Rate The Last Movie You Saw

[ScarletLion]

Wonder why I can’t find it in Letterboxd.

https://letterboxd.com/film/monster-2019-3/

[Stirchley]

https://letterboxd.com/film/monster-2019-3/

Ta ever so. Would never have figured that out. Hope they won’t blame the Irish famine entirely on the British in the movie. 😎

[Gideon58]

Wonder why I can’t find it in Letterboxd.

Great poster

[Gideon58]

https://i0.wp.com/faintlyfamiliar.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lover-Come-Back-Movie-Poster.jpg?resize=1140%2C2189&ssl=1


5th rewatch...Second and the best of the three rom-coms starring Doris Day, Rock Hudson, and Tony Randall. Day and Hudson play competing advertising salesmen who through a case of mistaken identity find themselves competing for an account for a product that doesn't exist and falling in love along the way. This one has a little more bite than Pillow Talk but is not as pedestrian as Send Me No Flower. The solid supporting cast includes Ann B Davis, Jack Oakie, Edie Adams and if you don't blink you'll catch That Girl's Ted Bessell as an elevator operator. This is Day and Hudson at their best. 4

[ScarletLion]

Ta ever so. Would never have figured that out. Hope they won’t blame the Irish famine entirely on the British in the movie. 😎

Hmm, maybe not entirely, but the British Government of the day certainly, extended the famine. Probably not for this thread though.

[Gideon58]

https://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/films/2f6cfde2bc9491f552e034f0de2a80a6/FhVr9CKMTklty4MLxK6jqhVuFQaDM1_large.jpg



1st Rewatch...Director Norman Jewison's masterpiece that won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1967 that stars Rod Steiger as a redneck sheriff who must work with a black NYC detective (Sidney Poitier) on the murder of an important local businessman. The racial drama and the murder mystery blend to perfection here. Steiger won the Oscar for Best Actor and Poitier is equally Oscar-worthy in one of three Oscar-worthy performances he gave that year that earned him no love from the Academy. Decades later was turned into a TV series starring Carroll O"Connor and Howard Rollins Jr. 4.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNDdhMzVhOWQtNDU2Mi00ZmZmLWJiZDMtY2QxMjhjY2Y1ZTI5XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


2nd Rewatch...Billy Wilder brought home 3 Oscars from the 1961 ceremony for the Best Picture of 1960, which he produced, directed, and co-wrote. This edgy black comedy stars Jack Lemmon as CC Baxter, a bean counter at a large Manhattan corporation who is hoping that lending his apartment key to junior executives for their extra marital trysts will help him climb the corporate ladder. Things become complicated when the big boss, JD Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray) asks to borrow the key and it is revealed that his tryst is with the pretty elevator operator that CC has been crushing on (Shirley MacLaine). I love the way the Oscar-winning screenplay initially lures us with humor and then goes to some dark places we don't see coming. Lemmon received a third Oscar nomination and I understand his loss to Burt Lancaster for Elmer Gantry, but MacLaine was robbed of the Best Actress Oscar for the finest work of her career as the jaded and manipulated Fran Kubelik. She only lost the Oscar because Elizabeth Taylor almost died during an emergency tracheotomy a few months before the ceremony, Jack Krushchen received a supporting actor nomination for playing Dr Dreyfuss. but that nomination really should have gone to MacMurray, for his blistering performance as one of the smarmiest movie characters I have ever seen. The supporting cast also includes Ray Walston, Edie Adams, Hope Holliday and in small roles, David White, who played Larry Tate on Bewitched, as well as David Lewis, who General Hosital fans will recognize as the actor who originated the role of Edward Quartermaine. Wilder knocked it out of the park here. 4.5

[Stirchley]

Hmm, maybe not entirely, but the British Government of the day certainly, extended the famine. Probably not for this thread though.

Definitely not. 😎

[Allaby]

An Easter Bunny Puppy (2013) Watched on Tubi. This isn't a good movie, but it is strangely compelling. The puppy on the poster is not in the film, but the dog who is in it did a fine performance. He narrates the film telepathically. Most of the human actors weren't very good. The screenplay was not well written and there are several subplots that are poorly developed. It should have focused more on the dog. In spite of all these flaws and overall poor quality of the film, some part of me secretly enjoyed it. I immediately added this gem to my list of movies I should be embarrassed about watching but am not. 3

[Captain Quint]

106265

Small Things Like These (2024)
From Claire Keegan, the same author behind "The Quiet Girl" and like that story, this is understated rather than explosive (but powerful, nonetheless). It's centered on one of the most shameful things in Irish Catholic history, the Magdalene Laundries.

I always liked understated performances too, and Cillian Murphy's acting -as a gentle, soft spoken but wounded soul- is a career best, and that's saying a lot.

Would I like to know the aftermath of his actions? Perhaps, but what we have is enough, as with "The Quiet Girl", it's enough just knowing that love and kindness exists in this shitty world.

4

[Fabulous]

Lifeforce (1985)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/8SnnGg0cqfa3bmorOERNrXvZ8Mn.jpg

[Captain Quint]

106275

I'm Still Here (2024)
Did not disappoint, I'd number it among the top 5 of the year.

I like the set-up, how it shows us this joyful, thriving family, before the fall into darkness, sorrow - and perseverance. Fernanda Torres showed so much emotional depth, but never overplayed it, never became theatrical, she was never anything but authentic. In my opinion, it's the best performance of the year - actor or actress, lead or support.

4.5

But yeesh, after these last two I don't have any tears left to shed. Maybe next movie I go with something light and frothy, a 60s rom-com, or Down with Love? I haven't seen that in ages, that would suit me fine.

[Darth Pazuzu]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9d/The_Monkey_film_poster.jpg/250px-The_Monkey_film_poster.jpg https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/67/Dog_Man_film_poster.jpg/220px-Dog_Man_film_poster.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2d/Mickey_17_film_poster.png/220px-Mickey_17_film_poster.png https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/Black_Bag_film_poster.jpg/220px-Black_Bag_film_poster.jpg

March 4, 2025

THE MONKEY (Osgood Perkins / 2025)
DOG MAN (Peter Hastings / 2025)

March 11, 2025

MICKEY 17 (Bong Joon Ho / 2025)

March 18, 2025

BLACK BAG (Steven Soderbergh / 2025)

These are the four movies I've seen at my local theater over the past three weeks. And not to blow my own horn, but I think I seem to have a knack for making good choices. Or I've had one lately, at any rate!

The Monkey is a terrific splatter-horror adaptation of a short story from Stephen King's Skeleton Crew collection (whose title antagonist famously graces the cover of the book itself). Straightforward go-for-the-jugular horror and blackly tongue-in-cheek at the same time, this movie is directed by Osgood Perkins (yup, the son of Norman Bates himself) whose previous film had been last year's Longlegs with Nicolas Cage. A toy monkey with a drum haunts the lives of two brothers. When the diabolical toy is wound up, it brings one of its sticks down and hits the drum, whereupon someone very close to them dies under freakishly horrific circumstances. As usual with Stephen King stories, there's a lot more going on thematically than just a scary story. The film is kind of a meditation on fate, mortality and life's little accidents which we are powerless to control, even though we may blame ourselves and imagine ourselves responsible. Ultimately, the movie gets perhaps just a little too jokey at times, culminating in a throwaway multiple-decap right at the end. But it's ultimately a very good horror movie, with some very effective and grotesque gags. So you think you've got a good gag reflex? Hold on to your cookies for the "drop-kicked cherry pie"! :eek:

On a more lighthearted - if no less strange - note, Dog Man is a hilariously hyper-caffeinated animated action comedy that I learned was a spinoff of 2017's Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, which I admittedly haven't seen. If your idea of fun is watching the adventures of a heroic human police officer with a dog's head (the transplant takes place in a life-saving surgical procedure after an explosion) repeatedly attempting to foil the evil plans of a wicked criminal cat named Petey who is terrorizing the city, then this is gonna be right up your alley! (And on occasion, it's my idea of fun as well! :p)

Continuing the strangeness, we then get a work of satirical science fiction from Academy Award-winning South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, telling the tale of a young man named Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), who in an attempt to escape from the drudgery of life on a rather dystopian future Earth - and the attentions of a loan shark - volunteers to become an "Expendable" in order to escape the planet. Traveling on a colony ship, he finds that his job is to repeatedly die over and over again for experimental scientific research purposes, and for his body to be cloned (with intact memory) after each death. I'm sort of reminded of the immortal inhabitants of the Vortex in John Boorman's Zardoz from 1974, who are not permitted to die in their futuristic society and when any of them dies or commits suicide, the super-computer known as the Tabernacle simply just resurrects them. Other than that, however, Mickey 17 and Zardoz don't really have a lot in common. Problem is, the title incarnation Mickey 17 manages to survive after Mickey 18 emerges from the cloning device, violating a long-standing taboo about "multiples"! In addition, the colony ship is being led to a human colony by an irritating egomaniac and failed politician named Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his wife Yifa (Toni Collette). I swear, not since Marcia Gay Harden as the fanatical Mrs. Carmody in Frank Darabont's 2007 film of Stephen King's The Mist (also collected in Skeleton Crew, coincidentally) have I so desperately wanted to see a villain (or in this case villains) bite the dust! :D Granted, in this case it's not nearly as gratifying as when Toby Jones' Ollie Weeks puts a bullet into Mrs. Carmody's chest, but let's just say that things are resolved fairly satisfactorily.

Incredibly enough, Black Bag is but the second movie I've seen in 2025 directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp (the other of course being supernatural thriller Presence)! You could describe this one as "a spy thriller with a difference." The geopolitical intrigue mainly centers around a top-secret software program code-named Severus, and the plot deals with an attempt to keep it out of the hands of the Russians. But all that's sort of beside the point - the MacGuffin, if you will - because this is primarily a character piece dealing with three sets of couples, all of whom work in the same intelligence agency. One of them is a mole responsible for giving Severus to the Russians, and George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) has to ferret out who that person is, even if it's his wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett). Gratifyingly, Soderbergh and Keopp are less interested in the mechanics of the espionage plot than it is in the dynamics of the characters. It's something of an analysis of the psychology of people who repeatedly lie and dissemble for a living, how that affects their relationships, and the methods they use to protect themselves. All of the actors playing the principals are very good, as you would certainly expect in the case of Fassbender and Blanchett, but of particular note is Marisa Abela in the role of Clarissa Dubose, who - while certainly having a neurotic streak - proves to be very good at cheating a polygraph test (although she certainly doesn't fool George). Highly recommended viewing for those who prefer their espionage served up with sophisticated characterization and strong writing more than 007/James Bond-style explosions (although there is one very effective drone strike which dutifully fills out that role).

[Allaby]

The Badge, the Bible, and Bigfoot (2019) Writer/director Ashley Hays Wright stars alongside her husband David Owen Wright, and their three daughters, Jaina, Scout, and Cadence in this inspirational Bigfoot movie. This was quite...something. I have a fondness for the Wright family and their films, despite the noticeable flaws in them. This one has a fun story with some genuinely funny moments. The performances from the lead couple aren't great, but their kids do better with limited screentime. Bigfoot was my favourite character. The ending is terrible, yet somehow works with the rest of the film. I can't say this is a good movie, but I can say I enjoyed it. 3

[Fabulous]

Solitary Man (2009)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/7jo696rYNJIR7e3ZGpxgF6u4mtg.jpg

[Gideon58]

106155
I'm just not a fan of Sean Baker's, Red Rocket was good, so I thought maybe it might be the start of something, but nope. I didn't care for the music montage thing it leaned on at the start, disliked the chaos that passed as humor in the mid-section, the final act was good, that felt honest, it got away from the noise and latched onto the humanity of these people. Wish there would have been more of that.

2024 has seriously been an underwhelming film year for me as a whole. The last of the majors I need to see is "I'm Still Here", and I hope it doesn't let me down (either in small or major ways, as so many have)

3.5

No argument 2024 was an underwhelming year in film but I loved Anora.

[Captain Quint]

I wound up slotting it 35th on my top movies list for the year, so it made the grade, but was nowhere near a top-level flick for me.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/76/The_North_Water_%28TV_series%29_Poster.jpg
By See-Saw Films - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7660970/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76387515

The North Water - (2021)

Those who watch The North Water should be prepared to be absolutely wowed by another knock-out, superlative performance from Colin Farrell - another one where he gained a significant amount of weight for his role, that of chief harpooner Henry Drax. The protagonist of this mini-series is surgeon Patrick Sumner (Jack O'Connell), who joins the crew of the whaling ship Volunteer under the cloud of his dismissal in disgrace from military service in India and a severe addiction to Laudanum. Unbeknownst to him, the ship's captain, Arthur Brownlee (Stephen Graham) has been ordered to sink his ship in Arctic waters by his boss Baxter (Tom Courtenay) for the insurance money. During the rough voyage a cabin boy is sodomized and murdered, and Sumner suspects the vile Henry Drax is the culprit. Great performances in this powerful, soul-stirring portrait of a brutal sort of working class people and the various different ways they all perceive the world around them. It's an adventure not to be missed in it's rugged, dark and brooding sentiment - an adaptation of Ian McGuire's 2016 novel, which is well worth checking out.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/The_Blackcoat%27s_Daughter.png
By The poster art can or could be obtained from the distributor., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51756449

The Blackcoat's Daughter - (2015)

It will be interesting to see this movie again, knowing full well what each of the moments we glimpse initially mean in context with the story as a whole - and they were eerie enough the first time around. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2544107#post2544107), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Demoni-italian-movie-poster-md.jpg
By May be found at the following website: https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/demoni-i89013/p/wb1ycdg5, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56250653

Demons - (1985)

The visceral gruesomeness and action are so befitting and enjoyable that most of us welcome the insanity in this movie, making Demons one of those films that most resembles a carnival ride - it's a formula hard to get just right, so hats off to this Italian horror classic. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2544430#post2544430), in my watchlist thread.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c0/Demon_2015_poster.jpg
By https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4935158/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59483610

Demon - (2015)

History looms over Marcin Wrona's Demon - crying out from beyond the grave despite a persistent need for many well-to-do Polish people to quietly ignore it. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2544717#post2544717), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Stirchley]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/76/The_North_Water_%28TV_series%29_Poster.jpg
By See-Saw Films - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7660970/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76387515

The North Water - (2021)


Never heard of it, but your review has piqued my interest & it’s in my Q now.

[Thief]

LIFE OF PI
(2012, Lee)

https://i.imgur.com/gsW4NJP.jpeg


Pi Patel: So which story do you prefer?"
Writer: "The one with the tiger. That's the better story."
Pi Patel: "Thank you. And so it goes with God."
Writer: "It's an amazing story."



Life of Pi, as the title says, follows the life of Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan) as he shares with a prospecting writer (Rafe Spall) looking for "an amazing story". Starting with his childhood in India and where he got his name from, the story continues with Pi's family emigrating to America and how he survived a shipwreck for more than half a year while sharing a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger called Richard Parker.

I'm a big fan of Khan, at least what little I've seen from him, ever since I saw him in the lovely romantic film The Lunchbox. His emotional delivery is a big part of why the story works, as he sweeps you up and takes you on this journey from the beginning. Spall doesn't have as much to do, but he does well as the writer, listening and reacting to the "amazing story". But special praise has to go to Sharma, who carries most of the film on his shoulders with equal doses of bravery, fear, doubt, and hope.

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2544801#post2544801)

[Thief]

TEA WITH ALICE
(2018, Del Arco)

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


"Do you think we're alike?"
"In a way, yes... we're both alone."



Tea with Alice follows two women grieving; Natalie (Catherine McGoohan) for the loss of her husband and Alice (Tara Karsian) for the loss of her dog. Despite their differences, Natalie decides to invite Alice for tea, perhaps as a way to process her loss or maybe to cherish what little similarities they might have in the fact that they're both alone.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2544815#post2544815)

[exiler96]

The Bostonians (1984) - Not as lavish as the films Ivory made later on in his career (which might be part of the reason it's not as "seen" as them these days, besides the fact that it's not distributed as well either)... but it feels effortlessly lived-in, and there's still eye-candy in it to be found (the sunset setting in the latter scenes).

Reasonably engaging throughout - It's Henry James afterall; another play of struggle between one's will and sentimentality against the society around them - and very well acted with Vanessa Redgrave standing out (as expected). And not minding that they both played Superman; I just realized how similiar Henry Cavill looks to the late Christopher Reeves.
7/10

https://i0.wp.com/frockflicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bostonians21.jpg?ssl=1

[Fabulous]

Little Man Tate (1991)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/lY1dSP8rtLxtnTPS1KM6ywYQK6Z.jpg

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTg2MTk2MzkxNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNjg0NTk5._V1_.jpg



2

[LordWhis]

Watched the Substance and I have to say it arguably dethrones Dune 2 and Wicked as my best movies of 2024 (and they were 10/10 movies in their own right).

It’s such an extremely emotionally powerful movie that really affects you like very few movies do.

Also the notorious MAGAT Dennis Quaid as a lecherous and slimy corporate executive has to be the best casting ever.

Demi Moore was amazing. If I have one complaint about her it could be that she’s probably way too pretty for the role. She’s ridiculously gorgeous. Much like Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You, it’s a bit unconvincing to play an aging middle aged woman with insecurities about her looks when you look hotter than 99.999% of the human race looks at 25. Of course it could be argued that that was part of the point. That both these characters were actually beautiful but were convinced by their insecurities that they were no longer pretty.

10/10 if not 11/10

[xSookieStackhouse]

1 really disappointed and horrible disney remake. they should leave it alone. gal gadot is amazing acgtress and rachel zegler is alright but this movie is not the right one for remake
https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/images/au_movies_disney_snowwhite_payoff_poster_clean_71dbc047.jpeg?region=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1600

[Gideon58]

Watched the Substance and I have to say it arguably dethrones Dune 2 and Wicked as my best movies of 2024 (and they were 10/10 movies in their own right).

It’s such an extremely emotionally powerful movie that really affects you like very few movies do.

Also the notorious MAGAT Dennis Quaid as a lecherous and slimy corporate executive has to be the best casting ever.

Demi Moore was amazing. If I have one complaint about her it could be that she’s probably way too pretty for the role. She’s ridiculously gorgeous. Much like Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You, it’s a bit unconvincing to play an aging middle aged woman with insecurities about her looks when you look hotter than 99.999% of the human race looks at 25. Of course it could be argued that that was part of the point. That both these characters were actually beautiful but were convinced by their insecurities that they were no longer pretty.

10/10 if not 11/10

Dennis Quaid’s work in The Substance was seriously underrated

[Gideon58]

The Bostonians (1984) - Not as lavish as the films Ivory made later on in his career (which might be part of the reason it's not as "seen" as them these days, besides the fact that it's not distributed as well either)... but it feels effortlessly lived-in, and there's still eye-candy in it to be found (the sunset setting in the latter scenes).

Reasonably engaging throughout - It's Henry James afterall; another play of struggle between one's will and sentimentality against the society around them - and very well acted with Vanessa Redgrave standing out (as expected). And not minding that they both played Superman; I just realized how similiar Henry Cavill looks to the late Christopher Reeves.
7/10

https://i0.wp.com/frockflicks.com/wp-content/arreduploads/2015/01/bostonians21.jpg?ssl=1

Brandon Routh, who starred in Superman Returns looks more like Reeve than Cavill does

[chawhee]

Parasite (2019)
https://is4-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Video113/v4/80/72/4c/80724cd8-92a9-9f31-f9de-527fd18c8012/pr_source.lsr/900x900bb.jpg
5
I was debating someone recently about Bong Joon-ho's movies (since Mickey 17 just released), and he claimed even Parasite was overhyped. His other movies may be average, but this one remains exceptional. The craziness of this one still gets me on a rewatch.

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2f/Ghostbusters_%281984%29_theatrical_poster.png



Umpteenth Rewatch...As much as I loved this movie the first time I saw it, I never imagined it would springboard a franchise that lasted over 30 years, but this is still the granddaddy and still the most entertaining movie in the franchise. Bill Murray's brilliantly flippant performance set against some eye-popping (for 1984) special effects keep this one of the most entertaining comedies ever made. Director Ivan Reitman puts a lot of style into this one. 4

[Tycoon]

https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/content/default/2024/03/19/20240319050599_0.jpg

Saw this movie yesterday at the Fribourg Movie Festival. Original title is Pamyo.
The shamanism theme really interests me. Not very frightening but I enjoyed the atmosphere, directing and actors are very good.

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Poster_-_Women%2C_The_01.jpg



1st Rewatch...This sparkling 1939 film version of the classic play by Claire Booth Luce is still watchable mostly because of some terrific performances and the hook that the entire cast is female. Sylvia Fowler (Rosalind Russell) is a gossipy society matron who hears from a manicurist that the husband of her best friend, Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) is cheating on her with a bitchy golddigger named Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford). Instead of telling Mary herself, Sylvia sends Mary to the manicurist herself so she can hear it from her. When Mary gets the word, she asks the manicurist to stop telling the story and then goes home and impulsively decides to divorce her husband. A surprisingly biting screenplay, Georg Cuckor's energetic direction, and some terrific performances from the all-female cast make this one work, with standout work from Crawford and especially Russell. The film was remade as a musical with the male characters present in 1956 and was called The Opposite Sex, featuring June Allyson in the Shearer role and Joan Collins as Crystal Allen. The film was remade again with an all female cast in 2008 (dreadfully) with Meg Ryan as Mary and Eva Mendes as Crystal. Another case of "Stick to the Original." 4

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/West_Side_Story_1961_film_poster.jpg


Umpteenth Rewatch...Winner of ten Oscars, including Best Picture, this 1961 film version of the landmark 1957 Broadway musical with that glorious score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim was quite groundbreaking in 1961, but with the passing of time and the 2021 remake by Steven Spielberg, some of the bloom has worn of this cinematic rose. This musical re-imagining of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet really suffers now with what is now the clear miscasting of Natalie Wood and especially Richard Beymer in the starring roles. I also have a little trouble with the fact that George Chakiris was the only lead who did his own singing, though I understand why the actors were dubbed, but the singing in Spielberg's remake was much richer because the actors are actually singing, not to mention the fact that most of the Sharks were portrayed by non-Latino actors. One place where this film remains superior is in Jerome Robbins' absolutely stunning choreography, hands down superior over Justin Peck's work in the remake. The opening, the dance at the gym, "America", and especially "Cool"...still absolutely breathtaking. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYWY3ODUyZTQtMTQyZS00ZWIyLTk3M2YtYzU5ZWQ3MTEwZGU1XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


1st Rewatch...Richard Donner's slightly overblown but very effective contemporary re-imagining of Dickens' A Christmas Carol finds Bill Murray stepping into Ebeneezer's shoes as Frank Cross, the hard-nosed president of a television station who is in the middle of producing a live production of A Christmas Carol on his station when he visited by the ghost of his former boss (John Forsythe) who informs him he is going to be visited by three more ghosts. Murray's blistering performance in the starring role and an incredible cast behind him, including Robert Mitchum, Karen Allen, Alfre Woodard, Bobcat Goldthwat, Carol Kane, John Glover, David Johansen, Michael J Pollard, Robert Goulet, Buddy Hackett, John Houseman, and Jamie Farr help keep this movie a laugh out loud experience. It also features some brilliant production values and was robbed of the Oscar for outstanding achievement in Makeup. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTA0Njk2NTIyMTVeQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU3MDU0MzUyMzI@._V1_.jpg


1st Rewatch...Another remake of A Christmas Carol that is nowhere near as good as Scrooged. Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey plays a womanizing fashion photographer who while attending his little brother's wedding, is visited by his own set of female ghosts (including Oscar winner Emma Stone) who plan to show him the error of his ways. This movie is still the steaming pile of crap it was the first time I watched it. The fun in this mess comes from Oscar winner Michael Douglas as the ghost of McConaughey's dead uncle, who was his mentor regarding the way to treat women. 1.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzk0OTk1NWMtZjExNy00YmJmLTgxYWUtOGY3NWNjMTE2NTVjXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


4th Rewatch...Neil Simon and director Herbert Ross knocked it out of the park with this 1975 film version of one of Simon's lesser known plays. Richard Benjamin plays Ben Clark, a harried theatrical agent who has been charged to get his Uncle Willie Clark (Walter Matthew), a former vaudevillian, to reunite with his former partner, Al Lewis (George Burns) for a television special. Only problem is Willie and Al haven't seen in each other in 11 years and can't be in the same room with each other. Simon's adaption of his own play provides the expected laughs and Ross makes sure the laughs are front center. Walter Matthau's performance as Willy Clark is brilliant and earned him an Oscar nomination, but no one was beating Nicholson in Cuckoo's Nest. Ironically, Burns won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his one-note performance as Al Lewis. That award should have gone to Brad Dourif for Cuckoo's Nest, but I digress. Matthau and Benjamin are superb and Siimon's screenplay is a winner. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMGRkMzIyY2QtMjc5My00NGRjLWE5ZGUtYjRiMDNjMzAwOTU0XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


3

[LordWhis]

Ok Anora may be the funniest movie I have ever watched.

It’s hilarious.

But while it was a great movie I don’t think it was a masterpiece like The Substance, or even Dune 2 and Wicked.

I’d say it’s the 4th best best picture nominee, out of the ones I watched now. I think it did deserve best original screenplay tho, the writing and the dialogue was outstanding, better than any other movie this year.

My ranking goes:

Substance 11/10
2/3. Dune 2 / Wicked 10/10

4. Anora 9.2/10

5. Nickel Boys 9/10

6. Conclave: 8.8/10

7. Complete Unknown: 8.5/10

8. Emilia Perez: 8/10

9. Brutalist: 7/10

Still have to watch I’m Still Here to see where it fits in.

[exiler96]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2f/Ghostbusters_%281984%29_theatrical_poster.png


This may not be a big deal but I for one would prefer if your posters be of this size more often :lol:

[Takoma11]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic1.cbrimages.com%2Fwordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F04%2Fjosh-hartnett-in-trap-1.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=e396787960c2fc319124e4341890d4c7e1767af2813ea5c121baa15c58e12ece&ipo=images

Trap 2024

Cooper (Josh Hartnett) takes his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a huge concert for smash pop star Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan). But what should be a father daughter bonding opportunity takes a turn when Cooper realizes that the heavy police presence at the event is all for him . . . because Cooper is a serial killer known as The Butcher who has been terrorizing the local community and who currently has a victim detained in an unknown location.

A fun premise sinks under uneven execution and strange pacing.

3

FULL REVIEW (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545088#post2545088)

[cricket]

Civil War (2024)

3.5+

https://goatfilmreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/civilwar2024d.webp?w=1200

Not what I was expecting or even hoped it would be, but I thought it was pretty enjoyable nonetheless. I expected it to be more action focused, and hoped it would be in the mold of a Die Hard type. There's some good tension and the mere thought of something like this actually happening kept my eyes glued to the screen.

[*Sky*]

La moglie del prete (1970) - Dino Risi: 6.5/10
https://www.italyformovies.it/app/img/film/locandine/la_moglie_del_prete_locandina_1719393707.webp

[Gideon58]

Ok Anora may be the funniest movie I have ever watched.

It’s hilarious.

But while it was a great movie I don’t think it was a masterpiece like The Substance, or even Dune 2 and Wicked.

I’d say it’s the 4th best best picture nominee, out of the ones I watched now. I think it did deserve best original screenplay tho, the writing and the dialogue was outstanding, better than any other movie this year.

My ranking goes:

Substance 11/10
2/3. Dune 2 / Wicked 10/10

4. Anora 9.2/10

5. Nickel Boys 9/10

6. Conclave: 8.8/10

7. Complete Unknown: 8.5/10

8. Emilia Perez: 8/10

9. Brutalist: 7/10

Still have to watch I’m Still Here to see where it fits in.

I watched Nickel Boys today and it was no 9/10

[Fabulous]

Mermaids (1990)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/d4p6VPoN70CnTV74jbW5ltlDgsh.jpg

[Captain Quint]

106395

Better Man (2024)
It's a familiar story - sex, drugs, insecurities and self-destruction, but told well. There's also reason why Robbie looks the way he does here - the editing and scene transitions serve the amped up, drugged fueled vibe as well - the sound quality is amazing, love a strong bass tone, and I got that bunches.

Gets a bit sappy at the end, but overall, a good one.

4

[LordWhis]

I watched Nickel Boys today and it was no 9/10

Well everyone’s taste differs.

I quite liked it.

It had beautiful cinemataography. I thought the POV was a very interesting and innovative idea. The first time you see Elwood after only seeing the world through his eyes was a powerful moment.

I think the movie was emotionally powerful, the performances were excellent, the story, world and characters it created were all captivating, and the final twist was very surprising.

[markdc]

Bowfinger (1999)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/02/Bowfinger_movie.jpg
Last night, I saw this movie for the very first time. As a lifelong cinephile, I love movies about the movie industry. Bowfinger, in which the titular character, an earnest though untalented B-movie producer, makes an alien invasion flick featuring a Hollywood star without the latter’s knowledge or consent, isn’t nearly as great as other films in this subgenre, such as Mullholland Dr., The Player, or Adaptation, but it is very good and very funny. (I’d probably rank it alongside Get Shorty.) Frank Oz (aka Jedi Master Yoda) is a terrific director, and this is his magnum opus. And Steve Martin, who plays Bowfinger, and Eddie Murphy, who plays his unwitting star, did some of their best work in this film. There are a number of hilarious scenes, such as the one where Bowfinger makes an actor run across a freeway with cars zooming past—twice. One thing I loved about this movie is that it reminded me two favorites of mine, Ed Wood and The Disaster Artist. Ironically, Bowfinger is about a filmmaker who spends a couple thousand dollars on a movie that becomes a success and came out just two weeks after The Blair Witch Project, which became a monster hit on a similar shoestring budget. One thing that does confuse me about Bowfiner is that it cost $55 million. That may not seem like much today, given the ludicrously inflated budgets with which Hollywood studios bankroll their films (I heard that the new Snow White movie cost something like $370 million), but that was a lot in the late ‘90’s. Bowfinger takes place in one location (Los Angeles) and there are no grand special effects or action sequences. Perhaps Martin and Murphy’s salaries can account for this?
Highly recommended.

rating_4

[Wooley]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2f/Ghostbusters_%281984%29_theatrical_poster.png



Umpteenth Rewatch...As much as I loved this movie the first time I saw it, I never imagined it would springboard a franchise that lasted over 30 years, but this is still the granddaddy and still the most entertaining movie in the franchise. Bill Murray's brilliantly flippant performance set against some eye-popping (for 1984) special effects keep this one of the most entertaining comedies ever made. Director Ivan Reitman puts a lot of style into this one. 4

No doubt. Every time I come back to this one it stands out as a real classic. Nothing else in the "franchise" is good enough to share a title with the great one.

[Wooley]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/West_Side_Story_1961_film_poster.jpg


Umpteenth Rewatch...Winner of ten Oscars, including Best Picture, this 1961 film version of the landmark 1957 Broadway musical with that glorious score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim was quite groundbreaking in 1961, but with the passing of time and the 2021 remake by Steven Spielberg, some of the bloom has worn of this cinematic rose. This musical re-imagining of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet really suffers now with the what is now the clear miscasting of Natalie Wood and especially Richard Beymer in the starring roles. I also have a little trouble with the fact that George Chakiris was the only lead who did his own singing, though I understand why the actors were dubbed, but the singing in Spielberg's remake was much richer because the actors are actually singing, not to mention the fact that most of the Sharks were portrayed by non-Latino actors. One place where this film remains superior is in Jerome Robbins' absolutely stunning choreography, hands down superior over Justin Peck's work in the remake. The opening, the dance at the gym, "America", and especially "Cool"...still absolutely breathtaking. 4

I guess I gotta see Spielberg's remake eventually because every time I see West Side Story, including pretty recently, it feels like one of the greatest movies ever made to me, in fact, one of the greatest pieces of media I've ever seen. No bloom is off the rose for me whatsoever. So if you're telling me Spielberg's feels better, while I find it hard to believe from that guy, I guess I gotta check it out.

[Wooley]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYWY3ODUyZTQtMTQyZS00ZWIyLTk3M2YtYzU5ZWQ3MTEwZGU1XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


1st Rewatch...Richard Donner's slightly overblown but very effective contemporary re-imagining of Dickens' A Christmas Carol finds Bill Murray stepping into Ebeneezer's shoes as Frank Cross, the hard-nosed president of a television station who is in the middle of producing a live production of A Christmas Carol on his station when he visited by the ghost of his former boss (John Forsythe) who informs him he is going to be visited by three more ghosts. Murray's blistering performance in the starring role and an incredible cast behind him, including Robert Mitchum, Karen Allen, Alfre Woodard, Bobcat Goldthwat, Carol Kane, John Glover, David Johansen, Michael J Pollard, Robert Goulet, Buddy Hackett, John Houseman, and Jamie Farr help keep this movie a laugh out loud experience. It also features some brilliant production values and was robbed of the Oscar for outstanding achievement in Makeup. 4

This really is a wonderful movie that always moves me deeply and fills me with warmth but also gives me the chortles. Recently reading Dickens' novella for the first time I was surprised at how much more faithful this adaptation is, in spirit certainly, than so many others I've seen. Dickens' A Christmas Carol has a lot of humor in it and some of the humor in Scrooged is lifted almost directly from it. Carol Kane nearly steals this movie from Murray but Murray's heart actually keeps him in the driver's seat. Karen Allen could not be more perfect and I get a hoot out of David Johansen as well.

[Torgo]

Miracle Mile - 4

So, what would you do if you heard from an unverified source that the world is ending? This darkly funny thriller reveals how acting upon such news would likely play out. The "impending doom" genre was popular during this era and for good reason, with this one being one of the most delightfully odd ones I've seen. If I had to describe it in one sentence, it's a mashup of a classic Twilight Zone episode and After Hours. Despite maintaining the sensation I had while browsing in Spencer's Gifts, I was struck by how believable everything seems. Besides our hero, Harry (Edwards), and the woman he loves, Julie (Winningham), you cannot easily fit all the people they encounter during their crazy night into the archetypes you typically find in movies like this one. Everyone is mostly unreliable, too self-interested: in short - dare I say it - like people in real life would be in this situation. That does not mean they're ordinary, though; in fact, the movie proves Jim Morrison right: people are strange. What’s more, and maybe it's just because that's how everything looked in the late '80s, but the world the movie depicts is no less strange, and rightly so. I mean, is there anything stranger than the desire to hasten our extinction? Like After Hours, this movie is just as good as escalating the oddness, the same going for the uncertainty of whether Harry intercepted an actual or prank call. Also, besides Edwards and Winningham, it's a joy to see so many that guys and gals from Earl Boen to Denise Crosby to Brian Thompson, each of whom is game regardless of the size of their role.

Again, everyone, including our heroes, is a little too self-interested given the situation. Should they be spending more time raising awareness and getting others to safety? Sure, but they're not just loading up on guns, finishing their bucket lists, etc. Instead, their first impulse is to rescue or spend their remaining time with their loved ones. While this is not my favorite "impending doom" movie from this era - that would be The Quiet Earth - it's definitely the most idiosyncratic one I've seen, not to mention the one with the most accurate pulse of the average American. I just wish the experience wasn't as cathartic as I thought it would be, if you know what I mean...well, and that Johnnie's Coffee Shop a.k.a. Fat Boy was still open.

[MovieGal]

106401
The Loved Ones
(2009)
3.5/5

Ever wonder about that girl or guy in high school that was unpopular and what their home life was like?

Lola Stone is that unpopular girl. Her home life isnt normal. Let's hope she never ask you to a dance and definitely never turn her down.

This is exactly what Brent did and it became a nightmare at the hands of Lola and her father.

This film is so much fun! Oh, the brutality of it all.

Director Sean Byrne has the most imaginative mind. His ability to direct is spot on as well. The cast was perfect. John Brumpton was perfect as Lola's father. Robin McLeavy was perfect as the psychotic outcast.

This is an Australian horror not to miss!

[SpelingError]

Miracle Mile - 4

So, what would you do if you heard from an unverified source that the world is ending? This darkly funny thriller reveals how acting upon such news would likely play out. The "impending doom" genre was popular during this era and for good reason, with this one being one of the most delightfully odd ones I've seen. If I had to describe it in one sentence, it's a mashup of a classic Twilight Zone episode and After Hours. Despite maintaining the sensation I had while browsing in Spencer's Gifts, I was struck by how believable everything seems. Besides our hero, Harry (Edwards), and the woman he loves, Julie (Winningham), you cannot easily fit all the people they encounter during their crazy night into the archetypes you typically find in movies like this one. Everyone is mostly unreliable, too self-interested: in short - dare I say it - like people in real life would be in this situation. That does not mean they're ordinary, though; in fact, the movie proves Jim Morrison right: people are strange. What’s more, and maybe it's just because that's how everything looked in the late '80s, but the world the movie depicts is no less strange, and rightly so. I mean, is there anything stranger than the desire to hasten our extinction? Like After Hours, this movie is just as good as escalating the oddness, the same going for the uncertainty of whether Harry intercepted an actual or prank call. Also, besides Edwards and Winningham, it's a joy to see so many that guys and gals from Earl Boen to Denise Crosby to Brian Thompson, each of whom is game regardless of the size of their role.

Again, everyone, including our heroes, is a little too self-interested given the situation. Should they be spending more time raising awareness and getting others to safety? Sure, but they're not just loading up on guns, finishing their bucket lists, etc. Instead, their first impulse is to rescue or spend their remaining time with their loved ones. While this is not my favorite "impending doom" movie from this era - that would be The Quiet Earth - it's definitely the most idiosyncratic one I've seen, not to mention the one with the most accurate pulse of the average American. I just wish the experience wasn't as cathartic as I thought it would be, if you know what I mean...well, and that Johnnie's Coffee Shop a.k.a. Fat Boy was still open.

A bunch of us watched that during a Hall of Fame some time ago. It would be such a perfect film to watch completely blind.

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Joe_dirt.jpg


2.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNGQ4NDFjYjYtMmU3My00MDcyLWIwMWUtM2JiYTBiYTI2ZplGE5XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_.jpg


1st Rewatch...In the tradition of films like Bonnie and Clyde, Thelma and Louise, and Th Getaway comes this stylish road adventure that features some nice modern cinematic trappings attached giving it a dash of originality. Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith play a black couple on their very first date who get pulled over on a routine traffic stop, which results in the death of the police officer and sending the couple on the run. I really like that the story sets up the girl as the brains of the couple. She's an attorney who knows the law and knows they have no other option than to run. It's a little convenient that everyone they run into during their travels seems to want to help them, but this offers no guarantees for the couple that we grow very attached to during this journey. I think Kaluuya's performance here trumps his Oscar winning performance in Judas and the Black Messiah (he spends a lot of time in that movie mumbling and was very hard to understand) and Turner-Smith is just sublime in her feature film debut. Loved Bokeem Woodbine as Queen's uncle too. Great film. 4

[Gideon58]

https://media-cache.cinematerial.com/p/500x/kjnypv8o/executive-suite-movie-poster.jpg?v=1456661000



1st Rewatch...Before they collaborated on Best Picture Oscar winners, West Side Story and The Sound of Music, director Robert Wise and screenwriter Ernest Lehman collaborated on this sizzling drama revolving around some very ugly office politics. The film is set at a large manufacturing called The Treadway Corporation, that is run by a man named Avery Bullard who calls a board meetng one day at the company at 6:00 pm and, enroute to said meetng,drops dead, springboarding some of the dirtiest office hijinks you've ever seen. Wise and Lehman have a top notch cast to work with including William Holden, Fredric March, Louis Calhern, Paul Douglas, Barbara Stanwyck, June Allyson, Dean Jagger, Walter Piedgon, Shelley Winters, and in a performance that earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination, the divine Nina Foch as Bullard's private secretary, but it's March and Calhern who own this movie. 4

[Takoma11]

Miracle Mile - 4

So, what would you do if you heard from an unverified source that the world is ending? This darkly funny thriller reveals how acting upon such news would likely play out. The "impending doom" genre was popular during this era and for good reason, with this one being one of the most delightfully odd ones I've seen. .

I love Miracle Mile, and I think it's amazing it was made as is. The ending in particular is excellent.

[Torgo]

A bunch of us watched that during a Hall of Fame some time ago. It would be such a perfect film to watch completely blind.But if you were, how could you see it? I kid.

But yeah, like the best "one crazy night" movies, its best quality may be that it's totally unpredictable.

[Fabulous]

Flawless (2007)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/cAwTNs2RouhNwbl6PVLNtl5hb9R.jpg

[Nausicaä]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/Joker_-_Folie_%C3%A0_Deux_poster.jpg/220px-Joker_-_Folie_%C3%A0_Deux_poster.jpg

2.5

SF = Zzz

Viewed: Blu ray



[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

[Wooley]

Miracle Mile - 4

So, what would you do if you heard from an unverified source that the world is ending? This darkly funny thriller reveals how acting upon such news would likely play out. The "impending doom" genre was popular during this era and for good reason, with this one being one of the most delightfully odd ones I've seen. If I had to describe it in one sentence, it's a mashup of a classic Twilight Zone episode and After Hours. Despite maintaining the sensation I had while browsing in Spencer's Gifts, I was struck by how believable everything seems. Besides our hero, Harry (Edwards), and the woman he loves, Julie (Winningham), you cannot easily fit all the people they encounter during their crazy night into the archetypes you typically find in movies like this one. Everyone is mostly unreliable, too self-interested: in short - dare I say it - like people in real life would be in this situation. That does not mean they're ordinary, though; in fact, the movie proves Jim Morrison right: people are strange. What’s more, and maybe it's just because that's how everything looked in the late '80s, but the world the movie depicts is no less strange, and rightly so. I mean, is there anything stranger than the desire to hasten our extinction? Like After Hours, this movie is just as good as escalating the oddness, the same going for the uncertainty of whether Harry intercepted an actual or prank call. Also, besides Edwards and Winningham, it's a joy to see so many that guys and gals from Earl Boen to Denise Crosby to Brian Thompson, each of whom is game regardless of the size of their role.

Again, everyone, including our heroes, is a little too self-interested given the situation. Should they be spending more time raising awareness and getting others to safety? Sure, but they're not just loading up on guns, finishing their bucket lists, etc. Instead, their first impulse is to rescue or spend their remaining time with their loved ones. While this is not my favorite "impending doom" movie from this era - that would be The Quiet Earth - it's definitely the most idiosyncratic one I've seen, not to mention the one with the most accurate pulse of the average American. I just wish the experience wasn't as cathartic as I thought it would be, if you know what I mean...well, and that Johnnie's Coffee Shop a.k.a. Fat Boy was still open.

I watched this maybe 5-7 years ago when it was hot on a different forum I was on and realized that I had seen it when I was maybe 16 years old but not since then and I didn't recognize it until I'd been watching a while. I really liked it. I wrote a really positive, very in-depth review (which was lost to the closing of that forum) going into how the film keeps everything very vague until very late in the movie and how it stays focused on the characters and what they're doing rather than giving you information about the Maguffin and builds a really well-earned sense of dread and possible doom.
Your Twilight Zone/After Hours comparison is apt.
Nice film.

[LeBoyWondeur]

director Robert Wise and scrteenwriter Ernest Lehman collaboraed on this sizzling drama revolving around some very ugly office politics. The film is set at a large manufacturing called The Treadway Corporation, that is run by a man named Avery Bullard who calls a board meetng one day at the company at 6:00 pm and, enroute to said meetng,drops dead, springboarding some of the dirtiest office hijinks you've ever seen.
The short-lived series (1976) based on this film is sort of the holy grail of US prime time soap (it happened two years before the big hit "Dallas").
Utterly unavailable and the best we can hope for is that someone will upload home-made TV recordings on youtube, but I'm not holding my breath.

[matt72582]

Not a Pretty Picture - 7/10
New on Criterion. Part-doc, part-fiction.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/15/Not_a_Pretty_Picture_film_poster.jpg

[Gideon58]

The short-lived series (1976) based on this film is sort of the holy grail of US prime time soap (it happened two years before the big hit "Dallas").
Utterly unavailable and the best we can hope for is that someone will upload home-made TV recordings on youtube, but I'm not holding my breath.

I remember the TV series…Mitchell Ryan and Leigh McCloskey were in it. Didn’t hold a candle to this movie

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDVlNmEyMTQtYmJkMi00MDQ0LTljMGYtZDJkYzA0NDdiN2NkXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


3.5

[exiler96]

The Little Soldier (1963) - J.L.Godard filmed this right after Breathless - and it shows, it's rough-around-the-edges even by his standard imo - but it was censored due to it's hot button topic and wasn't released for three years...

I prefer my political thrillers to be more calm and meaty but this scores for the Karina factor, some humorous moments and a legitimately engaging third act - there's a monologue here that makes it worth watching by itself - before it all just end... Earlier parts make me think WKW took a lot of inspiration from Godard here; gunmen on a mission who fall for pretty women and wonder why... 6+/10.

https://images.justwatch.com/backdrop/120542845/s640/le-petit-soldat

[Torgo]

I watched this maybe 5-7 years ago when it was hot on a different forum I was on and realized that I had seen it when I was maybe 16 years old but not since then and I didn't recognize it until I'd been watching a while. I really liked it. I wrote a really positive, very in-depth review (which was lost to the closing of that forum) going into how the film keeps everything very vague until very late in the movie and how it stays focused on the characters and what they're doing rather than giving you information about the Maguffin and builds a really well-earned sense of dread and possible doom.
Your Twilight Zone/After Hours comparison is apt.
Nice film.Thanks, that's too bad you lost it cause I would have liked to read it. If it was the Corrierino, I can relate because there's a handful of things I wrote there that are unrecoverable now (sigh).

[Takoma11]

Thanks, that's too bad you lost it cause would have liked to read it. If it was the Corrierino, I can relate because there's a handful of things I wrote there that are unrecoverable now (sigh).

By the way, somewhere out there on the internet is a fantastic article about the making of Miracle Mile, but a quick lazy search I did didn't produce it yet. I want to say it was published sometime in the last 5 years.

[Torgo]

By the way, somewhere out there on the internet is a fantastic article about the making of Miracle Mile, but a quick lazy search I did didn't produce it yet. I want to say it was published sometime in the last 5 years.I did a search on "article about making of Miracle Mile," could it be one of these?

Link 1 (https://itcamefromblog.com/2020/02/11/the-everlasting-impact-of-miracle-mile/)
Link 2 (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/miracle-mile-why-happy-ending-was-cut-1210255/)
Link 3 (https://vhsrevival.com/2023/09/09/the-bomb-that-will-bring-us-together-miracle-miles-quirky-reflections-on-nuclear-holocaust/)
Link 4 (https://film-14.com/revisiting-miracle-mile/)
Link 5 (https://www.culturesonar.com/miracle-mile-an-80s-cult-movie-worth-revisiting/)

[I_Wear_Pants]

Hooray Star Wars Episode IV!

[Takoma11]

I did a search on "article about making of Miracle Mile," could it be one of these?

Link 1 (https://itcamefromblog.com/2020/02/11/the-everlasting-impact-of-miracle-mile/)
Link 2 (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/miracle-mile-why-happy-ending-was-cut-1210255/)
Link 3 (https://vhsrevival.com/2023/09/09/the-bomb-that-will-bring-us-together-miracle-miles-quirky-reflections-on-nuclear-holocaust/)
Link 4 (https://film-14.com/revisiting-miracle-mile/)
Link 5 (https://www.culturesonar.com/miracle-mile-an-80s-cult-movie-worth-revisiting/)

It might be that second one, the Hollywood Reporter article. I saw all of those yesterday, but none of them "looked right" from my memory. But websites sometimes change their formatting, so who knows. I remember it had a lot of quotes from the director, which makes me think it's that second article.

[Takoma11]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ruhrbarone.de%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F05%2Fthe-tribe-01.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=b28a1e91f2c2d41c2e656c8a47084467ac3bad332d466ebc5f430eb9c7e2d34e&ipo=images

The Tribe, 2014

Sergei (Hryhoriy Fesenko) arrives at a boarding school for deaf, only to realize that the school is home to a ruthless gang of students---and some teachers--who commit a range of crimes for profit. Several of the teenage students are forced to do sex work at a local truck stop, and Sergei falls for one of them, Anya (Yana Novikova). But as the power dynamics in the gang shift, things become volatile among the students.

A compelling setting and concept fall prey to exploitative tendencies.

3.5

Worth checking out, but a bit of a let down.

FULL REVIEW (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545488#post2545488)

[MovieGal]

106426
Ash
(2025)
4/5

I want to start by saying, one of the best sci fi horror films out there, done on a small budget.

What if you or your crew mates find a new alien life on a remote planet and it decides to make one of you their new host?

A member of a space crew, who was sent to terraform a remote planet, wakes with amnesia. She has no clue who she is or why the rest of the crew are deceased. Slowly, she begins to piece what happened.

This was a very well made film. I enjoyed the acting, the visual effects and the choice of music.

It is slow at first but give it some time and it picks up the pace. It had the right amount of sci fi, horror anf gruesome scenes.

Its one of the best films I have seen this year.

However, I can see this becoming a franchise film, like Alien, and its something we do not need.

[Fabulous]

Rabid (1977)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/yXx26Bvhgp8H7RoW1iybktuF1ZN.jpg

[Thief]

NIGHT MOVES
(1975, Penn)

https://i.imgur.com/iJOT4nt.jpeg


"Who's winning?"
"Nobody. One side is just losing slower than the other."



Night Moves is one of those where he plays an obsessed investigator. While struggling with personal issues at home, Harry Moseby is hired to find the runaway daughter of a washed-down actress. However, after tracking her down to Florida, he realizes there might be more to it than just an angsty teenager.

This might not be Hackman's most popular film playing an investigator, but it's still one that often comes up on that "second tier" when talking about his career or talking about neo-noir. I still don't know why I waited so long to check it out, but I'm so glad I finally did. Hackman is, as usual, effortless and unassuming and just so good at it. His Harry feels not like a construct, but like a real person.

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545575#post2545575)

[PHOENIX74]

https://i.postimg.cc/tJSqvjnV/I-m-still-here.jpg
By https://www.filmaffinity.com/es/filmimages.php?movie_id=121387, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77963394

I'm Still Here - (2024)

This one is guaranteed to stay with me for a while, and is particularly well suited to the world we're living in today even though it's set mostly in the 1970s. It's intensely personal while also speaking about the much larger issue surrounding political violence, murder and the suppression of dissent. I really felt like I was part of the Paiva family once the film had got going - lovely photography by Adrian Teijido and direction by Walter Salles. Those looking for comparisons - it's something like that 1982 Costa-Gavras film Missing, with the regime at the center of it all the Brazilian military dictatorship which took control of that nation from 1964 to 1985. Unbelievably, the Brazilian far right tried to organize a boycott of the film - that's the kind of madness all ordinary sane people simply have to put up with these days. Superb performances and a perfect screenplay add a sheen of perfection to what was quite deservedly a lauded film from 2024.

9/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fb/Sahara_-_1943_-_-poster.png
By Derived from a digital capture (photo/scan) of the Film Poster/ 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=28807275

Sahara - (1943)

Humphrey Bogart was rising to prominence when cast in this war film that leans just a little on propaganda gung-ho sentiment, but is well put together regardless. Interesting to note that the Italian prisoner of war, Giuseppe (J. Carrol Naish) is given a very sympathetic treatment - while the Germans are, of course not to be trusted. Quite amusing to see a young Lloyd Bridges playing a Brit - broad accent and all. Also fascinating is the fact that the action on the North African front is being presented to us here pretty much in conjunction with how it was turning out in the real world - as it happened. To be honest, Humphrey Bogart makes everything he appears in much better - and I was really fascinated by the medium tank the Americans are using because I was so unfamiliar with it's type. An M3-Lee I believe. I'd actually already seen the remake of this movie, made by Australian Brian Trenchard-Smith in 1995, and starring Jim Belushi. He's not exactly Bogart.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ec/Baskin_%28film%29.jpg
By IFC Midnight (US) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4935418/?ref_=nm_knf_t1, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54352759

Baskin - (2015)

Along with the amazing make-up effects and production design, Baskin delivers on most every front in an intelligent yet entertaining manner. I had a lot of fun watching it, and I'm sure it will maintain an enduring cult status for years to come. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2544911#post2544911), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/09/Creepy_%28film%29_poster.jpeg
By http://eiga.com/movie/82611/photo/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49541736

Creepy - (2016)

Creepy is a long movie - it morphs and changes, seeming to become a different creature at one point, going from psychological horror to thriller in the space of a heartbeat or two. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it, and I'll be looking out for a copy to own because I would definitely enjoy experiencing it again. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2545148#post2545148), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[chawhee]

Casablanca (1942)
https://flxt.tmsimg.com/assets/p651_p_v13_az.jpg
4.5
Embarrassed to say this is my first time seeing this, but it's great haha

I seldom watch any movie made prior to, say, 1960, but my girlfriend pulled me into this one. Glad she did!

[Wooley]

NIGHT MOVES
(1975, Penn)

https://i.imgur.com/iJOT4nt.jpeg




Night Moves is one of those where he plays an obsessed investigator. While struggling with personal issues at home, Harry Moseby is hired to find the runaway daughter of a washed-down actress. However, after tracking her down to Florida, he realizes there might be more to it than just an angsty teenager.

This might not be Hackman's most popular film playing an investigator, but it's still one that often comes up on that "second tier" when talking about his career or talking about neo-noir. I still don't know why I waited so long to check it out, but I'm so glad I finally did. Hackman is, as usual, effortless and unassuming and just so good at it. His Harry feels not like a construct, but like a real person.

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545575#post2545575)

I really liked this one a lot and, despite all the other things it does well, the thing that took it over the top for me was...
...how Hackman is always replaying the same game of chess stuck on the move that wasn't made. When Warren agrees that it's a nice move, “Yeah,” Harry replies, “but he didn’t see it. He played something else and he lost. Must’ve regretted it every day of his life. I know I would have.” And he's always just playing this same game over and over. And at the end of the movie he ends up on the boat that's stuck going in circles. It's a great metaphor and a great not-so-underlying theme, well presented to the audience. Really elevates the film for me.

[Thief]

I really liked this one a lot and, despite all the other things it does well, the thing that took it over the top for me was...
...how Hackman is always replaying the same game of chess stuck on the move that wasn't made. When Warren agrees that it's a nice move, “Yeah,” Harry replies, “but he didn’t see it. He played something else and he lost. Must’ve regretted it every day of his life. I know I would have.” And he's always just playing this same game over and over. And at the end of the movie he ends up on the boat that's stuck going in circles. It's a great metaphor and a great not-so-underlying theme, well presented to the audience. Really elevates the film for me.

Oh yeah, the pointlessness of things is highlighted all through – like that other sports quote I put at the top about everybody "losing" in the end – and it's a very noir thing. Love it.

[Thief]

Casablanca (1942)
https://flxt.tmsimg.com/assets/p651_p_v13_az.jpg
4.5
Embarrassed to say this is my first time seeing this, but it's great haha

I seldom watch any movie made prior to, say, 1960, but my girlfriend pulled me into this one. Glad she did!

^One of the best movies ever made. Glad she pulled you into it, and glad you enjoyed it.

[Thief]

EARLY MAN
(2018, Park)

https://i.imgur.com/1a9TXKZ.jpeg


"Imagine it!... The mighty Bronze Age brought to its knees by a bunch of cavemen?"



Set during the "transition period" between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, Early Man follows a bunch of cavemen trying to win back their home valley from the ruthless Bronze Age governor Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston). To do so, they must bring their Bronze Age rivals to their knees in a game of football, under the leadership of the young Dug (Eddie Redmayne).

This is yet another Aardman film from Nick Park. I had actually seen a couple of Wallace & Gromit features during the last months, but it was pure coincidence that I stumbled upon this one while looking for something to watch with one of my kids. Early Man brings a similar level of fairly British humor that I enjoyed. It also features countless of effective visual gags and great animation.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545686#post2545686)

[Takoma11]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nme.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F10%2FTrial_Of_The_Chicago_Seven.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=abbb8eba84effa0773da80ecf9e0ba8e530a00a009bdc46eef376478394ab1ef&ipo=images

The Trial of the Chicago 7, 2020

Various groups of protestors show up to disrupt the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Months later, Abbie Hoffman (Sasha Baron Choen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), Rennie Davis (Alex Sharp), David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch), Lee Weiner (Ben Shenkman), John Froines (Danny Flaherty), and Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mateen) are charred with inciting a riot. Under the watch of an obviously biased judge (Frank Langella), prosecutor Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) begins to lose faith in the righteousness of the prosecution.

As with so many films of this kind, I felt myself pining for just a really well made documentary.

3

FULL REVIEW (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545705#post2545705)

[Thief]

MAROONED
(2019, Erekson)

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


"Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known."



Marooned follows a resourceful and determined robot that has been stranded on the Moon. Yearning to return to Earth, the robot works non-stop to repair a rocket that could bring him back home. But this is no easy task for one robot. However, things improve when he discovers another smaller robot that also wants to get back home. Can they both return?

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545739#post2545739)

[Takoma11]

http://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Filarge.lisimg.com%2Fimage%2F16335528%2F1024full-keep-an-eye-out-(2018)-photo.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=e1774b8b6b3a3c3bff474a99560bc0d69278ce4adb91c1011a7a906ac0bf7c50&ipo=images

Keep an Eye Out, 2018

A man named Louis (Gregoire Ludig) is brought into a police station for questioning after finding the bloodied body of a man outside of his apartment building. Interrogated by the hostile Buron (Benoit Poelvoorde), Louis finds himself justifying his admittedly odd actions on the night he found the body. Things go from strange to stranger when Buron’s one-eyed colleague, Philippe (Marc Fraize), arrives.

This quirky comedy holds your interest by continuing to escalate the absurdity.

4

FULL REVIEW (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545753#post2545753)

[Thief]

CRANK
(2006, Neveldine & Taylor)

https://i.imgur.com/Ayrrd9l.jpeg


"You're like an adrenaline junkie with no soul."



This is arguably one of those 2000's action staples and one of a couple of films that turned Statham into an action star. However, despite its "pedigree", it's one I still hadn't seen. So with all the crazy stuff going on in my life, when the time came for me to watch something dumb and, well, with no soul, I decided to go with this one.

Crank delivers more or less what you would expect from a 2000's Jason Statham action film. If you're familiar with his films, you know what you'll get. If you're not, it's pretty much like a video game, as we follow our hero punch his way through different hurdles and goons until he reaches the big baddie in the end. No more, no less.

Grade: 2.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545755#post2545755)

[matt72582]

Over The Top - 6.5/10


I saw this so many times as a kid, I practically have it memorized.



https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6f/Over_the_Top_%281987_film%29_cover_art.jpg

[Takoma11]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.mubicdn.net%2Fimages%2Ffilm%2F750%2Fimage-w856.jpg%3F1481118913&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=9e3a553e87ee7913feaa1457b9fe1ccf9a21489df4125931d53849252519b44c&ipo=images

Fanfan la Tulipe, 1952

The dashing Fanfan (Gerard Philipe) takes one too many rolls in the hay with a farmer’s daughter and finds himself headed for a wedding to the young woman. He is “saved” by Adeline (Gina Lollobrigida), the daughter of a recruiting officer, who promises him that if he joins the military, he is destined to marry the King’s daughter. Fanfan joins, but his feelings for Adeline begin to complicate his desire to win over the princess.

A slight, breezy adventure romance good for low-key viewing.

3

FULL REVIEW (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545810#post2545810)

[Thief]

THE PRANK
(2022, Bharoocha)

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


"Seems to me someone is dying for a week's suspension. So the next person who opens their mouth gets one. You will respect me and this class."



The Prank follows high school senior Ben (Connor Kalopsis) who, along with his best friend Tanner (Ramona Young), starts spreading the rumor that their strict and ruthless physics teacher Mrs. Wheeler (Rita Moreno) is a serial killer. Why? Because she failed the whole class endangering Ben's chances for a scholarship. The consequence? Mrs. Wheeler's class start to revolt prompting the above threat and demand for respect.

My wife picked this one primarily because of Moreno (we're both Puerto Ricans) so we were eager to watch our girl kill it, which is exactly what we got. Moreno is clearly having the time of her life playing this stuck-up version of your worst high school teacher. The way that she seamlessly moves from scenery chewing to more subdued emotions and then back to teeth gnawing is just masterful that makes watching this film worth your time.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545845#post2545845)

[I_Wear_Pants]

Hooray Empire Strikes Back!

Return of the Jedi tomorrow!

[I_Wear_Pants]

I watched I Confess tonight. Holy crap what an excellent movie! It bristles with positives. I loved all of it.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/To_Have_and_Have_Not_%281944_poster_-_insert%29.jpg/320px-To_Have_and_Have_Not_%281944_poster_-_insert%29.jpg
By Warner Bros. - Scan via Heritage Auctions. Cropped from the original image., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129925671

To Have and Have Not - (1944)

It has nothing to do with the actual plot of the film, but it was on this production that Humphrey Bogart met Lauren (Betty) Bacall, falling in love with the 19-year-old (Bogart was 45) and soon divorcing Mayo Methot and marrying her after filming wrapped up. Bogart plays Harry Morgan, who owns a fishing boat that he rents out in Fort-de-France, a French territory controlled by the Vichy government during the German occupation. His arc is basically the same as it was in Casablanca - he's a disinterested neutral observer until financial necessity sees him aiding the French resistance, and events gradually see him becoming committed to the cause. In the meantime he falls for the sultry young Marie Browning - a runaway from home who is nonetheless street-smart and capable of looking after herself. Walter Brennan features as Morgan's drunken friend Eddie. Directing was Howard Hawks. Tellingly, the film feels most alive during the scenes shared between Bogart and Bacall - does it feel that way to me because I know what was going on behind the scenes? No, I really do think that those two performers were switched on in a way that enhances what they were doing, and for once the romance is much more heart-pounding than the action. I think the movie is really well written dialogue-wise, but the story is a little simplistic. The public, I think, simply enjoyed basking in the glow of Bogart and Bacall - something that still feels warm to this day.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fb/Halley_poster.jpg
By The poster art can or could be obtained from the distributor., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55216953

Halley - (2012)

Immortality isn't all it's cracked up to be in Sebastián Hofmann's Halley, with it's central character, Aberto (Alberto Trujillo), struggling with his day-to-day life as a security guard having died some time ago. I can see this obscure Mexican film not being for everybody, but it really resonated with me a lot because of it's meaningful look at withdrawal and seclusion via what is basically a zombie character, going through the motions of life while at the same time being dead. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2545888#post2545888), in my watchlist thread.

8/10

[Fabulous]

Porky's (1981)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/7zVPeUgL6pgBmV0H9ptqeMiGHUD.jpg

[ueno_station54]

went to see four movies in four days with my wifey <3

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/sm/upload/p7/zi/45/xn/5241zUwe7rC17MNc2QpCBKKdp1N-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=0431699bb4
incredibly funny while not feeling too far removed from the previous film (as far as i remember at least).
rating_4

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/6/2/0/2/8/1/620281-mickey-17-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=93e4d2af6d
some ideas i like for sure but its definitely too long and doesn't fully click.
rating_3

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/1/1/1/6/7/5/5/1116755-black-bag-2025-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=b6b9dffb20
i like how small scale this is and the general series of events but wow the dialogue is rough.
rating_3

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/5/0/8/2/2/50822-inland-empire-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=b4bd226d73
i hadn't seen this in quite some time but i knew it was gonna be crazy on the big screen and holy moly was it. the last probably half hour is so damn tense my chest hurt afterwards. Lynch somehow makes a scene where someone talks about their friends pet monkey shitting everywhere profoundly moving. an all-timer.
rating_4_5

[exiler96]

Pierrot le Fou (1965) - Entirely post-modernist and pretty light compared to some other Godard I've been watching recently. Colorful (in it's visual and dialogue: every line has something to crack) and pessimistic (with it's commentary on the state of the world '65, the fate of it's characters; how they stage their death and meet somewhat a similiar end) at the same time. Cool and loose and exciting until it gets exhausting to hang on every twist and cut and literary reference that goes nowhere... Will watch again in a more prepared mindset to get it all though it feels there's not much to get other than Belmondo and Karina, who are a delight..... 6.5/10

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeA_vCD5XhKUV5K89m_Ta-1Hn6UMTooBZPTZ-hNZKwBoUQMR_L_oh_dgwoCJeLkCE7SpkrmB2oNbOmJz-PaixRLBs1UuzPt_aiZ4HwQRUJcyQC_Su00D1maiAc0QmlYgPpk7uWowsCX8/s1600/Pierrot+Le+Fou.jpg

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNjJmNjQ4ODMtNzRjMy00NzNhLThiNTItZjU5YmIwMzBjYWFjXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_.jpg



3.5

[Darth Pazuzu]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3b/Alto_Knights_poster.jpg/220px-Alto_Knights_poster.jpg

March 25, 2025

THE ALTO KNIGHTS (Barry Levinson / 2025)

I know that this film has been getting pretty middling reviews, and box office returns have been decidedly weak. But I have to say that there's a great deal to admire in this biographical crime drama directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi. If the latter's name seems familiar, then it should, for Pileggi is the author of the screenplays for the Martin Scorsese crime classics GoodFellas (1990), Casino (1995) and the more recent The Irishman (2019). And Barry Levinson, even though I don't necessarily think he's up there with Scorsese (and certainly doesn't possess the kinetic audacity of Scorsese's best classic work), is certainly no slouch and he manages to make the story very compelling and involving. Some of Levinson's more famous past films include Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) with Robin Williams, Rain Man (1988) with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, one of my childhood favorites in Young Sherlock Holmes (1985), as well as another biographical crime drama in Bugsy (1991) with Warren Beatty and Annette Bening. Granted, Levinson's track record has been decidedly mixed since his heyday, but while The Alto Knights is admittedly no classic on the order of GoodFellas and Casino, it manages to be a tad more viscerally engaging than The Irishman (not that that last one isn't a worthwhile viewing experience in its own right).

Basically, this is the true story of two rival Mafia bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Childhood friends who had both been born in Italy and had both come to America with their families, they eventually have a falling out over personal differences. Vito is an extremely temperamental - and often outright paranoid - hothead who wants to embrace the burgeoning narcotics trade, while Frank is a much more laidback sort who would rather be a professional gambler and a mover-and-shaker in political circles. Ultimately, ne'er the twain shall meet, and eventually the inevitable bullet is sent flying in Frank's direction. The Alto Knights actually begins with the attempted hit on Frank in 1957, which he is extremely fortunate enough to completely recover from. The assassination attempt is quite well-executed by Levinson, with the fragmented images of blood, broken glass and splintered reflections calling to my mind the climax of Sam Peckinpah's 1973 Western Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. If anything, the opening is perhaps too effective, and perhaps builds up expectation too much in terms of the level of action and violence. Anyway, the rest of the movie deals with Frank's attempts to extricate himself from Vito and the Mafia for the sake of his own survival, and anyone familiar with events in real life will know the momentous event which results from his efforts.

The big news here, of course, is that Robert De Niro is playing both Costello and Genovese. Personally, I do feel that it's kind of a showy gimmick for an actor to play two different roles in a movie just for the sake of doing so. If both actors are playing twin siblings - such as Jeremy Irons as Drs. Beverly and Elliot Mantle in David Cronenberg's Dead Ringers (1988), to cite but one example - then it becomes extremely logical, as well as inevitable. But if an actor is going to be playing multiple roles - and those roles are broad and showy enough (as well as radically different enough) to justify the gimmick - then they're better off going for a whole trifecta, as is the case with Peter Sellers in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) or Cheech Marin in Robert Rodriguez's From Dusk Till Dawn (1996). Having said that, De Niro does manage to make Costello and Genovese into completely differentiated characters. De Niro's Costello is perhaps a bit closer to what we think of as "classic De Niro," while in Genovese he seems to be doing much more of a "character bit," perhaps channeling James Cagney (whose 1949 classic White Heat is playing on TV at one point). Even better, it would seem to have been done completely the old-fashioned way, with acting and prosthetics, and there would appear to be none of the digital effects work used for de-aging the principals in The Irishman.

As far as the other performances go - lest we forget - it's always good to see Debra Messing, who portrays Frank's understanding yet firm wife Bobbie. Kathrine Narducci is also effective as Vito's wife Anna, who manages to be too much like Vito for either one's own good. She quite hilariously manages to upend both her husband's and Frank's lives during a marvelously cringey rant in a courtroom scene in which she drags out both men's dirty laundry in an attempt to sue Vito for reimbursement for money taken from her after-hours club. Cosmo Jarvis is also good - and unexpectedly sympathetic - as Vincent Gigante, the rising young soldier in Vito's organization who actually performs the failed hit on Frank. Also a standout is Michael Rispoli as the crime boss Albert Anastasia, who is an ally of Frank's and who manages to run afoul of Vito's paranoia. There is a wonderfully tense scene involving Anastasia during a visit to the local barber shop, where we are led to believe that possibly one of the barbers is going to take him out with a razor. It's ultimately a clever misdirect and things end up happening a little bit differently, even though the character's fate is sealed.

The highlight of the movie for me (aside from all the aforementioned)? The car driving scene with Vito late in the movie, where we get a rather funny and protracted discussion about the Mormons having dug up a golden Bible somewhere in upstate New York and then mysteriously heading their covered wagons out west towards Utah without following up on it, which Vito manages to turn around on poor Vincent (who's driving), furiously berating him for the bungled hit on Frank! :lol: Definitely worthy of Quentin Tarantino, or perhaps even Scorsese himself.

In short, never mind the naysayers! While I don't know if The Alto Knights will go down as one of the all-time classic mob movies, it's certainly a very classy piece of latter-day crime genre cinema, and I do think it's something that people will come back to later on. But right now, I think that perhaps a movie like this just might be a little too "old-school" for many younger viewers. They truly do not make 'em like this anymore... or rarely, at any rate. Ultimately, time heals all wounds... and wounds all heels.

[Fabulous]

Species (1995)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/qIHJ9b3tGenLTe6D72Tl0DtgamR.jpg

[LeBoyWondeur]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNjJmNjQ4ODMtNzRjMy00NzNhLThiNTItZjU5YmIwMzBjYWFjXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_.jpg
That has got to be the lamest film poster I've ever seen.

[ueno_station54]

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/sm/upload/sv/95/s9/4j/inception-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=30d7224316
saw this once when it came out, liked it well enough, then never thought about it again. it has its faults and all like they have to explain every little thing that happens and there's probably too much going on but all the stuff is cool so who cares.
3.5

[Gideon58]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nme.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F10%2FTrial_Of_The_Chicago_Seven.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=abbb8eba84effa0773da80ecf9e0ba8e530a00a009bdc46eef376478394ab1ef&ipo=images

The Trial of the Chicago 7, 2020

Various groups of protestors show up to disrupt the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Months later, Abbie Hoffman (Sasha Baron Choen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), Rennie Davis (Alex Sharp), David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch), Lee Weiner (Ben Shenkman), John Froines (Danny Flaherty), and Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mateen) are charred with inciting a riot. Under the watch of an obviously biased judge (Frank Langella), prosecutor Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) begins to lose faith in the righteousness of the prosecution.

As with so many films of this kind, I felt myself pining for just a really well made documentary.

3

FULL REVIEW (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2545705#post2545705)

For my money, the best film of 2020

[exiler96]

Made in U.S.A (1966) - It was fun to catch ideas Tarantino will steal in the future (*bip*ing the name of a character which he did in Kill Bill, the whole comic book look of it) and Karina in a badass trenchcoat and so many nice close-ups... but I wasn't prepared mentally for yet another (though it might've been fresh for it's time?) re-doing of The Big Sleep, a.k.a deliberately complex mysteries that don't give much if you're not a hundred percent invested in every encounter. Add outdated Marxist concerns and I was begging for it to be over near the end.... 5/10.

https://thecinephiliac.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/madeintheusa_jp1.jpg

[I_Wear_Pants]

Batman and Harley Quinn is certainly the funniest Batman film I've seen. I really enjoyed it. It's awesome. I laughed a lot and I appreciated the story. Overall a great film. I couldn't help but hear Elise from Dan Vs though because the same actress voiced Poison Ivy in this film. It's not really a problem though.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b8/Cuckoo_%282024_film%29_poster.png
By IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76467439

Cuckoo - (2024)

A brat turns into a likeable heroine before our very eyes in recent horror movie Cuckoo - which didn't turn out to be a big hit, despite the fact that it's a pretty decent U.S/German co-production. Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) tags along with her father Luis (Marton Csokas), stepmother Beth (Jessica Henwick) and half-sister Alma (Mila Lieu) to a resort in the Bavarian Alps and soon starts to regret her decision. Not only is she at odds with most of her family, but a strange human hybrid monster has started stalking her every movement. Does it all turn out to be a little ridiculous in the end? Yes, but Kalin Morrow's "Hooded Woman" was kind of terrifying at the same time, and like all good horror movies it grabs onto something (here, de facto family) in a sincere effort to explore a specific issue. You'll walk away feeling a little differently about conservationists, but your fear of Germans was probably already there to begin with. That's all there really is to say about this one.

6/10

[jackmarson]

I recently saw the tiger movie good story btw

[jackmarson]

maybe 8 out of 10

[Hotel Security]

Double Indemnity (1944)
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51HY9jWlU5L._AC_.jpg

First viewing. In between all the basketball, I managed to fit this in as part of my goal to see more Barbara Stanwyck. It's worthy of all the hype it gets. Fred MacMurray and Stanwyck are both excellent and clever, often tossing one-liners back and forth. The plot about needing to kill a husband is as old as they come but few movies did it better. Was hooked from start to finish.

[Wooley]

Double Indemnity (1944)
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51HY9jWlU5L._AC_.jpg

First viewing. In between all the basketball, I managed to fit this in as part of my goal to see more Barbara Stanwyck. It's worthy of all the hype it gets. Fred MacMurray and Stanwyck are both excellent and clever, often tossing one-liners back and forth. The plot about needing to kill a husband is as old as they come but few movies did it better. Was hooked from start to finish.

I loved this movie. It really exceeded my expectations. Stanwyck was fantastic, iconic. McMurray surprised me by doing a great job as well (I knew him mostly from Father Knows Best). Edward G. Robinson gives a really good performance that is important to the film. I really enjoyed it.

[Fabulous]

The Mechanic (1972)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/eTPYllI3hxHes0Wp51BMvz7WUBO.jpg

[Thief]

THE RITUAL
(2017, Bruckner)

https://i.imgur.com/Dj5Hau3.jpeg


"You know, I'm sick of this off-road bollocks, okay? A path means civilization."



The Ritual follows four friends that decide to go on a hiking trip through the Swedish mountains to honor one of their friends that was killed in a robbery half a year before. But when one of them sprains his ankle and they decide to venture into the unexplored forest, they end up finding something more than "civilization".

Directed by David Bruckner, the film succeeds from the start in building an atmosphere of constant dread. This is only amplified as the four friends venture deeper into the forest while occurrences get weirder and creepier. Bruckner is patient enough in not showing his cards too early, while he lets the characters interact and explore their surroundings.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2546401#post2546401)

[Thief]

NUMBER SEVENTEEN
(1932, Hitchcock)

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


"Means for half past twelve, something is going to happen... at number 17."



Number Seventeen follows an assorted group of people that converge on the titular house after a jewel robbery. The first two that are introduced are Fordyce (John Stuart) and Ben (Leon M. Lion), a homeless man that was looking for a place to spend the night. Soon they are joined by criminals, companions, police officers, and relatives, all trying to outsmart the other in some way.

Some of the film's assets are in the performances and characters. Most of them do a solid job, although it would've been good if Stuart had stood out more as the mysterious lead. As it is, he's a bit on the bland side. On the other hand, Lion crafts a really colorful and fun character in Ben. His whole demeanor and attitude help to maintain a certain level of humor that keeps the film alive.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2546494#post2546494)

[exiler96]

The Silence (1963) - I was hooked on the opening act and the hotel setting which reminded me of Salinger (A Perfect Day for Bananafish) and just how sensible Bergman makes a little boy's POV through moments that hit close to home for many of us I'm sure, while being completely alarming (the inappropriate touch he has with his mother, when the weird servant shows him picture of the dead - they all awaken something in him - and us)...

He proceeds to throw so many things in the picture (strongly hinting lesbianism between the sisters, the supposed "ego-centerism" of one and impulsury nature of the other) that I thought for a long while don't mesh well together - at all...

But the acting is so strong, the lighting so suffocating and the hopelessness so felt throughout the film's finest moments that by the end I had surrendered.

Somewhat a mixed-bag, from a giant who made self-loathing an art form. Watch if you're in the mood for not a movie but psychological torment.... 8/10.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8bV3EAoiz7GPRibAhYJ7G4iB3Vsl5OEAnYeQpXbInKpvqrNg4L776nKWoWQ-wefqHB9Vi-9_-EgKru8ZRUTw_v0sUlQ3S11favFrRbFR1oaXslMWdenAlX_0n_6psvzz5k0IxIT9xOfQ/s1600/The+Silence+15.jpg

[MovieBuffering]

The Outsiders - 1983

Wasn't terribly impressed with this one. It was fun watching all these notable actors when they were super young. Maybe it sort of just aged out. I thought it was heading one way then just abruptly went in a different direction. Sort of jumped all over the place. Acting felt real dated too. Was over the top in some scenes imo. I get liking this if when you were young you felt ostracized or, pun intended, like an Outsider. Just didn't hit with me.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0NtiJ5HKNQuPoYxk_1x-jRRG88QQSsDsKh-7n7EJzfGQDZ-57j61TO3B8wwnkVuOSAUDL

2.5

[wositelec]

I'm for the Hippopotamus (1979) - 9/10 - excelent comedy with Bud Spencer and Terence Hill

106562

[Stirchley]

The Silence (1963) - I was hooked on the opening act and the hotel setting which reminded me of Salinger (A Perfect Day for Bananafish) and just how sensible Bergman makes a little boy's POV through moments that hit close to home for many of us I'm sure, while being completely alarming (the inappropriate touch he has with his mother, when the weird servant shows him picture of the dead - they all awaken something in him - and us)...

He proceeds to throw so many things in the picture (strongly hinting lesbianism between the sisters, the supposed "ego-centerism" of one and impulsury nature of the other) that I thought for a long while don't mesh well together - at all...

But the acting is so strong, the lighting so suffocating and the hopelessness so felt throughout the film's finest moments that by the end I had surrendered.

Somewhat a mixed-bag, from a giant who made self-loathing an art form. Watch if you're in the mood for not a movie but psychological torment.... 8/10.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8bV3EAoiz7GPRibAhYJ7G4iB3Vsl5OEAnYeQpXbInKpvqrNg4L776nKWoWQ-wefqHB9Vi-9_-EgKru8ZRUTw_v0sUlQ3S11favFrRbFR1oaXslMWdenAlX_0n_6psvzz5k0IxIT9xOfQ/s1600/The+Silence+15.jpg

LOVE this movie.

[scemo]

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
(1964)
3
I haven't seen it in a while. After having seen most of Kubrick's work, I'm struck by how distinctive his "style" was from that period of the 1960s before 2001. How he approached the characters and played with their expressions and gestures. As if they were cartoons.
Perhaps what most discouraged me about the film is its insistence on the ridiculous or its great patience for movements and processes, which at a certain point become useless in trying to stop the already unstoppable final destiny that awaits everyone in the film.
And seriously, as the years go by, this film increasingly stops being a comedy and becomes more of a documentary.
Although this happens because of Kubrick's interest in dealing with such themes in such a mischievous, playful and conscious way at the same time.
https://cdn.posteritati.com/posters/000/000/050/389/dr-strangelove-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-bomb-md-web.jpg

[Wooley]

The Outsiders - 1983

Wasn't terribly impressed with this one. It was fun watching all these notable actors when they were super young. Maybe it sort of just aged out. I thought it was heading one way then just abruptly went in a different direction. Sort of jumped all over the place. Acting felt real dated too. Was over the top in some scenes imo. I get liking this if when you were young you felt ostracized or, pun intended, like an Outsider. Just didn't hit with me.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0NtiJ5HKNQuPoYxk_1x-jRRG88QQSsDsKh-7n7EJzfGQDZ-57j61TO3B8wwnkVuOSAUDL

2.5

Even though I grew up on this movie I actually think this is a big miss by Coppola. I understand what he was going for and I think he missed.
Rumble Fish is much better.

[exiler96]

Finally watched I Vitelloni (1953), the film that inspired Scorsese's Mean Streets. Said to be a favourite of Kubrick's too.

Great, natural sense of time and place of course, in the vain of La Strada and before Fellini's more overtly symbolic sceneries (though there is a bit where a character wanders off from last night's party realizing he should've had more in this life which is *cheff's kiss*).....

It's about a group of unemployed, low-life (or labled as such) friends: one of them is an aspiring playwright, one has a bold singing voice, one is the quiet one... sort-of wish we spend time with each gang member equally, but we spend the most time with Franco Fabrizi's Fausto, and I suspect will remember the film becaue of him, since he's the most fleshed-out character, and amazingly- acted..... we might hate him or his actions but Fellini portrays him (and the rest of them) as simply human; with his many f*ckups and frankly few redeeming qualities... totally deserves the belt he's receiving at the end but that's stopped only because of the tender heart of his wife.

Ending's a great touch too, as the sensible one has jumps on the train and flashes of his friends in their beds move pass his (and our) eyes... 8.5/10.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobiWFOQhcqVyEjNPOHUwefW60Q1Io1RTYLKlPEMzxxvj2dzFI_X3ijACqwOQPexPIq9NtMgel9uG5-QXkB2Pyh2jM8ARbh5EdjilF1IH0DC6U7vD1tlpIBB8MzYtqmG0Y8DLSAKScEUk/s1600/I+Vitelloni+9.jpg

[Allaby]

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip (2025) Watched on Disney+. The cast is fairly likeable and do a decent job. The main problem is that the screenplay is mediocre, generic and predictable. The direction feels lacking and underwhelming. There are a couple funny moments, but it should have been funnier. Passable entertainment for a one time watch on a lazy afternoon. 3

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2b/Anora_%282024_film%29_poster.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/anora_ver5.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77012776

Anora - (2024)

I love Sean Baker's movies, and this is one that happens to have won the Palme d'Or and Academy Award for Best Picture - so I'm kind of a little embarrassed to be so late to the party. Better late than never though, and I enjoyed how the flashy glitz and glamour all proves to be so deceiving at first - as deceptive as young love can be. Anora "Ani" Mikheeva (an absolutely startling Mikey Madison) finds pleasuring her high roller client Ivan "Vanya" Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn) to her liking when she sees the virtual palace he lives in, and the jet-setting party lifestyle he leads. When he proposes in order to gain U.S. citizenship, she readily agrees and embarks on a Cinderella story in which looms the dark shadow of Vanya's oligarch parents. Bright and flashy, intelligent, and not afraid to be upfront and evenhanded when dealing with the world of sex workers - Sean Baker maintains his status as a kind of spokesman for this or that underclass, while yanking the rug from hypocrite new money Russian gangsters. I loved that these rich Russians leave in their wake an army of their own underclass - and it's the conflict between Anora and those who are closer to her spiritually than she realises that I loved the best in this film. Anyway, Baker proves himself a master at both writing and directing, and after enjoying his creation of a character we love to hate (Mikey in Red Rocket) we get to examine a brash fighter still in the process of formation, but with particularly strong, independent and brave character traits - a working girl not willing to be a shrinking violet. You need that kind of fight in today's world. She keeps getting off that canvas after being brutally knocked down over and over again. I'm so glad that Baker hasn't departed from the kind of person he's always championed.

9/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/27/Eye-of-the-devil-movie-poster-1967.jpg
By IMDb, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39520501

Eye of the Devil - (1966)

J. Lee Thompson has always struck me as one of the great journeyman directors of the 1960s - his fadeout in the 1970s and 80s a really unfortunate factor that tarnished his reputation. For a while he was getting his hands on some of the best screenplays going around, and while Eye of the Devil wasn't one of his box office successes, it's a fantastically well made movie that highlights the kind of form he was in when he made it. Everything is noticeably brilliant, and as such it's one of those "complete package" movies where each movie-making art backs up the whole. From the editing to the set design to the cinematography and score, the blended result is a surprisingly magnificent movie that gets nearly everything right from start to finish. It perhaps didn't have much of an audience back in the day, but I'm not surprised at it's cult credentials in this day and age. Full review here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2546558#post2546558), in my watchlist thread.

9/10

[Fabulous]

Capricorn One (1977)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/d4qAHbs8wLBnRatYCPvtp3F48bO.jpg

[Nausicaä]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cb/Heretic_film_poster.jpg/220px-Heretic_film_poster.jpg

3.5

SF = Z

Viewed: Blu ray


https://64.media.tumblr.com/86db426880f3030b56cf0a3f707ce48e/766529ae4f602e9c-6f/s540x810/d22cbb1dc0b3de5ca188bd6375eff39b53daa991.gif


[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

[Captain Quint]

https://youtu.be/XcV2mdF5w-8?si=WCydQ-nGNGdcIoAL
A simple but effective tale, and such a gentle, tender film - I wish they had extras on the disc, but watching the movie again was as special as it was the first time (in the theater). Perfectly cast, with an emotional final scene - and I love hearing the Irish language.

Scannán álainn

4.5

[Allaby]

Death of a Unicorn (2025) This was fun. Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd are good together and the unicorns also turn in fine performances. I would rank this as the best film of 2025 (so far). 4

[WHITBISSELL!]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKsGZVN_79PQRxQk2qL67bdb-K9yQPyKuKnjFLpJK5DNsFdXhfRT-b6iT2Ul8Q5ymG8Z4cvQmwEw6_VL6oamQCYDPXXYPj39_01D9jTNb2XjaygAbC2yREN0b-SwIspqFO4Pr2My3DmJzJASzVhcJGP89p749DEea2QPZwaVXRfVelkd_CfqtwzaGnqi3/s1366/Screenshot%20(28376).png
https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExNWlxajl6NTk0eTA2YXhiY3B3dndpbGRheWVybzNoMXNvc3EwbG9vdSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfY nlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/SAGtwd3JFhdWOkujxl/giphy.gif

Nightmare (1956) - New Orleans musician Stan Grayson (Kevin McCarthy) wakes up from a vivid nightmare in which he fights with and kills a man inside a strange mirrored room. He dreams that he pulled a button from the dead man's jacket during the fight, stuffed his body in a closet and locked the door. Grayson can't shake the images from his mind or the strange melody that was playing in the background. He notices blood on his wrist and when he goes through his pockets he finds a man's coat button and a key. Obsessing over this conundrum he begs off coming in to work as a member of a jazz quartet so that he can scour the city and track down the source of the snippet of music that keeps playing in his head.

Director Maxwell Shane certainly leans heavily into the noir aspects of it with moody lighting and a jazzy score. But what really cemented my opinion was the eventual appearance of Edward G. Robinson as Grayson's brother-in-law, New Orleans homicide detective Rene Bressard. As far as I'm concerned Robinson could elevate anything he was in and he immediately turned this from passable to watchable. The third act shifts gears and introduces a character with little to no back story but by that time you're already more or less invested in the goings on. McCarthy does sweaty and disheveled pretty well (the end of Invasion of the Body Snatchers springs immediately to mind) and Virginia Christine as Rene's wife and Stan's sister Sue and Connie Maxwell as Gina, Stan's torch singer girlfriend do well in supporting roles. But I think it's Robinson who ultimately makes the movie. I thought it turned out to be a pretty decent noir.

80/100

[markdc]

Stop-Loss (2008)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cd/Stop-Loss_poster.jpg
This 2008 war drama tells the story of Brandon King, an American soldier who returns home from Iraq and is supposed to be discharged from the military but is instead ordered to redeploy to Iraq for another tour through the Army’s “stop-loss” program. Though flawed, Stop-Loss is a decent film and does a good job of showing the terrible costs that war can exact upon servicemembers and their families. The cast is okay. Ryan Phillippe, who plays the soldier who attempts to avoid being stop-lossed, isn’t one of my favorite actors, but he’s enjoyable to watch. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who was terrific in Snowden, is good as Tommy, King’s soldier-friend who wants to stay in the Army but gets kicked out for alcoholism. Channing Tatum, a largely forgettable actor, is barely passable as Brandon’s best friend and comrade-in-arms. There’s one (unintentionally) funny scene where Brandon learns about his redeployment order and justifies his opposition to being stop-lossed by saying the policy only applies in times of war and President George W. Bush said the war in Iraq was over (“Mission Accomplished”). Apparently, it didn’t dawn on Staff Sgt. King that Bush might be a bit of a liar.
rating_3

[Allaby]

The Electric State (2025) The robots are the best part of this. Millie Bobby Brown is not a good actor and her performance is flat and more robotic than any of the robots. She doesn't look right for the role and feels miscast. Chris Pratt is mediocre here and the rest of the cast are underused. The writing is weak and the story is poorly developed. There are some cool shots though and some nice effects. This is too long and badly flawed, but the robots make it worth watching. 3

[pahaK]

The Electric State (2025) The robots are the best part of this. Millie Bobby Brown is not a good actor and her performance is flat and more robotic than any of the robots. She doesn't look right for the role and feels miscast. Chris Pratt is mediocre here and the rest of the cast are underused. The writing is weak and the story is poorly developed. There are some cool shots though and some nice effects. This is too long and badly flawed, but the robots make it worth watching. rating_3

I agree with everything except the robots making it worth watching. Awful movie. I gave it only 1/5.

[Gideon58]

[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSO731cZcyeAWWQFmxZ4zI_Tij2-_ezrp3B3SAZPoHf5LQwRidMNvwTgTAOMBcmSOphES4&usqp=CAU

4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71FZ5cRenkL.jpg


1st Rewatch...This is a stylish and warm coming of age drama that calls to memory the John Hughes teen dramas of the 80's except instead of Molly Ringwald, the lead character is a male. The film stars Logan Lerman as Charlie, a 15 year old struggle though his freshman year of high school with the aid of a small circle of friends, most of whom are upper classmen. The film features an intelligent screenplay and winning performances, with a scene stealing turn from Hollywood badboy Ezra Miller as Charlie's gay friend, Patrick. 4

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Taxi_Driver_%281976_film_poster%29.jpg



5th Rewatch...I don't know what else can be said about this movie that hasn't already been said. Still not sure if this or Goodfellas is Scorsese's masterpiece but this is the film that put him and Robert De Niro on the map. De Niro was incredibly denied an Oscar nomination for his Travis Bickle, an insomniac cab driver obsessed with killing a political candidate and saving a 12 year old prostitute from the streets. Beatrice Straight stole the Oscar that Jodie Foster should have won for her 12 year prostie, Iris. Just as dazzling as it was 40 years ago and I love Bernard Hermann’s music. 4.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81mjExR7a8L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg


2nd Rewatch...Third and weakest of the three comedies that DOris Day, Rock Hudson, and Tony Randall made together. Hudson plays George Kimball, a hypochondriac who is convinced that he is dying and decides before he goes, that he has to find a suitable replacement for his wife Judy (Day). The reason this is the weakest of the three Day/Hudson collaborations is because in Pillow Talk and Lover Come Back, Rock played the sleazeball chasing Doris, but in this film, they are already married and the thrill of the chase is gone, which is what made the other two films so great. 3

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/TheBrutalist2024.png
By The poster art can or could be obtained from A24, Focus Features, Universal Pictures., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78169139

The Brutalist - (2024)

I made it. Sometimes I really have to steel myself when confronted with a movie that eclipses the 200-minute mark, and even though I gave myself plenty of time last night interruptions still meant a late night (made all the more relaxing by a severe thunderstorm when I finally went to bed.) Still, perhaps a thunderstorm was an appropriate coda to The Brutalist - a powerful comment on the immigrant experience, art, socioeconomic beliefs and power itself. Architect László Tóth (Adrien Brody) is a dream character for any actor to get to play - deeply layered and complex, with his adultery and drug addiction added to a megalomania tempered by the trauma of surviving the Holocaust. For László getting to America is a dream come true, but he frequently ends up confronted by the nation's dark side, ably represented by industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) - a man who turns out to be both benefactor and tormentor. While both men are working toward the same ends, their differing view of the world makes for a relationship that is slowly poisoning the visionary builder of modern masterpieces. Despite his talent (or perhaps because of it), László and his family aren't welcome in white Christian America - at least, not unless they stay quiet and keep to their place, but his exhausting struggle still takes into account the general beauty and cruelty to be found the world over. The only thing this artist can do is express all of this in his architectural designs - the determining factor of his journey the man's persistence, stubbornness, resolve and strength of character. He's far from perfect, but we want him to succeed - if only in the hope that it might alleviate what we sense as a deep well of sadness. This is a brilliant movie, and if Brady Corbet and co believed that there was nothing more that could be cut from the film to make it shorter than okay - I accept that.

9/10

[*Sky*]

Soy Cuba (1964) - Mikhail Kalatozov: 6/10
https://cdn.theasc.com/I-Am-Cuba_gif2.gif

[Thief]

DEATH PROOF
(2007, Tarantino)

https://i.imgur.com/4Bejfkl.jpeg


"This car is 100% death proof. Only to get the benefit of it, honey, you REALLY need to be sitting in my seat."



Death Proof is notable for being released alongside Robert Rodriguez' Planet Terror as a double-bill called Grindhouse. A sort of homage to low budget exploitation films released in so-called "grindhouse" theaters, the film gives a ton of nods to that trend in the way it is written and shot. The first half of the film is intentionally shot in a grainy, old film style, which then morphs into a more conventional style in the second half.

Up until now, this was the only Tarantino film I hadn't seen. My regret for missing the "Grindhouse" release in theaters made me avoid the film for a while, and then mixed reviews here and there sorta kept me away from it. However, although it is far from perfect, I'm quite happy I finally watched it.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547149#post2547149)

[iluv2viddyfilms]

Melancholia (2011, Von Trier) - A+
Beauty and the Beast (1946, Cocteau) - B+

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/TheBrutalist2024.png
By The poster art can or could be obtained from A24, Focus Features, Universal Pictures., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78169139

The Brutalist - (2024)

I made it. Sometimes I really have to steel myself when confronted with a movie that eclipses the 200-minute mark, and even though I gave myself plenty of time last night interruptions still meant a late night (made all the more relaxing by a severe thunderstorm when I finally went to bed.) Still, perhaps a thunderstorm was an appropriate coda to The Brutalist - a powerful comment on the immigrant experience, art, socioeconomic beliefs and power itself. Architect László Tóth (Adrien Brody) is a dream character for any actor to get to play - deeply layered and complex, with his adultery and drug addiction added to a megalomania tempered by the trauma of surviving the Holocaust. For László getting to America is a dream come true, but he frequently ends up confronted by the nation's dark side, ably represented by industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) - a man who turns out to be both benefactor and tormentor. While both men are working toward the same ends, their differing view of the world makes for a relationship that is slowly poisoning the visionary builder of modern masterpieces. Despite his talent (or perhaps because of it), László and his family aren't welcome in white Christian America - at least, not unless they stay quiet and keep to their place, but his exhausting struggle still takes into account the general beauty and cruelty to be found the world over. The only thing this artist can do is express all of this in his architectural designs - the determining factor of his journey the man's persistence, stubbornness, resolve and strength of character. He's far from perfect, but we want him to succeed - if only in the hope that it might alleviate what we sense as a deep well of sadness. This is a brilliant movie, and if Brady Corbet and co believed that there was nothing more that could be cut from the film to make it shorter than okay - I accept that.

9/10

There was plenty of stuff that could have been cut from this movie. It took me three days to watch the whole thing. It's still a great movie.

[iluv2viddyfilms]

DEATH PROOF
(2007, Tarantino)

https://i.imgur.com/4Bejfkl.jpeg




Death Proof is notable for being released alongside Robert Rodriguez' Planet Terror as a double-bill called Grindhouse. A sort of homage to low budget exploitation films released in so-called "grindhouse" theaters, the film gives a ton of nods to that trend in the way it is written and shot. The first half of the film is intentionally shot in a grainy, old film style, which then morphs into a more conventional style in the second half.

Up until now, this was the only Tarantino film I hadn't seen. My regret for missing the "Grindhouse" release in theaters made me avoid the film for a while, and then mixed reviews here and there sorta kept me away from it. However, although it is far from perfect, I'm quite happy I finally watched it.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547149#post2547149)

Death Proof is a turning point in Tarantino's career and it shows his writing and directing have a bit more maturity and allows for things to settle-in with a lot of patience. At the point Death Proof came out Jackie Brown was my favorite Tarantino film. Pulp Fiction is great fun and cleverly constructed and just a joyous film for me, but it's not a great or groundbreaking film in my eyes. Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill 1 and 2, I have little use for. They aren't bad films by any means, they just don't do much for me. So the whole Kill Bill years was a HUGE misstep after Jackie Brown, but it wasn't until Death Proof that I really started to see something singular and unique about Tarantino which of course a couple films latter led up to what I consider to be his magnum opus and one of the best films of all time , certainly of the last 10-15 years or so which is The Hateful Eight. But I DO love Death Proof and how it was such a slow burn for the first 45 minutes or so.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81r8N46OhiL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg



Umpteenth Rewatch...Blake Edwards scorching black comedy about a suicidal director (Richard Mulligan) whose latest film starring his actress wife, Sally Miles (Julie Andrews) bombed so bad that the man lost his mind. He has now decided to save the film by re-shooting the film as a porno extravaganza with his wife baring her breasts. The script is near brilliant and features an amazing all-star cast including William Holden (in his final film role), Robert Vaughn, Robert Preston, Robert Webber, Larry Hagman, Shelley Winters, Rosanna Arquette, Loretta Swit, Marisa Berensen, Stuart Margolin, Robert Loggia, and Craig Stevens. A movie I never tire of re-watching. 4

[Fabulous]

Saved! (2004)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/ehy1Q7v1xnmi9E55jQ9X7OX2Dr1.jpg

[StuSmallz]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Taxi_Driver_%281976_film_poster%29.jpg

5th Rewatch...I don't know what else can be said about this movie that hasn't already been said. Still not sure if this or Goodfellas is Scorsese's masterpiece but this is the film that put him and Robert De Niro on the map.I go with fellas personally; Taxi Driver's great, but there are still some stretches of it that are more inert than they should've been that keep it from being a full 10 for me.

[Thief]

Death Proof is a turning point in Tarantino's career and it shows his writing and directing have a bit more maturity and allows for things to settle-in with a lot of patience. At the point Death Proof came out Jackie Brown was my favorite Tarantino film. Pulp Fiction is great fun and cleverly constructed and just a joyous film for me, but it's not a great or groundbreaking film in my eyes. Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill 1 and 2, I have little use for. They aren't bad films by any means, they just don't do much for me. So the whole Kill Bill years was a HUGE misstep after Jackie Brown, but it wasn't until Death Proof that I really started to see something singular and unique about Tarantino which of course a couple films latter led up to what I consider to be his magnum opus and one of the best films of all time , certainly of the last 10-15 years or so which is The Hateful Eight. But I DO love Death Proof and how it was such a slow burn for the first 45 minutes or so.

Yeah, there's a good sense of dread built up as the film goes on. I just feel like it boils over in a short time, and then shifts to the new characters so there's little time to handle what happens before you have to get used to the new group.

[Thief]

RESERVOIR DOGS
(1991, Tarantino)

https://i.imgur.com/6xaEruM.jpeg


"Two jobs back, four man job, two days before we get about to pull it, we found out one of the team was an undercover cop."



This 12 minute short film follows the preamble and the aftermath of the robbery, starting with Larry (Steve Buscemi) being offered the job, followed up by him trying to figure out what went wrong along with one of his fellow robbers, Mr. White (Tarantino). Essentially, Buscemi is in the Harvey Keitel role while QT is in Buscemi's. This contrast made it hard for me to sorta "accept" Buscemi in the role.

Grade: N/A


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547298#post2547298)

[Torgo]

Criss Cross - 4

As Courage the Cowardly Dog puts it, "the things I do for love." This quote entered my brain after picking up the pieces of this movie because wow, does hapless armored car driver Steve (Lancaster) make you wonder about the things you would do! I've only seen the actor in roles where he's "been through it," - see Atlantic City and Field of Dreams - or "knows the score" - see The Sweet Smell of Success - so it was a nice change of pace to watch him play an everyman who makes it up as he goes along, if you will, and he definitely pulls it off. While Steve did not come back to America after serving in the war like so many other film noir "heroes" did, he's especially convincing at proving you can’t go home again and not just because the ex-wife he still pines for is with someone else. It's not hard to see why he would since De Carlo makes Anna irresistible from frame one, and Duryea imbues new flame Slim Dundee with just the right amounts of deception and smarm. Upon learning Steve's profession, my anticipation rose for a heist scene, and boy, did it exceed my expectations! Despite occurring in heavy fog, the excitement, fear and quality of the craft make it seem ahead of its time. As for the titular event, I don't think it's a spoiler to say that it's devastating, although what the movie hints at afterwards - and with delightful subtlety, I might add - takes the edge off by just the right amount.

This is a classic film noir for again, doing a great job at making you think about what you would do for who you love. The same goes for how it makes you wonder how much is too much. Also, if you're mostly familiar with Burt Lancaster from the work he did at the end of his career like I am, this movie is as good a place as any to spark an interest in his early work, not to mention see him in a much different kind of part. What's more, if you're also drawn to this genre to bask in the beauty and unique atmosphere of 1940's Los Angeles, you will not be disappointed in this regard.

[Robert the List]

Touch of Evil at the cinema.
Probably the greatest ever American movie and English language movie.
All time top 3 with Naked Island and Late Spring is my current feeling.

[Lildreamer21]

Ben C Lucas’s “OtherLife” is a captivating film about the invention of a drug that “induces time-compressed virtual realities.” The overarching plot of partners Ren and Sam’s disagreement on how to use their creation and other plot lines along with this, such as Ren trying to use the creation to bring her brother back mentally and the accidental death of a friend due to the drug, present a movie that keeps the audience extremely engaged and on their toes. The amazing cinematography to match this great story idea and suspenseful plot line make “OtherLife” a film you do not want to miss. The movie’s choice of camera shots/angles and creation of the virtual realities and memories in the film are exquisite and only add to the great script. In addition, the score of the film underlies the entire film with exactly the right haunting, suspenseful tone that matches the way the director wants the audience to feel. Lastly, Jessica De Gouw’s bright eyes, dark appearance, and stunning character performance of “Ren” make her the perfect portrayal of the lead of this sci-fi thriller.

[Fabulous]

The Cooler (2003)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/fbsYB1EsY4uJKEH88Sph8kMDgo4.jpg

[MovieGal]

106626
Tristan +Isolde
(2006)
4/5

"I don't know if life is greater than death. But love was more than either."~Tristan

Taken from the multiple books of Arthurian Legend, Tristan and Isolde are two star crossed lovers, who were forced to be apart, but desire to be together. Tristan, an ophan and great warrior to King Mark and Isolde, the wife Tristan won for him.

I love this story. I have read so many versions of Arthurian Legend tales and this is my favorite. Its love and betrayal, understanding and forgiveness.

[Wooley]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Taxi_Driver_%281976_film_poster%29.jpg



5th Rewatch...I don't know what else can be said about this movie that hasn't already been said. Still not sure if this or Goodfellas is Scorsese's masterpiece but this is the film that put him and Robert De Niro on the map. De Niro was incredibly denied an Oscar nomination for his Travis Bickle, an insomniac cab driver obsessed with killing a political candidate and saving a 12 year old prostitute from the streets. Beatrice Straight stole the Oscar that Jodie Foster should have won for her 12 year prostie, Iris. Just as dazzling as it was 40 years ago and I love Bernard Hermann’s music. 4.5

I put this head and shoulders above Goodfellas. Different league.

[Wooley]

Melancholia (2011, Von Trier) - A+

That's one of my favorite movies of the last 15 years (to choose a time-frame). I was so angry and repulsed in the beginning but it all played out swimmingly.

[Wooley]

Yeah, there's a good sense of dread built up as the film goes on. I just feel like it boils over in a short time, and then shifts to the new characters so there's little time to handle what happens before you have to get used to the new group.

That's actually one of my favorite things about the movie. Not just to be contrarian, I really love that jolt of "Oh shit, every character but the villain just died. And... now we're starting over?" But with a very different set. One of the things about the first group is that they were kinda posers a little bit. Women who thought they were "badass bitches" but were nothing of the kind. But the second group... well, let me tell you that story.

[Thief]

IDLE HANDS
(1999, Flender)

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


"Look, the trick is to keep yourself busy. That's why I'm always working on the Ford. Keeps me out of trouble. Idle hands are the devil's playground."



Idle Hands follows Anton (Devon Sawa), a lazy stoner teenager whose hand somehow gets possessed and starts doing all kinds of evil s-h!t. He is joined by his two friends, Mick and Pnub (Seth Green and Elden Henson) who try to help him contain his hand's evil powers, while Anton also pursues a relationship with Molly (Jessica Alba).

This is a film that had eluded me back in the day. 1999 was when I got out of college, so I suppose it was around a time where I wasn't paying that much attention to teen comedies. However, I found out that watching it now in my 40s was probably just as fun, cause even with its flaws, this film *is* fun!

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547419#post2547419)

[Wooley]

Touch of Evil at the cinema.
Probably the greatest ever American movie and English language movie.
All time top 3 with Naked Island and Late Spring is my current feeling.

That's a bold statement. But, given that it's all subjective, ultimately, I wouldn't actually argue with you about this one.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/76/Conclave_film_poster.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/conclave_xlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77899656

Conclave - (2024)

I enjoyed this. Doesn't demand too much, and frankly I could watch Ralph Fiennes all day - he dominates proceedings in Conclave, and gives a thoughtful, measured performance. I can't help but wonder though, not having read the novel, whether the adapted screenplay was tailored to suit dominant political issues besetting humanity these days, or if that's woven into the book as well. Aside from that, and the beautiful production design, it's a fascinating close-up and comprehensive view into the mechanics of a new pope being elected. Of course, the internal machinations are such that this makes a thriller of the highest order, and one that's particularly easy to follow yet very intriguing. I have to admit to the ending being a big surprise - and oh, I saw a still which shows Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence with fresh wounds on his face before watching this and spent most of the film wondering how he gets them. Does he end up physically fighting one of the other cardinals? ("Dei requiéscant in pace motherf&^er!") The real reason is less crazy and comical, but my brain just couldn't summon what other possibility it might be. Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow are another two favourites of mine, and Isabella Rossellini is great in the small role she has. I'd been looking forward to this one and it didn't let me down at all.

8/10

[cricket]

Twisters (2024)

2.5

https://dx35vtwkllhj9.cloudfront.net/universalstudios/twisters/images/gallery/image17.jpg

I'm a sucker for disaster films and tornados are the main reason why my wife and I rule out moving to half the country. Those things are terrifying. Given technological advancements, I expected action at least as good or better than the original film but that wasn't the case. I am surprised to say that the cast from that first one was sorely missed. I'm sorry because I don't mean to be insulting, but having a lead actress who looks like she's 12 doesn't do it for me.

[Thief]

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
(1981, Spielberg)

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


"It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage."



This is probably the 100th time I've seen this film. It was a frequent watch since I was a kid, and there's already a better review from me hidden around somewhere (click here (https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/2296942-raiders_of_the_lost_ark.html)). However, this was a first time watch for one of my kids, something that I was somewhat thrilled for.

Grade: 5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547524#post2547524)

[Thief]

FROZEN
(2010, Green)

https://i.imgur.com/WfFlK98.jpeg


"If we stay up here we're gonna freeze to death and he's gonna die."



Frozen follows a trio of friends – Joe (Shawn Ashmore), his best friend Dan (Kevin Zegers), and his girlfriend Parker (Emma Bell) – that are vacationing on a ski resort and end up stranded in a ski lift. Now exposed to the freezing cold and the elements, and knowing that the resort will be closed for a week, the three friends must decide what to do if they want to survive.

Wisely enough, Frozen has a 93 minute runtime; maybe it could've been shorter, but I still feel like the film mostly succeeded in stretching this simple premise to a feature length. Even though being stranded in a ski lift doesn't necessarily scream "dangerous!", I liked the way that he made the most out of the different threatening situations they were facing, and how it all affected them mentally and emotionally.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547535#post2547535)

[Stirchley]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/76/Conclave_film_poster.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/conclave_xlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77899656

Conclave - (2024)

I enjoyed this. Doesn't demand too much, and frankly I could watch Ralph Fiennes all day - he dominates proceedings in Conclave, and gives a thoughtful, measured performance. I can't help but wonder though, not having read the novel, whether the adapted screenplay was tailored to suit dominant political issues besetting humanity these days, or if that's woven into the book as well. Aside from that, and the beautiful production design, it's a fascinating close-up and comprehensive view into the mechanics of a new pope being elected. Of course, the internal machinations are such that this makes a thriller of the highest order, and one that's particularly easy to follow yet very intriguing. I have to admit to the ending being a big surprise - and oh, I saw a still which shows Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence with fresh wounds on his face before watching this and spent most of the film wondering how he gets them. Does he end up physically fighting one of the other cardinals? ("Dei requiéscant in pace motherf&^er!") The real reason is less crazy and comical, but my brain just couldn't summon what other possibility it might be. Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow are another two favourites of mine, and Isabella Rossellini is great in the small role she has. I'd been looking forward to this one and it didn't let me down at all.

8/10

Wouldn’t want to see it again, but it’s a good movie.

[Captain Quint]

106646
Solid, painful Irish film. It's in the Irish language, which I like hearing. In my retirement I've tried to learn it just for the pleasure of doing so, but my old brain isn't elastic enough and I can't retain a thing, but I can pick out a few words and the pronunciation and rhythm feels familiar now, the sound of it is like music in a way.

4

[Thief]

THE MUMMY'S GHOST
(1944, Le Borg)

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


"The gods have chosen to make our task more difficult. So be it. In whatever form Ananka's soul has found refuge, it shall not escape us. Our mission will be fulfilled."



The Mummy's Ghost is the fourth entry in the original Universal Mummy series. It follows the titular creature which, once again, has returned to find her beloved Ananka, whose soul has apparently found refuge in Amina, a young university student. It is up to her boyfriend Tom (Robert Lowery) to try to save her.

The Mummy's Tomb is not that far from its predecessors, but I think it is slightly better than them. Like its predecessors, the runtime is kept at 60 minutes. This makes things feel more breezy, and the film doesn't really waste a lot of time to show us the mummy and have it wreaking havoc around town.

Grade: 2.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547584#post2547584)

[Gideon58]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/R5l9UXujx-s/sddefault.jpg



3.5

[Thief]

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING
(2023, McQuarrie)

https://i.imgur.com/LB6H8iR.jpeg


"I'm not going to apologize to you, Hunt. It's my job to use you. Just like it's your job to be used. Did you accomplish your mission or not?"



Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning follows IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team as they try to stop the threat from a powerful AI system that has gone rogue called "The Entity". This puts him in the path of various characters from his past, like former IMF director Eugene Kittridge (Henry Czerny) as well as Gabriel (Esai Morales), an assassin apparently working with "The Entity" that is also responsible for killing someone from Ethan's past.

The film starts with the old gang back (i.e. Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg) and shortly after, they rope Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) back in again, and then quickly add Hayley Atwell to the mix, a skilled thief that finds herself somewhat unknowingly in the midst of it all. Her addition is one of the best assets of the film because a) she's great, and b) she has insane chemistry with Cruise; and I don't even mean "romantic chemistry". They just play extremely well off each other.

Grade: 4


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547603#post2547603)

[Thief]

THE OUTPOST
(2019, Lurie)

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


"Doesn't matter what kind of soldier you are; good, bad... As far as I'm concerned, we all stay alive out here, we win."



Set during the "War on Terror", The Outpost follows the soldiers stationed at Kamdesh as they try to survive attacks by Taliban forces. Led by Captain Keating (Orlando Bloom), the group is used to fend off random attacks every day. However, things go awry when the enemy stages an attack with hundreds of soldiers threatening the safety of everyone.

This is a film I had seen mentioned in a couple of "Best Recent Action Films" list, but I just hadn't pulled the trigger on it yet. However, I was looking for something action-y that night, and this one delivered the goods. Not only does it have intense action sequences, but it manages to put forward a couple of really solid characters that are easy to root for.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547614#post2547614)

[matt72582]

Spoiled Children - 7.5/10
Saw it on Criterion. Engaging movie about people.


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a5/Des-enfants-gates.jpg

[scemo]

Dark Waters
(2019)
3
I was surprised by how good this film is. It may fall into certain clichés of this "based on true events" genre, but there's a certain sensitive idea that elevates the film for me. A certain concern for how to tell the story and let the characters move forward. I think now of that scene where Mark Ruffalo (who is very well here) decides to watch some VHS tapes at home, then we are shown, at a certain distance (marked by the edge of the television), the contents of the tapes. As we watch, that distance transports us to another setting. We are no longer in Ruffalo's house, we are in his boss's office, to whom he has decided to show the tapes. But this entire transfer isn't shown with Ruffalo bringing the tapes; it's only done by recording the screen and the edge of the television, nothing more. This happens several more times in the film, using different elements (photographs, locations, videos, documents) to tell us about the progress Ruffalo is making in this case.
I find this remarkable in today's film landscape, where characters cease to be characters and become mere gears in a plot. Here, Haynes gives himself the freedom to simply let his characters rest within this complicated world and let them act in their own time and way.
Not to mention the fantastic work not only done in historical terms, bringing this important story to the screen, but also in temporal terms, filming locations from the 1970s, 1990s, and 2000s. This work evokes an undeniable nostalgia (the film is astounded by the Windows 2000 startup sequence, Nokia phones, and architecture).
Indeed, 2019 was the last great year for American cinema.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNmI0YmVjNGYtMjBiNS00MWZjLWFiYzUtMDdkZDY1YTQ1ZTNhXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_.jpg

[ueno_station54]

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/5/0/5/1/7/50517-rush-hour-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=fa0689eb4f
rating_3

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmMwYTBiMWQtZjJjMS00N2NkLWEwZDMtY2I5YTUwNmM2OGM4XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg
rating_3

[Takoma11]

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/5/0/5/1/7/50517-rush-hour-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=fa0689eb4f
rating_3

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmMwYTBiMWQtZjJjMS00N2NkLWEwZDMtY2I5YTUwNmM2OGM4XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg
rating_3

I'm sorry, but this is such a cliched double feature.

[ueno_station54]

I'm sorry, but this is such a cliched double feature.
i know but i've been fighting off the flu so i didn't want to get too adventurous.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/61/I_saw_the_tv_glow_film_poster.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/i_saw_the_tv_glow_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76199942

I Saw the TV Glow - (2024)

It's so hard to find movies these days that stick the landing and have good endings - so I was pretty jazzed about I Saw the TV Glow, a psychological horror film that just gets better and better as it moves along. It's starts off almost like an ordinary high school drama - Owen (Ian Foreman) meets Maddy (Jack Haven) in the school gymnasium during the 1996 presidential election, and although she's two years older than him she opens up because he's interested in her favourite TV show - The Pink Opaque. It's what they bond over, and their love of the show solidifies a connection that at times is tenuous, at others very close. When Maddy starts exhibiting strange behaviour, Owen (now older and played by Justice Smith) has to decide if the bizarre things she's saying have merit, or if he wants to hang on to his safe and secure version of reality. I've kept it all vague, because you really have to see the film to let this movie slowly pull you into it's philosophical orbit by itself. It's the kind of stuff I love thinking about - the nature of reality - and Jane Schoenbrun explores it with abandonment and the same enthusiasm I brought as a viewer. Another movie which also features a major transgender component as an underlying theme to what everything in it really means. This will probably feature in my Top 10 of 2024 list once all is said and done.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e3/Black_Box_Diaries_poster.jpg
By Studio and or Graphic Artist - [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78309681

Black Box Diaries - (2024)

Shiori Itō tells her own story in Black Box Diaries - a documentary in which we share her fight for justice after being raped by the high profile Noriyuki Yamaguchi - a man with friends in high places. When the police, in the process of arresting Yamaguchi, suddenly get the call to stand down, it's pretty obvious they've been ordered to because of his influence. He's even a close friend of Shinzo Abe - Japanese Prime Minister from 2012 to 2020. Itō is crazy brave - coming out with what happened in a culture where a vast majority of women stay silent when they're sexually assaulted out of shame, and the knowledge that they will receive harsher treatment than the perpetrator. She has to endure all the usual comments - but there is also unexpected support, and it's this that helps galvanize this lady (along with the explosive birth of the Me Too movement.) Hopefully her story will inspire change - there's a sense it might when you watch this film.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5a/Untamed_heart_ver2.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17862527

Untamed Heart - (1993)

This was a little weirder than I was expecting - not your average movie about love and romance. Marisa Tomei is Caroline - a chirpy waitress who is unlucky in love. Christian Slater is Adam - a shy busboy who never speaks, or at least doesn't say a word for the first half hour of this movie. Perhaps shy is the wrong word, because Adam is a little different - he's intelligent, but damaged in some fundamental way. When Adam proves to be a knight in shining armour a spark lights a flame, and Caroline falls in love with him - accepting of his strange (some would say a little worrying) behaviour. Roger Ebert said that this film's "heart is in the right place", but it often feels like a small nudge at this or that part in the story and this might have been a horror movie with Adam as the antagonist - you look at him from a certain angle and he's quite creepy.

5/10

[Fabulous]

Windtalkers (2002)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/gmFGmk4dqzls51h19jOxhV3iRRH.jpg

[matt72582]

Btw, if you have a library card (in the US), you can get Kanopy for Free.
(Hoping someone has some recommendations!)

[ueno_station54]

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/4Do4C2HEicIII2qfIMiBi1dVV4z.jpg
rating_3_5

[markdc]

Back to the Future Part III
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4e/Back_to_the_Future_Part_III.jpg
Back to the Future Part III is a solid movie, and I love the way it wraps up the trilogy. Unfortunately, it was one of the many third installments (i.e. Dark Knight Rises, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Return of the Jedi, etc.) that couldn’t break the trilogy curse. Still, I’m glad Zemeckis didn’t ruin everything by making a fourth entry.
3

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTU1MTE2Mjk2OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTUzNjYzNA@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


1st Rewatch...The late Patrick Swayze seems to be having a ball in this testosterone-charged actioner playing a bouncer who is hired to clean up a bar in Mississippi that finds him eventually squaring off against a dangerous mobster (the late Ben Gazzara). Nothing special here, if you like bar fights and car chases, belly up and get your fill of Family Guy's Peter Griffin's favorite movie. 3

[Gideon58]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vyT2xHv0f0k/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLALg2mNswa7K1NYS9cAdo-moy8MsA


4th Rewatch...Elizabeth Taylor offered one of her most enchanting performances in this emotionally-charged melodrama about a self-absorbed party girl who finds herself in a star-crossed romance with a former soldier turned writer (Van Johnson), who she kissed on the streets of Paris on VE day. Donna Reed plays Taylor's plain jane sister and Walter Piedgon plays their father, but it is the white hot chemistry between Taylor ad Johnson that makes this one light up the screen. Love this movie, never tire of re-watching it. 4

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/87/Vengeance_Most_Fowl_poster.jpg




4.5

[Allaby]

Naked Acts (1996) Watched on Criterion Channel. This was well written with strong performances from the cast, especially Jake-Ann Jones. An intelligent, interesting and enjoyable independent character study. 4

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/The_Promised_Land_%282023_film%29_poster.jpg
By https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20561198/mediaviewer/rm1635737089/?ref_=tt_ov_i, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74542653

The Promised Land - (2023)

Historical fiction here - very rough stuff, because in mid-18th Century Denmark there seems to be two modes of existence : nobility, and filth. Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) has managed to elevate himself to the rank of Captain, despite his lowly birth. It's taken him 25 years, and now he intends to do something nobody before him has managed to do - cultivate the barren Jutland moorland, it's poor soil, rocks, bandits and more severe hindrances to him doing so. He also comes up against the powerful Frederik Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg) who believes he owns the land Kahlen is on - a more dastardly, horrible, murderous villain you're unlikely to see very often. He rapes the servant girls, pours boiling water on workers as a form of punishment and takes acting haughty to levels that push the envelope as far as vain arrogance is concerned. Nikolaj Arcel, with a lot of screenwriting help from the great Anders Thomas Jensen, manages to weave together an almost endless series of emotional connections between the characters in this film - Kahlen bonding with all those who aid his cause, including runaway maid Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin) and a young Romani girl who defects from a group of bandits. They all become a de facto family, but there's a great deal of complexity owing to the rapid, violent changes that occur during the story. Events keep tumbling forward - making The Promised Land an exceedingly entertaining period film with plenty of conflict, pain and huge emotional highs and lows. It both tugs at your heartstrings and brings forth bouts of bloodlust - you have to remind yourself that it's just a movie. Watch this one - it's great.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2a/Daughters_%282024%29_poster.jpg
By Netflix - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12336480/mediaviewer/rm3546835713/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78504639

Daughters - (2024)

I have an admission to make - I kept getting sidetracked by what Daughters is not about. A fatherhood program at a Washington D.C. prison called a "Daddy Daughter Dance" gives dads a chance to spend some time with their daughters - time which they don't usually get, with visits now restricted to being on screens and not in person. What it reveals is a system so broken that it seems determined to make problems worse. It's a cruel system, and one good program (along with the palpable success it has had) only serves to underline how wrongheaded it all is. Unfortunately, I was so overwhelmed by the frustration I feel about all of this that I didn't connect emotionally with Daughters' incredibly heart-rending moments as much as I probably should have. Are human rights not even a thing anymore? This was winner of the Audience Award at Sundance in early '24 - and it probably would have broken me completely if I were a dad.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3e/Stripesposter.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17240100

Stripes - (1981)

I don't know if I really rate this movie highly as a whole, but when you break it down scene by scene it's a really brilliant showcase of the emerging comedic talent from the U.S. and Canada at the time - a sardonic generation of comedians (I'm thinking especially of Murray when I say that) who were happy to ad-lib and take scenes in directions that were unplanned. Along the way many special moments were captured, and the fun to be had watching Stripes is in noticing those special moments, movements, deliveries and inspired timing where high notes of comedy are hit. There isn't much of a story, and it isn't really about anything or has anything to say (unless you generously suggest it exposes the military as a nonsensical organisation) - but you could argue that this is where the raw comedic purity comes from. You point a camera at these performers, and they show us what they've got.

7/10

[Gideon58]

RESERVOIR DOGS
(1991, Tarantino)

https://i.imgur.com/6xaEruM.jpeg




This 12 minute short film follows the preamble and the aftermath of the robbery, starting with Larry (Steve Buscemi) being offered the job, followed up by him trying to figure out what went wrong along with one of his fellow robbers, Mr. White (Tarantino). Essentially, Buscemi is in the Harvey Keitel role while QT is in Buscemi's. This contrast made it hard for me to sorta "accept" Buscemi in the role.

Grade: N/A


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547298#post2547298)

Wow, this is my favorite Buscemi performance

[Fabulous]

Running Scared (1986)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/q1zBRTO3XQgHTnVVqLdr3AVK884.jpg

[Thief]

Wow, this is my favorite Buscemi performance

To reiterate, this review is for the 12-minute short that led to Reservoir Dogs, not the actual feature film.

[Gideon58]

Okay, sorry, honest mistake

[Stirchley]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/The_Promised_Land_%282023_film%29_poster.jpg
By https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20561198/mediaviewer/rm1635737089/?ref_=tt_ov_i, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74542653

The Promised Land - (2023)

Historical fiction here - very rough stuff, because in mid-18th Century Denmark there seems to be two modes of existence : nobility, and filth. Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) has managed to elevate himself to the rank of Captain, despite his lowly birth. It's taken him 25 years, and now he intends to do something nobody before him has managed to do - cultivate the barren Jutland moorland, it's poor soil, rocks, bandits and more severe hindrances to him doing so. He also comes up against the powerful Frederik Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg) who believes he owns the land Kahlen is on - a more dastardly, horrible, murderous villain you're unlikely to see very often. He rapes the servant girls, pours boiling water on workers as a form of punishment and takes acting haughty to levels that push the envelope as far as vain arrogance is concerned. Nikolaj Arcel, with a lot of screenwriting help from the great Anders Thomas Jensen, manages to weave together an almost endless series of emotional connections between the characters in this film - Kahlen bonding with all those who aid his cause, including runaway maid Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin) and a young Romani girl who defects from a group of bandits. They all become a de facto family, but there's a great deal of complexity owing to the rapid, violent changes that occur during the story. Events keep tumbling forward - making The Promised Land an exceedingly entertaining period film with plenty of conflict, pain and huge emotional highs and lows. It both tugs at your heartstrings and brings forth bouts of bloodlust - you have to remind yourself that it's just a movie. Watch this one - it's great.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2a/Daughters_%282024%29_poster.jpg
By Netflix - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12336480/mediaviewer/rm3546835713/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78504639

Daughters - (2024)

I have an admission to make - I kept getting sidetracked by what Daughters is not about. A fatherhood program at a Washington D.C. prison called a "Daddy Daughter Dance" gives dads a chance to spend some time with their daughters - time which they don't usually get, with visits now restricted to being on screens and not in person. What it reveals is a system so broken that it seems determined to make problems worse. It's a cruel system, and one good program (along with the palpable success it has had) only serves to underline how wrongheaded it all is. Unfortunately, I was so overwhelmed by the frustration I feel about all of this that I didn't connect emotionally with Daughters' incredibly heart-rending moments as much as I probably should have. Are human rights not even a thing anymore? This was winner of the Audience Award at Sundance in early '24 - and it probably would have broken me completely if I were a dad.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3e/Stripesposter.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17240100

Stripes - (1981)

I don't know if I really rate this movie highly as a whole, but when you break it down scene by scene it's a really brilliant showcase of the emerging comedic talent from the U.S. and Canada at the time - a sardonic generation of comedians (I'm thinking especially of Murray when I say that) who were happy to ad-lib and take scenes in directions that were unplanned. Along the way many special moments were captured, and the fun to be had watching Stripes is in noticing those special moments, movements, deliveries and inspired timing where high notes of comedy are hit. There isn't much of a story, and it isn't really about anything or has anything to say (unless you generously suggest it exposes the military as a nonsensical organisation) - but you could argue that this is where the raw comedic purity comes from. You point a camera at these performers, and they show us what they've got.

7/10

Daughters is very good. Sad to see that one of the prisoners (who seemed decent enough) has now got a sentence of 30 years. What on earth had he done to get this sentence when he’s already been in prison for god knows how long?

[Wooley]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3e/Stripesposter.jpg
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17240100

Stripes - (1981)

I don't know if I really rate this movie highly as a whole, but when you break it down scene by scene it's a really brilliant showcase of the emerging comedic talent from the U.S. and Canada at the time - a sardonic generation of comedians (I'm thinking especially of Murray when I say that) who were happy to ad-lib and take scenes in directions that were unplanned. Along the way many special moments were captured, and the fun to be had watching Stripes is in noticing those special moments, movements, deliveries and inspired timing where high notes of comedy are hit. There isn't much of a story, and it isn't really about anything or has anything to say (unless you generously suggest it exposes the military as a nonsensical organisation) - but you could argue that this is where the raw comedic purity comes from. You point a camera at these performers, and they show us what they've got.

7/10

I like Stripes a good bit in exactly the way you describe.
I've often felt that Spies Like Us was basically Ayckroyd and Chase taking a crack at the same idea but with a script. Which did not necessarily make it any better.

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/The_Producers_%281968%29.jpg


2nd Rewatch...Mel Brooks won his only Oscar for the screenplay to this biting black comedy centered around one of my favorite movie topics, the business of show business. The film stars Zero Mostel as failing Broadway producer named Max Bialystock who raises money for his shows by having sex with little old ladies. Max meets a milquetoast bookkeeper named Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) who suggests to Max that they could make a fortune by producing a musical guaranteed to flop and overselling percentages of the show so that they don't have to pay back the investors. This movie provides non-stop laughs and the production number "Springtime for Hitler" has become a classic in itself. Mostel is absolute genius here and Wilder's wimpy Leo earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Also loved Christopher Hewitt, who would later become a household name as Mr Belvedere, as the director Roger Debris and Dick Shawn as the actor hired to play Hitler. brooks turned the movie into a Broadway musical in 2001 with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick paying Bialystock and Bloom. It ran for over 2500 performances and won 11 Tony Awards. The musical became a movie in 2004, but, like I always say, stick to the original. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZGE2MjcyMzAtMzZiOS00NDM1LWJjMWQtN2RmODgyZGY1ZjkzXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_.jpg


4th Rewatch...This is the 1968 film version of a Broadway musical that premiered during the 1940's and was directed by an obscure new director named Francis Ford Coppola. The musical is about an old Irishman (Fred Astaire) who journeys all the way from Ireland with his daughter (Petula Clark) after stealing a crock of gold from a leprechaun (Tommy Steele), planning to bury it near Fort Knox because he believes it will increase its value. Other pertinent characters include a prospector named Woody Boyd (Don Francks) and a bigoted US Senator (Keenan Wynn). The racism subplot was pretty edgy for a 40's musical and probably had something to do with all the time it took to get to the screen. The glorious score by by EY Harburg and Burton Lane includes "Look To the Rainbow", "How are Things in Glocca Morra?", "Old Devil Moon" and "That Great Come and Get it Day". The film was a box office bomb in '68 but it has a well deserved cult following today. 4

[Wooley]

Running Scared (1986)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/q1zBRTO3XQgHTnVVqLdr3AVK884.jpg

I love this movie. Just rewatched it last year, really exceeded my expectations.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjAzOTY0NDIxMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDY4NzEyMjE@._V1_.jpg


1st Rewatch...Doris Day is a delight in this feaatherweight musical about a singer who has been singing on cruise ships overseas who decides to visit her mother. who she thinks is a big Broadway star, while keeping a charming hoofer (Gene Nelson) at arm's length. Day makes the most of thin material and Nelson is lihgt on his feet as always. Gladys George and Bill DeWolfe steal every scene they're in. 3

[Fabulous]

The Cotton Club (1984)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/8vroa5RYUxD7Nv7vUGUoxZTyz7P.jpg

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/da/The_Girl_with_the_Needle.jpg
By [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78634419

The Girl With the Needle - (2024)

This Oscar nominee for Best International Film is another really dark and dour trip down a well-travelled lane that features pain, misery and never-ending struggle. Suffering in Denmark is Karoline (Vic Carmen Sonne) whose husband has been thought killed in the First World War (he later returns, pretty much without a face - one of the horrors from the front.) She gets pregnant wooing and being wooed by her boss, loses her job, and wants to get rid of the baby. Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm) is on hand to help, but her black market adoption agency hides a whole host of unspeakable horrors itself - and being a source of mother's milk, Karoline finds herself drawn into a web of drug use and a strange world that's very fitting for the kind of film this is. A startling use of black and white cinematography gives this an Elephant Man feel, and while I do admit that despicable characters can make a movie hard to invest in, I had no trouble at all becoming enthralled by these monsters. They fit what is a savage dog eat dog world where the poor suffer pain, indignity and insult - from birth. You know what you're in for when the film starts with a shifting collage of disfigured, pained faces.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7e/A_Real_Pain_%282024_film%29_poster.jpg
By Searchlight Pictures - http://www.impawards.com/2024/real_pain_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77013693

A Real Pain - (2024)

David Kaplan (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji Kaplan (Kieran Culkin) - the latter a troubled yet free-spirited young man, and both Jewish Americans are visiting Poland after their grandmother passes away, getting in touch with their heritage. It's a real tour de force which feels light but digs down particularly deeply. They are family and love each other - but are so different, and this trip exposes a whole host of sensitive areas, neurosis, pain and history. This could easily have been another odd-couple comedy, but instead it dares to stick closer to what feels like reality. Felt really different - and it's always good to find movies that aren't just the same old.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/Flow_movie_poster.jpg
By IMDb, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79515113

Flow - (2024)

A whole bunch of pretty smart animals, including a black cat, a bunch of dogs, a strange bird, a capybara and a lemur, go on an adventure in an apocalyptic world where tsunamis and changing water levels prove insanely hazardous. Beautiful animation makes this one I feel very fortunate to have caught on the big screen - right near the end of it's run. The relationship each animal has with the others create a whole multitude of different feels, themes and amazing moments. An astonishing work that has a lot to offer to people of all ages, full of danger, excitement and an alluring elegance that showcases the amazing array of expression you can create with animated creatures like these.

9/10

[Wooley]

The Cotton Club (1984)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/8vroa5RYUxD7Nv7vUGUoxZTyz7P.jpg

I watched this like a dozen times when I was twelve years old. While it's not great, and James Remar really overdid it as Dutch Schulz, I liked Richard Gere in this a lot. Especially when he sang "Beautiful Doll".
But.
Watching this movie is entirely about appreciating the beauty of Gregory Hines. Who I kinda miss all the time. Whether it was History Of The World or Running Scared or The Cotton Club or White Nights or Wolfen or Deal Of The Century (how 'bout a little touch-up?), Hines added something special every time he was on screen, he had so much charisma. But damn could he dance.

[Guaporense]

Mickey 17 (2025)
https://assets.gadgets360cdn.com/pricee/assets/product/202401/Mickey-17-Poster_1704195917.jpg

Nice comedy science fiction, not as good as his previous movies but worth watching. 3

Anora (2025)
https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mikey-madison-looking-confused-in-anora.jpg

That was a very good movie, in fact. I was positively surprised by the emotions of the characters and the general spontaneity of the performances and writing. Perhaps one of the best movies in recent years. 4

The Colors Within (2024)

https://www.skwigly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Naoko-Yamadas-The-Colors-Within-Credit-Gkids-2.png

The last film made by the director of K-On!, Naoko Yamada, is a very good slice-of-life movie showing high school anime girls who are starting a music band. However, this time, there is a boy in the band as well. :cool: A work of art, a work of beauty and feminine sensibility. 4.5

[Fabulous]

Lady Snowblood (1973)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/u2fkLndVDFA0ie4a8k6GpWWsm0N.jpg

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ed/Saturday_Night_%282024_film%29_poster.png
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/saturday_night_ver3.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77575339

Saturday Night - (2024)

I have a friend who's a big fan of Saturday Night Live history and trivia - he actually bought me a copy of a book about it. When he really wants to recommend a book to me, he doesn't just mention it, he presents me with a copy. He does that with everybody. Anyway - what a frenetic movie this was. One of those that approximates a real-time narrative as the minutes tick by during the lead up to the first ever Saturday Night Live (then only known as Saturday Night) broadcast, with all the actors doing great impressions of the stars they're playing - there's Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith), Dan Aykroyd (Dylan O'Brien), George Carlin (Matthew Rhys), Andy Kaufman (Nicholas Braun), Jim Henson (also Nicholas Braun), Billy Crystal (Nicholas Podany), John Belushi (Matt Wood), Jane Curtin (Kim Matula), Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt), Janis Ian (Naomi McPherson), Milton Berle (J. K. Simmons), Billy Preston (Jon Batiste) and many more - just a fantastic ensemble which to me seemed the best of it's kind since The Death of Stalin. It was also great to see Cooper Hoffman again (as the very studio-minded Dick Ebersol), along with Willem Dafoe as NBC network executive David Tebet. The narrative strides forward as an unfolding disaster as it seems less and less likely creator Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) will succeed in bringing this off - one crisis after the other adding to the general chaos the group of anarchic comedians create themselves. Watching is exceedingly fun from start to finish, and makes it more probable that I'll read that book after I finish my Bogart biography.

7/10

[wositelec]

Meteor Man (1993) - in my opinion 10/10 :)

106819

[Hotel Security]

>When he really wants to recommend a book to me, he doesn't just mention it, he presents me with a copy. He does that with everybody.

It's actually a good idea. How many times has someone suggested you watch a book or obscure TV show and you say "Yeah, maybe I'll check it out" and then forget about it a minute later? If you just give to them maybe there's a better chance they try it. I have a coworker who just lets me borrow his DVD when he wants me to see something...the DVD may sit on my shelf for weeks but I'll eventually break down and watch it. I have Parting Glances sitting on my shelf now...I'd never watch it otherwise but I will eventually.

[Stirchley]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/da/The_Girl_with_the_Needle.jpg
By [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78634419

The Girl With the Needle - (2024)

This Oscar nominee for Best International Film is another really dark and dour trip down a well-travelled lane that features pain, misery and never-ending struggle. Suffering in Denmark is Karoline (Vic Carmen Sonne) whose husband has been thought killed in the First World War (he later returns, pretty much without a face - one of the horrors from the front.) She gets pregnant wooing and being wooed by her boss, loses her job, and wants to get rid of the baby. Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm) is on hand to help, but her black market adoption agency hides a whole host of unspeakable horrors itself - and being a source of mother's milk, Karoline finds herself drawn into a web of drug use and a strange world that's very fitting for the kind of film this is. A startling use of black and white cinematography gives this an Elephant Man feel, and while I do admit that despicable characters can make a movie hard to invest in, I had no trouble at all becoming enthralled by these monsters. They fit what is a savage dog eat dog world where the poor suffer pain, indignity and insult - from birth. You know what you're in for when the film starts with a shifting collage of disfigured, pained faces.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7e/A_Real_Pain_%282024_film%29_poster.jpg
By Searchlight Pictures - http://www.impawards.com/2024/real_pain_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77013693

A Real Pain - (2024)

David Kaplan (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji Kaplan (Kieran Culkin) - the latter a troubled yet free-spirited young man, and both Jewish Americans are visiting Poland after their grandmother passes away, getting in touch with their heritage. It's a real tour de force which feels light but digs down particularly deeply. They are family and love each other - but are so different, and this trip exposes a whole host of sensitive areas, neurosis, pain and history. This could easily have been another odd-couple comedy, but instead it dares to stick closer to what feels like reality. Felt really different - and it's always good to find movies that aren't just the same old.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/Flow_movie_poster.jpg
By IMDb, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79515113

Flow - (2024)

A whole bunch of pretty smart animals, including a black cat, a bunch of dogs, a strange bird, a capybara and a lemur, go on an adventure in an apocalyptic world where tsunamis and changing water levels prove insanely hazardous. Beautiful animation makes this one I feel very fortunate to have caught on the big screen - right near the end of it's run. The relationship each animal has with the others create a whole multitude of different feels, themes and amazing moments. An astonishing work that has a lot to offer to people of all ages, full of danger, excitement and an alluring elegance that showcases the amazing array of expression you can create with animated creatures like these.

9/10

All good.

[Robert the List]

Tess (1979) Roman Polanski
....

Hmmmmm.....

So the idea for this adaptation was apparently one of the last things Sharon Tate talked about with her husband before her brutal murder.
I suspect he set about this with the intent of making the greatest film.
It thinks that visually it's Barry Lyndon or Lawrence of Arabia or The Leopard or Gone With the Wind. It's none of those, but even if it's a second rate imitation then it's a good one. There are a lot of very gorgeous scenes, even if the edge is taken off some of them by appearing a little manufactured. Nothing in Kubrick's Lyndon looks manufactured.

In terms of the story telling, I suspect a lot of this may be down to Thomas Hardy, but the build up to to reveal of the secret and the suddenness of the dramatic event near the end are done very well indeed. The former made me feel like I was being slightly tortured, or at least strung a long, in the suspense, and the latter got my full attention, and whilst it wasn't actually out loud I did hear something inside me say "nooooo wayy" or similar inside. To an ignoramous like me who doesn't know the book, it really is one of those moments that suddenly draw you right in.

And you know what, it really got me thinking throughout the film about classic literature, and how skillful the leading Romantic and Victorian story tellers were. It would have been so interesting to have seen their talents, developed in the way that they were, applied directly to film making. And it's an achievement of the film to spark that thought conversation.

Funnily enough this film has piqued an interest in me to start reading again, and that's no small achievement either.

Could you make it today? I'm not sure. Because I feel that the viewer here has some rapport with the rapist. If you made it today, and rightly so, it would have to focus very heavily on the mistreatment of women, and I'm not sure whether either male character could be redeemed, in which case I find it difficult to see how it could work. Not saying it couldn't be done but it would need to be handled with particular care. But taking this existing film and accepting that it was made in 1979 (and by Roman Polanski), from an artistic point of view I can live with it and recognise it as a 1970s interpretation and adaption of a 20th century story.

Listen, this is a really great yarn. I've seen some criticism of it being slow and drawn out, but I didn't feel that at all. I could have happily done another half hour or so. It was a great way to spend the evening.

Some of the acting, especially the support cast, is quite weak, but you just need to focus on the often very very pretty pictures, and the engaging story, and it won't bother you too much.

I don't think this makes my top 200, but it might do. It merits recognition.

8.75

Holden Pike

[Fabulous]

Heartbreakers (2001)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/jEgwrGZvuMazoHOnD0btXegVnH6.jpg

[Wooley]

Lady Snowblood (1973)

4

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/u2fkLndVDFA0ie4a8k6GpWWsm0N.jpg

I love Lady Snowblood. It's like grindhouse poetry.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3c/Wicked_%282024_film%29_poster.png
By https://www.movieposters.com/products/wicked-mpw-144571, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76911502

Wicked - (2024)

I knew that Wicked wasn't totally my thing, but I felt pretty open to it last night. Even so, I spent a good part of the evening feeling dissatisfied (I wasn't hating it, but it would be a stretch to say I was liking this film), before really coming around by the time it had finished. For starters, this isn't my kind of music (I had to literally put my fingers in my ears during a few especially annoying sustained high notes) and I have a natural aversion to "this or that famous character as a teenager" fiction. Yes, the movie looks amazing, and that's pretty much what kept me going during a relatively punishing runtime. All that stuff when Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda/Glinda (Ariana Grande) get to the Emerald City and meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) was where all that other stuff was left behind and I really got onboard. This doesn't seamlessly mesh with the original Wizard of Oz, but since Gregory Maguire's novel wasn't meant to that's fine. I was amazed that after watching a movie that lacked a good deal of enjoyment for me for so long I felt completely wowed by the time the end credits started. My first reaction was "I loved that", and my second was "wait...what?" I'd imagine that kids and people who like this kind of stuff really fell in love with Wicked. I still think it lacks really memorable songs, but the whole package is undeniably impressive.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d0/Le_Comte_de_Monte-Cristo_2024_film_poster.jpg
By https://www.pathefilms.com/film/lecomtedemontecristo, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76992312

The Count of Monte Cristo - (2024)

It's big, it's long, it's expensive and it's appropriately French. It's The Count of Monte Cristo - the second adaptation I've seen in the past 18 months or so. I'm not sure what to say other than it's a grand version. Opulent. Lavish. What you'd expect when France splashes $50 million and sends an army of drones out to provide us with sweeping vistas of the various locations in the story. It was enjoyable enough to watch, and probably a preferable version to go for if you love the classic story.

7/10

[Robert the List]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Taxi_Driver_%281976_film_poster%29.jpg



5th Rewatch...I don't know what else can be said about this movie that hasn't already been said. Still not sure if this or Goodfellas is Scorsese's masterpiece but this is the film that put him and Robert De Niro on the map. De Niro was incredibly denied an Oscar nomination for his Travis Bickle, an insomniac cab driver obsessed with killing a political candidate and saving a 12 year old prostitute from the streets. Beatrice Straight stole the Oscar that Jodie Foster should have won for her 12 year prostie, Iris. Just as dazzling as it was 40 years ago and I love Bernard Hermann’s music. 4.5
My full review of Taxi Driver at the cinema (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547069#post2547069)

[Robert the List]

That's a bold statement. But, given that it's all subjective, ultimately, I wouldn't actually argue with you about this one.
My full review of Touch of Evil at the cinema (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2547321#post2547321)

[*Sky*]

Waking Life (2001) - Richard Linklater: 6/10
https://animationcriticalperspectives.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tumblr_static_771utri7ue4g4kkkgooooggk0_640_v2.gif

[matt72582]

Charles, Dead or Alive - 8/10


Highly recommend it. I like "static movies" .. Good acting, good script, and I'm good.


https://www.movieforums.com/community/data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBwgHBgkIBwgKCgkLDRYPDQwMDRsUFRAWIB0iIiAdHx8kKDQsJCYxJx8fLT0tMTU3Ojo6Iys/RD84QzQ5OjcBCgoKDQwNGg8PGjclHyU3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3Nzc3N//AABEIATgBAgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAcAAABBQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQQFBgcDAgj/xABMEAACAQMDAgQDBAYFBwoHAAABAgMABBEFEiEGMRNBUWEHInEUMoGRFSNCUrHBNGJyoeEWJDNTktHxFyUmQ0RzdIKy8DU2VFVj lKL/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQL/xAAXEQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARFB/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDDhT3SNPl1bVLXT4GVZbiQRqzdgTTGp/oQ46y0Y4z/AJ0nH40Fpk+D+towX7bYk+YDngU0vfhbrNpEZTdWki52jax5NbtKiMzFlPyEgEkds1zmET7UEasjDDRqc5Hn+VUfPzdBao1v4tvN bzHHKK2GB81PvVZu7SeznaC6iaKVe6sMV9AajpBjma601w3m6H+Y/nVL620+HVNLaV08C/tlLJvH+lHmAfP2FMET8MpoLeHU5JZFWTC7c+gye9VmHU7y51JRLdSvHPdIzozkqfmyKtXwpvokk1KylhjlE8YYI4ByBwcfSo+76Q udLkF9cSRG2S6jWNUOS4Ljy8uKC8azokt/1DYaisqKloxLKw5bmoTUY45fiXYF84jiDgKM5IB4p/1VdCPrHRYrYzJBKxE0e84k5pyER+vrmeKBIli09VG3nBJxx796ojLuF9T0bqkTOYlgmykIHzMwAxn2o0yG8v8A4bWVlaTCEh2dTu 2gfPyxP0qQsNasdYGo29tbyJIm6N/lH6w8jPH86YaZDLYfD2w1KdtsEN6qeH23DxcNn1oO2oXKTdSdM2ssoJWcFlJ5IxjcfTNV/wCMDb+sw20KPs0WAPTmrF1DpiR/FDQb23AFteuhUr23D/2KZ/FPQL/UdUutdg8JrS3iRJMtzkE5wPSoLD1PoWra/Z6WmlX/ANlaOEb9sjLu+UYGB3qL6DhEdn1BoN5fGK/ilbMyn5+RjcvmTmpPqDT+oNUtdKj6buvAkSIeIRIUB4GOcVncXTmuy6ldyx3S/pO3ujHKfEwd2Mlt3nVEb1FbapYSrZahcSTwozNCzMSrZ7kZqFNaR13Zy3VpoVgArahI20AHgkjn++s+v7SawvZ7S5XbNC5Rx6EVK G9FFFQFFFFAUUUUBRRRQFFFFAUUUUBRRRQFFFFAVP8AQYJ6y0YKcH7WnP41AVKdMh21+wETBX8ddrHsKD6gliVJXGwhQTzjgnvXi UxhD+s4z85Hl/79qgtE19JZvseqkwzoMAk8N9D5j3qB+J3VOpdJT6Wul+ARcJIz703A4I7fnWhc9zKGMT4Ydw2fyFNJrC0u1fxUCuflJA4YnzIqJ6 N6oh6r0sTiJYbm2IW4i5OT6j2qcuJJGxhFAXAyO2e+cj2oPnXWIbjp/qW8htnaGW2nYIycEen4c1dNQ6Q+IGqpC9zJFKqlXQJOgGe4JA7moX4s232frCdwSRNEkmT9K3G0niWCMpMo2woOT3JA7VBkkvRHX 19exXc7xNcQcxyPcINtNeodL626Ztn1XU72NPtG2B2inVnPfAwO3nWyuNrO0jHao24C1RPi64k6SQ4ztuk2nHsc1RmXS11rI1dbf Qrkx3l2dmSQNx78k1a5+k+uX0j9FzXNubAuZPANwuNxbJP51B/DGFZutLHd92MO5OcYwprcGVnYI20OFzknvzUGP6/adaabp9rf6ldq0FjIBAySKxjbsMYqGk6n6i1gfo6XUHlW4Ij8NgAGJPnWt/Eq039E36IV3xFJNq/ug8msQ0ZimrWbqMkTIceZ5oNFmtfiToiIh1RIsAKqpOhPsO1RlrofWdjeXF7DcQCa4JaYtMhDk+ZB4zV9cPLM1xckM+e2eErheRN NbkRgMVYMq9w+PL8auDMTcX9r1bZXPVMky+FIGZiNwCj93HH5VDa7dx32s3t3Du8KaZnTd3wTxWi9W6XbanpQNuoSRY2li3N2I7o Kys1KEoooqAooooCiiigKKKKAooooCiiigKKKKAooooCpjpAZ6n0wZA/zheScCoipLpuH7Rr+nw7im6dfmAzjmg2mZLS/LxpIr+Ec7k4KH2NUD4oLdxHTIbmQSoiSeG3njI4Iq3aPcNJNfG7dI5LeQw8/L8i9nP1/lVK+IuoRX/6Pa3ZWjUPg5O48jnHpWg8+DF00fUk9oGCi5tj944GV5FbOsLs3hnITaQoXzJPJH5V89/D9BL1LAhd0yrYKNg9q1q2vNVsjm1u/FwfuyjB/P/CkFC+NEBh6htWOAXthkY7YNbBHtjt4FhiABjQKRzhgBzWOfFq9ub+9097uJUkWJlBVshufKtTtuprZFiJsLpP1aoT4R54FQV7V/iJp2i6rc2N1b3kjwnB2YwxI5PNU3rfrew1/RRY2dvPHJ44kYvjBAGKg/iDcJddW380auqswwHGD2qvYoL78G7UXHU80jLuENszY9c4FaT1HNHpK6O11Im59SRTzyFwSc1mnwtW6SXUJraYRAosbNtyeT5VNd WhbefRGllkmd71SXkPBGPyqwWDrDWJdQ0LVLXTLcrbyRNvkbjd9KxbSWWPVLN34USoSfxradTZvCmt4ovEd4XypO0BceVYtpPy6t ZgjtOvB+tSja7xRdW7GJg4zuUd1bHODUBpOu6Xq15JZ2b3FnKcgxHAV/XHpVgNpE1ySpaMM3zqhwGrG4JjadTCWMYKXhx/tVRr7tbN/mhhaVMBWjCZ2g1iV/D9nvriHaV8OVl2nywa3FopVuGe3lChyCyOu5R71jPUhJ1/UCSpPjtyh47+VSiMoooqAooooCil4pKAooooCiiigKUUCvWABQeKKWkoCiiigKmOkjs6m0xiOBcLUR51K9MI0vUOnpGxVzOuCBkg 0GtS6alxI63RilthI0gTZ8xJOcE+n+FUz4rziXUbBe5SA8gY8xx+GKujXNxbMRdw74w2DLCOV/tL3H4VSvic8cy6XNEyurLJtZT3GRWhBdFDOvwnJG1WYEHGK1qWbYiFcNNIQI0J7nzP0FZR0LIkfUcBkBKlWBUDOeO1aQI5rQPdrD DbxINogYlnYE+RzhfpSCm/EuQyS2IcKJEDqcdjzwav8FyjSRomSpTCP+y+0c4+lZ/8AFCLw9QtWDECVCzIfI1fWgJtrZbfajQhGQNnB45B9iKCO1TQ9GuLpp7rT2nncb2KufujuSKrvW+g6Tp+hLdafa+G7SqA4cn5SPe rtDHN47TS7C23aojyQB+NVX4gW8kHToVX/AFAuAUQryBzxmg5fC0Itle/vvIoAPmBTfr6QLe6e/LP9pJ79wCMYHapT4fWiHplJHUktOzAg4I8qY9e6Rf3t7Y/oyyklihiJYxjgHNBcIzJcXUcjRNEoQqS575A4ArHYE2dSonbbeY//ALrarcMIYSwwwRdwI7HArI9Ri8DriRB5Xo/vINKNfU/5x/5qw25ONblPpdH/ANVbkP6QP7VYbdDOtzf+Kb/1Uo2Odd1zGZ0klh8NdioMru9xWQdRlTrt+VUoPHbCkYx+FbVv2RB8E7UBIHnxWK9QsZNcvnbblpifkORUojKXFLxj3pKgSloooCi iigSilpKApaKKAooooA0lLRQJRRRQejip7oI4600U+l5H/GoE1O9CZHWWjEf/AFafxoPpW/0+DUCwmUJKCSJF+8B71ifxk0caTe6eBs/XK7bk/a5HJHrW4wjY8gUkqXO0E9h7VkHx65n0HvgxTYz3xlaop3w4GeqIseUbnj6Vpl4GL25ETyxo+9gvckD5fwzVD+GmjT302oX0aMqWk agSr3RmPH8OavtnO7yPb3QCXKDLDykXydfbyx5VYM6+JE08mq2q3EaxgQ7lUNuPJ860xMbIv7C/wrLviRMJOpGjAwIolWtGS4nQW7XNukccpSIANuYEjgnigz7q/XdVs+obqG1v5o41IwobgVX73WdTv4PCvLyWaIHO1jxmrP1X01q+oa9dXNrZmSFyNrbgM1XtS6f1TTLb7Re2piizt3Fgeag07ouIQ 9L2Axy6l/zNTecZPPbsDTDQovs+h6fFwCtupOTXGbqDT4bp7YvNI6AMWjjyOfeqJPxU8QJvXf8Au55rOuotLuZ+unktkwN8UjORxz/wq82qwXKSvsJDOHDEYbFQ2oNLD1DEshV2lChW7ZHqfegscEjm4ZJceIhz8vZl9RWYRdNy3WoS3QuEAW5LFSvlurT54llI3MwI4DK cHHpUHpmmTrdK00ZihRmPJ+96CqJuSRk8MRp4kj4CDy+p9qx3qGzuBrF9J4P6vxm+aNfl7+XtWwJGsG+XcxO08sckAeQqsaQq3Sy scMrOS5PIyT2qDL6StF1Ppmy1EO9sqwzAkF1+7n3FUfU9MutMn8K5TH7rjs30qYGYoNKvBzSMQe1QJRRRQFFFFAUUUUAaKDSUC0l LSUBRRRQeu9T/AEGf+mei8f8Aa0/jVfqZ6PmFt1TpUxxhLlDycedB9RNGrSEr2BPy5qm/ELop+sJLBotRW0WzVl/WRFt24g8Y+lWu0uY7qPxYZcrgkjHY043b1V1GcA8qcVREdJ9PWfS2kJp9kC6kl7iRu8ze/wDuqH6n0bwCl1aMEAbMbj/q28wf6p7Yq4hWB35Ylh2z2qv/ABB1aLRuk9Qu50USsnhQqxHMjcDj270Hzn1DePf6xd3Mi7GaTG0HIXHFa8JFFyJJhITFGFhQISACoy31PrWJOd2fM98+ta5/lz0+sQxcysyIPlER5IHYGkEzBcJMWVQ6MAG2sMZHrVe+IiGTp+ONc5a5QDn1rxb9X6EJGuZ7xzPIoDAQthF8lH++o7qvqPStW06C 1s7mQym5RjiMggeo96ou6RA2qQsMr4QVh+GKqqXAl16+hkTMluNrHywq1LLqGmxqu+OUMoAyFbJ96Z6dDFJc3MwQ7ZHZstnJz61R NabtNjFLGOHFR+rIP0xYyEDlSASO2DTsXtvZxhZdw9AqE1G3F19vvYHCHwo+ykEE/jQTzyoCQTk9yFGfx4rwbmI/tHjz2mmqa3Hal1t5TaoTkrDb5JPuT3rnL1k1uHFvcNJIo3OGtQox7moE1u9VdOKW8g8Wf5EI7qPM1y021S1s1iTgAefmab2KXGqT/pK9jSMycxxgYCLUrsAwPKgb29uII2AJO5t1N9U0u31O1eCdAQezfun1FSe2uNyQgDEnA/ZA71Rj+saZNpV69vPnjlWx94UxrSesNJa70L7SW8S4tvmzjGVPcVm9ZoUAEcd689qPpRUBRRRQFFLSUBRiijOKApKWkoCiiigWpT plVk6gsFdQytOuVPmKiq72lzLZ3MVzbttliYMjehoN30rUJ9JuvBEha3dvlye39Q/yq82ssVxFE8QBVwSCDytfNLdYa/KhRr5iCf3R3q/abbfElzHb2mrW0RnjEigyhcg8+lUatd3ltpttJc3UqWsSgtLJIcD+/uawD4l9YnqjU1itCV0y1JFupGC582P8qntX+HfX2sybtU1C1uSOQHuyQPwxVd6m+HevdN6U2pal9ka3R1Q+DNuIJ7cYoKfu9a9OC CDwc+dI2CeKnRedN7Ru0m7JwMn7T3NBA5qX6UgFzr9ohGQG3H8K7/bemf8A7Rd//s1IaFqGhR6pCbLS7pJmO1S1xkCguao/2tYyitFsJkb38qfMgtgqugXdgA9s1409nd4/EXBJpmJZH067aVy4W7H3vLntWhI3MQhkMNyoVwASCPXtXgRIOQg8ucUyu5ZL7U3kjHhxPhghPpxTqWY2yriB5MdyGwBQN9UuYrCD xng8TPHaoLTtRs7+8htpEI8Zyz48yOyn2qcbUEdWV7ZmU8EZzmosWelby6adJFITnfHIQQagswHOCAPLHpQQMjFQ41SaBQgsp3jx gzeJu2/UVKwSrNGjq6HP7pz/AHUHYCkPFL2H1pDyRQcLhElhlhcqQyEbc+tYnMnhyvH+6xFbReqyKs0MCPKD8wbgBP2jmsZunD3Mrr2Z2I/OlHgIdjP5A4rxXsuSgTPArzWQlFdpIwkaEn525PsK5DGKBVBJ4r3JEU5ypHqDQhZTiPnd7UXKCOXaPTkehqjlSUppKgKKKKAoooo Foo86POg7WiGS7hRe7SKB+dfRcjtFa2N2gUNblVO309/y/vrAOnovG16wjxnM68fjX0AA36IulxhR83b0PFWC1BxsDpnY5BGPPNVX4r232n4f6ngYaMpL9QGqZ0LUFuo57ZU2/ZVjDlj94kEiuHW8TXXR2uRBSSbR9vtjmg+XTw3A4oPrT3RbWK91ixtZs+FPMiPg4OCcVrmofDTpy21h7RBdmIJkHxcntQYrXezuD a3cM6HDRuGzXm6RY7iVFB2rIyjJ96s3Q/T1lra3T3zsEhZQFRsFs5pBcvtst1FHcacUJCByH/b9h70txJdXuyN444owwcgeZ96aXdjZdOx2YgeVIpptmZH3Bal5dKjcM8cku8qMc8ZqjjDDK94JJFCgLjj0ruzNLKBx4fcc96YWF2 ZLe5hdZQ8fB3RkDj0NPzpMMpDNLPk4OA3YUHRFTBxt5PYUqpGjNt2jPfFMLC1Fy91C8riNH+Qp96nQ0eADHj3B9y9UJMI48EEbm4 9Qahp+lIrqRbmzu5Ldx932qabRrcIxEs5IGcFuK8aJITYhm7k1B2gkmjhSK7+aRRgyAcN/uroZY1eNGcb5Cdg9fpXs5I749Ki9Rza3Nteyuq29sj75H45PtQcOsdTGm6JNhv10/wCrQevr/dWVSIhBaLhRgbWPNSXUutPrWoGY5WFPljX29aiKlBS+VJmukETTOFUVB4+tCrlgM4zT6Wy2w/qwzvu8qbTwSwsRKhBHfiqCbEcmIjjHmD3NcSSTzQa9xIGJ3HCjk1BzNJSn+6koCiiigKKKKApRQRQO9BYegoGuOsNMRRnEuT9ADW 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 Ixk+RFP+p9S0bS7OK5sy2RIEIIL5HrzVEh4hmSRbZDKyodzDhVGO5NQdoqQ2SXOZGSMACNGwG/DzNM7j4hs9mbe1gmeE9wyrGDVZvtf1W7Two2itovIR9/zqC8avr+n6XFumly5HEa8tWb9QdQXWsy4cmOAfdiB/jUfeROP1kkrO5PJY5prUoWlZdoU5Bz6V5pQCTgVAlOrFS9xGobGTwKe6Z07qOoYZIfDjJxvl4/u71c9D6RtLB1kuiLidec/sj6VZBTrqWWydMO8bh++PKrLHbw6zYxrcMpYr8rqOfxqxanoNjqaETwjd5MvBFViztrjQtUfToR4olQyW/icBmHlVFb1fR5NOm2u6HcMqPMiortWn38Nl1Fo5kiAS4Vcjd95HH7JrMpfvtkbTnkehqDzXR4iiqzY58q50Fie5JqApKUUGgSiii 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 r1692jpH9rVpAkahtsak/xNXS3aaaFkvLUQuOCquHVvoaCuapp8kcz6npLt4u79bD+zKvqPeqRr9sttqUqICATnDd8mtH0mKa2u7uzuJN4SXcjf1G5HFVf4i2 Yjure7VQDKNrEeZFSim0UUVkdYpBGD8uWPYnyrmeaSukSeIcZCjzJoOdFdisIOPEP5UUHLzroIm2FyMAeteD3p7KpNuT/VFBqHwjtUOgXEzA5e4IBHsP8AGrvqAZdLv9gLSi3fAQZJO0jFVf4ZxCPo+1AyDLI7nHnz/hV3trcvEJC2CB+fNaGLfDXTtW0/rTTJpdOuo4yzKXkhYKMit5M62sUjOVwud1dI5CpKmQFh95j2z7VW9cvTfXXgWw/VA4BH7R8yaDL+upDcfEXTrorsaZoiR9GxWrX06Kvgknwowc8cE+tZx19ZLB1N05OpB3sFODzkMK0LO95RD84wQwHNB85X5ze3GO3 it/Gr38MpFh07UnfP+ljAA7knOAKol+MXtwPSVv4mrv8ADhWfStUEWDMksUiAnzGTUDj4kXEcujWyjKyCfmNuGHFNfhpGZbbURE2yeJ kkjYfjwfUGpL4oCKXRbG4QA+JN8reeCKiPhZLjUL+HyaAN+R/xq9E/M0dx1tpUy5B+zPuTGChHl/fTX4hL4OmyzqGxc7I22njKnPNT1xCG6gsJscpby/xFQHxNbZotrHn785P5CghugYftFjrUYU5MceCvcEE9qubyoZlvNVnhS2gGyFmGFkkPdyDVX+FYO7Uv7KfzqU+I/wD8tj/xC/zpA7/Seks13JDqsED/ADAMuORj0rIm+8cetFJU0FFFFQFTvTZugLprKPxJ1jxH/UJ7kVBVY+iLoQanJG3aSP8AvFIG8+kXuZ5LpJZG2bt2f2j61oHTVvLHo8VtdDLCPBB749K9r4bKGYD1x711sr2HxSj/ACFvM8D861g4RaJBZ3DS28SCNm3bRwA3rUujbhn+NcpmcncvY+VdUOEGeOKCLndP8oVVfvtaZOD94buPyqL67tHvNKUou57c7zz5 edeb7xpetYmSYxCO2UnB+9nPFdOt42/QzyKeM/PtoMzNABPYV7RC7BR5nFOblRBEEXGW7mshqEz5jNIQQcEc0nvTzZ49sDj5x/fQM6KUjBwaKBKkJR/mrHy2io+pC4OLQj2FBt/RVukHS2kJgDdbK5993NWYFo0CH5cflio3RYUsdEsEkfBgto419sAVGdT9RvYaXd3iR74kxuXgbiTjvWhJ6hqLSMYLY5Dnlh502gU QNkYdvNv5VQbD4hJPcxW6aUUaVwrOZ+2TjPar4qjfxg4Ge9BWPiG3janoF0VQYvgu0cAcjip6/uYrW/nBmETJhmwcBd3YVXOtId72cM/6wfa45ASvG0nG3iplrdbeVZbOFN8Mhfw2ORJngjP07elUU6boSyufGntdTeWQkvtXaffFdPhfYW1za6qZ42LRyoFYMVIHOeRV2+y 6dfp45tk3KCNwGx1OOxIqqfCvIi1lVzj7Qox+dQePikqJodosahVW4wB+FVPoG8az6gXEbyeNG0e1Bk81Yfibfrc2UMMJHhRTd27 ucdx7VWuhZfC6osSSRuYpwcdwaDRTa6nc3cc808cMcedqBeSvoaqHxHt/sn2CM3Ekxfe+H/Z7cD2rRfL6Dms4+KEmdWtI/wByDP5mlHn4e20twdR8CUo6ouCHKkE55/41PdTWd7e6ZHb3c0KRpIC4I+dscbge34VGfCz7+pf2U/iavbqjxlJlDoRgqwyCPekFEtuidLulk8HUp/ERSTGUGc4zVCPc1tF3ZkbVEi48IxwFztHY4RiO39VvwNYu33jnvmpQlFFFQFdradradJozhkYEVxpaDUbKUT20cwY4dQ3FcptSgb 9XFaSXhB+ZUGFTHqTxVc6Z1tYofsVzIEx/onPA+hqzLAt1DsZh4HlsPf8AKth7Bc6nc24zbWkR8szbiB71IRsxh+YbWHFMdNtrSHEdumAgzjOahurOqFtUaz01t07ZDzDkJ7Kf M0EJ1fdquuR3EExMsJVNqnyX/Gp3UruR7CCR08WDcDcBu4Q+f5mqDCsl3dwoWLM7KuT9aueu2eq2l1Zy2gdoIodhlCbsg9ww9KgqN/A1jqLJJyFbcpHZlPYii9XxIlkQ5ApxOst1EfFjEcaNiNuwjye3Pl6UwcTWkjRng+YzkVBwqTs1CQLu8zmmCAySKFXmnVzcBF8OM5 OME1A3kdfEb6mkrlRVB58VKLE07wQHtLIifmai881K6A7z65p0Tv8AKbmPP4MD/KoNrdhvxM5faAuzPHFVr4jTE9LygYUNLGNq9u5qwEZc5x3OOaqHxNkKaPaRsRh7jJAPOAprQz+wmWCUSnlgRgfjW2yP4spjdQUkh SQYHBB4I/wrB/etw0d/F0iykH7cCHk5OcVIIvqqFbbQZZrdAHt3SVC3zfdORn2qjN1xrzSb/tS43Z27BitG6khafQdQQdzC2Oaxbtj6UouUXxG1iJW/U2pLDGdlQ+k9TX2lW17BaiMLeMGkJHI79j5d6hKKmiZ1jqG41aARTwQIAwK+GuNoAxgVH6feSWF7DdQ4MkLh1z2ptRQXE/ETVD/2e2/2ar+u6xca3fC7ulRXCBAEGBgVG0UExoHUN1oLTm0SN/GADeIM9qmP+UPVP9Rbf7NU+igt0vX2ozwSQTW1q0cilWG3yNVI9+KSukMTzSrHGu52OABQeKKudr0fCbYGaRjKRzg8CoPXdEfStj BzJG3G7HY1cEPRRS1AU6sr+5tmCxXEsaE87T/KmxK4GAc+deaCwW86GQST31y8bH58HblaZ6zfi9umMEYitoxsijUYCrTKFlxsKZJ7VPWulCXS5rhkQHZtjXzJ9aob9II0utwx7VZ fvMGGe3pWpJMQ/n/Cs76Ag8TU5ZM4aKPH5/8ACtAYeh/GrBy1CLT3tZZdQhhMCgmRmUVV5Ok7DVYBc6Z41qrD5BL2b39RT7U2/SetQ6Yhza2uJbn0ZvJTVgjYnChePT0oM2v+lNW09HdI1mTzaI8j8Kr7I4YhlII7gjtW4AkDg4qH6g0WLU7OUoipcqpKOF7+xqYMl 2t6GilbcGIJIIPb0paYPFSfT2kXeuatDYWDKtw4ZlZ2wBtBJOfwqNqw9CavbaF1Nb6hfbxAiSKxRdx+ZSM4/GoPOqaPrenvDmWW5inj8WGa2lMiOucZBHvxTOTTtYlkkgltb13iXe6OjZUevNXWPrLR7O2s7C3+1SwWlqYlnZMM7tKrsdvkBjium r9baXqR1HEjwrcwLHEj25ZYyrkk985YHPsaookeiao8KzJp100bLuDCM4I9a7fo/XY/kFtqCbU37VVuF9celWXUuqrCfUL29t7m8AvrAQ/ZyMC3cBRgHOCOO/vUlcdZaPNqlzci5uIkmS2IMcBDKYmBKnnncARkVBS9DsNR12+ayt7wqfCaR2mlIUKvfNc9T6d1TTb02k9q7SAgK0XzK2V3DBHfjm pvp/qSxs+s7/V5le1trpZhGsab/D3njjzqT1Drexa7197ETot7aIkLsvPjgBWkA/YyuRgVRT9B0G+164mg05FZ4YWmfccAKBXi60a6tdGsdWlCi2vWkWLB5yhwc1YeiOptM6btJHmtpZryW5jJKHaEiXk8+efSpC71vp e/stNtZLm7hgsL+e4WP7PuMiO+4LnPHpUEAei9XTUrewlSJJri1N0nz8bApb88DtQei9W+yw3W2LwZrBr9GL/9Wvf8eRxVtPX+i3F3DeSWlxbzQ/aUVV+fKSIQPpzim0PXGmpoQ06RJzjRhap8vCzjIP8A5SCPyoKroHTFxrlpc3Ftd2kS2ql5Vmk2lU/e+lev8kNV/wCaSEiKas5W1ffwcHGT6Z8q99KatZ6bbaxBemTF9Zm3Vo1zgkjn8qt0vXWgSzRqtrcxRWd3by2rjnKou1uP2cjmgrEHQOuzXUdr4 USTSXMlsFZ8fOgyfwxXOz6I1a6Fuf1EQmWdsyPjYIm2vn05q1wfEDSpJLGW5juRLBdXEkjovLIykIfr2zS6f1/pW7SpLgTQTxWk8dy6RBx4r4+YDzBxk1cgq1p0Nqd7bPcWU9nOm51i2Tf6bYMtt9cCmvR0KvqZkPeNcrn1q16b1pptlpculzXM8ou JJvFvIrcRugYfKyDyOeCPSql0rOsOosuchhgH1oNHiGEximOu6cmpabNAOGK7k/tCncDFsD1py0JK5Bwa0MYkRo3ZHBDKcEGvIqf6zsjaawzEECVdw4qArADSUtJQe4tu9dxwKnW1sR28dkqYiRSGcfeOagBSk5JJq6 LV0Fc29teXZuJljBTKljjPerpLdJb2UlyWBSJC+fI+n8qyA1cdfu2j6Xs4QSfH2hufIDNIJnpqNvsfjzH9ddOZZD6+g/CrHEOODUHpDAwW6D9wE+1T0a/KCa0OgHrRnDA+VGabancC0sJ5ycFEOM+vlUGM3X9Kmx23t/GlrmxLMSe5OTRWQKdpzXaePYQwHyNyK4inUa+NblT3XtQN80h/lXrGDhgR9a6RRCbIXhh/fVHDPtS7iaGUhiCMEUgqBRk8d66rbuwycAVzFdARQK1u2PlIPtXA5BxXdjkVxbvVHnNLmkpcVAClHPtRiloEHJwK7JCv7Rrmo54F OokCR+JJ588+VUCQRkHjn2p5otvt1KJk59j3pujLIDt7+1ONMci+gJ4IbGc1RodqOFJ71JLytQMF0zvtH0+lSVrKynkkj3qiL67s Fu9BacL+ttWDg4/ZPBH8KzEEgEetbVOiXdrPBIAVljKH2zWT61od7o0oW6TMbfclX7rVmiLopaAMnA86gVF3sF9TilljMUjIe4NdfAeLDlhwfLnFJcM 0kpZjkt50BZ27XNzFCgJLNjA9KsXVkZLafp8A3MF+VB7116LsN3iXTJk52oSPzxVq0/Rcak+pXeDLgJCv7i/761g7aHYNa2cKTgGRUCuR61LAcUiqFGBSigDUH1hdrbaSA55lcAAeeOamjzWf/EG/8fUIbKE7hAu5sfvGgrxu4cn5Cfwopr4J/exSU0cjXSKR42yvY968Dk06nUQwhVHJ86g9+JHIMcZ965RsIZc+VNq9ZJoJB0ilGSOT50zdNrH0rwGI7GvRZmqA2/SlyK8fUUZx3oPROa8mgnPbikzQKKOKQfSgkeQqha9AZrwDXtW54wKB1DhR2Fe5AsqY9e3tXOPBGQc16wx4Hl5UCxx+GRtI24+bPl XO2lxdGRew7V6MbuMHgeleFh8GQOWGAe1Bd9OdNvihyVfkZqaiYDBrP7HVGt3ZW5j7jJ7VYIdcg8NS8wBPcVoWdHOO9e5Yory1eC 6iWSJxyrfx9qjbO6S5RTE25WxyDUisuDxQU3Weh3iUzaVIZlGP1L9xn0NOLHoyGKJDdh3lHLbe2fSrirg9uK9KRjvUGUdRW5tr94 UjYL3yVxmnHTOi/pKc/aY3ESc9iN1aGLqQs0bxYZWwN3ZvpQ8eoSsoBihTzI5NB2srOO3iREQKEAAA9KdY/OlAwACcn1oNAmcCkJOPrQTx2qv9SdTQaQhihxNeHsnknuaDr1Lr0WiWvB33cg/VJ6f1j7Vl0s8k00ksrFpHYszepr1dXM17cPPdytJI/LMe9cB51NBk+p/Oijj0oqABwacylZosqTuXyppShiO3FAUox50mc0UHsyegxXncc0lFB6HuaTjzpKKBcgHt+dAPoK80tApzSjb+1zXnNFApI8hQWzX mig9K7LyDTiO8YDDjIprRQSUUyScA4+tejh1I9Ki66wSmNwc8edXR3b0xk+lTXTmj/pGbxrlT9kjJB/8AyN6VEXasxR4vM4wPU1oWlRpa2kVunaNAD7nzNWCH1G2GjTx3enAoin9ZAD8rj296nLO6S6gW4hztYdmGCPauGpQCYjcBtBzXe2 iP2cMvzMvfyqofxSfLk8Gm+o6mNPh8RuV7ED0qP1TVYrS2LBjvPbjvVSEOq3we6i8SdCdxVTyPworRLK9tNQSK4hYEjlHPl5U4e7 MEiJcRsA7bRKv3R9fSsz0vU3065MRYxwZy6OOUPtV0sdUvRZ79Rsg9o6/LLEdwKY86gsSsrgMCCD2waCfSmmmm2NjGthIHiC/qyx7ex86oXVmva2Z5LG6T7HF/q4/2x/a8xQTnVPVcFlE1rpsiy3TcNIDlY/8AGs6d3kcu7FnY5JJ5JryRRkAe9ZCZo+lK3YUlAvNFJRQJS4pK6KSuSKDxiive4n73aukMazZUcMBke9BwopXUqxU9xSUCUUUUBR RRQFFFFAUUUUBRRRQLiijNJQTXTqfar6KGT7qnefwq72bHMhJz83FVLppPBsrm6A+dvkX6edWrRW8eyWXzYnj0rUDy4wyGuGn3Gc qfI+dOZF4qsdQag+nMrQj524BPYVUWKSOxkmaOeJJImGSGHC1VNYtb7pu8M2nSSNp8pyjDlR7GpnRz42iLNchWa4zuB7GotNRv+n ybW7jW708nIVucD0qKbW+q2WrhbfV7aNX7/aE+Vs+nvV20i0lt7KBLW6EkC8YYAELUAuiaHr0CXOnMbWTd86o2B+R7H6VN6XoUelAKl1PK7tklm+6PTjvQTKRpH/o1AB9Bio3qLR4tasHgcATqMwvjsfT6VKjtSFaDD7iGS3meGZSsiEqynyNeAMnFaB13okUqrq0QIK4ScKvceTfyNVCa0gEi+EWKuP 1akcsamCPkTY5UkHHpXmutxC9vM8Ugw6HDD0NcqgKKKKApzBGHt5F/ayKbV0hlaNsrz60Hl0ZDhhXeywJC5OFUc04E0cowSDnuDXOW3LLhCPpVDaZg8rEdjXk5IHHlikYMhIPBpM1Au314oIHkaBijj0oD BxnBxQFJOKC5pM0AeKBSUUHrikNJRQFFFKKBKKK9AUFksZRDpcEecFgWNWHpiTdYLwfvtVNuZigRVONgHnVr6UcnTI/QnIH41qCflHHNVXqy38aAEYypwKtJJK8nkCobUV34Z0yAwLceVVBqVs9r01Etu217dEOR55NNNb0ydDBIjlmkdUbzxmm2rdUQT2E sFvG6TeIuN3oDmumoa8zWFq7SIJGly2zyAqKk4LUWOq6dZxMUjZHkfHG4irLuEjRujBlwe1VhpPGex1SKXd4dtISWGByeKsWm7ms rZnxuaPJ29qB8nJOK9YwKSOvflQcJ41kRo3AZXBVgRwRVKvLG60q+8LTtOjdAcrJ5kelXhqjtYileyaSBsSxfMMjII8xQZJqJka9 naYESGRiwIxyTTap7qSGO5J1a3lDRzSCNkxgq4Xn+FQXaoEopaKgRRk06nAhhCgct3NLRVDQV2iuHQjJ3D0ooqD3ebTtZfPzprRR QFFFFAUUUUBRRRQFFFFAUtFFAldIRmVQe2aKKDpcPlyKtfSVwPsapnlWIooqwWiN+K5SKrBg3Oe1FFaRUNW0XfK7w8HOTVdkjMMh V+4oorNVKWdxqF7ZLpluHbcw5z2UDgfStP06OWGxt4pgBIsYVsdu1FFUP0r0aKKDz3FeGHFFFBWOptFjv0EUbrFIzb488BmA7H8K zm5glt5mhmQo6HBBpKKlHjiiiig//2Q==

[Allaby]

A Fish in the Bathtub (1998) Watched on Criterion Channel. This is a little uneven. It's not very funny, but it has a couple amusing moments. The acting is pretty good and the dramatic moments work better than the comedic ones. 3

[Allaby]

Extraterrestrial Visitors/Pod People (1983) This is like a really bad rip off of ET combined with a really bad rip off of Friday the 13th and the two do not merge well together at all. The tone is all over the place and never settles in. The writing is abysmal and the dub I watched was terrible. The weird looking kid has a weird voice actor doing the dub and it doesn't match well. The best "acting" in the film was by the kitten and by Trumpy, the alien creature thing. 1

[markdc]

The Bank Job (2008)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/66/Bank_job_ver2.jpg
This a fun heist thriller about a gang of robbers who break into the vault of a bank to get money and jewelry but find something much more valuable—and dangerous. Roger Donaldson, who’s directed three of my favorite movies, does a fine job here, though The Bank Job doesn’t rank among his best. Jason Statham, the perfect working-class action hero, does his usual bang-up job. Recommended.
3.5

[Gideon58]

The Cotton Club (1984)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/8vroa5RYUxD7Nv7vUGUoxZTyz7P.jpg

I rated this the same as you did

[ueno_station54]

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/5/1/4/0/6/51406-the-last-emperor-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=db0c8250da
rating_3

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/3/9/6/1/1/39611-nine-to-five-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=585e6eeb9e
rating_3_5

[Nausicaä]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3c/Wicked_%282024_film%29_poster.png/220px-Wicked_%282024_film%29_poster.png

3

SF = Z

Viewed: Blu ray

I see the book version is r rated compared... :eek:


[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

[Allaby]

Wild Goat Surf (2023) A Canadian coming of age drama. This was very well written and the performances were good, especially from Shayelin Martin, Caitlyn Sponheimer, and Leandro Guedes. It's beautifully filmed and the score was lovely too. 4

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNGZiOGFkZmYtYmM5Mi00ZjJiLTlkMDAtNzg5YWI3MjliMDI4XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_.jpg


1st Rewatch...An overly sophisticated MGM musical that audiences stayed away from in droves. This is the story of a lawyer (Edmund Purdom) being courted to run for the senate who meets a gardener and numerologist named Athena (Jane Powell) who says it's in the stars for them to marry, even though the man is already engaged. The film’s primary themes regarding astrology, numerology, and that all men with muscles are dumb did not connect with moviegoers nor did the wooden performance by Purdom, a role I kept picturing Peter Lawford in. As always, Louis Calhern steals every scene he is in. 2.5

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjMwNDU1NzMzM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTY3ODk1OQ@@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


1st Rewatch...Fans of When Harry Met Sally will have a head start here with
this rom com starring Jake Johnson and Olivia Wilde as co-workers, drinking buddies, and BFF's who are involved with other people and in denial about their true feelings for each other, which all changes when the four of them go away for the weekend. We know where this is going about 20 minutes in, but the film is fun thanks to a Woody Allen-ish type screenplay and the improvised feel of the whole thing. Johnson is terrific in this...I loved him on New Girl and I've never understood why his movie career never went anywhere. 3.5

[*Sky*]

Fire (1996) - Deepa Mehta: 8.5/10
https://64.media.tumblr.com/0db76de636513cc82e0a93cda2b4617c/6460b67491a74aaa-0d/s540x810/0f2243521b1f4d00d793c9dfc92f7d7ad16135e0.gifv

[Thief]

CAT PEOPLE
(1942, Tourneur)

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


"There is, in some cases, a psychic need to loose evil upon the world, and all of us carry within us a desire for death. You fear the panther, yet you're drawn to him, again and again. Could you not turn to him as an instrument of death?"



Cat People follows Irena Dubrovna (Simone Simon), who might or might not be one of those that is struggling with feelings of self-doubt and regret, and might be drawn to those "animal instincts". Despite falling in love with Oliver (Kent Smith), she refuses any physical contact because she "fears the panther" she might turn into, something she believes traces back to her ancient Serbian heritage.

Even though I've only seen a handful of his films, I'm a fan of Tourneur. He has a very distinct and elegant visual style that goes from the way he moves his camera to his shot selection, close-ups, etc. This might also be a credit to cinematographer Nicholas Musaraca (who also shot Out of the Past with Tourneur), but whoever it is, there's some pretty solid camera work in this film.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2549308#post2549308)

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/48/Nosferatu_IMAX_poster_2024.jpg
By Focus Features - https://www.focusfeatures.com/nosferatu/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78513127

Nosferatu - (2024)

We didn't need it, but all the same Robert Eggers' version of Nosferatu is very, very good and still managed to make my skin crawl despite my overfamiliarity with the story. It doesn't manage to match Werner Herzog's as far as surreal atmosphere goes, but it outdoes his movie in terms of make-up effects, cinematography, art direction and production design - in short, this is my favourite incarnation of Count Orlok, because I could just about smell his festering, rotting flesh. He really looks and sounds the part. I was also very pleasantly surprised by Lily-Rose Depp, who had a lot to do in terms of playing the tortured Ellen Hutter - she brushes aside any cynicism we might feel because of her name, and delivers a great performance. On top of all that, I thought the screenplay was first rate and had many an artful observation to make on both humanity as a whole and this story (and it's characters) specifically. Added up, I had a great time watching it.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ec/Thelma_2024_film_poster.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/thelma_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76872386

Thelma - (2024)

Inspired by a 60-year-old Tom Cruise doing his own stunts, Thelma (June Squibb), 93-years-old herself, goes after the people who scammed her out of $10,000. This was a pretty good movie that hits it's peak at a very late stage when old Malcolm McDowell (in his 80s) enters the proceedings as Thelma's nemesis, Harvey. Squibb, McDowell and Richard Roundtree (as Thelma's friend, Ben) are a lot of fun to watch together, but I have to say that it's very stressful watching Thelma take the risks she does and put herself in danger. What's uplifting is her spirit and conscious decision to not disengage from the world just because of her age, and the relationship she has with grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) is really beautiful.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/ff/Unfrosted_poster.jpg
By Unknown - IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76464530

Unfrosted - (2024)

Put simply, the bad joke to good joke ratio in Unfrosted is weighted far too heavily on the bad joke side - groan-inducing ones (those where you feel a little embarrassed for those making and/or featuring in the film) come along every now and then to just rub salt into the wound. Also, basing a whole segment on the 6th January Capitol Attack? Too soon, and too grim a subject to relate to this loony, comical version of the invention of the pop tart. People died, and the movement which inspired it is in the process of destroying the world right at this moment.

3/10

[Fabulous]

Six Degrees of Separation (1993)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/3AH7qZdeCkpCrkoloTVeeqKBRlA.jpg

[Captain Quint]

106885

Companion (2025)
A friend said it felt like an upper-tier Black Mirror episode, sure. Sophie Thatcher was the cat's meow, and there's something about Jack Quaid that just puts me off, I don't know what it is, his face or mannerisms, whatever it is, he's well cast here. lol - overall it hit the spot, just what I wanted for a Saturday night.

Library check-out.

4

[Miss Vicky]

106884

Fleetwood Mac: The Dance (1997)

Yeah, I know it's not actually a movie but it has its own Letterboxd page, the countdown's got me feeling all nostalgic for the decade, and if there's one thing I was watching more than any movie in the 1990s it was this. I just dusted off my DVD copy of it and gave it another watch so I'm gonna write it up.

I don't think I've actually listened to anything from Fleetwood Mac that wasn't written and sung by Lindsey Buckingham since the band fired him in 2018 and I couldn't tell you the last time I actually watched this, but back in 1997 and for many years afterwards, if I wasn't listening to my CD copy of The Dance or another album from Fleetwood Mac or the solo work of one of its members, there was a good chance I was watching this. It premiered on MTV when I was 16. I'd been kind of familiar with Stevie Nicks before that and had been listening to her Bella Donna album for a few years (on account of its inclusion of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" with Tom Petty) and prior to the premiere had heard the single "Silver Springs" many times, but I didn't really know anything about Fleetwood Mac. Well as soon as The Dance began and the opening riffs of "The Chain" started, my eyes were immediately glued to a certain curly-headed guitarist and I've been obsessed with him ever since.

Revisiting it again tonight I'm just as wowed by Lindsey Buckingham's performance. His vocals, guitar, and banjo playing all sound phenomenal. Even in the songs that aren't his, his contributions really stand out to me (oh and he looks gorgeous, which certainly doesn't hurt my enjoyment). Of course, this comes as no surprise to me, since I've seen him in concert ten times over the years and he's never not been awesome. Which is not to say that the rest of the band don't sound good, they all sound fantastic and it was fun to see them being warm and even a bit playful with each other, something that would be absent from their performances together in later years. All in all, I had a really great time watching this again, especially "I'm So Afraid" and "Go Insane" (a reworking of a 1984 Buckingham solo song) which were always my favorites. Having said that, I'll probably immediately go back to not listening to the work of the other band members, but I really enjoyed this.

The concert as a whole: 4.5
Lindsey Buckingham: 5

I'm So Afraid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OrtLxsqSic

[Torgo]

Dual (2022) - 3

With A Different Man, The Substance and this movie, managing our identities has been a recurring theme lately, hasn't it? Is it because of the difficulty of reckoning with our actual and various social media identities? Whatever the reason, this a mostly satisfying, funny and likely Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth, The Lobster) inspired movie set in a world where burial and cremation are not the only options for preserving your remains. In addition, you can generate a clone of yourself who continues your affairs after you're gone. Sarah (Gillan), a twentysomething hot mess whose only supposed bright spot is her relationship with boyfriend Peter (Koale), gets another reason to be miserable: she has a terminal illness. She goes through the cloning process, and as soon as the transference phase becomes less awkward, Sarah's life manages to get even more complicated.

Whether writer/director Riley Stearns is a Lanthimos fan or not, the trademarks that make his similar movies memorable are here as well, including a dearth of emotion, dark humor and ambiguity as to whether it's the future or an alternate timeline. They work here too, as does the uncompromising depiction of violence. One rule about the clones I haven't mentioned yet is that after a certain point, if a clone is unwanted, they and the original must fight to the death. Despite her deadpan delivery, Gillan manages to give both Sarahs depth and uniqueness, not to mention make the original into a hilariously pitiful person. Koale also makes you wonder if he is the villain of the piece for how well he makes Peter the worst kind of "nice guy," and Aaron Paul is a welcome sight as an unconventional combat trainer. Also, for such a spare and low budget production - it did not surprise me that Stearns filmed the movie during the pandemic - it does a good job at coordinating the Sarahs whether one or both are on screen.

This movie tells a unique and clever cloning story featuring an application of the technology I can imagine people paying for. It also successfully explores what would happen if things do not go according to plan and at demonstrating that a clone is a copy and not a better version of oneself. Regardless, I would describe this as a light satire of the average Lanthimos movie. I realize that great filmmakers like him inspire imitators, but it is possible to imitate and forge a unique identity at the same time (see Hitchcock superfan De Palma). While Stearns does not quite get there here, he comes close, and again, he sold me on his premise enough to recommend it. I just hope that his next project feels more like a Stearns movie, if you will...oh, and that Aaron Paul is at least available to play a bit part.

[matt72582]

The Common Man - 7.5/10
Most movies about racism aren't very good, but I'd check this one out. Prejudice meeting "opportunity", but other things involved, such as economies, media, public perception, mob mentality come into play like a play where everyone knows their parts, except the victims.


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d7/The_Common_Man_%28film%29.jpg


And it's on YouTube for free
https://youtu.be/wKUx49qcs5E


While reading comments on the YouTube page, I wanted to read what the French said, and thanks to the ability to translate, I liked this



"A film that rings terribly true which makes it even more intense. So right in fact that during filming the film crew suffered attacks from far-right militias and at the time of its release certain cinemas refused to program it to avoid problems."

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/48/Nosferatu_IMAX_poster_2024.jpg
By Focus Features - https://www.focusfeatures.com/nosferatu/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78513127

Nosferatu - (2024)

We didn't need it, but all the same Robert Eggers' version of Nosferatu is very, very good and still managed to make my skin crawl despite my overfamiliarity with the story. It doesn't manage to match Werner Herzog's as far as surreal atmosphere goes, but it outdoes his movie in terms of make-up effects, cinematography, art direction and production design - in short, this is my favourite incarnation of Count Orlok, because I could just about smell his festering, rotting flesh. He really looks and sounds the part. I was also very pleasantly surprised by Lily-Rose Depp, who had a lot to do in terms of playing the tortured Ellen Hutter - she brushes aside any cynicism we might feel because of her name, and delivers a great performance. On top of all that, I thought the screenplay was first rate and had many an artful observation to make on both humanity as a whole and this story (and it's characters) specifically. Added up, I had a great time watching it.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ec/Thelma_2024_film_poster.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/thelma_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76872386

Thelma - (2024)

Inspired by a 60-year-old Tom Cruise doing his own stunts, Thelma (June Squibb), 93-years-old herself, goes after the people who scammed her out of $10,000. This was a pretty good movie that hits it's peak at a very late stage when old Malcolm McDowell (in his 80s) enters the proceedings as Thelma's nemesis, Harvey. Squibb, McDowell and Richard Roundtree (as Thelma's friend, Ben) are a lot of fun to watch together, but I have to say that it's very stressful watching Thelma take the risks she does and put herself in danger. What's uplifting is her spirit and conscious decision to not disengage from the world just because of her age, and the relationship she has with grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) is really beautiful.

7/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/ff/Unfrosted_poster.jpg
By Unknown - IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76464530

Unfrosted - (2024)

Put simply, the bad joke to good joke ratio in Unfrosted is weighted far too heavily on the bad joke side - groan-inducing ones (those where you feel a little embarrassed for those making and/or featuring in the film) come along every now and then to just rub salt into the wound. Also, basing a whole segment on the 6th January Capitol Attack? Too soon, and too grim a subject to relate to this loony, comical version of the invention of the pop tart. People died, and the movement which inspired it is in the process of destroying the world right at this moment.

3/10

I liked Thelma too though we’re split on Unfrosted. I thought it was really funny.

[MovieGal]

106893
A Hidden Life
(2019, Malik)

A heart-wretching, beautifully told story of an Austrian man who refused to serve allegiance to the Nazi regime and Adolf Hitler during World War II. The humiliation he and his family recieved by the villagers, government and eventually, the guards of the prison where he was held up to his execution.

This is the 4th complete Malik film I have watched. It was beautifully shot of the Austrian landscape. The story was told visually and verbally, as written like letters to his family. The dialog used between husband and wife flowed as if, they were young couple in love. The angle and fluidity of the camera were what you would expect from the director. The scenes of his suffering at the hands of the villagers and the SS officers was brutal.

This is by far my favorite Malik film and one, that I truly believe, that deserves 5/5 stars.

[Thief]

REAL GENIUS
(1985, Coolidge)

https://i.imgur.com/dcu8RLw.jpeg


Professor Hathaway: "When you first started at Pacific Tech you were well on your way to becoming another Einstein and then you know what happened?"
Chris Knight: "I got a haircut?"



Real Genius follows Mitch Taylor (Gabe Jarret), a teen prodigy that has his own expectations about Chris; expectations that are once shattered when he is roomed with him in college and finds out he is more of a "slacker". Despite their differences, both geniuses have to learn to work together as they are tasked by Hathaway to complete a special project. But will this project be what they expect as well?

This is a film that was recommended by a good Internet friend a while ago, but that I never got to. However, with Kilmer's death last week, I decided to give it a shot. In a way, I was also a victim of expectations as the film, although not bad at all, ended up not being as good as I hoped. The one thing that surpassed my expectations? Kilmer, who is great as the wise-cracking genius.

Grade: 3


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2549451#post2549451)

[matt72582]

The Music - 7.5/10


I might re-watch this right now. My mind wandered a bit and I did re-wind a few times, but maybe I'll discover something new, or I can let my imagine roam more.


https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/2/1/0/7/5/2/210752-la-musica-0-1000-0-1500-crop.jpg?v=f61137cdc3

[Captain Quint]

Oh man, I adore La Musica, like 5-star levels of love. Though 3.5 to 4 appears to be the standard grade at boxd (3.6)

[Thief]

ALADDIN
(1992, Clements & Musker)

https://i.imgur.com/SJ0Lgwz.jpeg


"That's right! He can be taught! What would you wish of me? The ever-impressive, the long-contained, often imitated, but never duplicated... Genie of the Lamp!"



For those that have been lost in the desert, Aladdin follows the titular character (Scott Weinger), a petty thief living in the streets of Agrabah who somehow ends up with Williams' Genie at his service. Having met beautiful Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin), Aladdin tries to use his wishes to pretend being a prince to hide his true self and impress her, all while the evil Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) tries to gain control of the lamp as well.

I saw Aladdin some time during the 1990s. I must have been already in my mid-to-late teens, but I still fell captive to the film's charm and energy. A big part of that comes from the fun and well-paced script and the wonderful musical collaborations from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, but a big part of it comes from Williams game-changing performance.

Grade: 5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2549481#post2549481)

[ueno_station54]

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/1/9/2/8/7/0/192870-shaolin-invincibles-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=4ae1dd3d6c
everything i could want from a throwaway wuxia movie. so many moments had me hootin and hollerin.
4


https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/6/4/8/4/6484-final-flesh-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=76b8114f0d
i must implore you to look up the concept of this film.
4

[Takoma11]

https://a.ltrbxd.com/resized/film-poster/6/4/8/4/6484-final-flesh-0-2000-0-3000-crop.jpg?v=76b8114f0d
i must implore you to look up the concept of this film.
4

Starring Kesha!

No, not that Kesha.

[Fabulous]

Pumpkinhead (1988)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/hQ4VDnSLe1mmwP0Vccfzsqkt0R6.jpg

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/29/Emilia_P%C3%A9rez_film_poster.png
By IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77004862

Emilia Pérez - (2024)

Well, well, well - what to make of this? On it's surface, Emilia Pérez wasn't a hard movie to watch, because although it's a little bonkers it is really well made and entertaining. The more you know about it though, the less attractive it seems. I was surprised that we get a Mexican cartel kingpin as an eventual figure that gets treated in a fairly complimentary manner - transition or not, Emilia Pérez / Juan "Manitas" Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón) is still guilty of unspeakable crimes. It matters less though, once you learn that director Jacques Audiard knows nothing about Mexico and is simply bringing us what he imagines the country might be, in all it's stereotypical glory. Lets not even get started on the trans issue. As ill-conceived as it might be though, I can't say that this was a really bad movie - if I were compartmentalizing, I'd put it in a similar pigeonhole to JFK in that the content feels all wrong, but the artistry is otherwise excellent. I liked it's quirky musical style, the visuals, performances and such - and I'm a sucker for a bizarre story, as this one turned out to be. I've heard it said that Emilia Pérez heralds a new kind of Oscar bait - though I don't think I've ever seen such a disparity between what the critics and awards shows are saying, and what general audiences are.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f7/Inside_Out_2_poster.jpg
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/inside_out_two_ver2.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75269099

Inside Out 2 - (2024)

$1.7 billion? Okay, mustn't get distracted by just how insanely popular these animated movies are. This was fine - pretty much an extension of the first film, and maybe even just a little less funny, but just as good. Exploring how the mind works in this manner is at least a concept worth exploring some more. Inside Out 3 is absolutely guaranteed when the first sequel makes that kind of money.

7/10

[exiler96]

What he said about Emilia Perez ^

The Gladiator (1986) - Real-world distractions got in the way of me enjoying this 80s Ferrara action flick but even in a better mindset I don’t think it would’ve been a more substantial experience. It’s a superhero movie that never takes off (look at this cool-ass poster. I swear there's not such a scene in the movie. LMAO), later which I found out was a Made-for-TV project, and it shows.

It’s heart might’ve been in the right place though. Ken Wahl makes for a likeable lead and film by film I’m getting convinced that Nancy Allen was an angel, making everything a bit better by just appearing in it...... 5.5/10

https://pics.filmaffinity.com/the_gladiator_tv-684044955-mmed.jpg

[LeBoyWondeur]

Heretic (2024)

106904

The first part about the girls' predicament is very tense, there's something "Hansel & Gretel" about it, I think.
Then we get to cause of this story which is a lot of exposition - mostly in monologue - and while they make it sound very interesting it only tells me what it is, not how we got there, and that was also my main problem with Inception.
The last part is 100% Sherlock Holmes when we see one of the girls remembering every tiny detail in order to piece together what exactly had happened.

While it's obvious that the villain is insane in the way horror villains often are, I wasn't sure if he was completely detached from reality. The discovery of an implant, and how that "proved" that she wasn't a real human was a big "you can't be serious!" moment.

At this point, the enormous basements in horror films has become a trope.
There's a cellar in that basement which leads to another cellar which leads to a maze of rooms and corridors. It's almost an entire neighbourhood.
And the idea that all this was meticulously orchestrated just to confront these girls with their "monopoly" faith...well, it's a bit of a stretch.

The premise is ambitious but it doesn't quite live up to its potential. Thankfully, the good performances makes it an easy and mildly entertaining film to watch.

2.5

[Hotel Security]

>I liked Thelma too though we’re split on Unfrosted.

I thought Thelma was fantastic. And seems to be universally praised as both my brother and parents loved it too. Especially great if you're dealing with elderly parents or family members.

---

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cf8vutgTL._AC_.jpg

Torn on this one. Felt the music, visuals and actors were all pretty great but the plot was just a bit muddled and involved a ton of characters, some of which you see for ten seconds but then are expected to know their name later during discussions. It kind of took me out of the story to where I was less interested in who was plotting with who. The "femme fatale" is also a bit underwhelming as she's barely in the movie as is. But, hey, Denzel is fantastic and the movie gets a burst of energy when Don Cheadle shows up so it was still a good watch.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmUwZTBiMTYtODUxOS00NjcxLTkxZWQtODE2MTZlYTgwNDVlXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_.jpg


Umpteenth Rewatch....The "slobs vs snobs" comedy taking place primarily at a country club is still one of the funniest movies ever made, thanks to the genius of Douglas Kenney and Harold Ramis behind the cameras. There is also scene stealing work in front of the camera by Rodney Dangerfield as Al Czervik, Ted Knight as Judge Smalls, and Bill Murray as Carl the groundskeeper. The kick ass song score by Kenny Loggins is an asset too. An instant classic that is just as funny now as it was in 1980. 4

[MovieGal]

106918
The Pyramid
(2014)

An Archeologist and his crew enter an unknown pyramid to retrieve a rover, after the Egyptian government shuts down their excavation. The pyramid is not like any found in the area. What happens to them, they never live to tell.

Ah, this is one of my favorite horror films. It didnt get any good reviews but for the fact that is a tomb of the first Pharaoh Osiris, is good enough for me. The kills are decent and imaginative for what you would find in Osiris' tomb.

my favorits are the African wild cats eating the woman on the spikes and Anubis riping the heart out of the Archeologist to weigh against the Feather of the Goddess Ma'at.

It may be a low budget film and got the worst reviews but definitely a favorite of mine.

[Gideon58]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjA4Njg1MDcwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMzAxNjM3._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg


1st Rewatch...Billy Bob Thornton's terrific performance in the title role almost makes the viewer forget there is nothing that happens in this movie that can be accepted as ever happening in real life. Thornton plays a bitter, angry, department store Santa who works one day a year with his diminutive buddy (Tony Cox) as Santa and his elf, who while working, case the joint and rob the department store. Thornton's character, on his 11th job, finds himself inexplicable finds himself connecting with a chubby and socially inept 12 year old who really thinks the guy is Santa. Put your brain in check and let Thornton take you into this silly comedy. There is a sequel, but I didn't like this enough to visit the sequel. 3

[Gideon58]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Now%2C_Voyager_%281942_poster%29.jpg


1st Rewatch...Bette Davis had one of her biggest hit with this soapy melodrama about a repressed spinster named Charlotte Vale who, through the aid of a charming psychiatrist (Claude Rains) re-discovers her inner bombshell and has a shipboard romance with Jerry Dorrence (Paul Henried), an unhappily married man with an emotionally disturbed daughter. Davis' Oscar-nominated performance is the show here, with a strong assist from Gladys Cooper as her domineering mother, whose performance earned her a nomination as well and let's not forget Max Steiner's lush music. 4

[Gideon58]

https://lionsgate.brightspotcdn.com/40/f4/5c798040461bb644733b040bdba0/knox-goes-away-movies-he-poster-01.jpg


1st Rewatch...A dark and edgy crime drama that features Michael Keaton's best performance since Birdman. Keaton plays John Knox, a hitman who has just learned that he has developed an advanced form of dementia, that could kill him in a matter of a few weeks. While still reeling from this news and trying to get his affairs in order, he finds his long estranged son, Miles (James Marsden) on his doorstep, pleading for his dad's help in getting him out of some very serious trouble he's in. I love this movie because, unlike most disease of the week movies, Knox is not in denial about what's happening to him , doesn't ignore it, and tries to incorporate it into everything he has to do. I also like the fact that we think we're absolutely sure where this is going and then all kinds of bomshells are dropped on us in the final reel. Keaton is superb and James Marsden has never been better as Miles. Shout outs to Oscar winners Al Pacino as John's boss and Marcia Gay Harden as his ex-wife. Also enjoyed Suzy Nakamura as a police detective. 4

[Fabulous]

Quigley Down Under (1990)

3

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/acceAT7dXF46O6ksnowcVAbnkY3.jpg

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b4/Challengers_2024_poster.jpeg
By http://www.impawards.com/2024/challengers_xlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75698722

Challengers - (2024)

I get a funny feeling every time I watch tennis tournaments. I wonder to myself, "How do these big tennis players not get absolutely sick of doing this?" Hitting that ball over the net. Over and over again. Year after year, travelling around and hitting a ball over a net - I know the money is beyond any person's wildest dreams if you're up in the top bracket, but tennis is such a simple game without much variety. Anyway, in Challengers we're presented with the final of Challenger event where two competitors with history, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor) are duking it out. Watching is Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) - Art's wife, and Patrick's ex-girlfriend. Their history is what makes up the bulk of Challengers, in flashback. Much of it isn't pretty, and shows Art and Patrick in a murky light as these two best of friends both make a play for the young and promising tennis player Tashi. There's an aggressiveness underlying what these three characters share, and I think what it underlines is the ruthless ambition you need if you're to make it to the top in any profession. When that kind of ruthlessness bleeds into love lives and friendships it creates the kind of drama that we get in this film - not to everyone's taste, but all the same it sets the screen on fire.

8/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/87/Vengeance_Most_Fowl_poster.jpg
By Aardman Animations - http://www.impawards.com/intl/uk/2024/wallace_and_gromit_vengeance_most_fowl.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78154322

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl - (2024)

This was fine - funny claymation is always fun to watch. I have just about had my fill of Wallace & Gromit though. I don't dislike them, but the characters themselves have never really inspired a great deal of excitement from me.

6/10

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/Adolescence_%28TV_series%29.jpg
By Netflix - IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79491989

Adolescence - (2025)

This had the power to shake me - more than anything else I've watched in the last few years - that's thanks to a whole host of stunning performances and a story ripped straight from the real world and transplanted to the screen. One-take artistry can often seem like a gimmick - here it feels essential and brilliant. Everything about Adolescence is brilliant - pretty much worthy of "masterpiece" status.

10/10

[LeBoyWondeur]

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

106930

I watched South Park religiously in the early 2000s but eventually I grew out of it, as it usually happens with these gimmicky shows.
Last night I wasn't feeling very well therefore I wanted to watch something that I could simply let wash over me, and a rewatch of the South Park movie didn't seem like a bad option.

It turned out to be a very pleasant return to the crazy Colorado town, I started laughing and I never stopped.
I didn't remember that it was a musical and I must say that the songs are head-bobbingly and foot-tappingly infectious. And I don't mean "good by South Park standards", it's just very very good.
The rest is just more of the same as one would expect from a TV series spin-off movie.
I don't think it's much better than some of the best episodes I've seen (and Butters plays no active part in the film) so I guess only someone who's not familiar with the episodes, without preconceptions, could rate the fllm properly.

Nevertheless I had a terrific time despite not feeling too great, and I was still laughing in bed because the funny lines and gags kept coming back to me.

4.5

[Hotel Security]

>Now Voyager
>Davis' Oscar-nominated performance is the show here, with a strong assist from Gladys Cooper as her domineering mother, whose performance earned her a nomination as well and let's not forget Max Steiner's lush music.

I liked the film but not quite as much as some of Bette's other stuff. Was very different seeing her play the victim to her mother...usually she's the horrible mother in these types of films so it was a nice contrast.

[Gideon58]

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


3.5

[Thief]

PLANET TERROR
(2007, Rodriguez)

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


"You know, my girlfriend had a theory. She said at some point in your life, you find a use for every useless talent you ever had. It's like connecting the dots."



Having seen Death Proof last month, I decided to give this one a shot as well. I love Tarantino, I think he's the better filmmaker, and I thought Death Proof was a solid effort. However, I won't deny that I ended up more satisfied with Rodriguez' outing here. For all the intentional "gimmicks" they both pull here, Planet Terror just seems more aware about what it's trying to be, and more consistent with its execution.

The film is full of absurdities, but it is in that where most of the fun lies. That, and all the clever ways that Rodriguez uses to mimic the low budget aspect. There are corny lines of dialogue, ludicrous plot twists, ridiculous gore, excessive splatter, lots of people with guns, and a scantily clad heroine with a machine gun stuck on her leg. Things that might seem pointless or useless otherwise, but Rodriguez still finds clever ways to use it all. Like connecting the dots.

Grade: 3.5


Full review on my Movie Loot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2550102#post2550102)

[MovieGal]

106955
William Tell
(2024)

The story of how Swiss legend of Wilhelm Tell lead his people against the Austrian Hapsburg ruler.

The film was just what I needed and love. A period piece with swords and archery. I thought it was well do and entertaining. There is very little written about the Swiss hero, other than what everyone knows about shooting an apple off his son's head.

Just like Robin Hood, he was a leader of people who were tired of a cruel ruler.

I know the film didnt get good reviews but I enjoyed it immensely.

[SpelingError]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/Adolescence_%28TV_series%29.jpg
By Netflix - IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79491989

Adolescence - (2025)

This had the power to shake me - more than anything else I've watched in the last few years - that's thanks to a whole host of stunning performances and a story ripped straight from the real world and transplanted to the screen. One-take artistry can often seem like a gimmick - here it feels essential and brilliant. Everything about Adolescence is brilliant - pretty much worthy of "masterpiece" status.

10/10

I'm going to have to check this one out soon. A few of my Letterboxd friends have already responded very well to it.

[PHOENIX74]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4f/Kneecap_poster.jpg
By Unknown - IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77324263

Kneecap - (2024)

Nice to see the youth of today both rebelling and embracing their culture - specifically the three members of Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap rapping in their native tongue, partly in aid of keeping the language alive. I'm not all that much into hip hop, but I still really enjoyed the music and the lyrics - and these three entertainers have quite a bit of charisma. This film also contains some of the funniest attempts at mimicking the effects of drug-taking (I have never taken ketamine, and know very little about it's effects - but the reactions of Liam, Naoise and JJ and their appreciation of what's going on when on it make taking it seem inadvisable.) Oh, and Michael Fassbender turns up in a supporting role - that's also a big positive. The movie has spunk - it's not reinventing the wheel, but it has it's own identity with a lot of free-spirited, Irish flavour. All about the formation and evolution of this hip hop group, although I'm sure the true story has been spiced up a little here and there. Loads of vigour and vitality, humour and irreverent spirit.

7/10

[Fabulous]

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

3.5

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/hzamEWW4VPo5RMCxKWGAwZDr1tE.jpg

[Captain Quint]

106964

Elizabeth is Missing (2019)
Marked Glenda Jackson's return to the screen after 27 years, and she's as brilliant as ever, playing a woman with dementia who is searching for her missing friend, while remembering a sister, who also disappeared when she was young.

Heartbreaking by the end, and again Glenda is amazing and deserved the award she won for the role, but she's surrounded by solid supporting players.

At Hoopla

4