Rate The Last Movie You Saw

[ScarletLion]

Ouch. I encourage anyone who is interested in Margaret, has it on their watchlist, etc. to see it some day anyway despite Marco's low rating and statement that it has nothing to say. I think it's one of the great movies of the last decade. It does a great job at capturing that transitional period between adolescence and adulthood, specifically how this time sadly forces us to put our dream of a better world aside in favor of self preservation and having to accept how much the odds are stacked against us. That may not seem like a premise that could sustain such a long runtime, but I was never bored.

If you need any more encouragement, I rarely agree with Marco's ratings, but I've let it slide. This time, I can't!

Yeah it's a great film. That scene in the opera theatre - I still think about that.

[Mr Minio]

Ouch.
Seconded. It's the director's worst but still a great film.

[Torgo]

No probs Torgo, vive la difference!!!!Cutter's Way and The Seven-Ups are awesome, I'll give you that!

[crumbsroom]

I saw Poor Things yesterday. I love the story and Tartarian designs, wardrobes and architecture but hated all the unnecessary s*x and swearing. 2 out of 10. Normally 1 out of 10 but since the sets and general idea are dope I added one star.


Not sure how we are categorizing sex scenes as unnecessary when the film is at least in part about sexual liberation and bucking societies repressive norms.


If anything, I feel this post just means more movies need more of these 'unnecessary' sex scenes, as it seems sticking ones finger in societies puritanical eye is still necessary.

[Stirchley]

Ouch. I encourage anyone who is interested in Margaret, has it on their watchlist, etc. to see it some day anyway despite Marco's low rating and statement that it has nothing to say. I think it's one of the great movies of the last decade. It does a great job at capturing that transitional period between adolescence and adulthood, specifically how this time sadly forces us to put our dream of a better world aside in favor of self preservation and having to accept how much the odds are stacked against us. That may not seem like a premise that could sustain such a long runtime, but I was never bored.

If you need any more encouragement, I rarely agree with Marco's ratings, but I've let it slide. This time, I can't!

Terrific movie. Love it.

[Stirchley]

https://media2.clevescene.com/clevescene/imager/u/zoom/43854551/arthur-the-king.jpg?cb=1709799041

Arthur the King
4


If the Academy gave an Oscar for Best Canine Performance, then the lovable mutt playing the title character in this movie might as well start practicing his acceptance speech.
I am, if anything, generally pretty cynical about movies with animals playing the title character, but this one really won me over (I knew absolutely nothing about the real-life story on which the movie is based).
So, forget that what's-his-name is the putative human star of the movie. He's not even worth mentioning. Simu Liu and Nathalie Emmanuel, on the other hand, at least do a top-notch job with their somewhat underwritten supporting roles. They've got plenty of charisma, and I guess in their own way they're both easy on the eye.
The movie also deserves credit for some above-average location work, as it seems most of the movie was actually shot where it's supposed to be taking place (Dominican Republic).


Hot dog, I’ve never heard of this movie. (Does anyone else make as many movies as Wahlberg?) Put it in my watchlist now.

[SpelingError]

Ouch. I encourage anyone who is interested in Margaret, has it on their watchlist, etc. to see it some day anyway despite Marco's low rating and statement that it has nothing to say. I think it's one of the great movies of the last decade. It does a great job at capturing that transitional period between adolescence and adulthood, specifically how this time sadly forces us to put our dream of a better world aside in favor of self preservation and having to accept how much the odds are stacked against us. That may not seem like a premise that could sustain such a long runtime, but I was never bored.

If you need any more encouragement, I rarely agree with Marco's ratings, but I've let it slide. This time, I can't!
How do you feel about the main character? I know that unlikable characters aren't necessarily flaws in and if itself, but I kept going back and forth as to whether the film was asking for us to sympathize with her or look down upon her.

[Stirchley]

How do you feel about the main character? I know that unlikable characters aren't necessarily flaws in and if itself, but I kept going back and forth as to whether the film was asking for us to sympathize with her or look down upon her.

Didn’t find her unlikeable.

[Marco]

Cutter's Way and The Seven-Ups are awesome, I'll give you that!
Vindicated at last!!!!! ;)Not seen the Seven-Ups for ages, theres a good mash up of the main car chase and Primal Screams "Shoot Speed Kill Light" on Youtube, it's great.

[Marco]

How do you feel about the main character? I know that unlikable characters aren't necessarily flaws in and if itself, but I kept going back and forth as to whether the film was asking for us to sympathize with her or look down upon her.
I couldn't get that either, probably gubbed the film for me. Even after being told what the outcome of the litigation would be beforehand she still throws her toys out the pram. The character didn't seem to be going through an adolescence-adulthood transition at all, just seemed like a cosseted childish brat - all my take of course.

[Torgo]

How do you feel about the main character? I know that unlikable characters aren't necessarily flaws in and if itself, but I kept going back and forth as to whether the film was asking for us to sympathize with her or look down upon her.I ultimately found her sympathetic. She's not totally honest and makes some decisions that could label her as a "Karen" these days, but I think that in her battle, her heart is in the right place and isn't just making it about herself. Regardless of her intentions, though, the sympathy is in her probably not caring as much about the other person than herself if something like that ever happened again.

[SpelingError]

I ultimately found her sympathetic. She's not totally honest and makes some decisions that could label her as a "Karen" these days, but I think that in her battle, her heart is in the right place and isn't just making it about herself. Regardless of her intentions, though, the sympathy is in her probably not caring as much about the other person than herself if something like that ever happened again.
For me, I found her infatuation to take down the bus driver really selfish. While he obviously should've been paying attention, she was clearly distracting him and was also in part responsible for the woman's death. When she said her whole "I've acknowledged my mistake but he hasn't" spiel, I just wanted to tell her to shut up. That line of reasoning doesn't rise above the law. If it had been a different person trying to pursue legal action, the film would've gotten me to care more. I did like the rest of the film well enough, but whenever the film circled back to the bus scenes, it rubbed me the wrong way.

[Marco]

aPoor Things (2023)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f3/Poor_Things_poster.jpg
Well this was quite the journey/idea, being a fan of "Dogtooth" and "Killing..." not so much "Lobster" or "The Favourite" I was intrigued.

It's very stylistic from start to finish about the story of a girl who exhibits really childish traits (lack of vocab, tantrums) that is being aided by a revolutionary surgeon and his sidekick. As she learns we see her adopt sexuality (just a little bit) and empathy. There are a good many laughs in this, provided most by Mark Ruffalo's character whos accent is just hilarious.
All in all, quirky watch but won't rush to see again. Unlike Lanthimos' previous films so admire the departure and variation.
2.5

[Torgo]

For me, I found her infatuation to take down the bus driver really selfish. While he obviously should've been paying attention, she was clearly distracting him and was also in part responsible for the woman's death. When she said her whole "I've acknowledged my mistake but he hasn't" spiel, I just wanted to tell her to shut up. That line of reasoning doesn't rise above the law. If it had been a different person trying to pursue legal action, the film would've gotten me to care more. I did like the rest of the film well enough, but whenever the film circled back to the bus scenes, it rubbed me the wrong way.Her wanting the driver to get fired is selfish and I wouldn't have been sad if she had been punished for lying, but I still sympathized with Lisa, as strange as that sounds. I guess her youth and naievity probably has something to do with it. She's privileged for sure, but as if she's been kept in a gilded cage, she doesn't know any other way.

Probably an obvious statement, but this would pair well with 25th Hour and not just because Anna Paquin plays a similar character. It's also a very New York, post-9/11 story.

[SpelingError]

Her wanting the driver to get fired is selfish and I wouldn't have been sad if she had been punished for lying, but I still sympathized with Lisa, as strange as that sounds. I guess her youth and naievity probably has something to do with it. She's privileged for sure, but as if she's been kept in a gilded cage, she doesn't know any other way.

Probably an obvious statement, but this would pair well with 25th Hour and not just because Anna Paquin plays a similar character. It's also a very New York, post-9/11 story.
I sympathized with her privileged nature harming her relationships to a certain degree. Her relationship with her mother and Matt Damon's character were handled pretty well, for instance (there are likely some other sub-plots I'm missing). With the bus driver scenes in the second half, in addition to the heated classroom argument, she was far too insufferable and over-the-top for me to care about her. To the point my disconnect over whether she was intended to be unlikable or not bothered me.

[Fabulous]

Annihilation (2018)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/lfPPBgX7kMFwkj5MkVXWVmdBrIt.jpg

[Torgo]

Heart of Dragon - 3

https://i.imgur.com/fnsBJQ3.jpeg

Read more in my Hong Kong thread. (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2445604#post2445604)

[Fabulous]

Past Lives (2023)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/7HR38hMBl23lf38MAN63y4pKsHz.jpg

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ed/Conan_movie_psoter.jpg
By 20th Century Fox - http://www.impawards.com/1982/conan_the_barbarian.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63438443

Conan the Barbarian - (1982)

Sword and sorcery fantasy films weren't really my thing as a kid, so Conan the Barbarian has remained a vague piece of 1980s pop culture that I had not seen before last night. I was expecting something borderline bad, in a b-movie kind of way, but I think Conan the Destroyer muddied the water a little. This was interesting as an early Schwarzenegger artifact - he was a bit of a joke early in his career, snagging roles as barbarians and robots because he was basically a body-builder with no acting experience. Some might say that ability never really improved much despite all the on-the-job training he got, but his lack of nuance did nothing to hurt his grunting, yelling, or, basically "aarrrgh-ing" in this film. Surely he patented that "aahhhrrgh" of his - it must have some kind of copyright on it. Does anyone else at all do it in their movies? Lots of violence in this - chopping, blood spurting, stabbing and crushing. It's fun, and James Earl Jones was having a good time. That wasn't his actual hair was it? No. Anyway - what else can you say about Conan? "Arrrrgh!" Sorry. Oh - nice practical effects indeed. Loved that about it.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/La_noire_de%E2%80%A6_%281966%29.png
By CineMaterial, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58386868

Black Girl - (1966)

I can feel a lot of pain in Black Girl, and despite this only having a 55-minute runtime it says a lot. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2445978#post2445978), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[FilmBuff]

https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6c676f3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3150%200%20425/resize/1200x630!/quality/75/?url=https://california-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/55/5b/7b72fc2843d3a8eced5ddbe5a37a/love-lies-bleeding-03129-enhanced-nr-1.jpg

Love Lies Bleeding
2.5

I love noir, and have seen every classic noir I've ever had access to. Now, neo noir is a different story. Every new "hot" director wants to either pay homage to the classics, or put their own twist on the genre.
My take on this new "twist' on the classic noir? The director seems a bit too concerned with being "edgy" and provide some "shock" that's more along the lines of what you might find in horror or fantasy movies, and as a result the end product seems unfocused and not terribly appealing.
Which is a real paradox, because KStew and Katy O'Brian are definitely appealing, and the rest of the cast is more than up to the challenge. So are all the tech departments.
While the end result is definitely quite unique, it's also bound not to be everyone's cup of tea. And I guess how you reacted to the director's previous film (Saint Maud) might be a good indicator of how much you will like this.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjA3MjYyNTk0Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODc1NzQ1NTE@._V1_.jpg


1st Rewatch...This often hard to swallow comedy does provide relatively consistent entertainment thanks to an extremely likable leading character. Shameik Moore plays a socially awkward teen living in a tough LA neighborhood who gets invited to a party at a drug dealer's house and when he awakens the morning after, finds a a cache of drugs in his backpack which he left behind the bar during the party. Moore is a charmer in the starring role and I actually liked his narration, but the story goes all over the place as it progresses, giving us a story in which Moore's character really shouldn't have come out alive. Moore also gets solid support from Tony Revelori and Kiersey Clemons as his BFF's. 3.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzBmZTMzYmItNzhhMC00M2FkLWIxMGEtMjIxMjAwNmQ2ZmM4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTIzOTk5ODM@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch...Jim Carrey's career took some serious hits thanks to too many films like this one. Carrey plays a bank loan officer who has been living like a hermit since his girlfriend dumped him until he attends a self=help seminar where he is convinced that he can change his life for the better if he agrees to say yes to anything he is asked, which works for him at his job, but pretty much destroys the rest of his life. Once the exposition is set up, this story just gets dumber and dumber as it progresses, despite Carrey's mugging and gift for physical comedy. The romance with a New Age-y rock singer (Zoey Deschanel) never really connects with the rest of the story, though I did like Bradley Cooper as his BFF and Terrence Stamp as the self-help guru. 2.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1wjqaFU0hL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg



1st Rewatch...I can't lie, even on rewatch, this movie ripped my guts out. Viggo Mortensen earned the second of his three Best Actor Oscar nominations playing Ben, the father of six children who, along with his wife, have decided to raise their children as survivalists in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, everything Ben is doing comes into question when his wife suddenly passes away and it suddenly comes into focus that Ben may have forced his wife into this decision to raise their children this way and his father-in-law not only forbids Ben to attend his wife's funeral but plans to sue him for custody of his grandchildren as well. This movie had me tangled in knots because Ben's love for his children is all over everything he does, but we can also see that the not all of his children are on board with what his happening, not to mention the fact that children are basically becoming animals and don't even realize it. There is one heartbreaking scene after another here, like when Ben has to tell his children that their mother has died, the fake heart attack at the supermarket, the eldest son confessing to his father that he wants to go to college. Loved the reveal that his youngest daughter can recite the Bill of Rights. Mortensen again proves to be one of the industry's most compelling and versatile actors. Loved Kathryn Hahn and Steve Zahn as Ben's sister and brother-in-law and Frank Langella was robbed of a supporting actor nomination for his chilling performance as Ben's father-in-law. This haunting motion picture is not an easy watch, but well worth it, upping my original rating. 4.5

[Act III]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzBmZTMzYmItNzhhMC00M2FkLWIxMGEtMjIxMjAwNmQ2ZmM4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTIzOTk5ODM@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch...Jim Carrey's career took some serious hits thanks to too many films like this one. Carrey plays a bank loan officer who has been living like a hermit since his girlfriend dumped him until he attends a self=help seminar where he is convinced that he can change his life for the better if he agrees to say yes to anything he is asked, which works for him at his job, but pretty much destroys the rest of his life. Once the exposition is set up, this story just gets dumber and dumber as it progresses, despite Carrey's mugging and gift for physical comedy. The romance with a New Age-y rock singer (Zoey Deschanel) never really connects with the rest of the story, though I did like Bradley Cooper as his BFF and Terrence Stamp as the self-help guru. 2.5

I saw this in the Chinese Grauman's Theater on Hollywood Blvd and it felt like the beginning of the end. The atmosphere in the theater seemed dire and foreboding. The movie sort of added to that sense and I remember thinking there's something very wrong here. Good thing the Egyptian Theater was keeping the spirit of movies alive.

Last Jim Carey movie I went to see.

[Allaby]

Tales of a Fifth Grade Robin Hood (2021) This is a Tubi Original (and it shows). The screenplay for this is pretty bad. Some of the characters are too over the top and the adults in the film aren't believable. The child actors do a better job with the material. Iliana Isabella Perez gives the best performance. She is quite charming and lovely and has a lot of potential. 2.5

[stillmellow]

Madam Web

Not as bad as a lot of people were saying, but bad enough. Dakota Johnson does what she could, but is clearly out of place in an action movie.

The concept and most of the script has merit, but would've worked better as a horror/thriller than as a superhero movie.

The worst part is the abysmal performances from the three younger actresses. Zero charisma or chemistry, and again way out of place in a superhero movie. Dialog between them seems written by someone who hasn't spoken to a teenager in decades.

Still, it picks up near the end, and the premise has merit.

Meh, 2 out of 4

[Tugg]

Madam Web

The concept and most of the script has merit, but would've worked better as a horror/thriller than as a superhero movie.

Still, it picks up near the end, and the premise has merit.

Meh, 2 out of 4
I agree about thriller and premise, but is it worth a watch as it is?

[FilmBuff]

https://i.mydramalist.com/2wqwdW_4f.jpg

YOLO (热辣滚烫)


One of the most striking physical transformations in cinema history is at the heart of YOLO, and it's a huge part of what makes the movie both remarkable and memorable.
Actor-director Jia Ling, whose 2021 movie Hi, Mom! is not, to the best of my knowledge, available anywhere to Western audiences, transformed herself to play the lead in her new movie, losing over 100 pounds in the process.
That transformation was essential to the movie really working, because Ling's character also undergoes a deep transformation that is both physical and spiritual.
Let's just say this; while using Gonna Fly Now over a training montage isn't a particularly clever or original idea, Ling makes it work and even seem more electrifying than it felt in the original Rocky.
And while becoming a successful boxer isn't necessarily what Ling's character needs to really find herself, she's also not afraid to risk it all in pursuit of a goal that she feels (perhaps quite rightly) will change her life for the better.
It isn't surprising that Sony Pictures picked up the North American rights to the movie, or that it opened in the top 10 at the North American box-office last weekend; unlike quite a few movies coming out of China these days, this one really feels perfect for global audiences.

[stillmellow]

I agree about thriller and premise, but is it worth a watch as it is?


Not unless you're a Dakota Johnson fan.


An additional problem is when your super power is to avoid danger...it's not very cinematic. The movie teases a cool super team early on, and then never gives it to us. Very meh.



It's more entertaining than Morbius, but that wasn't a high bar to reach.

[FilmBuff]

You've both got it wrong, Madame Web is practically a masterpiece of high camp. :p

[Brody At Amity]

Licence to Kill (1989)

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ya0Bu6ucL._AC_.jpg

3/5

This could have been one of the best Bond movies. A great set-up puts Timothy Dalton's 007 on a revenge mission. Shame it has Wayne Newton, a forgettable bad guy, and some off jumps in tone.

[LChimp]

https://www.proimagenescolombia.com/photos/57150_557_imagen__.jpg

Perro Come Perro - (2008)


Dog Eat Dog. Kinda of a latino Reservoir Dogs. Kinda.

[stillmellow]

Kung Fu Panda 4


Incredibly unnecessary, but entertaining enough. Jack Black is always charming.


Kids will like it.


Meh. 2 out of 4.

[this_is_the_ girl]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F64.media.tumblr.com%2Fb1584b07c608c375d56f1c48d35eda7b%2F59d58412d9d893fe-ea%2Fs1280x1920%2F5b6a05854877babab1a6e196984d472ca8e826ab.png&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=d5fa25e2c3e85d6d0074a1acbf000090837576b5e2ba441503a136a7df28b0aa&ipo=images
Le Pont du Nord (1981, Jacques Rivette)
4
This film is like a game within a game within a game. On the one hand, the director is playing with genres, the actors and the script (well, if you could call it that, because it feels so random as if it's improvised on the spot by everyone involved). On the other, the characters are playing a game too, a sort of fantasy quest amid the urban scenery of Paris involving a map and a mystery encrypted in it. The whole thing is very meta, very postmodernist, the ending being the cherry on top, where Rivette completely shatters the fourth wall and decides to play a trick on the audience as well.

To me, not quite on the level of Celine and Julie... and Duelle but still a lovely cinematic experiment.

[TroyMcCloud]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Valhalla_rising_poster_dk.jpg

Valhalla Rising (2009)

I rated it 7/10.

[xSookieStackhouse]

https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6c676f3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6000x3150%200%20425/resize/1200x630!/quality/75/?url=https://california-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/55/5b/7b72fc2843d3a8eced5ddbe5a37a/love-lies-bleeding-03129-enhanced-nr-1.jpg

Love Lies Bleeding
2.5

I love noir, and have seen every classic noir I've ever had access to. Now, neo noir is a different story. Every new "hot" director wants to either pay homage to the classics, or put their own twist on the genre.
My take on this new "twist' on the classic noir? The director seems a bit too concerned with being "edgy" and provide some "shock" that's more along the lines of what you might find in horror or fantasy movies, and as a result the end product seems unfocused and not terribly appealing.
Which is a real paradox, because KStew and Katy O'Brian are definitely appealing, and the rest of the cast is more than up to the challenge. So are all the tech departments.
While the end result is definitely quite unique, it's also bound not to be everyone's cup of tea. And I guess how you reacted to the director's previous film (Saint Maud) might be a good indicator of how much you will like this.

i seeing this movie today with my support worker :D

[FilmBuff]

i seeing this movie today with my support worker :D

Enjoy!

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTIxNTMzNzYtNzA3NC00MzgwLTlhNGYtMDEyYTNlZjcwZTNiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDAxNjkxNjQ@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch...For my money, the weakest of the first four films in the series. The tongue of cheek humor that was so much a part of the first film is gone here. Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson have given us a horror film with a straight face. The film finds us returning to Hillsboro with the premiere of "Stab", the movie based on Gail Weather's book and the murders start right in the movie theater. The opening scenes of Omar Epps and Jada Pinkett getting murdered in the movie theater are stupid as is the scene of Gail (Courtney Cox) and Dewey (David Arquette) trying to chase the killer in the local park before he kills Randy (Jamie Kennedy). The strongest part of the first film were the performances by Skeet Ulrich and Matthew Lilliard and with them gone, a lot of the fun is gone. Kennedy appears to be channeling Lilliard, but too little avail. On the positive side, this film does provide us with a first glance at the chemistry between Cox and Arquette, which would lead to a real life marriage and a couple of strong supporting performances from Timothy Olyphant and Laurie Metcalf. 3

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzlkNDU1NWUtNGYxYS00NGFkLWExNzgtNTIyNmY3OWM4ODdiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch...This beautifully mounted HBO documentary was produced by Wood's daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner, who provides a detailed look at her mother's extraordinary life and career that came to a tragic end off the coast of Catalina in 1981. Needless to say, the most interesting part of the documentary is when Natasha and her stepdad, Robert Wagner, sit down and talk about what happened that night on that boat. Wagner appears open, but I still get the feeling he's hiding something. This film also features an interview with Natasha's bio father, Richard Gregson, Natalie's second husband, who was dying from Parkinson's at the times. For fans of the cinematic icon, appointment viewing. 4

[FilmBuff]

https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/14521081_031324-cc-ap-taylor-swift-eras-tour-pink-jacket-img.jpg?w=1600

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version)
3

Arriving to streaming with the unwieldy title Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version), the top filmed concert of 2023 is now about 40 minutes longer than it was in its theatrical incarnation, which means it's just 15 minutes shorter than Woodstock (1970), still the absolute best of all filmed concerts.

I'm neither a fan nor a hater, but I consider Taylor Swift to be possibly the most vanilla of all the top pop stars of the last half-century. Sure, she throws in a four-letter word here and there in her songs, but for the most part, she's not trying to be transgressive or edgy or provocative - like, say, Madonna in her heyday.

But she's undeniably massively popular, and her filmed concert more or less saved movie theaters when a lot of movies had to be postponed due to the dual strikes from last year.

I find her music occasionally catchy but mostly unremarkable; it is pleasant enough to have as background music while you're doing other stuff, but for me it is particularly unmemorable, with one or two possible exceptions.

The most entertaining part of the filmed concert (at least for me) was the rather comical look on the background performers that sing and dance along with Taylor on most of her songs - they seem to be having an absolute blast! And why wouldn't they? I guess if you're a background performer, this gig absolutely must be the best thing in the world.

[Stirchley]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzlkNDU1NWUtNGYxYS00NGFkLWExNzgtNTIyNmY3OWM4ODdiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch...This beautifully mounted HBO documentary was produced by Wood's daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner, who provides a detailed look at her mother's extraordinary life and career that came to a tragic end off the coast of Catalina in 1981. Needless to say, the most interesting part of the documentary is when Natasha and her stepdad, Robert Wagner, sit down and talk about what happened that night on that boat. Wagner appears open, but I still get the feeling he's hiding something. This film also features an interview with Natasha's bio father, Richard Gregson, Natalie's second husband, who was dying from Parkinson's at the times. For fans of the cinematic icon, appointment viewing. 4

I’ve seen it twice. Loved it. Fave movie of hers is Bob & Alice …

https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/14521081_031324-cc-ap-taylor-swift-eras-tour-pink-jacket-img.jpg?w=1600

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version)
3

Arriving to streaming with the unwieldy title Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version), the top filmed concert of 2023 is now about 40 minutes longer than it was in its theatrical incarnation, which means it's just 15 minutes shorter than Woodstock (1970), still the absolute best of all filmed concerts.

I'm neither a fan nor a hater, but I consider Taylor Swift to be possibly the most vanilla of all the top pop stars of the last half-century. Sure, she throws in a four-letter word here and there in her songs, but for the most part, she's not trying to be transgressive or edgy or provocative - like, say, Madonna in her heyday.

But she's undeniably massively popular, and her filmed concert more or less saved movie theaters when a lot of movies had to be postponed due to the dual strikes from last year.

I find her music occasionally catchy but mostly unremarkable; it is pleasant enough to have as background music while you're doing other stuff, but for me it is particularly unmemorable, with one or two possible exceptions.

The most entertaining part of the filmed concert (at least for me) was the rather comical look on the background performers that sing and dance along with Taylor on most of her songs - they seem to be having an absolute blast! And why wouldn't they? I guess if you're a background performer, this gig absolutely must be the best thing in the world.

I love the Woodstock documentary. Seen it many times. My fave documentary is the Last Waltz, which I’ve seen a million times. Swift’s songs to me are instantly forgettable. To save my life I couldn’t hum a single tune.

I paid for & watched the documentary. It was ok.

[FilmBuff]

To save my life I couldn’t hum a single tune.


Not even the "shake shake shake" song?

[Stirchley]

Not even the "shake shake shake" song?

Was that a song?

[FilmBuff]

Was that a song?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM

[Stirchley]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM

Was this in the documentary? Hate the song, but I love ballet.

[Allaby]

Irish Wish (2024) A new Netflix rom com directed by Janeen Damian and starring Lindsay Lohan, Alexander Vlahos, and Ed Speleers. I liked the story, but the acting is mediocre. I think the three main characters are miscast. There are a couple fun scenes. 3

[FilmBuff]

Was this in the documentary? Hate the song, but I love ballet.

I mean the song is in the filmed concert, but obviously with different choreography

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wdgNzPjqL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg



2

[mrblond]

The Good Boss (2021)

Directed by Fernando León de Aranoa
Starring: Javier Bardem

My second view.
First saw it two years ago because of its numerous nominations for variety of awards. Caught it this evening on the TV and enjoyed it again.
Nice comedy about a small factory owner who tries to balance into the variety of problems with his employees. Bardem is superb as always.
4+
82/100
98016

[Fabulous]

Blow Out (1981)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/nk87CtgZ7wd86W37oJHGYAJbmLz.jpg

[FilmBuff]

https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/american-society-of-magical-negroes-poster.jpg

The American Society of Magical Negroes
2.5

This is a movie that wants to be both a charming rom-com and a biting social satire, and unfortunately ends up not being particularly good at either.
It's sad that Kobi Libii's directorial debut falls flat on both counts, because it's just possible that a more experienced director might have made it work - and that would have been a magical movie, indeed.
And it's a shame, because the movie is well-cast - and An-Li Bogan is a particular knockout as the love interest caught in an unlikely romantic triangle. The Taiwanese-Irish actor is making her big-screen debut here; based on what she's brought to the game, I am already looking forward to her next projects.

[skizzerflake]

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

One Life - Wow, is this ever a rough movie to watch. It's not graphically violent but you clearly know what is happening to these people and it doesn't flinch. Anthony Hopkins is an actual person, Nicky Winton, Johnny Flynn is the young version of Winton, a stock broker visiting Czechoslovakia in 1938 as the nazis tighten the noose on people they don't want, mainly Jews. The actual person managed to manipulate the system to get some of the kids out of the country, into UK. The short version of the plot is that years later, a meeting is arranged in which old Winton, meets and is thanked by some of the 600+ survivors, now adults, that he rescued with his maneuver.

Everybody in the movie is quite good especially Hopkins. It was directed by James Hawes. Nothing in the movie is all that bloody, but most of the movie is set in a death camp and you know what will be happening to these people. The kids that are rescued will be orphaned.

Having grown up around some old folks who survived some parts of this horrifying history and seen the outcome of what happened to them, the lucky ones, nothing about this movie is easy. It left me appreciating the time and place I've lived in. Whatever bothers me, it's not THAT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ethollg-PI

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c6/The_Goonies.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6123717

The Goonies - (1985)

Another in my recent line-up of popular movies I never got to see when I was a kid. You know, I never realised that Josh Brolin was one of the Goonies. I never really noticed him until Best Laid Plans in 1999, and he had to wait until 2007 before he broke through big time with several massive movies - No Country For Old Men, Grindhouse, In the Valley of Elah and American Gangster - from there on he had it made. For the likes of Corey Feldman it was the reverse - with his child star fame not translating into big film roles later in life. Ke Huy Quan has battled back from obscurity to win an Oscar. Sean Astin would go on to play Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings films - and has a decent career. A lot of talent in this film, big and small - and it makes for a nice action-packed kid's adventure movie with a hidden treasure we all just dream of finding. Or is the real treasure the friendship they all share? *dodges thrown beer can* - okay, okay. When Richard Donner, Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg join forces you've got something on your hands - no matter how hard it is to understand 5 kids all yelling at the same time. Wish I'd seen it as a kid, because it's perfect for a certain age group.

7/10

https://i.postimg.cc/6Q5SWwnk/django.jpg
By Copied from person or company owning the intellectual property goes here website, and intellectual property owned by person or company owning the intellectual property goes here., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12474863

Sukiyaki Western Django - (2007)

I remember really liking this the first time I saw it. For some reason I couldn't for the life of me really get into the crazy tone Sukiyaki Western Django strikes - nearly freeform madness from most of the characters in this Japanese Western where two rival clans fight a war in a town that's the supposed location of riches. Every scene has actors exhibiting exaggerated flair to an extreme, and I guess I simply wasn't in the mood for such a strange, silly creation from Takashi Miike - a filmmaker whose films I mostly like. Quentin Tarantino plays the only main character who is not Japanese, joining in the bizarre way every part is played. I once liked it - I guess it's possible I might like it again one day.

5/10

https://i.postimg.cc/C537PwdX/winter.jpg
By https://boxofficeturkiye.com/film/kis-uykusu--2012274, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65749514

Winter Sleep - (2014)

Aydın (Haluk Bilginer) presents us with an ethical dilemma when he proves to be a man who does good only so he can laud his moral supremacy over others in this excellent Palme d'Or-winning Turkish film. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2446271#post2446271) on my watchlist thread.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/66/Sevendays_moviep.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7850427

Seven Days in May - (1964)

General James Mattoon Scott (Burt Lancaster) plans to overthrow the President of the United States and install a military dictatorship - it's up to Colonel Martin "Jiggs" Casey (Kirk Douglas) and a few good men to stop him in this pulsing political thriller - great stuff. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2446657#post2446657), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Fabulous]

Nine to Five (1980)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/ioWkbhWyDOS7nYNSpFgQ69mfBm4.jpg

[xSookieStackhouse]

5 i really enjoyed it, loved the gore and loves kirsten stewart and katy obrian , loved katy on the mandalorien also
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFvAzDJWMAAVr4P.jpg:large

[Act III]

6

[Brody At Amity]

Sweet Sixteen (2002)

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjAzMjM5MzYwNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTE4NDUxMQ@@._V1_.jpg

4/5

Going through a Ken Loach period of film-watching at the moment after seeing his reportedly final film, The Old Oak, recently. The colloquial dialogue in this one set in Glasgow required me to watch with the English subtitles on. It felt wrong - given it's in English and that's my first language - but I was missing too much of the dialogue without them.

A sombre, unsentimental and moving drama.

[Raven73]

Five Nights at Freddy's
6.5/10
Not bad for a movie based on a video game (which are notoriously bad). This one actually had some genuinely creepy moments.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d6/Five_Nights_At_Freddy%27s_poster.jpeg

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWI2ZDQxZDQtZDMxZi00ZWFhLTg1OGYtYmFkMjRkMDc2NDNkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkxNjUyNQ@@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch...The meticulous directorial eye of Steven Soderbergh is the anchor of this fact-based crime drama. Three criminal lowlifes are hired by a mid-level don to watch the family of an accountant while he retrieves a document and codebook from his company, that leads to an accidental death of one of the thugs and a criminal conspiracy that could have monumental circumstances for the automotive industry. Soderbegh's care for the look of the film and the maintenance of an overly complex screenplay make the film a little too long to kick into gear, but it delivers the goods once it does. Soderbegh has also assembled a solid cast in bringing the story to fruition including Don Cheadle, Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro, Kieran Cuklin, Matt Damon, David Harbour, and Oscar winner Brendon Frasier. A little patience is required but it pays off. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMWE3MjViNWUtY2VjYS00ZDBjLTllMzYtN2FkY2QwYmRiMDhjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyODQzNTE3ODc@._V1_.jpg


1st rewatch...This gut-wrenching melodrama still packs a punch upon rewatch. Novice director Lulu Wang scores with this story of a Chinese woman named Billi (Awkwafina) who flies to China when she learns her grandmother is dying of cancer, but is not happy that the family has lied to Grandma about her condition and they are using the wedding of Billi's cousin as a front to allow the entire family to return home to say goodbye to Grandma without knowing it, while she energetically plans for the wedding. Once again, this film had my stomach in knots as we watch Grandma excitedly organize this wedding while Billi struggles to remain silent about how all this work might affect Grandma's health. Awkwafina, who has provided solid comic support to films like Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean's 8, proves to be an actress of substance, whose work here earned her a Golden Globe nomination. If you've never seen this, have a box of kleenex handy. 4

[Gideon58]

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-yshlhd/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/23914/171010/vacation_29466__43052.1628188389.jpg?c=2



3

[this_is_the_ girl]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTM0ZTkxOTEtZTI1Yy00NmQ2LWEzMmEtZWEzYTM4MjIzZDVhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzQ0MDUyMzg@._V1_.jpg
Under the Silver Lake (2018, David Robert Mitchell)
3.5
Very interesting film, though it did leave me with mixed feelings. There were certain aspects that I absolutely loved (the visuals and the investigative element), but the further the plot went, the more it felt overwrought with ideas and strange characters, it was a bit frustrating. Not that it lacks substance—on the contrary, there's probably too much of it for its own good, with countless symbols, references, plot turns, characters that don't quite form a cohesive whole that makes sense. But then again, maybe that's the whole point: after all, this is the modern world we live in, inundated daily with astronomical amounts of information that leaves us confused, overwhelmed and often misled, inevitably creating fertile soil for conspiracy theories (some of which could very well be real and are only called that to ridicule those who question things and poke their noses where they don't belong). That also explains why we don't really get any resolution when the film ends, we don't even get to know what that damn parrot was saying all the time. As Jean Baudrillard said: "We live in a world where there is more and more information, and less and less meaning."

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDBiYmRkNjUtYzc4My00NGFiLWE2NWUtMGU1ZDA1NTQ3ZjQwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTM1NjM2ODg1._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.j pg



4.5

[Bidivibes]

Not sure how we are categorizing sex scenes as unnecessary when the film is at least in part about sexual liberation and bucking societies repressive norms.


If anything, I feel this post just means more movies need more of these 'unnecessary' sex scenes, as it seems sticking ones finger in societies puritanical eye is still necessary.


I see your point but disagree. Freemasons and the likes have infiltrated almost all music & entertainment scenes, and use them as vessels to push their wicked perverted agenda. So I strongly dislike promiscuity, random sex and foul language in music, movies and literature.

[FilmBuff]

I am laughing so hard right now :D

[WHITBISSELL!]

I thought it was common knowledge that the Freemasons were the ones working behind the scenes and pulling the strings vis-à-vis Tartarian design and architecture.

[FilmBuff]

I thought it was common knowledge that the Freemasons were the ones working behind the scenes and pulling the strings vis a vis Tartarian design and architecture.


https://media1.tenor.com/images/c110f96d6cec8bb6527eb23d94e13bad/tenor.gif?itemid=5604034

[SpelingError]

I see your point but disagree. Freemasons and the likes have infiltrated almost all music & entertainment scenes, and use them as vessels to push their wicked perverted agenda. So I strongly dislike promiscuity, random sex and foul language in music, movies and literature.

lolwut

[GulfportDoc]

Under the Silver Lake (2018, David Robert Mitchell)
rating_3_5
Very interesting film, though it did leave me with mixed feelings. There were certain aspects that I absolutely loved (the visuals and the investigative element), but the further the plot went, the more it felt overwrought with ideas and strange characters, it was a bit frustrating. Not that it lacks substance—on the contrary, there's probably too much of it for its own good, with countless symbols, references, plot turns, characters that don't quite form a cohesive whole that makes sense. But then again, maybe that's the whole point: after all, this is the modern world we live in, inundated daily with astronomical amounts of information that leaves us confused, overwhelmed and often misled, inevitably creating fertile soil for conspiracy theories (some of which could very well be real and are only called that to ridicule those who question things and poke their noses where they don't belong). That also explains why we don't really get any resolution when the film ends, we don't even get to know what that damn parrot was saying all the time. As Jean Baudrillard said: "We live in a world where there is more and more information, and less and less meaning."
Nice review. It's certainly an unusual film. I rated it the same as did you. Here is some commentary:
Under the Silver Lake (2018)

There has gradually arisen a sub-category of noir which is beginning to be known as “stoner noir” (more accurately, stoner neo-noir). Arguably the style began with Roger Altman’s misfire of Chandler’s The Long Goodbye (1973), but it came to full fruition in The Big Lebowski (1998) with “The Dude” alternating pot and White Russian Cocktails while doing some sleuthing on behalf of his namesake. Probably the most extreme example would be Inherent Vice (2014), showcasing Joaquin Phoenix stumbling and mumbling through the movie oftentimes stoned on various substances while detecting for various employers.

A more recent illustration is 2018’s Under the Silver Lake, starring the highly talented Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spiderman, Hacksaw Ridge), and also Riley Keough (The Good Doctor, Logan Lucky). A no-account stoner named Sam morphs into a shamus when a neighbor who he’s sweet on disappears overnight. His investigations take him into one unlikely circumstance after another until he makes a shocking discovery. Somehow it all works out in the end.

The picture is billed as a black comedy, but it’s hard to tell the difference between what is black and what is comedy. Director/screenwriter David R. Mitchell was certainly inspired by David Lynch’s oddball plotting and incoherence. Throughout the film there are various displays of mystic and occult iconography and ciphers which apparently are intended both as clues, and to serve as another layer to rather sew the various scenes and twists together. Those elements are nearly indecipherable although they don’t take away from the picture’s
appeal.

Mitchell uses homages to Hitchcock’s Vertigo in a car tailing scene, both in its design and in the music closely reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann’s moody score. He has also lifted Marilyn Monroe’s iconic poolside scene from the unreleased Something’s Got to Give (1962) used in one of Sam’s fantasies. Tactics like these serve to lift the film. To me the movie represents the recent generation in terms of banal sex (both with and without a partner), language, and lack of standards and values beyond curiosity. It’s the perfect contemporary noir of angst in the absence of morality.

Still, there are two strong reasons to see Under the Silver Lake: the first rate acting of Andrew Garfield as the stoner sleuth Sam, and the compelling and atmospheric cinematography by Michael Gioulakis (Split; Glass).

Doc’s rating: 6/10

[SpelingError]

The Kid With a Bike (2011) ‐ 4

This is the fourth film I've seen from the Dardenne brothers and, while they're all somewhat on the same level of (high) quality for me, this film has dethroned La Promesse as my clear favorite. Like La Promesse, while a central character in both films certainly causes problems for other people (Roger in La Promesse and Cyril in The Kid With a Bike), the insecurities which engender their actions are able to complicate and mitigate their bad behavior enough that they don't quite reach unlikable status. With The Kid With a Bike, Cyril's betrayal by his father and his wish to be loved, albeit by the wrong people, got me to hold out a slight bit of sympathy for him, as challenging as he could be. He clearly felt isolated and lost with Samantha and the avenues he turned to as a last resort to get his life back on track were the culminations to his alienation. Since Samantha was a good person at heart though and genuinely had the best intentions for Cyril (contrary to the characters he turned to for comfort), retaining your sympathy for him can be quite the challenge. Ultimately, the final scene was a brilliant way to end the film. For a bit, I suspected it would end on a tragic, albeit somewhat contrived note, given it occurred directly after things started to look up. Fortunately, we instead get a more nuanced ending. Comparing Cyril's and Samantha's newfound good relations with the newsstand owner and his son (two characters you initially sympathize with) planning to cover up a potential murder highlights the moralistic difference between the two families and the changes they've both gone through. As Cyril rides away, you get the sense that all will be well going forward. I don't know if the Dardenne's will be able to top this film, but I'll keep tabs on their filmography regardless.

[crumbsroom]

I see your point but disagree. Freemasons and the likes have infiltrated almost all music & entertainment scenes, and use them as vessels to push their wicked perverted agenda. So I strongly dislike promiscuity, random sex and foul language in music, movies and literature.


What does your dislike of promiscuity have to do with what is necessary in a film? I dislike olives, but I wouldn't say they were unneccessary if someone ate one in a movie about olive production?


But I also should confess, being that my birthright is to one day inherit the Freemason throne passed down to me from my paternal lineage, it's possible all the hardcore boning in movies these days will eventually be exclusively my fault. So you're definitely talking to the right person if you want to file a complaint.

[crumbsroom]

lolwut


Stop supporting the pervert agenda with your complacency, Popcorn!

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Journey_to_the_Center_of_the_Earth1959.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19874064

Journey to the Center of the Earth - (1959)

I always thought the "Center of the Earth" talked about in the title of this novel/story/movie was just a figure of speech - but no, the characters in this actually, and very literally, go to the very center of the Earth. No problem - I can suspend my disbelief, especially when director Henry Levin keeps this story surging forward and these performers bright and enthusiastic. It's all about geologist Professor Sir Oliver Lindenbrook (James Mason) and his expedition, following in the footsteps of vague clues left by predecessors he leads student Alec McEwan (Pat Boone), the wife of his rival (it's a long story) Carla Göteborg (Arlene Dahl) and the muscle-bound, Icelandic Hans Bjelke (Olympian Peter Ronson) - who speaks no English. Oh, and of course the duck - Gertrude. Following is the evil Count Saknussemm (Thayer David). Everything but the kitchen sink in this adventure tale - whirlpools, giant lizards, Atlantis, subterranean oceans, conflict and giant mushrooms. It somehow makes a bunch of people walking around in caves for about an hour and a half interesting, and as such forces me to admit that James Mason had a certain kind of charisma making him the star he was. It's oh so very dated, but still fun as a kind of cultural artifact from both the 1800s and 1950s.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/SecretLifeofwalter.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20249957

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - (1947)

This was good, or would be were it not for the couple of times Danny Kaye sabotages his own movie to do his "minkledimpleskitchenmitchenslippin" schtick - in places where the narrative has to be contorted to explain why he's doing it. It's Kaye's thing, and I have to wonder if he insisted he get to do it a couple of times or else the producers insisted it be inserted a couple of times to please fans. Anyway - the daydreaming Mitty (Kaye) gets involved in a plot that includes murder and the Dutch crown jewels. It's funny, it's lively and it even has Boris Karloff. I liked it, except for those lengthy stretches where Kaye breaks out his whole routine (one we've seen countless times before) which stops the film in it's tracks.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1f/Le-Chat-poster.jpg
By May be found at the following website: http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/6f554802, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39128397

Le Chat - (1971)

A Jean Gabin and Simone Signoret tour de force as a couple who both love and hate each other with equal passion - and the cat upon whom both extremes are visited. Reviewed here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2446848#post2446848), on my watchlist thread.

9/10

[Fabulous]

Blonde (2022)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/xqOmHKlCS1aEJcNw92NgpgezvE4.jpg

[this_is_the_ girl]

Nice review. It's certainly an unusual film. I rated it the same as did you. Here is some commentary:
Under the Silver Lake (2018)

There has gradually arisen a sub-category of noir which is beginning to be known as “stoner noir” (more accurately, stoner neo-noir). Arguably the style began with Roger Altman’s misfire of Chandler’s The Long Goodbye (1973), but it came to full fruition in The Big Lebowski (1998) with “The Dude” alternating pot and White Russian Cocktails while doing some sleuthing on behalf of his namesake. Probably the most extreme example would be Inherent Vice (2014), showcasing Joaquin Phoenix stumbling and mumbling through the movie oftentimes stoned on various substances while detecting for various employers.

A more recent illustration is 2018’s Under the Silver Lake, starring the highly talented Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spiderman, Hacksaw Ridge), and also Riley Keough (The Good Doctor, Logan Lucky). A no-account stoner named Sam morphs into a shamus when a neighbor who he’s sweet on disappears overnight. His investigations take him into one unlikely circumstance after another until he makes a shocking discovery. Somehow it all works out in the end.

The picture is billed as a black comedy, but it’s hard to tell the difference between what is black and what is comedy. Director/screenwriter David R. Mitchell was certainly inspired by David Lynch’s oddball plotting and incoherence. Throughout the film there are various displays of mystic and occult iconography and ciphers which apparently are intended both as clues, and to serve as another layer to rather sew the various scenes and twists together. Those elements are nearly indecipherable although they don’t take away from the picture’s
appeal.

Mitchell uses homages to Hitchcock’s Vertigo in a car tailing scene, both in its design and in the music closely reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann’s moody score. He has also lifted Marilyn Monroe’s iconic poolside scene from the unreleased Something’s Got to Give (1962) used in one of Sam’s fantasies. Tactics like these serve to lift the film. To me the movie represents the recent generation in terms of banal sex (both with and without a partner), language, and lack of standards and values beyond curiosity. It’s the perfect contemporary noir of angst in the absence of morality.

Still, there are two strong reasons to see Under the Silver Lake: the first rate acting of Andrew Garfield as the stoner sleuth Sam, and the compelling and atmospheric cinematography by Michael Gioulakis (Split; Glass).

Doc’s rating: 6/10
"Mitchell uses homages to Hitchcock’s Vertigo in a car tailing scene"
Exactly. Also the scene where he's spying on his neighbors with binoculars is very reminiscent of Rear Window.

[FilmBuff]

https://universalextras.co.uk/files/2023/12/One-Life-2024-Feature-Film-Uni-versal-Extras.jpg

One Life

4

What would Schindler's List have been like if its director had had the British gift for understatement? The answer is: a lot like One Life, probably.
It may seem contradictory, but this film feels more real and more cathartic than Spielberg's movie did, perhaps in part because his gift for showy cinematic flair means it's very hard for him to keep it in check (though he certainly seems to have tried).
One Life tells the life story of Nicholas Winton, the British stockbroker who saved almost 700 Jewish children from the Nazis in the prelude to World War 2.
His story had been almost forgotten until it came to the attention of the BBC in the late 80s.
James Hawes does a very fine job with his directorial debut; the British director was previously known for his TV work - interestingly, he even directed 5 episodes of the rebooted Doctor Who in the 2000s.
While the movie's publicity plays up the fact that Anthony Hopkins plays the older Winton, it is his younger self, played by Johnny Flynn, who takes up most of the screen time - and he does an incredibly good job, without trying to imitate Hopkins.
If you stick around for the end credits, you might catch a small notice which warns us that the number of worldwide refugees is at its highest point since WW2. It is a stark reminder that this world still needs more people like Nicholas Winton and Oskar Schindler.

[Fabulous]

Babylon (2022)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/oCKZAdUROqdlTcUOstqJ1gM8JQt.jpg

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/Manchester_by_the_Sea.jpg
By https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/manchester_by_the_sea, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51487176

Manchester by the Sea - (2016)

I was reminded yesterday just why Manchester by the Sea stuck in my mind as a great movie after seeing it a few years ago. The screenplay by Kenneth Lonergan (who also did a sterling job directing) and performance by Casey Affleck were just outstanding - a true reflection of the darkest depths of the human soul. Both were Oscar-winning efforts. There's a complete lack of pretension, and the movie works as an upfront, unenhanced and poetic look at a person who has lost all hope and is in a fundamental way unreachable, and beyond saving. Like those depressed, how blows around like a leaf in the breeze - this is how he's beckoned back to his home town when his brother dies and his nephew suddenly needs him. It's also a great illustration of how important a person can be by just being there - Lee Chandler has nothing to give but his presence, but sometimes that's everything. Just an astounding movie - mainstream cinema doesn't often produce stuff as good as this. Just as great the second time around - the film losing nothing of it's power to move me.

9/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/56/Urban_Legend_film.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from TriStar Pictures., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2671129

Urban Legend - (1998)

During the 1990s we got a whole load of college-age murderthon slasher films that featured teen-magazine stars who would go on to have very mediocre acting careers. Hard to believe that a movie as bad as Urban Legend was such a financial success - it's such a flat, uninspiring slog. The only praise I have for it regards the way so many famous urban legends are squeezed into the screenplay in various ways. I learned all about the "Love Rollercoaster" urban legend relating to Ohio Players' famous hit song and the scream in it. Google "Love Rollercoaster urban legend" if you haven't heard of it before. This movie though, it has featuring roles for Robert Englund, Loretta Devine, John Neville, and Brad Dourif - who can do nothing to save it - the vapid cast of characters invite bland disinterest.

4/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0c/Human_Capital_%28film%29.jpg
By [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42580450

Human Capital - (2013)

The fallout from the global financial crisis of 2008/9 and the disastrous impact it had on Italy informs this "tale in 3 parts" story of greed and corruption. It's okay, but there's nothing too original or surprising to see here. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2447075#post2447075), on my watchlist thread.

7/10

[stillmellow]

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/wCNEE8WaJXm3QQDnrUTMywOiOda.jpg


Not bad. A decent, if predictable action spy movie. Certainly an improvement over 2, but not as good as 1.


2.5 out of 4

[Marco]

Climax (2018)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/07/Climax_%282018_film_poster%29.jpg
Finally got around to seeing this and it's one hell of a ride. In a nutshell, dance troupe goes pretty postal after being spiked with LSD in an isolated location. It's a very claustrophobic viewing experience which actually intensifies the mania. Supposedly adapted from a true French incident. Typical of Gaspar Noe the acting is raw as is the dialogue and there are a few genuinely harrowing moments. I don't think it's Noe's best work but he works with a much smaller palette here than say, Irreversible or Enter the Void and it is effective.
3.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Z3CH3fOwL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg


2

[FilmBuff]

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/zoHaQFwqdZj5iusFoCE4w06D7MI.jpg

Eye of the Cat
3

Here, kitty kitty...

A movie that promises to do for cats what The Birds did for, well, birds, must definitely be approached with caution.
Not that it isn't often endearingly hilarious for all sorts of reasons...
And if you don't like cats, then this movie definitely isn't for you! :p

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc2NjMzOTE3Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDE0OTc5Mw@@._V1_.jpg

1st Rewatch...Danny Boyle, who won an Oscar for directing Best Picture winner Slumdog Millionaire scores a bullseye with this harrowing and claustrophobic docudrama that is one of the most troubling films to watch, containing several moments where I actually couldn't look at what was going on, even on this rewatch. James Franco delivers the performance of his career as Aron Ralston, a mountain climber who, during a climb in Moab, Utah, falls into a cavern and gets trapped because his arm gets trapped under a boulder and realizes he only has one option for escape. My stomach was in knots watching this movie again, on so many levels. Boyle puts the viewer right down there with this guy and makes you feel like you're trapped with him. The hardest parts of the film are watching the guy try to preserve the little bit of water he has and not long after, a thunderstorm brings him all the water he needs. It's also heartbreaking when he leaves messages on his camera. My heart also sank during a moment where a bird flies over him and he actually calls out to the creature. Loved that great reverse shot in fast motion that goes from Aron's location all the way back to his vehicle and the shot ends on a bottle of gatorade in his back seat. The film was nominated for six Oscars, including a Lead Actor nomination for Franco and a screenplay nomination for the director. If you have the stomach for it, belly up. 4.5

[Torgo]

Albert Pyun Roulette, Part 6

Dollman - 2

Despite a clever premise and another strong Tim Thomerson performance, this movie offers little - no pun intended - to write home about. With such a short running time, I expected something lean and mean, but I only got the former...in terms of content, that is. Whether it's the overly long montage of Dollman's new home, the Bronx, the seemingly endless footage of his new gangster enemies waiting for him to show up or the end credits, which have footage of characters like the mayor who only have a few minutes of screen time unironically, there's no shortage of filler. I also went in knowing the budget is low, which normally isn't a problem since Pyun was a guy who could do more with less, there's not a whole lot of ingenuity, especially when it comes to our hero. There's forced perspective, the model of his ship, and...that's about it. It's not a good look when movies that are 30-40 years older than this one do the miniaturization thing better. Also, besides one moment involving Frank Collison's floating head villain, whose performance is another one of the few bright spots, it's nothing if not predictable.

Again, Thomerson and Collison shine, as does Kamala Lopez's mom (who oddly doesn't mind Dollman's brand of vigilante justice despite seeming to prefer actual justice, but I digress), and the way the movie shines a light on gang activity and the government's lackadaisical attitude towards it deserves applause...not a standing ovation, though. Other than that, it’s not on my short list of Pyun’s best work. If it's any consolation, though, I would not be opposed to checking out the followup, Dollman vs. Demonic Toys.

[Gideon58]

https://resizing.flixster.com/-XZAfHZM39UwaGJIFWKAE8fS0ak=/v3/t/assets/p9991476_v_h9_aa.jpg

1st Rewatch....Under the category of unnecessary sequels, This sequel to the 1999 comedy about a group of black friends who gather for a wedding and to get the dirt on a book that one of them (Taye Diggs) wrote finds the same group reuniting for the Xmas holiday, where several mini-dramas materialize, including Diggs wanting to jump start his writing career by writing the memoirs of his pro football BFF (Morris Chestnut) and the teacher (Harold Perrineau) whose job could be in jeopardy because of the stripper (Regina Hall) he married at the end of the first film, not to mention the reveal that one of the characters has cancer. The first film was a somewhat clever black re-working of The Big Chill, but this film is just pure soap opera. I like a good soap opera, but this is one is so corny and predictable you can recite the dialogue with the actors. This is also another one of those sequels, where if you didn't see the first film, you're probably not going to care about what's going on anyway. 2

[Gideon58]

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6th Rewatch...My favorite Woody Allen film. The 1986 Best Picture nominee won Oscars for Woody's screenplay and supporting actor and actress for Michael Caine and Dianne Wiest. Love, love, love, love this movie. 5

[Gideon58]

Blonde (2022)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/xqOmHKlCS1aEJcNw92NgpgezvE4.jpg

Four stars really? I thought this movie was terrible.

[atthe.eve]

Hiding on my lunch break at work to drop this comment in cause it’s day one of my getting back on the forums after five years and an old deleted account, and I’m super excited to be reengaging with movie discussion.

Brave (2012) - [5.7] 🧡 3

I really really wish I loved this movie more, and it stretches itself across the finish line almost purely because of that Pixar charm, that is able elevate this otherwise quite bland and morally unsure princess tale to something acceptably mediocre.

Merida is a really strong character, who struggles to find exactly what the point of her lesson is, as the movie battles 10th century Scottish ideals, with the more modern sensibilities of women’s roles in society, without quite knowing what it wants to say in its era.

It exists outside of that time in some ways, in part because they don’t want to lean too far into the more Braveheart (1995) portrayal of Scottish culture, and all its difficulties, whilst still using women’s subjugated roles and marital expectations as a launching pad for its larger themes.

By being a Disney/Pixar films though it can only do so much to really engage with those ideas, and mostly functions as a neat little showcase of cute character design, and a plot device that feels a bit too similar to Brother Bear (2003), especially considering they’re from the same company.

I always had some weird resentment for this movie because I had seen every Pixar film with my family up to this ones release, but for some reason they all went to see this without me, and I wondered for a while if any silly embittered feelings from my childhood caused me to judge this movie to harsh but, on every rewatch I find myself a little more detached from it emotionally, and what it wants to achieve.

Its by no means a lesser Pixar film, still achieving of quality, but not up to par with the truly stellar work and design they’ve crafted up to this point.

[FilmBuff]

Four stars really? I thought this movie was terrible.

Watched it in a theater, it took everything I had to NOT walk out. And I'm a pretty huge Ana de Armas fan! :(

[Stirchley]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc2NjMzOTE3Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDE0OTc5Mw@@._V1_.jpg

1st Rewatch...Danny Boyle, who won an Oscar for directing Best Picture winner Slumdog Millionaire scores a bullseye with this harrowing and claustrophobic docudrama that is one of the most troubling films to watch, containing several moments where I actually couldn't look at what was going on, even on this rewatch. James Franco delivers the performance of his career as Aron Ralston, a mountain climber who, during a climb in Moab, Utah, falls into a cavern and gets trapped because his arm gets trapped under a boulder and realizes he only has one option for escape. My stomach was in knots watching this movie again, on so many levels. Boyle puts the viewer right down there with this guy and makes you feel like you're trapped with him. The hardest parts of the film are watching the guy try to preserve the little bit of water he has and not along after, a thunderstorm brings him all the water he needs. It's also heartbreaking when he leaves messages on his camera. My heart also sank during a moment where a bird flies over him and he actually calls out to the creature. Loved that great reverse shot in fast motion that goes from Aron's location all the way back to his vehicle and the shot ends on a bottle of gatorade in his back seat. The film was nominated for six Oscars, including a Lead Actor nomination for Franco and a screenplay nomination for the director. If you have the stomach for it, belly up. 4.5

Seen it twice. Good movie.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMWZiNWUwYjMtM2Y1Yi00MTZmLWEwYzctNjVmYWM0OTFlZDFhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxODk2OTU@._V1_.jpg

6th Rewatch...My favorite Woody Allen film. The 1986 Best Picture nominee won Oscars for Woody's screenplay and supporting actor and actress for Michael Caine and Dianne Wiest. Love, love, love, love this movie. 5

Good movie.

Four stars really? I thought this movie was terrible.

“Blonde” - yeah, me too. Bailed out PDQ.

[Stirchley]

98046

Re-watch of an excellent movie.

98047

AgrippinaX liked this movie too. I enjoyed it.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNjJkZDExMGQtNGE2YS00YzJiLWJiNjEtNmYwZjIxZGMxNTZiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjkwOTAyMDU@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.j pg




3.5

[Marco]

Watched it in a theater, it took everything I had to NOT walk out. And I'm a pretty huge Ana de Armas fan! :(
Pretty much snap but I did also stay until the end, even though I was asleep for the last hour of it. I did see a few walk out before I slumbered though.

[Darth Pazuzu]

My latest home video purchases...!

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81jsIiNgtfL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nLXz0SzkL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518fBMPkPxL._AC_UY218_.jpg

The Tall T (Budd Boetticher / 1957)
Decision At Sundown (Budd Boetticher / 1957)
Buchanan Rides Alone (Budd Boetticher / 1958)
Ride Lonesome (Budd Boetticher / 1959)
Comanche Station (Budd Boetticher / 1960)

...If You Meet Sartana Pray For Your Death (Gianfranco Parolini / 1968)
I Am Sartana, Your Angel Of Death (Giuliano Carnimeo / 1969)
Sartana's Here... Trade Your Pistol For A Coffin (Giuliano Carnimeo / 1970)
Have A Good Funeral, My Friend... Sartana Will Pay (Giuliano Carnimeo / 1970)
Light The Fuse... Sartana Is Coming (Giuliano Carnimeo / 1970)

Tombstone (George P. Cosmatos / 1993)

More adventures in the Wild West! First, the sparse, lean Western adventures of Randolph Scott in Budd Boetticher's so-called Ranown Cycle (named after Randolph Scott and producer Harry Joe Brown). My personal favorite in the series is the second, Decision At Sundown.

Then the flashier, trashier Italian stylings of the "official" Sartana series. This is one of those rare instances of a film series which actually improved and got much better with each individual film! My favorite is probably a tie between the last two. The quasi-supernatural, high-tech avenger that is our title character is played by the great Gianni Garko, with the exception of the middle chapter in which George Hilton temporarily took over.

And finally... perhaps the definitive take on the adventures of Wyatt Earp, his brothers and Doc Holliday, and the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. I'm referring of course to George P. Cosmatos' rock-em, sock-em Tombstone from 1993, starring Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday. (Granted, Lawrence Kasdan's underrated Wyatt Earp from the following year with Kevin Costner and Dennis Quaid is really good, too. If I may be permitted such heresy, I'd have to say I like Quaid's Doc just a tad more than Kilmer's! See also the great John Ford's My Darling Clementine from 1946 with Henry Fonda and Victor Mature, as well as Frank Perry's 1971 Doc with Stacy Keach as Holliday, the awesome Faye Dunaway as Kate Elder, and Harris Yulin as the most sinister Wyatt Earp you'll ever see.)

[Marco]

Rosetta (1999)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/63/Rosettaposter.jpg
2nd watch. This is an unremittingly bleak portrayal of a Belgian teenager living on a campsite with her alcoholic mother trying to find a way out of a random and pitiful existence. Unsympathetic to others needs she will trample on even those who like and support her to escape such desperation. Directed by the Dardenne Brothers it really does pull no punches and rings almost like an early Ken Loach movie. Émilie Dequenne is simply outstanding as the rough streetwise diamond trying anything for better life. One of those films that stays with you.
4.5

[Guaporense]

Dune Part 2 (2024)

https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dune-2.jpg?w=1000&h=563&crop=1

Very nice 9/10, would be even better with bigger sand worms, battles, and explosions. :D

[FilmBuff]

Yes, that's exactly what the franchise needs, bigger sand worms :p

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dc/Love_lies_bleeding_poster.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/intl/uk/2024/love_lies_bleeding_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75596279

Love Lies Bleeding - (2024)

The narrative doesn't do anything very unexpected, even though I love seeing girls just serving it up big-time to ratty men. I didn't feel like I'd been told a really great story - but it's the way it tells it's story that makes Love Lies Bleeding at least worth checking out. Oh, and of course the joy of travelling back in time to 1989. Lou (Kristen Stewart) falls for butchy, bodybuilder bum Jackie (Katy O'Brian) - but introduces her to steroids, leading to a 'roid rage murder that sets off a string of horrifying events. This film gets creative with Jackie's steroid-induced delusions, and uses artistic license in interesting ways - as well as giving us another nice evil Ed Harris performance. He's great as a bad guy - I mean, A History of Violence only has him appear briefly, but he's the reason I like the movie. Overall, I don't think this is going to go down as a classic I love - but there's always a lot going on in each scene, and it entertained. It's no Saint Maud though, so while I liked it fine I felt a just a little, tiny bit let down.

7/10

https://i.postimg.cc/s2CXtbtw/the-ghost.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from ShowBox., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3856514

The Ghost - (2004)

This South Korean, Kim Tae-gyeong-written and directed film tries to be a lot of things. The Grudge, The Ring and the like. It's one of a million South Korean high school horror movies with teenage characters working out mysteries while besieged with angry spirits and ghosts. It shares familiar themes - water, for one, and revenge. It's not lazy - it works hard at telling us a story that, while somewhat derivative, is complex enough to be it's own thing. Maybe that's it's problem - it tried too hard. I was always aware I was watching a South Korean horror movie, and I never got lost in it. I wasn't the least bit spooked. You can't just throw so many elements together, all tried and tested, and expect anything but a reheated stale meal of a movie.

5/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Fat_City_DVD_cover.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4358542

Fat City - (1972)

Aiming for the stars, yet hopelessly attracted to the gutter. Old, broken down fighter Billy Tully (Stacy Keach) is working his way back into the ring, while at the same time young Ernie Munger (Jeff Bridges) is just starting out. This is a great film about humanity at it's lowest, told in a way that is more enlightening than depressing. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2447350#post2447350), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Marco]

The Bunny Game (2010)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ad/The_Bunny_Game.jpg
Kinda experimental low-budget "shock" cinema. Bunny is a drug-addled prostitute that is abducted by a homicidal truck driver. He then starts the "Bunny Games" an elongated torture exercise. It has good things going for it in that the arty production values are decent and the nihilism well portrayed. With that comes the fact that it is very repetitive and soon becomes a bit of a chore to sit through. Not one to watch with your gran. Compared to e.g Melancholie der Engel (similar shock cinema) this was pretty dull.
1.5

[Marco]

The Perfect Family (2011)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cf/The_Perfect_Family_%28film%29.jpg
So a complete change of tack on my week on leave. This is a bit of a melodrama about a woman (played by Kathleen Turner) who's Catholic faith brings her into direct conflict with her gay daughter, dissolute son and recovering alcoholic husband. Turner is excellent in a role that suits her age (at the time) and acting talent. It's not a weighty film at all but enjoyable as we see her piousness erode trying to save her family. Enjoyable watch. Nice little cameo from Richard Chamberlain too.
3

[FilmBuff]

https://www.cinema.com/image_lib/22309_poster.jpg

Wicked Little Letters
4

Wicked Little Letters is a delight from start to finish. With a top-notch cast headed by Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman, it's everything a good old-fashioned British comedy should be, and it delivers in spades.
Reportedly based on actual events, it tells the story of a young Irish woman being persecuted in the UK over harassing letters she's allegedly written to her next-door neighbor and other locals. But it really couldn't be that simple, could it?
Even though you may see the "twist" coming well before it's revealed midway through the film, it's still going to remain tremendously entertaining.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81hbaJytBvL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg


3rd Rewatch...After my 4th viewing of this film, I have decided that Whip Whitaker is the most unlikable character Denzel Washington has ever played, and that includes Alonzo Harris in Training Day. Alonzo may have been a dirty cop, but he was at ;least up front about who he was and what he was doing. Whip Whitaker knows what he did was wrong and spent the rest of the movie lying to anyone and everyone who would listen. I find myself completely checking out with the character during the scene where he asks the head stewardess (Tamara Tunie) to lie for him during her questioning during the investigation into the crash and I can't even look at him when he visits the co-pilot in the hospital, the co-pilot who might never walk again because of the crash. 4

[Marco]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81hbaJytBvL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg


3rd Rewatch...After my 4th viewing of this film, I have decided that Whip Whitaker is the most unlikable character Denzel Washington has ever played, and that includes Alonzo Harris in Training Day. Alonzo may have been a dirty cop, but he was at ;least up front about who he was and what he was doing. Whip Whitaker knows what he did was wrong and spent the rest of the movie lying to anyone and everyone who would listen. I find myself completely checking out with the character during the scene where he asks the head stewardess (Tamara Tunie) to lie for him during her questioning during the investigation into the crash and I can't even look at him when he visits the co-pilot in the hospital, the co-pilot who might never walk again because of the crash. 4

Yes, Whip is a despicable character. The quality of the film is trying to countenance that with the fact that had it not been for his actions many more would have died. I don't even think the character is egotistical, just a ruined soul.

[GulfportDoc]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMWZiNWUwYjMtM2Y1Yi00MTZmLWEwYzctNjVmYWM0OTFlZDFhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxODk2OTU@._V1_.jpg



6th Rewatch...My favorite Woody Allen film. The 1986 Best Picture nominee won Oscars for Woody's screenplay and supporting actor and actress for Michael Caine and Dianne Wiest. Love, love, love, love this movie. rating_5
Both thumbs WAY up for this one! Michael Caine and Max Von Sydow in the same great movie-- what's not to like??

[TDH1878]

Passages (2023)
4.0

https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/Passengers_12.jpg?bwg=1699894109

[Fabulous]

The Holdovers (2023)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/57fhbxl9is7W7ur5v6UuvlNsoSg.jpg

[ScarletLion]

Blonde (2022)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/xqOmHKlCS1aEJcNw92NgpgezvE4.jpg

I thought it was very good too. It's a horror film. People wated a biopic true to life. It's not in anyway.

[ScarletLion]

Twilight (1990)
Dir.: György Fehér

Stunning but bleak film directed by Bela Tarr’s friend and mentor György Fehér (who also produced Tarr’s Satantango). A lot of the film throws atmosphere in your face with shots of foggy woods and dense forests and rolling hills filling the screen in black and white. I could have watched it for hours. The almost-synth like piece that accompanies these shots is brooding and creepy, as is the tone – as we follow a detective hell bent on solving a child murder case in provincial Hungary. For fans of Bela Tarr, this film is essential.

https://images.mubicdn.net/images/film/37053/cache-26897-1686600035/image-w1280.jpg?size=800x

8.6/10

4.5



.................................................................................................... .............................................

Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell (2023)
Dir.: Phạm Thiên Ân

Slow cinema piece from Vietnam. How writer/director Phạm Thiên Ân has 1) the world experience and 2) the film-making nous to achieve this is remarkable. It’s a 3 hour dive into a man’s journey to find his long lost brother who’s wife has died. Along the way we are treated to very long takes, impeccable neo-realistic performances and shots that are clear homage to directors like Tarkovsky and Bi Gan. The message is one of searching for enlightenment and whether our daily grind really is compatible with some of our belief systems. Although I tried not to think to much about that and just let the amazing images wash over me.

If you’re after a beginning, middle end or some action, this film is not for you. If you’ve enjoyed any Tsai Ming-liang or Apichatpong Weerasethakul, then this might be right up your street.

7.8/10

4
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/1BEZTcoWxAuZclSaUxouRtIyeKgOFLhjazpzs9C3__ipzYpCTcKiXdwYVV7mjdGtIqlMCXm9tzDwQDrMpwOCjQJqD4pxzghtBxbT 12mRrgjrUu8p70pP7PAy-MCz5IWlFemCw7Kt-eY4gzwiIKarD4WE

[matt72582]

Love Lies Bleeding
By The poster art can or could be obtained from ShowBox., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3856514



https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Fat_City_DVD_cover.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4358542

Fat City - (1972)

Aiming for the stars, yet hopelessly attracted to the gutter. Old, broken down fighter Billy Tully (Stacy Keach) is working his way back into the ring, while at the same time young Ernie Munger (Jeff Bridges) is just starting out. This is a great film about humanity at it's lowest, told in a way that is more enlightening than depressing. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2447350#post2447350), in my watchlist thread.

8/10




I wonder if they got the title from the great Elton John song (Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding).


So glad you saw "Fat City".. Such a great movie by John Huston, who is a rare director to have directed at least one great movie in 4 decades... I think Stacy Keach delivers one of the best performances. He seemed like a real guy, and there's a bit of ambivalence, which I like.. He genuinely wants to help Bridges, but he never lays it on too thick. Besides seeing himself (maybe) in him, wanting to make a few bucks, I think he wants companionship, which is probably why he got him the job picking fruit. A horrible job isn't so bad if you have someone to talk with while you work. My only criticism is not being a fan of the lead actress' character. All I remember from her is whining, crying, being drunk, and that annoying voice.

[FilmBuff]

People wated a biopic true to life. It's not in anyway.

I can't speak for all "people", but I didn't want a "biopic true to life", just a good movie, which this definitely isn't. :shrug:

[ScarletLion]

I can't speak for all "people", but I didn't want a "biopic true to life", just a good movie, which this definitely isn't. :shrug:

It is. It's a really good film.

But there's no point in doing this forever. Tastes differ.

[FilmBuff]

It's a really good film.

Well, that's your opinion and I respect that, but it is objectively true that it is not widely considered a good film if we look at the critical response. It would be, at best, a divisive film:

https://i.postimg.cc/rm3D7wc8/F9-FAF8-F8-9-F4-E-491-D-98-D0-275-F7-F890-AFF.jpg

I would agree wholeheartedly that her performance was very good - but also that the movie is exploitative, sexist and dehumanizing.

[ScarletLion]

Well, that's your opinion and I respect that, but it is objectively true that it is not widely considered a good film if we look at the critical response. It would be, at best, a divisive film:

https://i.postimg.cc/rm3D7wc8/F9-FAF8-F8-9-F4-E-491-D-98-D0-275-F7-F890-AFF.jpg

I would agree wholeheartedly that her performance was very good - but also that the movie is exploitative, sexist and dehumanizing.

I'm not really sure why other people's opinions should sway your or my opinion of a film. Critics also loved Oppenheimer and American Fiction. I didnt. Or are you basically saying that people on this website should only like films that critics say are good ones. And anything with a critical rating of lower than 7 out of 10 shouldn't be considered good, because critics don't?? That's a bit FilmNazi isn't it?

As for films being sexist and dehumanizing - films have been those things for years. And whilst I again don't agree Blonde was either of those things, even if it was, it should not be a reason to claim the film is poorer solely as a result of them.

[FilmBuff]

As for films being sexist and dehumanizing - films have been those things for years. And whilst I again don't agree Blonde was either of those things, even if it was, it should not be a reason to claim the film is poorer solely as a result of them.

Please tell me what are some films that are about real people that were considered sexist and dehumanizing by a fair amount of reviewers? Offhand, I can't think of any.

And sorry, but yes, that is definitely a very valid reason to find a movie deeply offensive and insensitive. That doesn't mean everyone who watches it will, but there's way too many people who came to this conclusion about Blonde to think it's just a fluke.

[ScarletLion]

Please tell me what are some films that are about real people that were considered sexist and dehumanizing by a fair amount of reviewers? Offhand, I can't think of any.

First one that pops in to my mind is Kielsowski's 'A Short film about Killing'. Originally part of his Dekalog set. The dehumanizing is seen on both sides of the coin, both undertaken by the protagonist and then against them. The end 20 minutes of the film is so shocking in it's raw dehuimanization of the main character that it is said to have led, at least in part to the end of capital punishment in Poland.

Full Metal Jacket completely dehumanizes the cast of marines. Many war films do. It is absolutely key to getting the entire message across!!!

There are alot like this, mosty involving acts of violence. Fat Girl is another that springs to mind. The War Zone, The Golden Glove. All very good films.

Sexism in film is a bit harder to define because of it's subjectivity. But films like Last Tango in Paris and Once Upon a Time in America show it. The lead characters basically rape women, yet we're still supposed to get on board with their arcs.

And sorry, but yes, that is definitely a very valid reason to find a movie deeply offensive and insensitive. That doesn't mean everyone who watches it will, but there's way too many people who came to this conclusion about Blonde to think it's just a fluke.

But why are you bothered about what a load of other people think about this film? Or any film? What has that got to do with your opinion of it?

[FilmBuff]

I asked that you name films about real people, actual human beings whom the audience already knew before going into the movie. I don't think any of the films you've mentioned fit that criteria. If they do, please provide the details.

As for mentioning the critical consensus on the movie, it is just something that would have to be mentioned in explaining why it is not widely considered to be a good movie.

Sure, not everybody hated it. But those who did find it objectionable for a number of reasons do have a very strong reason to hold it apart as a morally reprehensible and exploitative film, made with a very questionable motive.

[Gideon58]

https://musicart.xboxlive.com/7/bc1a5100-0000-0000-0000-000000000002/504/image.jpg?w=1920&h=1080



4

[ScarletLion]

I asked that you name films about real people, actual human beings whom the audience already knew before going into the movie. I don't think any of the films you've mentioned fit that criteria. If they do, please provide the details.

Erm OK. The Passion of Joan of Arc? Spencer? City of Life and Death? The Last Days of Sophie Scholl?

As for mentioning the critical consensus on the movie, it is just something that would have to be mentioned in explaining why it is not widely considered to be a good movie.

OK. I find that extremely odd. I can't think of any other medium or cosumable that you'd do that with. If I said I didn't like Big Macs would you argue with me that they're nice because most people seem to like them?

For a point of debate about whether something is good or bad, other people's opinions are irrelevant. Most people seem to like Taylor Swift and Coldplay. I find them insipid. I guess I am wrong there too?

Sure, not everybody hated it. But those who did find it objectionable for a number of reasons do have a very strong reason to hold it apart as a morally reprehensible and exploitative film, made with a very questionable motive.

What is the questionable motive?

[FilmBuff]

Erm OK. The Passion of Joan of Arc? Spencer? City of Life and Death? The Last Days of Sophie Scholl?

And which of these were found by a fair number of critics to be sexist and exploitative of the subject they were depicting?

[ScarletLion]

And which of these were found by a fair number of critics to be sexist and exploitative of the subject they were depicting?

Are you taking the piss?

[FilmBuff]

I'm pretty sure none of those films received the same kind of critical response that Blonde did, so no.

[ScarletLion]

You've made yourslef look utterly stupid in this thead, fair play.

[FilmBuff]

No, I think I made my point. ;)

[FilmBuff]

https://www.moriareviews.com/rongulator/wp-content/uploads/Devils-1971-poster.jpg
The Devils

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ip7b7eEyC4/TzqdpYkupPI/AAAAAAAAA4c/fSU5Ndj0RqM/s1600/Boy%2BFriend,%2BThe.jpg
The Boy Friend
2.5

https://cdn.posteritati.com/posters/000/000/020/209/savage-messiah-md-web.jpg
Savage Messiah
3.5

Had to catch these movies before they leave the Criterion Channel at the end of the month!
For The Devils, I absolutely refuse to rate a movie that is still not available in its fully uncensored, uncut version. I think the most complete version that exists is a very good rough draft of what the finished movie would have looked like, and that would have been a pretty good movie - though perhaps not for everyone. It's a shame this 100% uncensored version is still not widely available in any meaningful way.

As a big fan of musicals, particularly those from the Golden Age, I have to really admire some individual numbers in The Boy Friend but I don't think the movie works, as a whole, the way it intends to. Though seemingly not lacking in material resources, the film as a whole fails to inspire or to even have really memorable characters - they all seem to blend together into an utter array of show-biz stereotypes, without personality of their own.

Finally, Savage Messiah was a heady tour-de-force that does a fine job of capturing the essence of what drives an artist - and then it reminds you the subject of this movie died an untimely death at the age of 24. Hats off to everyone in the cast, particularly the very young Helen Mirren, who's just as uninhibited here as she's ever been, and makes an indelible impression.

Watching these 3 Ken Russell movies in a row is definitely... an experience... :p

[Fabulous]

The Mighty Quinn (1989)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/bnz1CfI24iRemJUcmTd9n4K8CKz.jpg

[FilmBuff]

The Mighty Quinn (1989)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/bnz1CfI24iRemJUcmTd9n4K8CKz.jpg

Together with Glory (also released in 1989), it really made me a big fan of Denzel!

[Marco]

Hors Satan (2011)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d1/Outside_Satan.png
Another of Bruno Dumont's meditations on modern life, in this case a very obtuse tale of a rural and unlikely romance. The capture of the birdsong and the swishing trees is truly a mesmeric background to this film. I felt that Dumont was on a run with this following
La vie de Jésus / The Life of Jesus (1997), Humanité / Humanity (1999), Twentynine Palms (2003), Flandres / Flanders (2006) and Hadewijch (2009) (with only "Palms" dropping into the "daft" category). Since this movie, I'm neither inclined towards or attracted to his subject matter anymore but theres no doubt his neo-realistic style is impressive.
3.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BY2U4M2NmY2ItMjAyNC00NzM1LTg3ZTEtNzVlYjEzNTE5NDI5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDM2NDM2MQ@@._V1_.jpg



3

[Gideon58]

As a big fan of musicals, particularly those from the Golden Age, I have to really admire some individual numbers in The Boy Friend but I don't think the movie works, as a whole, the way it intends to. Though seemingly not lacking in material resources, the film as a whole fails to inspire or to even have really memorable characters - they all seem to blend together into an utter array of show-biz stereotypes, without personality of their own.



I saw The Boyfriend for the first time a few years ago and loved it. Even worked on the stage musical it was based on when I was in high school.

[FilmBuff]

I saw The Boyfriend for the first time a few years ago and loved it. Even worked on the stage musical it was based on when I was in high school.

I can't say I've seen the original stage version - and if I ever get a chance, I definitely would - however, I think it would be hard for *any* movie musical made around this time to really duplicate the unique quality that made screen musicals of the 30s, 40s and 50s so unique!

In any case, I'm glad to have seen it (I even own the blu-ray, despite having watched the version on the CC last night).

[Stirchley]

I love Twiggy. That’s all I want to say. :)

[Marco]

The Night Holds Terror (1955)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a6/Night_holds_terror_1955_poster_small.jpg
Pretty dramatic little noir about 3 desperadoes hoping to extort money from a family man after abducting him and a home invasion containing his white picket fence wife and nuclear kids. It has good passages but sags too much. Features a coiled John Cassavettes but the main "goodie" played by Jack Kelly is just a bit worthy and dull and that spills over into the whole production. It's just not bloody-minded/nasty enough to create real suspense.
2.5

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/75/Renditionposter.jpg
By Impawards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13013824

Rendition - (2007)

Here we have a political thriller with a stacked cast - but nobody has to really stretch themselves performance-wise except for Omar Metwally, whose character is tortured throughout the film. It's a case of the U.S. picking up the wrong guy after a bomb goes off somewhere in a North African country, and sending him to Egypt to be continually tortured until he fesses up information he doesn't have. If you had a problem with the way the United States had started to behave in the mid 00s, then this is the movie you'd make in the most simplified terms possible. Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Sarsgaard, Alan Arkin and Meryl Streep feature - but the film still bombed (pun absolutely not intended), perhaps because of the reviews, even though Ebert gave it 4 out of 4 stars. As far as torture is concerned, I don't understand why the U.S. dabbled in it (do they still?) - the rewards were paltry, but the black stain lasts forever. It's a country that has stood for so long as a shining example to the rest of the world - and if not now, then who does the world turn to? Sweden? Botswana? I still hope that the U.S. can sort it's problems out and redefine itself as a beacon of justice and democracy that espouses equal rights, tolerance and moderation. Stop laughing. This too will pass.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bf/Session_nine.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8027216

Session 9 - (2001)

There's good in Session 9, sometimes great, but as a whole it didn't turn out to be the film I wanted it to be. It's hard to criticize a film for simply not conforming to your personal wishes, so I don't want to say too much. If I were to mix the best that Grave Encounters offered with the best Session 9 did, I might finally have the 'haunted insane asylum' movie I've always been longing for. As it is, this film seemed a little cheap and every time it had me a little creeped out by it's atmosphere and tension it would go and break it as characters either argued or did their renovation work. It kept on breaking that spell. I never got fully into it, and the ending left me with too many questions that actually did need answering. That said, I can see why someone might really like it - so my bad score should be regarded as a very "personal" one.

4/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f9/Beau_Geste_1939_film_poster.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7467813

Beau Geste - (1939)

This is an adventure story that involves a bunch of brothers who join the Foreign Legion together to escape complicity in the theft of a jewel - it goes pretty much exactly the way you think it'll go. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2447548#post2447548), in my watchlist thread.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/56/Minnie-and-moskowitz.jpg
By filmposters.it, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13055650

Minnie and Moskowitz - (1971)

Another brilliant and enchanting John Cassavetes/Gena Rowlands collaboration as filmmaker/star - original and spellbinding. Review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2447936#post2447936), in my watchlist thread.

9/10

[TDH1878]

Saltburn (2023)
3.5

https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/Saltburn_61.jpg?bwg=1703850257

[LChimp]

https://posterspy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/poorthngs.jpg

Poor Things - (2023)

Loved it. This is the second movie from Yorgos Lanthimos that I've watched, the other one being Dog Tooth. This is significantly better.

[Gideon58]

https://posterspy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/poorthngs.jpg

Poor Things - (2023)

Loved it. This is the second movie from Yorgos Lanthimos that I've watched, the other one being Dog Tooth. This is significantly better.

If you like this director, you might want to check out The Killing of a Sacred Deer.

[Gideon58]

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



2nd Rewatch...Peter Bogdanovich's goofy action comedy about three private detectives who work for the same agency who get a little too personally involved with their clients starts off as what appears to be three separate stories that do eventually come together but it takes way too long to happen as viewer attention does begin to wane before a zingy finale. Bogdanovich uses Manhattan as an effective canvas for the story and scores with a really interesting ensemble cast. Movie icons like Audrey Hepburn and Ben Gazzara make the most of their screentime, but if the truth be told, the film is effortlessly stolen by the late John Ritter as the klutzy Charles Rutledge. However, the true legacy of this film is that it marked the final appearance of murdered PLAYBOY playmate Dorothy Stratten, who was romantically involved with Bogdanovich at the time. The very first opening credit in the film announces that the film is dedicated to Ms. Stratten. If you liked Bogdanovich's film Noises Off, you'll probably enjoy this too. 3

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTJiNjkyMzMtZmYwZi00ODA1LWIxMGEtZjc3NzJjM2YyNzE4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTY5Nzc4MDY@._V1_.jpg


3

[Marco]

Once were warriors (1994)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a8/Once_Were_Warriors_poster.jpg
This is a troubling but great insight into the troubles of the Maori people distilled into one family's life. The father Jake "the muss" seems to have given up having lost a menial job and doesn't even seem to care as his life seems pointless. Spends his time with his "mates" drinking and neglecting his family. His wife is admirably trying to find a better way for their children. The violence is uncompromising but that is the credo that the community are living in. Be harder, survive. How frustration/hopelessness leads to alcoholism and violence is perfectly portrayed. Superb performance from Temuera Morrison and a sobering watch.
4

[Marco]

https://posterspy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/poorthngs.jpg

Poor Things - (2023)

Loved it. This is the second movie from Yorgos Lanthimos that I've watched, the other one being Dog Tooth. This is significantly better.
I thought Dogtooth was great and felt a bit like Haneke's allegories especially The Seventh Continent.

[Siddon]

https://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/img16/Ghostbusers2FrozenempirebigTsr01.jpg


Ghostbusters Frozen Empire(2024)

Well good news bad news...bad news this is easily the worst of the four Ghostbusters films that didn't feature the ladies. The good news is that it's still significantly better than the Kristin Wiig and Mellissa McCarthey vehicle...that received better reviews than 2, Afterlife and Frozen Empire.

The film has a number of little things and small flaws that accumulate throughout the film. What I mean to say is if you like Ghostbusters you'll find quite a bit to enjoy in this one. On the other hand if you hated Ghostbusters 2 get ready for a lot of disappointment.

So the big difference between Afterlife and Frozen Empire is Frozen Empire moves very quickly. 60% pf this film is world building comedy. This film introduces it's characters and concepts well into the second act. The film never takes a moment to breathe and to let an action set piece feel like a horror film. The magic is very much gone...which is a shame because the humor is here.

The biggest issue with the film is the GGI. So many parts of the film just look bad because they are computer animated and not in the style of the classic Ghost Busters. Two of the ghosts in particular look really bad especially when compared to the 84' versions. The film also has way to many characters in particular Podcast and Lucky who when you combine with every other person means we have about a dozen ghostbusters. When you have a team that big you don't really have a lot for people to actually do.

A different director likely would have made this into a very good movie...but we ended up with something that was just fine.


rating_3

[FilmBuff]

https://i.postimg.cc/tgMq5ScY/IMG-0710.jpg
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
3


It is rather dispiriting (no pun intended) that the latest installment of the Ghostbusters franchise doesn't try to be much of a comedy. Sure, there's a few chuckles here and there (mostly relying on viewer's familiarity with the original films), but it can't really be said to be much of a comedy.
Which is a shame, given that the franchise about combating the undead seems to, uhm, well, determined not to go to the big franchise afterlife.
At this point, any newcomers to the franchise must be just dying to know what the fuzz is all about - are the movies really worth so much enthusiasm on the part of its fans?
It's easy to forget what made the 1984 movie stand out among so many other FX-heavy movies to become one of the biggest hits of the 80s. But it really came down to some pretty sharp comedic skills, and the way the movie constantly kept pointing out just how downright nuts its whole premise was.
And 40 years later, the freshness has long since run dry; what's left is a cast that mixes the old pros and a lot of promising young actors (not one of whom has really great comedic skills), and a rather generous (and perhaps unhealthy) dose of fan service.
Despite how likable most of the cast is, the movie really feels like it's been stretched awfully thin to fill out a 2-hour running time (the film is also exceedingly poorly paced, with long stretches of interminable exposition while we wait for the Big Fight that we know is coming towards the end).

One interesting tidbit: this movie is MCU-adjacent by a factor of 5! :eek:

Also worth noting, I got a cool pin with the mini Stay-Puft man, at least that gag still gets a few good laughs 40 years later.

[Marco]

I thought Session 9 had a lot more to give. The Cam shooting certainly was authentic but not fleshed out. I worked in an Asbestos removal team BTW #9in a Uni). I could watch Peter Mullan all day but this didn't grab me.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6c/Monsterspub1.jpg
By http://romanticmovies.about.com/library/weekly/aamonsterspicsa.htm, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=882210

Monster's Ball - (2001)

Wow, well. I'd sure forgotten how much pain and tragedy there was in Monster's Ball. Basically, when you come down to it, it's about two people who lose everything - but (I know, this sounds corny) find each other. Hank Grotowski (Billy Bob Thornton) loses his son, Sonny (Heath Ledger) when he impulsively commits suicide in front of him, quits his job, and puts his father, Buck (Peter Boyle) in a home when he racially abuses the woman he's fallen in love with. Leticia Musgrove (Halle Berry) loses her husband Lawrence (Sean P. Diddy Combs) when he's executed via electric chair, and her young son Tyrell when he's hit by a car. Their shared grief comes to a climax in a charged sex scene that spares us nothing. It's Hank that goes through a transformation from bigot to humanitarian via the whole series of events that unfold - and for once it's a kind of believable transformation. Continually struck by these savage blows, and on hand when Leticia's son is killed, Hank is humbled and he sees what he's never seen before. Berry won her Oscar for Best Actress by giving us a mix of grief and anger which beset what would normally be a bubbly and happy person. It is performance-driven, and admiring the various great actors at work is the way to get the most out of it.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/89/Kamera-o-tomeru-na-japanese-movie-poster-md.jpg
By May be found at the following website: https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/kamera-o-tomeru-na-i7914416/p/exrz8px3, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58845434

One Cut of the Dead - (2017)

Rewatch - a live, one shot 'zombie film' goes awry when disaster after disaster plagues the production. Lots of surprises in this, and the reason I watched it yet again is the fact that I'd just watched Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes and was entertained. I just felt the need to hook up with another nagamawashi movie.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Beyond_the_Infinite_Two_Minutes.jpg
By https://tollywood.jp/history/30ef2585-b198-4ec8-95d0-5efb0630b7ab, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71257445

Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes - (2020)

Kato (Kazunari Tosa) discovers a computer monitor which allows him to see 2 minutes into the future via a television in the café he owns - and once his friends find out absolute mayhem ensues when they try to experiment with this new-found wonder. Simply a hilarious, inventive and amazingly original movie. Full review here ( https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2448199#post2448199), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[TDH1878]

Repo Man (1984)
4.0

https://film-grab.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/58%20(777).jpg?bwg=1547380362

[FilmBuff]

https://www.hunterandbligh.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Knox-Conor-McGregor-Road-House-2024.-Image-supplied.png

Road House (2024)
2.5

We all knew Amazon's Road House remake wasn't exactly likely to be an Oscar contender, so, like, no one should be surprised that it delivers exactly what it promised?

Yes, the movie is definitely as dumb and gratuitously violent as you'd expect it to be; it is, in fact, so inherently stupid and grotesquely bloodthirsty that I feel a solid case could be made that it would make a Neanderthal blush.

Let's look at the bright side: the sunny locations (the Dominican Republic doubling for the Florida keys) are very pretty, and Daniela Melchior as the required love interest is, well, easy on the eyes.

Other than that, there's nothing in the movie that merits a long write-up or, for that matter, a whole lot of thought.

If there was some kind of cinematic award for movies that are meant to be watched with your brain turned off, then this new Road House would likely be as utterly undefeatable as its protagonist.

[Deschain]

One Cut of the Dead - (2017)

Rewatch - a live, one shot 'zombie film' goes awry when disaster after disaster plagues the production. Lots of surprises in this, and the reason I watched it yet again is the fact that I'd just watched Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes and was entertained. I just felt the need to hook up with another nagamawashi movie.

8/10


Love One Cut of the Dead. The ending always makes me cry.

[Torgo]

Daimajin - 4

I'm not sure if I want kaijus to exist - at least not how movies depict them - but if I were forced to bring one into our world, it would probably be Daimajin. The movie is an enjoyable fantasy that hopes, like I do, that if one comes along, it will punish the wicked. First of all, talk about beautiful! The color photography has an enhanced, otherworldly quality that is reminiscent of Kwaidan's. It is easy to accept that our exiled sibling heroes could spend so much time in their forest enclave because the movie makes it seem like a slice of heaven. As for the villain who forced their exile, Ryūzō Shimada not only does a great job at making him easy to hate, but I also like that the character believes it is foolish to have faith in Daimajin. Luckily, the movie manages to do the latter without offending believers or non-believers. As for the grand finale, it worthily pays off the buildup thanks to special effects that make determining where the actual buildings end and their models begin impossible.

I hesitate to talk more about the finale; after all, it's hard not to when it's the main draw for movies like this one. It's so satisfying that it does make more than one scene preceding it seem trite and/or dull in retrospect. Other than that, I highly recommend it for kaiju lovers, especially ones who tire of seeing ones set in big cities. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to hoping Daimajin actually exists because seriously, watch the news lately.

[Stirchley]

98135
98136
98138

ALL 3 MOVIES ARE EXCELLENT.

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Ocean%27s_11_%281960_film_poster%29.jpeg


2nd Rewatch...Breezy crime caper with the Rat Pack at the top of their form, with standout work from Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis Jr, and a laugh out loud cameo from Shirley MacLaine. We got a remake followed by two dreadful sequels forty years later. 3.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTlmMTFhY2EtZjJkNy00ZmI0LWJkN2UtZjQ5ZGFiOGQ1MjVjXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTM1MTE1NDMx._V1_.jpg

1st Rewatch...Wayans did something with this concert that I had never seen a comic do before. He concentrated the concert on one event: what happened at the Oscars when Will Smith smacked Chris Rock, which upon my initial viewing, seemed like overkill, but upon this rewatch, I actually took notice of how superb Wayans' writing is, in terms of story structure. He recreates the event, admits how much he enjoyed it initially due to some unresolved feelings about Rock as a rival. He then flashes back and tells us where his resentment of Rock came from. He then recalls his first meeting with Will and Jada and then returns to Oscar night and explains why what Smith did was so stupid. He then offers his vision of how black and white audience members must have reacted to the event and wraps with how Smith screwed up a historical night for blacks and what he would have done if he had been Chris Rock. It's really a beautifully written piece of comedy. 3.5

[Gideon58]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/WNYAAOxyoVZTJiy9/s-l1600.jpg


3.5

[Crusadia]

Dune Alternative Edition Redux (edited by Spicediver) 8/10

[Death Proof]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWQ1YzkzMDQtZmY0Ny00Y2UwLTk2NjQtYWI4Yjk1NTFkZWNlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTc4Njg5MjA@._V1_.jpg


The Giant Gila Monster (1959)


I'm a big fan of eco horror and monster movies but this one falls a little flat. A giant lumbering Gila Monster slooooowly plods through the countryside and somehow manages to eat a couple of dozen people. The cast isn't bad, the script is moderately better than a made for Syfy movie but you don't really get to see the Gila Monster interact with anyone - it's just some footage of a Gila and shots of people reacting to it. At least movies like THEM! or The Deadly Mantis try to use practical effects to put the monster in the same scene as its victims.



The train crash is hilariously bad.



rating_3

[Thief]

THE ZONE OF INTEREST
(2023, Glazer)
A film nominated for Best Picture or Best International Feature in the upcoming Oscars

https://i.imgur.com/ONuE92j.jpg


"The life we enjoy is very much worth the sacrifice."



Set during World War II, The Zone of Interest follows the lives of the family of Rudolf, Nazi commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp. As the war rages on, he and his family are settled in a house right next to the camp; a house where they live their best lives, enjoy picnics, swims in the river, garden parties at the pool, all while next door, the most terrible atrocities are occurring. But director Jonathan Glazer makes the bold choice of not showing us *anything* that happens beyond the wall; all we get are the horrifying sounds.

The Zone of Interest is an impressively crafted film. The direction and cinematography are meticulous, and the ice cold performances are on point. However, I won't deny the fact that after it finished, I was left more puzzled than impressed. But then, it happened. As the days went on, the film slowly crept up inside of me to the point that I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Unlike this family, the constant sounds of machinery, the screams of anguish and horror, the ever-increasing gunshot sounds, they're all things you can't ignore.

Grade: 4.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2448434#post2448434)

[mrblond]

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)

Cute movie, very well done and effective. Well, it is a bit scheming too, adding on the second plan some offence towards the religions which almost spoiled the film. Anyway, the main character (Margaret) is quite enjoyable to watch.
3.5+
72/100
98149

[Captain Steel]

The Wheeler Dealers (1963)

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzFiZDFhZjAtNDNkMi00MDM3LTgwNTktOTMwY2U4ODBhMDBhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzU4Nzk4MDI@._V1_.jpg

Another 60's rom-com I hadn't seen.

I've got kind of mixed feelings about it.
There were a few genuine chuckles here and there, and some cringey moments, but they seemed to overload it with stock-market jargon that seemed to make the audience (= me) feel somewhat out of place in a plot that at times seemed overcomplicated.

The movie has a feminist theme, yet almost makes the idea of feminism a joke itself. For instance, in one scene, Lee Remick (looking stunning throughout) is heading up a meeting of female investment analysts and talks about how men think women are unsuited for the business world because they too quickly become emotional - as she's speaking, she becomes over emotional about what she's saying, thus making the accusation true by demonstrating it. The movie seems to laugh more at feminism than support it; like showing "yeah, women ARE too emotional to function in man's world - here, we'll show you as the lead character loses it at the idea that women are overly emotional!"

At least James Garner (who is a slightly unscrupulous investor) never crossed the "red lines" that Lee Remick draws in the sand - she refuses to be a floozy and James (as much as he tries to get her in the sack) respects that... until the end, of course, when Lee offers her affections willingly.

The best thing about this movie was the amount of cameos by actors whose names I don't know. It was almost like "It's a Mad Mad Mad World" except with that movie's all-star cast, the comedians were all major names. In this movie there is a plethora of 2nd-string comic actors with extremely recognizable faces, but whose names you may not remember.

P.S. Finally caught James "Scotty" Doohan in a non-Star Trek movie. (Only movie I can recall seeing him in where he wasn't playing Mr. Scott.)

3

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6c/Monsterspub1.jpg
By http://romanticmovies.about.com/library/weekly/aamonsterspicsa.htm, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=882210

Monster's Ball - (2001)

Wow, well. I'd sure forgotten how much pain and tragedy there was in Monster's Ball. Basically, when you come down to it, it's about two people who lose everything - but (I know, this sounds corny) find each other. Hank Grotowski (Billy Bob Thornton) loses his son, Sonny (Heath Ledger) when he impulsively commits suicide in front of him, quits his job, and puts his father, Buck (Peter Boyle) in a home when he racially abuses the woman he's fallen in love with. Leticia Musgrove (Halle Berry) loses her husband Lawrence (Sean P. Diddy Combs) when he's executed via electric chair, and her young son Tyrell when he's hit by a car. Their shared grief comes to a climax in a charged sex scene that spares us nothing. It's Hank that goes through a transformation from bigot to humanitarian via the whole series of events that unfold - and for once it's a kind of believable transformation. Continually struck by these savage blows, and on hand when Leticia's son is killed, Hank is humbled and he sees what he's never seen before. Berry won her Oscar for Best Actress by giving us a mix of grief and anger which beset what would normally be a bubbly and happy person. It is performance-driven, and admiring the various great actors at work is the way to get the most out of it.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/89/Kamera-o-tomeru-na-japanese-movie-poster-md.jpg
By May be found at the following website: https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/kamera-o-tomeru-na-i7914416/p/exrz8px3, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58845434

One Cut of the Dead - (2017)

Rewatch - a live, one shot 'zombie film' goes awry when disaster after disaster plagues the production. Lots of surprises in this, and the reason I watched it yet again is the fact that I'd just watched Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes and was entertained. I just felt the need to hook up with another nagamawashi movie.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Beyond_the_Infinite_Two_Minutes.jpg
By https://tollywood.jp/history/30ef2585-b198-4ec8-95d0-5efb0630b7ab, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71257445

Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes - (2020)

Kato (Kazunari Tosa) discovers a computer monitor which allows him to see 2 minutes into the future via a television in the café he owns - and once his friends find out absolute mayhem ensues when they try to experiment with this new-found wonder. Simply a hilarious, inventive and amazingly original movie. Full review here ( https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2448199#post2448199), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

Regarding Monsters Ball, Sonny wasn’t Hank’s son, he was his brother

[WHITBISSELL!]

The Giant Gila Monster (1959)

I'm a big fan of eco horror and monster movies but this one falls a little flat. A giant lumbering Gila Monster slooooowly plods through the countryside and somehow manages to eat a couple of dozen people. The cast isn't bad, the script is moderately better than a made for Syfy movie but you don't really get to see the Gila Monster interact with anyone - it's just some footage of a Gila and shots of people reacting to it. At least movies like THEM! or The Deadly Mantis try to use practical effects to put the monster in the same scene as its victims.

The train crash is hilariously bad.

rating_3I thought the scenes where the young lead crooned to his little sister and then later to the crowd was cringe inspiring.

[WHITBISSELL!]

Regarding Monsters Ball, Sonny wasn’t Hank’s son, he was his brotherI thought it was his son too. Check out the Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster's_Ball) article.

[FilmBuff]

https://spaces.filmstories.co.uk/uploads/2024/03/sydney-sweeney-immaculate.jpg
Immaculate (2024)
3

Ok, so I tried to avoid all spoilers for this movie before watching it, and so I have no idea whether or not it's something that the filmmakers intended, but I can see how it can be very much interpreted as an allegory for a social issue that I won't mention specifically - partly because I don't want to inadvertently spoil it for others, and partly because I prefer to see what others get out of the movie.

In any case, there's definitely a very real sentiment throughout the movie that most would consider a bit on the anti-ecclesiastical side - and honestly I'm a bit surprised movies like this don't become the target of boycotts even while stuff like The Last Temptation of Christ did.

Given that it works effectively both in a literal reading of the film as just a horror pic, but also as an elegant allegory for something else, I think it's definitely a movie worth watching. And yes, the less you know about it going into the theater, the more you're likely to appreciate the twists and turns the movie has to offer.

I'm just gonna leave it at that. ;)

[GulfportDoc]

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)

Cute movie, very well done and effective. Well, it is a bit scheming too, adding on the second plan some offence towards the religions which almost spoiled the film. Anyway, the main character (Margaret) is quite enjoyable to watch.
rating_3_5+
72/100
https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=98149
I really liked this picture, although I was hesitant about watching it. Some commentary:

This is a cute, witty, delightful and touching picture that will likely make a star out of the actress who played the title character Margaret, 15-year-old Abby Ryder Forston. Margaret is a young lass who, along with a few of her school friends, is facing the start of the transition to puberty, with all of its angst, excitement, and physical changes that occur with these 11 or 12 year-old girls.


Margaret is crushed when her family decides to move from Manhattan to a New Jersey suburb because she’ll lose all of her friends at that critical age. But at the new suburban high school she soon falls in with a trio of female classmates, all of whom are full of wonderment and anxiety about the physical transformation that they are about to undergo, along with their attraction to, but shyness around boys.


At one point Margaret criticizes Laura (Isol Young) --an unusually taller and physically more developed classmate-- for reportedly letting boys “feel her up”. This shames the girl, who later tells Margaret that Margaret couldn’t possibly understand how awkward and embarrassing it is for Laura to be shunned because she’s so different physically than most of the other girls. Margaret later realizes how wrong she was to criticize Laura, and that she can relate to Laura’s isolation. Margaret searches her out and pulls her into Margaret’s group.


The important subtext is Margaret’s tendency to pray to God for relief and guidance despite her confusion about what God is, all the while trying to decide to which if any religion she wants to adhere. Her father is Jewish and her mother is lightly Christian, but from strong and determined Christian parents. Margaret tries them all, even though she’s seriously pressed by her father’s (Benny Safdie) mother (Kathy Bates) to become Jewish.


Her mother (Rachel McAdams) does not encourage Margaret towards any religion at all, and she and her husband are still miffed that her mother’s folks more or less cut off relations with her because she married a Jewish man. That circumstance later comes to a head when they all squabble over which religion Margaret should follow. In the end, Margaret goes her own way.


The standout performance of course is Abby Ryder Forston’s portrayal of Margaret. Her friend Nancy (Elle Graham) is likewise enjoyable. Rachel McAdams as the mother is almost too strong a presence, both in beauty and allure. One not quite so beautiful would have been a little more fitting. Benny Safdie is almost a tack-on as the father. Possibly selected because they needed someone who looks stereotypically Jewish (Salfdie is Jewish). There isn’t a lot of chemistry between McAdams and Safdie, but their relationship is only an incidental part of the story. Kathy Bates turns in another perfect performance as Margaret’s attractive and fun grandmother.


It’s refreshing to see a successful and well donepicture made like they used to be. Despite the subject matter, they avoid low humor along with sexual displays and foul language. The screenplay by director/writer Kelly Craigperfectly relates all the travails, excitement and wonderment typically experienced by 11 or 12 year-old girls as they start the journey into sexual maturity.

Doc’s rating: 9/10

[PHOENIX74]

Regarding Monsters Ball, Sonny wasn’t Hank’s son, he was his brother

Sonny was Hank's son. That's why Hank says to Leticia "I just lost my son", and why Hank was so strict with Sonny. They were father and son.

https://i.postimg.cc/fTFmz7rP/monst.jpg

[Gideon58]

I stand corrected. Not sure why I thought they were brothers. Guess a rewatch is in order.

[Marco]

https://www.hunterandbligh.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Knox-Conor-McGregor-Road-House-2024.-Image-supplied.png

Road House (2024)
2.5

We all knew Amazon's Road House remake wasn't exactly likely to be an Oscar contender, so, like, no one should be surprised that it delivers exactly what it promised?

Yes, the movie is definitely as dumb and gratuitously violent as you'd expect it to be; it is, in fact, so inherently stupid and grotesquely bloodthirsty that I feel a solid case could be made that it would make a Neanderthal blush.

Let's look at the bright side: the sunny locations (the Dominican Republic doubling for the Florida keys) are very pretty, and Daniela Melchior as the required love interest is, well, easy on the eyes.

Other than that, there's nothing in the movie that merits a long write-up or, for that matter, a whole lot of thought.

If there was some kind of cinematic award for movies that are meant to be watched with your brain turned off, then this new Road House would likely be as utterly undefeatable as its protagonist.
FilmBuff, is this based on the flick? If so, no Sam Elliot I'm out! :):)

[beelzebubble]

https://resizing.flixster.com/ajN0hYgnzbceoXxcojveoAtnvvg=/300x300/v2/https://resizing.flixster.com/-XZAfHZM39UwaGJIFWKAE8fS0ak=/v3/t/assets/p2622_i_h9_ab.jpg
Eternally Yours (1939)
Eternally Yours starts out promisingly with Eve Arden and Billie Burke kibitzing at a ladies brunch. Why is it that Eve Arden can say anything and it sounds like an amusing quip? Its some kind of superpower. This is a romantic comedy starring Loretta Young and David Niven, two of the most charming leads in the movies at that time. The premise was kind of fun. But the script stinks. Definitely a waste of an excellent cast.

[Marco]

On the Monsters Ball tack, Halle Berry also does a good turn in "Things we lost in the fire" (2007). Benicio Del Toro acts his ass off but she is a good foist to him.

[FilmBuff]

FilmBuff, is this based on the flick?

Yes.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/18/The_Spectacular_Now_film.jpg
By 21 Laps Entertainment / A24 - https://www.imdb.com/media/rm3553142016/tt1714206?ref_=tt_ov_i, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39762266

The Spectacular Now - (2013)

I know I say this too often perhaps, but I really didn't expect The Spectacular Now to be anything other than fluff - and I was proven wrong. Instead it takes sure aim at a personality type, problem and experience troubling in a coming of age sense these days. Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) is a confidant kid nearing the end of his high school days who seems to have it made - but his confidence and personable nature put an artificially glossy sheen on a life heading in a bad direction. When he meets Aimee Finecky (Shailene Woodley) he's recently broken up with his beautiful girlfriend, and considers her only a friend - but their relationship will be the catalyst for changes and discoveries that might see him spiral into full-on self-destruction. Great supporting turns from Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kyle Chandler and Bob Odenkirk turned this from a casual watch into a full-on concentrating on the film watch - quite unexpectedly.

7.5/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/16/Dawn_of_the_Dead_2004_movie.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from Universal Pictures., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1189626

Dawn of the Dead - (2004)

Obviously, if I make my review of Dawn of the Dead a full-on comparison between this and George A. Romero's 1978 film I won't be speaking too well about what I saw last night. But by itself, Zack Snyder's Dawn of the Dead is a perfectly serviceable zombie film with great zombies (but not enough gory horror - which makes it feel a little limp in comparison with the genre as a whole.) I can't deny it the fact that it sets up and executes some very exciting and terribly tense and nerve-wrecking scenes. I think we needed more of the likes of Ty Burrell, who is loads of fun, and less plain vanilla boring Jake Weber. Props to whomever thought of the baby zombie scenario.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/ff/Cowboys_%26_Aliens.jpg
By The cover art can or could be obtained from IMP Awards., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29610517

Cowboys & Aliens - (2011)

I thought this might be fun when it came out - I suggested to my friends that we all go see it, and I was wrong. I tell you, Cowboys & Aliens hits that deadly middle ground when it comes to films like this. It's not so bad that it's a goofy good time, and it's not good enough to be enjoyable. It starts out in pure western mode and feels like it might be a pretty good movie (a shame Paul Dano disappears early) - but when the alien aspect is fully introduced, and all of the various characters expand into having plot arcs, it's a trudge. The film loses it's way I feel because we just stay so distant from everyone - there's no real people here, just cardboard cut out western tropes. I feel near-nothing for any of the characters - all of the attention has been paid to special effects and visuals, and the film tries to do way too much. The film's first 15 minutes or so tell a different story - but once the action starts, this becomes a bit of a visually attractive bore - which is a shame.

5/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/65/S1m0ne.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17769389

S1M0NE - (2002)

Either Al Pacino will feature in anything as long as he's paid enough, or else he's a terrible judge of scripts. Anyway, I don't want to pile on here. S1M0NE is an interesting concept which this film turns into a limp, flaccid comedy. Pacino gives an unusually awful performance. The film picks up a little near the end, but not nearly enough to make up for what was a painful watch.

4/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2b/Vigil_%28film%29.jpg
By Derived from a digital capture (photo/scan) of the VHS or DVD Cover (creator of this digital version is irrelevant as the copyright in all equivalent images is still held by the same party). Copyright held by the film company or the artist. Claimed as fair use regardless., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26537836

Vigil - (1984)

New Zealand arthouse mood film about a young girl coming of age on an isolated farm when her father dies and is replaced by an unwanted interloper. Dark and unusual movie. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2448533#post2448533), on my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Thief]

THE AFTER
(2023, Harriman)

https://i.imgur.com/k1zfobz.png


"I just miss the life... that he's never gonna have."



The After follows Dayo (David Oyelowo), an executive-turned-Uber-driver. The above quote is part of an unrelated conversation he overhears between two of his passengers, but it's a trigger for him. You see, Dayo is still trying to cope with life "after" tragedy has struck his family.

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2448550#post2448550)

[TDH1878]

Nyad (2023)
4.0

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEifXkWkpxHTjN19UqdnTa_p227NQe30AG-oDe5c2KbH5_gMpNIVcRfPR2I_KL72kT1Uin3xreTzjiFcEI7WOU-okbYLXMRFWel65CNDYDln6Ykz95SwzqI9oefAGorX9TQRONKTxutpowY8nhlzgs_AwM6_1bnyYdVKAxBQS7jx81Y7WANpTmMfvKv ssN

[cricket]

Oppenheimer (2023)

2.5

https://www.looper.com/img/gallery/the-book-that-inspired-christopher-nolans-oppenheimer/intro-1671465896.jpg

I feel like I've gone to the dark side with my recent dislike for many large scale Hollywood movies. To me this was a stereotypical best picture winner and that's not a complement. I'd much rather watch an independent, foreign language, or classic film any day of the week over an elitist circle jerk like this. Spare me anymore biographies of uninteresting "complicated" people. It wasn't a terrible watch, but to me it was because of the impact of the story, meaning the endgame resulted in horrible destruction and suffering. The film gets no credit for that. It's made well with fine performances I guess, but nothing stood out and there was nothing worth remembering.

[FilmBuff]

Spare me anymore biographies of uninteresting "complicated" people. It wasn't a terrible watch, but to me it was because of the impact of the story, meaning the endgame resulted in horrible destruction and suffering. The film gets no credit for that.

Well, overall my rating of the film is about the same as yours; I definitely don't think it hits the bullseye.

However, I think you're wrong on a couple of points. If you're saying that Robert Oppenheimer was "uninteresting", I would definitely say you're wrong. He was definitely an interesting person - reading American Prometheus, the book the film is based on, gives you a much better understanding of the fascinating nature of the man himself.
As for the "horrible destruction and suffering"? That happens with any major war. What made WW2 different is that scientists around the world understood that an atomic bomb was almost definitely feasible; it was just a question of who'd develop it first. And for the most of the war, it was really impossible to say with any certainty that Nazi Germany wouldn't have the bomb first.
And if Nazi Germany had gotten the atomic bomb first, then things would have been much, much worse than what we got.
So imho I think the movie misses on several counts, but I don't agree that it was because Oppenheimer himself wasn't a fascinating mess of contradictions (though not necessarily all of them make for a compelling movie) and definitely not because any such bomb would have been likely used by whomever was the first country to develop one.

[cricket]

However, I think you're wrong on a couple of points. If you're saying that Robert Oppenheimer was "uninteresting", I would definitely say you're wrong. He was definitely an interesting person - reading American Prometheus, the book the film is based on, gives you a much better understanding of the fascinating nature of the man himself.

When I say he's not interesting, it's not that I think he is completely uninteresting, it's just that I think being interesting is very normal for human beings. I don't find him unique in that regard, or to be 1 in a million so to speak. What makes him unique in my eyes is his prominence, which is of course is the reason this character headlines a film like this.

As for the "horrible destruction and suffering"? That happens with any major war. What made WW2 different is that scientists around the world understood that an atomic bomb was almost definitely feasible; it was just a question of who'd develop it first. And for the most of the war, it was really impossible to say with any certainty that Nazi Germany wouldn't have the bomb first.
And if Nazi Germany had gotten the atomic bomb first, then things would have been much, much worse than what we got.

Yes of course. All I'm saying is that any tension or unease that I felt was baked in because I already knew what was going to happen. If a film tells a behind the scenes or largely unknown story, and it's done in a powerful manner, I'm more likely to give credit for that. Any feelings that I had for this movie were already a given before it even started.

[Dead2009]

Leprechaun Origins - 2/10

[FilmBuff]

What makes him unique in my eyes is his prominence


And his prominence was a direct result of his being a unique genius among atomic scientists, as well as his public persona.

Which imho automatically makes him an interesting person.

[cricket]

And his prominence was a direct result of his being a unique genius among atomic scientists, as well as his public persona.

Which imho automatically makes him an interesting person.

We differ there but that's alright.

[McConnaughay]

Leprechaun Origins - 2/10

Coincidentally, I just watched the first Leprechaun today. I have never ventured beyond the first film, but I was hoping to go through and watch all of them in something of a "segmented binge".

I still don't think Leprechaun is a great movie or anything, but I liked it a lot more than what I remembered. It really does have that Full Moon / Empire style charm to it, and leans heavily into the cartoon sensibilities that the slasher genre sometimes has (i.e. Child's Play or Elm Street).

[chongjasmine]

What Would Jesus do? B+

[FilmBuff]

We differ there but that's alright.

Well at least we agree it's not a very good movie ;)

[Dead2009]

Coincidentally, I just watched the first Leprechaun today. I have never ventured beyond the first film, but I was hoping to go through and watch all of them in something of a "segmented binge".

I still don't think Leprechaun is a great movie or anything, but I liked it a lot more than what I remembered. It really does have that Full Moon / Empire style charm to it, and leans heavily into the cartoon sensibilities that the slasher genre sometimes has (i.e. Child's Play or Elm Street).

The first 3 and the first Hood movies are the best ones.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMGEzZjdjMGQtZmYzZC00N2I4LThiY2QtNWY5ZmQ3M2ExZmM4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg


3rd Rewatch...Keenan Ivory Wayans wrote and directed this sporadically funny spoof of horror movies that begins with a dead on parody of the opening scene of Scream with Carmen Electra stepping in for Drew Barrymore. It then moves into the primary story which is a pretty accurate comic melding of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The gags come a lot quicker than the laughs, but there are some laughs. As for the performances, Shawn Wayans gets the most laughs as the gay student who doesn't know he's gay and his brother Marlon's performance is just excruciating. Probable the worst movie to ever merit four sequels. 3

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/Opening_Night_%281977_poster%29.jpg


1st Rewatch...Second only to A Woman Under the Influence, this is probably the greatest collaboration between John Cassavetes and his muse, Gena Rowlands. Discovered that I definitely missed some stuff during my initial watch. What we see is an actress named Myrtle Gordon (Rowlands) in New Haven, after the first preview of the out of town tryout for a new play called "Second Woman". Struggling to get through autograph seekers, we see her encountered by a female fan, who is clearly unbalanced. Right after Myrtle gets into her limo, this woman is seen being hit by a car and killed. We then see Myrtle consumed with guilt about the incident, fueling an alcoholic-fueled breakdown for the actress which finds her putting "Second Woman" in serious jeopardy. But everything is not as it appears here. Cassavetes manages to bring us live theater onscreen here that rivets, shocks, and confuses the viewer wanting to know exactly what's going on with this woman. Her leading man (Cassavetes), the play's director (Ben Gazzara), and the cynical playwright (Joan Blondell) are equally perplexed. We then see the play come to Broadway where Myrtle arrives at the theater drunk and what happens onstage provides the extraordinary finale to this stomach-churning comedy-drama. The final fifteen minutes of this film are probably the zenith of the career of Cassavetes and Rowlands...live theater on a movie screen. Upping my original rating. 4.5

[Gideon58]

https://resizing.flixster.com/ROrVT6xAoFXB30atCiy1XNJyagM=/ems.cHJkLWVtcy1hc3NldHMvbW92aWVzL2ZhMjgwMjhjLTU4YWUtNDBlMi05MGIxLTIyYWUzNzdiMmViNy5qcGc=


3.5

[Allaby]

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) This is a significant drop in quality from Afterlife. It is nowhere near as fun and lacks the charm and humour of the previous instalment. There's a lot of characters involved and most of them don't get a chance to make much of an impact. Mckenna Grace does the best job with the material and it's worth seeing just for her. A couple cool moments, but overall it is pretty underwhelming. 3

[FilmBuff]

https://i.postimg.cc/Y0zjPJSz/IMG-0720.jpg
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2nd viewing)

I went ahead and gave this one another try; it's only going to be in Dolby Cinema for one week, and I had a free slot on my A-List anyway, so it didn't cost anything (didn't buy snacks either).

I stand by the earlier rating; it's a shame that with such a fantastic cast, most of who are real charismatic actors, they just couldn't come up with something better - and funnier.

The movie would be just fine if it was made for streaming, but as a theatrical offering... it feels oddly soulless. It isn't quite a ghastly mess, but the way it misses the mark is downright... spooky.

Well, at least I got another of those pins. :p

[stillmellow]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/52/Dune_Part_Two_poster.jpeg/220px-Dune_Part_Two_poster.jpeg


Dune pt 2


Want a drinking game guaranteed to send you to the hospital? Take a drink every time anyone says 'he is Mahdi', or 'he is not Mahdi'. I swear to God, that back and forth is 90 minutes of the movie's runtime.


Everything really good in the movie was also present in part 1. But I do like many of the changes they made, especially making Chadi a much stronger and independent character. The movie doesn't reach the highs of the original movie until the last 30 minutes, but it's very good when it gets there. It's just a very LONG journey there.


And I know it's an older story, but 'white savior' is not a trope that's aging well. The movie does show his character in a balanced light though, revealing the bad as well as the good, hunting at things to come in the second book.


2.5 out of 4 stars

[mrblond]

Perfect Days (2023)

Directed by Wim Wenders
Starring Koji Yakusho

Wow! ...just saw it and I'm still emotionally shaken and happy of this great work... What a powerful film! What an absolute art of cinema! I can't describe anything else... the amazing last scene with Yakusho's face and the famous tune is deeply imprinted in my mind. I'm close to say - This is the movie of the year!
5
100/100
98163

[Nausicaä]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/90/Wonka_2023_film_poster.jpg/220px-Wonka_2023_film_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

[matt72582]

Birdman of Alcatraz


https://youtu.be/3rX-G7pekhA

[matt72582]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/Opening_Night_%281977_poster%29.jpg


1st Rewatch...Second only to A Woman Under the Influence, this is probably the greatest collaboration between John Cassavetes and his muse, Gena Rowlands. Discovered that I definitely missed some stuff during my initial watch. What we see is an actress named Myrtle Gordon (Rowlands) in New Haven, after the first preview of the out of town tryout for a new play called "Second Woman". Struggling to get through autograph seekers, we see her encountered by a female fan, who is clearly unbalanced. Right after Myrtle gets into her limo, this woman is seen being hit by a car and killed. We then see Myrtle consumed with guilt about the incident, fueling an alcoholic-fueled breakdown for the actress which finds her putting "Second Woman" in serious jeopardy. But everything is not as it appears here. Cassavetes manages to bring us live theater onscreen here that rivets, shocks, and confuses the viewer wanting to know exactly what's going on with this woman. Her leading man (Cassavetes), the play's director (Ben Gazzara), and the cynical playwright (Joan Blondell) are equally perplexed. We then see the play come to Broadway where Myrtle arrives at the theater drunk and what happens onstage provides the extraordinary finale to this stomach-churning comedy-drama. The final fifteen minutes of this film are probably the zenith of the career of Cassavetes and Rowlands...live theater on a movie screen. Upping my original rating. rating_4_5


Great movie, and like every Cassavetes movie I've seen, it's always better on the 2nd and even 3rd tries, because he never spoon-feeds his audience, and I'd always notice something I didn't notice before, especially this movie.

[chawhee]

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
https://www.bupipedream.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kung-Fu-Panda-4-647x1024.jpg
3
Didn't expect this to be as good as the originals, and it is not. The Chameleon villain was enticing though, and Viola Davis does some good voice acting here (as does Awkwafina with her new character). Plot was sound, but they seemed to go over the top with one-liner jokes and very few of them landed for me.

[cricket]

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

5

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lY_hlwIPhoY/VzaobWpMD-I/AAAAAAAAbz4/1x5PAdSo5hsZehX1WCLRi4uVxuK_ep23ACKgB/s1600/gone%2Bbaby%2Bgone00001.png

Had to get my wife to watch it since we both inexplicably didn't care for it when it first came out. She loved it this time and couldn't believe it was the same film. It suits both of us very well. Having driven the same streets, gone to the same bars, and known the same people, I feel a strong connection to these Boston movies, so my rating should be taken with a grain of salt. However I do believe there's plenty to like here. The characters all have strong moments as the film is full of them, and I believe there's a lot to think about. Beyond the obvious moral dilemma presented, the blurring of good and bad, right and wrong, and the differences between how family and environment play a role in the type of person you will become. There's a lot in this movie that makes me think about my own life, and that brings an emotional aspect that many viewers might not feel.

[Marco]

[CENTER]Gone Baby Gone (2007)

5

Had to get my wife to watch it since we both inexplicably didn't care for it when it first came out. She loved it this time and couldn't believe it was the same film. It suits both of us very well. Having driven the same streets, gone to the same bars, and known the same people, I feel a strong connection to these Boston movies, so my rating should be taken with a grain of salt. However I do believe there's plenty to like here. The characters all have strong moments as the film is full of them, and I believe there's a lot to think about. Beyond the obvious moral dilemma presented, the blurring of good and bad, right and wrong, and the differences between how family and environment play a role in the type of person you will become. There's a lot in this movie that makes me think about my own life, and that brings an emotional aspect that many viewers might not feel.
I came across this one by accident, it's simply Ben Affleck's greatest piece in moviemaking after Good Will Hunting. Agree, a few moral dilemmas make it even better than the standard thriller.

[Marco]

Descendants (2011)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7d/Descendants_film_poster.jpg
A nice "little" film I'd say. George Clooney is a property earner in Hawaii that when his wife goes into terminal coma after boating accident finds out she was in love with another estate agent. He has 2 brattish daughters to deal with but through the frustration and sadness Matt King manages to keep his dignity. Clooney carries this and it is an enjoyable watch. Good appearance from the late, great, Robert Forster also.
4

[Exaladration]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmRmYjMxYjEtMWQyMS00YTEyLWFmMDMtZDBhNDU4YjNmZmIxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTY3ODkyNDkz._V1_.jpg

:up::up::up::down::down:

[Tugg]

Drive-Away Dolls (2024) 3
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/i/fbd336b8-d63f-4b62-bcac-1306183149d7/dh287fy-b5a6dc5a-e61f-4984-a5bb-bbe950130a97.png/v1/fit/w_375,h_375/drive_away_dolls__2024__v2_by_doniceman_dh287fy-375w.png
Road House (2024) 4
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/b794438f-310c-4f55-abe2-61c5a115edd8/dgsov6y-fa32bb14-0df7-4529-98ec-9f2fc4679c3a.png/v1/fill/w_512,h_512/road_house__2024__folder_icon_by_fares666_dgsov6y-fullview.png?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNh NWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7 ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTEyIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvYjc5NDQzOGYtMzEwYy00ZjU1LWFiZTItNjFjNWExMTVlZGQ4XC9kZ3NvdjZ5 LWZhMzJiYjE0LTBkZjctNDUyOS05OGVjLTlmMmZjNDY3OWMzYS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NTEyIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpz ZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.ex-PFS7U3PUZBhQKyGuk5y7JBliPs84fKH026X5IpqM

[FilmBuff]

https://www.austinchronicle.com/binary/45f9/you-can-call-me-bill-261062.jpg

You Can Call Me Bill
3

If you've been dying for the chance to hear Bill Shatner blabbering on about all of his personal obsessions for an hour and a half, then this documentary is absolutely perfect for you.
Anyone else should approach with caution.
It's a bit surprising to hear him describe just how unpleased he was with his own delivery of his dying line in Star Trek: Generations. From the way he talks about it, he totally fumbled the line (I've always thought it was just fine).
But it's hardly a surprise that, as a man in his early 90s, he is very much contemplating his own mortality - and one can only hope he is pleased with how the documentary turned out, since it essentially amounts to a preemptory self-eulogy.

[Marco]

Drive-Away Dolls (2024) 3
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/i/fbd336b8-d63f-4b62-bcac-1306183149d7/dh287fy-b5a6dc5a-e61f-4984-a5bb-bbe950130a97.png/v1/fit/w_375,h_375/drive_away_dolls__2024__v2_by_doniceman_dh287fy-375w.png
Road House (2024) 4
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/b794438f-310c-4f55-abe2-61c5a115edd8/dgsov6y-fa32bb14-0df7-4529-98ec-9f2fc4679c3a.png/v1/fill/w_512,h_512/road_house__2024__folder_icon_by_fares666_dgsov6y-fullview.png?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNh NWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7 ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTEyIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvYjc5NDQzOGYtMzEwYy00ZjU1LWFiZTItNjFjNWExMTVlZGQ4XC9kZ3NvdjZ5 LWZhMzJiYjE0LTBkZjctNDUyOS05OGVjLTlmMmZjNDY3OWMzYS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NTEyIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpz ZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.ex-PFS7U3PUZBhQKyGuk5y7JBliPs84fKH026X5IpqM
Drive away dolls is probably not my genre but I found the main protagonist really irritating, I'm getting old I suppose
:D

[Tugg]

Drive away dolls is probably not my genre but I found the main protagonist really irritating, I'm getting old I suppose
:D
That's fine, I thought it was ridiculous on two counts: lesbian sex and what was in the luggage. The journey was fine even though the whole story doesn't make sense.

[Marco]

That's fine, I thought it was ridiculous on two counts: lesbian sex and what was in the luggage. The journey was fine even though the whole story doesn't make sense.
I do like quirky films, for instance My Own Private Idaho. Agreed the journey was fine but the characters needed more depth in my view.

[skizzerflake]

:popcorn::popcorn:
Ghostbusters Frozen Empire - Saw it last night....not surprisingly, I was underwhelmed. I was not interested in other movies that were showing and my expectations of this umpteenth iteration were minimal. Yes, it IS possible to undershoot minimal expectations. Some old cast members are there, mainly being familiar and filling costumes, along with some new ones. Nobody stands out very much. As for the ghosts, they were competently rendered, but obviously also on their 5th iteration They didn't even have an appealing cover of the song. That would have cheered up the audience.

One of my favorite parts of the first movie was how it fit right into the New York streets and general feel. I've spent a lot of time in some of those locations and the original GB is one of my favorites in a personal genre "New York Movies".

Over the years, aside from remakes, animations and spin-offs, we've seen videos, halloween costumes, toy proton packs and GOK what else, showing up especially around Halloween. I've seen small buses in the Big Apple, selling Ghostbuster tours and any reasonably competent Times Square tourist junk shop has a whole shelf full of branded kid stuff of dubious provenance.

The theater audience yesterday was about 1/3 young kids, who have been raised on all this stuff, but there wasn't much excitement. Sadly, as franchises go, this seems comparable to when the Three Stooges had "Curly Joe".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpOBXh02rVc

[Marco]

Road House (2024)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/37/Road_House_2024_poster.jpg
This was quite an enjoyable romp with a lot of touches referring to the original. I thought Gyllenhall did a good job as Dalton but the casting of Conor McGregor was iffy even though funny. To my mind we never saw enough of Dalton in the club being the "Cooler" though Jake does a good job in portraying it. Good watch.
3

[FilmBuff]

https://aftercredits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SnackShackPoster-696x1032.jpg
Snack Shack
4.5


Easily one of the best coming-of-age stories of the last few years, Snack Shack is a movie that's phenomenally hard to resist, and that leaves you with a warm afterglow long after the credits have rolled.
It is reportedly a semi-autobiographical film, and it definitely has the feel of something that's largely based on real experiences, however deftly they may have been embellished in the process.
The cast is full of young faces - Conor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle play the two best buddies around whose adventures the movie revolves - and Mika Abdalla is a standout as the sexy young lady next door who doesn't mind romancing both of the boys (but she only really likes one of them)
The movie makes the most of its Nebraska locations, and the period detail is just about right (the film is set in 1991).

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cd/AreYouThereGodFilmPoster.png
By Lionsgate - Lionsgate, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73006457

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. - (2023)

Sometimes it's the casting that makes a movie. Young Abby Ryder Fortson is the one-in-a-million choice to play Margaret Simon in this 70s-set coming of age comedy, and it was her facial expressions that had me laughing most of the time. She needs no exaggeration for comedic effect - they're just so very honest, and appear absolutely real. So how could this film bomb? It's one that really shouldn't have (although I confess to having grabbed it quite late, for free on Amazon.) It's far outside my comfort zone - being about all of the things important to an 11-year-old girl - but Abby Ryder Fortson sold it, and she along with director Kelly Fremon Craig deserve all of the praise. I can't believe I watched and liked a film about boyfriends, bras, getting your first period, fun times with gran, secret clubs and first kisses - and actually liked it. Impeccable comedic timing and a really winsome family dynamic make this a nice break from zombies, jail breaks, aliens and alcoholism.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d7/American_fiction_xxlg.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2023/american_fiction_ver2_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75101757

American Fiction - (2023)

It took me a little longer than last year, but I've finally seen all the Best Picture Oscar-nominated films regarding the 2024 Awards. This was the one I thought I'd like the least - and I indeed liked it the least. I don't think it was lacking - it just wasn't my kind of thing. I thought it was interesting that less than half of the film was devoted to the central idea it's built around - a black author writing a "joke" novel regarding a stereotypical style and manner - and for that book to be a runaway success, because it's what white readers enjoy reading. Instead we dive in deep regarding author Dr. Thelonious "Monk" Ellison's (Jeffrey Wright) family. Made for a good drama, with moments of good comedy - and I thought it was fine. There was substance to it. Almost too much substance to have the more wacky element of Ellison pretending to be some gangster figure in it. Anyway, I respect it despite the disparity in tone.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/65/Bellissima_poster.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12765799

Bellissima - (1951)

When little Maria passes a first audition her extraordinarily high-strung mother, Maddalena (Anna Magnani) starts to obsess about the possibilities, making the girl scared, miserable and often humiliated. Part comedy, part heart-rending neorealist drama - and pretty good. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2448777#post2448777), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/17/Ariel_poster.jpg
By http://www.allcollection.net/ariel-aki-kaurismaki-pajala-susanna-haavisto-poster~x19802117, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31975192

Ariel - (1988)

When Taisto (Turo Pajala) lands in prison after beating up the guy who robbed him of his life savings he decides to escape his cell, and the country that let him down in an economic and societal way. An Aki Kaurismäki film (one of his best) - with characters as deadpan as always. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2448936#post2448936), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Allaby]

Andy the Talking Hedgehog (2018) Watched on Tubi. Yes, this is a real movie and I really watched it. This is bad, but I liked it. The dialogue is ridiculous, the hedgehog is cute and I laughed a lot. If you like talking animals, cheerleaders, and Dean Cain, then this is the (bad, yet amusing) movie for you! 3.5

[wositelec]

Byl jednou jeden Polda (1995) - 9 / 10 . It is Czech version of "Police Academy".

https://www.hvezda.cz/fotky34393/fotos/_vyr_704DPA0260.jpg

[ScarletLion]

Unknown Country (2022)

We’re told that we’re living in the ‘golden age of TV’ or the ‘Golden age of film’. I say we’re living in a golden age of cinematography. Andrew Hajek’s photography here is stunning. He captures the landscape of the Midwest all the way down to Texas as we follow Lily Gladstone’s character Tana, on a roadtrip to find a spot where her late Grandmother was photographed.

It’s clearly a personal film from writer director Morissa Maltz, and a very beautiful one. There’s not a great deal of plot to speak of. Just a journey. Gladstone is pretty great and very natural, and I’m sure this performance went some way in cementing her casting in Scorsese’s Killer of the Flower Moon. It reminded me of early Chloe Zhao films.

6.9/10

3.5

https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Unknown002.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&quality=89&ssl=1


Bullitt (1968)

Just cool as heck. McQueen was such an icon. San Francisco and the car chase may be what this film is predominantly known for but it’s way more than that. Sharp dialogue and a clever twist play a part too.

And Michael Mann completely ripped the airport scene off for the climax of H.E.A.T.

8.1/10

4

https://assets.mubicdn.net/images/film/4196/image-w1280.jpg?1701111464

[LChimp]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/rxm4AFFVST7kRoN-Twi1pLXTxhnGflyZjssbgJDNJhrlPM9DjdjS94FZEvmhEFIL2qUZC3CsayWOw3Ghcgu7Xz_3AXxyDNXuv08

Spaceman - (2024)

Main plot of the movie kinda scaped my grasp of understanding, but I did like it.I prefer this version of Sandler, instead of the Jack and Jill and Zohan version... yikes!!

[Act III]

98170

Arkansas (2020)

That was a good movie. No complaints.

8/10

[chawhee]

The Simpsons Movie (2007)
https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/8ln5VUVk7gnNGIb2VNgw8nICDVt.jpg
4
I thought it was time to try and introduce my daughter to some of the characters and humor in The Simpsons, as she mainly watches Netflix and Youtube content these days. The show has been very hit-and-miss over the years, but the movie remains hilarious to me.

[Act III]

The Last Duel (2021)

I would've hated to see this in the theater. A prolongued rape scene, played twice in its entirety... a lot of jumping around in the timeline, other scene repeats. If you recut this into chronological non-repeats it would be 30 minutes shorter. But luckily I got a skip button and didnt get that much into the uncomfortable stuff. Without the jumping repeats it would be a good +1-+1.5 higher in my rating.

From a historical point of view, all the costumes and sets and all that, there's no way it can't be authentic after decades of Hollywood examination. So from that point of view, if you love medieval plays its very lavish and accurate and spares no expense.

7/10

[Torgo]

Nico, 1988 - 4

If the sex, drugs and rock & roll of the late '60s took their toll on anyone, it was singer/actress/model Christa Päffgen, better known as Nico. If you also interpret Eyes Wide Shut as being one half fantasy and one half crushing reality, this movie is all the latter, save for the occasional flashback. Movies like this one perish if their lead performances are not believable, which is not a problem here since Trine Dyrholm is more than up to the task. She ably portrays Nico as someone whose demons are this close to winning and who is wrestling with her legacy. I especially like how she expresses her boredom and frustration with the many interviewers who only want to talk about her (limited) time with The Velvet Underground instead of her much more extensive solo career. Dyrholm also nails Nico's unique vocal style, I might add. I went in hoping this movie would cover her relationship with her son, Christian (a very good Sandor Funtek), and while I wish it did more, I approve of what's there. If anything, it succeeds at making his troubled life the consequences of Nico's own. I was also impressed by John Gordon Sinclair's work as audience surrogate/Nico's manager and the historical accuracy, especially during Nico and her band's unfortunate experience in communist Czechoslovakia.

If anything sticks out like a sore thumb here, it’s that the dialogue is a bit too functional. The direction emphasizes showing over telling, which I do not have a problem with, but character development is limited as a result. While I walked away from this knowing more about Nico and Christian than I did before, I cannot say the same for anyone else. The movie still stands as a latter-years depiction of one of the most interesting people and artists of the ‘60s that satisfies for how honest and sympathetic it is. It’s also bound to either ignite a musical obsession or rekindle one even if you’re a die-hard fan.

[matt72582]

By Lionsgate - Lionsgate, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73006457



https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/65/Bellissima_poster.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12765799

Bellissima - (1951)

When little Maria passes a first audition her extraordinarily high-strung mother, Maddalena (Anna Magnani) starts to obsess about the possibilities, making the girl scared, miserable and often humiliated. Part comedy, part heart-rending neorealist drama - and pretty good. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2448777#post2448777), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/17/Ariel_poster.jpg
By http://www.allcollection.net/ariel-aki-kaurismaki-pajala-susanna-haavisto-poster~x19802117, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31975192

Ariel - (1988)

When Taisto (Turo Pajala) lands in prison after beating up the guy who robbed him of his life savings he decides to escape his cell, and the country that let him down in an economic and societal way. An Aki Kaurismäki film (one of his best) - with characters as deadpan as always. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2448936#post2448936), in my watchlist thread.

8/10


You've seen a LOT of my favorites lately and have enjoyed reading your full reviews. "Bellissima" is very current, with the child-star stuff, and one of my favorite Visconti movies.. "Ariel" was the first movie I saw by Kaurismaki -- big fan of Matti Pellonpaa

[FilmBuff]

https://www.slashfilm.com/img/gallery/late-night-with-the-devil-review-terror-on-your-television-screen-sxsw-2023/l-intro-1678899579.jpg

Late Night with the Devil
4


I was kind of hoping this movie would be diabolically clever - and as far as this type of movie goes, it's pretty good, actually.
The "found footage" genre find new life with this clever film from Cameron and Colin Cairnes, in which a "master tape" is discovered from a fateful late-night show broadcast live on Halloween in 1977.
David Dastmalchian plays the late show host of Night Owls with Jack Delroy, which in this fictional universe finds itself embroiled in a heated ratings race at a time when Johnny Carson still reigned supreme.
To reveal more about plot details would be... a wicked thing to do, so I won't.
But the film works as more than just a horror film, having some clever ideas on things like the price of fame, the overall exploitative nature of reality-based television, and the place where the US was in the late 70s (the Cairnes brothers are Australian, and this movie, although set in the US, was filmed Down Under).
Try to catch it in cinemas if you can, before it goes to Shudder sometime next month - the movie can really come alive with the right audience!

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91KDdpes4HL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg



4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYmJjODZlYjItZTE2Zi00YjI5LThmNTAtNzQ0OGMyNjAzOTIzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTAyMjQ3NzQ1._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.j pg


1st Rewatch...I'm a total celebrity documentary junkie and this one is one of the best. This heartbreaking look at the rock and roll icon's amazing life and career is mesmerizing. One of the few celebrity documentaries where I felt the subject wasn't holding anything back. The saddest part of her story is not so much the hell that she went through with Ike Turner, but the fact that even after she got away from Ike, nobody would ever allow her to forget it. I have three favorite scenes in this film: One is an interview with Ike, whose being interviewed about Tina's solo record with Phil Spector and Tina is seated next to him not saying a word, but her face is speaking volumes. Two is the press conference with Angela Bassett for the biopic What's Love Got to Do with It where she explains why she hasn't seen the film yet, and three is her reply when a reporter asks her what she hopes Ike is doing right now. Also loved her take on the Beatles classic "Help" and loved seeing her arrive at opening night of the Broadway musical produced about her. 5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71z-sfw8zFL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg



5th Rewatch...I don't know that it is necessarily a better film than Goodfellas, but it has become one of those films that I never tire of re-watching. I love the initial ambiguity of the relationship between Ace (Robert De Niro) and Nicky (Joe Pesci) that eventually turns very ugly and Sharon Stone's dazzling performance as Ginger, that earned her her first and only Oscar nomination doesn't hurt. The quickest three hours in cinema. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNDE5Njk1NDQ5MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjAyMTMyNA@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


1st Rewatch...the second and, for my money, best entry in the Pink Panther franchise with Peter Sellers at the top of his form. That scene in the billiards room with George Sanders and the scene in the nudist colony never get old. 4

[Stirchley]

98178

Excellent movie from the Dardenne Brothers. Sweet & sad. Really enjoyed it.

98179

Quite good. Lead actress from South Korea exceptionally good.

[Darth Pazuzu]

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

March 19, 2024

ARTHUR THE KING (2024)

Well, it's a trifle on the sentimental side, I guess. But you'd have to have a stone located where your heart should be if you're not at least a little bit moved. And this tale of a professional adventure runner named Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg), who is befriended by a sickly stray dog during his one big, important final race in South America. I don't really have much to say about it other than that I enjoyed it very much. Very good performances from Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel and Ali Suliman as Wahlberg's teammates, Juliet Rylance as his wife... and let's have a great big round of hearty applause for Ukai as the mighty Arthur!

[Darth Pazuzu]

And on the home video front...

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71BWoTV+cDL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517G1WB9YCL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91TBYepcKrL._AC_UY218_.jpg
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91oedxuJbSL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FlflsDmXL._AC_UY218_.jpg

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (John Huston / 1948)
Johnny Guitar (Nicholas Ray / 1954)
The Searchers (John Ford / 1956)
Little Big Man (Arthur Penn / 1970)
Wyatt Earp (Lawrence Kasdan / 1994)

My adventures in the Wild West continue. This time I got a number of classics.

The great John Huston's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is nothing short of brilliant, and Humphrey Bogart is absolutely spot-on (and increasingly scary) as Fred C. Dobbs.

Nicholas Ray's Johnny Guitar may have been a bit operatic and stylized for fans of more traditional Western fare during its initial release, but it proved to be highly influential further on down the trail. Joan Crawford and Sterling Hayden are wonderful, of course, and Mercedes McCambridge as Emma Small is one of cinema's great villainesses. (Check out her facial expression after she's set Crawford's saloon ablaze!)

I had seen John Ford's The Searchers before, having borrowed it a few years ago. It had actually taken me a while to warm up to, strangely enough. I can't tell if it was just that I was alienated by John Wayne's character Ethan Edwards, but after a couple more viewings the film's virtues have been made blindingly apparent to me. Ford's direction is damn near perfect, Monument Valley has never looked more gorgeous or imposing, and the battles and confrontations with the Comanche are thrilling and exhilarating, And John Wayne's character, although perhaps a tad alienating on first viewing, is wonderfully layered and complex and filled with fascinating contradictions, and it truly is a great performance on Wayne's part. ("What do you want me to do, draw you a picture?! Spell it out?! Don't ever ask me! Long as you live, don't ever ask me any more.")

I don't even know where to begin with Arthur Penn's Little Big Man. It's a very hard movie for me to adequately sum up, but overnight it's become one of my all-time favorites. Dustin Hoffman portrays the title character, born one Jack Crabb, and his many fascinating misadventures bouncing back and forth between the world of the Cheyenne people who adopted and raised him and the world of the white man from whence he originally came. Of course, there's always the possibility that everything we are told is ultimately a tall tale, or the confused ramblings of a senile 121-year-old man. Hoffman of course is great, but I also love the great Chief Dan George as Old Lodge Skins. I had already seen George as Lone Watie in Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales and been impressed with him. Here, as in the Eastwood movie, he's by turns warmly paternal, moving and tragic, and quite often very funny.

Lawrence Kasdan's Wyatt Earp, starring Kevin Costner in the title role, has a terribly unfair reputation as being the loser in the great box-office O.K. Corral shootout with George P. Cosmatos' Tombstone, starring Kurt Russell. Granted, Cosmatos' stylish slam-bang action Western is ultimately the better of the two, but Kasdan's moody, sprawling and uneven epic has actually aged a lot better over the years than people at the time might have guessed. Sure, Russell makes a far more dynamic Wyatt Earp than Costner, but I personally prefer Dennis Quaid's take on Doc Holliday to Val Kilmer's. Sure I think Kilmer's great, but Kilmer's Doc is more the dissolute yet supercool "rock star" take on the character. Quaid actually digs a bit deeper with the character, and his Doc is inflected with a lot more darkness, rage and inner turmoil. The barroom scene where Wyatt and Doc share a drink after Wyatt's second wife has attempted suicide, where Doc offers counsel with his own nihilist philosophy, is probably my favorite Wyatt/Doc barroom scene in any of the various Wyatt/Doc/O.K. Corral films that have come out over the past century. (And it's also a nice twist on the usual scenario of Wyatt playing "preacher" and trying to dissuade Doc from self-destruction.) Alas, Kasdan does not give Quaid's Doc a death scene to rival that of Kilmer's! Oh well... :D

[Stirchley]

Unknown Country (2022)

We’re told that we’re living in the ‘golden age of TV’ or the ‘Golden age of film’. I say we’re living in a golden age of cinematography. Andrew Hajek’s photography here is stunning. He captures the landscape of the Midwest all the way down to Texas as we follow Lily Gladstone’s character Tana, on a roadtrip to find a spot where her late Grandmother was photographed.

It’s clearly a personal film from writer director Morissa Maltz, and a very beautiful one. There’s not a great deal of plot to speak of. Just a journey. Gladstone is pretty great and very natural, and I’m sure this performance went some way in cementing her casting in Scorsese’s Killer of the Flower Moon. It reminded me of early Chloe Zhao films.

6.9/10

3.5

I enjoyed it, but I like Certain Women better with Gladstone. Have you seen it?

Amusing to know that Lily is related to former British PM Gladstone.

https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Unknown002.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&quality=89&ssl=1


Bullitt (1968)

Just cool as heck. McQueen was such an icon. San Francisco and the car chase may be what this film is predominantly known for but it’s way more than that. Sharp dialogue and a clever twist play a part too.

And Michael Mann completely ripped the airport scene off for the climax of H.E.A.T.

8.1/10

4

https://assets.mubicdn.net/images/film/4196/image-w1280.jpg?1701111464

Huge crush on Steve McQueen & this is my fave movie. Seen it a million times.

Interesting fact: all his clothes were made in Great Britain for this film. He loved British tweeds.

[Gwildor]

Dr. Strangelove (1964)
https://i.postimg.cc/C1SYQLfS/51-BRAb-Lj4-PL-AC-UF894-1000-QL80.jpg

Watched this after watching Oppenheimer and the "Turning Point" miniseries from Netflix.
An excellent dark comedy !

[Marco]

Ladyhawke (1985)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Ladyhawke_ver1.jpg
I certainly seem to be into my 80s stuff but was apprehensive about fantasy. However this is a great premise and acted wonderfully. Pfeiffer and Hauer are great. Matthew Broderick less so, I just think he's a dweebish actor and his voice grates and kinda lifts from the story which was told. A great romp and romantic tale otherwise.
4

[ScarletLion]

I enjoyed it, but I like Certain Women better with Gladstone. Have you seen it?

Amusing to know that Lily is related to former British PM Gladstone.

https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Unknown002.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&quality=89&ssl=1[/CENTER]


Bullitt (1968)

Just cool as heck. McQueen was such an icon. San Francisco and the car chase may be what this film is predominantly known for but it’s way more than that. Sharp dialogue and a clever twist play a part too.

And Michael Mann completely ripped the airport scene off for the climax of H.E.A.T.

8.1/10

4

https://assets.mubicdn.net/images/film/4196/image-w1280.jpg?1701111464

Huge crush on Steve McQueen & this is my fave movie. Seen it a million times.

Interesting fact: all his clothes were made in Great Britain for this film. He loved British tweeds.

Did not know any of that. i'll have to watch Certain Women

[beelzebubble]

https://www.slashfilm.com/img/gallery/late-night-with-the-devil-review-terror-on-your-television-screen-sxsw-2023/l-intro-1678899579.jpg

Late Night with the Devil
rating_4


I was kind of hoping this movie would be diabolically clever - and as far as this type of movie goes, it's pretty good, actually.
The "found footage" genre find new life with this clever film from Cameron and Colin Cairnes, in which a "master tape" is discovered from a fateful late-night show broadcast live on Halloween in 1977.
David Dastmalchian plays the late show host of Night Owls with Jack Delroy, which in this fictional universe finds itself embroiled in a heated ratings race at a time when Johnny Carson still reigned supreme.
To reveal more about plot details would be... a wicked thing to do, so I won't.
But the film works as more than just a horror film, having some clever ideas on things like the price of fame, the overall exploitative nature of reality-based television, and the place where the US was in the late 70s (the Cairnes brothers are Australian, and this movie, although set in the US, was filmed Down Under).
Try to catch it in cinemas if you can, before it goes to Shudder sometime next month - the movie can really come alive with the right audience!
I really want to see this. For some reason, its not playing in my county and I didn't want to drive to far to see it. Let's see what next weekend brings.

[beelzebubble]

And on the home video front...

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71BWoTV+cDL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517G1WB9YCL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91TBYepcKrL._AC_UY218_.jpg
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91oedxuJbSL._AC_UY218_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FlflsDmXL._AC_UY218_.jpg

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (John Huston / 1948)
Johnny Guitar (Nicholas Ray / 1954)
The Searchers (John Ford / 1956)
Little Big Man (Arthur Penn / 1970)
Wyatt Earp (Lawrence Kasdan / 1994)

My adventures in the Wild West continue. This time I got a number of classics.

The great John Huston's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is nothing short of brilliant, and Humphrey Bogart is absolutely spot-on (and increasingly scary) as Fred C. Dobbs.

Nicholas Ray's Johnny Guitar may have been a bit operatic and stylized for fans of more traditional Western fare during its initial release, but it proved to be highly influential further on down the trail. Joan Crawford and Sterling Hayden are wonderful, of course, and Mercedes McCambridge as Emma Small is one of cinema's great villainesses. (Check out her facial expression after she's set Crawford's saloon ablaze!)

I had seen John Ford's The Searchers before, having borrowed it a few years ago. It had actually taken me a while to warm up to, strangely enough. I can't tell if it was just that I was alienated by John Wayne's character Ethan Edwards, but after a couple more viewings the film's virtues have been made blindingly apparent to me. Ford's direction is damn near perfect, Monument Valley has never looked more gorgeous or imposing, and the battles and confrontations with the Comanche are thrilling and exhilarating, And John Wayne's character, although perhaps a tad alienating on first viewing, is wonderfully layered and complex and filled with fascinating contradictions, and it truly is a great performance on Wayne's part. ("What do you want me to do, draw you a picture?! Spell it out?! Don't ever ask me! Long as you live, don't ever ask me any more.")

I don't even know where to begin with Arthur Penn's Little Big Man. It's a very hard movie for me to adequately sum up, but overnight it's become one of my all-time favorites. Dustin Hoffman portrays the title character, born one Jack Crabb, and his many fascinating misadventures bouncing back and forth between the world of the Cheyenne people who adopted and raised him and the world of the white man from whence he originally came. Of course, there's always the possibility that everything we are told is ultimately a tall tale, or the confused ramblings of a senile 121-year-old man. Hoffman of course is great, but I also love the great Chief Dan George as Old Lodge Skins. I had already seen George as Lone Watie in Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales and been impressed with him. Here, as in the Eastwood movie, he's by turns warmly paternal, moving and tragic, and quite often very funny.

Lawrence Kasdan's Wyatt Earp, starring Kevin Costner in the title role, has a terribly unfair reputation as being the loser in the great box-office O.K. Corral shootout with George P. Cosmatos' Tombstone, starring Kurt Russell. Granted, Cosmatos' stylish slam-bang action Western is ultimately the better of the two, but Kasdan's moody, sprawling and uneven epic has actually aged a lot better over the years than people at the time might have guessed. Sure, Russell makes a far more dynamic Wyatt Earp than Costner, but I personally prefer Dennis Quaid's take on Doc Holliday to Val Kilmer's. Sure I think Kilmer's great, but Kilmer's Doc is more the dissolute yet supercool "rock star" take on the character. Quaid actually digs a bit deeper with the character, and his Doc is inflected with a lot more darkness, rage and inner turmoil. The barroom scene where Wyatt and Doc share a drink after Wyatt's second wife has attempted suicide, where Doc offers counsel with his own nihilist philosophy, is probably my favorite Wyatt/Doc barroom scene in any of the various Wyatt/Doc/O.K. Corral films that have come out over the past century. (And it's also a nice twist on the usual scenario of Wyatt playing "preacher" and trying to dissuade Doc from self-destruction.) Alas, Kasdan does not give Quaid's Doc a death scene to rival that of Kilmer's! Oh well... :D
Little Big Man and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre are favorites of mine. I have never seen Wyatt Earp.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/db/Bottoms_poster.jpeg
By Studio and or Graphic Artist - IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73965154

Bottoms - (2023)

This was great! The kind of comedy where you pay full attention because you don't want to miss the next great moment of comedy, which will usually only be one moment away. It exists in it's own world of complete absurdity - a certain kind that strikes a balance with a semblance of reality while still allowing itself to do absolutely anything. I love Ayo Edebiri - she was the best of the ensemble that made up Theater Camp (another good 2023 comedy) and after seeing her here I'm fully onboard. She's great, and very funny. A fight club set up by girls in regard to empowerment (while in all actuality it's to help them hook up with cheerleaders), and how that goes awry, makes for some dangerous areas to tread which these ladies stampede through with abandon. Best out-and-out comedy of 2023 for me (true story BlackBerry in a different category so I don't have to choose which to rate higher.) A blast.

8/10

https://i.postimg.cc/pTsfKHgw/after2.jpg
By May be found at the following website: http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/00859c69, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48309118

After Life - (1998)

People go through a certain stage in the afterlife where they get to choose their most cherished memory, see it re-enacted and filmed, then watch the film - taking with them the only moment they'll retain into eternity. Which memory would you choose? Absolutely amazing stuff from Hirokazu Kore-eda - full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2449225#post2449225), on my watchlist thread.

9/10

[Gwildor]

Coup de Chance - 2023
8/10.

https://i.postimg.cc/9F3mKKdw/MV5-BOTk3-MTVl-Nj-At-YWRl-NC00-ZDQ2-LTlh-Nj-Ut-NWI1-Yz-M2-Nzg0-Nzk0-Xk-Ey-Xk-Fqc-Gde-QXVy-MTk5-MTE5-MTg-V1.jpg

Found this ... latest Woody Allen film. French with French actors. A bit different but obviously his style of filmmaking.

[StuSmallz]

And Michael Mann completely ripped the airport scene off for the climax of H.E.A.T.Eh, more like he ripped off Shakti...



;)

[Siddon]

I really want to see this. For some reason, its not playing in my county and I didn't want to drive to far to see it. Let's see what next weekend brings.


It's a Shudder film so I doubt it's going to get an international release...it's barely getting a national one here.


https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/08/15/82214921-0-image-a-5_1709910300713.jpg

Late Night with the Devil (2024)

Man the Etsy shops are going to have a field day making merch from this film. Going into the film cold helps, because I didn't know how short the film was...then again much like up the opening in this film just breaks you. Major props to Michael Ironside doing the early narration as the world is established in that opening prologue.

The rest of the film takes place during the course of a TV episode of a 70's talk show on Halloween. The host troubled by failing ratings and personal issues has a special show lined up with four quests. A psychic, a skeptic, an author and a jazz singer. David Dashmachin (Oppenheimer, The Suicide Squad, Angry Video Game Nerd the Movie) stars as a Dick Cavett type of host.

I'm not going to say this is a perfect film, had it used all practical effects like the Exorcist than I would say it's perfect...but it's close to perfection. This film has so many visceral unsettling things that are very simple and very effective. Dashmachin demostrates a tremendous amount of restraint in a roe that could have gone camp but is balanced so well. He proves he can be a leading man here not just the creepy supporting character.

I think a lot of casting agents are going to be grabbing actors from this film. Ingrid Torellio in what is her debut film is one of several standout performances including Jack's sidekick Rhys Auteri and Georgina Haig (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgina_Haig) who play Jacks wife just nail their small parts. This film is a love letter to character actors as nobody feels like a movie star in this.

But this is a film where several aesthetics are really going to stick with you. The tone/tempo/look of this film are first rate not just for a low budget film but for any film. I don't know if a film meant tor Shudder can get a Best Picture Oscar nom...but I can see the grass roots campaign begin.

rating_5

[chawhee]

Poor Things (2023)
https://film-book.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/emma-stone-poor-things-02-700x400-1.jpg
4.5
Gave this one a try after all of the Oscar nominations and wins, and I am certainly glad I did. The trailer doesn't give you much to go on, but I recommend this to anyone above the age of 18 haha...think of it as a twist on a Frankenstein kind of story.

Everything is so simplistic yet complicated. Immature, raw, analytical...from the comedy to the philosophical elements. It is a bit longer than it probably needs to be at 2+ hours, but it's such a uniquely strange movie that should be seen by all film fans. Delighted!

[FilmBuff]

It's a Shudder film so I doubt it's going to get an international release...it's barely getting a national one here.

I don't understand why/how people get the idea that, just because a movie happens to get picked up by a streamer for the US, that streamer somehow controls what happens to the movie in the rest of the world.

Here's what really happened with Late Night with the Devil: The movie was produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Spooky Pictures; it premiered at SXSW almost a year ago, to good reviews. It played a few other festivals and got some awards. It wasn't until last November that IFC Films and Shudder announced they had acquired the rights to the movie covering North America (US and Canada), the UK and Ireland.

Don't know who's got rights to the movie in the rest of the world; the movie relies to some degree on knowledge/familiarity with US television programming, so it's anyone's guess how well that translates for audiences in other countries. However, imdb.com does show it's got a release date in New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Spain, Argentina and Brazil.

[Siddon]

I don't understand why/how people get the idea that, just because a movie happens to get picked up by a streamer for the US, that streamer somehow controls what happens to the movie in the rest of the world.

.

Because international distribution is not guaranteed and it's unlikely for IFC.Shudder films.

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt14852624/?ref_=bo_se_r_1
Stopmotion - barely released

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt9048804/?ref_=bo_se_r_1
Birth/Rebirth - nothing

Skinamarink
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt21307994/?ref_=bo_se_r_1
just got a Russia release and basically nothing else

[FilmBuff]

Because international distribution is not guaranteed and it's unlikely for IFC.Shudder films.

And I just explained that IFC/Shudder films just picked up the distribution rights for a limited number of territories. So what happens in the rest of the world doesn't have to do with who's got the rights in the US/UK.

[Siddon]

And I just explained that IFC/Shudder films just picked up the distribution rights for a limited number of territories. So what happens in the rest of the world doesn't have to do with who's got the rights in the US/UK.


What do you think it was like some sort of menu option for international releases. Oh we'll take a small domestic release and huge global one. If a major distributor didn't pick up the releases during it's festival times the chances of it getting an international release are very slim. And I don't know what country the person who asked about this film is from but they can tell you if they actually get IFC films released in their country.

[FilmBuff]

And I don't know what country the person who asked about this film is from but they can tell you if they actually get IFC films released in their country.

Again, the fact that IFC releases it in the US doesn't have to do with what happens in the rest of the world. It's not a film that IFC produced, they only got rights to the US/UK.

The fact that it's an independent film from Australia does have to do a lot with the kind of distribution that it gets. And also the fact that it relies heavily on knowledge and familiarity with the American TV system - which may or may not influence the interest of audiences abroad for this kind of film.

And for what it's worth, of the films that IFC has distributed in the US, this easily had one of their biggest openings ever - almost $3 million on its opening weekend.

So, again, whatever happens in the rest of the world will have to do with the nature of the film itself, not with who got the rights to show it in the US.

Hope that clears it up! :D

[Dead2009]

Leprechaun Returns 8/10
The Gingerdead Man 2/10

[Gideon58]

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-mmafe1g4n3/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/7678/25072/DVD-packshot-3D_PASSAGES_UK__91997.1700834163.png?c=1



3.5

[Gideon58]

Poor Things (2023)
https://film-book.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/emma-stone-poor-things-02-700x400-1.jpg
4.5
Gave this one a try after all of the Oscar nominations and wins, and I am certainly glad I did. The trailer doesn't give you much to go on, but I recommend this to anyone above the age of 18 haha...think of it as a twist on a Frankenstein kind of story.

Everything is so simplistic yet complicated. Immature, raw, analytical...from the comedy to the philosophical elements. It is a bit longer than it probably needs to be at 2+ hours, but it's such a uniquely strange movie that should be seen by all film fans. Delighted!

I liked it too…a link to my review:

https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/2442162-poor_things.html

[Marco]

The Odessa File (1974)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Odessa_file_movieposter.jpg
Pretty impressive account of the novel by Frederick Forsyth on the basis of active Nazis during the 2nd world war. Jon Voight does a good job as the "freelance" journalist who goes on to infiltrate the organisation using the help of the Israeli state and the Simon Wiesenthal organisation. It's not great but it holds the attention.
2.5

[sawduck]

Poor Things 8.5/10 Another one of my favorite movies from last year. Directed by one of my favorite directors in recent years Yorgos Lanthimos and starring emma stone, who's delightfully hilarious and Mark Ruffalo who delivered his funniest performance ever
Event Horizon 8/10 This has been on my watchlist for about 10 years, i'm glad i finally watched it, pure entertainment from start to finish
Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves 8/10 Loved this way more than i thought i would since I've never played the game or had any interest in it, but the movie is great fun

[Thief]

ICEMAN
(2017, Randau)

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


"Your soul became free."



Back in 1991, the mummified remains of a man were discovered in the Ötzal Alps, with a fatal arrow injury on the shoulder as well as other wounds. The well-preserved state in which he was found as well as the nature of his injuries sparked much speculation about his life and death. Iceman is an example of that as it creates a story around the man and what could've led to his murder.

Set more than 5,300 years ago, in the Neolithic period, the film follows Kelab (Jürgen Vogel), the leader of a primitive clan. When a group of men attack their settlement killing everybody, Kelab sets out to get revenge at all cost. But there's a popular quote that says "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves". Will he be willing to pay that cost?"

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2449444#post2449444)

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/All_of_Us_Strangers_poster.jpg
By https://press.searchlightpictures.com/all-us-strangers/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74698852

All of Us Strangers - (2023)

Imagine, at the age of 12, saying goodbye to your parents one festive season as they leave to go to a friend's place, and never seeing them again when they die in a car crash on the way home. There's a pain that would never leave me. It explains why television screenwriter Adam (Andrew Scott) is as cut off from the world as he is, although the fact that he grew up gay during a time when that made him a subject of ridicule at school didn't help. After meeting, and at first rejecting, Harry (Paul Mescal) he goes back to his childhood home and again meets his parents as they were when they died. Through this, Adam tries to resolve all of the issues he's never managed to have closure on throughout the years. It's as sad, painful and contemplative as you'd expect - a reminder for us not to close doors on people who may just be needing that moment of kindness to keep them going in this cold and lonely world. A powerful, thought-provoking film.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e5/Knock_at_the_cabin.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2023/knock_at_the_cabin_ver3.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72371404

Knock at the Cabin - (2023)

Just the barest hint of the premise : Eric (Jonathan Groff) and husband Andrew (Ben Aldridge) are vacationing with their adopted daughter, Wen, at a remote cabin when four strangers come carrying bladed weapons, demanding to be let in. They have a proposition and demand which is both terrifying and unbelievable. As is common with M. Night Shyamalan (call it "The M. Night Shyamalan Irony") most of his film is compelling, exciting and a great watch - but it's the ending which doesn't quite finish it off with a great flourish to my satisfaction. After his amazing Sixth Sense ending (and, I have to say, Unbreakable's ending isn't too bad) it's something that Shyamalan has struggled with forever after. Overall though, this is a solid enough thriller/horror film in my book - enough so that I'm interested in what this guy does next. The way he's veered into genre-like territory has been good for him.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/First_Reformed.png
By The poster art can or could be obtained from the distributor., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56969457

First Reformed - (2017)

A pastor whose son died in Iraq and who has lost his wife regains a purpose in life after meeting a despairing environmentalist - but his newfound passion may end up pushing him over the edge. A surprising slow burn that gets to the point and touches a deep nerve. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2449461#post2449461), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Stirchley]

Did not know any of that. i'll have to watch Certain Women

I’ve seen it a couple of times.

https://www.criterion.com/films/29212-certain-women

[Stirchley]

98199

Such a weird movie from Oslo. I really enjoyed this strange storyline. Lead actress is very good.

AgrippinaX would enjoy this I think.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzFjYWVhYzYtMDZjNi00ZTc5LTk1MWQtNTBlZTA1MDFhMzY3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjQ2MjQ5NzM@._V1_.jpg



1st Rewatch...If you liked the first movie, you will be as disappointed as I was with this sequel that has absolutely nothing to do with the first film. Our heroes (Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day) decide to open their own business but have it stolen from them by an unscrupulous billionaire (Oscar winner Christoph Waltz). They decide to get it back with the aid of the bad guy's spoiled son (Chris Pine). This movie is silly and way over the top, it feels like they were making it up as they went along. Day's annoyance factor is particularly annoying. The only thing that works for me in this film is the razor sharp performance by Chris Pine. 2.5

[Gideon58]

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-yshlhd/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/25249/176011/batman_332__08842.1684301780.jpg?c=2

6th Rewatch...Director Tim Burton knocks it out of the park with this still dark and stylish reincarnation of the Bob Kane comic book character that started a brand new franchise of the character. Michael Keaton makes a lonely and vulnerable Bruce Wayne/Caped Crusader and Jack Nicholson was robbed of the Outstanding Lead Actor of 1989 Oscar for his mesmerizing Joker (apologies to Daniel Day Lewis). Production design and Prince's song score are assets as well and help to make this movie the same ridiculously entertaining comic book romp it was back in '89. 4

[AgrippinaX]

98199

Such a weird movie from Oslo. I really enjoyed this strange storyline. Lead actress is very good.

AgrippinaX would enjoy this I think.

I did really enjoy it, too! Saw it in the theatre when it first came out. Triangle of Sadness felt thematically similar and came out around the same time (I think?) — I enjoyed that a hair more, but both delightfully bizarre, just as I like ‘em.