Rate The Last Movie You Saw [Archive] - Page 94

DrSoup007

02-21-16, 11:44 PM

The Big Short directed by Adam McKay - 4.5
I can now say with perfect honesty and a straight face that I have seen every Best Picture Nominee for the 88th Academy Awards. I doubt I'll be able to say that again but boy was this year fantastic, and it's certainly difficult to see any of those nominees not winning. The Big Short does an amazing job at explaining and dense and difficult subject of the housing and stock market to basically anyone. And while not all of them stick, the style with which Adam McKay chooses to present those explanation sets the tone for this films bizarre fourth-wall breaking niche that does wonders for the writing and plot. It's not easy to describe something so unusually great without spoiling it all, but I can say that it's hilarious antics and humor don't ever detract from the depravity of the subject matter and all that it holds. And in fact, it perfectly balances both of those things in such a way that you can have a good chuckle, but still care about the rippling effects of all that's happening. I could not recommend this more and I am certainly interested to see if McKay continues to make films of this caliber and style. Somebody help me, I can't get this grin of my face.

Mr.Sparkle

02-21-16, 11:47 PM

The Big Short directed by Adam McKay - rating_4_5I can now say with perfect honesty and a straight face that I have seen every Best Picture Nominee for the 88th Academy Awards. I doubt I'll be able to say that again but boy was this year fantastic, and it's certainly difficult to see any of those nominees not winning. The Big Short does an amazing job at explaining and dense and difficult subject of the housing and stock market to basically anyone. And while not all of them stick, the style with which Adam McKay chooses to present those explanation sets the tone for this films bizarre fourth-wall breaking niche that does wonders for the writing and plot. It's not easy to describe something so unusually great without spoiling it all, but I can say that it's hilarious antics and humor don't ever detract from the depravity of the subject matter and all that it holds. And in fact, it perfectly balances both of those things in such a way that you can have a good chuckle, but still care about the rippling effects of all that's happening. I could not recommend this more and I am certainly interested to see if McKay continues to make films of this caliber and style. Somebody help me, I can't get this grin of my face.

I also liked it, not as much as you, but it was good.

VERY surprised it won the PGA though. Have no idea what that means for the Oscars though. It seemed like The Big Short wasn't even in the race until it snagged that one.

Gatsby

02-21-16, 11:52 PM

Sicario (Villeneuve, 2015)

http://i.imgur.com/08xxLwV.jpg

I know some people were expecting an action film based on the first few scenes, then became disappointed when the story took a turn. For me, the viewing experience was a polar opposite: my facial expressions slowly shaped into a smile when some typical sequences turned into a smart thriller. Great film.

4

cricket

02-21-16, 11:56 PM

Bigger Than Life (1956)

3.5

http://www.tasteofcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Bigger-Than-Life.jpg

James Mason plays a schoolteacher and family man who starts taking a "miracle drug", after being diagnosed with a life threatening health condition. He abuses the drug, and we watch how it negatively affects his life. This movie would seem to be ahead of it's time with all the addiction to prescription medication we see today. It's an effective and sad movie that feels realistic, and never goes over the top. James Mason has recently become a revelation for me; he is an exceptional actor. Barbara Rush as his wife, and Walter Matthau as his friend and colleague also give very fine performances.

Nabby

02-22-16, 12:39 AM

Meet the Robinsons
2.5

One of the weaker disney efforts of recent-ish memory. Super short, with an incredibly muddled plot. Didn't laugh much either. The dino seemed like it was an attempt at creating a cute side character to make toys out of, but it didn't really have any relevance to the plot which is why it appears for all of 2/3 mins. That's what sprung to my mind anyway. Nothing horrible, it's not a bad movie. Just bland.

AboveTheClouds

02-22-16, 01:37 AM

Eastern Promises 3.5
Terminator 3.5
Bride of Chucky 2.5

What I watched Saturday.

colejwalker

02-22-16, 03:09 AM

The Drop (2014) - Michael R. Roskam

http://www.richardcrouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TomHardy_TheDrop_AnimalRescue.jpg

This film interested me because I am a huge Hardy fan, he's always so good, and it's also I believe the last major role of late actor James Gandolfini. I can't say I was disappointed because this film is really enjoyable. Hardy and Gandolfini are both very good in their roles although just so people who haven't seen it know, Gandolfini isn't in this as much as you would think. The storyline to this film is something I haven't seen before, but I didn't really enjoy the B side plot with the dog, it goes to places I don't really think are realistic. I feel the same way with some of the dialogue in this film as well, it just didn't seem right coming out of the characters mouths and it was a tad awkward at times. Just to give a shoutout to an actor that always goes unnoticed, John Ortiz, he's got a small part in this, but I wish this guy would get more work. He is great in a lot of the same roles he gets, but I always wish directors would give him a meatier role. Another thing I heard walking into this was that the ending was spectacular and while I think it's good, it didn't blow my mind or anything. Surprising? Sure, but great I don't know. Noomi Rapace's storyline in this kind of bothered me towards the end too because what ends up happening to her and Hardy, just really doesn't make much sense to me. Nonetheless, The Drop is a solid flick and it has some really subtle, but really honest performances with some cool twists and turns here and there.

3 ++

Sumit Mankala

02-22-16, 05:51 AM

The last movie I watched was Deadpool and I'm rating it 8/10. Nice movie.

cricket

02-22-16, 08:13 AM

Love and Mercy (2014)

2

http://cdn.moviestillsdb.com/sm/60acaf1077f4d4914457b53fb6440ee9/love-mercy.jpg

This is the story of Brian Wilson, lead singer of The Beach Boys, and his struggle with mental illness.

I enjoyed watching this movie, but to me, there were some major negatives that I can't get over.

First, the positives-

1. I love movies that are set somewhere between the 60's and 80's, and especially when they're based on true stories.

2. The music was awesome, and I do believe that I found a new appreciation for Wilson and the band.

3. The depiction of the horror of mental illness was pretty effective.

4. It was cool watching a bit of the creative process in and out of the studio.

My big issues-

1. The performances/casting. This is a movie that demands exceptional performances, and I think if done right, some would call it Oscar bait. I didn't see any. I like Elizabeth Banks as a comedic actress, and she was ok in this as the love interest. However, she's never proven that she can give a knockout performance, and she didn't give one here. I love love love Paul Giamatti, but in this movie I got the actor in a bad wig, instead of the character he was supposed to play. He was alright, but not nearly good enough. I have always liked John Cusack, but more as a likable actor, than one who is above average in skill. What I said about Giamatti in this movie, I could say about Cusack for his entire career-he's always playing John Cusack. I thought he was mediocre in this, and more importantly, miscast. I think Paul Dano is a brilliant young actor, and he was ok in this, but this is far from his best work. This is a role that demands Oscar caliber work, but it doesn't come close. The most bothersome part of this to me, is having Dano and Cusack play the same guy. As far as I'm concerned, it should have been Dano all the way. There have been plenty of performances in which an actor ages on screen. If that wasn't a viable option for whatever reason, shorten the time period the movie portrays. Worst case scenario, play the first half of the movie with Dano and the second half with Cusack. Constantly going back and forth between the two actors distracts from a moving story. If anything, Cusack could have played his father.

2. Failure to capture an era. As I've said, I adore movies set during this time period. Unfortunately, this movie looks virtually the same set during the 60's as it does during the 80's, or how it would look if it was set today. Ok, maybe the clothes are different, but any ahole can change their shirt. Not everyone is a fan of Boogie Nights, Goodfellas, American Hustle, etc., but just see how they look and feel. If the director of one of those 3 movies made this movie, it turns out f**king awesome! That's how the big boys do it, but this is how you do a made for TV movie with a name cast. Stylisticly, a movie like this should be a goldmine, but this movie failed miserably in this regard.

I'm being harsh on the movie in relation to how much I enjoyed it, but I think it's deserved.

Swan

02-22-16, 08:19 AM

I don't think it's harsh, the movie is definitely flawed. I like it because I felt a personal connection to it, but yeah, it's not a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination. Just a good one.

Iroquois

02-22-16, 09:08 AM

The Transporter - 1.5

u wot m8

carlspackler

02-22-16, 11:12 AM

Cospiracy.
Branagh and Tucci turn in fantastic parts among other British actors.The Wansee conference changed the world,as the world stands now the nazis got it right.
I dare you to watch it.
10

I've watched this movie over and over,feck off spielberg.

Rey Skywalker

02-22-16, 11:19 AM

https://41.media.tumblr.com/e42f76c1fdf5915b59a9bc498ee05bf1/tumblr_o2hqb5lojR1tfg6jso3_540.jpg

Lolita (1997)

rating_5

https://40.media.tumblr.com/2aea9d60294e6082bca1a0ce1ca4d796/tumblr_o2pvbxPVFX1tfg6jso3_540.png

Testament of Youth (2015)

rating_3

edarsenal

02-22-16, 12:12 PM

https://twentyfourframes.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/big-combo-still2.jpg

The Big Combo 4 Very solid movie. A great noir flick.

http://iv1.lisimg.com/image/6717700/600full-open-range-screenshot.jpg

(MULTIPLE REWATCH) Open Range 5 The epitome of an old time western. Just love it!!

https://13movies.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/reservoir-dogs-keitel.jpg

(COUNTLESS REWATCH) Reservoir Dogs 4.5++ Been too long since my last rewatch.

Citizen Rules

02-22-16, 12:24 PM

Bigger Than Life (1956)

rating_3_5

http://www.tasteofcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Bigger-Than-Life.jpg

James Mason plays a schoolteacher and family man who starts taking a "miracle drug", after being diagnosed with a life threatening health condition. He abuses the drug, and we watch how it negatively affects his life. This movie would seem to be ahead of it's time with all the addiction to prescription medication we see today. It's an effective and sad movie that feels realistic, and never goes over the top. James Mason has recently become a revelation for me; he is an exceptional actor. Barbara Rush as his wife, and Walter Matthau as his friend and colleague also give very fine performances. Sold! I never heard of it, but it sounds just like my movie. Onto my watch list it goes!

Citizen Rules

02-22-16, 12:38 PM

Love and Mercy (2014)

rating_2

http://cdn.moviestillsdb.com/sm/60acaf1077f4d4914457b53fb6440ee9/love-mercy.jpg

This is the story of Brian Wilson, lead singer of The Beach Boys, and his struggle with mental illness.

I enjoyed watching this movie, but to me, there were some major negatives that I can't get over.

First, the positives-

1. I love movies that are set somewhere between the 60's and 80's, and especially when they're based on true stories.

2. The music was awesome, and I do believe that I found a new appreciation for Wilson and the band.

3. The depiction of the horror of mental illness was pretty effective.

4. It was cool watching a bit of the creative process in and out of the studio.

My big issues-

1. The performances/casting. This is a movie that demands exceptional performances, and I think if done right, some would call it Oscar bait. I didn't see any. I like Elizabeth Banks as a comedic actress, and she was ok in this as the love interest. However, she's never proven that she can give a knockout performance, and she didn't give one here. I love love love Paul Giamatti, but in this movie I got the actor in a bad wig, instead of the character he was supposed to play. He was alright, but not nearly good enough. I have always liked John Cusack, but more as a likable actor, than one who is above average in skill. What I said about Giamatti in this movie, I could say about Cusack for his entire career-he's always playing John Cusack. I thought he was mediocre in this, and more importantly, miscast. I think Paul Dano is a brilliant young actor, and he was ok in this, but this is far from his best work. This is a role that demands Oscar caliber work, but it doesn't come close. The most bothersome part of this to me, is having Dano and Cusack play the same guy. As far as I'm concerned, it should have been Dano all the way. There have been plenty of performances in which an actor ages on screen. If that wasn't a viable option for whatever reason, shorten the time period the movie portrays. Worst case scenario, play the first half of the movie with Dano and the second half with Cusack. Constantly going back and forth between the two actors distracts from a moving story. If anything, Cusack could have played his father.

2. Failure to capture an era. As I've said, I adore movies set during this time period. Unfortunately, this movie looks virtually the same set during the 60's as it does during the 80's, or how it would look if it was set today. Ok, maybe the clothes are different, but any ahole can change their shirt. Not everyone is a fan of Boogie Nights, Goodfellas, American Hustle, etc., but just see how they look and feel. If the director of one of those 3 movies made this movie, it turns out f**king awesome! That's how the big boys do it, but this is how you do a made for TV movie with a name cast. Stylisticly, a movie like this should be a goldmine, but this movie failed miserably in this regard.

I'm being harsh on the movie in relation to how much I enjoyed it, but I think it's deserved. Cricket you were harsh and I think I know why...because Love & Mercy would have been a film you really cared for if the director hadn't made so many mistakes. I agree with almost everything you said.

I sensed that this film could be a Top 10 for me, but there are way too many flaws, which pissed me off, and I get the sense it pissed you off in the same way. Great review BTW. You might have seen my review but if not here's a link (it's not a long review).
Love & Mercy (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1390150#post1390150)

cricket

02-22-16, 12:41 PM

Cricket you were harsh and I think I know why...because Love & Mercy would have been a film you really cared for if the director hadn't made so many mistakes. I agree with almost everything you said.

I sensed that this film could be a Top 10 for me, but there are way too many flaws, which pissed me off, and I get the sense it pissed you off in the same way. Great review BTW. You might have seen my review but if not here's a link (it's not a long review).
Love & Mercy (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1390150#post1390150)

I just read your review again and it looks like we agreed on a lot.

Citizen Rules

02-22-16, 12:49 PM

I tend to be harder on movies that I care about. I really could have loved Love & Mercy had it not had all those faults. I'll watch and post my thoughts on Bigger Than Life. I thinks James Mason is amazing in everything I've seen him in. And the last time I seen Barbara Rush she was a dish.

wildboy

02-22-16, 01:10 PM

THE LAST MOVIE I SAW THAT I WOULD LIKE TO rate is "THE MARTIAN".

i really enjoyed the way it shows the human instinct to survive in an an environment which seems very unlikely and how the the human mind can come to together and very be resourceful. it also show with determination and hard work can pay off.

matt72582

02-22-16, 03:10 PM

Mikey and Nicky - 9/10

Reviewed before on this thread.. Great neo-realistic, among a very few American movies in this genre.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/43/Mikey-et-nicky-affiche.jpg

Mäx

02-22-16, 03:34 PM

People Will Talk (Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1951) - rating_3_5+

The dialogues in this movie are amazing! And how gorgeous is Jeanne Crain? :love:

Lucas

02-22-16, 03:59 PM

https://www.academicvideostore.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/download_content.aspx%3Fdorpid%3D1006465845%26type%3Djpg?itok=pqhmAV6E

Every Night Dreams 3.5

First silent Naruse. Very good little film, although the short-running time isn't enough to "fully" flesh out the narrative. It lacks the depth of later Naruse pictures.

Lucas

02-22-16, 04:01 PM

http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/el-topo-1970/large_uh9RIqoWzH3qGIHiwh6blcNlXpQ.jpg

El Topo 2.5

Didn't do anything for me. Jodorowsky's sincerity is not to be questioned, but I found the film rather dull. I prefer The Holy Mountain and Santa Sangre.

Lucas

02-22-16, 04:05 PM

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fzZ%2BR0K3L._SY445_.jpg

A Cottage on Dartmoor 4.5

A forgotten masterpiece, easily one of the finest silents I've ever seen. The expressionistic lighting and gothic tone lends the film an eerie, ominous atmosphere. One of the 5-best films I've seen this year.

Gideon58

02-22-16, 06:53 PM

http://resizing.flixster.com/nxhDEUtlke5O0vswzZzNEZntggA=/800x1200/dkpu1ddg7pbsk.cloudfront.net/movie/11/19/04/11190435_ori.png

Great movie, but it sure ain't pretty....8/10

foster

02-22-16, 06:54 PM

omg what did they do to steve carell

FilmFilth

02-22-16, 07:41 PM

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 9/10. This would have been a perfect film for me; however, a few of the scenes featuring Denathor I felt dragged on a little bit. All in all one of my favorite fantasy trilogies of all time.

matt72582

02-22-16, 07:46 PM

Burn! - 6/10

I saw this at 17, then tried to see it about a year ago from the library, but fell asleep. I expected more from Pontecorvo, especially having the greatest actor ever, Marlon Brando, starring in it. Some great lines, but a lot of filler - too much time spent on marching, clapping, meaningless chatter. Worth a watch if you haven't seen "The Battle of Algiers" - a much better movie.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/70/Original_movie_poster_for_the_film_Burn%21.jpg

Wolfsbane

02-22-16, 07:52 PM

omg what did they do to steve carell

Made him overact.

Gideon58

02-22-16, 08:24 PM

Made him overact.
Steve Carell does NOT overact in this movie.

BrowningIdentity

02-22-16, 08:27 PM

The Departed - 10/10 - Great cast, great story, lots of intense moments, just how a crime film should be!

foster

02-22-16, 09:02 PM

it looks like they shaved carell's eyebrows off or something

Mr Minio

02-22-16, 09:16 PM

First silent Naruse. I wanted to give you a lecture about it not being the first silent Naruse film, but then realized you meant it's the first silent Naruse film you have seen. It's amazing. Check No Blood Relation and Apart From You, too!

the samoan lawyer

02-23-16, 09:16 AM

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/52fb6fdfe4b0f874b619f19a/53632285e4b0e3d3d1a0ff3b/53632294e4b0bbc27dcae4ae/1399005844933/LAvventura3.jpg
L'avventura (1960)

Thanks for the recommendation HK!!

Another masterpiece from Antonioni.

4.5

Gatsby

02-23-16, 09:21 AM

The Departed - 10/10 - Great cast, great story, lots of intense moments, just how a crime film should be!
:nope:

Iroquois

02-23-16, 09:28 AM

:nope:

Indeed.

Mary and Max - 4

Still holds up.

Gideon58

02-23-16, 12:07 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/77/Thanks_for_Sharing_Poster.jpg

7/10

hell_storm2004

02-23-16, 01:29 PM

Finally watched Equilizer - 7/10. Loved it. There is something about Danzel and this one man army type of movies. Does it amazingly well.

Devil in a blue dress - 6/10.

Shooter - 6.5/10.

Running Scared - 4/10. The plot seemed too convenient. All in all, not a very good movie. I found it from an article stating it's a very good action thriller. Rubbish.

Lucas

02-23-16, 01:59 PM

http://www.nitehawkcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/sevenchances.jpg

Seven Chances 4+

Keaton will always be my favorite silent comedian.

Lucas

02-23-16, 02:01 PM

http://www.spietati.it/public/new_rose_hotel-poster.jpg

New Rose Hotel 2.5

An enigma I'm too stupid to figure out.

12deep4me

Need to revisit this one day.

cricket

02-23-16, 03:12 PM

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

4.5

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v27hJrrgr_A/STHWcCH92KI/AAAAAAAAVaI/kwf2UEVBdB0/s1600/T-43115.jpg

Thoughts posted in the 9th Hall of Fame thread.

Camo

02-23-16, 03:22 PM

honeykid

02-23-16, 06:42 PM

New Rose Hotel 2.5

An enigma I'm too stupid to figure out.

12deep4me

Need to revisit this one day.
I think you're giving this film too much credit. If this was by a director you didn't rate, I think you'd write it off.

HK suggested this? What the hell?
I would've recommended this to him because he's left this world. It's a horrifically dull, boring film. It's perfect for him now. :(

matt72582

02-23-16, 07:13 PM

Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

It's different. I don't usually grade documentaries - it's either a "Watch" or "Don't Watch" and I'd watch it. It's only 43 minutes long, and available for free on youtube.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/aa/Superstar_The_Karen_Carpenter_Story_cover.jpg

matt72582

02-23-16, 07:14 PM

The Scenic Route - 6/10

Original and odd at times.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/The_Scenic_Route.jpg

Gideon58

02-23-16, 07:52 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/82/Rush_(1991_film)_cover.jpg

6/10

mksu

02-23-16, 08:58 PM

Just watched Brooklyn and it had everything to be such a good movie, but they just had to turn the previously very decent woman into a sociopath whore. What a let down, the movie was just so freaking good before she started cucking her husband.

5/10

Iroquois

02-23-16, 09:00 PM

Runaway Train - 3

Still can't believe Cannon actually made a genuinely good movie.

Nostromo87

02-23-16, 11:45 PM

http://oi64.tinypic.com/s65400.jpg

DEADPOOL

refreshing joke at comic book movies as well as nailing being one. humor, real talk, hand grenades, guns, explosions, women. ryan reynolds looking like the inside of other people's azzholes, or like freddy krueger face-f*ked a topographical map of Utah, or like an avacado that had sex with an older avacado. this will be the second movie of the 2010s decade that i buy, the other of course being Scream 4. Better than the last movie i saw in theaters, Blah Wars 7: The Schwartz Awakens

Rating: rating_4 8.0 / 10

Careless Whisper (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R9zNNXuNW5A)

http://oi63.tinypic.com/2yxltsh.jpg

Steve Freeling

02-24-16, 12:34 AM

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/tRqSYLItkHBI8WjC6TrE2X7zX6Q.jpg
4

Nabby

02-24-16, 01:02 AM

Carol (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rpbW5UNoRE)

3

Iroquois

02-24-16, 01:21 AM

The New World - 3

After a while, commenting on how Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is aesthetically pleasing and technically accomplished starts to become redundant.

Derek Vinyard

02-24-16, 03:44 AM

The Number 23 (2007) - Joel Schumacher
http://www.audienceseverywhere.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/The-Number-23.jpg
http://www.cine365static.com/assets/img/peliculas/1493/0/extra/0f6f3-numero7.jpg
- Far from being a perfect movie but it entertain me all way through and the movie has so many details that it's very nice scene after scene. Joel Schumacher is a director that I like a lot and he, yet again, convinced and impressed me. Jim Carrey in more serious role is pretty good and in this movie he give a solid performance and the rest of the cast is also pretty good as well. God knows how I love psychological thriller and the first time I watch this movie I didn't understand half of the movie (I was 13 years old back in the day so :p) but with a rewatch 7 years later I can easily say that it's perfectly my kind of flick. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire second part of the movie and the ending is by far the greatest thing about it because it's simply brilliant. In conclusion, I dig it and I probably gonna buy it in blu-ray soon.
4.5-

Iroquois

02-24-16, 09:14 AM

To the Wonder - 2

What I said about The New World two posts up is especially applicable to one seriously meandering film.

the samoan lawyer

02-24-16, 09:17 AM

HK suggested this? What the hell?

Yep, closet Antonioni fan is our HK.

the samoan lawyer

02-24-16, 09:30 AM

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/bent-cops-touch-of-evil.jpg
Touch of Evil (1958)

Sets the tone with an epic tracking shot opening, Touch of Evil is an extremelydark and gritty noir that really holds up well. I found Welles almost unrecognizable as the hard-nosed police captain, a part he plays quite brilliantly. I wasn't particularly sold on Heston's character but he put in a good shift. Meanwhile I thought Janet Leigh was absolutely superb. All in all, an excellent, atmospheric noir-thriller.

4+

cinemajack

02-24-16, 09:35 AM

MovieMeditation

02-24-16, 10:21 AM

To the Wonder - 2

What I said about The New World two posts up is especially applicable to one seriously meandering film.
On a Malick marahton to lead up to Knight of Cups???

Rey Skywalker

02-24-16, 10:32 AM

https://45.media.tumblr.com/c9f20d4c96b8530b272f5cc910e38f05/tumblr_o2x318n3lf1tfg6jso1_500.gif

Playing By Heart (1998)

rating_4

hell_storm2004

02-24-16, 12:30 PM

The dressmaker - 5/10. Average with tacky fashion.

Citizen Rules

02-24-16, 12:39 PM

Daniel M

02-24-16, 02:48 PM

Killer of Sheep (Charles Burnett, 1978) rating_4_5

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/44/Killer_of_sheep.jpg

"What is America to me?" sings Paul Robeson as Burnett shows to us the everyday life of a community of African-Americans. The film is not your usual narrative experience but rather a poetic reflection of the world in which we live in, moments of poverty, struggle, and a mundane tasks are juxtaposed with occasional images and sounds of beauty. Like his short "When It Rains", it's a film that feels alive, filled with human warmth and beauty in a cold world.

Requiem for a Dream (Darren Aronofsky, 2000) rating_1_5

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/92/Requiem_for_a_dream.jpg

I see that this film is largely praised for its harsh depiction of the "realities of drugs", and whilst yes, it is deeply disturbing, I don't think that alone makes it a particularly good film. I did not care for any of the characters, probably because I felt a lack of care or empathy from Aronofsky towards them. There's no room for subjectivity in any scenes which are put together like some cool music video, and there's no hope or warmth offered to them. The whole film is just one vile, hopeless scene after another. It was more a horror than anything else. Overall, incredibly thin, it did not affect me emotionally one bit. I agree that the performances were good, that's about it.

The World's End (Edgar Wright, 2013) rating_3_5 [Rewatch]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d8/The_World%27s_End_poster.jpg

A rewatch as this one was on TV the other night. Very good. It might be my favourite of the trilogy, although I haven't seen the other two in a while. I think what I like about this is the dry British humour, when someone calls his mates "c*nts" and doesn't realise how deluded and self-obsessed they are, it almost always gets a laugh from me. I think the writing for the film is really strong, and Pegg shows good emotional depth as his character who is stuck in the past. His non-conformity to society's normal expectations, and wanting to enjoy himself is in an odd way somewhat relatable. A good mix of laugh-out-loud humour and really written written humanism. I think I mentioned this in my original review, but Edgar Wright also gets a thumbs up from me for his fantastically directed fight sequences. The first toilet scene is how to direct a fight scene, very well choreographed and photographed in a coherent and exciting way that completely makes sense.

Nausicaä

02-24-16, 05:34 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/49/JackBrooksmonster.jpg

rating_1_5

matt72582

02-24-16, 05:35 PM

Tripping With Caveh

30-minute short documentary of a few guys trippin' on shrooms. Kinda lame. Pretentious. There was a nice song played though. There are a couple of documentaries, one is about his addiction to prostitution, which sounds fascinating. I am a psychedelic enthusiast so I thought this would have been decent, but it's full of hippie-ish empty gestures, trying to sound deep but only sounding ridiculous, and it wasn't the shrooms. I wouldn't call this original, but it only killed 30 minutes of my life.

I'm inspired to do something. I was trying to record a song, but I don't have all the required instruments at my house. I was going to watch "Secret Honor" (Altman) which is a one-man monologue, and thought (20 seconds ago) if I could conjure up something I could play myself, using things I've published.

Gatsby

02-24-16, 05:38 PM

HK suggested this? What the hell?

Yep, closet Antonioni fan is our HK.
A very strong rejection is often a sign of love. ;)

Derek Vinyard

02-24-16, 05:46 PM

Requiem for a Dream (Darren Aronofsky, 2000) rating_1_5

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/92/Requiem_for_a_dream.jpg

I see that this film is largely praised for its harsh depiction of the "realities of drugs", and whilst yes, it is deeply disturbing, I don't think that alone makes it a particularly good film. I did not care for any of the characters, probably because I felt a lack of care or empathy from Aronofsky towards them. There's no room for subjectivity in any scenes which are put together like some cool music video, and there's no hope or warmth offered to them. The whole film is just one vile, hopeless scene after another. It was more a horror than anything else. Overall, incredibly thin, it did not affect me emotionally one bit. I agree that the performances were good, that's about it.

http://37.media.tumblr.com/eff487ea46a4748d556aea4aff69c885/tumblr_muz37cCKB61r6dombo1_400.gif

Daniel you're awesome man but don't do that to me :bawling:

cricket

02-24-16, 06:23 PM

Requiem for a Dream (Darren Aronofsky, 2000) rating_1_5

"Ass to ass" is worth 3 alone:leo:

cricket

02-24-16, 06:40 PM

Forty Guns (1957)

2.5+

http://91.207.61.14/m/uploads/v_p_images/1957/09/7824_6_screenshot.png

This Western has it's moment and the featured song is good, but I thought it was pretty average. I'll never think of it again after a couple days.

carlspackler

02-24-16, 07:06 PM

In Bruges (2008) - Martin McDonagh
http://www.virginmedia.com/images/8Aug_in-bruges-590x350.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbQZ2wqLBTY/VQIpBmcImXI/AAAAAAAAl-g/At2vmHK4fW8/s1600/In.Bruges.2008.720p.BrRip.x264.YIFY.mp4_snapshot_00.33.07_%5B2015.03.12_20.53.52%5D.png
- The Cast is red hot in that flick and they're all very good especially Collin Farrell who's one actor I really appreciate. The storyline is cool and highly entertaining (which is a big plus for me). Some hilarious moments and some most shocking ones.... The city is beautiful and the cinematography is nice. It has also a cool atmosphere of the city I cannot really describe but I really appreciate the aspect. The ending is some big kharma thing that I really like. Nice Movie and I recommend it.
4-

Well recommended.
A movie I can watch over and over.
Farrel got the Golden Globe for best actor Mcdonagh got an oscar nomination.
Nice review by the way.

Daniel M

02-24-16, 07:11 PM

http://37.media.tumblr.com/eff487ea46a4748d556aea4aff69c885/tumblr_muz37cCKB61r6dombo1_400.gif

Daniel you're awesome man but don't do that to me :bawling:

"Ass to ass" is worth rating_3 alone:leo:
Ha, sorry guys, I just have to be honest. I know a lot of people like this, my friend IRL kept telling me to watch it too, so I finally got around to it, if you combine these two quotes this is pretty much what he said to me too :p

Miss Vicky

02-24-16, 07:24 PM

Gideon58

02-24-16, 07:53 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Trainspotting_ver2.jpg

Wow.....................................8.5/10

Derek Vinyard

02-24-16, 07:54 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Trainspotting_ver2.jpg

Wow.....................................8.5/10

Great flick.

matt72582

02-24-16, 09:14 PM

My Brilliant Career - 8/10

I've been trying to watch this movie for months. Some of the situations are cliche, but overall the movie isn't. I loved Judy Davis, especially her smile, devious eyes, gestures and mannerisms.

What I liked about the movie was the ambivalence of every situation, about being a person in the world with obligation. Syb is told she's becoming a burden on her family, so she lives with her grandma and the extended family, gets acquainted with them and a few others. This was probably the first time I didn't want the girl to be vulnerable. She was very independent, and felt she didn't want to lose herself in another life, since she still hadn't figured out hers. She wanted to know what was wrong in the world, and what was wrong with her. Situations aren't black and white, good vs. bad, but the inherent price of life. She feels pressured from others because her life has been arranged for her. She didn't work, but she did have to eat, and her nuclear family had to work for her. With her grandma, she's pressured to marry to a man with money, but this isn't her concern. She rather be a writer, but moves to a third setting after her parents default on debts. It's the first time she has to work. She doesn't like it, but is doing it until she can have some success in life.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9b/My_Brilliant_Career_FilmPoster.jpeg

matt72582

02-24-16, 09:17 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Trainspotting_ver2.jpg

Wow.....................................8.5/10

And there's a sequel coming up!

Finally something to look forward to!

DrSoup007

02-25-16, 12:32 AM

Gods of Egypt directed by Alex Proyas - 3
I'm being super generous, because this movie has a lot bringing it down. Very poor writing, making paper thin characters that we're supposed to like only because we're told to. An impossibly vague and pointless story that wanders through the world giving us nothing to follow until it happens. But its saving grace is some pretty fantastic and corny CGI that shines through great in some moments and hilariously bad at others. It's not a particularly good movie, but I would be lying if I said I didn't have a smile on my face throughout the entire mess. So far it's the best animated movie of the year.

dadgumblah

02-25-16, 04:22 AM

The Flame and the Arrow (1950)

Fun swashbuckler starring Burt Lancaster and Virginia Mayo. Set in the 13th century, this has Lancaster and his young son living in the mountains of Northern Italy, which has been occupied by Hessian soldiers. There is a villainous leader named The Hawk who is now romancing Lancaster's runaway ex-wife of years earlier. The villagers are often terrorized by this man. Lancaster still chooses to keep to himself but when his son is kidnapped by The Hawk, he and his friends go into action.

Lancaster's real-life friend and former circus acrobat partner Nick Cravat, co-stars in this movie. He would co-star in several other Lancaster films. He is a delight as the mute Piccolo in this. He would play a mute in another film with Lancaster, The Crimson Pirate (1952), but Cravat could speak. Apparently his Brooklyn accent was so thick he couldn't shake it, so they made him mute in those two films.

Most of the action is relegated to the back half of the film but the movie is not dull at all. Lancaster and Cravat show off their acrobatic skills to great effect, the color is vivid, and the action, when it happens, is cool. Directed by the great Jacques Tourneur.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l70MH0ogptE/TadMBkgv7YI/AAAAAAAACNo/1h69KkNT24k/s320/The+Flame+%2526+The+Arrow-xvid-CG%255B16-08-06%255D.JPG

3.5

The Age of Adaline (2015)

Great movie with Blake Lively playing a young woman who becomes ageless after a car accident. She is a subject of interest to the government, especially during the 50's, so she takes to changing her name and moving from town to town. She tries to avoid love so as not to complicate things, but she cannot avoid it when she meets Ellis (Michiel Huisman from Game of Thrones). Things get even more complicated when Adaline meets Ellis' parents (Harrison Ford, Kathy Baker). As she ages, Adaline's daughter is eventually played by Ellen Burstyn. After all, by the time our story really kicks in, she is in her eighth decade!

The only real debit for me was the annoying narrator telling us all about the stars aligning to make Adaline stop aging. Not really stars, but a comet, and electricity, timing, etc. All these coincidences. I don't think we really needed all that---it could have been told without the narration, in my opinion. Still, it doesn't really make or break the movie, the acting and writing sells it.

http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/the-age-of-adaline.jpg

4

Lost River (2014)

This debut directing job by Ryan Gosling is a somewhat weird but still watchable film about the bizarre goings-on in a dying town. The lovely Christina Hendricks is a single mom who has to take a strange club job to make ends meet to care for her two boys, one a teen, the other just a few years old. The older boy, Bones, tries to eke out a small living by gathering junk to sell, but he is constantly hounded by a bully called, ahem, Bully (played by former Doctor Who Matt Smith). He tools around town in a convertible with a large chair set in the back, where he rides like a king in a parade. Bones also meets a lovely young woman named Rat (played by Saoirse Ronan), so named because of the pet rat she carries around. There's also a mystery concerning the "curse" placed on the dying town, with a connection to a local lost town that now rests under a lake.

The film plays somewhat like a lesser David Lynch film but is still worthwhile on its own. Gosling does a good job of putting all these characters and images together to make a mostly coherent film that is a visual treat if not a writing triumph. Everyone does a great job and there is a short, speechless role by former horror film queen, Barbara Steele, as Rat's grandmother. The whole film is definitely worth a look. Good first job by Gosling. I look forward to his next effort, if he indeed does one.

3.5

http://moviecitynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Lost-RIver.jpeg

Derek Vinyard

02-25-16, 04:58 AM

Spotlight (2015) - Tom McCarthy
https://cbscw69.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/spotlight-2.jpg
http://www.moma.org/d/assets/W1siZiIsIjIwMTUvMTEvMTgvNGt2MGZmdGY5dl9TcG90bGlnaHRfY3JvcHBlZC5qcGciXSxbInAiLCJjb252ZXJ0IiwiLXJlc2l6 ZSAyMDAweDIwMDBcdTAwM0UiXV0/Spotlight_cropped.jpg?sha=aeec8b4a48a0af73
- Very nice and well made journalistic flick with a lot of informations and details about a modern scandal about the catholic church and pedophile priest. It is one of the most shocking subject I've seen from 2015 by far and it's also the best cast I've seen from a 2015 movie. Ruffalo is just absolutely terrific in that movie. The second part of the movie is by far better than the first part imo and it's also way more entertaining. I like the type of mood that a journalistic movie have.... I don't know how to describe it but it has a different and very interesting mood that other kind of movie doesn't have. The ending is solid and very satisfying. For me, it's pretty good but I don't know if it's worth a rewatch mainly because of the subject...
4-

Iroquois

02-25-16, 06:49 AM

On a Malick marahton to lead up to Knight of Cups???

Nah, last I checked Knight of Cups had already been in and out of very select theatres very quickly last year. This is just for the sake of being a completionist.

Brooklyn - 3.5

Surprisingly decent despite it looking like yet another blandly pleasant British drama.

the samoan lawyer

02-25-16, 08:54 AM

A very strong rejection is often a sign of love. ;)

;)

the samoan lawyer

02-25-16, 08:57 AM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/ca/Ghostintheshellposter.jpg/220px-Ghostintheshellposter.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ghostintheshellposter.jpg)
The Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Was out of my comfort zone with this one but really enjoyed it. Easily see how its so influential.

4

colejwalker

02-25-16, 08:57 AM

Gravity (2013) - Alfonso Cuaron

https://peanutsandpopcorn.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/gravity-explosion.jpg

I don't really know what to think of this movie. Do I think it deserved to be nominated for Best Picture? Absolutely not. Is it one of the worst Best Picture noms though? No. It's not really that important though, if I'm going to be honest this film could have been a lot better written. Sandra Bullock kind of just talks to herself a lot of the movie and she says these ridiculous lines that made me cringe at times. Her acting wasn't bad though I just think she didn't have much to work with, but Clooney was really good and all the moments he is on screen are the ones I actually cared about. Bullock's character probably could have been exploited more and handled better. For someone who had so little drive to keep going, she seems to find this unspoken energy toward the end of the film that really didn't seem deserved. Another problem I find with all of these movies though is that everything always goes wrong and it almost becomes unrealistic at a certain point, this is one of the same problems I have with The Martian (2015). To be fair, I know you have to create drama and in some scenes you feel the tension, but in others it's just nonexistent. To talk more about positives, Lubezki killed it again with the cinematography and the camera flows through these scenes so well you forget that it's even there. Some of the money shots were beautiful in this film and the attention to detail with all of the shrapnel flying off of the broken carriers is astounding. This film is riddled with CGI though and at times it bothered me, especially when they probably could have used a real set, but I get it. Overall, Gravity tells a cool space story about the drive to live, but it's nothing you haven't seen before and from the guy who brought you Children of Men (2006) this film kind of feels like wasted potential.

3

neiba

02-25-16, 09:36 AM

Love Letter (Shunji Iwai, 1995)

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_59/love_letter_blu-ray_/title_love_letter_blu-ray_.jpg

Watched this yesterday with my gf. It has an interesting and quite fresh plot, nice written script and good acting. But what really made an impression in me was the soundtrack and cinematography. It feels like an anime but made in live action.
I began quite uncertain if I would like it or not but it kept getting better and better, the last 30 minutes are stunning!
A pleasant surprise, overall!

rating_3_5 +

Gatsby

02-25-16, 10:11 AM

The Grandmaster (Kar-Wai, 2012)

http://i.imgur.com/nb1OtVk.jpg

I love Wong Kar-Wai and respect his attempt to take on a genre he's never done before, but hopefully he realized that straightforward martial arts movies aren't his thing. The film is directed, shot, and produced with grace, yet fails to provide anything fresh.

2.5

Gideon58

02-25-16, 12:03 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/24/DrugstoreCowboyposter.jpg/220px-DrugstoreCowboyposter.jpg

5/10

matt72582

02-25-16, 12:50 PM

Ghost World - 7/10

Good movie.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c3/Ghostworldposter.jpg

matt72582

02-25-16, 03:25 PM

martyrofevil

02-25-16, 04:11 PM

Au hasard Balthazar - 8/10

The first Bresson film I've seen and while there's a lot more to it than I could excavate but its a very lovely film.

http://cdn.cinemur.fr/movies/cache/600x800_218133.jpg

MovieMeditation

02-25-16, 04:33 PM

James Dean 2/3
Rebel Without a Cause
1955

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/image-library/land/500/r/rebel-without-a-cause-quad.jpg

3+

DrSoup007

02-25-16, 11:27 PM

London Has Fallen directed by Babak Najafi - 4

http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news_img/67430/London_Has_Fallen_67430.jpg
Continuing on this unexpected but nonetheless entertaining streak of Gerard Butler movies, this one stands out as a surprisingly good film. The franchise itself doesn't have the greatest writing or story, but London Has Fallen stepped up its game. Using the strengths of its previous film and taking it in a creative direction. Much like Olympus Has Fallen, you never really doubt the stakes, and I the familiarity of the characters certainly helps in connecting with what happens. The villains are a little thin, but the spectacle the provide is entertaining and a step up from the previous film in terms of it's visuals. In all honesty, I wouldn't be opposed to having another film in the franchise, and I think this director proved himself capable. I'm unsure of how well they could recapture this success, but if they want to go for it, I'm more than interested.

Nabby

02-26-16, 01:01 AM

ZOOTOPIA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2-rOkFnBJc&feature=youtu.be)

DEADPOOL (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBFMaDWVe6Q&feature=youtu.be)

Wolfsbane

02-26-16, 08:14 AM

London Has Fallen directed by Babak Najafi - rating_4

http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news_img/67430/London_Has_Fallen_67430.jpg
Continuing on this unexpected but nonetheless entertaining streak of Gerard Butler movies, this one stands out as a surprisingly good film. The franchise itself doesn't have the greatest writing or story, but London Has Fallen stepped up its game. Using the strengths of its previous film and taking it in a creative direction. Much like Olympus Has Fallen, you never really doubt the stakes, and I the familiarity of the characters certainly helps in connecting with what happens. The villains are a little thin, but the spectacle the provide is entertaining and a step up from the previous film in terms of it's visuals. In all honesty, I wouldn't be opposed to having another film in the franchise, and I think this director proved himself capable. I'm unsure of how well they could recapture this success, but if they want to go for it, I'm more than interested.

I might be one of the only people that prefer the Tatum White House attack film, White House Down, over Olympus.

the samoan lawyer

02-26-16, 09:07 AM

https://files.list.co.uk/images/2015/05/18/The-Lobster-LST169671_b.jpg
The Lobster (2015)

Single people are made to go to a hotel in the arse end of nowhere and are given 45 days to find a partner before they are turned into an animal of their choice and sent out into the wild. This is possibly the most normal bit about The Lobster and in order to get the most out of this film it's probably best you go in blind. It's fairly obvious the message the director Yorgos Lanthimos is trying to preach and if you've seen his Dogtooth, then you'll have a fair idea of what to expect. Still, Farrell, Weisz and Colman all play their characters really well and it's always good to see local lad Michael Smiley.

3.5+?

Lucas

02-26-16, 10:44 AM

http://images.moviepostershop.com/pygmalion-movie-poster-1938-1020197553.jpg

Pygmalion 4

Rey Skywalker

02-26-16, 03:21 PM

https://40.media.tumblr.com/580f6264affbe5fb5bbbb04099c999c1/tumblr_o2hqb5lojR1tfg6jso5_500.png

The Family Stone (2005)

rating_3_5

OddbergFinne

02-26-16, 03:35 PM

You only get one life.I's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.

Me Before YOU --

OddbergFinne

02-26-16, 03:46 PM

Fifty Shades of Grey is a 2011 erotic romance novel by British author E. L. James.

OddbergFinne

02-26-16, 03:48 PM

Hana Yori Dango is a Japanese television drama series, which was broadcast on TBS in 2005 starring Mao Inoue, Jun Matsumoto of Arashi, Shun Oguri, Shota Matsuda, and Tsuyoshi Abe.

Mäx

02-26-16, 03:50 PM

Roman Holiday (William Wyler, 1953) - 2.5+

Jaws 2 (Jeannot Szwarc, 1978) - 2.5+

The Rescuers Down Under (Hendel Butoy/Mike Gabriel, 1990) - 1.5+

OddbergFinne

02-26-16, 03:50 PM

Paradise Kiss is a 2011 Japanese film based on the manga of the same name. The film is directed by Takehiko Shinjo, and it stars actors Keiko Kitagawa, Osamu Mukai, Yusuke Yamamoto.

OddbergFinne

02-26-16, 03:52 PM

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (also known as Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens)

Nausicaä

02-26-16, 06:51 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a6/L%27attesa_poster.jpg
The Wait

3.5

dadgumblah

02-26-16, 09:27 PM

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962)

Delightful. albeit fictionalized tale of the authors of numerous famous fairy tales that are widely known to this day. Tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to name a few. Directed by Henry Levin and George Pal (who handled the animated sequences), this is great fun with Laurence Harvey and Karl Boehm as Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, and their years in Germany, with Wilhelm portrayed as the one who loved the stories more, and Karl as his more studious brother.

Wilhelm is the daydreamer and Karl the one who writes books on the German language, etc. Claire Bloom plays Wilhelm's wife Dorothea, who is somewhat flustered at Wilhelm's whimsical ways. There are three stories featured in the movie, "The Dancing Princess" (which was supposedly made up for the movie), "The Cobbler and the Elves" (the only one of the three that I had heard of), and "The Singing Bone" (which is my favorite of the three). The other stars of the film are Russ Tamblyn, Buddy Hackett, Jim Backus, Walter Slezak, Barbara Eden, Oskar Homolka, Yvette Mimieux, Beulah Bondi, and Terry-Thomas. The animation is loads of fun, with puppets turning into elves, and a jewel-sparkling dragon menacing Buddy Hackett. There is a small but important role with Martita Hunt as the local "witch" who regales the local children with fairy tales (and whom Wilhelm eavesdrops on).

What started with the feature-length This is Cinerama (1952), an exhibition film on the new process of films in the Cinerama format, continued with How the West Was Won and The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, which were released to theaters widely in the same year (1962). For those who don't know, the films were photographed in an arc with three lenses, on a camera that produced three strips of film. Three projectors, in the back and sides of the theatre, produced a panoramic image on a screen that curved 146 degrees around the front of the audience. Yes, I copied and pasted most of that. My memory is not that good. :)

Only How the West Was Won has been restored and even released on DVD in the curved format. Unfortunately, the original negative of Grimm is in supposed bad shape, and there appears to be no effort afoot to restore it. I watched this on TCM and I don't know what the source was---I don't think it was DVD as it's not available in the U.S. They may have used a Region-free DVD. Anyway, it was widescreen and you could plainly see the lines on the film that marked the Cinerama strips. Plus, it was a bit muddy in places, there being dark places that I assume should have been much lighter. Still, I forgot after a while and just went with and enjoyed it immensely.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDU4WDYwMA==/z/MS4AAOxy3zNSoi1P/$_35.JPG

4.5

DrSoup007

02-27-16, 12:43 AM

1408 directed by Mikael Håfström - 2.5

http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/29600000/John-Cusack-in-1408-john-cusack-29646848-1920-800.jpg

Once the initial charm and interest wear off, the tone and atmosphere that the first half hour captured so perfectly just dies. And I can't pinpoint the exact moment it that happens, but about halfway through, all the intensity and build up leaves, as the threat of "the room" didn't quite wow. The feeling of isolation and dread was so powerful when it started, and as the story progressed it tried to scope out and make the horror bigger than it needed to be. I wouldn't have cared one bit if they made a straight horror movie, and just scared the pants off of me, no real story was necessary other than the setup. But they just kept adding layers and layers to it to try and develop the character, who didn't need anything more than what we were given. 1408 tries to be more than it needed to be, and what worked at first, never came back.

this_is_the_ girl

02-27-16, 04:08 AM

L'Argent - 8/10

Wow. Two great movies in one day. I've had this for a while, and I love Bresson. Just slipped through the cracks.

In one line, it's a great movie about how the injustice of one affects many.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/25/L%27argent.jpg

I saw this film recently, and, while I found it quite a bit interesting mainly on the strength of Bresson's unique cinematic philosophy and language, I still didn't like it all that much. I guess if Bresson wasn't trying so hard to bluntly hammer home his ideas and make it a point to make things as bleak and miserable as one possibly can, I probably would have appreciated it more. The premise was fascinating and up to a certain point I was invested in the whole thing but then I felt it just crumbled under the weight of its own pretentiousness. I couldn't focus on the story - all I could see was Bresson looming large over everything, making his presence felt in each and every scene, and it just became overbearing. The ending, which was supposed to be powerful and shocking, was just annoying to no end (to me) because of the undisguised intent of the director to adjust the story to his vision, believability and logic be damned.

this_is_the_ girl

02-27-16, 05:37 AM

https://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/images/3634-085f8e2b373a899fb00a6f3f05081b17/tokyostory_current_original.jpg

Tokyo Story (1953) 4/5

Of the two Ozu films I've seen so far - this one and Late Spring - I think I liked the latter more but both are excellent.

Gatsby

02-27-16, 10:49 AM

Primer (Carruth, 2004)

http://i.imgur.com/QscNK5D.jpg

Starts of promising, then drowns in its own mumbo-jumbo and the two characters go through the typical results of time travel, ya know, creating alternate versions of themselves and getting information for self-beneficial purposes. Then ends with a punctual, but boring conclusion. Essential viewing if you want to make an independent film of your own, from a normal film buff's perspective it's quite mundane.

2.5-

Swan

02-27-16, 10:52 AM

What a weird review.

rauldc14

02-27-16, 10:53 AM

You need a new number one film Swan

Swan

02-27-16, 10:54 AM

You need a new number one film Swan

So do you.

Gatsby

02-27-16, 10:54 AM

What a weird review.
Still deciding if I liked it or thought it was average.

seanc

02-27-16, 10:54 AM

You need a new number one film Swan

Quiet you. ;)

Swan

02-27-16, 10:55 AM

Still deciding if I liked it or thought it was average.

Well, not that it matters what I think, but there are few films I'm as hyperbolic about as I am with Primer. One of the most influential films on me personally. It's so de facto top ten that I never put it in my top ten. :p

rauldc14

02-27-16, 10:56 AM

Oh, and Sean needs one too.

Swan

02-27-16, 10:56 AM

Oh, and Sean needs one too.

Nah, Sean's is fine.

foster

02-27-16, 10:58 AM

I thought primer is the most realistic time travel film made to date.
I have a more realistic idea for one but it would be big budget so I haven't bothered writing the screen play. Need to write a low budget crime thriller first for my feature.

Gatsby

02-27-16, 10:58 AM

I'm happy with Oldboy, tyvm. :)

Gatsby

02-27-16, 10:59 AM

I thought primer is the most realistic time travel film made to date.
For me, realism is not what I expect from a movie about such a vague concept. Give me the fantasy shtick and stuff.

seanc

02-27-16, 11:01 AM

Oh, and Sean needs one too.

I wonder if I ever will. I don't think so. It has too much of what I love in it. I think it shaped my taste too, and you never forget your first. :D

rauldc14

02-27-16, 11:02 AM

I won't say never for me, because Man on Fire was my favorite for awhile. But it would take something extraordinary.

Swan

02-27-16, 11:13 AM

Gatsby, you know I don't mind you disliking Primer. Your separate, personal opinion makes you unique and awesome. But, maybe if I talk about some of the reasons I personally enjoy the film, could give you some interesting things to think about - even if you ultimately disagree. :)

Primer is just amazing to me. I like it for several reasons. People always diss on the characters but I love them. Maybe because they remind me of my cousin, who is an engineering major and very technically thoughtful like they are. In any case, I feel those characters. Tarantino has talked about "hang-out movies," movies like Rio Bravo and Dazed and Confused where you feel like you're just hanging out with the characters. Well, I think Primer is a hang-out movie, and might be my favorite one. I love hanging out with these nerds, building something awesome only to discover freaking time travel.

Aside from that, the main reason I like it is that it's overflowing with such a unique mood/atmosphere. It's no surprise to any of my friends on the board that atmosphere is a big deal for me, but it's special when the atmosphere - the essence - is unique to the film.

Lastly, I think Primer is this weird f*cked up marvel in that it's low-budget, and feels it, but is also an intricate, non-linear time travel movie. Those two things, you'd think, wouldn't go hand in hand - but for Primer, they totally do. It's this weird flukey thing that's not a fluke at all.

Shane Carruth is an absolute genius at knowing and working with his limitations as a filmmaker. Carruth is my favorite "up-and-coming" director, to the point where I consider him in the pantheon of my personal all-time favorite filmmakers already, after only two movies.

Gatsby

02-27-16, 11:30 AM

Thanks for the post Swan. I didn't feel the need to criticize the characters - they felt like people you'd be able to find in the real world - which is always good. Atmosphere was okay but I wasn't a big fan of it as it felt a bit forced. One thing I really agree with you is the film being surprisingly low-budget yer having a theme that usually only Hollywood producitons have. Totally understand why you look up to Shane Carruth, I admit that he does a very good job of overcoming budget restraints.

cricket

02-27-16, 11:34 AM

Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

3+

http://www.apedonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/capturing-the-friedmans-still.jpg

I love true crime documentaries, although I prefer murder stories over these kind of diddling doofuses. It's pretty creepy thanks to all of the relevant interviews and the family's archive videos.

matt72582

02-27-16, 12:26 PM

Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

rating_3+

http://www.apedonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/capturing-the-friedmans-still.jpg

I love true crime documentaries, although I prefer murder stories over these kind of diddling doofuses. It's pretty creepy thanks to all of the relevant interviews and the family's archive videos.

Sick family!

matt72582

02-27-16, 12:32 PM

McCabe And Mrs. Miller - N/A

I've graded this several times before, but when I watch a movie at night, I'm "buzzed" and it's hard to really grade it, as opinions slightly seem to vary. It didn't seem like a Top 15 movie to me, but then again, I was a bit "buzzed"

It's ON-DEMAND until 3/3/16.. Starts kinda slow, but it's very all-encompassing - motivations, insecurity, human nature, and how silly or reasonable circumstances can force the hand (gambling seems to be a favorite theme of Altman, a gambler himself)..

It's a pro-free-enterprise movie, with caution. A man can "make it" but there are a lot of consequences that have nothing to do with government, authority, competitors. William Devane is the lawyer who wants to prop McCabe to be the king of the "little man" - remember, this was before Roosevelt (Teddy) busted up the monopolies/mergers. But even with the law (courts) on McCabe's side, what good was it if the nearest sheriff is over 80 miles away. I love the vulnerability shown between him and Mrs. Miller. He wants to stay alive for her, but he wants to be respected, so he can't just back down.

This is a film you have to pay a lot of attention to. Lots of overlapping dialogue, but a lot of little things in the background. I only saw this because I didn't have it in me to watch a movie I never saw, and I was sick of watching the news, so at night I put something I've seen before so I don't have to pay that much attention to it.

I know in the past I've graded it an 8, 9, and a 10.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/86/Mccabe_and_mrs_miller.jpg

mistique

02-27-16, 02:24 PM

http://www.filmeducation.org/arthur/imgs/poster.jpg
Arthur and the Invisibles (2006)

An enjoyable and cute kids movie. It's no Pixar/Disney movie, but still worth a watch. Though I was a bit suprised with a scene set in a bar/club, that seemed a bit more mature than the rest of the movie. With that said I'm still going to watch the second movie, which I also own on dvd.

Gideon58

02-27-16, 02:45 PM

http://www.fatmovieguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Don-Jon-Movie-Poster.jpg

7.5/10

Mäx

02-27-16, 04:48 PM

In a Lonely Place (Nicholas Ray, 1950) - 3.5+

Very solid film noir, beautifully shot.

Citizen Rules

02-27-16, 04:50 PM

In a Lonely Place (Nicholas Ray, 1950) - rating_3_5+

Very solid film noir, beautifully shot.That was the winner of the Film Noir Hof. Great film, one of Bogie's best.

MovieMeditation

02-27-16, 05:09 PM

Mäx

02-27-16, 05:10 PM

... one of Bogie's best.
I've only seen three other movies with him: Casablanca, The Enforcer and Sabrina. This one is definetely my favourite of those four.

rauldc14

02-27-16, 05:12 PM

Glad you liked Brooklyn Meds. It's potentially my favorite movie from 2015 that I've seen.

MovieMeditation

02-27-16, 05:20 PM

Reply to Swan's now deleted post (pussy):

Well I already said subtle I needed another word. But really, I just felt that it had a straightforward and easy style to it, yet the writing hinted at something more several places throughout. Of course the actors and actresses also helped bring this forward.

If I liked my writing dumb, obvious and impersonal I'd go read a script for a stupid revenge western or something.

Swan

02-27-16, 05:20 PM

Who are you responding to?

Citizen Rules

02-27-16, 05:26 PM

I've only seen three other movies with him: Casablanca, The Enforcer and Sabrina. This one is definetely my favourite of those four. I seen all those, but hardly remember The Enforcer. If you're in the market of another Bogie film, I'd suggest Treasure of the Sierra Madre. It's one of my favs.

Lucas

02-27-16, 06:36 PM

http://cache3.asset-cache.net/gc/561244699-peter-strausfeld-designed-poster-for-john-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=9QMziWNtBI6whP66vhs4oeKxVSTIkwHMP4KqyeJMNTo5ir0WudEM7ZJImqwB%2F9Z8fXuGX%2BB%2BgxsaEJMrGEp%2B7Q%3D% 3D

Shadows 3

It's a fairly admirable debut, but lacks that Cassavetes magic.

Thursday Next

02-27-16, 07:15 PM

The Aviator (2004)

3

cricket

02-27-16, 07:23 PM

Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)

3-

http://cdn.moviestillsdb.com/sm/d92cc8ba08070e4542cfb322814e55fe/suddenly-last-summer.jpg

I came upon this movie and decided to watch it based on the strength of it's cast, story, and IMDb rating of 7.7.

Katharine Hepburn plays a wealthy widow who lost her son while he was vacationing in Europe with her niece (Elizabeth Taylor). The niece is in a mental institution, and Hepburn wants her lobotomized in order to prevent her from telling what actually happened. Montgomery Clift plays the doctor looking into the situation to see if he should go along with the procedure. Taylor is gorgeous in this movie which has a seedy and sinister side that I appreciate. It's a good flick, but I didn't think it went past that.

MovieMeditation

02-27-16, 08:12 PM

Room (2015)

http://movieboozer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/room-main-review.jpg

Wow, I wasn't ready for this at all. I didn't read anything about this, which made me question a lot of things during the beginning minutes. What was this? A low budget mommy drama? A postapocalyptic tale? All I got from the poster and stuff told me about something sweet and nice, I wasn't ready for what really awaited me...

When you watch a truly great movie, I mean those that go beyond and further, you realize how much you have to go through, as a viewer, because of it. I mean, when the movie is "one of those" you forget how hard you actually have to suffer for cinema. You leave with a great great film, but first you suffer through an emotional hell. There were periods in this that was just too real. Too much.

This is one of those movies that made me rediscover cinema, in a way; that made me open my eyes to a whole different world and see things differently, feel differently. I had seen some of it before, but I've never quite felt it. Not like this. I just sat here in my room, watched the television screen, while everything just felt bigger and wider to me. I don't know what to say, really. To those behind this film, I thank you for giving me something new and oddly refreshing. I hated it, I loved it, I needed it. Thank you.

4.5+

Raven73

02-27-16, 08:51 PM

Risen 8/10

JayDee

02-27-16, 09:27 PM

Brooklyn (2015)

Somehow this feels a little like an underdog Oscar feature. It has a nice calm and tender feel to it and it's small and subtle in scale with faintly clever writing that charms just enough to love it without ever getting sick of it, unlike some of those other Oscar nominations. Ronan is mesmerizing and she shows a lot of emotion and conflict through very little, I love that.

Oh, and the good thing about these underdog Oscar nominations... even though they definitely deserve the nominations, at least it rarely feels like they are humping your leg for them.

rating_3_5

Glad you enjoyed Brooklyn MM. I did as well. In fact I also just wrote about it. Prepare yourself, it's shameless plug time. :D

JayDee on Brooklyn (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=1467410#post1467410)

As for Room I wasn't completely sold on it. I was a big fan of the first hour but then I wasn't sure about the second half. Will need to give it a second watch to try and cement an opinion. Brie Larson was incredible though.

dadgumblah

02-27-16, 10:36 PM

I Remember Mama (1948)

Sentimental but lovely film about a Norwegian family now living in San Francisco in the early 1900's. Mama (Irene Dunne) is the real strength of the family and does the difficult things as Papa defers to her. He's not weak, just soft-hearted and when he hesitates, she'll go through with things, like having to deal with the youngest daughter's sick cat. It's a slice-of-life about this immigrant family and how they deal with the everyday trials of life. Also, there are three aunts, two of whom are busybodies and one of whom is sweet. She's played by Ellen Corby (Grandma Walton) and does a very good job. Her suitor is played by Edgar Bergen and he is well-off and treats her very well, unlike her sisters. There is also Uncle Chris (Oskar Homolka) who intimidates members of the family, but only because he's loud and boisterous, and has a very kind heart that he rarely shows.

The movie is told to us, the audience (by breaking the fourth wall) by Katrin (Barbara Bel Geddes, Miss Ellie from Dallas). She is a writer and has written about her family, which is the movie tale we watch. Irene Dunne is excellent as the matriarch, and although she was fifty-years-old at the time, she hardly looks it. Dunne kept her youth very well. I highly recommend this film, which was nominated for five Oscars.

http://www.virtual-history.com/movie/photo/m01/large/i_remember_mama.jpg

4.5

Tom Jones (1963)

Fun comedy with Albert Finney as the lusty young man, Tom Jones, who is raised by the wealthy Squire Allworthy, to the chagrin of his snooty jerk of a cousin, Master Blifil (David Warner), who, when Allworthy gets sick, sets his mind on Allworthy's estate. Meanwhile, Jones gets in trouble when a local floozy he's been, um, "seeing," gets pregnant. This causes trouble with Sophie Western, the beautiful young woman he adores (Susannah York). Co-starring in the film are the great Hugh Griffith as Squire Western, Sophie's father, who goes back-and-forth in his estimation of Tom, Dame Edith Evans as Squire Western's snobbish sister, and Diane Cilento as Molly Seagrim, the loose woman that Tom has been carousing with.

Often hilarious film that breaks the fourth wall quite a few times, with romance, sex, some action, some drama, and all's-well-that-ends-well. Plus, it was nominated for ten Oscars, winning four, including Best Picture and Best Director, Tony Richardson. What more could you ask for in a movie?

http://cdn5.movieclips.com/mgm/t/tom-jones-1963/0548377_13169_MC_Tx360.jpg

4.5

Captain Blood (1935)

Terrific swashbuckler with Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Lionel Atwill, Basil Rathbone, and Guy Kibbee heading up the cast. Flynn is Doctor Peter Blood, who is unjustly jailed for tending to a rebel who opposes the King. They are saved from the gallows when the King is informed that the convicted men would serve them better by being slaves. So, while they are slaves, Blood is bought and paid for by de Havilland, who is the niece of Colonel Bishop (Atwill), who treats the slaves cruely and earns their hatred. By circumstance, Blood becomes the personal doctor of the Governor of the island, and in the process plots his escape. Of course, he plans to take along most of the prisoners in the stockade. All of this takes up the first hour of the film...the rest is almost pure action on the seas.

This was Flynn's first real "pirate" film and it's awesome. He wields a foil with the best of them, having a grand duel on the beach with Rathbone. There is an epic battle of ships near the final third, with Blood's British ship against two French ships. Cannons, swords, clubs, and fire abound. Very much recommended. Directed by the great Michael Curtiz.

http://www.doctormacro.com/Images/Flynn,%20Errol/Annex/Annex%20-%20Flynn,%20Errol%20(Captain%20Blood)_03.jpg

4.5

Citizen Rules

02-27-16, 10:45 PM

Oh man! You see all the great old films Dadgumblah:D I Remember Mama (1948) very touching film. I haven't seen Tom Jones but I did see most all of Errol Flynn swashbuckler movies including Captain Blood (1935).

Nostromo87

02-27-16, 10:53 PM

Right on dadgum, Cap'n Blood wins ya damm swabbs

http://www.basilrathbone.net/gallery/brathbone38.jpg

https://forums.tigsource.com/Smileys/derek/toast.gif

UMRCogerson

02-27-16, 10:56 PM

Paris When It Sizzles. Hepburn is lovely....Holden is interesting....Curtis is funny....but the movie is just to silly to really enjoy.

ursaguy

02-27-16, 10:57 PM

Argo-4
Truthfully, figuring out how Argo won Best Picture is more interesting than the movie itself. It kind of won by default in a year where the best films were too obscure (Beasts of Southern Wild, Amour) or not career best efforts from people who already won awards (Life of Pi, Lincoln, Zero Dark 30). Argo also has the Academy's two favorite themes: America is awesome and Hollywood is the most awesome part of it. The film is fine. Affleck is a great director and an adequate actor. It was surprisingly funny and the tempo was kept up for the whole run time. The opening was the best part. The break-in of the Iranian mob was inspired and brilliantly shot. The third act was very Hollywood-ized, but it was good fun. It's a fun, enjoyable movie to watch, but not a life changing experience in any way.

dadgumblah

02-27-16, 10:59 PM

Thanks, CR and nostromo! And great pic of Rathbone, nostromo. He was excellent as a French pirate and very believable. By the way, I just happened to catch a blooper in the movie...when Rathbone is lying dead in the surf, right before the scene fades you can cleary see Rathbone open his eye. Oops! Maybe the director called "cut!" too soon. :)

ursaguy

02-28-16, 02:33 AM

gbgoodies

02-28-16, 02:39 AM

Steve Jobs: rating_2
This movie has a rigid 3 act structure, with 3 extended hallway talk sequences before product speeches from Job's. I think this hurt the film a ton. You get a lot of Jobs as a person but basically none of his products, and the 3 sequences are very repetitive. Steve is a bad father and he demeans other employees and nothing he makes sells well but he is a creative genius. There isn't really a plot, or pacing, or any attempt to make it feel like a movie. Decent idea, but it made for a boring film. All of the points are for the acting (expected great work from Fassbender and Winslet and unexpected great work from Seth Rogen as Steve Wozniak) and the Sorkin dialogue itself, which offers plenty of fun lines even if they don't make anything greater.

I agree that Steve Jobs wasn't a great movie, but if you lived through that time, it's a fun trip through memory lane. (I still have one of the original Macintosh computers up in my attic.)

False Writer

02-28-16, 03:00 AM

Spotlight (2015)

Wanted to watch this before the Academy Awards. It was very good with an engaging true story driving it. I like seeing Michael Keaton having another great role. Ruffalo was good as well. I wouldn't mind seeing it win a couple awards, but I'm still pulling for The Revenant to win the major ones (picture, actor, and director).

4.5-

Steve Freeling

02-28-16, 03:35 AM

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/6IHiWSCS1tAqfxrwEXTJ9A1LD7R.jpg
3.5

Tugg

02-28-16, 03:40 AM

American Hustle: rating_2_5
It's a David O Russell movie. The story is plodding and tangent prone until it gets very complex in the last 20 minutes. The characters are non-existent. The actors are mostly very good. I didn't like Jennifer Lawrence in this. She goes over the top as a caricature of a shouty New Jersey housewife, and she plays it as a Lifetime channel stereotype (She's also a good 10 years too young for the part, but Russell will cast her in everything until he dies). Bradley Cooper is also prone to being too shouty and overacting at times, but for the most part he's fantastic (His first big scene, where he talks to Amy Adams in a prison cell, is just masterful. It's my favorite scene 100% because of his acting, easily the best 3 minutes of his career). Adams and Bale are both amazing. The relationship between Bale and the corrupt politician played by Renner carries the middle act and keeps me from complaining that 10 minutes could have been shaved off. The music, hair, and editing were all great, enjoyable and good at capturing NJ in the 70's. Moreso than other DoR films, I can see the appeal of this, even if it doesn't appeal to me.
The only good thing about it was Mayor Carmine Polito by Jeremy Renner. The rest were either over the top or caricature-ish or combination of the two. Character motivations were skimmed through and never felt convincing except for said mayor's. On face value the movie plays up moral ambiguity shtick, but when you look at individual characters,- it was too clear where all of them stood on moral questions.
Steve Jobs: rating_2
This movie has a rigid 3 act structure, with 3 extended hallway talk sequences before product speeches from Job's. I think this hurt the film a ton. You get a lot of Jobs as a person but basically none of his products, and the 3 sequences are very repetitive. Steve is a bad father and he demeans other employees and nothing he makes sells well but he is a creative genius. There isn't really a plot, or pacing, or any attempt to make it feel like a movie. Decent idea, but it made for a boring film. All of the points are for the acting (expected great work from Fassbender and Winslet and unexpected great work from Seth Rogen as Steve Wozniak) and the Sorkin dialogue itself, which offers plenty of fun lines even if they don't make anything greater. Even though it wasn't that great, it was still decent for me. It says volumes about the quality of screen writing and acting when a movie where nothing happens still manages to keep my interest. I think it succeeded in what it was trying to do. The fact that it relied on talking so much makes me think I'll revisit it in the future. Other movies might have more plot, but conversations can be too bland. "Steve Jobs" has no such problem.

Derek Vinyard

02-28-16, 06:28 AM

Interstellar (2014) - Christopher Nolan
http://www.flickeringmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/db3vd5msicvma8rgzngaji7wdoxhmtvcue08yzcfh5i-600x400.jpg
http://www.hdwallpapers.in/walls/interstellar_2014-wide.jpg
- This flick as to be one of the most perfect and one of the most intelligent and amazing movie I've ever seen. Wow man... What a great and stunning ride. I LOVE IT and I cannot even describe how much I'm stunned and stupify by this masterwork. So intelligent and so many details I was completely amazed during all the 2h45 of the movie. Every Nolan haters has to sh*t up after watching this movie because it as to be one of the greatest movie of the 21st century. Actors are all greatness especially McConaughey that makes me cry 2 or 3 times during the movie, The direction is one of the best I've ever seen (One other reason why Christopher Nolan is one of my favorite director and must be even higher to me after this flick) and the movie is visually beautiful. The ending is perfect and was totally satisfying to me. It's very very very near from Whiplash to me and Whiplash a total blast (Probably in my top 5 ever). Definitely a new movie in my top 50 maybe even in my top 25. A Brilliant Masterpiece of his own.
5

Mäx

02-28-16, 07:09 AM

I seen all those, but hardly remember The Enforcer. If you're in the market of another Bogie film, I'd suggest Treasure of the Sierra Madre. It's one of my favs.
This one and The Maltese Falcon are very high on my watchlist. :)

Gatsby

02-28-16, 07:48 AM

Spotlight (McCarthy, 2015)

http://i.imgur.com/WHs50xJ.jpg

Oscar bait alert! Oscar bait alert! Hope this film doesn't win best picture. Go Revenant

2

colejwalker

02-28-16, 11:38 AM

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) - Benh Zeitlin

http://thefilmstage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2012_beasts_of_the_southern_wild_006.jpg

My god, this film is so good. Quvenzhane Wallis does an incredible job at playing the character Hushpuppy who is a girl who lives with her father in a place called the Bathtub, which is in an impoverished bayou community. This film is very smart and has an amazing script, which really understands the people who actually dwell in these real life areas. This film runs rich with symbolism that is beautiful; it also is filled with creative and insightful metaphors about life. There's not a whole lot to say other than please go and watch this movie if you haven't. It's a little slow, but there is a lot of beauty that derives from this small tale. The cinematography is incredible and finds beauty in these grimy, grief stricken places. I can't wait to see more from this director as I am honestly shocked how good this was, as I walked in thinking it wouldn't be that great.

3.5 ++

MovieMeditation

02-28-16, 11:55 AM

Glad you liked it, Cole, amazing film indeed.

cricket

02-28-16, 12:05 PM

The Steel Helmet (1951)

3.5

http://ilarge.lisimg.com/image/5073254/740full-the-steel-helmet-screenshot.jpg

Set during the Korean War, I didn't think this was anything spectacular, but it's an easy and compelling watch. All of the actors do a fine job.

mark f

02-28-16, 01:08 PM

It's Short Round!

Rey Skywalker

02-28-16, 04:11 PM

You only get one life.I's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.

Me Before YOU --

was this movie any good? how is Emilia Clarke's acting?

Spotlight (McCarthy, 2015)

http://i.imgur.com/WHs50xJ.jpg

Oscar bait alert! Oscar bait alert! Hope this film doesn't win best picture. Go Revenant

rating_2

I haven't seen The Revenant, but I agree with the bolded. I'm gonna hate it if this film wins

Redwell

02-28-16, 04:54 PM

Friday the 13th: I-VIII rating_2
http://i.imgur.com/NujdIuq.jpg?1

Parts I, II, & III are all very samey, but charmingly low budget. The Final Chapter capstones the original run in my opinion. A New Beginning is bad enough to be good. Jason Lives is the closest to being a genuinely well made movie. The New Blood and Jason Takes Manhattan are bottom of the barrel. Too burnt out to finish Jason Goes to Hell and Creighton Duke's character helped discouraged me.

The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006) rating_3
http://i.imgur.com/s2m08Vb.jpg?1

The costume and set design feel authentic, but the story is told in an exceedingly average fashion. Every decision comes off as calculated to appeal to everyone in general and thus no-one in particular. Characters die and you try to remember who they were up to that point. Characters make love and you think "well of course, you've got to have a love subplot". In filmmaking, safety should always be synonymous with impotence. It does, however, make me want to revisit Steve McQueen's Hunger which is a positive consequence in itself.

http://boxd.it/8K16j

FM19

02-28-16, 05:19 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4f/Eddie_the_Eagle_poster.png
Eddie the Eagle (2016)

3.5

While this film never really deviated from the "underdog sports movie" formula, Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman both gave very solid performances, and the movie had a lot of heart.

matt72582

02-28-16, 06:04 PM

Bad Santa - 5/10

I can't believe I saw this movie. Stupid, but I've seen worse. Billy Bob Thornton is an actor I like.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cc/Bad_Santa_film.jpg

Nausicaä

02-28-16, 06:12 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/40/Blacksnakemoan3.jpg

rating_3

Gideon58

02-28-16, 06:14 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/74/Kids_are_all_right_poster.jpg/220px-Kids_are_all_right_poster.jpg

7.5/10

MovieMeditation

02-28-16, 06:40 PM

Spotlight (2015)

One of those movies that takes on a very interesting subject and executes it rather uninterestingly... The story is important, but it's kind of funny when movies take up subjects like this, shining the spotlight on a subject that had its subject shined upon already in another form of media. I mean, shouldn't they do more with the story than gather a great team of film people and just go from A to B?

That also leads up to a question that always frustrates me... How much should a subject weigh in on a rating of a film? I mean, I know must people would say something along the lines of "it's not the subject itself, but how the subject is presented, worked with and executed". I agree, but still you can't help but be affected by movies with heavy and/or important subjects and sometimes it makes you question what rating it really deserves.

This movie and Citizenfour are two examples of movies, one fiction on fact and one fact on fact, where I feel like the actual filmmaking is very straightforward and simple, but somehow feels bigger because of the subject. So yeah, I'm gonna to say this was fairly good going on really good, but it's too straightforward and standard, despite having much talent, to really do much out of the ordinary to me.

3+

matt72582

02-28-16, 06:46 PM

Reposting...

Dazed and Confused
Richard Linklater | 1993
rating_5

The Battle of Algiers
Gillo Pontecorvo | 1966
rating_5

Stranger than Paradise
Jim Jarmusch | 1984
rating_4

+1 for The Battle of Algiers - I also give it a 10/10.. On my Top 10 as well. Highly recommend this to anyone. It's a very important piece of history. The lead was played by the actual revolutionary leader.

Tugg

02-28-16, 08:32 PM

Black Sea (2014)
http://i.imgur.com/WXXohYq.jpg

"Black Sea" is intense, suspenseful thriller- adventure. :up:
rating_4

s1n1st3r

02-28-16, 09:42 PM

http://cdn1-www.comingsoon.net/assets/uploads/gallery/black-mass/28853fdf04e11a84746d32abb79b8d2ab9de0361.jpg

Black Mass

I really like my Gangster films and I dont know if I will add this one to the collection. I did like the movie and the performances we good but I cant think of a memorable moment. It is good to see Depp doing a role that show he can act, I'm an Aussie so it is always good to see one in an US film, Edgerton was strong as well. Cumberbatch was questionable as it wasn't really a pivotal role that needed him as an actor and could have been anyone. I look back at Goodfellas and Godfather and all their characters were good to watch had a part to play which added to the story. I think in some ways it was too serious and the outcome was never really in doubt. Still it is a solid film and maybe a second viewing may sway me either way.

3/5 Stars

cricket

02-28-16, 10:25 PM

The Tall T (1957)

3+

http://www.ciakhollywood.com/hp/trebanditi/THE_TALL_T-18.jpg

This was a blind watch from the top 100 Westerns list, that turned out better than I thought after a slow start. The movie is only 78 minutes long, and the first 25 minutes are like a very traditional cowpoke type of Western. The main story starts with only about 50 minutes left, and from then on out, this was a good flick. Very solid acting, dialogue, and tension.

Redwell

02-28-16, 11:48 PM

Black Sea (2014)
http://i.imgur.com/WXXohYq.jpg

"Black Sea" is intense, suspenseful thriller- adventure. :up:
rating_4
I Googled Jude Law an hour ago to see what he was up to lately. Wondered if I could catch this.

Mäx

02-29-16, 10:44 AM

Taxi Driver (Martin Scorsese, 1975) - 4

matt72582

02-29-16, 11:17 AM

Taxi Driver (Martin Scorsese, 1975) - rating_4

Great movie.. 1976 though, along with many better movies than "Rocky" which one Best Picture.

There were rumors of a sequel... "Uber Driver"? or "Taxi Driver 2: Death To Uber"?

colejwalker

02-29-16, 01:01 PM

Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) - Stephen Chbosky

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/hr_The_Perks_of_Being_a_Wallflower_8.jpg

An introvert freshman played by Logan Lerman is taken under the wings of two seniors Ezra Miller and Emma Watson who welcome him to the real world. Logan Lerman does a really great job playing this socially inept kid who has a troubled past and I can't believe how much of a roll this kid is on; from Fury (2014) to this, he's just been killing it. Emma Watson also does a great job with the limited amount of time she is given. The story to this film has been seen before, but Chbosky does a great job at personalizing the characters and showing you the troubled lives that everyone leads. The plot is full of twists and turns, some warranted and some not, but interesting nonetheless. The soundtrack and score to this film is very well done and am surprised it didn't get more recognition. I really loved the character dynamics of this film and some of the scenes are so beautiful, especially the tunnel scene. This film does have it's fair share of problems though and the most blatant one is Ezra Miller. For me at least, this kid is very hit and miss with what he does, while I think he is very good in We Need to Talk about Kevin (2011), in this he just comes off as an annoying brat who is overcooking every inch of dialogue he is given. This film also gets a bit cheesy here and there, but not enough to really take away from the experience. My last gripe, is that I didn't like how much him and Watson tied up in the end. The fact that he was raped by his aunt just didn't really ring true to me and it felt like it would have been better if he hadn't been. Maybe it's just me, but it felt a little forced. Overall, the film has so many quality moments and is probably relatable for a lot of people out there and some of the performances are stellar.

3.5

The Sci-Fi Slob

02-29-16, 06:42 PM

https://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/143/MPW-71752

If I'd snorted a pound of coke and downed 20 cans of Red Bull, it still wouldn't have brought me up to the pace required to make this watchable.

1

Gideon58

02-29-16, 06:53 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Boyhood_film.jpg

7/10

foster

02-29-16, 07:41 PM

cricket

02-29-16, 07:54 PM

McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971)

4.5

https://filmgrab.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/27-over-bridge1.png

I watched this back for the 70's list, and my initial reaction was that it was just ok. However, I said that I may have had a bad viewing, and that I wanted to try it again in the near future. Normally, the results are the same anyway, but not this time. This time I thought it was phenomenal. The two things I really liked the first time was the look of the movie and the soundtrack. Now, for my taste, I almost want to say that this is the best looking movie I've ever seen, and the soundtrack by Leonard Cohen is hauntingly perfect. The big difference with this viewing was that now I completely got into the characters and the narrative. It is a slow movie, but I just found the characters played by Warren Beatty and Julie Christie so very interesting, and Beatty's especially is very unique. I feel like this might be a masterpiece, and that my rating will go up the next time I see it. This movie may be a good example of my growth as a movie watcher.

ursaguy

02-29-16, 08:11 PM

Steve Freeling

02-29-16, 08:25 PM

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/bhuG1ijKGuoEM3rwBijy2ZH83q1.jpg
4.5

matt72582

02-29-16, 08:40 PM

McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971)

rating_4_5

https://filmgrab.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/27-over-bridge1.png

I watched this back for the 70's list, and my initial reaction was that it was just ok. However, I said that I may have had a bad viewing, and that I wanted to try it again in the near future. Normally, the results are the same anyway, but not this time. This time I thought it was phenomenal. The two things I really liked the first time was the look of the movie and the soundtrack. Now, for my taste, I almost want to say that this is the best looking movie I've ever seen, and the soundtrack by Leonard Cohen is hauntingly perfect. The big difference with this viewing was that now I completely got into the characters and the narrative. It is a slow movie, but I just found the characters played by Warren Beatty and Julie Christie so very interesting, and Beatty's especially is very unique. I feel like this might be a masterpiece, and that my rating will go up the next time I see it. This movie may be a good example of my growth as a movie watcher.

I liked it the first time, but the second time, it was a Top 10. There's a lot of overlapping dialogue, and a lot of things happening at once. It does start off slow, but there's a lot of themes covered, and some great lines. Definitely a masterpiece - I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

For anyone else interested, it'll be ON-DEMAND (TCM) for 3 more days.

Gideon58

02-29-16, 09:28 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7d/Descendants_film_poster.jpg

8.5/10

JayDee

02-29-16, 09:31 PM

Spotlight (McCarthy, 2015)

Oscar bait alert! Oscar bait alert! Hope this film doesn't win best picture. Go Revenant

rating_2

Really? Fair enough if you didn't like it but I think it seems a bit harsh to describe it as Oscar bait. If it really wanted to come off as Oscar bait I think it could have been much more melodramatic and really pushed the tragic circumstances of the situation; show kids crying or something

cricket

02-29-16, 09:52 PM

I'm still trying to figure out why the term Oscar bait means something negative.

Citizen Rules

02-29-16, 11:44 PM

https://indieethos.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/jane-dree-hemingway-in-starlet-courtesy-of-music-box-films.jpg
Starlet (2012)
Wanta see some real porn in an indie film? This is your movie!

Link to my mini review at Mofo
(http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1468793#post1468793)

Mr.Sparkle

02-29-16, 11:44 PM

Left Behind 1

Yuck, Nic Cage, what is wrong?!?!?!?!

Iroquois

03-01-16, 03:25 AM

I'm still trying to figure out why the term Oscar bait means something negative.

Because it implies that the people responsible for making such a film care less about actually crafting a unique, resonant artwork and more about identifying common factors in films that have won Oscars before cynically replicating said factors in new films for the sole purpose of winning Oscars - Oscars that are not deserved because they are given to fundamentally hollow pieces of work that succeed less on their own merits and more because they pander to the Academy's preferences.

Lone Star - 3

Texas is messed-up.

colejwalker

03-01-16, 04:16 AM

Short Term 12 (2013) - Dennis Daniel Cretton

http://maroonweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Short-Term-12-640x360.jpg

A 20-something supervising staff member of a residential treatment facility (Brie Larson) navigates the troubled waters of that world alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend (John Gallagher Jr.). This is a kind of film that really enjoy because I like when films show me something raw and real; this film delivers on that greatly. Brie Larson is incredible in this film and you can really tell she is evolving into one of the best actresses working right now, especially after her well deserved oscar from Room (2015). I also really liked all the teen actors who dwelled in this troubled treatment center and I believed most of them, especially Marcus who was great. The story in this film is at times predictable, but is still interesting to watch all these people work through their problems and acknowledge that they are not alone. There is a complexity in this that isn't often found in modern cinema, with all these deep characters just looking for meaning. There isn't a lot to say, but I just really love so much about this. One of my only gripes is that the comedy was a bit forced at times and was treating some dark things a little too lightly. Overall, this is a heartfelt film that shows you the darkness of life, but also that if you keep searching for hope that it can one day be found.

4

dadgumblah

03-01-16, 05:18 AM

Picnic (1955)

Excellent movie about twenty-four hours in the life of a small town in Kansas that is affected when a drifter, Hal Carter (William Holden), shows up to visit his rich college friend Alan (Cliff Robertson). But things get awkward when most of the women he meets go gaga for him, leading to some difficult encounters. Holden is smitten with Madge (Kim Novak) when he first lays eyes on her, and I don't blame him at all! She's is luminous, voluptuous, and all kinds of nice adjectives. Other characters include Madge's younger, high school-age sister Millie (a cute Susan Strasberg), local teacher and boarder Miss Rosemary (Rosalind Russell), and Madge's mom, who doesn't like Hal...she wants Madge to marry rich Alan...I guess she's hoping for some trickle down in the finance department to reach her purse, seeing as her boarding house probably isn't pulling in the bucks. Arthur O'Connell appears as Miss Rosemary's beau, who just likes to have a good time and drink a little.

By the time the picnic rolls around, Hal has ingratiated himself finely into the community, especially with all the women. Tension and passions rise, with Hal caught in the middle. The acting is all fine, with Strasberg and O'Connell almost stealing the show. Joshua Logan directs with a deft hand. Very good story of small town goings-on.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-491KVdXZ6Jc/UEIgtBlRyCI/AAAAAAAAEnk/DwEedMFg79I/s1600/picnic.jpg

4.5

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Best Picture Oscar-winner in 1982 that was a surprise for a lot of people. being its competition were the films Atlantic City, On Golden Pond, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Reds. I'm not saying this film is better than any of those, but it's still excellent in its own right. All about runners, focusing on two in particular: the devout Christian runner Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), and the intense Jewish runner Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross). Liddell is a missionary who is expected to accompany his sister overseas and Abrahams is unsure about his ability after losing a prelimary race. Along comes a racing coach, played by Ian Holm, to help Abrahams. Everything is leading up to the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Nicely acted film, with Cross and Charleson, along with Holm taking the top honors. Also putting in good performances are Alice Krige, Nigel Davenport, and Nigel Havers. I've never been particularly fond of racing, on film or off, but this movie totally invested me in the sport. I'm glad I saw it.

http://www.athleticsweekly.com/0/admin/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chariots-of-fire-2-e1337376291575.jpg

4

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Awesome animated film from DreamWorks. Jack Black voices Po, a Panda who works with his dad at their restaurant, but daydreams of being part of the Furious Five, a group of Kung Fu masters who live at the top of the nearby mountain with their master, Shifu. All of these characters are various animals; Shifu is a mouse or rat (I'm not sure which) voiced by Dustin Hoffman; Tigress is, um, a female tiger voiced by Angelina Jolie; Monkey is a monkey voiced by Jackie Chan; Mantis, guess what he is, is voiced by Seth Rogen; Viper is voiced by Lucy Liu; Crane is voiced by David Cross. Tai Lung is a villainous panther voiced by Ian McShane. The story is very involving and the animation is super. I was glued to the tube from beginning to end. Now I can't wait to see the next two.

http://i2.wp.com/teaser-trailer.com/wp-content/uploads/Kung-Fu-Panda-3-Movie-2016.jpg

4.5

Iroquois

03-01-16, 06:46 AM

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - 2.5

Have I ever mentioned how frustrating it is to watch something that you know you should like but just don't?

MovieMeditation

03-01-16, 07:51 AM

Gatsby

03-01-16, 07:54 AM

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (Bekmamtov, 2012)

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

I have a confession to make: I liked this film. The premise is stupid but the action sequences and the way characters are handled are relatively above average, for a low-budget hybrid film.

3.5+

cricket

03-01-16, 08:04 AM

Because it implies that the people responsible for making such a film care less about actually crafting a unique, resonant artwork and more about identifying common factors in films that have won Oscars before cynically replicating said factors in new films for the sole purpose of winning Oscars - Oscars that are not deserved because they are given to fundamentally hollow pieces of work that succeed less on their own merits and more because they pander to the Academy's preferences.

That's a great answer.

Now, can someone explain why Spotlight is more Oscar bait than The Revenant?

Rey Skywalker

03-01-16, 08:44 AM

https://41.media.tumblr.com/ed10f286c6e4e486cca12d3165d6d1ef/tumblr_o2pvbxPVFX1tfg6jso1_540.jpg

Sweet and Lowdown (1999)

rating_3

https://36.media.tumblr.com/43633a3b6fb038015933459b4074fb21/tumblr_o2hqb5lojR1tfg6jso2_540.jpg

A River Runs Trough It (1992)

rating_4

cricket

03-01-16, 08:46 AM

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

2.5

http://static2.hypable.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/age-of-ultron-screenshot-hd-9b.jpg

I really enjoyed the first Avengers, but I now think part of it was the novelty of having all of these superheroes together. This felt like too much; the excitement feels nullified in a world where anything is impossible. The movie is also way too long. I do love the cast, and there's enough fun moments to be entertained.

ursaguy

03-01-16, 08:47 AM

That's a great answer.

Now, can someone explain why Spotlight is more Oscar bait than The Revenant?
I disagree that Spotlight is Oscar bait, mostly because of the performances. When I think bait, I think of physical transformations or huge explosions of loud acting. Spotlight only has one of these (that bad Ruffalo "YOU LET IT HAPPEN" speech that they show in front of all the awards), while something like Joy was nonstop explosions and The Danish Girl was sold on Eddie Redmayne being a woman. It also doesn't check off any of the traditional "bait" story boxes, like World War 2 or a smaller war for independence, oppressing racial or sexual minorities, or making movies about making movies. The fact is that Oscar Bait is defined more often by a perceived "undeserved win" than by actually being Oscar bait (see Forrest Gump, The King's Speech, American Beauty, etc.)

honeykid

03-01-16, 09:07 AM

Because it implies that the people responsible for making such a film care less about actually crafting a unique, resonant artwork and more about identifying common factors in films that have won Oscars before cynically replicating said factors in new films for the sole purpose of winning Oscars - Oscars that are not deserved because they are given to fundamentally hollow pieces of work that succeed less on their own merits and more because they pander to the Academy's preferences.

All true. But it is a competition. No one blames Usain Bolt for doing the right thing in training. The Oscars (and their importance) are a result of the history of the C20th.

seanc

03-01-16, 09:10 AM

Iroquois

03-01-16, 09:22 AM

Iro, that day where you mentioned you didn't love any movies from 2005, I was about to ask if you perhaps liked that one... perhaps not. :p

And also, on another more general note... Am I the only one not loving that Short Term 12 film?

You mean yesterday? On further reflection I figure that The Proposition and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada might fit the profile, though "love" might be a stretch. Speaking of which, if I gave Short Term 12 a 3.5 does that also count as "not loving" it?

That's a great answer.

Now, can someone explain why Spotlight is more Oscar bait than The Revenant?

The common answer regarding Spotlight seems to be that, since it's based on a true story that concerns an important/relevant sociopolitical issue, then the Academy picked it on its merit as an important work of social commentary more so than because it's an entertaining or artistically unique/accomplished film. It's an Important Film, if not necessarily a Great Film. This is also reflected in its extremely conventional style of film-making, which seems designed to be as bland as possible so as not to distract in any way from the (important) story being told - such a factor contributes to it being seen as a "safe" choice for Best Picture and, by extension, a solid example of Oscar bait. Those are the reasons why Spotlight would come across as a seemingly more blatant type of Oscar bait compared to The Revenant, though I don't necessarily think that it's more Oscar bait than The Revenant - rather, I'd say that The Revenant is on the same level but going in a very different direction.

Iroquois

03-01-16, 09:48 AM

I disagree that Spotlight is Oscar bait, mostly because of the performances. When I think bait, I think of physical transformations or huge explosions of loud acting. Spotlight only has one of these (that bad Ruffalo "YOU LET IT HAPPEN" speech that they show in front of all the awards), while something like Joy was nonstop explosions and The Danish Girl was sold on Eddie Redmayne being a woman. It also doesn't check off any of the traditional "bait" story boxes, like World War 2 or a smaller war for independence, oppressing racial or sexual minorities, or making movies about making movies. The fact is that Oscar Bait is defined more often by a perceived "undeserved win" than by actually being Oscar bait (see Forrest Gump, The King's Speech, American Beauty, etc.)

There are many different ways in which Oscar bait can manifest (more than you listed, anyway), but I wouldn't say that the "undeserved win" is the primary definition of Oscar bait. Consider the films that seem custom-built to win but just...don't for whatever reason (here (http://www.avclub.com/article/rejected-bait-17-recent-oscar-ready-films-that-wal-85266) is a recent listicle that names a few examples of unsuccessful Oscar-baiting films). They get lost to the sands of time rather than unfavourably remembered as wrong choices.

All true. But it is a competition. No one blames Usain Bolt for doing the right thing in training. The Oscars (and their importance) are a result of the history of the C20th.

Making good films (or at least winning films) seems a little more complex than running, especially when a race is won by whoever crosses the finish line first (a single event that can be objectively observed) and a filmmaking award is won on the basis of votes (which are entirely up to the voters' extremely subjective collective discretion).

seanc

03-01-16, 09:50 AM

honeykid

03-01-16, 09:53 AM

But if the point is to win an award, then you do what you can to increase your chances of winning. Winning awards, especially Oscars, is a way of maximising the earning power, both of the film itself (and, by extension the studio) and those who'll use it's/their success to make more money on their next job.

seanc

03-01-16, 09:55 AM

I wonder if anyone sits down to write a script thinking they have to do something the Academy will love. To me it seems more likely the Oscar bait part comes after. Like when it will be released and things like that.

colejwalker

03-01-16, 10:01 AM

I think Spotlight is oscar bait, but I still really enjoy the movie and think it deserved Best Picture. I don't really agree with the fact that an oscar bait movie can't really be any good because I look forward to the end of the year most for film. During November and December I love watching all the potential Best Picture nominees, it's just so enjoyable because there isn't that many bad films. I think oscar bait is a flaw in a film, but I don't think it defines the film as a bad movie.

Mr Minio

03-01-16, 10:01 AM

Yuck, Nic Cage, what is wrong?!?!?!?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lct6x-XqWrw

Swan

03-01-16, 10:11 AM

TheUsualSuspect

03-01-16, 10:43 AM

The King's Speech = Oscar Bait

Spotlight = not

Lucas

03-01-16, 01:00 PM

http://i.jeded.com/i/ballad-of-narayama-narayama-bushiko.30897.jpg

The Ballad of Narayama 3.5

Lucas

03-01-16, 01:04 PM

http://www.doctormacro.com/Images/Posters/R/Poster%20-%20Red%20River_11.jpg

Red River 4+

This film made me realize two things:

1. Hawks is one hell of an auteur
2.Joanne Dru is a dime

Wait, nevermind, I already knew all that. This was a terrific film...ending didn't quite work though.

seanc

03-01-16, 01:05 PM

The King's Speech = Oscar Bait

Spotlight = not

Not trying to be a jerk but why? This is genuinely the exact kind of contrast I don't get.

seanc

03-01-16, 01:11 PM

I should start calling Oscarbait Seanbait instead. :D

I'm like fish in a barrel

rauldc14

03-01-16, 01:19 PM

I don't mind Oscar bait movies so it makes no difference to me.

Redwell

03-01-16, 02:00 PM

A Generation (1955) 2

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

What we have here is an expert filmmaker making kitsch propaganda. The often brilliant technical side of the picture doesn't compensate for openly politicized, eye-rolling pulp.

http://boxd.it/8MoTx

colejwalker

03-01-16, 02:57 PM

Another Earth (2011) - Mike Cahill

https://dagarabedian.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/another_earth_09.jpg

On the night of the discovery of a duplicate Earth in the Solar system, an ambitious young student (Brit Marling) and an accomplished composer (William Mapother) cross paths in a tragic accident. To start off, Mike Cahill's movies have always struck me as a director who always has great ideas, but his execution just kind of bothers me. This film is somewhat different because I think he takes it in a different direction than most people would with this premise. Marling is serviceable in this role, but the most of the true acting comes out of Mapother who does a really good job at portraying this broken man. The script is fresh, but I think I was just looking for something completely different in this film and what I got was kind of run of the mill story repackaged. Some of the technical aspects of this film I had problems with, mostly the cinematography. Not all of the shots were bad, but the mocumentary zooms started to detract from emotional value in the scenes and is just an offbeat choice that didn't really seem to pan out. Another thing is that the lighting is very harsh in some scenes (like most indie films) and makes it look more like a home video than a real feature film. Some motivations also seemed a bit confused because I have a really hard time believing that Marling would end up falling for this guy. I mean she killed his kids, it's one thing if you were to accidentally have the cliche of "I slept with your son and now I'm falling in love with you", but this takes it to a too far out there extreme. Just didn't make much sense to me. This film also has a painfully slow first 30 minutes, to the point where I almost considered turning it off because nothing exciting was happening. I am glad I didn't though because there really is a lot to like about this film. The story about music and how it plays into later scenes is a really satisfying moment. All of the news reports are also while typical hit the viewer hard and is ultimately where the premise shines. To top it all off I really like the ending to this film because it's just such a great way to tie up all the loose ends. Is it convenient? Sure, but you know what it's also really enjoyable. Overall, it's a fun film that you should watch, but don't expect a crazy sci-fi venture.

3

cricket

03-01-16, 04:47 PM

Shadows (1959)

2.5

http://40.media.tumblr.com/a3533b2a3348519b0db7669fa0c51db0/tumblr_nrt2utd4lP1qbjv0eo1_1280.png

This was the first movie directed by John Cassavetes. It is very low budget and deals with interracial relationships. I didn't think there was a whole lot to this movie, but I like the very naturalistic style.

Nausicaä

03-01-16, 06:44 PM

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c4/Man_who_fell_to_earth_ver1.jpg

rating_3

Citizen Rules

03-01-16, 06:57 PM

Another Earth (2011) - Mike Cahill

The script is fresh, but I think I was just looking for something completely different in this film...rating_3Can you tell me what you were looking for in the film? What did you want to see that you didn't get?

matt72582

03-01-16, 07:56 PM

Shadows (1959)

rating_2_5

http://40.media.tumblr.com/a3533b2a3348519b0db7669fa0c51db0/tumblr_nrt2utd4lP1qbjv0eo1_1280.png

This was the first movie directed by John Cassavetes. It is very low budget and deals with interracial relationships. I didn't think there was a whole lot to this movie, but I like the very naturalistic style.

I saw this movie three times and had three different feelings. I hope you try to watch Cassavetes' movies chronologically; I'd actually recommend that to anyone, unless there's no way, or unless you can't wait :)

I remember feeling the same, but the second time I watched, I saw and felt more - the looks, stares, non-verbal communication in general. Also, with that naturalistic feeling, it's not made easy, there's no condescending, and I remember finding a thing or two that made a big difference in the movie. I didn't like it much the first time, then loved it, now think it's good.

His next two are his most underrated movies - "Too Late Blues" is one of my favorites, and is the best movie on music, integrity, and a movie about John, just in a different way. "A Child Is Waiting" brought out some great stuff in Burt Lancaster and Judy Garland, which I think is her best role in movies, and reminds me of what I've read about her. It's a Top 15-20 movie easily for me. Very emotional, and still good despite Stanley Kramer cutting a lot out so that the "stars" were shown more than the kids.

"A Woman Under The Influence" is now my favorite of his movies, and those two I just mentioned are right behind. I've been wanting to see his movies again, definitely an experience and easily to miss things because of the independence, not hold the viewer's hand every minute.

cricket

03-01-16, 08:00 PM

^^I haven't seen Too Late Blues or A Child is Waiting yet. I also need to see Love Streams, Chinese Bookie, and Husbands.

matt72582

03-01-16, 08:31 PM

Breaking Away - 7/10

Would like to thank edarsenal for the extra emphasis. I had this set to DVR but it didn't work, and had you not say you were curious of what I thought of it, I wouldn't have gone to the library to rent it. I liked it very much. I know I had to see this movie many years ago, but the short friend was in the Bad News Bears, which had a similar feel to me. I love the underdog, and will always rebel for the underdog, so it's cheery for me, and unlike most movies, this was funny. I hardly rarely laugh out loud, but when Quaid in disgusts says "I don't wanna hear that Italian ****" was just too funny for the situation. There was a lot of pretty cool writing; the comedy line "He doesn't speak English" was funny. I didn't realize until this second...... I had to pause and think about my memories in Australia. I was on a farm with a bunch of backpackers, and there were people from over 20 countries, and for the size, a lot of Italians that we got to be friendly with, and I would always take on these little personas, starting with the accent of course, and it sorta rubbed off on everyone. I would always say "Come se dice" (How you say) when it came to something obvious. For example, we were being exploited like slaves. Americans can't get a second-year visa, but everyone else takes the slavery to be able to have another year to work in Australia, where the minimum wage is $16.50 and where bread is still $1, so I'd say "This farm is 'come si dice' exploitation-ah" - always have to end with a vowel. Or I would say "Fascista" when the bosses were being talked about. I guess you had to be there.

I really liked the camaraderie of the friends even though it's not that long. I thought Quaid was really good, never noticed him doing a good job. The family life was interesting, and sadly the reality was sad for me (and him) when he says "Everyone cheats". The end of the innocence, end of hope, trust, etc.. But not everyone is corruptible, and those people should be virtued (not a real word).

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0b/Breaking_away.jpg

PPZVEGOS

03-01-16, 10:40 PM

I re-watched Die Hard after several years. I am happy to report that it stands the test of time (despite being an action film, a genre most vulnerable to the ravages of time) The film is perfectly constructed and I love the way it progressively escalates (which is my favorite type of film structure, continuously building up to a thrilling finale) Bruce Willis is perfectly cast as John McLane and Alan Rickman makes for a most memorable villain. Well-written, well directed, well acted, well crafted and beautifully shot. It's also awesome that it was made in a time when action films did not yet feel the extreme urge to go way OTT when it came to action set-pieces, making for a far more realistic depiction. The only thing that compromises this otherwise masterful film that spawned a thousands copycats, are a few clunky exchanges of dialogue (for example between Willis and the other cop through radio) and the final return of the formerly hanged villain. All in all, a milestone in American cinema and a genuine thrill ride!

9/10

Guaporense

03-02-16, 02:59 AM

Avalon

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc2qvSqZqM0/Tnu6mAHcvuI/AAAAAAAABXw/i3GsqrS0gF0/s1600/tramderdam.jpg

From the director of Patlabor 2 and GinS, we have an art house indie sci fi live action made in Poland with Polish actors. Overall a great experience and essentially a mix between the heavy and dark atmosphere of Stalker and the videogame elements of The Matrix. Just my type of stuff. ;)

colejwalker

03-02-16, 08:49 AM

Can you tell me what you were looking for in the film? What did you want to see that you didn't get?

I thought it was going to be about her going to the other world and watching her life unfold before she killed the family, possibly trying to steal her duplicates life. I also thought it would be about her searching for the family up there and reuniting them.

lynchian

03-02-16, 09:33 AM

http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/come-and-see-1985/large_ozGd7ZpybaL6IxEhOYW6tNoDUx7.jpg

All I can say is... well what CAN you say after watching this one? It has instantly found it's place in my top 10 of all time list. Such an important and essential film that every cinema lover MUST see at least once.

There are some sequences and images within that I will never, ever, forget. And I can't wait to watch it again.

5 out of 4

Iroquois

03-02-16, 09:59 AM

What bothers me most about the term Oscar bait is how people don't apply it to films they like. If a biopic comes out that cinephiles like than all of a sudden it is doing something "different". If people would apply it across the board to high production value dramas with big name actors that would be fine. The favorites always seem to get exempt though.

If anyone is liable to criticise a film for being Oscar bait, it's because the film stolidly follows a checklist of stereotypical criteria common to Oscar-winning films. Because the film lacks anything that favourably distinguishes it as a great film in its own right, cynical viewers can easily write it off as Oscar bait whether it wins anything or not. Perhaps this hypothetical biopic earns praise from cinephiles precisely because it actually does do something different to this formulaic approach. If the film is good enough, then people can and will overlook its flaws.

But if the point is to win an award, then you do what you can to increase your chances of winning. Winning awards, especially Oscars, is a way of maximising the earning power, both of the film itself (and, by extension the studio) and those who'll use it's/their success to make more money on their next job.

I can understand why people and studios would want to win awards, but does that automatically mean that winning awards should be the goal in and of itself? Even after taking into account the whole "earning power" factor, it still seems to stand in opposition to what most people consider to be important about the cinematic medium.

I wonder if anyone sits down to write a script thinking they have to do something the Academy will love. To me it seems more likely the Oscar bait part comes after. Like when it will be released and things like that.

You never know.

The King's Speech = Oscar Bait

Spotlight = not

Not trying to be a jerk but why? This is genuinely the exact kind of contrast I don't get.

A stuffy, inoffensive, British period piece that involves a main character struggling to overcome a disability versus a no-nonsense American true-crime procedural about a highly controversial and emotionally charged subject. If there was a scale for determining Oscar bait, The King's Speech would definitely tip it.

honeykid

03-02-16, 10:27 AM

I can understand why people and studios would want to win awards, but does that automatically mean that winning awards should be the goal in and of itself? Even after taking into account the whole "earning power" factor, it still seems to stand in opposition to what most people consider to be important about the cinematic medium.
It shouldn't. But then you can't complain if those films aren't nominated for/don't win Oscars. I really like chocolate. Now, you can make any kind of sweet you want, but if you want to increase the chances of me buying your product, you make chocolate or, at least, add chocolate to your product.

Also, "what most people consider to be important about the cinematic medium" usually has **** all to do with people who actually finance films, which as you know, is how films get made and those are the people you have to sell your film to and that's to say nothing of having to then find a distributor. None of these people usually care about your artistic vision and fewer still will put it above the bottom line. That's why romance subplots, nudity, violence, etc get added to films which otherwise wouldn't include them.

Not that this is anything new, of course. Michaelangelo did what he was told to do and if his patrons didn't approve, they threatened to withdraw their support.

bluedeed

03-02-16, 12:15 PM

http://thegreatwesternmovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/WestWonCivilWarPoster.jpg

The Civil War (1962) by John Ford

Holy hell, Ford's section of How the West Was Won is amazing. It combines so many of Ford's concerns in such a succinct and elemental way. In only 21 minutes, Ford combines an incredible and unique vision of history, and watches the way that history changes people irreparably and, to them, without much sense. This is the beginning of possibly the most major period in Ford, and it shows in its gestures, almost like Dreyer or Straub, figural, statue like acting. I'd consider putting How the West Was Won on a 60s list solely from Ford's segment.

It's hard to represent the power of dissolves in a still image, but this is one of the most powerful dissolves I've seen.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcjbSgYWAAAWuQW.jpg:large

Thursday Next

03-02-16, 12:32 PM

Thursday Next

03-02-16, 12:43 PM

seanc

03-02-16, 12:54 PM

A stuffy, inoffensive, British period piece that involves a main character struggling to overcome a disability versus a no-nonsense American true-crime procedural about a highly controversial and emotionally charged subject. If there was a scale for determining Oscar bait, The King's Speech would definitely tip it.

The point is you could switch that around and call Spotlight self serious and King's Speech light hearted melodrama. I prefer Spitlight but that doesn't make one Oscar bait and one not.

To me it is the equivalent of saying Futy Road isn't a tent pole blockbuster because people like it.

Citizen Rules

03-02-16, 01:02 PM

I thought it was going to be about her going to the other world and watching her life unfold before she killed the family, possibly trying to steal her duplicates life. I also thought it would be about her searching for the family up there and reuniting them.
That happens to me all the time too. I image how the film will end and it never goes that way, so then I'm disappointed. Thanks for answering:)

matt72582

03-02-16, 01:25 PM

Ace In The Hole - 10/10

One of my favorites. Probably more relevant now with many more new mediums controlling influence. Kirk is great of course, and is symptomatic of the system - to make money. I love the line - "And if there's no news, I'll bite a dog". It's a good movie for anyone, especially with the media being everywhere with this election. You see a food chain of corruption, but there are a few characters who reject blind compulsive greed and embrace goodness. Leo and his family. I really like the friendship developed between Leo and Kirk, especially how Leo thinks Kirk is such a great guy, and that guilt and regret. People are defined by their actions; talk is cheap.

I also appreciated Mr. Boots principles - "Tell The Truth" which Kirk thinks is only for show, but we learn later that Mr. Boots means it. I also like the fatherly role he plays with Herbie, and sad when he chooses.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/91/Ace_in_the_Hole_%28movie_poster%29.JPG

Lucas

03-02-16, 02:06 PM

http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/articles/arts/history/2015/03/birth_of_a_nation/150313_BirthNation_poster.jpg.CROP.original-original.jpg

The Birth of a Nation 3.5

Griffith is an enigma. He's capable of making conscient films like Intolerance and Orphans of the Storm. Then he goes out makes something like this. The Birth of a Nation is sickening, racist, and bigoted. And yet it's a technical masterpiece, and one of the most resoundingly important films in the history of cinema. 100 years have passed since its release...and it still holds up (only taking into account the technical aspects, of course).

Mr Minio

03-02-16, 04:08 PM

I've seen it a long time ago, but I can't remember anything racist about it.

The Sci-Fi Slob

03-02-16, 05:23 PM

I've seen it a long time ago, but I can't remember anything racist about it.
About what?

Mr Minio

03-02-16, 05:46 PM

The Birth of a Nation, of course.

ursaguy

03-02-16, 07:30 PM

Hateful Eight: 2
A second viewing did not help, but to be fair it didn't hurt the film either, which is kind of surprising for a 3 hour drama with major twists. The technical side is very good-score, cinematography, MOST of the acting is great (Tim Roth can't match the charisma of Christoph Waltz who he is so obviously trying to emulate, and Tatum's performance is iffy but not outright bad). The emotional aspect fails. I love movies about unlikable characters, but it's hard to sit through a movie with uninteresting characters, and most of the Eight are given paper thin characters. The Mexican is a Mexican stereotype, Bruce Dern is a plot device for Sam L Jackson to monologue to, JJL is a literal punching bag, Tim Roth as stated above is playing diet Waltz, and Madsen has less than 20 sentences to say in the entire film. Tarantino is at his best when making memorable characters, and even the decent ones here aren't memorable like Jules or Hans Landa. It's as un-PC and violent as ever, but it feels less earned in this one. Tino's last 2 pictures had villains that were more dislikable than the protagonists (Nazis and slave owners). Ironically for a movie with no likable protagonist, there's no antagonist DISlikable enough to deserve their gory end. Unsatisfying, which could have worked if it was more engaging, less self indulgent, and 20 minutes shorter, but it has all of those problems.

cricket

03-02-16, 09:14 PM

The Night Before (2015)

3

http://cdn.moviestillsdb.com/sm/b419edf767abe7e3dffa265dace1cf08/the-night-before.jpg

I thought this was a pretty decent comedy for this day and age, although like many comedies, it drags out a little at the end. It's a Christmas movie, and it wouldn't be bad to watch during that time of year with your spiked eggnog. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and the underrated Anthony Mackie work very well together, and Michael Shannon is a riot as a pot dealer. Even skanky Miley Cyrus has a good cameo.

Tugg

03-02-16, 09:19 PM

and Michael Shannon is a riot as a pot dealer. Even skanky Miley Cyrus has a good cameo.
Michael Shannon and Miley Cyrus were the best in it. :D

lynchian

03-03-16, 01:16 AM

Tron (1982) 2 Sorry, it bored me. I just couldn't get into it. I like fun movies to be a little more fun.

On the Beach (1959) 3 or maybe 4. Call it quits and say 3.5. There was a lot that was weird and annoying about this film (the relentless repetition of bloody Waltzing Matilda for one thing) but you have to give it credit for being so persistently bleak and downbeat. No special effects, no happy endings, no thrills. The world ends not with a bang but with a whimper. And a cup of suicide drug tea.

Try Tron: Legacy, it's even boring-er. Nice soundtrack though. I like the first Tron for the nostalgia value, but it is pretty dull. I just enjoy the dated effects which take on a new artistic quality these days.

Also, my mom had a bite of an 'edible' before she watched On The Beach, half way through she just started laughing hysterically at every scene I thought she was going to die. It was hilarious. That is the one with Anthony Perkins, correct?

Redwell

03-03-16, 01:57 AM

Sideways (2004) 5
http://i.imgur.com/KBgt9Tw.jpg?1

I was in 4th grade when I suggested to my mom that I go and rent Alexander Payne's Sideways (2004). I'm pretty sure I liked Paul Giamatti for his work in Big Fat Liar (2002) or maybe it was Thomas Hayden Church's work in George of the Jungle (1997). My backyard was opposite a local video rental store so they stopped grilling me for checking out R ratings after a while. My mom fell asleep shortly after the previews rolled, as she often did. I don't remember much about my viewing experience, but I know I stuck it out for longer than expected. I know this because the one crystal clear moment that I've held onto is when Paul Giamatti sneaks into a house to find a burly, mustached tow truck driver having loud, aggressive revenge sex with his overweight wife. That woke my mother up pretty quickly.

http://boxd.it/8NKrd