Rate The Last Movie You Saw [Archive] - Page 50

the samoan lawyer

12-09-14, 09:09 AM

Alyce Kills (2011) rating_3_5

This was on my watchlist for a reason, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. It reminded me of a modern day Repulsion, except more kinky and violent. Actually, it turns out to be a pretty sick movie after starting a bit slow. The last half hour is pretty nuts, but it's played nicely, preventing it from getting ridiculous. It's well made with good performances. I think I'd recommend it to the likes of MovieGal, Minio, Swan, Godoggo, Samoan Lawyer, Jiraffe, and maybe Captain.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju-mAmMICfg/UkOhnQKFC5I/AAAAAAAAIEM/jtW15pMHREs/s1600/ALYCE+exit.png

Added to the watchlist, cheers Cricket

n3wt

12-09-14, 10:28 AM

Inbetweeners 2 4
A Million ways to die in the west 2
Colombiana 4

n3wt

12-09-14, 10:30 AM

Alyce Kills (2011) 3.5

This was on my watchlist for a reason, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. It reminded me of a modern day Repulsion, except more kinky and violent. Actually, it turns out to be a pretty sick movie after starting a bit slow. The last half hour is pretty nuts, but it's played nicely, preventing it from getting ridiculous. It's well made with good performances. I think I'd recommend it to the likes of MovieGal, Minio, Swan, Godoggo, Samoan Lawyer, Jiraffe, and maybe Captain.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju-mAmMICfg/UkOhnQKFC5I/AAAAAAAAIEM/jtW15pMHREs/s1600/ALYCE+exit.png

Ive been meaning to watch this for some time but havent gotten round to it but following your review I will definitely get watching it soon :yup:

TokeZa

12-09-14, 10:36 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/38/Leviathan_poster.jpg/220px-Leviathan_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Leviathan_poster.jpg)
Leviathan (2012)

rating_2 - I just didn't get it.

I dont know what there is to "get"? I find it really interesting, taking Cinéma vérité to its extreme. Albeit its a long time since i have seen that one, i like the radical documentaries which they have produced in recent years for instance Sweet Grass, Manakamana and The Iron Ministry. For me Leviathan was a visceral experience, nearly hallucinatory, of the life of a trawler in the north Atlantic.

the samoan lawyer

12-09-14, 10:53 AM

Not watched any others that you mentioned but i just didn't enjoy Leviathan at all. I understand having a hallucinatory experience from it but aside from that i found it boring. I'm glad you found it interesting but it's really not something i could ever imagine myself enjoying. Just not to my taste unfortunately.

neiba

12-09-14, 11:18 AM

Dr. No (1962)

First 007 movie and a good one! It feels like everyone, director and actors, are still looking for the right way to shoot Ian Fleming's amazing book. Sean Connery is without a doubt the best 007 ever and here he was still learning! I think that in Goldfinger he achieves the best of the entire series, at least counting those I've seen so far!

6/10

neiba

12-09-14, 01:39 PM

Navajo Joe (1966)

A good spaghetti western! Not as great as great as Lione or even some of other Corbucci's flicks, but still entertaining, always with some doses of morality and social critic! Some plot issues here and there and some really artificial acting by almost everyone involved! It's also the source for A LOT of scenes that Tarantino uses on Kill Bill, Basterds and Django!

Btw, to any spaghetti-western expert (cough cough, Mr. Minio, cough cough), is it me or the Bank in this movie is exactly the same as the one in For a Few Dollars More?

6/10

matt72582

12-09-14, 02:25 PM

United Red Army - (Awful) - I couldn't finish it... I love political movies, but this was b.s.

dr.doom

12-09-14, 02:49 PM

Let me ask something. Is it only a movie supposed to be here as a discussion subject?
Is it only a movie supposed to be here as a discussion subject? Is movies the only subject which is supposed to be discussed here? How about any show? The Dexter show is the greatest show around the world. I like it. I have been watching it not so long. Thanks :)

Citizen Rules

12-09-14, 02:57 PM

Hey Dr.Doom welcome to MoFo. You could discuss anything here at this site. Mostly it's about movies of course. There is a forum here just for television discussion.

http://www.movieforums.com/community/television-and-music.html

MovieMeditation

12-09-14, 05:34 PM

The Skeleton Twins (2014)

Started out rather poorly but then about halfway through it sort of struggled itself out of plain mediocracy and semi-succesfully resurfaced towards the end.

So is it a flawless movie? Not even remotely... But somehow there was charm and smiles to find in this rather heavyhanded and sort of depressing suicide drama. Jokes felt rather flat and drama wasn't perfect but there was enough to love for me to enjoy it. Great acting also from two surprising casting choices in the title role duo.

3.5-

SohoDriver

12-09-14, 05:53 PM

Back to the Future - 2

I honestly thought it was stupid, tame and way too obvious. I know it's universally loved and I didn't find it boring or anything, but it just really felt very flat to me, and way too ham-fisted. It didn't help that the effects have dated poorly either. Maybe I'd have loved this as a child, but now I just found it juvenile and lacking in the thrills department.

mark f

12-09-14, 06:25 PM

http://i.imgur.com/GjlwA.jpg

The Gunslinger45

12-09-14, 06:41 PM

JayDee

12-09-14, 06:47 PM

Back to the Future - rating_2

I honestly thought it was stupid, tame and way too obvious. I know it's universally loved and I didn't find it boring or anything, but it just really felt very flat to me, and way too ham-fisted. It didn't help that the effects have dated poorly either. Maybe I'd have loved this as a child, but now I just found it juvenile and lacking in the thrills department.

When just one gif can't aptly sum up your confusion and horror -

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/JayDee87/carlwinslowfromfamilymatters_zpsk5xi1zhc.gif (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/JayDee87/media/carlwinslowfromfamilymatters_zpsk5xi1zhc.gif.html)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/JayDee87/Dafuq_zpsfmu0hdps.gif (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/JayDee87/media/Dafuq_zpsfmu0hdps.gif.html)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/JayDee87/awYCi_zpszmsmpr0d.gif (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/JayDee87/media/awYCi_zpszmsmpr0d.gif.html)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/JayDee87/5xkd95_zpsf1cacfmh.gif (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/JayDee87/media/5xkd95_zpsf1cacfmh.gif.html)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/JayDee87/what_zpsjrcxqcbw.gif (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/JayDee87/media/what_zpsjrcxqcbw.gif.html)

TokeZa

12-09-14, 06:52 PM

Oh take a chill pill :)

I rate it 2.5+

mark f

12-09-14, 07:17 PM

http://i.imgur.com/GjlwA.jpg

Sexy Celebrity

12-09-14, 07:20 PM

JayDee, you're wrong. This:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/JayDee87/carlwinslowfromfamilymatters_zpsk5xi1zhc.gif

Is the only GIF you needed.

It perfectly captured what you were feeling.

SohoDriver

12-09-14, 07:23 PM

I know you guys are being facetious, but I was only giving my honest opinion. Surely that's better than pretending to like it? I don't understand why it holds the reputation it does.

Apart from the flaws in narrative, dialogue, acting, pacing etc. there was one scene that irked me.

When Marty's mum almost gets raped by Biff, and George stops him, she gets up and everything is A okay again. I realise it's a comedy/kids movie but the light treatment of such a heinous act kind of got to me.

And I'm also generally not a fan of cheesy, feel good movies. I love it when a film puts a smile on my face through natural, authentic means, but this kind of manipulative and forced warmth doesn't appeal to me.

Everything felt too obvious as well. Like I said, I wasn't bored, but I was never excited. I've heard this is one of the most entertaining movies ever made, but it just felt so inconsequential. When the credits hit, I was severely underwhelmed.

Instead of responding with faux horror, could people perhaps explain what they love about this film so much?

Sexy Celebrity

12-09-14, 07:29 PM

Apart from the flaws in narrative, dialogue, acting, pacing etc. there was one scene that irked me.

When Marty's mum almost gets raped by Biff, and George stops him, she gets up and everything is A okay again. I realise it's a comedy/kids movie but the light treatment of such a heinous act kind of got to me.

Would it have been better then if Back to the Future included scenes where Lea Thompson went to counseling sessions for near-rape victims? I don't know if such a thing was even offered back in the 1950's. Just pretend the older version of her character finally got help in the 1980's or something.

Citizen Rules

12-09-14, 07:30 PM

I know you guys are being facetious, but I was only giving my honest opinion. Surely that's better than pretending to like it?

Instead of responding with faux horror, could people perhaps explain what they love about this film so much? Yes it's MUCH better for a person to be honest in their review, than to pander to the crowd. So kudos on that.

Why do I love Back to The Future? Nostalgia...And because it works for what it was intended to do. It's not suppose to be a slice of life realism. And they didn't have CG back then.

It's your call if you like it or not, but personally I think it should be compared to similar films from the era.

90sAce

12-09-14, 07:40 PM

2 Guns - 8/10

Great movie, the bro-mance between Mark Wahlburg and Denzel Washington was top notch; while the plot ended up getting a little convoluted, the witty banter from the characters really made it easy to overlook this and enjoy the movie

Cobpyth

12-09-14, 07:46 PM

Solaris (1972)

http://static.rogerebert.com/redactor_assets/pictures/scanners/cinematogifs-living-breathing-movie-stills/solaris-thumb-510x246-39106.gif

I had the extremely rare opportunity (especially in Belgium) to watch this film on the big silver screen tonight. It was, WITHOUT A DOUBT, the best experience I ever had inside a theater.

This film is simply a philosophical masterwork. It metaphorizes the struggle mankind has with the supernatural, the incomprehensible, the unknown and the possibility of "more" in an astonishing manner. The last three scenes (the last dialogue in the station, the seemingly positive and hopeful ending and then the SHOCKING last revelation) were so extremely meaningful to me that it felt like my brain was becoming larger. That's how enrichened I felt. Every part of the film just fitted in the deeply existential context this film represents.

http://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w500/wel4aydx1KTFaaqkgSB8Q4LA4EL.jpg

I'll definitely write a review about this film in the future with my broad analysis and interpretation of everything that happens in it, but as for now, I just want to let it sink in a little and make it grow even more in my mind. There are probably several other interesting perspectives of this film, besides mine, that are worth thinking about and that I should consider, so I want to discover those too before claiming to fully understand every aspect of this genius piece of cinema. The connection with the meaning I imposed on this story is so great, though, that I can't help but consider this film already as one of my absolute favorite films of all time (and I just finished it about an hour and a half ago!). This is definitely a treasure that I'll revisit many times.

5+++

Citizen Rules

12-09-14, 07:49 PM

SohoDriver

12-09-14, 07:54 PM

Yes it's MUCH better for a person to be honest in their review, than to pander to the crowd. So kudos on that.

Why do I love Back to The Future? Nostalgia...And because it works for what it was intended to do. It's not suppose to be a slice of life realism. And they didn't have CG back then.

It's your call if you like it or not, but personally I think it should be compared to similar films from the era.

I wasn't expecting a realistic movie, I expected out and out entertainment, which in my opinion it didn't provide.

Yeah, nostalgia seems to be a big reasoning in many people's love for this film (and others of the same mould). To be fair, I consider the 80s to be my least favourite decade for film, and I'm not a fan of quite a few blockbusters of the era. The over the top, cheesy style just isn't for me I guess.

That's not necessarily an excuse, regarding the effects. Blade Runner still looks absolutely stunning to this day, and that was made 3 years earlier than Back to the Future.

Citizen Rules

12-09-14, 08:00 PM

Cobpyth

12-09-14, 08:01 PM

Very cool that you could watch Solaris on the big screen. I can tell that you were moved by the film, so was I.

Was that the first time you had watched it? If not did your opinion of it change after the second viewing? I think it's a film that needs to be watched more that once.

It was my first viewing of it and I definitely agree that this film has to be watched way more than once. My interpretation of it was constantly changing throughout the duration of the movie (which is kind of the effect Tarkovsky was going for towards first time viewers, I think, as it is in line with what the the main character is experiencing), but the ending (as I said, the last three scenes) made everything so crystal clear and mindblowingly brilliant for me that I could hardly stop talking about what I went through to my friend who had accompanied me.

I did watch Soderbergh's interpretation of the novel (starring Clooney) already, though, but I think, besides a few superficially similar events that occur in both films, that it has pretty much almost nothing in common content-wise with Tarkovsky's version of it. Soderbergh's focused on other interesting aspects of the story, while Tarkovsky had a much more ambitious and philosophically widely reaching vision. I like both films, but the Russian masterpiece I just witnessed is definitely a much grander achievement and experience.

Chypmunk

12-09-14, 08:01 PM

Eden Lake (2008) - 5/10
Went into this hoping for a good movie, came out of it unable to shake the feeling of chagrin at how contrived the whole thing was. Sure - there's nothing happens that's not feasible, and sure again - I watch plenty of films where feasibility isn't even an expectation so it's not like I'm not able to stretch the imagination. But I'm afraid I just couldn't 'believe' in the manner certain events unfolded in this one which left me feeling disappointed more than anything. The acting is ok, the pace is ok, the plot as a whole is ok (albeit quite cliched) and it was refreshing to see Fassbender in a relatively weak role .... just didn't work overall for me though I'm afraid.

Citizen Rules

12-09-14, 08:08 PM

Sounds like you were impressed. Not many films can do that. I still think about Tarkovsky's Solaris from time to time, it impressed me. Did you see the full length version of it?

JayDee

12-09-14, 08:16 PM

I rate it rating_2_5+

:eek: Ok I could just about comprehend and handle one person crapping on it. But now there's two? Nope sorry, that's going to do it for me. I'm out

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/JayDee87/abandon-thread-snail_zpsb8apxxvw.gif (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/JayDee87/media/abandon-thread-snail_zpsb8apxxvw.gif.html)

Cobpyth

12-09-14, 08:17 PM

Sounds like you were impressed. Not many films can do that. I still think about Tarkovsky's Solaris from time to time, it impressed me. Did you see the full length version of it?

Of course. ;)

mark f

12-09-14, 08:17 PM

SohoDriver

12-09-14, 08:18 PM

SoHo, I strongly support anyone's choice to like/dislike any type/style of film. That's what makes us individuals.

I see what you're saying, that Back To the Future seems hokey or cheesy, especially compared to Blade Runner, which was made in the same era. But still that's not a fair comparison as IMO the directors had vastly different movies in mind.

I was talking visual effects specifically, but I take your point.

I suppose I was just expecting a much bigger adventure from Back to the Future, something like a sci-fi Raiders of the Lost Ark. Instead it was more akin to the dreadful Temple of Doom, though certainly not as bad.

JayDee

12-09-14, 08:19 PM

Instead it was more akin to the dreadful Temple of Doom, though certainly not as bad.

Oh boy wait for the reaction to this one. You're just making friends all over the place :p

Cobpyth

12-09-14, 08:20 PM

I was talking visual effects specifically, but I take your point.

I suppose I was just expecting a much bigger adventure from Back to the Future, something like a sci-fi Raiders of the Lost Ark. Instead it was more akin to the dreadful Temple of Doom, though certainly not as bad.

*Sigh*

Temple of Doom > Raiders

:p

cricket

12-09-14, 08:24 PM

Purple Noon (1960) 3.5

http://dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/images/3993a.jpg

A Hall of Fame nomination, so I posted my thoughts in that thread.

BlueLion

12-09-14, 08:25 PM

So Cobpyth, I'm assuming you also find Solaris to be Tarkovsky's masterwork? :)

neiba

12-09-14, 08:29 PM

neiba

12-09-14, 08:32 PM

Cobpyth

12-09-14, 08:32 PM

So Cobpyth, I'm assuming you also find Solaris to be Tarkovsky's masterwork? :)

I've only seen Solaris and Stalker so far, so I don't really have the qualifications to state that yet. Both films tackle similar human issues in a way (from totally different viewpoints, though), but Solaris indeed made the biggest (first) impression on me so far. It was more my kind of setting and the final impact was much bigger. So yeah, I'd call it his masterwork from what I've seen so far. :)

The Gunslinger45

12-09-14, 08:44 PM

BlueLion

12-09-14, 08:52 PM

I've only seen Solaris and Stalker so far, so I don't really have the qualifications to state that yet. Both films tackle similar human issues in a way (from totally different viewpoints, though), but Solaris indeed made the biggest (first) impression on me so far. It was more my kind of setting and the final impact was much bigger. So yeah, I'd call it his masterwork from what I've seen so far. :)

Good comparisons, and I totally agree except for the part when you mention 'different viewpoints', though I'm not sure I understood it correctly

Would you mind elaborating?

SohoDriver

12-09-14, 08:57 PM

I didn't realise anyone preferred Temple of Doom to Raiders! Oh well, I guess I'm just a cynical 90s kid. Sorry 80s lovers :p

Cobpyth

12-09-14, 09:04 PM

Good comparisons, and I totally agree except for the part when you mention 'different viewpoints', though I'm not sure I understood it correctly

Would you mind elaborating?

Sure.
Stalker's main character is more like an observer than Kris Kelvin in Solaris, in my opinion. In Stalker the themes are mainly (though not exclusively) executed through the main characters' two companions, instead of through a pure experience of the main character. Near the end there's that big poignant discussion in Stalker about the dangers and the virtues of the wishing chamber, while in Solaris we have the main character realizing certain things, while also being helpless. He presents the duality on his own. He's not a philosophical observer (most of the time) who talks about the issues, but someone who is fully undergoing them.

I also think Stalker is a little less subtle than Solaris is. It's much more extreme vs extreme, instead of balancing on a line that can make you fall either way right until the end (even though extremes are still explored).

I hope this makes sense to you somehow.

SohoDriver

12-09-14, 09:14 PM

It's so creative and funny. Some people nowadays consider "plot" and "mainstream" to be dirty words. Hilarious dialogue is often frowned upon in lieu of silence or "realistic" (aka "boring") exchanges. BttF has one of the most-creative plots ever written, but some people hate fantasy and try to pick it apart for realistic reasons, which is akin to criticizing neorealism for having no spaceships. I think it's got more laughs than probably any movie since, but some people hate comedies and apparently hate laughter too. I don't know why I like funny, creatively-plotted movies, but I think it's because they've been considered a good thing by critics and the general public since long before I was born. We all see things differently, and many here think my taste is unrefined, but I have as much right to cheer on my faves as anybody, so feel free to express your honest opinion, but rest assured that somebody thinks the exact opposite of you regarding basically everything. I try to keep my mouth shut most of the time. Sorry. :cool:

Perhaps I didn't express myself correctly. I wasn't criticising Back to the Future for being unrealistic, that'd be completely unfair. I didn't expect realism, nor did I want it. There are plenty of films which can be considered roller-coaster rides which I adore.

My issues with it were numerous, but in terms of overall effect, it left me very underwhelmed. I didn't get drawn into the world, which felt paper thin. I thought the setting would be rich, and full of interesting, minute details that drew a vibrant picture. Instead, everything relied on the crude and the nauseatingly obvious. Visually, it wasn't nearly as arresting as I had hoped.

It seems like you're implying that I am one of these people you refer to. I like funny too. I love creative. Whilst I won't deny that there aren't bubbles of creative juice simmering at the surface here, they don't really come to the boil. As for the dialogue, there were some occasional chuckles (I liked the Reagan quip) but for the most part it was hackneyed and just too cheesy for my liking.

I did express my honest opinion, and I do understand that most people love the movie. I didn't chastise anyone for that opinion, I'm far from being an elitist when it comes to movies. I don't know if you interpreted my disdain for the film as a slight on its fans, but if so, then that was certainly not my intention. I respect that everyone has different tastes. I was merely posting my thoughts on what I saw.

Sexy Celebrity

12-09-14, 09:16 PM

Hey -- you trashed a mainstream '80s movie. #3 on the 1980's Movie Countdown, no less.

I get it: You're trying to be really cool around here. You probably love Asian movies, don't you? Don't you?! I know you do.

BlueLion

12-09-14, 09:19 PM

Sure.
Stalker's main character is more like an observer than Kris Kelvin in Solaris, in my opinion. In Stalker the themes are mainly (though not exclusively) executed through the main characters' two companions, instead of through a pure experience of the main character. Near the end there's that big poignant discussion in Stalker about the dangers and the virtues of the wishing chamber, while in Solaris we have the main character realizing certain things, while also being helpless. He presents the duality on his own. He's not a philosophical observer (most of the time) who talks about the issues, but someone who is fully undergoing them.

I also think Stalker is a little less subtle than Solaris is. It's much more extreme vs extreme, instead of balancing on a line that can make you fall either way right until the end (even though extremes are still explored).

I hope this makes sense to you somehow.

What makes you think that in Stalker the themes are executed through the protagonist's companions? Is it because of their conversations?

Personally I think the main character in Stalker is as much a protagonist as Kelvin is in Solaris, and this is something that I noticed only once I realized how powerful the changes from color to sepia really were

SohoDriver

12-09-14, 09:19 PM

I'm sure there are plenty of movies I love that you think are garbage. What's wrong with people having different tastes? Would it not be boring if everyone shared the same opinion? I'm never going to pretend to like/dislike something so as to seem cool.

And I know you're joking around but that just lead me to a tangent. Also it's late and I'm tired. :p

Daniel M

12-09-14, 09:23 PM

JayDee, you say I am part of the art house mafia, well, I think Back to the Future is a great film :D

JayDee

12-09-14, 09:25 PM

I don't know why I like funny, creatively-plotted movies

Wait a minute, you like films that are funny and creatively plotted? :confused: You crazy mad man you! They ought to lock you up

JayDee, you say I am part of the art house mafia, well, I think Back to the Future is a great film :D

Yeah well there's being a part of the art house mafia and then there's just sheer insanity! You may be evil but you're not insane. :p

MovieMeditation

12-09-14, 09:30 PM

Well that's a long back-and-forth about someone's opinion lol... I'll save you Soho!

Hey guys, I watched like 50 minutes of The Seventh Seal and thought it was boring pretentious crap and turned it off before I myself met with death just out of pure boredom!

Cobpyth

12-09-14, 09:30 PM

What makes you think that in Stalker the themes are executed through the protagonist's companions? Is it because of their conversations?

Personally I think the main character in Stalker is as much a protagonist as Kelvin is in Solaris, and this is something that I noticed only once I realized how powerful the changes from color to sepia really were

He's certainly as much a protagonist as Kelvin, but he is it in a different way. Of course both are observers and "experiencers" to a certain degree, but Kelvin leans a lot more to the latter kind, while Stalker is more of the former.

I think one physical contrast between both movies kind of proves my point:

Kline is the new one in the space station. He's experiencing everything for the first time. He doesn't really understand what's happening to him yet, so he needs to undergo things first before observing. That makes him primarily an "experiencer".

Stalker is a guide. He knows the Zone and its effects. He doesn't have to experience everything anymore for the first time. He's been there and can explain everything that's happening from a higher point (even though he's still experiencing it). He's primarily an observer.

In Stalker, the two compagnons are the "novices" and experience everything first hand, while in Solaris, the colleagues are the ones with the knowledge.

BlueLion

12-09-14, 09:35 PM

Oh wow, your interpretations on the films couldn't be more different than mine. Those are some interesting points you make though :)

neiba

12-09-14, 09:47 PM

Is it just me or the are 80's the worst decade on Hollywood's History? :p

Cobpyth

12-09-14, 09:52 PM

Is it just me or the are 80's the worst decade on Hollywood's History? :p

It's you. ;)

TheUsualSuspect

12-09-14, 09:54 PM

Perhaps I didn't express myself correctly. I wasn't criticising Back to the Future for being unrealistic, that'd be completely unfair. I didn't expect realism, nor did I want it. There are plenty of films which can be considered roller-coaster rides which I adore.

My issues with it were numerous, but in terms of overall effect, it left me very underwhelmed. I didn't get drawn into the world, which felt paper thin. I thought the setting would be rich, and full of interesting, minute details that drew a vibrant picture. Instead, everything relied on the crude and the nauseatingly obvious. Visually, it wasn't nearly as arresting as I had hoped.

It seems like you're implying that I am one of these people you refer to. I like funny too. I love creative. Whilst I won't deny that there aren't bubbles of creative juice simmering at the surface here, they don't really come to the boil. As for the dialogue, there were some occasional chuckles (I liked the Reagan quip) but for the most part it was hackneyed and just too cheesy for my liking.

I did express my honest opinion, and I do understand that most people love the movie. I didn't chastise anyone for that opinion, I'm far from being an elitist when it comes to movies. I don't know if you interpreted my disdain for the film as a slight on its fans, but if so, then that was certainly not my intention. I respect that everyone has different tastes. I was merely posting my thoughts on what I saw.

I feel like you were expecting too much from this film. You wanted the past to be rich with minute details, you expected it to be like Raiders, you wanted arresting visuals.

It's hard, I know, but I feel like you have to go into EVERY movie with a blank slate. No expectations and see what comes of it. BTTF is a classic in my mind. I find it hilarious, clever and highly re-watchable. The last one is what makes it loved by so many people. It's something that people can watch over and over again.

Citizen Rules

12-09-14, 10:07 PM

I feel like you were expecting too much from this film...It's hard, I know, but I feel like you have to go into EVERY movie with a blank slate. No expectations and see what comes of it. Preconceived ideas is what ruins a movie for many people. Me included.

I am not talking about BTTF or anyone person.

All humans 'fill in the blanks' A problem arises when our image of what we think a movie will be about or look like, comes up against the movie itself. This is often why people say, 'the book was better.' The human imagination is way better than any film.

gbgoodies

12-09-14, 10:33 PM

I watched two movies last night that were the original and remake versions based on the same book. The original version is in the 5th HOF, so I posted my thoughts about both movies there.

http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=1217116#post1217116

Plein Soleil aka Purple Noon (1960)
http://www.cartelespeliculas.com/galeria/albums/userpics/10022/CLEMENT_-1960-_%28Plein_soleil_-_A_pleno_sol%29-1,_Peron.jpg

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
http://www.pastposters.com/cw3/assets/product_expanded/(R)__TalentedMrRipley(3).jpg

Iroquois

12-09-14, 10:55 PM

Under the Skin - 3.5

Probably the most genuinely unsettling movie I've seen all year, with the plot (as far as I can tell) revolving around Scarlett Johansson playing an alien who's disguised as an attractive woman who constantly lures men back to her place as part of some nefarious alien scheme. The film emphasises the show-don't-tell nature perhaps a little too much with its minimal dialogue and drawn-out visuals, though you can piece enough of the plot together while also wondering about the significance of certain other plot points (for example, what exactly is the deal with the motorcyclist?) The film also has a great atmosphere full of dread accentuated by nightmarish visual effects and jarring original music.

Vogel

12-10-14, 04:32 AM

honeykid

12-10-14, 07:56 AM

Is it just me or the are 80's the worst decade on Hollywood's History? :p
No. That'd be the 50's. :yup:... Or the 00's.

neiba

12-10-14, 08:19 AM

Yes, but it's a close fight in my opinion!
I was waching Robert Rodriguez' Director's Chair with Quentin Tarantino the other day and, when talking about Pulp Fiction, Tarantino said the 80's were a time when the directors didn't have enough room to do what they wanted, the studios made a huge pressure on them to deliver likable characters and there was a lot of censorship, it was the less criative period since... the 50's.
And then, came Pulp Fiction!

MovieMeditation

12-10-14, 08:40 AM

Is it just me or the are 80's the worst decade on Hollywood's History? :p
No. That'd be the 50's. :yup:... Or the 00's.
The 50's!?!? Hitch in his prime and movies like 12 Angry Men!?

http://www.imdb.com/search/title/?release_date=1950,1959&title_type=feature

Iroquois

12-10-14, 08:57 AM

Birdemic: Shock and Terror - 1 (Camp value: 4.5)

The only reason I'm not rating this a 0.5 is because I generally try to reserve that rating for films I actively despise and don't even serve as good subjects for mockery. Birdemic, on the other hand, is definitely a terrible film in terms of quality, but boy, is it fun to watch with an appreciative audience. We are talking about a film that's so tone-deaf in so many different ways that it made me realise just how professional and technically semi-competent other "worst films ever" like The Room and Troll 2 were in comparison. Poor acting, distractingly awful audio quality, those infamously unconvincing special effects, ineffective plotting and, well, just about everything about this movie is bad, but fortunately it's bad in the most fun way possible. Oh, yeah, I didn't mention the plot - basically it's just a really, really bad rip-off of The Birds. Highly recommended to the so-bad-it's-good crowd.

the samoan lawyer

12-10-14, 09:21 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b8/Asylum_%281972_film%29.jpg/220px-Asylum_%281972_film%29.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asylum_(1972_film).jpg)
Asylum (1972)

British horror anthology film of 4 genuinely creepy tales, told within 1 briliiantly creepy tale. A real hidden gem for me this, as i just happened to stumble upon it on TV. Peter Cushling gives a typically great performance, plus Britt Eklund has an excellent role too. Definately give this one a go if you are into horror. I know Cricket loves British films and horror so you check this one out.

4+

Matteo

12-10-14, 09:27 AM

Nebraska - 4

I just want to say Bruce Dern was ******* brilliant. I'm drawn to one particular scene where his character, Woody, visits his childhood home. As he walks reminiscently around the house, he displays an incredible sense of longing and nostalgia yet his emotions are hidden under a thick veil of indifference--if that even makes sense. I spent the whole film trying to understand the cantankerous, bibulous old fool, trying to understand his relationship with David, trying to understand his past, trying to understand his motives, all a seemingly impossible task, which is where the genius lies within Dern's performance.

Enough about Bruce Dern. Nebraska is one of those films that is wrought with emotion and sentiment but carefully weaves it into a uniquely entertaining and comedic story. At times the film is as poignant as it is funny.

It's a beautiful work, but would have looked so much better in 35mm black and white photochemical film.

cricket

12-10-14, 09:31 AM

Wages of Fear (1953) 3

http://cdn.moviestillsdb.com/sm/9fda106690b1b710d41919645c3efd44/le-salaire-de-la-peur.jpg

This is a Hall of Fame nomination so I posted my thoughts in that thread.

Arcanis

12-10-14, 09:44 AM

Daniel M

12-10-14, 10:41 AM

Nebraska - 4

I just want to say Bruce Dern was ******* brilliant. I'm drawn to one particular scene where his character, Woody, visits his childhood home. As he walks reminiscently around the house, he displays an incredible sense of longing and nostalgia yet his emotions are hidden under a thick veil of indifference--if that even makes sense. I spent the whole film trying to understand the cantankerous, bibulous old fool, trying to understand his relationship with David, trying to understand his past, trying to understand his motives, all a seemingly impossible task, which is where the genius lies within Dern's performance.

Enough about Bruce Dern. Nebraska is one of those films that is wrought with emotion and sentiment but carefully weaves it into a uniquely entertaining and comedic story. At times the film is as poignant as it is funny.

I saw this at the cinema when it came out and i thought it was great. As you say, it's as poignant as it is funny, and I was pleasantly surprised by just how many laughs I had throughout. Bruce Dern I think gives my favourite performance of the year, and June Squibb is equally brilliant opposite him. I'm looking forward to seeing it again actually, as it was only that once that I saw it.

Daniel M

12-10-14, 10:42 AM

It's a beautiful work, but would have looked so much better in 35mm black and white photochemical film.

Did you hear about TV networks planning to distribute it in both black and white, and colour versions in order to give viewers 'more choice'? :rolleyes:

the samoan lawyer

12-10-14, 10:54 AM

Did you hear about TV networks planning to distribute it in both black and white, and colour versions in order to give viewers 'more choice'? :rolleyes:

I watched both versions on Sky TV. Needless to say b&w was much better.

honeykid

12-10-14, 11:34 AM

The 50's!?!? Hitch in his prime and movies like 12 Angry Men!?

Well, I'm not much of a Hitch fan and "Hitch in his prime" rarely coincides with Hitch I like. That, and a handful of films doesn't make a great decade, IMO. 12 Angry Men is great and All About Eve is one of my favourites, but that doesn't make a great decade. I know lots of people disagree, but that's why they're wrong and I'm not. :D

Birdemic: Shock and Terror - 1 (Camp value: 4.5)Highly recommended to the so-bad-it's-good crowd.
It really is great, isn't it? Watch the sequel. It's better, and knowingly parodies itself, but still great in the so bad it's good stakes.

Did you hear about TV networks planning to distribute it in both black and white, and colour versions in order to give viewers 'more choice'? :rolleyes:
I think a little of me dies each time I hear this kind of thing.

SohoDriver

12-10-14, 11:51 AM

I swear that I will never understand the love for Temple of Doom on this site, which goes from bad to worse with every scene. The kid, although far from a necessary character, was at least endearing, while the woman was thoroughly obnoxious.

SohoDriver, could you point out a specific instance of when you felt the dialog or visuals from back to the future failed? I'm especially trying to figure out the visuals one, since there's nothing that comes to my mind in that regard.

Agreed on Temple of Doom. Kate Capshaw's performance is horrible, and her character is so annoying. I also found the film somewhat racist.

As for BTTF, the visuals never wowed me. There were no spectacular set pieces; even the climax just felt downright silly.

The dialogue was just too cheesy and obvious for my tastes. It was the kind of film that would tell a funny joke then proceed to ram it down your throat until they're absolutely sure you've got it. Some of it was mildly funny but I didn't find any hilarity. The acting, whilst clearly intended to be this way, was just too over the top in my opinion.

But anyway, I'm in the minority, and that's fine. Basically, I just didn't enjoy the movie, and it's about as simple as that.

Regarding worst decade btw, I agree with the notion that the 80s has the least quality, although I can't talk for the silent era. I can understand the point about the 50s, where there are many films that can only barely touch the surface of issues, topics and themes that are now shown in full detail in cinema. I always wonder what films we could've had back then if the censorship code had never existed. Oh well, that said, I still believe the 50s is superior to the 80s overall.

Nemanja

12-10-14, 11:56 AM

The Apartment (1960) 4

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__3NBiukKlp0/TKZH1QfQHTI/AAAAAAAAAXY/UUTLMoX0EWI/s1600/apartmentUK.jpg

Gideon58

12-10-14, 11:59 AM

Crazy Heart...big disappointment...5.5/10

dadgumblah

12-10-14, 03:01 PM

Through a Glass Darkly (1961)

The last in my recorded Bergman films. This involves a man, his daughter, son, and son-in-law who gather together on the family's island after the daughter returns from the sanitarium after a breakdown. Max von Sydow is his usual excellent self as Karin's husband, trying his best to hold on while his wife slowly slips back into madness in front of him. Her father and brother have a strained relationship and this enters into the drama surrounding Karin and her downfall. Harriet Andersson is awesome as Karin, giving one of the best portrayals of mental illness I've ever seen.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lS29658seUg/UiHQrA_rZ5I/AAAAAAAAA-o/3To5hz-uqA4/s1600/bergman.jpg

4.5

seanc

12-10-14, 03:11 PM

Crazy Heart...big disappointment...5.5/10

Yeah, that movie is not nearly as great as Bridges performance. I would probably rate it a little higher than you, it needs a rewatch, not much higher though.

rauldc14

12-10-14, 03:21 PM

No. That'd be the 50's. :yup:... Or the 00's.

No. No you are wrong yet again.

honeykid

12-10-14, 04:16 PM

I forgot, raul is a big fan of the 50's.... Which tells you all you need to know. :p:D

Pippo

12-10-14, 04:23 PM

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqgFmaE3q5U/T4vUanS1VZI/AAAAAAAEXDA/oYbVz9i2yls/s1600/High_Crimes-2002-MSS-15.jpg

High Crimes 2002 3

Not a bad Thriller/Mystery, but I expected something more taking into account the great cast.

http://0.tqn.com/d/sanfrancisco/1/S/6/7/-/-/SFIFF-TwoFacesOfJan_01.jpg

The Two Faces of January 2014 2.5

I didn't like the movie so much I felt it was slow, but what I did like is Viggo's acting, I believe it's his best, at least out of the movies that I've watched.

http://por-img.cimcontent.net/api/assets/bin-201112/acbfed5786f5802413ccd8c32735c9d9.jpg

Chains of Gold 1991 2

I hate to say that about a John Travolta movie, but it's a cheesy movie.

Even Travolta's acting wasn't superior as usual.

http://media4.onsugar.com/files/2012/08/31/4/192/1922283/9e87855b9d993142_The_Midnight_Meat_Train_52797_Medium.xxxlarge/i/Midnight-Meat-Train-2008.jpg

The Midnight Meat Train 2008 4

I'm glad that Bradley Cooper took the courage to do a movie like this, I won't say the same thing about Vinnie Jones because he seems to accept any offers that comes his way, I love the man though.

I just wish more big names do more movies like this.

earlsmoviepicks

12-10-14, 04:31 PM

House of Flying Daggers Last night. (thank you Netflix)

This one rounds out my trilogy of great female-based kung fu movies that I can share with my Sis and nieces, the first 2 being Wing Chun and of course, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee227/nucca_bunty/movies/house_of_flying_daggers_ver2.jpg (http://media.photobucket.com/user/nucca_bunty/media/movies/house_of_flying_daggers_ver2.jpg.html)

hell_storm2004

12-10-14, 04:31 PM

Big Hero 6 - 6.5/10. Very nice movie.

The Theory of Everything 6.8/10. Very very good. Oscar nominee for sure. Winner, not quite sure.

Off to Penguins this weekend.

MovieMeditation

12-10-14, 05:08 PM

The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies (2014)

I feel like writing one long detailed review of how ABSOLUTE **** this was... But then again I don't think it's really worth it, honestly.

0.5

matt72582

12-10-14, 05:10 PM

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore -6/10 -- I've seen this before, it had been a while. It's worth a watch, but nothing amazing. Script is lacking but I think Scorsese did his best, as did Ellen Burstyn.

Mr Minio

12-10-14, 06:39 PM

TokeZa

12-10-14, 06:49 PM

The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies (2014)

I feel like writing one long detailed review of how ABSOLUTE **** this was... But then again I don't think it's really worth it, honestly.

0.5

I haven't seen it, so i can't really comment on it. But what did you expect?

I got off the Peter Jackson / Lord of the Rings train, when i was a teenager and saw The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers with my dad. It's so filled with cheasy one-lines, sentimental romance and what not, that its barely watchable. Never looked back after that one.

I guess i should have been the target audience since i was a teenager and had read the books as a child...

MovieGal

12-10-14, 08:02 PM

Angel Maker: Serial Killer Queen (2014, USA)
Directed by OH Krill
4.5/10

Horrible soundtrack and the pace of the documentary dragged on....

cricket

12-10-14, 08:20 PM

The Midnight Meat Train 2008 4

I'm glad that Bradley Cooper took the courage to do a movie like this, I won't say the same thing about Vinnie Jones because he seems to accept any offers that comes his way, I love the man though.

I just wish more big names do more movies like this.

He wasn't a star yet when he did that, but you're right about that movie; it's pretty awesome.

Iroquois

12-10-14, 09:06 PM

It really is great, isn't it? Watch the sequel. It's better, and knowingly parodies itself, but still great in the so bad it's good stakes.

Well, I do tend to be skeptical of any self-aware so-bad-it's-good kind of film, but at this rate I'll probably watch it anyway.

90sAce

12-10-14, 09:24 PM

Rush - 10/10

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d0/Rush_UK_poster.jpeg

Just a great film - great acting (especially Chris Hemmingworth's suave performance), great characters, great story which is both inspirational and entertaining. This could easily become one of my all-time favorite films and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Arcanis

12-10-14, 09:46 PM

The Gunslinger45

12-11-14, 04:09 AM

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hf9iB1h4y-Y/T0yvOv_JUHI/AAAAAAAAB8U/XXDtzsqNplY/s1600/deep_rising_ver3.jpg

3.5

Crap, but my kind of crap!

Pippo

12-11-14, 04:16 AM

He wasn't a star yet when he did that, but you're right about that movie; it's pretty awesome.

you are right, I just noticed that :)

the samoan lawyer

12-11-14, 09:23 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f9/Quatre_coups2.jpg/220px-Quatre_coups2.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Quatre_coups2.jpg)
The 400 Blows (1959)

Beautiful, emotional and masterful.

4+

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/22/AllAboutEve.jpeg/220px-AllAboutEve.jpeg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AllAboutEve.jpeg)
All About Eve (1950)

What an absolute masterpiece! A completely engrossing and powerful experience and in particular i loved the dialogue between the characters, especially this from Bill; " Real diamonds in a wig, the world we live in". An absolute classic.

5

Arcanis

12-11-14, 10:19 AM

Schindler's List - 9/10

When I was in 6th grade, this movie came up in a Holocaust unit we were doing. I went out and rented it, but gave up after the Concentration Camp officer started sniping Jews because I thought that it was boring, i tried again in High School, this time finishi it, but still found ot fairly dull. This time around, however, I I immensely enjoyed the slow, meditative treatment of such heavy subject matter, following the most thoroughly unlikeable character imaginable (an alcohalic, womanizing, infidelitous, war-profiteering Nazi and, by all accounts,mwar criminal). The use (and disuse) of color was a brilliant touch on Spielberg's behalf and Neeson gives what is easily his best performance.

Guardians of the Galaxy - 9/10

As suspected, this film greatly improves on the rewatch (and I loved it the first time around to begin with). Its intelligent script, insightful director and excellent cast were somehow able to transform an incredibly obscure, completely out-there property into the blockbuster of the summer. I still think that the script needs more room to breathe when it gets to Knowhere (it really speeds through too much too quickly for me), too obviously telegraphed its climax mid-way through (via The Collector) and its ending relies too heavily on a Deus Ex Machina, but its many other high-quality aspects more than make up for all of that.

Nemanja

12-11-14, 11:09 AM

The Wicker Man (1973) 4.5 The whole production just weaves its magic spell - music - location - cinematography and direction all combine into a masterpiece.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR-SxIZSWq_1Lbj5WBEZuzRi7Hq8bov3dZ9peTysXGH-FftoawV

honeykid

12-11-14, 11:21 AM

Schindler's List - 9/10

When I was in 6th grade, this movie came up in a Holocaust unit we were doing. I went out and rented it, but gave up after the Concentration Camp officer started sniping Jews because I thought that it was boring,
I can understand being bored by Schindler's List at that age, but I can't think why you'd make it that far then turn it off? That bit was so funny. One of the two bits of the film I laughed during.

I'm loving such good ratings for All About Eve and The Wicker Man. :cool:

Chypmunk

12-11-14, 12:29 PM

earlsmoviepicks

12-11-14, 01:47 PM

You definitely have to watch some older wuxia flicks.

Recommend some good ones, I'm just starting to delve deeper! ;)

neiba

12-11-14, 02:57 PM

From Russia with Love (1963)

I'll disagree with most people by saying that Tatiana Romanova is one of the worse Bond girls of the series. She was the one character I didn't like at all. Connery is much better than in Dr. No, everything seems to be working out better, and the soundtrack is really great!

7/10

neiba

12-11-14, 03:01 PM

Da uomo a uomo a.k.a. Death Rides a Horse (1967)

It may not be as exciting as Corbucci's western (and certainly not as any of Leone's) but it doesn't have all the plot issues that Corbucci has in his films!
It's well paced, it never gets boring and there's one or two very good scenes!
Lee van Cleef's acting and Ennio Morricone's music are amazing, but that goes without saying, while John Phillip Law was a very nice surprise!

7/10

Mr Minio

12-11-14, 05:49 PM

Recommend some good ones, I'm just starting to delve deeper! ;)

Come Drink with Me, Dragon Gate Inn, A Touch of Zen, The One-Armed Swordsman (1967), The Lady Hermit.

Tim R-T-C

12-11-14, 06:46 PM

Da uomo a uomo a.k.a. Death Rides a Horse

...while John Phillip Law was a very nice surprise!

I heard he used a mannequin to stand-in during filming and no-one noticed... seriously though I thought he was the weakest thing in this, he was much more suited to Danger Diabolik (1968)

Tim R-T-C

12-11-14, 06:47 PM

Crap, but my kind of crap!

I love any film that is promoted as 'From the Special Effects Team Behind...' as though that is an assurance of a well written production.

Not seen this in years.

The Gunslinger45

12-11-14, 06:49 PM

I love any film that is promoted as 'From the Special Effects Team Behind...' as though that is an assurance of a well written production.

Not seen this in years.

Yeah and the sad part is that kind of advertising is NOT uncommon. The Canyons! From the writer of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. Truth in advertising, but a s**t film.

Tim R-T-C

12-11-14, 06:54 PM

Space Fury (1999) aka In the Dead of Space

I have been watching a lot of straight to video movies of late, as anyone who has checked out my twitter feed below can tell you (I follow back any film tweeters) and the vast majority suffer from being underwritten and padded out to the de rigure 90 minute runtime. In this case the storyline is almost overstuffed. There is are a mass of ideas and themes running through this, although really most of them turn out to be pretty meaningless when it all comes together and the thread they use could have been sufficient to keep the movie running by itself. Although made in Canada, there is a healthy dose of European surrealism about the film that gives it an unusual edge.

The production is not bad for a low budget film - the exterior effects look a bit dated but the interior sets are convincing and the cast is good, lead by Michael Paré. The rest of the cast have surprisingly few other appearances to their names but are generally good.

There is a DVD in the US under the alternative title and a UK release as well, worth looking into if you can get it cheaply.

Friendly Mushroom!

12-11-14, 06:54 PM

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608010998334099451&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0

5

cricket

12-11-14, 07:12 PM

Bullets Over Broadway (1994) 2.5

http://www.everywoodyallenmovie.com/images/bullets-over-broadway-11.jpg

I posted my thoughts in the Hall of Fame thread.

MovieMeditation

12-11-14, 07:27 PM

Casablanca (1942)

A classic in every sense of the word! A timeless heartfelt romance and a great underlaying war drama. But what really hold all of this beautifully together, is masterful directing, amazing script writing and an atmosphere you cannot beat! You are just there, at Ricky's with all the fine folks and high ranks and it's all captured so incredibly well. And my God, all those endless quotes are just a joy to experience and recite again and again and again.

Casablanca was one of the first 'old movies' I watched and even back then when I wasn't quite into film making as an ever expanding art form, I loved this a lot. And revisiting it now only magnifies it even more. I was holdning back from that perfect 10 back when I saw it the first time, but now there's no doubt.

Here's looking at you, Casablanca...

5

neiba

12-11-14, 07:29 PM

neiba

12-11-14, 07:32 PM

I heard he used a mannequin to stand-in during filming and no-one noticed... seriously though I thought he was the weakest thing in this, he was much more suited to Danger Diabolik (1968)

I have to check that out, thanks!

About Law, to be fair when you put someone in a western side by side with Lee van Cleef, that someone will eventually disappear (yes, even Eastwood, IMO). But I kinda liked Phillip Law performance. Far from being a Nero or Eastwood, it was better than I expected!

dadgumblah

12-11-14, 08:35 PM

Hey, Gunslinger, I kind of know what you mean when you call Deep Rising "crap, but my kind of crap," but you shouldn't have to qualify it. It was great fun, and I enjoyed it very much. It's one of those that when it comes on cable, I can't NOT watch it. I mean, it's got Wes Studi (one of my favorite character actors), Kevin J. O'Connor (another favorite), a giant monster ravaging everything in site, and most important of all, it's got Famke Janssen. Can't go wrong there! Did I mention it has Famke Janssen? :love:

hello101

12-11-14, 08:55 PM

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608010998334099451&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0

5

What'd you like about it? :cool:

Friendly Mushroom!

12-11-14, 10:40 PM

What'd you like about it? :cool:

Robert DiNiro, the story and the fact it wasn't at all what I expected. I thought this movie was going to be about DiNiro killing a bunch of people throughout the entire movie and being a bad guy but it wasn't at all about that.

Iroquois

12-11-14, 10:51 PM

Shadow of a Doubt - 4

Really liking how consistently good Hitch's '40s output has been (what I've seen of it, anyway). I could nit-pick some of the minor qualities - the annoyingly precocious little sister, the romantic tension that develops between the lead character and the detective, how Cotten's character comes across as a little too obviously evil at times - but I can accept that they sort of make sense within the realm of this film, a fine little slow-burner about a serial killer hiding out with his unsuspecting relatives and his beloved niece being the only one who suspects his true nature.

TheUsualSuspect

12-11-14, 11:35 PM

Compliance (2012) - 5/10
Noticed this last night on TV so taped it and watched this morn - difficult at first to believe it was based on actual events but apparently so (albeit a little license was taken in places I believe), just shows how immeasurably gullible some people can be I guess. Docudramas are not normally my cup of tea and I wouldn't watch this one again tbh but it was interesting enough and worth watching once.

When I first watched this I yelled at the TV because of the stupidity of the characters and thought no way would anyone be this dumb. So I did some research and...yup. Everything depicted in the film REALLY happened.

TheUsualSuspect

12-11-14, 11:49 PM

A Long way Down 3.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/A-Long-Way-Down-Poster.jpg/220px-A-Long-Way-Down-Poster.jpg

Had no idea what this film was when I decided to watch it on Netflix and was pleasantly surprised by how attached I became to the subject matter, the characters and the story.

Brosnan is a disgraced TV personalty and decides to commit suicide by jumping off the top of a building on New Year's Eve. While up there, he meets 3 other people, played by Toni Collette, Aaron Paul and Imogen Poots, all there to do the same thing. None of them commit the act and instead form a weird bond between each other. A pact is made not to commit suicide until the next "popular" suicide date, which is Valentine's Day. Dark subject matter, I know.

Despite the content of the film involving topics such as cancer, suicide, underage sex and other questionable character choices, the film balances this topics interestingly enough to keep it rather light. It never became too dark, nor too comedic. It walked a fine line of genuine trust in the characters. I found myself attached to each one, their faults, their quirks and liked them all. Imogen Poots has the hardest task of playing the "wild card" character. This character can sometimes become irritatingly annoying and I can see some people thinking her performance here is just that, but I found it oddly charming and real. She's a young girl who yearns to be loved and can't find it. She's lost, she feels alone and she turns to uncomfortable humour as a shield to hide her true feelings. I felt that her character had the most demons and she came off as the most interesting.

The film is broken up into four segments and each segment is from one of the characters POV. At first I was afraid that it was going to be one of those films that played the same event multiple times from different character perspectives, but was relieved when that was not the case.

The film fails to use the supporting cast effectively. Sam Neil is only in a few select scenes and Rosamund Pike is in one very uncomfortable one. Couldn't help but feel that their talents were slightly wasted here. I had no idea this film was based on a book, thus had nothing to hold it against. There seems to be a lot of hate towards it, but I was genuinely interested from start to finish.

dadgumblah

12-12-14, 12:45 AM

Usual Suspect, thanks for the heads-up for A Long Way Down. Love it when movie lovers on this site give us just a taste of a movie to make us long to see it. That's what you did. I like all the actors you listed that are starring in the movie. I'm filing this under "Really Want to See."

earlsmoviepicks

12-12-14, 08:17 AM

Come Drink with Me, Dragon Gate Inn, A Touch of Zen, The One-Armed Swordsman (1967), The Lady Hermit.

Thx mucho MM! Gonna check these out

hello101

12-12-14, 09:44 AM

Boogie Nights 5

http://www.moviemakersub.moviemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/boogie-nights-german-movie-poster-1997.jpg

I remember myself watching this (a few years ago), thinking it was a really good movie, PTA's best but just that, nothing like a masterpiece or anything. Boy, was I wrong. I loved PTA's Goodfellas-inspired camera direction, I can definitely see the similarities (both in the storytelling and filmmaking realm). The soundtrack is superb, the scene where Jesse's Girl is playing and Eddie's entire life flashes in a moment is a beautiful example of juxtaposition. The star-packed cast weren't just there to boost the film's audience pool, but rather each and every one actually served a purpose in character, everyone had a certain shazam and personality to their character. It's fascinating, I especially liked Thomas Jane (in his hardly recognisable role) as Todd. Boogie Nights had a lot of sub-plots, made it seem very ambitious in its goal, thankfully it executes each one well enough. The whole Little Bill homicide scene is spectacular, the tracking shot is haunt-inducing and PTA was smart to place the scene in line with the 1980 countdown (start off with a bang). An odd thing to discuss but revealing Dirk's junk at the end with all the teasing that went on before, was a unique (not your cliche happy ending) and fitting climax.

Greatness.

Daniel M

12-12-14, 09:54 AM

Indeed. I remember watching it and giving it 4.5/5, and that was when I was generous with ratings. Despite its length it goes by so fast, such an exuberant, fun movie but also a tragic one about desperate stars who cling on to dreams. I've seen it numerous times now and it's now one of my absolute favourite films, a masterpiece.

hello101

12-12-14, 10:08 AM

Yeah, I remember (I think) you had Boogie Nights in your top ten or was it someone else? :skeptical:

Gatsby

12-12-14, 10:12 AM

Yeah, I remember (I think) you had Boogie Nights in your top ten or was it someone else? :skeptical:

Probably Cricket... but who knows, Daniel has an mysterious invisible top 10 list so we can't confirm if he has it or not. :D

Daniel M

12-12-14, 10:16 AM

Yeah, I remember (I think) you had Boogie Nights in your top ten or was it someone else? :skeptical:

Yup, when I did my list top 100 list it was my #1 movie actually :)

Probably Cricket... but who knows, Daniel has an mysterious invisible top 10 list so we can't confirm if he has it or not. :D

Yeah it is in Cricket's too.

But yeah, that's because I don't want to spoil my current top 100 list. All will be revealed soon, but I don't think I'm spoiling anything when I saw that it will be in the top 10 at least :)

Nemanja

12-12-14, 11:26 AM

Lolita (1962) 4.5

http://starreviews.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/lolita.jpg

Nausicaä

12-12-14, 02:59 PM

http://shadowgum.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/lynx0.jpg

rating_3_5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b6/Space_Station_76_poster.jpg

rating_1_5

hell_storm2004

12-12-14, 03:42 PM

http://shadowgum.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/lynx0.jpg

rating_3_5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b6/Space_Station_76_poster.jpg

rating_1_5

Tell me good Liv Tyler movie other than Lord of Rings! :D

honeykid

12-12-14, 03:48 PM

Empire Records. Though why you'd include LotR as a good film I've not idea. :p

seanc

12-12-14, 03:57 PM

My favorite Liv Tyler movie is That Thing You Do. I probably should rewatch Empire Records sometime.

Chypmunk

12-12-14, 05:04 PM

Friendly Mushroom!

12-12-14, 06:05 PM

Hey!

:mad:

End of Watch is great!

4.5

But yeah, if you don't like it, that's fine. I didn't find camera being a problem.

Please try another 30 min?

Arcanis

12-12-14, 06:11 PM

End Of Watch (2012) - unrateable
Could only manage 15-20 minutes and then literally couldn't watch any more as it was inducing a headache. Not fair for me to give it a rating without having watched it through - sadly I'm just not able to sit through a movie with frenetic camera action like this one.

I misread the title and thought that you said The Watch. I actually hammered out an empassioned case for Richard Ayoade as not the saving grace of the film, but one of the few good things about it. It's pretty much every conversation that I ever try to start about The World's End (vs. This Is the End).

End of Watch does look pretty bad, though.

The Gunslinger45

12-12-14, 06:14 PM

I liked End of Watch, but my biggest issue is at the end. You just got into a firefight with some cartel and gang members with AKs, and you KNOW there are more coming with more AKs... why not grab an AK and some mags and THEN run for your damn lives?

mark f

12-12-14, 06:14 PM

End of Watch is very good, and I don't say that very often. :)

Friendly Mushroom!

12-12-14, 06:18 PM

I misread the title and thought that you said The Watch. I actually hammered out an empassioned case for Richard Ayoade as not the saving grace of the film, but one of the few good things about it. It's pretty much every conversation that I ever try to start about The World's End (vs. This Is the End).

End of Watch does look pretty bad, though.

Because?

Iroquois

12-12-14, 06:22 PM

Empire Records. Though why you'd include LotR as a good film I've not idea. :p

Empre Records? Oh, honeykid.

Anyway, back on topic...

Animal Crackers - 2.5

More of the Marx Brothers' all-around zaniness in a plot that seems at heart to be about a mix-up about a forged painting or some damn thing. Seems kind of rough and overly long in comparison to their other movies, even though with a Marx Bros. movie you know what you're getting. Groucho shoots off one-liners that even he admits on-screen don't always land, Harpo does his whole not-speaking-but-not-silent-either absurdist schtick that gets less charming with each movie of theirs I see, Chico only ever seems to serve as a foil for the first two, Zeppo's just sort of...there, there's a bunch of unnecessary musical numbers and of course the main plot, such as there is one, revolves around a boring young couple.

Arcanis

12-12-14, 06:33 PM

Because?

Just based on the trailer, it simply looks like one that I can afford to pass up. It doesn't look like anything especially good to me, a fact that isn't helped when it advertises itself as being "from the writer of [...] The Fast and the Furious."

Chypmunk

12-12-14, 07:13 PM

Hey!

:mad:

End of Watch is great!

4.5

But yeah, if you don't like it, that's fine. I didn't find camera being a problem.

Please try another 30 min?

Sorry dude, really couldn't give it any longer as I'd have possibly ended up with a migraine. It may well have settled down in a few more minutes and be a great movie but whilst I can handle a small amount of rapid shot changes this was way above my tolerance level and it appeared to be a deliberate camerawork/editing technique (two scenes in such a short space of time) that I couldn't imagine it was suddenly going to switch style so for that reason alone it simply wasn't for me :(

Chypmunk

12-12-14, 07:23 PM

Wanted (2008) - 6/10
Enjoyable enough fantasy action romp I guess with some decent effects (slow-mo overused though imo) but not one that stands out from any number of similar type of movies and doubt I'd bother giving it a repeat viewing.

cricket

12-12-14, 08:18 PM

Ms. 45 (1981) 3

I liked this rape/revenge against every guy she sees movie. It's not great, and there's not much to it, but it fits the bill if you like these movies. It's only about 75 minutes long minus the credits, so it never wears out it's welcome. It's also got an outstanding musical score/soundtrack. It's known as an exploitation classic, but I actually thought it was kind of tame compared to other movies of this type.

http://cdn.indiewire.com/dims4/INDIEWIRE/92091be/2147483647/thumbnail/680x478/quality/75/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fd1oi7t5trwfj5d.cloudfront.net%2F41%2F88%2F5558ed4a48f5baafeea3f73bd85c%2Fms45-screengrab75.jpg

TheUsualSuspect

12-13-14, 01:32 AM

Nightcrawler 4

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d4/Nightcrawlerfilm.jpg/220px-Nightcrawlerfilm.jpg

Jake Gyllenhaal gives the performance of his career in Nightcrawler in which he plays an alien, who learns everything he needs to know through the internet, but lacks any kind of empathy for the human race. At least that's how I saw it.

Alien, that's the best way to describe how Lou Bloom interacts with people. Each conversation seems more like a wager on what Lou can take away from it. He doesn't ever have a normal conversation with someone. He always has an angle and he always gets his way. Case in point, the dinner scene with Rene Russo. At first this seems like a scene in which he is trying to score a date of some kind of her. He's a weird guy and we all know his advances will eventually be shut down, but he turns the tables on her and us pretty quickly and his ulterior motives are revealed. One of the best scenes of the film and of the year.

His dialogue his fast and to the point. He doesn't ever waste a breath or a word on something that doesn't give him some slight advantage in some way. I so hope come award time, Gyllenhaal is given the recognition he deserves.

The title serves the film perfectly. This movie takes place 90% of the time at night. Shot beautifully in a cold dark tone with bright lights that emulate the bright light that Lou wants to chase. His dream. Does he want to be in the TV business? Who knows. He's shown wanting a job, any job and this is just something that he's good at that people want. He has no problem crossing ethical, legal and moral lines to get the shot. Sometimes, shockingly, he will change the perspective of the truth to support his gain.

With a memorable soundtrack, slick direction and a script that deserves awards, Nightcrawler is one of the best films of the year.

Sexy Celebrity

12-13-14, 03:01 AM

End of Watch is very good, and I don't say that very often. :)

Well, I did not think so when I first saw it. I should rewatch it again, but my initial reaction was pretty bad.

hello101

12-13-14, 03:20 AM

The dialogue in End Of Watch is cringeworthy, the Mexican gangsters are so stereotypical and the ending is trash. 1

neiba

12-13-14, 05:02 AM

Magnolia (1999)

I found a small theatre in my hometown that has cinema sessions every Friday.
Last night was Magnolia, so I had a chance to rewatch it and I'm so happy that I did it.
It's even more amazing that I remembered!
A 3-hour masterpiece with perfect editing, perfect soundtrack, perfect direction and specially perfect performances by every single actor involved!
I took my Dad that only likes older movies and he loved it.

10/10

MovieMeditation

12-13-14, 07:16 AM

Nymphomaniac Vol. II, Director's Cut (2014)*

The first volume is more playful and straight forward, while the underrated Vol. II goes down a darker path that is only fitting for a second half of a story about a nymhomaniac. It only looses a bit of steam towards the end. The DC is also still my preferred version of both volumes...

4+
________________
The Exorcist, Ext. Director's Cut (1973)*

For me there's only one version, and that includes the spider walk scene. It's essential imo. But anyways, it's a classic yes and it's extremely well made, but how people find it scary I don't know. Maybe if I was religious I would crap my pants of pure fear, but when a 12 year old girl (with a 40 year old man's voice) screams "f*ck me" and "your mother sucks cocks in hell" I pretty much die laughing, sorry.

The scene that creeps me out the most is actually nothing of demons and exorcism. It's the one where they insert a needle in the neck of Regan and the blood just pumps out. Easy effect to do, and I'm not even scared of blood or needles, but that is so effective. The spider-walk is awesome and the crucifix mutilation and headspin are pretty disturbing..

Except for a few disturbing scenes it's mostly black comedy to me, but a very well done movie indeed and amazing acting all-around.

3.5
________________
Hunger (2008)

Not hard to see it's a debut, but still well made nontheless and it's easy to see how McQueen has perfected his style since, because in this one it felt a lot like a rough cut of a director that later knew how to edit and compose his shots much more effectively... But still, a pretty well crafted film with a few flaws.

3

*rewatch

Cobpyth

12-13-14, 08:23 AM

Shame (2008)

Not hard to see it's a debut, but still well made nontheless and it's easy to see how McQueen has perfected his style since, because in this one it felt a lot like a rough cut of a director that later knew how to edit and compose his shots much more effectively... But still, a pretty well crafted film with a few flaws.

3

Aren't you referring to Hunger instead of Shame? ;)

MovieMeditation

12-13-14, 08:26 AM

Aren't you referring to Hunger instead of Shame? ;)
Oh sh*t, yes indeed I am! Thanks for the heads-up lol :eek::D

I absolutely love Shame, so yeah, that would be a different rating... ;)

Pippo

12-13-14, 09:24 AM

Com'n guys END OF WATCH is a great movie, though I can understand if someone doesn't like it because of the camera thing

seanc

12-13-14, 11:36 AM

Eagerly awaiting Rauldc's There Will Be Blood post here.:D

Swan

12-13-14, 11:43 AM

The Exorcist, Ext. Director's Cut (1973)*

black comedy

http://images.t-nation.com/forum_images/auto/r/786x0/4/8/48da5_ORIG-5df78_ORIG_cringe.gif

MovieMeditation

12-13-14, 11:50 AM

http://images.t-nation.com/forum_images/auto/r/786x0/4/8/48da5_ORIG-5df78_ORIG_cringe.gif
I'm just being honest...

Do you get scared by a little girl talking in a deep voice saying things like "f*ck me" and "you f*cking f*ggot"? Do you crap your pants when the girl pukes green slime all over the priest's face or make jokes like "you mother is here, should I deliver a message"?

It's freaking amusing. A great time. But scary? Far from it.

neiba

12-13-14, 11:52 AM

http://images.t-nation.com/forum_images/auto/r/786x0/4/8/48da5_ORIG-5df78_ORIG_cringe.gif

I laughed so hard with this! AHAHAHAH!

matt72582

12-13-14, 11:59 AM

Me and Orson Welles - 5/10 - I thought the actor playing Orson was great, but the movie is alright. Besies PTA, Linklater is the only other young director I like and look forward to. I know it was based off the novel, but less than 2 years after that play came about "Black Macbeth" and in 1939 came "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast where many Americans really believe aliens came to invade. Welles was so funny by (kindly) condescending by saying the next day, "I don't know how people didn't recognize it to be H.G. Wells" -- and later talked about the medium radio was (especially with no video), and probably making a point that people stopped reading as much.

Tenshi

12-13-14, 12:02 PM

cricket

12-13-14, 12:31 PM

Ordet (1955) 5

http://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/stills/10447-49d18912262993b7aac2b9a2e69a48e3/ordet_w_original.jpg

A Hall of Fame nomination so I posted my thoughts in that thread.

Citizen Rules

12-13-14, 12:46 PM

Me and Orson Welles - 5/10 - ...I know it was based off the novel, but less than 2 years after that play came about "Black Macbeth" and in 1939 came "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast where many Americans really believe aliens came to invade. Welles was so funny by (kindly) condescending by saying the next day, "I don't know how people didn't recognize it to be H.G. Wells" -- and later talked about the medium radio was (especially with no video), and probably making a point that people stopped reading as much. In 1955 Orson did an interview about the infamous War of the Worlds radio broadcast and said 'it wasn't a hoax it was satire done on purpose to wake people and stop them from believing everything they were told.'

Which if you think about it, is also the subject of 'F for Fake'

MovieMeditation

12-13-14, 01:02 PM

Ordet (1955) 5

http://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/stills/10447-49d18912262993b7aac2b9a2e69a48e3/ordet_w_original.jpg

A Hall of Fame nomination so I posted my thoughts in that thread.
Quite embarrassing being a Dane and a film enthusiast, and not seen this picture...

Think I'll be digging it up now and watch it tonight or at the least tomorrow!

kathepburn

12-13-14, 02:19 PM

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, 2014
Dir: Peter Jackson

I think that after the two previous entries of The Hobbit trilogy it is pointless to criticize the ridiculous CGI, the unnecessarily tedious length or the stiffly incorporated subplots. However, this was probably my favorite of the three, and a solid piece of entertainment. A good (albeit not great) end to the trilogy. I went into the movie theater excited for this and I came out with the same enthusiasm. It is as good as you would expect it to be: all of the action, the laughs, the thrills and the tragedy are exactly where they are supposed to be.

7/10

neiba

12-13-14, 02:34 PM

Kinsey (2004)

This was on TV today so I watched it. It's a biography movie about Alfred Kinsey, a scientist who was a pioneer in sexual behaviour studies in the 40s, meeting enormous social resistance. The movie stars Liam Neeson as Kinsey and Laura Linney as his wife.
As a movie it's not great. It shows all the weaknesses of Neeson as an actor and I didn't connect with it at any level. It's a biography movie and it does not try to be more than that! There's only a cinematographic element that I like: the parts in the movie that tell the life of Kinsey are alternated with scenes in black&white of Kinsey being asked his own questions about his own sexual behaviour.
However, it was very educational and opened my eyes to a reality I wasn't aware of.

2.5

BlueLion

12-13-14, 02:44 PM

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi - 3.5

Is it just me, or is this the best Star Wars?

matt72582

12-13-14, 02:51 PM

I Knew It Was You (10/10) - A documentary on John Cazale, who I think is the most underrated actors ever. Such a sad story.. Only 5 movies, and they were all one of the greatest movies.. Godfather I and II (Fredo), The Conversation, The Deer Hunter (where he plays Stanley in both), and Dog Day Afternoon (Sal)...

They were showing pictures of the Godfather cast, Brando and sons.. Nobody knew the name John Cazale, but everyone knew the guys' name, the character he played.

Extended interviews with Al Pacino who says he learned so much from him. It's even more sad that he was living with Meryl Streep, who I think is the most beautiful actress ever.

matt72582

12-13-14, 02:53 PM

Marooned (8/10) -- Such a great film... Gregory Peck is excellent in everything, as is Gene Hackman.. I'm not a big fan of sci-fi, but this was beyond that. Very great, and such an underrated movie, you hardly hear of this. I never had until a friend of Richard Crenna recommended it to me.

honeykid

12-13-14, 02:54 PM

I'm just being honest...

Do you get scared by a little girl talking in a deep voice saying things like "f*ck me" and "you f*cking f*ggot"? Do you crap your pants when the girl pukes green slime all over the priest's face or make jokes like "you mother is here, should I deliver a message"?

It's freaking amusing. A great time. But scary? Far from it.
I was having a conversation like this with a friend last week. Is a black comedy only a black comedy if you find it funny? You can watch a horror film that doesn't scare you or a comedy that doesn't make you laugh, but know that's what they're supposed to be. But a black comedy that doesn't make you laugh? If you don't know it's supposed to be funny, what is it?

matt72582

12-13-14, 03:13 PM

In 1955 Orson did an interview about the infamous War of the Worlds radio broadcast and said 'it wasn't a hoax it was satire done on purpose to wake people and stop them from believing everything they were told.'

Which if you think about it, is also the subject of 'F for Fake'

Yeah, I also saw that, either on an interview with Cavett or on his BBC specials. And now, we have more than just radio! So before his time, it's a shame we let the greatest of the greats not even have a chance, even after they've proved themselves. It reminds me a bit of Mort Sahl's, the man who started modern standup, only because he didn't play with favorites. I guess you can say the same about Brando.

By the way, did you see "Me and Orson Welles?" Not a great movie, but the actor did such a great jop. I know Linklater (and Altman) were both big fans, and nice to see anything about Orson, including "F For Fake" which I haven't seen in a long time.

seanc

12-13-14, 03:15 PM

But a black comedy that doesn't make you laugh? If you don't know it's supposed to be funny, what is it?

Garbage, or two thirds the Pulp Fiction rip offs of the last twenty years.

gugubee557

12-13-14, 03:18 PM

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFj8FERdEnI/U3Sx3QaRu2I/AAAAAAAAAbg/bQZdMdea6wY/s1600/The+Signal+Soundtrack.jpg
Not a big fan of sci-fi, but this was pretty good.
3.5

Citizen Rules

12-13-14, 04:10 PM

Sean, I did see Me and Orson Welles, I liked it pretty much too and I agree the actor who played Orson was good. I especially liked the scenes regarding Orson's play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. The lighting, cinematography and the staging for that scene was phenomenal, it gave me goose bumps!

I so impressed with that scene I used it on my review thread.
http://blogs.whatsontv.co.uk/movietalk/files/2009/12/me-and-orson-welles-6.jpg

Arcanis

12-13-14, 04:20 PM

Last night's triple feature:

Return of the Living Dead - 7/10

I've always felt that this (and Re-Animator and Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn) was a perfect example of comedy-horror done well. The first five minutes or so (everything up through the opening credits) was absolutely brilliant and the ending was spot-on for what the film was trying to be. Variations on "send more paramedics" was just as chilling as it was hilarious. The real problem arises, however, in the characters. None of them are particularly interesting nor particularly well-developed. In fact, most of them are equal parts shallow and obnoxious. I feel that the perfect iteration of this idea is a blend between this film and its sequel.

The Exorcist III - 6.5/10

Despite a high-end of average rating, I was actually really pleased with this film. What didn't work was only okay and what did work was awesome (the scenes between the possessed Karas and the police officer). The script really could have done with a structural overhaul, however, as scenes seemed either superfluous or failed to flow organically into one another, and it really highlights why William Peter Blatty, though a horror visionary, is not a particularly good director. I feel like in the hands of somebody like Argento, it could have been a truly excellent film.

Conan the Barbarian - 6/10

This is the second time in recent memory where Family Video had the remake of a film filed under the original's case (the first being Halloween II on Halloween). That being said, I enjoyed this film far more than I expected to. Although a far cry from the original Conan, Mamoa is a more than reasonable approximation of what the barbarian king should look like. The action scenes, although overly long and disappointingly wrapped up, were exciting and imaginative. The plot was a bit of a mess, but the overall production was enjoyable enough to not make this as much of an issue as it could have been. The real issue is that they could not replace the indominable presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger: he was simply too perfect a realization of that character to be adaquately replaced by any actor.

Pippo

12-13-14, 05:10 PM

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2088/2881/1600/instinct_Image39.jpg

Instinct 1999 4

a very good movie with a touching story.

Anthony Hopkins's acting is marvelous as always

http://cinepop.virgula.uol.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Dying-of-the-Light-cage-480x300.jpg

Dying of The Light 2014 4

I know no one would rate it that good, but I believe most people would like it.

I loved it that much because Nicolas Cage in this movie mastered being Nicolas Cage :cool: I'm sure you guys know what I mean :D

(that supporting actor is weak though, the man has no enough skills his acting is not convincing at all) I'm talking about the young guy (Cage's pal)

gugubee557

12-13-14, 05:40 PM

http://www.nordicposters.com/p2/american_history_x.jpg
4.5

Chypmunk

12-13-14, 06:08 PM

Le Serpent [The Snake] (2006) - 8/10
http://www.cinenews.be/lib//movies/5069/12606.jpg
Enjoyable French thriller that builds nice and slowly in the first two-thirds, building a level of intrigue, and is only let down slightly by a final third that feels a little more 'thriller-by-numbers' than that which preceded it.

jiraffejustin

12-13-14, 07:40 PM

Zánik domu Usheru (1982; Jan Svankmajer) 4

https://31.media.tumblr.com/8c5d781c356bd0462b3e1736b39fb758/tumblr_mlmftnhQvG1rfld6do3_400.gif

Godoggo

12-13-14, 08:19 PM

Last night's triple feature:

Return of the Living Dead - 7/10

I've always felt that this (and Re-Animator and Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn) was a perfect example of comedy-horror done well. The first five minutes or so (everything up through the opening credits) was absolutely brilliant and the ending was spot-on for what the film was trying to be. Variations on "send more paramedics" was just as chilling as it was hilarious. The real problem arises, however, in the characters. None of them are particularly interesting nor particularly well-developed. In fact, most of them are equal parts shallow and obnoxious. I feel that the perfect iteration of this idea is a blend between this film and its sequel.

The Exorcist III - 6.5/10

Despite a high-end of average rating, I was actually really pleased with this film. What didn't work was only okay and what did work was awesome (the scenes between the possessed Karas and the police officer). The script really could have done with a structural overhaul, however, as scenes seemed either superfluous or failed to flow organically into one another, and it really highlights why William Peter Blatty, though a horror visionary, is not a particularly good director. I feel like in the hands of somebody like Argento, it could have been a truly excellent film..

I agree that Return of the Living Dead is comedy-horror done right. So often in that genre the movie isn't actually scary in any way and Return is. I really liked the characters though. To me they are the perfect representation of 80s movies characters.

I didn't like The Exorist III near as much as you did. I couldn't get passed those script problems that you mention. There was so much dialogue between Kinderman and Karas that it strips away any sort of tension and suspense. I can't remember exactly what I said when I first talked about it here, but I remember saying something about it having to be the talkiest demon ever and the horror coming more from wondering if it would ever shut up than anything else.

I do agree that in the hands of another director there may have been a good movie in there somewhere.

cricket

12-13-14, 08:35 PM

Le Trou (1960) 4.5

http://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/stills/9379-abd3721a48d13900e4fd0b7806e9c061/Trouw_original.jpg

A Hall of Fame nomination so I posted my thoughts in that thread.

MovieGal

12-13-14, 10:16 PM

Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014, USA)
Directed by Ridley Scott
6.5/10

This was a very well thought out and made movie. It was something you would expect by Scott. It contains the elements of War, Drama, Action and a bit of Romance. Ridley Scott has never let me down on a film. He is one of my favorite English speaking directors. However, "Gladiator" and "Kingdom of Heaven" remain my top Scott films and in my top 5 English speaking films.

http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/exodus-gods-kings-cast.jpg
http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1402173/exodus-gods-kings.jpg?w=720&h=301&l=50&t=40

gugubee557

12-14-14, 12:06 AM

http://twitchfilm.com/assets_c/2012/09/polytechnique-poster-thumb-300xauto-15816.jpg
4
Great film. Loved the fact that it was shot in black and white.

cinemajack

12-14-14, 01:00 AM

Just one movie this week.

Mo' Better Blues
Spike Lee, 1990
4

TheUsualSuspect

12-14-14, 02:04 AM

Tusk 2.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/44/Tusk_%282014_film%29_poster.jpg/220px-Tusk_%282014_film%29_poster.jpg

Smith's second attempt at a genre other than comedy. His last effort Red State was Smith's homage to the Coen brothers, specifically their crime film Fargo. I applauded that film for being Smith's most ambitious film, taking him out of his comfort zone and always pulling the rug out from under me. I had no idea where he was going to take it and I was along for the ride. With Tusk we have Smith dipping his toes into the horror genre a bit further. This time he seems to be channeling more Cronenberg-esque with body mutilation, but knowing the history behind the creation of this project, I can't help but think the entire thing was a big joke.

A lot of what happens has to be seen to be believed. After seeing this, I have to ask people who have also seen it a simply question. Should this film have remained a smodcast idea? Was there enough story here to justify Smith making it? I asked myself these questions when the film would oddly throw in some flashbacks. One set of flashbacks are told in black and white from Parks' lifetime, while the other, in colour, belongs to Long. As mentioned earlier, the idea was from a smodcast that Smith and his long-time producing partner, Scott Mosier did and you can actually hear them talking about this idea near the end of the credits. They laugh at the ridiculousness of it all and ask fans to vote #WalrusYes #WalrusNo. Well, as you could have guessed, #WalrusYes won and we have our film. Tusk awkwardly tries to honour the original idea of it being a horror film, the grotesqueness of body horror and also try to be hilariously stupid at the same time. Smith doesn't balance this tone very well and the reason is the cameo performance from a Hollywood A-lister.

I'm not going to spoil who the actor is, but he plays the role so comedically over the top that I sat there thinking; did Smith give him 100% free range to do whatever the hell he wanted? I was on board with the seriousness of the film until he showed up, then it went off the rails in ways I can't even describe. Smith goes for an ambitious mixture of tone and I think he fails here. Played half for laughs and half for seriousness, I couldn't help but feel a little let down by it all.

I think the horror aspect works better than the comedy here. The humour here is lacking, especially with the Long character. He comes off as obnoxious and not funny, despite the numerous jokes he tries to throw out there. Does he deserve what he gets? That question is left in the viewers mind. Some people might make the argument that this film exists merely to give Parks a juicy role. Verbally eloquent, vaguely sinister, Parks spews his lines so well and with such gusto that he gives his performance in Red State a run for its money. It's one of the most successful elements of the film.

I am interested in Smith's career direction now. Red State and Tusk aren't receiving as much praise as his previous films, but the man is stepping out of his comfort zone to try something different. He's been accused of being a lazy filmmaker that only makes poop jokes. Not anymore, so I applaud him for this, he's finally making interesting films, good or bad, they are interesting.

Cobpyth

12-14-14, 02:13 AM

Tusk 2.5

I am interested in Smith's career direction now. Red State and Tusk aren't receiving as much praise as his previous films, but the man is stepping out of his comfort zone to try something different. He's been accused of being a lazy filmmaker that only makes poop jokes. Not anymore, so I applaud him for this, he's finally making interesting films, good or bad, they are interesting.

And then there's me, who thinks he should just go back to his roots and do what he's actually good at, which is making funny films with poop jokes that also have a warm, sentimental edge to it.

I haven't seen Tusk yet, by the way, so this is pure, meaningless preconception, but it's nevertheless what I really feel about Kevin Smith's career right now...

Nice review, though! :)

TheUsualSuspect

12-14-14, 02:18 AM

And then there's me, who thinks he should just go back to his roots and do what he's actually good at, which is making funny films with poop jokes that also have a warm, sentimental edge to it.

I haven't seen Tusk yet, by the way, so this is pure, meaningless preconception, but it it's what I feel about Kevin Smith's career...

Nice review, though! :)

My favourite film of his is Dogma and all his best films are indeed his comedies. I feel that he has enough of those in his career to change pace. He won't make anything funnier than what he's done. Zack and Miri Make A Porno wasn't that funny. He's lost his comedic edge and needs a change of pace.

I like directors who are unpredictable. Smith, with Red State and Tusk has become just that. He's a great storyteller, he just needs to be able to find the right genre to tell it in.

Captain Spaulding

12-14-14, 03:03 AM

He's lost his comedic edge

How can he lose something he never had? :D

Yasashii

12-14-14, 09:19 AM

The Dictator (2012)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4b/The_Dictator_Poster.jpg

What do you get when you mix You Don't Mess with the Zohan with Borat and you take away all the creativity? Hint: it smells bad.

1.5

Chypmunk

12-14-14, 10:35 AM

Fifty Dead Men Walking (2008) - 7/10
http://images.fandango.com/r95.1/ImageRenderer/1040/650/redesign/areas/movie/moviesubpages/img/noimage_900x900.jpg/122544/images/masterrepository/fandango/122544/fiftydeadmenwalkingposter.jpg
No frills, gritty drama based on real events about an IRA member turned informer during the troubles, allegedly saving at least 50 people from a violent demise (hence the title).

cricket

12-14-14, 10:56 AM

Angel (1984) 2.5

I've actually wanted to see this since the day it came out, and I wish I did see it back then. If I had known the term "whisker biscuit" as a teen, I could've put it to much better use.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wV4knLRHDU/UIdoOdQMJjI/AAAAAAAAG0U/h1NDk7cHKbE/s1600/Angel-pistol-bigger-than-her.png

cricket

12-14-14, 01:40 PM

Gun Woman (2014) 2

This movie was most definitely as sick as advertised. The problem is that it's just not made very well. Maybe recommended for MovieGal or Minio.

http://twitchfilm.com/assets_c/2013/10/gun%20woman%20asami-thumb-630xauto-42673.jpg

neiba

12-14-14, 02:04 PM

A Hard Day's Night (1964)

Very funny movie about one day in The Beatles life starring... The Beatles!
It has no real plot but there are so many epic scenes! They all are good actors and the sountrack is amazing of course!

7/10

Nausicaä

12-14-14, 03:07 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d2/Inkmovieposter.jpg/220px-Inkmovieposter.jpg

rating_1_5

Chypmunk

12-14-14, 07:07 PM

Cowboys & Aliens (2011) - 6/10
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/811cTKUtRwL._SL1500_.jpg
Enjoyable enough mindless piece of fluff, have to say I found the build up more rewarding than the latter parts of the film where most of the action is though which surprised me.

seanc

12-14-14, 09:35 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b8/Theory_of_Everything.jpg/220px-Theory_of_Everything.jpg
2.5

Decided to go out to see this one after Redmayne got his Globe nom. I was on the fence about going to see it anyway. It was pretty much what I expected, some good and some bad. Redmayne is indeed pretty darn good as Hawking. Worth a watch.

Iroquois

12-14-14, 11:31 PM

Three Colours: Red - 4

I watched Blue ages ago, but didn't think much of it (think I gave it a 2.5 at the time, but trust me, I will be revisiting it now) and I watched this back to back with White (which would get a 3). I can see why this is generally considered the best of the three. An interesting plot develops around the unlikely friendship of a young model and an old judge that's full of down-to-earth twists and turns. Well-shot, great performances from the two leads and that ending was pretty good, too.

cricket

12-15-14, 12:09 AM

An American Crime (2007) 3.5

Disturbing true story with good performances from Keener and Page. It feels a bit like a TV movie, but it's effective. I like it about the same as The Girl Next Door.

http://www.firstshowing.net/img/review/americancrime-review2.jpg

BlueLion

12-15-14, 12:37 AM

I can see why this is generally considered the best of the three.

Really? I always thought that was Blue

Tim R-T-C

12-15-14, 05:40 AM

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FNDCZH83L.jpg

So having not watched this since its original cinema run, despite having the Blu-Ray for over a year (my BR player fried and it took a while before I replaced it), I decided to rewatch this prior to checking out the sequels.

My disappointment before was that they moved away from the gothic or neon soaked atmosphere of the previous film series in favour of a more realistic approach. Looking at it now, I appreciate what they were going for - really the Batman character works better in a non-superpower universe.

I did enjoy this, although some glaring flaws still bothered me - the fact that first the Waynes themselves (billed as the most rich and famous residents of the city) had to walk unaccompanied out the side door of the opera house just seemed silly, as did the later random scene where the assistant DA apparently has to catch the metro to a dirty station. The entire plan to microwave water in the city just never seems believable and the grappling hook train chase just reminded me too much of Spiderman.

The Bruce Wayne as playboy scenes seem rather tacked on and it is hard to believe he could get his reputation just by driving an expensive car to a hotel with a couple of hookers once. Surely they (ie. Bruce and Alfred) could have gone down the 'Bruce Wayne is a boring corporate bookworm' route which would equally have assuaged suspicion of his crime fighting, while allowing him to spend most of his time out of the limelight.

Interesting but flawed. I hope to watch the rest of the trilogy over the course of the week.

honeykid

12-15-14, 08:45 AM

Really? I always thought that was Blue
It is. But a lot of people are very wrong. :yup:

For years I've had a hypothesis that this is a US/Euro split, but maybe it's spreading. :D

the samoan lawyer

12-15-14, 09:57 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7a/All_is_Lost_poster.jpg/220px-All_is_Lost_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:All_is_Lost_poster.jpg)
All is Lost (2013)

3

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f2/Red_balloon.jpg/220px-Red_balloon.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Red_balloon.jpg)
The Red Balloon (1956)

4

cricket

12-15-14, 10:08 AM

Pale Flower (1964) 3

This Japanese crime flick is filmed very well; it's cool with great atmosphere. It didn't do a whole lot else for me, but it was a very good watch. I think some members would love it.

http://cdn.pastemagazine.com/www/articles/pale%20flower.jpg?635542202576169450

Chypmunk

12-15-14, 11:00 AM

976-Evil II (1991) - 2/10 or 6/10 depending on one's feeling towards cheese
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RTWE1cyZL.jpg
Not a movie for the cholestorally challenged imo as it's akin to a vegetarian double cheeseburger in a cheese flavoured roll all covered in cheese sauce. Luckily I'm quite partial to a little cheese myself.

Mr Minio

12-15-14, 12:51 PM

Gun Woman (2014) [...]Maybe recommended for MovieGal or Minio. I contemplated the possiblity of watching it the other day.

matt72582

12-15-14, 01:38 PM

A Woman Under The Influence (1974) - 7/10 -- Rowland's performance was better than the film. I had so much empathy or her. (But maybe I wouldn't if I was married to her with 3 kids)... I liked the fact that Peter Falk didn't fare any better. It reminds me of the "Cuckoo's Nest" line -- "What do you think you are? Crazy? You're no crazier than the average a$$hole on the streets." Mabel was definitely not well, but even that depends on context. If you live alone for example, she wouldn't be considered a nuisance at all, maybe a fun-loving person?

The beginning of the movie was.., not unstructured, but kinda muddled.. A lot of "weird" scenes or conversations, but I think if we were to video tape someone's domestic life, it would be more similar to that. But it's movies, and usually some of the fat is cut out. Regardless of my taste, I prefer the directors and writers to go with their intuition no matter what...

matt72582

12-15-14, 01:39 PM

Strangers On A Train (Hitchcock) - 8/10 -- The first Hitchcock film I loved!! What a situation they were in. I can't really go into details without spoilers, but it's really good.

matt72582

12-15-14, 01:41 PM

The Big Chill - 6/10 - I saw this when I was 17, so I thought I'd see it as an adult, which is kind of the way the story is. They were youths, meeting at college with all their hopes and ideals, and then come to the present where things are different. I guess I liked the way some of the friends realized their selling out the cause of humanity for a bigger house to be yuppies who conform. This would be a sequel I would definitely watch if it ever happened. The documentary was pretty good as well..

cricket

12-15-14, 02:56 PM

Blow-Up (1966) 2.5

It looks good, with a nice style, but left me indifferent.

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/ap1401/1401go2.jpg

SohoDriver

12-15-14, 03:35 PM

cricket

12-15-14, 03:56 PM

How did you watch this? Been wanting to see it for a while.

Hulu

Derek Vinyard

12-15-14, 04:17 PM

The Crow (1994) - Alex Proyas
http://www.screeninsults.com/images/the-crow-poster.JPG
- Double thumbs up for this incredible atmosphere movie. What a shame that i've never seen it before today... the entire movie is an entire stylish perfection and atmosphere. Brandon Lee is amazing in the role of the undead avenger ''The Crow'' and he might have become an amazing actor... (R.I.P). The ending in awesome and the whole thing is more than great. A new favorite.

4.5+

SohoDriver

12-15-14, 04:58 PM

Hulu

Not available in the UK. :( Thanks anyway though.

Nausicaä

12-15-14, 05:44 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/98/Rust_and_Bone_poster.jpg
Rust and Bone

rating_4

MovieMeditation

12-15-14, 05:46 PM

Great movie indeed^^

Nostromo87

12-15-14, 06:46 PM

http://oi57.tinypic.com/2wqap3n.jpg

Rating: 4+ 8.5 / 10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xiwrqV7Tc8

MovieMeditation

12-15-14, 06:55 PM

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

This film falls in the category of Disney movies which just never lifts off. It stays on this weird middle ground, with a beginning and an end, and a fine message, but it just never seem to develop properly or change its pace or characters much. It relies heavily on atmosphere and intimacy, and it somehow succeeds; but to me, this will in the end just stand as forgettable, whicy might also be the reason why I remembered nothing about it since watching it a few years back.

Stitch is pretty awesome though, the animation is nice and fresh from Disney, but that's about it. Rest is too thinly drawn to get my attention and this movie probably will stand as "the odd one out" in the Disney crowd...

2

Iroquois

12-15-14, 09:40 PM

Laputa: Castle in the Sky - 4

Watching Laputa felt like I was watching a sort of highlight reel of Miyazaki concepts and picking apart what he'd reuse and refine in later films. While that is a little distracting at times, this is otherwise a solid work with a typically fantastic and charming story full of cartoonish comedy, impressive action sequences (naturally involving a lot of flying and being in the air), poignant drama and a great background score. While it's ultimately not one of Miyazaki's better films, it's definitely worth a shot.

Also, I do have to wonder if the makers of Futurama were inspired to base the character of Mom off the grouchy old female pirate whose henchmen all refer to her as Mom.

90sAce

12-16-14, 01:14 AM

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 6/10

Decent popcorn flick but I was underwhelmed given the amount of hype I'd seen for it. I'd rank it among the better of the Marvel Cinematic films; the fight scenes were definitely cool, though despite the film being 135 minutes long you didn't get to see a whole lot of action, and I feel that too much of the screen-time was devoted to pretty predictable exposition and plot twists.

AF.

12-16-14, 08:17 AM

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNzU4OTEzNzAwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTgwODAwMzE@._V1_SX214_AL_.jpg

Horrible Bosses 2

Hilarious movie. I don't often say this about movies, if it makes me laugh I'm happy. What makes the two Horrible Bosses movies great, is that you have the main trio who have decent chemistry, but the movie is filled with fantastic actors who play cameo roles and blow you away. Perfect example here is Chris Pine, whom in this film blew me away. Jennifer Aniston is absolutely amazing in every way, and I look forward to every scene she appears in for multiple reasons ;)

8/10

the samoan lawyer

12-16-14, 09:40 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/60/Went_the_Day_Well_Poster.jpg/220px-Went_the_Day_Well_Poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Went_the_Day_Well_Poster.jpg)
Went The Day Well? (1942)

British war movie telling the story of an English village threatened with a nazi invasion. I found surprisingly hard-hitting with unexpected violence and at times quite chilling. Quite heavy on propaganda but this was a hidden gem for me.

3.5+

cricket

12-16-14, 09:42 AM

Rio Conchos (1964) 3.5

With a little more style and a better musical score, this could've been great. It's entertaining and the cast does a great job. From the top 100 Westerns list; I would recommend this to fans of the genre.

http://www.rockshockpop.com/screencaps/4TimelessWesterns/05-1.jpg

matt72582

12-16-14, 01:35 PM

Being There (Ashby) - 6/10 - I've always been a fan of Hal, and seeing someone else recommend this film gave me that extra motivation to watch this before my queue of a hundred films.

This film started out great, but the novelty wore off the further it got, as everything worked so perfectly. Still a movie to watch. It's hard to describe it without giving spoilers..

Iroquois

12-16-14, 09:33 PM

Rock 'n' Roll High School - 2.5 (Camp rating: 3.5)

A very loose throwback to the teenage rebel kind of exploitation movie where a Ramones fangirl butts heads with an extremely strict high school principal who's working to ban music like the Ramones. Naturally, the Ramones themselves show up before too long and, well, plot's not terribly important here. As a comedy it's pretty hit-and-miss - there's a lot of absurd humour on display, especially involving the Nazi-like principal and her underlings, but then there are some gags that don't really pan out (such as the whole sub-plot involving the main character's geeky best friend and the socially inept jock). The Ramones' musical numbers are also of debatable quality, though it'll depend on how much you like them to begin with.

seanc

12-16-14, 11:12 PM

It was a re-watch kind of day. Not often I get to watch three movies in one day, let alone on a Tuesday, let alone that I decide to do all re-watches. Besides my 5 American Hustle commentary with Raul. I did a double feature that I have been wanting to do for a while. The first movie I have only seen once, and it was at least fifteen years ago. I wanted to re-watch it to confirm its place on my 60's list. The second I saw a bunch in High School. It is in my 100, but deserved a long over due re-watch. Never watched these together. Very different movies despite having one central character. I enjoy both but one is just a little more in my wheel house due to Cruise's character and the sharp dialogue.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/de/Hustler_1961_original_release_movie_poster.jpg/225px-Hustler_1961_original_release_movie_poster.jpg
3.5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a9/The_Color_Of_Money.jpg/220px-The_Color_Of_Money.jpg
5

Citizen Rules

12-16-14, 11:19 PM

I had a very different reaction to those 2 movies. I'd give
The Hustler rating_5 which I consider one of the greastest films I've seen on personal relationships and what a person must give to win

The Color of Money rating_3 and that's generous. The film didn't work for me at all. It was just Tom Cruise hamming it up.

seanc

12-16-14, 11:26 PM

The Color of Money The film didn't work for me at all. It was just Tom Cruise hamming it up.

I love that the movie is about both of them. Their relationship is great. One of the first things that struck me watching them together is in the The Color Of Money when Eddie states that Vincent reminds him of him. I thought to myself, really, because I didn't get that at all in The Hustler. I would have liked to see more of that. Its great, don't get me wrong, I just didn't get enough of the character.

Watching Eddie see how it feels to be on the other side of the con in The Color Of Money is fantastic. Starting with the scene with Whitaker which is my favorite of the movie.

Citizen Rules

12-16-14, 11:34 PM

That's what makes movies so personal. One person can find a connection in a movie that others did not.

What I really connected with was the storyline of the dysfunctional relationship between Paul Newman and Piper Laurie. To me that was more important the pool playing part. Of course the crux of The Hustler was what Newman sacrificed to win, which ultimately involved the relationship story.

I should really add The Hustler to my top favorite 10.

seanc

12-16-14, 11:56 PM

I was all in the second half. When Newman, Piper, and Scott are all together. It dragged a bit for me through the first half though. All in all real good movie. I will be shocked if I end up with 25 better than it for my 60's list.

Iroquois

12-17-14, 03:16 AM

X-Men: Days of Future Past - 3

Eh, it's a slightly above-average superhero movie. Now time to look up the film's questionable developments and massive plot holes. Imagine how annoyed I'd have been if I'd actually watched any of the X-Men films between X2 and First Class.

Pippo

12-17-14, 06:14 AM

http://38.media.tumblr.com/eefe0a28b0d1b748c6f77a47120ad81c/tumblr_nanzymUaxX1t2yfmco1_500.jpg

Don't Say a Word 2001 3

Cobpyth

12-17-14, 06:18 AM

The Color of Money rating_3 and that's generous. The film didn't work for me at all. It was just Tom Cruise hamming it up.

It's an amazingly well directed film, though. Even though Scorsese made the film mainly for the money, you can see that he had a lot of fun with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b2bEuhkRJc
(the shot starting at 1:44 is simply awesome!)

Admittedly, the film is not as intense as The Hustler (which almost certainly will be on my '60s list), but it's a whole lot of fun to watch, in my opinion!

Also, Newman is awesome!

Arcanis

12-17-14, 09:29 AM

Imagine how annoyed I'd have been if I'd actually watched any of the [i]X-Men films between X2 and First Class.

I had seen them all and was nothing but relieved that they undid all of the terrible, God-aweful plot and character decisions that they decided on in those movies (especially in 3).

Also, Firat Class' content was left unaltered, so that would never have been an issue.

the samoan lawyer

12-17-14, 09:35 AM

cricket

12-17-14, 09:47 AM

Sick Girl (2007) 2

This movie most definitely has some sick things going on in it, but it just wasn't made well enough to disturb me. It's made watchable by a short running time, and a pretty decent performance by the lead actress.

http://sinsofcinema.com/Images/Sick%20Girl/Sick%20Girl%202.jpg

Cobpyth

12-17-14, 09:50 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f8/Two_jakes_poster.jpg/220px-Two_jakes_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Two_jakes_poster.jpg)
The Two Jakes (1990)

rating_3

Making a sequal to Chinatown was always going to be a difficult task and unfortunately proved too much for this. Nicholson will always be a great actor and great to watch but i really couldn't get into this. It felt too slow and started to drag in places. I still feel i have rated this too high but due to it's predecessor being an all time great, i'll give it some slack.

Too bad you didn't like it. While I don't think it's on the same level as Chinatown at all, I do kind of love The Two Jakes. It's a complicated, meandering piece of psychological noir. It has this peculiar dark atmosphere that attracted me.

Marlon Brando

12-17-14, 12:48 PM

Surviving the Game

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ec/Surviving_the_Game_DVD_cover.jpg
Pretty good film, seen it a bunch of times and I watched it last night just out of the blue. Always enjoyable.

Derek Vinyard

12-17-14, 01:52 PM

Nemanja

12-17-14, 03:39 PM

Nightcrawler (2014) 3.5

rauldc14

12-17-14, 03:40 PM

Gone Girl (2014) - David Fincher
http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news_img/67415/ben_affleck_67415.jpg
- Awesome Movie. Many details , awesome atmosphere , one shocking mid twist and good ending. Fincher strikes again
4.5

I saw it yesterday too. I thought it was good but I wonder if it would hold up on a repeat watch. Unlike Seanc, I thought Pike was spectacular.

Arcanis

12-18-14, 01:19 AM

The Pyramid - 5/10

This movie strikingly reminds me of The Descent: a not especially good, not especially bad movie about a cast of characters stuck underground, which could have been an interesting, claustrophobic, psychological horror film, right up until the mole people / feral "sphinx cats" / Anubis attacked. It's significantly better than its 7% on Rotten Tomatoes would suggest, but atill not all that great of a film.

Chypmunk

12-18-14, 03:42 AM

Run Lola Run (1998) - 6/10, rewatch
Sadly not as good as I remembered it from years ago but hasn't dated too badly and I still love the idea behind the film so an enjoyable enough watch.

Zotis

12-18-14, 06:33 AM

http://latimesherocomplex.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/rebelposter-crop.jpg?w=1200

The Girl Who Drew: On Her Head with Permanent Marker - Part 1 (2014) 3

Okay so everyone knows what it's really called. Well back when the first one came out I was already a fan of Jennifer Lawrence's other work. So I saw it in theaters within the first week of release. I loved it. I did notice that there were a couple implausible elements, but it was still so hyper intense and fun. My expectations were high going into it and they were surpassed. For the second one I lowered my expectations because I wasn't sure if it would be as good as the first one, and it surpassed my expectations again in terms of entertainment value, although this time the implausibility factor was a bit worse. So going into this now the third movie I lowered my expectations even more than for the second movie, and lowered them even more when I heard from some friends that it wasn't as good as the first two. But I still had my hopes, and I had faith in the series. But this time it actually did not quite meet my expectations. It was still a good movie, but it didn't have that hyper intensity. There were moments where it almost did and it looked like it was going to get really exciting, but then it kind of transitioned into normality and back and forth a bit. I would say the best aspect of this movie was by far the acting. Outstanding performances, especially from Jennifer, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, and Woody Harrelson. Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance was fine, but not like he was in A Most Wanted Man. Willow Shields was good, I hope she becomes a successful actress. She pretty much already is, but I hope her career does well. Jeffery Wright had a good role. He was interesting to watch. Natalie Dormer was really cool. I hope she gets some good action sequences in the next one. The plot was good too, but it felt like it ended too soon. It felt like the others ones did right before they hit the action. So maybe that's what the last movie will be, that big wave of action... I hope... well anyway. If you like the series so far then by all means watch it, but just don't expect to have your nerves strained like the other two. And if you liked but aren't all that big a fan particularly, then you probably just may as well wait until this one comes out on video.

The Gunslinger45

12-18-14, 06:39 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Mystery_Science_Theater_3000_The_Movie.jpg

A funny short movie aboard the Satellite of Love.

3.5

neiba

12-18-14, 07:02 AM

007: Goldfinger (1964)

The first real 007 in my opinion! The way it defined the rest of the 007 series after it makes it one of the best, if not THE best!

8/10

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Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios a.k.a. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)

My second Almodovar's. I really really liked it! The humour is amazing, the colours and shots he use seem to be one of his trademarks but what impresses me the most is the dialogues and the depth of each character! Every person in the movie seems to have a life of its own that continues after the movie is over!
Also, the chaotic pacing really fits this making its watch an extremely entertaining experience.

9/10

neiba

12-18-14, 07:10 AM

Pas de Deux (1968)

I don't usually rate shorts on this thread but this one fascinated me!
Visually is one of the most astonishing things I've ever seen. I was never really into ballet but the way it is shot is so so so beautiful!!!
If you haven't, please give it a try!

9/10

matt72582

12-18-14, 12:45 PM

Zelig (Woody Allen) - 6/10 - It's pretty funny, sometimes silly, but it's hard for me to laugh at movies, but I had a few with this mockumentary. My funniest parts in movies aren't funny to most... I've mentioned the scene in "Seven Samurai" (according to this scroll, you are 13 years old) but I never laughed harder watching "Falling Down" with Michael Douglas. He's breaking stuff in the convenient store, and then says, "This whole aisle looks suspect." and I lost it....

Arcanis

12-18-14, 12:46 PM

Cloud Atlas - 7.5/10

This strikes me as the spiritual successor of The Tree of Life's sprawling, epic, thematicly rich ambitions. It ultimately strikes me as that film's foil: concerned with presenting a narrative where The Tree of Life was focussed on an experience. While more entertaining, grockable and (presumably) rewatchable, it never-the-less fails to be as successfully crafted as its forebearer. Hugo Weaving's asian-face looked really off to me (his eyes looked like they were stretched out on an old copy of Adobe Photoshop) and some stories were stronger than others (some could have warranted a shorter stand-alone film, while others are only just good enough to exist in this larger work), but its principle cast was exceptional, the directorship surprisingly cohesive (given exactly how many cooks there were in the kitchen) and the interplay / intercuts / match cuts between narrative segments were deftly and interestingly handled. Even if this wasn't a masterpiece in its own right, this is still the kind of epic, ambitious and risky filmmaking that we need a lot more of.

Silent Night, Deadly Night - 4.5/10

This was a lot more interesting of a film that I expected to see. Outside of the initial murder to establish Billy's narrative, there's really no violence for the entire first half of the film. It spends most of its time on Billy's transformation into a Christmas killer, which is done more skillfully than it needed to be (even if its still a far cry from Michael Meyer's depiction in Halloween). The second half is really where the films starts to fall apart. The kills aren't especially interesting, Billy mindlessly screaming "Naughty!" at every one of his victims ranges from annoying to obnoxious and his actions do not connect with his experiences in the first half as thoroughly as I would have liked (I would have actually really liked to see him take off his belt and whip is coworker to death with it, mirroring the Reverand Mother's actions against the fornicaters at the orphanage). Billy's first imbibement of alcahol triggering his murder spree is just as ridiculous as it was when marijuana did the same thing in Reefer Madness. I can't help but feel like a better second half could have made this a surprisingly good film.

matt72582

12-18-14, 12:49 PM

The Towering Inferno - (7/10) -- Very good movie. For me, it was a microcosmic film. Deregulation to save money, to make the "leaders" look good, kickbacks, and putting the general public at risk.

And this backfires and the aristocracy burns along with it.... Even the laws of getting out, the lottery numbers is agreed, but then disregarded when it's not suited for them; some lives are more fairer than others. I like going into individuals lives, how they confess things as they think their going to die.

the samoan lawyer

12-18-14, 12:53 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/Themummy1959poster.jpg/220px-Themummy1959poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Themummy1959poster.jpg)
The Mummy (1959)

Decent effort from Hammer and Lee makes a pretty good Mummy. It could be better paced around the middle of the film but overall its creepy and makes excellent use of visuals.

3.5+

honeykid

12-18-14, 12:56 PM

I'm pleased to see you liked it that much, SL. As I said, I think it's a bit dull, but it has that Hammer feel and that's what I like.

matt72582

12-18-14, 12:59 PM

Husbands (Cassavetes) - 7/10 -- I'm usually turned off by drunken-mess movies, but I really liked this one. There's some great lines, but some waste, still worth watching. I admire Cassavetes' independent directing.

the samoan lawyer

12-18-14, 01:00 PM

I'm pleased to see you liked it that much, SL. As I said, I think it's a bit dull, but it has that Hammer feel and that's what I like.

Cheers HK, i'm really getting to like Hammer. Took me a while to get used to the feel of it but i'm really enjoying them these days.

Chypmunk

12-18-14, 01:33 PM

Welcome To Dongmakgol (2005) - 7/10
http://www.hancinema.net/photos/posterphoto7608.jpg

This was a film that both delighted me and frustrated me in parts. Firstly for the most part it is a delightfully light-hearted 'anti-war' production, with some truly beautiful cinematography, that put a smile on my face. Actress Hye-jeong Kang produced the stand-out performance, lighting up the screen whenever she was in a scene.

Frustratingly though it's also not a film without it's flaws. There's one scene in particular that managed, temporarily, to remove that smile from my face - it's a slow-mo scene involving some not so great CGI that imo lasts longer than it should and whilst the content is of some importance in terms of character/plot development it could and should have been filmed without interrupting the general flow of the movie. The final third also gets a little overly schmaltzy for my taste, although to be fair that's not uncommon in Korean cinema, and some of the action scenes are sadly not that impressive.

Even with it's flaws though this is a film I will certainly revisit more than once, just a shame those flaws meant I couldn't justify giving it the 9/10 the majority of the film deserves imo.