Rate The Last Movie You Saw [Archive] - Page 268

Wooley

09-29-21, 04:33 PM

RAW
(2016, Ducournau)

https://scariesthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/raw.jpg

Raw follows Justine (Garance Marillier), a young woman just starting at veterinary school who finds herself in the above situation. As she stumbles and tries to find her way through academic life and a days-long hazing ritual for new students, she is led through by her older sister Alexia (Ella Rumpf) who torments her, but at the same time tries to help her "survive". When Justine, a lifelong vegetarian, tastes raw meat for the first time as part of one of the hazing rituals, she starts developing a crave for flesh which she can't control, and to which she doesn't seem to find a solution.

Despite its horror leanings, Raw is, at its core, a coming-of-age film. We see Justine finding her way out of her new surroundings in college, while also discovering things like alcohol, drugs, sex, and her own cannibalistic nature, pretty much at the same time. Marillier does a great job of showing the mixture of emotions that seem to be going through her mind as her character tries to find solutions to all of the issues that her young life seem to be throwing at her.

Grade: 4

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2241849#post2241849)

I am intrigued.

kgaard

09-29-21, 04:42 PM

Little Ash

09-29-21, 05:28 PM

I am intrigued.

I remember being a fan of this one. One of those horror-adjacent type of movies with a good tone to it. Titane won the Palme d'Or at Cannes this year and I think it's playing in theaters now. So now seems like a good time to catch up with Raw.

Big fan of this movie. It has one of my favorite closing shots in film.

Let's not get carried away here. It's no mimes playing tennis.

edarsenal

09-29-21, 06:54 PM

5 rewatched cause it was on the big screen at the cinemas today :)
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EY0BeyGfL.jpg
This would be a fun one to see at the movies. Especially a good crowd.

edarsenal

09-29-21, 06:57 PM

If this were a +18 forum, I would have rated the nude girls that appear in the movie. Probably the only good thing in the whole film... :laugh:

They'd be a lot sexier if they could read a map.

If this was a +18 forum I would SOOO express HOW SEXY they would be if they could read a map LOL

xSookieStackhouse

09-29-21, 07:03 PM

This would be a fun one to see at the movies. Especially a good crowd.
cause its school holidays they always put classic disney movies and other classic movies for the kids and teens and they only show those movies on school holidays 🙂

ScarletLion

09-29-21, 07:17 PM

ScarletLion

09-29-21, 07:18 PM

It has one of my favorite closing shots in film.

Idea for a new thread.

edarsenal

09-29-21, 07:21 PM

cause its school holidays they always put classic disney movies and other classic movies for the kids and teens and they only show those movies on school holidays 🙂
VERY cool!
I had wanted to hit the movie theaters earlier this year when they first reopened after Covid to see a few of the older films that they showed before going full tilt into the new releases but it didn't quite happen. Oh well :)

xSookieStackhouse

09-29-21, 07:57 PM

VERY cool!
I had wanted to hit the movie theaters earlier this year when they first reopened after Covid to see a few of the older films that they showed before going full tilt into the new releases but it didn't quite happen. Oh well :)

YES SURE IS.

gosh u serious ahhh they need to show old films everywhere D=

Takoma11

09-29-21, 08:11 PM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcriterion-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcarousel-files%2F47aaf81e761e9f950302315cf006b173.jpeg&f=1&nofb=1

Black Girl, 1966

Diouana (Mbissine Therese Diop) is hired in her native Dakar, Senegal as a nanny by a wealthy French couple (Anne-Marie Jelinek and Robert Fontaine). When the couple asks Diouana if she will accompany them back to France, she is more than eager. But once they arrive in France, Diouana is treated as a servant, becoming more isolated and depressed as each day goes on.

There is something really delightful and powerful about a film that is seemingly able to say exactly what it wants with poise and efficiency, and Black Girl, for me, is just such a film.

When I was a teenager, there was a local family who were arrested for having kept a young woman for Africa as essentially a slave in their home. Much like this film, they expected her to keep up the house, and that providing her with food and some hand-me-down clothing was all the payment she should expect. I think that this film does an excellent job of showing the way that certain practices, while not literal slavery, echo and enforce the more violent past of slavery and colonialism.

Diop, in the lead role, does a heartbreakingly good job of showing a young person who, through isolation and insult, slowly begins to shut down. In every day of her life in France she is treated as lesser than. She is insulted and treated with contempt. She is never thanked or praised except for the purpose of show when guests come around. Diouana is also baffled to realize that the couple hasn't even brought their children immediately, wondering who she's meant to be caring for.

But the really brilliant flip side of this is the portrayal of Diouana's employers, and especially the wife. You can see, written between the lines, the narrative that they have constructed in their heads of this ungrateful, uncultured woman. It doesn't take long for the wife's treatment of Diouana to start to slide into physical abuse and confrontation. Again, nothing so direct or severe as a beating, but a slap on the leg, throwing shoes down at her feet, or pulling the covers off of her when she is sleeping. Diouana's labor becomes something that the couple takes for granted, and they become angry and unkind if they have to do something as simple as making a pot of coffee or pouring a bowl of cereal. It becomes apparent later in the film that they have not paid Diouana what she is owed.

One of the standout sequences occurs when Diouana receives a letter from her mother, demanding money. Diouana passionlessly declares that someone else has written this letter for her mother. And even as she thinks this, the couple begins to pen a letter as if they were Diouana, putting their own words on the page and simply cueing Diouana to speak up if she wants to change the wording.

The film also has several notable, allegorical sequences with an African mask that Diouana initially gives her employers as a gift.

I thought that this film was pretty perfect. At right around an hour I could see this slipping under the radar as not being long enough to be a "real" film, and yet running a bit long for a "short". If you have the Criterion Channel or another way to watch it I'd highly recommend it.

4.5

GulfportDoc

09-29-21, 08:12 PM

I agree with everything you say, I think though that you should spoiler-tag your second paragraph. That literally gives away the entire film which is absolutely played as a massive twist.
Good point. I didn't think of it. However TBH this film is way too tame for any of our horror buffs...;)

GulfportDoc

09-29-21, 08:37 PM

https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/2/Open/TMDB4_2462/Program/1216389/_derived_jpg_q90_500x500_m0/t_men_poster.jpg

A couple of Treasury agents go undercover to infiltrate a counter fitting ring. Very good movie, has a couple of surprises and moves fast. rating_4
I agree, HF. Great period piece as a semi-documentary noir. John Alton's superb B&W photography really takes full advantage of downtown L.A. in the 1940s. One of Dennis O'Keefe's best outings. Time for a re-watch for me.

Takoma11

09-29-21, 08:43 PM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fcinemacocktail.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FDestiny.jpg%3Ffit%3D1021%252C768%26ssl%3D1&f=1&nofb=1

Destiny, 1921

A young woman (Lil Dagover) is on a journey when her lover disappears. Finding that he's been claimed by Death (Bernhard Goetzke) (who has not only appeared in physical form, but who has also purchased a large plot of land!), she begs for him to return her lover to her. Instead, Death shows her three stories of ill-fated lovers trying to fight against the odds.

As what is essentially an anthology, I overall enjoyed this film. I thought that it was interesting that the stories all took place in very different settings: Italy, the middle east, and ancient China. Perhaps because everything is super-stylized, the makeup and costuming for the white actors playing non-white roles isn't as bad as you'd expect. (Some of the Asian characters are a bit YIKES however).

The three stories are all good, though I enjoyed the imagery and overall arc of the final story the best, in which an emperor demands to be given a magician's assistant as a gift, and she ends up fighting back with magic. The old school special effects are engaging and charming, and I really liked some of the imagery.

I was a bit torn on the use of the color filters over the print I watched. While in some scenes they added well to the mood, other times I thought it was really jarring going pink filter, blue filter, pink filter, blue filter!. and it gave kind of a choppy feel to some sequences. I also had mixed feelings about the whole "woman who literally cannot live without her husband" thing. Knowing a few women who have lost their husbands, I find this a borderline offensive trope (equally offensive when applied to male characters in such an unnuanced fashion, but in this film it's only bereaved woman).

Overall an enjoyable silent film with some really memorable and fun imagery.

4

Fabulous

09-30-21, 02:36 AM

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

3

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/gcCboyK7fIY4OZHawDm42NRS1hY.jpg

mark f

09-30-21, 03:40 AM

The Human Factor (Edward Dmytryk, 1975) 2.5 6/10
Beaumarchais the Scoundrel (Édouard Molinaro, 1996) 3 6.5/10
The Goose and the Gander (Alfred E. Green, 1935) 2.5 6/10
A Virgin Among the Living Dead (Jesús Franco, 1973) 2+ 5/10
https://64.media.tumblr.com/11018128b144089512a01c482feb95d5/5de9c10d6d61176c-b2/s640x960/eb0cbce2e34c8a3521e3a1365b6334ee617dd0c8.gifv
I don't know about virgin but there are living dead.
No One Gets Out Alive (Santiago Menghini, 2021) 2.5 6/10
I Eat Your Skin (Del Tenney, 1971) 2 5/10
An Impossible Love (Catherine Corsini, 2018) 3 6.5/10
The Deadly Spawn (Douglas McKeown, 1983) 2.5 6/10
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/58/7a/2e/587a2e29c5eb09ea8ff2d208e8b5d4a9.gif
The Deadly Spawn are very hungry - in all their forms.
Through the Glass Darkly (Lauren Fash, 2020) 2.5 6/10
Streets of Death (Jeff Hathcock, 1988) 2 5/10 R.I.P. Tommy Kirk
Give Us This Day (Edward Dmytryk, 1949) 2.5+ 6/10
Deathdream AKA Dead of Night (Bob Clark, 1974) 2.5 6/10
https://64.media.tumblr.com/ea5a8b323a935de97c7a1882b058f3de/2ed9d2a903e270cb-41/s500x750/2889c6a1407ac9a0e381db887e9b566ff3f6e8a8.gifv
Killed in Vietnam. Richard Backus returns home as some kind of zombie vampire.
East of the Mountains (S.J. Chiro, 2021) 2.5 6/10
The Smile Man (Anton Lanshakov, 2013) 3 6.5/10
Sharp Edges (Sandra Luckow, 1986) 2.5 6/10
Flesh Feast (Brad F. Grinter, 1970) 1.5 4/10
https://64.media.tumblr.com/d5ae1e7e3aea717b4a90c1bf05b94c27/a1131f2517178ffb-ae/s500x750/46e1163a145bedadcee383ca48ff5709c793f063.gifv
Scientist Veronica Lake has a surprise in store for Der Fuhrer.
Paju (Park Chan-ok, 2009) 2.5 6/10
The Méliès Mystery (Eric Lange, 2021) 3 6.5/10
The Guerilla Fighter AKA Padatik (Mrinal Sen, 1973) 2.5 6/10
I Drink Your Blood (David E. Durston, 1970) 2+ 5/10
https://i.makeagif.com/media/9-13-2016/yV3Heu.gif
"Highlights" from this Satan-worshipping LSD/rabies epic.

StuSmallz

09-30-21, 03:45 AM

I’d rank Sicario at #1, followed by Wind River then Hell or High Water. Interestingly enough, I think HOHW has the strongest script and perhaps the best performances but the craft in Sicario and the stellar sequences in WR elevate them. I’m a fan of all. None come close to No Country.

Those Who Wish Me Dead would rank at the bottom, if added to the mix, but I too like it a great deal.

I’m a fan of Sheridan (I don’t dislike Sicario 2 or even Without Remorse) but I just think he usually stumbles in areas that stop from hitting proper greatness.Okay; just out of curiosity though, what are the specific issues that kept Sicario from reaching that greatness for you?That's what I'm saying: that it may have been a consideration in writing/casting the part that audiences would need a white lead.I know, but what I'm saying is that filmmakers should be able to do a good enough job of getting us to empathize with a character that it overcome any differences in identity, especially in a story that calls for that (like River), instead of unnecessary whitewashing. And, if audience members still have a hard time connecting with a character, that's a problem on their end, not the movies', and the solution shouldn't be to coddle them by casting yet another straight white man as the lead, but to hold strong; if certain individuals can't get into a movie as a result, than that's just their loss.

PHOENIX74

09-30-21, 03:56 AM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0f/A_Dangerous_Method_Poster.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from IMP Awards., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32894150

A Dangerous Method - (2011)

I came away from watching A Dangerous Method with a curious feeling of being unfulfilled - like I'd only seen half of the movie, the rest ending up on the cutting room floor. A young Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) gets Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) as a patient, and a relationship develops that eventually becomes sexual. In the meantime he meets Sigmund Freud for the first time, and the two of them become close. The relationship between them becomes strained though, when Jung insists on adding metaphysics, precognition and telepathy to his areas of research, and deteriorates further when Freud discovers his dalliances with former patient Spielrein. I found it hard figuring out what all of this was about - Fassbender's Jung looks equally as confused and unhappy as I was by the time the film ends. Despite all of this, there is some nice work by the actors and people making the film. Scenes play great - it's just where they all went, with the script going awry - for me - although Freud would probably say I didn't get it because I want to have sex with my mum.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e7/Kinsey_movie.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2004/posters/kinsey.jpg, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1105316

Kinsey - (2004)

After watching Jung and Freud pontificate on sexuality I felt this was an appropriate second feature for the night. Alfred Kinsey is a nerdy professor who studies wasps. After having sexual difficulties on his wedding night, and overcoming them with the help of his doctor, he becomes interested in teaching others having problems. He soon becomes obsessed with studying sex, going to extreme lengths to make scientific headway into the sexual proclivities of people in the United States. Liam Neeson and Laura Linney (playing Kinsey's wife in an Oscar-nominated role) disappear into their roles at this fun look into America's pioneer of sexology. It doesn't probe too deeply (pun definitely intended) but is nonetheless interesting and engaging.

6/10

EDIT - and The Smile Man of course - I watched The Smile Man - 7/10

xSookieStackhouse

09-30-21, 04:11 AM

5 https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/6da/c58/17290c51270348a170cde78ff83b445b8b-26-ingrid-goes-west.2x.rvertical.w330.jpg

EsmagaSapos

09-30-21, 06:29 AM

https://i.postimg.cc/pXKXDrKg/movieposter-en.jpg

2

Starts like The Evil Death with a nice turn by the middle-end. I liked the ending (https://ibb.co/7jcwsSN).

EsmagaSapos

09-30-21, 06:31 AM

https://i.postimg.cc/VNkfQF28/581b7ab2abcc8be3a81000a5a1cbb93c.jpg

1

That kid's a prick, shutting the radio down like that.

Wooley

09-30-21, 07:38 AM

Good point. I didn't think of it. However TBH this film is way too tame for any of our horror buffs...;)

Hey, I'm one of them and I love it. 👍

Marco

09-30-21, 08:33 AM

Boy Erased (2018)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1d/Boy_Erased_%282018_poster%29.png
The best thing about this film as it treats its deeply troubling subject matter in a very sensitive and neutral way.....not a tirade, but just presenting the situation and laying it out plainly. I was impressed. All performances strike the right note.
4

Ultraman BLACK

09-30-21, 11:09 AM

https://fanart.tv/fanart/movies/10764/movieposter/quantum-of-solace-5554e5e8926b0.jpg
I think I was very generous with the rating because this movie is so, so bad...
The action is worse than I remember, the first act is incredibly weak. It improves a little with the presence of Giancarlo Giannini. Marc Forster was a misfire. The edit is the worst in the franchise (I haven't rewatched SPECTRE yet) and Craig looks so bored.
Ps: the opening is as bad as the movie
1

https://fanart.tv/fanart/movies/37724/movieposter/skyfall-5e152218c6403.jpg
Now this was a fun ride. Unlike "Quantum of Solace", this movie is better than I remembered.

The opening:
Adele was a hit, I understand the choice, and hell, the woman can sing. Not a big fan of the rhythm, yet, I believe it was a nice intro.

The guns:
81625
-"Walther PPK/S" never looked this good.
-Loved the amount of Glock used.
81626
-Was expecting a blast with the HK416, shame it was so short. Liked anywy.

The cars:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T93T9Udh_5s&ab_channel=JackandTom94
The best scene in the movie!

The Girl:
https://seenonceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-sexy-black-dress-in-lace-and-Swarovski-crystals-S%C3%A9verine-B%C3%A9r%C3%A9nice-Marlohe-Skyfall-movie.jpg
Strange arc, but it grows on me. Very cold...

One very fun thing I notice: The vilain is called Tiago Silva Rodriguez, my name is Thiago Silva, but thats not the fun part - Tiago is, in the Romance languages the same as James. In our bible, the book of James, for example, is called Tiago. The film exposes how James and Tiago are opposites with similarities.

Bonus:
https://youtu.be/-qrzbbfoylA?t=257
After the terrible action in QoS is nice to see something like this!

3_5

ThatDarnMKS

09-30-21, 01:24 PM

Okay; just out of curiosity though, what are the specific issues that kept Sicario from reaching that greatness for you?
The climax felt more like a revenge fantasy film than something that should be attached to a relentlessly grim tale that postures as realistic. It’s a good scene but it feels like it’s missing the necessary massaging to make it fit with what came before.

I also thought it was a missed opportunity to have the federale be crooked. The purpose of him and his family, with the final soccer scene, is brilliant (they are people who have to LIVE there) but making him a mule betrays the sympathy it’s aiming for. It’s a minor quibble but having Alejandro gun down an innocent man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, assuming he’s a mule, would have made that entire plot line more poignant.

I’m still a huge fan of the film though, so these are all nitpicks. The score and cinematography are among the best in a genre film from the last 20 years. But once again, there’s just something off at the screenplay level.

Wooley

09-30-21, 02:21 PM

https://fanart.tv/fanart/movies/10764/movieposter/quantum-of-solace-5554e5e8926b0.jpg
I think I was very generous with the rating because this movie is so, so bad...
The action is worse than I remember, the first act is incredibly weak. It improves a little with the presence of Giancarlo Giannini. Marc Forster was a misfire. The edit is the worst in the franchise (I haven't rewatched SPECTRE yet) and Craig looks so bored.
Ps: the opening is as bad as the movie
1

https://fanart.tv/fanart/movies/37724/movieposter/skyfall-5e152218c6403.jpg
Now this was a fun ride. Unlike "Quantum of Solace", this movie is better than I remembered.

The opening:
Adele was a hit, I understand the choice, and hell, the woman can sing. Not a big fan of the rhythm, yet, I believe it was a nice intro.

The guns:
81625
-"Walther PPK/S" never looked this good.
-Loved the amount of Glock used.
81626
-Was expecting a blast with the HK416, shame it was so short. Liked anywy.

The cars:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T93T9Udh_5s&ab_channel=JackandTom94
The best scene in the movie!

The Girl:
https://seenonceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-sexy-black-dress-in-lace-and-Swarovski-crystals-S%C3%A9verine-B%C3%A9r%C3%A9nice-Marlohe-Skyfall-movie.jpg
Strange arc, but it grows on me. Very cold...

One very fun thing I notice: The vilain is called Tiago Silva Rodriguez, my name is Thiago Silva, but thats not the fun part - Tiago is, in the Romance languages the same as James. In our bible, the book of James, for example, is called Tiago. The film exposes how James and Tiago are the exactly opposites.

Bonus:
https://youtu.be/-qrzbbfoylA?t=257
After the terrible action in QoS is nice to see something like this!

Interestingly, I am a fan of Quantum Of Solace and thought Skyfall was a huge (and totally ridiculous) letdown.

Thief

09-30-21, 03:06 PM

Interestingly, I am a fan of Quantum Of Solace and thought Skyfall was a huge (and totally ridiculous) letdown.

To be honest, I would put them kinda on the same level, and maybe even lump Spectre too. The craft in Skyfall is superior, but I have some major issues with the way the story unfolds.

Thief

09-30-21, 03:10 PM

PACTO DE FUGA
(2020, Albala)

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjc4NjA4Y2MtNDQwYS00YmIzLTk0ZWYtNGRlMGEzZTc3ZmZjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDY4Mjc3Mw@@._V1_.jpg

"Will you truly feel free when you're out?"

Pacto de Fuga is set in the late 1980s during the rule of dictator Augusto Pinochet in Chile. When a group of members of a rebel group make a failed attempt against the leader, they all end up in prison and some of them in death row. As a result, they staged a daring escape against all odds.

The film focuses primarily on two prisoners: León Vargas (Benjamín Vicuña) and Rafael Jiménez (Roberto Farías), both of which are reeling in from different types of loss in the aftermath of the attempt. There are a handful of other prisoners that are given certain prominence, but the film does a decent job handling all, but keeping the focus on the planning of the jailbreak.

Grade: 3

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2242060#post2242060)

Wooley

09-30-21, 03:59 PM

To be honest, I would put them kinda on the same level, and maybe even lump Spectre too. The craft in Skyfall is superior, but I have some major issues with the way the story unfolds.

Exactly. Couldn't agree more.

WHITBISSELL!

09-30-21, 04:03 PM

https://64.media.tumblr.com/79e9aa2c272b0e3a19153295d807285e/tumblr_muwah2pCzZ1rdfgw4o1_400.gifv

https://64.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmrhs9rl5S1qftxp8o1_r4_500.gifv

The Leopard Man - Cross another Jacques Tourneur off the list. I thought for sure I had seen this but it turns out I hadn't. Short (66 minutes) 1943 film about an escaped black leopard terrorizing a small New Mexico town. Small as it may be it's still able to support a nightclub full of well dressed customers on a daily basis. There's a couple of competing entertainers with Jean Brooks as Kiki Walker and the mononymous Margo as the castanet clacking Clo-Clo. So yeah, Kiki and Clo-Clo are frequently at odds but I'm not sure why because I don't think Kiki ever tips her hand as to what kind of entertainer she actually is. Anyway, her manager, Jerry Manning, (Dennis O'Keefe) comes up with the idea of Kiki making a grand entrance leading a leopard on a leash. But her rival Clo-Clo scares the big cat with her cacophonous castanets and it runs off into the desert night. And that's when the horror or, at the very least, thriller aspect comes into play. The town's more vulnerable citizens start turning up dead and it's up to self professed pragmatist Jerry to dig deeper than the local constabulary are willing or able to do.

Even though this might not be considered upper tier Tourneur by some it still has plenty of charm. The atmosphere is certainly there. The trademark Tourneur lighting and ensuing shadows and the portentous score and sound effects. And there are plenty of effective and memorable set pieces involving

the victims of the so called killer leopard; Teresa being stalked by an unseen force through a deserted arroyo only to meet her end on her very doorstep and Consuelo trapped in a deserted graveyard. There's also a Hitchcock like chase through a procession of black hooded figures. And like Gulfport Doc mentioned upthread there is a credible serial killer subplot with some intriguing background alluded to like the killer not being sure why he did what he did. For a seemingly minor-league horror/thriller about an escaped leopard this movie did dare to tackle some big league subject matter.
But Tourneur also takes the time to establish an underlying theme of shared culpability so that this ultimately came off as a more noble-minded endeavor with an altruistic message of looking out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. In that regard it does ultimately end up fitting neatly in the director's works. When all is said and done this is a pretty solid freakin' movie.

rating_4

Captain Terror

09-30-21, 04:22 PM

Teresa being stalked by an unseen force through a deserted arroyo

One of my favorite scenes in any horror movie.

Thief

09-30-21, 04:47 PM

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP
(2010, Banksy)

https://kpbs.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2010/11/17/12_t800.jpg

"I don't know how to play chess, but to me, life is like a game of chess."

Exit Through the Gift Shop chronicles the evolution and rise of Thierry Guetta from French immigrant and small businessman to street art sensation. Directed by mysterious street artist Banksy, you can see Guetta bounce and stumble from "passion" to "obsession", and viceversa. From his obsession with carrying a camera and filming everything and his subsequent venture into the world of street art, to his obsession with meeting Banksy and his eventual desire to become a street artist himself.

This is a captivating documentary that captures the essence of what could be a madman or a genius, or both. Banksy presents both sides to Guetta's personality, starting with the way he earned the respect of street artists around the world by joining them in nocturnal escapades and daring stunts. But halfway through, he shifts to show a more worrying side of Guetta, a side that's probably more obsessed with an endgame, whatever that is, than with the craft itself.

Grade: 4

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2242090#post2242090) and the PR HOF4 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2242091#post2242091).

Wooley

09-30-21, 05:30 PM

One of my favorite scenes in any horror movie.

I also really, really enjoy that one. I really like The Leopard Man.

Takoma11

09-30-21, 06:50 PM

I know, but what I'm saying is that filmmakers should be able to do a good enough job of getting us to empathize with a character that it overcome any differences in identity, especially in a story that calls for that (like River), instead of unnecessary whitewashing. And, if audience members still have a hard time connecting with a character, that's a problem on their end, not the movies', and the solution shouldn't be to coddle them by casting yet another straight white man as the lead, but to hold strong; if certain individuals can't get into a movie as a result, than that's just their loss.

I'm not disagreeing at all. I'm saying that his casting may have been influenced by concerns about audience buy-in to a non-white lead actor.

I think that it's tricky because there can be artistic reasons for casting/writing a part a certain way and financial reasons. Maybe that's not how it should be, but it's how it is.

Allaby

09-30-21, 09:07 PM

Just finished watching A virgin Among the Living Dead (1973) on Kino Cult. I really enjoyed it. Stylishly directed by Jess Franco, the film is atmospheric and erotic. Definitely worth checking out. My rating is a 4

BooBooKittyFock

09-30-21, 10:21 PM

Sympathy for Lady Vengeance

https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/imported_from_media_libray/022.jpg?bwg=1547052281

https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/imported_from_media_libray/651.jpg?bwg=1547052280

Gorgeous film, with a well told story and beautiful symbolism throughout. Sadly, I didn’t get to see the version that is partially in black and white.

4

Takoma11

09-30-21, 11:12 PM

BooBooKittyFock

09-30-21, 11:15 PM

Have you seen the others in the trilogy? Lady Vengeance was probably my favorite of the three, but I liked all of them.

I just saw Mr Vengeance in roulette 2 and I saw Oldboy years ago. Definitely due for a rewatch. I don’t have a streaming service to watch it atm though.

Mr. Vengeance is my favorite for the twists and I liked the tragedy crime thriller feel.

PHOENIX74

09-30-21, 11:27 PM

https://i.postimg.cc/52L5gdhW/womaninthedunes.webp
By https://posteritati.com/poster/31561/woman-in-the-dunes-1968-japanese-b2-poster, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9822288

Woman in the Dunes - (1964) - Japan

I watched this last night and enjoyed it immensely. The meaning of freedom through acceptance - the metaphor of going nowhere, of work feeling like a trap - the questions of why we even strive to survive. Above all of that, the engaging plot and wonderful cinematography and performances. I'm enjoying working my way through the foreign language countdown films, from Solaris to Persona, Andrei Rublev and this. All great films - I haven't been let down by any of them. This one is going to be a personal favourite - I was daunted by it's 147 minute run-time, but it flew by and left me wanting more. Incredible film. And yeah - surprisingly erotic.

9/10

Foreign language countdown films seen : 43/101

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/My_Week_with_Marilyn_Poster.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from IMP Awards., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32854683

My Week With Marilyn - (2011)

Explores the psychology of Marilyn Monroe through a young guy who befriended her during the production of The Prince and the Showgirl. I didn't enjoy it as much the second time around, but I'd already seen it recently and enjoyed it. I mainly watched it in preparation for the next film on my list...

7/10

https://i.postimg.cc/tCMy58hk/the-prince-and-the-showgirl-poster-1957-stars-on-art.jpg
By Bill Gold - [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25948653

The Prince and the Showgirl - (1957)

I thought this was dull and Laurence Olivier's character a little too absurd - though it is occasionally funny, and Marilyn charms as always. I think the production troubles shine through, Olivier, at some stage, had stopped caring about this film in which we was producer, director and actor. He started to refer to Monroe as "that bitch" - which might help a bit during scenes where his character thinks likewise, but not when he's supposed to fall in love with her. A very middling effort.

5/10

Takoma11

09-30-21, 11:43 PM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.iQGoW7UIwzfYCjmSCpyXiwHaDt%26pid%3DApi&f=1

Another Round, 2020

Middle-aged high school teacher Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) is years into a slump, both in his professional life and his personal life. Several of his friends, also teachers at the school, are in a similar place. After one of them jokingly references a theory that the human body is perpetually 0.05% in an alcohol deficit, the men decide to undertake a "scientific experiment" to see what life is like perpetually tipsy. They reverse the usual rules of drinking, maintaining a buzz through the day but not at night or on the weekends. The men see good results, but can they last?

I've loved every film I've seen from Vinterberg, and this one was no exception. He has a way of balancing the personal, intimate space of his characters and capturing the broader space around them that I just adore. Anchored by a stunning performance by Mikkelsen, and this film is an easy winner.

In a bit of interesting timing, I watched Open Hearts just a little while ago--another film in which Mikkelsen plays a man reacting to stagnancy in his life. In that film, the outlet and energizer is a sexual affair with a married woman. Here, it is alcohol. I remember a poster here praising the film for daring to be "politically incorrect," but I'm not sure I get that angle. While on the surface the film might seem to say that functional alcoholism is an a-okay way of life, I think it's pretty apparent that it's a temporary balm for people whose lives are complicated by more than their too-low blood alcohol content. If nothing else, we see that the men are unable to maintain their "ideal" level of tipsiness, drinking more and more and overshooting the 0.05% many times over.

My read on the film, and honestly this is partly informed by the fact that teaching is my profession, is that engagement with the world and people around you takes work. These men have long since ceased wanting to do that work in their professional lives, and apparently are just about done when it comes to their personal lives. I saw the story as fundamentally tragic. You don't have to be buzzed to write an engaging history lesson, but the men in the story come to rely on an external source of sensation--their drinking--instead of trying to find that joy and creativity inside themselves.

I also appreciated that the film showed the impact of the men's drinking on their families. One of the men leaves his wife at home with three very young children, returns home totally hammered, and wets the bed. Another man passes out on his street, injuring himself, only to be found by neighbors who summon the man's son to get him. I'm not saying that functional substance use is impossible, but it's a very tricky balance to strike and often has effects on those who live with and/or care about the individual.

But what the film balances so nicely is what we can see as an outsider (the self-destructive nature of it all, the inevitable loss of control and moderation) and what the men feel. And what do the men feel? Elated. Inspired. They connect with their students. They reconnect with the content they teach. They feel sexy. Youthful. This will kill them, we think, and yet there's no doubt that this is probably the happiest they've been in years.

And while I absolutely do not want to describe it in any way, this film has a closing sequence that is unexpected and stunning and incredibly powerful.

Highly recommended.

4.5

ThatDarnMKS

09-30-21, 11:50 PM

TITANE

*insert Al Pacino from Once Upon A Time In Hollywood saying “what a picture.”*

5

Rockatansky

10-01-21, 01:02 AM

PACTO DE FUGA
(2020, Albala)

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjc4NjA4Y2MtNDQwYS00YmIzLTk0ZWYtNGRlMGEzZTc3ZmZjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDY4Mjc3Mw@@._V1_.jpg

Nice, didn't know Jason Bateman was doing Chilean movies now.

Fabulous

10-01-21, 02:51 AM

Man Up (2015)

3

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/7yxMT99by6c0nFnhgaOdGmRlWu4.jpg

Wooley

10-01-21, 08:17 AM

Man Up (2015)

3

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/7yxMT99by6c0nFnhgaOdGmRlWu4.jpg

I was interested in this but couldn't get a feel for it, do you have anything to say that could help me decide?

Stirchley

10-01-21, 02:15 PM

81664
81665
81666

Re-watch of the Pusher Trilogy. One of the best trilogies I have ever seen. Hugely entertaining.

edarsenal

10-01-21, 02:46 PM

https://data.whicdn.com/images/199423474/original.gif
http://33.media.tumblr.com/56eb4374f6c5481b7e8c3d74b8398c30/tumblr_nlzrqecPW31s6pp33o1_500.gif
https://64.media.tumblr.com/95dd19118840c94d1a1b117bf784bad9/e60e823803c9d919-6e/s540x810/328a7a83d2864be282d013bad3b972557fc2c6c1.gifv

How To Train Your Dragon 2 3.5+++ (INITIAL RATING) What could have been an easily achieved potential of a 4 popcorn for everything it has going for it and my enthusiasm for the first of this series, for reasons I cannot zero in on. Or perhaps ones I feel do not genuinely need to be expounded on, this came close, but not entirely quite. Though enough that a second rewatch may change that --

***EDIT*** In the midst of writing this review, I've talked myself into a (FINAL RATING) of 4

It has been a while, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first film. When the surge of following films came pouring out, I was concerned that they were capitalizing on the cash flow and not necessarily the story's advancement and, thereby, the characters themselves - creating a storyline worth not only following but genuinely enjoying.
Thus was my mindset, and perhaps my Achilles Heel when kicking back to this film.
I loved the first film. Everything about it. The awkward, tinkering, not-so-successful craftsman son (Hiccup) of a nearly iconic father/Viking chieftain (Stoick, ideally voiced by Gerard Butler) and the entire residents of their village on a cliff by the sea, Berk. Adding to that, Hiccup's growing friendship with the village's enemies, dragons. Specifically, a rare breed of a dragon, nicknamed Toothless by Hiccup as the two become close friends, as Hiccup attempts to convince his village that hunts and kill them that they are actually intelligent, loyal, and kind.

There was a delightful quirkiness to the first one that seemed to be missing in the second. There were attempts, but they felt almost forced, in my biased first watch, as if a new group of writers was attempting to build upon and move forward, which was done successfully in a more serious tone. The advancement of the village that now is home to the dragons they once feared and fought, particularly the awkward Hiccup, is now a more confident young man. His daring experiments in intense flying patterns with Toothless express this. Expounded by the discovery of the "missing piece" of who exactly, Hiccup is to himself is discovered here when he finds his mother who lives in a hidden Dragon Sanctuary - voiced by Cate Blanchett.
where they delved in, not only the repair of Toothless's missing tail wing and the eventual loss of Hiccup's foot. There is another substantial loss; the death of his father, Stoick. I was stunned by this. But also saw the ability to propel Hiccup's personal story with the final act of becoming Chieftain. Along with not only combatting, in his peace-focused way but defeating the volatile Dragon Hunter, Vago (Djimon Hounsou) looking to rule over ALL Dragons and, thereby, the world.

Hmm, so it seems I may be checking this little series out after talking it over with myself via this review. lol

Allaby

10-01-21, 05:17 PM

I watched Au Pair Girls (1972) on the new Kino Cult streaming service. Also known as The Young Playmates and Mother's Helpers, this British sex comedy, is about sexy young foreign girls who come to England to work as au pairs. I liked the opening credits theme song. The story isn't great, but there is some saucy fun to be had. Also, several beautiful women have some nice nude scenes, for those who enjoy that sort of thing (like me). Worth a peek. My rating is a 3.

Takoma11

10-01-21, 05:29 PM

I was interested in this but couldn't get a feel for it, do you have anything to say that could help me decide?

The writing is not that strong, and I feel like a few of the exchanges didn't feel quite right. But overall the performances are fun and there are several funny parts and I generally liked it. Passable fluff, and enjoyable if you're a fan of one or both leads.

Stirchley

10-01-21, 06:38 PM

TITANE

*insert Al Pacino from Once Upon A Time In Hollywood saying “what a picture.”*

5

The New York Times unfavorably reviewed it today.

ThatDarnMKS

10-01-21, 06:52 PM

The New York Times unfavorably reviewed it today.
It’s in the same vein as Lynch, Cronenberg and Noé. It also won the Palm d’or. Polarizing comes with the territory.

Allaby

10-01-21, 07:36 PM

GulfportDoc

10-01-21, 08:23 PM

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=81675
Destination Murder (1950)

A pure “B” noir, directed by one of the Kings of the “B” movies, Edward L. Cahn (The Dead End Kids, many 50s sci-fi films), is both fun and a little preposterous in equal measure.

Cahn probably never directed a movie that ran longer than 60-75 minutes, and this one is no exception. A hit man leaves a theater at intermission to murder a man whose wife sees escaping the yard. Later she suspects the perpetrator in a line-up, but after feigning ignorance, allows the same man to drive her home. When the man leaves the premises in the same fashion, she knows he is the killer.

The wrong man is charged with the crime by the local detective chief. Meanwhile even though the widow continues to date the killer, she develops a romantic interest in the local crime boss. There follows plenty of double dealing, and even introducing a second femme fatale, as the plot continues to convolute. Naturally it’s all wrapped up in the end, with the bad guys getting their just desserts. The ending provides a surprising, almost surreal finale, as the woman takes an interest in yet another man…

Fun parts are provided to Stanley Clements (The Bowery Boys), the lovely Joyce MacKenzie (The Racket), and the quixotic darkly handsome Hurd Hatfield (The Picture of Dorian Gray). They perform ably as characters that slightly strain credulity.

Many of the studios during that era were churning out these noirs referred to as “crime films”, and it’s easy to see how a good number of them were destined for double feature bills, which was popular at the time, at least up through the 1950s. This is a prime example.

PHOENIX74

10-01-21, 11:33 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d4/Stalker_poster.jpg
By https://www.ucalgary.ca/~tstronds/nostalghia.com/TheNews.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34273437

Stalker - (1979) - U.S.S.R.

This was a hell of a thing. I wasn't sure how I felt about Stalker as I watched it last night. It defies any expectations you might have. Then I watched an interview with Geoff Dyer, author of Zone : A Book About a Film About a Journey to a Room. He hated the film the first time he saw it - then on subsequent rewatches he kept on seeing more and more in it, up to the point where his fandom in relation to this film has become his whole life. This is that kind of movie. The fact that it starts sepia-toned and then turns to colour when the three main characters enter the zone had me trying to relate everything in it to The Wizard of Oz. Maybe the professor needs a brain? The stalker a heart? The writer definitely needed some courage. But all of that kind of broke down as the film went on. All of my analyzing broke down. But man oh man, I want to watch this a few times. Most, if not all, foreign language countdown films I've watched recently will probably draw a 10/10 rating from me as time goes on.

8/10

Foreign language countdown films seen : 44/101

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/TheWarriors_1979_Movie_Poster.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20131670

The Warriors - (1979)

I can't believe I'd never seen this film before. It's a great John Carpenter-type action film where an unarmed gang have to fight their way home after an every-gang-in-New York conference goes awry and someone is killed. It's very stylized fast-paced and well-crafted. I'd recommend it to anyone that likes films such as Escape From New York and Assault on Precinct 13. Not to be confused with the 1979 gang film The Wanderers (which is what this stupid idiot did.)

7/10

TheUsualSuspect

10-02-21, 01:07 AM

Dear Evan Hansen

Here is a troubling film that tries to deal with some pretty dark topics. Teen suicide is told through the eyes of a depressed kid...but it's a musical.

The obvious age problem aside, my main issue with this film is the lack of consequences it has for Evan. He has social anxiety and is put in an awkward situation when the parents of the dead kid think he was friends with their son. Instead of correcting them or letting it slide and never speaking of it again, he goes headfirst into this fake life where he was the only friend of this disturbed individual. He even uses these lies to get with the dead kid's sister, whom he has had a crush on for a while. Once his lies unravel around him towards the end of the film, nothing really happens. In a high school setting, if someone did this they would be target #1. Yet all the film is interested in showing us as consequences for his disturbing actions is that people give him scowls. To me, it felt misguided.

Aspects of the film that kind of work involve the dangerous use of social media. How one misguided act can ruin or destroy lives and how the internet is ready to be venomous to anyone at any given time no matter what. It can be an extremely powerful tool for good and raising awareness, as depicted in the film, but it can also tear down grieving family members when you can be anonymous behind a keyboard. A rather unintentionally funny sequence involving people supporting Evan pops up halfway through the film, it involves social media.

The music is pretty good, but not the type you want to tap your toes to. I wish they didn't use some of the music for the intensely emotional scenes, they needed to play on the strengths of the actors and not the talents of the singing. It took me out of the emotional moment when someone is confronted with the truth and then all of a sudden he breaks out into song.

Dear Evan Hansen has people up in arms about a lot of things, it's not great, but it's not a total trainwreck either.

2.5

skizzerflake

10-02-21, 01:55 AM

Tonight's interesting movie - I'm Your Man - Directed by Maria Schrader - It's a German language sci-fi-rom-com from the Greenwich Village studio Bleeker Street, also partly filmed in Denmark...about as hybrid as you can get. It was a good night to be downtown, actually going to a theater, having some tacos in the food hall, seeing a "foreign" movie.

It's an interesting variation on the artificial human theme that originated with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and has been re-done numerous times. In this case, it's a handsome faux-lover, pursuing a woman whose hopes have diminished. Now and again, he needs a re-boot or a software upgrade, but he's smart, sensitive and "willing".

I enjoyed it and would like to see it again. It was subtitled, but with my family-aquired feel for German dialog, I was trying to catch speech and subtitles at the same time and missed some of the jokes. It's really quite smart, with likable characters and a benign story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioFMvGu05_k

ScannerDarkly

10-02-21, 04:03 AM

6/10 ive never seen the sapranos but a friend is a big fan and wanted to see this in the theater. The cold violence didnt sit right with me and Maybe i would have liked better if i saw the series.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-xfc9QUcAARyi8.jpg

Hey Fredrick

10-02-21, 09:02 AM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mafab.hu%2Fstatic%2F2014%2F266%2F22%2F21383_4.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

Film about Karen Silkwood, a union negotiator for a plutonium processing plant, who was getting ready to expose all kinds of shady shenanigans within the plant when things start going terribly bad for her. I usually enjoy these "true" stories about exposing corruption (China Syndrome, All the Presidents Men, Erin Brokovich) and this is on par with them. rating_4

EsmagaSapos

10-02-21, 10:19 AM

https://i.postimg.cc/nzxk8f6C/37a97aa2-21ec-4eeb-ab69-ea5094b153cf-d1192223-b311-42c4-bd4c-3b0f87243d38-RGB-SD-V72a5b63af582db06b.jpg

4

This film deserved a better poster. A mixture of Aztec Mayan Apocalypto with martial arts from all Asia, a great mixture, punches, every kind of swords, smoke bombs, you name it. This movie has it all, it doesn't lack a thing: the action is great, the script is very good, there's vengeance, tears, emotion, the acting is on point, the costumes, the ambiance, the mysticism, the shamanism, the cinematography. Sadly, it's the only Ong Bak that worth the watch, the rest is Jackie Chan type film with Tony Jaa.

ThatDarnMKS

10-02-21, 02:09 PM

THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK

Loved it. I’ve heard some say it doesn’t standalone. I don’t think it should or needs to. It builds and connects to the Sopranos story magnificently and slips you back into that world like a warm bath. Outstanding performances and writing abound.

5

edarsenal

10-02-21, 02:35 PM

https://harvardfilmarchive.org/public/upload/events/medium/5cf02e54b4fc3.jpg
https://www.popoptiq.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/panicinthestreets_widmark_and_douglas.jpg
https://www.berkeleyside.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/panic-in-the-streets.jpeg

Panic in the Streets (1950) 4+++ Director Elia Kazan is someone I've scarcely touched the surface of exploration. While rummaging about on his film list, this one truly caught my eye, being a lesser-known, hidden gem that stood out to me.
Kazan's penchant for the seedier of human aspects as well as the talent, insight, and realistic perspective while at the same time delivering the beauty of the beast onto celluloid is that of a true craftsman. The drama he is capable of drawing out of his actors is incredible.
And this is no exception.

What would become a practical checklist for Clock Running thrillers for so many modern films, Kazan's almost noirish approach brings a gravitas that so many attempts but rarely achieve.
Found at the docks in New Orleans is a dead immigrant with two bullet holes in him. What initially appears as murder is quickly discovered that the dead man would have been just as dead because he was carrying the pneumonic plague. Enter Richard Widmark as gung-ho Health Official, Lt. Cmdr. Clinton Reed. Hellbent to find the killer(s) within 48 hours. Not for Justice, but to stop the plague from spreading. An uninvited partner to Paul Douglas' Capt. Tom Warren of the New Orleans Police. There is a kind of Buddy Cop relationship going on as they bang heads and earn each other's respect as they set out on the trail, both taught with tension and done with realism and true leg-work.
An additional aspect that I truly enjoyed (along with everything else) was seeing Jack Palance as Blackie and his subordinate, Zero Mostel, in a serious role as Raymond Fitch. Two of the three men responsible and thereby sought out by Reed and Capt. Warren.
Palance is the epitome of menace, and most times that I've seen his early work, his screen time is somewhat limited and given little to say or do but BE menacing. But here, holy crap, the man is given plenty to say and do, and he utterly f@ckin shines doing it.
The pacing is pretty impeccable as the tension builds and the Search draws to a climactic end.

For anyone who enjoys an Old School Thriller done right, without all the outlandish, over-the-top procedures of most modern versions, I HIGHLY recommend this.

Rockatansky

10-02-21, 02:41 PM

I watched Nightbreed today. I know there is someone on the forum that mentions it a lot and is a big fan, but I don't recall who it is. Sorry to say this didn't do much for me and was very underwhelming. 2.5

Lol that might be me, but the movie in question is Nightbeast. Slightly different title. :rotfl:

I do like Nightbreed. It's uneven, especially in terms of the monster design, but I like its ambition. I wrote a review in the horror thread once, let me link it here: https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/2220199-nightbreed.html

ScannerDarkly

10-02-21, 06:56 PM

edarsenal

10-02-21, 07:39 PM

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ImpressiveIndelibleCrocodileskink-max-1mb.gif
https://64.media.tumblr.com/f8315147ce7be8ccd7e55ec28cd94642/c648d31edccc2ae2-a6/s500x750/61404420dea9d49bff1e43e6c5a8a0248a65d6af.gifv
https://64.media.tumblr.com/3fc5e8c5ea9e9b6f175c13202c6e4471/2d49401486397456-71/s1280x1920/50828330136034c47b153ef6371b021eedb62566.gifv

The Croods: A New Age (2020) 4 An equal to its predecessor, which I was astonished that I ended up enjoying it AS MUCH as I did.
The neanderthal family, in all their feral hilarity; Nicholas Cage's over-the-top intensity is gold as the father of the pack. Cloris Leachman is the manic grandma/mother in law and Emma Stone, like so many things, nails the teenage warrior daughter that falls in love with the next step in the Revolution Ladder, Guy (Ryan Reynolds).
For this sequel, Dreamworks has adopted a "Hillbilly Clan meet Hipster Comune" setting. Bringing in Peter Dinklage to play Phil Betterman. The mom, dad, and daughter knew Guy as a small child when the Tar Pits took his parents.

The humor is explosive and frenetic. The animation color scheme is bold, the characters are easily endearing and wonderfully outrageous, resulting in a fun romp of a sequel.

Nausicaä

10-02-21, 08:07 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/02/A_Quiet_Place_Part_II.jpg/220px-A_Quiet_Place_Part_II.jpg

4

SF = Z

[Snooze Factor Ratings]:
Z = didn't nod off at all
Zz = nearly nodded off but managed to stay alert
Zzz = nodded off and missed some of the film but went back to watch what I missed
Zzzz = nodded off and missed some of the film but went back to watch what I missed but nodded off again at the same point and therefore needed to go back a number of times before I got through it...
Zzzzz = nodded off and missed some or the rest of the film but was not interested enough to go back over it

Hey Fredrick

10-02-21, 08:54 PM

https://resizing.flixster.com/6PZHdd9kx-pfvRO67mFlDo1tpdc=/206x305/v2/https://flxt.tmsimg.com/assets/p10230803_p_v13_ab.jpg
Can't say I really liked it but I also couldn't stop watching it. Really nice looking, B&W film from South African about a teacher who has a relationship with a student and things go from bad to worse. Told from the teachers POV so we are in on his hallucinations/ nightmares which get confusing at times. Kind of slow moving, arty film but it's one of those that if you hang around long enough you want to see how it ends. rating_3

SpelingError

10-02-21, 09:07 PM

26th Hall of Fame (REWATCH)

Daisies (1966) - 3.5

So far, this film has been pretty love-it-or-hate-it amongst us. Personally, I enjoyed the film quite a lot when I watched it a few years ago and was looking forward to revisiting it. In spite of a couple reservations I have with it, I thought it held up quite well. To get my issues out of the way, I think the delivery of its themes can get a bit Nolan-y from time to time, like the opening conversation between the two women which spells its themes out as blatantly as possible. For the most part, the film maintains a playful atmosphere, but I did have to jump through a couple hurdles here and there to get the full benefit of that. Also, the shifts from black and white to color and the changing camera filters felt unnecessary and, though I was initially intrigued by them, they grew rather repetitive given how much they were utilized. For the most part though, I found this film to be a compelling critique of patriarchal roles and an effective portrait of feminist rebellion. Instead of beating you over the head with these themes (again, for the most part), Chytilová uses those themes as building blocks for a variety of fun sequences of the two women annoying people around them with their antics, starting romances with various men only to dump them soon afterwards, a highly suggestive scene of them cutting up phallic foods, or the climactic feast sequence. While this film may be too weird for some people, there's a strong sense of playfulness to this weirdness which should make it an easy watch if you go into it with the right set of expectations. While I didn't love this film, I thought it was pretty good and I'm glad I had a chance to rewatch it.

edarsenal

10-02-21, 09:46 PM

The animation looks really crisp!

I almost put those exact words in my review lol Yes it was, very much so!

Gideon58

10-02-21, 09:55 PM

https://best-of-netflix.com/static/uploads/sites/4/2021/08/Netflix-reveals-Michael-Keaton-film-%E2%80%98Worth-release-date-and-poster.jpg

3.5

Fabulous

10-02-21, 10:38 PM

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

3.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/1I1cFIKnXEdaOfN4597Y91oNXyo.jpg

Allaby

10-02-21, 10:45 PM

Slashlorette Party (2020). Directed by Paul Ragsdale and Angelica De Alba, this horror film is about a co-ed bachelorette party where the guests start getting killed off. I enjoyed this a lot. It has a 80s throwback feel to it. There are entertaining kills, some laughs, and even a little nice nudity to spice things up. I thought the performances were fun too. My only complaint is the ending felt anti-climatic and could have been much better. Still, I had a pretty good time up until that point. If you like fun slashers, this is worth checking out. Currently streaming on Amazon Prime.4

PHOENIX74

10-02-21, 11:07 PM

https://i.postimg.cc/25nCBmjq/Late-Spring-Japanese-Poster.jpg
By Shochiku - scanned movie poster released by Shochiku, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42157419

Late Spring - (1949)

Now I understand what sets Yasujiro Ozu apart from other filmmakers - the only other film of his I'd seen up to this point was Tokyo Story. His stories seem to focus on family dramas, with subtle things building into finishes which are emotional and deeply stirring. His themes are universal, despite the exploration of Japanese values and culture. I was a bit worried Japanese culture in Late Spring (along with how low-key the story is) would leave me a little cold and disinterested. By the end it all hit me hard, and it brought out a lot of feeling in me. I'm definitely going to explore Yasujiro Ozu's films - I love what I've seen so far.

8/10

Foreign language countdown films seen : 45/101

https://i.postimg.cc/J43gJnjC/jacktheripper.jpg

Jack the Ripper - (1988)

This is a popular two-part television film about Jack the Ripper and Frederick Abberline's investigation into the Whitechapel murders. It was a bit too Scooby-Doo for me - running like a murder mystery with perfect prime suspects and a neat conclusion (something the Ripper murders never had.) Also, Michael Caine (as Abberline) romancing a character played by Jane Seymour while these horrible murders are occurring horrified me more than the brutal crimes themselves.

4/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/62/Absentia2011film.jpg
By May be found at the following website: http://www.facebook.com/AbsentiaMovie?sk=info, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33403388

Absentia - (2011)

I saw this independent low budget horror film when it was released 10 years ago and it was definitely due another watch. For what the filmmakers had, they did a terrific job - the atmosphere of dread and straightforward story is memorable. I like to think that I discovered it's writer/director - Mike Flanagan - long before anyone else. Well worth seeing.

6/10

edarsenal

10-02-21, 11:46 PM

https://imgix.gizmodo.com.au/content/uploads/sites/2/2021/02/18/flw9etg9qrt3uj19oub6.gif?ar=16%3A9&auto=format&fit=crop&q=65&w=720&nrs=40&fm=gif
https://i.makeagif.com/media/6-06-2021/WQQ68Q.gif

Cruella (2021) 5 and a couple of +++'s for the sheer joy of it!!

I AM a complete Emma Stone Fanboy.
The extraordinary range and dead-on performances of this incredible character actress is a delirious enchantment, and when I had heard it would be her to play this role - -
https://c.tenor.com/FwTELxXRoSgAAAAM/sofia-evil-sofia-smile.gif
Let's just say the little girl in me was downright tickled.

And when I began to watch this, realized it was The Lady herself, Emma Thompson playing her nemesis, The Baroness. . . well, okay, to be absolutely honest, I DID get a little carried away with my giddiness that escalated when I got the opportunity tonight to watch this --
https://c.tenor.com/ljIdAh_bYT4AAAAC/crazy-gizmo-gremlins.gif

It wasn't a proud mo-- no, f@ckit, I was and am in a state of giddy silly-ass joy. Because all that giddiness was deliciously rewarded!! NUMMY NUMMY YAY YAAYYYY

This movie, for me, is a new reigning Queen for Origin Storylines and will most likely hold it for quite some time. The pageantry of it all on merely a visual level alone was razor-edged. Everyone was excellent in their roles and the "capers" were clever and well-orchestrated. The arc of the story, as well as the story itself, was pretty d@mn f@ckin clever I must say - and will!.
And with two ladies at the helm along with a solid supporting cast. . . well, yeah, the whole giddy thing.

I am very bummed NOT to have caught this at the theater, but should the intoxicating opportunity present itself; I am SO F@CKIN THERE.

Fabulous

10-03-21, 01:22 AM

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

3.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/5ZpLDvV5vuD6YhUp3bSjm2VHZd4.jpg

Takoma11

10-03-21, 10:22 AM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.UUGfr5yaOcXIwWWKeNKAVQHaEK%26pid%3DApi&f=1

Private Property, 1960

Two toughs named Duke (Corey Allen) and Boots (Warren Oates) are in the middle of intimidating a gas station owner into free goods when they spot the upper class Ann (Kate Manx). When the man they've intimidated into giving them a ride remarks that she'd never give them the time of day, Duke takes this as a challenge. Following Ann up to her isolated hillside home, the men take up residence in an abandoned house next door. Promising Boots a chance to "make it" with Ann, the two men spy on Ann and begin a dangerous game of seduction and home invasion.

A woman being terrorized in her home is hardly an original plot, and the sub-genre of home invasion films is mostly dominated by single women facing down violent men. I'll admit that this type of plot is slightly what I expected when I picked this one as a late Saturday night viewing.

Boy was I wrong.

The film begins by establishing just how dangerous these two men are. First intimidating the gas station owner, and later pulling a knife on the mane who gives them a ride, threatening to "gut him like a dead sheep". With this background, you'd expect an immediate and violent home invasion. But what makes the film more interesting, and in some ways more sinister, is the way that the men (and specifically Duke) choose a different angle. You see, Duke explains, rape is a little bit too much like "work". He wants Boots (who may be a virgin?) to have a more special first time. "You want me to drag her up here by the hair? Hold her down for you while she screams? Cut her so that she bleeds all over you?", Duke asks, when Boots grows impatient.

And so the game of seduction begins. It's not typical to see a film in which a male character physically seduces a female character--especially in an older film--and it's just interesting to watch. Because it's not purely seduction, it's also about slowly eroding the boundaries that Ann sets. In one scene Duke (who is posing as a gardener), strips down to just his pants. He asks to cool off in the pool, and despite Ann telling him no several times, he jumps in. Emerging dripping wet and standing a bit too close to her, she can only remark that he keeps himself in good shape. "Yeah," he replies. "I guess I'm what they call the physical type." There's a real physical magnetism to Duke, but he pairs this with emotionally manipulative actions. Whenever Ann grows uncomfortable, he knows just what to say--accusing her of classism, playing on her guilt.

And yet the counterbalance to the seduction--which is surprisingly effective in the charged eroticism it develops in certain scenes--is the sense of ownership and voyeurism. The men watch Ann as she swims, naked, in her pool. They talk to her from inside the neighboring house as if she's there to perform for them. Their idea of seduction (and the accompanying consent) only goes so far. They feel that they've earned and deserve access to her. In a really chilling sequence, Ann gets too drunk and struggles to keep herself vertical even as she is led, barely able to walk, to the bedroom. I won't spoil it, but what happens when Duke finally leads Ann to a waiting Boots is both shocking and unexpected.

The sensuality and the creepiness of Duke's seduction alone are enough to make this a charged, engaging thriller. But to me there's another element that elevates it further, and that's the nature of why Ann is vulnerable---to seduction and to assault. Ann is living the "perfect" life, right? Nice house in the hills, private pool, all the modern gadgets. But this woman is both bored and isolated. Her days consist of running errands, halfheartedly maintaining a garden she didn't plant and doesn't understand, and swimming to keep her legs slim for a borderline indifferent husband. Ann is a sexual, sensuous woman. I was really relieved that the film didn't seem to judge her for this. She's a young, beautiful person and she clearly just wants a satisfying sex life. She doesn't "tease" or flirt with Duke---she dutifully directs all of her sexual energy at her husband. But she is lonely, and so when an attractive, interesting man shows up, it is entirely understandable that she falls under his spell a bit. Ann is not a saint, but neither is she a stuck up priss who "needs to be taught a lesson." She's just an ordinary (albeit gorgeous) person who has found herself living in a life as flush and empty as a page from a catalog.

I had never heard of this film before, but I really loved it. I thought that the performances were spot-on, the seduction was shockingly erotic, the dynamics between the two bad guys were really interesting, and the final act was tense and thrilling. I loved the degree that the swimming pool----really the center of a lot of the film and the most potent symbol for Ann's wealth and empty life---played a role in the last act.

If you have the Criterion Channel, definitely check this one out.

4.5

Hey Fredrick

10-03-21, 11:31 AM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fthumb%2F9%2F9d%2FTread_(film).jpg%2F220px-Tread_(film).jpg&f=1&nofb=1

WOW! This was crazy. A welder in Granby, Co. thinks everyone in this small town is against him and is trying to ruin him. After years of losing court battles and being kind of a punching bag around town, the guy, at the end of his rope, loses it, buys a bulldozer, reinforces it with plates of steel and concrete, essentially turning it into a tank and proceeds to destroy the businesses of the people he thinks conspired against him. Most of his rampage was captured by news and locals recording the event. What this guy turned that dozer into is impressive. It was completely impenetrable. Yeah, he was clearly nuts by the time he went on his rampage but it also seems like it could have all been avoided if he hadn't been squeezed so tight by the powers that be. Pretty good doc as the welder left behind a series of tapes explaining his position and most of the folks he accused of conspiring against him were also interviewed. rating_4

this_is_the_ girl

10-03-21, 03:38 PM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvariety.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F10%2Fapples-by-christos-nikou-1.jpg%3Fresize%3D300&f=1&nofb=1
Apples (2020, Christos Nikou)
4
Impressive debut from the Greek director but not perfect. The premise is intriguing (pandemic of amnesia), and I thought the low-key, minimalist style served the story well, but some may come away finding the plot a bit too simple and lacking interesting development. I liked it. The moments of subtle quirky comedy were a lovely addition, too.
Aside from a similarly restrained style, the Ozu-esque use of apples at the end as a symbol of acceptance ('Late Spring') felt like a deliberate homage to the Japanese master.

Marco

10-03-21, 03:44 PM

Re-watch of the Pusher Trilogy. One of the best trilogies I have ever seen. Hugely entertaining.[/QUOTE]
Incredible Trilogy, wonder what really happened to Frank....did he just get done in or make it away. No-one mentions him in the next 2 instalments which I thought alluded to the fact he had come to a grisly end possibly via Radovan.

Fabulous

10-03-21, 07:49 PM

Don't Look Now (1973)

3.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/gGnJRJHKfk0QtSH8KIMzCxHmuHM.jpg

GulfportDoc

10-03-21, 08:31 PM

[Tread]

WOW! This was crazy. A welder in Granby, Co. thinks everyone in this small town is against him and is trying to ruin him. After years of losing court battles and being kind of a punching bag around town, the guy, at the end of his rope, loses it, buys a bulldozer, reinforces it with plates of steel and concrete, essentially turning it into a tank and proceeds to destroy the businesses of the people he thinks conspired against him. Most of his rampage was captured by news and locals recording the event. What this guy turned that dozer into is impressive. It was completely impenetrable. Yeah, he was clearly nuts by the time he went on his rampage but it also seems like it could have all been avoided if he hadn't been squeezed so tight by the powers that be. Pretty good doc as the welder left behind a series of tapes explaining his position and most of the folks he accused of conspiring against him were also interviewed. rating_4
Yeah, I definitely identified with the welder...:)

Jeremiah_J

10-03-21, 09:10 PM

Knock Knock (2015)

It's entertaining. :up:

Raven73

10-03-21, 11:34 PM

Police Academy 3: Back in Training
4/10.
It's amazing how many characters and actors from the first two movies they brought back for this third installment of the franchise, including the hooker from the first movie, the main street goon from the first movie, Mrs. Fackler, Sgt. Calahan, Mauser and his proctor from the second. Unfortunately, most of the gags in this movie are also repeats from the first two movies. I only found Bobcat Goldthwait funny and the bit with a naked proctor in the street. They tried to make the city look like the U.S., but in one of the shots you can clearly see the base of the C.N. Tower in Toronto (as well as a few other, lesser-known landmarks). A disappointing movie considering how much I enjoyed the first two installments.
https://flxt.tmsimg.com/assets/p9160_p_v10_aa.jpg

BooBooKittyFock

10-03-21, 11:54 PM

Frailty
https://cache.moviestillsdb.com/i/500x/i4kfskil/frailty-lg.jpg
4

Mississippi Burning
https://cache.moviestillsdb.com/i/500x/9p2vsfeo/mississippi-burning-lg.jpg
4.5

CringeFest

10-04-21, 12:22 AM

Dark Waters (2019)

8/10

I overall thought the acting was pretty good, and while all "reconstruction of real events" movies have inaccurracies, it felt very real having had real life experience doing this exact type of environmental-retribution work...

CringeFest

10-04-21, 12:27 AM

PHOENIX74

10-04-21, 12:39 AM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a5/Nomadland_poster.jpeg
By Searchlight Pictures, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64969367

Nomadland - (2020)

I don't have much to say about this - other than the fact that I find the life of a nomad enticing. I'd need a television, DVD/Blu-ray player and a few hundred Criterion editions along one wall of my van though. Swap out the criterions once every six months or so. Enjoy the views, fresh air, adventure and movies. Now I've seen this and Minari amongst the last lot of best picture nominees - neither gets close to real greatness. I've been pretty slack in regards to seeing the nominees this year - but who could blame me?

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/10/Florence_Foster_Jenkins_%28film%29.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from the distributor., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49547492

Florence Foster Jenkins - (2016)

I'm sure nobody remembers me mentioning Marguerite after I saw it a few months ago. It was a true story about a rich lady who sang terribly - but her hangers-on and the greedy convinced her that she sang marvelously, and so she she went on to make a great fool out of herself. It was very amusing. The lady's name was Florence Foster Jenkins, and this is the other film based on her. Meryl Streep plays the lead - and was nominated for an Oscar. I rate Marguerite as the far superior film - but this wasn't really bad.

6/10

Marguerite :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZsgWFITTu8

Florence Foster Jenkins :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HszfdNS0JSc

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/61/Holy_Rollers_%282010_film%29_poster.jpg
By The cover art can or could be obtained from IMP Awards or First Independent Pictures., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26751758

Holy Rollers - (2010)

I never heard jews complain so much about making money... Jesus christ.

Sam (Jesse Eisenberg) and Leon (Jason Fuchs) are both devout Orthodox Jews, but unhappy about where their lives are heading. When they find out how much money they could make smuggling "medicine" they naively give it a go. I read a good review about this film ages ago - and I should have forgotten about it really. Very average fare.

5/10

Fabulous

10-04-21, 02:12 AM

Sea Fever (2019)

3

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/uBknPio2qglByZRxJX4EUAhkESV.jpg

rambond

10-04-21, 03:02 AM

Coma (1978) 9/10 great thriller, genvieve bujold outdoes herself with some real good acting

xSookieStackhouse

10-04-21, 03:58 AM

5 rewatched
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOGU2MWRiYmQtMDY1MS00OTUzLTkzYTktYjE5YTE4MTI0NzRkL2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1 _.jpg

xSookieStackhouse

10-04-21, 04:27 AM

mark f

10-04-21, 05:15 AM

Wanted for Murder (Lawrence Huntington, 1946) 2.5 6/10
Lone Wolf (Jonathan Ogilvie, 2021) 1.5 4/10
Convoy (Pen Tennyson, 1940) 2.5 6/10
Gunda (Viktor Kosakovskiy, 2020) 3.5- 7/10
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOGZjZDIxYTYtMjViMS00YmViLWEwYzMtNDZkZTEyYWI4OWQ5XkEyXkFqcGdeQWFybm8@._V1_UX477_CR0,0,477,268_AL_ .jpg
Do animals have emotions? Hell yeah.
The Many Saints of Newark (Alan Taylor, 2021) 2.5+ 6/10
The Vampire Bat (Frank R. Strayer, 1933) 2 5/10
Black as Night (Maritte Lee Go, 2021) 2.5 5.5/10
Cryptozoo (Dash Shaw, 2021) 3.5- 7/10
https://64.media.tumblr.com/c4995fa49454a1bd01caa428d1297279/449a6f1b9f979bc4-39/s500x750/fe946f62ccf244573bd2d9094e2c808d3eb5d8f2.jpg
Indescribable animated world of strange settings and creatures.
Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales (Ken Cunningham, 2021) 2.5 6/10
The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre (Max Martini, 2021) 2 5/10
Classic Artists: The Moody Blues (Jon Brewer, 2006) 3 6.5/10
The Card Counter (Paul Schrader, 2021) 2.5 6/10
https://c.tenor.com/YsEHLoUdxGMAAAAC/the-card-counter-focus-features.gif
Ex-con Oscar Isaac is now a high-stakes poker player who tries to help Tye Sheridan from making a big mistake.
Cartoon Carnival (Andrew T. Smith, 2021) 3 6.5/10
Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue (Jia Zhangke, 2020) 2.5 5.5/10
Last Man Down (Fansu Njie, 2021) 2 5/10
The Guilty (Antoine Fuqua, 2021) 2.5 6/10
https://64.media.tumblr.com/a76de91b2fc95cb9f8ce6275850603e8/8872951bc192a71e-78/s540x810/4ad8c3052816ede699535e98fdfd0b889d499925.gifv
Disgraced LA cop Jake Gyllenhaal is working as a 911 call dispatcher when he tries to help someone he thinks is kidnapped.
The Green Years (Paulo Rocha, 1963) 2.5 5.5/10
This Is Francis X. Bushman (Lon Davis, 2021) 3+ 6.5/10
The Survivalist (Jon Keeyes, 2021) 2- 5/10
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (Fred Niblo, 1925) 3+ 6.5/10
https://media.giphy.com/media/qYxtIpuc65zvW/giphy.gif
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLslZiqGZXI
Thrilling chariot race and sea battle are two of the greatest action scenes ever.

edarsenal

10-04-21, 07:46 AM

one of my favorite disney movies, i agree emma stone did an amazing job as cruella and emma thompson also i loved when theres to emmas vs each other and hopfully cruella 2 will be good im excited bout it!

Has there been word about a second? I haven't heard. I would seriously be up
for that

xSookieStackhouse

10-04-21, 07:49 AM

Has there been word about a second? I haven't heard. I would seriously be up
for that

yep it shows on imdb site https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14786246/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3
same im excited for it

edarsenal

10-04-21, 09:34 AM

SUHWEET

Marco

10-04-21, 11:28 AM

CringeFest

10-04-21, 01:00 PM

Coma (1978) 9/10 great thriller, genvieve bujold outdoes herself with some real good acting

That's definetly one of my favorite movies, it's so creepy.

Stirchley

10-04-21, 01:53 PM

81751

Re-watch of a delightful movie. Talk about disparate storylines: a love story & the appeasement of the Nazis. Movie managed them both.

81752

Not bad. Well-acted. Sweet story.

81753

Re-watch. Good movie. Maybe a tad too long towards the end.

Fabulous

10-04-21, 03:11 PM

Vivarium (2019)

3.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/gzrxB8PLoSZhzKi1t5mKYGFZT3s.jpg

rambond

10-04-21, 06:15 PM

The Andromeda Strain (1971)
They simply don t make these kind of scifi thrillers anymore, a great film, 9/10

Gideon58

10-04-21, 07:11 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7b/Purple_Rain_%28film%29.png

8th Re-watch...to be fair, the screenplay seems to have been written by a high school student, the central character is an arrogant, childish, sexist jerk and Prince is no actor. But the man is mesmerizing in this movie, giving it enormous re-watch appeal, with the aid of his flawless song score and the music video direction which fits the story perfectly. The late Clarence Williams III was robbed of an Oscar nomination for his powerhouse performance as the kid's father too. This is a movie I just never tire of re-watching. 3.5

Gideon58

10-04-21, 07:32 PM

one of my favorite disney movies, i agree emma stone did an amazing job as cruella and emma thompson also i loved when theres to emmas vs each other and hopfully cruella 2 will be good im excited bout it!

I loved this movie too...I think Emma Thompson should get a supporting actress nomination.

xSookieStackhouse

10-04-21, 07:44 PM

I loved this movie too...I think Emma Thompson should get a supporting actress nomination.

i agree loved her on nanny mcphee

GulfportDoc

10-04-21, 08:30 PM

Pig (2021)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e2/Pig_poster.jpeg
Nicholas Cage continuing to ham (pun intended) it up as a former chef who goes into isolation after a family tragedy. He sells truffles to high end restuarants but someone abducts his prize truffle finding porcine. He is on a revenge mission tracking said porcine. Acting not bad but the story (like so many of Cage's latter work) completely ludicrous.
rating_2
I agree with your comments. For the life of me I can't understand why this film got the praise that it did. In the first 10 minutes or so, the pig itself was cute. And some of the cinematography was predictably well done. But the story, and Cage's acting were both silly. In some of the scenes I was waiting for them to all stop and break into hysterics. He must be a darling of the critics.

Allaby

10-04-21, 09:14 PM

I watched Stitches (2012). Stitches is a horror movie about a clown who is accidentally killed by some kids and then comes back years later when they are teens to get revenge. It's very bloody and gory, but done in an over the top comedic way. The film is fast paced and fairly entertaining. My rating is 3.5.

Thief

10-04-21, 10:04 PM

THE VIRGIN SPRING
(1960, Bergman)
Freebie

https://amherstcinema.org/sites/default/files/styles/field_image_front/public/VirginSpring_0.jpg?itok=2nU0CpTc

"A day can start out beautifully yet end in misery."

Set in medieval Sweden, The Virgin Spring starts with Karin (Birgitta Pettersson), a young woman sent to take candles into church by her parents, Töre and Märeta (Max Von Sydow and Birgitta Valberg). But when their day turns to misery, they have to think about their response against those that caused it.

With this film, Bergman extends one of his main themes, which is the questioning of God's purposes in the things that happen to us, and end our days in misery. But on his way to that questioning, he walks us through a valley of dread and death. It is a bit of a tough watch, as things unravel, but Bergman keeps us focused on our main characters: Töre and Märeta, and how they think, rethink, and think again of their reactions to tragedy.

Grade: 4.5

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243160#post2243160) and the PR HOF4 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243161#post2243161).

PHOENIX74

10-05-21, 12:42 AM

https://i.postimg.cc/zvHnyLTW/East-of-Eden-1955-film-poster.jpg
By "Copyright 1955 Warner Bros. Pictures Distributing Corporation" - Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89274137

East of Eden - (1955)

This was really good, but not quite as satisfying as I thought it might be, considering it's based on a Steinbeck novel and stars James Dean. Some nice cinematography - Oscar-winning performance from Jo Van Fleet (she's only in it a few minutes.) Louise Smith has a small role too. Ever since watching Five Easy Pieces I've taken to spotting her here and there - she's also in Green Card. I'm not big on Bible allegories though - maybe that's why I didn't think it was truly great. It's strange though, that part of the film's conflict comes from father Adam pushing the Bible forcefully on son Cal - and also driving his wife away by doing the same. I'm not sure what the film is trying to say - because it's doing the same to us in a subtle manner. Maybe it's saying that the words themselves don't matter - it's the actions and understanding that does.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Dick_tracy1.jpg
By MoviePosterDB, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7391458

Dick Tracy - (1990)

I remember this when it came out - hot on the heels of Batman the year before. It has comic book style to burn (it's actually quite remarkable in that regard) and a load of great cameos. Kathy Bates was just about to hit the big time - and coincidentally, James Caan is in this also. It had problems though - not only was there little substance or meaning beneath the style, but Dick Tracy was from a bygone era and no longer popular with kids like Batman was. Also, Warren Beatty was more suited to older audiences. You can only appreciate a good-looking movie for so long before the novelty wears off and you start to hunger for something more. That something more never arrives in Dick Tracy. Nominated for 7 Oscars - winning for set decoration, makeup and original song. I get tired of Al Pacino's yelling after around 30 minutes - his Best Actor nomination puzzles me deeply.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/88/Camelot_%28film%29_poster.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16960322

Camelot - (1967)

How do you like the loooong poster? This wasn't too bad - though I wasn't exactly expecting it to run for a loooong 180 minutes. Songs are nice, and not too intrusive - but I wish there was the lyric "I have to push the pram a lot" in there somewhere. It's the best lyric ever. Recommended to me by a King Arthur mad friend.

7/10

Not Camelot :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dviEWs_VIG4

John W Constantine

10-05-21, 12:52 AM

From Dusk til Dawn - 1996

3

Fabulous

10-05-21, 02:08 AM

Freaky (2020)

3.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/rY26gy8isPcBLAe3NBIsVTPVb0Z.jpg

Torgo

10-05-21, 10:28 AM

I agree with your comments. For the life of me I can't understand why this film got the praise that it did. In the first 10 minutes or so, the pig itself was cute. And some of the cinematography was predictably well done. But the story, and Cage's acting were both silly. In some of the scenes I was waiting for them to all stop and break into hysterics. He must be a darling of the critics.Ouch. I really liked Pig. I haven't seen many movies from this year, but it's probably my favorite so far. For what it's worth, I'm partial to Nicolas Cage and movies about people who seem out of place in the world like Ghost World, The Long Goodbye, etc. I enjoyed it as a story about the obstacles that get in the way of our pursuit of happiness, or "things to really care about" like Rob says, and the bitterness, nostalgia and emptiness one can feel when we cannot overcome them, not to mention the insider's look at the restaurant world and all of its annoying pretensions the movie provides. I also just like the way the movie reveals who Rob is and how he ended up living as a truffle hunter. Sure, there's weird stuff in it like how Rob spends most of movie with blood on his face, but they either ranged from not weird enough to take me out of the movie to pleasant quirks. "Good weird," in other words.

Ultraman BLACK

10-05-21, 11:04 AM

https://fanart.tv/fanart/movies/370172/movieposter/no-time-to-die-5ded3b01abc68.jpg
I left the theater very frustrated. Honestly, I didn't like anything about this movie. This man doesn't look like Bond. The idea of an older, more sensitive Bond isn't bad for me, but I didn't like the way it was executed. The action, the drama, the villain, everything was so... off...
Well, go and see for yourself. I believe most people here will think it's an "OK" or "GOOD" movie, but for me, it just doesn't work like a James Bond movie. Hell, it doesn't work as a spy/suspense action...
I won't rate it here because I'm still thinking I'm missing something...

iApuestas

10-05-21, 12:32 PM

El juego del calamar

Fabulous

10-05-21, 12:52 PM

Blood Quantum (2019)

2.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/6zRWgBmNJpjoy3aAZF868gV0c0s.jpg

WHITBISSELL!

10-05-21, 02:45 PM

Honestly, I didn't like anything about this movie. This man doesn't look like Bond... Was this is your first time watching a Daniel Craig as Bond film?

... I'm still thinking I'm missing something...As in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre?

matt72582

10-05-21, 03:03 PM

Classic Artists: The Moody Blues (Jon Brewer, 2006) rating_3 6.5/10

I have to recommend the great "Classic Albums" documentaries on some of the greatest albums ever.. They introduce the band and their beginnings, talk to the members, go inside the songs, sometimes with demos, and then in the studio, when they isolate certain tracks, and a ton more... Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Who, Steely Dan, Black Sabbath are just a few great ones.

matt72582

10-05-21, 04:16 PM

Private Property - 6/10

GulfportDoc

10-05-21, 08:23 PM

THE VIRGIN SPRING
(1960, Bergman)
Freebie
Set in medieval Sweden, The Virgin Spring starts with Karin (Birgitta Pettersson), a young woman sent to take candles into church by her parents, Töre and Märeta (Max Von Sydow and Birgitta Valberg). But when their day turns to misery, they have to think about their response against those that caused it.

With this film, Bergman extends one of his main themes, which is the questioning of God's purposes in the things that happen to us, and end our days in misery. But on his way to that questioning, he walks us through a valley of dread and death. It is a bit of a tough watch, as things unravel, but Bergman keeps us focused on our main characters: Töre and Märeta, and how they think, rethink, and think again of their reactions to tragedy.

Grade: rating_4_5

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243160#post2243160) and the PR HOF4 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243161#post2243161).
Both thumbs way up for this one! It's really my favorite Bergman, and put von Sydow squarely on my radar......... for life. He always gave first rate performances. And Sven Nykvist's cinematography was wonderful.

LChimp

10-05-21, 08:46 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZWJiYmViMDYtNGIyZC00NWQ5LTk4MzItYmUzNWU4OWM3NWQyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDYxNTI3ODY@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.j pg

Cool concept, but flawed execution. Shame

Gideon58

10-05-21, 09:05 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzJmMTE5ZmYtNDBhMC00OTQ2LWE5YWUtNzhiMTVmMDc5OWI0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTY5Nzc4MDY@._V1_.jpg

3

edarsenal

10-05-21, 09:24 PM

THANK YOU! Hey Fredrick for this instantaneous viewing pleasure in Jab's VERY cool Film Challenge (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2154355#post2154355)

https://i.makeagif.com/media/11-07-2017/tYlT83.gif
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRYTGYHgIvU/UOsbiU-oF_I/AAAAAAAACTA/97cGbwrJAys/s1600/The+Omega+Man+vampires.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEeoL4d78vo/VPrIrEg8_yI/AAAAAAAAFiU/RXhwDt1E_zE/s1600/Charlton%2BHeston%2B%E2%80%93%2BThe%2BOmega%2BMan%2B%281971%29%2Bstreet.jpg

The Omega Man (1971) 54.5+++ ((viewing enjoyment rating *patent pending*) the pluses is for talking myself into adding another half popcorn lol)
I was in First Grade when this came out. I literally grew up with this. HEARD about it. Saw the References and all the WannaBes and Parodies. But never saw it.

And now.
Having forgotten ALLL of it, I had found a link for Fredrick and while bouncing about ensuring a good one. . . Oh, wait, Chuckie? . . . Holy Mommy's Second Cousin's Beautician's perk coiffures!! Anthony ZERBE!!??!?!! I am watching this -- RIGHT NOW.
End credits run. I begin.

Holy Snits and Snackers! Bubbles and Girdles!! That was SOOOO frickin-dee-lickin COOL!!
It was ALSO a pretty d@mn SOLID storytelling. And the fact that I had FORGOTTEN every SPOILER ALERT! aka Sh#t Going Sideways and the Ending --- and it was all spanking new instead of knowing Every D@mn Thing when it came out in VHS when I WOULD have watched it, magnifying my viewing pleasure.

As I stated, it was solid storytelling. And some pretty decent directing, raising the quality bar of this Drive-In Gem. From the get-go of no Credits, just a camera is panning down to Chuckie having just another day. Listening to his 8-Track, cruising with the top down, along the corridored empty streets of LA. And then WHY they're empty. And THEN the credits hooked me entirely. I enjoyed the Twilight Zone dedication to a man trying to cling onto normality aka his senses and the plague of Night Dwelling Religious Zealots he wars with. (F@ckin neighbors, am I right?)
There was also something I really appreciated in the Timeline of the film. Made in '71, and they set it in '77. The result of a Germ Warfare from a global war that had escalated from initial conflicts that actually occurred between Russia and China in '69 and the rest of the world kinda wondered, and out popped this lil parable -- or more correctly, remake within a line of remakes of, what I would imagine an excellent book went the "Action Hero" route.
I gotta say, D@MN FINE choice of routes, indeed, for this specific remake and pretty d@mn happy to see it with new eyes and with the appreciation I have now from being a member here for as long as I have.

oh how I do LOVE this site

PHOENIX74

10-05-21, 11:20 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6f/Talk-Radio-Poster.jpg
By AllPosters.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12082139

Talk Radio - (1988)

I think I'd seen this before - but regardless, it was well worth seeing again. A real tour-de-force by Eric Bogosian as Barry - a talk radio host with an abrasive style and little regard for anyone's feelings. His heart is in the right place, but his offensive style ruffles feathers. It's when it comes to ruffling the feathers of various neo-nazi and white supremacist groups that he creates danger for himself. Barry is trying to reconcile with his ex-wife, is getting dead rats and death threats in the mail and his show is on the verge of going national (he often fights with his boss, played by Alec Baldwin) so these pressures begin to leak through into his rude radio persona. Things are about to get even crazier and more deadly dangerous than usual. Directed by Oliver Stone.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ad/Age_of_Consent_English_film_poster.jpg
By Columbia Pictures - http://www.moviepostershop.com/age-of-consent-movie-poster-1969, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37915310

Age of Consent - (1969)

I spent every second of this hating it. Some of this was to do with James Mason's "Australian accent" - which veered around all over the place and just had me wincing. Another had to do with people from outside of Australia trying to capture and represent Australian culture - which was about as accurate as Mason's accent. This is a Michael Powell-directed film with the great actors (the second being Helen Mirren) so you'd expect something decent - but I found nothing to like. The leering and crude sexuality was the final nail in the coffin for me. This was made just prior the the Australian New Wave of cinema that started in the 1970s, and I think that new wave may have been a direct response to films like this about "Australia" made by non-Australians.

3/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2e/Frozen-river-movie-poster.jpg
By Seat42f.com - Seat42f.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21226651

Frozen River - (2008)

Edge of your seat stuff in the second half of this drama about a struggling white family living near an Indian reservation, where the matriarch decides to throw in with an Indian lady smuggling people across the border into the U.S. You want her to succeed so much, despite the fact she's doing the wrong thing. In the meantime disasters close in from every side - from the family house burning down, no presents for Christmas, cars cracking through the ice, a bag with a baby in being mistakenly thrown out the window and the ever-present threat from cops who can bring everyone's life crashing down if they catch on. Pretty good stuff. The script was nominated for an Oscar, as was Melissa Leo's acting.

7/10

ScannerDarkly

10-06-21, 01:41 AM

Hey Fredrick

10-06-21, 09:46 AM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.soundtrackcollector.com%2Fmovie%2Flarge%2FOmega_man_(1971).jpg&f=1&nofb=1

A plague wipes out most of the world's population and leaves a bunch of infected cultists, who have to stay out of the light, and Charlton Heston, who thinks he is the last man on earth and can't find a shirt. Well, he's not the last man on earth and he eventually finds a kick ass, shiny blue jumpsuit with a bright red holster. He's just the last man having any fun - driving cars over cultists, shooting cultists, living in a penthouse. This is what I expected from The Omega Man and I liked it. Kinda cheesy but good cheese. It fits right in line with a lot of what Heston was doing in the late 60's through the 70's. rating_3_5

Siddon

10-06-21, 10:09 AM

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0ab9423a28cd44b42c8b4c/1613780941604-SES95GCKTUI5Q682XIP2/Screen+Shot+2021-02-19+at+4.25.37+PM.png

Kid Detective (2020)

This is the story of a 13 year old child detective who after his secretary goes missing spirals into a life of despair and hopelessness. Adam Brody is amazing in this and this is the sort of film that had the theaters been around might have found legs because it's such a quality mystery/dark comedy.

This is easily in my top ten of the year I strong encourage people to seek this out.

rating_5

pahaK

10-06-21, 10:47 AM

I haven't written on this thread for a while. Actually, I haven't watched movies in a while. The blame goes to this new computer game called New World. Anyways, there's one film I watched before the release and just now watched another while the servers are down for maintenance.

The Cave (2005)
2.5
A passable monster film inside, surprisingly, a cave. It's not worth the third or fourth watch this was, but for some reason I found myself watching it again. I think Piper Perabo may have something to do with it.

--
Security (2017)
2.5
A decent B-action that should have been made in the 80s (it tries so hard to be an 80s film, and I surely would have liked it a lot more back then). Oddly stacked cast for a film like this with Antonio Banderas and Ben Kingsley. Something like Die Hard meets Home Alone meets John Woo and Jean-Claude van Damme. Stupid but somewhat entertaining.

Thief

10-06-21, 01:22 PM

TOUCH OF EVIL
(1958, Welles)

https://www.zekefilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TouchEvil2-1280x600.jpg

"I'm always thinking of her, drunk or sober. What else is there to think about, except my job, my dirty job?"

Set in the US-Mexican border, Touch of Evil follows the investigation of a car bombing that kills a wealthy businessman and his girlfriend. Even though he's on his honeymoon, "Mexican" agent Miguel Vargas (Charlton Heston) tries to assist in the investigation, which is led by Captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles), a veteran but shady officer that might have other motivations in mind.

Objectively speaking, this is a pretty good film. Welles does a great job both behind and in front of the camera. His Quinlan is certainly despicable, but still layered. There's so much thing that he does with his expressions and his stance that communicate so much. As for his direction, what can be said? From the impressive opening shot, you know you're in for a technical treat. He uses some techniques similar to the ones he used in Citizen Kane, low angle shots, pans and zooms, but he also manages to create a good deal of tension, especially regarding the fate of Vargas' wife, Susie (Janet Leigh).

However, one can't deny the context of some of the other decisions made for this. As good as Heston's performance is, his casting as a "dark-skinned Mexican" is... problematic, to say the least. Moreover when he ends up being the *only* "honorable" Latino character in the film, while the others are all thugs, criminals, or prostitutes. There are some things I can give a pass, chalk it up to just a sign of the times. But there are others, like the implications of a single throwaway line in the ending, which kinda neuters any goodwill the film could have.

Grade: 4?

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243555#post2243555) and the PR HOF4 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243556#post2243556).

Stirchley

10-06-21, 01:25 PM

81822

20 years ago this was rather groundbreaking. A girl wanting to play soccer is the norm now. Way too much of the Indian wedding party. Knightley stunningly beautiful at age 17.

81823

Gosh, many many years since I saw this movie. Excellent. Really holds up.

WHITBISSELL!

10-06-21, 02:19 PM

LChimp

10-06-21, 02:35 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71lq4pg8ewL._AC_SL1020_.jpg

I had some good laughs

matt72582

10-06-21, 02:43 PM

Il posto - 7/10
This could have been a better movie, but it lacked focus. Initially, you think it was going to be a romantic movie, and it's when I was most interested. Then she disappears for quite a while, while Olmi shows a lot of scenes that add nothing to the story, usually with characters who never appear again, who's conversations are inane. Like a fart interrupting a nice conversation.

WHITBISSELL!

10-06-21, 02:51 PM

TOUCH OF EVIL
(1958, Welles)

https://www.zekefilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TouchEvil2-1280x600.jpg

Set in the US-Mexican border, Touch of Evil follows the investigation of a car bombing that kills a wealthy businessman and his girlfriend. Even though he's on his honeymoon, "Mexican" agent Miguel Vargas (Charlton Heston) tries to assist in the investigation, which is led by Captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles), a veteran but shady officer that might have other motivations in mind.

Objectively speaking, this is a pretty good film. Welles does a great job both behind and in front of the camera. His Quinlan is certainly despicable, but still layered. There's so much thing that he does with his expressions and his stance that communicate so much. As for his direction, what can be said? From the impressive opening shot, you know you're in for a technical treat. He uses some techniques similar to the ones he used in Citizen Kane, low angle shots, pans and zooms, but he also manages to create a good deal of tension, especially regarding the fate of Vargas' wife, Susie (Janet Leigh).

However, one can't deny the context of some of the other decisions made for this. As good as Heston's performance is, his casting as a "dark-skinned Mexican" is... problematic, to say the least. Moreover when he ends up being the *only* "honorable" Latino character in the film, while the others are all thugs, criminals, or prostitutes. There are some things I can give a pass, chalk it up to just a sign of the times. But there are others, like the implications of a single throwaway line in the ending, which kinda neuters any goodwill the film could have.

Grade: rating_4?

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243555#post2243555) and the PR HOF4 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243556#post2243556).It's in my Top 50 but yes, your reluctance to go all in on it is perfectly valid and understandable. At least to me. The brownface is flagrantly offensive and the characterizations come off like something Tarantino (not a big fan obviously) would write. I'd like to think that all the praise and all the love for this is due to Welles' artistry and expertise.

Thief

10-06-21, 02:59 PM

It's in my Top 50 but yes, your reluctance to go all in on it is perfectly valid and understandable. At least to me. The brownface is flagrantly offensive and the characterizations come off like something Tarantino (not a big fan obviously) would write. I'd like to think that all the praise and all the love for this is due to Welles' artistry and expertise.

I think there's a mixture of good, but misguided intentions, and the typical racist leanings of the era, however conscious or not they might be. I mean, I understand that Heston was cast in the lead role of an American. It was only after he brought up Welles that he decided to change the character to a Mexican "for political reasons". But with Heston already on board, I doubt they would've been willing to dump him, considering that he was the big star, but also because at the time, few studios would've dared to have a leading Latino actor in a film like this. So as much as I'd be willing to give some of this stuff a pass, it doesn't make it any less wrong.

But then there's the issue of the story, and how...

...the fact that the arrested Mexican ends up confessing sorta concedes that despite his methods, Quinlan was "right", so it doesn't really push forward any progressive agenda at all.

WHITBISSELL!

10-06-21, 03:01 PM

I think there's a mixture of good, but misguided intentions, and the typical racist leanings of the era, however conscious or not they might be. I mean, I understand that Heston was cast in the lead role of an American. It was only after he brought up Welles that he decided to change the character to a Mexican "for political reasons". But with Heston already on board, I doubt they would've been willing to dump him, considering that he was the big star, but also because at the time, few studios would've dared to have a leading Latino actor in a film like this. So as much as I'd be willing to give some of this stuff a pass, it doesn't make it any less wrong.

But then there's the issue of the story, and how...

...the fact that the arrested Mexican ends up confessing sorta concedes that despite his methods, Quinlan was "right", so it doesn't really push forward any progressive agenda at all.Excellent points. :up:

WHITBISSELL!

10-06-21, 03:03 PM

Il posto - 7/10
Like a fart interrupting a nice conversation.That would also depend on the type of flatus. Are we talking a demure balloon squeak or one of those cheek flapping, window rattling, car alarm triggering hate crimes?

Wooley

10-06-21, 03:03 PM

TOUCH OF EVIL
(1958, Welles)

https://www.zekefilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TouchEvil2-1280x600.jpg

Set in the US-Mexican border, Touch of Evil follows the investigation of a car bombing that kills a wealthy businessman and his girlfriend. Even though he's on his honeymoon, "Mexican" agent Miguel Vargas (Charlton Heston) tries to assist in the investigation, which is led by Captain Hank Quinlan (Orson Welles), a veteran but shady officer that might have other motivations in mind.

Objectively speaking, this is a pretty good film. Welles does a great job both behind and in front of the camera. His Quinlan is certainly despicable, but still layered. There's so much thing that he does with his expressions and his stance that communicate so much. As for his direction, what can be said? From the impressive opening shot, you know you're in for a technical treat. He uses some techniques similar to the ones he used in Citizen Kane, low angle shots, pans and zooms, but he also manages to create a good deal of tension, especially regarding the fate of Vargas' wife, Susie (Janet Leigh).

However, one can't deny the context of some of the other decisions made for this. As good as Heston's performance is, his casting as a "dark-skinned Mexican" is... problematic, to say the least. Moreover when he ends up being the *only* "honorable" Latino character in the film, while the others are all thugs, criminals, or prostitutes. There are some things I can give a pass, chalk it up to just a sign of the times. But there are others, like the implications of a single throwaway line in the ending, which kinda neuters any goodwill the film could have.

Grade: 4?

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243555#post2243555) and the PR HOF4 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2243556#post2243556).

I love this movie but it's kind of in spite of Heston.
When I think that they could have cast Ricardo Montalban but didn't have the ballz... sigh.

WHITBISSELL!

10-06-21, 03:15 PM

I love this movie but it's kind of in spite of Heston.
When I think that they could have cast Ricardo Montalban but didn't have the ballz... sigh.I'm trying to picture Montalban in the role. It certainly would have added a much needed air of authenticity to the proceedings. And he does have that innate patrician aura that would have fit the character to a tee. I wonder how we'd be judging that particular interpretation 63 years later?

Wooley

10-06-21, 03:18 PM

Fabulous

10-06-21, 04:30 PM

Come to Daddy (2019)

2.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/p9JcAhM62U7exDGrSVqeITjlAsf.jpg

WHITBISSELL!

10-06-21, 04:38 PM

Watch Mystery Street from 1950. It'll clear everything up.Thanks for the heads up! I had already set my DVR to record Border Incident with Montalban and George Murphy on the 13th on TCM and I had run across Mystery Street on the same night. I was intrigued by the synopsis but wanted to research it first and ended up forgetting. It does sound compelling though. A noir directed by John Sturges? Montalban as a Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant? I'm so glad you reminded me. :up:

Gideon58

10-06-21, 04:44 PM

https://ntvb.tmsimg.com/assets/p20770893_b_h8_aa.jpg?w=1280&h=720

4.5

matt72582

10-06-21, 05:05 PM

Dave Chappelle: The Closer - 5/10
Definitely his worst special. I think his first one (Killing em Softly) was his best.... He spends 95% of his time talking about .000001% of the population, and it's not funny. Not profound. I even lit a joint halfway through, which has helped in the past, but not this time. I saw this last night, but completely forgot about it until I saw his name somewhere on the internet. The last 10 minutes were alright, though. I can see why he's done making specials for a while.

I commend him for not hitting the mic into his body 100 times.. He's a likable guy, but he's doing the same thing over and over. It was more of a conversation. I saw him live twice, even met him once.

edarsenal

10-06-21, 05:06 PM

I'm trying to picture Montalban in the role. It certainly would have added a much needed air of authenticity to the proceedings. And he does have that innate patrician aura that would have fit the character to a tee. I wonder how we'd be judging that particular interpretation 63 years later?

Watch Mystery Street from 1950. It'll clear everything up.

Thanks for the heads up! I had already set my DVR to record Border Incident with Montalban and George Murphy on the 13th on TCM and I had run across Mystery Street on the same night. I was intrigued by the synopsis but wanted to research it first and ended up forgetting. It does sound compelling though. A noir directed by John Sturges? Montalban as a Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant? I'm so glad you reminded me. :up:

Allow me to add this intriguing film to my watchlist as well. Not sure if I've seen much of Montalban's very early work and this looks ideal. THANKS!!

WHITBISSELL!

10-06-21, 06:56 PM

Allow me to add this intriguing film to my watchlist as well. Not sure if I've seen much of Montalban's very early work and this looks ideal. THANKS!!
https://c.tenor.com/41_jnugKW4IAAAAC/no-problem-thumbs-up.gif

ScarletLion

10-06-21, 07:04 PM

'My heart can't beat unless you tell it to' (2021)

Dir: Jonathan Cuartas

https://www.slantmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/myheartcantbeatunlessyoutellitto.jpg

Wow, this was a surprise. Completely excellent film about the conscience of caring for an ill loved one versus the freedom of wanting it to be over.

So sad that you have to rely on word of mouth these days to unearth gems like this while other lesser films get marketed the hell out of just because they can afford it.

Great job by all involved, although there are a few holes in it, it is very well directed and Patrick Fugit does a good job as the big brother with alot on his shoulders. Really liked it.

7.7/10

3.5

Stirchley

10-06-21, 07:08 PM

'My heart can't beat unless you tell it to' (2021)

Dir: Jonathan Cuartas

https://www.slantmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/myheartcantbeatunlessyoutellitto.jpg

Wow, this was a surprise. Completely excellent film about the conscience of caring for an ill oved one versus the freedom of wanting it to be over.

So sad that you have to rely on word of mouth these days to unearth gems like this while other lesser films get marketed the hell out of just because they can afford it.

Great job by all involved, although there are a few holes in it, it is very well directed and Patrick Fugit does a good job as the big brother with alot on his shoulders. Really liked it.

7.7/10

3.5

Haven’t seen a single review of this but have put it in my Netflix Q based on your comments. I better like it!!! No, just kidding. :p

ScarletLion

10-06-21, 07:12 PM

Haven’t seen a single review of this but have put it in my Netflix Q based on your comments. I better like it!!! No, just kidding. :p

What's the worst that could happen? Only 90 minutes.

Craven Rain

10-06-21, 08:01 PM

The Others :up:

Siddon

10-06-21, 08:04 PM

https://ntvb.tmsimg.com/assets/p20770893_b_h8_aa.jpg?w=1280&h=720

rating_4_5

3

Chappelle goes out with a smirk not a belly laugh but it's still a profound series of specials. A number of his finale is a response to the controversy and he handles it well...not perfectly but well. While it's hard to agree with him he's definitely humanized his position well.

Takoma11

10-06-21, 08:29 PM

Guaporense

10-06-21, 09:47 PM

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a8/SayoAsa_Theatrical_Release_Poster.jpg

This is an amazing movie. Perhaps one of the best anime movies ever. :D Mari Okada really knows how to pull of some powerful dramas.

StuSmallz

10-06-21, 11:25 PM

5/10 Heath ledger acting is great but i think he could have been given more, other than that didnt like it. I wrote a thing on it but scrapped it im not good at writing reviews.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91KkWf50SoL._SL1500_.jpgWhat do you mean by given more, though? Like, more backstory, or something else?I think there's a mixture of good, but misguided intentions, and the typical racist leanings of the era, however conscious or not they might be. I mean, I understand that Heston was cast in the lead role of an American. It was only after he brought up Welles that he decided to change the character to a Mexican "for political reasons". But with Heston already on board, I doubt they would've been willing to dump him, considering that he was the big star, but also because at the time, few studios would've dared to have a leading Latino actor in a film like this. So as much as I'd be willing to give some of this stuff a pass, it doesn't make it any less wrong.

But then there's the issue of the story, and how...

...the fact that the arrested Mexican ends up confessing sorta concedes that despite his methods, Quinlan was "right", so it doesn't really push forward any progressive agenda at all.Yeah, but don't you think you could make that same basic point about L.A. Confidential (https://letterboxd.com/stusmallz/film/la-confidential/) as well? I mean, the "Nite Owl murders" were being pinned on a group of Black men who were innocent of that particular crime, only for it to be revealed that they were still guilty of a number of serious crimes otherwise, with their kidnapping/torture/sexual assault of the girl.

I mean, it's a great movie on the whole, but that plot point still kind of undermines the commentary on institutional racism in the LAPD it was trying to make by playing into stereotypes, if you ask me.

BooBooKittyFock

10-06-21, 11:40 PM

Brubaker
https://cache.moviestillsdb.com/i/500x/vhsjivfz/brubaker-lg.jpg
4

Little Big Man
https://cache.moviestillsdb.com/i/500x/jri6xd7o/little-big-man-lg.jpg
4

ScannerDarkly

10-07-21, 12:57 AM

What do you mean by given more, though? Like, more backstory, or something else?

I felt like if the plot was better his joker could have been deeper, acting was good though.

StuSmallz

10-07-21, 01:38 AM

I felt like if the plot was better his joker could have been deeper, acting was good though.Well, while I did have some issues with the plot of The Dark Knight, (https://letterboxd.com/stusmallz/film/the-dark-knight/) none of them really had anything to do with The Joker specifically; they're more to do with the overall structure and pacing (or lack of it), since the film sometimes rushes through certain moments by cutting away too quickly, and doesn't always give events room to properly breathe, along with having an overly compressed overall timeline, with too many events happening one on top of the other at times. Plus, the inclusion of a legally-dubious surveillance system felt like an unnecessary nod to the post-9/11 surveillance state (as if the movie needed any more echoes of that event), which mostly skirted the issue of the spotty "righteousness" of Batman's particular vigilantism, and continued the habit of the TDK trilogy for including poorly-integrated technological McGuffins into their storylines.

...but of course, none of that has anything to do with the film's portrayal of The Joker.

:D

Fabulous

10-07-21, 01:42 AM

Spontaneous (2020)

3

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/sjQepwkDKxle9sIhGuDX6A9MdcW.jpg

ScannerDarkly

10-07-21, 02:37 AM

Well, while I did have some issues with the plot of The Dark Knight, (https://letterboxd.com/stusmallz/film/the-dark-knight/) none of them really had anything to do with The Joker specifically; they're more to do with the overall structure and pacing (or lack of it), since the film sometimes rushes through certain moments by cutting away too quickly, and doesn't always give events room to properly breathe, along with having an overly compressed overall timeline, with too many events happening one on top of the other at times. Plus, the inclusion of a legally-dubious surveillance system felt like an unnecessary nod to the post-9/11 surveillance state (as if the movie needed any more echoes of that event), which mostly skirted the issue of the spotty "righteousness" of Batman's particular vigilantism, and continued the habit of the TDK trilogy for including poorly-integrated technological McGuffins into their storylines.

...but of course, none of that has anything to do with the film's portrayal of The Joker.

:D
I didnt pay much attention to the surveillance state nod i just thought it was ridiculous to use. I thought most of it was ridiculous.

Joker seems way to rag tag for me.. the technology batman had compared to what the joker was doing just seemed so unbalanced.

PHOENIX74

10-07-21, 03:58 AM

https://i.postimg.cc/nVPP0C1j/manwith-the-goldne-arm.jpg
By Saul Bass - http://www.cinemasterpieces.com/92010/mcl51.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25518696

The Man With the Golden Arm - (1955)

Frank Sinatra's Frankie Machine is called "the man with the golden arm" because of his poker dealing exploits, not because he shoots so much heroin into his arm people figure it's worth a fortune. That's one thing I learned from finally watching this. Cool music (daddy-o) and a pretty brave early effort about drug addiction. It's Frankie's friends and acquaintance's who continually drag him down into the dirt - no matter how hard he tries to get clean. Fine noirish drama - in the public domain, so you see it everywhere nowadays. Good performance from Sinatra. Opening credits tune was used for the end credits of Lipstick on Your Collar.

6.5/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/be/The_Color_Purple_poster.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from Warner Bros.., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4968431

The Color Purple - (1985)

This was kind of moving, and often brutal. These sagas that span many decades aren't usually my thing - but Whoopi Goldberg, who I haven't really liked in anything (okay - maybe Ghost), is incomparably brilliant getting to play the wonderful character of Celie Johnson. This was nominated for 11 Oscars but won none (that must be some kind of record) - and that says as more about this film than I can. Good enough to nominate - no doubt - and good enough to watch - for sure - but just short of brilliance. Should have won the Oscar for make-up though - this is the best ageing of actors I've ever seen. It really looks like they go from teens/20s to 60s and 70s. I enjoyed it heaps, but I can't see myself going back to it again, despite it moving me. It didn't have any 'magic' in it except for Goldberg's performance. The way she's treated by her father and husband Albert (Danny Glover) is so cruel and sickening it defies comprehension.

7.5/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/18/The_Secret_Of_My_Success.jpg
By POV - Impawards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18685756

The Secret of My Success - (1987)

It doesn't get more 80's than this - a middling vehicle for Michael J. Fox where he does a 'Kramer' and just adopts a job, so to speak. He also adopts his bosses wife into bed, and adopts his bosses mistress in the same manner. The sort of comedy where there's a mistaken identity and plenty of hijinks involving people jumping into bed with the wrong person, liberal use of the saxophone in the score and Michael's squeaky-voiced comic pratfalls. If not for his charisma, this would be a '2'.

5/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/aa/Young_Guns_%281988_film%29_poster.jpg
By 20th Century Fox - Movieposter, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7630142

Young Guns - (1988)

The Western wasn't quite back in vogue yet when this was made, but it's cast made it a success. I find the plot just jumps around a bit too much as this ensemble cast is involved in gun battle after gun battle. Not up to the standard of Westerns that came in the era before it, and not up to that of the era of Westerns that came after and including Unforgiven. A lot of the time the characters seem just as confused as I was in what was going on and why - other than the fact that the reckless Billy the Kid keeps making matter worse for everyone by shooting first and never minding the complications. A lot of sly winks when he repeatedly crosses paths with Pat Garratt, who is played by John Wayne's son Patrick. A lot of quality in the form of Terence Stamp and Jack Palance is included to back up a bit of a swirling mess. Action-packed, but missing style and substance.

5/10

StuSmallz

10-07-21, 04:35 AM

I didnt pay much attention to the surveillance state nod i just thought it was ridiculous to use. I thought most of it was ridiculous.

Joker seems way to rag tag for me.. the technology batman had compared to what the joker was doing just seemed so unbalanced.That's actually why I feel that they compliment each other so well as hero/villain foils in the movie; Batman (mostly) fights alone, but is more organized and has a significant advantage in technology (without which, it'd be impossible for him to win), while The Joker is much lower-tech (the shoe-knife is about as fancy as he gets), but he has the numbers behind him, and also has the advantage of being far more anarchic and unpredictable, which balances them out. They're like the yin to the others' yang, you know?

ScannerDarkly

10-07-21, 04:51 AM

That's actually why I feel that they compliment each other so well as hero/villain foils in the movie; Batman (mostly) fights alone, but is more organized and has a significant advantage in technology (without which, it'd be impossible for him to win), while The Joker is much lower-tech (the shoe-knife is about as fancy as he gets), but he has the numbers behind him, and also has the advantage of being far more anarchic and unpredictable, which balances them out. They're like the yin to the others' yang, you know?

Gotcha i do agree, but i thought it didnt jive in this film.

Hows #1&3? I saw 1 in theaters but that was soooo long ago.

StuSmallz

10-07-21, 05:02 AM

Gotcha i do agree, but i thought it didnt jive in this film.

Hows #1&3? I saw 1 in theaters but that was soooo long ago.Well, I agree with you that the surveillance device wasn't well-used in the movie, but not because it was too high-tech, either for Batman on his own or in comparison to what The Joker had, but because it felt like it was put there to shoehorn in another post-9/11 reference, plus the fact that the film took a "the ends justifies the means, especially if you just step over the line once" viewpoint. Anyway, what do you mean by #'s 1 & 3? You mean Batman Begins & Dark Knight Rises?

ScarletLion

10-07-21, 05:11 AM

Have you seen (or read) A Monster Calls?

No, I've always been a bit put off by the fantasy looking element of it, though I should probably watch it. Good?

this_is_the_ girl

10-07-21, 09:18 AM

https://static.tildacdn.com/tild3734-3465-4433-a130-303539366561/DjYsBaEX4AAqNJr.jpg
The Tenant (1976, Roman Polanski)
4.5

All the ingredients of a psychological thriller are here - loss of identity, hallucinations, guilt, paranoia among others - and Polanski does a fine job tying them together into a gripping, atmospheric whole. I didn't like the second half quite as much as the first one (unlike Rosemary's Baby, for example, which blew me away with its final act) - I thought the shift from normality to utter madness was a bit too abrupt and what unfolded afterward too predictable - but that's a minor gripe. It's still a great film with excellent camerawork (Sven Nykvist, enough said), a young (and beautiful) Isabelle Adjani, and an incredibly fascinating plot that has a lot more going on than meets the eye at first glance.

John W Constantine

10-07-21, 02:35 PM

Die Hard: With a Vengeance

3

Something about this one seems off, it's probably more entertaining than a chunk of 90's action movies but I can't help feel it should have been better especially with the two leads who are in top form. It feels like the plot is recycled from the first movie with a tiny few ripples added.

Thief

10-07-21, 03:57 PM

Yeah, but don't you think you could make that same basic point about L.A. Confidential (https://letterboxd.com/stusmallz/film/la-confidential/) as well? I mean, the "Nite Owl murders" were being pinned on a group of Black men who were innocent of that particular crime, only for it to be revealed that they were still guilty of a number of serious crimes otherwise, with their kidnapping/torture/sexual assault of the girl.

I mean, it's a great movie on the whole, but that plot point still kind of undermines the commentary on institutional racism in the LAPD it was trying to make by playing into stereotypes, if you ask me.

Maybe? But I think there are still differences in terms of goals, approach, and execution.

After all, in L.A. Confidential, we know from the get-go that the black men are indeed criminals, which is precisely why they pinned the Nite Owl murders on them. The big "a-ha!" moment for Exley/White AND the audience comes when we all realize that despite being guilty of kidnap/rape, they are indeed innocent of the murders. So in this case, I think the commentary of institutional racism is not weakened. They were framed because of it.

However, in Touch of Evil, we're led to believe in Sanchez' innocence from the get-go. After all, he's apparently not a criminal, he's claiming innocence, and the evidence we discover along with Vargas (the empty dynamite box) leads us to believe him, and that Quinlan's motivations are corrupt and, like with the Black men in L.A. Confidential, probably racist (pinning a crime on a minority, which will probably make it more believable).

So when Quinlan's right-hand man brings back the dynamite, we're as surprised and suspicious as Vargas cause we all know that wasn't in the box. But the line in the end revealing that Sanchez had confessed feels more like a validation of Quinlan's racist instincts and even methods than anything else. Add to that, the fact that it's a throwaway line in the very ending of the film. It wasn't necessary cause at this point, the car bombing is more or less a Macguffin.

So, again, I think there's a considerable difference in terms of how both examples are played out.

Takoma11

10-07-21, 07:27 PM

No, I've always been a bit put off by the fantasy looking element of it, though I should probably watch it. Good?

I think that the book is excellent and that the film is a really solid adaptation. It is intended for a YA audience, but I really loved it. It has things to say about the grieving process that are much deeper and more honest than what you usually get in media made for kids/teens. The book was actually written by a woman who was dying. She passed before finishing and the book was completed by Patrick Ness.

LChimp

10-07-21, 08:23 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzJhNWQxYTYtM2RlZC00MGE4LTkwN2EtNWE2ZGYyMGEyNTEyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjk3Mzk2MTA@._V1_.jpg

Simple plot, with an excellent performance from McAvoy.

Corax

10-07-21, 09:10 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzJhNWQxYTYtM2RlZC00MGE4LTkwN2EtNWE2ZGYyMGEyNTEyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjk3Mzk2MTA@._V1_.jpg

Simple plot, with an excellent performance from McAvoy.

I like McAvoy, but he can get carried away sometimes.

Fabulous

10-08-21, 01:49 AM

The Sound of Music (1965)

4

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/5D9wsIoGLbwbJ4wdvME6Gb6zJNK.jpg

PHOENIX74

10-08-21, 02:21 AM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3c/Out_of_africa_poster.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from Universal Pictures., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3765839

Out of Africa - (1985)

Watching The Color Purple the other night got me going on Academy Award-nominated/winning films of the 1980s that I didn't see because I was a kid and more into Indiana Jones and stuff like that. This one has many great aspects to it, but some troublesome ones as well. The score from John Barry is terrific, and cinematographer David Watkin must have felt like a kid in a candy score with all the African views and splendour, not to mention animals and rides in biplanes. Robert Redford is great, as is Meryl Streep. It's a little slow though - it's near three-hour runtime a tough prospect. And then there's that thing. The "White savior" trope. Also, if you don't like lions and elephants being hunted you might want to skip it. I really don't understand the way a lot of the upper classes of the early 20th Century behave. Love or not - you have to get married. Urgently. And keep to your place. Even if that means you're miserable - though Redford's character is a good counterpoint to all of that.

7/10

mark f

10-08-21, 04:34 AM

Your Day Is My Night (Lynne Sachs, 2013) 2.5 6/10
Bingo Hell (Gigi Saul Guerrero, 2021) 2 5/10
Blood Conscious (Timothy Covell, 2021) 2.5 5.5/10
This Is the Year (David Henrie, 2020) 2.5+ 6/10
https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RWNr0GM3NFjSVicyQIV.fA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTQyNi41Ng--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/BQdSWe1laLPGsBcUBvOFkA--~B/aD0xMzMzO3c9MjAwMDthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/entertainment_weekly_785/17d0b00b3825d104b6634f64a5a1d030
Vanessa Marano helps her high school best friend Gregg Sulkin win the girl of his dreams.
Malabimba (Andrea Bianchi, 1979) 2 5/10
Inside the Circle (Javier Colón Ríos, 2021) 2.5- 5.5/10
Time Is Up (Elisa Amoruso, 2021) 2 5/10
Queenpins (Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly, 2021) 2.5+ 6/10
https://i1.wp.com/cjatthemovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/MV5BYzRkY2IzNGYtZWUzMy00NDkyLWE4N2ItYjQ0ZWFhMTA3ZWZmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXNuZXNodQ@@._V1_.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&w=640
Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste are involved in a worldwide coupon scam, and cagey postal inspector Vince Vaughn and out-of-his-depth store employee Paul Walter Hauser track them down.
Hey, You! AKA Hé, te! (Péter Szoboszlay, 1976) 3 6.5/10
Catch the Bullet (Michael Feifer, 2021) 1.5 4+/10
The One You're With (C. Bailey Werner, 2021) 2.5+ 6/10
The Auschwitz Report (Peter Bebjak, 2021) 3 6.5/10
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w500_and_h282_face/wklo05ydCD2ZQ8J9o7qcwrFGsLA.jpg
In 1944, Noel Czuczor and Peter Ondrejicka escape from Auschwitz with a report about what's going on there which the world hasn't yet been told about.
Change of Life (Paulo Rocha, 1966) 2.5 5.5/10
Spoken (Tenill Ransom, 2021) 1.5 4/10
There's Someone Inside Your House (Patrick Brice, 2021) 2.5 5.5/10
The Night House (David Bruckner, 2020) 3- 6.5/10
https://tickets.shetlandarts.org//Sales/Images/Image.ashx?ImageId=c384e7d6-1307-ec11-a9b9-f95f91042586&TargetWidth=600&TargetHeight=315
After her husband commits suicide, Rebecca Hall learns some strange things about him and feels a strong supernatural presence.
The Manor (Axelle Carolyn, 2021) 2.5 6/10
Haunted Honeymoon (Arthur B. Woods, 1940) 2.5 6/10
Madres (Ryan Zaragoza, 2021) 2.5 6/10
In a Lonely Place (Nicholas Ray, 1950) 3.5 7+/10
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/11/58/be/1158beaced8cbe5105cbad2e136b30b3.gif
Psychotic, violent screenwriter Humphrey Bogart has a tempestuous relationship with actress Gloria Grahame surrounding a murder.

ScarletLion

10-08-21, 07:06 AM

'Blue Bayou' (2021)

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDVlMGVhNGYtZDU0Yi00ODVlLThmZTMtNjZhZDMwZTViZGMwXkEyXkFqcGdeQWRvb2xpbmhk._V1_QL75_UY281_CR0,0,50 0,281_.jpg

I'm a huge fan of Justin Chon's previous work, especially Ms Purple which is highly underrated. Blue Bayou starts off well and again focuses on the issues of minority figures in the USA. Chon plays Antonio, an about to be father married to a US woman (brilliantly played by Alicia Vikkander who is as good as she has ever been). Chon himself is fine and the scenes he has with his family are very moving and well performed.

Struggles occur when Antonio has a brush with the law. It's an emotional ride that ebbs and flows and takes us on a journey with Antonio and his family. The trouble is, it's a bit too emotional. There are segments that are just too forced and seem to be placed in the film to try and ramp up the emotions too readily. The two cop characters are like caricatures from other more off the wall films. The ending is way too melodramatic and overwrought. It could have helped with a little more subtlety in the script. There is also a heist / chase / action type sequence that just felt completely out of place in what is at it's core a family drama.

There is however a great subplot involving another Asian family that delicately assesses the experience of being a minority family (even though it has a little too close to the DNA of 'Minari' at times).

Chon's talent does shine through and he is a tiny rung on the ladder below great independent filmmakers like Sean Baker and Eliza Hittman (this film also has one of the most stunningly gorgeous opening shots I've seen in a long time). But this one just fell short of being a really great film because of the excessive and unwarranted melodrama.

3

Fabulous

10-08-21, 02:51 PM

The Jerk (1979)

3.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/hR7BhVFxrcFWqv8fy70uSIc9ctu.jpg

Gideon58

10-08-21, 04:33 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71umNxbLGGL._AC_SY500_.jpg

3

Thief

10-08-21, 04:49 PM

BLOOD RED SKY
(2021, Thorwarth)

https://theenvoyweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Blood-Red-Sky.jpg

"We are cursed. We cannot allow this evil to keep spreading. This evil cannot keep spreading!"

Netflix's Blood Red Sky offers a slightly different approach to vampire films. It follows Nadja (Peri Baumeister), a woman that is traveling with her son Elias (Carl Anton Koch) from Europe to New York, to receive treatment for an unspecified illness. However, during the trip, they have to face two opposing forces with a group of terrorists seizing control of the plane one one side, and the threat of a vampire on the other.

It's not that the film is wildly original, but compared to other vampire films, it feels like a bit of a fresh approach in various aspects. From the threat in an enclosed space to the "twist" of who ends up becoming a vampire. The film takes a tired premise and reinvigorates it in a film that ends up being fairly thrilling, tense, and overall enjoyable.

Grade: 3

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2244230#post2244230)

matt72582

10-08-21, 05:55 PM

Open City, Rome - 8/10
I saw this about a decade ago so I didn't have to pay too much attention. No pressure. Much easier than watching a movie I haven't seen before, especially since most of them haven't been any good.

PHOENIX74

10-08-21, 11:41 PM

https://i.postimg.cc/bwX8TSM3/ikiru.jpg

Ikiru - (1952)

I really enjoy watching Takashi Shimura in Kurosawa films - there's nobody quite like him. My favourite role of his was as the lawyer in Scandal, but this almost certainly takes the cake now. He plays a man who is diagnosed with cancer and has 6 months to live - and takes it in his very expressive way. He tries to find meaning in his life, as we all would - but he goes about it like a out-of-control locomotive heading down a steep incline. Kurosawa throws a huge curve-ball at us half way through the film that I won't detail - except to say at first I didn't like it, but as his method became clear I loved it. Incredibly moving final scene. "Life is brief. Fall in love, maidens. Before the crimson bloom..."

8/10

Foreign language countdown films seen : 46/101

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bf/Terms_of_Endearment%2C_1983_film.jpg
By May be found at the following website: http://www.moviemart.in/upload/Terms%20of%20Endearment%20%281983%296dd93.jpg, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26692592

Terms of Endearment - (1983)

Continuing on my 1980s Academy Award journey, another Best Picture winner and I'm very much getting a feel for the kind of film academy members were voting for during this era. Ordinary People got past films like Raging Bull, The Shining and The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. Bloody idiots. Though at the end I was deriding this film as very soap opera-ish and manipulative with our emotions, I have to admit I laughed out loud in all the right places and felt emotions I didn't think I would. Jack Nicholson is great yet again (he won Best Supporting Actor) as is Shirley MacLaine. Jeff Daniels, Danny DeVito and John Lithgow really make it worth wading through the melodrama and pontificated wisdom. Wasn't a complete waste of my time.

7/10

https://i.postimg.cc/3JL9KGM9/bucking-broadway-movie-poster-md.jpg

Bucking Broadway - (1917)

One of John Ford's early silent films - this is included on the Criterion edition of Stagecoach. I was all on board during the first half of the film. Even this early on, Ford was giving us wonderful looks at vistas on the wild plains. Harry Carey was already a veteran - he'd started appearing in films in 1910. This involves a romance on a ranch, and engagement, before Carey's fiancé is stolen by a city-dwelling villain. A lot of this comes off beautifully - but the last 10 minutes or so involves an interminable brawl that bored the hell out of me. Just 100 or so writhing actors and extras - with no sense of where our heroes and villains are. I didn't love this film, but it was fascinating seeing such an early John Ford western.

5/10

John W Constantine

10-09-21, 01:44 AM

No Time to Die - 2021

3

Nux

10-09-21, 07:40 AM

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/pv-target-images/327388749e3f98541dd4a005c1fd1cadd0572d3af3891fb881f9ee462ee1212a._V_SX300_.jpg
4

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91P1m03Dx7L._SX300_.jpg
3.5

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71fZ6WCAlmL._SX300_.jpg
3

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/pv-target-images/ef77f528352d65efe995933b9533caa8c8fcb1deaf32d50e5fd1fcd60aa1b133._V_SX300_.jpg
3.5

BooBooKittyFock

10-09-21, 10:34 AM

My Neighbor Totoro 1988
Hayao Miyazaki
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/My_Neighbour_Totoro_001.jpg?bwg=1569499227
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/My_Neighbour_Totoro_011.jpg?bwg=1569499227
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/My_Neighbour_Totoro_039.jpg?bwg=1569499223
This film was phenomenal! Took me back to the age of animation was pure, innocent and heartwarming. The animation was gorgeous, along side a magnificent story that made me feel like a child, all while giving the characters such personality that were so relatable as a kid.
4

Dune 1984
David Lynch
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/13%20(341).jpg?bwg=1547211992
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/02%20(334).jpg?bwg=1547211993
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/15%20(341).jpg?bwg=1547211993

2.5

The Artist 2011
Michel Hazanavicius
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/06%20(95).jpg?bwg=1547146845
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/15%20(96).jpg?bwg=1547146845
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/64%20(69).jpg?bwg=1547146844
What a magnificent masterpiece of cinema. I have been putting this film for awhile and just by happenstance came across it last night and just turned it on. I immediately fell in love with it, as it took me on a journey from silent films to talkies. Not only this film was a silent film, but it was ambitious as hell. The only other film I’ve seen that makes the transition from silent films to talkies was Singin in the Rain.

I am pretty ignorant to actors names of that era, but it felt as though, the actors were embodying multiple persona from the 20/30s to pay tribute/symbology, which I would like to look more into. Then at the end, it seemed as though they were paying tribute to Fred Astaire, which I thought was a great ending.

As I said, I loved this film and would highly recommend if you haven’t seen it.
5

skizzerflake

10-09-21, 11:46 AM

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

Is No Time to Die really the last in the Bond franchise? Or at least the last one with Daniel Craig? Probably the latter rather than the former, or maybe it's time to do a revisionist version of the character that satisfies the studio's demographic initiatives; that's hinted in the movie. I don't know, but this one really hits just about every FX note a movie that doesn't have spaceships or dinosaurs can hit.

Bond runs and shoots his way through layers of "bad guys" (faceless characters wrapped in black body armor), sorta gets the latest Bond Girl, maybe has a kid and saves the world from some sort of genetically engineered horror meant to wipe out the population.

I don't know. It might just be time to put James to sleep. It's the umpteenth movie, and about the dozenth (is that a word?) actor playing bond, 60 years into the franchise. This guy has more lives than ivy. This isn't even one of Fleming's books. How can you get so bored in a movie that's so loud? Maybe because it's too long. In spite of how frantic it is, somehow it seems to have a lot of empty air whenever the air isn't occupied by flying bullets. I'd cut about a half hour out of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_gD9-Oa0fg

skizzerflake

10-09-21, 11:51 AM

[b]The Artist 2011
Michel Hazanavicius
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/06%20(95).jpg?bwg=1547146845
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/15%20(96).jpg?bwg=1547146845
https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/64%20(69).jpg?bwg=1547146844
What a magnificent masterpiece of cinema. I have been putting this film for awhile and just by happenstance came across it last night and just turned it on. I immediately fell in love with it, as it took me on a journey from silent films to talkies. Not only this film was a silent film, but it was ambitious as hell. The only other film I’ve seen that makes the transition from silent films to talkies was Singin in the Rain.

I am pretty ignorant to actors names of that era, but it felt as though, the actors were embodying multiple persona from the 20/30s to pay tribute/symbology, which I would like to look more into. Then at the end, it seemed as though they were paying tribute to Fred Astaire, which I thought was a great ending.

As I said, I loved this film and would highly recommend if you haven’t seen it.
5

Yeah, I love The Artist, have it on my disk shelf in the basement.

Wooley

10-09-21, 02:43 PM

The Jerk (1979)

3.5

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/hR7BhVFxrcFWqv8fy70uSIc9ctu.jpg

I love The Jerk.

Gideon58

10-09-21, 04:28 PM

Gideon58

10-09-21, 04:28 PM

https://media.flickeringmyth.com/q:intelligent/retina:true/webp:true/w:362/url:https://cdn.flickeringmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Survive-the-Game-1-600x900.jpg

1

Takoma11

10-09-21, 05:34 PM

Open City, Rome - 8/10
I saw this about a decade ago, but forgot Anna is through at half-time.

This is a major spoiler, and really should be tagged that way. I saw this film last year, but if I hadn't, I'd be pretty annoyed to have had the above spoiled for me.

FromBeyond

10-09-21, 05:59 PM

Albert Nobbs 2011

Curious movie, quite sad, I kind of liked it and for me the most memorable performance I’ve seen of Glenn Close

BooBooKittyFock

10-09-21, 07:20 PM

Totally agree with you about The Artist and rated it the same you did.

Yeah, that film is vastly underrated.

I think ppl that don’t like silent films watch it or have a different expectation.

BooBooKittyFock

10-09-21, 07:21 PM

Yeah, I love The Artist, have it on my disk shelf in the basement.

It was so good. I put it off for so long because I didn’t know what to expect but it did the silent film era justice.

Rockatansky

10-09-21, 07:29 PM

Yeah, that film is vastly underrated.

I think ppl that don’t like silent films watch it or have a different expectation.
I think the problem is that winning Best Picture kind of messed up everyone's expectations. It's a perfectly breezy, stylish entertainment if you can approach it on its own terms.

ScarletLion

10-09-21, 07:31 PM

I like to watch very old films, someone watched recently, please advise.

'Old' (2021)

https://www.odeoncinemas.ie/media/dvup5wls/old_youtubecover_mainart_uk_friday_500px.jpg

BooBooKittyFock

10-09-21, 07:36 PM

I think the problem is that winning Best Picture kind of messed up everyone's expectations. It's a perfectly breezy, stylish entertainment if you can approach it on its own terms.

Damn, also a very valid point. Setting the bar high by putting it along side other giants that also won academy awards, giving it a bad first impression, underwhelming by comparison.

On top of that, it’s also a shame that Berencio Bejo didn’t go anywhere after being Oscar nominated. She stayed stagnant in unpopular French films (unpopular in the american eye, not sure of the perspective of France)

GulfportDoc

10-09-21, 08:28 PM

The Artist 2011
Michel Hazanavicius

https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/64%20(69).jpg?bwg=1547146844
What a magnificent masterpiece of cinema. I have been putting this film for awhile and just by happenstance came across it last night and just turned it on. I immediately fell in love with it, as it took me on a journey from silent films to talkies. Not only this film was a silent film, but it was ambitious as hell. The only other film I’ve seen that makes the transition from silent films to talkies was Singin in the Rain.

I am pretty ignorant to actors names of that era, but it felt as though, the actors were embodying multiple persona from the 20/30s to pay tribute/symbology, which I would like to look more into. Then at the end, it seemed as though they were paying tribute to Fred Astaire, which I thought was a great ending.

As I said, I loved this film and would highly recommend if you haven’t seen it.
rating_5
I couldn't agree with you more. This was a brilliant film. It won 5 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. It had a boat load of other awards.

It's wonderful to watch the action and imagine what they're thinking mostly by the actors' skill. And the story was a real grabber.

Given its smashing success, I thought there might be some other imitator films, but nothing has really come out. Return to Bablyon (2013) Was nice, but it was on a micro budget, and I felt that the film went off the rails about halfway through. I loved the music.

Gideon58

10-09-21, 09:00 PM

Albert Nobbs 2011

Curious movie, quite sad, I kind of liked it and for me the most memorable performance I’ve seen of Glenn Close

LOVED Albert Knobbs...Close was amazing.

Gideon58

10-09-21, 09:24 PM

https://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path%5B3%2F7%2F8%2F3%2F3783932%5D&call=url%5Bfile%3Aproduct.chain%5D

4

PHOENIX74

10-09-21, 11:07 PM

https://i.postimg.cc/T32jhwd3/chariots-of-fire.jpg
By IMP Awards U.K. quad poster, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3022377

Chariots of Fire - (1981)

Another 1980s Best Picture winner I've never seen before. Four athletes, and their journey to the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. One is Jewish, and runs to triumph over people who cast aspersions over his race. Another is Christian, and does it because he considers it a God given gift that he can - but he refuses to compete on Sundays. Of course, there's always the fun of it - along with fame and fortune. This film had a pretty rusted-on reputation for being boring, along with a very famous opening credits scene where the guys run along the shoreline to the well-known theme by Vangelis. It's a really good movie, but as is so common with these 1980s Oscar winners, it's not astonishingly great. It was up against Raiders of the Lost Ark, Reds and Atlantic City in the Oscar race - disappointing it beat them.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Big_chill_ver1.jpg
By www.impawards.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6756780

The Big Chill - (1983)

This went up against Terms of Endearment for Best Picture (both films should have been beaten by The Right Stuff.) The Big Chill really rubbed me up the wrong way with it's unlikeable self-absorbed characters. This ensemble cast represent a bunch of friends reacquainting themselves with each other after one of them has passed away. All they prove is that they're a bunch of shallow morons that don't care. I thought it would be a voyage of self-discovery, along with a realisation of how their previous values from the 1960s had been eroded after reaching the 1980s. But they just crack jokes the whole time and obsess over sex and who likes who the most. A great, talented cast saddled with a lousy script (which was also nominated for an Oscar.)

5/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/39/Dam_Busters_1954.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8866219

The Dam Busters - (1955)

This is a so-so film up to when the raid on the dams start - where we're treated to one of the best of it's type I've ever seen. You can see where the raid on the Death Star in Star Wars got it's inspiration from, but I'd rank this above that final assault in the sci-fi classic. It's real edge-of-your-seat stuff with effects that I didn't think were possible in the mid 1950s. A shame about Wing Commander Guy Gibson's dog called....well, never mind about the dog anyway. This is a war film well worth catching up with.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/67/MacArthur1977.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12266915

MacArthur - (1977)

If you like human drama, and not history, then this film really isn't for you. Douglas MacArthur only ever has one mood - "lets get the job done" and by the end of this film you realise that his tone and attitude has never shifted for the whole film. The drama comes from events - his crisis the president's (Truman) panic over MacArthur trying to run the Korean war over into a war with China when diplomatic measures are being sought. I appreciate history, but in a personal sense Douglas MacArthur isn't the kind of character that's easy to create a dramatic film around. At least Patton was an interesting human being. It's a fairly competent film (other than one scene where the rear-screen projection freezes - jeez guys) and not a horrible one. For history buffs only I'd reckon.

6/10

James D. Gardiner

10-09-21, 11:32 PM

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=81911

The End (1978)

Tremendously fun black comedy from director/star Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise. Reynolds plays a dodgy real estate agent who discovers that he has a terminal illness with only a short time left to live. He decides to commit suicide whilst miserably trying to put his affairs in order. After a failed attempt he is sent to a mental institute where he meets another patient in Dom DeLuise, whom he enlists to give his ultimately hopeless guidance and assistance for a successful suicide.

For the most part this is a really high quality movie. The way the script matches the very serious themes throughout with outrageous comedy was expertly done I thought. So much of it could/should come close to being extremely sad and emotional if it weren't for the relentlessly funny events and dialogue. Laugh a minute stuff. So pleased to have finally seen it.

9/10

Takoma11

10-09-21, 11:36 PM

'Old' (2021)

https://www.odeoncinemas.ie/media/dvup5wls/old_youtubecover_mainart_uk_friday_500px.jpg

The broken (at least for me) image link is actually what makes this post perfect.

Raven73

10-10-21, 01:51 PM

James Bond: No Time To Die
7.5/10.
I'm not a Bond fan, or even a spy movie fan, but I did enjoy this movie. I particularly enjoyed a one-shot fight scene near the end, and Bond's tricked-out car (oh yes, the car). There are of course no shortage of beautiful locations and gorgeous women.This may well be Daniel Craig's last time as Bond, as the character dies at the end... However, they did leave it somewhat ambiguous, as we didn't actually see the body, and he might have jumped off the island at the last second before the rockets came down, and his bullet wounds may not necessarily have been fatal (he did, for instance, have enough strength to climb a ladder, and Bond is a skilled survivor).
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fe/No_Time_to_Die_poster.jpg

matt72582

10-10-21, 02:00 PM

Dave Chappelle - The Closer
A re-review... The reactions to my opinions usually cause me stress, but it's better than speaking with the disclaimer, "My opinions might not be my own"..
I didn't think Dave Chappelle's special was very funny, but there was nothing offensive about it. It was still enjoyable because he has cache and said some things needed to be heard by millions. And even if I were offended, who gives a ****? Artistic license? Freedom of speech?

I should say when I first saw this, it was very late at night. I was tired, and a bit buzzed. My video kept lagging (just like the one I just watched) because 720 will not play well on my very old and slow laptop that I'm typing on (which can't even keep up with my typing). The picture would freeze every 20 seconds, but the audio never froze - the best I'm going to get.

Anyway, this time I was able to watch and paid strong attention not only to what was being said, but also the audience. Detroit is a city with a black majority, with a black performer, but the audience probably had more whites. And during those many times the video froze, I would look at everyone in the audience. They were all laughing. I didn't see a frown.

One of his first jokes was basically calling Mike Pence gay. But I don't remember any conservatives crying about this. I'm not a conservative, so a minute ago, I did a quick google search. I found one article (I won't name it, because I don't want to advertise garbage) from a pretty large site. This "author" found it funny to call Mike Pence gay, and how he's praying to not be attracted to buttholes. Funny? Na, but this "author" had his own agenda, and would never go against "his" tribe. I hate tribes/groups - I rather be an individual, which is probably much more difficult.

“In my movie idea, we find out that these aliens are originally from earth — that they’re from an ancient civilization that achieved interstellar travel and left the earth thousands of years ago,” he says. “Some other planet they go to, and things go terrible for them on the other planet, so they come back to earth, [and] decide that they want to claim the earth for their very own. It’s a pretty good plotline, huh? I call it ‘Space Jews.'”

What's funny is that even a self-described Democrat who thinks the biggest problem on Earth are pronouns would use homosexuality as a pejorative. Think about that... But it's too bad that was what he mentioned, because what came after was funny and I'll paraphrase. "Gays are a minority group until they have to call the police. Then they become white". If you walk past a black man on the street, he can't hide that. A gay man can. And so can a "space jew", which might have been the funniest bit. When I first saw this, I thought he said "Space JUICE". And then later when he talked about how a slave became a horrible slavemaster.. "It's a movie idea called SPACE JEWS" -- -hilarious.

I guess I love dissidents. It's boring when people do the fake controversy bit just to make noise. I prefer sincerity and fangs, which is satire. It has to draw blood. It has to be a literate and humorous x-ray into society.

"You can shoot and kill a guy and not have on effect on your career, but don't dare hurt a gay person's feelings" -- how can anyone argue with that? The hypocrisy.

20 yrs ago, I was saying that if we're all equal in The Constitution, then gays should be allowed to marry. The same Democrats were all against it. They would even quote Clinton, Obama, etc., "I believe it is between a man and woman" but would throw the diplomatic and wimpy, "I believe in civil unions"..

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/98/Dave_Chappelle_The_Closer_Poster.jpg

SpelingError

10-10-21, 05:40 PM

26th Hall of Fame (REWATCH)

Last Year At Marienbad (1961) - 3.5

This is a difficult film to talk about since it appears to resist any attempts to interpret it. We get a handful of set pieces and the significance of some characters are hinted at, but other than that, you're pretty much on your own. What stood out the most to me were the second man and the card game. It's implied that the second man might be the woman's husband, but the occasional touches of surrealism sprinkled throughout the film hint that there's something greater at play. Possibly. The Nim game the second man plays with several people in the palace is a possible hint that he holds power over them and might be preventing them from leaving. That he wins the game every time he plays it adds more to this interpretation. In spite of this, however, the film doesn't provide enough evidence for you to draw any definitive conclusions for these details and instead chooses to leave its meaning ambiguous. And while I'm not opposed to ambiguity by any means, I felt the ambiguity prevented me from connecting to the film as much as I was hoping. The second man and the Nim game were promising concepts, but due to the ambiguity, I couldn't decide what I was supposed to feel towards those aspects as I watched the film. Technically speaking though, the film is excellent. One could criticize the narration for being hard to follow, but I think the film found the right balance between being comprehensible and disorienting and I think this approach matched the surrealism of the film pretty well. Also, the cinematography ranks amongst the best I've ever seen in a film. Resnais finds the right camera angles and lighting to capture the artistic beauty of the palaces this film was shot in really well. While this is my least favorite of the three films I've seen from Resnais, I still enjoyed it enough to recommend it and I might rewatch it again sometime down the road.

GulfportDoc

10-10-21, 08:19 PM

https://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path%5B3%2F7%2F8%2F3%2F3783932%5D&call=url%5Bfile%3Aproduct.chain%5D

rating_4
Ha! Good movie. This is one of several where Crawford plays a character very much like her real persona: a selfish, manipulative, bee-itch. And that's leaving out some of the other stuff...:D

GulfportDoc

10-10-21, 08:30 PM

Thief

10-10-21, 10:06 PM

COHERENCE
(2013, Byrkit)

https://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/coherence.jpg

"This whole night we've been worrying... there's some dark version of us out there somewhere. What if we're the dark version?"

Coherence follows a group of friends meeting for a dinner party the night of the passing of a comet. As the night progresses, a series of weird and unexplainable events start to unfold that make them all question the decisions of their past, as well as the nature of themselves and who they are. But the events of the night might also put them or others in danger.

This film was recommended to me by a couple of people, so I was looking forward to it. I was happy to see it delivered as far as "mind****ery" goes. Director and co-writer Byrkit makes the most of his extremely low budget ($50K) by relying in a solid script, weird occurrences, and solid performances to build this dread about what's happening.

I'm trying to avoid too much details here cause it's definitely a film worth seeing without spoiling, and maybe even with as little knowledge as possible, but reading about the production and filming details, and how Byrkit and co-writer Alex Manugian would only give the actors some pointers about the characters and the beats of the story, while allowing them to improvise, and then see the end result, it's impressive.

Grade: 3.5

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2244690#post2244690)

donniedarko

10-10-21, 11:28 PM

https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2021/9/29/34c89591-d83e-4ef3-9d21-ba9e60e60829-https___cdnsanityio_images_xq1bjtf4_production_4c350f5b6b640ac730110af5b32c54cc24f918ea-5065x3377.jpg?w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&crop=faces&fm=jpg
Lamb (Johansson, 2021)

I can't say I'm very impressed with this movie regardless of the lense I take. Whether I view it as a horror or try to interpret the film as a metaphorical art house film to dissect, there's just not much there. Johansson gives the audience very little, and expects them to do a lot. Lamb gives you a decent, but not overly intense landscape. Three extremely one-dimensional characters, with immediately clear vices. & a kinda funny looking chimeras. After that you're on your own, and I couldn't muster the interest.

2 -

PHOENIX74

10-10-21, 11:54 PM

https://i.postimg.cc/D0r0fLk2/errolflynn.jpg

The Adventures of Errol Flynn - (2005)

Watched this to get me in the mood for a day of Errol Flynn movies. What can I say? It's one of those competent, good enough documentaries that does it's job but doesn't strive to be anything more than biographical info from people who knew the subject. I got to place all the films I was about to watch in context.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/88/Captain_Blood.jpeg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7204891

Captain Blood - (1935)

The quintessential Errol Flynn movie - Captain Blood was his big break, and it's the best out of the ones I watched. Genuinely exciting, with an involving story about King James II, the Monmouth Rebellion, white slavery and piracy. Flynn is Dr. Peter Blood, who is unjustly sentenced to death before being reprieved when the Jamaican colony needs slaves. He ends up stealing a ship - but not before starting something with Olivia de Havilland's character. She'd go on to appear as his romantic interest in another 7 films. Fine performances, great use of miniatures, a rousing score and heaps of charm. Director Michael Curtiz (who Flynn hated working for) would try to recapture the spirit of this in every film he'd do with Flynn and de Havilland. Errol Flynn is magnetic and inspirational.

8/10

https://i.postimg.cc/cJWrjFVF/robin-hood.jpg
By Illustrator unknown. Distributed by Warner Bros. - Scan via Heritage Auctions. Cropped from the original image., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86849427

The Adventures of Robin Hood - (1938)

This is a great film, full of Errol Flynn's charm and natural confidence. The technicolor is gorgeous. The frivolity a lot of fun. Basil Rathbone and Claude Rains great villains. Flynn's Robin Hood is a character who will just stroll into the castle of his greatest enemy alone, surrounded by soldiers and swordsmen, and mock everyone. He has the biggest pair of watchamacallits I've ever seen a bow and arrow wielding man in tights ever have. Now, this isn't a particularly serious film - it's more like a colourful dance, choreographed with fighting, witty repartee, inventive cinematography and great costumes. Curtiz directs again. Olivia de Havilland appears again as Marion, and that Erich Wolfgang Korngold can really tie everything up with a remarkable score. So why only 7/10? Well, I've never really liked Robin Hood. If I could suppress my Robinophobia the score would go up a few notches.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/Dodge_City_1939_Poster.jpg
By Warner Bros. - http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Dodge-City-1939-Posters_i6282699_.htm?aid=845999&LinkTypeID=2&PosterTypeID=1&DestType=7, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38745963

Dodge City - (1939)

As Westerns came back into vogue it was inevitable the Warner Bros would use Errol Flynn in them. My beef with this is that the swashbuckling Flynn seems pretty smooth-faced, softly spoken and too gentle to be a real Western star. Just as I find it hard to picture John Wayne swinging on ropes with a cutlass (but I'm sure he did - at one stage he played Genghis Khan) - I find it hard to believe such a soft, clean man would be roughing it and mixing with the characters he mixes with. But this has a great climax with a burning train that's out of this world. Not bad, but not in the same league as Robin Hood and Captain Blood.

6/10

https://i.postimg.cc/L8CbQWYp/sons-of-liberty.jpg

Sons of Liberty - (1939)

Included as an extra on the Dodge City DVD, this won an Oscar for Best Short and I figured I may as well knock it off my Oscar list. Claude Rains appears as Haym Salomon, a man who helped finance the American Revolution. It starts when he joins a group known as the Sons of Liberty and skips through to his death in a very rushed manner, touching on a few incidents during that particular war. Felt like excerpts from a much longer tale. What we do get is impressive for a short film though.

6/10

Thief

10-11-21, 12:42 AM

Captain Blood is sooo good. I'm always surprised that film doesn't get mentioned more often.

StuSmallz

10-11-21, 03:18 AM

Maybe? But I think there are still differences in terms of goals, approach, and execution.

After all, in L.A. Confidential, we know from the get-go that the black men are indeed criminals, which is precisely why they pinned the Nite Owl murders on them. The big "a-ha!" moment for Exley/White AND the audience comes when we all realize that despite being guilty of kidnap/rape, they are indeed innocent of the murders. So in this case, I think the commentary of institutional racism is not weakened. They were framed because of it.

However, in Touch of Evil, we're led to believe in Sanchez' innocence from the get-go. After all, he's apparently not a criminal, he's claiming innocence, and the evidence we discover along with Vargas (the empty dynamite box) leads us to believe him, and that Quinlan's motivations are corrupt and, like with the Black men in L.A. Confidential, probably racist (pinning a crime on a minority, which will probably make it more believable).

So when Quinlan's right-hand man brings back the dynamite, we're as surprised and suspicious as Vargas cause we all know that wasn't in the box. But the line in the end revealing that Sanchez had confessed feels more like a validation of Quinlan's racist instincts and even methods than anything else. Add to that, the fact that it's a throwaway line in the very ending of the film. It wasn't necessary cause at this point, the car bombing is more or less a Macguffin.

So, again, I think there's a considerable difference in terms of how both examples are played out.The situation in Confidential isn't 100% the same as the one as in Touch, but I still don't think they're that different; I mean, in the former, the initial suspicion for the Nite Owl murders was planted by a corrupt, murderous police captain, one who we later learn likely helped commit the murders himself, so it's entirely plausible that he choose to drive a Mercury Coupe to the scene because he had already picked this specific group of Black men out as the "fall guys" for the crime, due to a combination of their criminal records and their race. However, as far as we know, the captain didn't plant that suspicion because he had any idea that they were currently involved in holding a woman hostage to sexually assault her (since there was zero indication of that initially), so having that as a plot point still undermines the point about insitutional racism that was being made, since, regardless of it being originally intended to frame a group of Black men who were innocent of one particular crime, that racism still ended up stopping them from committing another serious crime, so it ended up achieving something positive in the end, which unintentionally fits into racist narratives that if Black people aren't guilty of one crime they're suspected of, they'll inevitably be guilty of another (sort of like with Sanchez's guilt in Touch).

So, for me, the commentary on institutional racism in Confidential wouldn't have been undermined at all if those "suspects" hadn't been guilty of the kidnapping; I mean, the movie could've still had the finger pointed at them just because of their race, or maybe one of 'em had a record or was currently engaged in criminal activities, and the rest of the group was implicated by a racist guilt by association, or maybe they all had some sort of record, but they had still cleaned up their acts since; any of these options would've made that commentary much stronger than it was, and been preferrable to what the movie did end up doing, in my opinion. It's sort of like how Resident Evil 5 intially put some effort into presenting a realistic portrayal of modern Africa, only for the game to later wind up in a series of mudhuts, with you having to fight hordes of jabbering tribesman literally throwing spears at you;
"talk about side-stepping a pothole only to fall off a bridge", (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VxmvKj3SJGw&feature=youtu.be) as they say.

Wooley

10-11-21, 03:44 AM

LChimp

10-11-21, 10:44 AM

https://mediacdn.aent-m.com/prod-img/1000/46/3999446-2734308.jpg

So bad, it's good. The acting is specially bad, unintentional laughs are the best

ScarletLion

10-11-21, 10:56 AM

COHERENCE
(2013, Byrkit)

https://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/coherence.jpg

Coherence follows a group of friends meeting for a dinner party the night of the passing of a comet. As the night progresses, a series of weird and unexplainable events start to unfold that make them all question the decisions of their past, as well as the nature of themselves and who they are. But the events of the night might also put them or others in danger.

This film was recommended to me by a couple of people, so I was looking forward to it. I was happy to see it delivered as far as "mind****ery" goes. Director and co-writer Byrkit makes the most of his extremely low budget ($50K) by relying in a solid script, weird occurrences, and solid performances to build this dread about what's happening.

I'm trying to avoid too much details here cause it's definitely a film worth seeing without spoiling, and maybe even with as little knowledge as possible, but reading about the production and filming details, and how Byrkit and co-writer Alex Manugian would only give the actors some pointers about the characters and the beats of the story, while allowing them to improvise, and then see the end result, it's impressive.

Grade: 3.5

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2244690#post2244690)

Love that film. They announced a sequel last week....that will be in the form of a TV Miniseries.

SpelingError

10-11-21, 12:56 PM

I have only seen this film once (fairly rencetly) but I loved it.

While I wouldn't say I loved it, I did enjoy it quite a bit. As far as Resnais goes, I like Hiroshima Mon Amour and Night and Fog more.

Stirchley

10-11-21, 01:49 PM

81949

Never understood the acclaim for this movie. Re-watch & it’s not bad by any means. The kid who played young Cameron Crowe was very good.

81950

Re-watch. Fluffy rom-com. Not bad.

81951

Re-watch from a long time ago. Two leads very good. Most gratuitous scene in the cinema: Angelica Huston briefly appearing as a trainer of big cats. WTH!

81952

Re-watch of the very first Almodóvar movie I ever saw. Still my favorite.

Gideon58

10-11-21, 04:38 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTY2NzFjODctOWUzMC00MGZhLTlhNjMtM2Y2ODBiNGY1ZWRiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDM2NDM2MQ@@._V1_.jpg

4

Gideon58

10-11-21, 09:19 PM

https://flxt.tmsimg.com/assets/p4975_p_v13_aa.jpg

4

mark f

10-11-21, 09:23 PM

The Year of the Everlasting Storm (7 Directors, 2021) 2.5 6/10
Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity Ken Dixon, 1987) 1.5 4/10
V/H/S/94 (6 Directors, 2021) 2.5 6/10
Old Henry (Potsy Ponciroli, 2021) 3- 6.5/10
https://www.startattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/old-henry-2021-movie-american-netflix-amazon-apple-tv-500x300.jpg
Reclusive farmer Tim Blake Nelson lives with his unimpressed son (Gavin Lewis) but when need be, dad shows signs of brilliance at gunplay and tracking..
Coming Home in the Dark (James Ashcroft, 2021) 2.5 6/10
Bucking Broadway (John Ford, 1917) 2+ 5/10
Moving On (Yoon Danbi, 2019) 2.5 5.5/10
Muppets Haunted Mansion (Kirk R. Thatcher, 2021) 3- 6.5/10
https://c.tenor.com/JKMJLxWfJ0QAAAAd/muppets-muppets-haunted-mansion.gif
Disney's Haunted Mansion is recreated amazingly well - only this time with the Great Gonzo and Pepe, among other Muppets.
Bluebeard AKA Landru (Claude Chabrol, 1963) 2.5 6/10
Blood on the Crown AKA Just Noise (Davide Ferrario, 2021) 2+ 5/10
Blue Bayou (Justin Chon, 2021) 2.5 6/10
The Third Lover (Claude Chabrol, 1962) 3- 6.5/10
https://jeffstafford76.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/jacques-studies-his-candid-photos.jpeg?w=640
Insecure writer Jacques Charrier examines the photos he took which may prove to have dire consequences.
Dave Chappelle: The Closer (Stan Lathan, 2021) 3 6.5/10
Death Goes to School (Stephen Clarkson, 1953) 2.5 5.5/10
Slaves in Bondage (Elmer Cliftoni, 1937) 1.5+ 4.5/10
Small Engine Repair (John Pollono, 2021) 2.5+ 6/10
https://s2.dmcdn.net/v/TB7Up1X5wDlo7mih6/x360
Three Boston friends all love the daughter of one, and that's what sets the thriller plot off.
The Case of the Black Cat (William C. McGann, 1936) 2.5 6/10
Mayday (Karen Cinorre, 2021) 2+ 5/10
My True Fairytale (D. Mitry, 2021) 2.5 5.5/10
Arsenic and Old Lace (Frank Capra, 1944) 3.5 7+/10
https://pa1.narvii.com/6026/faf8df047d9919f0de928ab4c4ddd98f3b2e1985_hq.gif
Hilarious, if a tad overlong, filming of the Broadway smash.

pahaK

10-11-21, 09:26 PM

Old Henry (2021)
3.5
A nice little western. The IMDb summary calls it an action western, but it's actually quite slow-paced. The unavoidable shootout is good, too. And while the general nature of the twist (or the "twist") is obvious, the specifics are sort of nice and not what I was expecting beforehand. Outdoor shots look good, but the indoor ones are poorly lit and really flat.

Raven73

10-12-21, 09:27 AM

Knives Out
7/10.
A tight mystery with a great cast and lots of suspense.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMGUwZjliMTAtNzAxZi00MWNiLWE2NzgtZGUxMGQxZjhhNDRiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjU1NzU3MzE@._V1_.jpg

doubledenim

10-12-21, 02:43 PM

Shocked to see the smatterings of Old Henry, then I realized it must be VOD.

Titane? Anyone?

Thief

10-12-21, 02:44 PM

Love that film. They announced a sequel last week....that will be in the form of a TV Miniseries.

Huh? Really? Intriguing, but I don't know how they can make that premise work for a bunch of episodes.

LChimp

10-12-21, 05:09 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzA3ZmI1NzMtMTcxMi00ODg4LWFhMGItMTE2ZjIxODUzZTFiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA1NzAwODMz._V1_.jpg

Not impressed. Supes goes bad, Batsy tries to stop him, yatta yatta yatta

GulfportDoc

10-12-21, 05:42 PM

82008

Best Sellers (2021)

This is a good old-fashioned comedy/drama starring Michael Caine as crusty old novelist Harris Shaw, and Aubrey Plaza as a young woman, Lucy Stanbridge, who has inherited her father’s book publishing company, and is looking to save it from bankruptcy by getting a long owed book out of Shaw.

Lucy finally succeeds in extracting the book from Shaw, and announces that he must participate in a book tour where he’ll have to present the book to the public. Despite Shaw’s maddening obstinance and cynicism, the story is charming, and sets up many humorous scenes where Lucy tries to somewhat adhere to modern publicity methods, and to try to keep Shaw on track to promote the book. The story is both vaguely familiar and somewhat predictable, but it’s fun along the way.

One could imagine Lionel Barrymore and Carole Lombard starring in similar roles, had the film been made in the 1940s.

Caine provides a typical near perfect performance, while Plaza shines in a comedic role. They work well together as a team. Still, even though Plaza is 37 she seemed almost too immature for the part. The rest of the cast provided good support, but the direction seemed a little hit or miss.

Best Sellers doesn’t break any new ground, but is a fun and watchable picture.

Doc’s rating: 6/10

Thief

10-12-21, 05:42 PM

THE DESCENT
(2005, Marshall)

https://i.imgur.com/phwQ46I.jpg

"Sarah, the worst thing that can happen to you has already happened. It’s over, and you’re here. You didn’t give up. This is just a poxy little cave. You’ve got nothing left to be afraid of."

The Descent follows Sarah, who is trying to recover from a tragic and traumatic accident. To help her with that, her friends organize a spelunking expedition into a remote cave. Led by the adventurous Juno (Natalie Mendoza), the group of five women go deeper and deeper not knowing that what awaits them might be worse than anything they've faced outside; or is it?

I saw this film in theaters with my wife back in the day, and I credit it with having one of the best jumpscares I've ever experienced from a film. But beyond the excellent scares and thrills of the film, which are many, the film's biggest strength is in putting excellent characters that we care for up front. Even though the film really doesn't spend much time with the characters before they go in the cave, the way Marshall builds them up paired with the performances is great.

Grade: 4

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2245251#post2245251)

Marco

10-12-21, 06:49 PM

The Mother (2003)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/52/The_Mother_movie.jpg
Neat film about a mother of grown up children finding herself again. Bit Mike Leigh-ish. It has a tender touch in her sexual re-awakening and the characters caring manner although admitting she was not a caring mother to her kids.

3

GulfportDoc

10-12-21, 08:21 PM

COHERENCE
(2013, Byrkit)

Coherence follows a group of friends meeting for a dinner party the night of the passing of a comet. As the night progresses, a series of weird and unexplainable events start to unfold that make them all question the decisions of their past, as well as the nature of themselves and who they are. But the events of the night might also put them or others in danger.

This film was recommended to me by a couple of people, so I was looking forward to it. I was happy to see it delivered as far as "mind****ery" goes. Director and co-writer Byrkit makes the most of his extremely low budget ($50K) by relying in a solid script, weird occurrences, and solid performances to build this dread about what's happening.

I'm trying to avoid too much details here cause it's definitely a film worth seeing without spoiling, and maybe even with as little knowledge as possible, but reading about the production and filming details, and how Byrkit and co-writer Alex Manugian would only give the actors some pointers about the characters and the beats of the story, while allowing them to improvise, and then see the end result, it's impressive.

Grade: rating_3_5
Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2244690#post2244690)
A fascinating and wonderful little film on a micro budget. I'd forgotten that this film is 8 years old. Seems like it came out a year or so ago!

Writers Byrkit and Manugian came up with a unique story and outline, and the actors came through wonderfully with their improvisations and talent.

This type of very complex sci-fi thriller can hide a lot of mistakes within its complications. I've seen it twice, and have more or less understood everything-- but not completely. However it has withstood serious dissection, and has come out with everything tied up...... I think.

It just shows what great writing can do in the absence of a big budget.

GulfportDoc

10-12-21, 08:23 PM

[Coherence] Love that film. They announced a sequel last week....that will be in the form of a TV Miniseries.
Wow, that is VERY interesting. Do happen to have a link for that, SL?

Thief

10-12-21, 09:29 PM

A fascinating and wonderful little film on a micro budget. I'd forgotten that this film is 8 years old. Seems like it came out a year or so ago!

Writers Byrkit and Manugian came up with a unique story and outline, and the actors came through wonderfully with their improvisations and talent.

This type of very complex sci-fi thriller can hide a lot of mistakes within its complications. I've seen it twice, and have more or less understood everything-- but not completely. However it has withstood serious dissection, and has come out with everything tied up...... I think.

It just shows what great writing can do in the absence of a big budget.

Definitely. I can see myself rewatching it sooner than later.

PHOENIX74

10-12-21, 11:06 PM

https://i.postimg.cc/t4Kj2R7W/ran.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/t4Kj2R7W/ran.jpg

Ran - (1985)

That was huge. Epic. Shakespeare mixed with John Ford mixed with Japanese mythical legend. Visually stunning and emotionally engaging. I've seen Kagemusha, so I knew a little bit what to expect, Kurosawa being in his towering epic phase - help from high-powered Hollywood entities who loved Kurosawa helping him to start making the big budget films he wanted to. How on Earth he managed to compose all of the battle scenes, all of the soldiers and horses and banners (and arrows and fire,) I'll never know. Beautiful in sight, sound and story - and probably the best adaptation of King Lear ever put to film. The machinations of greed, the prophetic opening, the tragedy of sons betraying their father, the ever-present lust for revenge all combine to create quite a film. I really enjoyed watching Ran last night.

10/10

Foreign language countdown films seen : 47/101

Thief

10-13-21, 01:35 AM

Great film!

xSookieStackhouse

10-13-21, 06:11 AM

5 rewatched
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTE5OTkwYzYtNDhlNC00MzljLTk1YTktY2IxZjliZmNjMjUzL2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1 _.jpg

ScarletLion

10-13-21, 06:22 AM

Wow, that is VERY interesting. Do happen to have a link for that, SL?

This is all we got at the moment I think:

https://twitter.com/JamesWardByrkit/status/1445834247055364103

Stirchley

10-13-21, 01:44 PM

82025

Excellent movie based on a true story. All the “actors” are indigenous people.

Thief

10-13-21, 02:13 PM

AN AUTUMN AFTERNOON
(1962, Ozu)
Freebie

https://i.imgur.com/mvjKxxu.png

"In the end, we spend our lives alone... all alone."

An Autumn Afternoon follows Shūhei Hirayama (Chishū Ryū), an aging widower torn between his parental duty of arranging a marriage for her daughter, Michiko (Shima Iwash!ta) and her desire to remain with him and take care of him and her younger brother. If it sounds similar to other film, that's because there are several parallelisms between this film and Ozu's own Late Spring, which I saw in December last year.

I won't deny that there is a certain element of "been there, done that" to the film, since it pretty much follows the same beats as Late Spring, but coming 13 years after that film, it's interesting to see tinges of "evolution" and "growth" in how men and women, fathers and children interact. Just like with Late Spring, I have some very minor issues with the notion of an "arranged marriage", but that's not on Ozu, but the culture itself. Still, I like how Hirayama doesn't force things on his daughter as he's setting things up ("I'm not insisting on this other man. If you don't like him, you can say so") which, again, shows some degree of growth in the country's overall culture and Ozu himself.

Grade: 3.5

Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2245514#post2245514) and the PR HOF4 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2245515#post2245515).

Gideon58

10-13-21, 03:11 PM

https://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path%5B4%2F3%2F6%2F1%2F4361440%5D%2Csizedata%5B850x600%5D&call=url%5Bfile%3Aproduct.chain%5D

4

Marco

10-13-21, 06:17 PM

The Little Stranger (2018)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f0/The_Little_Stranger_%28film%29.png
Post WWII gothic drama with Domhnall Gleeson as the local Dr and Ruth Wilson as the eldest daughter of the local knobs that live in "the Big Hoose". they become close and you start wondering if his intentions are towards her or the estate. Gleeson looks properly evil in this at times.
3.5

John W Constantine

10-13-21, 10:51 PM

Halloween - 2018

2.5

PHOENIX74

10-14-21, 04:01 AM

https://i.postimg.cc/SxnD2n2W/paprika.jpg

Paprika - (2006)

I had a hard time with Paprika - it's almost impossible to follow, although you always have a sense of what's going on (a machine that can view and analyse dreams, and allow you to share them, causes everyone's dreams to start merging and spilling over into the real world.) I loved the early references to From Russia With Love and Roman Holiday. The dreams were amazing. Sometimes you just have to go with it I guess - though I prefer to know what's going on.

6/10

Foreign Language countdown films seen : 47/100

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e7/Chicago_ten.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9069332

Chicago 10 - (2007)

This was my second go at Chicago 10 - on my first go around I didn't finish it. I just don't like it as much as other people do. This time I read up on the period and why the Chicago Eight were on trial. I shouldn't have to do that if the documentary is doing it's job properly. Some of the 'zany' characters weren't as endearing to me as the doco thought they were - but I felt the requisite amount of outrage over police brutality and authoritarianism on display in Vietnam-era America. Real events are mixed in with the trial - but in a choppy kind of way, and I never felt an enjoyable kind of narrative flowing at any stage. Reading about it all was far more pleasurable than experiencing this film. Peace man. ✌️

5/10

Marco

10-14-21, 10:30 AM

Old Henry (2021)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Old_Henry_%28film%29.jpg
Likeable western regarding a taciturn man looking after his farm and trying to make sure his son grows up the right way (much to his sons dissapointment). Their backwater life is thrown into turmoil by the arrival of some banditos! Refreshing to see Tim Blake Nelson in a leading role and he really does not disappoint. Stephen Dorff mugs well as the main baddie....enjoyable movie!!
3.5

Thursday Next

10-14-21, 04:19 PM

No Time to Die (2021)

I really enjoyed No Time to Die - Skyfall is still my favourite of the series, but this is a definite step up from Spectre. It's very much a close sequel though, so you might want to rewatch before you head to the cinema. I liked that it had a lot of the things that make the Bond films such reliable entertainment - the locations, the action, the cars - while at the same time moving away from some of the things that are outdated like the sexism. I think the way the character of Bond in the movie is at times feeling like he is left behind by things moving on, and at other times proving how he's still got it and is absolutely still awesome sums up how the films themselves are.

I think a lot of the complaints people have are unfounded - I've seen people complain about Bond's 'replacement' 00 just based on the trailers - but I think it was all done well; the world moves on, some things she does better, some things he does and they have a respect for each other as people in the end. Rami Malek's villain might not be a classic, but his poison garden villain lair certainly is. And no spoilers, but I thought the ending was fitting.

I like how Craig's Bond films have become a whole contained arc of their own as well as having a place in the whole Bond history. There were a few nods to earlier films (like the reuse of 'All the Time in the World') and times where everything even looks like it could be in the sixties or seventies. It's throwaway, but I really liked the bit where Bond just uses his phone to take a photo of something - no need for tiny cameras or exploding pens!

I would have liked more of Q and Moneypenny, because Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris are two of my favourite actors and I really like their characters in this series. I did like the glimpse into Q's flat and his cats (although he's apparently got over his fear of flying...).

The plot based around some kind of DNA targetting bio-weapon is utter nonsense, but seems fairly sensible in comparison to the plot nonsense we got in Black Widow. I've never bought into the romance between Bond and Madeleine Swann, she's far too young for him, so while I appreciate what they're going for it doesn't quite work for me.

Worth seeing on the big screen, anyway.

4

Gideon58

10-14-21, 04:43 PM

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71TsVoeVm4L._SL1500_.jpg

1.5

GulfportDoc

10-14-21, 05:16 PM

82043
The Glass Wall (1953)

Billed as a dramatic film noir, The Glass Wall is more of an immigration melodrama tale than a typical crime story noir. It stars Vittorio Gasman as Peter Kuban, a Hungarian stowaway who is forced to jump ship in New York City in order to find the American soldier (Jerry Paris) whose life he saved in the war, and who would provide an immigration exemption for the Hungarian to become a legal alien. On the run he meets up with an out of work gal (Gloria Grahame) who is also trying to survive by hook or by crook. She is taken with Kuban, and endeavors to both hide him and help him find the American G.I. for salvation.

The story itself is a bit overwrought. It causes one to wonder why the entire NYPD and the Federal authorities, along with the newspapers, would be so determined to find a single harmless stowaway. But without the chase there would be no tension nor drama.

However the chief interests in the picture are several quite aside from its story. Gasman was one of Italy’s premiere actors, and with his performance he is able to sustain belief in Kuban’s plight. Gloria Grahame fans will be fascinated by her somewhat unusual role as a frumpy low class unemployed factory worker whose survival mode is suddenly softened by love and altruism. Grahame shows her talent as an actress beyond playing femme fatale temptresses. Grahame stated that she always considered herself as a character actress, which is on display here as she is able to show her stuff.

The diamond in the rough in the movie is Robin Raymond, who plays a burlesque dancer that Kuban comes across. She learns that he is a fellow Hungarian (“Hunky”), and therefore wants to protect and help him, and by whom she becomes captivated. She may only have 10 minutes or so of screen time, but she is absolutely riveting and mesmerizing as a salt of the earth burlesque queen with scruples who quickly becomes attracted to the protagonist. How this actress had a long career without getting any starring roles is a true mystery.

The picture would have been much less fascinating without the wonderful location and studio cinematography of Joseph Biroc (It’s a Wonderful Life, Hammett). His photography captures the New York City of the early 1950s as well as any that had been done before. The shots of the United Nations building (whose glass facade suggests the movie’s title) are ground breaking and unique. Surely the iconic sequences of the U.N. inspired graphic designer Saul Blass and Alfred Hitchcock 6 years later in the writing and production of North by Northwest (1959).

Ironically the story of a hungering illegal immigrant with a mission translates nicely to current times. In that way the narrative is palatable. But the best parts of the picture are its acting and cinematography.

Available on YouTube.

Doc’s rating: 6/10

mark f

10-14-21, 06:13 PM

Vengeance Is Mine (Hadi Hajaig, 2021) 2 5/10
M (Fritz Lang, 1931) 3.5 7+/10
Curse of the Fly (Don Sharp, 1965) 2 5/10
In Search of Famine (Mrinal Sen, 1981) 2.5+ 6/10
https://worldscinema.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Akaler-Sandhane-19811-e1608369563105.jpg
Indian film director Dhritiman Chatterjee goes on location to make what he hopes to be a classic but some of the locals object to his production's supposed hedonism.
The Collection (Marcus Dunstan, 2012) 2 5/10
Operation Hyacinth (Piotr Domalewski, 2021) 2.5+ 6/10
Witch Hunt (Elle Callahan, 2021) 2 5/10
The Clouded Yellow (Ralph Thomas, 1950) 3 6.5/10
https://www.reelstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/Films/clouded_yellow/cly009.jpg
When Jean Simmons is framed for murder, ex-British agent Trevor Howard, a new employee at her residence, tries to help her.
Forever Rich (Shady El-Hamus, 2021) 2.5 6/10
The Darkness (Tharun Mohan, 2021) 1.5+ 4.5/10
Mystery in Mexico (Robert Wise, 1948) 2.5 5.5/10
The Mad Women's Ball (Mélanie Laurent, 2021) 3 6.5/10
https://img-s1.onedio.com/id-61540d39e623da491e62260a/rev-0/w-620/f-jpg/s-697dd138327e85286a6f0bed9b874c1fb4f77814.jpg
In 19th century France, socialite Lou de Laâge is put in an asylum for hearing voices of spirits, but nurse Mélanie Laurent believes her and tries to help her.
The Addams Family 2 (4 Directors, 2021) 2.5 6/10
Corporate Responsibility (Jonathan Perel, 2020) 2 5/10
Accidents Will Happen (William Clemens, 1938) 2.5 5.5/10
Mystery Street (John Sturges, 1950) 3 6.5/10
https://78.media.tumblr.com/4b5731ad7b916859589f868356605f5f/tumblr_odm3t7XeDx1tr6ni8o3_500.gif
Complex, twisty murder mystery, set in Boston, is crammed with suspects and a strong Ricardo Montalban in the lead.
Fever Dream (Claudia Llosa, 2021) 2.5 5.5/10
South of Heaven (Aharon Keshales, 2021) 2+ 5/10
The Hidden Room AKA Obsession (Edward Dmytryk, 1949) 2.5 6/10
I Like Life a Lot AKA Nekem az élet teccik nagyon (Kati Macskássy, 1977) 4 8/10
https://www.czkd.org/meta-content/uploads/2016/12/I-Think-Life-is-Great-Fun-3-pravougaona.jpg
Poignant, funny, beautiful, unmissable animated short made up of letters narrated and animated by Hungarian schoolkids,

Gideon58

10-14-21, 09:41 PM

https://unobtainium13.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/sounder.jpg

5

PHOENIX74

10-14-21, 10:55 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/ff/Sideways_poster.JPG
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1390847

Sideways - (2004)

I watched this last night and loved it. I don't know what was wrong with me when I watched it for the first time on release - where I didn't like it. Watching the natural chemistry between Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church on this road trip was pure magic. Payne's Oscar winning screenplay results in my favourite moment in the film, where Maya (Virginia Madsen) relates why she likes winery so much, and it all has a profound connection for the both of them and the way they relate to people. Haden Church's obsession with sex is so much fun as well - and leads to plenty of conflict. But it also helps his good friend, who you can see is suffering so badly after his divorce. The film as a whole is touching, funny and meaningful. It's one of Giamatti's career bests. Can it crack my top 25 films of the 00s? Will it make the top 100? Who knows.

9/10

edarsenal

10-14-21, 11:08 PM

https://www.cultura.gal/sites/default/files/images/evento/bob_el_jugador.jpg

Bob le Flambeur (The Gambler) (1956) 4.5 Along with all the other million reasons I love Melville, it is the continual "off the path" sojourn. That has been my expectations and his suave twists of a favorite story. The lesser path of the typical gambler commits a Heist of a High Stakes Casino. Bob (Roger Duchesne) is no degenerate, deep in the hole, loser. He's, actually, pretty d@mn f@ckin good at it. He's habitual. EXCEEDINGLY habitual. He doesn't owe big, but Bob gets a crew together to stage safe cracking during an armed holdup after one night of losing his high winnings.
Bob's charming style and class extend to everyone else in this film without losing the tension or impending menace. And, of course, a befitting, quite entertaining, excellent ending for this Melville classic film brimming with class and style.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNTQ4NjM3Njg0Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzQ5ODUyOTE@._V1_.jpg

Gods and Monsters (1998) 4 I have fallen in love with this beautiful, beautiful soul in this delightful old gentleman, Ian McKellen since witnessing him in Ricard III in '95. I had regrettably passed over this endearing, delightful (because it's IAN) representation of Director James Whale's final months.
Along with Brendan Fraser - doing pretty d@mn, good, Lynn Redgrave, whom I would have loved to have seen more to her than the lingering, disapproving House Maid. It is a rather even-toned story that is in no way a critique, the cast, and their dialogue carry it along beautifully. There is no outrageous, slanderous drama. An endearing, older man was one of the few openly gay men in Hollywood during the thirties dealing with a recent stroke's effect on his brain.
In no way a classic of its own, it is very much an enjoyable, very kind representation of James Whale's final days.

James D. Gardiner

10-15-21, 12:05 AM

https://i.imgur.com/YI9DeYr.jpg

Cast a Dark Shadow (1955)

Good quality British noir/suspense drama about an unhinged young man (Dirk Bogarde) with a penchant for marrying and murdering women for their money. High quality production values in the elaborate sets, cinematography and the well written, and at times, amusing dialogue. Top-notch acting all round but a particularly noteworthy role from Margaret Lockwood, who gives an excellent character performance as his common though street-wise second wife. Interesting back story in this, in that due to a lack of success among some of her previous pictures, her high billing was partly blamed for the picture's poor reception. Despite praise from director Lewis Gilbert and Bogarde who had convinced her to take the part, with both agreeing that it was her finest work, she would not appear in another feature film for 21 years.

Overall a high class version of a fairly typical formula from the day, only being somewhat let down by the overly silly and convenient ending.

7/10

Mr Minio

10-15-21, 03:02 AM

I Like Life a Lot AKA Nekem az élet teccik nagyon (Kati Macskássy, 1977)
unmissable Not true. I missed it. But it's time to correct my mistake. :O

EDIT: Watched it. Pretty disturbing when children narrate horrible events. They understand a lot and these events really have an impact on them. Also, the animation is great, slightly resembling the works of Marcell Jankovics.

edarsenal

10-15-21, 11:47 AM

Takoma11

10-15-21, 11:54 AM

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fcriterion-production%2Fposts%2F2046-9e24dc8425dd6041accd76fd7aa14393%2FThree_Reasons_BLUE_Still_original.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

Three Colors: Blue, 1993

Julie (Juliette Binoche) is the only survivor of a car accident that kills her husband, Patrice, and her daughter. While her instinct is to destroy almost all remnants of her previous life and live a life of solitude, she finds that being numb is not so easy to sustain. Between grappling with her husband's legacy---he was a famous composer, though there are rumors that Julie actually wrote or co-wrote much of his work--and struggling with revelations about his personal life, Julie cannot maintain distance from her feelings.

This film is a masterpiece. I'm obviously about to say a lot of nice things about it, but if you've been holding out on watching it, do yourself a favor and get it in front of your eyeballs ASAP.

It's hard to know where to begin with this film, but it feels right to start with Binoche's central performance, which is a brilliant portrayal of someone who is strong and yet vulnerable. Julie has experienced a significant trauma, and yet she manages to find a place for kindness and compassion for those around her. Julie, understandably, does not want to feel. And so when she does express emotion, you can see in Binoche's face the way that connections and feelings must push past an internal gatekeeper.

From a visual and directorial standpoint, I was completely swept away by this film. The blue of the title is very literal. The color permeates the film. What it represents---memory or emotion or grief--is hard for me to nail down at the moment, but I loved the way that it surrounds Julie, at times literally. The most concrete blue in the film is a sparkling gemstone mobile that is the only keepsake of Julie's daughter that we see. Julie takes it with her to her new apartment and several times during the film stops to gaze into it. But blue is also in the neon signs in the background, and in the unabashed tinting of several scenes, and in the large pool where she swims alone.

I also loved the stylistic choice to have certain sequences fade out and then fade back in. It somehow seems to capture the way that, when you're feeling an overwhelming emotion, it can seem to "fade" on you for a moment before you snap back to reality. I also loved how Julie and other characters move in and out of the frame. In one sequence, the young man who came on the car accident meets Julie to return a necklace to her. For several seconds, the necklace moves toward Julie, seeming to float in the air like a ghost--and for Julie that is certainly the effect of it.

Something I found very moving about the film is the way that Julie connects to other characters. The lesson of the film is not "cheer up! Other people have it just as bad!". Instead, Julie is able to find some semblance of balance through helping and supporting others. A homeless musician, or a woman from her apartment who is coping with the fact that she's spotted her father at a sex show in which she performs. It's not about Julie fixing their problems, but juts about her connecting with these people and making them feel seen. "You came, and that's the same thing," her friend tells her, when Julie gets out of bed at night to come and see her.

On a lesser note, I thought that the film had some interesting things to say about fame and legacy. Julie's husband was famous, and so people don't hesitate to badger Julie or take pictures of her still-bruised face in the wake of his death. Through the film, other people attempt to control her husband's legacy, at times in direct opposition to Julie's wishes. At one point, a news reporter remarks that he "belongs to all of us." The film doesn't seem to take a strong position one way or the other on this question, but it is interesting to watch Julie struggle with the way that others are comfortable using and/or manipulating her husband's work and life to their own ends.

Again: masterpiece. I'm so pleased I watched it and sorry it took me this long. I imagine a rewatch will be incredibly rewarding.

5

ThatDarnMKS

10-15-21, 12:59 PM

HALLOWEEN KILLS

This is likely an inaccurate rating as I’m having to dissociate my experience of the film (worst audience I’ve had in a VERY long time) vs. how I would have experienced the film if I weren’t in a perpetual state of pissed off.

The film is substantially more ambitious than Halloween 2018, in scope, theme and character. It subverts the expectations of the Ten Little Indians/Final Girl structure the original immortalized in favor of ensemble panic ala Fritz Lang’s M. It also amps up Michael’s brutality and sadism to a level that is almost befitting of Rob Zombie’s take, albeit maintaining the “Boogey Man” characterization, where his psychology remains alien and purely evil.

My primary issues are related to dialogue, tone and a general sense of unintentional chaos to the pacing of the film. It’s often repetitive, which is something trying to cover this much ground absolutely shouldn’t be, reducing many characters to repeated thematic slogans that would make a Nolan script feel subtle.

It also has a bad case of “middle sequel-itis,” where so much of it merely feels like capping off plots from 2018 and setting up HALLOWEEN ENDS. This being an issue will really be decided with the latter drops next year.

All-in-all, it’s still among the very best in this franchise and a superior slasher sequel that tries to do something different. I’ve got to admire that when I see it.

4

Stirchley

10-15-21, 01:47 PM

82066

After several attempts I was determined to finish this movie. Made it to the end, but my chief reaction was boredom. Leo very good, as per usual.

Wooley

10-15-21, 02:00 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Big_chill_ver1.jpg
By www.impawards.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6756780

The Big Chill - (1983)

This went up against Terms of Endearment for Best Picture (both films should have been beaten by The Right Stuff.) The Big Chill really rubbed me up the wrong way with it's unlikeable self-absorbed characters. This ensemble cast represent a bunch of friends reacquainting themselves with each other after one of them has passed away. All they prove is that they're a bunch of shallow morons that don't care. I thought it would be a voyage of self-discovery, along with a realisation of how their previous values from the 1960s had been eroded after reaching the 1980s. But they just crack jokes the whole time and obsess over sex and who likes who the most. A great, talented cast saddled with a lousy script (which was also nominated for an Oscar.)

5/10

I definitely have had a different experience with this film, in the dozen to twenty times I've watched it, so I just wanted to say that some people think this exploration of the dynamics of friendship under the challenge of time, which is all it ever claimed to be, is an excellent film, to me. And with one of my favorite scripts.

Wooley

10-15-21, 02:04 PM