsequent disillusionment with progress in social issues and civil rights back home in the United States, during the 1960's.

Oh where or where have the Hughes brothers gone? Their first two films, MENANCE II SOCIETY and DEAD PRESIDENTS were all great works, bringing to the forefront the struggles of being black either in L.A. during the early 1990s or a war veteran in the 1970s in New York. Then they switched gears and directed, IMO their most underrated film FROM HELL in 2001. Since then, I haven't heard much from them \:\(

As for the film, I wasn't expecting it to be a war and postwar film. Going into it I thought it was just a movie about a money heist. However, I did like the war element, particularly from a black characters point of view. I haven't seen many war films that deal exclusively with African-American soldiers/actors, so it was definitely a nice change to see the underrepresented minorities. Also, the hardships they faced when coming back home was even more dishearting because the characters had to turn to a life of crime to survive. On a final note, Clifton Powell as Cutty was probably my favorite character. He was only in two scenes but in his last scene he was absolutely dynamite (just so smooth and coy at times and then in an instant he's on top of you with a gun threating you).
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/06/07 06:21 AM

Damnation ****
This Hungarian movie, directed by Bela Tarr, is a masterpiece. Definitely now in my top favorites. Filmed in BW, this is a great depiction of hopelessness and helplessness. The main character is damned either way, by choosing or rejecting life and insanity being the only way to escape the reality of unrequited love. Great music and camera work. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/07 04:46 AM

THE BRIDE WORE BLACK 1/2
(First Viewing)

After trying to commit suicide, the widow Julie Kohler (Jeanne Moreau) pretends to her mother that she will leave her town. Actually she stays, chases and assassinates the five men that accidentally killed her beloved husband in the stairs of the church immediately after their wedding ceremony.

Another KILL BILL influence that I find to be the strongest source for QT's latest masterpiece. The editing at times was choppy which resulted in some scenes being rushed and there wasn't much of a soundtrack (which didn't take away from the film but it would have been nice to hear some music). Jeanne Moreau was great as the main character but I felt she could or should have been more cold/sinister to these gentlemen who killed her husband. As for the ending, I couldn't have asked for a better one. For fans of French or QT's films, I would highly recommend this. Although it probably would never happen, this is a movie I'd love to see Criterion take a crack at.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/07 07:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

I watched THE OUTSIDER (2005) last night, a documentary about James Toback making WHEN WILL I BE LOVED (2004, w/ Neve Campbell, Dominic Chianese, Mike Tyson), and absolutely fell in love with this non-mainstream writer/director! Not sure how I missed him until now -- he wrote Bugsy -- but his degenerate attitude is awesome!


Okay, so I saw WHEN WILL I BE LOVED tonight, and wonder WTF! Not only did I fall asleep in the middle of it, I thought there were many HORRIBLE aspects of it! Editing sucked!! Golden Rule is, if you notice an edit, it's a bad edit. And guess what? The edits stood out like a sore thumb! \:\/

But then I wondered, was that on purpose or not? I'm no expert, so now gotta ask... Capo et al... ever seen this film, or other Toback films? Please explain. I have FINGERS for probably tomorrow night.

I loved the director's attitude, in the documentary.... but so far not so good in actual production... \:\/

PS - Neve Campbell naked made it at least a little interesting ;\)


Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/07/07 11:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff


PS - Neve Campbell naked made it at least a little interesting ;\)




You must have loved "Wild things".
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/08/07 05:43 AM

Werckmeister Harmonies **
Directed by Bela Tarr. The word 'harmony' is used in the film to mean both peace as well as musical note. The apparent order in the society is compared to the complex notes developed for musical instruments. The idea is that both of these are artificial and when de-constructed, they reveal a type of irrevocable harmony. One that is designed by nature and not by man. A complex film with great camera work. You can also see a scene from this movie directly lifted and used in Gerry by Gus Van Sant - two characters walking and we can only see their heads swinging rhythmically accompanied by the sounds of their footsteps.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/07 03:01 AM

MISSISSIPPI BURNING 1/2
(First Viewing)

Two FBI agents investigating the murder of civil rights workers during the 60s seek to breach the conspiracy of silence in a small Southern town where segregation divides black and white. The younger agent trained in FBI school runs up against the small town ways of his former Sheriff partner.

Willem Dafoe and Gene Hackman worked very good together as partners. I really respected Dafoe's character who always did things by the book and always held his composure. However, at the same time I really respected Hackman's character who was so angry for a change, he didn't care how it came about. Dafoe's character was a better character study who tries to do things the right way, but unfortunately, during that time period in that atmosphere, the rules needed to be bent before solutions could be made to deal with the problems. My favorite line from the film had to be when the sherriff asked Hackman's character if he liked baseball, to which Hackman replied, "Yeah, I do. You know, it's the only time when a black man can wave a stick at a white man and not start a riot."
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/07 03:48 AM


I mentioned writer/director James Toback recently and thought he was an interesting character. Well, I saw When Will I Be Loved (2004) the other day and wasn't too thrilled, but you guys gotta see Fingers (1978) -- if just for the cast! Harvey Keitel, Michael V. Gazzo (Pentangeli), Danny Aiello, Lenny Montana (Luca Brasi), Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts), Dominic Chianese (Uncle Junior)(was also in WWIBL)...!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/10/07 07:16 PM

you missed this one. \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/07 12:16 AM

THE BASKETBALL DIARIES 1/2
(First Viewing)

Jim Carroll (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a high school basketball player. His life centers around the basketball, and his dream is being a basketball star. Once in a while he gets stoned with his friends, and step by step, he falls into the dark world of crime and drugs. Once his mother expelled him out of the house, he goes into the streets of New York, and together with his friends they take drugs for which they steal, rob and even kill. As the time pass, Jim's situation becomes worse. It looks like he will never get out from the his drug addiction.

One reason why I'm not a fan of drugie movies, they're so depressing. About 60-70 minutes of the film is Leo just totally destroying himself. I'll give Leonardo DiCaprio mega props for doing a great job in this film. He was 21 when it was released and he looked about 15 or 16 (which was the age of the character). Same thing applies to Mark Wahlberg who was 24 and did a great job in only his 3rd film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/07 07:29 PM

DOA: DEAD OR ALIVE
(First Viewing)

DOA is a martial arts tournament where the world's best fighters participate in a contest, where combatants faces each other on a mysterious island, where the loser who gets knocked-out will be forced to leave the island and return home. And the winner will be moved on the next match. Three female fighters are chosen to take part in DOA: Christie Allen, a sexy jewel thief, Tina Armstrong, a tough-as-nails pro-wrestler and Kasumi, a Ninja princess. Once arriving on the island after jumping out of their airplane with parachutes, Christie, Tina and Kasumi finds they aren't just fighting for the championship, they find themselves up against Tornament master Donovan, the previous tournament master's teenage daughter Helena Douglas is also taking part in DOA to honor her father's legacy, Kasumi has left her kingdom to find what happened to her brother who mysteriously disappeared at the tournament a year ago, Tina is taking part to prove she isn't a fake and Christie and her lover Maximillian Marsh bid to break into a vault on the island. But Donovan has his own agenda and has other plans for the female fighters.

Let me start off by saying I'm not a fan of video game films. I went into this thinking it'd be a laugher and I was proved wrong. This is my second favorite video game film behind only MORTAL KOMBAT and features the return of Eric Roberts. Where he went I have no idea but I haven't seen him since 2003's very forgettable NATIONAL SECURITY and before that a short stint on HBO's best show pre-SOPRANOS, OZ.

I think this would be a film pizzboy would enjoy the most. If you're a fan of video game films, a$$-kicking women, THE TRANSPORTER (director Corey Yuen directed both),Eric Roberts or all of the above, then this is the film for you. Plenty of action with a runtime just under 90 minutes. My only complaint about the film was the lack of steam the film had in the last 20 minutes or so.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/07 08:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE BASKETBALL DIARIES 1/2
(First Viewing)

One reason why I'm not a fan of drugie movies, they're so depressing. ... I'll give Leonardo DiCaprio mega props for doing a great job in this film....


What are you, insane? \:o

1.5 stars for such a TERRIFIC movie simply because it's depressing?????
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/07 08:20 PM

You mean you didn't love the upbeat ending of LESS THAN ZERO?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/07 11:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
You mean you didn't love the upbeat ending of LESS THAN ZERO?



Never saw it
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/11/07 11:06 PM

Very downbeat movie, my sarcasm aside.

It was an early glimpse into Robert Downey Jr's genius, but who knew he was just playing himself?

You should check it out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 05:26 AM

YOUNG MR. LINCOLN
(First Viewing)

A family traveling through New Salem in their covered wagon need groceries from Abe Lincoln's store and the only thing of value they have that he'll take in exchange is a law book. He talks about his ambitions with a young woman. She dies. He moves to nearby Springfield, the new state capital, and opens a law office with a friend. He meets a young woman visiting from Kentucky, who wasn't born in a log cabin, Mary Todd. Then when a man is killed at a 4th of July picnic he stops a lynching by telling the angry mob he really needs these clients for his first real case.

Everytime I see a Henry Fonda movie I enjoy watching the man's work more. I haven't seen many of his films (this film, THE GRAPES OF WRATH, 12 ANGRY MEN, THE LONGEST DAY, and BATTLE OF THE BULGE), but he continues to make me a fan. Fonda hit a homerun with this role. When I think of Abraham Lincoln, I think of Fonda's Lincoln. A quiet gentleman, who wasn't flashy or loud but respected by all. He also favored him very much visually. An interesting look into Lincoln's early life that I wasn't to aware of. Now I'm looking even more forward to Steven Spielberg's 2009 film LINCOLN
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 06:43 AM

"Young Mr. Lincoln" is one of my favorite bio-flicks. Fonda overdid the reverence in which we hold Lincoln, but he got away with it (because he's Henry Fonda - ).

I absolutely loved the courtroom scene in which he's questioning Ward Bond and the subject of Bond's character's name comes up - Jack Cass! Absolutely hilarious!!

The ending scene when Fonda is walking down the rode in the rainstorm is completely overdone, but its one of my favorite movie moments of all time.

If you're looking for a few Fonda film recommendations, I'd suggest "On Golden Pond" (with Katherine Hepburn and his final movie), "My Darling Clementine" (a decent western in which he plays Wyatt Earp) and "In Harm's Way" (a good war flick; Fonda has a somewhat small role as Admiral Halsey).
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 08:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC

If you're looking for a few Fonda film recommendations, I'd suggest "On Golden Pond" (with Katherine Hepburn and his final movie)


I absolutely love that movie. A great tear jerker, but then it makes you laugh.

"What's that"?
"That's a lawn chair".

"Wanna go suck face".
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 09:05 AM

I'll never be able to get enough of Kate Hepburn, but Henry Fonda was totally awesome in that movie. Knowing that some of the issues he faced with his daughter (in both the movie and real life) were acted out here only added to the movie's greatness.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 09:06 AM

"Why was that son of a bitch never my friend".

You know Jane was saying it to her father in real life.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 09:11 AM

Absolutely. That only added to the scene!!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 03:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I absolutely loved the courtroom scene in which he's questioning Ward Bond and the subject of Bond's character's name comes up - Jack Cass! Absolutely hilarious!!


Yeah, the courtroom scenes were surprisingly pretty hilarious
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 07:47 PM

RETURN OF THE TIGER
(First Viewing)

An international narcotics ring struggles to dominate the Southeast Asian drug market in this action-packed martial arts film. Bruce Li is the only thing standing in their way.

This is probably the other film Quentin Tarantino contributed to the L.A. Grindhouse Film Festival. Now don't get confused, this isn't the Bruce Lee we all know and love. Just a look alike with a similar name (it was made 6 years after his death in any case). The sound effects really made this film and at the beginning, the fight scenes were nice. The final battle between Bruce and the main boss was enjoyable as well and long. It reminded me of the fight between Rowdy Roddy Piper and Keith David in THEY LIVE with its length.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/12/07 10:42 PM

THE EVIL THAT MEN DO 1/2
(First Viewing)

A professional killer comes out ot retirement to investigate and avenge the brutal murder of an old friend.

I had seen the beginning of this when I was younger and I finally was able to see the rest of it. I think this is the first feature role of Charles Bronson that I've seen and I can understand why he has a sizeable following. He was good onscreen and somewhat of an action hero you could look up to. Has anyone ever seen him in MR. MAJESTYK?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 03:59 AM

THE OUTSIDERS 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Based on the novel of the same name. The story of young men growing up facing hard times where they have little going for them. Two opposing groups, the Greasers and the Socs, continually fight against each other and their "turf".

I remember reading the book and seeing this film in middle school. It was also on TV a couple of weeks ago and peeked my interest. A great and very youthful cast of characters who have, for the most part, all gone on to have very successful movie careers. As for the story, it didn't have any affect on me personally. It was enjoyable but as I was as numb about it after watching it as I was before I rewatched it.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 06:08 AM

I know more women that love The Outsiders than men. I liked the movie, but I agree with you Irish, it didn't really affect me. When that movie is brought up around all the women (of all ages) that I know it turns into "I LOVE THAT MOVIE! LET'S WATCH IT!". So, in my house I have watched it more times that I would have liked because us guys are outnumbered by the girls. \:\/
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 06:10 AM



A Place in the Sun(1951) is a film which tells the story of a working class young man who is entangled with two women, one who works in his wealthy uncle's factory and the other a beautiful socialite. It stars Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, Shelley Winters, Anne Revere, Keefe Brasselle and Raymond Burr.The film is best known for the celebrated dance scene between Clift and Taylor, shot in extreme closeup by director George Stevens.

The movie was adapted by Harry Brown and Michael Wilson from the novel An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser and the adapted play by Patrick Kearney. It was directed by George Stevens. The film has been deemed "culturally significant" by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Place_in_the_Sun
****

One of the staple pieces of FILM NOIR, IMO.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 08:36 AM

I liked 'outsiders' very much. The character of ponyboy and the whole 'stay gold' theme. Not many teen movies really deal with that kind of message. Also all the scenes shot in various stages of night and daybreak are really good visually.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 01:50 PM

FREEDOM WRITERS (2007) **1/2

I caught this last night. Hilary Swank as an idealist teacher in gang-infested Long Beach, California. The story has been done to death, most recently in 1995's DANGEROUS MINDS. Still, I kind of enjoyed it. Swank was believable (she always is) and Patrick Dempsey was given just enough dialogue so that you'd never know he can't act.

Worth seeing.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 03:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE BASKETBALL DIARIES 1/2
(First Viewing)

One reason why I'm not a fan of drugie movies, they're so depressing. ... I'll give Leonardo DiCaprio mega props for doing a great job in this film....


What are you, insane? \:o

1.5 stars for such a TERRIFIC movie simply because it's depressing?????


And you pounce on me for asking him to explain for his madness?

Boomerang baby!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 04:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I know more women that love The Outsiders than men. I liked the movie, but I agree with you Irish, it didn't really affect me. When that movie is brought up around all the women (of all ages) that I know it turns into "I LOVE THAT MOVIE! LET'S WATCH IT!". So, in my house I have watched it more times that I would have liked because us guys are outnumbered by the girls. \:\/


Really? I wouldn't have figured it for a chick flick. Not a chick flick in the romantic comedy sense, but a chick flick in that women more than men want to see it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 04:25 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FREEDOM WRITERS (2007) **1/2

I caught this last night. Hilary Swank as an idealist teacher in gang-infested Long beach, California. The story has been done to death, most recently in 1995's DANGEROUS MINDS. Still, I kind of enjoyed it. Swank was believable (she always is) and Patrick Dempsey was given just enough dialogue so that you'd never know he can't act.

Worth seeing.


I stayed the heck away from that film when it came out because as you said, the story had been done before. No offense against Swank, I dig her work, but I'm getting tired of this inner city feel good stories like these. Just not my genre I guess
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 04:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FREEDOM WRITERS (2007) **1/2

I caught this last night. Hilary Swank as an idealist teacher in gang-infested Long beach, California. The story has been done to death, most recently in 1995's DANGEROUS MINDS. Still, I kind of enjoyed it. Swank was believable (she always is) and Patrick Dempsey was given just enough dialogue so that you'd never know he can't act.

Worth seeing.


...but I'm getting tired of this inner city feel good stories like these.


How about upstate New York feel good stories? \:p

Speaking of which, that kid from the Bills is gonna walk again. \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 05:00 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Speaking of which, that kid from the Bills is gonna walk again. \:\)


Remarkable! Hopefully this is a breakthrough for science
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 06:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: Ice
A Place in the Sun(1951)
****

One of the [i]staple
pieces of FILM NOIR, IMO.


I like this movie. Clift, Taylor, and Winters were excellent. But, I don't think this movie is a film noir even with the loosest application of the term. Interesting idea, though. Why do you say it is one?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 07:00 PM

MOBSTERS 1/2
(First Viewing)

The story of a group of friends in turn of the century New York, from their early days as street hoods to their rise in the world of organized crime. As their crime empire expands, they have to deal with many problems, including their own differing opinions on how to run their business, the local Godfather, and the psychotic Mad Dog Coll.

An unusual cast of characters whom I wouldn't have pegged as making good mob figures, but I've been known to be wrong on more than one occassion. My biggest surprise was Christian Slater, who towards the beginning of the film, thought wouldn't pull off a good Italian/Mafioso. When I heard him talking with adding an 'a' to every word, I thought it might have been a long ride. However, once we got out of the neighborhood and youth scenes he was fine. Patrick Dempsey was also a surprise, however he was playing a Jewish character not an Italian and I think he did as good if not a better job than Slater.

My biggest beef with the film was the casting of Michael Gambon as Don Salvatore Faranzano. His English accent stuck out like a sore thumb whenever he spoke. Anthony Quinn was great Don Giuseppe 'Joe the Boss' Masseria. It's a pity I haven't seen more of his work and they should have casted someone else to play his rival to help balance his workload out (he carried both Don roles pretty much). As for the story, I thought it was a very interesting look at independent gangsters who don't belong to anyone family. It was interesting because they only had ties to themselves and could fool the families into fighting over them and to fight each other.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 07:03 PM

The movie was grossly inaccurate.... that took away any excitement over of it for me.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 07:05 PM

I thought it was a fun, if largely innacurate movie.

Funny though, I didn't really care for Quinn's preformance, I found it to be "over the top." He was much better as Neil Dellacroce in HBO's GOTTI.

I'll agree with the **1/2 rating.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 07:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
The movie was grossly inaccurate.... that took away any excitement over of it for me.


Which parts. I was curious myself how much of the film was true
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/13/07 11:06 PM

GO KILL AND COME BACK 1/2
(First Viewing)

A bounty hunter tracking a dangerous killer knows that he must either successfully murder his prey or have no hope of returning alive.

I found this movie to be pretty similar to THE MAN WITH NO NAME TRILOGY, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. The main character was called the stranger and like Eastwood, is an admirable gunfighter. Although this was more of a tongue-and-cheek film when the fight scenes transpired, still the story was captivating. Probably one of the best grindhouse films I've seen and one of, if not the best film from this grindhouse film set I've seen thus far.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 03:23 AM

SNAKE EYES
(Second Viewing)

Ricky Santoro is a flamboyant and corrupt Atlantic City cop with a dream: become so well connected that he can become mayor. In lieu of that, he'll settle for keeping his comfortable lifestyle. On the night of the heavyweight boxing championship, Rick becomes mixed up in the assassination of the Secretary of Defense, an assassination involving his best friend. Becoming the investigating officer in the case, Rick soon uncovers a conspiracy to kill the Secretary and a mysterious woman in white. The conspiracy was shocking, but not half as shocking as the identity of its mastermind.

Nicholas Cage was terrific in this film. He was most definitely flamboyant and looney like his character in FACE/OFF. I miss this Nicholas Cage. De Palma's opening shot of the arena was fantastic. A nice long shot with Cage and Sinise canvassing the arena. Not much of a surprise in the line of story and the plot or shock was released too early in the film I thought.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 03:30 AM

I saw this movie I12, when it was first released. I really forgot about it til you just posted.

Anyway, I have mixed feelings on Nicholas Cage for some reason. He is a good actor but many of his characters are so off the wall. Granted, he's good a playing off the wall characters. Maybe that's it, he's characters are all off. I don't know. I liked Peggy Sue Got Married (his first movie??) He was great in Leaving Las Vegas, although that was a one time viewing for me (too much of a downer). I always wanted to see 8MM but I know that was a flop.

Probably my favorite Cage movie was Con Air. Did you see that?

TIS
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 03:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Probably my favorite Cage movie was Con Air.


Shame on you, TIS. Did you forget "Moonstruck"??
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 03:37 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I saw this movie I12, when it was first released. I really forgot about it til you just posted.

Anyway, I have mixed feelings on Nicholas Cage for some reason. He is a good actor but many of his characters are so off the wall. Granted, he's good a playing off the wall characters. Maybe that's it, he's characters are all off. I don't know. I liked Peggy Sue Got Married (his first movie??) He was great in Leaving Las Vegas, although that was a one time viewing for me (too much of a downer). I always wanted to see 8MM but I know that was a flop.

Probably my favorite Cage movie was Con Air. Did you see that?

TIS


Oh yes. I think Cage gets sh*t on unnecessarily the majority of the time. My favorite Cage movies, in no order:

-HONEYMOON IN VEGAS (probably my first Cage film I liked)
-LEAVING LAS VEGAS
-THE ROCK
-CON AIR
-FACE/OFF (my favorite Cage role)
-GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS
-LORD OF WAR
-THE WEATHER MAN
-WORLD TRADE CENTER
-GHOST RIDER
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 03:38 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I liked Peggy Sue Got Married (his first movie??)

It is by coppola right? Can you review that movie please?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 03:46 AM

Nobody liked Cage in Raising Arizona?? That's my favorite of his.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 04:05 AM

A friend of mine recommended I watch RAISING ARIZONA and I'm not afraid to say it. I didn't like it. He couldn't believe it but it just wasn't for me I guess. I remember Holly Hunter being very good with her accent but don't remember Cage too much.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 05:16 AM

Zerkalo (Mirror) 2nd time ****
One of or maybe the most beautiful movie(s) I have ever seen. The images, music, poetry and the theme are all just brilliant. The first time I saw it, I was preoccupied with plot confusions, now there is so much clarity.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 06:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
A friend of mine recommended I watch RAISING ARIZONA and I'm not afraid to say it. I didn't like it. He couldn't believe it but it just wasn't for me I guess. I remember Holly Hunter being very good with her accent but don't remember Cage too much.


How dare you!!! You suck! \:D ;\)

Actually, it is an off-beat Cohen Bros. movie that most people don't quite understand so I don't blame you. Out of curiosity, do you enjoy any of their other movies?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 03:38 PM

I own both DVD's for FARGO and THE BIG LEBOWSKI (LEBOWSKI is probably my favorite comedy of all time along with SNATCH)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 03:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I own both DVD's for FARGO and THE BIG LEBOWSKI (LEBOWSKI is probably my favorite comedy of all time along with SNATCH)


*Cough*
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/14/07 06:50 PM

THE NINTH GATE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

The sleazy book dealer Corso (Depp) is hired by the obscure obsessive Balkan to find the only other two copies of his rare book in existence. The book is called 'The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows', and Balkan wants to authenticate his copy of this 17th century occult work, said to have been written by the devil.

One of Depp's easily forgetable movies. As much as I love the man and respect him as an actor, he didn't show me much with this film. His biggest reach in this role was trying to sound cool and calm throughout the picture. Frank Langella was very good as his employer, yet he wasn't used very much. As for the film itself, pretty lame with not very much excitement.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/07 05:41 AM

BOUNTY MAN
(First Viewing)

A man-hunter chases a young killer to an isolated valley town, who is in turn chased by a gang of cutthroats in this western filled with interesting complications.

Very surprising to see Margot Kidder in a grindhouse film. The lighting in this film wasn't very good, especially with those scenes filmed at night outside. However, this is a grindhouse film so I'm not that surprised. I think I'm more of a spaghetti western fan than American westerns. The story wasn't bad but the ending was very lame and I didn't find it very believable.
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/07 08:07 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
 Originally Posted By: Ice
A Place in the Sun(1951)
****

One of the [i]staple
pieces of FILM NOIR, IMO.



I like this movie. Clift, Taylor, and Winters were excellent. But, I don't think this movie is a film noir even with the loosest application of the term. Interesting idea, though. Why do you say it is one?


I classified it as such b/c--Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize moral ambiguity and sexual motivation--Cliff's character and the film's narrative center around his moral ambiguity and sexual motivation.

You're right though. The film does lack other key components of noir and I shouldn't have classified it as such. I certainly shouldn't have called it a staple.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/15/07 05:36 PM

THREE TOUGH GUYS
(First Viewing)

Ex-convict and priest Father Charlie teams up with framed ex-cop Lee Stevens to set the record straight about a dead friend. Joe Snake, responsible for framing Stevens and takes out prostitute Fay Collins in order to grab her secret $1,000,000 stash. Father Charlie and Stevens soon settle the score.

Another familiar face in a grindhouse film, Isaac Hayes. The main theme from this picture was familiar and used in KILL BILL: VOLUME 2 (when Pai Mai fights The Bride). A decent but as usual predictable outcome. The fighting priest played by Lino Ventura was a nice change. That man could kick some a$$ and wasn't your typical priest.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 01:04 AM

BROKEN ARROW 1/2
(First Viewing)

Major Deakins is a tough U.S. Air Force pilot who is assigned to a flight mission with 'nice-guy' Captain Hale. They are to fly the B3 Stealth Bomber on wargame maneuvers over Utah loaded with two live nuclear weapons. Deakins, having been continually passed over for promotion, sells out his country and arranges to use the thermonuclear warheads under his command to blackmail the U.S. government. The only thing standing in his way is his old buddy, Captain Hale.

Oh the days when it was actually cool and entertaining to see a John Travolta movie. Unfortunately for him, his following three films after this were crap until he again hooked up with director John Woo in 1997 for, the at times, underrated FACE/OFF. Slater turned in a decent performance as well but for some reason, I just had a hard time believing him as a "goody two-shoes" character. I also think this is one of the only John Woo films that didn't have doves in it. I was looking for them the entire film.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 01:09 AM

Broken Arrow has some of the worst music I've ever heard in a movie. I saw it recently on T.V.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 01:23 AM

I agree. There was one song (I can't remember the name of it) that was in SCREAM 2 and just didn't work for this film
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 04:17 AM

MANDINGA 1/2
(First Viewing)

A story of forbidden passion in the Old South. A legacy of lust is passed from generation to generation when a plantation owner becomes obsessed with the sensual beauty of one of his slave girls.

Not to many slave movies that I can think of. I wonder why the subject isn't displayed more on screen (and no I've never seen ROOTS). Watching this felt like I was watching BLACK CANDLES all over again with the amount of sex scenes (almost every other scene). However, I will give this grindhouse film props for having a twist for an ending. At least some thought was put into it and even though it was laughable at times, this was probably one of the best grindhouse endings I've seen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 02:45 PM

THE CHILDREN 1/2
(First Viewing)

A busload of children has disappeared from the quiet New England town of Ravensback, and Sheriff Billy Hart is on the case. A short while later, he manages to track down the kids, but unfortunately they seem to have been transformed into murderous zombies by a cloud of radioactive gas. How can he stop the killer tykes before they destroy the town?

Probably one of the cheesiest horror films I've ever seen. However, due to this fact it was also very enjoyable. When the kids came into contact with the radioactive gas, whenever they hugged someone, they would melt their entire body (yes, that's how they died). You couldn't help but laugh at it. I also believe this film shares the same music from the original FRIDAY THE 13TH. Blibble, svsg or other horror fans out there, check this out too if you like laughable horror films.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 04:40 PM

irish have you seen 'children of corn' ?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 08:01 PM

SUPERBAD
(First Viewing)

Two co-dependent high school seniors are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.

Jonah Hill continues to find new ways to make me laugh. I've loved seeing this guy's work since I first saw GRANDMA'S BOY. It's great to see him finally star in a film and he didn't disappoint at all. He alone was well worth the price of admission and his two friends, along with Seth Rogen and Bill Hader were just deserts. For whatever reason, I could relate to Jonah's character and have met a couple of friends like him in the past. I haven't laughed this hard since THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN and this was better, even then WEDDING CRASHERS which I absolutely loved.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 08:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
irish have you seen 'children of corn' ?


No I haven't seen it yet
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 08:23 PM

How many movies do you watch a day Irish?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 10:03 PM

It's gotten up to at least 2 a day but that's because I'm not working anymore (season ended with my other job) and I'm done writing my thesis. I've sent it for corrections to two professors and I'm waiting to hear back from them. Also, I've been looking for a job and it's been harder than I thought (just something until I go back to Texas in November).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/16/07 11:53 PM

DEMON WITCH CHILD
(First Viewing)

An old witch seeks vengence through the daughter of the politician who had her thrown in jail. Soon the little girl's head is spinning around, and an old priest is called in to perform an exorcism.

Just a cheap, foreign rip off of THE EXORCIST, just very poorly executed. One of the worst horror films I've ever seen. Also, here's a question I was wondering, why are so many of the grindhouse horror films satanic in nature?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/07 12:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
irish have you seen 'children of corn' ?


No I haven't seen it yet

It is not a typical horror/grindhouse type of movie. Creepy movie with children as devils instead of the usual innocent types.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/07 04:56 AM

HIGH SCHOOL HITCH HIKERS
(First Viewing)

Two female hitchhikers get mixed up with a gang of thieves and their stolen jewelery.

Yes, I believe this is the first grindhouse film outside of the Rodriguez & Tarantino masterpiece that I gave a three star rating and it's well worth it. This had the most noticeable and greatest amount of missing frames that sped up the pace of characters onscreen. It also featured one of the most ridiculously ludicrous storylines where almost every character used his/her body to their advantage. Everybody was sleeping with everybody and while their was a lot of nudity in the film, it wasn't overdone to the point where it was redundant and meaningless sex scenes.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/07 07:25 PM

CARRY ON EMMANUELLE 1/2
(First Viewing)

The beautiful and sex-starved Emmannuelle Prevert just cannot inflame her husband's ardour. In frustration she seduces a string of VIPs, including the Prime Minister and the American Ambassador. A jealous lover gives a list of all her conquests to the national press and a scandal ensues. But will she ever manage to get her own husband into bed?

Not really sure why this is in the sexplotation section of the grinhouse set. There were a couple of booty shots and that was about it. Horrible film. English humor (which I'm not a fan of) and this woman was just a complete whore in every sense of the word. She doesn't believe in the confines of a marriage.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/07 11:43 PM

YOUNG GUNS
(First Viewing)

1878 in New Mexico: John Tunstall picks up young gun men from the road to have them work on his ranch, but also to teach them reading and to civilize them. However he's a thorn in the side of the rich rancher Murphy, as he's a competitor in selling cattle. One day he's shot by Murphy's men. Judge Wilson can't do anything, since Sheriff Brady is one of Murphy's men. But attorney Alex persuades him to constitute Tunstall's young friends to Deputies and give them warrants of arrest for the murderers. Instead of arresting them, William Bonney just shoots them down. Soon the 5 guys become famous and William gets the name "Billie the Kid" - but they're also chased by dozens of Murphy's men and the army. The people however honor him as fighter for justice.

Surprisingly I found Emilio Estevez to be the most believable from the group. An interesting branch out from the SEVEN SAMURAI storyline who fail in their protection mission, yet seek justice. However, it is relatively uneventful with unexciting shootout scenes with some modern 1980s rock music. General Zod (Terence Stamp) was most enjoyable as the ranchowner and I think this is the first or second film of his I've seen outside SUPERMAN II. Now I know some people out there can suggest a few Jack Palance westerns for me to watch. He was likewise enjoyable however underutilized.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/17/07 11:50 PM

Emilio wants to do a 20 years later sequel in the worst way, but no one will give him the money, and no studio will touch it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 12:11 AM

Well at the end of YOUNG GUNS they said what happened to each individual in the group. I'm curious how YOUNG GUNS 2 will pan out (I'm going to watch it later on tonight).
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 12:20 AM

YG2?

Meh, that's all I'm saying.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 01:39 AM

Thanks PB
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 03:26 PM

YOUNG GUNS II 1/2
(First Viewing)

The movie begins with the aging Brushy Bill Roberts narrating his story to a young historian. His claim? He claims that he is the famous outlaw William H. Bonney, alias Billy the Kid, who was supposedly shot and killed by Patrick Floyd Garrett in 1881. The old man gives a very convincing story on how he and Garrett, along with Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh, Chavez y Chavez, Doc Skurlock, and a few others led the outlaw life and avoided the law, as they were wanted men. Garrett, a friend of Billy's, was paid by John Chisum, a cattle king, to eliminate Billy the Kid. So, Garrett and Ashmun Upson set out on a journey to find Billy the Kid.

The sequel made for a better show with a little more excitment and humor from Emilio Estavez and crew. Surprised to see James Coburn in the flick but like Jack Palance in YOUNG GUNS, he was underutilized. Christian Slater really worked well with Emilio and I would have liked to have seen them fight more over who the leader of the gang was, I think that could have been an interesting storyline to expand on.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 04:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CARRY ON EMMANUELLE 1/2
(First Viewing)

The beautiful and sex-starved Emmannuelle Prevert just cannot inflame her husband's ardour. In frustration she seduces a string of VIPs, including the Prime Minister and the American Ambassador. A jealous lover gives a list of all her conquests to the national press and a scandal ensues. But will she ever manage to get her own husband into bed?

Not really sure why this is in the sexplotation section of the grinhouse set. There were a couple of booty shots and that was about it. Horrible film. English humor (which I'm not a fan of) and this woman was just a complete whore in every sense of the word. She doesn't believe in the confines of a marriage.
Place the film in its cultural and historical context. You're hardly going to see nipples - the Carry On films are the embodiment of English bourgeois hypocrisy - that stiff upper lip we're noted for undermined by repressed sexual perversity and general social absurdity, probably remnants from that most tyrannical of dwarfs, Queen Victoria.

Any other of the Carry On films in that set? I don't think I've ever seen one all the way through - their broad, cheap humour isn't my kind of thing at all, however useful windows they are into the British film industry and the public that consumed it at the time.

As a matter of curiosity, check out the Confessions series - more of the same, but somehow more tolerable than the Carry On franchise. My favourite is Confessions of a Window Cleaner.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 04:48 PM

I didn't realize it was part of 'carry on' series. If you search for emanuelle in imdb, it gives dozens of grindhouse titles \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 06:18 PM

DEATH PROOF
(Third Viewing)

Two separate pairs of voluptuous women are stalked at different times by a scarred stuntman who uses his "death proof" cars to execute his murderous plans.

I've been salivating to see this film again. I loved GRINDHOUSE so much I saw it twice in theaters and DEATH PROOF was my favorite. As usual, Quentin can take the "everybody loves Kurt Russell" who we're all familiar with, turn him into a psychopatic manic behind the wheel of the car, turn him into a complete wuss, and still have him loveable as a villain. I loved the opening and closing songs for the film, however this was one of the few were all of the music didn't blow me away. The added footage filled in some of the gaps from the theaterical cut but didn't add anything of major significance. Finally, Quentin Tarantino's back and all's right in the world.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 09:48 PM


I watched Blades of Glory (2007) the other night, and thought it was pretty funny. I totally didn't recognize Jon Heder from Napolean Dynamite fame (probably because I tried to block his image from my head lol), so decided to re-watch Dynamite, as well as The Benchwarmers (2006)... I still didn't like Napolean Dynamite for some reason (**), perhaps even less so than the first time. But the other two I thought were better... 3-stars each...
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/18/07 09:49 PM

I thought Blades was hysterical.


"Drink it in."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/07 01:45 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CARRY ON EMMANUELLE 1/2
(First Viewing)

The beautiful and sex-starved Emmannuelle Prevert just cannot inflame her husband's ardour. In frustration she seduces a string of VIPs, including the Prime Minister and the American Ambassador. A jealous lover gives a list of all her conquests to the national press and a scandal ensues. But will she ever manage to get her own husband into bed?

Not really sure why this is in the sexplotation section of the grinhouse set. There were a couple of booty shots and that was about it. Horrible film. English humor (which I'm not a fan of) and this woman was just a complete whore in every sense of the word. She doesn't believe in the confines of a marriage.

Any other of the Carry On films in that set? I don't think I've ever seen one all the way through - their broad, cheap humour isn't my kind of thing at all, however useful windows they are into the British film industry and the public that consumed it at the time.


No, there's no other CARRY ON films in the set and this film wasn't my thing at all either
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/07 01:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

I watched Blades of Glory (2007) the other night, and thought it was pretty funny. I totally didn't recognize Jon Heder from Napolean Dynamite fame (probably because I tried to block his image from my head lol), so decided to re-watch Dynamite, as well as The Benchwarmers (2006)... I still didn't like Napolean Dynamite for some reason (**), perhaps even less so than the first time. But the other two I thought were better... 3-stars each...






I never saw what the big deal was with NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE either. BORAT I did, but not NAPOLEAN. I'd take NACHO LIBRE over NAPOLEAN any day of the week
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/07 05:04 PM

THE CONDEMNED 1/2
(First Viewing)

"The Condemned" tells the story of Joe Conrad (Stone Cold Steve Austin), who is awaiting the death penalty in a corrupt Central American prison. He is "purchased" by a wealthy television producer and taken to a desolate island where he must fight to the death against nine other condemned killers from all corners of the world, with freedom going to the sole survivor.

I understand why this film didn't do so well at the box office. Because the film's main star, Stone Cold Steve Austin, isn't the main star and is underutilized! Rather Robert Mammone, the wealthy TV producer seems to get most of the air time. Furthermore the film seems to follow the internal struggles Mammone has with his staff than on the actual prisoners/fighters/competition. In addition, the fight scenes were sloppy and short, hardly enough to gain the audiences attention let alone excitement. I was excited to see a Stone Cold and Vinnie Jones face off and it's hardly existent. While Vinnie is used almost as much as Stone Cold, it's not the Vinnie Jones I love and remember. I can't put my finger on it but for some reason, something was missing with him.

Between THE MARINE and THE CONDEMNED, I can't really decide which I liked more. THE MARINE definitely had more explosions and action, however THE CONDEMNED does have Stone Cold, Vinnie Jones, and the whole jungle fighting scene going for it. I hear Stone Cold is signed for a three picture deal and I hope he does finish out the remainder of his contract. If he does, hopefully next time he'll be the main star

WWE Films thus far:
-SEE NO EVIL
-THE MARINE 1/2
-THE CONDEMNED 1/2
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/19/07 06:30 PM

Irish, your reviews are like John Cena.

No Sell!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/20/07 12:03 AM

ASSASSINS
(First Viewing)

Robert Rath (Sylvester Stallone) is a seasoned hitman who just wants out of the business with no back talk. But, as things go, it ain't so easy. A younger, peppier assassin named Bain (Antonio Banderas) is having a field day trying to kill said older assassin. Rath teams up with a computer hacker named Electra (Julianne Moore) to defeat the obsessed Bain.

Wow, remember the days when Sylvester Stallone movies were still pretty decent? DEMOLITION MAN, ASSASSINS, and COPLAND. Then his career nosedived with DRIVEN and GET CARTER. And who better to play the villain than Antonio Banderas? I haven't seen many movies with him as a bad guy so this was definitely a nice treat to see him get down with his bad, latino self. Also, Julianne Moore was using this film and NINE MONTHS to catapult her career to the state is in today. This was the movie I'd have loved to see John Woo direct rather than BROKEN ARROW.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/20/07 12:11 AM

Check out some of Pedro Almodóvar's early nineties films, in which Banderas shines as anti-heroes.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/20/07 05:13 AM

BACKDRAFT
(First Viewing)

As a child Brian McCafferty watched his firefighter father die. Years later he joins his brother, Steven in the force by becoming a rookie firefighter. There is a history of conflict between the two brothers that is heated up by working together. With this background, a series of suspicious fires are set, each made to kill a specific person. After becoming frightened at a fire, Brian pulls strings to get into an investigative office and finds that he is now not putting out the arsonist's fires, but trying to track him down.

I thought this film tried to do too much. First Baldwin is a firefighter, then an investigator and a firefighter again. Stick with one position and go with it! Also, I was intrigued by seeing De Niro's name attached to this film, but unfortunately he's not in it very much. And what's with using William Baldwin as the lead actor? William Baldwin? At least have the decency to use Alec if one's going to use any of the Baldwin brothers. Also, why did Kurt Russell play his father in the opening scene if he would be playing his brother throughout the duration of the film? Ultimately, this filmed didn't have any effect on me. When watching a film, I like to feel something (excitement, humor or otherwise) but I was pretty numb after watching it. I could care less about this film or the characters, so when something does happen to a critical figure, I bat an eye at it.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/20/07 07:56 AM


Just watched The Lost Boys (1987) again, after not seeing if for a while, starring the "Two Coreys" (Feldman, and LLC \:p lol )... good stuff.

Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It's fun to be a vampire.

Story of my life. lol
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/20/07 02:18 PM

Oh, Irish, what are you thinking?? Backdraft is one of my favorite movies!! The reason that Kurt Russell played their father?? Because A. Sometimes fathers look like their sons, and B. To stress the parental role that Steven had in Brian's life, and how Brian resented him for it.

Um, and why did Baldwin's character keep changing jobs rather than sticking with one? Because that's what the whole movie was about. He was immature. He was never able to stick with anything. That's why his brother sought to protect him, because he was afraid for his brother's life. And that's why the younger brother resented the older one, for always trying to control him.

I thought that the entire cast was very good. I can't believe that you didn't feel a thing throughout the entire movie. Emotionally, the ending absolutely slays me.

I remember seeing Ron Howard on a talk show when this movie first came out. He said that after the premiere, the attendees were sort of milling about outside the theater. A firetruck happened to drive by, sirens blaring. Everyone broke into cheers and applause. Obviously, it appealed to SOME people.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/20/07 04:22 PM

I like Ron Howard but wouldn't consider it his bet stuff. My favorite Howard films are (in order):

-CINDERELLA MAN
-A BEAUTIFUL MIND
-FAR AND AWAY
-THE DA VINCI CODE
-HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/07 12:51 AM

HALLOWEEN (1978)
(Second Viewing)

On a cold Halloween night in Haddonfield, Illinois in 1963, six year old Michael Myers brutally murdered his teenage sister after she had sex with her boyfriend. Michael is then locked inside Smith's Grove Warren County Sanitarium where he is placed under the care of Dr. Sam Loomis who is the only one who sees the pure evil within the soul of Michael. In October 1978, Michael escapes from the sanitarium. After witnessing the escape, Dr. Loomis heads back to Haddonfield where he knows Michael will kill again on Halloween night. Michael begins stalking three teenagers, Laurie Strode and her friends Annie and Lynda. With the help of the town sheriff, Loomis hunts for Michael and hopes to put an end to his grisly murder spree.

Ok, I like the John Carpenter version more than the Rob Zombie version. The film was made in 20 days on a budget of a little over $300,000 (sounds like the first SAW film too). What really worked for this film was its simplicity. Released in 1978, standards back then would be pretty tame compared to today (see SAW or HOSTEL if you think I'm joking). No teenage drug use, not a lot of sex, gore or brutality. Just a classic film which scared the audience with a tremendous score and a superhuman killer. Compared with the first FRIDAY THE 13TH and NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, I think this film beats them out as the best.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/07 03:55 AM

HALLOWEEN II
(First Viewing)

It's October 31, 1978 - Halloween - and Haddonfield is awakening to the horror that Michael Myers (who escaped from a mental institution) has returned to the sleepy little town, murdered three teenage students and attempted to murder student, Laurie Strode before being shot by Dr. Loomis only to walk away (events from "Halloween"). Laurie is taken to the Haddonfield Clinic to get her injuries doctored and to rest from the shock but she starts to question about why is Michael after her? She also starts to fall in love with Jimmy, a driver at the clinic. Meanwhile, Dr. Loomis and the Haddonfield police search the town looking for Michael who, upon hearing that Laurie is still alive, makes his way to the clinic and starts to murder the small clinic's staff in an attempt to get to Laurie. Marion Chambers arrives and gives Loomis the key answer to Michael's madness but is also there to order him back to Smith's Grove (to stop the officials looking bad.) Can Loomis find Michael and stop him from succeeding in his plans by killing Laurie?

Not as affective as the original. The score was remixed from the original, which wasn't as enjoyable. Also, I think this is the beginning of trying to shock audiences rather than scare them. The body count was obviously higher for this film but some of the deaths were more gruesome as well. John Carpenter co-wrote and directed the original and only co-wrote the sequel. Probably a good thing because even having him direct II I don't think would have been enough to save it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/07 04:15 PM

THE KING OF KINGS (1927) 1/2
(First Viewing)

Mary Magdalene becomes angry when Judas, now a follower of Jesus, won't come to her feast. She goes to see Jesus and becomes repentant. From there the Bible story unfolds through the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

I'll save you the trouble and say it for you, I'm spoiled. I never really have and probably never will enjoy silent films. I gave this a shot to see if my feelings would change any and while they've loosened up a bit, they're still there. Although, I will give DeMille props for making this picture as impressive as it was, especially for 1927. The sets were pretty impressive too and it definitely had that big budget Hollywood nostaligia feeling to it. I think the 1931 version is the same film, just about 40+ minutes shorter.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/07 05:19 PM

Does it have background music or is it completely silent?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/21/07 05:52 PM

There's a score but still
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/07 04:22 AM

HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH
(First Viewing)

Conal Cochran, the evil head of the Silver Shamrock Corporation, has implanted his company's new masks with computer chips, each containing a small piece of a boulder stolen from Stonehenge. On Halloween, when the Silver Shamrock jingle is played, Cochran's plans for the deaths of all who wear the masks will come to fruition.

Yes this is one of the silliest halloween movies I've seen and it ruined the franchise. However, even though it had nothing to do with Michael Myers and is just using the franchise name, it was enjoyable in a humerous sort of way. The television commercial for the masks was catchy.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/07 04:57 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I never really have and probably never will enjoy silent films.


The best thing to do when one is trying to get used to silent film is stay away from those period or biblical epics like the one you just watched.

I'd go for suspense or thrillers like Hitchcock's The Lodger and or Blackmail. There's a great gangster silent movie called Regeneration by Raoul Walsh.

You can never go wrong w/ the thrill-stunt comedies of Harold Lloyd. Try Safety Last and The Freshman found on the awesome Haroly Lloyd Collection DVD boxset.

Buster Keaton and Bruckman's The General can entertain anyone. Anyone. I defy you not to find the train sequences thrilling!

Of course, we have Charlie Chaplin. Try Modern Times. Can't beat the boxing match in City Lights.

You still enjoy sight gags or visual jokes in modern comedy movies, right? The Lloyds, Keatons, and Chaplins are full of them.

A second thing to do is play a favorite instrumental music piece that you think fits. I honestly can't stand most of the orchestral accompaniment on silent movie DVDs. I know someone that plays trip-hop instrumentals or modern electronic music. I watch most of them literally silent.

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/07 03:09 PM

HALLOWEEN 4: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS 1/2
(First Viewing)

Fourth in the series and the third to feature the character of Michael Myers. It's October 30, 1988 and Michael Myers has been in a coma since his pursuit of Laurie Strode, 10 years ago, was finally stopped. However when he is transfered from Richmond Mental Institute to Smith's Grove he awakes when he hears that he has a niece in Haddonfield and after killing the transfer crew he escapes. In Haddonfield, the niece, Jamie, has been adopted by the Carruthers family but keeps having nightmares about Michael (but she doesn't know who he is). On Halloween night, Jamie goes out trick and treating, little knowing that her murdering Uncle is following her and her step-sister Rachel. Rushing to her aid is Dr. Loomis and with the help of Sheriff Meeker starts to search the town for Michael and to find Jamie to protect her. But can anything stop Michael this time?

By this time it's 1988 and this became just another usual 80s slasher flick. Still enjoyable with a nice twist for an ending. Also, 11-year-old Danielle Harris did a great job as the main star. She seemed more mature for her age during this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/22/07 05:18 PM

NEXT
(First Viewing)

Las Vegas showroom magician Cris Johnson has a secret which torments him: he can see a few minutes into the future. Sick of the examinations he underwent as a child and the interest of the government and medical establishment in his power, he lies low under an assumed name in Vegas, performing cheap tricks and living off small-time gambling "winnings." But when a terrorist group threatens to detonate a nuclear device in Los Angeles, government agent Callie Ferris must use all her wiles to capture Cris and convince him to help her stop the cataclysm.

This is what I love about Nicholas Cage and why I think he's an underrated actor. Because he doesn't have to be a smooth talking, cocky, coy kinda guy to be cool. He can be a burnt out magician running from the law with little to no facial emotions. He did another great job with this role which I found very interesting. A guy who can look into the future no longer than 2 minutes and can change that course depending on his actions. The idea is great although it was becoming overused by the end. Unfortunately Biel is kind of buried and Moore doesn't impress.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/07 04:30 AM

HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS 1/2
(First Viewing)

It is exactly one year later since Michael Myers returned to terrorize his hometown of Haddonfield, and his long-lost niece, Jamie Lloyd. Now, he wants revenge! Young Jamie, who has lost her ability to speak since attacking her foster mother, has developed a telepathic link with her demonic uncle. The ever resourceful Dr. Sam Loomis has realized this, and plans to use it to finally put an end to Michael's rage. But unbeknownst to them, a stranger has come to Haddonfield, and he is a key factor in the outcome of the madness that has plagued Haddonfield on Halloween for over ten years!

Surprisingly, I think this role was even more difficult for Danielle Harris than in HALLOWEEN 4 and I think she was better in it than this. Same old stuff in terms of the film except a question at the end. Who was the man in black? I guess I'll have to keep watching to find out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/07 02:55 PM

HALLOWEEN 6: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS 1/2
(First Viewing)

Six years ago, Michael Myers terrorized the town of Haddonfield, Illinois. He and his niece, Jamie Lloyd, have disappeared. Jamie was kidnapped by a bunch of evil druids who protect Michael Myers. And now, six years later, Jamie has escaped after giving birth to Michael's child. She runs to Haddonfield to get Dr. Loomis to help her again. Meanwhile, the family that adopted Laurie Strode is living in the Myers house and are being stalked by Myers. It's the curse of Thorn that Michael is possessed by that makes him kill his family. And it's up to Tommy Doyle, the boy from Halloween, and Dr. Loomis, to stop them all.

Wow, Paul Rudd in a HALLOWEEN movie. Finally some backstory as to the mythology behind Michael Myers. While it wasn't very in depth, it was still nice to get a reason why for some of the things he does.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/07 05:33 PM

BUG
(First Viewing)

Having escaped her abusive ex-husband Goss (Harry Connick Jr.), recently released from state prison, Agnes (Ashley Judd), a lonely waitress with a tragic past moves into a sleazy, run-down motel and her lesbian co-worker R.C (Lynn Collins) introduces her to Gulf War veteran Peter (Michael Shannon), a peculiar, paranoiac drifter and they begin a tentative romance. However, things don't always seem as they appear and Agnes is about to experience a claustrophobic nightmare reality as the bugs begin to arrive.

Where has Ashley Judd and her career gone? Oh that's right, down the drain with flops like this. The category for this film is suspense and I was completely bored throughout it. Judd did a pretty decent job as an alcoholic, afraid of her ex-husband waitress but the film is still terrible. Just a very slow moving story with half of the film setting up her relationship with Peter Evans (played by Michael Shannon) and the other half with a government conspiracy bullsh*t. Whatever you do, do yourself the favor and avoid this on Tuesday!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/07 07:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HALLOWEEN 6:

how many parts is this series ? \:o
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/07 07:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HALLOWEEN 6:

how many parts is this series ? \:o


9

-HALLOWEEN (1978)
-HALLOWEEN II
-HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH
-HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS
-HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS
-HALLOWEEN 6: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS
-HALLOWEEN H20: 20 YEARS LATER
-HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION
-HALLOWEEN (2007)
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/23/07 08:20 PM

I12, you really need to get a job, man.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/07 04:10 AM

Got one on Friday. I've been working all weekend
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/07 05:30 AM

Just watched a thoroughly enjoyable movie for the first time - "Blue Moon" - starring Ben Gazzara and Rita Moreno as an old married couple who re-discover their love for each other through a strange twist of the cosmos (they meet their younger selves).

A very poignant and funny movie which anyone over the age of 40 should be able to relate to and enjoy. Look for small roles by the likes of Burt Young, Vincent Pastore, Lillo Brancatto and Joe D'Onofrio.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/07 08:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HALLOWEEN 6:

how many parts is this series ? \:o


9

-HALLOWEEN (1978)
-HALLOWEEN II
-HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH
-HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS
-HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS
-HALLOWEEN 6: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS
-HALLOWEEN H20: 20 YEARS LATER
-HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION
-HALLOWEEN (2007)


And i bet only the first 3 are worth watching.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/07 12:20 PM

Actually, as of now, just the two versions of HALLOWEEN are (the 1978 & 2007 versions)
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/07 04:17 PM

SWINGERS (1996) ***1/2

One of my all-time favorite small budget films.

This movie is "money!"

How do I know? "I'm the guy, behind the guy, behind the guy."

Trust me, watch it.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/24/07 04:45 PM

BORN ON THE 4th JULY

Saw this again last night!
Not a great fan of Tom Cruise but i think this is his best ever movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/07 12:39 AM

HALLOWEEN H20: 20 YEARS LATER
(Second Viewing)

Laurie Strode is now the head mistress at a prestigious private school, which is attended by her 17 year-old son. On the 20th anniversary of the events that occurred in Halloween I, Laurie begins having nightmares, flashbacks, and visions of her evil brother, Michael Myers, coming to kill her. Myers shows up at the school on Halloween night, setting the stage for a "final" battle between Myers and Strode.

Finally a horror film worthy enough to carry the title of HALLOWEEN in it. The best sequel thus far (still have HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION to watch) and it reminded me a lot of my favorite horror movie of all-time, SCREAM. That's not too surprising since SCREAM writer Kevin Williamson was a co-executive producer on this project. A solid cast, great soundtrack, totally serious (no cheesy or tongue-in-cheek moments) with a blend of scare tactics and brutality. It's also not too surprising I enjoyed this because director Steve Miner also directed one of my favorite horror movies of all-time, FRIDAY THE 13TH PART III. Like HALLOWEEN 6: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS introducing us all to Paul Rudd, this film introduced Josh Hartnett to the world.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/07 02:56 AM

HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION 1/2
(First Viewing)

When a group of teens win a contest to spend a night in Michael Myers' childhood home to be broadcast live on the internet, they believe they are in for a little fun and some free publicity. But, things go frightfully wrong and the game turns into a struggle to make it out of the house alive.

Unfortunatley the original HALLOWEEN is only afforded one decent sequel in the entire run. Also unfortunate is the fact that this film couldn't build on the momentum from H20. The opening with Jamie Lee Curtis was a nice touch but other than that, the film went down hill. I didn't like the slow motion pace whenever Michael Myers was stalking his victim (overused), nor did I like the look from the contestants perspective. I understand why they used it so much but it still felt like I was watching THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT at times. However, I will give Busta Rhymes some props for providing some comic relief.
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/07 07:33 AM




The Philadelphia Story is a 1940 romantic screwball comedy starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart. Based on a Broadway play of the same name by Philip Barry, the film is about a bride-to-be whose plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a handsome journalist. It is considered one of the best examples of a comedy of remarriage, a genre popular in the 1930s and 1940s, in which a couple divorce, flirt with outsiders and then remarry - a useful ploy at a time when depicting extra-marital affairs was banned in American film.

The American Film Institute ranked The Philadelphia Story #51 in its list of the 100 best movies in American cinema, #15 among the 100 best American comedies and #44 in the 100 best American romances.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Philadelphia_Story

***

The dialogue between these three *STARS* is what makes this one of the best movies ever..it has to be one of the 'wittiest' scripts in Cinematic History. Katherine Hepburn is THE STAR and the CENTER OF ATTENTION (of course); Cary Grant is HILARIOUS, and James Stewart won his ONLY Academy Award ever, for his performance as the 'handsome journalist.'

You have to watch it a cpl of times to get all of the jokes--it's great. And the ending is one of the craftiest I've ever seen--not THE USUAL SUSPECTS crafty, but you get the pt. \:\)
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/07 03:48 PM

THE BLACK DAHLIA

Good but not a patch on LA CONFIDENTIAL.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/07 08:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
SWINGERS (1996) ***1/2

One of my all-time favorite small budget films.

This movie is "money!"

How do I know? "I'm the guy, behind the guy, behind the guy."

Trust me, watch it.


Yeah, its great.

In fact, I think all young guys should see it. Its probably why 11 years after its release, after those L.A. nightclubs and particular moment of the nightlife have died out, guys can still relate to the story of SWINGERS.

Plus, its the one heart-broke tale that doesn't end with the hero getting a replacing spouse or whatever bullshit. Whatever Favreau makes it with Graham or not, who cares? He's gotten over his deep funk, and thats what matters...and Vince Vaughn* is still that loud asshole of a guy you would call a friend.

*=Man, remember when Vaughn was a GOOD actor?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/07 10:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
THE BLACK DAHLIA

Good but not a patch on LA CONFIDENTIAL.


Yeah, it wasn't that good
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/07 10:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
THE BLACK DAHLIA

Good but not a patch on LA CONFIDENTIAL.


Yeah, it wasn't that good


Considering that LA CONFIDENTIAL is a fucking masterpiece, thats a bit not fair, is it?

Hell, does TEMPLE OF DOOM suck because its not as great as RAIDERS? Of course not.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/25/07 10:23 PM

Yeah Ronnie, I really dug SWINGERS. They just couldn't rekindle it in MADE. Whether it was Fuck Daddy or Favreau coming off as such a wannabe, I don't know, but it sucked.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/07 01:49 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Yeah Ronnie, I really dug SWINGERS. They just couldn't rekindle it in MADE. Whether it was Fuck Daddy or Favreau coming off as such a wannabe, I don't know, but it sucked.


I don't know, I just know that MADE should have been called MEH.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/07 03:03 AM

WITH HONORS
(Second Viewing)

Monty is a student, and when his computer crashes, he's left with only a single paper copy of his thesis. Frightened of losing it, he immediately rushes out to photocopy it, only to stumble and drop it down a grate. Searching the basement of the building, he discovers that it has been found by Simon, a squatter. Simon makes a deal with Monty: for every day's accomodation and food that Monty gives him, he will give a page of the thesis in return.

One of Joe Pesci's last great roles as the humerous and insightful Simon Wilder. Likwise where has Brendan Fraser's career gone? He started out fine in the early 1990s with ENCINO MAN, SCHOOL TIES and WITH HONORS. However, then he made GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE and DUDLEY DO-RIGHT. And for ever MUMMY there's a MONKEYBONE to balance itself out. And yes he was back in a big movie, 2004's CRASH and has yet again disappeared since then. One note of the film, I wasn't a big fan of the last shot. I hate scenes that last about 5-10 seconds and end a film (just end it with the prior scene or extend it). I feel it's too rushed, trying to cram it in at the last second.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/07 03:11 AM

I LOVED "With Honors"!! I've always felt it was one of Pesci's best roles and Brendan Fraser was absolutely wonderful.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/07 06:47 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I LOVED "With Honors"!! I've always felt it was one of Pesci's best roles and Brendan Fraser was absolutely wonderful.

Um, who you talking/responding to? \:\/
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/07 06:56 AM


I'm Reed Fish (2006) **

Reed Fish's life turns into chaos when a high school crush returns to Mud Meadows on the eve of his marriage to the small town's sweetheart.

The above was a quote from IMDb, cuz I'm too lazy to write my own. ;\) \:p

I rented this from NetFlix just to see what Jay Baruchel ("Undeclared") was up to these days. Guess things don't change much. It's okay, I guess... but there were some glaring problems... (you'll notice them, if you rent/buy it...)
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/07 06:59 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: SC
I LOVED "With Honors"!! I've always felt it was one of Pesci's best roles and Brendan Fraser was absolutely wonderful.

Um, who you talking/responding to?




The post immediately preceding mine... Irishman reviewed the movie, "With Honors".
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/07 07:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
Irishman reviewed the movie, "With Honors".

Yeah... I know... ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/26/07 01:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: SC
Irishman reviewed the movie, "With Honors".

Yeah... I know... ;\)



What's that suppose to mean?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 02:52 AM

DRAGON HEAT
(First Viewing)

A team of young Interpol agents arrive in Hong Kong to give testimony at the trial of local crime lord 'Puma' Duen. Among them are American agent Andy Hui (Andy On), Taiwanese cop Vanness Chang (Vanness Wu), and local lawman Lok. They are greeted by Hong Kong police commander Hon Sun (Simon Yam). The heavily armed convoy taking Puma to court is attacked by a ruthless team of North Korean agents, led by international terrorist Petros Davinci (Michael Biehn). Petros is seeking revenge for his brother in arms, who was killed by Puma and his brother, 'Tiger' Duen. At Petros' side is his fierce enforcer, Ko (Jun-ho Heo), and a lethal lady sniper, Song (Maggie Q). After Puma is snatched, the Interpol team insists on tracking down Petros themselves. Hon Sun rejects their request and places the team in the care of veteran police officer Kong Long (Sammo Hung). A burned out cop who has never come to terms with either his personal or professional history, Long Kong is reluctant to get involved. Finally, inspired by his young charges, he rises to the occasion, and leads the Interpol team on their quest for Petros and his team. The mean streets of Hong Kong form a backdrop for a battle of wills, wits, and urban warfare.

Pretty disappointing for an asian action/crime flick because their wasn't much action. Also, I thought the story was somewhat complex and hard to keep track of certain characters. Too much use of slow motion as well and titles/character explanations.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 09:34 AM

Dirty Harry 1971

1/2

Dirty Harry doesn't wear Kevlar and he doesn't carry an arsenal of automatic weapons. All he needs is his .44 magnum. Six shots doesn't seem like much, but it's enough when you rarely miss and a single shot can knock you ass over earlobes into next week. (Favorite scene: when the kidnapper is running across a football field, Callahan calmly takes aim and nails him in the leg at the 50-yard line. The shot lifts him up and flips him over. Badass!)

With the exception of the occasional ass-whooping delivered to random thugs, most of the story is a cat and mouse game between the detective and the kidnapper, who is able to manipulate the media and turn public and departmental opinion against Callahan. This results in his superiors taking his badge away . . . and any last pretense of his "playing by the rules" along with it.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 01:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
THE BLACK DAHLIA

Good but not a patch on LA CONFIDENTIAL.


Yeah, it wasn't that good


Considering that LA CONFIDENTIAL is a fucking masterpiece, thats a bit not fair, is it?


Hell, does TEMPLE OF DOOM suck because its not as great as RAIDERS? Of course not.


Good point Ronnie....
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 01:23 PM

DOWNFALL

A grim tale about hideous lunatics but it was gripping!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 02:10 PM

FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

With Von Doom back in his homeland of Latveria the fantastic four have new troubles when Galactus has decided that Earth is his next target. When his henchman, The Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd), is sent to Earth he discovers that he's getting more than he bargained for when he encounters the Fantastic Four. But that's not all when Dr. Doom decides that after two years in the homeland he is ready to return.

Again, the special FX in this film were amazing and really looked authentic. I just don't understand what's missing to make these films on par with the X-MEN trilogy. The cast is solid and the director is decent, the scripts aren't horrible (quite a bit of humor between the guys which is nice) but for whatever reason it just isn't as good. I will say Dr. Doom hasn't been anywhere near as cool as Magneto and no FANTASTIC FOUR scene has come close to matching my favorite X-MEN scene in the White House in X2.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 04:52 PM

THE FIFTH ELEMENT 1/2
(First Viewing)

Two hundred and fifty years in the future, life as we know it is threatened by the arrival of Evil. Only the fifth element can stop the Evil from extinguishing life, as it tries to do every five thousand years. She is helped by ex-soldier, current-cab-driver, Korben Dallas, who is, in turn, helped by Prince/Arsenio clone, Ruby Rhod. Unfortunately, Evil is being assisted by Mr. Zorg, who seeks to profit from the chaos that Evil will bring, and his alien mercenaries.

Is there any action movie that Bruce Willis stars in that doesn't kick a$$? He's one of the best action stars even and continues to improve it. Even though his resume is small, I'm really glad they cast Chris Tucker in this. I don't think anybody could have been as effective as him as the fast-talking DJ Ruby Rhod. Finally, I love Gary Oldman but wasn't a huge fan of his southern accent approach with this role. He did a fine job but just thought it was a little odd (which may have been what he was shooting for).
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 05:16 PM

Last night I saw "Edmond" starring William H. Macy. I've known him (Macy) to be a good actor but I was REALLY impressed by his portrayal in this flick.

He plays a businessman that is somewhat unhappy with his life. He stops off for a tarot card reading after leaving work and his life then takes a fast downward spiral in this stylishly written movie.

Its a little reminiscent of "Falling Down" (with Michael Douglas) but its a lot darker. A neat ending, too.

If you're in the mood for a dark drama, check this film out!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 07:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
Last night I saw "Edmond" starring William H. Macy. I've known him (Macy) to be a good actor but I was REALLY impressed by his portrayal in this flick.

He plays a businessman that is somewhat unhappy with his life. He stops off for a tarot card reading after leaving work and his life then takes a fast downward spiral in this stylishly written movie.

Its a little reminiscent of "Falling Down" (with Michael Douglas) but its a lot darker. A neat ending, too.

If you're in the mood for a dark drama, check this film out!


William Macy is sadly the Joe Cotton of this era: So awesome, so underrated, and completely ignored by critics and awards.

Well, better than being the Will Smith of this era, yeah?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 07:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE FIFTH ELEMENT 1/2
(First Viewing)

Two hundred and fifty years in the future, life as we know it is threatened by the arrival of Evil. Only the fifth element can stop the Evil from extinguishing life, as it tries to do every five thousand years. She is helped by ex-soldier, current-cab-driver, Korben Dallas, who is, in turn, helped by Prince/Arsenio clone, Ruby Rhod. Unfortunately, Evil is being assisted by Mr. Zorg, who seeks to profit from the chaos that Evil will bring, and his alien mercenaries.

Is there any action movie that Bruce Willis stars in that doesn't kick a$$? He's one of the best action stars even and continues to improve it. Even though his resume is small, I'm really glad they cast Chris Tucker in this. I don't think anybody could have been as effective as him as the fast-talking DJ Ruby Rhod. Finally, I love Gary Oldman but wasn't a huge fan of his southern accent approach with this role. He did a fine job but just thought it was a little odd (which may have been what he was shooting for).


Yes, amazing how you talk a present tense to a movie that came out a decade ago.

So, Mifune really gave his best performance yet in SEVEN SAMURAI, yeah? \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/27/07 11:16 PM

BULLITT
(First Viewing)

Frank Bullitt is selected by Chalmers, a politician with ambition, to guard a Mafia informant. Bullitt's friend is shot and the witness is left at death's door by two hit men who seem to know exactly where the the witness was hiding. Bullitt begins a search for both the killer and the leak, but he must keep the witness alive long enough to make sure the killers return. Chalmers has no interest in the injured policeman or the killers, only in the hearings that will catapult him into the public eye and wants to shut down Bullitt's investigation.

A great car chase that reminded me of VANISHING POINT briefly. Also the end in the airport was reminiscent of HEAT. I've only seen two Steve McQueen films and I'm still not overly impressed by the man. They were both good movies (THE GREAT ESCAPE & BULLITT) but him personally hasn't blown me away.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/07 06:14 PM

RISE: BLOOD HUNTER
(First Viewing)

Supernatural thriller in which a female reporter wakes up in a morgue to find herself a member of the undead. She vows revenge against the sect that put her there and hunts them down.

The story was given at first and the viewer can put the pieces together. However, about halfway through they go back to the beginning and show what we pretty much known. As a result, the film was longer than it needed to be, about 20-30 minutes could have easily been cut out. Also, Lucy Liu was lacking passion with her role. She's come back from the dead to kill the people who made her into a vampire. Is a little passion and energy a little too much to ask? I saw more of that in the CHARLIE'S ANGELS movies than in this.
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/07 06:38 PM

How on EARTH do you find the time to watch SO many movies, dude?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/28/07 07:06 PM

Before and after work. Trust me man, I'm behind. I've got A LOT I want to watch but just not enough time (if you can believe that). I won't be watching anymore until tomorrow night though because I have to work late tonight and early tomorrow morning.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/29/07 09:31 PM

DARK CITY
(First Viewing)

John Murdoch awakens alone in a strange hotel to find that he has lost his memory and is wanted for a series of brutal and bizarre murders. While trying to piece together his past, he stumbles upon a fiendish underworld controlled by a group of beings known as The Strangers who possess the ability to put people to sleep and alter the city and its inhabitants. Now Murdoch must find a way to stop them before they take control of his mind and destroy him.

Not your typical alien movie which was a nice change. At times it could be a little much and the special effects were done somewhat poorly but otherwise, a decent film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/07 06:16 AM

Live Free or Die Hard *
First of all, this movie did not suffer in any way because of PG-13 rating. There was enough of violence and strong language in it to be taken seriously. A very entertaining film, but offers nothing new, other than the fact that the scale is now large compared to the first film (I am yet to see the other sequels). Great special effects. No innovation in story or plot. Bruce Willis is good and there are a lot of funny moments.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/07 09:11 PM

ILSA, SHE WOLF OF THE SS
(First Viewing)

Ilsa is an evil Nazi warden at a death camp that conducts "medical experiments". Ilsa's goal is to prove that woman can withstand more pain and suffering than men and therefore should be allowed to fight on the front lines.

Well I finally got my hands on a copy of this. The style of the film wasn't a typical grindhouse film in that the footage looked manageable and it looked like the film actually had a budget. Dyanne Thorne was good as Ilsa, the hard nosed Nazi b*tch. A great cheesy movie and definitely a grindhouse classic!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/07 09:52 PM

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (NOTE: I wasn't sure which thread to post my review in so I copied/pasted and put in in this and the other thread.)


I finally went to see this movie today. Every now and then my instinct is pretty good and it was here I am happy to say.

From the opening scene on it was like a trip (in more ways then one ) down memory lane. Every Beatle song sung to perfection. I can't name any one performer who did not have a good voice and/or who did not perform their song in an appealing way...much to my surprise,and at times in stretches of little or no musical accompaniment. Before going in, I was hesitant, in a way, to hear anyone other than the Beatles sing Beatle songs.

Briefly, it was a love story between a young man from Liverpool, England and an American girl, and then again that was more a sub plot. Yet it had it's poignant moments that brought home memories of the time. The Viet Nam war and it's turmoil is the backdrop.

I recognized Joe Cocker who has aged considerably (although, he always looked old), by his familiar hand movements; Bono was great as the "Walrus"; and the gal who sang I Wanna Hold Your Hand..what a nice and different version of that song. Other than those I mentioned, none of the other names in the cast were familiar to me. Perhaps some are current up and coming stars, I don't know, but they all did a wonderful job. Every character had a familiar Beatle song name (i.e. Jude, Lucy, Maxwell)and with every song the lyrics came right back to me. I could probably say I was disappointed that a few my my Beatle favorites weren't in this movie, but hey, they had so many hits, the movie would have lasted forever to include them all.

I would be very curious "if" anyone else sees this movie for an opinion, especially, if anyone in my generation. I'd like to know your take. I doubt this movie will be in theaters very long. There were only 4/5 people in the theater this morning when I went. Anyway, I'd love to discuss it if anyone else sees it. I'm recommending it to my sister/brothers as well.

If you like the Beatles music and want something different, then you should enjoy this movie. i did. \:\)

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 09/30/07 10:33 PM

I'll probably have to wait for the DVD but I do plan on seeing it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 12:34 AM

MARS ATTACKS! 1/2
(First Viewing)

When the USA satellites photograph many flying saucers coming to Earth, the American President James Dale has a meeting with his advisors. He is convinced by Professor Donald Kessler (Pierce Brosnan) that Martians would be a developed culture and therefore peaceful by nature, in spite of the warnings of General Decker (Rod Steiger). The authorities, some civilians and the press prepare a welcome committee for the aliens, but they realize that Mars is actually attacking Earth.

A decent, if not at times, childish comedy by Tim Burton. The special FX were good, the martians looked nice on screen. A very noticeable cast as well with a surprise to good ol' Jack at the end (it was a surprise to me at least).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 02:54 AM

ILSA, HAREM KEEPER OF THE OIL SHEIKS
(First Viewing)

Finding a new employer, and looking not a day older since the end of World War II, Ilsa works for an Arab sheik who enjoys importing females to use as sex slaves. An American millionaire's daughter, a movie star, and an attractive equestrian are among his latest victims.

Dyanne Thorne returns as the beautiful and vicious Ilsa. Another very enjoyable segment of the trilogy although not as much brutality as the first I think. Also the ending was a bit different and I'm impartial on whether I liked it or not. On the one hand it was a small surprise but on the other, with the way this character has been the last two movies, you almost feel cheated.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 03:02 AM

Martin Scorsese called. He called you a nerd.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 05:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ILSA, SHE WOLF OF THE SS

Well I finally got my hands on a copy of this.

Where? I remember you asked once about torrents for this movie.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 11:44 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Martin Scorsese called. He called you a nerd.


If you don't like his reviews, then please move on to another topic. No need for the personal insults. Thank you.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 12:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ILSA, SHE WOLF OF THE SS

Well I finally got my hands on a copy of this.

Where? I remember you asked once about torrents for this movie.


I finally just broke down and bought the trilogy on eBay for $91 after shipping. You really won't find it below $100 on Half, Amazon or eBay. I've watched the first two films and have enjoyed them, so I guess it was worth it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 03:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Martin Scorsese called. He called you a nerd.


If you don't like his reviews, then please move on to another topic. No need for the personal insults. Thank you.


If Irish had a problem with me, he would say something about it. Besides, he doesn't care. Its a gentle jab.

Plus, so what?

Better yet, aren't you just a little peeved that Scorsese called him and not YOU? Ohhh, I can feel the jealousy in ya old bones.

I'll give Irish this, he's got stamina. That's got to count for something.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 03:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO



If Irish had a problem with me, he would say something about it. Besides, he doesn't care. Its a gentle jab.





Ronnie, please stop trying to provoke him. Now please check your PM.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 04:12 PM

ILSA, THE WICKED WARDEN 1/2
(First Viewing)

Ilsa, now a vicious warden, runs a mental-hospital for young women. A girl deliberately "checks" in to the hospital to find out what has happened to her sister who stayed there. Meanwhile Ilsa and one of the guards are forcing the inmates to have sex with male prisoners, filming them and selling it as pornoflicks.

Surprisingly, not as much brutality in this film, just sex. Also Dyanne Thorne didn't seem to capture the same apathy she did in earlier films and she wasn't as convincing. I think by the third film this trilogy had lost a step. I hear there's a fourth movie, ISLA, THE TIGRESS OF SIBERIA but I don't think a Region 1 DVD is available for it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/01/07 06:30 PM

NAKED WEAPON 1/2
(First Viewing)

Like a contagious virus, pretty and athletic girls in their teens start dissappearing around the globe one after another. The mastermind behind these abductions is Madame M (Almen Wong), who plans to train these girls into professional killers. After several years of gruesome training, only Charlene (Maggie Q), Katt (Anya) and Jill (Jewel Lee) survive and become the world's most sought after professional killers. On a recent mission to assassinate someone in Hong Kong, however CIA agent Jack (Daniel Wu), who vows to help her reclaim her past by eliminating Madame M.

Maggie Q has some moves to her. The reason I'm surprised is because I've only seen her in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III, LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD and DRAGON HEAT, none of which really let her show of her kung fu skills. However, the film ended rather abruptly (no credits or anything). It is also reminded me of 2002's SO CLOSE with Shu Qi.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/02/07 01:11 AM

RR or for anyone who is interested here is a link with a few short clips. I think it's very creative. Especially "I Want You", but then I enjoyed them all. I had to e-mail the page to my home. For some reason I didn't have access at work to play these clips.

TIS

Across the Universe
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/07 02:02 AM

THE MUMMY (1999)
(Nth Viewing)

As punishment for killing Pharaoh Seti and sleeping with his mistress, Egyptian priest Imhotep was mummified alive and cursed. But in 1923 he is inadvertently resurrected by treasure hunters and must be stopped before he can wreak his final vengeance on the world.

Brendan Fraser getting his action on. I wonder why he didn't do more action films? This is really the only franchise I'm aware of his that he's done action wise and I've enjoyed at least the first installment. Plenty of action with a nice balance of humor for full enjoyment. The CGI wasn't bad either. A great retelling of the 1932 story outside of the horror genre. I'll always remember this film as the first time I set eyes on Rachel Weisz.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/07 05:48 AM


Wow. I think 300 (2006) -- which I finally just saw the other night, and the bonus disk tonight -- has some of the best visual photography I've seen in a LONG time!! The story is classic, too - so it should be enjoyable for most everyone - but the "look" is simply incredible!
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/07 12:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Wow. I think 300 (2006) -- which I finally just saw the other night, and the bonus disk tonight -- has some of the best visual photography I've seen in a LONG time!! The story is classic, too - so it should be enjoyable for most everyone - but the "look" is simply incredible!




"This is Sparta!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/07 03:23 PM

THE MUMMY RETURNS 1/2
(Second Viewing)

The story is set in 1933, approximately 9 years after the events of the first film. Rick O'Connell is now married to Evelyn and the couple has settled in London,where they are raising their 8-year-old son Alex. When a chain of events finds the corpse of Imhotep resurrected in the British Museum, the mummy Imhotep walks the earth once more, determined to fulfill his quest for immortality. But another force has also been set loose in the world... one born of the darkest rituals of ancient Egyptian mysticism, and even more powerful than Imhotep. When these two forces clash, the fate of the world will hang in the balance, sending the O'Connells on a desperate race to save the world from unspeakable evil, and rescue their son before it is too late.

Not as much comedy as the first film and the CGI was worse, taking away from it IMO. Also, the one scene The Rock is in (not the CGI Rock), he didn't seem to ooze that charisma he did in the WWF/WWE. Hopefully his later films, which I'm going to begin watching next, he turns it around. I'll give him a free pass since it was basically his first time in front of a Hollywood camera. Finally, the fight scenes between Rachel Weisz and Patricia Velasquez were pretty hot.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/07 03:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Wow. I think 300 (2006) -- which I finally just saw the other night, and the bonus disk tonight -- has some of the best visual photography I've seen in a LONG time!! The story is classic, too - so it should be enjoyable for most everyone - but the "look" is simply incredible!



Definitely! My second favorite movie thus far this year.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/03/07 06:20 PM

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Two fugitive brothers at gunpoint get an ex-minister and his two children to take them accross the border into Mexico. They drive to a Mexican biker bar to rendevous with other crooks. While at the bar, a few unusual things happen.

Another great script turned in by the one and only Quentin Tarantino. I liked how Cheech Marin played three different roles. I also applaud Quentin and Robert Rodriguez for somehow getting Hollywood hearthrob George Clooney on board with this role. I think this is probably the first and only time I've seen him play a bad guy and he did a wonderful job with it. He should look into doing that more. I also wish Quentin would act more as I've enjoyed his work in this, FOUR ROOMS and PULP FICTION. However large or small his part I think the man can act and would love to see more of it.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 01:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Wow. I think 300 (2006) -- which I finally just saw the other night, and the bonus disk tonight -- has some of the best visual photography I've seen in a LONG time!! The story is classic, too - so it should be enjoyable for most everyone - but the "look" is simply incredible!



Mr. Babe and I just did not like this movie. Most people I know really liked it, so maybe it's us.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 03:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe


Mr. Babe and I just did not like this movie. Most people I know really liked it, so maybe it's us.


My initial thoughts about 300:
300 review
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 03:08 AM

Yojimbo **
My second Kurosawa movie. The merit of the movie lies in its imaginative visuals and the dramatic tension it sustains throughout. Otherwise there is hardly any story or thematic exploration.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 04:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Wow. I think 300 (2006) -- which I finally just saw the other night, and the bonus disk tonight -- has some of the best visual photography I've seen in a LONG time!! The story is classic, too - so it should be enjoyable for most everyone - but the "look" is simply incredible!



Mr. Babe and I just did not like this movie. Most people I know really liked it, so maybe it's us.


What didn't you like about it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 11:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO



If Irish had a problem with me, he would say something about it. Besides, he doesn't care. Its a gentle jab.





Ronnie, please stop trying to provoke him. Now please check your PM.


I might as well punch a brick wall.

Besides, why can't people simply right:

"RRA, Quit being an Asshole, please? THANK YOU"
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 12:28 PM

Ronnie, cut out the bullshit!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 03:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Ronnie, cut out the bullshit!


THANK YOU

With all this politeness, I thought we were like limeys or something.

"My dear good chap, shall I kick thou ass for your insult?"
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 04:22 PM

We're not all polite.

Were does the word "Limey" come from when talking about the English?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 05:32 PM

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 2: TEXAS BLOOD MONEY 1/2
(First Viewing)

Five criminals get together to rob a bank in Mexico. On his way to their rendezvous point, one of them gets into an accident, and stumbles upon the Titty Twister Bar. This little detour sets up the terror that awaits the outlaws and the officers on their trail.

Definitely a lower budget and lower quality film than the original. At times it felt like I was watching a made for TV movie. The directing was sloppy and the score was awful save for one song maybe. There was also an attempt at an homeage to the famous PSYCHO shower scene which was a lame attempt at trying to pay tribute to Hitchcock. Unfortunately, Robert Patrick and Tiffani-Amber Thiessen had there names attached to this train wreck.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 05:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Were does the word "Limey" come from when talking about the English?


I think it has something to do with the British sailors taking limes on their long voyages to help fight scurvy.

That aside, everyone, please keep the childish jabs for the sandbox.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 07:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Wow. I think 300 (2006) -- which I finally just saw the other night, and the bonus disk tonight -- has some of the best visual photography I've seen in a LONG time!! The story is classic, too - so it should be enjoyable for most everyone - but the "look" is simply incredible!



Mr. Babe and I just did not like this movie. Most people I know really liked it, so maybe it's us.


What didn't you like about it?


Wasn't much dialogue, I didn't think that the look was amazing, and wasn't impressed with the acting. I thought Troy was a far superior film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 07:57 PM

I thought the look was amazing, like SIN CITY. Another visual achievement IMO but to each his own. And you're right, there wasn't much dialogue, more fighting/blood/etc.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 08:04 PM

It just looked to cartoonish in some spots. Perhaps that was supposed to be the look, but it just didn't appeal to me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 08:18 PM

I think that might have been what they were shooting for since it was based on a graphic novel. I love the look personally but again, to each his own
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 08:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
It just looked to cartoonish in some spots. Perhaps that was supposed to be the look, but it just didn't appeal to me.


Exactly the look that they intended to give it. It's Frank Miller's style. He also wrote Sin City and it had that same dark effect to it. He's written that way for years and many of the comic books that he has written are still amongst the most sought after comics books that are out there.

Miller is the kind of writer that has a style that either you like, or you don't.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/04/07 09:51 PM

Well, so many people had told us that they just loved 300 that we were really looking forward to seeing it. Perhaps we were a bit TOO eager and had built it up in our minds.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/05/07 06:08 PM

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 3: THE HANGMAN'S DAUGHTER 1/2
(First Viewing)

"Prequel" to the first From Dusk Till Dawn is set in Mexico in the early 1900's which begins with the escape of Johnny Madrid, a dangerous local outlaw, from the gallows who then kidnaps his hangman's beautiful daughter, Esmeralda, with a little help from Reece, a female outlaw from the U.S. With the hangman and a local posse on their trail, Johnny meets with his gang who all rob a stagecoach which contains American author Ambrose Bierce along with newlywed couple John and Mary Newlie. As night falls, all parties coincidently seek shelter in an isolated inn/whorehouse which is run by vampires led by the high priestess Quixtla who targets Esmeralda. Esmeralda is revealed to be the half-human, half-vampire princess Santanico Pandemonium, whom the vampires want as their heir in which all the humans must join forces if they are to survive the night from the vicious blood-suckers.

Definitely a way to rebound after the horror that was FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 2. A great story that didn't focus so much on vampires which surprisingly was still interesting. I was very glad to see Michael Parks in a bigger role. I've loved his work in Quentin Tarantino's movies but he's in them so seldom. It was a nice change to be able to see him carry a movie more on his own.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/06/07 04:22 AM

Nizhalkkuthu (Shadow Kill) **
This Indian movie in Malayalam language was directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Interesting perspective on a hangman's dilemmas and his role in the pre-independent Indian society. The respect, the guilt and an almost divine power taunts and troubles a hangman's conscience and is depicted well.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/06/07 04:32 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC in another thread in General Discussion
Did [Sicilian] or Mr. Babe ever watch "Cinderella Man"?? (Its a wonderful movie based on James J Braddock, a former heavyweight champ)... if you haven't seen it, rent it!! (There's some awesome Depression era stuff in it).

I added CINDARELLA MAN (2005) to my Netflix queue after reading this on Sep 19th (I've kinda been getting into boxing lately, after watching a Rocky marathon last month ;\) ) ...GREAT movie!! I was sobbing like a baby for the last half hour...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/06/07 07:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: SC in another thread in General Discussion
Did [Sicilian] or Mr. Babe ever watch "Cinderella Man"?? (Its a wonderful movie based on James J Braddock, a former heavyweight champ)... if you haven't seen it, rent it!! (There's some awesome Depression era stuff in it).

I added CINDARELLA MAN (2005) to my Netflix queue after reading this on Sep 19th (I've kinda been getting into boxing lately, after watching a Rocky marathon last month ;\) ) ...GREAT movie!! I was sobbing like a baby for the last half hour...


Yeah, I liked it too.

When it was called SEABISCUIT.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 01:26 AM

Thought of my friend Pizzaboy today. I watched The Idolmaker while I was ironing this morning. I hadn't seen it in years, and it was a real pleasure to see it again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 03:41 AM

REIGN OVER ME
(First Viewing)

Alan Johnson has everything he needs to get through life: a good job, a beautiful and loving wife, and their wonderful children. Yet he feels isolated because he finds having a hard-working job and managing a family too much to handle and has no one to talk to about it. Charlie Fineman, on the other hand, doesn't have a job or a family. He used to have both until he lost his family on the fateful day of 9/11, and the grief he felt caused him to quit his job and isolate himself from everyone around him. As it turns out, Alan and Charlie were roommates in college, and a chance encounter one night rekindles the friendship they shared. But when Charlie's problems become too much to deal with, Alan is determined to help Charlie come out of his emotional abyss.

I'm really glad Adam Sandler got the chance to expand out of the comedy genre and do a dramatic piece. As a result, I think it's one of his finest acting jobs up there with his role in PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE. And although his character doesn't have much of a range during the film, I hope this is an indication of what we can expect to see from Sandler from now on. Don Cheadle also did a fine job as his friend trying to help him in any way possible.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 04:02 PM

VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1960)
(First Viewing)

In the small English village of Midwich everybody and everything falls into a deep, mysterious sleep for several hours in the middle of the day. Some months later every woman capable of child-bearing is pregnant and the children that are born out of these pregnancies seem to grow very fast and they all have the same blond hair and strange, penetrating eyes that make people do things they don't want to do.

Another great sci-fi classic, this one from jolly ol England. At first it felt like I was watching something Hitchcockian, like PSYCHO for so reason. I just enjoyed it so much the first time around. The story was easy to grasp and straightforward the children were pretty creepy too (especially 12-year-old Martin Stephens who played David, the leader of the group). If you're a sci-fi fan and have never seen this, definitely give it a shot.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 06:10 PM

CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED
(First Viewing)

Scientists discovers that there are six children who each have an enormous intelligence. The children are flown to London to be studied, but they each escape their embassy and gather in a church.

Not as effective as the original. The children weren't as creepy and they only did the things with their eyes twice throughout the whole film. They used more sound affects than anything. Also, not as much attention was given to the children. It was more about the adults bickering on what to do with them.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 09:00 PM

PLANET TERROR
(Third Viewing)

After an experimental bio-weapon is released, turning thousands into zombie-like creatures, it's up to a rag-tag group of survivors to stop the infected and those behind its release.

I think the added footage in this film was less noticeable than in DEATH PROOF and didn't add hardly any significance. However, between the two, this had more of the grindhouse feel with the missing reel and the grainy look of the film (love it by the way). Rose McGowan really smoked on the screen and it was great seeing her in a meaningful film again (the last for me was the original SCREAM). Robert follows up SIN CITY beautifully with this project with his good pal Quentin (they always work so well together). As I said in my FROM DUSK TILL DAWN review, I love Quetin's acting and this film is another reason why. For his two minutes worth of onscreen dialogue, it was great seeing Quentin degrade Rose. Now Mr. Rodriguez needs to get on the ball and give us our SIN CITY 2! If you enjoyed DEATH PROOF, watch this when it's released on October 16th.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 09:32 PM

How did you watch it again Irish? If it's not being released until the 16th...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 10:41 PM

I got it early
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 11:06 PM

Dang you and your Blockbuster connections! (Or whatever connections)....!!!
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/07/07 11:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED

Not as effective as the original. The children weren't as creepy and they only did the things with their eyes twice throughout the whole film.


I know that John Carpenter re-made Village of the Damned, but I was not aware that a remake was made of Children of the Damned.

I remember the original Village Of The Damned. Very eerie and creepy! Those eyes! \:o Good movie.

The original Children of The Damned was also a pretty creepy movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/07 12:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Dang you and your Blockbuster connections! (Or whatever connections)....!!!


Yes sir \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/07 12:44 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED

Not as effective as the original. The children weren't as creepy and they only did the things with their eyes twice throughout the whole film.


I know that John Carpenter re-made Village of the Damned, but I was not aware that a remake was made of Children of the Damned.

I remember the original Village Of The Damned. Very eerie and creepy! Those eyes! \:o Good movie.

The original Children of The Damned was also a pretty creepy movie.


I'm not aware of a remake either. The one I viewed was teh 1963 version. There was a remake for VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED by John Carpenter in 1995
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/07 01:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED

Not as effective as the original. The children weren't as creepy and they only did the things with their eyes twice throughout the whole film.


I know that John Carpenter re-made Village of the Damned, but I was not aware that a remake was made of Children of the Damned.

I remember the original Village Of The Damned. Very eerie and creepy! Those eyes! \:o Good movie.

The original Children of The Damned was also a pretty creepy movie.


I'm not aware of a remake either. The one I viewed was teh 1963 version. There was a remake for VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED by John Carpenter in 1995


So did you mean Village of the Damned when you said:

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED

Not as effective as the original.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/07 02:35 AM

No, I meant CHILDREN. I meant CHILDREN wasn't as effective as VILLAGE (the original film in the series). Sorry for the confusion
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/08/07 04:39 AM

TWENTY BUCKS
(First Viewing)

The film follows a $20 bill from its ATM birth to its eventual demise. Along the way, the note weaves in and out of the lives of a street person, an aspiring writer, a stripper, two thieves, and many others in surprising and inventive ways.

An interesting and original story following a $20 bill around for 90 minutes and catching glimpses of characters lives. However, ultimately, I felt the movie could have been more and failed. The changing of the $20 from character to character could have been done better as well. However, a much more noticeable cast than I originally thought. I only knew Brendan Fraser was in it but costaring with him were: Shohreh Aghdashloo, Elisabeth Shue, Steve Buscemi, Christopher Lloyd, Jeremy Piven, William H. Macy, and David Schwimmer.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/07 04:16 AM

WHY!?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The Killer Strikes Again

October 8, 2007 - John Woo's 1989 action film The Killer will be getting the remake treatment courtesy of Korean-American director John H. Lee, who intends on setting the new version in Los Angeles rather than Hong Kong. The script is currently in the works.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a Korean actor will be subbing for Chow Yun-Fat, star of the original film. Woo's producing partner Terence Chang revealed at the Asian Film Market that the remake will take place in L.A., specifically in Koreatown, South Central and Chinatown.

"The actor has to be Korean in this version, but also, L.A. is a character in the film," Chang informed THR. "In John's original version, it doesn't really matter where the film is set, except that Hong Kong has this dragon boat festival which adds a bit of local flavor. In this remake, we will use the geography of L.A. to move the story forward."

"I ask myself why they chose me and whether I can top it," said Lee. "But then I realize it's not about making it better. It's about making my own version. My strength is dealing with human emotions, austerity and elegance."

Chang and Woo's Lion Rock Prods. will produce along with Taewon Entertainment.

Source: IGN
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/09/07 11:12 PM

THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE (1974) 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

The year is 1974. A group of five close friends are heading through the back roads of Texas en route to their grandfather's potentially vandalized grave. Among them are Sally Hardesty, and her invalid brother Franklin. They encounter an unpleasant hitchhiker (Neal) who slashes both himself & Franklin with a wicked-looking knife. The others manage to eject the hitchhiker from the vehicle, but shortly after wards, they are forced to stop & wander over to a small, sinister clapboard house nearby in hopes for gas. What none of them realize is that this house is the home of the ghoulish Leatherface (Hansen) and his evil, demented family of cannibalistic psychopaths. One at a time, the teens are murdered by the evil Leatherface in horrifying ways. Sally soon finds herself an involuntary guest at Leatherface's home, and flees into the night to escape the demented cannibal and his loudly-buzzing chainsaw. Can she escape the grim fate that befell her friends & brother? Based on the terrifying true story of Ed Gein.

Some poor to nonexistent lighting in some parts, which made the characters difficult to see. Also, the editing was a little sloppy in parts which didn't give the film a polished finish in my opinion. However, the film I think was ahead of its time and help setup the foundation of modern horror today with the celebratation of serial killers such as Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, etc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/07 02:09 AM

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 1/2
(First Viewing)

Young DJ Vantia Block is hosting a music show when two renegade hoodlums phone her and start making trouble. The situation changes rapidly as the kids drive to a passageway and get sawed to pieces by Leatherface while the shocked DJ listens the kids' screams. Local sheriff approaches Block and convinces her to play the recording made from the phone call on radio, hoping that the killers would show up.

A horrible way for Tobe Hooper to follow up his classic TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE. Where to begin? First, they made Leatherface too soft with his crush for the main star, Caroline Williams. Leatherface is a cold blooded killer who would have sliced her without even thinking about it. Secondly, I didn't beleive Caroline Williams as much. She didn't seem to be a good victim. Her acting was rather stale and I believed Marilyn Burns who played Sally Hardesty in the first film more. She made me believe her life was in jeopordy when she was running from Leatherface. Finally, this is just a prime example why the second half of Dennis Hopper's career has been sh*t. Because for every HOOSIERS or SPEED he gives you, he also gives you a film like this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/07 05:18 AM

THE SCORPION KING
(First Viewing)

In an ancient time, predating the pyramids, the evil king Memnon is using the psychic powers of his sorceress Cassandra to fortell his great victories. In a last ditch effort to stop Memnon from taking over the world, the leaders of the remaining free tribes hire the assassin Mathayus to kill the sorceress. But Mathayus ends up getting much more than he bargained for. Now with the help of the trickster Arpid, tribal leader Balthazar and an unexpected ally, it's up to Mathayus to fufill his destiny and become the great Scorpion King.

The Rock really did a good job carrying a film, not a bad debut. He seemed to have more of that charisma he had as a wrestler and he's a believeable action star. However, I felt this movie didn't really expand too much on his "Scorpion King" persona from THE MUMMY RETURNS. This was more a story about Mathayus than him as the Scorpion King. Also, I kept looking for it all movie and I was very disappointed that I didn't get to see one Rock Bottom. Finally, I didn't think Michael Clarke Duncan looked right wielding a sword. His arms are too big and he's better for fistfights, not using weapons.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/07 07:22 PM

THE RUNDOWN 1/2
(First Viewing)

In order to get out of hock with mobster Billy Walker, restaraunteur-turned-"retrieval expert" Beck has to go down to Brazil and retrieve Billy's ne'er-do-well archaeologist-wannabe son Travis, who is searching for an ancient gold idol called the Gato del Diablo. This idol is prized by not only the local population as the path to their salvation, but by Cornelius Hatcher, slavedriving operator of the Helldorado mining town who oppresses said population in the name of profits, and Hatcher just won't let Beck leave with Travis.

The potential, at least for me with this film, was great. It started out well in the beginning with The Rock in the club. Also, the cameo by Arnold Schwarzenegger was a nice touch, kind of a passing the torch on film sort of moment. However, it went downhill when it tried to turn into a NATIONAL TREASURE. The Rock held his own even with Hollywood legend Christopher Walken onscreen. He improved quite a bit from THE SCORPION KING but again, the story just wasn't right. A fine cast with himself, Walken, Seann William Scott and Rosario Dawson. Unfortunately, I think this is The Rock's best and maybe most financial movie to date (unless recently released THE GAME PLAN is his highest grossing film). However, I did get to see my Rock Bottom that I was after! \:D
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/10/07 07:33 PM

I finally saw BLOOD DIAMOND last night, and I have one question:
Warning, Spoiler:
Does Leo DiCaprio ever NOT die?


I really enjoyed it though. I thought Djimon Hounsou was Oscar material.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 01:07 AM

WALKING TALL (2004) 1/2
(First Viewing)

When a former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces returns to his small hometown in rural Washington State hoping to realise a childhood dream of working in the local lumber mill, he discovers that much has changed, as the normally tranquil town is now besieged by drugs, outbreaks of violence and a general feeling of malaise and terror, with many pointing a finger at the influence of a crooked casino where his ex-girlfriend now works as a dancer. Seeking to wreak vengeance, with a four-foot-long 4-by-4 in his hand, and righteousness in his heart, the highly-trained soldier, now the county's sheriff, and his deputy, realizes it's time to bust some heads with a very hard piece of wood.

Probably the most enjoyable Rock film I've seen yet. He came and laid the smackdown with his 4-by-4 which was a nice change for him to use a modern day weapon other than a gun. A good kind of feel good movie that I'm surprised was enjoyable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 04:24 AM

KNOCKED UP
(Second Viewing)

Slobby Ben and up and coming career girl Alison meet at a bar, and end up having a one night stand. Eight weeks later, Ben is shocked when Alison meets him and reveals that she is pregnant. Despite having little in common, the two decide that they have to at least try to make some kind of relationship work for the baby's sake.

Again, I think it's great to see Seth Rogen starring in his own film. Him and Jonah Hill are two are my favorite up and coming comedian actors. The whole group of guys, Rogen, Hill, Jason Segel, Jay Baruchel, and Martin Starr all really worked well together and seemed to feed off of each other (whether everyone was ganging up on Martin Starr for his extreme facial hair or Jonah ripping on Jay). Katherine Heigl expands on her previous comedy outing, THE RINGER and it was great to see Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann return to a Judd Apatow project.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 11:03 AM

FOUR BROTHERS

Finally watched this last night.I enjoyed it. It offered nothing new apart from the brother twist (2 white & 2 black) but it had good action,funny bits and Mark Wahlberg who i think is a top actor. Also i like John Singleton as a director!
I would rate this as a 6 out of 10.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 11:17 AM

I agree good film.Is this the film where they take revenge on his Mums killers.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 11:22 AM

It is mate!
Was on Sky last night!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 11:33 AM

I watched this last year sometime and remember enjoying it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 04:53 PM

Yes, FOUR BROTHERS was a good film and I own the DVD
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 07:57 PM

A BETTER TOMORROW
(Third Viewing)

This John Woo film tells the tale of Mark and Ho, friends and couriers for a Hong Kong crime syndicate with a large counterfeiting operation. Ho is double-crossed during a set-up and turns himself in to the police and Mark is shot during the firefight of a retribution hit. The plot is complicated by the fact that Ho's younger brother, Kit, is a rookie cop whose reputation is tarnished by his gangster brother. When Ho gets out of prison, he wants to start a new life, free of crime. Unfortunately, he is haunted by his past, with the crime bosses leaning on him and Mark encouraging him to return to a life of crime as his partner. In typical Woo fashion, the various factions clash and our protagonists engage both the police and the gangsters in a bloody bullet-fest.

I think this is only the second John Woo film that I've seen where the pressence of doves were absent (BROKEN ARROW was the other). This film put both John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat on the map and their best work was still to come (see HARD BOILED or THE KILLER). I loved John Woo's use of music with this film, a classical soundtrack which I throughly enjoyed. As I've stated before, John Woo is my favorite action director and if you've never seen this film, A BETTER TOMORROW II, HARD BOILED or THE KILLER, do yourself the favor and rent them!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 10:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
WHY!?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The Killer Strikes Again

October 8, 2007 - John Woo's 1989 action film The Killer will be getting the remake treatment courtesy of Korean-American director John H. Lee, who intends on setting the new version in Los Angeles rather than Hong Kong. T [...]
It is itself of course a remake.

(Melville was a profound influence on Woo; his Le samourai transformed into The Killer, and Woo has said he'd also like to remake Le cercle rouge. Both of these are astonishing films.)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/11/07 11:22 PM

LEATHERFACE: TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE III
(First Viewing)

A brother and sister set out from california to florida in there fathers car to deliver it for him. Meanwhile, the police have found bodies buried in the ground covered in toxic waste, from the Original Family from TCM 1 and 2. The brother and sister stop at a gas station and are threatened by a crazy man with a shotgun. They take a road they were told of at the gas station but are hunted by leatherface and his family. There only hope is a Survivalist with alot of firepower.

Imagine my surprise to see Viggo Mortensen in this film. Although much like TCM 2, this film is rather dull. The lead actress was better than the last but leatherface and his family were pretty lame and unexciting. As usual, a weak scrpit.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/07 01:20 AM

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE NEXT GENERATION 1/2
(First Viewing)

A group of prom-going teens take a fatal detour into the Texas woods and get into an accidental car crash. Stranded with no place to go, they seek help in Darla, a seemingly innocent insurance agent whose office is located near by. After Darla calls for help, they set out back to the scene of the crash, and are found and terrorized by Leatherface, his crazy brother, Vilmer, and are taken to an old farmhouse where they meet the rest of the cannibalistic clan.

Wow, I'm surprised both Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey signed onto this project, although at the time both were up and coming. Probably the best sequel of the franchise but also the craziest. Leatherface as a transvestite didn't work for me at all. But at least the storyline was an upgrade from the previous two films.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/07 08:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Yes, FOUR BROTHERS was a good film and I own the DVD

I have put it on my Xmas list and will wait to see if Santy supplies it or not..... \:\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/07 09:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Yes, FOUR BROTHERS was a good film and I own the DVD


obviously ;\)
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/07 09:09 AM

\:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/12/07 06:01 PM

A BETTER TOMORROW II 1/2
(Fourth Viewing)

In this sequel, Ho (Ti Lung) initially refuses to go undercover to bust the gang he used to work for in exchange for his release from prison. He only accepts after his little brother, the policeman Kit (Leslie Cheung) accepts the assignment. Meanwhile in New York Ken Gor (Chow Yun-Fat), the twin brother of Mark Gor from the 1st movie, shelters the boss of the gang, who has had to flee after it is taken over by a more aggressive leadership.

Pretty much the same receipe for success in the first film was dublicated for the second, only the results yielded more dividends. The same actors and soundtrack although Chow Yun-Fat was more of a bada$$ this time around. For some reason, he can just hold a gun and shoot people up like very few I've ever seen. The final shootout scene in the mansion is classic and probably my favorite by John Woo. I don't know how he does it but John Woo does for gun films what Akira Kurosawa did for samurai films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/13/07 07:00 PM

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2003) 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Driving through the backwoods of Texas, five youths pick up a traumatized hitchhiker, who shoots herself in their van. Shaken by the suicide, the group seeks help from the locals, but their situation becomes even more surreal when they knock on the door of a remote homestead. It's quickly apparent the residents are a family of inbred psychopaths, and the unlucky youths suddenly find themselves running for their lives. In hot pursuit is a disfigured, chainsaw-wielding cannibal known as Leatherface.

In my opinion, this and THE BEGINNING are probably the two most realistic films in this franchise. Everything before this film, with the exception of maybe the original, seemed too phony. However, the last two sucked me into a reality where I felt I was in danger like the characters. A good cast of young actors including Jessica Biel, Eric Balfour, and Jonathan Tucker. As is the case in THE BEGINNING, R. Lee Ermey easily steals the show with his hilarious, yet everyday kind of comments. I can't believe director Marcus Nispel turned out PATHFINDER after this
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/07 01:18 AM

TRANSFORMERS
(Second Viewing)

High-school student Sam Witwicky buys his first car, who is actually the Autobot Bumblebee. Bumblebee defends Sam and his girlfriend Mikaela Banes from the Decepticon Barricade, before the other Autobots arrive on Earth. They are searching for the Allspark, and the war on Earth heats up as the Decepticons attack a United States military base in Qatar. Sam and Mikaela are taken by the top-secret agency Sector 7 to help stop the Decepticons, but when they learn the agency also intends to destroy the Autobots, they formulate their own plan to save the world.

Plenty of great action scenes and humor for, in my opinion, the summer's best and biggest blockbuster (that's saying something with SPIDER-MAN 3 and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END having been released this summer). This film introduced me to Shia LaBeouf who is a promising young actor with a great career ahead of him IMO. Two of my favorite characters in this were Bernie Mac and Anthony Anderson. Whether you rent or buy it, see this film on Tuesday! The Bay is back ladies and gentleman!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/07 05:11 AM

THE SUPERFIGHT: MARCIANO VS. ALI
(First Viewing)

Murray Woroner's 1960s radio program, which used a computer to predict the outcomes of fantasy boxing games, was responsible for the much talked about but rarely seen superfight between Rocky Marciano and Muhammed Ali. Shown only once before nearly all the prints were destroyed, this computerized simulation posits a fight between the fighters when both are at the peak of their abilities.

One of the best and most impressive documentaries I've ever seen. I'm really surprised both fighters agreed to this fight, especiall Marciano (who lost up to 50 pounds for this film). I'm further surprised by how the fight ended. As close as we'll get to seeing this match ever and everyone involved did a great job at respecting the fighters, being impartial, and making a great documentary.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/07 03:35 PM

I12, it's no secret I am not a sport's fan. However, the one sport my father watched (and later my husband occasionally) was boxing. My father's favorite was Rocky Marciano, so that name brings a smile to my face and a flashback of memories. \:\)

I don't even know if Marciano and Ali were in the same weight category, not to mention the fact that I always assumed that Ali was way better than Marciano. I am curious though on the outcome of this fantasy game. Obviously I'd go with Marciano, if for no other reasons but sentimental and of course he's Italian. \:\)

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/07 06:05 PM

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING
(Third Viewing)

Prequal to the 2003 version of 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is set in 1969, the height of the Vietnam War. Two young men are spending a last weekend with their girlfriends before being shipped overseas to the war. At the same time in a small Texas town, the only major business (a meat-packing plant and slaughterhouse) goes out of business forcing the town's inhabitants to move on to greener pastures. One of the men who works in the plant is Thomas Hewitt, a deformed, demented psychopath (who will become known as Leatherface). When Hewitt finds out what is happening, he savagely murders the foreman of the plant. Meanwhile, the two young men and their girlfriends are headed down a lonely highway towards the town when they are involved in an car accident that cripples their vehicle. Soon they encounter the local sheriff, who is not really the sheriff, but the homicidal Charlie Hewitt, the uncle of Leatherface who has murdered the sheriff and taken his job and police car knowing that with the town deserted, no one will notice. Uncle Charlie/Sheriff Hoyt kidnaps three of the teens and takes them to his home where he, Leatherface Hewitt, the senile Uncle Monty, and Charlie's sister, Luda Mae, reside. Charlie wants the developing monster 'Leatherface' to "refine" his murderous abilities. The one girl, Chrissie, who escaped unnoticed attempts to rescue them with the help of a biker whose girlfriend was killed by 'Sheriff Hoyt'. What follows is a night of sheer terror at the hands of a family of cannibalistic, inbred psychopaths.

Probably the most brutal movie I've ever seen and one of my all-time favorite horror films. Like the remake, the style was very realistic, which definitely added to the believeablity. Jordana Brewster absolutely sizzled onscreen and I'd take her over Jessica Biel any day of the week. Finally some back story into the leatherface character! Also, R. Lee Ermey was great but didn't shine as much as he did in the remake.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/07 06:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I12, it's no secret I am not a sport's fan. However, the one sport my father watched (and later my husband occasionally) was boxing. My father's favorite was Rocky Marciano, so that name brings a smile to my face and a flashback of memories. \:\)

I don't even know if Marciano and Ali were in the same weight category, not to mention the fact that I always assumed that Ali was way better than Marciano. I am curious though on the outcome of this fantasy game. Obviously I'd go with Marciano, if for no other reasons but sentimental and of course he's Italian. \:\)

TIS


I don't follow boxing as much as others here but certain fighters do intrigue me and I have to be honest, I don't know much about Rocky Marciano. However, this film was split into two parts: the fight and a documentary which gave a backstory to both Marciano and Ali which I benefited greatly from. As for the fight:

Warning, Spoiler:
Ali outsized Marciano in height, weight, reach, etc. As a result, Ali took the lead in the early rounds and at one point was ahead by 5 points. Also, Ali was able to score a knockdown of Marciano. However, as he did many times in his career, Marciano finished strong, evening the score in the 12th round. Finally in the 13th, Marciano knocked out Ali (this was the third time in the fight Ali went down).

However, there was an alternative ending to the film which was never aired showing Ali beating Marciano in the 13th because the referee stopped the fight. From the early rounds, I was surprised that Marciano came back and won the fight. I picked it up at my local Blockbuster in New York in the special interest section. If you can't find it in a store, you can look for it online. For whatever reason, once the film was shown in theaters all of the prints but one were destroyed, but a DVD is available.


Here's a link for further information: IMDB
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/07 06:15 PM

Irish, have you seen The Hills Have Eyes (the remake) and Hills Have Eyes 2? I liked the first, but was wondering if the sequel was worth watching.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/14/07 06:21 PM

I never saw the original. I saw the remake and thought it sucked so I never saw the sequel. It's a shame too because I enjoyed the director's previous work on HIGH TENSION. It's a french horror film but it's one of my personal favorites. Go with that instead.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/15/07 05:11 PM

THE REAPING
(First Viewing)

The atheistic Katherine Winter is a former Catholic missionary that lost her faith on God after losing her daughter and her husband in Sudan, sacrificed by the locals that blamed them for the long drought. Presently she investigates religious phenomena with the intent of debunking them, finding a scientific cause for the event. She is invited to go to the small town of Haven, in Louisiana, where the river turned into blood after the death of a boy. After her arrival, each of one of the ten biblical plagues happens in the location dazing Katherine, who discloses the evil secret of the dwellers.

Even though she's won two Oscars I still feel Hilary Swank is somewhat underrated. I don't hear about her like I would a Julia Roberts or Nicole Kidman. It was good seeing her back and she did a fine job with this role. The film started out well with these plagues, but by around the midpoint, it started to become a little silly and predictable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/07 09:12 PM

WE OWN THE NIGHT 1/2
(First Viewing)

New York, 1988: A new breed of narcotics has swept the great city, bringing with it a ferocious crime wave more terrifying than any in recent memory. Outmanned and outgunned by the new criminal order, the police find themselves burying one of their own at the rate of two a month. An all-out war rages, threatening to engulf guilty and innocent alike.

Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix) is caught in the crossfire. Manager of a Russian nightclub in Brighton Beach frequented by gangsters like Vadim Nezhinski (Alex Veadov), Bobby keeps his distance, not wanting to get involved. Despite his hedonistic, amoral lifestyle, he is committed to his girlfriend Amada (Eva Mendes) and has ambitions to open his own club and expand out of Brooklyn.

I really don't know how she does it but I think Eva Mendes somehow got hotter. That's all I can say about her, she looked absolutely beautiful in this film and I loved that it was set in the late 80s NYC and not present day. A lot of that reason was due to the awesome soundtrack that assisted it. As much as I like Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall, Joaquin Phoenix stole the show. This man is becoming a favorite of mine after 2000's GLADIATOR and 2005's WALK THE LINE (which I was pulling for him to win his Oscar for). Good or bad, the man can play both sides of the fence extremely well.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/16/07 09:18 PM

She is absolutely breathtaking, and that's not a term I throw around lightly. I think more and more mob movies will be set in the 80's because they're a bit more believable set in that time frame. They are to me, anyway. Today's mob is more reminicent of The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight than anything else.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 12:11 AM

DOOM
(Second Viewing)

Something has gone wrong in a research facility on Mars, and the staff are becoming something unimaginable. All research has ceased and the facility has been placed in quarantine. Dr. Samantha Grimm (Pike) have called in an elite squad of soldiers led by Sarge (The Rock) and includes Samantha's twin brother, John Grimm (Urban). No one is safe inside. As the team advance through the facility, and as they are picked off one-by-one, Dr. Grimm has one question: What exactly has caused this?

For whatever reason while watching this I was reminded of PREDATOR. Although, this film wasn't as entertaining, The Rock is no Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the supporting cast isn't as strong in this film as it was in PREDATOR. The Rock continues to show improvement in this film, and even drops a few F bombs. Also, Karl Urban was somewhat tolerable in this film, and wasn't trying to overact with his looks alone.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 04:01 AM

GRIDIRON GANG 1/2
(First Viewing)

In the Kilpatrick juvenile detention center, the supervisor and former football player Sean Porter sees the lack of discipline, self-esteem, union and perspective in the teenage interns and proposes to prepare a football team to play in one league. He is supported by his superiors and his successful experience changes the lives of many young kids.

Well I've concluded watching The Rock's films (I'm waiting for THE GAME PLAN to come out on DVD). I'll give this film some respect, it was better than I originally thought it would be. However, I'm getting tired of these inner city/true story/inspirational stories (FREEDOM WRITERS and GRIDIRON GANG quickly come to mind). The Rock continues to be an enjoyable actor although he has fallen below standards. I don't really understand why as his films aren't horrid, but he hasn't had that big role yet to put him over. I remember thinking it was going to be THE RUNDOWN but it just didn't turn out that way. Personally, I'd like to see him work with the WWE on a film a la Kane, John Cena, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 09:25 AM

My kids want to watch Gridiron Gang!
I thought it was only cos the Rock was in it but i may watch it with them now \:\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 09:53 AM

The Rock is a Van Diesel wannabe or is it the other way round..

Cant say ive ever enjoyed a film with the "Rock" in it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 01:27 PM

I only watched them because I'm a huge wrestling fan and I've never seen them before. Plus I was in the mood so that didn't hurt either ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 04:31 PM

THE KILLER
(Third Viewing)

In this bloody tale of loyalty and friendship, Chow Yun-Fat is Jeffrey, an assassin who wishes to leave the business so he can take care of Jenny, the beautiful lounge singer who he inadvertently blinded during a previous assignment. Danny Lee is the determined cop who will stop at nothing to bring him in, only he realizes that Jeffrey is no ordinary assassin, and wishes to help him in his quest. Only problem is that Jeffrey's employers refuse to pay him for his last job, money which is needed to restore Jenny's eyesight.

I believe the most bullet ridden film by John Woo. The final shootout was very good but not the same greatness that was experienced while watching A BETTER TOMORROW II. Chow Yun-Fat was awesome as the sly and always claim killer, Jeffrey.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 05:01 PM

Isn't that scene at the end, calling each other Mickey Mouse and (I forget), absolutely heartwrenchingly disgusting?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 05:05 PM

I would say tragic more than disgusting because of the Jenny character
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 05:26 PM

In all fairness, I've only seen a dubbed version. But it was still repulsive.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 05:31 PM

Why do you consider it repulsive?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 05:42 PM

I consider Woo's style the lowest, cheapest, most pathetic form of emotional manipulation I've ever witnessed. His slow-motion would give Mel Gibson a run for his money, his use of music is nothing but drab, his films in general are just recycled garbage which other people did a lot better before him.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/17/07 07:46 PM

I agree with everything you said except this:

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
his films in general are just recycled garbage which other people did a lot better before him.


I personally can't think of a better action director than Woo. As I said, in my opinion, he did for gun films what Kurosawa did for samurai films. My second favorite action director is Michael Bay and surely you don't think Bay is better than Woo?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 07:09 AM


Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 10:41 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE KILLER
(Third Viewing)

In this bloody tale of loyalty and friendship, Chow Yun-Fat is Jeffrey, an assassin who wishes to leave the business so he can take care of Jenny, the beautiful lounge singer who he inadvertently blinded during a previous assignment. Danny Lee is the determined cop who will stop at nothing to bring him in, only he realizes that Jeffrey is no ordinary assassin, and wishes to help him in his quest. Only problem is that Jeffrey's employers refuse to pay him for his last job, money which is needed to restore Jenny's eyesight.

I believe the most bullet ridden film by John Woo. The final shootout was very good but not the same greatness that was experienced while watching A BETTER TOMORROW II. Chow Yun-Fat was awesome as the sly and always claim killer, Jeffrey.


You done masturbating to Woo yet?

Plan to whack off to SHOOT'EM UP, after the rest of us have had our shakes.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 10:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I agree with everything you said except this:

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
his films in general are just recycled garbage which other people did a lot better before him.


I personally can't think of a better action director than Woo. As I said, in my opinion, he did for gun films what Kurosawa did for samurai films. My second favorite action director is Michael Bay and surely you don't think Bay is better than Woo?


You know, I would have lost total respect for you after saying that Bay is your 2nd favorite action director.

Then I realized....I didn't have any fucking respect for you anyway.

No love for John McTiernan, the fucker behind DIE HARD, DIE HARD WITH A VENGENCE, the only good Tom Clancy movie in THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, or the classic PREDATOR, or even the decent THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR.

Besides, look at 2006 and 2007 alone. Losers like Bay and has-beens like Woo have been made irrelevant.

Look at last year's CRANK, which was a better Michael Bay movie than Michael Bay could ever muster...and for $140+ million less.

Plus, it was actually a good movie that rocked.

Then this year with SMOKIN' ACES from Joe Carnahan, or weeks ago with the incredibly insane yet awesome SHOOT' EM UP.

[ DELETED ]
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 10:50 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
The only people who consider Michael Bay a good action director are fucking losers who were conceived when their mothers were raped by retards.


What does that say about the mothers of those who have nothing better to do than to post childish comments about the likes/dislikes of other people?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 11:06 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
My second favorite action director is Michael Bay and surely you don't think Bay is better than Woo?
I can't say anything about Bay, really; I've only seen Armageddon.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 03:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
My second favorite action director is Michael Bay and surely you don't think Bay is better than Woo?
I can't say anything about Bay, really; I've only seen Armageddon.


BAD BOYS and BAD BOYS II were good and THE ISLAND sucked. If you're going to view another Bay film, make it either THE ROCK or TRANSFORMERS. Did you enjoy ARMAGEDDON or no?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 04:49 PM

It might be the worst film I've ever seen. \:\)
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 05:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
It might be the worst film I've ever seen. \:\)


It's pretty close. As far as Bay movies are concerned, BAD BOYS II is the worst, IMO. Bad acting. Bad plot. Bad everything.

I think the worst film I've ever seen is THE BOONDOCK SAINTS. Thank God I didn't pay for the DVD.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 07:19 PM

My review of The Rock
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 07:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: XDCX
I think the worst film I've ever seen is THE BOONDOCK SAINTS. Thank God I didn't pay for the DVD.

What??!!! \:o The film ranked 7.8/10 on IMDb????

As a proud owner of the DVD, I obviously think it's terrif'. \:p
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 07:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
\:o The film ranked 7.8/10 on IMDb????


IMDB rating is all crap. Nowadays, all new movies routinely get 7-8 rating and easily reach top 250 too.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 07:44 PM

HARD BOILED
(Third Viewing)

Mobsters are smuggling guns into Hong Kong. The police orchestrate a raid at a teahouse where the ace detective loses his partner. Meanwhile, the two main gun smugglers are having a war over territoriality, and a young new gun is enlisted to wipe out informants and overcome barriers to growth. The detective, acting from inside sources gets closer to the ring leaders, and eventually must work directly with the inside man.

After three viewings, I'm convinced this is John Woo's masterpiece (well, one of them anyway). In my opinion, this has more action than THE KILLER, probably more than any of his other films that I've seen. Also, Chow Yun-Fat is actually a cop this time around, playing the good guy. As such, he's not as exquisite as he was as Jeffrey the assassin in THE KILLER, but it's Chow Yun-Fat in a John Woo film. You know it's going to be good. After watching all of these again, I'd rank them:

1) HARD BOILED
2) A BETTER TOMORROW II
3) THE KILLER
4) A BETTER TOMORROW
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 07:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: XDCX
It's pretty close. As far as Bay movies are concerned, BAD BOYS II is the worst, IMO. Bad acting. Bad plot. Bad everything.


For Bay, his only film that I don't own on DVD that I thought was garbage was THE ISLAND. Although I am due for another visit because I've only seen it once.

 Originally Posted By: XDCX
I think the worst film I've ever seen is THE BOONDOCK SAINTS. Thank God I didn't pay for the DVD.


As Geoff said, \:o WHAT!? This is one of my top 25 movies of all-time. What may I ask didn't you like about it?
Posted By: XDCX

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 08:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
What??!!! \:o The film ranked 7.8/10 on IMDb????


Yes, the film with a 19% rating from RottenTomatoes.com and an overall rating of 44/100 from Metacritic.com \:p

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
As Geoff said, \:o WHAT!? This is one of my top 25 movies of all-time. What may I ask didn't you like about it?


A better (and easier to answer) question to ask is "What may I ask did you like about the film?" In short, nothing. Not even Willem Dafoe.

All style, no substance. The Onion sums up my feelings for the film better than I ever could. Some relevant quotes from the review:

 Quote:
Less a proper action-thriller than a series of gratuitously violent setpieces strung together with only the sketchiest semblance of a plot, The Boondock Saints is clearly designed to appeal to heartless armchair sadists


 Quote:
The Boondock Saints is all style and no substance, a film so gleeful in its endorsement of vigilante justice that it almost veers (or ascends) into self-parody.


It was just painful to watch.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 09:03 PM

Wow, I think you're the first person I can think of to say that, but we all have our opinions so it's no big deal
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/18/07 11:38 PM

MR. BROOKS 1/2
(Second Viewing)

The story follows a man with a murderous alter ego. Moore will play a tough detective whose devotion to her craft catches the attention and respect of the serial killer she is hunting, which leads to a symbiotic relationship.

This has got to be one of the two greatest roles I've ever seen Kevin Costner play (the other would be his portrayal of Jim Garrison in JFK). He worked so well with William Hurt in this film. They were both so sadistically humerous at times and the next moment, a stone cold killer. I don't think I ever saw him get angry in this movie. He was always claim, and even if he didn't have control of a situation, he accepted it and moved on. I really admired his performance and to an extent, his character in this film. Demi Moore was passable as a detective, however I was very happy to see Dane Cook (whom I have enjoyed since his WAITING days and even before), expand his range as a serious actor. Some here probably don't give a sh*t but at least the man is trying to not fall into the same pithole Adam Sandler and his career have gone. Finally, young Danielle Panabaker was very enjoyable as Costner's daughter, getting more grown-ups roles away from the YOURS, MINE AND OURS and SKY HIGHS of her career.

It didn't make a lot of noise at the boxoffice but rent this when it comes out on Tuesday. It is WELL worth it and is probably in my Top 5 for 2007 so far. A great original story with a great cast of characters!
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/07 03:57 AM

I actually watched Boondock Saints (probably my 5th time) a couple of weeks ago. I love that movie.

Weren't they supposed to make a sequel? What happened with that?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/07 04:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Edited by J Geoff (Today at 09:21 AM)
Edit Reason: RRA's hard-on for I12 has given him a 3-Day holiday


Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/07 05:38 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I actually watched Boondock Saints (probably my 5th time) a couple of weeks ago. I love that movie.

Weren't they supposed to make a sequel? What happened with that?


They are (and may have made it already) but who knows if it'll ever see the light of day. I've heard about this movie for years but never a release date. The same thing goes for KILL SHOT
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/07 08:02 PM

THE COMEBACKS
(First Viewing)

Coach Fields (David Koechner) is pathetic. He has the distinction of being the worst coach in the history of sports anyone can recall. A loser of enormous proportions, the incompetent and seemingly hopeless coach is convinced by fellow coach Freddie Wiseman (Carl Weathers) to return to the field for one last shot. Assuring his long suffering wife (Melora Hardin) that he will not ignore his family, Coach moves them to Plainfolk, Texas where he hopes to redeem himself and his reputation. Here he begins yet another attempt to improve his abysmal record - this time as the coach of the football team at Heartland State University. But he is saddled with a team of misfits - most of whom don't know the difference between a line of scrimmage and a line at the cafeteria. Coach is in serious need of some real talent to beef up his line-up and finds his number one recruit on the university's baseball diamond. The ever-so-handsome Lance Truman (Matthew Lawrence) brings with him a distinguished award winning career - albeit for the most dropped balls - as well as determination. Coach convinces Truman to join the team as quarterback, and the young athlete comes on board despite the objection of his father (Nick Searcy). Wearing jersey #1 is Trotter (Jackie Long), the bling-wearing, girl magnet wide receiver who can actually catch and run with the ball, as long as his oversized ego does not get in the way. The biggest bruiser of the team is Buddy Boy (George Back), but he turns out to be more warm and cuddly than the mean sonofabitch that Coach longs for. The rest of the team includes the upbeat and handsome, Aseel Tare (Robert Ri'chard), who is always ready for action despite an uncanny tendency for injury; tattooed and angry Jorge Juanson (Jesse Garcia) who has a chip on his shoulder, and the delusion of being from the barrio; Jizminder (Noureen DeWulf), a beautiful, British-Indian soccer player, who takes on the role of kicker and is the only female player on the otherwise all male squad; and lastly, is the runt of the group, Randy (Martin Spanjers), who is always begging for a chance to play despite his miniscule stature, and lack of any discernable football skills...unless you count moxie. Serving as Coach's right hand man is IPod (Jermaine Williams), although he is often misunderstood, the good-hearted, music listening IPod keeps the team smiling. Although the team and townsfolk are leery of the newcomer's approach, the Coach uses his unorthodox methods to whip this group of rag-tags into shape - both on and off the field. While the audience follows their winding road to the playoffs, the film pokes fun at the clichés and conventions of other sports flicks. And the team does make progress, so much so that they actually make it to the South-Southwest Conference Championship at the 2nd Annual Toilet Bowl. Facing their fiercest opponents yet and yearning to win the big game, The Comebacks face off with the Lone Star State Unbeatables. And as every great sports team has always done, The Comebacks use ingenuity and unorthodox measures in the final showdown where the best team wins.

Following the same formula for DATE MOVIE and EPIC MOVIE, this film falls flat on its face. Pulling material from other films to spoof but the jokes aren't funny. In fact at times you're wondering what exactly they're trying to make fun of. I believe 8 other people were in the theater with me and nobody hardly laughed throughout the duration of the film. It was nice to see Carl Weathers again, but unfortunately it had to be in this disaster. Stay away from this flick unless you enjoyed DATE and/or EPIC MOVIE.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/19/07 11:22 PM

HOSTEL: PART II
(Second Viewing)

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

A great sequel to follow up the original. A more in depth storyline that I thought was fascinating, since it focused more on how this business operates as opposed to focusing on another 3 American tourists who get captured, tortured, killed, etc. There was still some gore but probably not as much as the original. If you enjoyed HOSTEL, then I would endorse viewing HOSTEL: PART II on Tuesday.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/07 03:19 AM

URBAN LEGEND
(Nth Viewing)

After a bravura opening sequence featuring Natasha Gregson Wagner getting slaughtered by the killer with an axe hiding in the backseat of her car, Urban Legend tells the story of a group of pretty college students at a remote New England university. The focus of the story is Natalie (Alicia Witt), a beautiful, academically-gifted student at the fictional Pendleton University. Natalie and her friends (who include Jared Leto as a brash journalist, Rebecca Gayheart as her best friend, Michael Rosenbaum as the party-hardy boy, Joshua Jackson as a practical joker and Tara Reid as the sexy campus DJ) are all involved in the Folklore class being taught by Professor Wexler (Robert Englund). Wexler regales his class with urban legends, which include Pendleton's own urban legend about a Psych professor who murdered six students at Stanley Hall 25 years ago. Natalie is the first one to suspect there's a killer on campus, especially after she has ties to all of the victims. First, it's her high school friend, a guy she's in the woods with at night, her roommate (Danielle Harris)... No one, including her friends, Wexler, Dean Adams (John Neville) and security guard (Loretta Devine), of course, believes her until it's too late and everyone begins to die according to famous urban legends, and Natalie believes it's all tied to a dark and horrible secret from her past. Now she finds that she and her friends are part of the killer's ultimate urban legend--the story of their own horrific deaths.

A good horror film that I'm surprised wasn't made earlier. I really enjoyed the concept of having urban legends come to life and kill people in reality. Featuring a very enjoyable cast: Jared Leto, Alicia Witt, Rebecca Gayheart, Tara Reid, Danielle Harris, and Joshua Jackson.

Warning, Spoiler:
I also will give this movie props for having a female serial killer, which I don't usually see. I think the only other film I can think of with a lead female killer in a horror film is FRIDAY THE 13TH.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/07 05:26 AM

URBAN LEGENDS: FINAL CUT 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Urban Legends: The Final Cut follows Amy Mayfield (Morrison), a student at Alpine University who struggles to complete her thesis film on urban legends - only to have her crew members fall prey to fatal 'accidents.' Suspicious, Amy investigates and discovers a much more sinister hand at work. Now she must unmask the killer before she, too, becomes an urban legend.

What worked for the first film didn't for the sequel for one simple reason. The original was based on urban legends. Characters would die by way of an urban legend. I think one character in the sequel died by way of an urban legend. They easily could have expanded on the original, but didn't, and as a result, the film wasn't as enjoyable. However, the Rebecca Gayheart cameo was nice! Also, this was the first film I ever set eyes on Eva Mendes
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/07 11:56 PM

URBAN LEGENDS: BLOODY MARY 1/2
(First Viewing)

Samantha Owens (Mara) is the editor of the high school newspaper and was blacklisted with her two friends, Gina (Haley McCormick) and Mindy (Olesya Rulin), by the football players after an article about them, so they do not go to a high school party. Samantha tells to the other girls an urban legend told by her mother: in 1969, in Salt Lake City, the two girlfriends of Mary Banner (Lilith Fields) are drugged by their dates in a prom, but she understands the situation and runs from her date, who kills her and hide her body in a trunk in the basement of the school. Like the Candyman, Samantha speaks "Bloody Mary" three times, evoking the evil spirit of Mary. Along the night, the three girls are drugged and kidnapped in a prank of the players, but Samantha has visions and premonitions about Mary. When her school mates are killed, Mary visits Grace Taylor (Tina Lifford), one of the girls abused in 1969, and finds that the victims are the descendants of the trio that killed Mary and harmed her friends, and that Mary spirit is seeking for revenge.

Glad to see the final installment in this series go back to the original and actually have the characters die by way of an urban legen (hence the title of the film). However, the body count was a little low (I think only 5 or 6 kids died). Also, I didn't like the idea of a ghost killing the main characters. I think it's more realistic and scarier if a human being is doing the slaying. However, this is the first and only Kate Mara movie I'm aware of where she's the lead. I'm glad her career has improved since this film.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/20/07 11:57 PM

If you don't mind me asking irish,

out of the hundreds of dvds that you own,how many do you think are not worth watching again and why do you buy every film out on the market
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 12:11 AM

I think every DVD I buy is worth watching again, otherwise I wouldn't buy it. Secondly, I don't buy every DVD on the market (I wish I could but I don't). Finally, most of the movie reviews in this thread isn't from my own personal DVDs that I own. They're eithered borrowed from friends or rented from Blockbuster ;\)
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 01:29 AM

I just watched "Final Destination" for probably the 3rd time or so. I get a kick out of that movie. \:D Final Destination 2 is on right now but don't know if'll I'll be able to watch it all.

Ha ha, this kid wins the $250,000 lottery and is having all kinds of good luck, all the chics are calling him at home as he's making dinner; his new expensive ring falls in the garbage disposal; as he reaches for it his hand is stuck; as the micro wave explodes along with the stove burning up; He free's his hand and goes to exit the windows which suddenly slam shut. He makes it out down the fire escape as he hits the ground says, "man I'm lucky" as the fire escape ladder quickly slides down on top of him. Talk about a lousy day.


TIS

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 02:06 AM

Yeah, I enjoyed the FINAL DESTINATION trilogy. Did you see the third one TIS?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 02:54 AM

I12,

I don't remember, but I think so. \:p Give me a brief summary. I also didn't mind Jeepers Creepers.


TIS
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 03:14 AM

I purchased some items for Christmas gifts on Amazon a couple weeks ago and couldn't resist buying a movie I've always wanted, "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad."

I am not a big movie collector. Compared to I12 and some other movie collectors here, there are really only a small number of movies I'd like to own. This movie not only brings back fond memories of my childhood. They use to show it at a local theater that showed older re-run movies all the time. Oh, how I begged my sister to go see it with me (about 10 different times) . She still teases me about it.

I don't think it's ever on regular tv and only recently saw it on HBO. Anyway, along with the fond memories, I like the make believe land of princesses, genies, wizards, mechanical monsters and of course the handsome hero(Kerwin Mattews). Just a fun movie for me.

I also purchased, in the same line, Jack The Giant Killer. \:\)

TIS



The 7th Voyage of Sinbad
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 03:51 AM

D.E.B.S. 1/2
(First Viewing)

Recruited by the U.S. government for their unique ability to lie, cheat and fight, Amy, Max, Janet and Dominique join an underground academy of secret agents known only as D.E.B.S. These crime fighting hotties set out to save the world and keep their lipstick perfectly applied while doing so. Now the girls must combine their skills for their most important mission- to capture vexing vixen Lucy Diamond, the deadliest criminal the world has ever known. When D.E.B.S. star player, Amy, falls for Lucy, chaos erupts and the D.E.B.S. loyalty is put to the test.

Well, I guess hot chicks can't save any movie because this is living proof. Supposedly a female spoof on the spy genre, which maybe was geared more towards a female audience? Why is Devon Aoki who is of Japanese decent speaking with a French accent? Trying to be funny? Please, try again because it wasn't. Also, too much CGI, which as I've said in the past, if it doesn't help will hurt a film (see KUNG FU HUSTLE). I thought this would be more in line with DOA: DEAD OR ALIVE. Boy was I horribly mistaken.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 03:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I12,

I don't remember, but I think so. \:p Give me a brief summary. I also didn't mind Jeepers Creepers.


TIS


Here ya go TIS
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 06:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I think every DVD I buy is worth watching again, otherwise I wouldn't buy it. Secondly, I don't buy every DVD on the market (I wish I could but I don't). Finally, most of the movie reviews in this thread isn't from my own personal DVDs that I own. They're eithered borrowed from friends or rented from Blockbuster ;\)


I meant to ask you this before and I can't remember if I actually did, so I apologize if I'm repeating myself.

What are you going to do when HD-DVD or Blu Ray discs take over. Are you going to purchase all of your movies over again in those formats?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 06:27 AM

THE S.S. EXPERIMENT
(First Viewing)

This is a sleazy WW2 Nazi camp movie which plays more like a black comedy. In this film the poor female POW's get raped and groped by all and sundry at the camp. In an amusing comic twist the commandant decides he wants a new pair of testicles and so removes them from one of the hunky guards. The guard doesn't seem to realise he's been castrated until he goes to bonk one of the French prisoners.

Not the grindhouse film I was expecting. I was expecting something along the lines of ILSA or WOMEN'S CAMP 119. A women's in prison/World War II/Nazi experimental film. There were hardly any experiments and those that were conducted were about love making (not torture). Still an enjoyable genre to sit back and laugh at but again, not what I was hoping for.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 06:31 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I think every DVD I buy is worth watching again, otherwise I wouldn't buy it. Secondly, I don't buy every DVD on the market (I wish I could but I don't). Finally, most of the movie reviews in this thread isn't from my own personal DVDs that I own. They're eithered borrowed from friends or rented from Blockbuster ;\)


I meant to ask you this before and I can't remember if I actually did, so I apologize if I'm repeating myself.

What are you going to do when HD-DVD or Blu Ray discs take over. Are you going to purchase all of your movies over again in those formats?


No way man. I have over 700 DVDs and it's growing (literally weekly). From what I heard, and I could be wrong about this so don't quote me, but Blu-Ray players are able to play standard DVDs to avoid this dilemma. I think Blu-Ray will eventually win out but if this is indeed correct, then we're all covered. Sure I'd like to get them all again in high def, but financially it'd kill be and be too time consuming. Plus, if the movie wasn't filmed in high def (for example, SCARFACE), there isn't much of a difference in picture. Not only that, but I've been comparing the special features on standard and Blu-Ray DVDs and for whatever reason, the Blu-Ray DVDs don't have many special features while the standard DVD release did
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 06:50 AM

From the beginning I thought HD DVD would dominate over Blu Ray only because "HD" is more commonly known thanks to HD TV. Interesting point though about Blu Ray...
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 08:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra (12/11/06)
Hard Candy
David Slade 2005 US 1st time; DVD
A 14-year-old girl meets up with a thirtysomething guy she met in an Internet chatroom, and, suspecting he is a paedophile, turns the tables on him.
Daring, challenging, certainly interesting film which must be admired - perhaps seen - for deciding to tackle such a difficult subject by grabbing it by the balls. That is not to say, however, that it does it particularly well, and it is interesting to see the limitations of representing paedophilia in Film; it is drastically miscast, for starters, and the script early on is interesting but possibly in the wrong way: we're cheering for the bad guy, because not only is the kid extremely annoying, but her acting and the lines she has to play with are flat. The camera is often static and the framing symmetrical, with its middle-class suburban house allowing characters to be shot against block solid colours - red, grey, white, pink, and so on. Besides visual sumptuousness, it's nothing less than ludicrous when you're watching; but upon reflection, it is probably worth revisiting again.

I'm glad I did a search before posting here saying how much I liked this film (7.1/10 IMDb; 3.3/5 Netflix). I'm surprised that I pretty much disagree with most everything you've said! \:o "Drastically miscast"?? (18-year-old) Ellen Page was brilliant I thought! "Cheering for the bad guy", at least back-and-forth, according to the Extras that you apparently skipped, was intentional and the whole idea of the movie. Her acting, for the character, was great -- the writing was terrific (except here and there), IMHO, and being an Indy film with a $1 million budget filmed in limited locations, and in only 3 weeks, they did a fine job with what they had. Sure, I noticed a few symmetrical shots, but there were many more that were brilliantly composed. So I must think it was intended. And the solid color backdrops hit me halfway thru, as possibly emulating the same backdrops a photographer would (and does) use during a shoot.

This director's first-ever feature-length film was impressive, as well as the work of all the cast and crew, given the resources available to them. The "Digital Colorist" did a fantastic job overall; except at the 30 minute point were the color palette changed so obviously that I thought it was a mistake. I rewound it twice! But they said in the extras it was intentional. Whatever... lol.

I think it is worth revisiting again. \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 03:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
From the beginning I thought HD DVD would dominate over Blu Ray only because "HD" is more commonly known thanks to HD TV. Interesting point though about Blu Ray...


I think once the PS3 came out, a lot of things changed. Also, more studios solely make Blu-Ray. Universal solely makes HD-DVD, Warner Bros. and Paramount make both formats, while Disney/Buena Vista, Fox, Sony, MGM, and Lionsgate solely make Blu-Ray.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 08:54 PM

WE'RE NOT MARRIED
(First Viewing)

A bumbling justice-of-the-peace performs several illegal marriages. Thirty months later, he discovers his mistake and five couples must deal with the news that they're not married. Included: Ramona and Steve, who loathe each other but married to get a lucrative radio contract; the winner of the Mrs. Mississippi pageant; a couple who barely speak, while the husband dreams of former flames; an oil tycoon and a gold-digger after his wealth; and soldier Willie Fisher, about to ship out to the Korean War leaving his gorgeous spouse pregnant.

An interesting story, especially for 1952. It really makes one wonder, what they would do if they were ever granted a get out of marriage free card? This film exemplified most of those options. I watched this primarily for Marilyn Monroe but she was hardly in it. Still an enjoyable film. However, one trend I noticed was the husband in each couple was the person to read the letter stating their marriage was invalid. I sometimes like to watch these older movies to see just how much the world has changed and how roles of males and females have likewise changed.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 10:30 PM

I disagree with a lot of my original review, too, JG. I've certainly warmed to it with time. I think it's an intentional, self-acknowledged handling of a difficult subject matter and the clichés which come with it, though for me it doesn't quite overcome the limitations of the genre. It's visually excellent.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/21/07 11:25 PM

MONKEY BUSINESS (1952)
(First Viewing)

Barnaby Fulton is a research chemist working on a fountain of youth pill for a chemical company. While trying a sample dose on himself, he accidentally gets a dose of a mixture added to the water cooler and believes his potion is what is working. The mixture temporarily causes him to feel and act like a teenager, including correcting his vision. When his wife gets a dose that is even larger, she regresses even further into her childhood. When an old boyfriend meets her in this state, he believes that her never wanting to see him again means a divorce and a chance for him.

Another hidden Marilyn Monroe performance. Only the second Howard Hawks film I've seen. The first was SCARFACE, which I thoguht was awesome. However, this "comedy" was anything but. Again, not my type of humor and rather dull.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/07 04:30 AM

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES 1/2
(First Viewing)

Lorelei and Dorothy are just "Two Little Girls from Little Rock", lounge singers on a transatlantic cruise, working their way to Paris, and enjoying the company of any eligible men they might meet along the way, even though "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." Based on the Broadway musical based on the novel.

Probably one of my favorite musicals because they didn't constantly sing. Sure there was a good amount of singing but not to the point where ever other scene had a song. Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell were a dynamic duo together. Not just vocally, but visually. Aside from both women being breathtaking, they actually seemed like girlfriends.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/22/07 04:24 PM

HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE
(First Viewing)

Three New York models move into a Manhattan penthouse apartment and set out to find eligible millionaire bachelors to marry. Two of the women find a potential candidate, but all three also fall in love with other men who may not be as financially secure. Each woman now faces a dilemma: do they choose love or money?

These past two films have really exemplified the stereotypical blonde gold digger character and I think Monroe plays them both beautifully. In the end good always triumphs over evil but before we reach that conclusion, it was kind of revolting for me to watch these money hungry, gold digging, she-devils.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/23/07 07:34 PM

SAW III
(Third Viewing)

Jeff is an anguished man, who grieves and misses his young son that was killed by a driver in a car accident. He has become obsessed for revenge against the man and reckless with his wife and daughter. When Dr. Lynn Denlon, who has troubles with her marriage, is abducted by the deranged Jigsaw's apprentice Amanda, she is brought to a gruesome warehouse to keep John Kramer alive in spite of having a terminal brain tumor. Amanda puts a necklace gadget full of explosives around Dr. Lynn's neck connected to John Kramer's life support system, and tells her that if he dies the device will explode. Meanwhile, Jeff is submitted to a sick game of forgiveness with surprising dark consequences.

What I love most about this film was it returned to the original and showed us things that weren't necessarily true. This film did a great job going into the backstory of Jigsaw and Amanda. I'm wondering how they'll continue to make anymore SAWs but this weekend we'll find out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/07 12:07 AM

SUMMER OF SAM
(First Viewing)

Spike Lee's take on the "Son of Sam" murders in New York City during the summer of 1977 centering on the residents of an Italian-American South Bronx neighborhood who live in fear and distrust of one another.

My biggest problem with the film was Spike's decision to focus on John Leguizamo and Mira Sorvino's marriage, as well as Adrien Brody and Jennifer Esposito's relationship more than the Son of Sam killer. I felt he missed the point of the film and it should have been more like a BRONX IS BURNING. The story should have focused on the .44 killer, the Yankees, the heatwave and blackouts that summer, etc. I really don't care about John Leguizamo being a cheating b*stard and his marriage fails as a result of it. Also, why did Spike even cast John Leguizamo as an Italian? I thought that was a bad choice on his part because John stuck out as a non-Italian. However, my favorite part of the film is when the Anthony character asks a punk on the street who his favorite baseball team is. The punk replies the Boston Red Sox before Anthony and his associate give the punk a beat down
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/07 02:19 AM

How open are people to new cinematic experiences, here?

In the hope that they are, may I suggest two directors with whom I've recently fallen for?

The first is Alejandro Jodorowsky, who directed El Topo, The Holy Mountain and Fando y Lis (among others, though these are the most readily accessible on DVD).

The second is Claire Denis. I rarely see people on this board watch films by a female artist (and she is an artist, in every sense of the word), so check out Beau travail, Vendredi soir, L'intrus and Trouble Every Day (again, the most available on DVD).

All of these films will question you and your life. They're magnificent, and the best films I've watched recently. Ask if you wish to know more.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/07 06:00 AM

One of these days I'm going to have to ask you, Capo, to make a list of 10-20 movies so I can just start watching them all. To be honest, the movies you list on here could be completely fake and I wouldn't know the difference. However, knowing how you look at things from a different angle I would love to see the movies you love.

My only question is, do you also have some sort of a time machine that will give me 26 hours a day, rather then the usual 24? That's all I need... an extra two hours a day.

Dead God, I just need two more hours a day. Plus a few minutes of reflection.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/07 07:34 AM


Maxed Out 4/5
Probably one of the scariest movies I've seen in years... and this isn't a movie - it's real!

Velvent Goldmine 3/5
I should've liked this more, with the ol' school rawk and all... but the UFOs kinda confused me... what?? Nice soundtrack, tho!

Air Guitar Nation 3/5
Who knew?? Tho I know I could beat them all \:p
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/07 10:37 AM

THE LONG RIDERS

Watched this western last night,you know the one with the Carradine,Keach and Quaid brothers all playing....er...brothers \:\)
Not a bad Western at all!
I give it 6 out of 10
Posted By: KrautDude82

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/07 06:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra (12/11/06)
Hard Candy
David Slade 2005 US 1st time; DVD
A 14-year-old girl meets up with a thirtysomething guy she met in an Internet chatroom, and, suspecting he is a paedophile, turns the tables on him.
Daring, challenging, certainly interesting film which must be admired - perhaps seen - for deciding to tackle such a difficult subject by grabbing it by the balls. That is not to say, however, that it does it particularly well, and it is interesting to see the limitations of representing paedophilia in Film; it is drastically miscast, for starters, and the script early on is interesting but possibly in the wrong way: we're cheering for the bad guy, because not only is the kid extremely annoying, but her acting and the lines she has to play with are flat. The camera is often static and the framing symmetrical, with its middle-class suburban house allowing characters to be shot against block solid colours - red, grey, white, pink, and so on. Besides visual sumptuousness, it's nothing less than ludicrous when you're watching; but upon reflection, it is probably worth revisiting again.

I'm glad I did a search before posting here saying how much I liked this film (7.1/10 IMDb; 3.3/5 Netflix). I'm surprised that I pretty much disagree with most everything you've said! \:o "Drastically miscast"?? (18-year-old) Ellen Page was brilliant I thought! "Cheering for the bad guy", at least back-and-forth, according to the Extras that you apparently skipped, was intentional and the whole idea of the movie. Her acting, for the character, was great -- the writing was terrific (except here and there), IMHO, and being an Indy film with a $1 million budget filmed in limited locations, and in only 3 weeks, they did a fine job with what they had. Sure, I noticed a few symmetrical shots, but there were many more that were brilliantly composed. So I must think it was intended. And the solid color backdrops hit me halfway thru, as possibly emulating the same backdrops a photographer would (and does) use during a shoot.

This director's first-ever feature-length film was impressive, as well as the work of all the cast and crew, given the resources available to them. The "Digital Colorist" did a fantastic job overall; except at the 30 minute point were the color palette changed so obviously that I thought it was a mistake. I rewound it twice! But they said in the extras it was intentional. Whatever... lol.

I think it is worth revisiting again. \:p


Too bad that same director sucked it hard with 30 Days of Night.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/07 06:58 PM

CAPTIVITY
(Second Viewing)

A young model is drugged, kidnapped and subject to harrowing torture in a cell of horrors in this spine chilling horror thriller. Jennifer is young, beautiful and famous. Everybody knows her name and her popularity brings her everything she wants in life- but one mans jealousy lures Jennifer to a dimension in torture when she finds herself drugged, captured and held in an underground maze of terror. Taken against her will and subject to psychological punishment, Jennifer soon questions her sanity as her watchful tormentor pits her in numerous twisted traps. After struggling to keep her mind, she meets with Gary, another prisoner in the sick games and together they try their wits to escape from the cells and defeat the madman behind the sick games- but are they already too late when they are bound, gagged and thrust into a world of pain?

After a second viewing I would say this is almost more of a suspense or psychological thrill than I would a horror film. True, at the beginning their are some gory moments but those are all dispelled by the midway point. The gore was a nice surprise as more filmmakers are continually trying to push the envelope and try new ways to scare/horrify/shock the audience. As for the story it was fairly predictable with the second cell mate and the ending. However, I did find about 3-5 different goofs while watching it the second time around which makes the film seem cheap and lazy. However, the DVD ending is different than the theatrical ending. They cut the original by about 10 seconds and then added additional scenes lasting another couple of minutes. This is the first film I can remember where the theatrical and DVD endings were different.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/24/07 11:35 PM

HUDSON HAWK
(First Viewing)

Eddie Hawkins, called Hudson Hawk has just been released from ten years of prison and is planning to spend the rest of his life honestly. But then the crazy Mayflower couple blackmail him to steal some of the works of Leonardo da Vinci. If he refuses, they threaten to kill his friend Tommy.

I'm glad to see this was Bruce Willis' last attempt at creating his own story. I don't know whether the jokes were made to be serious or were tongue-in-cheek. Either way they were dry and unfunny. I hope the paycheck was worth it for both Bruce Willis and Andie MacDowell because this is some of the worst work I've seen by either of them. Glad to see THE LAST BOY SCOUT and DEATH BECOMES HER weren't too far after this trainwreck to get Bruce back into our good graces.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/07 02:46 AM

WALL STREET
(First Viewing)

Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) is a Wall Street stockbroker in early 1980's New York with a strong desire to get to the top. Working for his firm during the day, he spends his spare time working an on angle with with to approach the high-powered, extremely successful (but ruthless and greedy) broker Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas). Fox finally meets with Gekko, who takes the youth under his wing and explains his philosophy that "Greed is Good". Taking the advice and working closely with Gekko, Fox soon finds himself swept into a world of "yuppies", shady business deals, the "good life", fast money, and fast women; something which is at odds with his family including his estranged father (Martin Sheen) and the blue-collared way Fox was brought up.

Probably one of Oliver Stone's best stories about the dark side of the American dream. Charlie Sheen was great as the young, naive yet excited Bud Fox looking to make a quick buck. And Michael Douglas stole the show and was Oscar worthy in this role as the cold, ruthless Gordon Gekko. Douglas and Terence Stamp worked well together as bitter rivals. The chemistry between the main characters was great and essential to the film. Also some noticeably enjoyable lighting technics.

My top 3 favorite Stone films in order:
1) JFK
2) WALL STREET
3) PLATOON
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/07 02:55 AM

Good review for one of the best movies of the 80's.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/07 03:23 AM

Thanks and I agree, it was one of the best films of the 80's. It really blew me away, never a dull moment and I forgot to mention I enjoyed John C. McGinley's humor (he played Marvin who worked with Bud)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/07 05:36 AM

CANDYMAN 1/2
(First Viewing)

Helen Lyle is a student who decides to write a thesis about local legends and myths. She visits a part of the town, where she learns about the legend of the Candyman, a one-armed man who appears when you say his name five times, in front of a mirror. Of course, Helen doesn't believe all this stuff, but the people of the area are really afraid. When she ignores their warnings and begins her investigation in the places that he is rumored to appear, a series of horrible murders begins. Could the legend be true?

This was not my type of horror flick. No real slashing them up and more of the "demented" main character who gets committed, runs from the bad guy, etc. However, Tony Todd was an excellent Candyman. His voice and dominating presence onscreen made him a chilling villain.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/25/07 07:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: KrautDude82
Too bad that same director sucked it hard with 30 Days of Night.


Obviously you saw 30 Days of Night, was it bad? It was difficult to tell from the trailers, but the idea for the movie looked interesting. Why did you not like it?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 12:42 AM

CANDYMAN: FAREWELL TO FLESH
(First Viewing)

The Candyman moves on to New Orleans and starts his horrific murders once more. This time, his intended victim is a school teacher. Her father was killed by the Candyman, and brother wrongly accused of the murders.

I think Kelly Rowan was a better lead actress than Virginia Madsen was in the original film. Nothing against Virginia but I felt Kelly was a better damsel in distress. However, this second film wasn't as scary as the original but I enjoyed the storyline more. Tony Todd also wasn't as chilling as Candyman. His presence was still dominate but he wasn't as creepy either.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 01:20 AM

I always wanted to see Wall Street, but never did. I remember so vividly the previews with Michael Douglas saying "Greed is good." \:o That alone gave me the chills. Hearing others say how good it is does make me even more anxious to see it.

TIS
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 01:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: KrautDude82
Too bad that same director sucked it hard with 30 Days of Night.


Obviously you saw 30 Days of Night, was it bad? It was difficult to tell from the trailers, but the idea for the movie looked interesting. Why did you not like it?


PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO NOT REVEAL ANY SURPRISES OR THE ENDING! PLEASE USE THE SPOILER FEATURE!!!!

Thanks
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 04:52 AM

WHERE EAGLES DARE
(First Viewing)

During WW2 a British aircraft is shot down and crashes in Nazi held territory. The Germans capture the only survivor, an American General, and take him to the nearest SS headquarters. Unknown to the Germans the General has full knowledge of the D-Day operation. The British decide that the General must not be allowed to divulge any details of the Normandy landing at all cost and order Major John Smith to lead a crack commando team to rescue him. Amongst the team is an American Ranger, Lieutenant Schaffer, who is puzzled by his inclusion in an all British operation. When one of the team dies after the parachute drop, Schaffer suspects that Smith's mission has a much more secret objective.

A great and nostalgic WWII film that ran a bit too long. This was only my second time being exposed to Richard Burton's work and he was very enjoyable as Maj. Jonathan Smith. And I have to ask, was Clint Eastwood born a bada$$, or did Clint Eastwood learn how to become a bada$$? I've only seen a few of his films but he seems to exude such charisma without evening trying. The man is certainly something special to view onscreen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 04:54 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I always wanted to see Wall Street, but never did. I remember so vividly the previews with Michael Douglas saying "Greed is good." \:o That alone gave me the chills. Hearing others say how good it is does make me even more anxious to see it.

TIS


Go for it TIS. Go to your nearest Blockbuster and pick it up ;\)
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 04:58 AM

Has anyone seen this horror movie Black Sheep? Not the Chris Farley comedy but the newly released dvd about Killer Zombie Sheep? That link there is for the trailer. It looks pretty funny! I'm going to be watching it either tomorrow or Saturday.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 04:59 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I always wanted to see Wall Street, but never did.


Go for it TIS. Go to your nearest Blockbuster and pick it up


And watch for the courthouse steps at the end.... the same steps on which Barzini took his fall (and Henry Fonda walked down at the end of "12 Angry Men").
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 06:38 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I always wanted to see Wall Street, but never did. I remember so vividly the previews with Michael Douglas saying "Greed is good." \:o That alone gave me the chills. Hearing others say how good it is does make me even more anxious to see it.

TIS


Watch it TIS. I promise that you won't be disappointed. The movie does a fantastic job in capturing the feel, the era and the happenings that were taking place on Wall Street and the financial world overall back then. Legally and illegally.

A right on the mark movie.

Michael Douglas is just fantastic as Gordan Gecko. He portrays th e typical manipulative, greedy, I can buy anything I want, big shot that Wall Street seemed to be full of in the 80's, to the T.

Charlie Sheen's 'Bud Fox' is the typical young, hungry, full of piss and vinegar know nothing turned know it all character who aquires to much a little too fast.

My favorite line in the movie comes from veteran actor Martin Sheen, who by the way plays Charlie's father 'Carl' in the movie:

"He's using you, kid. He's got your pr**k in his back pocket, but you're too blind to see it."

Watch the movie TIS, you'll enjoy it.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/26/07 12:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
WHERE EAGLES DARE
(First Viewing)

During WW2 a British aircraft is shot down and crashes in Nazi held territory. The Germans capture the only survivor, an American General, and take him to the nearest SS headquarters. Unknown to the Germans the General has full knowledge of the D-Day operation. The British decide that the General must not be allowed to divulge any details of the Normandy landing at all cost and order Major John Smith to lead a crack commando team to rescue him. Amongst the team is an American Ranger, Lieutenant Schaffer, who is puzzled by his inclusion in an all British operation. When one of the team dies after the parachute drop, Schaffer suspects that Smith's mission has a much more secret objective.

A great and nostalgic WWII film that ran a bit too long. This was only my second time being exposed to Richard Burton's work and he was very enjoyable as Maj. Jonathan Smith. And I have to ask, was Clint Eastwood born a bada$$, or did Clint Eastwood learn how to become a bada$$? I've only seen a few of his films but he seems to exude such charisma without evening trying. The man is certainly something special to view onscreen.


A classic film!
One of my all time favourites!
I remember watching it with my old man when i was a kid.
Happy memories \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/07 12:48 AM

SPIDER-MAN 3 1/2
(Second Viewing)

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

Definitely better with a second viewing. I think why this movie "failed" in a lot of peoples eyes were due to the ridiculous expectations set before it. Sure it used one of the most popular comic book characters of all-time, Venom and that's a lot to live up to. For some it's like the Silver Surfer during THE FANTASTIC FOUR. I'm still not the biggest fan of the Sandman and thought they could have easily left it at Venom and the New Goblin. In addition, if they do make a SPIDER-MAN 4 I really can't see this franchise going on without Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi (although unfortunately it might). This is definitely the best comic book franchise ever in terms of the films. Each of these films is great whereas Batman and Superman had some bumps in the road, nothing has slowed down Spider-Man. Hopefully if they do need to recast and continue with another trilogy it'll be just as good as the original!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/07 03:17 AM

CHILD'S PLAY
(First Viewing)

When serial killer Charles Lee Ray is mortally wounded in a police shoot-out, he uses a voodoo spell to transfer his soul into Chucky, a "Good Guys" doll. Andy Barclay receives the doll as a birthday gift, and Chucky soon resumes his killing spree. However, Charles doesn't want to be trapped in the body of a doll forever. His only escape would be to transfer into the first human he revealed his true identity to, which places Andy in mortal danger.

A decent way to start this franchise. Yes it's silly at times because Chucky is a doll and should be simply punted across the room but they try to put it over as much as possible and cut down on the cheesiness. Catherine Hicks was great as Andy's mother Karen. The mobility of Chucky was rather impressive and he seemed to really look alive at times.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/07 04:44 AM

Mr Bean's Holiday *
Not as funny as the earlier movie and not at all comparable to the TV series which is way too funny. Yet, Rowan Atkinson does a good job.

Bowling for Columbine *
Very informative and powerful, though the first half of the documentary is somewhat poorly organized. I am sure the kind of points he makes would piss off a lot of people (especially here), but are presented in a logical fashion.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/07 07:59 PM

SAW IV
(First Viewing)

The interesting aspect about this film is it doesn't take awhile to get messy and gory. It opens up that way. I think the last movie I saw that opened this quickly with blood and guts was SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. I'm glad they were still able to incorporate the Jigsaw character in this film. Also, I'm glad to see how they plan to continue this series but a lot of questions still need to be answered. I don't want to have to wait another year for SAW V One final note, this film had the most "games"/human traps. Kind of towards the end it started to become too much but at least they're finding new and creative ways to kill people!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/28/07 10:26 PM

LICENSE TO WED 1/2
(First Viewing)

Robin Williams needs it to be 2002 in the worst way. That was the year he made his "evil" trilogy: ONE HOUR PHOTO, DEATH TO SMOOCHY, and INSOMNIA. Since then he hasn't done a lot to impress me. Granted I haven't seen THE FINAL CUT, THE NIGHT LISTENER or RV. However, this and MAN OF THE YEAR were both badly made comedies.

I should have researched this before I watched it because then I would have known better what I was getting into. Romantic comedy magnet director Ken Kwapis is responsible for this. His past work includes THE BEAUTICIAN AND THE BEAST and THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS. Enough said.

This is the first Mandy Moore film I've seen. She did a fine job but needs to stop taking these teenie bopper/girly movies such as: A WALK TO REMEMBER, HOW TO DEAL, CHASING LIBERTY, AMERICAN DREAMZ, and BECAUSE I SAID SO.

Finally, I've always been a fan of Christine Taylor since I saw her on Nickelodeon's HEY DUDE. However, her work has been pretty hit or miss and this was most definitely a miss.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/29/07 12:33 AM

CHILD'S PLAY 2 1/2
(Second Viewing)

This Chucky had more life and spunk to him. The first version he seemed kind of controlled and tamed. Not here. Here he was the foul mouth, killer we've known over the past 17 years. A more compelling and engaging story. Christine Elise looked absolutely beautiful in this film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/07 01:07 PM

CHILD'S PLAY 3 1/2
(First Viewing)

More of the same from the second film, however, I didn't feel there was a lot of Chucky. At the end I felt like he was hardly in the film at all.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/07 03:02 PM

The Childs Play franchise in my opinion are about the worst films ever,apart from number 1 which was ok as it was a new concept at the time..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/07 04:12 PM

I'm really surprised I've enjoyed them as much. CHILD'S PLAY was alright but it wasn't the Chucky I remember. The Chucky I remember was in CHILD'S PLAY 2 & 3. I'm hoping BRIDE OF CHUCKY and SEED OF CHUCKY don't f*ck up the franchise.

I was disappointed with the CANDYMAN and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE series. I still have one CANDYMAN left but 1 & 2 were disappointing. Likewise was the case with TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE'S 2 & 3. 4 was decent but not enough to want me to buy the entire franchise.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/07 05:39 PM

Ive seen the original Texas chainshaw massacre and i don't intend on watching the others, as ive heard there terrible..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/07 06:53 PM

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 and LEATHERFACE: THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3 were horrible. THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE NEXT GENERATION (i.e. #4) wasn't horrible but not great either. I would suggest watching the 2003 remake with Jessica Biel and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINING. THE BEGINING is my favorite of the franchise.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 10/31/07 06:58 PM

Out of the lot i would probley watch the remake,i can see it being alot like "wrong turn" if you have seen this..

You can't beat the original..
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/07 08:19 AM

La Dolce Vita ***
My third Fellini film and as impressive as the other two (8 1/2 and La Strada). Excellent case study of a man slowly getting deeper and deeper into a shallow life style. At the same time, it is a humorous, cynical and tragic commentary of the society as a whole. Great BW cinematography.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/07 08:43 AM


Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) -- it was put on my list when I noticed Carmella Soprano reading the book, but I never rushed to rent it. It finally came, so there it was, plus the Bonus Disc. Chick Flick extraordinaire, but, it kept my interest at least... actually a well done job, and interesting to learn about... but not much more than a Jane-Austen-in-Japan type story to me...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/07 03:08 PM

BRIDE OF CHUCKY 1/2
(First Viewing)

Overall, this has probably got to be the most satisfying Chucky movie I've seen yet. The mix of horror and humor was great. The funniest of the franchise. Although, the body count was a little low. John Ritter is the man, I sorely miss that man and Katherine Heigl looked a little chunky here.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/07 04:55 PM

Last night I went to the pics to see Motel Hell. It was quite lamentable, really.

Last week I was at the London Film Festival, saw the solid if nothing new Rescue Dawn by Herzog, and Grace is Gone, to which I was crying like my sister cries at Beaches; I'd recommend it to folks on here.

Geoff, Memoirs of a Geisha is awful. I saw it on the big screen, and almost left the cinema at one point; intolerably bad, really. This is what I wrote at the time (I can't remember a single scene from it): "Lifeless drama with an unconvincing romance and horrid succumbing to mainstream values: the most beautiful shots here are not given enough room to sweep us away, and the cast, all brilliant in their native tongue, seem awkward when directed for English-speaking audiences."
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/07 05:52 PM

SEED OF CHUCKY 1/2
(First Viewing)

I was a little hesitant when they introduced the Tiffany character in BRIDE OF CHUCKY. It worked for me however and thought they could make it work with their kid. It didn't. If they would have kept it just Chucky and Tiffany I probably would have enjoyed it more, but this seemed to be too much of a "family drama" story for a horror flick. Particularly for a Chucky film. I wouldn't mind seeing another Chucky film in the near future, so long as they leave the kids out of it but I think SEED is the last one we'll see unless they do a remake.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/01/07 11:18 PM

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE: THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES 1/2
(Second Viewing)

My favorite vampire movie of all-time. Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt were a dynamic duo together. The first half of the film was exceptional with them onscreen, but the second half lost something without Cruise in it. I was also surprised to see Thandie Newton. As many times as I've seen it I never knew she was in this until I just saw her name in the opening credits during this viewing.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/07 06:13 AM


The Pride of the Yankees (1942) - starring Gary Cooper; with Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel, Bill Dickey, Mark Koenig, and Bill Stern playing themselves. The life of Yankee baseball great Lou Gehrig. 'nuf said.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/07 08:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

The Pride of the Yankees The life of Yankee baseball great Lou Gehrig. 'nuf said.


Had you ever seen it before?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/07 08:23 AM


I've seen bits and pieces - but finally saw the entire thing at once... no wonder "they" call it the best baseball movie of all time. Whether or not that's true is arguable, and I'd disagree. (I think Field of Dreams is better, don't worry ;\) ) But hell, I think it's better than the *cough* over-rated Citizen Kane! ;\)

PS - Besides... I need to be in a certain mood to see classic films. I like them a lot -- but, I need to be in a G/PG-mood... ;\)
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/07 09:02 AM

Its an overly romanticized, sappy, not-too-accurate portrayal of Gehrig's life, but I love the movie! Cooper was superb, and the ending scenes in the Stadium give me the chills.

FWIW - The LOUDEST cheer I ever heard at the Stadium was for Mrs. Lou Gehrig and Mrs. Babe Ruth who threw out the first ball in a game I attended in the mid 60's.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/07 05:37 PM

DECK THE HALLS 1/2
(First Viewing)

I enjoy Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick's work but this crap is ruining their career. The last DeVito movie I loved was either 2002's AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER or DEATH TO SMOOCHY. Granted I haven't seen ever film of his since then but from what I have seen, they're trash. For Broderick it's been ever longer, since 1996's THE CABLE GUY. I also have enjoyed the few pieces of work from Kristin Davis that I've seen but I can't bring myself to see THE SHAGGY DOG's and THE ADVENTURES OF SHARKBOY AND LAVAGIRL that she does. Maybe this is the only work these guys can get now is in predictable, "feel good" holiday Christmas films.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/07 05:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

I've seen bits and pieces - but finally saw the entire thing at once... no wonder "they" call it the best baseball movie of all time. Whether or not that's true is arguable, and I'd disagree. (I think Field of Dreams is better, don't worry ;\) )


Certainly a classic no doubt. And certainly ONE of the top Baseball movies of all time.

For me, it's a toss up between Field of Dreams and The Natural.

I love them both. If I had to really make a choice, I'd give Field a Dreams the edge over The Natural......but only slightly. ;\)

But like anything else in life, it all comes down to it being a matter of individual taste. That's why as far as I am concerned NO one can claim that "this is really the best" or that "this is really better than that" and think it should be etched in stone.

People really should start those kinds of statements with

"In my opinion...."
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/02/07 06:19 PM

I watched a real nice family baseball movie on the Disney Channel last night.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/03/07 04:56 AM

Last King of Scotland **
Forest Whitaker plays an amazing role as Idi Amin. He brings out the eccentricities of a dictator very convincingly. The movie goes quite the hollywood way and there is nothing great to talk about.And why the hell is Idi Amin talking to villagers in English with an African accent. Use subtitles
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/04/07 02:44 PM

I don't know if anyone outside Brazil has already heard of it, but I believe it's just a question of time until most of you do.

it's a movie called Tropa de Elite (2007) ('Elite Squad'), about a special group of the brazilian police. actually, it's about the brazilian society as a whole. and believe me, it's among the most shocking and stunning movies ever done. if you think you get any taste of reality with the crap that it's out there, just give this films a chance. and believe me, it's all true.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/07 04:06 AM

54
(First Viewing)

The film should have focused more on the Steve Rubell character and Studio 54, not Ryan Phillippe and Salma Hayek. I felt this film was only a brief telling of the storied club and should not have been such a snapshot of it. I was also disappointed that Neve Campbell wasn't in it more (I thought she had a bigger role).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/07 05:43 AM

CANDYMAN: DAY OF THE DEAD
(First Viewing)

A horrible finish to a horrible franchise. Really, I didn't hardly enjoy a single filim from Tony Todd as the Candyman. I don't know why the original got so much play back in 1992? Some pretty nice hooter shots, but even those aren't worth watching this piece of crap.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/07 05:57 AM

I've never even heard of this Candyman series. If it's so bad, I might be interested

Actually, I'll take your word for it.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/07 09:05 AM


Fidel (2001) (documentary)

This seemed somewhat pro-Castro for the most part - but after the decades of apparent propaganda I've heard about Cuba and Castro from the US Government, I'd like to think it's the truth! This is a MUST-SEE, accurate or not! (Well, of course it's accurate - it's all historic footage. It just may not include all of the "other side" of things.) But this presents Castro as practically an admirable leader who lead his country out of dictatorship (I thought that somewhat ironic) to improve itself, and to improve conditions in other similar struggling countries. Castro helped put a stop to apartheid in South Africa -- probably more than we ever did (cuz there's nothing in it for us perhaps? Like ending global genocide? What genocide? \:\/ ) I'm certainly no scholar of history -- so if someone has an opposing source I could watch, I'd love to see it. But this video practically makes me admire the man. (Well, even "evil" figures can be admired for their accomplishments - but I mean even as a person)... and as shown in this video, with many American celebrity sympathizers, Castro isn't "evil" at all... (at least not as much as our CIA!)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/07 05:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I've never even heard of this Candyman series. If it's so bad, I might be interested

Actually, I'll take your word for it.


Please do and stay far, far away from it. But I have been enjoying these horror franchises that I've never seen before. Thus far I've watched:

-HALLOWEEN
-FROM DUSK TILL DAWN
-TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE
-URBAN LEGENDS
-CHUCKY
-CANDYMAN

Next I plan on tackling the LEPRECHAUN, HELLRAISER and the 8 Films To Die For series
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/07 06:24 PM

Ive seen the first FROM DUST TILL DAWN how are the others?.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/05/07 06:57 PM

2 sucked but 3 was pretty good. I'd recommend watching both just so you can see the entire trilogy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 05:58 AM

THE ABANDONED
(First Viewing)

Starting off the 8 Films To Do For series on the wrong foot. In fact, it picked up where I left off (I've seen 2 of the 8 movies prior to this film). A terrible story penned by 3 three people: Karim Hussain, Richard Stanley, and director Nacho Cerdà. Hopefully they're never put in charge again to develop a script. I was also very disappointed to see Karel Roden in this piece of crap. From the few films I've seen the man in I've enjoyed his work except for this. For example, there's one scene where he gets shot in the leg and he has to pull the bullet out with a pair of plyers. While doing so he hardly makes a grunt, even after pouring alcohol on the open wound. No offense to Karel but the man's no John Rambo here. I really hope some of the films are worth watching in this series but I have a feeling I'm going to be terribly disappointed \:\(
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 06:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
2 sucked but 3 was pretty good. I'd recommend watching both just so you can see the entire trilogy.


I also loved the first one but have been hesitant to see the sequels. I'll probably end up watching them eventually.

The first one was great though. I loved how it seems like a typical crime movie until about halfway through when you suddenly realize it's about fighting vampires.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 07:55 AM


The Great Dictator (1940) - Written, directed, and starring Sir Charles Chaplin.

Wow. I don't think I've ever really seen a full-length Charlie Chaplin feature, let alone this masterpiece! Sir Charlie played two roles in this WWII satire: That of a Hitleresque dictator, and his double: a Jewish barber with amnesia since WWI.

It was odd enough hearing him actually speak for over 2 hours - especially in that German accent! I swear, though -- most of the time I thought I was watching Peter Sellers, especially from the Dr. Strangelove era. Uncanny!

Incredibly too funny to be offensive, I think. And Paulette Goddard was quite hot in the day -- despite the fact this year she would've been 97 years old
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 08:15 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

The Great Dictator (1940) - Written, directed, and starring Sir Charles Chaplin.

Wow. I don't think I've ever really seen a full-length Charlie Chaplin feature, let alone this masterpiece! Sir Charlie played two roles in this WWII satire: That of a Hitleresque dictator, and his double: a Jewish barber with amnesia since WWI.

It was odd enough hearing him actually speak for over 2 hours - especially in that German accent! I swear, though -- most of the time I thought I was watching Peter Sellers, especially from the Dr. Strangelove era. Uncanny!

Incredibly too funny to be offensive, I think. And Paulette Goddard was quite hot in the day -- despite the fact this year she would've been 97 years old




Its a great movie, but I must sak....what do you think of the ending speech by Chaplin?

Ebert did a rather great GREAT MOVIES edition on THE GREAT DICTATOR, and he slammed the finale speech.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 09:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I must sak....what do you think of the ending speech by Chaplin?

Ebert...slammed the finale speech.


"Sak" away! \:p I thought the last monologue struck me as enlightening and entirely relevant, even today -- WTF problem could Ebert (or anyone) possibly have with it??

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5IvPIWzQcUY
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 01:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
2 sucked but 3 was pretty good. I'd recommend watching both just so you can see the entire trilogy.


I also loved the first one but have been hesitant to see the sequels. I'll probably end up watching them eventually.

The first one was great though. I loved how it seems like a typical crime movie until about halfway through when you suddenly realize it's about fighting vampires.


The 2nd film looks like it was made for TV, however the third film was a nice surprise. Michael Parks (who played in KILL BILL: VOLUMES 1 & 2, FROM DUSK 'TILL DAWN and GRINDHOUSE) stars in it so I was glad to be able to see more of his work. Also, it's a prequel and takes place during the old west. A good pick up if anything factors interest you.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 02:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I'd recommend watching both just so you can see the entire trilogy.
Ideally speaking, everybody gets to see every single film in the world. At one point in my youth I was determined to see at least most, but then reality got the better of me. I see a lot of box-ticking in this thread, a lot of testing one's self-endurance against really, really rubbish films, just for the sake of having seen them.

I think a lot of people would benefit by making a conscious effort to watch more fantastic films, instead of the shitpiles of garbage they already are. Otherwise, it's a waste of energy.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 02:51 PM

I tend to go for films that interest me, i not one who will watch any old film just to tell people i have seen it.. I rearley watch new films as todays market does not interest me one bit.(action hero,animated films,remade films etc.)

I can't remember the last time i left a cinema thinking that was a great film..
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 02:59 PM

Well, there's more to contemporary cinema than those kinds you listed.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 03:10 PM

Sure there is,but they dont interest me either,very hard to please me when watching films.... ;\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 03:19 PM

The last "good" film i watched was a german film which won best forgein film at 2007 oscars was Leben der Anderen, Das (2006)(Germany) about the break up of east and west germany.. Capo you may have seen this but i would recommend this film to people..
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 03:29 PM

Yeah, this is what I wrote at the time:
 Quote:
It's rather easy to see how this won Best Foreign Film at the Oscars: a humane film which invests all kinds of hope in one of the most coldly robotic systems this side of the Third Reich - it's one of the first films to take seriously the Stasi and its systematic deculturisation of the GRU before the fall of the Berlin Wall. And, to be fair, von Donnersmarck's debut feature (brave in concept, inadequate in execution) conjures an effectively cold and brutish sense of social terror, in its dull, sparse cinematography and flat overall visual texture, and in some of the incidents shown early on, in which Stasi agents rig an apartment with surveillance and a spying neighbour is threatened into secrecy. But, for all that, it's a dissatisfyingly ordinary film which pushes two characters to the core of the narrative when it would have perhaps been best to tell the tale of one: in showing the triumph over adversity arc of the quarry (individual persistence against the system), it shows the eventual sympathising of the agent spying on him... a most unlikely fiction, and a pleasantly annoying one, too. There's little in the way of self-reflexivity, and for a film all to do with spying and intrusions of privacy, it probably should be, really. Oddly, for a film more interested in characters than in the way they're presented to us, the suicide of a main player late on rings unusually cold - a sure sign that the narrative focus has been muddled and the emotional core empty. The coda is almost laughable.


Since you liked it, De Niro, check out Coppola's The Conversation. For me, this film's masterful script and direction highlights the problems I had with The Lives of Others.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 03:38 PM

i thought you may have wrote something here about the film.Ive still not seen the Conversation.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/06/07 10:52 PM

DARK RIDE 1/2
(First Viewing)

Wow, some pretty noticeable faces and an enjoyable film for one of the 8 Films To Die For. Jamie-Lynn Sigler was the main star, which she must have filmed while wraping up THE SOPRANOS. Also, I got to see Patrick Renna who I haven't seen outside of 1993 when he released THE SANDLOT and SON IN LAW. A decent story about a serial killer in an amusement park. I wish more horror films were based in themeparks as I feel more could be made.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 04:16 AM

AMERICAN GANGSTER 1/2
(First Viewing)

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott are all back and all is right in the world again. This is Scott's best film since 2000's GLADIATOR and hopefully it'll garner Denzel yet another Oscar nomination for his role of Frank Lucas.

As I was watching this film I was constantly reminded of the 1983 version of SCARFACE about the rise and fall of a gangster. And while I don't feel Denzel to be as villainous or as likeable as Tony Montana, I'll give the man props in that he does pull off a very smooth gangster.

I also like Chiwetel Ejiofor's work and was glad to see him reteam with Denzel (they were both in Spike Lee's INSIDE MAN). Also, Josh Brolin was back (just saw him recently in Robert Rodriguez's PLANET TERROR) and now I'm eagerly anticipating his next film with the Coen Brothers, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 04:30 AM

Harsh Times **
Christian Bale acts as a soldier returned from war who gets into crime in LA. The movie was very good almost till the end and Christian Bale does an excellent job. The ending however is somewhat unsatisfactory.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 05:50 AM

SANTA'S SLAY
(First Viewing)

An enjoyable and humerous horror film that I find to be original: Santa Claus as a serial killer. And better yet but Bill Goldberg playing Santa. I thought it was a great B horror flick with other noticeable faces in the film such as James Caan, Rebecca Gayheart, Fran Drescher, Chris Kattan, and Saul Rubinek.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 05:51 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Harsh Times **
Christian Bale acts as a soldier returned from war who gets into crime in LA. The movie was very good almost till the end and Christian Bale does an excellent job. The ending however is somewhat unsatisfactory.


The only Christian Bale movie that I've seen and didn't enjoy in the least
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 07:07 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I think a lot of people would benefit by making a conscious effort to watch more fantastic films, instead of the shitpiles of garbage they already are. Otherwise, it's a waste of energy.


I'm always almost ashamed to admit that I love bad movies. My desire to see them is hard to explain though. I don't like movies because they are bad. I love movies that try hard, but fail due to a bad budget and bad acting. I love movies that are over the top, but are still fun if you can laugh at how bad they are.

There are a lot of movies that I consider just plain bad. But the movies I am entertained by are usually hated by the general population.

So am I wrong for wanting to see a poorly computer-animated fish eat bad actors in funny situations instead of watching an award winning movie? While I do enjoy great movies, sometimes I choose shallow entertainment over thought provoking masterpieces. Not because it's so I can say I saw it, but because I enjoy it.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 07:17 AM

Pather Panchali ****
Great stuff from the Bengali director, Satyajit Ray. I believe this was his first movie or at least one of his earliest. I was totally moved by the story, more than anything, of ups and downs, actually minuscule ups among major downs. The helplessness and tragedy of a life in poverty comes out strongly. The camera work and sound/music are also excellent. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 07:14 PM

 Quote:
So am I wrong for wanting to see a poorly computer-animated fish eat bad actors in funny situations instead of watching an award winning movie? While I do enjoy great movies, sometimes I choose shallow entertainment over thought provoking masterpieces. Not because it's so I can say I saw it, but because I enjoy it.
It's the good old "deep/shallow" debate, isn't it? And the way I see it, if you genuinely like that sort of thing, by all means go for it. My comments were more towards Irishman, really, and how low he continually rates these films despite making every effort to see even more.

Have you ever entertained the notion that these "bad" (cult?) films were intentionally so, catered towards the sort of fan you might align yourself with? That's no different, really, to Steven Spielberg prostituting himself to the Academy for a gold statuette.

By the way, I think Motel Hell (1980) is right up your alley. I saw it on the big screen last week, and found it quite lamentably unbearable at times, though it was not without a certain charm. Check it out if you can.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 08:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Quote:
So am I wrong for wanting to see a poorly computer-animated fish eat bad actors in funny situations instead of watching an award winning movie? While I do enjoy great movies, sometimes I choose shallow entertainment over thought provoking masterpieces. Not because it's so I can say I saw it, but because I enjoy it.
It's the good old "deep/shallow" debate, isn't it? And the way I see it, if you genuinely like that sort of thing, by all means go for it. My comments were more towards Irishman, really, and how low he continually rates these films despite making every effort to see even more.

Have you ever entertained the notion that these "bad" (cult?) films were intentionally so, catered towards the sort of fan you might align yourself with? That's no different, really, to Steven Spielberg prostituting himself to the Academy for a gold statuette.

By the way, I think Motel Hell (1980) is right up your alley. I saw it on the big screen last week, and found it quite lamentably unbearable at times, though it was not without a certain charm. Check it out if you can.


You know, I actually used to keep regular e-mail contact with MOTEL HELL's director. Rather interesting British TV/Z-movie worker who's shot, at different times, people like Pierce Brosnan, Bruce Willis, Christian Bale, etc.

Alot of good stories, and a nice guy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/07/07 08:19 PM



SUDDEN DEATH (1995) - **1/2

An action movie being a serious DIE HARD rip-off isn't necessarily a bad thing. It certainly didn't stop Andrew Davis' UNDER SIEGE from being very good or SPEED becoming great popcorn, if of course you want to argue that the later is an actual HARD clone.

Certainly its difficult to make something remarkable out of the same basic premise of said geographic location taken over by armed terrorists who are out for a major payday by taking people hostage. Like Zombie movies, one can only do so much with the story limits. Certainly I can compare it to fashion designers who still trying to make creative new uses of the same silk and cotton we've had for centuries. Some succede, most don't.

Director Peter Hyams reteamed with action star Jean Claude Van Damme after their career-best financial hit TIMECOP and maybe this movie should have worked, but it just doesn't really for me.

I mean certainly you have Van Damme killing alot of bad guys and causing many explosions. There are a couple of fun, entertaining fight sequences involving of all things a murdering mascot and a meat-slicer. The plot of terrorists taking over a hockey arena during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals is gimmicky, but in a good way. The awesome Powers Boothe hams it up as the villain. There are death-defying thrilling stunts, you name it.

The ingredients are there, but instead of scrambled eggs I get yellow goop.

Maybe the problem is in the little details. For everything that I enjoyed, something comes along that I didn't.

Ok, Van Damme is a fireman. Maybe I would let go the question of why he would know how to use firearms, but bombs? Sure why not. But did we really need that prologue about how he's haunted by the fact that he couldn't save a girl's life in a fire?

I mean, SUDDEN DEATH alone is pretty damn dramatic with the American Vice-President and Van Damme's kids held at gunpoint. That and thousands of spectators threatened with a fireball of death, did Van Damme need anymore motivation in saving the day?

Plus, as much as Boothe tries, his part sucks because its scripted like the poor man Yankee clone Hans Gruber. Hell, they even share the same haircut. At least UNDER SIEGE had the knack of having Tommy Lee Jones be a different sort of terrorist villain.

That movie, along with DIE HARD, some of its sequels, and SPEED all benefitted greatly from a baddie that would entertain us when the movie cuts away from the hero killing people.

That said, the movie's highlight is when Van Damme suits up as a goalie and gets into the hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks in order to force Sudden Death and prevent the arena-bombs from detonating.

Several have criticized it as utterly ridiculous, but considering how awful the Blackhawks have been for the last many many years, a crippled kid would have denied them a few goals.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 02:38 AM

THE GRAVEDANCERS
(Second Viewing)

Better after a second look but I still feel the CGI at the end of the film was done badly. Also the story seemed more interesting a second time around.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 05:06 AM

THE HAMILTONS
(First Viewing)

A somewhat interesting story however it doesn't do a good job describing what exactly the characters are. It also doesn't explain really how or why they do what they do.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 07:06 AM

PENNY DREADFUL 1/2
(First Viewing)

A girl has a phobia about riding in cars and as such, she's trap in a car for about 90 minutes. About as heart pounding as PHONE BOOTH was and the ending I didn't think was finished. I thought it should have kept going and all of a sudden it just ends. Also at times this film seemed to insult the audiences intelligence.
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 05:06 PM

American Gangster

not bad, but it is almost like it was missing something
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 06:14 PM

REINCARNATION 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I'm just not a big fan of Japanese horror films from what I've seen. Really the only one I loved was JIGOKU but other than that, they're not my bag. Better with a second viewing however.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 06:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: Longneck
American Gangster

not bad, but it is almost like it was missing something


I felt the same way. I wanted to love the movie but as you said, something was just missing. I couldn't put my finger on it but it didn't blow me away like I thought it would/should have
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 06:39 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Longneck
American Gangster

not bad, but it is almost like it was missing something


I felt the same way. I wanted to love the movie but as you said, something was just missing. I couldn't put my finger on it but it didn't blow me away like I thought it would/should have


I thought the best part was the Thanksgiving scene: Frank Lucas dealing with his enemies, crosscut with him carving up the turkey. It owes so much to the Baptism scene in GF 1, it's not even fair.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 08:44 PM

UNREST 1/2
(First Viewing)

Corri English, the main star in this film, looked to me like a Britney Spear's look-a-like throughout most of the film. A somewhat exciting look at a medical student who thinks her cadaver is trying to kill her. More suspenseful than some of the other 8 Films To Die For.
Posted By: Brwne Byte

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 09:02 PM

X-Men 3.

VERY DISAPPOINTING.

The Pheonix didn't even do anything thru the last part of a film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/08/07 11:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Longneck
American Gangster

not bad, but it is almost like it was missing something


I felt the same way. I wanted to love the movie but as you said, something was just missing. I couldn't put my finger on it but it didn't blow me away like I thought it would/should have


Poor boy, expectations always seem to screw your cinema nirvana.

Besides, missing...WHAT?

Shit, even I hypothesized what was missing in my SUDDEN DEATH review.

Folks, even if you're wrong, what's the worst that happens? You're simply wrong. Theorizing is worth a try.
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/07 08:14 PM

The thing is I don't know what it was missing, it just seemed to be missing...something
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/09/07 11:40 PM

Aparajito ****
The second movie in the Apu trilogy by Satyajit Ray. The movie starts off where Pather Panchali ends. This one is more bleak and tragic. The character that is most beautifully developed is that of the mother/wife. Amazing BW cinematography again. Highly recommended.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/10/07 05:18 AM

 Originally Posted By: Longneck
The thing is I don't know what it was missing, it just seemed to be missing...something


For you, I think thats a valid point.

Then again, many people are perfectionists. Any work below perfect is a failure. Not you buddy, but many pricks are.

And trust me, this pricks knows pricks. Right Irish? ;D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 04:21 AM

FRED CLAUS
(First Viewing)

Vince Vaughn, oh how you have fallen sir. You are better than this. Paul Giamatti, you are better than this. Rachel Weisz, you have an Oscar and you're better than this. All of the above went with the "safe" holiday film looking for the big paycheck to cash. Unfortunately for fans without young children, the film is just yet another in a long line of holiday, christmas spirit films that don't need to be made anymore.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 04:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FRED CLAUS
(First Viewing)

Vince Vaughn, oh how you have fallen sir. You are better than this. Paul Giamatti, you are better than this. Rachel Weisz, you have an Oscar and you're better than this. All of the above went with the "safe" holiday film looking for the big paycheck to cash. Unfortunately for fans without young children, the film is just yet another in a long line of holiday, christmas spirit films that don't need to be made anymore.


Anyone really surprised that FRED CLAUS was a coal in the stocking?

Man, what thou happened Vince Vaughn?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 04:42 AM

Vince Vaughn is like bell bottoms, or women wearing shoulder pads, or parachute pants, or mullets.... For some reason they were "cool" once, but everyone moves on and realizes it was really just a little embarrassing.

Vince Vaughn never changed. He's still exactly the same.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 06:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Vince Vaughn is like bell bottoms, or women wearing shoulder pads, or parachute pants, or mullets.... For some reason they were "cool" once, but everyone moves on and realizes it was really just a little embarrassing.

Vince Vaughn never changed. He's still exactly the same.


Or, he both quit hanging around creative filmmakers and started trying to be a Hollywood movie star by working uninteresting commercial fare.

I mean, he was the man in SWINGERS and Spielberg saw that early edit and casted him on the spot for that LOST WORLD movie of his. Then Vaughn simply went where the paychecks and a free lunch could be found.

A pity, but Ben Affleck fell for that same bullshit too. At least Affleck is following his buddy Matt Damon's paradigm for choosing the right project to work on. His recently released directed picture GONE BABY GONE is a surprisingly pretty good drama.

But until Vaughn does something remarkable with his star power, he can fuck off.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 06:39 AM

WICKED LITTLE THINGS 1/2
(First Viewing)

Probably the goriest of the 8 Films To Die For although not a lot is shown onscreen (it's mostly just sound effects). As previously predictated this 8 Films To Die For series was nothing more than a clever marketing ploy. Unfortunately for the studio and probably some other fans who were hoping for more, we'll only check out the next 8 Films To Die For on DVD and not waste our time or money at the box office. I'd rank the films in order:

1) DARK RIDE 1/2
2) WICKED LITTLE THINGS 1/2
3) UNREST 1/2
4) THE GRAVEDANCERS
5) THE HAMILTONS
6) PENNY DREADFUL 1/2
7) REINCARNATION 1/2
8) THE ABANDONED
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 07:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
And trust me, this pricks knows pricks. Right Irish?


rrA -

Consider this a warning, and the final one you'll be getting. Stop your unprovoked comments to and about Irishman. Thats it.

Oh, this goes for KrautDude, too.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 04:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
And trust me, this pricks knows pricks. Right Irish?


rrA -

Consider this a warning, and the final one you'll be getting. Stop your unprovoked comments to and about Irishman. Thats it.

Oh, this goes for KrautDude, too.


I was talking about myself. "This prick" refering to me RRA, you know?

I know your finger is on the trigger and all, but come on.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 08:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
As previously predictated this 8 Films To Die For series was nothing more than a clever marketing ploy. Unfortunately for the studio and probably some other fans who were hoping for more, we'll only check out the next 8 Films To Die For on DVD and not waste our time or money at the box office. I'd rank the films in order:

1) DARK RIDE 1/2
2) WICKED LITTLE THINGS 1/2
3) UNREST 1/2
4) THE GRAVEDANCERS
5) THE HAMILTONS
6) PENNY DREADFUL 1/2
7) REINCARNATION 1/2
8) THE ABANDONED


It's too bad. Some of those movies looked like they could have been good. Same with some of the 8 currently in theaters. Hopefully they will be better.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 09:30 PM

I just looked up all of those 8 movies on imdb, and they aren't rated very high, but it's funny they are rated almost opposite as yours starting with 4.8 for dark ride to 6.2 for Reincarnation.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 09:50 PM

Yeah, I don't know why but people voted THE ABANDONED to be the best of the series and it was my least favorite. Oh well I guess \:\/
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 09:55 PM

Out of curiosity, why did you watch Reincarnation a second time if you gave it half star rating the first time?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 09:56 PM

LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD 1/2
(Second Viewing)

3 words sum up this movie for me: better than expected. Since day one I was against the idea, especially when I heard it was going to be PG-13. However, this time I was able to view the unrated version which did bring me back with McClane. However, still at times it seems like guys were sensoring themselves and should have dropped some more F bombs. The language started off slowly and wasn't very noticeable towards the beginning. But by the end you saw a glimpse of what a DIE HARD movie used to be. I also appreciated the action scenes more this time around and this version (the unrated that is) is probably the second best action film of the summer behind only Michael Bay's masterpiece, TRANSFORMERS.

Justin Long did a great job in a big Blockbuster movie providing the humor outlet and Mary Elizabeth Winstead continues to grow as well. The Kevin Smith cameo was a nice touch but what impressed me the most with the film was Timothy Olyphant as the villain. I'll always remember him from SCREAM 2 as Mickey and he's done some fine work on HBO's DEADWOOD series, however I haven't seen him in many movies recently.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/11/07 09:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Out of curiosity, why did you watch Reincarnation a second time if you gave it half star rating the first time?


I wanted to see if they impressed me anymore the second time around and they did (REINCARNATION and THE GRAVEDANCERS).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 01:08 AM

OCEAN'S THIRTEEN 1/2
(Second Viewing)

The best OCEAN movie is saved for last. I didn't know or even think they could surpass the original buy they sure did. This will at least dispel that unpleasant taste left in your mouth after watching OCEAN'S TWELVE. Al Pacino definitely stole the show for me. I haven't seem him play a villain in a good movie in such a long time (truly an a$$hole in this picture). Ellen Barkin worked really well as Al's personal assistant. Don Cheadle and Bernie Mac were kind of buried in this film, although Bernie did have a bigger part than Don (which I was happy to see). Finally, Casey Affleck and Scott Caan had great chemistry together always bickering and breaking each others balls. My expectations for this film weren't much, but I walked out of it completely satisfied.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 03:14 AM

Has anyone seen "The Lost City" with Andy Garcia (as a nightclub owner in Havana)?? Dustin Hoffman plays Meyer Lansky.

If you've seen it, would you recommend it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 03:33 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
Has anyone seen "The Lost City" with Andy Garcia (as a nightclub owner in Havana)?? Dustin Hoffman plays Meyer Lansky.

If you've seen it, would you recommend it?


I think Mike Sullivan saw it and thought it was decent.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 03:35 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I think Mike Sullivan saw it and thought it was decent.


Thanks. Sully's recommendation would be good enough for me.

I've caught bits and pieces of the movie and it looked good. I'll have to DVR it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 04:38 AM

I'LL ALWAYS KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER
(First Viewing)

Basically just a remake of the first in the trilogy. I hate it when straight to video, third installments are just this, remakes. Why not add to the story a little more? You know the movies gonna suck because you're releasing it straight to DVD and not in theaters. So why retell the same story maybe 10 years later with a lower budget and lower star power to draw in audiences?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 06:24 AM

I just watched the Wizard of Oz. My girlfriends kids were laughing at how interested I was watching the movie, but at the same time, they were excited to see what happened next as well. There is something about that movie that brings out the kid in me every time I see it.

I think it's great that a movie made in 1939 still brings people of all ages together to sing along and truly enjoy a great classic.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 06:31 AM

SNOOP DOGG'S HOOD OF HORROR 1/2
(First Viewing)

Reminiscent of the horror film, TALES FROM THE HOOD. That proved to be more enjoyable to me but Snoop does a good job at some of these horror stories. I'm glad I'm getting to watch something by Snoop as he's always been one of my favorite rappers but hasn't done too much in the way of films to make me want to watch him onscreen. I'd like to see a sequel to this as I hope Snoop could do a better job with it.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 08:26 AM

I watched Men of Honour yesterday and i thought it was great i could actually watch it again today,i normally dont like Cuba Gooding Jr but i thought he was excellent and as normal De Niro was great.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/12/07 08:29 AM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
I watched Men of Honour yesterday and i thought it was great i could actually watch it again today,i normally dont like Cuba Gooding Jr but i thought he was excellent and as normal De Niro was great.


"I'm Mastah Chief Sundah!" \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/07 06:18 AM

I KNOW WHO KILLED ME 1/2
(First Viewing)

A clever and original story, which I'm surprised hasn't been thought up of before (or least the idea was new to me). This is by far Lindsay Lohan's best film and hopefully the starter she needs for her comeback. My only real beef with the film was the lack of motive(s) on the part of the killer. They needed/should have expanded on that person more to give the audience a better understanding of their mentality, particularly to help answer the question 'why?' Also, sorry guys, while their is nudity in the film it's not Lindsay you'll be seeing ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/13/07 11:35 PM

HELLRAISER
(First Viewing)

Definitely a weirder way to start the series than I expected. I hope the rest of them aren't like this. I thought there was definitely a lot of blood and disgusting parts and I'm surprised they were able to get away with what they did for a 1987 horror flick. I also thought Ashley Laurence who played Kirsty had a Natalie Portman thing going on.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 02:16 AM

WAITRESS 1/2
(First Viewing)

I haven't seen much of her work but this was the best Keri Russell role I've ever seen her in. She does a marvelous job as a women stuck in a dead-end marriage, pregnant and poor. Jeremy Sisto was also a nice surprise as her abusive husband. I am also horrified to learn that writer, director, and actor Adrienne Shelly was murdered while shooting this film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 04:06 AM



1408 (2007) - **

I've railed against Hollywood horror for being the new pornography, where narrative concern for creativity has been replaced with meeting the screen-quota of gore and jump scares. Yet now I'm going to eat crow because with 1408, a genre movie fails because its story is way overdeveloped.

After seeing the movie, I read the original short story from Stephen King and I must admit, it could have been the basis for a pretty good movie. A tale about a prick of an adventurer who stayed at supposedly-haunted places and made a living writing such books. He learns of a notorius hotel room where dozens of people have committed suicide. The body-count doesn't include the considerable number of "natural" deaths. It'll be the basis for a new best-seller. Too bad he finds out there are so many deaths....

The story was a thrill ride with mind-screwy visuals suited for the big screen. The real charm though was the concept that evil in itself is a real substance, and room 1408 is built from it. This place simply can't be haunted because it would mean that it was once alive, and nothing this evil could have ever been alive.

Apparently, the filmmakers didn't think this was dramatic enough, so a whole backstory is scripted about the hero's kid dies. He's mad at God and he wants to prove that the supernatural is fictional. Ghosts don't exist dammit!

What complete tripe. The story's hero suffers simply for his utter arrogance. The jerk bites off more than he can chew and gets burned it, literally. The movie's hero suffers for simply having religious doubts. 1408 didn't need this whole melodrama subplot because the story was was already dramatic, or at least enough for me if paintings came alive and walls tried to eat me and ghosts ring me up in the phone. Then again, I have low standards.

After the incre-dibly silly fake-out in the third act, I quit caring. Maybe what annoys me the most is how John Cusack is acting great and he's wasted. I would add Sam Jackson too, but for the last few years he's just like Vince Vaughn: Dead to me.

This movie being a solid box-office hit under Cucack's belt might very well be the only good thing to come from this evil. Thankfully, that evil has a name. Its called mediocrity.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 04:19 AM

CABIN FEVER 1/2
(First Viewing)

Eli Roth was the main draw for me to view this film as I've enjoyed both HOSTEL and HOSTEL: PART II, so I wanted to see his earlier work. The film wasn't as bad as I expected. I remember when the trailer came out I laughed at it. James DeBello was my favorite character because he was so funny as was Giuseppe Andrews.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 06:15 AM

LEPRECHAUN
(First Viewing)

A cheesy and at times silly horror film. While I'm still not really a Jennifer Aniston fan she pulled the L.A. snob role off well. I'm looking forward to seeing further installments of this franchise.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 06:29 AM

I have had Leprechaun 1 and 2 recorded on my dvr for about two years now and still haven't watched them.

Maybe I will now that I see your review... "A cheesy and at times silly horror film." Sounds good to me \:D
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 07:29 AM


A Searching-thru-On-Demand night...

National Lampoon's Barely Legal (aka, After School Special) (2005) -- Typical 20-something-year-olds playing virgin high school dorks looking for "the answer", so they delve into making their own porn movie. Not great ratings on IMDb nor Netflix, but, I'm a sucker for this kinda thing, so for me it was okay as the typical fare.

Unforgettable (1996) starring Ray Liotta -- I'm sure in a few days this will be unforgettable, BUT, as above, I enjoy this type of thriller. I can't say it's totally a shocking ending (cuz it's not), but, the journey was interesting enough to keep my feeble mind occupied (figuring it out well beforehand) and entertained.

So, as y'all know, I don't mind shitty movies lol.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 02:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I have had Leprechaun 1 and 2 recorded on my dvr for about two years now and still haven't watched them.

Maybe I will now that I see your review... "A cheesy and at times silly horror film." Sounds good to me \:D


I haven't seen the second one but as I know you're a fan of bad movies and grindhouse films, I'd at least recommend seeing the first one.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 04:03 PM

That's a good review for 1408, Ronnie.

Check out Cusack in Grace is Gone. It's the best performance of the year.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 07:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SICKO
(First Viewing)

A documentary comparing the highly profitable American health care industry to other nations, and HMO horror stories.

Again, another fantastic documentary by Michael Moore (he's my favorite documentary director BTW). He yet again appeals to me with another controversial topic that is near and dear to me, health care. The film shows our lack of support for citizens of the United States due to corporations wanting to line their pockets with profits (f*ck the patients). He also shows us Canada's system, France's (which is rated the best in the world by some), and Cuba. Yes our 90-mile away pal has better health care in their country than we do. Unfortunately, I know many will be turned off of this film due to their hatred of Michael Moore but I've always enjoyed his work. Whether you agree or disagree with him, watch this film if you have any care for the health care "given" in this country.


I saw this last night on dvd, and I must say, it was excellent. Although I still think going into Havana was over the top, even for Moore, it was very enlightening. It's a very disturbing film on many levels, but Moore knows when to bring the funny. A must see for anyone living in the United States.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 07:25 PM

Godard said the Lumieres created documentary, Christopher Guest created mockumentary, and Michael Moore created crockumentary. \:\/

I'd like him (Moore) to do a feature length 'doc' on how much of a sad state of affairs we live in when we have to actually pay for bottled water.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 09:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
That's a good review for 1408, Ronnie.

Check out Cusack in Grace is Gone. It's the best performance of the year.


Really? I'll check it out then.

Thanks on the compliments Capo.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 11:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

I'd like him (Moore) to do a feature length 'doc' on how much of a sad state of affairs we live in when we have to actually pay for bottled water.


I'd like to see him do one on the homeless. Seriously.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/14/07 11:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No idea, but considering that while COLLATERAL came out in 2004, that year Sandler gave us the silly 50 FIRST DATES and the rare James L. Brooks flick that failed to do shit at the Oscars in SPANGLISH. Take that in mind.

BTW, My girl made me go see friggin REIGN OVER ME this weekend. If the ads looked like a schmaltzy drama that too easily could be interpreted as a gay chick flick movie...for men.....you have no idea.

Don Cheadle, you're better than this. Adam, you're still in the doghouse.

REIGN OVER ME (2007) - **


I saw this on dvd today, Ronnie. Irish gave it 3 stars, you gave it two and a half. I'll split the difference with you guys and give it **1/2.

The acting was good enough (Don Cheadle saved the day) but the film was just too uneven for me. It gets the extra half a star from me because of the location shooting here in NYC. There were literally dozens of street signs, coffee shops and offices that I recognized first hand.

For some reason Sandler just didn't draw the sympathy from me that say, Cheadle would have, if the roles were reversed. Then again, no one's going to compare Sandler's acting chops to Cheadle's.

If you live here or love New York City check it out, if not, meh.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 12:28 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No idea, but considering that while COLLATERAL came out in 2004, that year Sandler gave us the silly 50 FIRST DATES and the rare James L. Brooks flick that failed to do shit at the Oscars in SPANGLISH. Take that in mind.

BTW, My girl made me go see friggin REIGN OVER ME this weekend. If the ads looked like a schmaltzy drama that too easily could be interpreted as a gay chick flick movie...for men.....you have no idea.

Don Cheadle, you're better than this. Adam, you're still in the doghouse.

REIGN OVER ME (2007) - **


I saw this on dvd today, Ronnie. Irish gave it 3 stars, you gave it two and a half. I'll split the difference with you guys and give it **1/2.

The acting was good enough (Don Cheadle saved the day) but the film was just too uneven for me. It gets the extra half a star from me because of the location shooting here in NYC. There were literally dozens of street signs, coffee shops and offices that I recognized first hand.

For some reason Sandler just didn't draw the sympathy from me that say, Cheadle would have, if the roles were reversed. Then again, no one's going to compare Sandler's acting chops to Cheadle's.

If you live here or love New York City check it out, if not, meh.


It is a very meh movie, and really.....after seeing a really great movie about one coping and getting over the death of a loved one in THE FOUNTAIN, I don't have time for shit like REIGN OVER ME.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 04:19 AM

HOT ROD
(First Viewing)

Probably the second best comedy of the year IMO behind only SUPERBAD. This was the first time I was exposed to both Andy Samberg's work and director Akiva Schaffer. Andy was really great as Rod and his cast of characters helped along the way, especially Bill Hader who was in SUPERBAD. Rent this when it comes out on November 27th.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 06:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I'd like him (Moore) to do a feature length 'doc' on how much of a sad state of affairs we live in when we have to actually pay for bottled water.


I'm glad you put "documentary" in quotation marks... cuz that's not what it is once he's done with it. \:\/ Anyway... why shouldn't one pay for bottled water? Tons of money goes into purifying and bottling it! The real question is, why isn't our tap water as drinkable as bottled water... (which we still have to pay for, BTW)

Just yesterday I made a long comment on the bottled water issue on current.com-- best network ever IMHO... and if you don't get it, you can watch all the "pods" online...
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 07:02 AM

I watched Rob Roy last night i thought Liam Neeson played a great part,it wasnt as good as Braveheart which is what i heard but i still enjoyed it,it was just a ok movie to watch on cold wednesday evening
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 07:25 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Irish gave it 3 stars, you gave it two and a half. I'll split the difference with you guys and give it **1/2

Nice math! The average of 3 and 2.5 is 2.5?? I think you mean **3/4... lol

Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 08:58 AM

Actually RRA gave two stars, not 2.5.
So Pizzaboy got his math right, but not his typing!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 11:17 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Actually RRA gave two stars, not 2.5.
So Pizzaboy got his math right, but not his typing!


And yet, I got what pizzaboy was saying. Maybe my eyes aren't right today. \:\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 11:18 AM



THE LOST BOYS (1987) - **1/2

Q: What's scarier than a vampire?
A: A vampire with a goddamn mullet!

Vampires may never age, but THE LOST BOYS sure did. With the bleached jeans, pink lights, and bad hair metal rock, I wonder if the legions of fans of this cult classic enjoy the movie itself or for the quick time capsule trip of the Reagan Decade.

A film dated isn't necessarily a bad thing. Several movies from the 1980s have continued on being popular simply because of their quality. GHOSTBUSTERS, BACK TO THE FUTURE, FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, DePalma's SCARFACE, and so forth.

Quite simply, I think its nostalgia that fuels Joel Schumacher's movie onward within our pop culture two decades later. I only say that because there is no other reason.

Certainly the movie starts out with some promise, and in fact its first act works as a set-up. Some kids move to a California town where its beaches and broadwalks are ruled by Keifer Sutherland and his gang of youthful vampires who get their kicks (and dinner) from attacking random civilians.

The teenage kid follows his balls, not his brains, and follows a gal from that brood. His younger brother meets up with some comic book store brats who know the exact reason why there are an absurd number of "MISSING" posters plaster-ed everywhere, and obviously have read too much of their own product.

As much as I enjoyed the moments when those vampire hunting wanna-bes confront these vampires, I realized something. I've seen all this before, and in a better movie from 1987.

THE MONSTER SQUAD was about adolescents using their encyclopedia of useless knowledge to fight real monsters. We enjoy as those boys actually contend and plan against Dracula, and see them go off to war with the Prince of Darkness.

With THE LOST BOYS, that same concept is pushed aside as background characters supporting the movie's actual storyline. If SQUAD was Shane Black penning a smart-ass kids adventure flick, BOYS is unfortunately the teenie-bopper spin on the material.

BOYS reprises all those 1950s teen rebel cinema cliches. You have the outsider who deals with the charismatic alpha male of a motorcycle outfit. The leader's gal falls for the newcomer, and all hell breaks loose. The twist is that like the orphans who end up in Neverland, these "lost boys" are forever young as they stalk the night.

Except, wouldn't that nightly routine get old after a few decades? I mean, I love booze and women and movies, but envitably bore-dom would set in.

I wished the filmmakers had explor-ed that concept some more. Not dwell on and on about it like Anne Rice would, but make a thematic point of how the ultimate freedom for rebellious teens might very well be the worst purgatory of them all.

But once we kick full-on the hero teen's story, BOYS staggers. It goes through the action motions, but the film never really bites into the emotional and storytelling possibilities that the first act bleeds out. If you want that, go rent NEAR DARK.

On the bright side, the Coreys have a film to coast on for the rest of their D-list celebrity days, even if the villain is now more known as a kicker on TV, instead of a sucker.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 11:22 AM

Ive always loved this film and is my fav film of the 80's up with Stand By Me and Back to the future.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 12:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Ive always loved this film and is my fav film of the 80's up with Stand By Me and Back to the future.


Which I must say, is perfectly understandable. Its just too bad its about as thin as Corey Feldman's career after the 80's.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 12:13 PM

What happend to him?

He had potential to be a decent film star.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 12:25 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
What happend to him?

He had potential to be a decent film star.


A good question...the same I would ask of Jason Patric. Then again, I'm sure SPEED 2 explains him.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/15/07 02:41 PM

Jason Patric was very good in SLEEPERS, after that, nothing. I've posted this before, did everyone know he's Jackie Gleason's grandson?
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 12:06 AM





North by Northwest (1959) is a suspense film by Alfred Hitchcock produced at MGM. It was premiered in the San Sebastian International Film Festival. It is a tale of mistaken identity, with an innocent man pursued across America by agents of a mysterious organization who want to stop his interference in their plans to smuggle out some microfilm.

The film stars Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Leo G. Carroll, and Martin Landau. The screenplay was written by Ernest Lehman, who wanted to write "the Hitchcock picture to end all Hitchcock pictures."[1] It is one of several Hitchcock movies with a film score by Bernard Herrmann. The film features a famous title sequence by the graphic designer Saul Bass.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_By_Northwest
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 12:40 AM

I love the crop duster scene and also the climax on Mt Rushmore.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 02:00 AM

Yeah, I also dig NORTH BY NORTHWEST. I guess its pretty much the cinema face of the "Man Wrongly Accused, Goes on the Run, Must prove his Innocence" plot paradigm, right?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 04:08 AM

OLDBOY 1/2
(First Viewing)

This is probably one of the most torturing psychological movies I've ever seen, and I loved it. The two main characters go to great and extreme lengths to get their point across that just leaves the audience shaking it's head at how sadistic and disturbed these characters truly are.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 06:30 AM

SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE
(First Vieiwng)

Another great tale of revenge from director Chan-wook Park. This started off a little slow and had more of a cop-tracks-down-the-bad guy feel to it. However, after then it turns into the father's redemption. So far this vengeance trilogy has been very enjoyable and I look forward to concluding it with LADY VENGEANCE tomorrow night.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 06:40 AM

Rivières pourpres, Les [The Crimson Rivers] (2000) ****

Directed by: Mathieu Kassovitz (Gothika (2003), Babylon A.D. (2008))
Starring: Jean Reno (The Professional (1994)) & Vincent Cassel (Ocean's Twelve/Thirteen)

Two out-of-town French cops working on what seemed to be separate cases cross paths at a common suspect/victim's apartment to solve heinous crimes from an apparent serial killer. But there's much more to unearth.

Member a1, my Filmmaking instructor, told me this was great so I rented it (and its sequel which hasn't arrived yet). First off, thank goodness for the Bonus Features cuz otherwise I'd have a very hard time understanding exactly what happened. And I actually wasn't all that thrilled with the climax, personally, but it was a very good film. Unknown to me, it defaulted to dubbed English. (Well, it was obvious it was dubbed, tho they did a decent job, but) I really wish I had watched it in French with the subtitles, because it seems MOST of the dialogue was changed for the dubbing, and in the Extras much of it made a lot more sense as intended.

Incidentally, a1 also told me that the following was one of the worst films he's seen, so I watched this the other day:

Color of Night (1994) ***

Directed by: Richard Rush (The Stunt Man (1980))
Starring: Bruce Willis & Jane March (Beauty and the Beast (2003))

After one of his patients commits suicide from his NY office window, a psychiatrist (Willis) questions his profession and visits an old friend/colleague in LA who runs a support group. Upon his friend's murder, Willis reluctantly takes over the group and tries to help solve the crime.

I've seen quite a few bad movies in my day, but I kinda like them. This was no exception. Perhaps as someone who studied psych and led groups himself, it was intriguing. And God knows I love a good (or bad) murder mystery/thriller! So I wouldn't call this one of the worst movies ever made -- it held my interest at least. Especially the sex scenes (I believe it was the Unrated option: so choose that if you wanna see Bruce Willis and/or Jane March full-frontally nude )
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 08:26 AM

Only 2 1/2 stars for oldboy \:o
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 02:57 PM

Yeah, after I watched it I was a little confused on how I would rate it but I probably wouldn't go higher than
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/16/07 03:07 PM

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953) ****

I watched this last night for probably the 50th or 60th time. It's the movie that gave Sinatra his second wind as a performer and gave him a claim as a serious actor, to go along with his early success as a singer. In all likelyhood, it was then wife Ava Gardner's pleas to studio head Harry Cohn that got him the part and NOT Luca Brasi-----lol.

It takes place in the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor and deals with some pretty serious stuff, considering it was made in the early 50's. Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Donna Reed, Deborah Kerr, Frank Sinatra, Ernest Borginine and a baby-faced Jack Warden lead the way.

One of my ten favorite films of all-time.
Posted By: Ice

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 12:08 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Only 2 1/2 stars for oldboy \:o


I actually gave it 2.88574444 black holes - I don't use stars, I use black holes.

Of course, if you've seen one black hole you've seen them all, so..
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 12:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: Ice
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Only 2 1/2 stars for oldboy \:o


I actually gave it 2.88574444 black holes - I don't use stars, I use black holes.

Of course, if you've seen one black hole you've seen them all, so..


You need to get out of the restroom of the Apollo Theatre.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 12:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953) ****

I watched this last night for probably the 50th or 60th time. It's the movie that gave Sinatra his second wind as a performer and gave him a claim as a serious actor, to go along with his early success as a singer. In all likelyhood, it was then wife Ava Gardner's pleas to studio head Harry Cohn that got him the part and NOT Luca Brasi-----lol.

It takes place in the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor and deals with some pretty serious stuff, considering it was made in the early 50's. Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Donna Reed, Deborah Kerr, Frank Sinatra, Ernest Borginine and a baby-faced Jack Warden lead the way.

One of my ten favorite films of all-time.



Believe it or not, I've never seen it.

But at least Johnny Fontaine got into the movie, right?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 03:27 AM

SUPERBAD
(Second Viewing)

Jonah Hill continues to find new ways to make me laugh. I've loved seeing this guy's work since I first saw GRANDMA'S BOY. It's great to see him finally star in a film and he didn't disappoint at all. He alone was well worth the price of admission and his two friends, along with Seth Rogen and Bill Hader were just deserts. For whatever reason, I could relate to Jonah's character and have met a couple of friends like him in the past. I haven't laughed this hard since THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN and this was better, even then WEDDING CRASHERS which I absolutely loved. Definitely the funniest movie of the year and in my top 5. See it when it comes out on DVD on December 4th.
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 04:59 AM

I just watched Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof

Man was that a mistake.

I hated the way it was filmed, lousy editing, lousy acting, and lousy plotline(if you can call it that)

Hell I've seen better acting and better plotlines in porn films, and that's saying something.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 06:26 AM

LADY VENGEANCE
(First Viewing)

I was really disappointed with this film considering I enjoyed the first two films in director Chan-wook Park's vengeance trilogy so much. I was hoping it'd go out more with a bang. The vengeance theme in this film didn't really grasp me until the last 20 minutes or so and by then the film was pretty much over. Also, I felt a lot of the inmates introduced earlier in the film were unnecessary seeing as how only one of them really helps her on the outside.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 06:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Iceman
I just watched Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof

Man was that a mistake.

I hated the way it was filmed, lousy editing, lousy acting, and lousy plotline(if you can call it that)

Hell I've seen better acting and better plotlines in porn films, and that's saying something.


Have you seen Robert Rodriguez'a PLANET TERROR? GRINDHOUSE was my favorite film of the year and between the two, I liked DEATH PROOF more but that's just me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 07:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: The Iceman
I just watched Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof

Man was that a mistake.

I hated the way it was filmed, lousy editing, lousy acting, and lousy plotline(if you can call it that)

Hell I've seen better acting and better plotlines in porn films, and that's saying something.


Have you seen Robert Rodriguez'a PLANET TERROR? GRINDHOUSE was my favorite film of the year and between the two, I liked DEATH PROOF more but that's just me.


You know, more and more I actually despise GRINDHOUSE.

For a 3 hour wank-fest to Z-grade double features of the days, spending $70-80 million is sort of hypocritical, isn't it?

Hell, QT's RESERVOIR DOGS and RR's EL MARIACHI or DESPERADO were more Grindhouse than GRINDHOUSE.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 06:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

For a 3 hour wank-fest to Z-grade double features of the days, spending $70-80 million is sort of hypocritical, isn't it?

Not only hypocritical, but also dumb in a way. The movies to which he is paying the so-called "tribute" were probably made with $500,000.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/17/07 07:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953) ****

Believe it or not, I've never seen it.


WOW! I'm shocked!!! \:o

A self proclaimed film critic who's never seen a classic such as FROM HERE TO ETERNITY ? That's probably considered a real infamia in the world of film!

Well at least you're honest about it. I'll give you that! ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/07 06:56 AM

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN 1/2
(First Viewing)

Wow, the Coen brothers are back in a big way! Everything positive you've heard about this film is absolutely true. This has got to be their best film since THE BIG LEBOWSKI and could contend with FARGO as their best ever. What I loved most about the film was the fact their isn't a lot of dialogue. The first half of the film is a great cat-and-mouse game that is so intense and the actors are providing the right emotions to strike excitment and fear in the audience without saying anything.

Josh Brolin was awesome as the southern gentleman, Llewelyn Moss, who stumbles upon this little stack of cash. However, the show belonged to Javier Bardem. He owned this film! I was only briefly familar with his work in COLLATERAL as Felix and I'm glad he was given a bigger American/English speaking role. Finally, I've always enjoyed Tommy Lee Jones' work. Definitely in my top 10 for the year and probably in my top 5.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/07 07:51 AM

I also saw No Country for Old Men today. I would probably give it the same rating, but I wouldn't recommend it to the casual moviegoer, mainly for the ending which I am hoping others here on the board are open to discuss.

Irish is right when he says the best role in the movie belongs to Javier Bardem. Not only is he as brutal and ruthless as any bad guy I have ever seen but his rare dialogue with the other main characters are excellent. The Coen Brothers prove that you don't have to say a lot of words to make a big statement.

But once again, I wouldn't recommend the movie to anyone who expects all the story lines to be wrapped up in a nice package and ended perfectly. This is definitely a thinking movie and one that I predict will be on my mind for a few days.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/07 09:17 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953) ****

Believe it or not, I've never seen it.


WOW! I'm shocked!!! \:o

A self proclaimed film critic who's never seen a classic such as FROM HERE TO ETERNITY ? That's probably considered a real infamia in the world of film!

Well at least you're honest about it. I'll give you that! ;\)


You wouldn't believe the supposed classics I haven't watched yet.

Believe it or not, I have a life outside of movies. \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/18/07 04:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I also saw No Country for Old Men today. I would probably give it the same rating, but I wouldn't recommend it to the casual moviegoer, mainly for the ending which I am hoping others here on the board are open to discuss.


I agree. I didn't like the ending and thought they ended with the wrong character
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 05:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
OLDBOY 1/2
(First Viewing)

This is probably one of the most torturing psychological movies I've ever seen, and I loved it. The two main characters go to great and extreme lengths to get their point across that just leaves the audience shaking it's head at how sadistic and disturbed these characters truly are.
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Only 2 1/2 stars for oldboy \:o
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Yeah, after I watched it I was a little confused on how I would rate it but I probably wouldn't go higher than


I rented this because of I12's description and watched it tonight. I know I've said that I love psychological thrillers -- and still do. And I've said many times that I like "bad" movies, and still do. But this, to me, goes well beyond "bad"...

First off, DO NOT -- I REPEAT -- DO NOT watch the English dubbed version of this!! Did Adam West do the voice over, WTF???!! After an hour of cringing I switched to the Korean with subtitles. A little better. Maybe that's what made me almost turn it off without finishing it; maybe had I just went with the subtitles I'd've thought a bit more highly of it.

Sure, the story was clever and there were some good shots. But there were also some really BAD shots, and some really bad nonsensical errors that really made me cringe how -- unless I'm missing something here -- the director must've fucked up. The guy gases the room with the window wide open with a breeze blowing in? Sounds effective. There was something else even more ridiculous that I can't recall now. But in general, despite the great idea -- it was not, IMHO, told as well as it could've been, and certainly wasn't paced very well. The 53 endings could've been cut down to like 1 or 2. It doesn't take 2 hours to tell this story -- especially when there's no terror being conveyed on screen -- or at least felt by me watching it. It was almost like a comic book, but that'd be an insult to comic books.

8.3/10 on IMDb and 3.7/5 on Netflix? Multiple awards? Maybe I am missing something here. But IMHO, I thought it blew. So there. \:p

**/5

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 05:24 AM

RESCUE DAWN
(First Viewing)

Christian Bale neither impresses or disappoints. I felt he was pretty bland in this film. As horrible as the experience was for Lt. Dieter Dengler I just didn't think it translated into a good film. It seemed the story kept going in circles and the runtime of 125 minutes could have been cut down some.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 06:30 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
RESCUE DAWN
(First Viewing)

Christian Bale neither impresses or disappoints. I felt he was pretty bland in this film. As horrible as the experience was for Lt. Dieter Dengler I just didn't think it translated into a good film. It seemed the story kept going in circles and the runtime of 125 minutes could have been cut down some.


It needed explosions.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 09:19 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

8.3/10 on IMDb and 3.7/5 on Netflix? Multiple awards? Maybe I am missing something here. But IMHO, I thought it blew. So there. \:p

**/5


How about the beautiful fight scene(with a hammer if I remember correctly) in a narrow passage? How about the whole plot twist? How about the hallucinations? You didn't find any of it interesting? Who says it is a horror movie, why does it need to terrify you?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 09:38 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

8.3/10 on IMDb and 3.7/5 on Netflix? Multiple awards? Maybe I am missing something here. But IMHO, I thought it blew. So there. \:p

**/5


How about the beautiful fight scene(with a hammer if I remember correctly) in a narrow passage? How about the whole plot twist? How about the hallucinations? You didn't find any of it interesting? Who says it is a horror movie, why does it need to terrify you?


Svsg, don't stress the man out. He'll have to learn one at a time.

Besides, who said OLDBOY is a horror movie? Hell, I don't know what the fuck to classify it genre-wise as.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 02:57 PM

CROSSING DELANCEY (1988) ***

I caught this overnight on a basic cable channel; SpikeTV I think. Anyway, it's a chick flick, but a good one. A real New York movie. The writer and the pickle man, who'd have thought?

Good movie, worth watching more than just once.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 04:47 PM

CLUB DREAD 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Not Broken Lizard's best. I've seen this film twice and neither time did it do anything for me. The same goes for SUPER TROOPERS. Yes I said it, I wasn't a big fan of SUPER TROOPERS and I don't own the DVD. You want to know what Broken Lizard's best film is? Watch BEERFEST! Although I will give them props for this film as they tried to make a spoof of horror films but they just missed. It just turned into another terrible slasher flick. However, the casting of Bill Paxton was a nice touch.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 05:38 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
CROSSING DELANCEY (1988) ***
Good movie, worth watching more than just once.


Its worth re-watching just to see Amy Irving!! A thoroughly enjoyable flick.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 06:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
CROSSING DELANCEY (1988) ***
Good movie, worth watching more than just once.


Its worth re-watching just to see Amy Irving!! A thoroughly enjoyable flick.


I agree, SC. One thing I caught last night, that I never caught before, was a baby-faced David Hyde Pierce (Niles Crane), as one of the bookstore employees.

As far as Amy Irving, the money Steven Spielberg had to pay her in the divorce was justified, she's sooooo out of his league!
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 07:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

8.3/10 on IMDb and 3.7/5 on Netflix? Multiple awards? Maybe I am missing something here. But IMHO, I thought it blew. So there. \:p

**/5


How about the beautiful fight scene(with a hammer if I remember correctly) in a narrow passage? How about the whole plot twist? How about the hallucinations? You didn't find any of it interesting? Who says it is a horror movie, why does it need to terrify you?


Svsg, don't stress the man out. He'll have to learn one at a time.

Besides, who said OLDBOY is a horror movie? Hell, I don't know what the fuck to classify it genre-wise as.

I'd call it a psychological thriller. I never said it was a horror movie - I said it didn't terrorize me: it should've, because the main characters were being terrorized for the most part. I didn't feel any of what they were feeling, so I think in that regard it failed.

As for the "beautiful" fight scene of like 20 guys vs 1, I thought it was ludicrous. It's always been laughable to me how in martial arts movies (which I like), the "bad guys" always take turns going after the good guy - same thing here for the most part. But when they do get 8 guys on him at once, he turns into some super hero. Please. And some of those "punches" made Sonny Corleone look like Mohammad Ali. lol

The plot twist(s) were clever, and the movie was interesting -- I said that. The hallucination in the subway was a bit too much, though.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 08:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

As for the "beautiful" fight scene of like 20 guys vs 1, I thought it was ludicrous. It's always been laughable to me how in martial arts movies (which I like), the "bad guys" always take turns going after the good guy - same thing here for the most part. But when they do get 8 guys on him at once, he turns into some super hero. Please. And some of those "punches" made Sonny Corleone look like Mohammad Ali. lol

Here is the video for others to see and judge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj5ZlwfgjCo&feature=related
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 09:22 PM

People who choose dubbing over subtitles don't deserve to watch films.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/19/07 09:23 PM

...and I'm going to watch Oldboy tonight so I can reply properly with it fresh in my mind.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 02:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
As for the "beautiful" fight scene of like 20 guys vs 1, I thought it was ludicrous. It's always been laughable to me how in martial arts movies (which I like), the "bad guys" always take turns going after the good guy - same thing here for the most part. But when they do get 8 guys on him at once, he turns into some super hero. Please. And some of those "punches" made Sonny Corleone look like Mohammad Ali. lol


I kind of agree, I didn't dig the figh scene too much either. The hammer just took too much out of it for me. Sure close up the guy with F you up with a hammer, but some of these guys had sticks and longer weapons. I just didn't buy it that much.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 03:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
People who choose dubbing over subtitles don't deserve to watch films.


It works in some cases particularly old martial arts flicks.

The dubbed Shogun Assasin sampled in Wu-Tang's Genius debut album (also in Kill Bill Volume 2) sounds like the greatest movie ever made.

Sometimes the dubbing is silly and lends a cheesiness that is no different than cult fans' enjoyment of camp. I guess foreign distributors were unknowingly giving fans unintentional comedy that has now become intentional unintenional comedy (anyone who knows the original intentions please correct me if I'm wrong).

The Iron Chef (the original Japanese) is enjoyable because of the bad dub jobs (the laughter is so affected and fake). However, not cool if people enjoy it to mock Asians.

Sometimes good. Sometimes bad.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 06:13 AM

WELCOME TO DEATH ROW
(First Viewing)

A great, in-depth look at the rise and fall of Death Row records and its important players (Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, 2Pac, and Marion 'Suge' Knight). I've always found this topic interesting to me as I grew up listening to some of this music (mostly 2Pac). I was pleased to learn some new things I wasn't prevy to before and also to get some answers to questions I've had. If you're interested in any of these stars or rap in general, this may be a documentary for you.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 08:26 AM

Wide Awake (2006)

All insomniacs should catch this autobiographical documentary by hirsute filmmaker Alan Berliner. I thought I had it bad! An intimate and interesting look at his lifelong problem with medical advice on what may help -- but does that night owl really want help? At first I thought his editing was a bit annoying, but it grew on me and I ended up liking it quite a bit -- most of the time. Also an interesting look at the filmmaker side of him. I watched it on HBO On-Demand (it's an HBO film), but it's also available on DVD/Netflix...


Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 11:26 AM



THE MARINE (2006) - *1/2

I feel quite awful for Robert Patrick. He's really a surprisingly good actor, but unless James Mangold is casting him, Patrick is stuck working garbage that is below his talent. Then I see THE MARINE, and I want to drink. The poor guy is relegated to jobbing TERMINATOR jokes.

There is so much to hate about regarding THE MARINE, and none of it was pleasant to write about.

Let's start with the opening, where you have wrassler John Cena go all action hero on some Iraqis with explosions, bullets, you name it. He's then discharged by his Marine superiors because of some rather incredible contrived nonsense of how he disobeyed direct orders while saving some fellow soldiers. Wouldn't said person in reality be given a medal and used for propaganda?

Anyway, he is now a security guard and the scene at his new job is a prime reason why THE MARINE isn't just a bad movie, its a bad action movie. Its a set-up for what should be a good laugh, and a tease of aciton, when Cena has to "escort" an asshole executive out of the building. Instead, its neither humorous nor exciting as it ought to be.

Maybe the problem is in Cena. He just isn't an automatic credible action figure and lacks instant quiet charisma to for the part that's scripted for him like say Jason Statham.

Thing is, he seems to have a naturally sympathetic face, almost like if Dolph Lundgren had a soul. If the movie was built around his strengths, perhaps he would have triumphed in the midst of this crap. Unfortunately, much like his WWE work, the producers want him to be somebody that he isn't.

But THE MARINE isn't completely his fault. While most action movies have alot of ridiculous moments that defy reality, but when its the entire movie, I'm actually impressed in a morbid sort of way.

THE MARINE is shot by a director who's seen way too many idiotic Bruckheimer movies and the plot is incredibly bland. Patrick has nothing to work with as yet another bastard Hans Gruber clone, except without the smarts, wit, or entertainment. Too many bad jokes and worse, several of them are repeated this side of a failed drug test from Chris Masters.

Worse, there is this sub-plot pushed about how a black henchman was molested as a kid, and he then proceeds to lay so many idiotic complaints, I was tempted to call this movie racist.

Its obvious that THE MARINE was targeted for rednecks, who make up a good number of the WWE fanbase. As a redneck, I found the picture to be unfunny, tasteless, very lame, and pretty unsatisfying.

You know, just like WWE programming in the last few years.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 07:11 PM

MALIBU'S MOST WANTED 1/2
(First Viewing)

Sometimes Jamie Kennedy can be kind of funny and sometime he can be really bad. This was the former. I should have known this would be crap coming from director John Whitesell who also directed BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE 2 and DECK THE HALLS. I'm wondering if I should still torture myself later with KICKIN IT OLD SKOOL.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 09:47 PM

24fps, are you Kino?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 09:52 PM

KICKIN' IT OLD SKOOL
(First Viewing)

A better and more enjoyable comedy than MALIBU'S MOST WANTED. I really liked the nostalgic 80s jokes with Alan Ruck as Dr. Fry and David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight. Also glad to see Maria Menounos get a bigger role in a movie and hopefully she can do better work in the future than on projects like this.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 11:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
24fps, are you Kino?


Nope. He's one of my best buds, though. (Remember when I said I had a friend that posts there and that's why I lurk over at FCM?) Knew him since high school. I'm trying to convince him that we can be a filmmaking team like Powell-Pressurger, Coens, or the Quays.

Why, are we that similar? I know that answer to that.

We often run our ideas against each other when talking about movies; point each other to criticism, books; et cetera; thus, we share many ideas and opinions in common. As a result, we say very similar things.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/20/07 11:39 PM

I see.

You do sound very similar, in opinions, in open-mindedness, in willingness to engage people in worthy debates. I hadn't really connected you two together, though, until you said "LOL" in a recent post. He does that, too.

You should post over at FCM. I think your presence would be very, very welcome indeed.

\:\)
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 01:18 AM

Is "LOL" not in widespread use in the UK? (There's an okay U.S. indie flick titled, LOL.) This website is unusual for a U.S. based forum compared to other ones that I frequent with its lack of internet acronyms and initialisms like LOL, ROFL, and LMAO and the heavy use of smilies. Then again I only browse three threads in this entire site and I'm probably wrong.

Appreciate the invite. Maybe if movie discussion jumps off big-time then I'll join.

Plus I saw you and SVSG making fun of me and my faves vs. best/greatest stance in, I think, a recent favorite actors thread which irked me. Just being honest.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 01:42 AM

You're right: neither this board nor FCM use acronyms much. I generally use "lmao" when I find something funny, and "lol" when I'm bored (as in, if someone says "lol" on MSN Messenger, it's either instead of a full stop or because someone told an unfunny joke). As for your use of LOL (and this is an observation, not a criticism), I usually take it to mean a shorthand way for "oh well".

 Quote:
Appreciate the invite. Maybe if movie discussion jumps off big-time then I'll join.
Fair enough, though with an answer like that it bewilders me why you post in this thread (and mostly specifically to me).

 Quote:

Plus I saw you and SVSG making fun of me and my faves vs. best/greatest stance in, I think, a recent favorite actors thread which irked me. Just being honest.
Alright, I'll be honest back: that wasn't said with you in mind (the post is here), but was originally posted in response to JGeoff and that argument in general. You're nowhere to be seen in that thread.

Anyway, back on topic: today I hijacked a first-year screening of neo-realism. It was a chance to re-watch Borom Sarret and watch, for the first time, Bicycles Thieves. It warmed on me as it progressed, and I found its general spiral into absurdity (the bicycle itself takes on quite an abstract meaning, really) and despair quite attractive. I have to make an effort to engage with such films, but when I do they're very rewarding.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 02:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond

Plus I saw you and SVSG making fun of me and my faves vs. best/greatest stance in, I think, a recent favorite actors thread which irked me. Just being honest.

Probably a misunderstanding? I don't remember making fun of you (though I do make fun of a lot of people here). No hard feelings in any case
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 06:39 AM

COLLATERAL DAMAGE 1/2
(First Viewing)

It's probably a good thing that Ah-nold became governor of Cal-i-for-nia shortly after this film was released. He looked old physically and visibly he lost a step too (he was 55 when this film was released). Not to mention THE 6TH DAY came out before this and he had roles in DR. DOLITTLE 2, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, and THE KING & I. I think the writing was on the wall and Arnold needed to do something else as his movie career was coming to a screeching halt.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 08:29 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Rivières pourpres, Les [The Crimson Rivers] (2000) ****

Directed by: Mathieu Kassovitz (Gothika (2003), Babylon A.D. (2008))
Starring: Jean Reno (The Professional (1994)) & Vincent Cassel (Ocean's Twelve/Thirteen)

Two out-of-town French cops working on what seemed to be separate cases cross paths at a common suspect/victim's apartment to solve heinous crimes from an apparent serial killer. But there's much more to unearth.

Member a1, my Filmmaking instructor, told me this was great so I rented it (and its sequel which hasn't arrived yet). First off, thank goodness for the Bonus Features cuz otherwise I'd have a very hard time understanding exactly what happened. And I actually wasn't all that thrilled with the climax, personally, but it was a very good film. Unknown to me, it defaulted to dubbed English. (Well, it was obvious it was dubbed, tho they did a decent job, but) I really wish I had watched it in French with the subtitles, because it seems MOST of the dialogue was changed for the dubbing, and in the Extras much of it made a lot more sense as intended.


Rivières pourpres II: Les anges de l'apocalypse [The Crimson Rivers II: Angels of the Apocalypse] (2004) *** 1/2

Directed by: The diminutive and untalented Olivier Dahan
Starring: Jean Reno & Benoît Magimel

Know what? I gotta stop right there. I REALLY liked the movie a lot. But after spending over an hour watching the bonus features, I think this movie could've been ever better with a REAL director -- one who knows what he's doing rather than apparently relying on his crew's input for every freaking thing to make it better. Dahan is a munshkin twat who apparently has NO CLUE WTF he's doing -- and he and his crew almost said that loud and clear.

BUT - the finished product (no doubt w/o any help from Dahan) was just great! Not quite the original, of course... but I did like the subject matter so that adds a few points.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 12:03 PM



STRAY DOG (1949) - ****1/2

The movie opens on an exausted dog on the street, suffering under the hot sun and endlessly panting. Yet as much as we like dirty mutts, its got the look of desperation in its eyes, and not of the good kind. Michael Vick probably owned him at one point.

This is the allegory for what is to come in Akira Kurosawa's STRAY DOG, a very underrated film-noir that had the misfortune of being obscured by the greater later works of a master filmmaker this side of Stanley Kubrick's PATHS OF GLORY.

Since this is film-noir, you have a tale about very desperate people trapped in a narrowing scheme set against the backdrop of an urban hell. STRAY DOG was produced in the great cinema era of the film-noir, except its a very fascinating and gripping Japanese take on the genre.

Like many film-noir tales go, the premise is rather simple. Toshiro Mifune is a rookie cop who gets his Colt pistol stolen by a pickpocket, and the hero spends the whole movie scouring the streets of Tokyo to retrieve his piece. But beyond the really good police procedural in STRAY DOG is Kurosawa's dramatic exploration of post-war Japan.

Endless streets are cluttered with rubble and bombed-out homes, with civilians trying to grind out a survival a few years after the conclusion of World War 2. Even a senior police officer is lucky to simply have the remains of what was his house be cleaned up of debris. The back alleys of this very crowded city are full of a several seedy characters willing to capitalize on the despair of so many people.

Yet the thematic punch that makes STRAY DOG a great movie is its humanity. The greenhorn constable hero searches day and night to retrieve the gun back, and he gets heavily depressed when his piece becomes involved in several horrendous crimes.

STRAY DOG is a guilt drama that one would expect from a Martin Scorsese or an Abel Ferrera, not out of the stereotypically solemn Japanese. Without any obvious religion, its a surprisingly Catholic picture.

A brilliant touch though by Kurosawa is when the hero is on the trail of the culprit, who actually remains faceless until a key moment in the climax. Until then, the only information we get of said criminal is intel squeezed out of interrogation and clues.

Witnesses and associates talk about this "stray dog," we imagine these scenes very lividly. A hack director would have actually shot them, but Kurosawa knew that he didn't need to. The audience will create the scenes for him.

Yet when the finale arrives, and Mifune confronts the crook, we realize that these men are of the same generation that went off to war, came back to a humiliating occupation, and either controlled their bitter anger or indulged within it. Mifune is practically facing off against a mirror image, an alternative reality of himself, minus the stupid evil goatee.

Yet as they lay exausted in the grass, a new generation of kids play off in the distance, an aeon that won't know of the demons that made these men suffer or prevail in spite of them.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 03:57 PM

RRA, great review, it really makes me want to see this soon!!
BTW, is it just the DVD cover or is the film actually in color (For 1949 I presume not??).
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 05:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
is it just the DVD cover or is the film actually in color (For 1949 I presume not??).

I can't answer your question because I haven't seen it, but keep in mind the Wizard of Oz came out 10 years previously and used color... ;\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 06:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: svsg
is it just the DVD cover or is the film actually in color (For 1949 I presume not??).

I can't answer your question because I haven't seen it, but keep in mind the Wizard of Oz came out 10 years previously and used color... ;\)


Ive always wondered about OZ being in colour when it was made in 1938/39?, it must have cost alot to make that,with it being so rare at the time.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 07:02 PM

Stray Dog is black-and-white.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/21/07 08:21 PM

LEPRECHAUN 2 1/2
(First Viewing)

A nice sequel, however they never explained how the leprechaun came back after the first.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 12:22 AM

Last year in Marienbad ***
This is not one of those movies that explain everything at the end. I enjoyed it all throughout, including the frustration of not having understood. The theme is of memory and reality. It probably is better left not deconstructed. It is visually fantastic and the music is haunting. I would have liked to see it in color.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 12:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
As for your use of LOL (and this is an observation, not a criticism), I usually take it to mean a shorthand way for "oh well".


Nope I mean it literally as in "laughing out loud" because I found whatever funny, but like Wiki says, most people mean LQTM (laughing quietly to myself).

 Quote:
Appreciate the invite. Maybe if movie discussion jumps off big-time then I'll join.


 Quote:
Fair enough, though with an answer like that it bewilders me why you post in this thread (and mostly specifically to me).


Other than answering your question yesterday and replying first to your comment about dubbing, I think I haven't replied to you in this thread since July 27 (skimmed my own posts real quick). Since then I think just "talked" to Ice, RRA, and especially SVSG and Irish.

The reason why I'm still posting here, despite what I assume you mean that movie discussion isn't necessarily going full blast here either, is that I've been a member here a little over a year. What'll take me joining a new forum in FCM is lots of discussion. Kind of like what marketers say, "It's cheaper keeping existing customers than getting new ones."

 Quote:

Plus I saw you and SVSG making fun of me and my faves vs. best/greatest stance in, I think, a recent favorite actors thread which irked me. Just being honest.


 Quote:
Alright, I'll be honest back: that wasn't said with you in mind (the post is here), but was originally posted in response to JGeoff and that argument in general. You're nowhere to be seen in that thread.


Apologies. I am an idiot. I've also revealed that I'm narcissistic in thinking that you guys were making fun of me.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 12:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg

Probably a misunderstanding? I don't remember making fun of you (though I do make fun of a lot of people here). No hard feelings in any case


No misunderstanding. Just chalk it up to me being a douchebag. Apologies.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 04:50 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
RRA, great review, it really makes me want to see this soon!!
BTW, is it just the DVD cover or is the film actually in color (For 1949 I presume not??).


Its in Black & White, as Capo points out. Besides, the Japanese were so damn broke after Dubya Dubya 2, well I would think color was out of their financial reach.

And you can watch this movie for FREE!

http://www.archive.org/details/Nora_inu
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 07:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


And you can watch this movie for FREE!

http://www.archive.org/details/Nora_inu

I just finished watching this. It is excellent! I also want to add that the sound design and Kurosawa's flair for visual story telling is just awesome. Plus the heat/sweat theme really goes well with the tension surrounding the characters.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 07:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


And you can watch this movie for FREE!

http://www.archive.org/details/Nora_inu

I just finished watching this. It is excellent! I also want to add that the sound design and Kurosawa's flair for visual story telling is just awesome. Plus the heat/sweat theme really goes well with the tension surrounding the characters.


Oh I absolutely agree. Because of little touches by Kurosawa, what could have been a good if formulaic plot-boiler ends up being an underrated great movie. Too bad it came out a year before RASHOMON.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 07:57 AM

For Thanksgiving, a TURKEY of a review!



STRIPTEASE (1996) - * - Bomb

"There is nothing worse than an unfunny comedy" - Michael J. Nelson

I've never read the Carl Hiaasen novel, but friends swear to me that its hilarious in an Elmore Leonard smart-ass/black comedy sort of way. It knows its own plot is pretty damn goofy, and everyone is in the joke, even the luckless heroine.

Too bad Demi Moore didn't read the book.

STRIPTEASE opens in a courtroom where former FBI worker Demi Moore loses custody of her daughter to her scumbag ex-husband. Why is he a scumbag? Because anyone with a big black mustache and a redneck accent must have to be the villain when compared to a starlet like Moore.

Anyway, this is a very serious yet silly melodrama with Demi Moore having to struggle against the evil sexist society this side of Sally Field, while having to work as a strippper to afford the appeal. This movie could have been titled NOT WITHOUT MY TITS.

Moore stays in this mode for the entire movie. No really, she actually is goddamn serious while everyone else in STRIPTEASE is relaxed and trying to be funny. And I stress trying because jokes fly all over the place, but like a strip club customer's dreams of having non-solicited sex with an exotic dancer, they all crash and burn.

You have the great Ving Rhames firing off gags about insect yogurt, the strip joint owner with the fetish for nude cream corn wrestling, and even the Jewish stripper who states over and over again her disturbing fixiation on Steven Spielberg. Surely he learned his lesson from Amy Irving.

Nevermind Burt Reynolds as the perverted Florida Congressman who lubes himself up (!) before speaking to a church convention. Everyone tries to be wacky but its end up being only awkward this side of HUDSON HAWK, absent a forgiving cultdom.

Rhames, Reynolds, and Robert Patrick are proven good actors, or at least game for comedy work, but they absolutely fail. Maybe the blame has to go to scripter/director Andrew Bergman. In the decade of Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, Bergman was trying to be self-conciously witty and hip that is "post-modernistic humor."

Instead, he won the top Razzie for the worst movie of 1996. Considering that STRIPTEASE beat out a potent list of turkeys that include the infamous monkey flick ED, the goofy blockbuster INDEPENDENCE DAY, and Pauly Shore's BIO-DOME....that's actually pretty damn impressive.

Back in the day there was so much press, and so many horny guys and young boys tripped up, about the fact that Moore flashed her tits for a then-record $12.5 million paycheck. Yet when we do finally see her peaks, its really symbolic of what STRIPTEASE really is, for her silicone breasts are bulky, discolored, and rather damn ugly.

In fact, imagine if her character had never gotten those implants. She would have had the cash to win her damn kid back, and there would be been no reason for this boob in the first place.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 05:51 PM

SKINWALKERS 1/2
(First Viewing)

Too much of a cross between THE GOLDEN CHILD and UNDERWORLD. It was closer to UNDERWORLD but instead of vampires it focused on werewolf's. Plenty of ladies to feast your eyes on but it's not worth it with this story and lack of action/excitement (the werewolf side of the characters only turned a handful of times).
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/22/07 10:53 PM

Dog Day Afternoon ***
This was made when Al pacino was still subtle and restrained in acting. Good acting from him and John Cazale. The movie is paced well and never goes over the top in terms of drama that is usually seen in many hostage movies.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/07 07:23 AM


Clockers (1995)

Directed by: Spike Lee
Produced by: Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, et al.
Starring: Mekhi Phifer ("ER"), Harvey Keitel, Delroy Lindo, John Turturro; with Michael Imperioli

"Strike", a young Black male (Phifer) from the Brooklyn projects, although seemingly well-meaning, gets involved in dealing drugs to make money under an older mentor (Lindo) who needs him to eliminate someone to prove he can be trusted. When the mark turns up dead, Strike's brother confesses to the murder. Keitel investigates in this urban street who-done-it that leaves the viewer (at least me) wondering until the end.

A post-Turkey Day On-Demand entry that caught my eye after seeing the filmmakers and cast. I really like Spike Lee, and seeing Scorsese having a piece of it -- with Keitel, Turturro, and Imperioli -- it was a no-brainer!

I enjoyed this one, despite some questionable acting in the beginning. There was *something* missing, I think, (lack of the requisite "love story"? not sure) but right now I can't put my finger on it... but I think it's worth a rental...

IMDb: 6.8
Netflix: 6.6
JGeoff: Agreed... almost a 7/10





Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/07 02:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Clockers (1995)

Directed by: Spike Lee
Produced by: Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, et al.
Starring: Mekhi Phifer ("ER"), Harvey Keitel, Delroy Lindo, John Turturro; with Michael Imperioli

"Strike", a young Black male (Phifer) from the Brooklyn projects, although seemingly well-meaning, gets involved in dealing drugs to make money under an older mentor (Lindo) who needs him to eliminate someone to prove he can be trusted. When the mark turns up dead, Strike's brother confesses to the murder. Keitel investigates in this urban street who-done-it that leaves the viewer (at least me) wondering until the end.

A post-Turkey Day On-Demand entry that caught my eye after seeing the filmmakers and cast. I really like Spike Lee, and seeing Scorsese having a piece of it -- with Keitel, Turturro, and Imperioli -- it was a no-brainer!

I enjoyed this one, despite some questionable acting in the beginning. There was *something* missing, I think, (lack of the requisite "love story"? not sure) but right now I can't put my finger on it... but I think it's worth a rental...

IMDb: 6.8
Netflix: 6.6
JGeoff: Agreed... almost a 7/10







I think CLOCKERS is a good Spike Lee entry, with Harvey Keitel given a rare post-1970s chance to star in a major Hollywood release as a lead. CLOCKERS is nothing superbly remarkable, but thats not a bad thing at all.

CLOCKERS (1995) - ***
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/07 03:27 PM

Just watched trainspotting again,although ive seen it a hundred times i still think its a great movie and ewan McGregor was great in it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/07 03:45 PM

"Who the Fuck are you" Begby is class
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/23/07 09:20 PM

Apur Sansar (The world of Apu) ****
This is the third of the Apu trilogy by Satyajit Ray, very conspicuous for its male actors occupying the center stage unlike the other two. The only happy phase in the main character Apu's life comes in the presence of his wife, during his short-lived marriage. Though the movie ends in a way to signify continuity of life amidst misery, this movie is on the whole a bleak portrayal of the viciousness of urban poverty.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/07 04:49 AM

ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA
(First Viewing)

I'm going to give Jet Li a crack before Jackie Chan. For whatever reason Li seems to garner my attention better than Chan. The fight scenes in this film were well executed. The story was somewhat strong, just kind of confusing in parts. Looking forward to the next two installments in the trilogy.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/07 06:14 AM

What started all of these "Once upon a time in...." movies? There seem to be dozens of them.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/07 06:51 AM

INVENTING THE ABBOTTS 1/2
(First Viewing)

I had seen parts of this and while it was good, it wasn't as good as I was hoping for. Joaquin Phoenix was still growing as an actor and wasn't on top of his game as he is now. Also, I just don't see Michael Keaton as a narrator. Not that he has a terrible voice but I don't think it's great enough to do voice over work either.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/07 06:53 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
What started all of these "Once upon a time in...." movies? There seem to be dozens of them.


Probably just coincidence. Sergio Leone did ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST and ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA. This is a ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA trilogy staring Jet Li. Again, probably nothing more than mere coincidence.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/07 10:52 AM

I rewatched "The Hustler" last night and am reminded that its a totally awesome movie! Not one bad performance in it, and its among the best movies of all-time. Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie and Jackie Gleason are all absolutely wonderful in this telling of a "loser's" trip to beomong a winner.

I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has never seen it!!

(Look for the real Jake LaMotta ["The Raging Bull"] in a small role as the bartender in the bus terminal).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/07 05:26 PM

Leone's titles evoke the traditional fairy-tale; one of universality by means of fabricated (fictionalised) nostalgia. It's a very romantic gesture (West and America are both romanticised, historical epics to both their historical period and respective genres).

I'd assume the China trilogy takes its title from Leone's, actually.

Shane Meadows directed Once Upon a Time in the Midlands a few years ago, a throwback to the Western (and Leone's in particular) set in a humble, mid-England contemporary town. It's an awful film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/07 05:47 PM

3:10 to Yuma *
I think it fits well into the western genre with its themes of bravery, drawing guns fast, legendary tales of a bad guy killing N number of men and families etc. Acting wise, nothing remarkable, even from the usually great Bale. Maybe this was a great movie and I am just not a big fan of westerns. I think the ending is as Hollywood* as it gets.

* =derogatory \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/24/07 09:06 PM

THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD
(First Viewing)

The effects were good considering when the film was made (1974). I wasn't too familiar with the tale of Sinbad prior to viewing. However, a lot of the actors seemed to be white rather than of middle eastern decent was a bit distracting at times.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/07 03:53 AM

ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA II 1/2
(First Viewing)

I'm glad they still kept the foreigner angle in this film and the addition of the White Lotus clan made it more enjoyable than the first installment. More action, more Jet Li, and better fight scenes than Part I too.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/07 06:05 AM

BOUND 1/2
(First Viewing)

Wow, the Wachowski brothers do it again. This was a great and intense rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Joe Pantoliano was great as Caesar in this pre-Sopranos mafia role. His Chicago, wise-guy routine was excellent at times. Likewise, Gina Gershon was valuable as the tough girl, lesbian/brains of the operation. I haven't really seen her since FACE/OFF or THE INSIDER unfortunately. Jennifer Tilly pulls her weight as well and it's unfortunate she hasn't had much of a career since this either. I'm sure this will be in your local video stores so next time your in you may want to think about picking it up.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/07 07:46 AM

No country for old men ***
Blibble is right about the ending in a way. It is an unexpected one, but not necessarily a very satisfying one either. Leaving that aside, the cinematography is great and the story is gripping till the end. There are some small similarities to Fargo in terms of plot elements.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/07 02:34 PM

Did you think Tommy Lee's role was maybe bigger than it needed to be svsg? Also, which do you like better, FARGO or NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/07 05:13 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Did you think Tommy Lee's role was maybe bigger than it needed to be svsg? Also, which do you like better, FARGO or NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN?


Both are good.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/25/07 05:39 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Did you think Tommy Lee's role was maybe bigger than it needed to be svsg? Also, which do you like better, FARGO or NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN?

No Irish, I didn't feel that way when I was watching. If I think about it, the title is based on his character i suppose?? In any case, what is the movie about? The motives of the psycho guy and the main guy are not clear to me. Probably the only character who is well understood is that of Tommy Lee? I think I liked Fargo better in terms of acting and character development and No Country for its cinematography. Overall I would rate Fargo higher in terms of satisfaction \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 02:43 AM

ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA III
(First Viewing)

Sadly, this film didn't end the trilogy as I was expecting. There was still an important element left out for Jet Li's character. Also, the final battle with the lion dance did absolutely nothing for me.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 02:54 AM

Ashes of Time ****
Karwai Wong creates a beautiful image with themes of love, guilt and regret by letting his characters reflect on their memories through time. Each event leads to a memory of another coupled with the realization that essentially the past has its impact over all events, in present and in future. Whether one can decouple the memory is a key theme of the movie. Beautiful music, colors and prominent use of persistence-of-vision sword fights. I need to watch this movie again to absorb all the themes explored by the director. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 05:15 AM

THE LEGEND
(Second Viewing)

A sillier tale than the ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA trilogy. Also, Jet Li's kung fu/martial arts wasn't as crisp and polished as the other series either.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 07:02 AM


The Dead Zone (1983) (based on the novel by Stephen King)

Directed by: David Cronenberg
Starring: Christopher Walken, with Martin Sheen

A teacher (Walken), on his way home with a coworker he's in love with, gets into a traffic accident and winds up in, and then awakes from, a long coma. He's now gifted (?) with the power to see -- and change -- the future simply by touching someone. This came in handy a few times, especially once he shook hands with a cheesy politician.

Speaking of cheesy, this was made in the 80s. \:\/ Performances were overly performed as a result. I like the idea of the story, but plan to see the 2002 version first (starring Anthony Michael Hall, which then became an of-course TV series) ...before I give a final comparison rating... but so far it's a **1/2 or *** of 5...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 07:20 AM

THE LEGEND 2 1/2
(Second Viewing)

The directing of this was very amateur at best. The camera angels were awkward for such a lengthy duration of the film (too many close-ups and such). I am very disappointed with these last two films again.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 08:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

The Dead Zone (1983) (based on the novel by Stephen King)

Directed by: David Cronenberg
Starring: Christopher Walken, with Martin Sheen

A teacher (Walken), on his way home with a coworker he's in love with, gets into a traffic accident and winds up in, and then awakes from, a long coma. He's now gifted (?) with the power to see -- and change -- the future simply by touching someone. This came in handy a few times, especially once he shook hands with a cheesy politician.

Speaking of cheesy, this was made in the 80s. \:\/ Performances were overly performed as a result. I like the idea of the story, but plan to see the 2002 version first (starring Anthony Michael Hall, which then became an of-course TV series) ...before I give a final comparison rating... but so far it's a **1/2 or *** of 5...







You mean that fucking TV show where the same goddamn cops don't believe the hero despite week after week using his psychic gift to unravel cases that otherwise nobody could have solved?

THE DEAD ZONE is a pretty good movie. Cronenberg crafts an emotional tale about a gift that understandably crushes Walken's soul because of what he sees, UNTIL he realizes that he can actually do something about them...

Plus, the ending and wrap-up with the nutjob Martin Sheen character, is just great. "You're Finished!"

THE DEAD ZONE (1983) - ***1/2
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 02:24 PM

I saw Dead Zone years ago mostly because it was based on a Stephen King book. It was ok, but I must admit, I like the tv series better (even though I don't see it every week.)

I didn't know that there was first a Dead Zone remake with Anthony Michael Hall. I just know of the series. What year was the movie released?


TIS
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 03:31 PM

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) **** (First Viewing This Year)


What's to say? The original feel-good movie. Jimmy Stewart and a 26 year old Donna Reed (she was gorgeous!).

Sappy ending? Sure but what's not to love about it.

Click Here
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 04:03 PM



V FOR VENDETTA (2006) - ***

Hugo Weaving might very well be one of the more underrated actors in Hollywood today. He's as damn good as a Johnny Depp or a Christian Bale, yet the man doesn't get any acclaim. Hell, he was the best thing in the chaos that are the MATRIX sequels.

The testament to his greatness is when he's given the clunky philosophical lecture cram sessions that is Wachowski dialogue and actually make them both fluid and poetic. That and conveying intelligence and emotionalism behind a static Guy Fawkes mask. Weaving gives us one of the more compelling performances yet seen in a Hollywood comic book adaptation.

If only V FOR VENDETTA was as good as Weaving.

I don't blame Alan Moore at all for his problems with the movie. In his excellent 1980s graphic novel, he created a protagonist that was a proud violent anarchist, forcing audiences to support such a blatant terrorist in his war against the totaltarian UK of the future.

Writers/producers the Wachowski brothers took Moore's literary hate of Thatcherism and turned it into a cinema hate letter at the American neo-cons. Its still set in Britain a few years from now, but their V on page is an undisputed freedom fighter that isn't as challenging nor as interesting. Thank God for Hugo.

But I have to give any adaptation a fair chance, so I threw the book away and I was surprised to find this to be initially a really good picture. Its the best work yet based off a Moore book, and there are fine performances in the film. From Stephen Fry to Stephen Rhea, to John Hurt as the dictator, and even Natalie Portman brings home the bacon. Where was this good acting of hers in the STAR WARS prequels?

While its damn heavy handed in its list of complaints against Bush America, I still think there is a relevancy to it all. The President of Iran, who recently claimed that there are no homosexuals in his country, would probably feel right at home in Hurt's England.

A shame democracy in place, the moral police state making sure the streets are clean of the undesireables and outsiders, and the media mere puppetry for the government. There can't be any gays around if they're executed or persecuted into seclusion, right?

Yeah, I was really liking V FOR VENDETTA, until the 3rd act. Its like the movie realized it was running out of time, and decided to resolve the plot using clips, montages, and other nonsense this side of David Lynch's DUNE. Then the several logical problems I had with the conclusion.

If this tyrantical police state had surveillance up the ass, wouldn't they notice the manufacturing, buying, and distribution of hundreds of thousands of masks and capes? I mean, people take snap shots of old trains out in West Virginia, and Homeland Security detain their asses. But this meaner and more ruthless limey gestapo doesn't note it?

Better yet, how about the hero demanding the people rise up and overthrow the cabal, yet he does all the dirty work. Those poor folks dress up like dorks at Comic-Con, and all they do is watch a fireworks show. More of a coup de tat than a true revolution, isn't it?

'I understand what the Wachowskis and their pawn director James McTeigue tried to do. The masses united under a banner, one wholly provided and instigated by V himself, but couldn't they have pulled this off without screwing the pooch? It turns a damn good movie into a decent one with some smarts mixed with sillyness.

Better yet, they disregarded what I considered to be my favorite part of the graphic novel's ending where the protagonist, much like the namesake of his face, becomes a symbol that will live on with poignancy for eons to come.

Its a more deserving finale for Weaving's stunning tour de force.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 06:00 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) **** (First Viewing This Year)


What's to say? The original feel-good movie. Jimmy Stewart and a 26 year old Donna Reed (she was gorgeous!).

Sappy ending? Sure but what's not to love about it.

Click Here


Another classic i still havn't seen.
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 07:06 PM

Over the holidays my brother-in-law and I took our kids to see Mr. Magorium's Emporium. I don't make it to the movies too often. I went to this movie expecting little, and I got much less.

The story line was a big cliche and poorly developed. The characters evoked very little interest as Dustin Hoffman played the most embarrassing role, in which I've ever seen him. When the movie ended (fortunately it was an abrupt ending), I thought that at least some of the younger kids might have enjoyed it. I was wrong. They were bored.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/26/07 07:18 PM

I only tend to go to the pictures when i know the film im seeing has had above average rating/reviews,i never go and see random film just for the sake of it.

My g/f cant understand this and we fall out when i refuse to go to the pictures and watch a film that not will be remembered and won't have impact on my life.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/07 07:27 AM


From Here to Eternity (1953)

Director: Fred Zinnemann
Starring: Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed, Frank Sinatra; with Ernest Borgnine

I finally saw it!! \:o

Synopsis: Preceding the events of Pearl Harbor, a previously-higher-ranking army soldier (Cliff) takes a demotion to private in a transfer to another outfit after severely hurting a comrade in a boxing match. Standing up for himself and his values, he refuses to box despite his new Captain (Philip Ober) making sure he pays for his decision because he wants to win the boxing championship. Cliff's Sargent (Lancaster) eventually takes a liking to the ostensibly opposite renegade private as they both have similar issues -- with their lovers.

Review: I find it much more difficult reviewing and rating classic films than modern films. A classic film seems to ooze "GREATNESS" simply because it's old and won a bunch of awards in its day. Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy classic films, and enjoyed this one as much as any. But there's obviously different criteria here versus a more modern film. Times and production values were different, and I think many (many, not all!) films pre-70's might not stand up the test of time if they were released today. It seems like I'm obligated to start with 4 stars just because of its notoriety.

I'm not saying I need violence, language, action, and sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll by any means. I LOVE classics - including the old (well, pre-80s) Charlton Heston films, and actually could see him in Lancaster's role. But, they all did well enough.

Except for that GLARING editing gaffe when Donna Reed is speaking with Lancaster at the beach, her lips moving w/o any sound.

What I wasn't expecting was -- this isn't a war film at all: it's a love story (well, two concurrent love stories).

Johnny Fontane never gets that movie! It's perfect for him -- it'd make him a big star!

Yes, this is the film that Frank Sinatra renewed his career with, after winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. And he was fine, indeed. I didn't review the other contenders for the award, but this almost seemed like Sinatra's SCENT OF A WOMAN or something. He did great, but, Oscar-winning? I don't feel his role was big enough, truthfully. But I'm fine with it.

Ah, this isn't a review, it's a free-association! lol In any event, I enjoyed it - just don't necessarily think it stands the test of time.

IMDb: 7.8/10
Netflix: 7.4/10
JGeoff: 7/10

Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/07 11:29 AM

That movie has two things going for it (IMO). Its storyline and its excellent cast. "From Here to Eternity" was born from a best-selling novel (and a wonderful story). Its cast is peerless - where else can you see Burt Lancaster at his best, Montgomery Clift, Sinatra, Donna Reed (a personal favorite of mine) and Ernest Borgnine in a great role?

The tv miniseries was decent, too. Joe Pantoliano in the Sinatra role was awesome and Natalie Wood in Deborah Kerr's spot was wonderful (and a real eye-candy pleaser).
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/07 05:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
The tv miniseries was decent, too.

I'd love to see that 1979 miniseries to compare -- too bad it hasn't been released on DVD...
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/07 05:36 PM

No, Geoff. it's not. But you can get it on VHS.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/07 06:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
But you can get it on VHS.

What's that?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/07 07:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
But you can get it on VHS.

What's that?


Thats what you transfer onto DVD.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/27/07 07:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
But you can get it on VHS.

What's that?


Thats what you transfer onto DVD.


Thank you, SC.

Some computer geek he is?

No wonder he has to sell posters. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/07 04:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
But you can get it on VHS.

What's that?


Thats what you transfer onto DVD.


Thank you, SC.

Some computer geek he is?

No wonder he has to sell posters. \:p


But thats not all. You should see him on a street corner sometime.

\:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/07 04:56 PM



IDIOCRACY (2006) - **1/2

I'm actually surprised that none of the corporations mocked in Mike Judge's IDIOCRACY didn't sue the hell out of him and 20th Century Fox over many of the future gags. From FuddRuckers turned into ButtF-----s to Starbucks going from serving coffee to serving blowjobs, its kinda fun that Judge either got away with it. Nah, FOX probably paid good money to shut up said parties.

Years ago, when I was still a reviewer for "Test Pattern" at the now-defunct COMING ATTRATIONS BY CORONA website, the script for IDIOCRACY, then known as 3001, passed around the staff and I read it. I laughed and I wanted to see this movie.

That was six years ago. IDIOCRACY was shot in 2004 and released last year....if you want to call it a "release." It was more like FOX throwing a baby into a dumpster at the Prom. Though after seeing IDIOCRACY, I don't blame FOX for not wanting to lose money on this picture in theatres.

Who knows why Judge wanted to make IDIOCRACY. Maybe some idiot cut him off at traffic. Maybe it was the Intelligent Design folks. Either way, the whole premise of the movie is that Luke Wilson was a mediocre soldier in terms of intelligence and capacity so he's recruited for a hibernation experiment to last one year.

He's accidently forgotten and he wakes up 500 years later to a future where everyone is absolutely stupid, the #1 movie in theatres is an ass farting for 90 minutes, and worst of all, Wilson is the smartest man on Earth.

Quite a few reviews kept making the cliche that IDIOCRACY was "Judge making his own FUTURAMA" episode, and they're wrong. IDIOCRACY doesn't have the wit or smart pop culture gags of Matt Groening's program. Instead, I would say that its more like BEAVIS & BUTTHEAD set in the future. Its that sort of (stupid) humor that made Judge's career, and he's good at it.

Personally my favorite joke in IDIOCRACY is an image of the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C., with a rundown Washington Monument in the distance, and rednecks boating and water-skiing on the sacred waters.

It's probably the best joke in the picture, and maybe that's the problem with IDIOCRACY. The same joke is repeated over and over again, with variations.

You have the Pro Wrestler-turned-President. There is the joke that its now "faggy & pompous" to use corret English, that these people are so stupid they use Gatorade instead of water on crops, you name it. Most of them though either feel flat or createed a "heh" instead of "Ha Ha" from me.

Then there is Maya Rudolph. I never liked her on SNL, and either its her fault, her character or both, she's damn annoying in IDIOCRACY.

That said, I enjoyed IDIOCRACY in a passing, video rental sense. Maybe not enough to recommend it, but surely beats the crap out of a few studio comedies that do get wide theatrical releases like the latest Dane Cook movie.

Besides, how can anyone hate a movie where Charlie Chaplin was a Nazi?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/07 04:58 PM



LIVE WIRE (1992) - **

Back in the mid 1980s when Roger Moore quit James Bond, Pierce Brosnan was booked to be the new 007. But he got screwed because of his REMINGTON STEELE contract, and Timothy Dalton got the gig instead.

For the next few years, Brosnan did quite a few action pictures, almost as if he was trying to prove to EON Films that he could cut the martini. Some were good (THE FOURTH PROTOCOL) and some were like LIVE WIRE...they went hay wire.

Watching this on HBO, I noticed how this picture was shot after the Cold War ended and before the numerous terrorist attacks on America leading up to 9/11. Sounds almost notalgic probably for some of us.

Anyway, the two remarkable things in LIVE WIRE is that Brosnan does have the charm, the charisma, and the physical credibility to succede in action cinema. Second, the movie has a good kill-gimmick, I must say. A microscopic liquid explosive poured into water, which the person then consumes and their stomach acids "activate" the bomb. I'm surprised actually that Hollywood hasn't reused this idea yet.

Just too bad the movie just bombs flat. You have the whole psychobabble of Brosnan's kid drowning in a pool, and destroying his marriage. Quite frankly, I laughed at the sequence when the (stupid) girl just simply falls and sinks. The baddies are way too generic for my taste and when Brosnan goes all Commando, I wonder how a pretty D.C. bomb expert would know how to kick so much ass. There's an awkward KY Jelly gag to boot.

Then you have the sub-plot of her banging a corrupt Senator, which himself is a target of the arms-dealing mercenary bad guys. Funny enough, Ron Silver would end up playing another douchebag Senator in the much better TIMECOP a few years later. Would you be really surprised that she's back to screwing James Bond by the end?

I guess the only scene in LIVE WIRE I can immediately remember is a joke early on about Brosnan disarming a bomb underneath a rich pretty blonde's car, and remarking that she should wear some underwear. Such sexual chemistry and good humor in a scene, its obvious that Brosnan could be a better 007 than Dalton could ever be.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/07 06:05 PM

I've gone back to using stars for rating films. For my system, click here.

Eastern Promises
David Cronenberg | 2007 | UK/Canada/USA
--------------------------------------------------
A midwife follows up on the diary of a prostitute who died giving birth, and crosses paths with the Russian Mafia.
--------------------------------------------------
Cronenberg needs to start writing his own material again - perhaps then his films will be as succinct but not as contrived as this. Knight's script, on the one hand, provides an ample basis for the thematic grounding which interests the director (primarily, sexuality as the means by which identity is constructed and maintained), but it's far too short and story-driven to be of any lasting impact. There's not a scene wasted, and it's very riveting at times thanks to a weighty central performance from Mortensen (Mueller-Stahl is good too, though Watts disappoints), but as a whole it seems economic to a fault; perhaps it's a sign of the director moving further into foreign territory (for him and us both), into a more subtle style of filmmaking, one wherein thematic fabrics are presented in more structurally accessible frameworks, which is fair enough, but for me it might take a few viewings to adapt (A History of Violence worked for me because I took it to be about the medium itself, and its silly finale was effective and convincing). The representation of violence is unusually problematic, too: never one to shy away from disturbing imagery, the violence here takes on an almost parodic tone; the opening scene brought gasps from the (full capacity) screening I attended, which does well in portraying the danger and indifference of the culture portrayed (a reason why the Turkish bath scene is so tense when it finally happens), but as for the throat-slashing scene in the graveyard, its persistence to shock - the victim makes sure to pull down his scarf and bare all - seems forced and unnecessary. As for the Turkish bath scene itself, though, it's Cronenberg's most memorable sequence in years, and one of the best action scenes in general, too: visceral, fleshy and genuinely thrilling.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/07 06:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I've gone back to using stars for rating films. For my system, click here.

Eastern Promises
David Cronenberg | 2007 | UK/Canada/USA
--------------------------------------------------
A midwife follows up on the diary of a prostitute who died giving birth, and crosses paths with the Russian Mafia.
--------------------------------------------------
Cronenberg needs to start writing his own material again - perhaps then his films will be as succinct but not as contrived as this. Knight's script, on the one hand, provides an ample basis for the thematic grounding which interests the director (primarily, sexuality as the means by which identity is constructed and maintained), but it's far too short and story-driven to be of any lasting impact. There's not a scene wasted, and it's very riveting at times thanks to a weighty central performance from Mortensen (Mueller-Stahl is good too, though Watts disappoints), but as a whole it seems economic to a fault; perhaps it's a sign of the director moving further into foreign territory (for him and us both), into a more subtle style of filmmaking, one wherein thematic fabrics are presented in more structurally accessible frameworks, which is fair enough, but for me it might take a few viewings to adapt (A History of Violence worked for me because I took it to be about the medium itself, and its silly finale was effective and convincing). The representation of violence is unusually problematic, too: never one to shy away from disturbing imagery, the violence here takes on an almost parodic tone; the opening scene brought gasps from the (full capacity) screening I attended, which does well in portraying the danger and indifference of the culture portrayed (a reason why the Turkish bath scene is so tense when it finally happens), but as for the throat-slashing scene in the graveyard, its persistence to shock - the victim makes sure to pull down his scarf and bare all - seems forced and unnecessary. As for the Turkish bath scene itself, though, it's Cronenberg's most memorable sequence in years, and one of the best action scenes in general, too: visceral, fleshy and genuinely thrilling.


Stars or No Stars? \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/07 08:02 PM

LEPRECHAUN 3 1/2
(First Vieiwng)

The most I've enjoyed watching a LEPRECHAUN film yet. The setting of Las Vegas really fits the theme of the character and story plus this had the most humor of any of the three films thus far.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/07 09:20 PM

LEPRECHAUN 4: IN SPACE 1/2
(First Viewing)

I was really looking forward to this because I thought it could have had the same comedic qualites as JASON X. However, even though it was silly and stupid, it wasn't in a humerous way (it was just done really badly). The CGI was horrid and the leprechaun wasn't even searching for his gold but for some princess. The worst of the series thus far.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/28/07 10:35 PM

And in other news, Warrick Davis needs someone to feed him.

Care to help Irish?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/07 08:38 AM

LEPRECHAUN IN THE HOOD 1/2
(First Viewing)

The first half of the film barely had the leprechaun in it. It mostly dealt with Anthony Montgomery, Rashaan Nall, Red Grant, and Ice-T. Also the body count was rather low at 4 or 5 bodies and the storyline didn't add up in some places. However, I will give it credit for having zombie fly girls
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/07 09:38 AM

You must be close to suicide after watching those films..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/07 04:52 PM

Not really, I've seen worse
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/29/07 06:47 PM

LEPRECHAUN: BACK 2 THA HOOD
(First Viewing)

A decent ending to a decent horror franchise. The opening scene with the storybook like illustrations were the best of the series. As is the case with Chucky, I wouldn't be mad if they ever decided to make another.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/07 02:18 AM

You've seen worse? A decent horror franchise? You've given seven-and-a-half stars over four films. (Dunno how you rate the first two, though.)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/07 06:26 AM

The first two I rated 1/2 each

And yes I've seen worse. Have you seen the CANDYMAN trilogy?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/07 08:50 AM

THE ROCKETEER 1/2
(First Viewing)

I had always been curious to watch this because I remember it being somewhat big as a kid. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more then \:\/ I didn't care for Bill Campbell or his Cliff Secord/Rocketeer character. He never got me pumped up or excited enough to cheer for him. Jennifer Connelly and Timothy Dalton are the only ones who turn in performances good enough to speak of.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/07 01:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The first two I rated 1/2 each

And yes I've seen worse. Have you seen the CANDYMAN trilogy?
I was questioning you're "I've seen worse" in relation to your abysmal ratings. How can a franchise be "decent" when all six films amount to ten-and-a-half stars?

There's a serious contradiction going on there.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/07 02:12 PM

Last night i watched COOGANS BLUFF
A good old Clint classic. Slightly overlooked i think because it is'nt a western but good to watch tough,laconic Clint beat the big,bad city and catch his man
7 out of 10.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/07 04:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
The first two I rated 1/2 each

And yes I've seen worse. Have you seen the CANDYMAN trilogy?
I was questioning you're "I've seen worse" in relation to your abysmal ratings. How can a franchise be "decent" when all six films amount to ten-and-a-half stars?

There's a serious contradiction going on there.


No, they were pretty decent. I enjoyed most of them except LEPRECHAUN 4: IN SPACE which I only gave 1/2. They were consistantly decent and at the end of the franchise, I'd say they were worth buying.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/07 04:12 PM

I think I'm misunderstanding your ratings. What does each one mean for you?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 11/30/07 10:01 PM



THE INTERPRETER (2005) - **

We're used to actors becoming directors, but Sydney Pollack is the rare case where an established Oscar-winning director became an actor, and a very good one at that as seen in his brief scenes in THE INTERPRETER.

Unfortunately, that movie also shows that Pollack hasn't shot a compelling good film since the 1970s. To be fair, I haven't seen OUT OF AFRICA but only because Meryl Streep getting syphillus doesn't intrigue me enough.

As a director, Pollack is good in stringing up the suspense and tension. The stakes are high, the chases are tout, time is running out, and the heroes are always running. Technically he made a quality picture that should have been a good fun popcorn jumper this side of NORTH BY NORTHWEST or any DePalma thriller.

Too bad the script misinterprets its compelling set-up. Nicole Kidman is a United Nations Interpreter working late one night at the UN when she overhears two men talking secretly. She claims they plotted assassination.

The whole clutch of the movie is, we the audience don't know this fictional language which she is fluid in, and that's what Secret Service agent Sean Penn has to investigate for the next 2 hours. Is she telling the truth or lying between her Crest-whiten teeth?

The problem is that Kidman's character is packed to the gills with emotional baggage of a back-story, we the audience never get much fun in playing this game because we know the answer already. Pollack tries some shenanigans about "forgiveness" to get around this fact, and it just doesn't fool anyone.

A shame because Penn is rather good. Whatever you agree or not with his politics, he can a great actor and I wish he would work more commercial fare. With the character's recent melodrama, he's full of rage, and with Kidman not cooperating, he's about ready to bite her goddamn head off, even if they are having a flirting relationship with ZERO chemistry.

Sometimes good actors just don't sizzle at all together. TORN CURTAIN anyone?

The failed romance in INTERPRETER reminded me of that Al Pacino picture SEA OF LOVE, which was about a cop falling in love with a woman that he suspects to be a serial killer. A nice flick because it worked as both a thriller and in body heat.

But damn, all that is nothing compared to the stupid ending. Would freedom fighters-turned-dictators like Fidel Castro or Pol Pot admit their failing, abdicate, and surrender to the local war crimes tribunal? You won't believe it until you see it.

I really wanted to enjoy THE INTERPRETER, to be excited and I was game for good ole spooks and conspiracies. Instead I found myself very bored.

Decades ago, the United Nations declined Hitchcock's request to film inside for NORTH BY NORTHWEST, but gave the clearance for this movie. Their taste in cinema is as useless as the institution itself.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 01:54 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I rewatched "The Hustler" last night and am reminded that its a totally awesome movie! Not one bad performance in it, and its among the best movies of all-time. Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie and Jackie Gleason are all absolutely wonderful in this telling of a "loser's" trip to beomong a winner.

I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has never seen it!!

(Look for the real Jake LaMotta ["The Raging Bull"] in a small role as the bartender in the bus terminal).


I watched it the other night. I haven't seen the movie in years. Great eye with LaMotta as the bartender! There's also another bartender in the very begining of the movie who went on to become a very well known actor----Vincent Gardenia.

I agree, a totally awesome movie with some really fantastic acting by all that you mentioned. I love the way that George C. Scott acts in that movie. Scott may be one of the most underated and forgotten actors of his time.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 02:11 AM

Wasn't Scott a real bastard in that movie.

I seem to remember someone else who had a small part in that movie but went unnoticed. I can't think of who it is now.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 05:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I seem to remember someone else who had a small part in that movie but went unnoticed. I can't think of who it is now.


Willie Mosconi? (the REAL greatest pool player).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 07:11 AM

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END 1/2
(Second Viewing)

After initially being against the casting of Chow Yun-Fat, I'm glad they went with him as the Asian pirate character. It could have been worse and they could have casted someone worse. Probably the weirdest in some parts of the trilogy but also most mature in terms of content. Better with a second viewing, so if you weren't blown away in the theaters, rent it and watch it again next week (maybe you'll enjoy it more a second time around like myself). If they ever do make a PIRATES 4, I can't see them doing it without Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley, and sadly, that's exactly what they'd do.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 04:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
If they ever do make a PIRATES 4, I can't see them doing it without Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley, and sadly, that's exactly what they'd do.

Orlando Bloom is downright annoying. Keira Knightley is good eye-candy. They should make it R-rated and add more nude scenes in it
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 05:02 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I seem to remember someone else who had a small part in that movie but went unnoticed. I can't think of who it is now.


Willie Mosconi? (the REAL greatest pool player).


Maybe Michael Constantine? (Father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding)



Murray Hamilton ( from JAWS )

Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 05:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
If they ever do make a PIRATES 4, I can't see them doing it without Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley, and sadly, that's exactly what they'd do.

Orlando Bloom is downright annoying. Keira Knightley is good eye-candy. They should make it R-rated and add more nude scenes in it



Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 05:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
If they ever do make a PIRATES 4, I can't see them doing it without Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley, and sadly, that's exactly what they'd do.

Orlando Bloom is downright annoying. Keira Knightley is good eye-candy. They should make it R-rated and add more nude scenes in it


True, I can't argue this point. But at least these characters in the film gave some distraction to Captain Jack. Can you imagine PIRATES 4 being solely about Captain Jack and him out to sea for 2+ hours? I'd rather not.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 06:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
If they ever do make a PIRATES 4, I can't see them doing it without Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley, and sadly, that's exactly what they'd do.

Orlando Bloom is downright annoying. Keira Knightley is good eye-candy. They should make it R-rated and add more nude scenes in it


True, I can't argue this point. But at least these characters in the film gave some distraction to Captain Jack. Can you imagine PIRATES 4 being solely about Captain Jack and him out to sea for 2+ hours? I'd rather not.


Do people actually want a PIRATES 4?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 06:14 PM

I think Pirates easily lends itself to a homosexual reading.

It's a sailor-culture, at sea; and the feminine as Other is problematic. The pivotal, central relationship of the film is male-male (Depp-Bloom).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 07:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I think Pirates easily lends itself to a homosexual reading.

It's a sailor-culture, at sea; and the feminine as Other is problematic. The pivotal, central relationship of the film is male-male (Depp-Bloom).


And you are right.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 08:01 PM

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE
(Second Vieiwng)

Again, I was glad the movie didn't tarnish the memory left by the show. However, as is the case with most comedies, it's not as effective the second time around because you're already aware of some of the jokes and gags. If you're a fan of the show, I'd endorse you on seeing this when it comes out in a few weeks.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 08:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC

Willie Mosconi? (the REAL greatest pool player).


I believe that he actually made THESE SHOTS for this scene.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 08:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I believe that he actually made THESE SHOTS for this scene.


I just HAD to watch that full clip. What a powerful ending!

BTW - That was Mosconi (with the white hair) who held the stakes.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 10:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I seem to remember someone else who had a small part in that movie but went unnoticed. I can't think of who it is now.


Willie Mosconi? (the REAL greatest pool player).


I think I'm thinking of the guy who played in "The Sting", Dooley's sidekick. The one with the big nose. I think he was in the scene where Eddie hustles the wrong guy, and pays the price.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/01/07 11:02 PM

This was on at work last night but i missed a bit off it because i was actually doing some work \:o
Great movie though....
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 12:09 AM

Satantango**
Directed by Bela Tarr, this Hungarian movie is 7 hours long \:o
Seriously, and without sounding irritated, I have no clue what the movie is about. I thought I could watch it in two sittings, but I was terribly wrong. I finished this over three days and 4-5 sittings. It is quite boring.
A small town inhabited by just some 10 odd people is cut-off from the main civilization by heavy rains. They hopelessly go on with their lives and wait for some cosmic turn of good events. There are several good things to be said about the movie however. Firstly, the camera perfectly captures the mood of an apocalyptic town, totally crumbling due to its passivity. Photography is mind-blowing in places (and also extremely irritating in some other places). The innovative editing technique that can be seen in Elephant (by Gus Van Sant) plus the tracking style of camera is a rip-off from this movie. I somehow lost a bit of respect for Van Sant because of this. The music is good too.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:33 AM

In the mood for love ***
My second Kar-wai Wong movie. This is easily among the most visually beautiful movies. His sense of colors and lighting is amazing. But the best thing about this movie has to be the music. Just mesmerizing. Though the story or theme is nothing new, the mood created is something to talk about.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:38 AM

A quick note on my new rating system (applicable to the last two movies reviewed as well). It was slightly arbitrary and instinct-based before. Now, it is a little more mechanical:

No Stars - crap/ludicrous/yawn yawn

* - More negative aspects than positive ones

**
- More positive aspects than negative ones

*** - No/negligible negative aspects.

**** - A three star film with a personal influence.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 06:57 AM

DEATH RACE 2000
(Second Viewing)

David Carradine has got to be one of the smoothiest cats I've ever seen on the big screen. In the few roles I've seen him, he just carries himself with so much confidence and maturity. He is truly an amazing actor. It was also great to see Slyvester Stallone in a pre-ROCKY role; this is his earliest work I've seen. As for the film, it's basically a glorified grindhouse film that's so bad it's good. I am however looking forward to the remake, DEATH RACE 3000, staring Jason Statham.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 02:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
DEATH RACE 2000
(Second Viewing)

David Carradine has got to be one of the smoothiest cats I've ever seen on the big screen. In the few roles I've seen him, he just carries himself with so much confidence and maturity. He is truly an amazing actor. It was also great to see Slyvester Stallone in a pre-ROCKY role; this is his earliest work I've seen. As for the film, it's basically a glorified grindhouse film that's so bad it's good. I am however looking forward to the remake, DEATH RACE 3000, staring Jason Statham.


You really think Paul W.S. Douchebagderson can make a better movie?

OHHHH OKAY, whatever man. You know your crappy horror franchises, I don't...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 02:38 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
A quick note on my new rating system (applicable to the last two movies reviewed as well). It was slightly arbitrary and instinct-based before. Now, it is a little more mechanical:

No Stars - crap/ludicrous/yawn yawn

* - More negative aspects than positive ones

**
- More positive aspects than negative ones

*** - No/negligible negative aspects.

**** - A three star film with a personal influence.


Sounds like a good rating system to me.

BTW Svsg, the best movie of 2007 so far?
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 04:57 PM

Yesterday I watched on TCM Guys and Dolls. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but I did. It was nice seeing Brando and Sinatra. I gotta get the Col. to buy me this for my b-day this month. Does anybody know if that was really Marlon Singing?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

BTW Svsg, the best movie of 2007 so far?

It looks like I haven't watched many new movies this year. So I am not really sure. I will watch American Gangster when it comes to my $-theater soon. I definitely missed a chance to watch Eastern Promises and Assassination of Jesse James. I think I won't be able to watch Darjeeling as well. I am planning to watch Bewoulf today hopefully and if possible Ratatouille one of these days. I have bumped up the 2007 movies thread. I know you have said Zodiac is your favorite so far, but I would like to see your fresh list. Has your vote changed?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:14 PM

 Originally Posted By: Mignon
Yesterday Does anybody know if that was really Marlon Singing?


It was, Mig.

Sinatra and Brando hated each other, and they hardly talked to each other during the filming of this movie. Reportedly, Sinatra was jealous that Brando got the bigger part, a part he wanted for himself.

To me, the highlight of the movie was Stubby Kaye's rendition of "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat". I had seen him reprise that role on Broadway, and that song was one of the most exciting moments I've ever seen on the Gay White Way.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:17 PM

SC,

I never knew Sinatra/Brando hated each other. \:o Was it common knowledge and did they hate each other til the end? Sounds like two pretty big egos clashing maybe.


TIS
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: Mignon
Yesterday I watched on TCM Guys and Dolls. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but I did. It was nice seeing Brando and Sinatra. I gotta get the Col. to buy me this for my b-day this month. Does anybody know if that was really Marlon Singing?


Yes Miggy. That was Marlon Brando singing. And rumor has it that Sinatra was really pissed off that Brando got to sing Luck Be A Lady Tonight in that scene instead of him!

One of my favorite musicals Mig. Definitely one worth buying for the collection!

But for me, the guy who steals the show is an actor named Stubby Kaye (Nicely Nicely). The scene in the Salvation Army office when he sings Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat is perhaps one of the best performances in the entire movie!



EDIT : SC and I must have been replying to MIG's post around the same time! Great minds SC, great minds. ;\)
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I seem to remember someone else who had a small part in that movie but went unnoticed. I can't think of who it is now.


Willie Mosconi? (the REAL greatest pool player).


I think I'm thinking of the guy who played in "The Sting", Dooley's sidekick. The one with the big nose. I think he was in the scene where Eddie hustles the wrong guy, and pays the price.


YES YES YES BETH! I had a feeling that you were talking about him, but I don't know his acting name! The camera pans over him in the scene you are talking about! That face/pug nose is one that you just don't forget!

Definitely him!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

BTW Svsg, the best movie of 2007 so far?

It looks like I haven't watched many new movies this year. So I am not really sure. I will watch American Gangster when it comes to my $-theater soon. I definitely missed a chance to watch Eastern Promises and Assassination of Jesse James. I think I won't be able to watch Darjeeling as well. I am planning to watch Bewoulf today hopefully and if possible Ratatouille one of these days. I have bumped up the 2007 movies thread. I know you have said Zodiac is your favorite so far, but I would like to see your fresh list. Has your vote changed?


Well, this was my top 10 list so far:

(1) ZODIAC
(2) EASTERN PROMISES
(3) AMERICAN GANGSTER
(4) THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
(5) SHOOT' EM UP
(6) THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD
(7) BUG
(8) 3:10 TO YUMA
(9) MICHAEL CLAYTON
(10) GONE BABY GONE

Close But No Cigar

WE OWN THE NIGHT
SMOKIN' ACES
THE SIMPSONS MOVIE
BLACK SNAKE MOAN
SERAPHIM FALLS

But we have a whole fucking month to go, so much will change. Trust me.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: Beth E
 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Beth E
I seem to remember someone else who had a small part in that movie but went unnoticed. I can't think of who it is now.


Willie Mosconi? (the REAL greatest pool player).


I think I'm thinking of the guy who played in "The Sting", Dooley's sidekick. The one with the big nose. I think he was in the scene where Eddie hustles the wrong guy, and pays the price.


YES YES YES BETH! I had a feeling that you were talking about him, but I don't know his acting name! The camera pans over him in the scene you are talking about! That face/pug nose is one that you just don't forget!

Definitely him!


OK BETH,

His name is CHARLES DIERKOP . It's definitely him!
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:37 PM

Yeah. Supposedly Sinatra also wanted the role of Terry Malloy in "On The Waterfront" which went to Brando. Sinatra used to call him "Mumbles" and Brando used to make fun of Sinatra's baldness.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 05:40 PM

As much as I like Sinatra, it's hard to picture anyone else but Brando in Waterfront, you know???? \:\)


TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 06:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
As much as I like Sinatra, it's hard to picture anyone else but Brando in Waterfront, you know???? \:\)


TIS


Sinatra coulda been a contender. ;\)
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 08:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
As much as I like Sinatra, it's hard to picture anyone else but Brando in Waterfront, you know???? \:\)


TIS


I like that movie TIS. I have that one in my Gangster collection. Hopefully that movie and other Brando movies will come on tv soon.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 08:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: Mignon

Hopefully that movie and other Brando movies will come on tv soon.


Turner Classic Movies Channel :

December 1st 3:30 PM Guys And Dolls (Brando/Sinatra

December 4th 1:00 AM Julius Caesar (Brando)

December 7th 10:15 PM From Here To Eternity (Sinatra)

December 18th 10:15 PM The Joker Is Wild (Sinatra)
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 08:48 PM

Thank you Mr. Cardi
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 09:01 PM

Prego Prego!
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 09:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: Mignon
Thank you Mr. Cardi


Oops my mistake.

I meant to say grazie Mr. Cardi
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 09:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Prego Prego!

Spaghetti Spaghetti
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/02/07 09:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi

YES YES YES BETH!


Are we still talking about "The Hustler", or a scene in "When Harry met Sally"?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 02:54 AM

HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II 1/2
(First Viewing)

So far, these have got to be some of the strangest, weirdest horror films I've ever seen. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, it's just different. This is pretty disgusting in some parts and that's saying something with my stomach for horror films. Ashley Laurence does another fine job as Kirsty Cotton.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 03:29 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi

YES YES YES BETH!


Are we still talking about "The Hustler", or a scene in "When Harry met Sally"?


Actually it was the Scene in 'When Cardi Met BethE'. Wasn't it you that was sitting directly across the table from me at Panico's, saying "Oh F**k! Oh F**K!" every few seconds?


;\) ;\)
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 03:32 AM

Yeah, but I think that was mainly because it was so dark and I couldn't read the menu. \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 05:26 AM

CARRIE (1976)
(Nth Viewing)

The Stephen King novel based film that introduced the writer to the world of film. Probably one of his strongest stories and Brian De Palma treats it as such and creates a horror classic (the split-screen shot was a nice touch). Terrific performances by Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. One of the few horror films that I'm aware of with Oscar nominations.
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 05:53 AM

I like that movie Irish. I'm not thrilled with the sequals though. This scene freaked me out.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 07:37 AM

American Gangster ***
I went to watch Bewoulf in 3d-imax, but it was sold out \:\( So I ended up watching this instead. Though the movie was long, I never felt it was dragging at any stage. A very well made movie in terms of pacing and acting by both the lead stars. i usually get annoyed by Russel Crowe, but for a change I liked him in this role. Denzel Washington plays his usual well-mannered, smooth talking role to perfection. All the comparisons to Godfather are baseless though. Maybe superficially valid, but not really at any thematic level.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 09:04 AM


Watched both F/X (1986) and F/X2 (1991) tonight... I thought they'd be interesting since I like learning about special effects (sfx), and they were fun to watch despite being a bit dated (we've come a long way in the past 20 years! ;\) ) I kept saying to myself this'd probably make a good TV series, and apparently it was, tho I've never seen it nor has it been released on home video. Too bad.

Oh yeah, and I also saw the newer The Dead Zone (2002) -- basically the first 2 episodes of the TV series presented as a movie, and it was pretty cool. I've added the TV series to my NetFlix queue ...
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

The Dead Zone (1983) (based on the novel by Stephen King)

Directed by: David Cronenberg
Starring: Christopher Walken, with Martin Sheen

A teacher (Walken), on his way home with a coworker he's in love with, gets into a traffic accident and winds up in, and then awakes from, a long coma. He's now gifted (?) with the power to see -- and change -- the future simply by touching someone. This came in handy a few times, especially once he shook hands with a cheesy politician.

Speaking of cheesy, this was made in the 80s. \:\/ Performances were overly performed as a result. I like the idea of the story, but plan to see the 2002 version first (starring Anthony Michael Hall, which then became an of-course TV series) ...before I give a final comparison rating... but so far it's a **1/2 or *** of 5...


Final rating, 7.5/10
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 12:15 PM

I watched "Bad Boys 2" on TV last night,its the 2nd time ive seen this film and was disapointed this time, its on far too long and its so over the top with a gun battle in every other scene, i like those two together, but it looked like they was trying too hard, so much differant than the first one ,was it because differant makers or something..

6/10
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 12:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
I watched "Bad Boys 2" on TV last night,its the 2nd time ive seen this film and was disapointed this time, its on far too long and its so over the top with a gun battle in every other scene, i like those two together, but it looked like they was trying too hard, so much differant than the first one ,was it because differant makers or something..

6/10


40 minutes easily could have been chopped from BAD BOYS 2. You can tell which scenes should have been simply cut out.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 08:45 PM

CUTTHROAT ISLAND
(First Viewing)

Not as bad as originally thought (better than HUDSON HAWK anyway). Ok, first of all, who was the genius to cast Geena Davis as a pirate? If one thing is true in this universe, its that Geena Davis is NOT and can NOT play a pirate! Matthew Modine I'll cut a little more slack as he was passable as a thief/pirate.

As for the film, a decent amount of action but by the Third Act it's tiresome. It should have and could have been cut by about 10-15 minutes and those fights at the end hurt the film rather than helped it. Now I'm waiting on CUTTHROAT ISLAND 2: THE AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 11:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CUTTHROAT ISLAND
(First Viewing)

Not as bad as originally thought (better than HUDSON HAWK anyway). Ok, first of all, who was the genius to cast Geena Davis as a pirate? If one thing is true in this universe, its that Geena Davis is NOT and can NOT play a pirate! Matthew Modine I'll cut a little more slack as he was passable as a thief/pirate.

As for the film, a decent amount of action but by the Third Act it's tiresome. It should have and could have been cut by about 10-15 minutes and those fights at the end hurt the film rather than helped it. Now I'm waiting on CUTTHROAT ISLAND 2: THE AFRICAN ADVENTURE


Where art thou wikipedia and IMDB?

Renny Harlin = Director
Geena Davis = Wife of Director (at the time)

Its one of the most infamous flops in Hollywood history, and bloated by stupid shit done by Harlin.

And to think, it bankrupted Carolco, just 4 years after T2 made them a goddamn fortune.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/03/07 11:07 PM



RED DAWN (1984) - ***

There is a shot in RED DAWN focusing upn a car's bumper sticker: "They can have my gun when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers." We then cut to a Soviet paratrooper pulling a Colt revolver from a dead man's grip. Either writer/director and NRA supporter John Milius has a sense of humor or its a serious scene that fails, I always get a laugh out of it.

What is known now is that the whole premise of RED DAWN is based on a fallacy of its epoch. We didn't learn until after the Cold War that the Russians didn't have the military or economical capacity to fully invade and occupy America in the 1980s. Plus, America's geographical isolation makes any invasion by a foreign power utterly impossible, but that doesn't matter.

DAWN's scheme is a fantasy what-if in the tradition of John Steinbeck's THE MOON IS DOWN and a exploratory tale of resistance inspired by the reality-based THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS. People simply dismiss this film as stupid ideological paranoia from the Reagan Decade. Where were these people when the RAMBO sequels were popular?

With the plot being the Soviets invading America and high school kids becoming guerilla fighters, it should have been pretty damn stupid and absurd, except this is John Milius we're talking about here.

He help scripted APOCALYPSE NOW. He shot the awesomeness that is CONAN THE BARBARIAN, and he inspired John Goodman's character in THE BIG LEBOWSKI. He aint a moronic flag-waver like Michael Bay.

Now I don't agree with many of Milius' politics. I prefer to keep firearms from the hands of idiots who treat them like toys, and certainly some moments in RED DAWN seem to be his thematic argument against gun control. But what I do dig is his small touches in what is otherwise a decent action movie.

Take the Cuban Colonel. As a member of the Soviet occupation authority, he seems to understand why they're being beaten by kids, which his Russian superiors want to hear nothing of it. Just like Col. Mathieu in THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS, he's a former partisan fighter that is now the imperialist opposition of an insurgency...and he's disillusioned by it.

We never see such compelling communist baddies in the RAMBO pictures.

Then there are Milius' references to history from the Rocky Mountain landscape evoking intentional Deja vu feelings of Afghanistan to the town's cooperation this side of Vichy France. Other nice stuff include Powers Boothe as the downed American pilot who gives a chilling assessment of this Third World War, which no viewer ever forgets, to the Russian counter-attack against these Wolverines that's surprisingly intelligent.

Ultimately I guess I liked RED DAWN because I enjoyed seeing Milius taking these materialistic and selfish kids of America and making them into soldiers fighting for a cause beyond shopping malls and crappy pop music, though apparently some folks took it too seriously.

When American occupation forces of Iraq captured Saddam Hussein in 2003, the seizure operation was called Operation Red Dawn. The Pentagon claims the codename was a coincidence and that we have not become the Cuban Colonel.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/07 01:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
Yeah, but I think that was mainly because it was so dark and I couldn't read the menu. \:\)


LIAR!!!!
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/07 01:12 AM

I ordered Guys And Dolls from Amazon last night. Can't wait to add it to my gangster collection.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/07 08:45 PM

SALEM'S LOT (1979)
(First Viewing)

Definitely felt like a Stephen King novel based movie with a runtime of 183 minutes. I was however glad to see Bonnie Bedelia in another role other than Mrs. John McClane, she was a nice treat. But the show stealer was James Mason as Richard K. Straker, the antique shop owner. I absolutely loved his dialogue, accent and mannerisms. I wonder if the 2004 version with Rob Lowe is as good as this one?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/07 08:46 PM

probley not.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/07 08:48 PM

I want to see Salem's Lot. That, and Black Christmas.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/04/07 09:44 PM

The original BLACK CHRISTMAS or the 2006 remake? I've seen the 2006 version but not the original
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 03:22 AM

The original.

Well, both, I suppose. But original first dammit.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 01:46 PM

This movie has probably been mentioned, but is anyone looking forward to seeing "I'm Not There Yet"? Kate Blanchett as Bob Dylan??? Wow!! \:o Who would have thought? Anyway, Dylan's always been somewhat of a mystery, and I think this movie might be pretty good. Anyone hear any buzz?


TIS
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 02:03 PM

I hadn't heard anything about it until I read your post, TIS. I looked it up on IMDb and it looks kind of interesting. According to that site Cate Blanchett wore a sock down her trousers to play Bob Dylan. The actress said it "helped me walk like a man."

Apparently a few actors portray Dylan at different times of his career. Blanchett's portryal was apparently about the time he did "Don't Look Back".
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 02:28 PM

I'm Not There has been my most anticipated film of the year for a while now. It floored Omar (Suarez, remember him?), and he's as big a fan of the guy as me.

In terms of Dylan's career, I'd have to say Heath Ledger's segment intrigues me mostest.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 06:20 PM

I WATCHED ELF FOR THE FIRST TIME THE OTHER DAY AND THOUGHT IT WAS BRILLIANT
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 06:38 PM

i agree mate,good film,i was in tears nearly watching this..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 09:29 PM

HALLOWEEN (2007) 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Rob Zombie outdoes himself again as he continues to impress me as a writer & director. A fantastic and brutal retelling of the origins of Michael Myers. Most impressive was young Daeg Faerch who plays the 10-year-old version of Michael. His face and emotions did a wonderful job in helping to educate the audiences knowledge on this legendary character. However, I must give props to Scout Taylor-Compton as well. She had some mighty big shoes to fill being the "new" Jaime Lee Curtis in this version and she likewise did a fine job. And for my own personal amusement, I'm glad Rob put William Forsythe in this film, he was great for a laugh.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 09:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
i agree mate,good film,i was in tears nearly watching this..


me and my mates were sat havin a few drinks before we went out and started watching this,we ended finishing watching the whole film i was pissing myself all the way through \:D

Will Ferrell is great
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/05/07 09:56 PM

He is funny, have you seen Anchor Man?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 02:49 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I hadn't heard anything about it until I read your post, TIS. I looked it up on IMDb and it looks kind of interesting. According to that site Cate Blanchett wore a sock down her trousers to play Bob Dylan. The actress said it "helped me walk like a man."

Apparently a few actors portray Dylan at different times of his career. Blanchett's portryal was apparently about the time he did "Don't Look Back".



Here's a short clip. Like Capo said, Heath Ledger along with Richard Gere, Cristian Bale and one or two others play Dylan.

I have absolutely nothing against Kate Blanchett, and from what I have seen via clips, her performance seems credible, but why do you suppose they had a woman play Dylan? I'm guessing there'd be a host of actors that they could make to look/act like Dylan. Do you think perhaps Kate wanted to to it for maybe an ultimate acting challenge or something??? Just wondering.

I didn't know whether to make this movie have a thread of its own or what. Don't know how much interest there'd be in it.
I think the correct title is "I'm Not There". Don't know why I put "yet" in it.

TIS


I'm Not There
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 04:55 AM

Are you guys serious when you say Elf is a brilliant film? Really? Brilliant?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 06:42 AM

I didn't think it was brilliant. I watched it once in theaters and that was enough for me. I love Will Ferrell but I've seen better work from him
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 07:32 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Are you guys serious when you say Elf is a brilliant film? Really? Brilliant?


It's all relative, Blib. ;\)
Posted By: bogey

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 07:36 AM

Zing!
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 08:17 AM


I re-watched Kids (1995) tonight...

What a horrific, depraved, disgusting, disturbing, decadent, horrifying, and scary look at a "day in the life" of a group of Manhattan teens! Truly, horrifying and tragic, and depressing! Can I use any more adjectives? How about sad. That's how I feel if urban youth actually live like that!

It's one thing to "get pussy", yet another to make your goal to deflower young girls while you don't even know you have HIV. And it's presented in an almost pedophilic manner introducing the "next" generation (of like, 9 year olds) to this sex/drugs lifestyle.

If I was a parent, I'd probably consider this a HORROR movie. But I'm not, and don't. But as a former emotionally-disturbed-teen counselor, I find it disturbing to say the least.

I rated this 3/5 on NetFlix the last time I saw it, and do again. Maybe even 3-1/2 this time, cuz poignant adds another half-star...

IMDb: 6.6/10
NetFlix: 7/10
JGeoff: 7/10 as well

If I find out that any BB members live this lifestyle, I will personally fly out there to kick their asses!

And previously I watched Twist (2003) again, based on Oliver Twist, but I don't know that story enough to compare it or make any grand review; but, this is a sad tale about a bunch of street hustlers in Toronto.

Maybe I'm just punishing myself watching movies like this! lol

Can anyone recommend a "happy" flick" for me please? lol

Oh! I did finally see Superbad (2007) last night! ...that was super-Bad-Ass
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:12 AM

GIA
(First Viewing)

Too much of a made-for-TV movie. The directing by Michael Cristofer was amateur at best. Angelina Jolie was great and yes we got to see her goodies, but the entire second half of the film became just another depressing drugy movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Oh! I did finally see Superbad (2007) last night! ...that was super-Bad-Ass


Easily the best comedy in the past 5-10 years
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:19 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Oh! I did finally see Superbad (2007) last night! ...that was super-Bad-Ass


Easily the best comedy in the past 5-10 years

Let's not get ridiculous now...
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Oh! I did finally see Superbad (2007) last night! ...that was super-Bad-Ass


Easily the best comedy in the past 5-10 years

Let's not get ridiculous now...


Now that award would go to elf.. ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:25 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Oh! I did finally see Superbad (2007) last night! ...that was super-Bad-Ass


Easily the best comedy in the past 5-10 years

Let's not get ridiculous now...


Name a better during that time span
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:29 AM

Little Ms Sunshine if you can call that a comedy and American Pie for me are two of the best comidies of the last 10 years.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:32 AM

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE was alright, I didn't find it that funny. AMERICAN PIE was great but I'd still say SUPERBAD was better.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:33 AM

Each his own of course.not seen Superbad, and don't intend too.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 04:49 PM

I thought it was hysterical, but as for the last ten years I'll still go with THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY (1998), as the funniest movie.

I'll tell you one thing about the Judd Apatow ensemble: Jonah Hill is the least talented of them all. Being fat, homely and obnoxious gets a little bit old after 2 or 3 films.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 06:42 PM

[quote=J Geoff]
I re-watched Kids (1995) tonight...

What a horrific, depraved, disgusting, disturbing, decadent, horrifying, and scary look at a "day in the life" of a group of Manhattan teens! Truly, horrifying and tragic, and depressing! Can I use any more adjectives? How about sad. That's how I feel if urban youth actually live like that!

It's one thing to "get pussy", yet another to make your goal to deflower young girls while you don't even know you have HIV. And it's presented in an almost pedophilic manner introducing the "next" generation (of like, 9 year olds) to this sex/drugs lifestyle.

If I was a parent, I'd probably consider this a HORROR movie. But I'm not, and don't. But as a former emotionally-disturbed-teen counselor, I find it disturbing to say the least.

I rated this 3/5 on NetFlix the last time I saw it, and do again. Maybe even 3-1/2 this time, cuz poignant adds another half-star...

IMDb: 6.6/10
NetFlix: 7/10
JGeoff: 7/10 as well


Kids is a great film,love it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:51 PM

THE SHINING (1980)
(Nth Viewing)

I think it's really hard for me to decide which Stanley Kubrick movie I like the most, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, or THE SHINING. He outdoes himself again with his directing in this film. I love the close shots of characters and then zooming back to show the rest of the background or when a character is walking around the hotel, how he centers the character in the middle of the frame so as to see all of the open space behind him/her.

However, just as Kubrick's directing was top notch, so was Jack Nicholson. He was born to play this part. I don't think anybody else could be this sick, twisted and demented yet still be able to make me laugh with this dialogues and mannerisms. My favorite scene in the film has to be when Jack Nicholson (Jack Torrance) is in the bathroom talking with Philip Stone (Delbert Grady) about him hacking up his family and being the previous caretaker. That scene is just so chilling and intense, I absolutely loved it. This is one of the few Stephen King novels I've read and I enjoyed Kubrick's movie more than King's book. The ending to this film was much more chilling than King's novel. This is one of the greatest horror movies of all-time!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 09:55 PM

A classic, no doubt, Irish. Although, I'm sure you know, it was not to King's liking.

What did you think of the television mini-series in 1997, starring Steven Weber? I thought it was great.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 10:16 PM

Yes, I heard King was not a fan of it. As for the TV mini-series, I haven't seen it yet but it's on the list. I'm now in the process of trying to watch all of the Stephen King short stories/novel based movies (I've got the total up to 52 right now). Next up is CREEPSHOW.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 10:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I'm now in the process of trying to watch all of the Stephen King short stories/novel based movies.


I think "Shawshank" was the best adaptation.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 10:29 PM

I've seen it before and yes it is great. I'm looking forward to a second showing
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 10:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I'm now in the process of trying to watch all of the Stephen King short stories/novel based movies.


I think "Shawshank" was the best adaptation.


Followed by "The Green Mile".
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 10:56 PM

Another good one, SC. But I'd have figured you to be a fan of STAND BY ME, strictly from a generational point of view.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/06/07 11:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Another good one, SC. But I'd have figured you to be a fan of STAND BY ME, strictly from a generational point of view.


Thats my third favorite of his. Wonderful story (especially the story within a story - the pie eating contest).
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 01:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE SHINING (1980)
(Nth Viewing)

I love the movie. The sound of the kid cycling on two different surfaces and the whole maze in the garden in the final scene are absolutely brilliant.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 06:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE SHINING (1980)
(Nth Viewing)

I love the movie. The sound of the kid cycling on two different surfaces


Yes, I did love that too
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 09:19 AM


In preparation for Order of the Phoenix (2007) coming out on DVD next week, I felt the need to rewatch Harry Potter 3 & 4... tonight was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), which I thought was #3 but it's #4 \:\/ -- and at first I thought it was weak, and then I thought it was a decent setting-up sequel... and just a set-up, so it doesn't rate that strongly compared to the others thus far. Haven't seen Order of the Phoenix yet, so after I rewatch #3 now, I'll pick it up.....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 02:54 PM

THE BROTHERS SOLOMON 1/2
(First Viewing)

So far director Bob Odenkirk still hasn't impressed me thus far with this film and LET'S GO TO PRISON. Both star Will Arnett and try to be funny but fail in both attempts. This films tries to play like a mix between DUMB & DUMBER and KNOCKED UP only not as funny. The brothers Will Arnett and Will Forte work very well togerther and compliment each other but again, the jokes just aren't that funny.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 02:56 PM

Irish, start watching good movies asap. I wouldn't want you to fry your brain. \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 02:58 PM

Well, lately it's been pretty hit-or-miss with CARRIE, SALEM'S LOT and THE SHINING having been great. Tonight I'm going to watch HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 03:19 PM

Was is it with people and wizards, i don't know what the attraction is with Harry Potter, im probley the only person not to have seen any..
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 03:26 PM

No, you're not alone DeNiro. I too, have never seen/read a Harry Potter. I don't know why, but I am not even tempted to.


TIS
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 03:28 PM

I watched the first movie. It was OK, but I couldn't really get into it and have no urge to see any of the others.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 03:33 PM

your not the only one.

Im always seeing grown adults reading the books on the tram to work, theres probley more adults into it than children.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 03:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Im always seeing grown adults reading the books on the tram to work.
It must be tough living a century behind. \:p
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/07/07 04:30 PM

There brand new \:\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 05:26 AM

Sansho the Bailiff ***
My first Mizoguchi film. This is a tragic story of human suffering and faith in goodness in spite of it. It unfolds like a folk tale (which it is), where fate plays a big role in the final destinies of characters, even if it means unbelievable coincidences spanning decades in time. The film did not affect me on any personal level, though I liked it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 06:29 AM

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

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

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 07:50 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX 1/2 (Second Viewing)

So which is it... you got a copy early from BB, or a bootleg? \:p

Tonight was, again in preparation of an upcoming DVD release, my second viewing of The Bourne Identity (2002) -- still ***. Next will be The Bourne Supremacy (2004) (***) again, and then I'll be ready for the never-seen new release of The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

...these concurrent with catching up with Potter...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 12:44 PM




YEAR OF THE DRAGON (1985) - ***1/2

Twenty years ago, Mickey Rourke was being cited as the next Marlon Brando for his masculine presence and pure acting charisma that he exhibited on the big screen. Unfortunately, he did end up as the next Brando, at least in the knack for picking terrible scripts and working for the easy paycheck.

Like Brando in ON THE WATERFRONT, he could have been an acting contender, but he blew it.

But before the downfall, Rourke teamed up with disgraced Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Cimino in the adaptation of Robert Daley's crime boiler YEAR OF THE DRAGON. Ironically, Rourke was playing a character that is as old as Rourke is now and ignoring the boxing scars on his face, its eerie in how they both display the look of bitter vinegar disapointment with the lousy cards they've been dealt in life.

Rourke convincingly portrays a middle-aged man in spite of the fact that his make-up isn't convincing, yet it doesn't matter.

Playing a burned-out Vietnam veteran-turned NYPD cop of a Polish-American, Rourke is a man very cynical of the "system," and his days fighting the NVA in the jungles have left him with a angry hostile prejudice against all Orientals. He's fought a losing war before, but he's determined to win this new war at all costs against Chinese Triad leader John Lone. He's practically "Charlie" in Rourke's eyes.

Lone is excellent as the villain that's equally unwilling to backdown, and damn he's a great actor that deserved a better Hollywood career. With a great grasp on the English tongue, he takes a one-note villain part and turned it into a memorable performance.

He conveys such great presence of intelligence in contrast to Rourke's masculine aura. Maybe the best scene in the film is when he's being openly mocked by his fellow Triad mobsters, and he has to quietly take it. Yet without dialogue, his eyes tell us that he will strike back at his new enemy....

I think its a shame that writer/director Michael Cimino has been permanently blackballed by Hollywood over the HEAVEN'S GATE fiasco. I mean it's pretty much his fault for GATE's infamous overspending, but like John Carpenter and John Milius, I just hate seeing good talent not being utilized today. They're too good to be wasted, and yet they are.

Cimino shoots a compelling melodrama about a cop that will wage an uncompromising dirty street war and will suffer harshly for it, with an emotional toll that exausts the viewer. He has some stuff in his script that I don't care, from the DIRTY HARRY simpleton portrayal of the news media to a random shot of an American flag.

Is this cheap emotional pull this side of Spider-Man or some misplaced patriotic righteousness of the hero? Maybe its both. Nevermind that the female lead is nice tits without any acting talent, such pretty dead space. She's a breathing prop for Rourke.

Alot of people dismissed YEAR OF THE DRAGON, saying that its a very racist movie against Chinese-Americans and they just totally missed the whole point. There is a difference being racist, and simply have the gall to have a flawed racist hero this side of John Wayne in THE SEARCHERS.

Cimino and Rourke teamed up to create a good little tale about a soldier who fights an enemy so much, he ends up falling in love with one of them.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 02:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX 1/2 (Second Viewing)

So which is it... you got a copy early from BB, or a bootleg? \:p

Tonight was, again in preparation of an upcoming DVD release, my second viewing of The Bourne Identity (2002) -- still ***. Next will be The Bourne Supremacy (2004) (***) again, and then I'll be ready for the never-seen new release of The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

...these concurrent with catching up with Potter...


Geoff,

Don't you just love the Bourne movies? I don't purchase many movies, but I have the first two of Bourne and will be getting the third. \:\) Anyway, one of my favorites.

TIS
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 02:35 PM

I still havn't seen these films..
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 03:02 PM

OUT OF SIGHT (1998) ****

Steven Soderbergh adaptation of the Elmore Leonard novel starring George Clooney as bank robber Jack Foley and Jennifer Lopez as Karen Sisco, the federal marshall assigned to bring him down, after he briefly kidnaps her during his escape. Don Cheadle, in a rare turn as a very bad guy, and Ving Rhames as Clooney's partner-in-crime were both memorable. And an unrecognizable Albert Brooks, as the millionaire they're all plotting to rip-off, was just great. Look for BB favorite Dennis Farina as Karen's dad.

My favorite film of 1998. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 03:23 PM

I happened to catch this movie about two weeks ago. I enjoyed it.

A really decent cast with some good performances, especially from Ving Rhames.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 05:47 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX 1/2 (Second Viewing)

So which is it... you got a copy early from BB, or a bootleg? \:p


Yes I got it early from Blockbuster. The movies that come out on Tuesdays we get the Friday before. I watched HARRY POTTER last night and tomorrow (or tonight if I can squeeze it in) I'm going to watch THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM. Sometimes we get them weeks in advance depending on the studio (see THE BROTHERS SOLOMON which doesn't come out until 12/26)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 08:55 PM

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
(First Viewing)

Marketed and advertised as another CHRIONICLES OF NARNIA but plays like another PAN'S LABYRINTH where most of the story isn't fantasy based, but rather reality. It really pisses me off when movie companies do this However, surprisingly AnnaSophia Robb puts together a good performance as the very imaginative Leslie Burke.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 09:01 PM

Blame your expectations on the trailers, not the films. Don't take trailers for granted. When you realise this you might start to open up to a whole lot of great films.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 10:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
(First Viewing)

Marketed and advertised as another CHRIONICLES OF NARNIA but plays like another PAN'S LABYRINTH where most of the story isn't fantasy based, but rather reality. It really pisses me off when movie companies do this However, surprisingly AnnaSophia Robb puts together a good performance as the very imaginative Leslie Burke.


If you know what the fucking book's about or even had done a little research you could've realized this.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/08/07 10:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Blame your expectations on the trailers, not the films. Don't take trailers for granted. When you realise this you might start to open up to a whole lot of great films.


Capo, you expect way too much from some people. \:\)

BTW, did you see NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN yet?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 12:50 AM

No, not until January. Can't wait!

Between yesterday and today I watched Knocked Up, Superbad and The 40 Year-Old Virgin. All pretty great. I'd rank them in the order I watched them, though they're all pretty different.

Michael Cera's a very, very promising young actor.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 12:53 AM

40 year old virgan is a good film but the ending is ridicolus.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 01:00 AM

What ending, the musical?

That's probably the best bit. How else to befit the feelings of physical and emotional relief?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 01:05 AM

The extras on the dvd is pretty funny.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 03:42 AM

CREEPSHOW
(First Viewing)

My first George Romero film I've seen. I liked how it had five different stories together instead of simply dragging out one or two. They were able to mix things up quite a bit. I also liked the illustrations to transition between stories and how it had a TALES FROM THE CRYPT feel to it. Leslie Nielsen was a nice surprise as a killer. I always associate him as being a comedian for his work on THE NAKED GUN trilogy as well as SCARY MOVIES 3 & 4. But I loved him in a serious role as a killer (sort of like Kevin Costner in MR. BROOKS earlier this year).
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 06:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
My first George Romero film I've seen.


You've never seen Night of the Living Dead or Dawn of the Dead (1978)?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 07:35 AM

COBB 1/2
(Second Viewing)

While the man is hated and dispised by so many, he still makes for an interesting story, even if it is during the last stage of his life and not solely on his baseball career. Tommy Lee Jones turns in a magnificent performance as the hateful Ty Cobb. Tommy did a great job of making you both hate and sypathize him. What I want to know is what happened to Robert Wuhl after this film? Other than for the HBO show ARLI$$, the man feel off the map.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 07:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
My first George Romero film I've seen.


You've never seen Night of the Living Dead or Dawn of the Dead (1978)?


Nope, neither, I'm not really a zombie movie fan
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 06:12 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
My first George Romero film I've seen.


You've never seen Night of the Living Dead or Dawn of the Dead (1978)?


Nope, neither, I'm not really a zombie movie fan


Wait, there are good zombie flicks outside of Romero, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, and goddamn SHAUN OF THE DEAD?


Really?

Really?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 10:00 PM

THE GOLDEN COMPASS
(First Viewing)

Finally a real fantasy movie and not the teases such as BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA or PAN'S LABYRINTH. Dakota Blue Richards does a great job in her first movie and it was great seeing Nicole Kidman as a villain. She has those cold eyes and curtness to her that makes her a powerful character. I hope they continue to make these films as I'd like to see how the story ends, but I guess it depends on how well it does at the box office.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/09/07 11:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
(First Viewing)

Finally a real fantasy movie and not the teases such as BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA or PAN'S LABYRINTH. Dakota Blue Richards does a great job in her first movie and it was great seeing Nicole Kidman as a villain. She has those cold eyes and curtness to her that makes her a powerful character. I hope they continue to make these films as I'd like to see how the story ends, but I guess it depends on how well it does at the box office.


God damn Polar Bears.

Hey, where's your epic plot summaries?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 12:45 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
(First Viewing)

Finally a real fantasy movie and not the teases such as BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA or PAN'S LABYRINTH.
I like you, Irish, but that's got to be one of the shittest sentences I've ever fucking read.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 12:50 AM

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
(First Viewing)

The most satisfying BOURNE film I've seen. Right from the beginning it picked up with the action and suspense and it kept me occupied for the last two hours. I definitely think it ended on a good note and this should be the end of the BOURNE series. However, don't be swayed by the quote on the DVD cover by Maxim's own Pete Hammond, "the best action picture in decades!" Consider the source on that one
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 12:58 AM

What'd I say??? \:p Exactly right. It was a roller coaster ride from the very beginning. For a third film in the series (and otherwise) it was top notch. One of a handful of films that I want to own. \:\)


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 01:03 AM

I need to watch the first two because I had forgot some of the previous storyline. Still a very enjoyable film and I loved the brief scenes in New York City
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 04:21 AM

STARDUST 1/2
(First Viewing)

During the course of the film I became quite disappointed in the experience. First of all, it had a number of name brand stars (Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, and Sienna Miller) to intice viewers to watch. The movie started out well with jokes and the whole fantasy thing going for it, but by the second half you were laughing at the film not with it and hoping for it to end. I now worry about director Matthew Vaughn's 2009 planned film THOR \:\(
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 04:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
STARDUST 1/2
(First Viewing)

During the course of the film I became quite disappointed in the experience. First of all, it had a number of name brand stars (Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, and Sienna Miller). The movie started out well with jokes and the whole fantasy thing going for it, but by the second half you were laughing at the film not with it and hoping for it to end. I now worry about director Matthew Vaughn's 2009 planned film THOR \:\(


Didn't you already post this review?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 05:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
(First Viewing)

Finally a real fantasy movie and not the teases such as BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA or PAN'S LABYRINTH.
I like you, Irish, but that's got to be one of the shittest sentences I've ever fucking read.


And I love Pan's Labyrinth. It's one of the better movies I've seen recently. I wouldn't call it a "tease" unless you trust movie trailers, and by now Irish you really should know that trailers rarely represent movies the way they should. They are normally a marketing scheme to get butts in the seats.

Have you seen the movie Office Space? This fake trailer is probably the best proof that someone can take a movie and edit it into pieces to portray whatever emotions they want in order to get people interested. Office Space is a lighthearted comedy, but this trailer makes it look like a suspenseful thriller. Here's the link: Fake Office Space Thriller. Obviously this is an extreme example, but it's not too far off from normal movie trailers.

And like Capo said, "I like you" as well, so don't take this as some sort of an attack.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 06:14 AM

CUJO
(First Viewing)

The weakest Stephen King based film I've seen and a big reason was the second half of the film. It became another PHONE BOOTH or PREY where a great deal of the film is shown from the SAME location. Let's get some different sets. I hate it when films do this! The dog looked like it had been through hell and back. I skimmed the credits to see if any animals were harmed during the filming of this movie and I didn't see any response. Anyone know?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 06:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
(First Viewing)

Finally a real fantasy movie and not the teases such as BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA or PAN'S LABYRINTH.
I like you, Irish, but that's got to be one of the shittest sentences I've ever fucking read.


And I love Pan's Labyrinth. It's one of the better movies I've seen recently. I wouldn't call it a "tease" unless you trust movie trailers, and by now Irish you really should know that trailers rarely represent movies the way they should. They are normally a marketing scheme to get butts in the seats.

Have you seen the movie Office Space? This fake trailer is probably the best proof that someone can take a movie and edit it into pieces to portray whatever emotions they want in order to get people interested. Office Space is a lighthearted comedy, but this trailer makes it look like a suspenseful thriller. Here's the link: Fake Office Space Thriller. Obviously this is an extreme example, but it's not too far off from normal movie trailers.

And like Capo said, "I like you" as well, so don't take this as some sort of an attack.


That was good Blibble, thanks and no offense taken by you or Capo. I guess I'm going to have to start becoming more cautious of trailers as the past couple of years in particular I've been burned by quite a few. Today it's the fantasy marketed movies that aren't really fantasy movies except for about 10% of the film. Or comedies where all of the funny parts are in the previews and the rest of the film sucks.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 03:32 PM

Yeah, take into account the purpose of trailers. They've got to get bums on seats, attract a market. They're quite indifferent to the actual consumption of the film itself, they just need to make enough money to profit. A lot of the time, then, they're going to be mere cash-ins, are going to go with whatever's in fashion. Pan's Labyrinth is a great film, but it was marketed to people in order to make money besides those who knew of the director outside of the Blade films - who would have gone to see it anyway.

It always amuses me when the trailers for subtitled films unfold without any dialogue, just some beautiful music, slow-motion scenes from the film and a word popping up on screen about love and destiny and all that crap. As soon as the characters open their mouths, the marketers know that it'll put people off. "Wait, this movie is foreign!?" Always gives me a chuckle that some will find out the hard way.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 03:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
a word popping up on screen about love and destiny and all that crap.

I'll complete. Choice and Redemption. \:\)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 03:57 PM

I can picture and hear it now, with that trailer voice-over mister:

"It was chance which brought them together.

[slow motion shot of woman looking over her shoulder, drifting away amidst a crowd]

But fate kept them apart.

[slow motion shot of man tearing through troops and guards but held back as he screams and cries]

This year... [voice-over guy's favourite sentence]

[quick montage of kisses, lingering looks and shots of the sky, water, trees and other beautiful, natural things]

...comes a tale [tale? I thought it was a fucking film] of love, destiny, choice and redemption."

[title appears, "coming soon"].


Then the film itself is just a moronic, by-the-book, painting-by-numbers, generic film, the most boring kind of all.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 05:46 PM

You also forgot "starring Academy Award winner ________and Academy Award nominated ________"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 05:47 PM

And "Paul Haggis directs".
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/10/07 08:36 PM

GIRL, INTERRUPTED 1/2
(First Viewing)

A female version to ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. Angelina Jolie was the reason to see this film but don't be fooled. Her performance is great but she's great with only a far cast. I have to see who her competition was that year for her Oscar because I wasn't overly convinced. Winona Ryder is really the only other person to keep up with Jolie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/07 06:53 PM

REVENGE (1990) 1/2
(First Viewing)

After viewing this it was very reminiscent of Tony Scott's 2004 masterpiece, MAN ON FIRE. It was an unusual change to see Kevin Costner in this type of revenge seeking role but one in which I did enjoy as I usually enjoys actors who "go against their norm" and try different things. I also really enjoyed Anthony Quinn and all of his work that I've seen. This is only a third time seeing him with MOBSTERS and LAST ACTION HERO being the first two. Finally, Madeleine Stowe was enjoyable as well but unfortunatley has fallen off the map, at least IMO, since 1999's THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/07 09:52 PM

CRIMSON TIDE
(First Viewing)

A pretty good, intense, egotistical shoving match between Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. They worked very well together despite the predictability of the film at every turn.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/07 09:55 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed that, too. The more I watch it, the more I like it. (And Gandolfini played his part perfectly).
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/07 10:02 PM

BLUES BUSTERS (1950) ****

My favorite "Bowery Boys" (not including the dramatic turns in DEAD END or ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES). After getting his tonsils removed, Satch wakes to discover he has a beautiful singing voice (flawlessly dubbed to the real singing voice of nightclub entertainer John Lorenz). Slip and the boys decide to make a buck out of the situation by turning Louie's Sweet Shop into a nightclub.

I know the four stars are a bit of a stretch, but it's one of the more enjoyable films you'll ever see. Highly recommended.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/07 10:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Slip and the boys decide to make a buck out of the situation by turning Louie's Sweet Shop into a nightclub.


I assume you know, but for the sake of others that may not, Louie, in real life, was Leo Gorcey's father.

I used to love those movies.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/07 10:08 PM

Yup, I knew, SC. But it's nice of you to point out for the others.

Now I know you remember they were on channel 5 on Saturdays, as opposed to Abbott and Costello, who were on channel 11 on Sundays.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/11/07 10:19 PM

I honestly don't remember on which channel the movies aired but I was a regular viewer of them. I liked the early ones better when Gorcey played Muggs McGinnis. Remember Scruno? (Sunshine Sammy Morrison).
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 12:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Yup, I knew, SC. But it's nice of you to point out for the others.

Now I know you remember they were on channel 5 on Saturdays, as opposed to Abbott and Costello, who were on channel 11 on Sundays.


I remember that PB! I think the show was called "East Side Comedy" and would start at 11:00AM on channel 5. It was years later that the show moved to channel 11 on Saturday afternoons.

I also remember that Abbott and Costello were on every Sunday at 11:30am. We'd watch them every week and then switch over to the 1:00 Football game!

The Bowery Boys were great. One of my favorite episodes is titled 'Let's Get Tough'when The Bowery Boys aka The East Side Kids crash an alliance between Japanese saboteurs and a German immigrant with pro-Nazi sentiments.

I understand that they are trying to make a DVD set with all the episodes, but some of the films are pretty old and worn and they need to attempt to restore them before putting them on DVD.

Definitely a set that I would purchase.


 Originally Posted By: SC
Remember Scruno? (Sunshine Sammy Morrison).


Actually he was one of the original members of our gang!



The episode with him that stands out with me is when he meets Bela Lugosi in Spooks Run Wild!





Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 08:52 AM

SHREK
(First Viewing)

I'm finally deciding to see what's so great about this SHREK trilogy and I must admit, the original film was far better than I expected. Eddie Murphy was hilarious in this and prior to this, his last good comedy was BEVERLY HILLS COP III in 1994. Only the second Andrew Adamson film I've seen (CHRONICLES OF NARNIA being the first). I hope the next two films are as enjoyable as this was.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 08:59 AM

Not a fan of The Nutty Professor, Irish?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 06:32 PM

No, not at all. The NUTTY PROFESSORS and NORBIT all sucked
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 09:14 PM

\:\( Not seen Norbit or The Klumps, but remember really liking Nutty.

"Hercules! Hercules!"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 09:35 PM

ENEMY OF THE STATE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

A fascinating storyline that still has merit in today's world of where to draw the line between protecting this country via telecommunication surveillance and invasion of privacy. Will Smith is his usual brilliant action star self and Tony Scott is giving Michael Bay a run in terms of my favorite action director.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 09:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ENEMY OF THE STATE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

A fascinating storyline that still has merit in today's world of where to draw the line between protecting this country via telecommunication surveillance and invasion of privacy. Will Smith is his usual brilliant action star self and Tony Scott is giving Michael Bay a run in terms of my favorite action director.


Yeah I liked the movie


When it was called THE CONVERSATION, and less explosions.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 09:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Yeah I liked the movie
When it was called THE CONVERSATION, and less explosions.

Yes, Conversation is way better than EOS.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/12/07 11:31 PM

Both movies are linked by Hackman's presence. Clever and sensible nod, methinks.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 12:57 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Yeah I liked the movie
When it was called THE CONVERSATION, and less explosions.

Yes, Conversation is way better than EOS.


Understatement of the Week.

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Both movies are linked by Hackman's presence. Clever and sensible nod, methinks.


The two Tony Scott-shot movies with Hackman....ENEMY OF THE STATE and CRIMSON TIDE....the difference was that with TIDE, Hackman was utilized well against Denzel Washington.

With STATE, Will Smith might have well been a free-floating pointless flagellum, as useless as he is.

Sad thing is, next time he doesn't make a dumbass popcorn movie, he'll get an Oscar nod.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 01:00 AM

Good call, Ronnie.

Personally, I like him. I was in Miami when they were filming the fight scenes for ALI, I got to meet him for like a minute and a half. He's as friendly in person as on Letterman, but I agree with ENEMY OF THE STATE. If not for Hackman, the movie's a total disaster.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 01:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Good call, Ronnie.

Personally, I like him. I was in Miami when they were filming the fight scenes for ALI, I got to meet him for like a minute and a half. He's as friendly in person as on Letterman, but I agree with ENEMY OF THE STATE. If not for Hackman, the movie's a total disaster.


I think Smith is a flakehead, or simply just happens to work in many idioticly bad popcorn movies.

He was good in ALI, but otherwise he's fucking useless to me. The fact that he also beat B.I.G. for a Rap Grammy....that's wrong. That's like KISS getting beat out by REO Speedwagon.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 07:13 AM


December Boys (2007) [PG-13]

Directed by: Rod Hardy (various episodes of various shit TV shows)
Starring: Daniel "Harry Potter" Radcliffe, among others

Log line: Four boys raised in a Catholic orphanage are granted a holiday together, some trying to earn the right to be the one adopted by their hosting family.

Synopsis: Four orphaned boys, all born in December, are given the privilege of a holiday from their Catholic orphanage. One decides emphatically over the others to win the hearts of this family to become adopted by them. Situations ensue (of course), and in the end, "family" is what it is....

Mini Review: First off, I think Radcliffe was miscast in this piece. The poor kid -- well, young adult now -- is unfortunately typecast at this point I think; and beyond that, I think he was too old for this part. Having been adopted myself (tho as an infant), I was interested in seeing this. These boys enjoy their Australian vacation on the beach, and at times fight over who'll be The One adopted. But at times I had no idea what was going on -- WTF did the horse symbolize? Who are these characters?? A 90-minute movie with hardly any character development?? But, the scenery at least was beautiful...

Okay, so I basically think this was a stinker. But at the same time near the end my eyes leaked a little bit just the same. Yet after i thought it should've ended, it didn't... \:\/

Grading: I had my high-hopes, but I think Hardy failed miserably. A "B" TV director doing a feature film?? Literally: within the first few minutes I thought to myself, "wow, the first full-length short film ever made"! The story had SO much potential, and with one of the biggest teen stars of this decade, it still failed. And on many levels. I was disappointed, but, didn't absolutely hate it I guess... just very disappointed. \:\/

IMDB: 6.9
Netflix: 7.6
JGeoff: 4.5/10



Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 08:38 AM

SHREK 2 1/2
(First Viewing)

Not as funny as the original but Eddie Murphy was still the showstealer. Hopefully part three will be able to balance out the trilogy. I think it's just too hard to follow the original when it's so good (see the SPIDER-MAN and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchises).
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 06:30 PM

NOTES FROM A SCANDAL (2006)**

Cate Blanchett as a 37 year old woman carrying on an affair with a 15 year old boy. Judi Dench as a seventy something spinster shrew trying to blackmail Blanchett into some lesbo action, because she has the goods on her. Bill Nighy as Blanchett's much older husband, who may have been the only character with a single redeeming quality.

Tough to sit through the whole thing. Thank God it only ran 90 minutes. I gave it a full second star because when Judi Dench was soaking in the tub, they had the good sense to NOT let her stand up. That would have sent me screaming, much like Al Bundy, I'm blind! I'm blind!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 06:40 PM

The whole notion of a young boy having sex with Cate Blanchett gave me too much of an erection, I would have been too embarrassed to go up to the desk and ask for a ticket.

"And does your little brother want a ticket, too?"
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 06:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
The whole notion of a young boy having sex with Cate Blanchett gave me too much of an erection, I would have been too embarrassed to go up to the desk and ask for a ticket.

"And does your little brother want a ticket, too?"




In the film, there's a shot of her peeing, drawers around her ankles, too.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 06:43 PM

Peeing on the boy?

I may be converted to Christianity yet.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 07:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
NOTES FROM A SCANDAL (2006)**

Cate Blanchett as a 37 year old woman carrying on an affair with a 15 year old boy. Judi Dench as a seventy something spinster shrew trying to blackmail Blanchett into some lesbo action, because she has the goods on her. Bill Nighy as Blanchett's much older husband, who may have been the only character with a single redeeming quality.

Tough to sit through the whole thing. Thank God it only ran 90 minutes. I gave it a full second star because when Judi Dench was soaking in the tub, they had the good sense to NOT let her stand up. That would have sent me screaming, much like Al Bundy, I'm blind! I'm blind!


I remember surprisingly enjoying this film. The story was interesting and I've never seen Cate Blanchett look so good
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 07:45 PM

Cate looked good, I'll give you that. ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/13/07 09:42 PM

SHREK THE THIRD
(First Viewing)

Well, the third time wasn't a charm. This series has slowed down considerably since the first installment and I would like to think they're won't be a SHREK 4. Unfortunatley, Eddie Murphy wasn't given that big of a role this time around.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/07 02:18 AM

BALLS OF FURY
(First Vieiwng)

Dan Fogler was kind of a nice surprise and this is his only piece of work that I'm familiar with (even though he's listed as being in SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS, I don't remember him). But why does George Lopez have to do a Tony Montana impersonation in every stand-up, sitcom or movie?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/07 04:49 AM

DRUKEN ANGEL
(First Viewing)

Too much symbolism and shots of the swamp. I've seen two Kurosawa noir films thus far (this and STRAY DOG) and while neither was horrible, I just personally didn't care for them. Maybe it's due to my apathy towards the genre in general but I'll take a Kurosawa samurai flick over a Kurosawa noir flick any day of the week.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/07 05:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
DRUKEN ANGEL
(First Viewing)

Too much symbolism and shots of the swamp. I've seen two Kurosawa noir films thus far (this and STRAY DOG) and while neither was horrible, I just personally didn't care for them. Maybe it's due to my apathy towards the genre in general but I'll take a Kurosawa samurai flick over a Kurosawa noir flick any day of the week.


I dunno, I'm not a film noir whore, but I loved STRAY DOG.

Just because a movie aint pimped to death as a masterpiece, doesn't mean its not a great movie on its own.

God forbid if you can stand any Scorsese movie outside of the mob.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/07 05:25 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SHREK THE THIRD
(First Viewing)

Well, the third time wasn't a charm. This series has slowed down considerably since the first installment and I would like to think they're won't be a SHREK 4. Unfortunatley, Eddie Murphy wasn't given that big of a role this time around.


He probably was too busy knocking up Spice Girls.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/07 05:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've seen two Kurosawa noir films thus far (this and STRAY DOG) and while neither was horrible, I just personally didn't care for them.

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

I dunno, I'm not a film noir whore, but I loved STRAY DOG.

I am with RRA on this. Stray Dog is excellent.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/15/07 03:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Slip and the boys decide to make a buck out of the situation by turning Louie's Sweet Shop into a nightclub.


I assume you know, but for the sake of others that may not, Louie, in real life, was Leo Gorcey's father.



There are lots of Beatles fans on this site. Did you know that Leo Gorcey was left off the cover of Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band because his agent demanded a $400 payment?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/07 07:40 AM

THE LAST BOY SCOUT
(Nth Viewing)

Tony Scott's masterpiece pre-TRUE ROMANCE. Bruce Willis is once again at the top of his game. He worked extremely well with Damon Waynes. In my own opinion I think this is one of the most underrated films of the 1990s.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/16/07 02:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE LAST BOY SCOUT
(Nth Viewing)

Tony Scott's masterpiece pre-TRUE ROMANCE. Bruce Willis is once again at the top of his game. He worked extremely well with Damon Waynes. In my own opinion I think this is one of the most underrated films of the 1990s.


Considering Tony Scott's output before TRUE ROMANCE, is that really saying much?

Besides, KISS KISS BANG BANG is a better "off=beat" take on the buddy cop formula, though BOY SCOUT is good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/07 02:28 AM

DEPORTED WOMEN OF THE SS: SPECIAL SECTION 1/2
(First Viewing)

For a grindhouse/women in prison/nazi sexplotation film it takes it self too seriously and tries to convey actual feelings of emotion and sorrow for the women. It didn't work but rather failed.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/17/07 01:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
DEPORTED WOMEN OF THE SS: SPECIAL SECTION 1/2
(First Viewing)

For a grindhouse/women in prison/nazi sexplotation film it takes it self too seriously and tries to convey actual feelings of emotion and sorrow for the women. It didn't work but rather failed.


"It's Didn't work but rather failed"

Isn't that like someone saying: "We win, YOU LOSE!"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 01:26 AM

Saw I'm Not There today.

Best of 2007 so far.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 01:31 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Saw I'm Not There today.

Best of 2007 so far.


Capo, it was that good?? \:\) I really do want to see it. I know I don't see many of the movies you've reviewed, so can't comment on them, but I do look forward to your review of this one, when you get a chance. I hope to see it on break.

TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 06:28 AM

Capo knows his shit, even when I disagree with him.

Which means, I've got to see I'M NOT THERE.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 06:30 AM



MR. WARMTH: THE DON RICKLES PROJECT (2007) - ***1/2

You all have no idea how the very concept of Don Rickles' very best friend being Bob Newhart just blew my mind away. I mean, Newhart the calm, relaxed smart person going on vacations to China with the Great Asshole Insult Comic himself? God damn.

Then again, perceptions we garner about performers based from their stage schtick are either somewhat true or totally false. People thought for years that in their cinematic team-ups that Gene Wilder had a great relationship with Richard Pryor, when in fact the latter was a coked-up crippled asshole that Wilder had to contend with.

That's probably why director John Landis had in mind with shooting this documentary about this friend of his. This documentary begins with Landis' original meeting with Rickles on the set of KELLY'S HEROES, where Landis was a page man for 20th Century Fox. Hey, sometimes coffee boys do end up being good directors, and others become has-beens like Landis.

Either way, Landis detailsthe stand-up and TV/movie career of "Mr. Warmth," cutting between a 2006 Las Vegas gig with interviews by Rickles' friends, family, and fellow comic artists.

Seeing current stand-up headliners like Chris Rock and Sarah Silverman gush over the greatness of Don Rickles is just odd in that they operate from a different approach than Rickles.

Both work gigs from a exoductive, carefully-planned routine of jokes and one-liners. Rickles though, in the great tradition of Groucho Marx, is very much an inductive smartass. He probes the hapless audiences for their ethnicities or nationalities, and promptly character assassinates them on the spot.

To slam such racist and prejudicial comments at people who enjoy being the targets of Rickles, is hilarious. Yet it is also rejuvenating in that to see a legend in his 80s still working out an exhaustive schedule around the continent at casino and gambling shows. He doesn't need to work this much anymore really, but what is a jester that doesn't jest anymore?

Probably a Jerry Seinfeld. Urgh

Still though, the documentary's highlights must be the clips of Rickles on Johnny Carson's THE TONIGHT SHOW. He was a perfect foil of an adversary for Carson to bounce off this side of Ric Flair to Dusty Rhodes, Joker to Batman, you name it.

If Carson acted sincere as the calm MC, Rickles was was the party crasher who spiked the punch for the hell of it. Except the MC can raise some hell of his own if the intruder smashes his precious cigar box.

The documentary excels at these points, and detailing Rickles' encounters with a drunken Jackie Gleason and the Rat Pack. Apparently Rickles was the only guy in America who could mock Frank Sintra about his womanizing without getting his legs broken. Now that's impressive.

However, MR. WARMTH drags this side of an Ellen DeGeneres stand-up routine when Landis gets off-topic and goes on and on about great the old Mafia days of Vegas were. I know surely Landis was trying to set-up the conditions for Rickles' days in "Old Vegas," and its a good topic, but couldn't all this have been cut and be used for a whole other documentary about this rather huge subject?

That said, I think there is a prime moment in MR. WARMTH when Rickles is going over pictures of his old Hollywood associates from Sinatra to John Wayne, pointing out who is dead and who's barely hanging on for dear life.

Sounds solemn doesn't it? Yet the way Rickles goes through this morbid roll call, I grinned. He knows he doesn't have many years left probably, but he'll go out swinging on the stage, mocking more Asian people, to the very end.

Now the thought of this did make me feel very warm in the inside, and I'm laughing in the outside.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 02:56 PM

I only recently heard of this movie. After just checking I find it's an HBO special. \:o I hope to see it on the 29th when it's on next.

When Rickles first hit the scene, I thought he was so rude to people. After seeing him a few times I found him hilarious. Sometimes, I wonder if he went too far, but for the most part he made me laugh. \:D

He would make fun of absolutely everyone. One comment in particular that I remember (most likely because it was aimed at Italians)was on a tv show. It's been many years ago, so the quote may not be 100 per cent accurate, but you'll get my drift. ;\)

He was talking back and forth to audience members making fun of them really. He asked one guy his name and then asked "are you Italian?". The guy said "yes" and Rickles says, "let me make you feel at home" and imititates a mafiosi shooting a machine gun. He went to the black guy, the Jewish guy, the Irish guy, etc. He wouldn't pick on just one group, he'd pick on everyone, which is what made him so funny.

Thanks for the heads-up on this Ronnie. I do plan to see it.

Btw, Rickles was on quite a few of Dean Martin's "Celebrity Roasts" if I'm not mistaken. He was hilarious there as well.

TIS

Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 03:02 PM

It was great, TIS! I have to find out if there's gonna be a dvd because it's a keeper!
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 03:05 PM

PB,

Funny you mention DVD. When I did a search to find out more about the program, there was an Amazon link in which you can preorder a DVD. \:\) I didn't read on to see when it would be available but imagine within the next year.

TIS

Btw, yes, Rickles and Newhart do seem like an "odd couple" when it comes to friends don't they?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 03:07 PM

Cool, TIS.

Thanks!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/22/07 08:18 PM

The thing with I'm Not There is it's so difficult to review without referencing all of the external events which the film relates to - Dylan, the politics and changes he's lived through, the person itself and what it has come to represent for a finger-pointing, headline-hungry society - and equally difficult to recommend to anyone who isn't a) a passionate fan of Cinema as a medium, or b) a passionate fan of Dylan.

I say "a" because Haynes has created - make no mistake about it - an intellectually rich tapestry unique to cinematic form. There's no linear narrative, no cause-and-effect progression, and as it goes on it becomes what people might say is a "trippy movie" - Dylan himself (Blanchett as "Jude Quinn") as a character is on drugs for much of its second half, and you've got to be really patient in order to relate one scene to another. A lot of it's grounded in self-reference and intertextuality too - referencing other works, and not just Dylan's music, but the movies which were being made at the time, such as Fellini's Eight and a Half and Tarkovsky's Mirror (a lot of art cinema, and this is far from mainstream stuff itself).

It's intellectually rich because, half way through I thought to myself that this could really be about anyone, in the same way that Gus Van Sant's Last Days (a film inspired by the final days of Kurt Cobain) could have been about any alienated rock star. I'm Not There is, thematically, primarily concerned with Time and Identity (as indeed much of Dylan's oeuvre is, with many albums such as Times They Are A-Changin', Time Out of Mind, Modern Times, or old American legend and myth and how identity is constructed, maintained and deconstructed in a society obsessed with fame).

I'd never recommend it for people wanting to get into Dylan - for that try Pennebaker's Don't Look Back (1967) or Scorsese's epic (in length, not in biographical selection) No Direction Home (2005). Instead, this - made by someone (Haynes) passionate about their subject, and how that subject (Dylan) fits into an overall thematic preoccupation - sort of assumes a common ground between subject matter and audience. I think the sort of people who might be fascinated by the aforementioned Mirror, and the self-contained masterpieces of Julio Medem (Lovers of the Arctic Circle or Sex and Lucia) will be thoroughly captivated by the worlds-within-worlds on show here... one character (Richard Gere as Dylan at his most mysterious and forbidden, during his Basement Tapes years with The Band in Woodstock) reflects late on that life is like having the past, the present and the future together all in the same room; and the film very much plays out like that. It's very liberating, very experimental, and it's not just the narrative - Haynes's visual and audio aesthetic matches this invigorating, challenging need to both leap out and perform and yet create some sort of coherent universe.

Ultimately, I was taken in by it. It's funny at times and extremely poignant at others - though that latter point may depend, I suppose, on certain memories by which you connect to Dylan's music. There's a scene early on, for instance, in which Dylan (a black boy called Woody) performs "When the Ship Comes In", and I started crying out of nowhere. It's a terrific song to begin with, but there's some sort of humbling tone in this film throughout - I was very much reminded of, inspired by and moved by its sense of mortality. Most mainstream cinema is an example of excessive escapism in which people are made to believe the grand illusion that life is immortal, that good forever conquers evil and what goes round comes round. But this film dispenses (like Dylan) of all that, of all those clichéd, common-ground morals that Cinema itself has taught us to believe as true and representative of reality.

I could write more (especially on the Dylan aspects), but just thinking about the film in retrospect is exhausting me. It's by no means a perfect film (whatever that means), but it struck as strong a chord with me as Fincher's Zodiac did in the summer - that film requires a rewatch, but for now, Haynes's film reigns supreme as Best Film of the Year.

I'll be seeing it again.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/07 02:30 AM

Thanks Capo. I, for one thought it was more a biography of sorts of Dylan. From what you've described it sounds like, although aspects of Dylan's life are portrayed, that the film itself covers the atmosphere (historic and/or cultural) of that particular period of his life.

You mentioned Blanchett's portrayal (btw, how was her performance?), but how about the others who portrayed him?. I assume they all played Dylan at different ages. Also, at what stage of his life, or in what year did this film end? Current day?

Thanks for, as usual, such an in depth review, even if you feel there is so much more to say. ;\)

TIS
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/07 05:59 AM



NATIONAL TREASURE (2004) - **

Years ago, I remembered when this project was in development hell for Bruckheimer, and when it had a nice premise: Modern treasure hunters find out about the lost and buried "National Treasure" gold of the Founding Fathers, used during the American Revolution to help bankroll the successful insurgency against the British. Simple but interesting.

Then comes THE DA VINCI CODE, and NATIONAL TREASURE gets greenlighted with a more complicated goof-up: That same American gold was simply part of, and belongs to thousands of years worth of treasure accumulated by the Knights Templar and the Masons or whatever stupid nonsense.

I could ask futile questions of how such great treasure cared for then promptly was forgotten and lost deep down below New York City, or the 3-D hologram on the back of the Declaration of Independence, or of the foreign policy implications of returning prized items to countries and kingdoms that don't exist anymore.

Do the contents of the Library of Alexandria go to Egypt or to Greece? Which artifacts were Roman and are outright American? All this mess would take decades to settle, by which time the finders themselves become too old and senile to fully reap the financial windfall.

Now some of you will write of how hypocritical I am in that I gave a positive review to an equally outlandish fortune & glory-seeking popcorn picture in SAHARA, which is a fair point, since that movie had the sillyness of an assault helicopter taken down by a 19th century cannonball.

The difference though is simple. One, I bought Matthew McConaughey and Steve Zahn as adventurers and their good chemistry as partners who've had many adventures before, and would have many more after SAHARA. Second, the treasure premise is a macguffin to get the heroes involved with the realplot.

Third, I enjoyed it in spite of the insanity. I can't say the same though for NATIONAL TREASURE.

I've written before how I have never bought Nicholas Cage as an action figure, and that continues with NATIONAL TREASURE. But now, a historian? Maybe of Superman comics, but of American History? Yeah right, and I also buy Tom Cruise as a sane psychiatrist.

Then there is the fact of how the dynamics is pretty funny, with the very English Sean Bean being the dastardly villain going after the precious yankee document that is the Declaration of Independence. I know this worked with the Nazis trying to capture the Jewish Ark of the Covenant in RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, but this is ridiculous.

Then again, it could be worse...he could have been French.

I wanted to enjoy NATIONAL TREASURE as a popcorn action ticket, but the little stuff rolled up into a giant ball of mediocrity.

There is Cage's sidekick who is pretty damn useless save for the one-liners. The ancient ice-trapped ship that explodes as a very nice orange fireball(!) and the father of the hero who doubts the existence of the treasure because the script says so.

Oh and how can I forget about the ancient wooden staircases and platforms that still operated in spite of the termites and natural decay?

Certainly the basis for a nice fun picture is there, with Jon Turtletaub's competent direction, but like 1408 earlier this year, the movie suffers because the plot is too over-developed for its own good.

Plus, I have pet peeves with pictures that alot of great actors involved, but they're wasted by doing nothing. If you have the likes of Christopher Plummer, Harvey Keitel, and Jon Voight, milk them for their worth.

Then again, Jerry Bruckheimer isn't loved in Hollywood for the quality of his productions. I'll give the man respect in that he sure knows how to make assloads of cash year after year. Now that's a real treasure chest right there.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/07 06:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
I wanted to enjoy NATIONAL TREASURE as a popcorn action ticket, but the little stuff rolled up into a giant ball of mediocrity.


Same here. This movie had lots of elements I like; history, suspense, a good story. The movie never realized any of the possibilities and I was disappointed in the outcome.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/07 10:49 AM

Yesterday afternoon i had the great pleasure of taking my godaughter and godson to see enchanted

My god daughter enjoyed it,i didnt and my godson hated it its definetly a little girls film and i can see why they would enjoy it,but i dont think i could ever bear to watch that movie again

plus i had a little black kid at the side of me that did nothing but repeat every word they said,fart every ten seconds and half through the movie,he decided it might be fun to lay on me!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/07 03:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
Yesterday afternoon i had the great pleasure of taking my godaughter and godson to see enchanted

My god daughter enjoyed it,i didnt and my godson hated it its definetly a little girls film and i can see why they would enjoy it,but i dont think i could ever bear to watch that movie again

plus i had a little black kid at the side of me that did nothing but repeat every word they said,fart every ten seconds and half through the movie,he decided it might be fun to lay on me!


Bahahahahahahaha!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. At least one of you had a good time.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/07 04:30 PM

Thats what i said to my auntie and uncle,she really enjoyed it so it was worth going
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/23/07 09:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Thanks Capo. I, for one thought it was more a biography of sorts of Dylan. From what you've described it sounds like, although aspects of Dylan's life are portrayed, that the film itself covers the atmosphere (historic and/or cultural) of that particular period of his life.
It's about Dylan just as much, TIS, but deals with him in such a way that, as I said, the film could be about anybody, in a way... What you get out of it depends what you're able to put in; and what you're able to put in depends on how much you know about Dylan, or how much you connect with him.

 Originally Posted By: TIS
You mentioned Blanchett's portrayal (btw, how was her performance?), but how about the others who portrayed him?. I assume they all played Dylan at different ages. Also, at what stage of his life, or in what year did this film end? Current day?
Difficult to say; I'd say it takes us up to and includes his return to folk music at the beginning of the nineties (as on the album World Gone Wrong), with "Man in the Long Black Coat" playing during Richard Gere's segments. Really, though, although I didn't find overt reference to his more contemporary stuff, Dylan's character hasn't changed all that much since the nineties (if ever), even though his public persona/mask has. I think the film tackles this, actually: the notion that, for all the different faces he's had, he's fundamentally the same person (as personified by Gere's seemingly underrated segment).

Blanchett's awesome and will be the actor by whom the film is remembered by... but that's only because the Dylan she plays also happens to be the most iconic 'face' he's had (mid-sixties, the same period covered by Pennebaker's and Scorsese's documentaries). Heath Ledger is great as the love-torn Dylan during the period of Blood on the Tracks and Desire (my favourite Dylan period); Christian Bale is as reliable as ever; young black actor Marcus Carl Franklin plays Dylan as an up-and-coming "fake" folk artist; Ben Wishaw plays a Dylan under questioning (very brief role, but his accent is spot-on, and his dialogue is witty as hell), and Richard Gere plays Dylan at his most mysterious, a role certain to perplex many.

I, for one, loved all of them. Wishaw isn't even mentioned in many of the synopses, but as he's a sort of narrator to the film (and is very good, too), I'd never discard him.

I look forward to hearing any thoughts you have on the film, TIS, once you see it.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/07 06:05 PM

I'm about to begin watching it. I'm excited.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/07 09:15 PM

Just watched "Blood in blood out"I remember growing up and watching this every weekend when I'd get home.Watched it recently and it's a fucking comedy for me now.The acting cracks me up.I found my self laughing out loud quite a few times.I also realized,it's a pretty long film also.About 3 hours.
I found it lame when they tried to portray Miklo, as a Michael Corleone type mastermind,when he sets up the prison gang war and takes out his boss.

A good movie for a laugh and if you want to kill time.I actually like the film despite how this reads.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/07 09:24 PM

I really have no clue where to begin or how to begin describing what I'm Not There did to me. It was just...magic I suppose. All I have to say is that if you're interested in seeing it, do not go in with any assumptions about ANYTHING. Just keep your mind clear and go in with an appreciation of Dylan. Umm, I've really just been rendered speechless by the film.

EDIT: Wait, I'll say this; This film has stretched, torn, stomped, etc. on how the story of any person's life should be portrayed on a screen.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/24/07 10:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
I really have no clue where to begin or how to begin describing what I'm Not There did to me. It was just...magic I suppose. All I have to say is that if you're interested in seeing it, do not go in with any assumptions about ANYTHING. Just keep your mind clear and go in with an appreciation of Dylan. Umm, I've really just been rendered speechless by the film.

EDIT: Wait, I'll say this; This film has stretched, torn, stomped, etc. on how the story of any person's life should be portrayed on a screen.


That's it!

You, Capo, Mike Sullivan...all you guys have raved on and on about the greatness of I'M NOT THERE.

Well, now I'm convinced, DRIVEN to watch the movie now.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/25/07 02:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Don Andrew
I really have no clue where to begin or how to begin describing what I'm Not There did to me. It was just...magic I suppose. All I have to say is that if you're interested in seeing it, do not go in with any assumptions about ANYTHING. Just keep your mind clear and go in with an appreciation of Dylan. Umm, I've really just been rendered speechless by the film.

EDIT: Wait, I'll say this; This film has stretched, torn, stomped, etc. on how the story of any person's life should be portrayed on a screen.


That's it!

You, Capo, Mike Sullivan...all you guys have raved on and on about the greatness of I'M NOT THERE.

Well, now I'm convinced, DRIVEN to watch the movie now.



Yup. By any means necessary bro. Words can't do it justice.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/26/07 08:09 AM


Wilde (1997)

What a character Oscar Wilde was! Loved it! Wanna check out his other chit now...

Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/07 06:49 AM


I was so excited flipping around On-Demand tonight, finding a movie I never saw before starring Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron! That is, until I started watching it. The Astronaut's Wife (1999) is one of the stinkiest flaming shit piles I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of 'em! \:\/

******* SPOILERS BUT WHO CARES - SAVE YOURSELF 109 MINUTES OF YOUR LIFE *******
2 astronauts go on a shuttle mission to repair a satellite, but upon its explosion, they lose contact with Earth for 2 minutes. They're brought back safely, so it seems, until weird things start happening, and one of the astronauts dies. His wife commits apparent suicide, while pregnant with twins (2). That all happens pretty quickly -- the fate of the other astronaut and his wife takes an hour longer of screen time apparently. A now ex-NASA worker finds out some peculiar things and contacts Depp's wife (Theron), who's also carrying twins (2). Theron ends up believing said NASA guy (who's now also apparently dead) who said that Depp really isn't Depp anymore, (Depp also killed her sister, by the way), so she attempts to abort. Depp-who's-not-really-Depp lays down the law, Theron threatens suicide (with questionably-alien twins (2) still in womb) while cleverly killing fake-Depp instead. She later is seen remarried as the twins (2) hop on the bus for their first day of school.

From uninspiring "writer"/"director" Rand Ravich who hasn't done much of anything before or since, nor who apparently gave a shit about continuity or editing. I have to question Depp's and Theron's WTF-were-they-thinking agents here.

4.8/10 - IMDb
5.8/10 - Netflix

Keeping with "The 2 Theme" here, I'll give it 2/5.

Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/07 07:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

I was so excited flipping around On-Demand tonight, finding a movie I never saw before starring Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron! That is, until I started watching it. The Astronaut's Wife (1999) is one of the stinkiest flaming shit piles I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of 'em! \:\/

******* SPOILERS BUT WHO CARES - SAVE YOURSELF 109 MINUTES OF YOUR LIFE *******
2 astronauts go on a shuttle mission to repair a satellite, but upon its explosion, they lose contact from Earth for 2 minutes. They're brought back safely, so it seems, until weird things start happening, and one of the astronauts dies. His wife commits apparent suicide, while pregnant with twins (2). That all happens pretty quickly -- the fate of the other astronaut and his wife takes an hour longer apparently. A now ex-NASA worker finds out some peculiar things and contacts Depp's wife (Theron), who's also carrying twins (2). Theron ends up believing said NASA guy who's now dead, who said that Depp really isn't Depp anymore, (Depp also killed her sister, by the way), so she attempts to abort. Depp-who's-not-really-Depp lays down the law, Theron threatens suicide (with questionably-alien twins (2) still in womb) while cleverly killing fake-Depp instead. She later is seen remarried as the twins (2) hop on the bus for their first day of school.

From uninspiring "writer"/"director" Rand Ravich who hasn't done much of anything before or since, nor who apparently gave a shit about continuity or editing... I have to question Depp's and Theron's WTF-were-they-thinking agents here.

4.8/10 - IMDb
5.8/10 - Netflix

Keeping with "The 2 Theme" here, I'll give it 2/5.



As great as Depp is, he does work the occassionally lousy movie.

Shit happens.

Though I enjoyed NICK OF TIME, which many don't.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/27/07 11:09 PM

I've heard of The Astronaut's Wife, but never have seen it. Since it's one of the stinkiest flaming shit piles, it's sounds like not seeing it is a good thing.

I just completed my purchase of the Bourne series. \:\) I got Borne Ultimatum today. Btw, I ended up, per some of your suggetions, getting the "wide screen" version instead of the full screen. All I need now is Sopranos Season 6 (parts 1 & 2) and I'm a happy camper. \:\)



TIS


Ronnie, I loved "Nick Of Time". It wasn't a real popular movie, but I thought it was good. Yet another example to how versatile an actor Depp is. I swear he can play anything. \:\)
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 02:16 AM

Huh. That's strange, because I remember watching The Astronaut's Wife and really liking it!

But that was a long time ago, and I'm guessing it was somewhere around when it first came out. I'm no movie critic anyway, but that'd make me about 10, so I can at least depend on that as an excuse for my bad movie judgment. ;\)

Speaking of Johnny, I really want to see Sweeney Todd!
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 04:22 AM


Speaking of Johnny, that's probably why you liked it regardless! \:p ;\)
Posted By: ginaitaliangirl

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 04:44 AM

Do you really think I'm that shallow?

But it does help that he's a talented actor and plays great characters. It's not only about looks, Geoff. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 06:30 AM

 Originally Posted By: ginaitaliangirl
Do you really think I'm that shallow?

But it does help that he's a talented actor and plays great characters. It's not only about looks, Geoff. \:p


Plus, Depp is brave to try to sing in TODD, for either he'll pass or fail spectacularly this side of PAINT YOUR WAGON.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 06:31 AM



NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS (2007) - **1/2

I complained before in my NATIONAL TREASURE review of how ludacris that whole plot set-up for the treasure was.

Now having seen its sequel BOOK OF SECRETS, I spoke way way way too soon about "ridiculous."

I mean, at least that whole set-up of the Templar/Mason treasure made simplistic sense, even if perhaps too exaggerated. But now with SECRETS, where Cental/South American ancient peoples build a city of gold up in South Dakota to Queen Victoria helping the Confederacy to George A. Custer searching for the city itself, quite frankly the clues and scheme of BOOK OF SECRETS makes no sense at all.

The primary problem I felt with the first TREASURE picture was how for such an adventure story, it felt lukewarm. To put it another way, An undercooked action tempo that never ignited. Starting from the car-chase in London, I quit trying to logically comprehend the story and simply went with the visual narrative like I did with Brian DePalma's MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE.

Director John Turtletaub continues and actually improves his competent direction from the previous picture by hooking me into chase after chase which distracted me enough to quit wondering how someone can digitally control Buckingham Palace as easily as an electric razor. At least that sidekick is actually useful and meaningful this time around beyond being the one-liner machine with feet.

What pushes BOOK OF SECRETS though into a passively entertaining time at the theatres is Ed Harris. For such great actors involved and not given much to work with, Harris takes nothing and uses his awesome presence and masculine charisma to actually accelerate the film's tension by himself.

From THE RIGHT STUFF to THE ABYSS to APOLLO 13 and to the recent GONE BABY GONE, Harris is currently the best working-American actor have never won an Oscar.

Now that's a bigger disgrace than Nic Cage's haircut.

There is other throwaways I enjoyed, from Cage going hyperbole with an argument at the Palace to Helen Mirren's fighting with Jon Voight, to the underrated Bruce Greenwood being awesome in his (too) brief shots as the President.*

In a way, I actually sorta enjoyed BOOK OF SECRETS, for it had something that was absent in TREASURE.....moments of real narrative energy. Plus, the American theatrical release is tagged with a new charming Goofy "How to..."cartoon, so that's a plus. Though I must say, is it a problem if I liked that joker at the Home Entertainment System more than I did the movie?

*=Anyone think its weird how the "Book of Secrets" has a chapter on the JFK assassination, whom Greenword portrayed in THIRTEEN DAYS?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 06:44 AM


I was really enjoying Art School Confidential (2006) a lot -- perhaps something you have to really *get* to understand, seeing into the main character's head, yet still seeing beyond it -- but then there's the last act, when everything just fell apart as far as I'm concerned. A shame, really.

A talented young man goes away to Art School and falls in love with a model. Technically, he's perhaps the best artist around, but the "fake" artist gets the girl because this young man is missing something -- and his mentor provides the catalyst he needs. Now... also add a serial killer to the story to kick it up a notch. lol

Problems aside, I liked it.

IMDb: 6.4/10
Netflix: 5.8/10
Ebert: 8/10
JGeoff: 7/10
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 02:32 PM

Saw Spiderman 3 last night. Although the special effects were as good as expected, I found it to be a bit of a jumbled mess. Too many villains on too many fronts, and Peter Parker ordering the landlord's daughter for cookies and milk? Just silly. And when he became consumed by alien meteorite (which conveniently hitched a ride on the back of his moped), his transformation into evil entailed wearing black and having greasy hair??

It was entertaining, but certainly not the best of the trilogy.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 02:43 PM

I agree SB. Spider-man 3 had fantastic special effects, but the storyline was overdone. They really made Peter Parker look ridiculously foolish in this one.


I did enjoy the Sandman and how they made him transform, and the fighting scenes were very good. But it always puzzles me why the writers get away from the storyline in the comic book, which always turns out to be a recipe for disaster ( See the Incredible Hulk for proof).

They probably could have cut out about a 1/2 an hour from the movie, which in my opinion would have made it a bit better.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 03:02 PM

Thomas Haden Church was excellent as The Sandman, but I just found it to be WAY too much information. MJ, Harry, Peter, they're all caught up in this teenage angst of who loves who. It seemed to high-schoolish for characters that are supposedly living on their own in NYC.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/28/07 05:21 PM

For some reason I've never been able to get into Spiderman. I never went to the theater to see. However, only the last couple months, when it was on tv, and due to the writer's strike and all the repeats, I watched the first one. It was ok. The second one was on shortly after and I only watched some of it. Again, it was ok.

I don't know if the star (Toby McQuire?)is right for the part for one thing. Then again, what do I know. I've always been more a Superman fan myself. \:D


TIS
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/29/07 10:50 AM

I watched MEET THE FOCKERS last night.
Seen it loads of times before but every time the little kid says asshole it just cracks me up \:\)
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/07 03:04 PM

I just purchased and watched (again) The Bourne Idenity. And, I don't feel like scrolling back to see if I went into detail commenting on it so I'll just refresh my comments if I did. \:p

Briefly, for those who do not know, Jason Bourne was picked up, floating at sea with two bulletholes in his back. He had no idea who he was or what had happened to him. He soon discovered that he had a bank security box with several different passports/Id's, and lots of money; Seems to have the aability to size people up quickly; AND that there were people out to get him. This along with having the capabilities to kick some serious butt. \:o He meets a woman while on the run who ends up reluctantly (at first anyway) his partner while on the run as well as a girlfriend. When it comes time for this girl to have the option of leaving and going on her own, she tells Jason, "you'll forget all about me." Jason replies, "How can I forget you, you're the only one I know?" The rest of the film his a wonderful cat/mouse, action-filled chase theme. \:\)

I only wish I had seen t his at the theater on the big screen. This was about my 3rd vewing and I found just as exciting as the first two viewings. One of my favorite movies. \:\) For me that says a lot, because I am not a big purchasesr of movies. I knew I wanted this one right after seeing it the first time.

I have all three in the series and intend to watch Bourne Supremacy and then Ultimatum next.

TIS
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/07 06:48 PM

I saw the Bourne Identity and didn't think much of it at the time. I thought it was decent, but everyone I knew kept going on and on about it. I've never been very big on action movies so maybe that's why, but with what I have read here about the following two movies it sounds like the Bourne series is more than just a lot of action. I'm going to get all three and watch them one of these weekends.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/07 07:16 PM

Bibble,

Absolutely, it IS a matter of taste. \:\/ One man's masterpiece can be another man's junk I guess. Myself, I am not into Harry Potter or Spiderman at all, but am well aware of how many people are. As I said, I seldom purchase any movie, unless I really enjoyed it, and this I did. \:\) And, found the sequels just as good. That's unusual.

TIS
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/30/07 10:36 PM

Juat watched The Last Castle with Robert Redford and James Gandolfini. Gandolfini was just magnificent in this. The movie is good, not great, but certainly good.Redford and Gandolfini turn in excellent performances. Definitely worth seeing.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/07 05:54 AM

Last castle is really interesting if not for the last 10 minutes or so, which was quite bad.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 12/31/07 06:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Last castle is really interesting if not for the last 10 minutes or so, which was quite bad.


I think Rod Lurie was trying to create a macho-masculine picture of awesomeness to the kin of THE GREAT ESCAPE or THE DIRTY DOZEN, and it doesn't really work.

A decent picture, but one that most would agree could have been better.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/02/08 06:50 AM


I finally got around to seeing Douche's favorite movie, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999), and thought it was hilarious! One of the very few times I actually uttered any audible sound that could be construed as laughter while watching a comedy by myself. I'm really surprised IMDb viewers only rate it 5.5/10 and Netflix 3/5. I say 4/5.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/04/08 07:27 AM


What movie outside the Godfather Saga has 2 actors in it who were previously named Don Corleone?

Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

I LOVE heist movies, I really do -- my favorite perhaps! The good ones are SO very clever, that I can't wait to be fooled at the end! Ocean's 11 was like that... Ocean's 12 even was like that... The Score (with the only other Don Corleone) was cool... The Italian Job... As a kid, the Mission: Impossible series was one of my favorites! I love being fooled with such cleverness that I want to award the Nobel Prize to such filmmakers (or writers at least) who'd probably even make the CIA and FBI nervous!

Too bad this wasn't one of those films.

I was thoroughly anticipating "the greatness" coming into this, but was instead thoroughly disappointed in its lack thereof.

The acting was good -- loved seeing Al in the presence of the Ocean's cast! Other than that, I think it fell flat on its face. The editing was horrendous -- so much so, that I couldn't even figure out WTF was going on sometimes! The context was okay, but the story was WEAK! At least weakly told.

I expect A LOT more from an Ocean's movie than this! There wasn't even a twist at the end?! Five minutes into it, it's already going -- great! Then they're going. Fine. Just nothing fancy, and certainly nothing bigger or better than the previous two. But fine. Thrill me in the end again, I'm waiting... but...

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Nada.

The most predictable shit ever, without any originality whatsoever. Incredibly disappointing! I had such high hopes....... \:\/

I might even go so far as to call this a piece of shit. But hell, I give it some slack since it's one of my favor genres and a sequel to one of the best in that genre. (But it still sucked.)

IMDb: 7.1/10
Netflix: 7.2/10
JGeoff: 6/10
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/08 07:04 AM



PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END (2007) - ***

For a Disney-released "family" movie, the opening is pretty surprising grim. Scores of pirates, or suspected of piracy, are hanged in an automatic process much like the Nazi death camps. Civil liberties under English law are suspended as the corporate monopoly rules this domain of the British Empire.

A kid, facing the noose, starts singing the pirate's song. The rest follow in harmony, defiant to the last drop.

Alot of people hate this movie, but how many despised movies have such a great opening? It's the best-shot sequence in Gore Verbinski's trilogy, and it serves its purpose: This conglomerate and its CEO are dead certain in their cause to rule the waters of our world. This may be a Mouse House production, but not even the children are safe from the villains.

I do agree with many detractors that this film is pretty overlong, the plot is very convulted, the action is all over the place, and the movie at times is more interested in showing off how much money Disney spent on its budget (reportedly $250 million) than actual storytelling, and you know what?

I say the exact same thing about the first PIRATES picture, and I enjoyed that one....and I like this one too.

Maybe while people loved the first movie, I rode it for what it was....a B-adventure movie. The most expensive probably in history, but it delivered the swordfights, cannon-fire, and wenches. The story went off the plank, but I was satisfied. The sequels are much the same, except the fans are exposed to the reality, and mutiny. It's TEMPLE OF DOOM* all over again.

The difference though that the PIRATES pictures have from other B-pirate fare is the dedication from the filmmakers to jam incredibly complicated as hell details into a very simple story.
What originally were cheap jokes actually mattered a few pictures later.

Fact is, it all makes sense once you learn everything from the dialogue and actions. I must say, I gotta give credit to producer Jerry Bruckheimer, regularly a sworn enemy of mine, to actually stick with this grand plan of density that Verbinski and scriptwriters Ted Elliot & Terry Rossio had cooked up.

The problem though with AT WORLD'S END, as with the rest of the trilogy, is that all this information and tidbits fly straight at us through quick expositional, and very unnatural, dialogue. Get distracted by a crying baby or ringing cellphone in the theatre, and boom you're already screwed.

Add the fact that you need to have seen the other pictures to connect the dots, and for an audience used to simply coasting through the visuals and narrative roller coaster, I don't blame them for becoming irritated at their lack of understanding what the hell is going on.

That said, at least all this confusion adds to something substantial ultimately through concentration and repeated viewings, right? It's like what the MATRIX movies promise, but never delivered.

There are some glaring flaws that sorta bug me. After Davy Jones takes back his boat, why do the remaining redcoats onboard still fight the pirates on? Surely after their boss literally gets plugged, they would know that if their side wins, they would become fish food. Why do two background characters from the first movie return?

Plus I didn't like Norrington's exit, that the great Chow Yun Fat is again shafted by Hollywood with a pitifully limited role, and the ending itself.

Reportedly, the fates for Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom's characters switched during production, and I wonder if they should have stuck with the original plan.

Certainly AT WORLD'S END obscenly tries to point towards this possible destiny for Depp, and seems more fitting. Maybe the switch occured because Verbinski wanted to pull the rug on our expectations, or because Bruckheimer needed an opening for Depp to return for a fourth PIRATES picture, leaving behind his (too expensive) co-heroes.

Then again, maybe the ultimate ending is more unintentionally poignant. Captain Jack Sparrow may indeed accomplish his immortal desires, but not as he expected.

In further possible solo-cinema stories, he'll continue to be funky, always scheming and backstabbing friends and foe, fighting menacing well-designed CGI monsters, and somehow coming out on top. Even if Depp abandons this star-vehicle, Sparrow could continue on as the James Bond for the high seas.

He'll have the license to sail.




*=The "TEMPLE OF DOOM" Scenario, as I call it, is where a really good garbage movie is disguised as a great, or highly-shot, picture by its window curtains, like RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. It's fans get peeved off when the sequel opens up the curtains and is much more open of what it is....like TEMPLE OF DOOM.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/08 04:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

What movie outside the Godfather Saga has 2 actors in it who were previously named Don Corleone?
Heat (Pacino and De Niro) and The Score (De Niro and Brando). Those are the first and only two that come to mind.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/08 05:01 PM

Anyway, I went to see Carlos Reygadas's Silent Light the other day. Spellbinding stuff, and if anybody finds the chance to experience it on the big screen, do so.

My new top five of 2007:

1. Zodiac
2. I'm Not There
3. Silent Light
4. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
5. The Darjeeling Limited

But I expect that to change in a few hours; I'm going to see Syndromes and a Century.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/08 05:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

What movie outside the Godfather Saga has 2 actors in it who were previously named Don Corleone?
Heat (Pacino and De Niro) and The Score (De Niro and Brando). Those are the first and only two that come to mind.


OCEAN'S 13

Thank you very much.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/05/08 05:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

What movie outside the Godfather Saga has 2 actors in it who were previously named Don Corleone?
Heat (Pacino and De Niro) and The Score (De Niro and Brando). Those are the first and only two that come to mind.

And Ocean's 13 (Garcia) ;\)
I don't know why I brain-froze on those 2 you mentioned
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/08 07:43 PM

I've got to start recommending films to people on here again. I feel like you guys are missing out on a lot of excellent films this medium has to offer.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/08 11:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I've got to start recommending films to people on here again. I feel like you guys are missing out on a lot of excellent films this medium has to offer.


And I think that's an awesome idea.

I mean, yeah I try to get the random weirdos to rent rare shit like THE KEEP, but otherwise what good am I here?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/07/08 11:28 PM



THE KEEP (1983) - ***

With DVD technology now over a decade old, one would think the studios would have completely released all of their catalogue cinema library onto DVD. As MGM, Anchor Bay, and Blue Underground have proven, there is seemingly an audience for every title.

Now take a Paramount picture that isn't on DVD, and has been out of print since the early 1980s. Now imagine this movie having a hell of a cast with Sir Ian McKellen, the awesomely underused Scott Glenn, Jurgen Prochnow, and Gabriel Bryne. Plus, it was an early effort from one of my favorite filmmakers, writer/director Michael Mann.

Oh, and the plot is Nazis getting eaten by a monster.

If bad 50's French pornography can get a decent DVD release, why not THE KEEP?

I doubt if any of you good folks have seen this film, but if you ever might, you'll might know immediately know why with the smoke, the Tangerine Dream score raging in the background, and tanks rumbling through the Dinu mountain pass.

This might be one of the more goddamn bizarre studio-released pictures you'll ever see.

Based off on a then-popular novel penned by F. Paul Wilson, its 1941 and the Nazi German war machine rolls over Romania. Prochnow leads his German Army attachment into a remote mountain village that is home to "The Keep."

Generations of a peasant family have overseen it as caretakers, despite not knowing why a lone silver cross is surrounded by copper-laden crosses, nor for the structure's intended purpose.

Prochnow doesn't understand why a fortress built more to keep something in than out exists, but he uses it anyway as a base for his troops. Some treasure-hunting Nazis break open the silver cross, and all hell breaks loose.

The blackshirt SS arrive to "rectify the situation," which they do by executing random villagers. If Prochnow is reprising his "Good German" character from DAS BOOT, then Bryne in his brief scenes is a terrific Nazi asshole.

You know, the sorts that proudly shoot women and children, claim that he was only following orders at trial, or flee off to Argentina and try to pass off as innocent bystanders. If Ralph Fiennes had many scenes to make himself absolutely vile in SCHINDLER'S LIST, then Bryne makes alot out of nothing. No wonder he helps make the ending for THE USUAL SUSPECTS work.

The Nazis snatch a crippled dying languistics expert in McKellen and his daughter from the Death Camps to solve it, all the while a mysterious blue-eyed stranger in Scott Glenn travels from Greece to this "Keep" with great urgency.

And that is the plot that makes sense. The rest of the film I've only comprehended in the vaguest of terms since this movie is so ambigious, or the sorts that occur from a filmmaker trying to be visually atmospheric and moody, combined with reportedly massive re-cutting by the studio.

So much of the story, its people, and events occur out of the blue (like Glenn falling in love with the daughter) that it just adds to the oddball and sorta charming mystique that radiates from THE KEEP for me.

I've always thought of THE KEEP of sorts like that great TWILIGHT ZONE episode, "The Howling Man," where a visitor inadvertedly frees the Devil from his prison. The difference with the way I see KEEP though, you have in the Nazis possibly the most evil scum that's ever walked the Earth, who end up getting slaughtered by something even more evil.

It's a great primordial evil that predates way before Lucifer's fall from the Heavens, the sort that's lived on in one form or another in legends around the world. It's evil itself.

McKellen makes a deal with this creature to regain his health, to save his ethnicity threatened with exinction by Hitler's human army of darkness. It's a Faustian accord made not out of greed, but out of the very thing that the road to Hell is paved with.

Then with Glenn, he is a spirit for an ancient "good" that wants to stay with this woman, but he can't for if Evil is to be stopped, Good has to sacrifice greatly to bring back the balance.

Trust me, THE KEEP is a mess, but its the rare sort that I enjoyed it more for the idea than the actual execution. Years back, since I wanted to know exactly what the hell was going on, I read Wilson's book.

It's a good read, but in explaining actually the hero and villain, it renders my interpretation of the movie, and its very much less interesting. Add to that a happy romantic ending that apparently was also in Mann's final cut before the studio altered it.

While its really clumsy in how they acheived it, along with a dreaded "paused" snapshot, how many movies chopped by the studio actually stay away from the safe ending and pick the appropriate ending?

Then again, maybe Mann's original edit makes that happy conclusion work, and is a better film. Who knows, but as the Director's Cut is locked inside Paramount's own Keep, we may never know what lurks within it. Almost as mysterious as to why its not on DVD.
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/08 12:04 AM

I just finished watching "Shoot Em Up" starring Clive Owen.Basically,the whole movie is just random gun fights with shitty catch phrases.Clive Owen really can't act,not that he has to in this film.The visuals are pretty good,but the movie is all over the place and the tiny storyline is stupid and pointless.But,if you feel like killing a hour and a half and don't want to think,then check it out i guess.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/08 06:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: whisper the don from down under
I just finished watching "Shoot Em Up" starring Clive Owen.Basically,the whole movie is just random gun fights with shitty catch phrases.Clive Owen really can't act,not that he has to in this film.The visuals are pretty good,but the movie is all over the place and the tiny storyline is stupid and pointless.But,if you feel like killing a hour and a half and don't want to think,then check it out i guess.


Quentin Tarantino could learn a thing or two about hardboiled action filmmaking from this.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/09/08 06:02 AM




DELTA FARCE (2007) - * - Bomb

Anyone ever see that episode of THE BOONDOCKS where its protagonist is shocked at the dumbass entity that is SOUL PLANE? Then he's further humiliated when his grandfather and (dumber) brother go to see that demeaning idiocracy in theatres.

Well, that episode attacked blacks for wanting to go see a movie that enforces idiotic racial stereotypes, without pause or concern. Such pigeonholing may be based on some facts and truths, but when said peoples accept it legitimately in the arts, it only makes such cartoonish depictions re-enforced as fact in the eyes of everyone else.

Some of you might say, "Dude, it's a silly comedy. Take it easy." Yeah, and Amos & Andy was simply "silly comedy" too.

Now take DELTA FARCE, a Wayans Brothers-esque insulting comedy, except its a joker on southerners, shot by rednecks, and intended for hicks. You know, the sort of garbage that Hollywood expects a Tennessee Cracker like me to enjoy.

Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. The lead stars are the useless half from the BLUE COLLAR COMEDY TOUR, the one-line wonder Larry the Cable Guy and one-sign special Bill Engvall, or Dane Cook if he was an ugly white trashbag.

What proceeds is STRIPES meets THREE AMIGOS, and its dishonorable to even use two genuinely funny movies to describe this farce.

Some dumbasses in the National Guard gets called up for duty in Iraq, and accidently get dropped down in Mexico. I was going to ask why for dudes stationed obviously out somewhere in the south, on an airflight to Ramstein Air Base in Germany....how they must have gone in circles to make this plot possible. Then again its the Pentagon, so they must have a perfectly good illogic behind it.

Now while I understand that part of the joke-punch is that these yokels don't know they're at the wrong destination, in spite of eating Tacos, hearing people speak Spanish, and the Catholic imagery everywhere....but its just so damn stupid. Not even the people that these morons are supposed to parody are that daffy, and I include those that are fans of Intelligent Design.

But you Yankees, Californians, and foreigners will love the chariactures these losers draw up. Engvall is the lazy welfare case who files false lawsuits, lives at a trailer park, and boozing as his kids terrorize the neighborhood. Larry likes flannel shirts, had a cheating white trash girlfriend who got knocked up by someone else, and refuses to pronounce the "g" syllable.

DJ Qualls is the gun-freak who loves Slim Jims, wants to kill all the brown people, and yet another Pro Wrestling fan who thinks its real.

One criticism of Brian DePalma's recent REDACTED was that the racist hick characters were damn cartoonish, an argument with some merit. It's the Yankee view of the south. But to see a scene where a redneck psychopath opens fire on civilians for fun that was played as horrible in REDACTED now played as comedy in DELTA FARCE......what the hell?

To dump salt into my sore wound is seeing Danny Trejo and Keith David be wasted with this crap. It's obvious that both try to have some fun with their well-established cinema personas, but what's worse than an unfunny comedy?

Seeing two awesome guys I dig act in a scene together, and not me giving a damn about it at all.

I mean, this is David the badass who stood up to Roddy Piper in that legendary street brawl in THEY LIVE, and Trejo...well, he's just goddamn Danny Trejo. He doesn't need me to fluffer his street cred.

Plus, whats with the women that Larry the Cable Guy is with? They're all beautiful, but why would they fall for a "fugly" like him?

Now I'm not saying that ugly folks can't honestly attract the pretty folks, but usually its because such dudes offer something else. Take Bill Murray in STRIPES, where he's damn funny and charming. Plus, he beat up the Russians with his badass RV.

What does Larry and Nicholas Cage have for the other sex?

Thing is, I know this is more of an angry rant than review, but I think I'm not the only one offended by this trash. The Department of Defense refused to help FARCE. The majority of the American Armed Forces volunteers are from the south, the Pentagon is staffed by a many officers based from the southern tradition of military service, and its a story about U.S. troops saving the day.

When the Bush White House refuses to back such a project, you know FARCE is a spitcan full of chewed-up tobacco.
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/10/08 05:04 PM

I saw Atonement over the wekend. Not as good as the book ... overall a good movie but not great. Not sure what all the oscar buzz is about,
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/08 05:08 PM

Bourne Ultimatum **
I finally managed to see this. It is thoroughly entertaining, but both the sequels look like replicas of the first one. The cities are different and the baddies are different. Nevertheless, the fight scenes are great. Matt Damon convincingly portrays a desperate man. Eventhough it looks like they have conclusively ended the series, there is a small possibility to start from this point and develop alternate storylines.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/12/08 09:04 PM



RUSH HOUR 3 (2007) - **1/2

As some of you know, I really like LETHAL WEAPON, and its superior sequel. Full of action, Full of humor, and great chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.

Then I saw LETHAL WEAPON 3 as a young lad, and still remembering feeling very underwhelmed...and at an age where boys are easily impressed, there is a a disconnection.

The problem was that everyone involved knew that it would do gangbusters in theatres, and went ahead without a good finished script, because they figured they'll make enough cash before audiences realize they've been had. If enough action and one-liners are delivered, who cares about the story?

I sense that same situation with RUSH HOUR 3. Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, and director Brett Ratner made headlines in Hollwood with the massive paychecks that New Line Cinema penned out for them, with the argument that it was a guaranteed money-maker.

The difference though is that HOUR 3 isn't a major step-down for that franchise...because it wasn't that good to begin with. But as a series of WEAPON knock-offs, they were entertaining in a pleasing, passive sort of way.

Chan and Tucker did have good chemistry in scenes mixing the martial arts with the jokes, which is surprising considering that after HOUR 3 came out, Chan admitted that he couldn't stand him nor the pictures. Then again, getting outpaid by someone who only worked in the HOUR movies since 1998 would annoy me too.

Certainly RUSH HOUR 3 continues the template with the fights, the Asian/Black jokes, the ENTER THE DRAGON references, and a really good actor stuck working as a lame villain. He may be the poor man's Richard Donner, but Brett Ratner is good at it.

All those movies carried this joke-platter of one of the stars going to a city they're unfamiliar with, and hilarity ensues. The gag now is that both Tucker and Chan are alien to Paris, which is a fine idea I guess.

The problem is that Chan isn't a butt of many jokes as much as the guy that Sam Jackson murdered in JACKIE BROWN. Yeah I get the joke, the French hate Americans, but don't Americans believe they hate everyone else too? Make the full use of that joke, I say.

Then again, the fortune shelled out for RUSH HOUR 3 didn't have much carved out for the script.

But there is something annoying about how the secret council meeting of the global Triads (or whatever nonsense) has an ultra-secret way of passing along the names of the sponsored chieftans, and Chan learns this from a person that should have been immediately suspected by Chan of dirty involvement.

SuperCop he aint.

This movie is lacking something to carry itself over the hump, to pull it through for the solid victory....and I know what it is.

Steven Seagal, a buddy of Chan, was booked originally as the villain, and that would have been the extra-mustard. Perhaps he isn't as action-credible as he once was (a major understatement), but Seagal is a name, and it would be fun to see the hero of UNDER SIEGE be the baddie.

Plus, imagine the countless fat jokes that Tucker could have spun at the expense of Flabby Seagull.

I don't think RUSH HOUR 3 is a bad movie at all, but that's about it. Its the sort of picture to escape the rain or reality with, and I sorta enjoyed the surprising TEMPLE OF DOOM homage.

Besides, where else would you see the great Roman Polanski harass the heroes by molestation? At least Ratner casted an actor with prior experience.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/08 07:30 AM


Not gonna go into full review mode, but just rewatched Spider-Man 2 the other day, and then (finally) Spider-Man 3 tonight. I was kinda nervous going into Three, with "Bad Spidey" and all -- but I think it could be the best one yet! Great job they did (despite the obvious CGI and chromakey effects, and perhaps one-too-many subplots). "Two" made me weep, and "Three" made me cheer! Go, Spidey!!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/08 07:50 AM

Inland Empire (Zero Stars)
3 hours of random stuff. David Lynch rehashes his pet theme of blurring line between imagination and reality, but only to result in a completely empty movie.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/08 07:58 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Inland Empire (Zero Stars)
3 hours of random stuff. David Lynch rehashes his pet theme of blurring line between imagination and reality, but only to result in a completely empty movie.


I have yet to see it (7.4/10 IMDb, 5.8/10 Netflix), but at this point, I've yet to even understand WTF any Lynch movie is really about.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/08 03:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: svsg
Inland Empire (Zero Stars)
3 hours of random stuff. David Lynch rehashes his pet theme of blurring line between imagination and reality, but only to result in a completely empty movie.


I have yet to see it (7.4/10 IMDb, 5.8/10 Netflix), but at this point, I've yet to even understand WTF any Lynch movie is really about.

"I'd rather people feel a film before understanding it."
- Robert Bresson

Anyway, I think Inland Empire is one of the richest films of last year. The sheer gesture of having a fictional actress playing a fictional character whose psyches splinter and impact their respective realities is fascinating enough, but the sound design and imagery scare me shitless.

JG, if you're interested in discovering Lynch but don't want to dive in head-first, try The Elephant Man (1980) and The Straight Story (1999). They're incredible, but very accessible too.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/08 05:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
JG, if you're interested in discovering Lynch but don't want to dive in head-first, try The Elephant Man (1980) and The Straight Story (1999). They're incredible, but very accessible too.

I did see The Elephant Man many, many years ago - didn't even realize he did it. It was cool, I'll have to rewatch it. I'll check'm both out.

My first head-first dive was Lost Highway, which I got a pre-release copy of when I worked for Polygram. Watched it stoned w/ a few friends and obviously had no idea WTF was going on. But then I watched it 2 or 3 times since and still have no idea...

PS - Blue Velvet's cool, Dune's okay, and Eraserhead is interesting to say the least (saw it in college, didn't get it, but it was hip at least )
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/08 06:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
if you're interested in discovering Lynch but don't want to dive in head-first, try The Elephant Man (1980) and The Straight Story (1999). They're incredible, but very accessible too.


I thought, up until I read that post, that I had never seen a David Lynch film. But I have seen The Straight Story. From everything I have read about his movies, The Straight Story doesn't seem to be something he would do. Isn't it much more lighthearted with a simple storyline compared with his other work? It is a great movie though, I'll have to check out Elephant Man.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/08 07:47 PM





HANNIBAL (2001) - **1/2

You can only do so much with a lousy book.

Hollywood went nuts when it was announced that Thomas Harris was going to finally pen a sequel to SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, which its cinematic adaptation was a major smash hit, and won the Best Picture Oscar.

Italian producer Dino DeLaurentiis infamously passed on LAMBS because his MANHUNTER (based on Harris' RED DRAGON) died in theatres, paid an astronomical $10 million for HANNIBAL's film rights, saying: "I won't make the same mistake twice!"

To give him credit, HANNIBAL did make alot of money all over the world, as did his later Hannibal Lecter pictures in HANNIBAL RISING and yet another version of RED DRAGON. I must say, it was a smart financial investment....but that's about it.

Besides the fact that the novel sucked, Harris had a very nice contract clause where he had script approval. Now I'm not blaming him at all for this goop, but consider all the talent involved with HANNIBAL.

Besides Anthony Hopkins back, you have the very capable Julianne Moore booked after Jodie Foster bailed. You have the great Sir Ridley Scott hired after Jonathan Demme passed on it, and this as the follow-up to Scott's triumphant GLADIATOR.

Then you have both great scripters David Mamet and Steven Zaillian take a crack at the adaptation. When the penners of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS and SCHINDLER'S LIST can't make something out of this book, there is a serious problem here.

More than likely though, its probably another Hollywood production where too many cooks are in the kitchen, and no one really has a clue as for what the approach for the material should be....except that HANNIBAL is a cash register.

I think my central problem with HANNIBAL is the whole emphasis on Lecter. He's simply a monster that by sheer dramatic manipulation, was able to come off as an anti-hero in LAMBS because compared to Ted Levine, he seemed charmingly gracious. Plus, audiences respect a villain after such a brilliant jail break.

With HANNIBAL, we're supposed to cheer for him again because an old maimed victim in Gary Oldman wants revenge...and why shouldn't he get it?

Yeah Oldman is as prickish as any villain supposed to be, but wouldn't you be too if someone ate your face off? Forget W.W.J.D., Christ would go medieval on Hannibal's ass too.

Then there is Julianne Moore. She's a good actress, but damn her character is pretty boring. If Foster was supposed to be a wild-eyed rookie that was way over her head, Clarice Starling is now a clone from a bad action movie.

You know what I'm talking about, a cop in heat with her superiors like Ray Liotta over nothing, and getting wrongly blamed for a botched FBI operation because of something, because otherwise the story wouldn't move forward. It's amazing how already we don't care about her story, and it doesn't ever improve.

Cue the "boring" chants from wrestling fans.

And yet whenever Hopkins appears, despite my problem with his angle, he is thrilling. He's clearly having fun and really energized in his return to his iconic role. Most of all, he's involved in a really well-shot sequences contained in what is overwise a meh glamour production.

There is great tension and a pure atmosphere of terror this side of the Grand Guignol when at the museum in Florence, Giarncarlo Giannini finally realized too late that he's no match for the Good Doctor. If only it was in a good movie....

As much as I've trashed the novel, I'll give it credit in that its ending is very conclusive, and perhaps logical in a screwy romantic sort of way this side of BUG or NATURAL BORN KILLERS.

Of course it was inevitably too insane and grotesque to stay in the final film (and if the reports are to be believed, its a major factor why Demme/Foster bailed out.) Yet the ending for HANNIBAL the movie is a fustratingly alienating cop out, surely they couldn't have done worse with the original finale.

If only if they picked apart Liotta's brain more for some better ideas....
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/13/08 09:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
From everything I have read about his movies, The Straight Story doesn't seem to be something he would do. Isn't it much more lighthearted with a simple storyline compared with his other work?

Definitely. It's why I recommend both as his most accessible films ("accessible" is such a relative term, but here I mean "most mainstream"). Did you like The Straight Story, Blib? I think it's excellent. The last time I saw it (on the big screen), I cried my eyes out. The Elephant Man might be even more heartbreaking.

I was talking to a friend at uni before the Christmas vacation and he said he loved both of these films, and because of them he was frustrated that Lynch - a director who, for him, can easily evoke such emotions with ease - tends to make more obscure, surreal stuff. I love both styles, though; he evokes fright just as easily. I think he's a master.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/08 12:08 AM

Yes I thought The Straight Story was great! I can't say I cried, but I did get watery eyed several times (is that considered crying?).

*minor spoilers*
I really enjoyed the scene when he is talking to the other war veteran as well as the upset lady who hit the deer.
Posted By: dontomasso

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/14/08 06:40 PM

I saw The Orphanage Saturday. It scared the living hell out of me. One of the most terrifying horror movies of al time.
Posted By: Turnbull

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/08 02:55 AM

THE KILLERS (1964)

This remake of the 1946 Film Noir classic has Angie Dickenson and John Cassavetes in the Ava Gardner and Burt Lancaster roles. Both did better before and since. In the earlier version, the killers ( Robert Conrad and Charles McGraw) are nasty but appear only briefly. Here the killers--Clu Gulager and Lee Marvin--are the dominant actors, and they provide much of the juice. Gulager is an obvious borderline psycho, but director Don Siegel has the good sense to keep him from going over the top. Lee Marvin, always good, is better than good here as the brooding, cold-blooded boss of the two. Ronald Reagan, in his last film role, is excellent as the tough, menacing mastermind of the heist that set the whole she-bang in motion--and the lover of divided-loyalty Dickenson.

This is undeniably a B-movie. But Siegel, like Roger Corman, does B-movies with style and conviction. Not bad a-tall.

Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/15/08 12:10 PM

I have just finished watching The Movie,Let's go to prison i had never heard of it before but decided to watch it and im glad i did i found it very original and funny and will definetly watch it again.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/08 03:11 AM

28 days later (zero stars)
There were several alternate endings in the DVD and what I saw is probably the US version (not sure). Terribly inappropriate music spoiled any bit of horror that the movie could have produced. Without that it would have been yet another zombie movie with occasional scares. This movie can be described as a comedy at best. I cannot understand its popularity.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/08 07:08 PM



CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (2005) - ***1/2

As a kid, I may have been real keen to literature compared to the rest of my peers, or simply became snobbier much earlier than I remember. I hated so-called "children's books" or "juvenile fiction" or whatever demographic-label the publishing industry uses now.

Maybe its because I thought such authors talked down to me because of my age or were trying to tell some lame morality tales disguised as "adventure" books. Why bother with those damn kids of C.S. Lewis in the middle of their epic Christian allegory when I could be reading BATMAN?

But there was one author I did really like back then. Roald Dahl's books really are the Grimm fairy tales of this modern era, except in place of the Germanic sterness is English wit and dry humor.

Those writings have such little details of insanity that are just taken for granted by its characters, and the readers. There could be a Bill Gates-esque "chocolateer" who can make or break the global candy economy. There are people only as tall as your knees. You can get a job screwing caps on toothpaste tubes. Your grandparents do literally stay in bed for years.

Believe it or not, and I know a whole generation or two of people will be surprised by this, but I'm not much of a fan of the WILLY WONKA movie with Gene Wilder.

Yes, even as a kid.

Oh sure, Wilder was really charming and fun, but the rest of the movie to me was meh. That whole film was practically about how great the factory was, but it lacked those bizarre but whimsical organic moments that populated Dahl's universe. It's about as magical as a Hollywood studio tour.

Maybe this is why I was so pleasantly surprised with Tim Burton's adaptation of Dahl's iconic book. All those scenes I vividly remember all those years ago is here, pretty much as I remembered them.

The Indian Prince who loses his Willy Wonka-designed chocolate palace melts to the hot sun because of his ego. Wonka venturing into the deep jungles for new flavors where he rescues his tiny workers from being lunch. The fact that Wonka would use his genuis to break the laws of science just to make melt-proof ice cream.

Hell, even the backstory invented for the film in John August's-penned screenplay is Dahl-esque. You have kid Wonka threatening to run away to Switzerland from his dentist-father Christopher Lee, who warns that he "won't be here when you come back."

The kid returns, and not only is pops gone, but so is their entire apartment, leaving behind an empty awkward void on the city block. That's Dahl right there. God forbid, if I hadn't known any better since I haven't read the book in years, I would have mistakenly thought that sequence was always there.

Really, I was actually surprised that Burton would embrace the book in both script and in art direction, but I guess I shouldn't be. I was so burned badly by the quite lousy PLANET OF THE APES, and really....another CHOCOLATE FACTORY adaptation seemed like another commercial job for Burton to work so he could fund his precious little personal projects.

Instead, he bothers with good effort by bringing his fantastic visuals that dominated EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, and SWEENEY TODD, but painted to a hyperbole with a very lightened-up color scheme instead of Burton's usual-Gothic look.

After all, CHARLIE is a sugar-coated fairy tale, pun intended.

Plus, we have Burton working with the one and only Johnny Depp. People made Michael Jackson allusions back in 2005, and its warranted, but I'm sure it wasn't intentional. This Willy Wonka isn't a surrogate-father figure for the kid hero like the Wilder movie. The kid has a decent dad back home.

This Willy Wonka is like Doc Brown in the BACK TO THE FUTURE movies. He's nuts with his eccentricities, but very intelligent. As the local mad genuis, that the kid seems inspired by him, or at least curious without prejudgement. He's wildly impressed with this oddball and his factory.

But I would have to say the biggest improvement over the Wilder version is the music. WONKA was old-school musical in it style, but an Aryan kid singing was a waste of my time. Especially when my alternative is Danny Elfman.

Guess who wins.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/16/08 10:56 PM

I've watched a fair amount of movies since my last post. Too lazy to rate or review but the list for those who are curious (and it is incomplete, I'm sure I'm missing some):

-FAIR GAME
-KINDERGARTEN COP
-RUNNING SCARED
-SCROOGED
-WAIST DEEP
-SERPICO
-THE KINGDOM
-WHO'S THE MAN?
-SHOOT 'EM UP
-3:10 TO YUMA
-DEATH SENTENCE
-DIRTY MARY CRAZY LARRY
-THE FOG (original)
-DIRTY HARRY
-HE WAS A QUIET MAN
-GOOD LUCK CHUCK
-MR. WOODCOCK
-ALIEN
-ALIENS
-EASTERN PROMISES
-THE HEARTBREAK KID
-WAR
-THE LADY VANISHES
-PROM NIGHT
-HALLOWEEN (original)
-TERROR TRAIN
-SCREAM
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/08 03:01 AM

STRIPES
(First Viewing)

Just another bland '80s comedy that I found to not be very entertaining yet some say is a minor classic. Reitman, Murray and Ramis got it done better the second and third time around with GHOSTBUSTERS and GHOSTBUSTERS II at least.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/17/08 05:40 AM

THE NOTORIOUS BETTIE PAGE 1/2
(Third Viewing)

Gretchen Mol did a great job with this character. She was the perfect mixture of innocence and sexuality, although I don't know how faithful she was to the real Bettie Page.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/08 03:50 AM

RED PLANET
(First Viewing)

From a script standpoint this probably looked like a great idea but it just didn't translate well onto screen. These characters are going through these enormous personality changes given their situation and I don't believe a single one of them.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/18/08 07:11 PM

ROMEO MUST DIE 1/2
(First Viewing)

Some pretty decent fighting going on here but Jet Li still hasn't had that American hit on the same scale as HERO or FEARLESS. However, the fight scene with Jet Li, Aaliyah, and the other Chinese woman was pretty bad. Anthony Anderson did a great job at bringing some much needed humor to this otherwise dull film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/08 03:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
RED PLANET
(First Viewing)

From a script standpoint this probably looked like a great idea but it just didn't translate well onto screen. These characters are going through these enormous personality changes given their situation and I don't believe a single one of them.


Yeah, Val Kilmer is a good guy?

Pfft....
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/08 03:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've watched a fair amount of movies since my last post. Too lazy to rate or review but the list for those who are curious (and it is incomplete, I'm sure I'm missing some):

-FAIR GAME
-KINDERGARTEN COP
-RUNNING SCARED
-SCROOGED
-WAIST DEEP
-SERPICO
-THE KINGDOM
-WHO'S THE MAN?
-SHOOT 'EM UP
-3:10 TO YUMA
-DEATH SENTENCE
-DIRTY MARY CRAZY LARRY
-THE FOG (original)
-DIRTY HARRY
-HE WAS A QUIET MAN
-GOOD LUCK CHUCK
-MR. WOODCOCK
-ALIEN
-ALIENS
-EASTERN PROMISES
-THE HEARTBREAK KID
-WAR
-THE LADY VANISHES
-PROM NIGHT
-HALLOWEEN (original)
-TERROR TRAIN
-SCREAM


And you better review every damn one of them, or I'll be giving you a whipping with mah belt. I'll be keeping count. \:\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/08 03:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
STRIPES
(First Viewing)

Just another bland '80s comedy that I found to not be very entertaining yet some say is a minor classic. Reitman, Murray and Ramis got it done better the second and third time around with GHOSTBUSTERS and GHOSTBUSTERS II at least.


Yeah, STRIPES just aint as good as EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.

Right?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/08 04:31 AM



REMO WILLIAMS: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS (1985) - ***

There is action cinema that has to be seen because they're the cream of the crop. DIE HARD, WHERE EAGLES DARE, HARD BOILED, and so forth. Then there are other movies that folks must watch simply because they actually exist.

Take REMO WILLIAMS: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS, a picture jam-packed with action and insanity, it has to be seen to be believed. Trust me action fans, your life isn't complete without a screening. It's something you'll never forget this side of seeing old people naked.

Imagine a movie where from a sheer hardcore training regiment, the hero Fred Ward is able to dodge bullets, air-walk over wet cement, spider-crawl all over Ferris Wheels and the Statue of Liberty, and make women orgasm by a gentle tap to the wrist.

How about the ultimate oriental badass who's a fan of Soap Operas? Hell, they're all nothing compared to a scene when Ward uses a thug's diamond-stud tooth to carve an escape out of a glass death trap.

REMO WILLIAMS was practically SHOOT'EM UP for the Reagan Decade

Based on the enduring THE DESTROYER adventure books, REMO details a NYPD cop who gets double-crossed, and his death faked by an ultra-secret government agency, C.U.R.E., which reports only to the President.

It's mandate is to take out people who cheat the judicial system with their money and power. Their slogan is the unofficial 11th Commandment: "Thou shalt not get away with it." You reading this Roger Clemens?

Ward, now given the codename "Remo Williams" (after a bedpan), is forced to become an assassin. He's sent to be trained by Korean fight master Joel Grey. REMO was I believe the last Hollywood production to go "Yellow-Face," or hired a caucasian actor to play an Oriental character under massive amounts of make-up.

Yet in spite of the logical and ethical issues I have with such castings, Grey hits a home-run as the racist, sexist, and hilarious as hell Chiun. Proud of his clan's murdering heritage ("Professional assassination, it's the highest form of public service"), the scenes of making the proud macho-American Ward humble are good fun.

Along with his endless sets of memorable one-liners, Grey practically is what makes REMO WILLIAMS worth watching.

Certainly the movie lacks the smooth masculine trashy fun intensity of the DESTROYER novels, but it sure as hell tries to be as "hip" and pulpy as them.

The problem for many DESTROYER fans, and I don't fault them really, is that all this supernatural ass-kicking was accomplished in the pre-CGI era by sound clips, quick cutting, and simple effects, which gives REMO WILLIAMS a pretty cheesy cheap vibe. It's arguably a great "bad" movie.

Then again, that's the charm of REMO for me. It works for me as a pure B-picture, and at times it plays like DR. NO, which was shot before 007 was A-level and big-budget.

There is a plot shoehorned into the narrative about a villainous weapons-manufacturer and a love interest, but they're all junk-filler for an "origin" tale that was the starting-point for a planned franchise that crashed and burned on the launch pad.

If only we lived in an mirror universe where we had gotten more REMO pictures, and RESIDENT EVIL got strangled in its crib....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/08 03:29 PM

THE GAME PLAN
(First Viewing)

Ok, I know the Rock went with the safe, family, Disney movie here but now he needs to turn it up a notch. This film, for whatever reason minorily boosted his career again (don't even ask me how or why the film was the #1 film in this country for a period of time or how and why it grossed as much money as it did). You're "back" Rock, now do something about it. He was "suppose" to be the next great acting star yet he can't even tie Jason Statham's shoes. On a minor note, Madison Pettis was impressive as his daugther.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/20/08 08:14 PM

Run Lola Run **
My only problem with enjoying this movie was that I knew the concept of the movie before hand. It is an interesting theme, but not too original. It is infinitely more entertaining than the Kieslowski movie Przypadek which it ripped off in terms of concept. At 81 minutes, it is very watchable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/08 01:21 AM

SAW IV 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I'm a SAW fanatic as this is the best horror franchise running IMO. I love seeing a new film pop up every year around Halloween time because I know it'll be there. This, however I think was the first film were I felt it was starting to run its course. I still think they could do another one (maybe two) but after that it's going to turn to sh*t. This is in a lot of ways a remake of the first film.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/08 01:51 AM

I watched Wild Hogs on cable this morning. It is undoubtedly an incredibly stupid movie and a waste of a good cast. However, it is also very funny. I found myself alternately wincing at the bad plot and even worse dialogue, and laughing my ass off.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/08 05:51 AM




RUMBLE IN THE BRONX (1996) - **1/2

It's since then been demolished, but there once was the Martin Theatre, the centre for the Kingsport Mall, the first indoor shopping complex for that city. The Martin was from a by-gone era where before the age of the googleplex, only two movies played at a time, and the joint was absolutely nasty.

I mean the popcorn was always stale, stains everywhere, the toilets were broken, there was a visible tear on the screen, and the seats not repaired since the Reagan Administration. It was a favorite place for drug junkies and prostitutes applying their trade.

And yet, I sure miss the Martin if only because it was the site for so many of my cherished childhood movie-going experiences.

Take for instance me and my friends went off to a matinee screening of RUMBLE IN THE BRONX. While he already was an action cinema icon to an underground fan community, but it was BRONX where most Americans like us discovered Jackie Chan.

For us boys, Chan was certainly quite different from the other action heroes we grew up with. Unlike Van Damm and Seagal, Chan's body movements wasn't stationary and static, but very fluid....and literally all over the place like a cartoon. He was as charismatic as Bruce Lee, but in a quiet, gentler, more audience-friendly with charming mannerisms.

But most of all, unlike all those action stars, Chan is just isn't so goddamn SERIOUS.

Van Damm is almost always beaten nearly to death this side of a weird-ass sadomasichistic Jesus Christ complex. Seagal is always stone cold with his dead-calm dialogue, and Lee is either being philosophical fluffy about a code of honor while brutally killing his enemies.

No, Chan is more of the comic clown who rather avoid fighting but always seems to get trapped in sticky situations and has to use his fists and body to escape.

It's just like Buster Keaton, but if he had learned kung fu or got bored by trying to stop a train.

In reflection, BRONX is actually a lousy movie. The dubbing is GODZILLA bad, the acting is Soap Opera terrible, there are lots better Chan movies (DRUNKEN MASTER II)and well, the plot is a shabby excuse for the real show.

In a way, watching a Chan flick is like watching a Jeff Hardy wrestling match. Sometimes you may get good kayfabe storyline heat to cook up the in-ring storytelling, but usually you don't.

But you're guaranteed some aerobatic flips, injury-begging jumps, and once a blue moon, a death-defying "spot" that take your breath away. Like BRONX, its a glorified Stunt Show, which it should be simply viewed as.

From squeezing through a shopping cart to spider-crawling parking garages to avoiding death-collisions with buses to leaping onto a runaway hovercraft, we boys were shocked by seeing Chan doing all of this crazyness himself, and doing it simply for a movie.

Then seeing the blooper reel afterwards where Chan breaks his ankle, only to go back to work with a painted-sock. Hell, one spot in general, if he doesn't slide down a car's roof-door quick enough, a motorbike would have forced the movie to be retitled RUMBLE IN MY GROIN.

With all that, and his immortal jump across a city street onto a fire escape WITHOUT any safety catch, to us boys he was "hardcore" before we found Mick Foley and ECW.

We would then watch all his other pictures, either already on video before several of those same titles were re-released in theatres. Much like what happened after ENTER THE DRAGON and Lee's demise, Chan's earlier work flooded the American scene. Hell, he's the only reason why I went to see RUSH HOUR in theatres.

That said, I do remember now a brutal scene that didn't involve falling or getting hurt on Chan's behalf. You have this punk gang, which somehow survived the early 80s New York and mullets, prepping up baseball bats and beer bottles and you think, "yes another brawl!"

Instead, they play baseball with the empty bottles into Chan, and the shattered flying glass cuts him up this side of DIE HARD, blood everywhere.

Now that's gotta hurt....
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/08 03:12 PM

SHOWGIRLS
(First Viewing)

An enjoyable please-take-me-seriously movie that turned out to be a huge bomb. I don't think this was the way Elizabeth Burkley wanted her career to turn out after SAVED BY THE BELL ran its course. Gina Gershon was quite enjoyable as the b*tch who toys with Berkley's character throughout the film.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/21/08 04:57 PM

Hey Ronnie have you seen Eastern Promises yet? I wanna check it out.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/08 12:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Hey Ronnie have you seen Eastern Promises yet? I wanna check it out.


Yes, and it was on my Top Ten list for 2007...#3, I believe.

EASTERN PROMISES (2007) - ****1/2
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/08 08:13 PM

ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I gave it another shot and while I enjoyed it more, it still didn't blow me away unfortunately like HALLOWEEN or THE FOG did. I think on paper this seemed like a great film but for whatever reason, it just didn't translate well onto the screen. I think the costumes and cars were pretty campy and I'm looking forward to the remake due out in 2009 with Gerard Butler.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/08 08:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I gave it another shot and while I enjoyed it more, it still didn't blow me away unfortunately like HALLOWEEN or THE FOG did. I think on paper this seemed like a great film but for whatever reason, it just didn't translate well onto the screen. I think the costumes and cars were pretty campy and I'm looking forward to the remake due out in 2009 with Gerard Butler.


You mean the remake that got CANCELLED?

Then again, you always thought Brett Ratner was the shit.

Besides, EFNY was a pretty low budget movie back in ole 1980 or 81 or whatever. Give it a fucking break.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/22/08 10:46 PM

ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 (1976)
(First Viewing)

Not as captivating as the 2005 remake. The remake had a better cast, more realistic and better explained story, and more excitement. However, I'll give John Carpenter some props as it was one of his first films and he made HALLOWEEN following this.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 01:34 AM

THE THING (1982)
(Second Viewing)

Definitely better a second time around, well worth the rewatch. This film sucks you in from the begining about this thing that is attacking these American scientists. The effects were very good for 1982.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 02:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE THING (1982)
(Second Viewing)

Definitely better a second time around, well worth the rewatch. This film sucks you in from the begining about this thing that is attacking these American scientists. The effects were very good for 1982.


That was when Carpenter was churning out great movies like Halloween, The Fog, Escape from New York and then The Thing.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 02:17 AM

One of my favorite sci-fi movies of all-time is "The Thing" (1951). Hell, its one of my favorite movies, period. The fact that this remake matches the original (IMO) is remarkable enough, but it stands on its own merits. The FX are great as is the story (much truer to the novel "Who Goes There?", on which its based).

It cannot, however, compare to the superb timing and dialogue of the original (which is somewhat dated by today's standards). I highly recommend viewing the 1951 version, but I'd equally recommend this wonderful remake.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 03:17 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
One of my favorite sci-fi movies of all-time is "The Thing" (1951). Hell, its one of my favorite movies, period. The fact that this remake matches the original (IMO) is remarkable enough, but it stands on its own merits. The FX are great as is the story (much truer to the novel "Who Goes There?", on which its based).

It cannot, however, compare to the superb timing and dialogue of the original (which is somewhat dated by today's standards). I highly recommend viewing the 1951 version, but I'd equally recommend this wonderful remake.


I want to watch the original but can't find it on DVD. If you ever see it coming on cable anytime, please let me know.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 03:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I want to watch the original but can't find it on DVD. If you ever see it coming on cable anytime, please let me know.


Will do.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 03:43 AM

Thanks
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 03:47 AM

You can get a new DVD for $6+ on Amazon.com.

Here's a link:

"THE THING" (1951) - CLICK HERE
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 05:30 AM

Hmm, I didn't know it was under that title. Thanks for the heads up SC, I added it to my Blockbuster queue
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 07:32 AM

Cool!!!

Don't judge it by the effects (silly by today's standards) or the filming itself (some scenes are clearly "fake") but rather by the dialogue and its quick, machine-gun delivery (as good as any I've ever seen).

Keep in mind this was made in 1951 when we were really just at the birth of the nuclear age and a lot of people were anti-military. There's an interesting insight into some pro-military thinking here (unlike in "The Day the Earth Stood Still", another excellent sci-fi flick from the same year).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 07:53 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
Cool!!!

Don't judge it by the effects (silly by today's standards) or the filming itself (some scenes are clearly "fake") but rather by the dialogue and its quick, machine-gun delivery (as good as any I've ever seen).



I think you're asking too much of him.

To see films in context is probably the biggest difficulty or failure of which I see with my generation.

Take ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK. It was a B-movie through and through, and its budget was peanuts, like $5 million, to try to create as something like a futuristic action movie about escaping a maximum security New York City prison.

In a way, its Carpenter trying his own hand at a Leone movie...not as graceful, but its still a lean, mean, satisfying B-action movie.

Plus, you gotta dig Snake Plissken. He's a criminal through and through, never apologizing or doing anything that redeems or whatever.

But I guess some folks rather have CGI up the ass, stupidity, apolitical*, and a hero with redeeming qualities or whatever nonsense.

*=Carpenter is either an anarchist or a libertarian, I can't tell. His America of the future is always a paramilitary fascist state. This works because Snake is, for better or for worse, individualistic, or freedom.....think about it.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 11:39 AM

I'll admit that the first time I saw "Escape From New York" I didn't like it but watched it again (simply because it was about my home city). Upon subsequent viewings I enjoyed it more and more and saw it for what is was - a pretty good movie!

Maybe I am being unfair to ask someone to watch a movie that I've enjoyed immensely and giving them guidelines to do so. Its just that I've been watching this (original) movie of "The Thing" for about 47-48 years and even I find it almost laughable in parts because its so dated. I just want to stress the timeless qualities of it - its dialogue and how its deliverered - almost a machinegun like rat-a-tat style, fast and effective.

The "context" part was added just because its a subject dear to me... I once started writing an essay comparing the two movies from the same year ("The Thing" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still") and how they were diametrically opposite each other. One of these days I'll finish that essay. \:\/
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 03:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I'll admit that the first time I saw "Escape From New York" I didn't like it but watched it again (simply because it was about my home city). Upon subsequent viewings I enjoyed it more and more and saw it for what is was - a pretty good movie!


I agree. Like I said yesterday with a second viewing, I enjoyed it more and thought it was a good movie a second time around. But I wouldn't call it great. Now THE THING was great a second time around.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 04:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: SC
I'll admit that the first time I saw "Escape From New York" I didn't like it but watched it again (simply because it was about my home city). Upon subsequent viewings I enjoyed it more and more and saw it for what is was - a pretty good movie!


I agree. Like I said yesterday with a second viewing, I enjoyed it more and thought it was a good movie a second time around. But I wouldn't call it great. Now THE THING was great a second time around.


What's next, you'll realize that BLADE RUNNER is great too the next time around?

Better late than never, I say.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 04:40 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I'll admit that the first time I saw "Escape From New York" I didn't like it but watched it again (simply because it was about my home city). Upon subsequent viewings I enjoyed it more and more and saw it for what is was - a pretty good movie!

Maybe I am being unfair to ask someone to watch a movie that I've enjoyed immensely and giving them guidelines to do so. Its just that I've been watching this (original) movie of "The Thing" for about 47-48 years and even I find it almost laughable in parts because its so dated. I just want to stress the timeless qualities of it - its dialogue and how its deliverered - almost a machinegun like rat-a-tat style, fast and effective.

The "context" part was added just because its a subject dear to me... I once started writing an essay comparing the two movies from the same year ("The Thing" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still") and how they were diametrically opposite each other. One of these days I'll finish that essay. \:\/


Well, its like my review of Howard Hawks' SCARFACE.

Unlike some people on these boards, I don't do the silly thing and compare that 1932 classic to say modern cinema.

I tried to watch it for the context of the times it was shot in, and for that era of the Gangster-genre....it fucking stands out as a movie where the criminal-hero never reprents for being a criminal, but simply that he got busted...and how Hawks was willing to let such an animal be a compelling underdog tale.

And its great in spite of the bullshit changes put in place after the fact....

Now that's saying something.

And context works for ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK as well. It was scripted in the not-too-optimistic late 1970s in America, and while John Carpenter won't ever admit it, but I am certain the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis played a creative impetus for EFNY's premise in some way.

While you have these pretty boy "Punk" bands running around these lands and boring us through the airwaves, that late 70s/early 80s was "Punk" in these anti-authoritarian rants...and thats what EFNY basically is, especially with the ending where Snake fucks the President over.

Plus, since STAR WARS and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, where each was about action action every few minutes, EFNY was of the old school variety where an action picture tied itself around 2-3 action sequences, ala THE GREAT ESCAPE, BULLIT, etc.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/23/08 04:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
And context works for ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK as well. It was scripted in the not-too-optimistic late 1970s in America, and while John Carpenter won't ever admit it, but I am certain the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis played a creative impetus for EFNY's premise in some way.


Thats a good point, and one I've never made a conscious connection with.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 03:20 AM

Some Like It Hot (1959) A comedy about two struggling Chicago musicians who after witnessing the St. Valentine's Day massacre are wanted by a mob boss named Spats (George Raft). In order to get away from the mob the two men dress up as women and hop on a train with an all girl band that is going to Miami.

No matter how many times I watch this movie it's just as funny and entertaining as the last viewing. A movie that I never tire of. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are just hilarious. And the Joe E. Brown / Jack Lemmon dressed as 'Daphne' scenes are just classic.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 05:52 AM

Night of the Hunter *
It resembles a typical Hitchcock film in terms of plot and story, which I am not a big fan of anyway. The camera work is pretty good. But it is painfully dated and didn't interest me for most part.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 05:56 AM

1408 ***
This movie is based on a Stephen King novel. It is genuinely spooky in some places. Though I am not very much into horror movies, I found this very interesting. Good acting by John Cusack.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 06:47 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
Some Like It Hot (1959) A comedy about two struggling Chicago musicians who after witnessing the St. Valentine's Day massacre are wanted by a mob boss named Spats (George Raft). In order to get away from the mob the two men dress up as women and hop on a train with an all girl band that is going to Miami.

No matter how many times I watch this movie it's just as funny and entertaining as the last viewing. A movie that I never tire of. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are just hilarious. And the Joe E. Brown / Jack Lemmon dressed as 'Daphne' scenes are just classic.


I've only seen this once and own the DVD but it surprised me and I did enjoy it very much. Have you seen THE APARTMENT? Another great Jack Lemmon movie.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 08:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Have you seen THE APARTMENT? Another great Jack Lemmon movie.


I love "The Apartment"! As good as Jack Lemmon was in it I love it because of Shirley MacLaine. IMO she was at her best then (in the late 50's/early 60's) and I had a major crush on her.

Consider her roles from that period:

"Some Came Running" - an AWESOME movie with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin befriending the floozy, MacLaine.

"The Apartment" -

"Irma LaDouce" - she plays a prostitute to Jack Lemmon's "pimp". Hilarious!

"What a Way to Go" - an absolutely hysterical collection of boyfriends (Dean Martin, Dick van Dyke, Paul Newman, Gene Kelly and Robert Mitchum) fall by the wayside of MacLaine.

I highly recommend them all!
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 06:26 PM

I recently rewatched Jack Lemmon in Missing, which I hadn't seen in years. Lemmon's performance is just unbelievable. He plays the father of a young man who is arrested and disappears while living in Chile during a coup. In the beginning, we see him looking down his nose at his daughter-in-law and son for leaving the US and living what he considers an unrealistic, idealistic life. He has full faith in the "system" and believes that working through channels with the US Embassy will answer all their questions. As he and his daughter-in-law (played wonderfully by Sissy Spacek) are lied to over and over again by officials, you see that everything he has based his life on is slipping away. And he just wants his son back.

Considering what a great comedic actor he was, to see him in this role was even more impressive.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 06:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Considering what a great comedic actor he was, to see him in this role was even more impressive.


Lemmon may have been THE most versatile actor of my lifetime. While his comedic roles are wonderful he has four of the most powerful dramatic roles I've seen on his resume:

"The Days of Wine and Roses", "The China Syndrome", "Glengarry Glen Ross" and possibly the grittiest role I've EVER seen, "Save the Tiger".
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 08:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
"Irma LaDouce" - she plays a prostitute to Jack Lemmon's "pimp". Hilarious!


Do you know what Godfather actor had a part in that movie?



 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Considering what a great comedic actor he was, to see him in this role was even more impressive.


Lemmon may have been THE most versatile actor of my lifetime.
"The Days of Wine and Roses"


Unbelievable acting by BOTH stars in that movie.


 Originally Posted By: svsg
Night of the Hunter *


Are you talking about the original with Robert Mitchum and Shelly Winters?

An outstanding piece of acting by Robert Mitchium. And While it might be a bit dated by today's standards, for many years it was a highly suspenseful movie. I've always liked that movie but will admit that Robert Mitchium's acting is what makes the whole movie. I'd give it 1/2
Posted By: Mignon

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/24/08 11:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
Lemmon may have been THE most versatile actor of my lifetime. While his comedic roles are wonderful he has four of the most powerful dramatic roles I've seen on his resume:


I happen to love him in Grumpy Old Men.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/08 02:31 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi



 Originally Posted By: svsg
Night of the Hunter *


Are you talking about the original with Robert Mitchum and Shelly Winters?

An outstanding piece of acting by Robert Mitchium. And While it might be a bit dated by today's standards, for many years it was a highly suspenseful movie. I've always liked that movie but will admit that Robert Mitchium's acting is what makes the whole movie. I'd give it 1/2


I am not sure if it is the original one, but it does star Robert Mitchum. His acting was good though. I was reminded of "Man who knew too much" and "A shadow of doubt".
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/08 04:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Night of the Hunter *
It resembles a typical Hitchcock film in terms of plot and story, which I am not a big fan of anyway.


What did you mean here? Are you saying you're not a Hitchcock fan? Or not a fan of plot and story?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/08 04:04 AM

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 1/2
(First Viewing)

What a beautiful and original movie. This may not be for everyone out there (check your Beatles fan I.D. card before entering). But what I loved the most was the way the director, Julie Taymor was able to attach a story to every song used. In some instances, I was able to appreciate the song in a different context (I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Strawberry Fields Forever come to mind quickly). A sometimes powerful and musically entertaining film.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/08 04:45 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble

What did you mean here? Are you saying you're not a Hitchcock fan? Or not a fan of plot and story?

I am a big fan of Hitchcock's camera work and sound design. I am not a big fan of his stories/plots. I find them too simplistic. However there are a couple of notable exceptions. I loved N by NW for its plot (of course in addition to his audio+visual genius) and Vertigo is one of my all time favorites (top 15). I like it for its excellent theme, plot and technical finesse.

These are my ratings of his movies as per how I remember them today:

1. Birds **
2. Psycho ***
3. North by Northwest ****
4. Vertigo ****
5. The man who knew too much (zero stars)
6. Rear Window ***
7. Strangers on a train *
8. Shadow of a doubt *
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/08 04:48 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 1/2
(First Viewing)

What a beautiful and original movie. This may not be for everyone out there (check your Beatles fan I.D. card before entering). But what I loved the most was the way the director, Julie Taymor was able to attach a story to every song used. In some instances, I was able to appreciate the song in a different context (I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Strawberry Fields Forever come to mind quickly). A sometimes powerful and musically entertaining film.

Its DVD is coming next week I think, I saw it on the "coming soon" list in my local blockbuster. Those who haven't seen it, don't miss it \:p
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/25/08 03:27 PM

Yeah it comes out on February 5. BTW, I found that FYE has an exclusive 3-disc set. I always purchase from Best Buy but I guess I'll get the 3-disc instead of the 2-disc set (I think the third disc has a making of feature).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/08 03:10 AM

THE INVASION 1/2
(First Viewing)

Prior to seeing THE GOLDEN COMPASS late last year, it's great to finally see Nicole Kidman in a meaningful movie away from the HAPPY FEET, BEWITCHED or THE STEPFORD WIVES. While not completely captivating, I will give it props for not losing its steam towards the end of the film. I really liked the last scene in particular with Kidman. And as much as I like Daniel Craig, there was one scene in here that I thought he did a terrible job with.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/08 05:23 AM

THE KING OF KONG: A FISTFUL OF QUARTERS 1/2
(First Viewing)

One of the best documentaries I've probably ever seen. If you're a gamer or just a casual video game fan, I think this is for you. Billy Mitchell, the Donkey Kong champion for the past 25 years and Gamer of the Century is being tested for his crown and claim as "champion of the world" by middle-school science teacher Steve Wiebe. What ensues is nothing short of amazing \:o
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/08 07:58 PM

THE DEVILS REJECTS

Blood soaked nonsense from Rob Zombie but i have to admit i really enjoyed this film (which disturbs me slightly)
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/26/08 09:21 PM

Are you disturbed because you enjoyed it? Or disturbed because the movie was meant to disturb you?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/08 04:05 AM

THE ABYSS
(First Viewing)

I had seen parts of this before but never the whole thing. I didn't realize how long it was but I liked Cameron's take on the aliens. In every alien movie that I've seen they've come to our planet to harm us and take over but that's the case here. The FX and set designs (especially at the end) turned out very well.
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/08 05:10 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE ABYSS
(First Viewing)

I had seen parts of this before but never the whole thing. I didn't realize how long it was but I liked Cameron's take on the aliens. In every alien movie that I've seen they've come to our planet to harm us and take over but that's the case here. The FX and set designs (especially at the end) turned out very well.


Back when Michael Biehn was relevant, what ever happened to that guy? I always like him.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/27/08 07:57 AM

There will be blood ****
I have to admit that I had no intentions of watching it until it got the nominations. I wasn't too impressed by the trailer. Contrary to my expectation, this isn't a period movie. It is very intense and impacting. The music is excellent, mostly in the form of constant hums and slow modulations of single tones. The music creates a tense atmosphere throughout the movie. Unlike what I presumed, this is not about big oil companies fighting and spilling blood. It is mainly the story of one man, but there are several interesting and original characters in the movie. Highly recommended.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/08 02:26 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Are you disturbed because you enjoyed it? Or disturbed because the movie was meant to disturb you?


Both
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/08 09:21 PM

THE DEPARTED
(Nth Viewing)

FINALLY I was able to see a film in Blu-Ray and this was my first. The quality was outstanding, it really showed a difference in the beginning but towards the middle of the film, I was focusing on the story more than the picture quality.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/28/08 10:55 PM

Just finish watching "Looks whos talking" a fav film of mine when i was a kid and spotted tessio from GF playing the Grandpa..
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 06:45 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I was focusing on the story more than the picture quality.


I don't know if that's a nonsensical sentence or just.....wait, it is.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 03:19 PM

FACES OF DEATH
(First Viewing)

I was finally able to get ahold of one of these to see how intense it was and I must say, it wasn't as bad as I expected. I like a lot of that had to do with the poor quality. It was almost like watching a grindhouse film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 03:50 PM

RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR
(First Viewing)

From the previews this looked pretty interesting but thank goodness it's only 95 minutes. The first half hour of the film the man is wondering if his wife is dead or alive and the last hour he's inside the house talking to her while she's outside. That's it! It had a nice little twist at the end but by then I was just ready for the credits to roll.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 05:42 PM

THE KING OF CALIFORNIA 1/2
(First Viewing)

Not as bad as I anticipated. I haven't watched SIDEWAYS yet but after watching this, I'm more interested in it now. It was great to see Michael Douglas play a crazy mental patient and Evan Rachel Wood continues to grow and impress me as an actress. I think she's one of the finest young actress in Hollywood today.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 05:53 PM

COBRA 1/2
(First Viewing)

A decent Sly 80s action film outside of the ROCKY and RAMBO franchises. The movie started off great with Sly in the supermarket with the maniac but from then on he just didn't seem to have the same swagger or coolness about him. The story always wasn't explained in great details for the villains but again, it was pretty decent for a popcorn 80s action flick.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 05:55 PM

Hanged.

Myself.

Just have.

I.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 08:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Hanged.

Myself.

Just have.

I.


Now THAT's a real review! ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 08:41 PM

RAMBO
(First Viewing)

I don't really know why this was dumped in January. I know it's not going to break any box office records but I think it may be one of the best action films of the year (we'll have to see). But it's definitely probably the best action film I've seen since either TRANSFORMERS, 300, or CRANK. I'd even dare say it's up there with the original RAMBO in terms of the franchise. Now if Stallone could only get the ball rolling with COBRA 2
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 08:46 PM

Transformers
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 09:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
RAMBO
(First Viewing)

I don't really know why this was dumped in January. I know it's not going to break any box office records but I think it may be one of the best action films of the year (we'll have to see). But it's definitely probably the best action film I've seen since either TRANSFORMERS, 300, or CRANK. I'd even dare say it's up there with the original RAMBO in terms of the franchise. Now if Stallone could only get the ball rolling with COBRA 2


Wow, what a way to no-sell SHOOT'EM UP.

Who you think you are, Shelton Benjamin?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 09:11 PM

First Blood is far too good to be considered in line with a superhero franchise.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 09:22 PM

Or you could have said "real"
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 11:22 PM

JESUS CHRIST VAMPIRE HUNTER
(First Viewing)

Yes read that title again. Thanks for the recommendation LLC. A great 2001 campy movie that I would never have had the idea to think could be made into a movie. While watching it I continued to remember CLERKS by the quality. Definitely a laugher if you ever get the chance to see it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 11:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Transformers


You didn't like TRANSFORMERS!? Are you kidding me \:o
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 11:28 PM

Ive not seen it,not my style. They should make a "thundercats" film, i always liked that.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 11:38 PM

You should see it man. It was the best action movie from last summer
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/29/08 11:47 PM

Die Hard was better ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 01:13 AM

How do you know unless you've seen it (TRANSFORMERS that is) ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 01:15 AM

THE WOLF MAN 1/2
(First Viewing)

I really applaud Universal as being the pioneer of horror films back in the early days of cinema. While this doesn't add up to the likes of FRANKENSTEIN or DRACULA, it's still an enjoyable monster movie along with THE MUMMY. I'm looking forward to the 2009 remake with Benicio Del Toro if they can find another director quickly.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 03:19 AM

FACES OF DEATH II
(First Viewing)

More of the same, shocking deaths. Some parts were more shocking than the original and some weren't. Overall, I felt the original was better and had more commentary.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 05:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
RAMBO
(First Viewing)

I don't really know why this was dumped in January. I know it's not going to break any box office records but I think it may be one of the best action films of the year (we'll have to see). But it's definitely probably the best action film I've seen since either TRANSFORMERS, 300, or CRANK. I'd even dare say it's up there with the original RAMBO in terms of the franchise. Now if Stallone could only get the ball rolling with COBRA 2


Wow, what a way to no-sell SHOOT'EM UP.

Who you think you are, Shelton Benjamin?


And your erection for Irishman continues to grow...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 05:40 AM

SHATTERED 1/2
(First Viewing)

Don't be fooled by the story and cast for this film. Yes, the cast is very good (Gerard Butler, Maria Bello and Pierce Brosnan) but the film could have been better. It was such a breath of fresh air to see Brosnan get down with his dark side like Robin Williams did a few years ago with his "bad guy" trilogy (INSOMNIA, DEATH TO SMOOCHY and ONE HOUR PHOTO). And while I would like to see Brosnan in more roles like this I felt he could have given more. He could have been more evil, more sinister and could have pushed these people harder. There was a nice twist at the end but it seems that these Lionsgate films that I've viewed as of late is all there is. They moderately hook you with a storyline for 90+ minutes and then throw in this twist at the end that's suppose to make it all better. Well, it didn't work the last time and while this surprise was better, it still didn't work this time.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 09:15 AM


Does I12 even have any close resemblance to a life, watching shitty movies all day and night?? \:p

I finally saw Saw IV tonight - kinda disappointed. Like most franchises, they only go downhill after the first I think. Perhaps because the shock value is gone, and/or, perhaps because they can't think of cool new ideas. Probably a mix of both. Not terrible - I'd recommend it. But certainly not nearly as good as the first one. And F that retarded director who thought those "transitions" were cool! NOT cool. Distracting and confusing. He should F himself.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 04:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
How do you know unless you've seen it (TRANSFORMERS that is) ;\)


Ill give it a paas, i think..
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 05:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
How do you know unless you've seen it (TRANSFORMERS that is) ;\)


Ill give it a paas, i think..


A good move.

Its a total dogshit of a movie.

I mean, what you expect from Baynito Michaelini?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 05:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
RAMBO
(First Viewing)

I don't really know why this was dumped in January. I know it's not going to break any box office records but I think it may be one of the best action films of the year (we'll have to see). But it's definitely probably the best action film I've seen since either TRANSFORMERS, 300, or CRANK. I'd even dare say it's up there with the original RAMBO in terms of the franchise. Now if Stallone could only get the ball rolling with COBRA 2


Wow, what a way to no-sell SHOOT'EM UP.

Who you think you are, Shelton Benjamin?


And your erection for Irishman continues to grow...


What if we're the same person?

I would be such a narcicist.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 05:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Does I12 even have any close resemblance to a life, watching shitty movies all day and night?? \:p

I finally saw Saw IV tonight - kinda disappointed. Like most franchises, they only go downhill after the first I think. Perhaps because the shock value is gone, and/or, perhaps because they can't think of cool new ideas. Probably a mix of both. Not terrible - I'd recommend it. But certainly not nearly as good as the first one. And F that retarded director who thought those "transitions" were cool! NOT cool. Distracting and confusing. He should F himself.




(1) I like you Geoff, but why ask questions you already know the answers to?

(2) Outside of PSYCHO and arguably FRIDAY THE 13TH*, what good horror sequels have there been beyond #2?

*=Well, arguable in that the kills/gore became more laughable, as if the filmmakers finally realized that nobody's scared by Jason anymore, so lets have some laughs below the surface.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 05:15 PM

Does "dawn of the dead-1978" count as a classic horror sequal
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 05:46 PM

Irish, out of curiosity, do you watch films with full engagement, or are you doing other stuff at the same time?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 09:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, out of curiosity, do you watch films with full engagement, or are you doing other stuff at the same time?


Cue ButtHead.....

"Haha "engagement" huhuh"
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 09:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Does "dawn of the dead-1978" count as a classic horror sequal


Well, yeah....though I must say, the DEAD movies are good beyond #2.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 10:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Does "dawn of the dead-1978" count as a classic horror sequal


Well, yeah....though I must say, the DEAD movies are good beyond #2.

There are four right? Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, and Land of the Dead. Am I missing any? I don't think they are good past the second movie. The second two do fit right into your definition:

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
*=Well, arguable in that the kills/gore became more laughable, as if the filmmakers finally realized that nobody's scared...

For example, while the first two movies were scary because they felt real with an enemy that had no reason to exist other than to kill and eat live humans. "Day..." introduces a zombie that can be trained and is able to shoot a gun. "Land..." takes it way too far in my opinion with the one zombie "leader" who herds an army of dead against a large city and the characters who fight back seem to have been taken right out of bad '80's action movies.

If there are other "Dead" movies that are as good as the first two let me know because I'm missing out. I love good zombie movies.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 11:03 PM

thers no other dead movies, just 4
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/30/08 11:06 PM

Diary of the Dead will be coming soon! \:D

I think the Dead franchise is very good. Strong social criticism in a comic-gore sort of way. Land of the Dead almost killed me with how mundane it was when I saw it on the big screen, but that was before I'd seen the others. I think it's decent; evolution of zombies - and this time they're far more charming and emotive than the actual humans.

Those films have always been about the human interactions anyway; how society reacts to outside panic. Racial tension, gender issues, etc. Alas, they never show up in academic courses. \:\(
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/08 02:51 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Diary of the Dead will be coming soon! \:D

I think the Dead franchise is very good. Strong social criticism in a comic-gore sort of way. Land of the Dead almost killed me with how mundane it was when I saw it on the big screen, but that was before I'd seen the others. I think it's decent; evolution of zombies - and this time they're far more charming and emotive than the actual humans.

Those films have always been about the human interactions anyway; how society reacts to outside panic. Racial tension, gender issues, etc. Alas, they never show up in academic courses. \:\(


I dig the DEAD franchise in varying degrees....though really, while they're horror genre in heart, I've never thought of them as terryfying.

I thought of them as more action dramas about survival itself...and beyond.

That said, I still enjoyed LAND OF THE DEAD, the least of the series...though as more of a smart B-action post-apocticlyptical movie this side of ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK.

So Capo, your favorite of the bunch?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/08 02:56 AM

I love the first three. Dawn is probably my favourite, then Day then Night then Land.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/08 08:15 PM

WE OWN THE NIGHT 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I really don't know how she does it but I think Eva Mendes somehow got hotter. That's all I can say about her, she looked absolutely beautiful in this film and I loved that it was set in the late 80s NYC and not present day. A lot of that reason was due to the awesome soundtrack that assisted it. As much as I like Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall, Joaquin Phoenix stole the show. This man is becoming a favorite of mine after 2000's GLADIATOR and 2005's WALK THE LINE (which I was pulling for him to win his Oscar for). Good or bad, the man can play both sides of the fence extremely well.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/08 08:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
WE OWN THE NIGHT 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I really don't know how she does it but I think Eva Mendes somehow got hotter. That's all I can say about her, she looked absolutely beautiful in this film and I loved that it was set in the late 80s NYC and not present day. A lot of that reason was due to the awesome soundtrack that assisted it. As much as I like Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall, Joaquin Phoenix stole the show. This man is becoming a favorite of mine after 2000's GLADIATOR and 2005's WALK THE LINE (which I was pulling for him to win his Oscar for). Good or bad, the man can play both sides of the fence extremely well.


The opening scene was.........................."sensual."
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/08 09:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
WE OWN THE NIGHT 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I really don't know how she does it but I think Eva Mendes somehow got hotter. That's all I can say about her, she looked absolutely beautiful in this film and I loved that it was set in the late 80s NYC and not present day. A lot of that reason was due to the awesome soundtrack that assisted it. As much as I like Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall, Joaquin Phoenix stole the show. This man is becoming a favorite of mine after 2000's GLADIATOR and 2005's WALK THE LINE (which I was pulling for him to win his Oscar for). Good or bad, the man can play both sides of the fence extremely well.


The opening scene was.........................."sensual."


Yeah, sensual.

I almost went Pee Wee Herman at the movie theater.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/08 10:18 PM

STREETS OF FIRE
(First Viewing)

I was reminded a lot of THE WARRIORS while watching this with the way the film transfered from scene to scene as well as some of the sets and costume designs. While not as good as THE WARRIORS (and being somewhat of a musical) it was an entertaining film. I'm a huge Dafoe fan and Diane Lane didn't look too bad either ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 01/31/08 10:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
WE OWN THE NIGHT 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I really don't know how she does it but I think Eva Mendes somehow got hotter. That's all I can say about her, she looked absolutely beautiful in this film and I loved that it was set in the late 80s NYC and not present day. A lot of that reason was due to the awesome soundtrack that assisted it. As much as I like Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall, Joaquin Phoenix stole the show. This man is becoming a favorite of mine after 2000's GLADIATOR and 2005's WALK THE LINE (which I was pulling for him to win his Oscar for). Good or bad, the man can play both sides of the fence extremely well.


The opening scene was.........................."sensual."


Yeah, sensual.

I almost went Pee Wee Herman at the movie theater.


What did you think of the film Lead? \:p
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/01/08 03:40 PM

I loved it, Irish. I really did.

My only gripe was really more of a nitpick---the 80's soundtrack included a lot of songs that were more popular in the early 80's than in 1988, when the film was set.

And you're right, Eva does get hotter and hotter.
Posted By: Don Andrew

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/08 02:44 AM

Just saw Juno. I think I'm in love with Ellen Page. Maybe.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/08 06:03 AM

THE BRAVE ONE 1/2
(First Viewing)

It's usually always a treat now-a-days to see Jodie Foster do her thing onscreen. She was great in INSIDE MAN and this is her first starring role since the forgettable FLIGHTPLAN. And while this fairs better, it wasn't as good as I had hoped. Towards the middle of the film I felt a very Travis Bickle and TAXI DRIVER esque come over Jodi and the film. But the film as a whole didn't live up to that standard. Also, Terrence Howard continues to do amazing work.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/08 08:35 PM

RENDITION 1/2
(First Viewing)

For once, I think I finally agree with Pete Hammond from Maxim and this pretty much sums up my thoughts on this film:

"An intelligent thriller with intrigue, smarts and a greast cast."
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/08 08:43 PM

At work last night,watched THE BLUE LAGOON for the first time in years!
I remember there being a right fuss when i was a young 'un cos Brooke Shields gets her boobies out but watching the film as a mature adult i thought it was crap!!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/02/08 09:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
At work last night,watched THE BLUE LAGOON for the first time in years!
I remember there being a right fuss when i was a young 'un cos Brooke Shields gets her boobies out but watching the film as a mature adult i thought it was crap!!


The only good thing from LAGOON was the parody in TOP SECRET!

Now that is a good movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 12:23 AM

THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD
(First Viewing)

Kind of disappointing seeing how much I enjoyed John Carpenter's remake. This to me was more of a monster film in line with FRANKENSTEIN (and they hardly showed the monster at that). It was more military and politics.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 01:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Kind of disappointing seeing how much I enjoyed John Carpenter's remake. This to me was more of a monster film in line with FRANKENSTEIN (and they hardly showed the monster at that). It was more military and politics.


I'm disappointed that you were disappointed, but in reading your reasons I understand - you want to see a monster movie, not a sci-fi story.

In my view, the buildup of the storyline and the buildup of the suspense is MUCH MORE important than seeing what the creature looks like. I posted today (in another thread) that the first half-hour of "Them" (a 1954 sci-fi flick about giant mutant ants) is as good a buildup of suspense as I've ever seen in ANY movie. When you finally see the ants you realize they're cheesy looking props even by 1954 standards, but thats not important to the story.

I don't remember if it was you or Vercetti who loved "Gojira" (or more commonly known here as "Godzilla"), another great 1954 sci-fi flick, but similarly, there's a great buildup of suspense and the monster itself is kind of dumpy looking (certainly by today's standards), but that doesn't detract from the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 02:00 AM

No I wanted to see a Sci-Fi story like John Carpenter's THE THING but I felt this version was more like a monster movie.

Also Vercetti was the one who loved GOJIRA. I saw it once and should see it again.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 02:17 AM

I once saw a special about monster movies. I have always wondered what sound effect they used for Godzilla's "roar". Turns out it was a cello.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 02:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
No I wanted to see a Sci-Fi story like John Carpenter's THE THING but I felt this version was more like a monster movie.

Also Vercetti was the one who loved GOJIRA. I saw it once and should see it again.


Dude, it WAS a fucking monster movie. Hell, the remake is too.

This whole scemantics thing is as confusing as the current Conan/Colbert feud.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 02:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
I once saw a special about monster movies. I have always wondered what sound effect they used for Godzilla's "roar". Turns out it was a cello.


Thats an old wives' tale. Godzilla's sound was recorded in a New Jersey hotel restaurant when one of its patron's received a dessert that was frozen solid. The sound was then slowed down and used as Godzilla's voice.

(running and ducking)
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 02:22 AM

So THAT'S why you loved me the first time you met me! I reminded you of Godzilla!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 05:00 AM

CHAOS 1/2
(First Viewing)

Wow, it's been almost 4 years since Wesley Snipes was in a meaningful movie, BLADE:TRINITY. And while this will most likely be overlooked on DVD as well, it's worth the rent. The man can play an enjoyable villain. The movie has a lot of turns as it unfolds with a nice twist to top it off at the end. Jason Statham meanwhile is still the best action star working today in case you were wondering.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 05:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CHAOS 1/2
(First Viewing)

Wow, it's been almost 4 years since Wesley Snipes was in a meaningful movie, BLADE:TRINITY. And while this will most likely be overlooked on DVD as well, it's worth the rent. The man can play an enjoyable villain. The movie has a lot of turns as it unfolds with a nice twist to top it off at the end. Jason Statham meanwhile is still the best action star working today in case you were wondering.


Wondering? ITS A FACT, yo!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 05:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, out of curiosity, do you watch films with full engagement, or are you doing other stuff at the same time?
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/03/08 06:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Kind of disappointing seeing how much I enjoyed John Carpenter's remake. This to me was more of a monster film in line with FRANKENSTEIN (and they hardly showed the monster at that). It was more military and politics.



In my view, the buildup of the storyline and the buildup of the suspense is MUCH MORE important than seeing what the creature looks like.


This was absolutely true in the original THING with James Arness. The music played during the buildup itself is what made it so suspenseful. Then when you do finally get to see a full shot of The Alien, that suspense sort of fizzles out.

For me, I still favor the original version. Just something about it that has always drawn me to watch it whenever it is on.

I really should give another veiwing to the re-maike though. It's been many years since I'v watched it.

As for THEM, I watched it on TCM yesterday. And you are right, the buildup is what makes the whole movie. When you see those ants, they really are cheesey! Regardless, it's still somewhat of a cult classic.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 05:54 AM

THE INVISIBLE MAN
(First Viewing)

From the very beginning of this film Claude Rains had me hooked with his performance. While the audience wasn't able to see his face until the very end of the film, his voice was great enough to do the acting for him. He was truly excellent in this. In addition, I am extremely impressed with the visual affects for this film, especially since it's 75 years old. A true horror classic!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 05:59 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE INVISIBLE MAN
(First Viewing)

From the very beginning of this film Claude Rains had me hooked with his performance. While the audience wasn't able to see his face until the very end of the film, his voice was great enough to do the acting for him. He was truly excellent in this. In addition, I am extremely impressed with the visual affects for this film, especially since it's 75 years old. A true horror classic!



Do horror movies have to scare a viewer in order to be good?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 07:46 AM

I just watched Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center" for the first time. Very powerful and emotional movie.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 09:39 AM

I have the movie. So you changed your mind and decided to watch it.

It is very moving and emotional. But I think in a good way.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 09:44 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
So you changed your mind and decided to watch it.


Yeah. I still feel drained by it now, some two hours later. Very down.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 10:08 AM

I first watched it in the theater. Seeing it on the big screen and in surround sound made you feel like you were there.

In the opening scene where Will is singing the line from the song, "The Sun coming up in New York City"...from that moment on it had me.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 11:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I just watched Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center" for the first time. Very powerful and emotional movie.


The true story itself....it is very powerful and emotional.

As a film...not really. Imagine if Oliver Stone was energized, actually striven behind this movie beyond simply covering his ass after the ALEXANDER fiasco....you know, instead of shooting a glorified Lifetime TV Movie of the Week.

I mean, this was the same ambitious-to-a-fault Stone who once made the mentally-devastating depression that is SALVADOR...the Baby Boomer guilt-fest JFK....the war disability melodrama BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY....they are such emotionally-hooking pictures.

That said, there are some good moments in WORLD TRADE CENTER. The rescue/evacuation sequences after the towers were hit, and before they collapse, are stunning.

I still remember Don Cardi threatening to murder my white ass after he got the wrong impression that my comment back in 2006 that the characters in WTC were "boring and uninteresting" meant as a slap against the real people themselves. The guy never apologized, but I don't hold it against him.

It's just that for the firefighters, policemen, and EMTs that died that day in during their jobs in the face of chaos, dust, and terror....in my opinion, I think they simply deserve a just movie.

WORLD TRADE CENTER (2006) - **
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 05:29 PM

I watched it yesterday, too. I can understand RRA's point, but the story was about these two men and what they went through. Stone wasn't telling the story about the others.

Seeing it was emotionally wrenching, the shadow of the planes overhead, the confusion, the original certainty that it must be a small private plane that hit the tower by accident. It was like reliving that day all over again.

If a film's success can be measured by how it moves you, then this one definitely succeeded.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 05:32 PM

I understand the feeling of wanting the movie to depict the acts of all who were involved in that horrible day. They're all heroes and they all deserve recognition.

To me because it focused on John and Will we go to see their families, and I feel we got to know them better. It made your heart ache for them and rejoice when they were pulled from that rubble. Karne's line, "We're not leaving. We're the Marines, and you our mission"...it just chokes me up.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 05:34 PM

It was tough to watch if you were close to it, like many of us were. Still, it did move me.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 08:28 PM

On World Trade Center:

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
It was tough to watch if you were close to it, like many of us were. Still, it did move me.

I think it's moving in that sense only because you were so close to it. I for one wasn't; for me, it was quite awful.

Not that it matters, but FCM collectively voted it as the worst of 2006. \:\)

I just got back from Cloverfield earlier, and that's a far more politically and socially profound film in light of 9/11. Fantastic film.

Stone's film looks like it were shot for TV (badly), and churns through soap opera kitsch like it were the in-thing (perhaps it is).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 08:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, out of curiosity, do you watch films with full engagement, or are you doing other stuff at the same time?
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/04/08 09:21 PM

Capo, I agree with some of what you said about World Trade Center. Yes, it was heavy-handed and kitschy at times. However, I couldn't help being emotionally involved, perhaps because that day is still so vivid for me. If I were more removed from the events, perhaps I wouldn't have felt the way I did about it.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/08 03:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Irish, out of curiosity, do you watch films with full engagement, or are you doing other stuff at the same time?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/08 12:20 PM

Looks like your not ganna get a reply.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/08 12:46 PM

I suspect it's because he's doing other things while watching them, and doesn't want to admit. Passive engagement as opposed to active consumption invalidates any serious criticism.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/08 09:54 PM

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD 1/2
(First Vieiwng)

Some great performances all around. A beautifully directed historical story by Andrew Dominik that with the narration, seemed like something off of the history channel. However, the film I felt could have been cut down some or not been as slow (running time is at 160 minutes). Brad Pitt also does a great job as the paranoid, notorious figure of the day, Jesse James. Finally, I'm really glad Casey Affleck was able to breakthrough in this film. Hopefully this will help him jump out of the shadow of big brother Ben Affleck like Eli Manning just stepped out of big brother Peyton Manning's shadown on Sunday
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/08 10:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD 1/2


I've been looking forward to seeing this movie. I believe it comes out tomorrow (wed.) on DVD right?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/08 10:17 PM

I got 3:10 TO YUMA on dvd today, if I get a chance to watch it tonight, I'll review it tomorrow.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/05/08 11:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD 1/2


I've been looking forward to seeing this movie. I believe it comes out tomorrow (wed.) on DVD right?


No it came out today
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/08 11:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I suspect it's because he's doing other things while watching them, and doesn't want to admit. Passive engagement as opposed to active consumption invalidates any serious criticism.


I was going to make a masturbation joke, but no.....I can resist temptation....

\:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/08 11:40 AM



STEEL (1997) - *1/2

(NOTE: Thanks to badmovies.org for the photos)

I fully understand why Warner Bros. terminated Steel's umbilical cord to Superman. With Tim Burton's SUPERMAN LIVES in development hell for years before its quiet expensive death, WB wanted to both produce another comic book movie, and to capitalize on Hollywood's then serious belief that NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal could be a movie star.

Yet in severing the character's mythos connection with the Blue Bomber, they undercut the biggest charm of Steel for me. As a kid stunned by the media circus that was the "Death of Superman" storyline, I just dug the idea of a regular Joe deeply inspired by the heroic self-sacrifice of the Last Son of Krypton.

Inspired enough at least to become a Man of Steel himself, much like a generation of Americans driven into public service by President Kennedy's assassination.

For D.C. Comics, Steel practically became their Iron Man, and has become a rare successful superhero who just happens to be black, and not simply a shallow racial token. Plus, he swings around a giant goddamn hammer. He's almost like Thor, but without the divinity issues that annoy pious American readers.

But what was a primitive if slick-designed suit look is now an idiotic-looking trick or treat Halloween costume, and its worn by someone who only helps re-enforce its genuine goofyness.

To prove my point, here's a cartoon version of Steel, who looks like a serious badass you wouldn't want to screw with.



Now compare that with the live-action translation with Shaq...



Wow. Yeah, he's got crooks shaking in their boots alright........from laughter.

While the freakishly tall O'Neal is a future Basketball Hall of Famer, he lacks the physical charisma or charm of say a Schwarzenegger to overcome his "rough" acting edges and be an intimidating presence. For such a monster of a roadblock on the hard courts, Shaq is sure a surprising action lightweight.

Nevermind we get a crappy series of lame gags involving Shaq's (real life) inability to shoot free-throws. This movie bricks is pure brick.

I'll give STEEL credit for not even bothering to try to pass off Shaq as intelligent, as the hero was in the comics. That would have flopped this side of SHAQ FU. While he has neither the brains or braun of John Henry Irons, I think my biggest problem with STEEL as a fan is just its approach as a black film.

Kenneth Johnson, the director of STEEL, had made his bones with V, the legendary mini-series about lizard aliens with sunglasses that was an allegory of Nazis and fascism. He later produced the decent TV cop show ALIEN NATION, which was a metaphor about immigrant minorities trying to assimilate into America.

His STEEL is a guy who comes back to his L.A. ghetto home after serving in the Army and suits up literally after finding out that violent gangs are using his weapons technology.

You may ask, so what? Well, this similar storyline was in the STEEL comics, but not in his native city. I'm sorry, but how can someone be heroic if they do the right thing if only because they have a personal stake invested somehow?

God knows I would have been more dramatically invested within those SPIDER-MAN pictures if his woman wasn't always held hostage by the villain. Can't heroes be heroes simply because its the right thing to do?

Maybe I shouldn't ask for much from what was intended to be a blaxploitation take on the simple-minded adventurism of Tim Burton's BATMAN, but STEEL is so cartoonishly inept and lame this side of Vanilla Ice, even kids hate this movie. I know I did.

Beyond wanting to capitalize on Shaq, the producers and filmmakers of STEEL should have asked people overseas who are fans of D.C. and Marvel Comics. Surely they don't relate to these Yankee heroes as fellow Americans, so what do they see in these supermen?

Why did I dig Steel even though I'm as black as Doogie Howser?

Better yet, why did a rich white Italian-American youth like Nicholas Coppola "borrow" his screen acting name from a wronged black superhero like Luke Cage?

It's not because he can slam dunk a basketball.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/06/08 11:43 AM

for a minute i thought Irishman posted this..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/08 02:06 AM

TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE
(First Viewing)

This was my first time being exposed to the cartoon and it wasn't as good as I was hoping. It was pretty campy in parts and the live action verstion just blows this out of the water.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/08 02:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE
(First Viewing)

This was my first time being exposed to the cartoon and it wasn't as good as I was hoping. It was pretty campy in parts and the live action verstion just blows this out of the water.


That's sorta unfair, isn't it?

That's like Hercules beating up a crippled kid.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/08 04:18 AM

CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON 1/2
(First Viewing)

Based on these Universal classic horror films that I've seen, I'd rank them as follows:

Tie) FRANKENSTEIN & THE INVISIBLE MAN
3) DRACULA
4) THE MUMMY
5) THE WOLF MAN
6) CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/08 08:59 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON 1/2
(First Viewing)


At its best, it was a Grade B drive-in flick. But its fun!!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/07/08 05:43 PM

I saw Black Lagoon on the big screen last year, with 3D glasses and everything. It was a heinous monstrosity of shitness, though I suppose it did have a certain charm in its soundtrack. Still, it's inexcusably bad.

Irish, how come you never answered my question, anyway?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/08 05:14 AM

GONE BABY GONE 1/2
(First Viewing)

Casey Affleck turns in another great performance and hopefully again will come out from the shadown of big brother Ben. Speaking of Matt Murdock, I must tip my hat to him in his directoral debut. This is basically the unofficial sequel to MYSTIC RIVER.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/08 09:31 PM

GANDHI
(First Viewing)

Ben Kingsley turns in the performance of a lifetime with his wonderful portral of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. And while the film is a little over three hours, it didn't so really and I think it worked well in both showing his struggle to breakaway from English rule while also trying to unify Muslims and Hindus in an independent India. My only real beef with the film was that the film opened up with the beginning, which I felt spoiled it a bit for me.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/08 10:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
My only real beef with the film was that the film opened up with the beginning, which I felt spoiled it a bit for me.




Ghandhi may have been THE single most "significant" person of the 20th century, and you're just learning about what happened to him from the beginning of the film??
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/09/08 11:32 PM

Gandhi's overrated.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 12:16 AM

I developed a hatred for the movie, not because of its content, but because they used to play it on Indian TV every year on Gandhi's birth anniversary at a time when there was only one television channel available in the country and it was a government run one. Imagine having a day off at school and sitting at home to watch this movie every year \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 03:36 AM

THE OMEN (1976)
(Second Viewing)

I really think this is one of those rare instances were I don't know if I enjoy the original or remake better. They are so closely told in terms of story (very few differences) but some things I think Gregory Peck did better and some things I think Liev Schreiber did better. However, I think I prefer Julia Stiles to Lee Remick.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 04:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE OMEN (1976)
(Second Viewing)

I really think this is one of those rare instances were I don't know if I enjoy the original or remake better. They are so closely told in terms of story (very few differences) but some things I think Gregory Peck did better and some things I think Liev Schreiber did better. However, I think I prefer Julia Stiles to Lee Remick.


Dude, as much as I dig Liev....

Peck's the FUCKING shit.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 04:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
I developed a hatred for the movie, not because of its content, but because they used to play it on Indian TV every year on Gandhi's birth anniversary at a time when there was only one television channel available in the country and it was a government run one. Imagine having a day off at school and sitting at home to watch this movie every year \:D


What, they didn't have any other good Bollywood flicks to play? \:D

Besides, has India ever had a good leader that wasn't murdered?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 06:00 AM

QUIZ SHOW
(First Vieiwng)

I really wish Martin Scorsese would act more because for the very little air time he got in this he was amazing. I have also never heard of Rob Morrow who played Dick Goodwin. He did a terrific job but haven't heard from him since. However, my favorite performance was reserved for the man himself, John Turturro as Herbie Stempel. Just his accent and mannerisms were classic!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 06:09 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Besides, has India ever had a good leader that wasn't murdered?

2 prime ministers were killed and another one's death is suspected to be a murder. But were they good leaders \:p ?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 06:18 AM

Gone Baby Gone ***
I liked the movie, but I am always a little biased in favor of Casey Affleck. Those who liked Zodiac might like this, though this movie does conclude the story in a more definite way. BTW, this is directed by Ben Affleck and he does a good job. The supporting characters, Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman do a good job, but their roles are relatively small.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 11:41 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE OMEN (1976)


I just watched The Omen (1976) for the first time last Halloween. I wasn't completely blown away, maybe because it was a bit dated, but it is definitely a classic. I haven't seen the remake so I can't compare, but in the original the kid and the dog freaked me out.

Warning, Spoiler:
The scene where the dude is beheaded by the giant piece of glass was awesome. I wasn't expecting that at all.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 11:47 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Gone Baby Gone ***
I liked the movie, but I am always a little biased in favor of Casey Affleck.


That's funny, both you and Irishman have mentioned Casey Affleck recently. I'm glad to see others like his acting. I think he is a much more interesting person to watch and listen to on screen than his brother Ben. I've always liked him but haven't seem very many of his movies. One of my favorite characters he played was in the, in my opinion, very underrated comedy Drowning Mona.

EDIT: I just reread what I wrote and realized I said "that's funny" to start the paragraph. I am always annoyed by people who say "that's funny" instead of "what a coincidence" or "that reminds me" because usually when they say "that's funny" it never is funny. So, for some reason I felt the need to point that out. I'm annoying myself.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 12:55 PM

BOSS (2008) 1/2
(First viewing)

I liked this a lot as it was very good.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 12:56 PM

MY MICK FRIEND (2008) 1/2
(First viewing)

A really good short from the same director of BOSS, though I didn't like the beginning and it was boring in bits. A bit more nudity would have been nice.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 01:01 PM

51850 AND COUNTING (2008)
(First viewing)

Joe Barker breaks out of prison and has to make a run for it as the warden and others chase after him. 51850 refers to the number of days he has been alive. He is an old man.

I really enjoyed this. It had just the right amount of nudity, and the dialogue proved to me that the scriptwriter can not do anything wrong in my eyes. Another classic for sure. I'll be buying it on DVD twice because I like it that much.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 01:02 PM

51850 AND COUNTING (2008)
(Second viewing)

I didn't like this as much the second time round but it was still excellent. It had somehow changed this time round, it seemed to drag in places and I wasn't in the mood for drag.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 01:04 PM

IGGY NORED ME (2008) 1/2
(First viewing)

Derek wonders why his lover Iggy isn't returning his calls.

I liked this but it was too slow and I didn't like the flashbacks that showed the two making love. I had to close my eyes and mute the TV. Actually, I didn't watch the film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 01:06 PM

TWO AND A HALF STAR MAYHEM (2008)
(First viewing)

Again I didn't really watch this but am rating it by its trailer alone, which didn't really scare me as much as other trailers but was actually pretty funny and I like things that make me laugh lots.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 01:08 PM

TRAILER TRASH (2008) 1/2
(First viewing)

Possibly the worst film I have ever seen. The voice-over in the trailers had led me to believe I would be seeing some nudity but the film was about death, misanthropy and the tragic limits of the finite body, the mortality of human flesh.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 04:36 PM

I sense sarcasem in these reviews ;\) but i don't know who its aimed at..
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 04:37 PM

\:D
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 09:21 PM

oh man, leave Irish alone.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 09:59 PM

School of Rock ***
Jack Black plays the role of a failed guitarist faking as a school teacher, who manages to create a rock band entirely with the school kids. Very entertaining, even if there is nothing surprising for its genre. The concert song at the end of the movie is really good. Fans of Rock music will like it.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 10:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON 1/2
(First Viewing)

Based on these Universal classic horror films that I've seen, I'd rank them as follows:

Tie) FRANKENSTEIN & THE INVISIBLE MAN
3) DRACULA
4) THE MUMMY
5) THE WOLF MAN
6) CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON


Irishman, have you seen the original Universal Frankenstein yet? Or The Bride Of Frankenstein?

Those are two classics that are a must for any Universal Classic horror movie fan.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 10:51 PM


C'mon, Mick - play nice \:p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 11:24 PM

Wasn't sure whether or not to post this here or in TCM, but:

Has anyone on here (Geoff, SC, DC, Turnbull?) seen Fritz Lang's The Woman in the Window (1944)? Made in the same year as Double Indemnity and with Edward G. Robinson, too. I saw it on the big screen this past Friday and was terribly disappointed by its end, and found its perspective transition half-way through unwarranted and awkard. Worth seeing for Lang's visual composition and disciplined camera movement, though; I loved the long, extended sequence early on when Robinson gets rid of the corpse - it's echoed in Plein Soleil, a 60s French noir based on The Talented Mr. Ripley with the impeccable Alain Delon.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/10/08 11:26 PM

Haven't seen it Mick.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 12:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Has anyone on here (Geoff, SC, DC, Turnbull?) seen Fritz Lang's The Woman in the Window (1944)?

Haven't seen it either. But why'd you lump me in with those really old members? ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 12:18 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON 1/2
(First Viewing)

Based on these Universal classic horror films that I've seen, I'd rank them as follows:

Tie) FRANKENSTEIN & THE INVISIBLE MAN
3) DRACULA
4) THE MUMMY
5) THE WOLF MAN
6) CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON


Irishman, have you seen the original Universal Frankenstein yet? Or The Bride Of Frankenstein?

Those are two classics that are a must for any Universal Classic horror movie fan.


Yeah I've seen and own the original FRANKENSTEIN but I haven't seen THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. I'm thinking about getting those Universal Lecay series of these 6 franchises because I know they have a couple of different sequels as well as the originals.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 12:50 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Has anyone on here (Geoff, SC, DC, Turnbull?) seen Fritz Lang's The Woman in the Window (1944)?

Haven't seen it either. But why'd you lump me in with those really old members? ;\)


Because you're our don (even if you wear short pants).

I saw it MANY years ago, Mick. I don't remember the details but I DO remember it was a pretty suspenseful flick.

I also remember (I think) it:

Warning, Spoiler:
it was all a dream, right??
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 01:37 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Has anyone on here (Geoff, SC, DC, Turnbull?) seen Fritz Lang's The Woman in the Window (1944)?

Haven't seen it either. But why'd you lump me in with those really old members? ;\)


It could also be because you own about 400 movies. \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 03:09 AM

GOJIRA
(Second Viewing)

Some decent FX for the year it was made but also a lot of the models stood out pretty badly. I would say at least a pretty tame monster movie for an American or modern audience (take your pick). I understand the message they were trying to send and while it worked, I would say this was a let down for Japan's answer to KING KONG.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 08:03 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
GOJIRA
(Second Viewing)

Some decent FX for the year it was made but...

And what year was that?

TITLE (YEAR) *stars*

Standard. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 09:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
oh man, leave Irish alone.


Who says its Irish? For all you know, Capo could be mocking my schezephrenic tendencies.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 10:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Some decent FX for the year it was made but also a lot of the models stood out pretty badly. I would say at least a pretty tame monster movie for an American or modern audience (take your pick). I understand the message they were trying to send and while it worked, I would say this was a let down for Japan's answer to KING KONG.


Made in 1954, just a scant nine years after the Japanese themselves were victims of nuclear weapons, the movie wasn't filmed with American audiences in mind. Since it was great film for its time, and since American audiences were eating up monster films then, extra scenes were filmed and added later of an American journalist (Raymond Burr) in the midst of Tokyo during Godzilla's visit.

Sure, the effects are cheesy - especially the monster itself (some guy prodding around in a rubber suit) but its still a wonderful film for its time.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 05:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Some decent FX for the year it was made but also a lot of the models stood out pretty badly. I would say at least a pretty tame monster movie for an American or modern audience (take your pick). I understand the message they were trying to send and while it worked, I would say this was a let down for Japan's answer to KING KONG.


Made in 1954, just a scant nine years after the Japanese themselves were victims of nuclear weapons, the movie wasn't filmed with American audiences in mind. Since it was great film for its time, and since American audiences were eating up monster films then, extra scenes were filmed and added later of an American journalist (Raymond Burr) in the midst of Tokyo during Godzilla's visit.

Sure, the effects are cheesy - especially the monster itself (some guy prodding around in a rubber suit) but its still a wonderful film for its time.


Some people simply lack context. \:\(
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 08:09 PM

OMEN III: THE FINAL CONFLICT
(First Viewing)

A decent sequel at best. I wasn't able to get my hands on OMEN II so unfortunately I had to skip ahead.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 08:21 PM

Kind of a silly, Holier than thou ending (no pun intended).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 10:30 PM

OMEN IV: THE AWAKENING
(First Viewing)

A bumbling retelling of the classic horror film just some 15 years later. But instead of the son of Satan it's the daughter of Satan. What a turn of events \:o
Posted By: whisper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 11:05 PM

I just saw "They Live" 1988.John Carpenter directs a nice corny B Grade film.I loved it.I found it hilarious,but also got upset when the dvd almost stopped working as i wanted to see what was going to happen.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 11:11 PM

Nothing gets me angrier than when a brand new dvd skips or freezes.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/11/08 11:21 PM

I got back from seeing There Will Be Blood earlier and can't stop thinking about it.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/08 12:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I got back from seeing There Will Be Blood earlier and can't stop thinking about it.


I read about this movie a few months ago. Is it based on a book titled OIL?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/08 08:19 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I got back from seeing There Will Be Blood earlier and can't stop thinking about it.


I read about this movie a few months ago. Is it based on a book titled OIL?


It is loosely...and yeah, like Capo, I just can't stop thinking about TWBB.

If anything, the numbing raw sensation of TWBB festers in one's mind and grows....grows....grows....just like the 1st-time viewing of any Stanley Kubrick movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/08 04:13 PM

Somebody on FCM said it's up there with Citizen Kane and The Godfather - in, I assume, its character depth and allegorical embodiment of capitalist America. I agree; it's fascinating and fantastic.

I believe it's the best film of 2007, the best film Paul Thomas Anderson has made, the best performance Daniel Day-Lewis has given and the best musical score of last year too. Can't wait to see it again.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/12/08 10:04 PM

THE DARJEELING LIMITED
(First Viewing)

Wes Anderson continues to frustrate me with his films. I find them dull and I don't at all enjoy his style of humor, regardless of how many "name" actors he's able to cram into any one film.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 01:50 AM

You're wrong Irish.

Again.

\:D
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 02:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE DARJEELING LIMITED
(First Viewing)

Wes Anderson continues to frustrate me with his films. I find them dull and I don't at all enjoy his style of humor, regardless of how many "name" actors he's able to cram into any one film.


 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
You're wrong Irish.

Again.

\:D


While you're certainly entitled to your opinion Capo, I just cannot understand what it is lately with your constantly berating anything that Irishman12 posts about. Enough already. If you don't agree with him, that in itself is fine. Nothing wrong with your having a different opinon than he does. But tell him why you don't agree. If you can't do so in a respectful manner, then don't bother to reply. Stop it with the antagonizing responses, the insults and the making fun of him.

If you don't like his reviews, then ignore them and move on.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 02:30 AM

Oh come on, Cardi. Get naked and relax. If you weren't naked already.

Chill, Winston.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 02:35 AM

I'm chilled out. I'm relaxed, and in about 10 minutes I'm going to get naked.

Now just be a good boy Mick. ;\)
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 02:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
in about 10 minutes I'm going to get naked.



In about 40 minutes Mrs. Cardi will have a smile on her face.
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 02:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
in about 10 minutes I'm going to get naked.



In about 40 minutes Mrs. Cardi will have a smile on her face.


That's what you think!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 02:52 AM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I'm chilled out. I'm relaxed, and in about 10 minutes I'm going to get naked.



Anyway, I saw Juno on the big screen earlier tonight. Good, pleasant and watchable; I warmed to it after some initial annoying dialogue. Quite messy, though, and rather silly in its conservatism. Michael Cera's promising, but he goes missing somewhere in the middle, and his late comeback in the script (or Juno's falling for him) feels unwarranted.

Of the 2007 mainstream pregnancy movies, I much preferred Knocked Up, whose subtle humanity didn't need the flashy indie hipness to attract critical buzz.

For a total flip side, check out last year's Palme d'Or winner (the grand prize at Cannes), 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, whose nightmarish depiction of abortion feels very real indeed; in comparison, Juno's rather trivial, and quite naive (though somewhat refreshing) in its narrative optimism.

Anyway, if Juno wins Best Picture at the Oscars, it's a complete fucking travesty.

I can't stop thinking of There Will Be Blood. I woke up last night dreaming of it, couldn't sleep for thinking of it, and I plan on seeing it again when it comes out on theatrical release proper this Friday. Seriously, guys, see this film; it's the best made since... well, I don't know.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 04:06 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
I'm chilled out. I'm relaxed, and in about 10 minutes I'm going to get naked.



Anyway, I saw Juno on the big screen earlier tonight. Good, pleasant and watchable; I warmed to it after some initial annoying dialogue. Quite messy, though, and rather silly in its conservatism. Michael Cera's promising, but he goes missing somewhere in the middle, and his late comeback in the script (or Juno's falling for him) feels unwarranted.

Of the 2007 mainstream pregnancy movies, I much preferred Knocked Up, whose subtle humanity didn't need the flashy indie hipness to attract critical buzz.

For a total flip side, check out last year's Palme d'Or winner (the grand prize at Cannes), 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, whose nightmarish depiction of abortion feels very real indeed; in comparison, Juno's rather trivial, and quite naive (though somewhat refreshing) in its narrative optimism.

Anyway, if Juno wins Best Picture at the Oscars, it's a complete fucking travesty.

I can't stop thinking of There Will Be Blood. I woke up last night dreaming of it, couldn't sleep for thinking of it, and I plan on seeing it again when it comes out on theatrical release proper this Friday. Seriously, guys, see this film; it's the best made since... well, I don't know.


THERE WILL BE BLOOD is just.....

I don't know why its fucking great. You so-called MOVIE BUFFS must see it!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 04:20 AM

Capo, I am glad you mentioned the music of There Will Be Blood. The background sound is not conventional music like a nice piano sequence. It is composed of hums and drones and slowly modulating tones. Just unsettling.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 08:44 AM

 Originally Posted By: Beth E
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
in about 10 minutes I'm going to get naked.

In about 40 minutes Mrs. Cardi will have a smile on her face.


I'd have guessed 11 minutes.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 08:48 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Beth E
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
in about 10 minutes I'm going to get naked.

In about 40 minutes Mrs. Cardi will have a smile on her face.


I'd have guessed 11 minutes.

No, Don Cardi would've had the smile, not Mrs Cardi ;\)
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 08:51 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
No, Don Cardi would've had the smile, not Mrs Cardi ;\)


I was allowing for the extra 30 seconds that he lasted.
Posted By: Beth E

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/13/08 12:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Beth E
 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
in about 10 minutes I'm going to get naked.

In about 40 minutes Mrs. Cardi will have a smile on her face.


I'd have guessed 11 minutes.


11 minutes? Ok, maybe she wouldn't have been smiling.

You know we love you Cardi. \:\)
Posted By: franksinatra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/08 01:30 AM



***** Couldn't be anything but 5 stars

This is a stately, majestic masterpiece of world cinema. My parents first took me to it at the age of 5 or 6, and a few images stuck with me forever.

Watanabe is a colorless, boring civil servant who has put in his time at the city offices for 35 years ... and then learns he has but a few months to live. (Ikiru means "To Live.") Over the next few weeks he tries everything he can think of to deal with this awful news -- taking out his cash and going on the town, trying to enjoy life with and through a much younger female subordinate, attempting to reconnect with his estranged son....

Takashi Shimura offers one of the great acting performances of all time. It's hard to believe this is the same man who leads "The Seven Samurai" a few years later (never mind his hilarious cameo in the original "Godzilla" as a frightened peasant).

Formally, the film is a fascinating study of plotting and film editing. (What can you say about a movie whose opening shot is a stomach X-ray? See Donald Richie's excellent book _The Films of Akira Kurosawa_ for more in-depth discussion of this film's techniques.)

Be prepared to settle into this story. It's lengthy and not fast paced. If you can do this, you will be hugely rewarded.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/08 01:35 AM

On Ikiru: I love the shot when Watanabe walks from the hospital after being told he hasn't long to live, and the audio is completely cut off. The silence of the street is staggering.

Unconventional narrative pattern - a complete shift in time late on turns into poignant retrospect. Quite a bold thing to do, really, but it works. I'd like to see it again.

Welcome to the board.
Posted By: franksinatra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/08 01:42 AM

Very true, Capo de La Cosa Nostra.

And thank you. I've yet to make a post on The Godfather threads, but reading over a few of the discussions, it looks like I'm in for a treat.

Thanks again for the welcome.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/08 01:50 AM

I just watched The New World (2005/Malick) again, by the way, and was completely floored... again. It really is one of the greatest films ever made. It's disappointing and shocking that Malick has made only four films, but each one of them is a masterpiece, and an extension upon the previous: Badlands, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line and this. I love its intertwining fragments of retrospect; its elliptical narrative development (binding images together as if unfolding in some distant past tense, only with a present voice-over; illustrated memoirs).

I fucking love it. People need to start watching masterpieces on this forum.
Posted By: franksinatra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/08 02:34 AM

I recently watched The New World, and, like yourself, was absolutely amazed by it... again. \:\)

I feel, for director Terrence Malick, The New World offers a chance to explore his familiar theme of man versus nature.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/08 03:39 AM

BEOWULF (2007) 1/2
(First Viewing)

Another visual achievement in cinema history and Robert Zemeckis does a fantastic job retelling this age old story with some great action! I'd say it's a mix of 300 and ERAGON. Ladies and gentlemen, Zemeckis is back!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/14/08 07:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
BEOWULF (2007) 1/2
(First Viewing)

Another visual achievement in cinema history and Robert Zemeckis does a fantastic job retelling this age old story with some great action! I'd say it's a mix of 300 and ERAGON. Ladies and gentlemen, Zemeckis is back!


Back? Back from what?

He was always there.

Its just, can Zemeckis make a good movie beyond his masturbation to digital experimentation?

Fuck, what happened to the dude who shot BACK TO THE FUTURE, ROMANCING THE STONE, and WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT? You know, quality entertainments.

He's dead to me. No wonder Bob Gale left his ass years ago.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 03:23 AM

30 DAYS OF NIGHT
(First Viewing)

Unfortunately, this goes into the category of "worst Ben Foster film seen yet." I still dig his work and I think he's one of the brightest under 30-years-old stars working today, but this film just sucked on many levels. And can Melissa George do a decent movie or what? She's quickly becoming the new B scream queen with THE AMITYVILLE HORROR remake, TURISTAS and now 30 DAYS OF NIGHT.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 08:29 PM

BLADE RUNNER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Still not overly impressive. I know a lot of people like his earlier work such as ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER but really the only two Ridley Scott films that I loved were GLADIATOR and AMERICAN GANGSTER. I like Tony Scott better anyway.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 08:29 PM

Last night I watched my first W.C. Fields film, Man on the Flying Trapeze (1935/Bruckman); the fact that the title has absolutely no relevance to the plot or synopsis is telling of the casual unfolding of the narrative. There's something very humble and human in this sort of humour; a bumbling everyman who doesn't like many people, lacking the sharp wit of, say, Groucho Marx, but astute and honest enough to get by in his own way. I look forward to seeing others; I know It's a Gift is one of Turnbull's favourites.

Today, on the big screen I saw Gilda (1946/Vidor). Rita Hayworth is astonishing, and the sexual ambiguity of the protagonist is obvious and unsettling. Very good.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 08:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
BLADE RUNNER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Still not overly impressive. I know a lot of people like his earlier work such as ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER but really the only two Ridley Scott films that I loved were GLADIATOR and AMERICAN GANGSTER. I like Tony Scott better anyway \:p

Is that really all you have to say about the film? "Still not overly impressive"? Why post any words at all - the stars say as much. Come on; if you're going to post anything in this thread, at least invest a little conviction. It's (apparently) a discussion thread - it doesn't belong in the games section.

Anyway, I see Blade Runner again on the big screen in a few weeks. I can't wait, since I don't really remember too much about it.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 09:00 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
BLADE RUNNER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Still not overly impressive. I know a lot of people like his earlier work such as ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER but really the only two Ridley Scott films that I loved were GLADIATOR and AMERICAN GANGSTER. I like Tony Scott better anyway.




Best futuristic movie ever!

However, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, Irish.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 10:28 PM

MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM 1/2
(First Viewing)

Why oh why Natalie Portman do you subject yourself (and us) to this utter trash of a film. You are most definitely better than this!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 10:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
BLADE RUNNER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Still not overly impressive. I know a lot of people like his earlier work such as ALIEN and BLADE RUNNER but really the only two Ridley Scott films that I loved were GLADIATOR and AMERICAN GANGSTER. I like Tony Scott better anyway.




Best futuristic movie ever!

However, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, Irish.


That's what I keep hearing that it's a classic/masterpiece/etc. I just didn't care for it, even after a second try. Oh well, one man's trash is another man's treasure I guess.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 11:01 PM

you said it..
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 11:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Oh well, one man's trash is another man's treasure I guess.

YAY! Let's all get naked and slap our cocks upon each other's cheeks.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/15/08 11:21 PM

Jesus Christ, I feel like I've had a shot of glucose in my arm. Just watched Punch-Drunk Love (Anderson/2002), and haven't felt as nervous or energetic or claustrophobic in a while. Talk about sustained relentless rhythms; that elongated music that plays throughout the early day-at-work scene (that culminates in Lena giving Barry her number and address), and the volume at which it plays, made me shiver with excitement. It's very effectively nauseating.

I think it's a really interesting neo-noir, too; an everyman seduced into a dodgy deal and dangerous underworld by an unknown (literally, here) femme fatale. Sandler's brilliant, as is Hoffman in the few scenes he's in.

As a fan of justified violence and as someone who relates to internal anger (and redemptive love; the scene where Barry confronts the supervisor and says he has so much strength in him now because of the love in his life made me want to jump up with joy), I thought it was a masterpiece.
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 12:29 AM

Eastern Promises was pretty good until the ending. It feels rushed. Maybe the British legal system is different and keeps people locked up forever for Statutory rape but here in the U.S. the boss would run things from prison and the problems wouldn't be solved so easily.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 12:50 AM

It's Cronenberg's narratively tightest film. It does feel rushed, not to mention a bit silly (adoption is that easy?). It's quite an ambitious attempt to produce both an accessible, mainstream film and still explore the same thematic preoccupations of earlier work: the limitations of one's physicality, the fragility of the body, permanent scarring, the body as identity, identity in general (What does it mean "to be"?), etc. The violence is devastating, too, both in its literal depiction and allegorical internal connections - the violent trauma of child birth, the sleaziness of organised prostitution, the horror of death, the undercurrent of sexual envy (the Turkish bath scene is visceral and sweaty, it's like an event at the original Olympic Games; horrific, homoerotic, humane).
Posted By: ap_capone48101

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 01:59 AM

I liked it but thought it could have been a little longer. And I agree about the ending feeling rushed.

Anyways, I just watched Fever Pitch(us version) and didnt really like. Maybe its because I saw it after I read the book and didnt see how a book about football(soccer) could be made about baseball. Great book btw.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 02:54 AM

AMERICAN GANGSTER
(Second Viewing)

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott are all back and all is right in the world again. This is Scott's best film since 2000's GLADIATOR but I am so displeased that this film only received one Oscar nomination (it went to Rudy Dee for best actress in a supporting role as Frank's mother). I'm really angry Denzel didn't get at least a nod or that the film wasn't on the Best Picture list. This is easily the best crime film since last year's THE DEPARTED and is a new gangster classic! I don't know what it was but it was better with a second viewing. I think with it being unrated and having 18 minutes of additional footage, that's what was probably wrong the first go around.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 03:26 AM

I just watched Brian De Palma's Redacted (2007). Effective moments and a cool concept can't really compensate for the overall "What's the point?" feel I had when it finished.

I don't think many people on here would like it. Far too critical (and rightly so) of the war effort.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 07:02 AM


John Turturro presents.....

An All-Star cast in.....

Romance & Cigarettes (2005)

James Gandolfini
Susan Sarandon
Kate Winslet
Steve Buscemi
Mandy Moore
Mary-Louise Parker
Aida Turturro (Janice Soprano)
Christopher "Fucking" Walken
Eddie Izzard

...and those are just the names that I know!

So WTF happened? Did all these stars owe him huge amounts of money or something? I just had to take a break halfway through (somehow I lasted 45 minutes!) just to clear my head as to WTF is possibly going on in this thing. I actually wondered that a mere 15 minutes into it when Gandolfini broke into song and dance (!!). And after realizing Aida is not playing Gandolfini's sister, but daughter??! Sarandon looks younger than she does in this!

And neither Soprano star has changed 1 ounce of their Soprano characters to try something new apparently. \:\/ Maybe that makes it a bit bizarro.

The entire time I'm wondering (and still wondering) if either I'm just too damn stupid, or, if this is the most brilliant thing ever.

But then Walken sang a song, too. \:\/

Dubya Tea Eff?

Ah. Guess I'll see if I can get thru the second half...

(To Be Continued...)

PS - Kinda made it thru the second half, but certainly not easily. I'll have to see this a couple/few more times before I figure it out I'm afraid.

No Rating yet! But certainly not 3/5 (NetFlix) or 3.2/5 (IMDb) yet...



Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 08:08 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
AMERICAN GANGSTER
(Second Viewing)

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott are all back and all is right in the world again. This is Scott's best film since 2000's GLADIATOR but I am so displeased that this film only received one Oscar nomination (it went to Rudy Dee for best actress in a supporting role as Frank's mother). I'm really angry Denzel didn't get at least a nod or that the film wasn't on the Best Picture list. This is easily the best crime film since last year's THE DEPARTED and is a new gangster classic! I don't know what it was but it was better with a second viewing. I think with it being unrated and having 18 minutes of additional footage, that's what was probably wrong the first go around.

For a change I liked Russel Crowe. I feel Denzel Washington acts the same in all his movies I have seen. I think the movie wasn't anything special.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 08:15 AM

The Big White ***
One cannot help noticing the similarity between this movie and Fargo though it is a comedy. The acting is good from everyone, especially from Giovanni Ribisi. The visuals set in snow clad Alaskan town are excellent.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 03:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Oh well, one man's trash is another man's treasure I guess.

YAY! Let's all get naked and slap our cocks upon each other's cheeks.




Psycho Limey bastard!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:18 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
AMERICAN GANGSTER
(Second Viewing)

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott are all back and all is right in the world again. This is Scott's best film since 2000's GLADIATOR but I am so displeased that this film only received one Oscar nomination (it went to Rudy Dee for best actress in a supporting role as Frank's mother). I'm really angry Denzel didn't get at least a nod or that the film wasn't on the Best Picture list. This is easily the best crime film since last year's THE DEPARTED and is a new gangster classic! I don't know what it was but it was better with a second viewing. I think with it being unrated and having 18 minutes of additional footage, that's what was probably wrong the first go around.

For a change I liked Russel Crowe. I feel Denzel Washington acts the same in all his movies I have seen. I think the movie wasn't anything special.


I've liked Russell Crowe for awhile now since probably GLADIATOR when you add in A BEAUTIFUL MIND and his other films since 2000. He may be an a$$hole in real life, but the man can act.

And I'll give you what you said about Denzel but very few actors I've found are worth my $6-8 every time out the gate.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:20 PM

I always been fond of Russell Crowes early film Romperstompers.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
AMERICAN GANGSTER
(Second Viewing)

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott are all back and all is right in the world again. This is Scott's best film since 2000's GLADIATOR but I am so displeased that this film only received one Oscar nomination (it went to Rudy Dee for best actress in a supporting role as Frank's mother). I'm really angry Denzel didn't get at least a nod or that the film wasn't on the Best Picture list. This is easily the best crime film since last year's THE DEPARTED and is a new gangster classic! I don't know what it was but it was better with a second viewing. I think with it being unrated and having 18 minutes of additional footage, that's what was probably wrong the first go around.

For a change I liked Russel Crowe. I feel Denzel Washington acts the same in all his movies I have seen. I think the movie wasn't anything special.


I've found are worth my $6-8 every time out the gate.


$6-$8?

Irish, are you under 12?
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:29 PM

Just watching Kes at the minute,i love this film and brian glover plays a great part,it's also typical of how it was in the north of England at the time,it always chokes me up as well when his brother kills his bird

Anyone who hasnt seen Kes in my opnion should!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:33 PM

i agree great film. especially the footie scene..lol
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
AMERICAN GANGSTER
(Second Viewing)

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott are all back and all is right in the world again. This is Scott's best film since 2000's GLADIATOR but I am so displeased that this film only received one Oscar nomination (it went to Rudy Dee for best actress in a supporting role as Frank's mother). I'm really angry Denzel didn't get at least a nod or that the film wasn't on the Best Picture list. This is easily the best crime film since last year's THE DEPARTED and is a new gangster classic! I don't know what it was but it was better with a second viewing. I think with it being unrated and having 18 minutes of additional footage, that's what was probably wrong the first go around.

For a change I liked Russel Crowe. I feel Denzel Washington acts the same in all his movies I have seen. I think the movie wasn't anything special.


I've found are worth my $6-8 every time out the gate.


$6-$8?

Irish, are you under 12?


No, matinees here aren't $10 with the evening shows being $20 \:p
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:34 PM

Everything's bigger in Texas, huh?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12


I've found are worth my $6-8 every time out the gate.


$6-$8?

Irish, are you under 12?

This is Texas man, land of big trucks and cheap movie tickets \:D
I'll be watching michael clayton today for $2. I must be below 5 then
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:40 PM

Hey, I'm jealous!

I'm a youthful 48, so I can't even make believe I'm over 55 for the discount here in New York.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 04:50 PM

Christ, Geoff, why such hostility? Not a fan of musicals?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 05:12 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Christ, Geoff, why such hostility? Not a fan of musicals?

I have no problem with musicals. I love Grease, West Side Story, Rent, etc... but those movies make sense to me. Romance & Cigarettes didn't. At least not the first time. Perhaps it was the shock of seeing 3 Sopranos cast members doing it. Could they be type cast after all?
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 05:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
i agree great film. especially the footie scene..lol



Yeah thats my favourite scene,it alawys makes me laugh ,Brian Glover definetly steals that scene
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 05:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Christ, Geoff, why such hostility? Not a fan of musicals?

I have no problem with musicals. I love Grease, West Side Story, Rent, etc... but those movies make sense to me. Romance & Cigarettes didn't. At least not the first time. Perhaps it was the shock of seeing 3 Sopranos cast members doing it. Could they be type cast after all?

I don't know, I thought it was an original film that consciously subverted expectations and worked on recurring ones: the Sopranos cast, as you mentioned, not to mention Kate Winslet as some current-day slut (keep in mind she's noted for period costume dramas); as for Walken, he didn't look out of place at all - have you seen the video for Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice"?

It'd be interesting (to me) to ask why those other musicals make sense to you (despite aesthetic stuff like songs intruding upon narrative, breaking the fourth wall, etc.) but this one doesn't. What do you even mean by "sense" (normally that's used in relation to "making sense of the story")? Was it a case of viewer expectations being totally out of line with what the film offers?

I don't think all of the film works, but I at least thought it was good. But I knew going in that it was a musical.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 05:56 PM


You make some sense. And you're right, I had no idea it was a musical. But as I said, I'll watch it again. I'm sure I'll be able to pay more attention the second time now that I know what to expect. \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 06:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
AMERICAN GANGSTER
(Second Viewing)

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott are all back and all is right in the world again. This is Scott's best film since 2000's GLADIATOR but I am so displeased that this film only received one Oscar nomination (it went to Rudy Dee for best actress in a supporting role as Frank's mother). I'm really angry Denzel didn't get at least a nod or that the film wasn't on the Best Picture list. This is easily the best crime film since last year's THE DEPARTED and is a new gangster classic! I don't know what it was but it was better with a second viewing. I think with it being unrated and having 18 minutes of additional footage, that's what was probably wrong the first go around.


What, there were other crime movies between October 2006 and November 2007? Really?

What were they?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 06:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Longneck
Eastern Promises was pretty good until the ending. It feels rushed. Maybe the British legal system is different and keeps people locked up forever for Statutory rape but here in the U.S. the boss would run things from prison and the problems wouldn't be solved so easily.



First off, he's not locked up "forever" in the movie. He got pinched like American mobsters in the past have done for tax evasion or any other non-mob sounding crime...you know?

With Viggo in the clique, the Police arrested and persumingly locked up the Boss for that jail sentence, which gives Viggo the power vacumm to play his power politics.

Capo, you weren't moved by that last shot of Viggo, all alone, in the restaurant?

Easily, arguably, the CASABLANCA of this decade with that devastating climax.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 06:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I just watched Brian De Palma's Redacted (2007). Effective moments and a cool concept can't really compensate for the overall "What's the point?" feel I had when it finished.

I don't think many people on here would like it. Far too critical (and rightly so) of the war effort.


I thought it was decent at best...we praise experimental filmmakers like David Lynch when they try to break the curb....the problem with experimental filmmaking is the downflip of it when it doesn't really work.

My problem with REDACTED probably is that for a movie stremmed together from surveillance cameras, a soldier's camcorder, and Foreign Television coverage.....some moments are just too cinematically convenient.

Take that scene when that soldier has this speech of how he must stop his fellow comrades from commiting a horrendous warcrime...give me a fucking break. If this was CASUALTIES OF WAR, fine because it was a movie that admittedly was a fictionalized drama.

That said, there are three great scenes in REDACTED. One is when from a wide shot (via security surveillance), you have the soldier threaten to kill another as he's pushed up against the wall. Incredible.

Second is when the car races past the checkpoint, and its shot to hell.

Third is the ending...where real photographs of corpses have their faces digitally censored, as if a feeble attempt to cover up the obvious, which is ironic since producer Mark Cuban made that change over Brian DePalma's head, to avoid a possible lawsuit.

REDACTED itself was redacted...not by the government, but by the corporate bigwigs.

That said, I don't think REDACTED deserved the Bill O'Reilly heat or DePalma being called a "traitor." Couldn't Papa Bill simply have let this movie come and go this side of a pair of underpants, as it was destined to be before he came along and gave it free press of notoriety?

REDACTED (2007) - ***
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 09:24 PM

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH
(First Viewing)

Another look at the Iraq war on the heels of RENDITION. And while I felt that one hit home with me more, this is actually based on true events which makes it even sadder. I am very glad to see Tommy Lee Jones getting back into the swing of things now with both NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and this film added to his recent resume. I've always enjoyed this man's work.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/16/08 09:50 PM

Irish, I notice you seem to watch movies mostly for the actors. Not so much for director, writing, cinematography, etc... Am I wrong?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 12:19 AM

Not really, unless it's Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Tony Scott or Steven Spielberg who are my favorite directors. But yes, mostly I watch them for the story or actors.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 01:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Not really, unless it's Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Tony Scott or Steven Spielberg who are my favorite directors. But yes, mostly I watch them for the story or actors.


Don't you watch films for....

entertainment?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 01:03 AM

That's should be a given right?
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 04:02 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Don't you watch films for....

entertainment?


 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
That's should be a given right?


Tough room.... tough room.

[/Rodney Dangerfield imitation]
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 04:18 AM

MICHAEL CLAYTON
(First Viewing)

An intelligent drama but two things bothered me about this film: 1) George Clooney wasn't really great. Like svsg said about Denzel Washington, I felt Clooney seems to either play himself or the same character in most of his films. 2) I didn't like that the film opened with the ending and then went back to the beginning. However I will give Tom Wilkinson a lot of credit for a job well done.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 06:53 AM

GOYA'S GHOSTS
(First Viewing)

Now this is the Natalie Portman I love and remember. She does a spectacular job portraying two characters in this film. The first is an unjustly accusted woman who spends 15 years imprisoned for not eating pork (during the Spanish Inquistion they thought she was Jewish because of this). Later on in the film she plays this characters teenage daughter. This was a wonderful tale about truth and it comes from Milos Forman (he also directed ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST and AMADEUS). As usual, Javier Bardem brings his A game. Unfortunately this will probably get overlooked by many when it's released on the 26th but I would recommend seeing it.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 09:42 AM

Has anybody seen the movie John Q as i my Auntie bought it me yesterday,i was wondering what it was like?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 10:59 AM

I enjoyed John Q very much..
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 07:23 PM

Elephant (2003) - (out of four)
- Elephant truly disturbed me. With no main character or "hero" it made the movie feel very real as we follow different students around their high school. I must have stared at the screen for a solid five minutes after the movie ended not sure what to think because I felt so uncomfortable. I loved it. The long camera shots were very interesting to me as well. I know this movie seems to get mixed reviews but I think it is probably underrated, mainly because it doesn't progress or end the way the average movie does. I plan on watching it again next weekend.

Wolf Creek (2005) - (out of four)
-Better than I expected. Three people end up stranded in Australia and helped by a lovable Crocodile Dundee type man who turns out to be a killer. His character as a bad guy was actually quite entertaining. The movie isn't very original but I appreciated that it stayed away from the usual horror movie cliches, the ones that make you wonder why did that person just do the complete opposite of any normal human being. Not a masterpiece but very fun if you like B slasher flicks.

Requiem for a Dream (2000) - (out of four)
-After now seeing Pi and Requiem for a Dream I have to put Darren Aronofsky as one of the directors I want follow closely. He did a great job showing the decline of four drug addicts and made me feel as anxious and as close to what it probably feels like to be hooked on drugs. Without giving away any spoilers I will say part of the movie was as horrifying as anything I have ever seen. I truly felt sorry for the elderly lady who ended up addicted to prescription medicine that an irresponsible doctor prescribed her so she could lose weight. I highly recommend this movie but only to those who have the stomach to watch a very graphic and disturbing movie.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 07:59 PM

 Quote:


Political films triumph in Berlin

By Mike Collett-White

BERLIN (Reuters) - The two most overtly political movies in competition at this year's Berlin Film Festival won the top prizes, surprising some critics who had questioned their message and methods.

Winner of the golden bear for best film was Jose Padilha's "The Elite Squad" ("Tropa De Elite"), an ultra-violent portrayal of a crack team of Brazilian police who resort to corruption, torture and worse as they fight drug warlords in the Rio slums.


am I missing it on the boards or really no ones cares about it ? I made a 'warning post' about "Tropa de Elite" a few months ago when I first watched it and I knew right away it would get recognition outside the world, but I didn't expect anything like this. according to what I read earlier this week the movie got a lot of good and a lot of bad reviews, like it was predictable.

all you movie buffs don't know what you're missing! it's not anywhere as good as "Cidade de Deus" but is an overall very good movie even though the stories are a little shabby, but once you watch it, you know that's the least important thing in the movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/17/08 09:20 PM

JUMPER
(First Viewing)

Director Doug Liman (THE BOURNE IDENTITY and MR. & MRS. SMITH) adds another enjoyable action flick to his resume. I enjoyed Samuel L. as usual but was probably impressed the most with Rachel Bilson. I've never really seen THE O.C. so I was looking forward to this to see her acting abilities and she didn't disappoint. I also am really happy that they left room for a sequel or even trilogy (hopefully they will do so because I'd love to see more). Finally, I am so jealous of Hayden Christensen for now hooking up onscreen with Natalie Portman and Rachel Bilson
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/08 08:06 AM


Please add year-of-release after the title (see Blibble above). I know it's 2008, but still. It's standard practice. If you can't provide a link, then at least provide a year. \:p

I haven't seen Jumper (2008) yet (I can wait for NetFlix), but I can't help but recall Sliders (TV, 1995).
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/08 08:07 AM

"Caddyshack". A totally silly yet hilarious movie. Rodney Dangerfield at his best and Ted Knight holds up his end as Rodney's nemesis.

The scenes with Bill Murray and the gopher slowed the movie's pace down but Murray was absolutely wonderful in the scene in which he finds a candy bar in the country club's pool. Kudos to Dangerfield for his "Who stepped on a duck" line.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/08 02:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Please add year-of-release after the title (see Blibble above). I know it's 2008, but still. It's standard practice. If you can't provide a link, then at least provide a year. \:p


"are you talkin' to me?"

I guess I'm really stupid. anyway, you should have already watched it for yourselves !!!

"Tropa de Elite" / "Elite Squad" (2007)
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/08 03:38 PM

I watched ZULU DAWN yesterday,the sequel/prequel to all time classic ZULU.

A grim tale of the mighty British empire getting its backside whupped by the Zulu's...

Pesky buggers
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/08 07:28 PM

THE FRENCH CONNECTION
(Second Viewing)

A fully enthralling, 1970s crime/drug film. I appreciated it more with a second viewing and after having just recently watched AMERICAN GANGSTER. I'd say Gene Hackman's best two roles were as Lex Luthor in the SUPERMAN franchise and this role. I don't think I've ever laughed so much at him onscreen unless he was playing Lex. I was also impressed with Roy Scheider's work who I've only been exposed to with JAWS and briefly in THE PUNISHER.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/08 10:07 PM

SYRIANA
(Second Viewing)

What worked for TRAFFIC didn't work here. Writer/director wrote the screenplay for TRAFFIC and directed SYRIANA. This film was much more complicated and busier. There was always something going on which sometimes made it difficult to follow due to its fast pace.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/08 10:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
There was always something going on which sometimes made it difficult to follow due to its fast pace.
This coming from someone who often uses "boring" as a criticism? I don't know; filmmakers can't win these days. \:p

(FWIW, though, I didn't like Syriana either.)

As far as Hackman goes, what else have you seen him in? Check out Night Moves (1975) and The Conversation (1974). The former is a typically '70s film, low-key and ambiguous - if you like private eye films, this one's for you; the latter is Francis Ford Coppola's best film (possibly - I need to re-watch The Godfather films), an intriguing and impeccable masterpiece.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/18/08 11:03 PM

Capo,

Speaking of Hackman, I saw Enemy Of The State for the first time yesterday on tv. I loved the movie, and was reminded of what a good actor Hackman is. I think the first movie I had seen him in was probably Bonnie & Clyde (was that maybe his first film?). Gosh that was a lifetime ago. \:o

His most famous roles aside, have you seen him in Extreme Measures with Hugh Grant? Not a terribly popular movie, but I liked it. He's great at playing the villian.


TIS
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 01:28 AM

Yeah, his role in Enemy of the State is a sort of reprisal of The Conversation's Harry Caul. Haven't seen Extreme Measures, but agree he's good at the villain - though I relish him more as a badass hero like Popeye Doyle or Agent Anderson in Mississippi Burning (1988).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 01:28 AM

I gatecrashed a campus screening today of Todd Haynes's Far From Heaven (2002/USA), a film whose synopsis and description alone has hitherto given me the willies, though given my recent interest in Haynes, I thought I'd delve. I liked it on one level, disliked it on another. As a throwback to Douglas Sirk's melodramas (All That Heaven Allows features prominently) it's meticulously designed and visually gorgeous - the establishing exteriors were especially impressive, and I liked the allegorical mise-en-scene of bright, autumn oranges fading gradually into bleak, depressingly wintry whites. The music, too, is effectively sweeping and preachy, and the editing, full of abrupt dissolves, makes exposition and narrative development suitably jerky.

The story, however, is another matter. I realise the dialogue is necessarily stilted and the acting quite one-dimensional and hammy, but only some of it works, and in being a contemporary "adaptation" of Sirk's "woman's films", it's quite cringe-worthy.

The Academy fell for it, probably interpreting it as an issue film (or moral lesson) for the contemporary world, but I see it more as an exposé of the gender codings within Hollywood melodrama itself. A genre film exploring its own history, not so much the racism and suppressed homosexuality of 1950s society as the representation of race and gender in the cinema itself of that time. Inevitably, it becomes a critique of the plasticity of family life and the varnished surface of populist cinema (like Haynes's own Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987), a biopic that replaced actors with Barbie dolls).

Still, though, as much as I find that sort of post-modernism impressive and clever, it ultimately left me dead and cold - and for such an emotionally charged script, that's surely a major and lingering flaw.

Of interest, then, only in relation to those films it evokes - which it does effortlessly and brilliantly.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 01:38 AM

In an effort to invest some sort of film-watching gluttony among others, here's another review, too; one that I wrote for my school newspaper's film section. It's been a while since I actually wrote a proper critical entry like this.

Le scaphandre et le papillon (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)
(Julian Schnabel 2007 | France / USA)

What is it about scenes in films wherein men shave other men? John Huston was fond of them: in Key Largo (1948), Edward G. Robinson is shaved by a henchman, while Under the Volcano (1984) sees Albert Finney affectionately groomed by a younger friend. If nothing else, both scenes have in common a certain intimacy, a humble and subtle humanity – even if Robinson does play a nasty gangster and Finney a suffering alcoholic. Evoking the same tone in one of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’s many flashback scenes, director Julian Schnabel has Mathieu Almaric shave his on-screen, apartment-ridden father, played by Max von Sydow (who, incidentally, starred in Huston’s The Kremlin Letter in 1970). Here, though, the tone is especially poignant – in the context of the film, we already know Jean-Dominique Bauby, who Almaric plays, has been diagnosed with “locked-in syndrome”. Bauby, whose memoirs the film adapts, was editor of Elle magazine when he suffered a stroke in 1995, aged 43. Totally paralysed but for his left eye, he was able to communicate by blinking alone. If his situation sounds grim, it is; though Schnabel is able to invest welcome wit and a fine measure of narrative purpose. The inherent self-reflexivity of the first-person narration allows the script to externalise viewpoints without becoming problematic: the bold and limiting choice to film from Bauby’s own bed-ridden point of view is given much relief, both narratively and visually, as the protagonist grows increasingly articulate in his new means of communication. The selective flashbacks and Bauby’s own fantasies help, too; the latter especially recall Michael Gambon’s singing detective. As the title suggests, Bauby’s self-inspection offers the central theme of triumph over adversity: “I decided to stop pitying myself,” he says at one point. “Other than my eye, two things aren't paralysed: my imagination and my memory.” And even if the film is a stark reminder of one’s own mortality, it is, in typical existential fashion, just as much celebratory of life. True to its real-life central figure, Diving Bell is finally uplifting and inspiring. I, for one, feel like writing a book.
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 01:57 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Elephant (2003) - (out of four)
- Elephant truly disturbed me. With no main character or "hero" it made the movie feel very real as we follow different students around their high school. I must have stared at the screen for a solid five minutes after the movie ended not sure what to think because I felt so uncomfortable. I loved it. The long camera shots were very interesting to me as well. I know this movie seems to get mixed reviews but I think it is probably underrated, mainly because it doesn't progress or end the way the average movie does. I plan on watching it again next weekend.


Blibble, have you seen Last Days? It's my favorite of the three films that get grouped as Van Sant's "death trilogy".
Posted By: long_lost_corleone

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 02:01 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Requiem for a Dream (2000) - (out of four)
-After now seeing Pi and Requiem for a Dream I have to put Darren Aronofsky as one of the directors I want follow closely. He did a great job showing the decline of four drug addicts and made me feel as anxious and as close to what it probably feels like to be hooked on drugs. Without giving away any spoilers I will say part of the movie was as horrifying as anything I have ever seen. I truly felt sorry for the elderly lady who ended up addicted to prescription medicine that an irresponsible doctor prescribed her so she could lose weight. I highly recommend this movie but only to those who have the stomach to watch a very graphic and disturbing movie.



Oh, and I may as well mention, Aronofsky is another one of my favorites. Requiem is one of few films that I can say actually BOTHERED me, but check out The Fountain ASAP... He just gets better with each attempt. Plus, Mogwai (excellent post-rock band) collaborates on the score, and makes a great match-up with Aronofsky's visuals. It's just an overall great flick.

You know, he was originally set to direct the adaptation of Choke years back, sometime after Requiem was released on DVD, but he ended up putting it on hold because of The Fountain. I would have loved to see what he could've done for that adaptation... After watching the Choke clip in the other thread, I'm slightly dissapointed; it's sort of a let down, visually, compared to that of Fight Club, which had some of the best visuals in modern American cinema. And Aronofsky is probably one of the best visual directors out there right now, so I know he could have done something interesting. Not to mention the soundtrack would've been spectacular, because Clint Mansel is one of the best contemporary composers working in film... The music in the clip sounded as if it had tried to emulate Fight Club's soundtrack a tad...
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 03:04 AM

LLC, both Last Days and The Fountain are high on my list of movies to see next.

You're right about Aronofsky being one of the best visual directors, at least compared to everything that I've seen. He would have been incredible directing Choke and I agree that trailer clip seemed very flat. I'm hoping that little bit they showed was a bad example as to how the finished product looks.

I have a question for those of you more educated on how films are made. I'll continue to use Aronofsky as an example. First off, does he edit his own movies? Because sometimes I think an editor can make a director look really good or really bad, and Pi and Requiem for a Dream had amazing editing sequences. I am just curious how much input directors normally have in the editing process.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 03:07 AM

 Originally Posted By: long_lost_corleone
Blibble, have you seen Last Days? It's my favorite of the three films that get grouped as Van Sant's "death trilogy".


I'm also looking forward to watching Van Sant's Gerry, which I think is part of that "trilogy" you're talking about.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 03:23 PM



THE LAST BOY SCOUT (1991) - ***1/2

(NOTE: I reviewed this movie already, but I hated what I wrote. I polished up some words here and there. Enjoy!)

There is no such thing as a sure-fire blockbuster in Hollywood. You may have "hot" stars and filmmakers booked, but as cooks can tell you, the consumer's taste towards the dish isn't be as predictable as the recipe can be followed.

Warner Bros. must have thought they had a guaranteed hit on their hands with THE LAST BOY SCOUT. Producer Joel Silver, behind Hollywood action classics DIE HARD and LETHAL WEAPON, paid a record-$1.75 million for WEAPON scripter Shane Black, followed by booking action star Bruce Willis and director Tony Scott.

Yet THE LAST BOY SCOUT, despite its potency on paper, shot blanks in theatres. While it was marketed as yet another LETHAL WEAPON-esque buddy cop shoot'em up picture, SCOUT is really a polarizing affair even for genre fans.

Take the opening sequence, where a drug-junkie football player is rushing down the field while firing his gun at the Linebackers to score a touchdown. And you thought the infamous "Basketbrawl" between Ron Artest and Pistons fans was brutal. If you can't get beyond this crazyness, press the Stop button.

SCOUT faithfully follows the action tempo and gunplay as expected of that epoch in Action Cinema, including a major car chase that's too much LETHAL WEAPON 2 for my taste. But it just hikes such crazy-ass option plays that don't just come out of no where, they shock you that a major Hollywood release actually got away with them.

From a kid and father yelling F-bombs at each other, to a hero (awesomely) killing a thug by a punch to the nose, and the quotable as hell dialogue from Mr. Black...

Wife: I was lonely!
Willis: Go buy a dog.

Guys can't help but recite such misogynistic lines over and over....which I guess is a compliment, as much as Dave Chappelle helping to make "bitch" virtually a verb in America's dictionary.

In fact, in this tale of two guys stuck way over their heads in a deadly conspiracy which celebrates and jabs the genre's cliches, this seems eeriely way too much like Shane Black's later directorial effort KISS KISS BANG BANG, though SCOUT isn't so blatant.

Hell, my biggest problem with SCOUT is in its Third Act where, like BANG, the material reaches a point where it gets too self-aware of how smart it is. I mean, a villain saying "Yeah, I'm the bad guy"?

That's not clever, that's just silly.

But otherwise, I rather enjoyed THE LAST BOY SCOUT and its macho-nutty tale of two depressed losers deep in funk who fight each other, and race in citing the next witty one-liner.

With such financial "guaranteed" Hollywood misfires from Bryan Singer's flat SUPERMAN RETURNS to Peter Jackson's boring 3-hour(!) KING KONG remake, I guess I am actually pleased that THE LAST BOY SCOUT was actually pretty good, maybe even a tad ahead of its time.

Consider that Tony Scott's next movie was TRUE ROMANCE, scripted by a self-proclaimed major fan of SCOUT in Quentin Tarantino.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 04:00 PM

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) ****

The first pairing of Redford and Newman and quite possibly the best "buddy" film ever made.

It's a highly fictionalized account of the leaders of the "Hole-In-The-Wall" gang of bank robbers, on the run from lawmen, both in the US and South America.

It co-stars Katharine Ross, of THE GRADUATE, who was both beautiful and sensational in this film. I really can't understand why she didn't do much after taking part in two classics.

At any rate, this is a top-notch, comedy-western-buddy film that you shouldn't miss.

Rain drops keep falling on my head....
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 04:24 PM

We watched The Transporter last night, about an ex-Army man who "transports" packages for bad guys, no questions asked. Until one day, he breaks his own rule and looks in the package, only to discover a pretty Asian woman. Naturally, all hell breaks loose soon after.

It started out well enough as an amusing action flick with a good car chase. As the movie progressed, the plot became sillier and more unbelievable. The chase scenes were good and the fight scenes were well-choreographed, but the storyline was stupid and full of holes.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 05:25 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
We watched The Transporter last night, about an ex-Army man who "transports" packages for bad guys, no questions asked. Until one day, he breaks his own rule and looks in the package, only to discover a pretty Asian woman. Naturally, all hell breaks loose soon after.

It started out well enough as an amusing action flick with a good car chase. As the movie progressed, the plot became sillier and more unbelievable. The chase scenes were good and the fight scenes were well-choreographed, but the storyline was stupid and full of holes.


Yeah, the plot for TRANSPORTER is garbage, and the caucasian villain....he couldn't act his way out of a bag of Doritos.

That said, the reason to watch TRANSPORTER is for Jason fuckin Statham. His fights are so awesome, and he has such masculine charisma, he (nearly) carries this movie by himself.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 05:29 PM

Yes, I agree. I liked him, and was disappointed that he wasn't given more to work with. "Wall Street"? What the hell kind of name is that for a villain?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 06:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
We watched The Transporter last night, about an ex-Army man who "transports" packages for bad guys, no questions asked. Until one day, he breaks his own rule and looks in the package, only to discover a pretty Asian woman. Naturally, all hell breaks loose soon after.

It started out well enough as an amusing action flick with a good car chase. As the movie progressed, the plot became sillier and more unbelievable. The chase scenes were good and the fight scenes were well-choreographed, but the storyline was stupid and full of holes.


For more from Jason Statham, check out TRANSPORTER 2 and CRANK!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 07:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I have a question for those of you more educated on how films are made. I'll continue to use Aronofsky as an example. First off, does he edit his own movies? Because sometimes I think an editor can make a director look really good or really bad, and Pi and Requiem for a Dream had amazing editing sequences. I am just curious how much input directors normally have in the editing process.
Good question - it's not easy to answer, and certainly changes from director to director (as it does country to country, and year to year).

The director is the creative drive behind a film, the final funnel through which all other individual aesthetic responsibilities are filtered; the director is responsible for communicating his vision to the experts in their particular field - costume design, editing film together, lighting, etc.

Jay Rabinowitz is credited with "film editing" on Requeim. What this means is the technicality of splicing together reels of film, but also the overall rhythm of a narrative (what goes where), which involves the inclusion and omission of scenes and shots. He'll be guided by Aronofsky, who, as director, is responsible for communicating what he wants to those around him.

Martin Scorsese and regular editor Thelma Schoonmaker are a good example of a director/editor partnership; they'll both know, by now, how the other works - Thelma will know what Marty wants, Marty will trust Thelma to best get his vision across.

It isn't just editing that this applies to. Cinematographers, too, who are doubly responsible for a) listening to how the director thinks it best to shoot the film (and putting their own input in as required), and b) choosing the right lighting system to make that happen; oh, and c) communicating what the director wants to the people operating the actual cameras (if it isn't the cinematographer him/herself).

Some directors like to do everything themselves - writing, directing, shooting, editing, even writing the musical score for the film (Charlie Chaplin, for the most part, was like this). Others will fully embrace the collaborative nature of filmmaking and somehow still get their authorship stamp into the work (Hitchcock, anyone?).

EDIT: Also, I think it's interesting to note that more and more films are being shot on cheaper material now, with the move toward digital and away from actual celluloid. Film stock is expensive, and very difficult to develop and expose just right; but now that DV and HD are much cheaper, filmmakers are able to film with a lot more flexibility. In some ways, it might be argued that there's a trend now that hints at the emergence of the editor and the dampening of the cinematographer... for certain sorts of films, anyway.

But I think the holy trinity for a great film comprises of the director, the editor and the cinematographer.

(The producer, for me, lies outside the creative bounds of a film; he's more of the financial spearhead.)
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/19/08 09:59 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
(The producer, for me, lies outside the creative bounds of a film; he's more of the financial spearhead.)


Not the case, though, in which the producer controls final cut. They'll (instead of the directors) work with the editors or have the power to "make" the director follow their directions. Still prevalent now not just in studio filmmaking, but in independent filmmaking.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 01:13 AM

Agreed. Good point (you've actually brought this up before with me). Would you say it's more frequent now, though, that the director has final cut?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 05:31 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12


For more from Jason Statham, check out TRANSPORTER 2 and CRANK!

IMO, Transporter 2 is quite crappy. First of all, he doesn't transport anything in this movie and secondly there are a lot of ludicrous scenes in the name of action. I liked Jason Statham in Transporter and Snatch.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 06:20 AM

Thanks for the detailed answer.

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
But I think the holy trinity for a great film comprises of the director, the editor and the cinematographer.

Why is the screenwriter never included as a major part of the film's success? I know they have awards for them but they don't seem to get much recognition. I find it interesting that my favorite directors also write their own screenplay (Wes Anderson, the Coen Bros., Tarantino.) I think that is important because the early creative process of writing translates better to the big screen because the director knows exactly what each written scene is supposed to look like.

With aspirations to be a screenwriter myself I feel like the writers don't get much credit. Harumph.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 06:33 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12


For more from Jason Statham, check out TRANSPORTER 2 and CRANK!

IMO, Transporter 2 is quite crappy. First of all, he doesn't transport anything in this movie and secondly there are a lot of ludicrous scenes in the name of action. I liked Jason Statham in Transporter and Snatch.


I enjoyed it as a popcorn flick, nothing more. But CRANK and SNATCH are his best movies by far
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 11:59 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irish
I enjoyed it as a popcorn flick, nothing more.

Oh, come on! When do you enjoy something as anything more than a popcorn flick? \:p

 Originally Posted By: Blibble
Why is the screenwriter never included as a major part of the film's success?

Many people do, and perhaps I should too. Hitchcock himself said the three most important things for a film are the script, the script and the script.

As much as I have in the past ranted and raved about how a story is secondary to the visual and audio aesthetic in which it is presented, I can never fully enjoy a film if its dialogue is shit or if the plot isn't written well.

So yeah, you're probably right. I was probably off base even saying there was a holy trinity to a film's success in the first place. Ignore that comment. \:\)
Posted By: ap_capone48101

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 06:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
We watched The Transporter last night, about an ex-Army man who "transports" packages for bad guys, no questions asked. Until one day, he breaks his own rule and looks in the package, only to discover a pretty Asian woman. Naturally, all hell breaks loose soon after.

It started out well enough as an amusing action flick with a good car chase. As the movie progressed, the plot became sillier and more unbelievable. The chase scenes were good and the fight scenes were well-choreographed, but the storyline was stupid and full of holes.


For more from Jason Statham, check out TRANSPORTER 2 and CRANK!


I thought he was pretty good in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Also a good movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:02 PM

AMISTAD 1/2
(First Viewing)

Rather a disappointment from Senor Spielbergo. I think what this film lacked the most was Spielberg's passion for the story. This is probably the most evident in films like SCHINDLER'S LIST or MUNICH, however, while at times I did feel for the characters, as a whole the movie was rather flat and not one actor really stood out to me.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:04 PM

THE ENGLISH PATIENT
(First Viewing)

How this film ever won 9 Oscars I'll never know. I haven't been this board through a 2+ hour film that takes place in the desert since I saw LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. Although director Anthony Minghella did bore me again years later with COLD MOUNTAIN. I can see Elaine's point of view from SEINFELD now because I remember her hating this film too.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE ENGLISH PATIENT
(First Viewing)
I can see Elaine's point of view from SEINFELD now because I remember her hating this film too.


JUST DIE!

I hated this movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:16 PM

Glad to see I'm not alone PB
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:22 PM

I think that it's one of those movies that you're supposed to feel guilty for not liking, as if it makes you uncivilized. FWIW, I hated it, too.

As for Amistad, you weren't at all impressed by any of a cast that included Morgan Freeman, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Djimon Honsou??
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
As for Amistad, you weren't at all impressed by any of a cast that included Morgan Freeman, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Djimon Honsou??


Surprisingly, nope
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

I'd say Gene Hackman's best two roles were as Lex Luthor in the SUPERMAN franchise and this role.


No question about his role in The French Connection.

While he did a really good job as Lex Luthor, I don't know that I would say that it was one of two of his BEST roles. I can list many other roles before his Lex Luthor character:


The Conversation. Defintiely One of his best.

Prime Cut.

The Poseidon Adventure.

Scarecrow. One of my favorite roles for him.

Bonnie and Clyde.

The guy was even wonderful in Get Shorty!

And how about Hoosiers?

In my opinion the man is one of the most brilliant actors out there. Definitely underated. I don't know that I can say that I've ever disliked him in any role that I've seen him play, even if the movie itself sucked.


Perhaps you feel that way because you haven't seen him in any of the movies that I mentioned above?
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE ENGLISH PATIENT
(First Viewing)
I can see Elaine's point of view from SEINFELD now because I remember her hating this film too.


JUST DIE!

I hated this movie.


I disliked this movie as well. I watched it for the first time last year only because it was widely acclaimed. I thought I was missing something.

I wanted to change the channel so badly, but tried to force myself to the end, and I don't remember if I made it. In fact, I couldn't tell you how it ended, or if it ended, for that matter. The only part I remember is the Indian bomb specialist swinging that woman with a torch on a big rope with pulleys. That was fun to watch. But I can't remember the details of the plot.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 09:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: klydon1
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE ENGLISH PATIENT
(First Viewing)
I can see Elaine's point of view from SEINFELD now because I remember her hating this film too.


JUST DIE!

I hated this movie.



But I can't remember the details of the plot.


You remember, Peterman wanted Elaine to see the movie...

Oh, never mind.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 10:08 PM

DC, What about The Quick and The Dead?? He's just evil personified in that film.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 10:09 PM



IRON EAGLE (1986) - **1/2

If I wrote in my review for THE LAST STARFIGHTER that the movie perfectly recreated the fantasy of the kid playing the arcade console becoming savior of the world, one quarter at a time, then IRON EAGLE is virtually an arcade video game, for better or for worse.

Back in the 1980s, when the U.S. Airforce had several real encursions with Libyan fighter planes, an American pilot is shot down over the Meditteranean Sea and is taken captive. He's tried before a kangaroo court, and is given a death sentence. As diplomatic and military hands are tied back home, and time running out, his son decides to mount his own rescue operation.

What proceeds is practically the big-screen adaptation of 1942, that awesome classic Capcom WW2 video game about a lone American fighter plane who destroys the entire Japanese airfleet, regardless of fuel or ammunition supplies.

See as a kid fly a F-16 and shames his military elders by blowing up a Libyan airbase, blast away several bogies, able to land his plane, rescue his pops, all by himself! Why did the AirForce Academy turn down his application? Maybe they simply hate Queen fans.

If we had this teenager enlisted now, I'm sure America would have the Iranian nuclear "question" solved within a week.

What surprised me though was how similar the plots for IRON EAGLE and STARFIGHTER are: A young guy who wants to escape from home to greater glories, but initially denied until they're forced upon a quest to fulfill the destiny of their heroic potential.

If Robert Preston was the wiseman in STARFIGHTER, then Louis Gossett Jr. is the meaner, grouchier, and more badass mentor. He's Ernie Hudson, but with an attitude. Oddly enough, both seem to get killed but somehow return to life by the finale.

The main difference though is that STARFIGHTER wasn't bogged down by contrived nonsense. From the whole annoyingly pointless bully angle that I'm sure inspired the emo angle in TRANSFORMERS to what the hero's friends do to make his mission happen, I rolled my eyes. I was reminded of another kids-save-parents picture from the Reagan Decade in THE RESCUE, where North Korea jobbed out this side of Val Venus.

That said, despite those problems and some scenes of the hero being a bitch with Gossett, I actually was sorta enjoying the movie. Then the immaculate rescue and ass-kicking occurs, and I lost interest. I threw up my hands when to top it all off, the kid shoots down the dictator himself.

Now some of you might remark, why be so critical with EAGLE and not so with STARFIGHTER? The difference between both fantasy concepts is, STARFIGHTER had the sci-fi escape clause. Considering the pivotal tie-in of the macguffin with the arcade machine, the hero pulling a Death Star is in lines with the arcade fantasy, which I was compelled by.

With EAGLE, its grounded in reality down on Earth and its just plain silly.

Though I have to say, its a watchable cartoon of its time...which I can't say for another goofy-aerial action flick released in the same year.

But TOP GUN will get blown out of the sky soon enough....
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 10:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
DC, What about The Quick and The Dead?? He's just evil personified in that film.


John Herod! Evil personified is a kind term!

He's really some actor.

Even the role as the millionare that he played in a really stupid movie called "Heartbreakers" was hilarious.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 10:55 PM

I always enjoy The Quick and The Dead. Only Sharon Stone could look that dusty and sexy at the same time. I wouldn't go so far as to name it one of my favorite films, yet I find myself watching it every time I happen to stumble on it while flipping channels.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 11:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: Don Cardi
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

I'd say Gene Hackman's best two roles were as Lex Luthor in the SUPERMAN franchise and this role.


No question about his role in The French Connection.

While he did a really good job as Lex Luthor, I don't know that I would say that it was one of two of his BEST roles. I can list many other roles before his Lex Luthor character:


The Conversation. Defintiely One of his best.

Prime Cut.

The Poseidon Adventure.

Scarecrow. One of my favorite roles for him.

Bonnie and Clyde.

The guy was even wonderful in Get Shorty!

And how about Hoosiers?

In my opinion the man is one of the most brilliant actors out there. Definitely underated. I don't know that I can say that I've ever disliked him in any role that I've seen him play, even if the movie itself sucked.


Perhaps you feel that way because you haven't seen him in any of the movies that I mentioned above?


True. I've seen BONNIE & CLYDE and most of HOOSIERS but that's about it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/20/08 11:45 PM

SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
(First Viewing)

I wanted to see this film in theaters but was unable to find the time to do so. For being a Tim Burton film and a musical, I quite enjoyed it. The city of London that Burton creates is quite eye catching with its use of black and gray colors. As usual, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman all shine in their respective roles.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/08 12:15 AM

Just seen There Will Be Blood for the third time in the cinema.

Greatest American film of the decade. It's a shame none of you like movies, though! \:D
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/08 05:15 AM

I'm seeing There Will Be Blood this weekend. I'm excited to see how it compares to No Country For Old Men. From reviews it sounds like it is even better, and I loved NCFOM! So I can't wait.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/08 06:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Agreed. Good point (you've actually brought this up before with me). Would you say it's more frequent now, though, that the director has final cut?


I don't know. It's hard to say.
Posted By: 24framespersecond

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/08 07:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I'm seeing There Will Be Blood this weekend. I'm excited to see how it compares to No Country For Old Men. From reviews it sounds like it is even better, and I loved NCFOM! So I can't wait.


There's no comparison between the two films except in the context of which one does one like better.

What I mean is that lots of people are comparing them as if they're two Westerns, which I think neither are, or two films that are similar, which I don't think they are, as if they're adapting the same novel or stylistically similar.

There Will Be Blood is comparatively loudly intense while No Country For Old Men is quietly intense.

The former, to use PT Anderson's words, is like a boxing match and has a Dracula-like protagonist. In my words (using movies that many have alluded to when talking about Blood), it's Raging Bull-The Shining-Giant-Citizen Kane-Treasure of the Sierra Madre hybrid which isn't implying that I think Blood is derivative or unoriginal. It's just shorthand, really, to allude to those films.

The latter is a contemplative apocalyptic "chase-thriller" film. It's a highly personal genre film worthy to be in the company of other exemplars of personal genre films like those of Hawks and Hitchcock.

I'm kind of surprised at myself because I tend to favor things that operate at No Country For Old Men's lower register, but There Will Be Blood is so mindblowing that my preferences were blown to smithereens.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/21/08 11:43 PM

THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971) ****

Roy Scheider's passing last week prompted me to watch this last night.

It's a cops and robbers thriller that has been much copied but rarely matched, featuring one of the greatest car chases ever filmed. And Gene Hackman ain't bad either. \:D

Filmed two years prior to his redefining of the horror genre with THE EXORCIST, William Friedkin set the standard for the police thriller with this classic that won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hackman's Popeye Doyle.

Doyle is one of two cops (the other played by Scheider) who are trying to intercept a huge heroin shipment coming into New York from France, courtesy of the suave drug kingpin Charnier.

It's packed with memorable set pieces, tense action and a great script. It also boasts one of Hackman's best performances. And that's saying something.

Worth seeing again.

And again.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 01:32 AM

The French Connection is the film responsible for getting me "into" films. I'll forever be indebted to it, should I make it as a filmmaker myself.

24fps, though I know you're reluctant to join FCM, you may be aware (through Kino?) that we do annual awards; I recommend you get involved (click).

Here are last year's winners: http://filmcinemamovie.proboards76.com/index.cgi?board=discussion&action=display&thread=1175462136

Take that as an invite/recommendation/encouragement/outright plea; whatever. I'd like you on board. \:\) I genuinely think we would benefit from your presence on there.

If nothing else, it has more film discussion than this place. (In the past you've hinted it doesn't, but I disagree; I think people can make discussion, too, not just intervening after the fact.)
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 03:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: 24framespersecond
 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
I'm seeing There Will Be Blood this weekend. I'm excited to see how it compares to No Country For Old Men. From reviews it sounds like it is even better, and I loved NCFOM! So I can't wait.


There's no comparison between the two films except in the context of which one does one like better.


I guess when I said I was excited about how they compare I meant more on a personal "Which one do I like better" level. Everyone including yourself has made similar comments that There Will Be Blood is so much more mindblowing and since I loved No Country so much I can't help but get giddy over the thought of a film that's even better.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 03:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
24fps, though I know you're reluctant to join FCM, you may be aware (through Kino?) that we do annual awards; I recommend you get involved


I have no real reason for thinking this but I thought 24fps was Kino. 24fps' posts are very similar and are as intelligent and insightful as Kino's so I guess that's why I thought that.

You really should head over there 24fps!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 04:05 AM

JOHNNY DANGEROUSLY 1/2
(First Viewing)

An AIRPLANE style film for gangster picks that doesn't seem to have the same great gags AIRPLANE did.
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 04:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
JOHNNY DANGEROUSLY 1/2
(First Viewing)

An AIRPLANE style film for gangster picks that doesn't seem to have the same great gags AIRPLANE did.


Was that the movie from the 80s with Joe Piscopo? That was a clunker. Then again with Joe Piscopo, how could it be otherwise.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 04:33 AM

Yes it was with Joe Piscopo
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 05:59 AM

How did you hear about that movie and what made you want to watch it?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 06:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
How did you hear about that movie and what made you want to watch it?

Apparently I12 buys a DVD with only one criterion: he doesn't own it yet, so why not pay for it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 07:35 AM

 Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
How did you hear about that movie and what made you want to watch it?


My roomate kept buging me to watch it but no Geoff, I don't own the DVD
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 03:11 PM

THE MESSENGER: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC
(First Viewing)

A wonderful retelling of Joan of Arc by Milla Jovovich and Luc Besson. However, the first half of the film I felt was too English/American. I felt it lost that "french" sense to it. On the other hand, the second half of the film did balance it out with the arrival of Dustin Hoffman's character.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/22/08 05:29 PM

I'd say watch Dreyer's The Passion of Joan of Arc, Irishman, but I know betterrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!

Play it with the Kill Bill soundtrack accompanying it. \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 01:46 AM

AWAKE (2007) 1/2
(First Viewing)

An interesting and original script however I felt the film could have been more. I'm not on the "I hate Hayden Christensen bandwagon" and thought his films post-STAR WARS have been pretty decent. As usual, Terrence Howard does not do bad films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 03:44 AM

HATCHET (2006) 1/2
(First Viewing)

It's always refreshing to see a new and original horror film. Although, while this was more of a tongue-in-cheek type of horror film, at least it wasn't a remake/sequel or Japanese based flick. This had a great blend of humor and blood!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 05:49 AM

HITMAN
(First Viewing)

At the beginning of this film, I really thought Timothy Olyphant was a great choice for this character but after the first 20-30 minutes he didn't seem to act the same for whatever reason. Like most video game films this isn't that great and like most action/horror/comedies now-a-days, it's hit or miss.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 06:29 AM

Michael Clayton ***
On an average year, this would have been among the leading contenders for an oscar or two. But with other strong films this year, this pales in comparison. Good acting and overall a nicely done movie. George Clooney's appearance doesn't change one bit in the recent movies I've seen of his.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 06:42 AM

George Clooney is one of those actors that I don't want to like but I always end up enjoying his characters.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 01:06 PM

I think he's a pretty fine actor.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 01:53 PM

I just finished watching Midnight Run it's the first time i have seen it and i thought it was great,Charles Grodin played an excellent part as did Robert De Niro as usual.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 03:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
I just finished watching Midnight Run it's the first time i have seen it and i thought it was great,Charles Grodin played an excellent part as did Robert De Niro as usual.


Great film. As far as "buddy" films go, it's right up there with Butch and Sundance.

It was Dennis Farina's breakout role, if a character actor gets a breakout role.

My favorite part is when Charles Grodin steals the airplane, "you're a fucking pilot!"

DeNiro's hysterical "straight man" actually foreshadowed the role he played in MEET THE PARENTS.

Again, great film!
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 03:08 PM

Yeah De Niro played the part really well

i could actually watch it again now

Great Film
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 03:19 PM

Ive got Rocky Balboa to watch this weekend.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 07:58 PM

SOLYARIS (1972)
(First Viewing)

Beautifully shot and the most intelligent alien film I've ever seen. Still, I feel some of it was over the top. Does anyone know if the 2002 version with George Clooney is worth watching?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 08:04 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SOLYARIS (1972)
(First Viewing)

Beautifully shot and the most intelligent alien film I've ever seen. Still, I feel some of it was over the top. Does anyone know if the 2002 version with George Clooney is worth watching?


It is.

Though the original SOLARIS was taxing with that infamous Moscow traffic stock footage*, there is something profound with it that isn't as much with the remake.

But the remake is really darn good on its own, I must say.

*=Which supposedly, its director placed so to "weed out the stupids."
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 09:04 PM

The George Clooney one is good as well. I particularly like the use of the poem "And death shall have no dominion" in the movie.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 09:17 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
The George Clooney one is good as well. I particularly like the use of the poem "And death shall have no dominion" in the movie.


I liked that bit as well.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/23/08 09:30 PM

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
(First Viewing)

Yes, some here may think the 3-star rating is a bit much but it really surpassed my expectations. I thought it was going to be another GARFIELD type of film that was destined to suck. I'm glad I was proved wrong. When I saw Jason Lee's name attached to it in the trailer I thought to myself, "why?" And while this is a family movie, it was quite cute and funny. Hey, I grew up on this show in the 80s so I'm biased towards it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/08 01:52 AM

MEET THE SPARTANS
(First Viewing)

Yet again, Fox and the "spoofsters" come up empty, this time poking fun at 300, SPIDER-MAN 3, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears among others.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/08 04:25 AM

SEA OF LOVE 1/2
(First Viewing)

One of Pacino's forgettable B movies. He plays the drunk cop character well because he's Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin looked beautiful, but the movie was still average at best.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/08 06:40 AM

WEDDING DAZE
(First Viewing)

This is Jason Biggs first film I've seen of his since the AMERICAN PIE trilogy and it looks like he'll be remembered solely for those three films. I continue to enjoy seeing Isla Fisher's work even though it's fair and few in between.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/08 08:05 AM


ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS rated higher than SEA OF LOVE ... 'nuf said.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/08 01:52 PM

Like I said, I'm biased towards it and it surpassed my expectations
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/08 04:44 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS rated higher than SEA OF LOVE ... 'nuf said.


Geoff, be careful or Don Cardi/DMC will bitch you out. \:D
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/08 05:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Geoff, be careful or Don Cardi/DMC will bitch you out. \:D

I12 is a good sport, unlike some others here \:p ;\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/24/08 08:54 PM

The Bells of St.Mary's (1945) **
A story of humanism and faith, narrated quite simplistically and all too sentimentally to appeal to the mind. It is effective in its message though. Ingrid Bergman is convincing as a nun who truly believes in her prayer and the goodness of humankind.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 12:46 AM

The China Syndrome (1979) ***
This is a movie that shows the power of Hollywood in creating a tension filled plot but avoiding its cliches as the same time. Characters in this movie fight the constraints of their professions while trying to hold on to their beliefs. Lots of tense moments and very little of explosions, chases etc.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 12:56 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Geoff, be careful or Don Cardi/DMC will bitch you out. \:D

I12 is a good sport, unlike some others here \:p ;\)

He's also pretty fucking ignorant in answering my legit questions.

Irish, since you asked (though you won't reply): Soderbergh's Solaris is more of an adaptation (of the original novel) than a remake. I like it very much.

I'm curious: what drew you towards Tarkovsky's film?

I disagree with RRA: the traffic shot is beautiful; my favourite of the entire film. He does a similar transition-between-worlds in Stalker, too.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 01:13 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
He's also pretty fucking ignorant in answering my legit questions.


Rather than making a (mean) blanket statement like that, have you ever considered the possibility he may be ignoring you on purpose?
Posted By: Don Cardi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 01:35 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
He's also pretty fucking ignorant in answering my legit questions.


Rather than making a (mean) blanket statement like that, have you ever considered the possibility he may be ignoring you on purpose?


Wasn't there an old TV show called It Pays to Be Ignorant?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 04:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
He's also pretty fucking ignorant in answering my legit questions.


Rather than making a (mean) blanket statement like that, have you ever considered the possibility he may be ignoring you on purpose?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure he is, actually. That would fit in with my definition of ignorance.

If anything, that's why I'm partial to mean blanket statements these days.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 04:29 PM

WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY
(First Viewing)

I was very surprised and disappointed with this film. For once, Judd Apatow who co-wrote this, didn't strike gold with me. Also, this was the first starring role for John C. Reilly and I suppose it wasn't entirely his fault the film wasn't that funny. It does its best to poke fun at WALK THE LINE but rather it plays like a SCARY MOVIE 3 or 4.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 04:34 PM

Could it be that Reilly's schtick just isn't enough to carry a film?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 04:47 PM

Not so much that. Like I said he was good and I was glad to see him in a starring role, but it just wasn't that funny. As a comedian, you're only as good as your jokes and this wasn't that good.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 04:56 PM


I finally saw The Last Castle (2001) last night w/ Gandolfini and Robert Redford. Redford was great, but I had a hard time getting over Gandolfini's accent. After 8 years of The Sopranos it's tough to hear him talking any other way. Ironically I said the opposite here when I said that he sounded too much like Tony Soprano.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 05:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

I finally saw The Last Castle (2001) last night w/ Gandolfini and Robert Redford. Redford was great, but I had a hard time getting over Gandolfini's accent. After 8 years of The Sopranos it's tough to hear him talking any other way. Ironically I said the opposite here when I said that he sounded too much like Tony Soprano.


As fine an actor as he is, typecasting is going to be a MAJOR problem for him. I can't get used to him in any other role. \:\/
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 07:51 PM

JUNO
(First Viewing)

Wow, Ellen Page was very impressive and capable of carrying this film by herself. She's quite a talented young actress. More of a dark comedy but still somewhat moving.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 08:51 PM

I wanted to see this movie when i saw it advertised


So it's worth seeing then Irish?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 09:06 PM

If you can see it for free online it is
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/25/08 09:57 PM

Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/08 09:24 PM

THERE WILL BE BLOOD 1/2
(First Viewing)

After watching this, I can say now with certainty that Daniel Day-Lewis deserved his Oscar. Man he put on another great performance. It was right on par with his job in GANGS OF NEW YORK. I was a little surprised Paul Dano wasn't able to snag at least an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his Eli Sunday character. The scenes with him and Lewis were IMO the best of the show.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/08 09:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THERE WILL BE BLOOD 1/2
(First Viewing)

After watching this, I can say now with certainty that Daniel Day-Lewis deserved his Oscar. Man he put on another great performance. It was right on par with his job in GANGS OF NEW YORK. I was a little surprised Paul Dano wasn't able to snag at least an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his Eli Sunday character. The scenes with him and Lewis were IMO the best of the show.


Fuck GONY, this was better...including Lewis.

But yeah, I agree with you on Dano/Lewis.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/26/08 09:28 PM



STEEL DAWN (1987) - ***

I'll be right honest up front: I hate Patrick Swayze, or the one everyone remembers. When his career highlights are a creepy-as-hell dead chick flick (GHOST), a Reagan Decade pedophilic romancer (DIRTY DANCING), and the mother of all mocked-camp classics (ROADHOUSE)...why should anyone give a fart about him?

I would argue instead that he has been in some decent pictures in spite of that crappy resume. He was the hypocritical morality leader in DONNIE DARKO, the "kid" archetype soldier in UNCOMMON VALOR, and the teenage American guerilla leader in RED DAWN. Though considering the last two were John Milius productions, its no surprise they're ignored.

The problem is, his best work was in a movie not good enough for mainstream acceptance, nor bad enough to be celebrated as a great bad film by those freaks like me. Talk about being stuck inbetween Iraq and a hard place.

STEEL DAWN is like every other post-apoticlyptical movie where the future after a nuclear holocaust sucks, and human race de-evolves into traveling tribes, fighting rival outfits for scraps across the desert.

Such Z-fare usually are shot for cheap out in Italy or Eastern Europe, or out in California if they slightly more cash. The wardrobe is bought from a nearby flea market, the props are retrieved from a junk yard, and the sets are either abandoned warehouses or buildings long since condemned. The budget is about as much as a John Edwards haircut, and save for maybe MAD MAX, all these movies show their limited financial resources.

The Swayze is a mullet-wearing soldier warrior roaming these wastelands when he comes upon a village who are defiantly defending their well of uncontaminated water from some evil thugs. How do I know they're evil? Because a boss with a name like Damnil doesn't sound like a Peacemaker.

Anyway, The Swayze befriends (and bangs) a MILF, and becomes a surrogate father for her boy. Of course a kid would think Swayze was awesome if he owns the baddies in kicking their ass as much as he does. Too bad the antagonists' hired mercenary just rode into town, and he's just as damn good...

Now if you're a fan of westerns, you'll immediately noticed that STEEL DAWN is a MAD MAX rehasing of the classic SHANE. While George Stevens' masterpiece being superior was never in doubt, I'll give STEEL DAWN something in the creativity department.

There is a nutty sequence when The Swayze is showing the kid this whole meditation/praying routine that amounts to drawing a circle in the sand, ground your head within it, and pull a headstand. Yes its a damn goofy concept, but the way Swayze is so damn serious about it, you'll definately remember this scene, for better or for worse.

Back in the days before the internet, when you go to a video storeand see a VHS box of a movie you've never heard of before and headlined by a movie star, you're rolling dice. Certainly that's why I avoided STEEL DAWN for years, and having seen it now......I actually sorta liked it.

As visitors of the Agony Booth, badmovies.org, and other Bad Film Buffs across the internet can tell you, most post-apoticlyptical action flicks outside of Mel Gibson and George Miller suck. Not just suck, it blows...and not just blows, it swallows.

Now trust me, STEEL DAWN is not good per say by any means but unlike most such pictures of this extinct genre, DAWN is primitively entertaining as a trash adventure. Save for that head-stand scene, this movie is uninspired and is rather routine in director Lance Hool's shooting of the action, and you definately won't brag about it to friends. But for the genre, it is a decent breadwinner.

Someone at another website asked me why I review movies that nobody gives a damn about, and I answer:

(1) That I take the bullet for everyone else.
(2) Because I believe that you can learn as much from bad movies as you do from good pictures in how to make films.

Interestingly, while this movie did nothing for Swayze's career after DIRTY DANCING was a blockbuster in theatres, it was a chance for him to act with his wife, who was the previously mentioned MILF character.

Good for him, even if I wonder how his mullet survived the radiation.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/27/08 09:38 PM

STRANGE WILDERNESS (2008)
(First Viewing)

Happy Madison makes another fine film sans Adam Sandler. The last film I remember them doing was GRANDMA'S BOY which was surprisingly good as was this. The crew was all back together and they added Justin Long and Jonah Hill (great choices BTW).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 12:46 AM

I AM LEGEND 1/2
(First Viewing)

It's always a treat to watch Will Smith do his thing onscreen, however I have been somewhat disappointed with his projects as of late. I had hear some good things about this prior to viewing but I didn't think it lived up to it. In fact, the last Will Smith movie that I really enjoyed was either BAD BOYS II, ALI or ENEMY OF THE STATE
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 12:52 AM

Have you seen "The pursuit of happiness" thats a great film
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 03:20 AM

I've just come back from seeing Rambo. It's quite possibly the worst film I've ever seen.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 04:56 AM

MAGNOLIA
(Second Viewing)

PTA does a great job balancing two interwoven stories and his use of those long one-shots (mostly noticeably towards the beginning) were well enjoyed on my part. It can be quite a task to divide proper time to develop each story throughly but this works for him much like it worked for Steven Soderbergh in TRAFFIC but failed for Stephen Gaghan with SYRIANA. Tom Cruise was great as the male motivational speaker
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 05:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Have you seen "The pursuit of happiness" thats a great film


I did and thought it was good not great
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 07:19 AM

HOUSE OF WAX (2005)
(Second Viewing)

Still only a decent horror flick. I haven't seen the original yet so I can't compare but I'm going to go ahead and guess it's better than the remake. I really like Elisha Cuthbert and I'm glad her career has somewhat rebounded fromt his with THE QUIET and HE WAS A QUIET MAN. Both were not blockbuster movies but if you see them on the shelf in your video store and you enjoy her work, you may just want to check them out.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 08:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I've just come back from seeing Rambo. It's quite possibly the worst film I've ever seen.


You've got to be joking.

Q: Who has two thumbs and loves getting blowjobs?
A: *Raise Thumbs* This guy!
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 09:52 AM

It's not even watchable in a silly, grand allegorical way, like the second and third movies. It's completely flat, with little premise, no narrative or character arc, no justification for its complete brutality, and a steroid-pumped mute who sounds and looks like he's suffered a massive stroke in the main role - and even then he's part of a collective of mercenaries.

I gave it the benefit of the doubt early on, but that cockney ex-SAS guy insults just about everyone's intelligence.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 10:48 AM

Watching ROCKY as i post.

Absolute classic!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 12:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
It's not even watchable in a silly, grand allegorical way, like the second and third movies. It's completely flat, with little premise, no narrative or character arc, no justification for its complete brutality, and a steroid-pumped mute who sounds and looks like he's suffered a massive stroke in the main role - and even then he's part of a collective of mercenaries.

I gave it the benefit of the doubt early on, but that cockney ex-SAS guy insults just about everyone's intelligence.


Ohhh....I see why that pissed you off.

What if he was American? \:D

But dude, worse than RAMBO 3? That movie where Rambo helped the Taliban? Where he defeats the whole Soviet ARMY on his own?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 05:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
But dude, worse than RAMBO 3? That movie where Rambo helped the Taliban? Where he defeats the whole Soviet ARMY on his own?


What about "Rambo vs Terror"? ;\)

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/28/08 11:12 PM

HEAT 1/2
(Third Viewing)

Third time was a charm for me and this film. The scene with Pacino and De Niro in the cafe was obviously the stealer of the entire film. However, why I might not have appreciated it in the past, for whatever reason, it stroke the right cords today.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/29/08 01:43 AM

THE 6TH DAY
(Second Viewing)

Not Arnold's best foot foward and I think the writing was on the wall for him at this stage of his career with BATMAN & ROBIN, END OF DAYS, THE 6TH DAY and COLLATERAL DAMAGE.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/29/08 08:07 PM

ANY GIVEN SUNDAY 1/2
(Third Viewing)

And so began the downfall of Oliver Stone and the rise of Jamie Foxx all at the same time. Since 1994's NATURAL BORN KILLERS, Stone went on to make NIXON, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and ALEXANDER before at least "somewhat" rebounding with WORLD TRADE CENTER. Foxx meanwhile was able to shake off such horrendous films like BOOTY CALL, THE PLAYERS CLUB AND HELD UP to star in ALI, COLLATERAL, RAY, DREAMGIRLS, THE KINGDOM, etc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/29/08 10:31 PM

VANTAGE POINT
(First Viewing)

A few minor surprises but it became tiresome to see the same scenes 6 or 7 different times.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 02/29/08 11:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
VANTAGE POINT
it became tiresome to see the same scenes 6 or 7 different times.
Aren't you a fan of RASHOMON?
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 12:10 AM

Have you seen 30 Days of Night? I was forced into seeing it and it ending up being a pretty decent horror flick.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 12:51 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY 1/2
(Third Viewing)

And so began the downfall of Oliver Stone and the rise of Jamie Foxx all at the same time. Since 1994's NATURAL BORN KILLERS, Stone went on to make NIXON, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and ALEXANDER before at least "somewhat" rebounding with WORLD TRADE CENTER. Foxx meanwhile was able to shake off such horrendous films like BOOTY CALL, THE PLAYERS CLUB AND HELD UP to star in ALI, COLLATERAL, RAY, DREAMGIRLS, THE KINGDOM, etc.



so i take it the films shit then?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 12:59 AM

Thats the trouble with Irishman's reviews, he never tells you what the films about.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:04 AM

I saw Chinatown (1974 / Polanski) on the big screen today. Definitely one of my favourites. I love its convincing philosophical exploration of time, memory, fatalism, morality, corruption, etc. One of those brilliantly balanced films of wide, big corporate corruption told through the devastating relationships between individual personalities. Any film that paints a portrait of urban life as one of heated oppression and faceless mistrust gets a thumbs up in my book, too.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:06 AM

Another classic still to see.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:07 AM

Have you seen Ducktales capo?


That was a film and a half
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:07 AM

I used to watch the cartoon.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:10 AM

Yeah did you see the movie ?DuckTales: The Movie - Treasure of the Lost Lamp


clasic


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099472/


keepin it gangster lol
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:12 AM

i think i've seen that. was a good little cartoon.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
Have you seen Ducktales capo?

That was a film and a half

I've not. I'm the sort of kid who saw cartoons as a kid nobody else did, but missed out on all the popular classics. I'm a bit of a douchebag, actually.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:15 AM

See it mate


it's a beaut


Trust me on this


Better than raggy dolls
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:17 AM

Really?
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:18 AM

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...%3Doff%26sa%3DN
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:23 AM

classic
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 01:54 AM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21n3rnIs09L._AA135_.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Raggy-Dolls/dp/B000N5JOVS&h=135&w=135&sz=7&hl=en&start=11&um=1&tbnid=ZOypxP0qiHq5eM:&tbnh=92&tbnw=92&prev=/images%3Fq%3DRAGGY%2BDOLLS%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN

Ah!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 06:48 AM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Have you seen 30 Days of Night? I was forced into seeing it and it ending up being a pretty decent horror flick.


I saw it and thought it was garbage. Pretty disappointing since I had heard good things about it prior to viewing.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 06:50 AM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY 1/2
(Third Viewing)

And so began the downfall of Oliver Stone and the rise of Jamie Foxx all at the same time. Since 1994's NATURAL BORN KILLERS, Stone went on to make NIXON, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and ALEXANDER before at least "somewhat" rebounding with WORLD TRADE CENTER. Foxx meanwhile was able to shake off such horrendous films like BOOTY CALL, THE PLAYERS CLUB AND HELD UP to star in ALI, COLLATERAL, RAY, DREAMGIRLS, THE KINGDOM, etc.



so i take it the films shit then?


I wouldn't call it sh*t but it's not on the same scale for Stone as JFK, PLATOON or NATURAL BORN KILLERS.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 07:18 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: BDuff
Have you seen 30 Days of Night? I was forced into seeing it and it ending up being a pretty decent horror flick.


I saw it and thought it was garbage.


Agree...utterly mediocre.

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: chopper
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY 1/2
(Third Viewing)

And so began the downfall of Oliver Stone and the rise of Jamie Foxx all at the same time. Since 1994's NATURAL BORN KILLERS, Stone went on to make NIXON, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and ALEXANDER before at least "somewhat" rebounding with WORLD TRADE CENTER. Foxx meanwhile was able to shake off such horrendous films like BOOTY CALL, THE PLAYERS CLUB AND HELD UP to star in ALI, COLLATERAL, RAY, DREAMGIRLS, THE KINGDOM, etc.



so i take it the films shit then?



I wouldn't call it sh*t but it's not on the same scale for Stone as JFK, PLATOON or NATURAL BORN KILLERS.


Yes, just because its not a masterpiece like JFK, its a fucking piece of shit...

Can't a movie just be good on its own terms, or visa versa Awful?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 08:04 AM


Bridge to Terabithia (2007) [PG]. Recommended, if you wanna choke back (or let loose) some tears. That makes up for any shortcomings in the film.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 07:58 PM

SCENT OF A WOMAN 1/2
(First Viewing)

A powerful performance given by Al Pacino along with that great speech at the end at the school leaves me feeling satisfied. Outside of those two things, I think the movie was pretty decent.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 08:03 PM

I absolutely love the tango scene in Scent of a Woman. Pacino was so understated in it, and it was just lovely to watch.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 08:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SCENT OF A WOMAN 1/2
(First Viewing)

A powerful performance given by Al Pacino along with that great speech at the end at the school leaves me feeling satisfied. Outside of those two things, I think the movie was pretty decent.

Over-rated movie and Pacino is horrible and hams away to glory \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 10:08 PM

WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (1979) 1/2
(First Viewing)

The first 10-15 minutes are really good and suspensful as are the last 5 but other than that, it was pretty much a "find-him-and-track-him-down" movie. I liked the 2006 remake better because it was more suspensful throughout.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/01/08 10:09 PM

 Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
I absolutely love the tango scene in Scent of a Woman. Pacino was so understated in it, and it was just lovely to watch.


I agree. Pacino was a magician on that dance floor. Best scene of the film IMO
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/08 03:26 AM

DEAD MAN
(First Viewing)

I wasn't the biggest fan of the fade to blacks Jarmusch used to transition between scenes. I also wasn't too crazy about the guitar solo soundtrack either.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/08 03:38 AM

Has anyone here seen Disturbia? It's on HBO in about a half hour. I didn't know it was a remake of Hitchcok's "Rear Window." Anyway, I thought the previews looked pretty good. Anyone see it?



TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/08 03:49 AM

Yeah I saw it and it's just that, a 2007, teenie bopper version of REAR WINDOW. Although, I will say it's not as bad as I predicted but it's still not Hitchcock ;\)
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/08 03:55 AM

Thanks I12. I remember seeing previews of it in the theater before it was released, and suddenly it was gone. I can imagine it's not Hitchcock but I might still check it out. There isn't anything else on and I'm in the mood for something creepy/scary.... "if" it's halfway decent. \:\/


TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/08 06:19 AM

LEAVING LAS VEGAS 1/2
(Second Viewing)

If this movie doesn't make you want to have a drink I don't know what will This may very well be the best performance I've seen from The Cage and it was his Oscar winning role. I definitely think the Cage and Shue combo worked out extremely well. They had the chemistry/connection needed for this film and it showed onscreen. This is the type of film I wish Criterion would release on DVD
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/08 06:29 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
DEAD MAN
(First Viewing)

I wasn't the biggest fan of the fade to blacks Jarmusch used to transition between scenes. I also wasn't too crazy about the guitar solo soundtrack either.

For some reason I love the dissolves and the guitar soundtrack \:\)
Not to mention the BW cinematography
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/02/08 06:35 AM

Yeah the black and white was nice but the dissolves became irratating to me
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 02:42 AM

THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE
(First Viewing)

A film that tried to be something more than it was. I'd say it was an Oscar-bait movie and I'm glad the Academy didn't bite. It tried to be moving and emotional but I found it to be neither. A decent performance by Hallie Berry and a good performance by Benicio Del Toro.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 05:18 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Yeah the black and white was nice but the dissolves became irratating to me


Can you stand any movie before 1960?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 05:34 AM

CLIFFHANGER 1/2
(First Viewing)

I guess this is as close as Sly's going to get of his own version of COMMANDO/PREDATOR. And while not on the scale of either of these two, it is probably one of his better films outside of the Rocky or Rambo characters (although my vote will probably always go to DEMOLITION MAN). John Lithgow was quite enjoyable as the villain.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 06:25 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CLIFFHANGER 1/2
(First Viewing)

I guess this is as close as Sly's going to get of his own version of COMMANDO.


I take it you've never seen FIRST BLOOD PART II. \:p
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 06:49 AM


I had planned on seeing Beowulf (2007) in Digital 3D at the new Marquee Cinema here, but never got around to it. But I did watch the DVD tonight. For some reason it had slipped my mind that it was 100% CGI, and that turned me off in the beginning. While impressive, it's still not live action. And when it's 100% CGI, it's all that much more noticeable and distracting. But then I let that issue go and just started watching it for what it was. A timeless tale, one I barely remember from high school, but this wasn't a direct retelling anyway. I thought they reworked the story well, in a more believable (if you can call it that) fashion that made more sense than the original. And certainly less boring. I enjoy this genre, but certainly like LOTR and such more. But the acting was good, and Angelina Jolie, well -- that's when I wished it was live action. ;\)
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 10:09 AM

Watched THE FUGITIVE again last night.

Had'nt seen it for a while,forgotten what a good movie it is!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 04:07 PM

Yeah, THE FUGITIVE was great. That's what won Tommy Lee his Oscar I believe
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 04:55 PM

Talladega Nights

Not the best comedy, but it had some funny moments
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 06:36 PM

KISS THE GIRLS
(First Vieiwng)

An intriguing story that captivated my attention for the full 111 minutes. Although the ending wasn't a great surprise and Morgan Freeman seems to play the same role he did in SE7EN and I'm gonna guess ALONG CAME A SPIDER.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 06:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
Watched THE FUGITIVE again last night.

Had'nt seen it for a while,forgotten what a good movie it is!


I watched that too at my parents house., on one of movies channels.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 08:41 PM

ALONG CAME A SPIDER 1/2
(First Viewing)

Definitely a step down in the suspense and story department from KISS THE GIRLS. As with the last film, very few surprises and Morgan Freeman seems to play the same old character.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/03/08 11:38 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Morgan Freeman seems to play the same old character.
In a continued (and probably vain) effort to get you to look at your own critical methods, to question them yourself (as I do with my own), don't you praise Denzel Washington for his work, despite him playing "the same old character"?
Posted By: deadmeadow

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/04/08 04:23 PM

I can't wait to see vantage point. Last movie i saw in the movies was Juno...and I actually thought it was good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 01:10 AM

MYSTIC PIZZA 1/2
(First Viewing)

An enjoyable tale of three young women from Connecticut who find love and heartbreak. One of Julia Roberts first roles and Matt Damon's first movie.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 01:12 AM

PRETTY WOMAN
(First Viewing)

I'll give Richard Gere some credit, he was able to carry himself as a passable rich a$$hole. I haven't seen too much of his work as for whatever reason the man just kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it was also because so many women are in love with him and I've never found him that attractive. Julia shines in the role that propelled her to being an A-list actress.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 01:14 AM

STORM WARNING
(First Viewing)

The second half of the film isn't worth having to sit through the first. A small film made up of 5 characters so the body count is extremely low without a lot of slashing/gore.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 01:48 AM

Sheer laziness. Look in the mirror.

I mean not to offend. Only to advise.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 03:32 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Sheer laziness. Look in the mirror.

I mean not to offend. Only to advise.


Irish is no-selling you this side of Scott Steiner. Didn't know you were a cruiserweight, Capo...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 05:24 AM

TRADE (2007)
(First Viewing)

Unfortunately this film didn't get a lot of publicity in theaters or on DVD but it is a powerful movie. While watching this I was constantly reminded of the movie TRAFFIC. This film did for human trafficking what TRAFFIC did for drugs. It stars Kevin Kline who helps a young Mexican boy find his sister who has been kidnapped in Mexico City and is being auctioned off in America.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 05:52 AM

Il Grido (1957 - Michelangelo Antonioni) *
My first Antonioni film was a bit disappointing. The film traces a man turned down by a woman. though he is good at his work, he is unable to move on in his personal life. I hated the music at first, but now I feel it was able to bring out the wandering/meandering theme. There are some interesting visuals.



Blowup (1966 - Michaelangelo Antonioni) **

Right from the beginning, one can't help noticing the heavy use of symbolism in the movie. It would be tough to describe what the movie is exactly about. In the swinging fashion scene of 60's London, a photographer stumbles upon a murder accidentally. That starts to take him away from a virtual world of fashion into the world of reality, but only so for a short while.



L' Avventura
(1960 - Michelangelo Antonioni) ****

This is my third film of this director and I liked this the most. The movie shows how easily we move on in our lives without the people we call as best friends and lovers. A sympathetic depiction of selfishness. The visuals are captivating.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 06:18 AM


Brooklyn Rules (2007) (Directed by Michael Corrente; Written by Sopranos scribe Terence Winter; Starring Scott Caan, Freddie Prinze Jr, Jerry Ferrara, Alec Baldwin). Three lifelong friends flirt with the Mob during 1980's Brooklyn.

I expected more from a Sopranos writer as this seemed like a rehash of typical mob stories. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great. But it being filmed on location was perhaps the best part. Brooklynites should love it!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 07:05 AM

I just saw this on the shelf at Blockbuster Geoff and thought about renting it. On a 4-star scale what would you rate it?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 02:52 PM


IMDb and Netflix viewers avg it about 3.3 stars out of 5 -- I gave it 4 because of the genre...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 06:19 PM

REVOLVER (2005)
(First Viewing)

Definitely Guy Ritchie's most intelligent film to date and I'm glad to see him back making good films again. A lot of the second half was over my head so I will definitely need a second viewing but Jason Statham as usual is great and Ray Liotta breaks out some of his GOODFELLAS-esque acting in his role as well.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/05/08 07:38 PM

Goes over your head = intelligent.

I'm confused.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/08 01:16 AM

THE HOT ROCK (1972) ***

Considering that Robert Redford was probably the biggest movie star of the time, this movie is pretty obscure. It stars Redford as a career thief just sprung from a stretch in prison and immediately contracted to steal an emerald by a small African nation (the emerald has some political history to it).

As far as comedic heist movies go, it was actually very enjoyable. The grittiness of the New York City of the early 70's was very apparent, with some great shots of the old New York Coliseum (a very forgetful building in the annals of New York architecture) and a wonderful early shot of the World Trade Center.

George Segal co-stars ar Redford's best friend and Zero Mostel was hilarious in his small role.

If you can find a copy, it's definitely worth a viewing.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/08 05:24 AM

4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile (2007 - Cristian Mungiu) ***
A girl arranges an illegal abortion for her friend. The film balances well between tension filled narration and exploration of relationships through its characters. There are several scenes with interesting use of sound to amplify the character's emotions, like running water from a tap in the bathroom or noisy conversation at a dinner table.

- Starting with this one, my review movie title will be an IMDB link.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/06/08 06:54 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Starting with this one, my review movie title will be an IMDB link.

I'm happy to teach at least one person some minor detail. ;\) Thank you for not being lazy!
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/08 10:54 AM

ONE EIGHT SEVEN with Samuel L. Jackson.
A good film,nice to see Jackson play a slightly more subdued role for once.

Thats not to say i don't like him as an actor cos i do!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/08 02:01 PM

Yeah, I did always like 187
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/08 06:05 PM

10,000 BC just got the worst reviews I've read in years.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/08 06:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
10,000 BC just got the worst reviews I've read in years.

You saw it?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/08 06:12 PM

No, it comes out today, I just read horrible reviews is all.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/07/08 08:08 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
No, it comes out today, I just read horrible reviews is all.


Roland Emmerich and BAD reviews?

I'm like the French police chief in CASABLANCA:

"I'm shocked!"
"Here's your winnings, sir."
"Thank you very much!"
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 01:51 AM

Watched Blade Runner on the big screen today. 1982 director's cut. I'm not convinced. Very overrated. Overstretched bullshit.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 02:27 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Watched Blade Runner on the big screen today. 1982 director's cut. I'm not convinced. Very overrated. Overstretched bullshit.


You mean 1992 Director's Cut?

Get your bullshit facts straight. \:D
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 02:30 AM

Ah.

I shoulda left an IMDb link.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 02:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Ah.

I shoulda left an IMDb link.


A better question I have is, did you think it was "fucking boring" like a certain BB.Net colleague (you love so much) claimed it was?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 03:00 AM

No, but I did think it was great to see Harrison Ford doing what he does best in all of his films that I've seen him in thus far, though.

\:\)
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 05:08 AM


I got the 4-version DVD set but haven't yet watched the newest versions... But it is one of my favorite sci-fi flicks of all time, so I probably wouldn't call any version "overrated bullshit" \:p
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 03:40 PM

I find its central philosophy problematic as it's presented in the film (at least; I've not read Dick's short, but would like to).

I'm not convinced that intelligence can exist independent of emotion. Computers that lack human emotions in cinema seem gifted at sarcasm and teasingly light-hearted wit (are these not human emotions?). Result: "human emotions = the capacity to fall in love"; nothing more - everything else is fair game.

I found some of it (dialogue, slow-motion, that forced feeling of grandeur) quite risible; it looks beautiful, though, and I love the music too. Also like the surreal pace and lengthy bouts of non-action, but the narrative shifts to the droids were dull and problematic - we watched it as part of my film noir unit, and this film's shifts away from the protagonist's subjective gaze annoyed me.

I do find the existential premise fascinating in itself: what does it mean to be human? But the direct lifts from Descartes ("I think, therefore I am!"), combined with otherwise ellipsis, were far from profound. Does Dick's story lift from Descartes? I know his protagonist has a similar name.

I don't know; I'd be interested in reading a positive reply from you, JG.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 03:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I find its central philosophy problematic as it's presented in the film (at least; I've not read Dick's short, but would like to).

I'm not convinced that intelligence can exist independent of emotion. Computers that lack human emotions in cinema seem gifted at sarcasm and teasingly light-hearted wit (are these not human emotions?). Result: "human emotions = the capacity to fall in love"; nothing more - everything else is fair game.

I found some of it (dialogue, slow-motion, that forced feeling of grandeur) quite risible; it looks beautiful, though, and I love the music too. Also like the surreal pace and lengthy bouts of non-action, but the narrative shifts to the droids were dull and problematic - we watched it as part of my film noir unit, and this film's shifts away from the protagonist's subjective gaze annoyed me.

I do find the existential premise fascinating in itself: what does it mean to be human? But the direct lifts from Descartes ("I think, therefore I am!"), combined with otherwise ellipsis, were far from profound. Does Dick's story lift from Descartes? I know his protagonist has a similar name.

I don't know; I'd be interested in reading a positive reply from you, JG.


As I said at FCM, BLADE RUNNER is like an Italian Wife: Either you love it or you beat it. There is no middle-ground for it. That's why you see either devoted fans or people who rather voluntarily rip their own nails out than watch it again.

You talk about the problematic emotional matrix of the movie, and I point to the silent scene after Ford shot the female replicant in the back as she was fleeing. He knows she aint a human, yet he obviously is bothered severely that he still shot a woman, real or not, in the back while running for its dear life.

I always liked the concept that all the humans are more like the replicants while the latter are being, for better or for worse, more human than the humans.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 07:35 PM

THE BANK JOB 1/2
(First Viewing)

An enjoyable heist movie that ran a little long but still was entertaining. The true story of a bank robbery in London in 1971 stars Jason Statham (the best action star working today) putting together a team of 6 to get into a certain safety deposit box that reveals photos of a royal family member in some compromising positions.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/08/08 10:30 PM

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
(Second Viewing)

Wow, the Coen brothers are back in a big way! Everything positive you've heard about this film is absolutely true. This is their best film ever! What I loved most about the film was the fact their isn't a lot of dialogue. The first half of the film is a great cat-and-mouse game that is so intense and the actors are providing the right emotions to strike excitement and fear in the audience without saying anything.

Josh Brolin was awesome as the southern gentleman, Llewelyn Moss, who stumbles upon this little stack of cash. However, the show belonged to Javier Bardem. He owned this film! I was so glad the Academy rewarded him for his efforts with his Oscar and that this film won Best Picture and Best Director. As much I loved THERE WILL BE BLOOD, I do think this was better and the right movie IMO won.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/08 04:54 AM

The Prince of Pennsylvania(1998 - Ron Nyswaner) no stars
An indie movie featuring Keanu Reeves. The movie tries to go the mainstream way and achieves it, but only not for good. Goofy plot and happy ending spoil a somewhat decent premise.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/08 04:56 AM

The Good German (2006 - Steven Soderbergh) ***
This a suspense thriller about post WW2 Berlin. The movie is shot in BW and has the look and feel of an old movie. Good acting performances from everyone including George Clooney and Kate Blanchett. George Clooney has a knack of picking roles where he is not a larger than life character.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/08 02:35 PM

For those who've seen There Will Be Blood, here's my Daniel Plainview impression.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HSiRx2m73dc
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/09/08 04:26 PM

Capo, with the dark interiors, you might be close to PTA's lighting as well
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/08 02:13 AM

NANCY DREW (2007)
(First Viewing)

An utter snoozefest and I doubt most people over the age of 13 will find this interesting.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/08 05:17 AM

DAN IN REAL LIFE 1/2
(First Viewing)

A decent off-beat comedy that will somewhat tickle your senses but won't have you laughing for long periods of time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/08 06:07 PM

DR. NO 1/2
(Second Viewing)

A great way to start the franchise however they still needed some work. The first half of the film was great but it really seemed to slow down by the second half and seemed to be a little censored in certain parts. Sean Connery shines in his biggest role ever as Mr. James Bond. He was the best man to play Bond IMO. Now I only have to watch 21 more
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/08 06:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irish
The first half of the film was great but it really seemed to slow down by the second half and seemed to be a little censored in certain parts
Are you familiar with the Production Code?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/08 06:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irish
The first half of the film was great but it really seemed to slow down by the second half and seemed to be a little censored in certain parts
Are you familiar with the Production Code?


Now now Capo, don't pick on his weaknesses, or DMC will come after ya with the wrench. \:D

That said, I liked DR. NO as well, but I need to watch it again sometime.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/08 06:38 PM

Goldfinger's the best James Bond.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/10/08 07:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Goldfinger's the best James Bond.


Its either GOLDFINGER, ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, or CASINO ROYALE (2006).

My vote personally is split between the last two.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 12:42 AM

My top three would be Goldfinger, On Her Majesty's Secret Service and GoldenEye.

Really, OHMSS gets a bad rap because of (the underrated) George Lazenby; it's the most cynical of the franchise, one of the most brutal, and has stunning cinematography and set-pieces. If they ever start to remake them, this should be the one.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 03:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
My top three would be Goldfinger, On Her Majesty's Secret Service and GoldenEye.

Really, OHMSS gets a bad rap because of (the underrated) George Lazenby; it's the most cynical of the franchise, one of the most brutal, and has stunning cinematography and set-pieces. If they ever start to remake them, this should be the one.


I also quite like GOLDENEYE as well. Before ROYALE, EYE was the last 007 flick that was good on its own deeds outside of the 007 brandname. No coincidence that both were shot by Martin Campbell. No Sir Yee....

As for OHMSS, I always liked it. Not the biggest fan of fucking Kojak as the villain, but otherwise its a pretty good and, as you said, brutal(for a 007 flick) that really promised the next 007 installment to be where a pissed-off vengeful Bond was out to exterminate Blofeld and S.P.E.C.T.R.E. once and for all.

Too bad Eon Films fucked that all up on DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 12:19 PM

Yeah, giving Blofeld hair was a bit odd. Still, there's a brutal side to Diamonds Are Forever, too: those two closeted henchman and the way with which they casually despense with people is crude and/but funny. I like the setting, too.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 12:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Goldfinger's the best James Bond.


That was #2. "From Russia With Love" is #1. Its not over the top as are most of the later ones and Connery (the only TRUE Bond) was at his best in it. The fight with Robert Shaw (on the train) was the single best scene in any of the movies.

Just my opinion.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 01:11 PM

I would have agreed with you, SC, till I re-watched those two last year; Goldfinger was on the big screen, too. Tremendous. I found FRWL a tad saggy in bits.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 04:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Goldfinger's the best James Bond.


That was #2. "From Russia With Love" is #1. Its not over the top as are most of the later ones and Connery (the only TRUE Bond) was at his best in it. The fight with Robert Shaw (on the train) was the single best scene in any of the movies.

Just my opinion.


My two favorite Bonds are GOLDFINGER and GOLDENEYE. I do agree that Connery was the best Bond but as for the best scene in any of the movies, see CASINO ROYALE
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 06:41 PM

Bond the parkour acrobat. Doesn't rub with me.

I'd prefer a good old "Vic Mackey chase" down an alley, culminating in Bond running through a wooden door and kicking his quarry in the balls from behind. Much more gritty. \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 08:11 PM

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Connery seemed to feel more comfortable in the role of James Bond with his second effort and it showed in his mannerisms and expressions (he carried himself with more confidence). Some of this film was rather silly like the poisoned-tipped knife shoes. However, this did have a lot of wit with the one-liners that has since become synonymous with the Bond series.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 08:15 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Connery seemed to feel more comfortable in the role of James Bond with his second effort and it showed in his mannerisms and expressions (he carried himself with more confidence). Some of this film was rather silly like the poisoned-tipped knife shoes. However, this did have a lot of wit with the one-liners that has since become synonymous with the Bond series.


O Irish, where art thou without me, Capo, or SC?

So you gone from not liking ROYALE to really digging it?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 08:20 PM



RED SONJA (1985) - *1/2

When I saw this movie as a small kid on local television, I didn't care for it. Considering I was at an easily-impressed age, when boys easily love dumb violence, that's a bad omen. The thing is, it was broadcasted as "Conan The Warrior" Over the years, I've told people about this but apparently I'm the only once to have experienced this. Either my memory was mistaken, or the TV station/syndicator unilaterally made that title-change.

"Red Sonja" might as well have used that fantasy label. "Conan" Producer Dino DeLaurentiis initially had this project set-up as a "spin-off," with Sandahl Bergman, the heroine back in John Milius' "Conan the Barbarian" slated to be the star.

"Sonja" was shot by the same director of "Conan The Destroyer" and Arnold Schwarzenegger was booked to reprise his iconic uberman, with front billing. Hell, the Red Sonja character was introduced in the "Conan" Comics.

Along the way, the overt cinematic "Conan" ties were severed and Bergman decided instead to play the villain. DeLaurentiis then casts Sylester Stallone's then-squeeze Brigitte Nielsen for the title role, and right from the blade this movie was screwed to oblivion, or as much as she was when apparently Stallone "shared" her with Arnold. [:p]

Her tabloid affair with the Italian Stallion and her work in his "Rocky IV" her absence of acting talent was besides the point. She's so incompetent, if your family was held at gunpoint and she was told to act, they might as well start planning their funerals. Not only can she not act her way out of a paper bag, its tied down with rocks and thrown into the river.

Yet that's not even her fatal flaw. Nielsen's problem is that for this action role, she simply lacks the physical charisma to pull it off in spite of her acting limitations. Now while I won't ever accuse Bergman of being a "good" actress, she at least was pretty credible in her sword swinging and flipping around in "Barbarian." With Nielsen, you never buy her doing any of that.

Then there is the fact that Bergman is herself just terrible as the adversary. There is a clear reason why the best actor in such a genre flick always plays the antagonist, for they can elevate the material, and raise the stakes for the seemingly over-matched hero.

But when its an average player causing hell for a bad actress, "Red Sonja" was just asking for utter mediocrity, and then some. I've seen pornos with more compelling and captivating catfight finales.

What I think is just too damn bizarre is that for such a PG-13 picture for its time, its got one very screwed-up sexual dynamic between those two. Bergman wanted Nielsen in lesbian lust, Nielsen spurns her, Bergman has her Army goons brutally rape her, Nielsen slashes Bergman in the face before fleeing away.

So the villain hates the hero because they wouldn't do the Sideways Tango and gave her a scar, and well the hero is peeved over a train being pulled on her.

What the hell?

Though to me, as incredible as it may sound, the most insanely ridiculous nonsense about "Red Sonja" is Schwarzenegger. In some foreign territories, this movie was titled "Kalidor" after Schwarzenegger's character. It's just so damn silly and humorously bad of how his glorified cameo is worked into "Sonja."

Nielsen gets in trouble, Arnold shows up, deals with it, then he runs off. Repeat this scene several times. One would think she would have told him at one point to ever stick around or flat-out buzz off, right? Then again, maybe she has a thing for those "damsel-in-distress" sex games....

You know you have a bad movie when its more fun and interesting to mock it than to actually review it.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/11/08 08:47 PM

"From Russia With Love" (for me, anyway) had the true cold-war feel to it, especially with all the intrique between the different groups and their infighting. It was more of a spy movie (serious-wise) than the others and even though it had its share of one-liners it was more of a realistic film. The others ("Goldfinger" excepted) soon became parodies of themselves.

I had seen the first four in their original releases and was only disappointed in "Thunderball" (too much underwater crap).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/08 01:26 AM

THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA
(First Viewing)

A decent story dealing with the power of friendship. However, by the time we get to the end of the film, I had already lost interest.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/08 03:13 AM

Syndromes and a century (2006 - Apichatpong Weerasethakul) **
I was reminded of Zerkalo when I watched it (the scene in which a lady doctor tries chakra healing is defnitely a tribute to Zerkalo's opening scene IMO). The camera is noticeably static and the music was great. But what is the movie about? I don't know for sure. The IMDB synopsis says that it is about the memory of the director's childhood growing up in a hospital environment. I remember having a similar reaction when I first watched Zerkalo, but I love it now. Probably this movie too shall grow on me with a re-watch.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/08 03:23 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Connery seemed to feel more comfortable in the role of James Bond with his second effort and it showed in his mannerisms and expressions (he carried himself with more confidence). Some of this film was rather silly like the poisoned-tipped knife shoes.

[mypostlywhinetoIrishthatwillbeignored]But somehow doing parkour and chasing somebody (a la Casino Royale) doesn't seem silly? Come fucking on, mate; have a fucking bit of decency about you.[/mypostlywhinetoIrishthatwillbeignored]
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/08 04:21 AM

THE DEATHS OF IAN STONE 1/2
(First Viewing)

And thus begins the 8 Films To Die For Year 2 or how I refer to them as the "8 crappy films marketed together to better sell them." And this did not disappoint, it picked up right where it left off. The film didn't do a great job explaining who the monsters were (although they did explain what they were after). More of a ghost story; not really my cup o' tea for horror flicks.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/08 06:26 AM

CRAZY EIGHTS
(First Viewing)

This is the most recognizable casts from any of the 8 Films To Die For series that I've seen thus far. It had Traci Lords (CRY-BABY), Frank Whaley (JFK, VACANCY, CAREER OPPORTUNITIES), Dina Meyer (SAW franchise), and George Newbern (ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING). Probably one of the better storylines but it was extremely too slowly paced of a film.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/08 12:24 PM

I am once again watching ROCKY.

It's a weakness,i know.....

\:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/12/08 06:50 PM

GOLDFINGER
(Second Viewing)

A completely flawless James Bond film. It was very smoothly paced and Sean Connery continues to spice up his role even more by adding more humor and charm to this character his third time around. One of the two best Bonds IMO along with GOLDENEYE.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 03:50 AM

El Topo (1970 - Alejandro Jodorowsky) ***
Jodorowsky definitely makes a courageous movie here. Mix Lynchian weirdness with the vision of Pasolini and you may come close to El Topo. Sprawling scenery, amazing cinematography and the choice of themes make it worth watching it, in spite of a hugely ambiguous plot. Violence, religion, society, lust .... what one takes from this movie entirely depends on the viewer.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 02:09 PM

APRIL FOOL'S DAY (2008) 1/2
(First Viewing)

I never saw the original but the remake wasn't as entertaining as it looked and sounded. I thought this was going to be a "serious" horror film and it seemed to be until the very end. While somewhat clever and remindful of the title, it just wasn't the film I thought or hoped it would be.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 07:11 PM

MULBERRY STREET 1/2
(First Viewing)

A virus breaks out in New York turning those who've been bitten into rats. Yup, rats! Pretty sorry storyline but the makeup was decent.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 07:12 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
MULBERRY STREET 1/2
(First Viewing)

A virus breaks out in New York turning those who've been bitten into rats. Yup, rats! Pretty sorry storyline but the makeup was decent.


Rats on Mulberry Street?

The Sammy Gravano story?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 10:14 PM



THE SENTINEL (2006) - ***

You all know what an airport novel is, right? You're going on a lengthy airflight that'll take several hours, and you buy junk at one of the airport's stores. Candy, food, or specifically a cheap novel to read. Usually such a novel is a genre-plot boiler that engages the reader, but nothing spiritually or intellectually deep.

Once you're done with said book, you almost completely forget about it a few hours later. There will come a time when you can't remember if you actually read it or not. But it made you ignore about the damn crying baby or whatever other hells that come with coach.

That whole THE DA VINCI CODE nonsense was based on such a silly airport novel, one that became insanely popular. I don't fault anyone for liking that book. But I think its funny that in the same summer we got the incredibly mediocre film adaptation of CODE, we got THE SENTINEL, the quintessential airport cinema novel.

Well, at least for the year of 2006. Which is funny, since its based on an airport novel written by Gerald Petievich, who also penned TO LIVE & DIE IN L.A., another book-turned-movie about a corrupt Secret Service agent.

Anyway, you'll see nothing new with THE SENTINEL. Michael Douglas is the ultimo-Secret Service agent who's been framed as the traitor mole, and a pawn in an international conspiracy with sights to assassinate the U.S. President* at the G8 Summit.

Hot after Douglas is Jack Bauer, who despite being on TV for many years as one of the networks' top hit programs still apparently hasn't mustered enough Hollywood points to be the leading star in an action vehicle. Eva Longoria is the pretty co-star who's a nice useless prop, but like any guys watch her as an acting thespian.

Would you be shocked if I told you that Douglas, on the run from his own co-workers, has to prove his innocence?

Anyway, certainly the mystery regarding who the actual traitor is will consume your attention, and once that's revealed, you might be let down if you were expecting a clever twist or surprise this side of THE USUAL SUSPECTS. Its an airport novel, remember?

However, THE SENTINEL still works as a passable action-thriller ticket without making you feel like you're watching a passable action-thriller ticket.

I remember years back on my trip to Europe, while on the transatlantic flight to London, I had read Steven Pressfield's GATES OF FIRE. I enjoyed it, but it was a pretty melodramatic soap opera mixed in with the cliche Hollywood historical period epics. But I enjoyed it. Never the less when my plane landed, I left the book in the open pocket of the seat in front of me.

The fact that I feel the same way with THE SENTINEL, is that a compliment or a slap?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 11:23 PM

RRA, you spent so much time in writing a review for Sentinel \:\/
It is total bull crap. I spent $1.5 and watched it on big screen when I had nothing better to do.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 11:27 PM

The boy's just sharpening his writing skills.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 11:42 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
RRA, you spent so much time in writing a review for Sentinel \:\/
It is total bull crap. I spent $1.5 and watched it on big screen when I had nothing better to do.


Actually, this is an old review I simply reposted because I'm an attention whore.

Its decent if unremarkable entertainment....which is an Airport Novel, basically.

Though I wish Hollywood would give an action movie project to Sutherland. I'm not a fan of 24 at all, but he's got the tools and I would probably watch it.

But Svsg, let me write a special review just for you, which is just as good as if another certain reviewer had done it.

THE SENTINEL (2006) - **1/2

Decent if forgettable thriller. Why? Because it just is. Why wasn't Jack Bauer the star?!?!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/13/08 11:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
[quote=svsg]

But Svsg, let me write a special review just for you, which is just as good as if another certain reviewer had done it.

THE SENTINEL (2006) - **1/2

Decent if forgettable thriller. Why? Because it just is. Why wasn't Jack Bauer the star?!?!


Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/08 04:05 AM

\:D \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/08 07:52 AM

NIGHTMARE MAN
(First Viewing)

Finally an 8 Films To Die For flick with a decent storyline that isn't about humans turning into rats or a silly ghost story. Unfortunately though, I think this'll be as good as it gets \:\(
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/08 06:49 PM

THUNDERBALL
(Second Viewing)

I agree with SC on this. Out of the first four this was the only Bond so far I'm disappointed with. As in his words, "too much underwater crap." The big underwater fight towards the end of the film ran a bit too long and by this fourth picture of his, Connery just seems to be going through the motions as Bond.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/14/08 09:27 PM

GRIDIRON GANG

A well used tale of bad kids finding redemption through sport and an inspirational coach.

Despite the famaliar plot i enjoyed it. Good preformances from Mr. Rock,XZibit and the kids.

Not to mention great football action.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 09:36 AM

I watched ledgends of the Fall again last night afetr a three year gap,and id forgot how good a film it was Bradd Pitt and Anthony Hopkins are amazing and the scenery is beautiful.It is a great story line and afetr seeing it again i am going to purchase it on DVD.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 03:02 PM

I've never seen LEGENDS OF THE FALL chopper but have you ever seen A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT?
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 03:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've never seen LEGENDS OF THE FALL chopper but have you ever seen A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT?


I have seen both these films Irish!

Both very good.

Chops,my wife has Legends on video somewhere.....
I might dig it out and watch it,if my video still works?
I have'nt used it in ages.....
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 03:49 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've never seen LEGENDS OF THE FALL chopper but have you ever seen A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT?



No ive never seen it or heard of it \:\/

What is the storyline? who is in it?


And Yogi id' forgoten how good it was until i watched it again,have a sit down with some cans and watch it tonight when the young un's are in bed ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 05:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've never seen LEGENDS OF THE FALL chopper but have you ever seen A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT?


I have seen both these films Irish!

Both very good.

Chops,my wife has Legends on video somewhere.....
I might dig it out and watch it,if my video still works?
I have'nt used it in ages.....


Between the two, which did you like better? I really enjoyed A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT. I haven't seen it in years but I remember enjoying it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 05:24 PM

BLIND DATE
(First Viewing)

One of Bruce Willis' first staring roles pre-DIE HARD. What I love about Bruce is he can do it all: comedy, action, etc. This film had its funny moments during the beginning but by the end I thought it was just prolonging the inevitable.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 05:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've never seen LEGENDS OF THE FALL chopper but have you ever seen A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT?



No ive never seen it or heard of it \:\/

What is the storyline? who is in it?


A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Here ya go ;\)
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 05:26 PM

Thanks irish
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 05:47 PM

No problem. Let me know if you get a chance to watch it and how it compares to LEGENDS. When I get a chance in the near future, I'd like to watch both myself.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 09:47 PM

I am watching ROCKY BALBOA.


It's a weakness
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 11:26 PM

It aint over,till its over.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 11:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
It aint over,till its over.


It most certainly is'nt mate ;\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 11:38 PM

I thought the last film was a fitting end to the story.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 11:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
I thought the last film was a fitting end to the story.

Definitely. Rambo, on the other hand...
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/15/08 11:50 PM

Ive not seen the Rambo film yet, but i can imagine.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/08 12:07 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
No problem. Let me know if you get a chance to watch it and how it compares to LEGENDS. When I get a chance in the near future, I'd like to watch both myself.



will do mate,my mate has a copy so he's going to lend it me when i see him next
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/08 12:58 AM

Paranoid Park (2007 - Gus Van Sant) **
Gus Van Sant yet again makes a movie on teenagers and school. I would consider this to be a mix of his previous films. The themes of central character's disconnect with the society and a hint of embarrassment about the teen life are seen here again. Interesting camera movements and effective use of silence. All said, the movie lacks the punch that was seen in Elephant or Good Will Hunting.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/08 01:59 AM

DOOMSDAY...holy shit.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/16/08 01:03 PM

BORDERLAND 1/2
(First Viewing)

Finally an 8 Films To Die For movie that's not low budget and is worth watching again. The film was a cross between THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and APOCALYPTO. It's about three students who go down to Mexico and are kidnapped and sacrificed by a cult.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 03:52 AM

LAKE DEAD
(First Viewing)

Another decent 8 Horror Film To Die for. So far half have been bad while the other half have been surprisingly pretty decent. Two more until I reach a final decision. This was more reminiscent of THE HILLS HAS EYES.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 05:50 AM

UNEARTHED
(First Viewing)

Basically just a horror version rather than a sci-fi version of ALIEN. I was glad to see Emmanuelle Vaugier get the nod for the staring role since her only previous work I've seen was SAW II. Better yet, Darkness himself, Charlie Murphy was in this! \:D
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 06:06 AM


Any movies we've heard of? \:p ;\)
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 08:29 AM

Finally got to watch "Live Free or Die Hard" yesterday.

Some good action (as always) but I found some of it too contrived (the scene with the fighter jet was too unbelievable - Bruce Willis ending up on the tail of the jet - ).

Still, I'd give it three stars for excitement.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 10:15 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
BORDERLAND 1/2
(First Viewing)

Finally an 8 Films To Die For movie that's not low budget and is worth watching again. The film was a cross between THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and APOCALYPTO. It's about three students who go down to Mexico and are kidnapped and sacrificed by a cult.


What, no review of DOOMSDAY?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 10:17 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
Finally got to watch "Live Free or Die Hard" yesterday.

Some good action (as always) but I found some of it too contrived (the scene with the fighter jet was too unbelievable - Bruce Willis ending up on the tail of the jet - ).

Still, I'd give it three stars for excitement.


And I totally agree with you...Not as good as DH and DHWAV, but better than the goofball sillyness of DH2.

Though with the Unrated Edit, its nice to see several much-missed F-bombs and one painfully brutal gunshot.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 03:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Any movies we've heard of? \:p ;\)


It's part of the 8 Films To Die For series. I only have one left. They include:

-MULBERRY STREET
-THE DEATHS OF IAN STONE
-CRAZY EIGHTS
-NIGHTMARE MAN
-BORDERLAND
-LAKE DEAD
-UNEARTHED
-TOOTH & NAIL
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 03:15 PM

THE HOLIDAY (2006) **1/2

Two women with guy problems swap homes and countries for two weeks and each falls in love with a local guy.

Jude Law was cool, Cameron Diaz annoyingly cocky (as usual) and Kate Winslet was adorable. Eli Wallach, in a role much more suited to him than Don Altobello, stole the movie as an ancient screenwriter, living out his days and feeling all but forgotten in Hollywood.

I kind of like romantic comedies and would have given this one a third star, if not for Jack Black, who was TOTALLY miscast and almost ruined the film altogether. He should stick to making retard movies aimed at adolescents.

Still, some nice shots of the English countryside and a pretty good story.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/17/08 07:50 PM

ATONEMENT
(First Viewing)

I'm very glad to see Keira Knightley having a career post-PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN trilogy. It seems she's sticking with the romance category with PRIDE & PREJUDICE, ATONEMENT, and SILK now under her belt. I haven't seen PRIDE & PREJUDICE or SILK yet but if they are anything like this, I wouldn't mind taking a look at them. A very engaging story about a little girl who lies and as a result three lives are changed forever.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/18/08 07:39 AM

TOOTH AND NAIL
(First Viewing)

I don't understand how or why both Vinnie Jones and Michael Madsen signed on for this project. And with this film ends my viewing of the second group of the 8 Films To Die For. Yes, this year's crop was better than last year's but that's only because last year's were so horrible. Hopefully next year's can improve upon this year's as well.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 03:21 AM

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I think Connery was burnt out by the fifth time playing this character and I can see why. He did 5 Bond films in 5 years although he did come back for DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER and if you count NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN. However, when he "turned" Japanese, I thought Connery looked very much like John Saxon from ENTER THE DRAGON. Best thing about this Bond were the ninjas! The fight at the end of the film was pretty nice with Bond and the ninjas.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 03:40 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

I think Connery was burnt out by the fifth time playing this character and I can see why. He did 5 Bond films in 5 years although he did come back for DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER and if you count NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN. However, when he "turned" Japanese, I thought Connery looked very much like John Saxon from ENTER THE DRAGON. Best thing about this Bond were the ninjas! The fight at the end of the film was pretty nice with Bond and the ninjas.


Where's your DOOMSDAY review?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 05:49 AM


Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) - Gotta love Marvel, and gotta love this film! ...too much makeup or lighting or something going on with Jessica Alba, though. But still one of the better Marvel offerings I think...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 11:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) - Gotta love Marvel, and gotta love this film! ...too much makeup or lighting or something going on with Jessica Alba, though. But still one of the better Marvel offerings I think...


Yes, New Yorkers threatened and in fear of an evil intergalactic-threatening CLOUD.

What total science fiction.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 04:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) - Gotta love Marvel, and gotta love this film! ...too much makeup or lighting or something going on with Jessica Alba, though. But still one of the better Marvel offerings I think...


Check out the nominees for "Worst Film" in FCM's current annual awards:

:-p
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 04:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
New Yorkers threatened and in fear of an evil intergalactic-threatening CLOUD.

But did you see how massive it was??? \:o ;\)


 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Check out the nominees for "Worst Film" in FCM's current annual awards: :-p

What was wrong with Transformers?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 04:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) - Gotta love Marvel, and gotta love this film! ...too much makeup or lighting or something going on with Jessica Alba, though. But still one of the better Marvel offerings I think...


Check out the nominees for "Worst Film" in FCM's current annual awards:

:-p


I didn't want to start a fight at FCM, but that category was rigged!

Where was DELTA FARCE? That movie has been proven scientifically to cause men to go sterile.

\:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 06:33 PM

ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE
(Second Viewing)

Better than last time and I feel sorry for George Lazenby. He had the unfortunate task of playing James Bond instead of Sean Connery. No easy feat. While visually he could maybe pass his acting skills were nowhere near those of Connery. George had only one of the one-liners and it was pretty bad. A lot of action in this film and the runtime didn't bother me at all. It was the longest thus far around 140 minutes. However, this did have the best endings of any of the Bond films. Truly a downer. It's a shame they never followed it up on DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER or any subsequent Bond film.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 06:34 PM

Still better than most of the Roger Moore entires, no Irish?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/19/08 08:19 PM

I'll tell you when I'm finished. I'm giving everyone of them a second go-round
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/08 03:14 PM

CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST
(First Viewing)

Definitely some strong footage here and not for the fate of heart. The film was pretty tolerable I thought until the end when they played the documentary footage of the four previous filmmakers.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/08 04:08 PM

Irish, did you find the turtle scene tough or it had no effect on you?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/08 04:10 PM

It was tough because then I was wondering what they were really doing out there. And then when they captured the native girl...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/08 07:08 PM

PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005)
(First Viewing)

Didn't have the same excitement as ATONEMENT and as such I found it rather boring. Keira wasn't overly impressive but I do always enjoy seeing Rosamund Pike in action.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/20/08 11:20 PM

Cannibal Holocaust's a great film.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 01:00 AM

I'm just finished watching The Guys. It is the story of a fire captain who works with a writer to prepare the eulogies he must deliver in the days after September 11th.

The film is touching without being maudlin. As the years have passed, we have forgotten what it was like in the days immediately following the attacks, and this film captures those feelings perfectly. Anthony LaPaglia is just amazing as the fire captain. He doesn't need to say a word, but his eyes project how overwhelmed he is by pain, loss and confusion.

I have seen this film several times, but I am immediately drawn to its story of two people from completely different worlds who are brought together in the love for the city of NY and their need to do something to lessen the pain of others.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 02:45 AM

La Pianiste (2001 - Michael Haneke) ***
The main character, played by Isabelle Huppert, is hugely complex and the movie does a good job in exploring the psyche of this character in its raw form. Repressed sexuality and an overwhelming need to maintain control over relationships drive the secret life of a respectable piano teacher.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 02:53 AM

Cloverfield (2008 - Matt Reeves) 0
Arguably the weakest movie of 2008 so far. The only decent premise was to have an amateur camera man and that too is stretched into silliness.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 05:49 AM

I heard CLOVERFIELD wasn't good too svsg. Is it too much like a BLAIR WITCH PROJECT? I heard they don't do a good job describing what exactly is attacking the city.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 06:35 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I heard CLOVERFIELD wasn't good too svsg. Is it too much like a BLAIR WITCH PROJECT? I heard they don't do a good job describing what exactly is attacking the city.


I think that was the goddamn point.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 09:15 AM

BATTLE OF THE MIDWAY.

Classic war movie that i remember first seeing with my Dad when i was young.
It was enjoyable to watch it again!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 01:38 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I heard CLOVERFIELD wasn't good too svsg. Is it too much like a BLAIR WITCH PROJECT? I heard they don't do a good job describing what exactly is attacking the city.

I haven't seen BWP.
Warning, Spoiler:
They do show the creature fully in a couple of scenes. But they don't necessarily give it a name or tell what it is. If you can take an hour of people running chaotically in manhattan, coupled with explosions and weird attacking creatures, then you'll like it. However, the movie does not delve into where the creature came from or what happens to it finally. That in itself is not so bad.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 03:38 PM

So what's your problem with it then svsg?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 06:40 PM

SILK 1/2
(First Viewing)

And thus I complete the Keira Knightley romance trilogy. This was a well-done, medium enjoyable film that balanced the awesomeness of ATONEMENT and the drowsiness of PRIDE & PREJUDICE. Unfortunately, Keira is hardly in this film but it does have a twist for an ending.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 07:23 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
So what's your problem with it then svsg?

I did not find the movie engaging at all.
Warning, Spoiler:
They stretched the hand-held camera concept way too much. With buildings falling and stampedes on the street and choppers crashing and creatures attacking, the camera is somehow in perfect condition. Crossing over to another building from the abutment between them and rescuing the girl friend was there plainly for formulaic reasons. And what's with the non-stop running, screaming and explosions. And when it did seem to stop for a while, they are discussing random facts in a dark tunnel just immediately after one guy loses his brother. How do you not find this all silly and more importantly how is this different from other monster/zombie movies? How do you rate Planet Terror for example?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 08:44 PM

SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT
(First Viewing)

A decent but very shallow look at the first all black team to ever win a high school state championship. It briefly looked at the Crispus Attucks Tigers from 1953-1956, including players and coaches. At a runtime of only 64 minutes, it could have been much more in depth and educational.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 09:29 PM

Help me out here with the title of this movie:

a boy lives at a monastery and goes up in the attic from time to time and converses with Jesus on the cross who talks back.

Does that ring a bell with anyone?
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/21/08 11:41 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I heard they don't do a good job describing what exactly is attacking the city.
Describing is the wrong word, surely.

svsg:

On one level, it's a fairly simple monster film, a throwback to the likes of Godzilla (note the country to which one of the protagonists is emigrating: Japan), but it's also unique in that it's told entirely from the ground. Our knowledge of the "event" is necessarily limited to what the would-be victims can see.

You criticise the implausibility of this by attacking the fundamental problem of an indestructible camera. Fair enough, I suppose; another friend criticised the film for the audio being far too crisp and audible for its own good (suggesting it'd be better if the government had seen need for subtitles due to loss of sound - if that isn't critical gluttony I don't know what is). If the reverse were true, though, you'd barely have a film; the premise begs that sort of leeway, the same way TV's 24 "requests" viewers not to have a hissy fit over Jack Bauer's endurable bladder.

Talking of 24 and similar examples of today's media, I thought it was cool that at one point the protagonists raid an electronics store for phone batteries. Intended or not, it's an interesting comment on the way in which we consume media (how dependent we are in a case of crisis), the questions we ask of it ("how come Jack Bauer's phone never runs out!?" not to mention, all of the questions arising from Abrams's Lost), and its importance over stuff like foodstock (terrorism and invasive warfare now eliminate the option of pre-planned, long-term supplies such as groceries and nutrition, and calls for immediate necessities such as the cellphone, to tell loved ones you love them just before you die).

Throughout, too, I couldn't ignore the fact that other people are filming the same event on their own cameras and phones... this is very much a film about the filming and multi-media capture of world-changing events. The monster plays a secondary role to this; and, as one who felt its final on-screen moments seemed more disappointing than frightening, I'd venture to say its inclusion is only to give the film room to breathe so soon after 9/11 - though, of course, then it runs the risk of inducing reactions such as yours. Silly...? Maybe.

It's important to note the allegorical significance of an unknown, threatening Other attacking New York city. It's a brave and bold decision to make that the city of choice, considering how close to people 9/11 still is. The scene in which the camera and those around it take temporary refuge in a store as their view of the street outside is veiled by a horde of smoke, dust and debris (while mounting chaos ensues outside) is an effective evocation of the events of that day; people running, buildings falling, chaos to the fore; questions, screaming, and no answers.

It's not exploitative, though; and I found the otherwise annoying characters and trite characterisations that pop up in this sort of film were given much freshness from the POV camera; the in-camera edits make for interesting early development and economic character expositions, capturing only the back-end of conversations and the people involved reacting to their being spied on, etc. (and we are, throughout, literal voyeurs to the entire thing). I also found the "flashbacks" (footage shot before the film's narrative takes place, brought on by errors in the recording tape) highly effective.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 03:05 PM

SUBSPECIES 1/2
(First Viewing)

A rather subtle and dull vampire movie. I almost fell asleep during it if that tells you anything.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 03:09 PM

I have just finished watching superbad and i thought it was brilliant it was so funny \:D

For anyone that hasnt seen it,make sure you do you wont regret it
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 03:11 PM

I agree chopper. Definitely the funniest movie I've seen in the last 5 years or more
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 03:14 PM

I might even watch it again when i get in tonight \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 03:18 PM

Did you see WEDDING CRASHERS? That was also very funny. Not as good as SUPERBAD but still funny.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 03:22 PM

Yes wedding crashers was a great movie.Is it true they are making a second?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 03:45 PM

That's news to me. I haven't heard anything about it
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:15 PM

I cant remeber where i read it,ill look in to it
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:20 PM

i watch an hour of "The Break Up" this morning ive seen before,funny film.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:22 PM

Ive just found this now irish so hopefull iy's correct


Wedding Crashers sequel in the works


Not surprisingly, "Wedding Crashers" writer Steve Faber has put pen to paper and is sketching the basis for a sequel.

According to Jane Seymour, talking to USA Today, she's been informed that her character - the mother of both Isla Fisher and Rachel McAdams' characters, and husband of Christopher Walken's, in the hit film - will indeed be back.

A couple of months back, when we talked to stars Owen Wilson and Isla Fisher, both seemed reasonably keen to do a follow-up.

But Fisher said, "They'd [Wilson and Vaughn's characters] have to chuck us in the first act so they can crash again."

Wilson's not so sure. "With the way audiences responded to your characters, I wouldn't be surprised if you guys chuck us," and then the girls can play the film's titular crashers.

http://www.moviehole.net/news/6298.html
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:27 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
i watch an hour of "The Break Up" this morning ive seen before,funny film.


Yeah, THE BREAK-UP was better than YOU, ME, & DUPREE. Plus I like Vince Vaughn more than Owen Wilson
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
i watch an hour of "The Break Up" this morning ive seen before,funny film.


Yeah, THE BREAK-UP was better than YOU, ME, & DUPREE. Plus I like Vince Vaughn more than Owen Wilson


Ever seen BOTTLE ROCKET?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:35 PM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
Ive just found this now irish so hopefull iy's correct


Wedding Crashers sequel in the works


Not surprisingly, "Wedding Crashers" writer Steve Faber has put pen to paper and is sketching the basis for a sequel.

According to Jane Seymour, talking to USA Today, she's been informed that her character - the mother of both Isla Fisher and Rachel McAdams' characters, and husband of Christopher Walken's, in the hit film - will indeed be back.

A couple of months back, when we talked to stars Owen Wilson and Isla Fisher, both seemed reasonably keen to do a follow-up.

But Fisher said, "They'd [Wilson and Vaughn's characters] have to chuck us in the first act so they can crash again."

Wilson's not so sure. "With the way audiences responded to your characters, I wouldn't be surprised if you guys chuck us," and then the girls can play the film's titular crashers.

http://www.moviehole.net/news/6298.html



Thanks for the link man. No this is the first I'm hearing of it. I heard rumor of an OLD SCHOOL sequel but that never materialized so we'll see what happens with this
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:37 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
i watch an hour of "The Break Up" this morning ive seen before,funny film.


Yeah, THE BREAK-UP was better than YOU, ME, & DUPREE. Plus I like Vince Vaughn more than Owen Wilson


Ever seen BOTTLE ROCKET?


Yup, wasn't a huge fan really
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:38 PM

seen a preview of a new film coming out called "superhero" looks awful,looks like its based on something like Scary Movie.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:43 PM

MISERY (1990) ***1/2

The second best Stephen King adaptation, after Shawshank.

Kathy Bates just scares the poop out of me every time I watch this film. It's the reason I hate driving in the snow.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:46 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: chopper
Ive just found this now irish so hopefull iy's correct


Wedding Crashers sequel in the works


Not surprisingly, "Wedding Crashers" writer Steve Faber has put pen to paper and is sketching the basis for a sequel.

According to Jane Seymour, talking to USA Today, she's been informed that her character - the mother of both Isla Fisher and Rachel McAdams' characters, and husband of Christopher Walken's, in the hit film - will indeed be back.

A couple of months back, when we talked to stars Owen Wilson and Isla Fisher, both seemed reasonably keen to do a follow-up.

But Fisher said, "They'd [Wilson and Vaughn's characters] have to chuck us in the first act so they can crash again."

Wilson's not so sure. "With the way audiences responded to your characters, I wouldn't be surprised if you guys chuck us," and then the girls can play the film's titular crashers.

http://www.moviehole.net/news/6298.html



Thanks for the link man. No this is the first I'm hearing of it. I heard rumor of an OLD SCHOOL sequel but that never materialized so we'll see what happens with this



Shit that would have been great \:\/
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: chopper
Ive just found this now irish so hopefull iy's correct


Wedding Crashers sequel in the works


Not surprisingly, "Wedding Crashers" writer Steve Faber has put pen to paper and is sketching the basis for a sequel.

According to Jane Seymour, talking to USA Today, she's been informed that her character - the mother of both Isla Fisher and Rachel McAdams' characters, and husband of Christopher Walken's, in the hit film - will indeed be back.

A couple of months back, when we talked to stars Owen Wilson and Isla Fisher, both seemed reasonably keen to do a follow-up.

But Fisher said, "They'd [Wilson and Vaughn's characters] have to chuck us in the first act so they can crash again."

Wilson's not so sure. "With the way audiences responded to your characters, I wouldn't be surprised if you guys chuck us," and then the girls can play the film's titular crashers.

http://www.moviehole.net/news/6298.html



Thanks for the link man. No this is the first I'm hearing of it. I heard rumor of an OLD SCHOOL sequel but that never materialized so we'll see what happens with this



Shit that would have been great \:\/


It still might get made. Who knows?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 04:57 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
seen a preview of a new film coming out called "superhero" looks awful,looks like its based on something like Scary Movie.


Yeah, it looks like it'll be more in line with DATE MOVIE, EPIC MOVIE and MEET THE SPARTANS
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 05:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: chopper
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: chopper
Ive just found this now irish so hopefull iy's correct


Wedding Crashers sequel in the works


Not surprisingly, "Wedding Crashers" writer Steve Faber has put pen to paper and is sketching the basis for a sequel.

According to Jane Seymour, talking to USA Today, she's been informed that her character - the mother of both Isla Fisher and Rachel McAdams' characters, and husband of Christopher Walken's, in the hit film - will indeed be back.

A couple of months back, when we talked to stars Owen Wilson and Isla Fisher, both seemed reasonably keen to do a follow-up.

But Fisher said, "They'd [Wilson and Vaughn's characters] have to chuck us in the first act so they can crash again."

Wilson's not so sure. "With the way audiences responded to your characters, I wouldn't be surprised if you guys chuck us," and then the girls can play the film's titular crashers.

http://www.moviehole.net/news/6298.html



Thanks for the link man. No this is the first I'm hearing of it. I heard rumor of an OLD SCHOOL sequel but that never materialized so we'll see what happens with this



Shit that would have been great \:\/


It still might get made. Who knows?



Hopefully
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/22/08 09:27 PM

THE MIST
(First Viewing)

One of the better Stephen King adaptations to date (I didn't see 1408 but I heard it wasn't great). This while very good at the beginning but I felt could have been great if it sustained throughout the duration of the film. Some people made a big deal about the ending and while it was nice, I didn't see the big obsession with it. Thomas Jane, Andre Braugher, and Marcia Gay Harden are the ones to keep your eyes on.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/08 01:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE MIST
(First Viewing)

One of the better Stephen King adaptations to date (I didn't see 1408 but I heard it wasn't great). Some people made a big deal about the ending and while it was nice, I didn't see the big obsession with it. Thomas Jane, Andre Braugher, and Marcia Gay Harden are the ones to keep your eyes on.


Where's your DOOMSDAY review?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/08 03:15 AM

SEMI-PRO
(First Viewing)

Will Ferrell does it again with his comedic, golden-self. I wasn't the biggest fan of his last outing, BLADES OF GLORY, so it was good to see him bounce back with a very funny retro basketball story. André Benjamin continues to do some good work as an actor and Woody Harrelson gets down with the roundball again for the first time since 1992's WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP. Finally, Will Arnett can attach his name to a good comedy \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/08 06:00 AM

SLAP SHOT
(First Viewing)

A decent comedy that was surprisingly pretty vulgar for its release year, 1977.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/08 07:36 AM

L' Eclisse **
I didn't understand much of the movie. Probably needs some understanding of historical context of the movie to appreciate it.

The perfect guy *
A chick flick. And a pretty good one for its genre.

I am sort of drunk to articulate well. Ask me if you are interested about any of these
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/08 07:43 AM


Eragon (2006)

A farm boy comes across a dragon egg that apparently he was destined to find, to later become the dragon's rider. His quest takes him to battle against an evil king with a large resistance.

I'm gonna call this "Lord of the Rings Light" because it has many of the fantastical components, just not done as well by a first-time director. Twentysomething Christopher Paolini has a good imagination, but not quite that of Tolkien's. Nonetheless, the cast was strong, the visuals okay, and I really like the genre (and consider LOTR one of the best epics ever made), so same as Netflix viewers: 3.5/5 (7/10) as opposed to IMDbidiots' 5/10.

I'm glad to see it's the first of a trilogy - I look forward to the next two in the series.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/08 03:10 PM

Me too Geoff but I wonder if they'll ever get made
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/08 06:00 PM

ENTRAPMENT 1/2
(First Viewing)

Before Catherine Zeta-Jones married Michael Douglas she was still doing good films, this being one of them. A somewhat suspenseful game of cat-and-mouse also staring Sir Sean Connery. And while not great, it was one of Connery's better films since 1996's hit THE ROCK.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/23/08 08:56 PM

THE DEVIL'S OWN
(First Viewing)

Pretty disappointing considering this film stared both Both Pitt and Harrison Ford. It was rather dull during the second half of the film and I felt cheated on the ending. A lot of beautiful Irish actress however
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 12:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Eragon (2006)

A farm boy comes across a dragon egg that apparently he was destined to find, to later become the dragon's rider. His quest takes him to battle against an evil king with a large resistance.

I'm gonna call this "Lord of the Rings Light" because it has many of the fantastical components, just not done as well by a first-time director. Twentysomething Christopher Paolini has a good imagination, but not quite that of Tolkien's. Nonetheless, the cast was strong, the visuals okay, and I really like the genre (and consider LOTR one of the best epics ever made), so same as Netflix viewers: 3.5/5 (7/10) as opposed to IMDbidiots' 5/10.

I'm glad to see it's the first of a trilogy - I look forward to the next two in the series.



That movie written by that 13 year old kid...and reads as any such 13 year old would want to write, their own "STAR WARS or LOTR-esque grand journey" picture.

Holy shit, AGONY BOOTH reviewed ERAGON...and ripped it a new asshole.

"Why exactly did this movie turn out so terrible? Well, aside from the poor source material they were working with, it's pretty clear what doomed the movie: they just didn't give a shit."

http://www.agonybooth.com/recaps/Eragon.aspx
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 12:28 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE DEVIL'S OWN
(First Viewing)

Pretty disappointing considering this film stared both Both Pitt and Harrison Ford. It was rather dull during the second half of the film and I felt cheated on the ending. A lot of beautiful Irish actress however


Its called a mess that results from constant re-writing, studio inteference, Harrison Ford being a dick, you name it.

"A lot of beautiful Irish actress however"

You mean actresses?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 06:11 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
That movie written by that 13 year old kid...and reads as any such 13 year old would want to write,

He's more accomplished and richer now than both of us combined, eh? \:p

I never said it was original, I said it was sub-par. But as a stand-alone film w/o comparing it to TIMELESS MASTERPIECES, I enjoyed it, and would like to see how it continues, just for fun. You know what "fun" is, right? So save your bandwagon venom. \:p ...unless, of course, you'd like to prove that you're better than he is; I anxiously await your groundbreaking original novel.

When you have something positive to say about anything, I think the world might stop spinning.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 06:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
You mean actresses?
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Its called a mess that results from constant re-writing, studio inteference, ...

You mean "it's" and "interference"? \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 08:04 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
That movie written by that 13 year old kid...and reads as any such 13 year old would want to write,

He's more accomplished and richer now than both of us combined, eh? \:p

I never said it was original, I said it was sub-par. But as a stand-alone film w/o comparing it to TIMELESS MASTERPIECES, I enjoyed it, and would like to see how it continues, just for fun. You know what "fun" is, right? So save your bandwagon venom. \:p ...unless, of course, you'd like to prove that you're better than he is; I anxiously await your groundbreaking original novel.

When you have something positive to say about anything, I think the world might stop spinning.


LOTR was a good trilogy.

There, the world stopped spinning. Its your goddamn fault for the apocalypse. \:D

Besides, you speak of that 13 year old kid....you know his parents' publishing house printed the book, right?

G.I. JOE had alot of good messages, like:

"and knowing is only half the battle!"

You lost your half, buddy. \:\)

Also, I didn't compare ERAGON to the classics or timeless masterpieces or whatever you were talking about.

What is Dogshit compared to Gold? Lousy.
What is Dogshit just by itself? Lousy.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 08:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
You mean actresses?
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Its called a mess that results from constant re-writing, studio inteference, ...

You mean "it's" and "interference"? \:p


Yup. Thank God someone is watching the watchmen.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 09:16 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE DEVIL'S OWN
(First Viewing)

Pretty disappointing considering this film stared both Both Pitt and Harrison Ford. It was rather dull during the second half of the film and I felt cheated on the ending. A lot of beautiful Irish actress however


Its called a mess that results from constant re-writing, studio inteference, Harrison Ford being a dick, you name it.

"A lot of beautiful Irish actress however"

You mean actresses?




Why dont you quit riding irishs dick and leave him alone,do you know how boring it is to see you constantly berating him

get a life
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 09:48 AM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE DEVIL'S OWN
(First Viewing)

Pretty disappointing considering this film stared both Both Pitt and Harrison Ford. It was rather dull during the second half of the film and I felt cheated on the ending. A lot of beautiful Irish actress however


Its called a mess that results from constant re-writing, studio inteference, Harrison Ford being a dick, you name it.

"A lot of beautiful Irish actress however"

You mean actresses?




Why dont you quit riding irishs dick and leave him alone,do you know how boring it is to see you constantly berating him

get a fucking life


Care to volunteer? I do tire of asking questions and posting comments to someone who'll never respond.

Smart-ass remarks aside, I apologize if I pushed the line again.

Geoff, you liked ERAGON. I thought it was terrible. We agree to disagree.

Anyway, why am I still bugging a certain person? God it's silly....I quit it.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 10:03 AM

Have a think about why he doesnt respond


could it be he might be ignoring you because of previous comments towards him?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 10:35 AM

 Originally Posted By: chopper
Have a think about why he doesnt respond


could it be he might be ignoring you because of previous comments towards him?


I believe its called the "Ignore" button.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 12:42 PM

Clever boy
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 10:59 PM

Actually, I've been wondering for a while now if Irish has actually ignored me. Is there an "ignore member" feature on this board?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 11:10 PM

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (2004)

I watched this again Saturday night and was, yet again, very moved by it.

I'm not going to give this film a "star" rating because, quite frankly, I'm not sure if this film moves me because of my religious beliefs or because it's well made. I'm just not sure.

I thought the use of flashbacks was brilliant because just when you couldn't take another second of the violence, the film faded into the past to give you a break. The actor who played the Devil was brilliant.

Jim Caviezel was very sympathetic as Christ. And I love the fact that Jesus was finally cast with dark hair and dark eyes, because in all likelyhood, he probably looked a lot more like that than like Jeffrey Hunter.

I still feel that JESUS OF NAZARETH, the Franco Zeffirelli directed masterpiece of a mini-series, was the greatest film ever made on the life of Christ, but I'll list Gibson's Passion as a close second, even if it's more than likely due to my religious beliefs.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 11:25 PM

I don't know any non-Christians who haven't thought Passion was abysmal.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 11:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I don't know any non-Christians who haven't thought Passion was abysmal.


Well, if you look at my review, I'm very careful to say that I'm not sure why I liked it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 11:39 PM

Oh yeah, I know; that's why I wrote what I did, to perhaps offer a reason for your love (since you questioned it yourself).
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 11:43 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (2004)

I watched this again Saturday night and was, yet again, very moved by it.

I'm not going to give this film a "star" rating because, quite frankly, I'm not sure if this film moves me because of my religious beliefs or because it's well made. I'm just not sure.

I thought the use of flashbacks was brilliant because just when you couldn't take another second of the violence, the film faded into the past to give you a break. The actor who played the Devil was brilliant.

Jim Caviezel was very sympathetic as Christ. And I love the fact that Jesus was finally cast with dark hair and dark eyes, because in all likelyhood, he probably looked a lot more like that than like Jeffrey Hunter.

I still feel that JESUS OF NAZARETH, the Franco Zeffirelli directed masterpiece of a mini-series, was the greatest film ever made on the life of Christ, but I'll list Gibson's Passion as a close second, even if it's more than likely due to my religious beliefs.


Have you ever seen THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/24/08 11:48 PM

Of course.

I was a Marty fan while you were an itch in your Daddy's drawers. \:p

Seriously though, it was a well made, if historically inaccurate film, that wouldn't draw half the attention today that it drew twenty years ago.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/08 02:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Actually, I've been wondering for a while now if Irish has actually ignored me. Is there an "ignore member" feature on this board?

Yup, you can go to a member's profile and click on ignore button. Except for the quoted replies, every post appears with a link with an option to toggle whether one wants to see the post or not. Ignore only masks the text, but one can see that a post has been made by the ignored user. Another interesting thing is you cannot ignore someone if that person is a moderator of any of the forums ;\) .
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/08 11:55 AM

What a shame that there's not a "morally superior, yet doesn't know jack shit about life, and feels compelled to make snide comments when they read something that doesn't agree with their views" button on here. I wonder if Geoff can work on that? ;\)
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/08 12:25 PM

Guys and gals -

Please, lets not ruin one of the better long-term threads with this crap.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/08 07:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
Guys and gals -

Please, lets not ruin one of the better long-term threads with this crap.


Ditto!
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/08 10:22 PM

I watched Hot Fuzz tonight and thought it was very funny it was not on par with superbad but then again the sence of humour was different.Hot Fuzz in it's own right was excellent with a great supporting cast id recommened it as one to watch.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/08 10:23 PM

Hot Fuzz, Chopper?

Should you really be telling us about your pubes? \:p
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/25/08 10:25 PM




If i wanted to tell anybody you would be the first to know mate
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/08 03:30 PM

Chopper, have you seen Dead Man's Shoes? If not, do so asap... like now. Paddy Considine's in it; he plays one of the mustached snide detectives in Hot Fuzz; very different role though. I think you'd love it.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/26/08 05:18 PM

Ill try and check this out this weekend mate,thanks for heads up \:\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/08 04:42 AM

2046 (2004 - Kar-wai Wong) ****
Though this is not a continuation of the story of the director's earlier movie "In The Mood For Love", this is a sequel to it in a lot of ways. The themes of lost love and living in the past are connected directly to ITMFL. However, a few of the themes explored in the movie are new, like the lingering effect of past on the future and timing of relationships. The aesthetic choices, colors and music are almost identical in the two movies. A great sequel to a great movie.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/08 02:19 PM

FALLING DOWN.

Really like this film.
Michael Douglas in good form as the increasingly unhinged "normal" guy and the peerless Robert Duvall as the retiring detective hunting him down on his last day.

Love the scene when Douglas lays about the homeboys trying to extract a toll from him
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/08 03:25 PM

Great Film Mate
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/08 08:34 PM

 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
FALLING DOWN.

Really like this film.
Michael Douglas in good form as the increasingly unhinged "normal" guy and the peerless Robert Duvall as the retiring detective hunting him down on his last day.

Love the scene when Douglas lays about the homeboys trying to extract a toll from him


My fav scene is the one where he goes for a mcdonalds breakfast and hes 1 minute late....
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/08 09:08 PM

FALLING DOWN was indeed pretty good...and it disturbed me back at the time. Why? I don't know, but that's a sign that it works.

I can't believe same fucker who shot this quality also directed BATMAN & ROBIN.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/28/08 09:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
2046 (2004 - Kar-wai Wong) ****
Though this is not a continuation of the story of the director's earlier movie "In The Mood For Love", this is a sequel to it in a lot of ways. The themes of lost love and living in the past are connected directly to ITMFL. However, a few of the themes explored in the movie are new, like the lingering effect of past on the future and timing of relationships. The aesthetic choices, colors and music are almost identical in the two movies. A great sequel to a great movie.


100% Fucking Agree. You know how much I agree with you?

I couldn't say it any better.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/08 05:02 AM

THERE WILL BE BLOOD
(Second Viewing)

After watching this, I can say now with certainty that Daniel Day-Lewis deserved his Oscar. Man he put on another great performance. It was right on par with his job in GANGS OF NEW YORK. I was a little surprised Paul Dano wasn't able to snag at least an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his Eli Sunday character. The scenes with him and Lewis were IMO the best of the show. Too bad it went up against NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. Any other year and this film should win.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/08 05:08 AM


Don't have a lot of time since I'm going away this weekend. In any event...

First, the good:

Ratatouille (2007) - I thought it was a nice, engaging Disney film that was quite clever, especially for fans of watching cooking shows on TV (like Hell's Kitchen). ;\) It may not seem as interesting if you don't know your way around a kitchen or the industry. 8.3/10 on IMDb. (B)

Now the not so good...

Thr3e (2007)
and
Memory (2007)

Both of the above seemed promising, but fell flat. Both have gotten 5/10 on IMDb, and deservedly so. Both fall into one of my favorite genres (thrillers), yet they were too predictable and for the most part rehashed. Meh. (C-)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/08 12:40 PM

Geoff, ever seen ADAPTATION?

"My script is called THE THREE!"
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/08 01:17 PM


I saw Adaptation a while back but it wasn't all that memorable to me. But I did give it 3/5 on Netflix.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/29/08 08:28 PM

WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY
(Second Viewing)

I was very surprised and disappointed with this film. For once, Judd Apatow who co-wrote this, didn't strike gold with me. Also, this was the first starring role for John C. Reilly and I suppose it wasn't entirely his fault the film wasn't that funny. It does its best to poke fun at WALK THE LINE but rather it plays like a SCARY MOVIE 3 or 4. Judd should stick with original comedies like THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN, KNOCKED UP, and SUPERBAD rather than spoofs because I was far from impressed.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/08 01:18 AM

The Great Debaters (2007 - Denzel Washington) *
I thought that this is Denzel Washington's debut as a director, but I just found out that he has directed another movie in 2002. I went to the movie with my no-brainer guess for the plot and the final resolution and it was truly no-brainer all the way \:\) A boring twist of the beaten to death underdog premise in the context of racism. The only face saving aspect is a really beautiful scene in the woods.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/08 01:27 AM

Le Amiche (1955 - Michelangelo Antonioni) ****
It took me time to start liking Antonioni and now I am a bit of a fan. This movie came even before Il Grido that I reviewed previously and expressed my disappointment. This movie beautifully deals with the theme of relationships and how various people involved in a relationship need different things out of it. Also explored is the notion of human need for company, while not being able to stand company when it really comes to it.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/08 04:55 AM

THE WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP 1/2
(First Viewing)

A little too dramatic and "heavy" storyline for a children's movie.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/30/08 07:23 PM

There Will Be Blood is indeed fantastic, Irish - I think it's better than No Country For Old Men, but they're two entirely different films, of course, compared to one another only because of release date and critical buzz (for my money, Zodiac is just behind TWBB for last year's best film).

SPOILERS AHEAD (Please read, if you've seen it; and offer thoughts...)

It's such a profound masterpiece: an engrossing, well-acted character study on one level, yet another we have a battle of wits between ruthless capitalism (Plainview) and the passive-aggressive Church (Eli Sunday) - the latter being smug and outdated, the former being charming and victorious, but to what end? Plainview's business methods win in the end, but he's cold and alone, without family or purpose; a bored, embittered alcoholic.

I also love the ominous title: There Will Be Blood, though we only see glimpses of it through oiling accidents throughout, until the violent, shocking (and warranted?) climax. But "blood" also means that of family, too: Daniel's adopted blood, in "son" H.W., whom he abandons twice in the film because of a perceived weakness, and the fraudulent blood of his "brother", Henry.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/08 05:31 AM

LIONS FOR LAMBS 1/2
(First Viewing)

It's good to see Tom Cruise back in front of a camera. No matter how crazy the man can seem and what his beliefs are, I still respect him as an actor and he was the most interesting character from this film. While his role was somewhat small it was great seeing him go face-to-face with a film icon like Meryl Streep. Robert Redford makes some enjoyable films but I think they go over-the-top a little too much.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 03/31/08 09:48 PM

Separate Lies (2005 - Julian Fellowes) ***
This is a drama about marital crisis. But it deals with relationships in general and can affect you in a powerful way if you have ever been in a difficult one. Top class acting from Tom Wilkinson. Recommended viewing.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/08 12:38 AM

Don't laugh.

But I have watched the Silence of the Lambs a bunch of times. However, I have never watched it from beginning to end. Sooooooooo, what's the silence and the lambs in the title all about?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/08 04:40 AM

The Passenger (1975 - Michelangelo Antonioni) ****
Antonioni explores the theme of identity, the question of whether one can de-link one's present from one's past and the implications of living someone else's life. There are several interesting visuals throughout the movie, significant perhaps in the light of the fact that most of his celebrated works were in B&W and this one is in color. I like the rhythm of the movie, as it lends itself easy for contemplation.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/08 04:43 AM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
Don't laugh.

But I have watched the Silence of the Lambs a bunch of times. However, I have never watched it from beginning to end. Sooooooooo, what's the silence and the lambs in the title all about?


Warning, Spoiler:
Jodie Foster's character witnesses a lamb being slaughtered in her childhood which continues to traumatize her in adult life. It is a metaphor for her fears. The silence signifies putting those fears to rest. I think.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/08 04:50 AM

Did you enjoy it olivant? I'd rank the Lector series as follows:

1) SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
2) RED DRAGON
3) HANNIBAL RISING
4) HANNIBAL
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/08 04:56 AM

Irish, can you also put your star ratings along side the titles? I have seen just The Silence of the Lambs. I am curious how others are compared to it. I quite liked that.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/08 05:16 AM

It's been awhile since I've seen all of them but from memory:

1) SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
2) RED DRAGON
3) HANNIBAL RISING 1/2
4) HANNIBAL
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/08 07:38 PM

COOL RUNNINGS.

Hilarious romp about the first Jamacian bobsleigh team featuring the late,great John Candy.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/01/08 08:02 PM

We watched The Brave One with Jodie Foster the other night. She was excellent as the NYC woman with the charmed life (engaged and in love with a doctor, great job as a radio talk show host) who finds it all ripped to shreds when she and her fiancee are violently attacked while walking their dog in Central Park. When she wakes up from a coma three weeks later to find that her boyfriend has died, she eventually returns home to try to pick up the pieces of her life, only to find that the violence has changed her irrevocably. She in turn becomes violent while seeking some peace and definitely some revenge.

Since the majority of the film is told through her eyes and ears, we feel Foster's pain as she tries to come to grips with with what has happened to her life. Her wonderful acting elevates this film far beyond a remake of "Death Wish". Terence Howard as the detective on the hunt for the vigilante also does as good a job as always.

Definitely recommended.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/08 04:35 AM

FIDO
(First Viewing)

I watched this based on a recommendation from a co-worker. Let's just say I won't be taking her up on any more. Just a horrible film with a RIDICULOUS story. I want the 96 minutes of my life back.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/08 03:15 PM

I watched Sliding Doors last night it's a movie i have not seen for years and i apprecited the story line much more last night i thought it was well written and really enjoyed it.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/08 03:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
COOL RUNNINGS.

Hilarious romp about the first Jamacian bobsleigh team featuring the late,great John Candy.



I agree top film, didn't John Candy die while he was filming this film.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/08 03:24 PM

Yeah it was a great film,talking of John Candy i think i liked every single movie he was in a very funny guy what a shame he died,i dont think he was very old either it must have been the food and cigars \:\(

A legend
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/02/08 06:28 PM

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
(Second Viewing)

The 1960s for James Bond were a very prosperous time, however if I remember from my viewings of the 1970s, they weren't so. Thus begins the era of the campy Bonds, transitioning from Sean Connery to Roger Moore after George Lazenby went one-and-done. The assassins Mr. Kidd and Mr. Wint were pretty cool.

FYI - did anyone know Sammy Davis Jr had a cameo in this film? It was a deleted scene

Warning, Spoiler:
Also, for a story gap, apparently the Plenty O'Toole character played by Lana Wood, is the dead women in Tiffany Cases' pool. When Lana is thrown out the window and into the pool of the Las Vegas hotel were James is staying, the henchmen are there for Tiffany. In the deleted scene, Plenty sneaks back in while James and Tiffany do their thing and grabs Tiffany's address. Later on when James is waiting for Tiffany at her place after she was to pick up the diamonds, Plenty's been killed in the pool.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/03/08 07:21 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
 Originally Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas
COOL RUNNINGS.

Hilarious romp about the first Jamacian bobsleigh team featuring the late,great John Candy.



I agree top film, didn't John Candy die while he was filming this film.


Don't think it was this film mate!

I think it was a film called WAGONS EAST although i may be mistaken there?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/08 06:54 PM

SNATCH
(Nth Viewing)

One of my two favorite comedies of all-time along with THE BIG LEBOWSKI. This film introduced me to Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones, and Guy Ritchie. I loved Brad Pitt as the fast-talking gypsy boxer. A wonderful story and cast. I'm curious what our British members think of it?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/08 08:56 PM

THE ITALIAN JOB
(Second Viewing)

Another great ensemble cast in the style of OCEAN'S 11. I'm hoping they can finally get THE BRAZILIAN JOB off the ground soon
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/08 09:00 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SNATCH
(Nth Viewing)

One of my two favorite comedies of all-time along with THE BIG LEBOWSKI. This film introduced me to Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones, and Guy Ritchie. I loved Brad Pitt as the fast-talking gypsy boxer. A wonderful story and cast. I'm curious what our British members think of it?

Great film Irish. not quite as good as LOCK,STOCK but much better than REVOLVER.

Brad Pitt indeed steals the show \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/08 09:08 PM

I've only seen LOCK, STOCK once and it wasn't nearly the show SNATCH was. Although I do have to revisit it again.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/08 09:12 PM

Possibly my view is inluenced because LOCK,STOCK came out first and was such a success. SNATCH coming second had famaliar themes,but it is still a thoroughly amusing show!
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/08 09:13 PM

there are funny bits, but its not a comady is it?
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/08 09:17 PM

No i guess not as such. Drama/comedy i would class it. There are certainly good laugh out moments in all Guy Ritchie's movies.


Or maybe it is just my sick sense of humour........
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/04/08 10:50 PM

THE TRANSPORTER 1/2
(Second Viewing)

The film that catapulted Jason Statham into the action spotlight didn't really do it for me. I liked the second one better and hopefully the third will be as good. Shu Qi really sizzled on the screen and I wish she'd do more English speaking films.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/08 01:54 AM

THE TRANSPORTER 2
(Second Viewing)

Maybe it's the American in me but I like Statham fighting on my home soil as opposed to France/Europe. Some of the action was a little cheesier than the original but I still enjoyed it more.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/05/08 04:05 AM

CRANK
(Third Viewing)

I give this 4 stars because for me, it's an action classic. This is how action movie should be set up. There's hardly ever a dull moment, always something exciting going on from robbing and killing people to public sex scenes. My favorite Statham film by far!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/08 02:14 AM

THE FINAL SEASON 1/2
(First Viewing)

Another wonderfully told baseball story from director David M. Evans who also just so happened to have directed THE SANDLOT. This film was more of a cross between FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and FIELD OF DREAMS. I have never heard of it (I think it may be a direct-to-DVD release), but for those baseball fans out there, I would recommend giving this a shot when it comes out on April 15th.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/08 05:03 AM

SUPERHERO MOVIE
(First Viewing)

One of the better spoofs from Fox Studios as of late. It wasn't as silly and I thought had some more adult humor which probably made it more enjoyable (it didn't just cater to the 13-year-old age group).
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/08 04:29 PM

Is there any film you havn't seen.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/08 07:57 PM

3-Iron (2004 - Ki-Duk Kim) **
I did not connect to this movie much on any level. An interesting plot premise and a thematic exploration of bonding with strangers are overshadowed by stylistic execution which almost completely destroys all the credibility of the movie, except for the ending which restores some of it. Nice imagery throughout.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/08 07:59 PM

All about my mother (1999 - Pedro Almodovar) ***
This is an entirely women-centric film. But again some of the women are not really biologically "women", many of the important characters are transvestites. This film is about sexuality, motherhood and gender and deals with these themes directly without trying to couch them in beautiful symbols and subtlety. But for the ambitious way in which the film delves into these issues, the ending is somewhat tame.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/06/08 11:20 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Is there any film you havn't seen.


Trust me, there's a lot. I'm still behind ;\)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 12:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Is there any film you havn't seen.


Trust me, there's a lot. I'm still behind ;\)

Does watching so many movies affect you beyond the actual viewing time? I mean do you think about them afterwards a lot or can you switch on and off your involvement with the film at will?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 02:26 AM

RESERVATION ROAD
(First Viewing)

A pretty disappointing drama considering the cast of Joaquin Phoenix and Jennifer Connelly. The story seems to dance around the obvious forever and when it finally comes to ahead, it's over.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 02:29 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Is there any film you havn't seen.


Trust me, there's a lot. I'm still behind ;\)

Does watching so many movies affect you beyond the actual viewing time? I mean do you think about them afterwards a lot or can you switch on and off your involvement with the film at will?


I guess it just depends on how much the film affects me. For example, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and THERE WILL BE BLOOD I thought about a lot after their viewing since I was so blown away by them. I hope that answers your question.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 06:06 AM

RESURRECTING THE CHAMP
(First Viewing)

I thought the film tried to be more than what it was. It tried to be very emotional and touching and I just didn't find it as such. Also, Samuel L. Jackson was almost like Dave Chappell as Tyrone from CHAPPELL SHOW without the white lips and constantly scratching himself.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 06:14 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Is there any film you havn't seen.


Trust me, there's a lot. I'm still behind ;\)

Try narrowing it down to GOOD films and maybe you'll still have a chance at a life as well ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 06:44 AM

That's the difference, I don't want to "limit" myself. I try to enjoy a wide range of films. Besides, who's the end-all-be-all whom decides a good film from a bad film?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 07:19 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Besides, who's the end-all-be-all whom decides a good film from a bad film?


WHO. \:p

YOU are, to yourself at least!

After SO many horrible films, I'd think you'd be able to narrow down some commonalities to actually avoid some of them -- in favor of better ones!

I'm sure you like something other than Harry Potter and LOTR, so please watch and recommend what YOU may consider "good" movies, and then maybe some may pay more attention. Cuz at this point, anything you mention, if even *known* to me, gets put on the "do not watch" list...

As always... it's quality, not quantity!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 04:07 PM

In part, that's what this is for
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 05:17 PM

I love the 300. But it's coloring (if you can call it that) seems to be different from other movies. The colors are pretty dark as if my television's contrast is skewed in that direction. Does anyone know what technique they used?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 08:16 PM

LIVE AND LET DIE 1/2
(Second Viewing)

Roger Moore takes over the reigns as James Bond and I'll cut him some slack because of the huge shoes he has to fill left by Sean Connery. However, what I don't like about this Bond is his ruthless seems to have been traded for more of a sense of humor. Also, this was one of the silliest Bonds to date with the technology and the storyline in general (I wasn't a fan of the black magic angle). However, this was the film to introduce Sheriff J.W. Pepper!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/07/08 09:05 PM

Party Monster (2003 - Fenton Bailey) ***
Real life story of Michael Alig, the person who started outrageous theme parties in late 80s new york. It traces the life style of a bunch of kids that did nothing but do drugs, make fashion statements and dress up in weird costumes. A nice commentary on the hedonism and unrealistic heights to which these kids were elevated by the society, that would not last for long.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/08 12:18 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Besides, who's the end-all-be-all whom decides a good film from a bad film?


WHO. \:p

YOU are, to yourself at least!

After SO many horrible films, I'd think you'd be able to narrow down some commonalities to actually avoid some of them -- in favor of better ones!

I'm sure you like something other than Harry Potter and LOTR, so please watch and recommend what YOU may consider "good" movies, and then maybe some may pay more attention. Cuz at this point, anything you mention, if even *known* to me, gets put on the "do not watch" list...

As always... it's quality, not quantity!


And you bitch at me for being daffy. \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/08 12:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
I love the 300. But it's coloring (if you can call it that) seems to be different from other movies. The colors are pretty dark as if my television's contrast is skewed in that direction. Does anyone know what technique they used?


No idea mate.

Though I have two serious problems with 300, of which even its fans seem to give me victory on.

(1) The domestic wife sub-plot. Does anyone actually even like it, or was moved by it? Its like Zach Snyder was trying to placate the women with something to watch outside of the beefcake fighting...which makes me wonder, what sort of gal willing goes to see 300 anyway?

Really, that sort of "creative invention" that completely fails from Snyder's end gives me great worry for his WATCHMEN movie. Alan Fucking Moore doesn't need such soap opera nonsense.

(2) Too much slow-motion. The idea of slow-motion is to emphasis a a special cinema moment, but too much ruins subsequent magic to be gleaned from such a technique.

Yea yeah I know, Snyder was trying to make some scenes capture a comic book frame, but it completely saps out the great energy from the climax, a hero's last stroke humiliating his enemy's divinehood, is really fucked out of its mighty power because we the audience by this point have become immune to it.

BTW, anyone notice how two "man classic" movies loved by frat dudes everywhere like FIGHT CLUB* and 300 have such incredibly-open homosexuality overtones? This can't be a coincidence.

*=Hell, author Chuck Palahnuik is homosexual. Nope, no coincidence I'm sure...not that it really matters.
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/08 12:30 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've only seen LOCK, STOCK once and it wasn't nearly the show SNATCH was. Although I do have to revisit it again.


I find Lock, Stock, and 2 smoking barrels a billion times better than Snatch
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/08 12:37 AM

 Originally Posted By: Longneck
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I've only seen LOCK, STOCK once and it wasn't nearly the show SNATCH was. Although I do have to revisit it again.


I find Lock, Stock, and 2 smoking barrels a billion times better than Snatch


"wasn't nearly the show SNATCH was"

What does that even mean anyway? Both are movies, not shows. \:D
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/08 01:40 AM

300 was produced in part to capture the patronage of the video game generation, so I am not surprised at its comic book, homo-erotic, and slow-mo, or skip-frame features.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/08 02:15 AM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
300 was produced in part to capture the patronage of the video game generation, so I am not surprised at its comic book, homo-erotic, and slow-mo, or skip-frame features.


Since I'm a member of "that" generation, I'm pissed if they were trying to cater to me. Incidently, there hasn't been...one...good...movie based off a video game.

Maybe my problem is that after seeing most of Brian DePalma's work, whatever you like his work or not, you must admit...the fucker knows how to use slow motion to its most potentcy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/08/08 08:18 PM

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN
(Second Viewing)

Glad to see this Roger Moore Bond film steered away from the silliness that was LIVE AND LET DIE. I really enjoyed Christopher Lee as Francisco Scaramanga. He was a great Bond villain because he had a lot of Bond's characteristics but was the dark side of him. Apparently, Jack Palance was originally offered the role of Scaramanga but turned it down.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/08 12:18 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN
(Second Viewing)

Glad to see this Roger Moore Bond film steered away from the silliness that was LIVE AND LET DIE. I really enjoyed Christopher Lee as Francisco Scaramanga. He was a great Bond villain because he had a lot of Bond's characteristics but was the dark side of him. Apparently, Jack Palance was originally offered the role of Scaramanga but turned it down.


I thought GOLDEN GUN was meh, but Christopher "Fucking" Lee was indeed awesome.

Hell, he's always awesome.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/08 07:11 PM

THE SPY WHO LOVED ME
(Second Viewing)

Although no J.W. Pepper this go-round, this was the introduction to the Jaws character. I thought leading lady Barbara Bach very much favors Eliza Dushku.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/08 07:35 PM

so did you like the film, your review is not very clear...
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/09/08 08:37 PM

Could someone explain the strange scientific (or Godly) occurence, that sometimes when I come on here I actually feel sort of sorry for Irish, and then there are other times where I literally want to hang myself?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/10/08 06:30 PM

MOONRAKER
(Second Viewing)

Better a second time around as I remember this being one of my least favorite Bond films the first time around. The James Bond answer to STAR WARS and the other great sci-fi classics that helped propel this genre during the 1970s. The pre-credit skydiving sequence was pretty breathtaking and one of my favorites from all the Bonds.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 04:46 AM

FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL
(First Viewing)

My second prescreening event that I've been to and I enjoyed it more than last year's KNOCKED UP. However, the film was probably on par with that one as it wasn't a 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN or SUPERBAD kind of funny movie. However, Jason Segel was great in a starring role.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 05:25 AM


MR WOODCOCK (2007) ... you kidding me? Tried too hard, but failed miserably. And nice name, by the way. \:\/ Horrible. D+

HAIRSPRAY (2007)... I was worried going into this one, being a big John Waters fan and all of the original-- but great! Didn't think John Travolta would pull it off, but he did just fine. Music was great! B
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 02:56 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

MR WOODCOCK (2007) ... you kidding me? Tried too hard, but failed miserably. And nice name, by the way. \:\/ Horrible. D+

HAIRSPRAY (2007)... I was worried going into this one, being a big John Waters fan and all of the original-- but great! Didn't think John Travolta would pull it off, but he did just fine. Music was great! B



Yeah, MR. WOODCOCK was a waste of time. Really, with SOUTHLAND TALES and yet another juvenile (terrible) comedy, does Sean William Scott even have a career anymore?

If anything, WOODCOCK's gimmick is based on exploiting Billy Bob Thornton's hard-ass cinema persona, which is amount to ANALYZE THIS with DeNiro's mob movie work, or MICKEY BLUE EYES w/ James Caan/GODFATHER, and so forth....and they all were lame.

In fact, the only such capitalization of such stunt casting that actually worked which I could think off the top of my head was probably THE FRESHMAN.

MR. WOODCOCK (2007) - **

As for the HAIRSPRAY remake,I prefer the Waters original simply because there is something punk in its original presentation, and more sincere, since its an independent homosexual filmmaker usually working on the outskirts of Hollywood making a small picture about outsiders. It's prime John Waters material, and he's good at it.

The remake, with all the gloss stink of Broadway and the big-studio production and money...is surprisingly good, with credit must be given to the casting of Travolta, Christopher "God Broke the Mold" Walken, and newcomer Nikki Blonsky. Plus, nice to see James "Cyclops" Marsden be given a decent part outside of a superhero picture.

Though with the Broadway opening for CRY BABY, will Waters become the new Romero/Carpenter in being a creative remake tap for Hollywood?

How about SERIAL MOM the musical? Shit, that would be fun...

HAIRSPRAY (2007) - ***1/2
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 03:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Could someone explain the strange scientific (or Godly) occurence, that sometimes when I come on here I actually feel sort of sorry for Irish, and then there are other times where I literally want to hang myself?


I can't, but I suggest TUMS. \:D
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 03:59 PM

END OF DAYS.

Watched this at work last night. Have seen it before.

Silly but enjoyable Arnie kicking the Devils ass romp.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 04:26 PM

IN THE NAME OF THE KING: A DUNGEON SIEGE TALE
(First Viewing)

Well, I survived my second Uwe Boll film but barely. This ran a little too long and was basically Uwe Boll's LORD OF THE RINGS flick. I'm still scratching my head at how he ensembles these casts? You'd think by now name actors (such as Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Burt Reynolds, Matthew Lillard, Leelee Sobieski, John Rhys-Davies, Claire Forlani, and Kristanna Loken) would know better than to sign up for a Uwe Boll film.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 04:28 PM

I think its time you found yourself a girlfriend Irish..
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 08:41 PM

CLOVERFIELD 1/2
(First Viewing)

After hearing all of the bad reviews and comments people had about this film I rather enjoyed it considering the circumstances. It wasn't great but I think they did right by keeping the runtime low (about 84 minutes). I just know the "BLAIR WITCH style directing" won't go over with a lot and while it times it was frustrating (turning away from the monsters in some places).
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/11/08 09:13 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
at times it was frustrating (turning away from the monsters in some places).

Paulie, to Tony, regarding Beansie: "Jesus Christ fucking kill me now."
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/08 10:49 AM

Watched Run Fat Boy Run all i can say is very funny \:D
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/08 02:21 PM

21 ***1/2

Even if you haven't read Ben Mezrich's non-fiction work, Bringing Down the House, it isn't very hard to see where 21 is headed in terms of plot and character arc not ten minutes after the opening credits. This is your standard rags-to-riches seduction, a morality tale where the highs corrupt the marble faun before he finds himself again and re-chisels himself into form.

The acting, screenplay and direction were probably just okay, but in this case, okay was good enough. The last act got a little laughable, but since I knew where it was headed anyway by that time, the movie had successfully lowered my expectations, and I was primed to enjoy it. I wasn't expecting anything remotely realistic or original. I was just waiting for the payoffs and I was surprisingly okay with that.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Like Mezrich's book, the film is based on the true story about a group of MIT students who took Vegas for boatloads of money simply by playing a little blackjack. These kids had a totally unfair advantage against the big, mean casinos, however and they exploited that advantage like the vile human beings they were. They had brains and they dared to use them: by developing a system of counting cards, they took millions from these places.

I never understood why counting cards is illegal in casinos. What's the casino's argument exactly? You're not supposed to use your brain to figure the odds! They post odds all the time to lure betters, but gamblers can't use those odds against them, eh? Somehow, we live with this rule. But this is the story about a group of people who didn't.

Jim Sturgess does a solid job of playing the goofy, earnest American, Ben Campbell. He's desperately trying to get into Harvard Medical School but he doesn't have the cash flow. If only he can get that scholarship that would pay his way. Uh-oh, I think we have established Ben's need of money. I wonder what happened next...?

Kevin Spacey plays an A-hole primo here and it's a beautiful thing to sit back and enjoy. He gets to play these kid's seducer this time and he's great at it.

Maybe this is just personal, but I think movies about gambling are fun and the counting card element really gives the blackjack sequences some juice. It's one of the few things about the film that I haven't really seen in another movie before, not the way it's portrayed here anyway. This here flick may not be Rounders (which is near-perfect), but it's a hell of a lot better than Shade (which is God-awful). No, it's somewhere in between, but the kind of in-between movie you'd maybe settle on if you were surfing through the cable channels. Oh, this is the scene where the fat nerdy kid makes a joke. I like him. Now you mix in the MIT underdog angle and we're talking Chucky Cheese slices of merriment! No one's easier to root for than a nerd, especially if that nerd looks like Kate Bosworth.

How a movie makes you feel when it ends is huge for me. It can make or break a movie and for me it made 21. I'm not talking the third-act plot goings-ons. I'm talking about the last scene, the way the film was structured from the start and the way the writers chose to close the story. This one made me smile.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/12/08 09:10 PM

P2 1/2
(First Viewing)

I'm really glad to see Rachel Nichols' career blossoming. I believe this is her first starring role and she continues to grow as a young actress. I wasn't quite sure how good this film would turn out being that the story takes place solely in a parking garage but they used different levels so it worked fine.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 12:08 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I believe this is her first starring role...

You believe? Check IMDb, man.

 Quote:
...and she continues to grow as a young actress.

She continues to grow, but this is her first film? Errrrr, what?

(Sorry, I meant fucking what? (I should probably add [BadWord] to that, too.))

 Quote:
I wasn't quite sure how good this film would turn out being that the story takes place solely in a parking garage but they used different levels so it worked fine.
What levels? Stop being as lazy as a fucking moronic little [BadWord], and put your film-watching to some use, instead of having a shitty little hobbie. PB's review above and before yours is so much more specific; it makes you want to read it, and it's about as ten times as long as yours; yours is three lines long and I only read it so I could take the fucking piss. Seriously man, get a fucking life, or hang yourself.

EDIT: Those last three words weren't meant. Everything else was. Take a look at yourself and your existence on this planet. If you come out with anything positive, then I very much envy your ignorance.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 12:33 AM

Geez, Mick, thats heavy handed even for you.

Chill!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 01:41 AM

THE SAVAGES
(First Viewing)

I'm not a big fan of these drama movies that are made where barely any character advancement has been made over the course of two hours. What was the point in making the film then? You could easily have wrapped this up a lot earlier!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 04:04 AM

JUNO
(Second Viewing)

Wow, Ellen Page was very impressive and capable of carrying this film by herself. She's quite a talented young actress. More of a dark comedy but still somewhat moving. She definitely deserved the Oscar nod but I'm still not 100% convinced the film should have been nominated for Best Picture.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 08:15 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE SAVAGES
(First Viewing)

I'm not a big fan of these drama movies that are made where barely any character advancement has been made over the course of two hours. What was the point in making the film then? You could easily have wrapped this up a lot earlier!


Is this bait for Mick the Dick?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 08:28 AM

 Originally Posted By: SC
Geez, Mick, thats heavy handed even for you.

Chill!


Heavy handed it was, but besides ignoring my advice of taking Tums to cure those ulcers, I think he is trying to give some constructive criticism.

Sure, I've been a total dick to Irish for years. Everyone knows that, and no one will disagree with that fact. But at a few times, when I wasn't trying to find the smallest little shit to get pissed off over, I tried to give advice.

Sometime back, fuck if I remember which movie, I wrote this review and Capo over at FCM complained of how instead of talking about the movie itself, I was bitching about how it wasn't some Michael Bay travesty....

I disagreed, saying how I was trying to compare why this was good, and why that sucked my balls. But I got to thinking, and I thought Capo had a point.

He apologized, but really he didn't need to. He was giving me constructive advice, and unless I'm mistaken, we respect each other's cinema opinions, and respectfully disagree....whatever its DePalma's SCARFACE (a film he hates, but its one of my favorites) or RAMBO 2/3(how he liked them, but hated the recent 4th RAMBO? Fuck if I know)...

Sincere advice can be taken or left for the garbage man on wednesdays.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 08:41 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
21 ***1/2

Even if you haven't read Ben Mezrich's non-fiction work, Bringing Down the House, it isn't very hard to see where 21 is headed in terms of plot and character arc not ten minutes after the opening credits. This is your standard rags-to-riches seduction, a morality tale where the highs corrupt the marble faun before he finds himself again and re-chisels himself into form.

The acting, screenplay and direction were probably just okay, but in this case, okay was good enough. The last act got a little laughable, but since I knew where it was headed anyway by that time, the movie had successfully lowered my expectations, and I was primed to enjoy it. I wasn't expecting anything remotely realistic or original. I was just waiting for the payoffs and I was surprisingly okay with that.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Like Mezrich's book, the film is based on the true story about a group of MIT students who took Vegas for boatloads of money simply by playing a little blackjack. These kids had a totally unfair advantage against the big, mean casinos, however and they exploited that advantage like the vile human beings they were. They had brains and they dared to use them: by developing a system of counting cards, they took millions from these places.

I never understood why counting cards is illegal in casinos. What's the casino's argument exactly? You're not supposed to use your brain to figure the odds! They post odds all the time to lure betters, but gamblers can't use those odds against them, eh? Somehow, we live with this rule. But this is the story about a group of people who didn't.

Jim Sturgess does a solid job of playing the goofy, earnest American, Ben Campbell. He's desperately trying to get into Harvard Medical School but he doesn't have the cash flow. If only he can get that scholarship that would pay his way. Uh-oh, I think we have established Ben's need of money. I wonder what happened next...?

Kevin Spacey plays an A-hole primo here and it's a beautiful thing to sit back and enjoy. He gets to play these kid's seducer this time and he's great at it.

Maybe this is just personal, but I think movies about gambling are fun and the counting card element really gives the blackjack sequences some juice. It's one of the few things about the film that I haven't really seen in another movie before, not the way it's portrayed here anyway. This here flick may not be Rounders (which is near-perfect), but it's a hell of a lot better than Shade (which is God-awful). No, it's somewhere in between, but the kind of in-between movie you'd maybe settle on if you were surfing through the cable channels. Oh, this is the scene where the fat nerdy kid makes a joke. I like him. Now you mix in the MIT underdog angle and we're talking Chucky Cheese slices of merriment! No one's easier to root for than a nerd, especially if that nerd looks like Kate Bosworth.

How a movie makes you feel when it ends is huge for me. It can make or break a movie and for me it made 21. I'm not talking the third-act plot goings-ons. I'm talking about the last scene, the way the film was structured from the start and the way the writers chose to close the story. This one made me smile.




I must admit PB, until your review, I had no fucking interest what so EVER to see 21. Pretty metrosexuals being threatened by Laurence "Morpheus" Fishburne? Shit, I probably would have hoped he would have given them a "warning" this side of CASINO.

I would have bitched about Kevin Spacey's seemingly lack of interest in 21, as if he was jobbing another paycheck...until I found out via IMDB that he is a producer. Maybe its just the advertizing campaign that makes him look so insignificant...Why do I answer my own questions?

But now PB, I might check out 21 sometime. Not in theatres now, and not first-run on DVD...maybe I watch it during a bargain bin special rental orgy.

Then again, maybe I'm being so cautious with 21 because I saw the History Channel documentary on that book, and really....unless its a Scorsese or a Fincher working such a true tale, Hollywood usually washes out the mundance intricities of true life in order to present to us all yet another "Based on a True Story," or 20% awesome truth, 80% banal bullshit.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 02:36 PM

Watched 2 films at work last night (yes it was quiet)

Firstly JEEPERS CREEPERS!

A horror movie that i really enjoy every time i see it.

Also a film called SUMMER CATCH!

Which i thought would be awful but it was'nt.Well not really ;\)

It's all about baseball in the summer minor leagues and had a great cast.Freddie Prinze,Matthew Lillard,Brian Dennehey & Jessica Biel.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 03:04 PM

Yogi,

I liked Jeepers Creepers too. If you get a chance, also watch Final Destination. I think you'd enjoy it. \:\)


TIS
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 05:23 PM

Fever Pitch. I like Drew and Fallon. They're both low-key, but expressive. It's well written and funny.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/13/08 05:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I believe this is her first starring role...

You believe? Check IMDb, man.

 Quote:
...and she continues to grow as a young actress.

She continues to grow, but this is her first film? Errrrr, what?

(Sorry, I meant fucking what? (I should probably add [BadWord] to that, too.))

 Quote:
I wasn't quite sure how good this film would turn out being that the story takes place solely in a parking garage but they used different levels so it worked fine.
What levels? Stop being as lazy as a fucking moronic little [BadWord], and put your film-watching to some use, instead of having a shitty little hobbie. PB's review above and before yours is so much more specific; it makes you want to read it, and it's about as ten times as long as yours; yours is three lines long and I only read it so I could take the fucking piss. Seriously man, get a fucking life, or hang yourself.

EDIT: Those last three words weren't meant. Everything else was. Take a look at yourself and your existence on this planet. If you come out with anything positive, then I very much envy your ignorance.




chill mate chill!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 04:04 AM

GLORY ROAD 1/2
(First Viewing)

The basketball version of REMEMBER THE TITANS is basically just that, a full-on basketball adaptation of the football feature film a few years earlier. They're both based on true stories that are very similar and Disney does their best to water them down as much as possible to get that PG rating. A bit more enjoyable than originally thought but the story was still rushed and cramped in parts.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 01:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Yogi,

I liked Jeepers Creepers too. If you get a chance, also watch Final Destination. I think you'd enjoy it. \:\)


TIS


Hey TIS,

I agree the Final Destination films are good!
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 02:22 PM

THE GRADUATE (1967) ****

I mentioned in the DVD discussion thread the other day how pleased I was with THE GRADUATE's 40th Anniversary DVD extras. Well, I watched the actual film last night for about the 200th time, so I thought I'd take a shot at reviewing it, which was quite a challenge, because the film is such a classic. Well, here goes nothing.

Benjamin Braddock is a recent college graduate who has no idea what he’s going to do with his life now. He falls into an affair with the wife of his father’s partner, Mrs. Robinson. Mrs. Robinson is just using Ben for sex, while he’s yearning for something more. He finds it in Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine. Ben is forced to confess the affair and lose Elaine, but he trails her back to Berkley in order to win her back.

THE GRADUATE is considered an all time classic and its value is two fold. It serves as a time capsule of a certain period in American history where the generation gap was never more prominent and youth were never more despondent and aimless. Yet at the same time it also explores universal themes of human connection and relationships. The character of Ben is one that anyone fresh from college today can empathize with. He is fearful of the future with no real clue as how to conduct himself as an adult in the ‘real world.’ As Ben says to his father while in the pool, he’s just drifting. Why is he drifting? Because it’s comfortable to do so. Personally, although I am twenty five years removed from college, I can still relate to Ben’s emotional status and confusion on what direction his life should take. The fear of trying and failing can be paralyzing, so you drift and don’t rock at the boat. This is one reason why Mrs. Robinson so easily manipulates Ben as she represents a strong outside force that tells him what to do and how to do it. Meeting Elaine snaps Ben out of his malaise, because he has found a kindred soul who he sees a part of himself in and reflects back that everything might not be perfect and set, but it’s ok. Most couples get together because of the need to connect one’s life to that of another. A shared hell is better than a hell alone. The final shot of Ben and Elaine on the bus has them going through a myriad of emotions on their faces from joy to fear to confusion to relief to a sheer dread of the unknown and a realization of what they just did. They’ve achieved their goal, but what now?

The film also stands as one that bridged the gap between the traditional Hollywood studio film and the grittier, avant-garde, controversial cinema of the seventies. Not only does the movie deal with taboo subjects, but its visual language and overall production was something raw and new. Director Mike Nichols was still wet behind the ears as a film director, but his shot choices, compositions and editing are some of the most bold and creative since Citizen Kane, which had a novice director at the helm too. Nichols rightfully won the Academy Award for best director that year, although The Graduate was shut out in the other major categories. From the iconic shot between Mrs. Robinson’s legs, to Ben’s horrendous yet funny escapade in the scuba suit, to the turning point scene of Ben trying to get Mrs. Robinson to open up to him in bed while turning the lights on and off Nichols approaches every individual scene with a keen directorial eye that pulls individual elements in to make a whole. The direction at the same time is showy, yet subtle. The viewer is very distinctly aware that they are watching a movie, yet these obvious stylistic touches perfectly fit the built world of the film.

Dustin Hoffman was an unknown that didn’t fit the mold of the standard Hollywood leading man, but that makes him perfect for Ben. Hoffman so well embodies the nebbish, awkward youth that the persona has followed him today even despite his varied and accomplished career. Ben really at his core is an unlikable character, but Hoffman manages to invest him with tangible qualities of realism that draws sympathy from the viewer. Bancroft gives a tour de force performance as Mrs. Robinson that isn’t as showy as it could have been. Every move is calculated. Every statement uttered is with surgical precision. One wonders how many times Mrs. Robinson has snared a fly like Benjamin in her web. Robinson has brief moments of vulnerability, such as when she’s standing soaking wet in her upstairs hallway when Ben confesses the affair, but we never truly get inside her. Of course, this is all by design as no one can truly know Mrs. Robinson as she does not even know herself. She disappears in the second half of the movie until she reappears as a preening villain out of some James Bond movie. She calls the cops on Ben with the relaxed matter of fact attitude as if she were ordering a pizza. She is not a woman to be spurned that is for sure. Ross often gets lost in the shuffle of the two stronger performances, but she’s a good fit for Elaine. She’s a blank, pretty slate but at the same time she exudes similar qualities to Ben in the performance of her character while also coming across as more intelligent and self assured. Even in her emotional outbursts there is a measure of restraint that one can easily imagine is the result of what must have been a very closeted upbringing considering her parents. The rest of the supporting cast is superb as everyone mines what little comedy nuggets they can from their bit parts. Murray Hamilton gives a very underrated performance as Mr. Robinson, which most clearly can be seen when he confronts Ben in his apartment. His line delivery and the way he and Hoffman play off of each other is perfect. William Daniels and Norman Fell are fantastic and it’s pretty cool to see screenwriter Buck Henry in a bit part as a hotel clerk.

Speaking of Buck Henry, there are a lot of Henry touches evident in the film with the droll wit and uncomfortable situations exploited for comedic purposes. He also has a knack for being so subtly subversive and perverse that when you catch a certain element you feel like the dirty one for reading something into it. Ben using a cross as a weapon and then barring the doors with it at the church in the end came under fire from various religious organizations at the time, but in the movie it’s such a logical thing for him to do and there is no attention called to it. While the movie eschews scenes on drugs and the Vietnam War, there is still underlining commentary on the social mores and state of affairs for youths at the time. The strongest statements are the ones that aren’t beat over your head.

40 years later and it's as fresh today as the day it was released. If you've been living in a cave and haven't yet seen it, get yor butt over to Blockbuster today.

PB
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 04:37 PM

Now thats a film review..

Good review, ive not seen this film, but ive always wantd to watch it..
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 04:41 PM

Thanks DeNiro.

Now go rent it today! \:\)
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 05:56 PM

It was on ITV 4 a couple of weeks ago and i meant to record it and forgot


I will try and rent it in the next few weeks.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 06:16 PM

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY 1/2
(Second Viewing)

No high-tech gadgetry or heart-pounding action sequences made this one of the few dull Bond films.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 08:13 PM

you could have wrote that in the shout box ;\)

Why was it dull?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/14/08 08:19 PM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
you could have wrote that in the shout box ;\)

Why was it dull?


No high-tech gadgetry or heart-pounding action sequences
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/08 01:26 AM

SHOUTBOX MATERIAL!

Henceforth, if I reply to you with anything other than those two words, consider it a compliment. \:\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/15/08 08:36 PM

OCTOPUSSY 1/2
(Second Viewing)

This was more in-line with the previously more successful Bond films IMO. The gadgetry's back as well as more intense action sequences. I think this is Roger Moore's best Bond hands down.
Posted By: ap_capone48101

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/08 03:17 AM

Reno 911 Miami. I thought it was hilarious. I love the show and it was cool to see how they used a lot of the regulars in different roles.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/08 02:28 PM

THE STING (1973) ****

THE STING had the bad fortune of being the film that won the Best Picture Oscar in the year between THE GODFATHER (1972) and THE GODFATHER PART II (1974). Perhaps because of that, this classic has somewhat faded from public view.

THE STING takes place in Chicago during the Great Depression. It is the story of Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford), a small-time grifter who mistakenly cons a numbers runner for the biggest gangster in the city (Robert Shaw). When his mentor (Robert Earl Jones) is killed in retribution, Hooker finds a down-on-his-luck purveyor of the big con named Heny Gondorff (Paul Newman) to help him get revenge.

I won't tell you any more of the storyline, because that would rob you of the opportunity to experience the twisting, turning landscape of the film on your own. Just remember nothing is ever exactly what it seems and every time you think you've got everything figured out, you are wrong.

THE STING has an amazing plot and script, but it also works because of three of the great actors of their generation are hitting on all cylinders. Newman and Redford are outstanding, shockingly bettering their chemistry in their iconic first film BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, which was made a few years previously.

As great as Redford and Newman were, this film seriously demands a reassessment of one of the most fascinating characters in film, the late, great Robert Shaw. Shaw was one of the last legendary hard-living British actors (and he was an accomplished playwright, too). Shaw drank too much, worked too hard, was an insanely competitive sportsman and an over-the-top lover. And eventually, as these things so often happen, he died too young. He had a heart attack in the late 70s at 59 years-old right as his acting career was exploding -- an explosion that can be traced directly to this role. Interestingly, this wasn't even Shaw's greatest film role, his best was as the hardened shark hunter Quint in JAWS. Shaw also played a Bond villain in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, a ruthless hi-jacker in the great, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1-2-3, a king in A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, the Sheriff of Nottingham in ROBIN AND MARION and a hardened treasure hunter in THE DEEP. His STING gangster boss Doyle Lonnegan is a ruthless, greedy and surprisingly likable character and Shaw infuses him with a surprising nuance. People don't act like this anymore, and that's a damned shame. Robert Shaw was one for the ages.

THE STING is pretty damn close to a perfect movie. It is the type of movie that reminds you how powerful the art form of filmmaking can be. But don't take it from me, see it yourself.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/08 02:33 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Interestingly, this wasn't even Shaw's greatest film role, his best was as the hardened shark hunter Quint in JAWS. Shaw also played a Bond villain in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE


As great as he was in "Jaws", my vote for his best role was as Grant in "From Russia With Love". He was Bond's best villian, and their fight on the train was Bond's best fight. Shaw played the role PERFECTLY.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/08 02:37 PM

Yeah, he was GREAT in that, SC. That's why I was sure to mention it.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/08 02:40 PM

Going back to "Jaws" ... his "speech" about the ship he was on (that delivered the A-Bomb) going down and being in shark infested waters was one of the best scenes that could be included in the "Best Scene" thread.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/08 02:45 PM

"Show me thye way to go home, I'm tired and I wanna go to bed . . ."

Who knew Richard Dreyfuss could sing?
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/08 02:47 PM

Watched NORBIT with Eddie Murphy in it last night.

The newspaper review said Murphy and his fat suit joke was starting to wear thin and boy they were'nt wrong \:x

When was the official date that Murphy stopped being funny?

This was dreadful \:\(
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/16/08 06:15 PM

NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN
(Second Viewing)

The 1983 remake of THUNDERBALL and the "unofficial" James Bond film have nothing to worry about as proved by the more successful OCTOPUSSY. Often duplicated but never replicated, this James Bond is not up to par. Aside from the lackluster opening (sans "Bond title sequences") this film just doesn't have the vision that both Production Designer Ken Adam and Executive Producer Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli bring to the films. However, one positive about the film was the amount of underwater scenes was drastically cut compared to the original THUNDERBALL.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/08 05:56 PM

LOVE WITH THE PROPER STRANGER (1963)****

This was my Mom's favorite movie of all-time. Hands down. So it has a special place in my heart (what, you didn't think Pizzaboy had a heart? ). It was one of the first big studio films to concentate on Italian-Americans, and it did so without any cliches or a single reference to a gangster. Considering that it was made well before Italian-Americans started to really protest such stereotypes, I think that makes this film way ahead of it's time, even if the moral stance on abortion might seem little bit antiquated to some people.

Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood are outstanding as a musician and a sales clerk respectively in New York City. Even in a city of millions you still get involved with the lives of two families. While McQueen and Wood are standouts, the supporting cast help make this a solid and memorable film.

The movie begins with an empty hall and quickly it turns in to a musicians hiring hall. Here is where we first meet McQueen and Wood. Wood is coming to see McQueen about the after effects of a one night stand a few months earlier. Naturally, the woman remembers the man, but the man doesn't have a clue. What makes it tougher for McQueen is that he already has a girl friend when he meets Wood again. Eddie Adams is great here as McQueen's suffering girlfriend. When McQueen asks about maybe getting her help for a friend who needs a doctor for his pregnant girlfriend, the result is predictable but Adams is superb as she makes her opinion known.

The families of these two people are a great contrast. The family of Wood, all brothers and a mother, are suffocating her with their concerns about her. Her brother picks her up from work in the family truck. Her mother is of the old world. McQueen's on the other hand have accepted that he is out on his own and seem to be used to his occassional appearances.

The scenes dealing with the solution to Wood's "problem" are chilling. Waiting on a windblown street for a contact. Both trying to be inconspicuous and worry that they have enough money for the "doctor". When the contact shows, he tells them that they have enough for the "doctor" but not for his fee. They are given a deadline and then they set off to dig up the money. McQueen knows his folks will give him some money so he heads with Wood, to see them at a local playground. Here it turns into a race as Wood's brothers show up looking for her and they are also racing the clock to see the "doctor".

The actual back alley setting is sobering and a real shock of reality as it was in the years leading up to Rowe v. Wade. This is a good reminder about what an abortion involved. No sterile technique, more a process to keep the people from getting too blood stained.

This is not a lived happily ever after story. You don't know what happens to them other than that they both have a change of heart about each other.

The black and white photography is excellent and adds a great deal to the visual impact. New York, as always, provides it's own unique component to this excellent film.



Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/08 06:29 PM

I've been urging folks to watch this movie for years here. It has a little bit of everything worth watching (a good story, very good acting, some drama, some very funny scenes, etc.). McQueen shows his acting prowess and Wood was at her prettiest (and thats saying a lot). The family scenes were hysterical, yet poignant (similar to "Marty", some years earlier).

Look for Richard Castellano (Clemenza) in a quick scene near the beginning (he doesn't speak).

The scenes of New York City in the early 60's are well worth seeing as well.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/08 06:32 PM

SC,

I almost wrote, word for word, that Natalie Wood was at her prettiest in this movie!

Weird.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/08 06:37 PM

She was HOT, and the chemistry between her and McQueen was pretty damned good.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/08 06:38 PM

I wonder if women still want "bells and banjos"?
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/08 07:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I wonder if women still want "bells and banjos"?


Well PB, why not take another opportunity to go out some night this week with your van and duct tape and find a woman to ask?
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/08 08:01 PM

 Originally Posted By: olivant
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I wonder if women still want "bells and banjos"?


Well PB, why not take another opportunity to go out some night this week with your van and duct tape and find a woman to ask?



That's really not nice.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/17/08 08:30 PM

A VIEW TO A KILL 1/2
(Second Viewing)

This was definitely better after a second viewing. Walken looks great with his beach-blonde hair and is in my opinion, one of the best Bond villains to date along with Christopher Lee (in terms of Roger Moore Bond films at least). Both Walken and Lee are charismatic and intelligent and present Bond with a glimpse of himself, however where Walken and Lee differ is Walken seems to be a little more insane with his cold killing methods. Great to see a true psychopath in a Bond film lash out!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/08 07:06 PM

THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS
(Second Viewing)

Timothy Dalton was enjoyable as Agent 007, however, he didn't really seem to bring much to the role. Connery brought his smoothness and Moore brought his humor but compared to those two I felt Dalton was bland.
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/18/08 10:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Interestingly, this wasn't even Shaw's greatest film role, his best was as the hardened shark hunter Quint in JAWS. Shaw also played a Bond villain in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE


As great as he was in "Jaws", my vote for his best role was as Grant in "From Russia With Love". He was Bond's best villian, and their fight on the train was Bond's best fight. Shaw played the role PERFECTLY.


An even better performance was Shaw as Colonel Hessler in The Battle of the Bulge in '65.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/08 01:16 AM

I read somewhere that Sterling Hayden (McCluskey) was actually the original choice to play Quint, but he had tax problems and had to leave the US. I can't imagine anyone else in the role but Robert Shaw.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/08 01:53 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
 Originally Posted By: olivant
 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I wonder if women still want "bells and banjos"?


Well PB, why not take another opportunity to go out some night this week with your van and duct tape and find a woman to ask?



That's really not nice.


Oh come on Pizzaboy, Olivant is a Hillary fan...what you expect? \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/08 01:55 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
LOVE WITH THE PROPER STRANGER (1963)****

This was my Mom's favorite movie of all-time. Hands down. So it has a special place in my heart (what, you didn't think Pizzaboy had a heart? ). It was one of the first big studio films to concentate on Italian-Americans, and it did so without any cliches or a single reference to a gangster. Considering that it was made well before Italian-Americans started to really protest such stereotypes, I think that makes this film way ahead of it's time, even if the moral stance on abortion might seem little bit antiquated to some people.

Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood are outstanding as a musician and a sales clerk respectively in New York City. Even in a city of millions you still get involved with the lives of two families. While McQueen and Wood are standouts, the supporting cast help make this a solid and memorable film.

The movie begins with an empty hall and quickly it turns in to a musicians hiring hall. Here is where we first meet McQueen and Wood. Wood is coming to see McQueen about the after effects of a one night stand a few months earlier. Naturally, the woman remembers the man, but the man doesn't have a clue. What makes it tougher for McQueen is that he already has a girl friend when he meets Wood again. Eddie Adams is great here as McQueen's suffering girlfriend. When McQueen asks about maybe getting her help for a friend who needs a doctor for his pregnant girlfriend, the result is predictable but Adams is superb as she makes her opinion known.

The families of these two people are a great contrast. The family of Wood, all brothers and a mother, are suffocating her with their concerns about her. Her brother picks her up from work in the family truck. Her mother is of the old world. McQueen's on the other hand have accepted that he is out on his own and seem to be used to his occassional appearances.

The scenes dealing with the solution to Wood's "problem" are chilling. Waiting on a windblown street for a contact. Both trying to be inconspicuous and worry that they have enough money for the "doctor". When the contact shows, he tells them that they have enough for the "doctor" but not for his fee. They are given a deadline and then they set off to dig up the money. McQueen knows his folks will give him some money so he heads with Wood, to see them at a local playground. Here it turns into a race as Wood's brothers show up looking for her and they are also racing the clock to see the "doctor".

The actual back alley setting is sobering and a real shock of reality as it was in the years leading up to Rowe v. Wade. This is a good reminder about what an abortion involved. No sterile technique, more a process to keep the people from getting too blood stained.

This is not a lived happily ever after story. You don't know what happens to them other than that they both have a change of heart about each other.

The black and white photography is excellent and adds a great deal to the visual impact. New York, as always, provides it's own unique component to this excellent film.



Wow, that sounds like a good movie. I gotta check it out sometime then.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/08 02:03 AM

The reason why Robert Shaw was awesome in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE isn't that his character was really anything remarkable....in terms of gimmicks, which Bond villains usually are, his character isn't much....but damn, he made it awesome with his presence, his charisma, and was up there in the testosterone with Connery.

Really, maybe thats a reason why I dug the hell out of CASINO ROYALE from 2006, because Craig/Mekkelson practically are given room and allowed to use their remarkable screen chemistry, as seen in the torture scene and the spectacular poker showdown.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/08 03:03 AM

THE GOLDEN COMPASS
(Second Viewing)

Finally a real fantasy movie and not the teases such as BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA or PAN'S LABYRINTH. Dakota Blue Richards does a great job in her first movie and it was great seeing Nicole Kidman as a villain. She has those cold eyes and curtness to her that makes her a powerful character. I hope they continue to make these films as I'd like to see how the story ends, but I guess it depends on how well it does at the box office and DVD rentals/sales.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/08 08:51 PM

PAN'S LABYRINTH
(Second Viewing)

Definitely better a second time around. I still don't think it was a "classic" or anything like that, but I don't hate it anymore. Some great costumes and set designs. Guillermo del Toro is what I like to think of as a Spanish Tim Burton. I look forward to his interpretation of THE HOBBIT!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/19/08 10:52 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
PAN'S LABYRINTH : Star:
(Second Viewing)

Definitely better a second time around. I still don't think it was a "classic" or anything like that, but I don't hate it anymore. Some great costumes and set designs. Guillermo del Toro is what I like to think of as a Spanish Tim Burton. I look forward to his interpretation of THE HOBBIT!


I dare you to check out DEVIL'S BACKBONE sometime...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/08 02:14 AM

THE ORPHANAGE
(First Viewing)

Pretty dull for a ghost story. I'd classify this more of a "suspense" than actual horror film. Pretty disappointing and more in line with a RING or the other Japanese horror films that haven't transitioned well in America.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/08 04:21 AM

SHOUTBOX MATERIAL.

This is probably spam.

Reply: so are your posts in this thread.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/08 07:37 AM

JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Only the second Jay and Silent Bob film I've seen on screen (the first being CLERKS II). This is my favorite of the Jay & Silent Bob series because I enjoy the way it ties everything else in from the previous 4 films. Plus I just really like the characters.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/08 09:09 AM

GOODFELLAS (1990) - (insert highest rate) - SPOILERS

how good is that? I know this is one of the cornerstones of these boards and that everyone has already claimed it "one of my favorite movies" already, but since I watched it again (it must be my 4th or 5th viewing) a few days ago I just feel compelled to tell the world how I love Martin Scorsese's masterpiece.

in my most humble opinion, Goodfellas is definitely better than Scorsese's early classics (Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull), and slightly better than some of his underrated flicks that I absolutely adore (After Hours, The King of Comedy), as well as the Oscar stud The Departed and Goodfellas' young brother Casino. Just like Henry Hill knows he's done and he'll never have "the good old life" again, after watching Goodfellas I feel melancholyc, thinking "they'll never make such a cool film again". I don't expect it.

The technical execution of the golden years as well as of the downfall is just amazing, and the fast paced, scene-after-scene attack of cursing, hustling, guns and drugs and deaths makes you leave wanting more even though the movie lasts almost 3 hours.

Joe Pesci played the best role of his career, the one he has been labeled ever since. Robert De Niro was obviously perfectly casted, and obviously delievered it. and Ray Liotta, if I met him one day I'll say "hey, there's Henry Hill!" before I remember he just played him, but he's not him. and the film runs so naturally, it looks so beautiful, you really enjoy the nights at the restaurant with all the wiseguys, and you sense Henry's state of mind as his life becomes a chaos after he comes back from jail and keeps his Pittsburgh connection, under Paulie's disapproval.
In the end, Henry is done and he has to make a simple choice; he can become a rat and die inside, but keep living with his wife and daughters under FBI's witness protection program or really die, by the hands of his lifetime friend Jimmy (De Niro). simple, and just like that you can really understand how a person could turn against everything he believed when pressed against the wall, even if it the guilt for doing it hurts more than any gun could do. maybe the secret is that the ending is so cool and fittingly, leaving you begging for more...

"regrets, I had a few..."
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/08 09:14 AM

Nice review
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/08 02:03 PM

I watched the movie Number 23 with Jim Carrey. It happened to be on HBO. It started out kind of interesting but then lost me. I admit I was also playing on the computer, but even still I lost interest midway through. It seemed too complicated.

Today however, I am going to see "Shine A Light", te Scorsese Rolling Stones Doc. Look forward to that. If nothing else the music will be good. \:\)

TIS
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/08 05:54 PM


I finally saw SWEENEY TODD last night -- not bad, a bit weird seeing JD singing but he did a GREAT job! It seemed to go on forever, though. *shrug* But good overall...
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/20/08 06:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

I finally saw SWEENEY TODD last night -- not bad, a bit weird seeing JD singing but he did a GREAT job! It seemed to go on forever, though. *shrug* But good overall...


Any Burton movie is bound to be "a bit weird," unless one could argue the exception being BATMAN....

But yeah Geoff, I was damn impressed with Depp's singing ability. Most of us already know he's one of the best actors of this cinema epoch, but not every actor can carry the burden of such a musical on his shoulders. I actually argue its the best work of his career, which I'm sure many good folks will disagree with.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 12:28 AM

Sweeney Todd was the worst film I saw last year, save for Rambo. JG, if you like the story but weren't keen on the singing, check out the Ray Winstone version; I have it on my shelf ready to go.

TIS, I just finished watching the Bourne trilogy (know you love it). I loved it, too. They're excellent films; my favourite is Ultimatum.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 12:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I watched the movie Number 23 with Jim Carrey. It happened to be on HBO. It started out kind of interesting but then lost me. I admit I was also playing on the computer, but even still I lost interest midway through. It seemed too complicated.

Today however, I am going to see "Shine A Light", te Scorsese Rolling Stones Doc. Look forward to that. If nothing else the music will be good. \:\)

TIS


Let me know how that is please. I'm interested in it
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 12:42 AM

I went to see Shine a Light last night, out of obligation to Marty (I'm not too familiar with the Stones); Jagger's a bit of a one-trick pony, and as a foursome they're all walking relics. It got old after about an hour, though I guess you ought to admire his sheer energy. Still, I was in one of those moods last night where I have an intolerably low tolerance for bullshit, and had decided thirty seconds in I wasn't really going to like it: what was with all that Marty-Mick phone-call set-up? Made black and white in post, too; yucky.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 03:45 AM

CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR
(First Viewing)

A great cast and intriguing story. It seemed like an Oscar bait movie from the previews and I'm glad the Academy didn't fall for it.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 06:00 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Sweeney Todd was the worst film I saw last year,


I wouldn't go THAT far!!

It crawled slowly to me, but, it wasn't horrible by any means! I actually thought (much of) the music was rather good -- just too much of it maybe. Or too long. I don't know. I'd never seen/heard the actual story before, so maybe that's part of it. I thought it was good, but it didn't blow me away either.

But the worst of '07?? I highly doubt that.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 07:22 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR
(First Viewing)

A great cast and intriguing story. It seemed like an Oscar bait movie from the previews and I'm glad the Academy didn't fall for it.


Should have read my review, mate.

Why?

Because I'm always right. \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 07:30 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Sweeney Todd was the worst film I saw last year,


I wouldn't go THAT far!!

It crawled slowly to me, but, it wasn't horrible by any means! I actually thought (much of) the music was rather good -- just too much of it maybe. Or too long. I don't know. I'd never seen/heard the actual story before, so maybe that's part of it. I thought it was good, but it didn't blow me away either.

But the worst of '07?? I highly doubt that.


Capo has some interesting opinions that I greatly disagree* with him on, but you know what?

I rather have someone unique like him who offers interesting points in his observations, who stirs the pot...instead of a Chris Gore, who NEVER EVER offers anything worth a damn, and is too busy trying to become the new MoviePhone.

As for SWEENEY TODD, its not the worst movie of 2007. Trust me, Capo knows nothing until he gets raped by SOUTHLAND TALES or DELTA FARCE.

*=He called BLADE RUNNER "rubbish" and thought RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK was meh. What The Fuck?
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 12:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I went to see Shine a Light last night, out of obligation to Marty (I'm not too familiar with the Stones); Jagger's a bit of a one-trick pony, and as a foursome they're all walking relics. It got old after about an hour, though I guess you ought to admire his sheer energy. Still, I was in one of those moods last night where I have an intolerably low tolerance for bullshit, and had decided thirty seconds in I wasn't really going to like it: what was with all that Marty-Mick phone-call set-up? Made black and white in post, too; yucky.


Hi Capo,

For me, I went simply to hear some great music and to see a group that I wish I would have been able to see in their prime.

However awful they looked (and believe me they did), they sounded great. \:\) Mick still moves like a kid and gets the audience worked up. I wanted to get up and dance. Which......is really funny because would you believe that my daughter, Angie (boy were were hoping they'd play that song) and I were the "ONLY" ones in the theater??? \:o We kept screaming out "woo woo" and singing, clapping. Had a good time.

We laughed every time we saw Keith Richards and all the "stuff" in his hair (I think it was a button hanging there somewhere) and when he said to the audience, "nice to see you, but then it's nice to see anyone."

Anyway, I'm prejudice because to me, they are definitely one of the (next to the Beatles) best Rock groups ever. Love them.

TIS
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 01:57 PM

I'm going to see it, more out of loyalty to Scorsese than out of love for the band. I'm not a really big fan, but I do enjoy their mainstream stuff. Besides, what would MEAN STREETS have been without Jumpin' Jack Flash?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 03:36 PM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I'm going to see it, more out of loyalty to Scorsese than out of love for the band. I'm not a really big fan, but I do enjoy their mainstream stuff. Besides, what would MEAN STREETS have been without Jumpin' Jack Flash?


I agree. I'll see it more for Scorsese than the Stones
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 05:07 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I watched the movie Number 23 with Jim Carrey. It happened to be on HBO. It started out kind of interesting but then lost me. I admit I was also playing on the computer, but even still I lost interest midway through. It seemed too complicated.

Today however, I am going to see "Shine A Light", te Scorsese Rolling Stones Doc. Look forward to that. If nothing else the music will be good. \:\)

TIS


Let me know how that is please. I'm interested in it


you mean theres a film you havn't seen ;\)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 06:55 PM

LICENCE TO KILL 1/2
(Second Viewing)

The better of the two Dalton Bond films. This had two of my favorite actors in it: Robert Davi (from THE GOONIES) and a very young Benicio Del Toro. One of the things I never liked about the Dalton Bond was his lack of enthusiasm towards the women. He lacks that charisma and charm that both Connery and Moore had. The Wayne Newton cameo was a nice touch though. One thing I really enjoyed about this Bond was the revenge factor. People whom Bond care about are put into harm's way and he has to answer for them. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER should have picked up that angle from the conclusion of ON HER MAJESTY'S SERVICE SERVICE however decided to forgo that avenue.
Posted By: Sicilian1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 10:03 PM

For the last week I have been watching "The Outsiders" by Francis Ford Coppola (1983).
"You know what a soc is?" "White trash with Mustangs and madras."
I say for a week because my daughter had to read the book for school and do a report. I told her the movie was great,so we went out and bought the DVD.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/21/08 10:14 PM

I love Outsiders. The "stay gold" theme and the cinematography raise it above the average teen movie.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 01:19 AM

 Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
I'm going to see it, more out of loyalty to Scorsese than out of love for the band. I'm not a really big fan, but I do enjoy their mainstream stuff. Besides, what would MEAN STREETS have been without Jumpin' Jack Flash?


Speaking of Marty (they show him mostly in the beginning), he is kind of unintentionally humourous. He strikes me as very nervous and fidgety (i.e. " All I wanna know is what song they are gonna open with" he says several times during the planning stages or "we definitly can't set Mick on fire" talking about some kind of stage lighting or something. He reminds me of a Joe Pesci character. No what I mean Capo? He does seem like a likeable guy though.

TIS
Posted By: Meggie

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 02:17 AM

Watched the Heartbreak Kid last night.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 02:41 AM

 Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Speaking of Marty (they show him mostly in the beginning), he is kind of unintentionally humourous. He strikes me as very nervous and fidgety (i.e. " All I wanna know is what song they are gonna open with" he says several times during the planning stages or "we definitly can't set Mick on fire" talking about some kind of stage lighting or something. He reminds me of a Joe Pesci character. No what I mean Capo?
Ha, yeah, he's very concerned about who's going to be where when it all starts; you have to admire his passion and balls. I'm still not sure if we needed that opening black-and-white montage, though (or the end). That kind of thing's better suited to an optional extra on the DVD release; as it is, it comes across as a bit contrived (as interesting as I find it, in itself).

Another decision that I found very strange and strained, as regards portrayal oof the Stones as timeless... did you notice that almost every single person in the front row was some sort of hyperreal blonde lass you'd expect to see on MTV? What was all that about? To show the Stones' lasting sex appeal?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 06:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
*=He called BLADE RUNNER "rubbish" and thought RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK was meh. What The Fuck?


WHAT???! Capo, don't make me start agreeing with RedRocket here... is this true?? \:o

Blade Runner is one of my favorite films of all time!! WHAT??

Raiders, sure, it's fun, but whatever... but Blade Runner??? \:\/

Granted, I don't know which version you've seen. And a while ago I got the DVD set with "all" the versions on it, but, haven't yet watched it. But in any event... please provide a link to your review!

Anyway...

Last night it was Johnny Depp in Nick of Time (1995) -- a film I hadn't heard of, with Christopher Walken, no less. Not terrible. Not great. But seemed to be like a TV Movie. Forgettable, but, worth the watch if you like thrillers (I do!), or JD...

Tonight was Samuel L. Jackson in One Eight Seven (1997) -- not the strongest urban high school stories I've seen, but -- okay, let's face it, a copycat (even as predecessor) of a few greats. This was all right, I guess. (It was no Lean on Me (1989) or anything -- but I saw the same vibe coming) -- but attempting to be, and failing to come thru as, a thriller.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 06:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Last night it was Johnny Depp in Nick of Time (1995) -- a film I hadn't heard of, with Christopher Walken, no less. Not terrible. Not great. But seemed to be like a TV Movie. Forgettable, but, worth the watch if you like thrillers (I do!), or JD...

Tonight was Samuel L. Jackson in One Eight Seven (1997) -- not the strongest urban high school stories I've seen, but -- okay, let's face it, a copycat (even as predecessor) of a few greats. This was all right, I guess. (It was no Lean on Me (1989) or anything -- but I saw the same vibe coming) -- but attempting to be, and failing to come thru as, a thriller.


I thought these were both great. I own 187 on DVD but need to pick up NICK OF TIME. Between the two, I'd say I like NICK OF TIME better.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 07:01 AM


Out of curiosity... why do you have to actually OWN Nick of Time?? I saw it, and don't really need to see it again -- but if I did, I could just rent it again, say, 10 years down the road. But OWN it??

Why??

Don't get me wrong -- I bought A LOT of DVD's in the beginning... the going rate was over $20 so anything less than that I just bought for the fuck of it. lol. But for the past year or so I hardly bought any -- cuz I'm not stupid. HD is coming, and now we know it's Blu Ray rather than HD DVD -- fine, I didn't get into that battle.

Ya gotta know when to hold'em, know when to fold'm, know when to walk away, know when to run! BUT also know when to invest -- HD-DVD is done... Blu-Ray wins... so act accordingly.... And for the love of Christ, STOP buying 20 DVD's a week for NO reason!!! WTF?? ;\)
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 10:57 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
*=He called BLADE RUNNER "rubbish" and thought RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK was meh. What The Fuck?


WHAT???! Capo, don't make me start agreeing with RedRocket here... is this true?? \:o

Blade Runner is one of my favorite films of all time!! WHAT??

Raiders, sure, it's fun, but whatever... but Blade Runner??? \:\/

Granted, I don't know which version you've seen. And a while ago I got the DVD set with "all" the versions on it, but, haven't yet watched it. But in any event... please provide a link to your review!

Anyway...


Not to be a snitch, but here is what Capo wrote at the FCM joint:

"'Twas the 1992 director's cut. I must say: very unimpressed. I thought it was a load of bullshit, to be honest. I'm not convinced that intelligence can exist independent of emotions. Computers that lack human emotions in cinema seem gifted at sarcasm and teasingly light-hearted wit (are these not human emotions?). Result: "human emotions = able to fall in love".

I found some of it (dialogue, slow-motion, that forced feeling of grandeur) quite risible; it looks beautiful, though, and I love the music too. Also like the surreal pace and lengthy bouts of non-action, but the narrative shifts to the droids were dull and problematic.

Dunno, perhaps it caught me in the wrong mood, or I caught the wrong cut (I'm pretty sure I'd seen the theatrical cut previously, but it's so long ago now I don't remember). You guys wanna convince me otherwise? I can't really articulate why I found it quite as pompous as I did, so I thought I'd just throw some criticisms out there for y'all to chew on."

BLADE RUNNER is a polarizing picture. Either you're in deep bloom love with it, or you fucking want to burn the negative. No real middle-ground.


 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Last night it was Johnny Depp in Nick of Time (1995) -- a film I hadn't heard of, with Christopher Walken, no less. Not terrible. Not great. But seemed to be like a TV Movie. Forgettable, but, worth the watch if you like thrillers (I do!), or JD...


NICK OF TIME is a decent thriller, though we must remember...that was one of his first major leading gigs outside of 21 JUMP STREET or Tim Burton. Watchable it is, but that's it.

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
[
Tonight was Samuel L. Jackson in One Eight Seven (1997) -- not the strongest urban high school stories I've seen, but -- okay, let's face it, a copycat (even as predecessor) of a few greats. This was all right, I guess. (It was no Lean on Me (1989) or anything -- but I saw the same vibe coming) -- but attempting to be, and failing to come thru as, a thriller.
[/quote]

I didn't like 187 at all. I felt it was a pissy angry story written by one fucking disgruntled teacher who saw DEER HUNTER one too many times. Hell, only thing I remembered regarding that movie was that movie's bold disclaimer at the credits: "This movie was written by a teacher."

As if that excuses for mediocrity.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 02:34 PM

Blade Runner is too convinced that its central premise, "What does it mean to be human", is the first time it's been asked in the manner that it has. I suppose that's fair enough, and it's fascinating if you want to go along for the ride, but I find the narrative shifts between Deckard (Descartes?) and the drones problematic; it has no consistent subjective gaze, for a film so strongly about 'seeing' (recurring shots of eyes, etc.). It's too convinced that its ending is beautiful, that its elliptical development is intriguing, that its action set-pieces are weird enough so as to be unforgettable, that it has something profound to say...

...which it might (I'd like to read the book), but existentialism alone doesn't make a film unforgettable. I do like the mise-en-scene, but it hasn't dated too well in its aesthetics; baroque grandeur and risible slow-motion. Perhaps the final cut addresses these problems; I found its silences and gestures of inertia dull, and found it most interesting as a conglomeration of cultures and races to the point of humanity losing its identity - and perfection reached only in the machines it makes.

I don't hate it at all, and it's certainly not rubbish as a whole; I just find it underwhelming, a big mighty "meh". I've seen the director's cut twice now, once on the big screen. Will watch the final cut if it ever comes my way.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 03:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Out of curiosity... why do you have to actually OWN Nick of Time?? I saw it, and don't really need to see it again -- but if I did, I could just rent it again, say, 10 years down the road. But OWN it??

Why??

Don't get me wrong -- I bought A LOT of DVD's in the beginning... the going rate was over $20 so anything less than that I just bought for the fuck of it. lol. But for the past year or so I hardly bought any -- cuz I'm not stupid. HD is coming, and now we know it's Blu Ray rather than HD DVD -- fine, I didn't get into that battle.

Ya gotta know when to hold'em, know when to fold'm, know when to walk away, know when to run! BUT also know when to invest -- HD-DVD is done... Blu-Ray wins... so act accordingly.... And for the love of Christ, STOP buying 20 DVD's a week for NO reason!!! WTF?? ;\)


I'd buy it because it was a great movie, I don't own it and would watch it more than once in the next ten years ;\)
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 03:48 PM

I've always found it a curious trend that people who take pride in collecting DVDs seem to be fond of utter mediocrity. It's like they'll settle for anything.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 03:51 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Sweeney Todd was the worst film I saw last year,


I wouldn't go THAT far!!
The worst I saw, not the worst period (just like The Godfather is the best film you've seen, and little beyond that). I don't go out of my wway to see films I don't think I'll like, so it's no surprise that I see very few really, really shit films, compared to others on here.

Todd had no merit for me. I sighed ten minutes in and didn't come out of that cynical slumber.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 04:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I've always found it a curious trend that people who take pride in collecting DVDs seem to be fond of utter mediocrity. It's like they'll settle for anything.

Nowadays I find myself constantly torn between the choice of watching an unseen movie and rewatching a movie that I've seen and enjoyed. Mostly I settle for watching the unseen one. I don't like this trend, as many times I really love the movie and would like to watch it again with director's commentary. But I need to return the movie back to blockbuster in order to watch that other movie that I've been waiting to watch \:\( I can't imagine myself buying DVDs. I will, in all likelyhood, NOT watch the movie again. Forget the dilemma of collecting good/mediocre DVDs...
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 04:27 PM


You don't have On-Demand programming then, Mick? On bored evenings when I don't have any NetFlix discs and my DVR viewing is caught up (like last night), I scroll thru the free movies for something new. Granted, a lot of the free movies aren't the best, but I have no problem investing 90-120 minutes of my life with a crap movie -- or, an obscure movie that I might end up really enjoying. And how would you know until you actually saw it? I actually enjoy a lot of crappy films. ;\)

As for Blade Runner -- I took a class in college on Artificial Intelligence (the first thing discussed was Descartes! lol), and the book (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Philip K. Dick) was required reading. I'm not a big reader or anything, but it was enjoyable -- check it out. I think the books are generally better than the films they become. But one day I'll have to watch all 4 versions of BR. I still haven't seen the "Final" cut.

As for Irish's DVD buying spree... I'd slow down. I know I have 340 of them, but that started 10 years ago. I now only buy what I consider *critical* titles, because a few years from now HD will be standard and who wants to replace all their DVDs for Blu-ray versions? Imagine the cost! (Luckily for me I never really had much of a VHS collection - it was too shitty of a format, even then, to buy just any movie I liked. I had to LOVE it. Or it had to be in the bargain bin.) Irish has 628 titles! Assuming 100 minutes each, that's almost 44 days of 24/7 entertainment! Not necessary. I was guilty of the same thing ("utter mediocrity": check my list lol), but got over it. Besides, it's an expensive "hobby" after a while... and it never increased my dick size!

Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 04:29 PM

I've stopped buying DVDs. I'm tired of investing in a medium and technology that will soon go obsolete. I am in the process of transferring many of my beloved VCR movies to DVD, though. Lets see what happens in the next few years. \:\/
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 04:37 PM

I don't think there will be A given format that will last for long. I think DVDs have lasted long enough. Probably Blue rays will be there for another decade, now that the HDDVD format has definitely lost the battle. The Blue ray players will play the DVDs, so nothing goes waste. Unless, all the old films that you've got in DVDs are going to be re-released in Blue Ray. I am not sure if the average movie today has enough high definition content that will make a big difference in Blue Ray. Maybe the movies they make now and in future will be made with Blue Ray in mind.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 06:06 PM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
I've always found it a curious trend that people who take pride in collecting DVDs seem to be fond of utter mediocrity. It's like they'll settle for anything.


Its not the quality of the DVDs they buy that matters, but the # of titles they want to brag about owning, like that fucking matters.

In other words, its sizing up our Johnsons....

I have a considerable collection, but its titles I fucking dig, the massive amount of movies I watch more than once. When I'm spent with certain titles, I donate them to my college's library, with the idea that with their free student pass, they could explore alot of quality cinema at that peak age of curiosity.*

*=Which probably by now is about 20 DVDs, ranging from Francis Ford Coppola (DEMENTIA 13) to Ridley Scott (GLADIATOR/BLADE RUNNER) to Martin Scorsese (THE AVIATOR/RAGING BULL/TAXI DRIVER)damn good titles like Bill Paxton's FRAILTY, Joe Carnahan's NARC, and practically my entire Oliver Stone collection. See, I have a charitable dick!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 07:10 PM

GOLDENEYE
(Nth Viewing)

As of this writing I'd say Brosnan is my second favorite Bond behind only Connery. They seemed to have many similarities with their witty charm, grittiness to get the job done, and appetite for women. This is easily the best Bond in the previous decade before it and it'd dare say since GOLDFINGER. This was also the first film to introduce me to Sean Bean, Judi Dench, Alan Cummings and Famke Janssen. I really enjoyed Gottfried John's work as General Arkady Grigorovich Ourumov.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 07:11 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Irish has 628 titles!



As of today I'm up to 788
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 07:30 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
I've stopped buying DVDs. I'm tired of investing in a medium and technology that will soon go obsolete. I am in the process of transferring many of my beloved VCR movies to DVD, though. Lets see what happens in the next few years. \:\/


It wasn't that long ago that as a gift for my parents, we transferred all of their 8mm home movies of the family growing up to video. it looks like we should wait before transferring them to dvd.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 08:31 PM

 Originally Posted By: klydon1
It wasn't that long ago that as a gift for my parents, we transferred all of their 8mm home movies of the family growing up to video. it looks like we should wait before transferring them to dvd.


I bought (a fairly inexpensive) combo player/recorder that allows you to copy a VCR tape to DVD (or vice-a-versa). It has worked fine copying my old VCR movies to DVD plus the main benefit is that the VCR tapes were beginning to "fade" and that doesn't happen with a DVD, so I've "saved" my old movies from fading away.
Posted By: klydon1

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 08:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: SC
 Originally Posted By: klydon1
It wasn't that long ago that as a gift for my parents, we transferred all of their 8mm home movies of the family growing up to video. it looks like we should wait before transferring them to dvd.


I bought (a fairly inexpensive) combo player/recorder that allows you to copy a VCR tape to DVD (or vice-a-versa). It has worked fine copying my old VCR movies to DVD plus the main benefit is that the VCR tapes were beginning to "fade" and that doesn't happen with a DVD, so I've "saved" my old movies from fading away.


Thanks, SC. I'm going to buy one and transfer the tapes to disc this year.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 09:02 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Irish has 628 titles!



As of today I'm up to 788


my god that is crazy.. \:o
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 09:58 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Irish has 628 titles!

As of today I'm up to 788


That is quite an impressive number, but I looked at your collection some time ago and found only about 50-60 titles that I'd want (or already have).

I have about 200 titles (between VCR and DVD) and even if I could afford to buy whatever I wanted, I'd only be able to come up with perhaps another 100 that I'd want in my collection.

But, I guess that is what makes it special to each of us - it is OUR own tastes that determine what we buy and add. \:\/
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 10:37 PM

I have a grand total of 2 DVDs and one of them was a gift
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/22/08 11:00 PM

I haven't updated in a while, but I've watched quite a few movies. Ask me if you are interested in knowing more about any of these...

Yi Yi (2000 - Edward Yang) ****
The Son's Room (2005 - Nanni Moretti) ***
Cache (2005 - Michael Haneke) **
Ro.Go.Pa.G(segment - La Ricotta) (1963 - Pier Paolo Pasolini) ***
Hymn (Michael Pattison#) *
Still (Michael Pattison) *
Is Not (Michael Pattison)**
Gwent Jykmel (Michael Pattison) **
Le Amiche (1955 - Michelangelo Antonioni##) ****
La Notte (1961 - Michelangelo Antonioni) ****
Passenger (1975 - Michelangelo Antonioni) ****
Scenes from a marriage (1973 - Ingmar Bergman) ****

# It is Capo's real name
## Any other Antonioni fans here? Given a large number of Italians on the board, I wouldn't surprised though.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/08 01:48 AM

I just saw "The Number 23" on tv. Aside from it being disturbing, it was a decent story that could have been presented better on the screen. Jim Carrey was OK as the main character who had become obsessed with the number "23" but the movie just didn't "deliver".

I would not recommend it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/08 02:14 AM

My real real name is Stringer Bell.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/23/08 07:28 PM

TOMORROW NEVER DIES
(Fourth Viewing)

This and the subsequent Brosnan films fail to provide that grittiness that made GOLDENEYE so effective. Also, the script was rather a bit weak with the villain just being an insane media mogul. I understand on paper how it looks but it didn't transition well to the screen or the Bond franchise.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/08 04:45 PM

TEETH 1/2
(First Viewing)

An interesting take on an original horror flick. Basically the female lead in this has teeth in her vagina making any unwanted intruder pay dearly.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/08 10:03 PM

Now ive heard it all.. do you buy this film?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/24/08 10:10 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12

Basically the female lead in this has teeth in her vagina making any unwanted intruder pay dearly.

ROFL...How did I miss this post \:D
Posted By: BDuff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 12:50 AM

I made the mistake of watching Caligula....I had to stop eating after five minutes of that. For those who have seen it...you'd understand.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 01:40 AM

I have been meaning to see Caligula for a long time, but never got to it.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 02:42 AM

 Originally Posted By: BDuff
I made the mistake of watching Caligula....I had to stop eating after five minutes of that. For those who have seen it...you'd understand.
Watch Saló. \:D
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 02:48 AM

No that honor goes to August Underground's Mordum. Salo is nothing compared to that. I highly recommend that as an endurance test \:\)
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 02:48 AM

I have 2 DVDs, both came along as a bonus with a magazine. both are great! Lifestyles of the Ramones and AC/DC - Live at Donington \:D
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 05:32 AM

HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE 1/2
(Third Viewing)

Just gearing up for numero 2 this weekend. An enjoyable flick about a couple of stoners who stop at nothing to satisfy their growing hunger for White Castle burgers.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 05:34 AM

 Originally Posted By: DE NIRO
Now ive heard it all.. do you buy this film?


It hasn't come out yet. It comes out over here on May 2nd but I will add it to the list ;\)
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 05:04 PM

I bet you will...
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/25/08 07:18 PM

THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH
(Third Viewing)

Not as much pop as the previous Bronsnan Bonds. For one reason or another it just lacked a pulse.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/08 06:55 AM

GONE IN 60 SECONDS (1974)
(First Viewing)

An enjoyable independent action flick with some great car chase scenes. However, I enjoyed the 2000 remake better because the story had more structure and in-depth character development.
Posted By: chopper

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/08 08:03 AM

I watched Juno the other day

i wasnt particulary impressed
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/08 10:47 AM

DIE ANOTHER DAY 1/2
(Fourth Viewing)

A satisfying way for Pierce Brosnan to end his tenure as Agent 007. And while some fans and critics don't particularly like this Bond due to its outlandish gadgetry (i.e. the car), it didn't bother me. What I liked most about this Bond was the end of the opening title sequence because it has never happened before in a Bond. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/08 11:39 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
DIE ANOTHER DAY 1/2
(Fourth Viewing)

A satisfying way for Pierce Brosnan to end his tenure as Agent 007. And while some fans and critics don't particularly like this Bond due to its outlandish gadgetry (i.e. the car), it didn't bother me. What I liked most about this Bond was the end of the opening title sequence because it has never happened before in a Bond. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it.


Mate, you trash CASINO ROYALE but trash this?

No wonder Geoff has been on you lately.
Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/08 03:36 PM

When I went to the movies last weekend, I saw a poster for the new X-Files movie (they didn't show previews in the theater though) . I know somebody mentioned it earlier here on the BB. Any X-File fans out there? I don't even know thre storyIine, but know, I'm gonna see it. \:\)

TIS
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/26/08 07:15 PM

HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY 1/2
(First Viewing)

A good follow up to WHITE CASTLE and while I enjoy the original more, I'm glad they didn't screw it up. I doubt they'll make a third but it could be possible if this performs well. More stoner jokes and racial profiling for 100 minutes.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 02:13 AM

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE (2005)
(Fourth Viewing)

Just gearing up for PRINCE CASPIAN which is going to debut in a couple of weeks. A true fantasy classic IMO even if it falls short of comparisons to THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Wonderful set designs, costumes, make-up, special effects, etc.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 03:34 AM

SM

(cos only abbrevs are worthy.)
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 03:59 AM

How many stars do you give for SM?
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 04:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE (2005)
(Fourth Viewing)

I can probably watch it just one more time, only if it is on a big screen. There were some decent visual effects.
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 09:42 AM

i prefere the original..
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 02:48 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
How many stars do you give for SM?

SM means Shoutbox Material.
Posted By: Tony Mosrite

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 04:10 PM

didn't any of you watched Tropa de Elite yet??

where are you getting your pile of DVDs that you keep watching?? this movie was the big Berlin Festival winner, for chrissakes! or that just doesn't matter too? you should at least give it a try, and I'll keep posting this until someone post a review of it!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 04:55 PM

It isn't available on blockbuster, will have to download I guess.

However, I watched a brazilian movie couple of days ago on IFC.
Ritual dos Sádicos, O (1970) **

Beautifully shot and interesting use of colors and visuals. On the surface of it, looks like a B movie, but is definitely much more than that.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/27/08 08:01 PM

I'm watching "Nobody's Fool" (with Paul Newman and Jessica Tandy) on tv again (even though I just DVR'd it). What an awesome movie!

A wonderfully poignant story with great characters (Newman's "Sullivan" is one of the most likable characters I've ever seen in a movie) and some great acting performances. Plus, you get to see Melanie Griffith flash (topless) for a second!!

Jessica Tandy's last movie - I'd highly recommend it!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/08 03:09 AM

CASINO ROYALE
(Third Viewing)

Well, third times a charm for me on this film. This has got to be one of the most complex scripts for a Bond film but I enjoyed it (finally). It's more sophisticated and deeper than previous Bond films. I think Daniel Craig was great as Bond (either my second or third favorite, depending on how he does in QUANTUM OF SOLACE). Easily the best Bond in the past decade and if I wasn't eagerly anticipating Bond 22, I am now! I still wouldn't consider this the best Bond of all-time but it's in my top 3 and I can see how some could view this as such.

Now that I've completed the Bond series for a second time, here are some of my awards for the franchise:

Best Bond
-Sean Connery

Best Picture
(tie)
-GOLDFINGER
-GOLDENEYE

Best Action Scence
The Chase from CASINO ROYALE

Best Bond Villain
(tie)
-Auric Goldfiner played by Gert Fröbe (GOLDFINGER)
-Fransisco Scaramanga played by Christopher Lee (THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN)
-Kamal Khan played by Louis Jourdan (OCTOPUSSY)
-Max Zorin played by Christopher Walken (A VIEW TO A KILL)
-Franz Sanchez played by Robert Davi (LICENCE TO KILL)
-Alec Trevelyan played by Sean Bean (GOLDENEYE)

Best Bond Girl
(tie)
-Tracy Draco played by Diana Rigg (ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE)
-Solitaire played by Jane Seymour (LIVE AND LET DIE)
-Holly Goodhead played by Lois Chiles (MOONRAKER)
-Kara Milovy played by Maryam D'Abo (THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS)
-Xenia Onatopp played by Famke Janssen (GOLDENEYE)
-Elektra King played by Sophie Marceau (THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH)
-Miranda Frost played by Rosamund Pike (DIE ANOTHER DAY)
-Vesper Lynd played by Eva Green (CASINO ROYALE)

Favorite Sean Connery Picture
-GOLDFINGER

Least Favorite Sean Connery Picture
-THUNDERBALL

Favorite Roger Moore Picture
(tie)
-OCTOPUSSY
-A VIEW TO A KILL

Least Favorite Roger Moore Picture
-LIVE AND LET DIE

Favorite Timothy Dalton Picture
-LICENCE TO KILL

Least Favorite Timothy Dalton Picture
-THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS

Favorite Pierce Brosnan Picture
-GOLDENEYE

Least Favorite Pierce Brosnan Picture
-THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/08 04:19 AM


El Orfanato ("The Orphanage") (2007) was a terrific thriller/horror/suspense drama from Spain. So good, I didn't even notice the subtitles. While at times I could guess what was going to happen, most times it pulled into a different direction. Everything was superbly done, I wish Hollywood would take notice. And they better at next year's Oscars at least (I assume and hope it's eligible since it's US release date was in January '08). 8/10
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/08 05:15 AM

I too saw THE ORPHANAGE recently Geoff and didn't much care for it:

THE ORPHANAGE
(First Viewing)

Pretty dull for a ghost story. I'd classify this more of a "suspense" than actual horror film. Pretty disappointing and more in line with a RING or the other Japanese horror films that haven't transitioned well in America.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/28/08 05:34 PM

AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

Probably the best spy/Bond spoof I've ever seen. Mike Myers becomes a household name and the franchise begins with a bang!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/29/08 07:36 PM

AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

A great follow up to the hit original. The characters seem to grow more and it's more great fun, jokes, music, sets, costumes, etc.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/08 05:57 PM

UNTRACEABLE 1/2
(First Viewing)

A decent suspense thriller about an individual who posts videos of people on the internet about to be tortured. The more hits the site receives the faster he/she dies. Predictable in every way yet somewhat enthralling in the beginning.
Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/08 06:12 PM

Hi!

I've decided never to enter this thread again.

Bye!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/08 06:23 PM

As though it matters. You and your European movies
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/08 08:13 PM

THE GREAT DEBATERS 1/2
(First Viewing)

A decent but not very powerful movie about a group of African-American Wiley College (Marshall, Texas) students in "the not so distant past" (1935 to be exact). I'm glad the film didn't try to get the PG rating and instead made it a little more authentic with a few N-bombs to give it that PG-13 rating.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/08 08:24 PM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
THE GREAT DEBATERS 1/2
(First Viewing)

A decent but not very powerful movie about a group of African-American Wiley College (Marshall, Texas) students in "the not so distant past" (1935 to be exact). I'm glad the film didn't try to get the PG rating and instead made it a little more authentic with a few N-bombs to give it that PG-13 rating.

Yet another cliched-hollywood-triumph-of-underdog story. Yawn, Yawn.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 04/30/08 08:35 PM

Pretty much yeah. I never saw Denzel's work before behind the camera (never saw his first feature ANTWONE FISHER)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/08 03:49 AM

IRON MAN 1/2
(First Viewing)

What a way to start off the summer with a bang from Jon Favreau! The man is extremely funny and it showed with this film that had a great mix of comedy and action. Robert Downey Jr. was awesome as Tony Stark and the supporting staff of Terrance Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow were nothing short of great. These are the types of movies best enjoyed in the theater. With that in mind, plan on seeing it soon!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/02/08 07:24 PM

AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

I'd say this was probably the best AUSTIN POWERS film. I've seen them all so many times but GOLDMEMBER still makes me laugh the most.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/08 06:44 AM


FINALLY after weeks and weeks of waiting (freakin' Netflix ), I got three top-shelf movies to watch over the past 3 nights:

American Gangster (2007) - I like Denzel Washington, and he did a fine job. Typical job, for him, but a fine job. It kept my interest. But just like the innocent chick in Pulp Fiction who ruins everything.........

No Country for Old Men (2007) - Four Oscars including Best Picture, huh? I don't know. I like the Coen's, but I was getting lost as much as I did in Lynch's Lost Highway. Visually spectacular, however. But I'll need to watch this one again.

Across the Universe (2007) - The Beatles meets Rent, but I didn't mind. And I had no idea Bono was in it until he started singing (I thought it was Lemmy from Motörhead at first! lol ) -- and his American accent was spot-on! (Also Joe Cocker and Eddie Izzard). My best friend, who's a Beatles fanatic, refuses to watch this, and hated Sgt Peppers because "it's not The Beatles"... but then again, he hates musicals). But I don't. [All Songs]

Posted By: The Italian Stallionette

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/08 01:43 PM

Finally someone else who saw "Across The Universe". \:\) Didn't you love "I Want You....She's So Heavy"? The whole movie brought back the feel of the times in a way I guess.

I guess you need to like the songs/Beatles to enjoy the movie, but I loved it so much I brought it (which is rare for me,
since I buy few movies.) Glad you enjoyed it Geoff.


TIS
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/08 03:56 PM

Is Joe Cocker still alive?
Posted By: DE NIRO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/04/08 04:37 PM

sure is..
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/08 12:48 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff



No Country for Old Men (2007) - Four Oscars including Best Picture, huh? I don't know. I like the Coen's, but I was getting lost as much as I did in Lynch's Lost Highway. Visually spectacular, however. But I'll need to watch this one again.



No offense, but NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN isn't that goddamn difficult, nor some abstract Lynchian piece.

Let me guess, the movie lost you after the hotel shoot-out, right?
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/05/08 12:48 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Hi!

I've decided never to enter this thread again.

Bye!


The likelyhood of you keeping to this pledge is about as likely as Irishman NEVER posting about his Yankees again.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/08 07:20 AM

 Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Hi!

I've decided never to enter this thread again.

Bye!


That's the funniest post I've seen in a while here!
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/08 07:40 PM

MR. BEANS HOLIDAY!

What can i say?

I watched it yesterday with the kids
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/06/08 08:54 PM

Yogi, I loved the cannes festival scene where the same guy is the director, actor, script write etc. etc. \:D
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/08 04:05 AM

 Originally Posted By: Irishman12
IRON MAN 1/2
(First Viewing)

What a way to start off the summer with a bang from Jon Favreau! The man is extremely funny and it showed with this film that had a great mix of comedy and action. Robert Downey Jr. was awesome as Tony Stark and the supporting staff of Terrance Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow were nothing short of great. These are the types of movies best enjoyed in the theater. With that in mind, plan on seeing it soon!


Why are they great?
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/08 06:36 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No offense, but NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN


No offense, but.... perhaps I had a buzz going that night and couldn't follow all of the film's "complexities" (that is what you kids call things you don't get right away, right?)

...and that shouldn't make a difference!

Yawn.

Sorry to disturb your MENSA meeting and all, but... from a "general consumer" opinion... my thought was that it was overly too complex for what it was. Sue me. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/07/08 09:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
No offense, but NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN


No offense, but.... perhaps I had a buzz going that night and couldn't follow all of the film's "complexities" (that is what you kids call things you don't get right away, right?)

...and that shouldn't make a difference!

Yawn.

Sorry to disturb your MENSA meeting and all, but... from a "general consumer" opinion... my thought was that it was overly too complex for what it was. Sue me. \:p



I'll give Irishman this, I doubt he's ever been drunk when watching all those awful horror movies.

I mean Geoff, why would anyone watch a movie while buzzed or drunk or whatever?

Give me a goddamn break, you're not in College anymore.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:24 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
why would anyone watch a movie while buzzed or drunk or whatever?

Some people actually watch movies for entertainment sake, not necessarily for writing too-long reviews on a message board to sound like they know everything. \:p ;\)

Death at a Funeral (2007), which I just realized was directed by Frank Oz* (yeah, the voice of Miss Piggy, Yoda and Kermit!), was pretty hilarious if you're into "wacky" comedies. The little-person-secret-gay-lover of a deceased wealthy man shows up at his funeral and all hell breaks loose. Why wasn't this a Muppet plotline? lol

*He also directed The Score, The Stepford Wives, What About Bob?, In & Out, and of course, The Muppets Take Manhattan, among others... some great stuff, I had no idea! But that's probably because I'm stupid, having been out of college for a while.
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:37 AM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Death at a Funeral (2007), which I just realized was directed by Frank Oz* (yeah, the voice of Miss Piggy, Yoda and Kermit!), was pretty hilarious if you're into "wacky" comedies. The little-person-secret-gay-lover of a deceased wealthy man shows up at his funeral and all hell breaks loose. Why wasn't this a Muppet plotline? lol

You can't deny Irishman's huge influence on your review style (notwithstanding all those links in your post).
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 05:26 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
You can't deny Irishman's huge influence on your review style (notwithstanding all those links in your post).

They're not "reviews", they're feedback and opinions. Big difference. (While both could be pretentious at times, the latter are just FYI ;\) ) Besides, my posts are 10x longer than I12's. \:p
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 06:46 AM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Death at aFuneral (2007), which I just realized was directed by Frank Oz* (yeah, the voice of Miss Piggy, Yoda and Kermit!), was pretty hilarious if you're into "wacky" comedies. The little-person-secret-gay-lover of a deceased wealthy man shows up at his funeral and all hell breaks loose. Why wasn't this a Muppet plotline? lol

You can't deny Irishman's huge influence on your review style (notwithstanding all those links in your post).




I saw Death at a Funeral at Blockbuster and thought about renting it. The plot sounds funny, so I'll probably give it a chance.

I haven't had time to watch movies for a while so I have some making up to do. I rented Cloverfield and I'm Not There tonight so I will hopefully have them watched soon.
Posted By: War_Time_Consigliere

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 08:28 AM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


I mean Geoff, why would anyone watch a movie while buzzed or drunk or whatever?

Give me a goddamn break, you're not in College anymore.


To each his own, but what I can't understand, Ronnie, is how you're able to watch and review monumental pieces of garbage like "Iron Eagle" while..SOBER?


...It boggles the mind ..
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 03:22 PM

 Originally Posted By: War_Time_Consigliere
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO


I mean Geoff, why would anyone watch a movie while buzzed or drunk or whatever?

Give me a goddamn break, you're not in College anymore.


To each his own, but what I can't understand, Ronnie, is how you're able to watch and review monumental pieces of garbage like "Iron Eagle" while..SOBER?


...It boggles the mind ..


Because no one else would do it, and there is only ONE MAN to tackle such a epic suicidal mission.

Plus, I have a Death Wish.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 03:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: svsg
You can't deny Irishman's huge influence on your review style (notwithstanding all those links in your post).

They're not "reviews", they're feedback and opinions. Big difference. (While both could be pretentious at times, the latter are just FYI ;\) ) Besides, my posts are 10x longer than I12's. \:p


You're both similar in that your reviews or feedbacks or IMDB postings or whatever they are, you never make a point of why is why.

With this DEATH AT A FUNERAL, is it goddamn worth watching? You say its good if "you're into wacky comedies"...but what if I'm not?

Better yet, if it is worth checking out, you need to pimp it if you truely feel that folks might enjoy it.

If a movie fails to connect with you, then write about that failure on the movie's behalf, or if the movie does work for you, explain why.

To put it another way, look at last year's SWEENEY TODD or PINK FLOYD THE WALL from 1982. I don't generally like musicals, nor attracted to them, but those two movies I would recommend for a rental from Netflix or Blockbuster or whatever the fuck.

I've explained previously in those reviews, though that THE WALL review now is laughable. That'll be a re-writing candidate for the future.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 03:45 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff
 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
why would anyone watch a movie while buzzed or drunk or whatever?

Some people actually watch movies for entertainment sake, not necessarily for writing too-long reviews on a message board to sound like they know everything.



I think its funny that you've busted Irishman's balls before, as if you're any better than him.

What is "for entertainment sake"? You mean "for entertainment's sake"? \:p ;\)

Fact is, I get entertainment from a damn fucking GOOD movie, and not just the derided loud explosions-filled summer blockbusters like say the recent IRON MAN, but as well the most derided of the downer art house pictures, or you might call "arty farty" movies, like Philip Kaufman's THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING* from 1988, which I saw the other night.

So what entertains you?

Its that very question why I write my lengthy reviews, and why Pizzaboy has been doing recently (and pretty good, I must say).

If anything, a review is to pimp or trash a movie to someone else who hasn't seen it. Its my case for it.

I just hate that because you were so juvenile as to be drunk while watching something like NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, you missed out on a terrific picture that really is of these times of ours, of trying to escape the fates the American Way with guns blazing...and realizing that you can't.

Of course, I loved Kubrick's 2001 without acid, as the hippies back in the day did. Fucking Assholes...

*=Which I recommend to you all as well.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 03:54 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Fact is, I get entertainment from a damn fucking GOOD movie, and not just the derided loud explosions-filled summer blockbusters like say the recent IRON MAN, but as well the most derided of the downer art house pictures, or you might call "arty farty" movies, like Philip Kaufman's THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING* from 1988, which I saw the other night.


Ay, there's the rub. Who is to say what is a GOOD movie? Just you??

I know it may be hard to believe, but some people may like a movie you don't (or vice-a-versa).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:05 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Fact is, I get entertainment from a damn fucking GOOD movie, and not just the derided loud explosions-filled summer blockbusters like say the recent IRON MAN, but as well the most derided of the downer art house pictures, or you might call "arty farty" movies, like Philip Kaufman's THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING* from 1988, which I saw the other night.

 Originally Posted By: SC

Ay, there's the rub. Who is to say what is a GOOD movie? Just you??


100% at Rotten Tomatoes.com, or considerable positive critical reviews at the time, or that Criterion has a DVD out for it, a 7.3 public grade currently at IMDB.com, Oscar nominations for cinematography and Adapted Screenplay

Shit, TCM even showed it before. You doubt The Robert Osbourne? \:D

 Originally Posted By: SC

I know it may be hard to believe, but some people may like a movie you don't (or vice-a-versa).


Read my older posts from years earlier and compare them with now.

You'll notice that I accepted that statement quite earlier than today.

IF you like or hate a movie, fine. Just if you're going to post an opinion of either, just try to put some thought behind it.

I mean, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is one of my favorite movies, but Capo wasn't that impressed. But his RAIDERS review did have some "thought" behind why it didn't whip for him.

Or better yet, DePalma's SCARFACE, another favorite of mine, though I must say I can understand why that material fails Capo.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:29 PM

 Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
What is "for entertainment sake"? You mean "for entertainment's sake"? \:p ;\)


Entertainment for me is seeing you type its when you mean it's, among other writing blunders. \:p ;\)

This thread is called "Movies You Just Watched Discussion," not "In-Depth Movie Reviews With Unnecessary Cursing of Any Movies You've Ever Seen, But Only if Acceptable to RedRocketAGO"

*I* (and millions of people) enjoy blockbuster popcorn summer movies, action/adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, etc -- just for entertainment. I get at least 3 Netflix discs/week and can get whatever I want. I don't have to -- nor want to -- watch 4- and 5-Star movies (as rated by fallible people with opinions and stinky shit) every single time. I'm not here to impress anyone, especially you. \:p I don't even read/watch movie reviews. I don't need some pretentious "expert" to tell me if I'll like it or not. If the trailer or description look interesting enough to me, I'll watch it. If a buddy of mine who knows my tastes says, "yeah, it's pretty good - check it out", then I'll check it out.

So yeah. Death at a Funeral was pretty hilarious if you're into "wacky" comedies. Now go home and get your shine box. \:p
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:37 PM

Wow Geoff, I didn't know I intimidated you so much over these years. I'm sorry I bullied and bossed you around as a little boy, what with my cursing and other such adult things, junior.

I just noticed something with your posting...Irishman isn't a friend of yours, is he?

Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:40 PM


*sigh*
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:46 PM

*cue "We Are The Champions"*

Victory is mine!* \:D

*=By Default, but a pin is a pin.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:50 PM


Oh yes, you certainly showed me! That unmatchable wit and wisdom of yours!
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 04:53 PM

 Originally Posted By: J Geoff

Oh yes, you certainly showed me! That unmatchable wit and wisdom of yours!


Hey, quitters never win.
Posted By: Yogi Barrabbas

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/08/08 07:28 PM

 Originally Posted By: svsg
Yogi, I loved the cannes festival scene where the same guy is the director, actor, script write etc. etc. \:D


Mr. Willem Dafoe no less!
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/08 08:16 AM

I think the point Ronnie is making is not which movies are good and which are bad, PERIOD. He's saying that if you are going to write a review don't just say (basically) "I like it." or "I hate it". Tell us in detail why. It doesn't have to be the lengthy reviews that Ronnie posts. But those simple reviews, which I'm guilty of myself, don't really help someone else understand why they should or shouldn't watch it.

I could watch a horrible low budget monster movie and absolutely love it. But I'm not going to tell people to watch it because it's good. I'm going to tell them I loved it because I personally thought the horrible acting, the editing mistakes, the sound crew visible on the side of the screen, etc... made me laugh because it was so bad. It doesn't have to be a great movie to watch it and recommend it, but please give some details as to why.

That's all RRA is trying to say. Movie reviews are up for interpretation. If someone goes on and on about why they like it, and you read all those details and think "Wow, the stuff the critic is going on and on about is nothing I'm interested in" then you know not to watch it. If someone rips on a movie, but the things they are ripping are things you normally enjoy, then give the movie a chance. Those details are helpful.

Technically this thread is "Movies you just watched discussion". Hopefully there is some discussion, like this one now, and not simply:

Over the weekend I watched Transformers, No Country For Old Men, and The Gingerdead Man.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/09/08 01:16 PM

Thank you Blibbleblabble, you wrote exactly my point.
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/08 12:39 AM

I just watched "Storm Warning" on On-Demand tv. The premise sounded good... a couple goes out on a little excursion in a sparsely populated area of Australia and seek shelter in a farmhouse during a storm. They encounter three guys living there that make the hillbillies from "Deliverance" seem like angels.

It goes quickly downhill into a bloodbath (some decent kill scenes even if the FX are cheesy) and it rates up there with the dumbest movies I've ever seen.

A waste of time and $4.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/08 02:34 AM

I agree SC. Some people at my work recommended this to me but I found it pretty tame and dull, especially for a horror/suspense movie
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/08 02:34 PM

Originally Posted By: SC
I just watched "Storm Warning" on On-Demand tv. The premise sounded good... a couple goes out on a little excursion in a sparsely populated area of Australia and seek shelter in a farmhouse during a storm. They encounter three guys living there that make the hillbillies from "Deliverance" seem like angels.

It goes quickly downhill into a bloodbath (some decent kill scenes even if the FX are cheesy) and it rates up there with the dumbest movies I've ever seen.

A waste of time and $4.


Yeah, the title doesn't help. It sounds exactly like a tsunami of mediocrity.

Thanks for the warning and heads up, SC.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/08 07:44 PM

SPEED RACER star star
(First Viewing)

Visually attractive but disappointing. I had heard a lot of good things going into this and while the effects were cool, the story was too childish. I'd definitely say skip it in theaters unless you like kids movies, have children who want to see it, or were a fan of the anime.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/11/08 11:33 PM

PCU star star star
(Nth Viewing)

A guilty pleasure of mine that still makes me laugh no matter how many times I see it. The pairing of Jeremy Piven and Jon Favreau was excellent. The premise of the story follow a pre-fresh (pre-freshmen) who visits Port Chester University to decide if he wishes to attend college there or not. What ensues in 80 minutes of comedy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 01:13 AM

WAR, INC. star star 1/2
(First Viewing)

What I loved most about this film is how far Hilary Duff has come in the two years it's been since she made MATERIAL GIRLS. Hopefully, after this role she'll continue to shed the likes of THE PERFECT MAN, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN 1 & 2, and MATERIAL GIRLS. This is her new grown-up role like I KNOW WHO KILLED ME was Lindsay Lohan's. Now that they're both on track, we'll see who can make the most of this new turn in their careers.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 02:01 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
SPEED RACER star star
(First Viewing)

Visually attractive but disappointing. I had heard a lot of good things going into this and while the effects were cool, the story was too childish. I'd definitely say skip it in theaters unless you like kids movies, have children who want to see it, or were a fan of the anime.


Sorry to hear that the movie is a wreck, and financially this weekend, it crashed harder than James Dean.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 03:13 AM

PROM NIGHT (2008) star star
(First Viewing)

This is one of the most straight forward movies I've ever seen along with Jamie Lee Curtis' 1980 TERROR TRAIN. There are absolutely NO twists, turns, or surprises. Another watered-down "horror" flick to appeal to the teenie boppers. You'd be better off sticking with Jamie Lee Curtis' original 1980 version of the same title.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 05:00 AM


I finally watched Talladega Nights
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 09:58 AM

I watched Cloverfield
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 04:42 PM

ROAD TRIP star star star
(Nth Viewing)

Man it had been years since I've seen this guilty pleasure of mine. It still makes me laugh and Seann William Scott and Tom Green steal the show. If you haven't seen it, I would recommend it. Basically the main character Josh (Breckin Meyer) has only dated one girl in his entire life. However, he's in college in New York while his girlfriend's in Texas. They talk every day and when she blows him off for a few days (due to her grandfather's death) he becomes upset and finally gives into the temptations of Beth (Amy Smart) who has the hots for them. They hook up, make a sex tape and it's accidentally sent to Josh's girlfriend in Texas so now it's a race against time to see if they can intercept the tape. Also, Andy Dick has a cameo in it and is hilarious!
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 07:45 PM

THE BLUES BROTHERS star star 1/2
(First Viewing)

Meh. I don't understand why Jake and Elwood Blues are such "iconic cinema characters"? I didn't find them to be extremely impressive or memorable for that matter.
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 09:11 PM

The Blues Brothers is hands down one of the most entertaining films ever. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd are absolutely hilarious, the sheer number of entertainers is amazing (where else can you get the likes of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Cab Calloway in one film?), the acting cast is equally impressive, and the absurdity of the plot and everyone's acceptance of the goings-on, are what make it so great. The brothers "are on a Mission from God" (and causing complete and total mayhem on the way) to pay taxes on a building owned by the church, which would be exempt from taxes to begin with!!

However, that's just my opinion.
Posted By: Santino Brasi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/12/08 10:20 PM

I agree 100 percent
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 01:15 AM

Does anyone remember the movie "Leonard"? It was about a guy who makes friends with a bunch of rats and turns them loose on his boss.
Posted By: Santino Brasi

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 01:59 AM

I thought It was Willard
Posted By: olivant

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 02:59 AM

That's it. Willard. Thanks. My brother loved that movie. I haven't seen it since the 70s(?).
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 03:37 AM

Originally Posted By: olivant
That's it. Willard. Thanks. My brother loved that movie. I haven't seen it since the 70s(?).


Check out the Crispin Glover remake as well.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 03:38 AM

Originally Posted By: olivant
That's it. Willard. Thanks. My brother loved that movie. I haven't seen it since the 70s(?).


Check out the Crispin Glover remake as well.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 04:41 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Originally Posted By: olivant
That's it. Willard. Thanks. My brother loved that movie. I haven't seen it since the 70s(?).


Check out the Crispin Glover remake as well.


I never saw the original but I enjoyed the remake. Crispin Glover is naturally creepy enough to play a part where he talks to rats. I might have to watch that one again now that you guys talk about it.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 04:54 AM

Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
The Blues Brothers is hands down one of the most entertaining films ever. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd are absolutely hilarious, the sheer number of entertainers is amazing (where else can you get the likes of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Cab Calloway in one film?), the acting cast is equally impressive, and the absurdity of the plot and everyone's acceptance of the goings-on, are what make it so great. The brothers "are on a Mission from God" (and causing complete and total mayhem on the way) to pay taxes on a building owned by the church, which would be exempt from taxes to begin with!!


I agree completely SB! It seems to be one of those movies where people are crazy in love with it, or they don't get it. It's interesting that it's not considered a musical but has as much music as any musical out there.

One of my favorite scenes is a good example of the casual humor that runs throughout the movie. It is when Jake's ex-fiancee blows up Elwood's apartment. They both climb out of the rubble and Elwood looks at his watch and says "We've gotta go to work." No big deal lol

Blues Brothers is one of my all-time favorites. It is truly unique in it's pacing and dry humor, then you throw in all that great blues music. One you didn't mention (There are so many) is John Lee Hooker playing on the street with his band in the middle of that street fair.

Okay, I'm watching it again right now. Thanks for the bad review Irish! You helped me plan my evening wink
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 10:34 AM

There are so many great scenes, Blib. John Lee Hooker IS amazing. They all are. I don't think that there's one bad musical number.

I have to tell you that if my husband gets in an elevator, he will start quietly humming "Girl From Ipanema". And it cracks me up each and every time.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 02:27 PM

Originally Posted By: Blibbleblabble
Okay, I'm watching it again right now. Thanks for the bad review Irish! You helped me plan my evening wink


Glad I could be of assistance grin To each his own
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 10:48 PM

Did my last post get cut/deleted?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 10:48 PM

Did my last post get cut/deleted?
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/13/08 11:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Did my last post get cut/deleted?


How would we know? If it was deleted I mean... Is your post missing?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/08 01:57 AM

Yeah, I posted a review for DEAD MAN ON CAMPUS this morning
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/08 01:59 AM

CADENCE star star 1/2
(Nth Viewing)

An enjoyable father/son collaboration for Martin and Charlie Sheen. This is Martin's first and only film were he was the director and the story follows a young private who loses his father, gets put in military prison for 90 days and learns to live with 5 other African-American prisoners in 1965 West Germany.
Posted By: J Geoff

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/08 02:23 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Did my last post get cut/deleted?

I didn't delete anything. The server has been flaky the past couple days so it may not've actually posted (did you see it posted?)
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/08 02:43 AM

Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
Did my last post get cut/deleted?

I didn't delete anything. The server has been flaky the past couple days so it may not've actually posted (did you see it posted?)


Yeah I made sure because the board has been messing up for me a lot today. For example, whenever I initially try to post a message comes up saying "can't connect" or something to that affect (which is why I've been posting twice). But it's not a big deal, I remember seeing the post. Oh well
Posted By: Longneck

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/08 01:53 PM

Originally Posted By: J Geoff


No Country for Old Men (2007) - Four Oscars including Best Picture, huh? I don't know. I like the Coen's, but I was getting lost as much as I did in Lynch's Lost Highway. Visually spectacular, however. But I'll need to watch this one again.



Lost? HOW?

I watched it yesterday and I thought it was good.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/08 03:14 PM

OLD SCHOOL star star 1/2
(Third Viewing)

Don't get me wrong, I do like this movie but I never saw why so many people "loved" it. I never thought it was as funny as a WEDDING CRASHERS or something along that line. I enjoyed the casting of Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell. I wonder if OLD SCHOOL 2 will ever get off the ground?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/08 06:40 PM

21 star star 1/2
(First Viewing)

A decent telling of a MIT student who is incredibly good at counting cards, takes his skills to Vegas along with 3 other students and his professor to make some green. However, I didn't really buy Kate Bosworth as a MIT student. Good to see Kevin Spacey playing a villain again.
Posted By: Blibbleblabble

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/14/08 08:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
OLD SCHOOL star star 1/2
(Third Viewing)

Don't get me wrong, I do like this movie but I never saw why so many people "loved" it. I never thought it was as funny as a WEDDING CRASHERS or something along that line. I enjoyed the casting of Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell. I wonder if OLD SCHOOL 2 will ever get off the ground?


"At this point, you might be asking yourself, 'why am I holding this 30lb. Cinder block in my hands? You might also ask yourself, 'why does this cinder block have a long piece of string tied to it? And finally, why is the other end of this string tied securely to your penis?"
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 02:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Longneck
Originally Posted By: J Geoff


No Country for Old Men (2007) - Four Oscars including Best Picture, huh? I don't know. I like the Coen's, but I was getting lost as much as I did in Lynch's Lost Highway. Visually spectacular, however. But I'll need to watch this one again.



Lost? HOW?

I watched it yesterday and I thought it was good.


How dare you Longneck for trying to evoke discussion in the "Movies You Just Watched Discussion" thread? Do you not know your place?
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 03:06 AM

PREDATOR star star star star
(Nth Viewing)

Ah, Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime: a 1980s action flick. His usual quip one-liners (even if he had only one). I realized after just watching it tonight there's not a lot of dialogue (especially during the second half), but plenty of action. A true classic and the pairing of Schwarzenegger with Carl Weathers was awesome!
Posted By: svsg

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 05:22 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
His usual quip one-liners (even if he had only one).

grin grin
Posted By: SC

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 12:09 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
PREDATOR star star star star
(Nth Viewing)

Ah, Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime: a 1980s action flick. His usual quip one-liners (even if he had only one). I realized after just watching it tonight there's not a lot of dialogue (especially during the second half), but plenty of action. A true classic and the pairing of Schwarzenegger with Carl Weathers was awesome!


I'm not usually a fan of this type of movie, but this one was awesome!
Posted By: Sicilian Babe

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 12:22 PM

That one shot of their biceps when they "shook" hands had many women in the theater squealing.

I think that Mac was my favorite character, though, followed by Billy.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 03:00 PM

PREDATOR 2 star star star
(Nth Viewing)

I'll give this film this much, it had mighty big shoes to fill after the first one and it does a pretty good job at coming close. Arnold made the original great but this was entertaining as well. Growing up I couldn't decide which one I liked better but now that I've seen both more than a couple of times, I like the original more but again, the sequel is no slouch.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 03:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
PREDATOR 2 star star star
(Nth Viewing)

I'll give this film this much, it had mighty big shoes to fill after the first one and it does a pretty good job at coming close. Arnold made the original great but this was entertaining as well. Growing up I couldn't decide which one I liked better but now that I've seen both more than a couple of times, I like the original more but again, the sequel is no slouch.


The sequel is forgettable.

I mean, the idea of the Hunter in the city is good, I mean why not?

But with the government cover-up conspiracy, the ruthless media, the superiors not letting Danny Glover do what he's gotta do to kick some ass...PREDATOR 2 just feels like one bland as hell cop movie that got shoe-horned into the sci-fi genre.

The only nice thing I can say is that at least its sorta watchable, unlike those AVP pictures, which I'm sure Irish will give positive write-ups for.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 11:22 PM



PAYBACK: STRAIGHT UP - THE DIRECTOR'S CUT (2007) - ****

We learn from the DVD's documentary that apparently Paramount rejected the original version of PAYBACK because they wanted Mel Gibson's character to be more likeable, the movie to have a definitive ending, and the dog NOT to die. So after writer/director Brian Helgeland was evicted from the editing bay, one of the "creative decisions" made by star/producer Gibson to salvage the picture was to include a voice-over narration, which he argues makes his protagonist more "personal and relatable."

Give me a fucking break.

Porter aint Hamlet. He's a man not defined by thoughts, but through actions...and usually they're violent. He's a stone cold archetype, pure and simple.

When the Director's Cut of PAYBACK opens, he is walking (more like stalking) across the Washington Bridge into Manhattan, looking tired and very pissed, hungry to murder somebody, anybody. We don't know who he is or why, but this is a rough-looking, ruthless unforgiving bastard Gibson that we haven't seen since THE ROAD WARRIOR.

He's a criminal scumbag asshole that in real life you would want locked up in jail. He swifts some dude's credit card and takes him to the cleaners, without care or conscience. He orchestrates and murders Triad mobsters for $130,000. Hell, when he catches up with his junkie wife, he pretty much beats her like a drum. He's usually the villain in most movies.

My point is, all you need to know about Porter is that wouldn't want to fuck with him.

And yet, you end up rooting for him, because:

(1) His partners literally stab him in the back with bullets and steal his $70,000 cut. Not cool.
(2) His pal Gregg Henry, the one that leaves Gibson for dead, hits women for his own sheer pleasure. Not to excuse away Porter's domestic assault, but you might be mad too if your wife shot you earlier.
(3) To get Henry, and get his own goddamn money back, Porter must fight the whole city crime syndicate. Natural underdog storytelling.
(4) He kills a guy in cold blood after he bad-mouths his hooker girlfriend in Maria Bello. Porter has no moral principles really, but that moment must count for something.

Back in 1999, I remembered PAYBACK as a mix between a pretty badass movie and a pretty mediocre-ass movie. Like way too many pictures in that decade of PULP FICTION, the film turned me off when the narration goes too self-aware in applauding itself for being ironically hip inbetween the awesome bits. Nevermind the convulted 3rd Act with Kris Kristofferson and the kidnapping scam nonsense.

Now with Helgeland's PAYBACK restored, everything I hated about the theatrical edit has been whacked, and everything good about it has been enhanced with steroids. The action narrative is a decliously skull-bashing great time that doesn't complicate itself with bullshit. No narration, no Kristofferson, no boring blue-tint cinematography, no real concern to make Porter heroic or even likeable, and the mutt actually gets put to sleep.

Helgeland's PAYBACK, stuck in a cinematic modern-day where the 1970s never ended, is the closest equivalent in recent times to a true Lee Marvin movie, a brutal balls-to-the-walls extravaganza that contains the best and worst aspects of masculinity, all without trying to be a damn smartass.

Its pretty much nearly a perfect remake, considering how this movie is a remake of John Boorman's classic POINT BLANK, and both are based off Donald E. Westlake's novel "The Hunter." Like Westlake's Parker books, PAYBACK is pure bang bang entertainment that is something that the likes of SIN CITY so badly claim to be. I guess to steal a label from The Outlaw Vern, an internet critic I greatly respect, Helgeland's PAYBACK is "badass cinema."

What depresses me is that if the Director's Cut of PAYBACK was released today, it would be a hit. Inspired by the crime plot boilers of the 1960s and 70s, Helgeland's PAYBACK likewise would click with our cynical society, where its ambivalent characterization and ending would have been accepted. But because PAYBACK was shot in the boring, apathetic, and wussy 1990s, test audiences prefered the witty and bland theatrical version with the more likeable Jew-hating Gibson.

I know it wasn't Mad Mel's direct fault and all that we had to wait 9 long years for a damn good movie to escape Paramount's vaults, but when he criticizes Helgeland's edit in that "you can't make a movie for a selective elite," I thought this was rich coming from the same dude who shot a pretty violent and dark subtitled movie about Mayans some years back.
Posted By: pizzaboy

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/15/08 11:29 PM

A lot of the "Director's Cuts" I've seen don't do much to justify their existence. They have a few "cut" scenes dropped in, but most of the time they interrupt the pacing and offer no real change to the film. The term has become synonymous with "Unrated Cut" and comes off as a marketing gimmick to get people to shell out for the same movie again.

I haven't seen the original cut of PAYBACK since probably 2000, but I remember enjoying it. It was a gritty crime film with a good dose of humor and Mel's trademark "I love being tortured" shtick. I rented this director's cut to see how it played, since it was apparently a dramatic difference rather than a few new scenes thrown in here and there.

I'd say the new cut is a much better movie than the old one. It eliminates Mel's narration, which I think greatly improves the way Mel's character is explored. We get to watch it rather than hear it, so he is now Porter rather than Mel Gibson. One of the strengths of this character is that we don't fully understand his motivations (see also POINT BLANK with Lee Marvin); we have the duration of the film to try and understand his code, his principles, and the original narration spoiled the process.

Another change is the filtering. The movie is no longer entirely washed out blue, it's full of warm tones as well as cool. I like this as well. It still fits the mood of the movie, and it's more visually pleasing.

As for new scenes, I couldn't really tell what was added in. I could tell what was removed, which was the kidnapping sub-plot, Kris Kristofferson's character, and the subsequent torture and escape. The new cut features a tidier finale, and the whole movie is actually shorter than the original cut. It clocks in at around 90 minutes, which works for this story. I remember liking Porter's escape scene in the original (clawing his way through the backseat), but I think the new cut keeps the pace consistently and serves the story better.

It's definitely worth checking out.
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/08 12:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
OLD SCHOOL star star 1/2
(Third Viewing)

I wonder if OLD SCHOOL 2 will ever get off the ground?


Lets hope not! As I made the mistake of renting Old School awhile back after watching that sh*t fest, I'd rather undergo a root canal.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/08 02:35 PM

I wouldn't be surprised to see it sooner or later. We're living in the age of sequels/prequels/and remakes
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/16/08 05:11 PM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I wouldn't be surprised to see it sooner or later. We're living in the age of sequels/prequels/and remakes


We've always had prequels/sequels/remakes.

Hell, John Huston's THE MALTESE FALCON, the first "film noir," was the 3rd Hollywood adaptation of the same goddamn book.
Posted By: Irishman12

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/08 02:07 AM

NATIONAL TREASURE star star
(Second Viewing)

Just gearing up for numero 2 which I'll watch tomorrow (thank you Blockbuster). Not Cage's best role, performance or film. I still enjoy him as an actor but I'd file this under his 'miss' category. It's seems to be a kids version of THE DA VINCI CODE in a way.
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/08 02:42 AM

Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I wouldn't be surprised to see it sooner or later. We're living in the age of sequels/prequels/and remakes


Yeah your right about that.


As for recent movies I just saw Eastern Promises last night, man that was a big mistake I thought it was anti-climatic and is sure as the hell didn't live up to all the billing about it.
Posted By: ronnierocketAGO

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/08 02:55 AM

Originally Posted By: The Iceman
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I wouldn't be surprised to see it sooner or later. We're living in the age of sequels/prequels/and remakes


Yeah your right about that.


As for recent movies I just saw Eastern Promises last night, man that was a big mistake I thought it was anti-climatic and is sure as the hell didn't live up to all the billing about it.


I take it you were simply disapointed that the nudity in the steambath brawl didn't live up to the hype. grin
Posted By: The Iceman

Re: Movies You Just Watched Discussion - 05/18/08 05:38 AM

Originally Posted By: ronnierocketAGO
Originally Posted By: The Iceman
Originally Posted By: Irishman12
I wouldn't be surprised to see it sooner or later. We're living in the age of sequels/prequels/and remakes


Yeah your right about that.


As for recent movies I just saw Eastern Promises last night, man that was a big mistake I thought it was anti-climatic and is sure as the hell didn't live up to all the billing about it.


I take it you were simply disapointed that the nudity in the steambath brawl didn't live up to the hype. grin


Oh very funny. rolleyes

The whole movie disappointed me.
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