Rate The Last Movie You Saw

[WHITBISSELL!]

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The Beast With a Million Eyes - This is a laughably bad movie but it is actually worth watching if only to play "spot the anomaly". According to IMDb trivia, American International Pictures bankrolled producer Roger Corman with a budget for four films at $100,000 each. There was only $29,000 to $30,000 left when it was time for "TBWaME" to start filming, so AIP head Samuel Arkoff signed off on shooting the picture non-union. Which ultimately led to this viable candidate for "so bad it's good".

Paul Birch, the other-worldly visitor from Not of This Earth, plays Allan Kelley and he runs an isolated date farm near Palm Springs. His wife Carol (Lorna Thayer) is dissatisfied and whiny and his daughter Sandy is celebrating a birthday and plans to leave for college. She bears the brunt of her mother's peevishness but the script is so slapdash that their relationship runs hot and cold from scene to scene. There's also a mentally challenged man who helps Allan around the farm but mostly lies on the bunk in his shack surrounded by pictures of pin-up models. Since this is from 1955 any unwelcome thoughts of him playing pocket pool are strictly the viewers responsibility. He spies on Sandy as she takes a dip in a pond but despite the implied ickiness nothing comes of that plotline. He does however give her boyfriend Larry (a very young, Bill Hader looking, Dick Sargent) the old stinkeye while holding an axe.

Anyway, a ship of some kind flies overhead emitting a high pitched hum that wreaks havoc on Carol's china and glassware. This is mentioned several times and there are also lingering shots of nothing in particular that go on for so long that you're left wondering, "Am I missing something here? What am I supposed to be looking at?" The ship turns out to be a visitor from the stars which we all know because the movie starts out with a speech by the alien clearly stating his intentions in a rich plummy voice. He's going to take over the minds of animals which will allow to see things through their eyes, hence the title. He takes control of all manner of fauna including the Kelley's German Shepherd Duke. And there's a side story involving the Kelley's neighbor, Ben Webber. He's played by Chester Conklin who got his start as a Keystone Kop . Somebody must have forgotten to tell him it's a talkie because he's hamming it up like he was back working for Mack Sennett.

There are special effects guaranteed to put a smile on your face like a bird attack with one stuffed sparrow gently tossed at a cars windshield and several shots of Duke supposedly barking without once opening his muzzle. The time of day seemingly changes from shot to shot and the last 20 or so minutes appear to have been filmed at a much later time. Actress Lorna Thayer appears to have gained noticeable weight and also lightened her hair considerably. So much so that the last few scenes take place in dim lighting. The family of three spend an unbelievably lengthy amount time discussing how they're going to ultimately defeat the alien. There's such a thing as padding a scene but this went on and on and on.

This is a lot of words devoted to what was basically a really subpar effort but sometimes janky movies are the ones that are the most fun to talk about. I think this went all in and should be judged accordingly. Neither fish nor fowl.

50/100

[PHOENIX74]

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By http://www.impawards.com/2015/posters/it_follows_ver2_xxlg.jpg, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44974148

It Follows - (2014)

Rewatch. Excellent creepy movie about a mysterious force which follows the person who is basically "it" in different guises - if whatever form it's in catches up with you, then it's your funeral. It can be in the form of someone you know, or some spooky freakishly tall dude with black eyes maybe - he's the worst. There's one way to get distance from it without literally getting distance from it - whomever you have sex with, they're "it", unless they're caught and killed whereupon it'll come after you again. Great score - a tremendous benefit for the film, reminding me somewhat of Carpenter's Halloween score - simple and very effective. Great scary atmosphere. What's it all about? Sexually transmitted diseases? Guilt? Maybe nothing - but making this monster sexually passed on sure opens the movie up to all kinds of translation. Great all round then! Feels like this tugs on a subconscious fear we all have of being watched and followed - and that's what makes it all the more effective.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/85/Conspiracy-film.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7894085

Conspiracy - (2001)

Sickening, and horrifying film about the Wannsee Conference, where Reinhard Heydrich (Kenneth Branagh) and Adolf Eichmann (Stanley Tucci) gathered the various Nazis in charge of different government departments and instructed them on the implementation of the "Final Solution to the Jewish Problem" - all people considered to be Jews by the Nazis were to be gassed, and their remains burned in crematoria. Considered by many to be the greatest crime in human history - this is where the Holocaust officially started, and seeing various Nazi officials snicker, chuckle, chortle and stuff themselves with food makes for sick viewing. A whole bevy of great performances (includes Colin Firth as State Secretary Dr Wilhelm Stuckart) makes this essential viewing. My full review is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2437206#post2437206), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Fabulous]

Get on the Bus (1996)

4

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[this_is_the_ girl]

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Winter Light (1963, Ingmar Bergman)
5
Powerful film about a crisis of faith. The black-and-white cinematography by Sven Nykvist is stunning...those closeups alone are the price of admission. I'm not even talking about the acting and the direction. Perfect.

[Brody At Amity]

Come and See (1985)

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5/5

Raw, unrelenting, visceral: the terrors of war from the Soviet's perspective. An extraordinary experience.

[Torgo]

Albert Pyun Roulette, Part 1:
Alien from L.A. - 2

Plot: Wanda (Kathy Ireland), an oddly squeaky-voiced waitress, receives a letter that her archaeologist father is missing. Her search leads her to a secret and xenophobic underground world that's part Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, part Blade Runner and part Patrick Nagel painting.

The premise may sound interesting, but there's sadly not a whole lot to recommend in this one. The most glaring issue is that seemingly 99% of the movie consists of Wanda running away from the underground world's authorities. It tries to have a message about taking chances and expanding your horizons - Wanda's very smug and unlikeable boyfriend in fact dumps her for how unwilling she is to do these things - but the attempt falls flat because Wanda likely would not have signed up for her adventure if she knew what she was in for.

If you still want to watch this, I recommend watching the Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode, but if there are other episodes of that series you are interested in, you should probably watch them first. Even Mike and the Bots strain to spin gold from this pile of straw. As you may have assumed, a lot of their riffs are about Wanda's odd voice, which I didn't mind because it's one of the few attempts by anyone in the movie to do something that leaves an impression.

[Stirchley]

97325
97328

Both good.

[Gideon58]

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Umpteenth Rewatch....the movie that put Mel Brooks on the map and many believe is still his funniest movie. Personally, I think Young Frankenstein is better, but this one still makes me laugh out loud from start to finish. I read awhile ago that Mel originally wanted Richard Pryor to play Sheriff Bart, but the studio wouldn't allow it because of Pryor's lifestyle offscreen, though Pryor did work on the film as a screen writer. I'm kind of glad it worked out the way it did because I can't picture anyone but the late Cleavon Little in the role, he is absolute perfection, as are Harvey Korman as Hedley Lamarr and Madeline Kahn's Oscar-nominated turn as Lilly Von Schtupp. Her rendition of "I'm Tired" never fails to entertain and neither does this movie. This movies does also make me a little sad now, because almost the entire cast is no longer with us, except for Brooks himself. 4.5

[Gideon58]

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1st Rewatch...Director and screenwriter Jason Reitman knocked it out of the park with this loopy dramedy that stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a man content with his life living out of a suitcase. He works for a company that sends him to other companies to fire people. We learn near the beginning of the film that he was only home 43 days out of the previous year and that suits him just fine. The arrival of a young woman (Anna Kendrick) at his company who has developed a method of terminating employees via videoconference, which could render Clooney jobless conflicts with his meeting a woman named Alex (Vera Farmiga) who is pretty much a female version of Ryan. Reitman's screenplay displays flashes of brilliance as it not only lets us into selected parts of who these three central characters are but the writing and staging of the firing sequences which are all completely different from each other. I had never thought of employee termination as an industry before seeing this and if it was created for this movie, they nailed it in terms of logic and realism. The film received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Director, and nominations for Clooney, Farmiga, and Kendrick. Appointment viewing for Clooney fans. 4

[Gideon58]

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1st Rewatch...In the tradition of great movie romances like Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Love Story, and The Way We Were comes this exquisite film version of the runaway best seller by Nicholas Sparks. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams play young lovers during the 1940's who find themselves separated from various circumstances, but one primarily. Gosling's Noah is a factory working struggling to support himself and his dying father and McAdam's Allie is the trust fund baby from a wealthy family getting ready to go to college on the other side of the country. James Garner and Gena Rowlands shine in supporting roles, and Joan Allen offers one of her most chilling performances as Allie's mother. But mostly, it is the white hot chemistry between Gosling and McAdams that makes this movie worth watching over and over again. 4

[Gideon58]

Get on the Bus (1996)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/n0NQnVJdwf4Sx4DPe2ZDIpAiacb.jpg

I was beginning to think I was the only person on the planet who had seen this movie, I love this movie.

[Gideon58]

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1st Rewatch...One of the most unnecessary movies ever made. Apparently Darren Star and Michael Patrick King felt for some reason that their HBO hit series needed more closure than they provided when the series ended, which couldn't be further from the truth. The series wrapped quite nicely and should have been left to languish in our HBO memory chests but for some reason, these guys decided to pull it out and just deconstruct all the closure they provided with the end of the series. First of all, if you were not a fan of the series, stop reading right now because this film will be of no interest to you because without the show as a complete backstory, there's so much going on here you just won't get. I liked where Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Big (Chris Noth) were when the show ended, why did Starr and King feel the need to pick that scab open again? What happens with the rest of the characters is just filler. Thankless glorified cameos by Jennifer Hudson and Gilles Marino add nothing to the proceedings. Oscar-worthy costumes though. And the other thing I didn't remember from the first time I watched this was the ungodly length. This film is almost two and a half hours long but felt like seven. 2.5

[Stirchley]

https://cdn.traileraddict.com/content/new-line-cinema/sexandthecity-3.jpg



1st Rewatch...One of the most unnecessary movies ever made. Apparently Darren Star and Michael Patrick King felt for some reason that their HBO hit series needed more closure than they provided when the series ended, which couldn't be further from the truth. The series wrapped quite nicely and should have been left to languish in our HBO memory chests but for some reason, these guys decided to pull it out and just deconstruct all the closure they provided with the end of the series. First of all, if you were not a fan of the series, stop reading right now because this film will be of no interest to you because without the show as a complete backstory, there's so much going on here you just won't get. I liked where Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Big (Chris Noth) were when the show ended, why did Starr and King feel the need to pick that scab open again? What happens with the rest of the characters is just filler. Thankless glorified cameos by Jennifer Hudson and Gilles Marino add nothing to the proceedings. Oscar-worthy costumes though. And the other thing I didn't remember from the first time I watched this was the ungodly length. This film is almost two and a half hours long but felt like seven. 2.5

Loved the series, but not this movie.

[Allaby]

Sex(ed): The Movie 2014. Watched on Tubi. A documentary about sex education. This was funny, entertaining, and thought provoking. Well worth a watch. 4

[PHOENIX74]

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By https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4807408/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59102317

The Best of Enemies - (2019)

I know The Best of Enemies isn't the best film about race - mirroring Green Book in it's simplicity and the fact that these films depend on what a white character does to save the day. I really like it because I have a specific weakness for films which feature implacable enemies (full of venom and hatred) who end up becoming friends. Seeing real-life character C. P. Ellis (Sam Rockwell) - a local leader of the Ku Klux Klan in Durham, North Carolina - have his eyes opened by co-operating in a local charrette, and ripping up his Klan card in public, while forming a deep and abiding friendship with black community organizer Taraji P. Henson - well, that makes me feel so good I don't care too much about the bland, careful path this film treads. Sam Rockwell makes the whole process his character goes through completely believable. Anyway, hateful enemies becoming best friends is like my movie heroin - can't get enough of it.

7/10

https://i.postimg.cc/s23SB1Sr/happ.jpg
By May be found at the following website: http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/7c627839, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46368361

The Happiness of the Katakuris - (2001)

Through no fault of their own, a family that runs a bed and breakfast near Mt. Fuji called ‘White Lover's Inn' find their guests have the unhappy habit of dying - and to save the place's reputation they decide to quietly bury the bodies. Weird and extremely fun musical from Takashi Miike (who else?) Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2437435#post2437435), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Fabulous]

Notorious (1946)

4

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[Allaby]

American Fiction (2023) is a really well written, funny, smart, surprising film with a career best performance by Jeffrey Wright. I would rank it 2nd out of the best picture nominees. 4.5

[Gideon58]

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1st Rewatch...this emotionally charged docudrama was even more riveting upon rewatch. It is emotionally charged and the prime emotion it charged in this reviewer is anger. Michael B Jordan gives a solid performance as a young lawyer defending a death row inmate (Jamie Foxx). Excellent film based on a true story. 4

[beelzebubble]

American Fiction (2023) is a really well written, funny, smart, surprising film with a career best performance by Jeffrey Wright. I would rank it 2nd out of the best picture nominees. rating_4_5
Did you see it in a movie theater?

[Allaby]

Did you see it in a movie theater?

No, it never played near me. I would have gone and saw it if it had. It was released on demand today and is now available for purchase, so I bought it digitally.

[Allaby]

Embrace (2016) I thought this was a really interesting and beautiful documentary about body positivity. Watched on Tubi. 4

[Gideon58]

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4.5

[Fabulous]

Starbuck (2011)

3.5

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[WHITBISSELL!]

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Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Still the king AFAIC. One king, one cup. Well, actually it's more of a three way tie for funniest movie ever between this, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. So it's more like three kings. This is on Netflix and I started it with the intention of fast forwarding to the part with the rabbit before coming to my senses and rewatching the whole thing. What is there left to say when something is a nerd culture touchstone. Others will be left scratching their heads and wondering what in the hell is so funny. Those people are to be pitied. And maybe hunted for sport. Anyway, this is like the antithesis of most low budget movies. It is indeed low budget but instead of having that undermine the final product the troupe actually makes it work to their advantage. It of course helps that they're making a farce. Using coconuts to mimic the sound of horses because they didn't have the money for real horses or going with that abrupt ending because they couldn't afford to film a climactic battle scene is the entire project in a nutshell. The sort of inspired, spontaneous lunacy that can never be replicated.

90/100

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War of the Worlds - The original 1953 classic with Gene Barry (Dr. Clayton Forrester) and Ann Robinson (Sylvia Van Buren). Directed by Byron Haskins who also helmed another sci-fi favorite of mine, Robinson Crusoe on Mars and the decent From the Earth to the Moon. If I had to choose my favorite between this and Spielberg's 2005 version I'd have to pick this one. Not because of any marked superiority but it just tells such a tidy, efficient story in it's 85 minute runtime. It's all there from the first meteor landing to the small town inhabitants growing realization that it was no ordinary space debris to the Army stepping in and then the actual war of the title starting. Barry and Robinson do a fine job of centering the story and putting a human face to the cataclysmic events. There are religious elements but they don't club you over the head with it. Spielberg's version was much more faithful to H.G. Welles' novel while this one feels more like comfort food.

80/100

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/62/Holdovers_film_poster.jpg
By Focus Features - IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74995266

The Holdovers - (2023)

Here you have it - one of those "they don't make 'em like they used to" films, making it like they used to and being just as good as a film you'd see from a bygone era which examined relationships, and being human more than trends, pop culture, memes or envelope pushing. Paul Giamatti makes things even more awkward for me come Oscar time by giving what is no doubt the best performance of his career. To give the best of your career and still come third is somewhat Giamatti-like though (character-wise, I know he's won three Golden Globes.) I'm glad to read that the actor hasn't developed a lazy eye in real life. But the movie - really good stuff. What we used to expect from Alexander Payne before he up and made Downsizing. A few big laughs in the audience I saw it with, and I'm sure most everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. I never thought I'd ever think to myself "this is like a film from decades ago - a good one, and it's a shame this kind of filmmaking has been superseded" - getting to know characters in depth, and dealing with the real instead of getting outside the scope of normal human relationships and personality. I really enjoyed The Holdovers.

8/10

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Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2563640

A Tale of Two Sisters - (2003)

A great blend of South Korean ghost story and dramatic tragedy which leaves the core of what's going on a mystery to us viewers until all is revealed. There's much melodramatic grist - once you've seen it, you may feel the urge to see it again. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2437615#post2437615), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Gideon58]

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By 1996Larry - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=96254236

Battleground - (1949)

This was a huge film in it's day. Battleground tells the story of a group of soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division who had to hold on to the town of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge - with many of the incidents therein based on fact. It's a film which highlights camaraderie, and also hardship - many of the characters have reasons to gripe, but life in this Division during this battle was never going to be easy. It's interesting to watch because it was made so soon after the events it describes - and it's near-$2 million budget means there was no expense spared bringing Bastogne to us. There's no blood and guts or swearing - war films were so sanitized during this era in Hollywood, but we do get a sense of a group of soldiers being worn down by scarcity during the battle. This was nominated for a whole heap of Oscars, including Best Picture - winning Best Cinematography (Black and White) and Best Screenplay. Lots of digging fox holes, ducking for cover and running around - but because it was made so soon after the war it lacks the objectivity some later war films have. Still a fine movie though.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/02/The_Proposal.jpg
By IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23239901

The Proposal - (2009)

Editor-in-chief boss Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) demands that her put-upon, beleaguered personal assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) marry her when she's told she can no longer stay in the United States and must return to Canada. There's a good odd-couple dynamic in this film, but the screenplay isn't so hot. Why did they have to make Paxton's family exceedingly wealthy? It changes the power dynamic a lot - but I'd like to see films about ordinary people, instead of a constant flow of Hollywood films with characters that have stupendously large mansions and servants. I'm never rooting for people who already have it all. Reynolds and Bullock actually have wonderful chemistry together - so it's a shame they weren't in a funnier, more involving film. I loved that Betty White was in this - but I think she was ultimately wasted by filmmakers who lacked inspiration.

5/10

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By The poster art can or could be obtained from the distributor., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4985495

The Beat That My Heart Skipped - (2005)

Thomas Seyr (Romain Duris) is a seedy, nasty and criminal real estate developer who decides to go for his dream - to become an accomplished pianist. In his way is his past, his best friend's wife, and his wayward father - whom together create a crescendo of drama and violence in this French neo-noir film by A Prophet's Jacques Audiard. My review is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2436919#post2436919), on my watchlist thread.

7/10

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By "Copyright 1953 RKO Radio Pictures Inc." - Scan via Heritage Auctions., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86897176

The Hitch-Hiker - (1953)

Two average schmoes pick up a deadly hitch-hiker who orders them at gunpoint to take him to Santa Rosalía - thus beginning a road trip full of tension and fear in this taut Ida Lupino film noir classic. My review is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2437061#post2437061), on my watchlist thread.

7/10
Totally agree with you regarding The Proposal

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d0/Malice_%281993_movie_poster%29.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2304067

Malice - (1993)

Malice is the kind of trashy thriller (Wikipedia says neo-noir) that sees me chuckle a little while writing the review. It's an 'everything bar the kitchen sink' type affair featuring husband and wife Andy Safian (Bill Pullman) and Tracy Safian (Nicole Kidman) along with slick surgeon Dr. Jed Hill (Alec Baldwin) - it starts off with a serial killer and rapist plot that's only incidental to the story (the killer is played by Tobin Bell) because it eventually morphs into a malpractice suit drama. Before we can segue to a courtroom for the expected final act, it morphs into something else again - with so many twists and turns it ends up one of those, "well...it wasn't boring" movies. To top things off, we have Anne Bancroft and George C. Scott show up in a couple of crazy scenes. Did you know Anne Bancroft was only 35 when she appeared in The Graduate? That makes me feel terribly old. Oh - also, in Malice we get a "before she was famous" look at Gwyneth Paltrow in a scene. So, in summing up, this was a screwy movie that I didn't mind watching because really it does what a lot of movies mean to do - entertain. It's only bad feature is the fact that it plays as if the movie itself is inebriated, wobbling all over the place and doing crazy things. Watch it if you don't mind films that do that.

6/10

[Fabulous]

Everything Must Go (2010)

3

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[Gideon58]

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4

[stillmellow]

I've liked Vanilla Sky, but until tonight I'd never seen the original, Open Your Eyes. It was made on a much fighter budget, obviously, and shine scenes are a bit over the top, but I was very impressed by Eduardo Noriega's performance. The amount he successfully emotes through both heavy makeup and a mask is really impressive.


I like them both, but Open Your Eyes has better performances. This isn't s knock against Tom Cruise, as he did fine, but I honestly have trouble getting into his dramatic performances. He's the ubiquitous action movie star, and I have trouble seeing him any other way.


Anyway, I give Open Your Eyes a 👍


(Roughly translates to a B+)


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[Stirchley]

Everything Must Go (2010)

3

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This is a good movie.

[Gideon58]

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1st Rewatch...Doesn't hold a candle to the 1948 Preston Sturges original, but Dudley Moore's masterful comic performance does make it worth a look. 3

[Gideon58]

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2nd Rewatch...this lavish rom com/soap opera remains rich entertainment. I love this movie because the primary characters are rich and powerful, did not gain their wealth and power through criminal means. and they aren't white. There are a pair of scene stealing performances from Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as the villain of the piece, Nick's mother who does everything he can to tear Nick and Rachel (Constance Wu) and Awkwefina as Rachel's BFF. The movie does lose a couple of points for casting the insufferable Ken Jeong, but his time onscreen is mercifully brief, 4

[Stirchley]

⏫️ I hated this movie.

[matt72582]

The Power of Film
My biggest criticism is that I don't wanna see movies mentioned from the last 40 years on Turner CLASSIC Movies. It defeats the purpose of the channel, but then again, they just got rid of their best series, Underground, but I hear the channel is under new ownership.

Also, the host keeps telling me the most obvious shit. "Yeah, no shit, dude" - he must think their viewers are all dumb. "Faith means you have no proof" -- wow, really???? (And on and on)


And I still remember when he mentions Billy Wilder, and says how every movie is a love story, but he omits the most important Wilder thing about love. Someone asks, "What about a Western?" - "Man loves his horse". If someone on his couch can be stoned and think of better shit, then it's not good enough. Transcend me.


https://youtu.be/aIevlMoZf40

[Allaby]

A Fish Tale (2017) Watched on Tubi. This was not what I expected. It was better. The story is told in an interesting way and I liked the cast. This was a charming and sweet film. Definitely worth checking out. 4

[beelzebubble]

⏫️ I hated this movie.
me too!
I wanted to like it because the novel was so much fun.

[beelzebubble]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8e/The_Best_of_Enemies_2019_poster.jpg
By https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4807408/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59102317

The Best of Enemies - (2019)

I know The Best of Enemies isn't the best film about race - mirroring Green Book in it's simplicity and the fact that these films depend on what a white character does to save the day. I really like it because I have a specific weakness for films which feature implacable enemies (full of venom and hatred) who end up becoming friends. Seeing real-life character C. P. Ellis (Sam Rockwell) - a local leader of the Ku Klux Klan in Durham, North Carolina - have his eyes opened by co-operating in a local charrette, and ripping up his Klan card in public, while forming a deep and abiding friendship with black community organizer Taraji P. Henson - well, that makes me feel so good I don't care too much about the bland, careful path this film treads. Sam Rockwell makes the whole process his character goes through completely believable. Anyway, hateful enemies becoming best friends is like my movie heroin - can't get enough of it.

7/10

https://i.postimg.cc/s23SB1Sr/happ.jpg
By May be found at the following website: http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/7c627839, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46368361




I will have to check this out. I love both Sam Rockwell and Taraji P. Henson. I was following her career after I saw her on Empire. She was so good. But the movies, I saw, that she starred in were not good. But this sounds entertaining.

[Fabulous]

The Colossus of Rhodes (1961)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/tW3E9DUBK6TLMuIoBRbLyyH0cNh.jpg

[Thief]

THE DREAM OF A RIDICULOUS MAN
(1992, Petrov)

https://i.imgur.com/xyD709u.jpg


"The key thing is: love others as you love yourself. That's the main principle. Nothing else is needed."



The Dream of a Ridiculous Man is a Russian animated short film based in the short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It follows this narrator, who is determined to take his own life, until he falls into a hallucinatory dream that reveals things about life and himself that he thought had been lost forever.

But putting aside the nature of the story, I think the most interesting thing about this short film is its look. Petrov uses a technique called paint-on-glass animation, which results in some beautiful and impressive visuals. The way the animation flows is so unique that I think it's worth watching to any fan of animation.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2438158#post2438158)

[Fabulous]

The Intern (2015)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/6A0YtUVwpRVzKlj2n7Pn42Fs3CM.jpg

[TDH1878]

The Zone of Interest (2023)
4.0

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/zA4sQNuZc4WcZtnbwE5xe5sy9jC.jpg

[WHITBISSELL!]

https://s.turbifycdn.com/aah/yhst-28239674641265/newitem-88832.gif
https://i.makeagif.com/media/10-30-2015/V9u9zz.gif

Sherlock Holmes Faces Death - From 1943 and directed by Roy William Neill (who did 10 other movies starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson). In this one Watson is volunteering at a convalescent home for shellshocked veterans of WWII. It's better known as Musgrave manor and when a doctor friend of Watson's is attacked he asks his friend Holmes to make use of his deductive powers to get to the bottom of it. Once there it becomes clear that the three remaining Musgrave siblings are being targeted by an unknown assailant. There's plenty of atmosphere with a constant howling wind and thunder and lightning.

It's all very eerie in a dark old house sort of way with an abundance of suspects amongst the staff, the war weary soldiers and the Musgraves themselves. Rathbone handles the role he was seemingly born to play with great finesse and Nigel Bruce turns in his usual solid sidekick performance. Look for a young Milburn Stone (Doc Adams from Gunsmoke) as one of the soldiers. There's the usual puzzle to be solved in the form of an old Musgrave ritual that involves reciting a poem of sorts any time there's a death. There is, of course, occasion to trot it out and Holmes eventually connects the dots, revealing the killer and their motivations.

There were 14 of these made starring Rathbone and Bruce. They're the archetypes IMO and I've watched close to half of them at one time or another and found 4 others that I'll be checking out soon enough. This was different enough from the ones I've watched to whet my appetite for more Holmes and Watson.

75/100

[mrblond]

Boiling Point (2021)

Written and Directed by Philip Barantini
Starring Stephen Graham

My second view.
The same as the first time a year ago, I was stunned by the superb directing and acting. This movie officially got cult status for me. Absolute piece of art.
4.5+
93/100
97413

[stillmellow]

Beekeeper.


It's a standard John Wick clone, but the movie makes Statham a bit too Invincible to be relatable. He goes most of the movie without even getting touched, and everyone constantly talking about how awesome he is. John Wick and Nobody at least worked hard for it. Too many scenes of 'villains gloating, instead of just shooting him' as well.


👎

[stillmellow]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTYxNDMyOTAxN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDg1ODYzNTM@._V1_.jpg



2nd Rewatch...this lavish rom com/soap opera remains rich entertainment. I love this movie because the primary characters are rich and powerful, did not gain their wealth and power through criminal means. and they aren't white. There are a pair of scene stealing performances from Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as the villain of the piece, Nick's mother who does everything he can to tear Nick and Rachel (Constance Wu) and Awkwefina as Rachel's BFF. The movie does lose a couple of points for casting the insufferable Ken Jeong, but his time onscreen is mercifully brief, 4




I liked it. 👍

[Allaby]

Horse Camp: A Treasure Tail (2023). I enjoyed this. I really liked the cast. The girls are fantastic and charming and all do a good job with their roles. This is a sweet, fun and cute movie for anyone who likes horses and little girls. Watched on Tubi. 4

[WHITBISSELL!]

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Y6GQKTZ6g/Vu2Qx0qy02I/AAAAAAAAHys/Q5J0RE_KCpwDviAz55fVIQuTBJFCHTdow/s1600/HOUND%2B2.gif
https://i.makeagif.com/media/10-29-2021/vcyrcv.gif

The Hound of the Baskervilles - This 1939 Gothic mystery directed by Sidney Lanfield is the first of what were to be 14 Sherlock Holmes films starring Basil Rathbone. I think it's easily the best known of the Holmes adventures but I don't remember seeing this one. I do remember watching a version wherein the killer meets a fitting end. This one is unique for being the only Rathbone/Holmes film set in the Victorian era of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel.

Anyway, the movie opens with a man running headlong through a fog shrouded moor. He's obviously terrified at some unseen presence chasing him. He eventually collapses in a heap and at the inquest the coroner rules heart failure as the cause of his death. The dead man was Sir Charles Baskerville and his best friend Dr. James Mortimer (Lionel Atwill) later pays a visit to Holmes and Watson at 221B Baker St. He tells them of Sir Charles' death and of his apprehension over the imminent arrival of Henry Baskerville (Richard Greene), Sir Charles' heir and nephew. He reads them an old family document telling of a Baskerville curse going back centuries.

Mortimer believes that Sir Charles' death was not happenstance and that young Henry is in danger. After Mortimer and Henry pay him a visit, Holmes and Watson follow them and witness an unknown man in a Hansom cab try to assassinate Henry. He then sends Dr. Watson to safeguard Henry at his ancestral estate, Baskerville Hall, while he stays in London on urgent business.

This also differs in a slightly extended runtime of 80 or so minutes as opposed to the concise hour length of the other adventures. It allows for a deeper dive into the story with a judicious setup. This is more old school but the later entries in the franchise did have it down to a science. There was a formula that was meticulously followed and no excess fat.

The cast is first rate with Atwill and John Carradine as Barryman the butler the most well known names. And that last line uttered by Holmes certainly closes it out with an attention grabbing flourish. I've always enjoyed detective stories in general and Rathbone as Holmes in particular so I really liked this one.

80/100

[Nausicaä]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/94/The_Creator_2023_poster.jpg/220px-The_Creator_2023_poster.jpg

3.5

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

[Fabulous]

Butterflies Are Free (1972)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/6SxnloSAliP0oAy4C2lgbDdXrnG.jpg

[WHITBISSELL!]

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/20967b_8453ec9584504cae9829544876c8ed52~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_500,h_752,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/20967b_8453ec9584504cae9829544876c8ed52~mv2.jpg

Sherlock Holmes in Washington - From 1943 and directed by Roy William Neill. This was the fifth Rathbone/Bruce colloboration and, being set during WWII, was not based on an Arthur Conan Doyle story.

A British diplomat boards a plane carrying what are purported to be top secret documents meant for the US government. In the meantime a fellow passenger is surreptitiously keeping a close watch. This might throw you at first if you've seen any other Rathbone mysteries because not only did this fellow play Holmes' archnemesis James Moriarity in another film but there was a second recognizable actor who also essayed the role in yet another movie. But that character was never introduced and the heavies in this are a well organized spyring. They're after the documents and soon enough figure out that the diplomat is merely a front with a decoy actually carrying the papers. That decoy eventually disappears along with any knowledge of the whereabouts of the secret documents. Holmes is called in by the Home Office and he and Watson are soon on the way to Washington DC.

Usually a Holmes mystery involves deduction with a last minute epiphany allowing him to turn the tables and save the day. But this one featured not only a ruthless gang of criminals but a smart and cunning ringleader that always seemed to be one step ahead of Holmes. The story however makes excellent use of the MacGuffin and a tried and true "hiding in plain sight" formula all the way up to the end. It's a clever script with more than it's share of tense and danger filled moments. Another great entry in the Sherlock Holmes canon.

80/100

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6e/Torn_curtain.jpg
By www.impawards.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7610811

Torn Curtain - (1966)

Alfred Hitchcock has a bit of a stab (so to speak) at a James Bond film where Bond is just an ordinary schlub, in this case Professor Michael Armstrong (Paul Newman), whose pretend defection to East Germany hits a snag when his tremendously worried fiancé Sarah Sherman (Julie Andrews) follows him. This has some incredible scenes of suspense - the murderous fight to the death in the farmhouse between Armstrong and Stasi officer Gromek (Wolfgang Kieling) is fantastic. The film as a whole though lacks a little drama, and becomes one really long "they're looking for us" road trip once it runs out of ideas. The script wasn't all that inspired. Still, it has what is probably one of the most exciting "maths on a chalkboard" scenes you're every likely to see. It's an okay movie, with a few absolute killer scenes. At least it's not Marnie.

6/10

https://i.postimg.cc/d1fXfFKv/little-foxes.jpg
By William Rose - Scan via Heritage Auctions. Cropped from the original image., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86172024

The Little Foxes - (1941)

Fine stately drama about a corrupt Southern family in the year 1900 - featuring Bette Davis and directed by William Wyler. It received 9 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. My review is here ( https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2437934#post2437934), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/18/Senso_Poster.JPG
By http://www.filmposters.it/poster-locandina.asp/film_senso/ID_370/poster-film.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11227801

Senso - (1954)

Beautiful, intoxicating and lavish, this historical drama set during the Third Italian War of Independence in 1866 features a tragic romance unparalleled on screen. Some say it's the most beautiful film ever made - directed by Luchino Visconti. Reviewed here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2438159#post2438159), on my watchlist thread.

9/10

https://i.postimg.cc/KvdFwWMr/riders.jpg
By Nordisk Film - https://www.eclairplay.com/en_DNK/movies/retfaerdighedens-ryttere, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66186288

Riders of Justice - (2020)

Absolutely perfect blend of brutality and comedy, in a film that has a fair bit of heft to back it up - great stuff from Anders Thomas Jensen, as usual. Loved it - review is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2438310#post2438310), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

https://i.postimg.cc/9QyfX2PQ/30.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66186288

Cairo 30 - (1966)

This Egyptian classic tells the tale of three friends and their battles with poverty and corruption upon entering the fraught world of 1930's Cairo society. Not a bad look at how corruption tends to propagate itself - my review for it is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2438516#post2438516), on my watchlist thread.

6/10

[ScarletLion]

'American Fiction' (2024)

I kept flipping during this one. One minute I thought it was an average drama, the next I thought no it’s actually quite entertaining. I did laugh out loud at several points at some of the comedy but there are other cringe moments (the poorly told joke told in the car). It’s probably somewhere in between.

Jeffrey Wright is solid as the misanthropic writer who jokingly writes a trashy book to prove popular culture is nonsense. There are a lot of messages here and the film gets a bit lost in all of them – during it all, we are exposed to divorce, suicide, affairs, sudden illness, grief, homosexuality, racism, mid life crisis, dysfunctional families, sibling rivalry, motherhood, addiction, relationship troubles and more. There’s literally everything here. All bases covered. It’s all a bit too much to pack in to a less than 2 hour film and as a result just seems forced. It’s all in your face and then of course settles down in a hopeful predictable ending with everyone in the family settling their differences via an out of place 'film within a film' type sequence. It is not a bad film, there is some good direction. It’s just all a little too whimsical, when it's actually trying to be a serious drama.

As for being nominated for those big awards – that seems ridiculous to me. If this was French or Italian it wouldn’t have got a look in.

3

https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6ecc61f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1236x720+0+0/resize/880x513!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9e%2F72%2Fdae84bff46d1b7805043359eeb21%2Famerican-fiction.jpeg

[Stirchley]

Boiling Point (2021)

Written and Directed by Philip Barantini
Starring Stephen Graham

My second view.
The same as the first time a year ago, I was stunned by the superb directing and acting. This movie officially got cult status for me. Absolute piece of art.
4.5+
93/100
97413

Terrific movie.

[Gideon58]

Terrific movie.

LOVED Stephen Graham on Boardwalk Empire...reason enough for me to check this out.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZWU3MTA3MmQtNTA0NS00MTA4LTg4MDgtZWQ4MDc2MTNlNmVkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjE5MjUyOTM@._V1_.jpg



Umpteenth Rewatch...One of my guilty pleasures that I will always rewatch if the opportunity presents itself. MGM was attempting to recapture Mary Poppins magic with this story of an eccentric inventor (Dick Van Dyke) with two small children, the pretty daughter of a candy mogul (Sally Ann Howes) and a magical car that floats on water and flies in the air. Utilizing the composers, choreographers, and leading man from Mary Poppins works up to a point, but it just wasn't the same. Once again, Van Dyke is surrounded by a mostly British cast but he wisely choose not to attempt an English accent like he did in Poppins. I was sure Howes was going to be the next Julie Andrews with her beauty and gorgeous lyric soprano voice, but her career died a quiet death after this film. It's not terrible, but for some reason, it's just a little less entertaining than it was during the previous rewatch. 3

[FilmBuff]

I'm not much of a horror fan, but Suitable Flesh seemed like a fairly attractive proposition as I've always been a fan of Heather Graham. :love:

Alas, it turns out to be significantly weaker than the H. P. Lovecraft short story on which it is based, though in all honesty I can't fault Heather for not giving it her all. Bruce Davison is in it also, but doesn't get nearly enough screen time to make an appropriate impression, and Johnathon Schaech gets saddled with the thankless role of Heather's husband.

🍿🍿 out of 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZDkzOTFmMTUtMmI2OS00MDE4LTg5YTUtODMwNDMzNmI5OGYwL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch....Despite a powerhouse performance from Denzel Washington in the title role that should have won him an Oscar, this 1992 Spike Lee joint is a preachy and pretentious biopic that shows unerring respect for the subject, but is done in by its obscene overlength. I understand the rag to riches concept Lee attempts here, but too much time in the film is spent on X's former life as a pimp, thief, and drug addict. There's a scene at a dance in Harlem at the beginning of the film that is nearly twenty minutes long and has no business being so. Once the character is in jail and begins his transition into the civil rights icon he would become, the film becomes a little more interesting, but it still feels seventeen hours long. I only noticed one utilization of Lee's famous "float-cam" and as in all of Lee's movies, the music is terrible. 3

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71TXIE3dymL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg



Umpteenth Rewaqtch....Another guilty pleasure that gets richer with each rewatch. You kind of have to put your brain in check for this one and if you can, this irresistible blend of sci fi fantasy and suburban dysfunction can suck you right into the film's orbit, thanks to Tim Burton's sparkling direction overseeing flawless production values and an absolutely enchanting performance by Johnny Depp in the title role that grows sweeter with each rewatch. 4

[Stirchley]

LOVED Stephen Graham on Boardwalk Empire...reason enough for me to check this out.

He’s always good.

[Darth Pazuzu]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/64/Iss_film_poster.jpg/220px-Iss_film_poster.jpg https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/05/Argylle_poster.jpg/220px-Argylle_poster.jpg

I.S.S. (2023) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I.S.S._(film))

JANUARY 30, 2024

ARGYLLE (2024) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argylle)

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

The last two movies I saw in a movie theater were I.S.S. and Argylle. The first one is actually a really cool idea for a movie that ended up being just pretty good. While the premise for a thriller set aboard the International Space Station at a moment when a nuclear war breaks out on planet Earth below is rife with possibilities, the execution is rather blandly pedestrian. However, there are two very positive aspects which elevate the film: 1) It's not an overtly flashy sort of sci-fi film. Everything that happens falls pretty much within the realm of what's physically possible. 2) I like the fact that, in the course of the story, the character that you'd least suspect is the one who ends up being the greatest threat, and that the character who starts all the trouble onboard the station in the first place ends up being pretty heroic. Beyond that, I've really got nothing to say except that I.S.S. is well-acted and well-directed, if rather less than exceptional. Recommended to those with realistic expectations...

I would have to describe the romantic/comedic spy thriller Argylle as being non-stop entertaining, but sort of problematic at the same time! This is one of those movies whose plot involves a confusion of reality, written fiction and personal identity. It's a wacky brew that - without giving too many spoilers - recalls Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall ("You are what you do") and the third-season Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode Second Skin (although what's a deliberate lie in one is an accidental truth in the other), and even throws a light sprinkle of The Manchurian Candidate in for good measure! What I found somewhat problematic is the fact the whole "reality" framework of the movie is considerably more outlandishly OTT than what's "fictional," and that it seems like there was a missed opportunity to make the "reality" just a dream or something like that - or perhaps, given the emphasis on the Bryce Dallas Howard character's cat Alfie in the trailer, perhaps a revelation at the end that everything was from the cat's point of view! (I know, I know, not very bloody likely...) Granted, taking the "reality game" just that one extra step further would have actually made sense out of the film's most outlandish bit, a fight sequence involving colored smoke and choreographed dance moves. (And I swear that's not made up.) Granted, there is another fight sequence involving "ice skating" over an oil-slick floor that's slightly less silly, but it still doesn't really diminish my misgivings. Recommended for those viewers who just want to have fun and aren't overly picky about internal consistency...

[Darth Pazuzu]

Meanwhile, on the home viewing front...

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81DqvkFk-yL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81FUa5zmWEL._AC_UY218_.jpg

The Hellbenders (Sergio Corbucci / 1967)
Soldier Blue (Ralph Nelson / 1970)

A couple of further adventures in the realm of late '60s/early '70s Italian and/or revisionist Westerns!

The Hellbenders is a post-Civil War tale of a family of Confederate rebels led by patriarch Colonel Jonas (played by the always-brilliant Joseph Cotten) who slaughter an entire regiment of Northern Cavalry soldiers and steal a consignment of money in order to finance the resurrection of the Confederacy. Jonas and his three sons stash the money inside a coffin and pretend to be transporting the body of a dead war hero, with a woman accompanying them posing as a widowed wife. Things start to go drastically wrong when the woman is killed and our little clan needs the services of another woman to perform the masquerade. Not one of Sergio Corbucci's best films (that would be Django and The Great Silence), but still a primo slice of Italian Western action!

Soldier Blue has a reputation for being one of the most notoriously violent Westerns of the early '70s, and trust me when I say that it's well-earned. Ralph Nelson's film takes place during the frontier wars of the 1860's, and the film's climax is an unflinching, no-holds-barred depiction of the infamous, unwarranted Sand Creek Massacre of a village of Cheyenne and Arapaho people. (If you can believe it, the massacre in the movie's original rough cut was actually 15 minutes longer! :eek:) The story itself, however, is fictional, and largely depicts the misadventures of a pair of survivors of a massacre of U.S. soldiers by the Cheyenne. Peter Strauss plays the naive young soldier Honus Gant (the title character) and Candice Bergen plays Cresta Lee, a young white woman who's lived among the Cheyenne. (Interestingly enough, Bergen would also play the female lead in another infamous Western bloodbath the following year, the highly underrated The Hunting Party!) Recommended, but brace yourself for that climax!

[Deschain]

I love movies about problem solving in space so I’ve been looking forward to ISS. Glad to hear it’s good.

I also watched Boiling Point a couple nights ago thanks to it being on Roku. It’s very well done and I liked it a lot. I didn’t like most of the characters though and in a post The Bear world it’s hard not to compare the two.

[Fabulous]

All That Jazz (1979)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/ueo9NfVXJwM3R3XYxmggrJrsBsR.jpg

[GulfportDoc]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6e/Torn_curtain.jpg
Torn Curtain - (1966)

Alfred Hitchcock has a bit of a stab (so to speak) at a James Bond film where Bond is just an ordinary schlub, in this case Professor Michael Armstrong (Paul Newman), whose pretend defection to East Germany hits a snag when his tremendously worried fiancé Sarah Sherman (Julie Andrews) follows him. This has some incredible scenes of suspense - the murderous fight to the death in the farmhouse between Armstrong and Stasi officer Gromek (Wolfgang Kieling) is fantastic. The film as a whole though lacks a little drama, and becomes one really long "they're looking for us" road trip once it runs out of ideas. The script wasn't all that inspired. Still, it has what is probably one of the most exciting "maths on a chalkboard" scenes you're every likely to see. It's an okay movie, with a few absolute killer scenes. At least it's not Marnie.

6/10
Torn Curtain was a pretty good film IMO, but it suffered from two glaring problems: Paul Newman was badly miscast as the professor; and John Addison (Tom Jones) was a poor choice as music composer.

Hitchcock always preferred big name actors in his movies, but he had wanted Cary Grant. Newman was forced on him by Universal's studio executive. But it was a lousy choice. Also Bernard Herrmann's wonderful scores were sorely missed in the picture. Hitchcock should have patched up his beef with Herrmann.

[beelzebubble]

'American Fiction' (2024)

I kept flipping during this one. One minute I thought it was an average drama, the next I thought no it’s actually quite entertaining. I did laugh out loud at several points at some of the comedy but there are other cringe moments (the poorly told joke told in the car). It’s probably somewhere in between.

Jeffrey Wright is solid as the misanthropic writer who jokingly writes a trashy book to prove popular culture is nonsense. There are a lot of messages here and the film gets a bit lost in all of them – during it all, we are exposed to divorce, suicide, affairs, sudden illness, grief, homosexuality, racism, mid life crisis, dysfunctional families, sibling rivalry, motherhood, addiction, relationship troubles and more. There’s literally everything here. All bases covered. It’s all a bit too much to pack in to a less than 2 hour film and as a result just seems forced. It’s all in your face and then of course settles down in a hopeful predictable ending with everyone in the family settling their differences via an out of place 'film within a film' type sequence. It is not a bad film, there is some good direction. It’s just all a little too whimsical, when it's actually trying to be a serious drama.

As for being nominated for those big awards – that seems ridiculous to me. If this was French or Italian it wouldn’t have got a look in.

rating_3

https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6ecc61f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1236x720+0+0/resize/880x513!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9e%2F72%2Fdae84bff46d1b7805043359eeb21%2Famerican-fiction.jpeg



I saw this over the weekend and I have to concur. I thought they should have run with the satire and instead of getting lost in the family. Explore the writers feelings about the genre he is sending up. He turns his nose up at Ms. Golden's book because it is written in vernacular English without seeing how she handles the form and story beyond that. Yet finds she agrees with him about the soullessness of his own parody.

The parts with the family were occasionallly too sweet to some extent. It felt a little like a Hallmark special when the older couple get married The music that accompanied those sweeter scenes was not good.

[LChimp]

https://i.redd.it/u25xdjhf10rb1.jpg

The Marvels - (2023)

DCU levels of quality. Teyona Parris is a very limited actress, Larson seemed like she was bored to death to be on set and Iman Vellani was the only one that seemed to actually care about anything, I could tell that she was having fun. I didn't enjoy it and I do not recommend it.

[PHOENIX74]

https://i.postimg.cc/K8yYwB2x/flower-drum-song.jpg
By "Copyright 1962 by Universal Pictures Co., Inc." - Scan via Heritage Auctions. Cropped from original image., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87433419

Flower Drum Song - (1961)

Flower Drum Song came out the same year West Side Story did, so while the latter took home 10 Oscars and became a timeless classic, the former walked away from the Oscars empty handed, converting none of it's 5 nominations. It might be particularly unfair to compare any musical to West Side Story, but this was simply a pleasant diversion that doesn't break through into classic territory. Universal Studios deserves a huge pat on the back for enlisting an all-Asian cast, and not opting to whitewash the proceedings as was common practice at the time (Breakfast at Tiffany's also came out in 1961.) None of the songs in this became hits, and the film feels a little dated. The cinematography and look of the film is great though - all the more unfortunate that I happened upon a particularly poor transfer that looked like it had been ripped directly from VHS. The plot is of the "who will marry who" sort, and running time 132 minutes - but neither of those factors bothered me too much. As I said, it's nice and agreeable enough to see once - but it won't linger in my memory. Miyoshi Umeki is lovely as bride-to-be Mei Li, despite the fact that she's Japanese and not Chinese (Universal wasn't going to go that far - wasn't an all-Asian cast enough? I can just hear the suits asking "What's the difference?") This was easy to like, but nowhere near being a truly great musical.

6/10

[Fabulous]

Pollock (2000)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/7me6Tp9o8K0KVrtVbq0U4FeBvkq.jpg

[Thursday Next]

The Zone of Interest (2023)


4

[Thief]

SHALLOW GRAVE
(1994, Boyle)

https://i.imgur.com/der44Mq.jpg


"We don't know what it cost us yet,"



Shallow Grave follows a trio of flatmates in Edinburgh that find themselves in over their heads when their new mysterious flatmate ends up dead, leaving behind a suitcase full of money. The friends then start sinking deeper into deceit and betrayal as they try to figure out the cost of their actions, while both police and criminals start closing in on them. Is the suitcase full of money enough?

Although everything sounds dead serious, the film is a really nice mixture of dark humor with some thrills, anchored by the cast's interactions and performances. The way they balance both the horrors and the stupidity of their actions is great, while Boyle throws a couple of nice twists to the story. All through, you're never sure who's going to hold and who's going to break; all designed to keep you guessing what is the actual cost of all of this on their lives.

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2438791#post2438791) and the Neo-Noir HoF (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2438792#post2438792)

[Thief]

THE QUAKE
(2018, Andersen)

https://i.imgur.com/EWs1UjR.png


"I can't even imagine the nightmare you have been through. But that doesn't mean disasters follow you."



That's how 11-year-old Julia tries to reassure her father, Kristian (Kristoffer Joner), that everything's going to be alright. Still traumatized by the events of the disastrous tsunami that he survived three years ago in The Wave, Kristian has been unable to put back the pieces of his life. He's estranged from his family and living in seclusion in Geiranger, while his family lives in Oslo. But turns out that disasters do "follow" him as he realizes that a major quake might hit the city.

The best thing the film does is to put the focus on the characters and let us feel the consequences. Once again, Kristoffer Joner does a good job conveying the trauma and the guilt of his character, but also the determination that comes after to fix things. This is no The Rock or Stallone, but Joner makes you believe he's the person to stick to. His relationship with his family feels real, and the addition of Marit (Kathrine Thorborg Johansen), the daughter of a recently deceased colleague, is welcome.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2438802#post2438802)

[Marco]

The Reader (2008)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6c/Reader_ver2.jpg
1st time watch and it is very well done. The court scenes are harrowing as I knew nothing about the tale but her recitence when being promoted surely was a big arrow. Great performances from Winslet and Fiennes.
3.5

[matt72582]

By www.impawards.com (http://www.impawards.com), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7610811



https://i.postimg.cc/9QyfX2PQ/30.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66186288

Cairo 30 - (1966)

This Egyptian classic tells the tale of three friends and their battles with poverty and corruption upon entering the fraught world of 1930's Cairo society. Not a bad look at how corruption tends to propagate itself - my review for it is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2438516#post2438516), on my watchlist thread.

6/10


Probably me.. I like "Cairo Station" a little more. "Chit-chat On The Nile" might be my favorite. I saw it on archive.org

"Emberatoriet meem" is kinda cute. Not a great movie, but an interesting idea of bringing a democratic practice from work into the home. I like Faten Hamama. "River of Love" is on YouTube, too, with she and husband, Omar Sharif

https://youtu.be/aeobF02KPeI

[matt72582]

Snow Trail - 7/10
Very cathartic seeing a decent movie.



https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Snow_Trail_poster.jpg

[Mr Minio]

Very cathartic seeing a decent movie. If a decent film gives you katharsis, I fear to hear what a masterpiece gives you.

[mrblond]

Sharper (2023)

Directed by Benjamin Caron
Starring Julianne Moore and ensemble

Good thriller, a lot of twist and turns, a bit overcooked at moments. Anyway, it is entertaining.
3.5
70/100
97454

[Allaby]

Strange Victory (1948) Directed by Leo Hurwitz. I watched this today on the Criterion Channel. This is an excellent documentary about prejudices in post World War II America. It is thought provoking, articulate, compelling, and powerful. Highly recommended. 4.5

[LChimp]

https://br.web.img3.acsta.net/pictures/23/04/18/07/48/4452449.jpg

Hypnotic - (2023)

Yeah.... no.

[TDH1878]

All of Us Strangers (2023)
4.5

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/andrew-scott-paul-mescal-all-of-us-strangers-64d2059bb8152.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.920xh;0,0.0801xh

[Fabulous]

Dumb Money (2023)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/w7x0P7yOoiFqSe4BJRITSWK4don.jpg

[FilmBuff]

It isn't really a movie, but it is directed by one of the best filmmakers working today:

https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/strange-way-of-life-ethan-hawke-pedro-pascal.jpeg

A Strange Way of Life (2023)
5

Although it's barely over half an hour long, this Western from Almodovar really hits home in the way only one of his films possibly could. When it's over, you feel you've really gotten to know the main characters, and can't stop but wondering what fate awaits them...

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5b/Riceboy_Sleeps_Poster_for_TIFF.jpeg
By Possibly Lonesome Heroes Productions, Kind Stranger Productions, A Lasting Dose Productions, Game Theory Films - https://www.tiff.net/events/riceboy-sleeps, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71784341

Riceboy Sleeps - (2022)

It took a while for Riceboy Sleeps to get here, but it was worth the wait. It'll have you quietly crying in the cinema (or at home), and works so well in the way it flows that it kind of reminds you of your own familial connection and love. Achingly intimate, we find ourselves siding with Korean mother So-Young (Choi Seung-yoon), raising her son Dong-Hyun (Ethan Hwang) by herself in Canada after Dong-Hyun's father commits suicide. How much should they hold on to as far as their Korean heritage goes? How do they become a part of the community they live in? Where are they going? As best they can, they navigate turbulent waters - until a devastating diagnosis changes the whole equation. Wonderful score, cinematography and overall feel to the performances and screenplay - a beautiful film and one I enjoyed watching very much on the verge of tears much of the time. Well worth seeking out and seeing.

9/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/88/Closelywatchedtrains.jpg
By May be found at the following website: http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/aa9da71a, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17817492

Closely Watched Trains - (1966)

Absolute classic - one of the great Czechoslovakian films about a young train station dispatcher becoming a man amid the madness of the final weeks of the Second World War. Extremely funny and extremely moving and tragic - my review of it is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2438976#post2438976). Knocked me off my feet.

9/10

[ScarletLion]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5b/Riceboy_Sleeps_Poster_for_TIFF.jpeg
By Possibly Lonesome Heroes Productions, Kind Stranger Productions, A Lasting Dose Productions, Game Theory Films - https://www.tiff.net/events/riceboy-sleeps, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71784341

Riceboy Sleeps - (2022)

It took a while for Riceboy Sleeps to get here, but it was worth the wait. It'll have you quietly crying in the cinema (or at home), and works so well in the way it flows that it kind of reminds you of your own familial connection and love. Achingly intimate, we find ourselves siding with Korean mother So-Young (Choi Seung-yoon), raising her son Dong-Hyun (Ethan Hwang) by herself in Canada after Dong-Hyun's father commits suicide. How much should they hold on to as far as their Korean heritage goes? How do they become a part of the community they live in? Where are they going? As best they can, they navigate turbulent waters - until a devastating diagnosis changes the whole equation. Wonderful score, cinematography and overall feel to the performances and screenplay - a beautiful film and one I enjoyed watching very much on the verge of tears much of the time. Well worth seeking out and seeing.

9/10


I very much enjoyed this one too.

[Brody At Amity]

Fletch Lives (1989)

https://shatpod.com/movies/wp-content/uploads/Fletch-Lives-Movie-Poster-1989.jpg

3/5

Chevy Chase is great in the role of Fletch. I wish they'd made at least one more of these movies with him in the lead role. Fletch Lives doesn't have the cohesion or the surprises of the first film but it's still very funny.

[Brody At Amity]

Out of Sight (1998)

https://alternativemovieposters.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dreano_OUT-OF-SIGHT.jpg

4/5

Some top performances, a witty script that reflects Steven Soderbergh's direction. Jennifer Lopez is great in this. It's a top-notch role. It took me until by umpteenth viewing to recognise how good that character is. Easily her best performance.

[chawhee]

21 (2008)
https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w780/zqeO7ksCq9HBoROxyvfeYaUOJMr.jpg
4
Truly dazzling, especially given the authenticity of the story. The technical details like editing and dialogue are a bit average though. I had to look up the Kevin Spacey legalities to remind myself of everything there, and I was surprised to see he actually was found innocent/acquitted of everything (so far)....

My Vegas movie watching is basically complete now after this one. I'll be in Vegas this weekend!

[Thief]

LILO & STITCH
(2002, Sanders & DeBlois)

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


"This is my family. I found it, all on my own. It's little, and broken, but still good. Yeah. Still good."



Lilo & Stitch presents an unconventional family unit, united by blood but broken by tragedy, in young Lilo (Daveigh Chase) and her older sister Nani (Tia Carrere). With their parents dead in a car accident, Nani struggles in taking care of Lilo, who seems to be handling the trauma by acting out at school. Things get more complicated, when they stumble upon Stitch (Chris Sanders), a seemingly aggressive alien that has escaped from its planet.

Obviously, Lilo and Stitch form an unlikely bond as they both help each other cope with their respective issues and traumas. It is through this bonding that they both learn to control their behavior while forming their "ohana" or extended family. It is in this concept of a broken little "family", united by choice, that the film really got to me. It is Stitch itself who says the above quote where he proclaims his choice and desire for this family unit to work.

Grade: 4.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2439009#post2439009)

[Torgo]

Albert Pyun Roulette, Part 2:

Cyborg - 3

Plot: A martial artist hunts a killer in a plague-infested urban dump of the future.

This dystopian action movie is as fundamental and derivative as it gets, but it does enough interesting things and makes the most of its peanuts budget that it was worth my while. Its "wall at the typical Chili's or Applebee's" approach to production design and costuming work for me because in a world where nobody can make anything new, everyone would likely make use of whatever junk was lying around. As for Van Damme, I'll still never choose to watch anything because he's in it - I watched this for the director, for what it's worth - since I still don't think he's that good of an actor. He at least has the physicality and martial arts talent to make the action scenes memorable, as does Klyn, who brings blue eyed soul - sorry, couldn't resist - to his villain role. Also, contrary to popular criticism, I think the use of flashbacks works - questionable hairstyling notwithstanding - as does the spiritual allegory despite the unintentional comedy.

Again, while there's barely anything new in this, there's still lessons to learn in it about the power of hope and that a little kindness goes a long way. Your mileage may vary on Van Damme, but as flexible as he may be, I doubt the movie will win him many new fans. Also, if you didn't already know Cannon produced the movie to salvage a failed production, you would assume as much pretty quickly. Pyun and company deserve a pat on the back regardless. Besides, what someone does with too little tends to be more interesting than what they do with too much.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzE4MDk5NzEyOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDM4NDA3NjE@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch...Absolutely love this luminous coming of age story that provides a magical blend of smiles and the occasional tear. Saoirse Ronan received an Oscar nomination for lead actress for her performance in this lyrical melodrama about a young Irish immigrant who journeys to America to begin a new life, with a place to live and a job already arranged for her, but a family crisis finds her almost throwing it all away, including a new romance. This movie features spectacular production values, a screenplay rich with authentic Irish and Italian sensibilities and an enchanting performance by Ronan, another actor I have added to my list of actors incapable of giving a bad performance. Fans of The Notebook will have a head start here. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTUwODM5MTctZjczMi00OTk4LTg3NWUtNmVhMTAzNTNjYjcyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjU0OTQ0OTY@._V1_.jpg


3rd Rewatch...Though I love Fight Club, most cinephiles probably consider this gritty crime drama David Fincher's masterpiece. A veteran cop (Oscar winner Morgan Freeman) six days from retirement and a young detective just sinking his teeth into the job (Oscar winner Brad Pitt) are teamed to find a serial killer (Oscar winner Kevin Spacey) who is committing brutal murders based on the seven deadly sins. There's a part of you that wants to take a shower when this movie is over, but its ugliness and uncompromising look at the workings of a criminal mind fascinate and continue to through more than one watch. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZDlkOGE4YTUtYWRlZS00YjFkLWE3NmUtNzNlNjdiZTk2NzdhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDY2MjcyOTQ@._V1_.jpg


1st Rewatch...I have to admit I enjoyed this creepy psychological thriller a little more than I did the first time. This look at karate as a religious cult stars Jesse Eisenberg as a nerdy accountant who gets brutally mugged one night walking home and is afraid t leave the house until he decides to begin taking karate classes which begins changing his life in a multitude of ways. I don't want to say much more for those who've never seen it, but if you're looking for something a little different in your creepy, give this shot. The first two thirds of the movie are quite engrossing until a plot twist takes the wind out of its cinematic sails, before bouncing back for a fantastic finale. The film is anchored by the icy performances of Eisenberg and Alessandro Nivola as his sensei. 3.5

[this_is_the_ girl]

https://rigaiff.lv/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/FALLEN-LEAVES.00_01_07_24.Still020-1800x970.jpeg
Fallen Leaves (2023, Aki Kaurismäki)
4.5
Simple but captivating love story from the Finnish master of tragicomedy. The love for ordinary, forgotten people and their joys and misfortunes shines through, as the film delicately straddles the line between bittersweet optimism and outright depression but never succumbs to the latter. We follow the characters as they go on about their lives working (and getting laid off from) tedious blue collar jobs, afflicted with loneliness, alcoholism or financial problems, spending their time after work in karaoke bars or at home with the constant barrage of news about the war in Ukraine as their daily soundtrack. But the warmth of humanity is always there, as is Kaurismäki's lovely sense of humor and irony-laced dialogue. I was just in love with the vibe of this film—we definitely need more movies like this in this insanely callous, cynical world we live in.

[WrinkledMind]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSTVxas6hWanwqvMdYIU3NvNF_sXJ2Zu_9bhw&usqp=CAU

You Can Live Forever
What a beautiful, tender yet heartbreaking love story.
Excellent writing & directing by the two fimmmakers Watts & Slutsky. The portrayal of the conservative community wasn't stereotypical.

Every one played their part well, including the two leads. Especially Anwen O'Driscoll. The little gasps, the heavy breathing & the stolen glances were so nicely acted by her.

Absolutely loved this little gem.

[LChimp]

https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/images/one_sheet_-_payoff_5931e6f5.jpeg?region=0,0,1215,1800

Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny - (2023)

Better than the previous installment, but still a far cry from the original trilogy. There are a few things to enjoy here and there thou.

[Marco]

The Iron Claw (2023)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3a/Iron_claw_film_posterjpg.jpg
Over-wrought and indulgent true live(s) story about a family whos lives revolve around the 'sport' wrestling. Didn't really see the point of this and the wrestling scenes trying to put some gravitas into the storyline are just laughable. Thought this was really poor.
1.5

[John-Connor]

Thanks for watching Marco :), Skip-listed..!

[Marco]

Thanks for watching Marco :), Skip-listed..!

Nah, it has great reviews John, just not for me, be interesting to hear your thoughts.

[FilmBuff]

https://cosmicbook.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/madame-web-sony.jpg
Madame Web
2.5

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who would be somewhat or even eagerly excited that a movie about the relatively obscure character of Madam Web had been made, and those who couldn't much care. If you're in the latter category, it is probably best to stay as far away from the movie as possible. Definitely don't spend on a first-run ticket theater (unless you're a die-hard fan of Dakota Johnson).

There is another category to contemplate: people who love camp. If you're in this category, I would say Madame Web is certainly worth your time (though even then, you may want to wait for its streaming debut). I think the movie is gloriously cheesy in the worst imaginable way (which in this case, means "good", of course).

It's essentially a mad-scientist B-movie that, unlike the original mad-scientist B-movies from the 50s and 60s, has NOT been made on a shoestring budget. There is, perhaps, a bit of cognitive dissonance that is involved in appreciating just how closely this imitates the overall writing and acting skills of those old B-movies, while it looks like it was made on what Hollywood calls a "mid-budget" - somewhere under $100 million.

But if you can get past that small mental hurdle, there's a lot to enjoy - in the same way you would enjoy a hare-brained, low-budget mad-scientist movie made over half a century ago. In that sense, at least, it is an absolute triumph, managing to bring back the spirit of old sci-fi B-movies that Hollywood today doesn't seem to even remember.

[Thursday Next]

Rye Lane (2023)


Sweet and amusing British rom-com about two people who meet when both are still reeling from break ups and spend an unexpected day together. Features some quirky directorial touches and a fun cameo. Good music too.


4

[WHITBISSELL!]

https://pics.filmaffinity.com/the_adventures_of_sherlock_holmes-166238690-large.jpg

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The second entry starring Rathbone (after Hound of the Baskervilles) and set in 1894 London. The films opens with Professor James Moriarity (George Zucco) being acquitted of murder due to a lack of evidence. Holmes hurries in with what he says is proof of Moriarity's guilt but is told he is too late. The two adversaries verbally spar outside the Old Bailey and Holmes accepts Moriarity's offer of a ride home. In true British fashion it's all very civil but the two make no bones that each wants the other dead. Moriarity then sets into motion a plan that will not only cement his status as the greatest criminal mastermind of all time but also throughly disgrace Holmes. It involves a ruthless strategy to distract Holmes from his actual agenda which he calls "the crime of the century".

Ida Lupino costars as Ann Brandon and she visits 221B Baker Street to entreat Holmes to help her brother. He has gotten an unusual note with a drawing of a man with an albatross hanging around his neck. She tells Holmes that her father had received the exact same drawing ten years ago shortly before being murdered himself. There's a lot here to unpack. Two seemingly divergent story threads sharing a common starting point, enigmatic clues, Holmes in disguise, people being dispatched in vexatious ways and a plucky heroine being gaslighted in a big way. All in service to Moriarity's brazen long game strategy. It's telling that both men make a sort of valedictory reference to being done with crime. One engaging in it and the other opposing it. Both are tired of it and both feel they have nothing left to prove. This might suggest an ideal point at which to wrap up their dyad but apparently there's still plenty of stories to be told.

85/100

https://dailyscribbling.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/voiceofterror_poster.jpg?w=640


Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror - This one from 1942 veers away from the fogbound whodunits that were the character's stock in trade and places him squarely in the trenches of a wartime England. An unknown speaker is airing regular radio broadcasts taunting the British government and it's people. He tells of precisely timed acts of sabotage that promptly take place. The speaker's aim is to demoralize the British populace and undermine the war effort. British Intelligence and the "Inner Council" are stymied and Holmes is called in by Sir Evan Barham (Reginald Dey).

This was the third Rathbone/Bruce film and the first foray from Universal Studios after acquiring the franchise from 20th Century Fox. The contrast of lighting and deep shadows gives it an almost noirish vibe. I suppose they wanted to turn out a distinctive product and differentiate themselves and they did for the most part. There's also a fair bit of patriotic exhortation going on especially in a tavern scene in the Limehouse district of London. It might seem a bit out of place now but it's no different from all the rah-rah elements of US wartime productions. If anything this additional darkness and immediacy embodies what the UK had been through leading up to the actual start of filming. There's a lively and quite satisfying climax on a windswept cliff on the Southern coast of England with the bad guys thwarted and turncoats ferreted out. A brief and inspirational oration from Holmes closes out the proceedings. I have no doubt that it provided the intended morale boost.

80/100

[Darth Pazuzu]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f5/Out_of_Darkness_poster.jpg/220px-Out_of_Darkness_poster.jpg https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a0/Lisa-frankenstein.jpeg/220px-Lisa-frankenstein.jpeg

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out_of_Darkness_(2022_film)

OUT OF DARKNESS (2022)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Frankenstein

LISA FRANKENSTEIN (2024)

I had absolutely no idea what movie I would be seeing before checking online what was going to be playing at my local theater online. No, seriously! It was going to be $7+ day at the local Marcus Theater on Tuesday, and there was nothing particularly compelling which was demanding my immediate attention. I had already seen The Beekeeper, Wonka, I.S.S. and Argylle - liking all of them to varying degrees, but not really being particularly bowled over by any one of them. And Bob Marley: One Love wasn't going to be out yet, so I had a choice between two rather interesting viewing options, ultimately opting to see both of them on the same day.

The first one, Out Of Darkness, is a kind of horror thriller set in prehistoric times, dealing with a group of people - not quite strangers, but not completely family - desperately traveling the wilderness searching for food and a place to live. Trouble arrives in the form of what appears to be a stealthy, invisible predator which stalks the group and abducts the youngest member, apparently with the intention of making him its next meal. But the real trouble comes from the psychological havoc wrought by this desperate survival situation that causes a certain member to turn on the others. Ultimately, the danger comes more from within the group than with anything outside of it. Yup, it's one of those "We have met the enemy, and it is us" sort of scenarios. Once again - and I'm saying this more often than I'd like to these days :rolleyes: - the acting and the directing are certainly more than competent, and the movie is overall quite well-made, but I ultimately wasn't all that surprised or felt that I was seeing anything new. As far as "message movies" go - while not necessarily being a "message movie" per se - I felt that it was slightly on the nose. A couple of reasonably well-executed jump scares keep the audience alert, and the visuals are suitably dark, but ultimately I thought it was just okay. Sorry if that sounds jaded, but I've got to be honest. Don't listen to me, though. Go see for yourself and draw your own conclusions... ;)

Considerably more than okay, however, is the Diablo Cody-penned horror comedy Lisa Frankenstein. Well, folks, I honestly don't know how to describe this one! :laugh: I guess you could say it's a more fantastical variation on something like Heathers ("My teen angst BS has a body count!"), or perhaps the sort of film you'd get from the younger Tim Burton if he were more inclined to flirt with necrophilia. The story is totally insane, and I won't attempt to describe it in detail, but basically it's about a misfit teenage girl with a history of family tragedy who hangs out in a local cemetery and speaks to a bust of a handsome young Victorian-era man who's been buried there, idly wishing that they could be together. And her wish actually comes true when a green bolt of lightning strikes the grave and re-animates the guy's corpse. Suffice it to say that all manner of hilarity and grotesqueness ensues from that point onward, and I had absolutely no idea what was going to happen from scene to scene. And that's a feeling a truly enjoy experiencing when I watch a movie. I'm not saying Lisa Frankenstein is a masterpiece, mind you, but it's definitely a cinematic experience that will stick with you. Granted, a reaction of "What the f--- did I just see?!" does not in and of itself constitute a rave, but this one's got a brain and a pulse and an attitude, and I would heartily recommend it for those who desire to see something a little different!

[Thief]

MOONSTRUCK
(1987, Jewison)

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


"You're gonna marry my brother? Why you wanna sell your life short? Playing it safe is just about the most dangerous thing a woman like you could do. You waited for the right man the first time, why didn't you wait for the right man again?"



The thing is that Loretta, a widow, is nearing her 40s, which has her perhaps a bit worried about her future in the romantic department. That is why when her boyfriend, Johnny (Danny Aiello), awkwardly proposes to her she accepts. But is he the right man? Early in the film, her mother Rose (Olympia Dukakis) asks her "Do you love him?", to which she casually replies "No", but he's the one she has.

However, things get complicated when she meets Johnny's estranged younger brother, Ronny (Nicolas Cage). Sparks fly, and she has to decide whether to stick by her current boyfriend whom she doesn't love, or go for his brother who she's head over heels for. It might feel like a serious situation, but Norman Jewison's direction and John Patrick Shanley's script maintain a light, whimsical tone all through.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2439413#post2439413)

[ralfy]

Prey - It was at best banal. They should have come up with something like Last of the Mohicans, like a tribe of Native Americans working with European settlers and their families working together as they're preyed upon by the predator.


2 out of 4 stars

[Fabulous]

Devotion (2022)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/uiHJQtwCzyWHaamGIe3MFKwVKIB.jpg

[Thief]

SNOW ON THA BLUFF
(2011, Russell)

https://i.imgur.com/0zbSioi.png


"Ain't no right or no wrong way. There's the *need* way. When you need something or you got to have something, then one way you're gonna get it right then and there. That the only way I know, really."



Snow on tha Bluff follows Curtis Snow, a thief and drug dealer based in the Atlanta neighborhood called "The Bluff". When he steals a camera from a group of college students, Snow starts documenting his life and doings with his crew, which include drinking, playing pool, stealing from rival dealers, and running from the police.

Shot in the "found footage" style, the film is unique for putting a real-life in the forefront in Snow (portraying a fictionalized version of him), and giving us a glimpse of what is life like for him and his friends and neighbors. Although the film is not overly and explicitly violent, it does create an unsettling sense of dread surrounding these "real life" characters and the way they live.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2439422#post2439422)

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d6/Girl_with_a_pearl_earring.jpg
By CineMaterial, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9273232

Girl With a Pearl Earring - (2003)

Colin Firth simmers playing Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer (though it's still hard to erase the images from Empire of Light) and Scarlett Johansson plays Griet, the family maid who becomes the subject of the very famous painting 'Girl With a Pearl Earring' - painted in 1665 and currently in the Mauritshuis (which in turn is in The Hague) where it's been since 1902. It's a real "wow" piece of work. The movie, on the other hand, isn't bad, but doesn't rise to be the equivalent of it's inspiration. A period drama about obsession, jealousy and innocence - it also features Tom Wilkinson and Cillian Murphy. Based on a novel by Tracy Chevalier, it's an imagining as to how the painting might possibly have come about, being the most inspired of Vermeer's works. Basically "Vermeer fancied the maid", except more wonderous, with Johansson giving us a stare that makes her look perpetually astonished.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/36/This-is-the-End-Film-Poster.jpg
By May be found at the following website: IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37987693

This Is the End - (2013)

This is a rewatch - the first since this came out. Weird, weird movie - it's the apocalypse and a bunch of comedians partying at James Franco's house (everyone plays themselves in this film) find themselves trapped there when sinkholes, fire, demons and possibly Satan himself make L.A. a living hell. It was a lot of fun the first time around but once I know all of the jokes it's a little less so. Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera and Emma Watson drop in to lend considerable star power to the silly premise - and the effects look cool. (Watch Cera steal the whole show during the opening, until he becomes impaled on a streetlamp.) I'm still somewhat fond of it due to my first impression, but it may just be a long (long) time before I watch it a third time.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/Polytechnique_Poster.jpg
By It is believed that the cover art can or could be obtained from the publisher or studio., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20534827

Polytechnique - (2009)

Disquieting, searching film about the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre which takes you right there, and forces you to confront the reality of school shootings and their aftermath. My review is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2439226#post2439226), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

https://i.postimg.cc/ZRBf4yNL/tale.jpg
By https://ru.kinorium.com/105218/gallery/poster/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32739249

A Summer's Tale - (1996)

Near the beach of the seaside town Dinard, Gaspard (Melvil Poupaud) faces a dilemma when he meets two wonderful women before his current girlfriend arrives to be with him, with fate only complicating matters further. My review is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2439432#post2439432), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Fabulous]

Intermission (2003)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/nxr1JmwTFbVsutVDezO2wPhNMbn.jpg

[Deschain]

This is the End is a lot of fun. I like the idea of celebrities playing versions of themselves that the public see them as. For example at the time people thought of James Franco as a pretentious art nerd so that’s his character in this movie, The middle drags for sure but the first and third acts are terrific. I don’t think Rogen and Goldberg get enough credit for their writing and directing chops.

[Brody At Amity]

Aftersun

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTM3OTU0ZGUtNzYwYy00ODU3LWI3YjgtOWZlODliMmRiMWEzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTAyMjQ3NzQ1._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.j pg

5/5

A stunning film. So moving. And really well-constructed with its mixture of real and imagined memories.

[Brody At Amity]

Is There Anybody Out There?

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZGQxZDNiODYtNmUyOC00MTdlLWEwNDAtMzMyNzg0MjdhMDBlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDc2ODEwMg@@._V1_.jpg

4/5

An eye-opening documentary film about growing up and living with a disability, and the challenges presented by an ableist world. A courageous filmmaker who is also the film's focus.

[Allaby]

This Is Me...Now (2024) I enjoyed this. Jennifer Lopez does a good job and the film has a fun and surprising cast, many of whom give enjoyable performances. I liked the song and dance numbers too. Out of the seven films I have seen released this year, This is Me...Now is my favourite of the bunch. Watched on Prime. 4

[Thief]

LE SILENCE DE LA MER
(1949, Melville)

https://i.imgur.com/FUrc2fw.jpg


"Obstacles have to be overcome. Sincerity can always overcome obstacles"



This is Jean-Pierre Melville's debut as director, and yet he shows such a skill in how he uses this small space where most of the film takes place. The way he and his cinematographer Henri Decaë work with lights and shadows, as well as the framing and the perspective from where different characters stand or sit is great.

The performances from Jean-Marie Robain and Nicole Stéphane as the old man and his niece are solid. They do a lot with just their body language and expressions, but it is Howard Vernon who has to carry the burden as Nazi lieutenant Werner von Ebrennac. He succeeds in transmitting equal doses of dread and menace mixed with an honesty and sincerity that you wouldn't expect from such a character.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2439491#post2439491)

[Thief]

This Is Me...Now (2024) I enjoyed this. Jennifer Lopez does a good job and the film has a fun and surprising cast, many of whom give enjoyable performances. I liked the song and dance numbers too. Out of the seven films I have seen released this year, This is Me...Now is my favourite of the bunch. Watched on Prime. 4

My wife saw it yesterday and thought it was "weird but interesting". She showed me the first 10 minutes or so and I was intrigued by the visuals, and how they were mixing the music numbers with the action. Might check it out later.

[GulfportDoc]

97494

Street of Chance (1942)

I stumbled upon this fairly unknown early noir from reading the play bill of the Noir City film festival in Seattle (Feb. 16-22, 2024). The picture was new to me, starring the unlikely pairing of Burgess Meredith, Claire Trevor, and an early unusual role for Sheldon Leonard on the right side of the law for a change. Director Jack Hively and DP Theodor Sparkuhl were not particularly known for noir, but their combination produced a creditable picture for Paramount.

Two things caught my attention. This may be the first “amnesia noir”-- the earliest use of the amnesia trope in noir. It was also one of Claire Trevor’s characters that she played something other than a hard boiled or “bad girl” role.

Frank Thompson (Meredith) is hit on the head during a construction collapse while walking along a city street. When he comes to, he is slowly presented with an identity that he does not recall. During his quest to find out his previous life, he re-unites with an old girlfriend (Trevor). Their association unveils a murder which Thompson is thought to have committed, and ultimately they discover the real culprit.

Outside of the novel “amnesia noir” story, the chief recommendation is Burgess’ acting. Some of the dialogue for both he and Trevor is a little stiff, but he is able to be convincing. By 1942 Burgess had years of heralded Broadway stage work behind him, so his talent helped to save this otherwise medium weight script. The story itself had plenty of cred, based upon the story The Black Curtain by legendary crime writer Cornell Woolrich. Woolrich had more noir films based on his novels and stories than has anyone else’s.

The film is available on YouTube. It’s definitely worth watch, if for nothing else but historical significance.

Doc’s rating: 6/10

[FilmBuff]

https://cinemaserietv.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/perfect-days-1024x768.jpg

Perfect Days (2023)
4.5

Wim Wenders has long been one of my favorite filmmakers, and I can safely say that Perfect Days does not disappoint. But the movie is so much more than a simple plot description could prepare you for - it is a movie that takes on the meaning of life in a very simple and straightforward way, and leaves you two hours later with a deep sense of catharsis.

Kōji Yakusho is absolutely perfect as Hirayama, the Tokyo public toilet cleaner whose life is examined in delightful detail, giving only hints about the life he may have left behind and why he is probably much happier this way.

If you watch this, do make sure to stay until the very end of the end credits - no, you will not see a teaser for a Wenders Cinematic Universe, instead you will get a nice little bonus that sheds a bit more light on something that has been shown repeatedly throughout the movie.

[Thief]

PRESTO
(2008, Sweetland)

https://i.imgur.com/EJ3gaW7.jpg


presto
...........excl: a phrase announcing the successful completion of a trick
...........noun: performed at a quick tempo.



Presto is also the title of this 2008 Pixar short which follows a magician called (wait for it) PRESTO! The magician is trying to do a show with his rabbit, Alec, but the rabbit is not willing to cooperate unless he gets fed first. This results in a constant and quick barrage of shenanigans as they both try to outsmart the other.

Grade: 4.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2439580#post2439580)

[Allaby]

The Lawnmower Man (2024) Directed by Murda Pain. Things escalate when a married woman starts an affair with the man who cuts their lawn. This was a pleasant surprise. It's an effective and entertaining little thriller. The acting is just okay, but they do a lot with the story and I enjoyed the direction they went with. Watched on Tubi. 3.5

[Nausicaä]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d6/Five_Nights_At_Freddy%27s_poster.jpeg/220px-Five_Nights_At_Freddy%27s_poster.jpeg

3

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

[xSookieStackhouse]

5 i loved it i really enjoyed it. i do my own reviews, loved dakota johnson she did really good job as madam web <3
https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/12/7d506-17024952437111-1920.jpg?w=840

[Deschain]

Bottoms. ****ing hilarious.

[FilmBuff]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIF.7yD9MGZvEa8U7Szr609o6w%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=ce8ff49fa231bd2246043698c4a44ee46737941a39fa7e636d4f81db61e30a1a&ipo=images
Bob Marley: One Love (2024)
3.5


If you're at all interested in watching this, it would probably be a good idea to go and watch it in Dolby Cinema, because it will look and sound better than probably any other place where you could watch it.
As a biopic, it doesn't really reinvent the genre, but it does give us a pretty compelling look at the life of a real music legend - and his life really wouldn't be best suited for the Baz Luhrmann treatment, anyway. Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch do a fantastic job as Bob and Rita Marley; British actors tend to be very good with all sorts of different accents and they sounded like they really got that Jamaican accent down pretty much perfectly (it may be somewhat difficult to follow the language if you aren't used to it).
Perhaps the best compliment is that I almost wish this could have been a mini-series instead of a movie; as a film with a running time of barely over an hour and a half, it feels like it has had to compress a lot of stuff into a very short overview of a man's life.
But Marley's message in defense of freedom and human rights is definitely something we need more of these days - so I hope you'll be able to watch it, too.

[Nausicaä]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/62/Passages_poster.jpg/220px-Passages_poster.jpg

3.5

SF = Zzz


Trailer:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=m5Kr38lovJc&pp=ygURcGFzc2FnZXMgdHJhaWxlciA%3D



[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

[skizzerflake]

Is there a minus two Popcorns? minus :popcorn::popcorn:

Wow....can you ever miss this one. It's Lisa Frankenstein. This dog don't hunt. Vaguely hinting at Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder doing Edward Scissorhands, it's a Frankenstein make-over that lands like a pancake in a greasy puddle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POOeA3zCuUY

[LChimp]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZGRhYjE2NWUtN2FkNy00NGI3LTkxYWMtMDk4Yjg5ZjI3MWI2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTEyMjM2NDc2._V1_.jpg

The Power of The Dog - (2021)

Noded a few times but managed to pierce through.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc0NDMyNTU3M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjM0MTgwNA@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


1st Rewatch...My first rewatch of this film since its original theatrical run. This overbaked thriller follows a couple who move into a house on Long Island where a man brutally murdered his wife and three children a year ago. The fact that this is a fact-based story doesn't change the fact that this uneven meeting between The Exorcist and The Shining just gets dumber and dumber as it progresses. The performances are over the top, especially Rod Steiger as a tortured priest. 2

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91rcqDWV6gL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg


1st Rewatch...This disturbing and deeply moving fact-based stories is anchored by the Oscar-worthy performances by Robert Downey Jr and Jamie Foxx in the lead roles. Downey plays Steve Lopez, a writer for the LA Times who finds himself obsessed with a homeless man (Foxx) he encounters in a park playing the violin. Research by Lopez reveals that this man was a classical cellist who dropped out of Julliard after a meltdown that led to his current state. This movie runs roughshod with my emotions because as much as Lopez wants to help this guy, the guy really doesn't want any help. The performances by the stars male this appointment viewing all by themselves. 4

[chawhee]

Crossroads (2002)
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTMyNjA5ODEyNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjE2MTEyMQ@@._V1_.jpg
2
Dont ask why I watched this...and I certainly dont recommend watching it yourself unless you absolutely love Britney Spears. Its a Hallmark type of movie with dumb dialogue and dumb plot points. More acting chops than I expected though with Zoey Saldana, Justin Long, Dan Aykroyd, and others.

[wositelec]

Prison On Fire (1987) - 8 / 10

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTQzNzU3MzQwMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNTQ0NzQ3MjE@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg

[FilmBuff]

https://static1.cbrimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Nia-Dacosta-The-Marvels.jpg
The Marvels - audio commentary
4

The audio commentary for The Marvels features director and co-writer Nia DaCosta and VFX production supervisor Tara DeMarco and was recorded roughly around the time the movie was being released to theaters last November.
I've really enjoyed pretty much all of the recent audio commentaries for the most recent MCU movies, and this was no exception, although I wish DaCosta had gone even further in discussing some of the underlying themes in the movie - but she does mention how certain situations are clearly meant to express a very anti-colonialist and anti-imperialist sentiment (not that it was that hard to notice it while watching the movie for the first time).
DaCosta and DeMarco do spend a good amount of time breaking down the VFX for the movie, noting that almost all of the production involved practical sets, rather than CG sets, and also having used either sets or location shooting for much of the movie. This was also one of the first CBM to make extensive use of "The Volume", as that new innovation in VFX is being called.
It's really heartening to hear an upcoming indie director express so much delight in what was involved in making her first big-budget movie and how much appreciation she has for nearly everyone in the crew (not to mention the cast, of course). And DeMarco's contribution goes a long way towards clearing almost any question one might have had about the VFX in the movie.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMWIzM2FhMzktYzJjYS00NWVjLWI0ZTQtZGExZTcxZTgwNmQ3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzAxOTk1MjA@._V1_.jpg






1

[Act III]

Dicks arent musicL

[WHITBISSELL!]

"Introducing The Sewer Boys" =


https://media1.tenor.com/m/H-AzCHbKFBkAAAAC/timpoulton-kick-in-the-balls.gif
https://media1.tenor.com/m/8IfT3F6VoC0AAAAC/kicked-in-the-nuts-kicked-in-the-balls.gifhttps://i.imgur.com/skqIkct.gif

[matt72582]

Detruire dit elle - 5/10

https://youtu.be/8189MR0BO7Y

[matt72582]

https://rigaiff.lv/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/FALLEN-LEAVES.00_01_07_24.Still020-1800x970.jpeg
Fallen Leaves (2023, Aki Kaurismäki)
rating_4_5
Simple but captivating love story from the Finnish master of tragicomedy. The love for ordinary, forgotten people and their joys and misfortunes shines through, as the film delicately straddles the line between bittersweet optimism and outright depression but never succumbs to the latter. We follow the characters as they go on about their lives working (and getting laid off from) tedious blue collar jobs, afflicted with loneliness, alcoholism or financial problems, spending their time after work in karaoke bars or at home with the constant barrage of news about the war in Ukraine as their daily soundtrack. But the warmth of humanity is always there, as is Kaurismäki's lovely sense of humor and irony-laced dialogue. I was just in love with the vibe of this film—we definitely need more movies like this in this insanely callous, cynical world we live in.


I've been waiting for this movie for a long time, and glad to see you rated it highly. Hope I get to see it before I croak. And Ken Loach's movie. Maybe Mike Leigh's un-retiring, too? The others pretended to.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNGNjYTBlNmQtZGNiZC00NzkyLTkwNjQtYTBiMDYyOWE4Y2UzL2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA0MjU0Ng@@._V1 _.jpg




2

[Fabulous]

Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/ct2r3CqnA0KtMfib4AvfBU1W9M2.jpg

[matt72582]

Sovist - 6/10


https://youtu.be/ogCcw3W6Qpk

[Fabulous]

Pretty Persuasion (2005)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/pmUHC8IsRJsCEyggnNdbGnqeu6V.jpg

[Tugg]

Napoleon (2023) 3
https://www.pluggedin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/napoleon-1024x587.jpg
Anyone But You (2023) 3
https://scenebefore.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/mv5bm2y1ztewodutndcxnc00nta5ltk2y2itmzawmjezmdvmyjm3xkeyxkfqcgdeqxvynzewodixnze40._v1_.jpg?w=1000&h=670&crop=1
Land of Bad (2024) 4.5
https://www.filmy.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Land-of-Bad-2024-10.jpg
Miller's Girl (2024) 3.5
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/files/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-09-at-5.28.24%E2%80%AFPM-1200x592.png

[WHITBISSELL!]

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/534073689/photo/the-spider-woman.webp?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=HBI3LPBc_23KAV6iTKKQXDs-DkvBBN3KynblkmVO5xs=

The Spider Woman - (1943) This is the seventh of fourteen features starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce.as Holmes and Watson. It's a pastiche of mystery components with ruthless femme fatale Adrea Spedding (Gale Sondergaard) going head to head against Holmes and more than holding her own. Newspapers are full of screaming headlines about the so called "Pyjama Suicides". A number of well to do London residents have taken their own lives by leaping from upper story windows shortly upon waking.

Holmes and Watson in the meantime are fishing in Scotland where the detective meets with an unfortunate accident. This is in the opening minutes of the movie so it's obviously a Holmesian ruse of some kind. He already has an inkling of the true nature of these suicides and the financial motivations and soon enough makes an educated guess as to who is behind them.

So begins a game of cat and mouse with Holmes first offering himself up as an inviting target. Spedding, being no ordinary criminal, also makes an educated guess and figures out his true identity. There's a little something for everyone in this including venomous spiders and a weird little mute kid straight out of the Addams family. He's also partial to hopping and catching houseflies. Plus there's a nail-biter of an ending at a carnival midway. All in all a very satisfying Holmes entry.

80/100

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/s-kAAOSwzIZbvjB4/s-l1200.webp


The Scarlet Claw - (1944) This one takes place in Canada where Holmes and Watson are attending a conference in Quebec City on paranormal activity. Lord William Penrose (Paul Cavanagh), the organizer of the event, receives word that his wife lady Penrose has been found murdered at their home in the village of La Mort Rouge. Holmes has been steadfast in his refusal to buy wholeheartedly into the occult thus earning the indignation of Lord Penrose. He and Watson decide to fly back to London before belatedly receiving a telegram from Lady Penrose in which she says she fears for her life and pleads for his help.

Upon arriving at the remote village the two find that the inhabitants are convinced that the murder is the work of a local legend and monster that roams the surrounding marshes. Holmes, of course, does some digging and discovers that Lady Penrose was once a well known actress named Lillian Gentry. He also learns that she inadvertently prompted a murder by a jealous former lover who was tried, convicted and killed in a prison escape. There are plenty of suspects to go around and additional murders to suggest a pattern that Holmes is able to follow.

The bad guy in this is cagey and inventive and once again appears to always be two or three moves ahead of the authorities and one step ahead of Holmes. This deftly mixes in elements of the supernatural and the macabre to turn out a distinctive entry in the Holmes and Watson canon.

80/100

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/da/War-horse-poster.jpg
By [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33227629

War Horse - (2011)

Steven Spielberg didn't exactly bust a nut to deliver us something new and different when he made War Horse - it's pretty much by the book. The most interesting part for me was the section with Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch in it playing British Officers who seem stuck in the 18th/19th Century - all fun and 'tot-tot' while practicing charges and completely baffled when confronted by German machine gun positions. Those two actors are sorely missed once they're done, and they're done in no time. Other than that, the director's experience and skill pulling off set-pieces shines through. The heart and soul of War Horse feels missing though - it's technically perfect, but the vignettes are a little too short for us to start caring for any character in particular. I do get a bit emotional when Joey (the horse) gets upset at Topthorn's (another horse) pre-death agony. Huge, and great and all, but missing a real, original and memorable voice.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a0/Begotten%2C_World_Artists_VHS_Cover%2C_March_1990.jpg
By World Artists Home Video - The VHS cover art can or could be obtained from the original film distributor, World Artists Home Video., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62615604

Begotten - (1989)

Arthouse flick that's for the most part pretty horrific - about existence itself. I reviewed it here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2439657#post2439657), on my watchlist thread.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bf/You_Wont_Be_Alone_poster.png
By Focus Features - https://screenanarchy.com/2021/12/trailer-poster-for-you-wont-be-alone-in-her-skin.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69661977

You Won't Be Alone - (2022)

A feral witch starts killing people and shapeshifting into their form to learn more about love and life. Not a bad horror flick. Reviewed here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2439868#post2439868), on my watchlist thread.

7/10

https://i.postimg.cc/dVJ8rz9F/seal.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69661977

The Fifth Seal - (1976)

Great Hungarian film about what it means to be a good person - set during the Second World War, when Hungary was ruled by fascists. Reviewed here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2439981#post2439981), on my watchlist thread.

9/10

[SpelingError]

45 Years (2015) - 3

It was fine, but certain filmmaking decisions provided a cap on how much I enjoyed it. Because I felt the entire film had me looking in from the outside on what Geoff was going through. He should've been the emotional core, and I think the film would've moved me more had it come more from his perspective rather than Kate's. On the plus side, Kate's jealousy towards Geoff's deceased love interest made for one of the most bizarre love triangles put to film since Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia and the final couple scenes are probably the strongest parts of the film.

[Gideon58]

3.5/5 The actress was sensational. I can see her getting a Best Actress nomination.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/28/Priscilla_poster.jpeg/220px-Priscilla_poster.jpeg

I thought she was rather one note but loved Jacob Elordi as Elvis

[Fabulous]

The Novice (2021)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/ic8h5oYQWwqQWPyfpZUSomZTdao.jpg

[matt72582]

By [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33227629


https://i.postimg.cc/dVJ8rz9F/seal.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69661977

The Fifth Seal - (1976)

Great Hungarian film about what it means to be a good person - set during the Second World War, when Hungary was ruled by fascists. Reviewed here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2439981#post2439981), on my watchlist thread.

9/10


My favorite movie from Hungary.. Also special because I spent a few weeks there.

[Rhys]

Malcolm (1986)
Directed by: Nadia Tass (https://letterboxd.com/director/nadia-tass/)

rating_3_5

I flew into Melbourne a little under 2 weeks ago on a working visa and I am currently staying here so I felt that watching something from the city I am currently living in would be fitting. I had not heard of this film prior to today but it's lots of fun!

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ee1fd796d69ec4b90101e00/1595649756488-G87VTJ6LESQK86YA66MT/malcolmsmall.jpg?format=1000whttps://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ee1fd796d69ec4b90101e00/1595649756488-G87VTJ6LESQK86YA66MT/malcolmsmall.jpg?format=1000w

[ScarletLion]

'The Iron Claw' (2023)

Very watchable drama about the tragic lives of the von Erich family and their wrestling endeavours. Zac Effron is the standout, transforming his body into a huge bulk for this role. Sean Durkin ably directs (he of ‘The Nest’ and the massively underrated ‘Martha, Marcy, May Marlene’ notoriety).

It has a moving end as there is so much real life tragedy involved but it also has a couple of mis-steps including an out of place dreamlike sequence and a rather cringeworthy Chekhov’s gun type setup. That aside it’s entertaining fair.

3.5

https://www.scotsman.com/jpim-static/image/2023/10/12/14/iron_claw_xlg-1200x900.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale

[FilmBuff]

https://pics.filmaffinity.com/Arrebato-646903140-large.jpg
Arrebato (1979)
2.5

"Bizarre" does not begin to describe this film about a low budget horror filmmaker who gets in touch with a weirdo who's trying to film his consciousness while drugged.
And, making for perhaps one of the oddest film footnotes in movie history, one of the female actors here was dubbed by Pedro Almodovar, who was yet to make his directorial debut at the time.
If you want weird, Arrebato is definitely for you.

[Torgo]

Quiz Lady - 3

Having the leads play against type doesn't always pay off - see Sisters from 2015 - but when it does, it really does. I'm sure I'm not alone in being tired of Awkwafina playing the kind of role Sandra Oh plays in this, as good as she is at it, so it's doubly satisfying that she can pull off a straighter and more introverted one. As for Oh, she once again proves she is one of the best in the business. This movie is valuable as a study on how siblings communicate and how they cope with rivalry. As the sisters' most heated moments prove, there is a fine line between argument and affection. With all that said, the important thing is that this movie is very funny and proves that the comedy genre is far from dead. I love how it lampoons and shows affection for game shows at the same time from its treatment of Schwarzman's Ken Jennings surrogate to Ferrell's adorably square host. Speaking of the latter, while director Yu and writer D'Angelo deserve credit, Ferrell, who produced, is undoubtedly at least partially responsible for the movie's cartoonishly surreal moments, all of which brought the laughs, especially the nod to a certain famous painting. I also approve of how practically every bit of nonsense pays off, the highlight being one inspired (and sad) cameo.

As much as this movie gets right, it's good, but not quite great. Like too many other streaming exclusives, it's content to just be good enough. Even so, whether or not you dream about acing the Jeopardy test, I guarantee this will make you laugh a lot. It will also surely make you want a dog if you don't already have one (seriously, Mr. Linguini is the best).

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BM2ZkNjM5MjEtNTBlMC00OTI5LTgyYmEtZDljMzNmNzhiNzY0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDYyMDk5MTU@._V1_.jpg


1st Rewatch...One of the worst Best Picture Oscar winners, right up there with The Greatest Show on Earth and Slumdog Millionaire, this story of playwright William Shakespeare and his romance with the princess that inspired Romeo and Juliet is really pretty to look at, features extraordinary production values, but is still one of the most boring movies I have ever watched. There are some superb performances by Joseph Feinnes, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, and Oscar winner Judi Dench, but there's no way in hell that Gwyneth Paltrow deserved the Best Actress Oscar and I am now convinced that Harvey Weinstein bought the Best Picture Oscar. 3

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZDQ4Njg4YTctNGZkYi00NWU1LWI4OTYtNmNjOWMyMjI1NWYzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTA3MDk2NDg2._V1_.jpg


1st Rewatch...Brendan Fraser's extraordinary Oscar-winning performance had me fighting more tears than I did the first time I watched this sadly disturbing story about a gay, obese college professor who has given up on everything in his life except for his daughter. Sadie Sink, Samantha Morton, and Hong Chau offer solid support but this is Fraser's show and one of the most deserving Best Actor winners ever. 4.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617kz0jl9ML._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg



1st Rewatch...Despite dazzling direction by Olivia Wilde, superb production values, and rivetinig performances from Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, and Chris Pine, this so-called psychological thriller that seems to be a re-imagining of The Stepford Wives loses viewers because it raises constant questions as it progresses but never really answers any of them. 3

[Mr Minio]

Arrebato (1979)
2.5
Metaphysical masterpiece. No wonder it flew right over your head.

https://i.imgur.com/7nSiLKJ.png

[FilmBuff]

When one's life is already a metaphysical masterpiece, everything else pales in comparison :p

[matt72582]

Metaphysical masterpiece. No wonder it flew right over your head.

https://i.imgur.com/7nSiLKJ.png


:rolleyes:

[Mr Minio]

:rolleyes:

Sorry I didn't comment on your 6 for Sovist. Would be wasting my breath anyway.
:yup:

[Gideon58]

https://resizing.flixster.com/TK5WOxtD8WKRZxbd16PIXJhBW7E=/ems.cHJkLWVtcy1hc3NldHMvbW92aWVzLzRkMTA0NDE3LTM2MGEtNDAyYi05MTNjLTI2NTc5MTJkMjg2NC5qcGc=


4

[matt72582]

Sorry I didn't comment on your 6 for Sovist. Would be wasting my breath anyway.
:yup:

Young Minio one day will be a Mister. But not now.

[Mr Minio]

Young Minio one day will be a Mister. But not now.
Chill, friend. :)

[Thief]

RED'S DREAM
(1987, Lasseter)

https://i.imgur.com/bU7FZ3Q.jpg


"You never forget kids like Emily, or Andy, but they forget you."



Released in 1987, Red's Dream features a lonely tricycle called Red waiting to be either sold or disposed by clearance. During a rainy night in the dark and closed shop, Red dreams of better times where it can still be part of a clown show. But the dream quickly vanishes and we're back in reality and in the clearance corner. It's great how this simple scene manages to evoke so much emotion for an inanimate object, but writer and director John Lasseter achieves this through an effective score, as well as great direction and animation (at least for the time. The clown is a bit rough, but the rest is pretty much flawless).

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440192#post2440192)

[Thief]

LUXO JR.
(1986, Lasseter)

https://i.imgur.com/6S18MiM.jpg


"[Traditional artists] did not realize that the computer was merely a different tool in the artist's kit."



There's not much to add about the short. It features an animated desk lamp on a table that's suddenly interrupted by a colorful ball. There's also the playful twist of the "younger", smaller lamp, which most people probably know (hence, the "Junior" in the title). Like other Pixar films, there's an innate skill here to add emotion and playfulness to inanimate objects, be it a tricycle, an action figure, or a desk lamp.

Grade: N/A


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440194#post2440194)

[FilmBuff]

Whew! When I looked at that header, for a split second I almost thought Disney was working on an origin story film for Luxo.... :p

[Thief]

ONE MAN BAND
(2005, Jimenez and Andrews)

https://i.imgur.com/IXzaU6w.jpg


"Music has the power to unite us. It proves that by working together, we can create something truly beautiful."



One Man Band follows a lone street musician performing as a one-man-band in a mostly deserted town square. When a young girl approaches, he tries to gain her attention, and hopefully a tip. But things go awry when a rival musician arrives, and they both start competing for the girl's coin. Will they find a way to unite and work together?

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440199#post2440199)

[Thief]

Whew! When I looked at that header, for a split second I almost thought Disney was working on an origin story film for Luxo.... :p

Shhhhh! Don't give them ideas :shifty:

[Thief]

THE BLUE UMBRELLA
(2013, Unseld)

https://i.imgur.com/m5HlqTK.jpg


"I wanted the soul of the film to be a love declaration to the rain, that celebrates the rain."



There really isn't much else to the story. But the beauty of the short is mostly in the use of photorealistic images and lighting. The way Unseld manages to bring the whole city to life is impressive and stunning, especially when you add rain to the mix. But, much like he described it in the above quote, the short is a celebration of the rain, both as a uniting force within the story, but as an artistic element that makes the animation shine.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440202#post2440202)

[Fabulous]

Belfast (2021)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/l1Z9PLy8AXiqlZmFEgiGWeSFdSX.jpg

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/31/Billy_Elliot_movie.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1137237

Billy Elliot - (2000)

It would be easy to dismiss Billy Elliot as "one of those movies nan likes" - but it really is well made and has that spark of creative magic about it that all great films have. It's not just a "chase your dream" movie - it's a "chase your dream, and be whoever you want to be" movie. For a boy growing up in a mining town to ditch the boxing gloves and take up ballet, there's always going to be resistance - from Billy's (Jamie Bell) brother to his father - so for him it takes a true belief that he should go ahead and answer the call to be a dancer, despite whatever others say. The movie tries to instill that belief in others. Julie Walters can still manage 'down to earth' and shade it with a little "I should have amounted to more". The soundtrack is to die for as far as I'm concerned. Just stuffing it with T. Rex songs was inspired. Jamie Bell himself (how did Stephen Daldry get that performance out of him?) is absolutely brilliant - and a supreme pleasure to watch. Watching Gary Lewis (Billy's dad) go from disappointed in him to fretting about Billy getting into the dance academy is so satisfying. All of it is - I love Billy Elliot, and nan is right for liking it.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/28/Night_Watch_%282004_film%29_theatrical_poster.jpg
By [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3528897

Night Watch - (2004)

I remember watching this when it came out and not liking it. This second time was a little better - perhaps it's because I watched it in Russian with English subtitles - that can make all the difference. To tell you the truth though, I remembered nothing, so maybe I never payed it enough attention. In Night Watch it's the forces of good versus the forces of evil - vampires and mystics, etc, who are at peace but will one day go to war - normally I'm not into that, but this film puts more of a darkly comic slant on everything and that makes a difference. Tries a little too hard in the end to become a real "epic" though, and I wished it had of stayed a simpler, funny film - there's no competing with big budget Hollywood CGI monstrosities, and why would you want to anyway? During some of the stuff with the yellow van, you can tell toys are being used. It's heart is in the right place, with much dry Russian humour and many down to earth characters.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/85/The_Visitor_1979_film_poster.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from American International Pictures and The International Picture Show Company., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42110643

The Visitor - (1979)

Absolute lunacy at 24fps - but wonderful all the same. Reviewed here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2440214#post2440214), on my watchlist thread.

7/10

[StuSmallz]

:rolleyes:Just ignore him.

[TDH1878]

The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
3.0

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8eRhRF6xTLLrcahT89A5rzL_dS6JWdesyaMyRvQTOuXEqjGx89l5WE-k1Tz7rqr-1kp-p30mDN1ggTL9ZE19kInsjvF8dPCsZZYERRhYLYnBAjPiORfobXEMFqF0sVwx_snE41m94jmRSE7V54Jnc0M1w4TwRCt70fT64IKs E_jIvGyLLVtP45qa94Vkx

[matt72582]

Matthew's Days - 4/10
Some will intellectualize a piece of dung.
https://youtu.be/Ik4r72vE-YE

[Mr Minio]

Matthew's Days - 4/10 I loved it a lot. :(

[matt72582]

Комиссар - 7.5/10
One benefit of waking up at 4am is to finish a movie in the darkness.
https://youtu.be/RoJIhadFY1Q

[Mr Minio]

Комиссар - 7.5/10
The director could've been a second Tarkovsky had he not been called a parasite and banned from filmmaking for life. It's not that much weaker than Ivan's Childhood.

[Marco]

They shoot horses, don't they? (1969)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fe/They_horses.jpg

A harrowing tale of a long term dance contest. It's directed very well. It is a tough watch due to the desperation of the characters and the naked view of base human instinct to survive. It's like something Steinbeck would concoct, a distilled allegory looking at a wider issue. All performances were spot on and Jane Fonda is the standout. Gig Young does an exceptional turn too.
4

[FilmBuff]

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/4m7M4vjNWG0TmjQLpNIYmJ60K3P.jpg

Ordinary Angels (2024)

3


As a general rule, I don't care much for tearjerkers - but even my jaded self found it hard not to start really falling for the sweet little girl at the center of this movie, and the desperate efforts by her father and a goody two-shoes (Swank) to make sure she got the liver transplant she needed to stay alive.
The movie does everything a tearjerker is supposed to do, and also throws in a spectacular edge-of-your-seat final race against time that could have been perfectly suited for a Fast & Furious movie (Alan Ritchson even recently acted in one of them).
Some pretty spectacular locations in Manitoba certainly help, as well.

[Thief]

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR
(2018, Russo)

https://i.imgur.com/kqC5eqc.jpeg


"Fun isn't something one considers when balancing the universe. But this... does put a smile on my face."



Avengers: Infinity War was released in 2018, exactly 10 years after Iron Man kickstarted the whole MCU. The film caps a journey of 20+ films about different superheroes, all coming from different places and mindsets; be it from being a wealthy CEO that has been kidnapped by terrorists, a genetically enhanced WWII soldier that woke up from being frozen, or an Asgardian god that happened to fall on Earth. Obviously all these different characters clash and connect, becoming The Avengers, who are committed to protect Earth and the universe.

I don't consider myself a die hard MCU fan. Even though I've been watching most of their films and TV shows, I acknowledge that many of the films, and the whole MCU, has its flaws. However, I can't help but be impressed by the vision and work of Marvel Studios to put forward such a massive years-long project. The patience to start building this universe, and let it grow, is quite something. For all its faults, Infinity War is the perfect climax for all those films and all those years of work. Big, loud, bold, and yes... fun.

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440318#post2440318)

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTQwMDU4MDI3MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjU1NDgyOQ@@._V1_.jpg




1st Rewatch...An accustomed splendid performance from the late Chadwick Boseman is at the heart of this bopic of Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player to receive a contract with the NBL. It's a little on the melodramatic side and there are more than one squirm-worthy scene, particular one featuring Alan Tudyk as a rival coach taunting Robinson at the plate with the "N" word. If the truth be told, the film is nearly stolen by Harrison Ford, delivering a glorious performance as Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Richey. 3.5

[Thief]

TIGHTROPE
(1984, Tuggle)

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


"I'd like to find what's underneath the front you put on."



Tightrope follows police detective Wes Block (Clint Eastwood) as he goes after a serial killer and rapist. However, getting closer to the criminal also uncovers a darker side to him that he'd rather keep buried. Something that Beryl Thibodeaux (Geneviève Bujold), the director of a rape prevention program, calls attention to with the above quote during an awkwardly honest yet effective oyster lunch.

See, it is established early on that Block is a devoted single father of two girls, a workaholic, and a frequent client of New Orleans' prostitutes with a penchant for handcuffs and ties. The fact that the serial killer shares Block's same, uhh, interests serves to lift that front a bit and uncover his own faults, at least within himself and his psyche. It is during this first half that the film is more interesting, as we see Block's reckoning of his own actions against the killer's.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440484#post2440484) and the Neo-noir HoF (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440484#post2440484).

[beelzebubble]

The Teacher's Lounge (2023)
https://youtu.be/kbUaACY8wRQ?si=JX8dzsTqFWGVmbx0

The Teacher's Lounge is a German film about a young teacher acting as a detective to find out who is the thief in the middle school. It is a taut thriller which is in the words of @Marco (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=95220) "a distilled allegory looking at a wider issue." The school becomes a microcosm of the western world. With political factions and a the fifth estate chiming in. I would definitely recommend it.

[stillmellow]

Double Down (2005)


A Niel Brennan movie. Shown by a close friend that wanted to torture me.


💣

[FilmBuff]

https://thirdcoastreview.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthirdcoastspace.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F02%2Fthe-taste-of-things.webp&w=1920&q=100

The Taste of Things (2023)
3

If The Taste of Things were a meal, it would be sumptuous-looking, at times very appetizing, of somewhat uneven texture, just a tiny bit too self-indulgent, and leave a slightly bittersweet aftertaste.
Alas, the movie has now been spurned by its frequent admirer, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. And US audiences aren't terribly excited about it, either, judging by ticket sales.
Sadly, the movie is more useful as a reminder of what French cinema can accomplish when it's at its best, instead of serving as a good example of it. It is the kind of movie that almost borders on self-parody, as when one of the characters comments that "wine is the intellectual part of a meal," or when a young girl is asked if a particular dish made her want to cry.
Perhaps this is a cinematic dish best enjoyed at home, where it can be broken down into smaller servings, if one is so inclined.

[Mr Minio]

Double Down (2005) Absolute masterpiece. Neil Breen will be regarded as the Kubrick of the 21st century in 50 years.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/BringMeHeadAlfredoGarcia-Adv.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16039820

Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia - (1974)

This gritty, violent, horrific film had no trouble living up to it's reputation - and actually exceeded the expectations which had hung around for years until I finally got myself in gear and watched it. Sinks into the mire and crosses paths with everything that's awful about the world and capitalism, but that doesn't mean it has any less artistry for it. I'm disappointed that it was regarded with such cynicism and such a lack of respect when it was released - I think it's absolutely brilliant, and a towering achievement film-wise. Just so unapologetic in showing us how the world works, and I guess many would prefer to see something which distracts from that when watching a movie - which is fair enough - but I salute Sam Peckinpah for plonking this gem down on the cinematic table wrapped in a bloodstained sack, and letting it sit there, stinking and ugly. Perfect in it's tone - the hope, the fall and the fury - and every line delivery, every shot, every moment is pure beauty as far as I'm concerned.

10/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e9/Parallel_Mothers_poster.jpg
By https://cartelesmix.es/cartelesdecine/?p=234152, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68463183

Parallel Mothers - (2021)

Well, this was pretty different in tone from Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia - the other side of the coin, instead telling the story of generations amid it's own story. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2440513#post2440513) on my watchlist thread.

7/10

[matt72582]

They shoot horses, don't they? (1969)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fe/They_horses.jpg

A harrowing tale of a long term dance contest. It's directed very well. It is a tough watch due to the desperation of the characters and the naked view of base human instinct to survive. It's like something Steinbeck would concoct, a distilled allegory looking at a wider issue. All performances were spot on and Jane Fonda is the standout. Gig Young does an exceptional turn too.
rating_4


One of my favorite movies.. And for anyone interested, it's on YouTube for free.


https://youtu.be/y5arx-SIwTs

[Brody At Amity]

The Second Best Marigold Hotel

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/images/bramall/events/2016/marigold-hotel.jpg?quality=80&width=617

4/5

Such a delight. Funny. Endearing. Heartfelt. One of those uplifting, feelgood movies (https://www.top10films.co.uk/45054-30-happy-films-for-that-feelgood-feeling/) that actually, I think, manages to surpass the original. A wonderful ensemble, each delivering top-notch performances (particularly Bill Nighy), beautifully written, and boasting some gorgeous lighting in the evening/night scenes.

[SpelingError]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/BringMeHeadAlfredoGarcia-Adv.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16039820

Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia - (1974)

This gritty, violent, horrific film had no trouble living up to it's reputation - and actually exceeded the expectations which had hung around for years until I finally got myself in gear and watched it. Sinks into the mire and crosses paths with everything that's awful about the world and capitalism, but that doesn't mean it has any less artistry for it. I'm disappointed that it was regarded with such cynicism and such a lack of respect when it was released - I think it's absolutely brilliant, and a towering achievement film-wise. Just so unapologetic in showing us how the world works, and I guess many would prefer to see something which distracts from that when watching a movie - which is fair enough - but I salute Sam Peckinpah for plonking this gem down on the cinematic table wrapped in a bloodstained sack, and letting it sit there, stinking and ugly. Perfect in it's tone - the hope, the fall and the fury - and every line delivery, every shot, every moment is pure beauty as far as I'm concerned.

10/10
I should rewatch that one soon. It understands how to depict revenge better than almost every film I've seen.

[Torgo]

Double Down (2005)


A Niel Brennan movie. Shown by a close friend that wanted to torture me.


💣Don't tell me you weren't impressed by Aaron Brand's ability to operate four blank laptops at once.

I still encourage you to check out the follow-up/remake Fateful Findings, which manages to be even more bonkers. There's also a very funny satire of both movies out there called Fatal Future.

[Thief]

NIGHTCRAWLER
(2014, Gilroy)

https://i.imgur.com/8Lb3l6x.jpg


"Why you pursue something is as important as what you pursue."



Nightcrawler follows Bloom, a sociopath turned freelance journalist in his journey to become relevant. To do this, he pursues shootings, murders, accidents late at night in a very sensationalistic way to then sell the footage to a local news station run by the unethical Nina Romina (Rene Russo).

The pursuit of that kind of shady news by Bloom, the news agency, and the audience is the basis of the film. The way that it explores the ethics of these practices is very thought-provoking, along with the "chicken-or-egg" dilemma of what came first: the media feed of violent events, or the audience's craving for it?

Grade: 4.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440553#post2440553) and the Neo-noir HoF (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440554#post2440554)

[Thief]

RESILIENCE
(2023, Choi)

https://i.imgur.com/poOa7uH.jpg


"If all human beings disappeared from the earth, within 50 years all forms of life would flourish.”



The above is a quote from researcher Jonas Salk and it serves to highlight the main theme of this beautiful short film. It is not so much an indictment on humanity (although there is some of that), but rather a testament to nature's ability to withstand and flourish despite adversities.

The short was made my Yunie Choi, a second year student at CalArts at the time, who describes it as "ravaged nature finding its strength and gradually recovering alongside the vibrant resurgence of life." Its sleek animation and swift editing is one of the things that makes it work, but its message about nature's, and why not, humanity's resilience shines through.

Grade: 4

[Thief]

LA HAINE
(1995, Kassovitz)

https://i.imgur.com/vtS3ETb.jpg


"How you fall doesn't matter. It's how you land!"



Set in the middle of a string of urban riots in Paris, La Haine follows three friends from a poor neighborhood. When one of their friends is injured by the police, each of the three friends face try to see where they land and how to handle it. The hot-tempered Vinz (VIncent Cassel) wants revenge, while the more sensible Hubert (Hubert Koundé) just wants to avoid problems and leave the neighborhood with his family. Saïd (Saïd Taghmaoui) falls somewhere in between.

Things get more complicated when it is revealed that Vinz has gotten ahold of a revolver that was lost during the riots; something that he plans to use on the police if their friend dies, creating more tension with his two friends. The film follows them through the rest of the day and night as they encounter different groups and situations that will push them to see if they fall, but most importantly, how they land.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440592#post2440592) and the Neo-noir HoF (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440596#post2440596)

[Stirchley]

They shoot horses, don't they? (1969)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fe/They_horses.jpg

A harrowing tale of a long term dance contest. It's directed very well. It is a tough watch due to the desperation of the characters and the naked view of base human instinct to survive. It's like something Steinbeck would concoct, a distilled allegory looking at a wider issue. All performances were spot on and Jane Fonda is the standout. Gig Young does an exceptional turn too.
4

You probably know that dancing contests like this did exist.

[Gideon58]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/The-Strange-Love-of-Martha-Ivers-New-DVD_5c7ca2f6-d2eb-4613-8fc8-5eaf727f60eb.250fd2849cfbfea97cd9e01bbc820cfb.jpeg?odnHeight=640&odnWidth=640&odnBg=FFFFFF



4

[Allaby]

The Teachers’ Lounge (2023) I thought this was an interesting and well written film with good performances. 4

[beelzebubble]

The Calling (2014)
https://youtu.be/bNxMo9xAy1c?si=pJECQDr1yHMA0CYr
The Calling is whodunit with a religious spin and no spin is more interesting than a Catholic spin. Catholicism is full of arcane visuals and lore that make for a compelling addition to the grounding of a story. This is a good, workmanlike entertainment. It has excellent actors; Susan Sarandon in the lead is suported by Ellen Burstyn, Donald Sutherland and Topher Grace (the non-creepy actor from That Seventies Show). The script is decent, the editing is quite good as the pacing was perfect for this type of film. The music is unobtrusive but does its job of assisting pacing and mood. This movie didn't get a very good rating by critics. Maybe because we expected more from movies then. I was entertained and I wasn't subjected to any kind of bombardment or fake "meaning."

[Fabulous]

Spellbound (1945)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/9C5d88EE1h4mzo1QghXFV0bbGky.jpg

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzRmOGQwZjktYjM2Ni00M2NmLWFlZDYtZGFhM2RkM2VhZDI1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTM1NjM2ODg1._V1_.jpg


4

[Fabulous]

Watcher (2022)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/2cQMVHBaP1wK0UBX5SGDahB3lp3.jpg

[Thief]

DAY & NIGHT
(2010, Newton)

https://i.imgur.com/5zeHfTE.jpg


"To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle."



Day & Night follows the two titular "characters", each of which feature a corresponding scene inside of them: people playing and animals frolicking inside "Day", the moon rising and sheep jumping fences inside "Night". This is both a cause of amazement and dismissal for both of them as they explore each other's "scenes", but can they learn to coexist?

This is one an extremely creative and original short film. The way that the director takes such minimalistic characters and brings them to life with these events "inside" of them is impressive. But also the way he uses different things to match the actions of the characters, or highlight their emotions and feelings is amazing.

Grade: 4.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2440715#post2440715)

[StuSmallz]

One of my favorite movies.. And for anyone interested, it's on YouTube for free.


https://youtu.be/y5arx-SIwTsUh, the thumbnail of that vid says it's for A Woman Under The Influence...

[StuSmallz]

I should rewatch that one soon. It understands how to depict revenge better than almost every film I've seen.You mean the futility of it?

[matt72582]

Uh, the thumbnail of that vid says it's for A Woman Under The Influence...
OOps! Thanks!


https://youtu.be/qsKQiVJkEvI

[SpelingError]

You mean the futility of it?
I think the dynamic the film sets up between Oates and his wife not only does a great job at morphing him into a killer but that the character traits which lead to that (his prior military background and the contrast between his cool outward appearance and his insecurities about committing to his relationship) color his behavior in the second half. I think a lot of films fail to establish poetry like this which makes the revenge work as well as it could but this one is aces with that.

[Marco]

You probably know that dancing contests like this did exist.
I did a bit of macabre reading after watching the film Stirchley and, yes, it is true that they did exist during the depression era and afterwards. Grim.

[Marco]

I think the dynamic the film sets up between Oates and his wife not only does a great job at morphing him into a killer but that the character traits which lead to that (his prior military background and the contrast between his cool outward appearance and his insecurities about committing to his relationship) color his behavior in the second half. I think a lot of films fail to establish poetry like this which makes the revenge work as well as it could but this one is aces with that.
It's been a couple of years since I saw it but I thought that Bennie was losing it all over and the "head" was his one chance at redemption. It's an incredible film and an incredible performance by Oates, rewatch soon. (after watching "They Shoot..." I've just remembered Gig Young is in this as one of the sexually ambivalent hitmen).

[SpelingError]

It's been a couple of years since I saw it but I thought that Bennie was losing it all over and the "head" was his one chance at redemption. It's an incredible film and an incredible performance by Oates, rewatch soon. (after watching "They Shoot..." I've just remembered Gig Young is in this as one of the sexually ambivalent hitmen).
Correct, but his relationship with his wife (how he finally gains the courage to propose to her only for her to be killed shortly later) informs a lot of his behavior as well, specifically with how he begins talking to the head as if it were still alive.

[FilmBuff]

https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/kiss-the-future-2024/large_unnamed__22_.jpg

Kiss the Future (2024)
3.5

Anyone who remembers what a momentous event U2's concert in war-torn Sarajevo was, definitely needs to watch this, if only to bring back memories of those staggering events.
The documentary spends quite a bit of time setting the stage, so to speak, for the historic concert, going into extensive detail about what led to the siege of Sarajevo, and how the local music scene sought to provide an escape to the dreariness of day-to-day living.
The documentary is making a short stop in cinemas before making its way to Paramount+ later this year, so if you're really interested you may as well catch it now; the war footage and the scenes from the concert probably won't look as impressive on a smaller screen.

[GulfportDoc]

97623

The Great Escaper (2023)

The film was brought to my attention by a post from @BrodyAtAmity.

The Great Escaper is a terrific film in many ways. The pairing of two of the greatest actors of the 20th and early 21st Centuries --Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson-- was in itself a master stroke. The acting by the two veterans is of the highest caliber. There is also an inspired performance by the old pro, John Standing.

Deftly directed by Oliver Parker and photographed by Christopher Ross, the story is about octogenarian Bernie (Caine) who surreptitiously leaves his old aged home in the south of England to travel to France to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landing and battle. His wife Rene (Jackson) is in on the “escape”, although he leaves without telling her.

Beyond knowing that Bernie is a veteran of the battle, we aren’t let in on the overriding reason that draws him to the commemoration until later. Bernie and Rene have been married since WWII, and are still very much in love. We are treated to flashbacks of when they met and fell in love, juxtaposed with scenes of their similar current bond.

Although Bernie is infirm, and must use a walker, he manages to slip away from the assisted living home, and travel to France by boat. Along the way he becomes acquainted with another veteran (Standing) whereupon they agree to room together for a couple of days. What Bernie experiences at the enormous Normandy D-Day cemetery reveals the purpose of his odyssey.

It’s mainly Michael Caine’s film, but the many scenes with Jackson are sweetly touching without being overly sentimental. Their lifelong union is both poignant and bittersweet. Jackson also shines in solo scenes in their quarters, as well as with their care worker, as Rene compliments the lady and gives her knowing feminine advice.

There are no flaws in this picture. The story, the acting is all first class. Sadly, 6 months after the filming Glenda Jackson died, aged 87. And Michael Caine subsequently announced that this was his last picture, moving to retirement. It’s heart warming to know that they were both treated to a private showing of the completed film only weeks before Jackson’s death.

Doc’s rating: 10/10

[Nausicaä]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7a/The_Marvels_poster.jpg/220px-The_Marvels_poster.jpg

2.5

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

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7f/Murder_by_death_movie_poster.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5820729

Murder by Death - (1976)

Alec Guinness, David Niven, Peter Sellers, Peter Falk, Maggie Smith, James Cromwell (in his first feature film role) and Eileen Brennan - a dream team if you're writing a comedy featuring all of the world's most famous fictional detectives coming together via invitation to solve a murder - and win a million bucks. Neil Simon's screenplay isn't so bad either - one of his best, making Murder by Death a comedy that elicits big laughs from me. It'd been a while since I last saw it - a friend sat me down and showed it to me as one of her favourite films, and she considered it a guilty pleasure, but I kept on insisting that this is a genuinely good movie. Peter Falk absolutely steals the show as the Sam Spade character (Sam Diamond) - I'm sure he improvises a few times, and his Bogart impression is so much fun to watch. Alec Guiness as the blind butler Jamessir Bensonmum (I'm laughing just typing that name) shows he still had a gift for comedy. All of the whacky stuff is supported by an intelligent wit and genuine love for the genre and characters that are being sent up. Truman Capote (as eccentric multi-millionaire Lionel Twain, the deliberate instigator of the mystery) nearly wrecks proceedings because he can't act at all (a shame a replacement wasn't made there) - but fortunately he's only in a few scenes.

Peter Sellers does make me cringe a little, playing Charlie Chan knock-off Sidney Wang, but I don't see anything culturally nasty in the screenplay - just a load of funny lines. Same goes for all of the other things we'd find inappropriate these days - Murder by Death never gets mean. It's heart is in the right place. If I'm wrong, then Murder by Death is a guilty pleasure for me as well.

8/10

[mrblond]

Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

Directed by Peter Webber
Starring Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkinson and Cillian Murphy

My first view. How could I miss this back then, probably because of some poor distribution.
This movie is a great visual feast, especially for people who have an eye on the classical art of paintings. As an admirer of the Dutch painter Vermeer, I was totally pleased. The scenography and the cinematography are on a cult level here.
Scarlett Johansson is superb, surrounded by an ensemble of great actors.
Beautiful slice of time of that epoch.
4+
83/100
97630

[Brody At Amity]

Superman II (1980)

https://images.moviesanywhere.com/e550520706d54c8390e7286cfe8a7ba0/7576269b-8ca6-477f-a8c3-fa441484806d.jpg

4/5

I like Superman II a lot. But haven't watched in years. Last night's viewing was of the original theatrical version. It does seem a little tonally all over the place. The childish farcical humour doesn't really sit right next to Terrence Stamp's sadistic villain. And for 1980, the battle between Superman and the three villains is fantastically created. The special-effects still look good. Plus, every scene Gene Hackman is in is a gem. The scene when Clark returns to find the bully in the diner remains one of my fav all-time though. Love how he puts the trucker in his place. And then gives the diner owner the cash to pay for the mess.

I've read that in the Richard Donner cut Superman turns back time like he did in Superman (https://www.top10films.co.uk/17272-top-10-moments-in-superman/). Even if Donner's version might have been better had he had the chance to finish it, the time travel thing creates issues with the cohesion of the plot, and is actually a bit of a plot hole, and I'm glad Richard Lester got rid of it.

[Torgo]

Albert Pyun Roulette, Part 3

Brainsmasher... A Love Story - 3

Plot: A professional model, Sam Crain (Teri Hatcher), is asked by her sister to smuggle a package from Europe to Portland Oregon, where she discovers that her sister is battling Chinese Shaolin Monks (not ninjas!). Fleeing the monks, Sam unwittingly involves Ed "Brainsmasher" Molloy (Andrew Dice Clay), a nightclub bouncer.

To quote The Lost Boys, "one thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach: all the damn vampires." If you replace Santa Carla with Portland and vampires with ninjas...sorry, Shaolin monks, you'll understand how the titular hero feels. I can understand the presence of Andrew Dice Clay being a red flag, but that should not dissuade you. Besides being quite good as the bouncer known as the Brain Smasher, I saw the character first and the performer second. He's also quite lucky that his ward is Teri Hatcher's supermodel, who's as charming and funny as she always is. Also, Yuji Okumoto, a.k.a. Chozen from The Karate Kid II, is one delightfully deranged villain. It also earns the comedy in its action comedy label - believe it or not, you'll never get tired of the monks saying that they're not ninjas - and the fighting may be messy, but it is pleasantly visceral.

If you put Big Trouble in Little China and Romancing the Stone in a blender, it would look a little bit like this; in other words, a lot of things you have seen before. The important thing is that it made me laugh more than once, and again, it at least has one thing I doubt you've seen in a movie before: Shaolin monks invading Portland. From this premise to its cast - Tim Thomerson, Brion James and Liz Sheridan are also along for the ride - it's a decent choice if you're down for a goofy time. Oh, and for the last time, don't call them ninjas!

[Stirchley]

97623

The Great Escaper (2023)

The film was brought to my attention by a post from @BrodyAtAmity.

The Great Escaper is a terrific film in many ways. The pairing of two of the greatest actors of the 20th and early 21st Centuries --Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson-- was in itself a master stroke. The acting by the two veterans is of the highest caliber. There is also an inspired performance by the old pro, John Standing.

Deftly directed by Oliver Parker and photographed by Christopher Ross, the story is about octogenarian Bernie (Caine) who surreptitiously leaves his old aged home in the south of England to travel to France to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landing and battle. His wife Rene (Jackson) is in on the “escape”, although he leaves without telling her.

Beyond knowing that Bernie is a veteran of the battle, we aren’t let in on the overriding reason that draws him to the commemoration until later. Bernie and Rene have been married since WWII, and are still very much in love. We are treated to flashbacks of when they met and fell in love, juxtaposed with scenes of their similar current bond.

Although Bernie is infirm, and must use a walker, he manages to slip away from the assisted living home, and travel to France by boat. Along the way he becomes acquainted with another veteran (Standing) whereupon they agree to room together for a couple of days. What Bernie experiences at the enormous Normandy D-Day cemetery reveals the purpose of his odyssey.

It’s mainly Michael Caine’s film, but the many scenes with Jackson are sweetly touching without being overly sentimental. Their lifelong union is both poignant and bittersweet. Jackson also shines in solo scenes in their quarters, as well as with their care worker, as Rene compliments the lady and gives her knowing feminine advice.

There are no flaws in this picture. The story, the acting is all first class. Sadly, 6 months after the filming Glenda Jackson died, aged 87. And Michael Caine subsequently announced that this was his last picture, moving to retirement. It’s heart warming to know that they were both treated to a private showing of the completed film only weeks before Jackson’s death.

Doc’s rating: 10/10

Never heard of this, but it’s in my watchlist now.

[Marco]

Red Right Hand (2024)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8d/Red_Right_Hand_Poster.jpg
Fairly generic revenge thriller. Some good bits and some just dull. Descended into farce at the end with Andie MacDowell as the gun-toting Ma Baker character.
2

[Gideon58]

https://gonewiththetwins.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/secretlifeofwaltermitty.jpg


3.5

[Fabulous]

She's Gotta Have It (1986)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/aqUYYwKMNRzmqvkBvNM1gqRerb1.jpg

[beelzebubble]

Lured (1947)
https://images.app.goo.gl/Jndj2dkwzCtDd6M16
An entertaining, somewhat silly, film noir set in London in 1947. Rotten Tomatoes gave it 100%. Why? I do not know. But it is likable. The script by Leo Rosten keeps you in your seat. You never really know which way this movie is heading. Initially, a serial killer whodunit is presented to us. Then it morphs into a romance. The part with Boris Karloff is hilarious. I would have loved to see this given even more humor. Everyone in the film is definitely an excellent comic actor; Lucille Ball, Boris Karloff, George Sanders, Charles Coburn & George Zucco. George Sanders goes on and on about how attractive Lucille Ball’s voice, which is incongruous. It would have been really great if it had gone another way. But as it is, it’s an enjoyable entertainment.

[GulfportDoc]

Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

Directed by Peter Webber
Starring Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkinson and Cillian Murphy

My first view. How could I miss this back then, probably because of some poor distribution.
This movie is a great visual feast, especially for people who have an eye on the classical art of paintings. As an admirer of the Dutch painter Vermeer, I was totally pleased. The scenography and the cinematography are on a cult level here.
Scarlett Johansson is superb, surrounded by an ensemble of great actors.
Beautiful slice of time of that epoch.
rating_4+
83/100
I really enjoyed that movie. Of course it didn't hurt that the painting itself is one of my favorites. I think Johansson looks uncannily like the real subject of the painting.

Colin Firth is superb as Vermeer, and the photography and direction were first rate.

[Allaby]

Little Girl (2020) A beautiful and honest documentary about a little girl and her family. It's compelling and well filmed. Sasha is adorable. 4

[GulfportDoc]

Lured (1947)
https://images.app.goo.gl/Jndj2dkwzCtDd6M16
An entertaining, somewhat silly, film noir set in London in 1947. Rotten Tomatoes gave it 100%. Why? I do not know. But it is likable. The script by Leo Rosten keeps you in your seat. You never really know which way this movie is heading. Initially, a serial killer whodunit is presented to us. Then it morphs into a romance. The part with Boris Karloff is hilarious. I would have loved to see this given even more humor. Everyone in the film is definitely an excellent comic actor; Lucille Ball, Boris Karloff, George Sanders, Charles Coburn & George Zucco. George Sanders goes on and on about how attractive Lucille Ball’s voice, which is incongruous. It would have been really great if it had gone another way. But as it is, it’s an enjoyable entertainment.
I don't know if I've ever seen this picture! What a cast! And wasn't Lucille Ball knockout gorgeous! I'll definitely check this one out. Cheers.

[Thief]

BOUNDIN'
(2003, Luckey)

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


"Now sometimes you're up and sometimes you're down. When you find that you're down, well, just look around. You still got a body, good legs and fine feet, get your head in the right place and hey you're complete!"



Boundin' follows a Lamb that enjoys dancing and showing off in the middle of a North American plain. However, when humans take him and shear its wool, the Lamb finds itself sad and without confidence. That is until a joyful jackalope comes and cheers the Lamb with a song which includes the above quote.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2441107#post2441107)

[Thief]

THE LEGEND OF MOR'DU
(2012, Larsen)

https://i.imgur.com/vy3T5QX.png


"The king's eldest son was strong. But... he mistook great strength for character."



Framed as a story told by a witch (Julie Walters), The Legend of Mor'du tells the story of four brothers inheriting control of the kingdom of their deceased father. But like the above quote hints, the eldest son became greedy, thus leading the brothers to fight against each other.

It is just now that I realized that this short is tied to Brave, a film I haven't seen. Regardless of that tie-in, I thought it worked marvelously well on its own. Putting aside the comical bookends with the witch (which I suppose might work better within the context of the feature), I found the legend interesting and I really liked its dark tones.

Grade: 4.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2441110#post2441110)

[beelzebubble]

I don't know if I've ever seen this picture! What a cast! And wasn't Lucille Ball knockout gorgeous! I'll definitely check this one out. Cheers.
Douglas Sirk was the director so it was filmed beautifully when something that interests his eye such as a glamorous lady is in the shot.

[Thief]

GEORGE AND A.J.
(2009, Cooley)

https://i.imgur.com/Soz00Zc.jpg


"That was the craziest thing I've ever seen."



Set during the events of Up, George and A.J. follows the two retirement home nurses that come to pick up Carl Fredricksen. As they witness the old man's house rise up tied to hundreds of balloons, the two are left dumbfounded. But just as they're about to go back to work, they have to deal with other elderly people trying to imitate Carl's escapade.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2441116#post2441116)

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d1/No_Man_of_Her_Own_1950.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/1950/no_man_of_her_own.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19140564

No Man of Her Own - (1950)

A bit of identity theft in this film noir drama featuring Barbara Stanwyck as Helen Ferguson, an unmarried mother with few prospects until a massive train wreck occurs just as she's trying on the ring of another passenger, Patrice Harkness (Phyllis Thaxter). Hospital staff assume the ring is hers, and as luck would have it, the Harkness family had yet to meet their son's new wife - so Helen plays along. It's not long before her past begins to catch up with her however, leading to murder. This film is all Stanwyck's - nobody else really stands out much, so she carries the load by herself, fussing and worrying over every mistake she makes - and she makes many. Doesn't know her husband's favourite tune (of course), starts signing her name "Helen" before catching herself a little too late, accidentally mentions living in a place she's never meant to have been. First and foremost - she wants a life for her baby son - at any cost. Based on Cornell Woolrich's novel I Married a Dead Man, it's a decent watch without being spectacular.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/39/Holy_Mountain.gif
By The poster art can or could be obtained from ABKCO (Allen & Betty Klein and Company) Films Inc.., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3890208

The Holy Mountain - (1973)

Surreal, Luis Buñuel-like trip about a group of industrialists and a guy that looks like Jesus searching for enlightenment by following a powerful alchemist (played by director Jodorowsky) - fascinating and freaky. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2440732#post2440732), on my watchlist thread.

9/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Il_sorpasso.jpg
By http://www.cinemabaroni.com/assets/posters/1/SORPASSO1.jpg, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13203852

Il Sorpasso - (1962)

Classic Italian film about a couple of newfound friends taking a road trip through Italy - fast and fun. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2441111#post2441111), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Fabulous]

In a World... (2013)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/nayD9S3gsrd4f7wnQMme4lbn9AL.jpg

[xSookieStackhouse]

4.5
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BODA3ZGMwYzItZGZlMS00MWFmLThhNWMtZGY1NmFmZjg0ZjAwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTYxNTA3NjEx._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.j pg

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1PfUVu+1NL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg


2nd Rewatch...Was actually surprised as how this 40 + years old movie held up. This story of a young naval cadet (Richard Gere) in denial about his military legacy who deals with it by attending naval training school and finds himself locking horns with a tough as nails drill sergeant (Louis Gossett Jr) and a romance with a sexy factory worker (Debra Winger). Gere turns in a real Paul Newman movie star performance that made him an official movie star and works well with Winger. Gossett's performance won him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, though I think the performance is kind of one note. I also think one of the easiest movie characters to pull off is the "tough as nails drill sergeant". Personally, I think the supporting actor Oscar that year should have gone to Robert Preston, for his completely against type performance in Victor/Victoria. Mention should also be made of David Keith, memorable as Gere's BFF whose priorities get screwed up thanks to a manipulative girl named Lynette (Lisa Blount). 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61nQR9fZltL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg


1st Rewatch....After watching the four original films the first time, I rated 3 as the next best after the original, but the rewatch of this one made me rethink that. This one really brings back the tongue in cheek element to the story that was definitely missing from 2 and not as prominent in 3. This film really brought the franchise full circle to the first film, evidenced by the brilliant re-imagining of the opening and closing scenes that I didn't notice the first time. Courtney Cox is just ferocious as Gail Weathers in this one, but I was disappointed that this film made Sheriff Dewey (David Arquette) look like a moron, but I can't lie, this one had me on the edge of my chair. 4

[Gideon58]

https://media.themoviedb.org/t/p/w500/zrzBIlMyAP7Ac9W5qAy5ssAUdK4.jpg



2nd Rewatch...Definitely in my top ten Woody Allen movies. This film reunited Woody with Diane Keaton for the first time in years when the whole Soon Yi thing exploded and Mia Farrow couldn't work with Woody anymore. Woody and Diane play Larry and Carol, married upwardly mobiles who have coffee with their elderly neighbors, Paul and Lillian House (Jerry Adler, Lynn Cohen) one night and then learn that the wife had a heart attack the next day and died. A little later, Carol sees the wife on a bus and begins investigating the possible that the husband might have murdered the wife. Throw in Larry and Carol's recently divorced BFF, Ted (Alan Alda) who has been crushing for Carol for years and Marcia (Angelica Huston) a woman Larry is teaching how to play poker and you have all the ingredients for another loopy Allen comedy. Woody's writing and direction are a boxed set here as his direction having characters talk over each other makes the screenplay appear improvised and though research revealed that there are improvised moments in the film, it is mostly scripted and it is too Allen's credit that it doesn't appear that way. 4

[Darth Pazuzu]

New home video purchase...

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Yb0kb2+TL._AC_UY218_.jpg

Requiescant (Carlo Lizzani / 1967)

I had read good things about this in Alex Cox's book about Spaghetti Westerns called 10,000 Ways To Die. I was sufficiently intrigued by Cox's summary of the film, so I decided to check it out. And I'm glad I did!

Lou Castel plays Requiescant, a gunslinger who as a child was the survivor of the massacre of a group of Mexican villagers by Confederate soldiers, led by the evil aristocrat George Bellow Ferguson (Mark Damon). He eventually falls in with a rebellion of Mexican peasants led by a priest named Juan (Pier Paolo Pasolini - yes, that one!) and plots to avenge the death of his half-sister Princy and of the villagers killed by Ferguson's forces.

Well-directed by the talented Carlo Lizzani and well-acted by the participants, this is a very unique, intelligent and pointedly politicized take on very familiar Spaghetti tropes. There is a really cool showdown between Requiescant and one of Ferguson's henchman, involving a hangman's rope and footstools, quite similar to a scene in Sergio Leone's The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (1966) but less one-sided!

Strongly recommended.

[Gideon58]

https://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/wendy-and-lucy-2009/EB20090128REVIEWS901289985AR.jpg (https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rogerebert.com%2Freviews%2Fwendy-and-lucy-2009&psig=AOvVaw2o3lfLe7gxvbC5s24hC6da&ust=1600258796964000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCIiGotuS6-sCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAQ)
Wendy and Lucy (2008)


Simple story but so absolutely shattering at times. Reichardt is super talented.


4


[rating]
LOVED this movie

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0b/Persepolis_film.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11460555

Persepolis - (2007)

Persepolis is a really bittersweet remembrance from Marjane Satrapi about growing up in Iran - from the Shah's reign to the revolution and the crackdown on personal freedoms which followed - particularly pertaining to women. We see all of this via animation that is in a similar style to that of the graphic novel it's based on. Marjane is an endlessly curious child, and even at a really young age yearns to be politically active. Members of her family have been executed or are serving terms in prison, and what's ironic about this early period of her life is that after the revolution, these same relatives are arrested all over again - one despotic regime taking over from another. Life is hard growing up in a country where Islamic Fundamentalists are in power, and then there's the war with Iraq - but amongst this are personal anecdotes, teenage rebellion and heartbreaking stories relating to love and loss. Persepolis manages to be both down to earth and amazing at the same time, with plenty of comedy and wit. It's not to be missed - I hadn't seen it in many years.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/af/Game_Change_2012_poster.jpg
By HBO - http://www.impawards.com/tv/game_change.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34977941

Game Change - (2012)

It was a landmark moment in American politics that exposed a system in deep trouble. Looking for a popular Vice Presidential candidate for John McCain's faltering presidential campaign, Republican strategist Steve Schmidt and McCain's team brought in Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska - someone who's various anti-abortion and creationist stances would excite the base. Trouble was, their vetting process was hurried, and they missed the fact that Palin was unqualified and lacking in the knowledge and understanding high office requires. These faults were quickly exposed by the press during interviews - leading to controversy, and a campaign dogged by that singular issue : this woman could become president, despite knowing nearly nothing about world affairs, finance, sociology or diplomacy. Game Change is a straight retelling of this story based on what happened when it happened, and it makes for fascinating viewing - especially today, with the American system teetering on the brink of disaster. Anyone can become president, if popular enough - and that's the problem.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b2/Shot_in_the_dark.jpg
By http://www.movieposter.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6680314

A Shot in the Dark - (1964)

Crazy stuff - this was never meant to be an Inspector Clouseau movie, but became one nevertheless and the results aren't bad - mostly because of a terrific performance form Peter Sellers (perhaps the most talented comedian of his day.) The story boils down to half a dozen or so affairs occurring at the same time and in the same house - where all the while it looks like Maria Gambrelli (Elke Sommer) keeps murdering people. Clouseau (Sellers) believes in her innocence - simply because he's fallen in love with her - but this Inspector has a habit of clumsily stumbling into the truth, along with everything else. The magic is still there - despite the fighting between Sellers and director Blake Edwards. Really funny stuff - I can't remember ever having seen this before, and so it's was something of a surprise for me. I've never been a great Clouseau fan - but this was impressive.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bd/Aterrados_poster.jpg
By Aura Films - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7549892/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64788658

Terrified - (2017)

Well made Argentinian horror film that somewhat lacks cohesion. My review for it is here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2441333#post2441333), on my watchlist thread.

6/10

[skizzerflake]

We'll see how this one goes. So far, in all of the various movies that used Dracula as a character, nobody has actually done a movie that's much like Bram Stoker's book, even including the one called Bram Stoker's Dracula.

This one is The Last Voyage of the Demeter. It goes to the first chapter of the book when a ship (the Demeter) drifts into a small port in England with nothing on board but a bunch of boxes of dirt. Most of us know that nothing good comes of this since it is a Dracula story. Stoker's book is much darker than the nearly comical movies that were made out of it.

So far, so good. Decent videography and props, good, unknown actors, and a compelling plot that resembles the beginning of the book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FgUUO9Ztd0

[Fabulous]

Young Adult (2011)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/rWINrT5OvunYQYjM9He2J2fEXws.jpg

[Marco]

Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974)
Rewatch after a few years and still as powerful and bloody-minded as I remember. Can't think of any thing that would improve this story. The acting is magnificent and the settings wonderful. Add to that a career best performance from Warren Oates and a rock solid script and screenplay.
Every once in a while.......
5

[Allaby]

Hawa (2022) This is the second film from Maïmouna Doucouré, director of the excellent and controversial film Cuties. Hawa is about a teen girl whose grandmother is terminally ill and so she hopes to be adopted by Michelle Obama. I watched it today on Prime. It features a wonderful performance by Sania Halifa and is an interesting and enjoyable gem. 4

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7e/Torchsongtrilogyposter.jpg
By Impawards.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21075949

Torch Song Trilogy - (1988)

Something from the 80s that I'd never seen before, and was ever so peripherally aware of - a 2 hour film based on Harvey Fierstein's (who writes and stars here) 4 hour play Torch Song Trilogy. So, apparently, much had to be cut from this story about Arnold Beckoff and his relationships with lover Ed (Brian Kerwin), partner Alan Simon (Matthew Broderick) and his mother (Anne Bancroft) - relating to his struggle finding love and being accepted as a gay man in 70s New York City. I don't know if it's down to the squeeze, but the only hiccup I felt associated with watching Torch Song Trilogy is the way it keeps jumping forward many years from scene to scene - continually. We're always catching up with a bunch of events that have suddenly already happened. The performances are heartfelt however, and nobody lets this film down. It's a strong drama with heart, and I think it might actually have worked better being longer, or actually being a trilogy.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Frances_Ha_poster.png
By http://www.impawards.com/2013/frances_ha.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48656332

Frances Ha - (2012)

Frances Halladay (Greta Gerwig) is a hoot, and this slice of her life makes for an entertaining, charming, bright and beautiful movie. Reviewed here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2441470#post2441470), on my watchlist thread.

9/10

[skizzerflake]

I like finding a movie like this - The Last Voyage of the Demeter - Rewatching this one tonight. It's one of those off-the-mainstream, low budget, no-name movies that turns out to be pretty good. It has the look of direct-to-video. It fills in the back story of that first chapter of Bram Stoker's Dracula (the original book, that is, not the movie of the same title). The no-name actors are pretty good (theatrical in the good sense), FX are minimal (almost like a stage presentation) but graphic (mainly props, lighting and stage effects) and it's tense, tragic and grim, especially since you already know that this is NOT going to end well for the gnarly crew of the ship. I like finding a movie like this. It was a near freebee blue-ray from Amazon, apparently a box-office hit nowhere.

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCeXJN8E6y0

[Fabulous]

Apt Pupil (1998)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/atYFvFH3T5P6qeYhGQC58fzP3Fx.jpg

[TDH1878]

May December (2023)
3.5

https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/May_December_35.jpg?bwg=1701517147

[Marco]

The Price of Freedom (2021)

Documentary about the politicisation of the National Rifle Association of America and its subsequent effects. The politicisation was started by a man who killed a 15 year old a shotgun, later to change his name and be seen on stage endorsing Ronald Raygun. It's a tough watch as the pain of the families of the victims of mass shootings is palpable. Most chilling is the Police just driving past some idiot walking down the middle of the street coralling people with an automatic rifle strapped on.

No rating.

[Thief]

THE FLY
(1986, Cronenberg)

https://i.imgur.com/k52DW3G.jpg


"I'm saying I - I'm an insect who dreamt he was a man and loved it. But now the dream is over... and the insect is awake."



The Fly starts as a bit of an eccentric, steamy romance as Seth and Veronica meet and fall in love. But then it all quickly devolves as he tests the teleportation device himself in a night of drunken jealousy. At first, this results in superhuman agility and stamina, but then it turns into physical deformation and aggressiveness. Hence, the "subtle warning" above. Seth is recognizing that there is "more insect" in him than there is "human".

This is a film I've seen a bunch of times, but I revisited it in preparation for a podcast guest appearance. It's amazing what time does to our perspective on a film. Whereas I used to see this as an icky, goop-fest when I was a teen, now I see it more as a tragic drama about change and death. Sure, there's gore, but there's also a lot of subtext here on how a terminal illness can affect and consume a person, and by consequence his/her loved ones.

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2441544#post2441544)

[Gideon58]

https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/453242a1-5ca7-48f1-af46-e3ffece98bf5.jpg



4.5

[Gideon58]

https://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/img12/tomandjerryPretzelpostermainb5992.jpg



1st Rewatch...this movie was even less funny upon rewatch. This big budget combination of live action and animation, in which all the human characters are live action and all of the animal characters are animated (something I didn't really notice during my first watch), is just a hot mess thanks to a screenplay that's all over the place, the primary problem being the relationship between Tom and Jerry changes from scene to scene. Just as I felt during my first watch, the only thing in this movie that works for me is the absolutely charming performance by SNL's Colin Jost as an over anxious groom in a wedding being planned by a new hotel employee (Chloe Grace Moretz). This rewatch was basically 90 minutes of my life I'll never get back. 2

[Stirchley]

LOVED this movie

Me too. (Wendy & Lucy.) Huge fan of this director.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7e/Torchsongtrilogyposter.jpg
By Impawards.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21075949

Torch Song Trilogy - (1988)

Something from the 80s that I'd never seen before, and was ever so peripherally aware of - a 2 hour film based on Harvey Fierstein's (who writes and stars here) 4 hour play Torch Song Trilogy. So, apparently, much had to be cut from this story about Arnold Beckoff and his relationships with lover Ed (Brian Kerwin), partner Alan Simon (Matthew Broderick) and his mother (Anne Bancroft) - relating to his struggle finding love and being accepted as a gay man in 70s New York City. I don't know if it's down to the squeeze, but the only hiccup I felt associated with watching Torch Song Trilogy is the way it keeps jumping forward many years from scene to scene - continually. We're always catching up with a bunch of events that have suddenly already happened. The performances are heartfelt however, and nobody lets this film down. It's a strong drama with heart, and I think it might actually have worked better being longer, or actually being a trilogy.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Frances_Ha_poster.png
By http://www.impawards.com/2013/frances_ha.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48656332

Frances Ha - (2012)

Frances Halladay (Greta Gerwig) is a hoot, and this slice of her life makes for an entertaining, charming, bright and beautiful movie. Reviewed here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2441470#post2441470), on my watchlist thread.

9/10

Huge fan of Gerwig.

[Gideon58]

Game Change - (2012)

It was a landmark moment in American politics that exposed a system in deep trouble. Looking for a popular Vice Presidential candidate for John McCain's faltering presidential campaign, Republican strategist Steve Schmidt and McCain's team brought in Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska - someone who's various anti-abortion and creationist stances would excite the base. Trouble was, their vetting process was hurried, and they missed the fact that Palin was unqualified and lacking in the knowledge and understanding high office requires. These faults were quickly exposed by the press during interviews - leading to controversy, and a campaign dogged by that singular issue : this woman could become president, despite knowing nearly nothing about world affairs, finance, sociology or diplomacy. Game Change is a straight retelling of this story based on what happened when it happened, and it makes for fascinating viewing - especially today, with the American system teetering on the brink of disaster. Anyone can become president, if popular enough - and that's the problem.

7/10


Recently saw Game Change+ a couple of months ago. The movie was OK, but Moore and Harrelson were fantastic.

[Gideon58]

Me too. (Wendy & Lucy.) Huge fan of this director.



Huge fan of Gerwig.

Hated Frances Ha

[Gideon58]

https://fr.web.img2.acsta.net/pictures/15/07/07/11/55/309893.jpg



4