LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD
(First Viewing)

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

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

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

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

Why like DHWAV over DIE HARD?

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

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

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

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

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

I agree SC and thank you

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

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

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

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE 1/2
(First Viewing)

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

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

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

I vote this:

Me too.

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

How many more HP movies are they going to make?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Though that doesn't mean they're not.

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

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

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

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

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

TIS

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

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

TIS

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

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

TIS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TIS

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

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

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

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