Pick A Movie For Me (Chain Game)

[Movie Max]

Don't do that, Camo is going to get jealous again.;)

Let me peak at your lists/favorites.:)

[Movie Max]

@Clazor How about Frailty (2001)?

[Clazor]

Don't know what it is, won't check beforehand. I'll take it.

[Movie Max]

Don't know what it is, won't check beforehand. I'll take it.

Even the tomato farmers seem to like it...:p
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/frailty/

[Movie Max]

I'll try Citizen, if he's game.

[Citizen Rules]

Thanks Movie Max for picking me:p I would say yes....but I have to say no right now, as I'm in 2 Hofs and have to watch 13 movies for them. But I will participate in this in the future.

[Clazor]

Bill Paxton is a DIRECTOR?! The ****?

[Clazor]

And it's on Netflix? Perfect :D

[Movie Max]

@Cosmic May I have this dance?

[TONGO]

Yeah Bill should have hired someone else to play the lead in Frailty imo, but he did a solid directing job. When Paxton does his "freaking out" bit, I kept getting drawn back remembering his character from Aliens :laugh:

[CosmicRunaway]

@Cosmic May I have this dance?
Certainly. Any type of song you prefer? Or do you want a blind recommendation?

[Movie Max]

Certainly. Any type of song you prefer? Or do you want a blind recommendation?

I'll try almost anything. No musicals, if possible. Color, B/W all ok with me. My lists are up-to-date. My top 10 favorites are based on childhood nostalgia, good memories and repetitive viewings.

[CosmicRunaway]

Pick whichever one is more your style: Downfall/Der Untergang (2004) or Oldboy (2003).

[CosmicRunaway]

I messaged Camo to see if he was interested in participating again. If not I'll choose someone else I guess.

You guys need to watch your movies quicker because I don't know who else to bring into this haha.

[Movie Max]

Pick whichever one is more your style: Downfall/Der Untergang (2004) or Oldboy (2003).

Choices are so good, I'll take both. Cheers!

[CosmicRunaway]

I totally didn't go through your post history to try and work out what type of movie you might like. :shifty:

[CosmicRunaway]

Camo's not planning on playing, so I'll have to go find someone else. If someone who hasn't played in awhile wants back in, let me know before I track down a willing sacrifice participant.

[Clazor]

Uhm, hello! I'm back again...and I'm done...can I have some more?

Frailty (2001) 2.5
http://cinema.com/image_lib/5833_poster_thumb.jpg
Wait...Powers Booth ISN'T playing an ***hole? Oh, no, never mind.

Well, this is a first. I've never found either Paxton nor McConaughey intimidating before. I wonder how they would fair in a straight up horror film (yes, I know McConaughey was in the fourth leatherface sequel or somthing, but I said straight up horror and that movie's a ******* fars)?

Anyway, this was a very well crafted thriller. It took it's time in laying out the story, filling out it's characters and over all did a great set-up job. Booth plays a federal agent whom, in the middle of a rainy night (of course) enters his office to find McConaughey sitting on his sofa. A serial killer is on the loose and McConaughey's there to talk to the agent in charge...and here's where I guessed the end of the movie, about 4 to 6 minutes into the film. Three minutes more and I've correctly guessed the other big plot point.

Unfortunately for this movie, there's nothing original here. I've simply seen it all before, which is a bloody shame, since I really liked this set up and the actual story. The small family who love each other and are quite happy...until god decides to crash the party by sending visions to the father and claming he's a demonhunter now, so it's time to start decapitating people left, right and center. Paxton plays the loving father very well, almost as well as he plays a mentally ill man going around chopping nurses' heads off with an axe named Otis...in front of his kids. Because hey, it's Supernatural role-playing time and all the family's invited. Here, Fenton, you can play Dean. Now do as I say and chop that bad man up into kibbles...FOR GOD!!!

Over all a good story, if a bit predictable.

[CosmicRunaway]

I know I saw Frailty when it was new, but I remember nothing about it. Your review does sound vaguely familiar though. :up:

Are you serious about wanting to go again right away? I got 2 "no thank you"s, 2 polite "try to find someone else" requests, and 2 more people who were online at the time didn't respond to my messages, though I'd never talked to them before so that's completely understandable haha. I also sent a message to someone else earlier, but I'm pretty sure he's really busy and is going to decline. So if you want to pick a movie for me, go for it.

[Clazor]

Right, *Cracks knuckles* here we go again. Any preferences?

[Clazor]

Never mind, I just remember somthing you said earlier that gave me an idea: Have you seen Maverick (1994)? If not, do that.

[CosmicRunaway]

I have! I own it on DVD as well. Very fun movie. :up:

I don't have any preferences towards a type of movie. Just not a musical.

[CosmicRunaway]

Also, good luck trying to find someone to pick a movie for you. ;)

[Clazor]

Ok, first is a bust, guess we'll have to go for the easier way

*checking lists*

You haven't seen Leon: the professional? Then go do that.

[CosmicRunaway]

Sounds good!
Here's the updated list:

Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Omnizoa ► Gen-X Cops (1999)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Clazor ► Frailty (2001) (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1582321#post1582321)
Movie Max ► Downfall (2004)/Oldboy (2003)
CosmicRunaway ► Léon: The Professional (1994)
Clazor ► ???

[Omnizoa]

Yeah, I wasn't sure how hard that movie would be to find. I have an old copy on VHS that came from a rental shop that closed down almost a decade ago. :laugh:

I thought Gen-X Cops would be right up your alley, so it's a shame you can't find it. I'll take a look at your review thread again and try to think of something else.
I'll keep looking for it.

The few movies I had in mind, you've already seen, so I'm going to suggest something that's not exactly relevant to what I know your interests are.

Are your lists up to date? It says you haven't seen The Great Dictator (1940), so that'll be my recommendation. You've been watching a lot of action movies for the countdown, so I think it'll be a nice change of pace.
K.


Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Omnizoa ► Gen-X Cops (1999)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Movie Max ► Downfall (2004) / Oldboy (2003)
CosmicRunaway ► Léon: The Professional (1994)
Clazor ► ?????

[Clazor]

I sent a PM to someone a few hours ago. If I don't hear from them by this afternoon, I'll take your suggestion, cosmic.

[Omnizoa]

Ewps. Forgot to edit my own movie.

[CosmicRunaway]

I meant to change it in the updated list I posted as well, but forgot.

Though if you're still going to try to find Gen-X Cops, then I guess it doesn't matter, haha.

[Clazor]

Ok, no respons from the one I asked. DalekbusterScreen5, give me your movie suggestion.

[DalekbusterScreen5]

Ok, no respons from the one I asked. DalekbusterScreen5, give me your movie suggestion.

Okay, have you seen Doctor Who: The Movie?

[Clazor]

Never seen any Doctor Who period. That gonna be a problem?

[Clazor]

Well, I've seen Diamanda Hagen's reviews of some of the worst episodes and the ones she really likes. But not any full episode.

[Clazor]

Basically, I'm familiar with who the Doctor is on a grand-scheme-of-things level

[Omnizoa]

Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Omnizoa ► Gen-X Cops (1999)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Movie Max ► Downfall (2004) / Oldboy (2003)
CosmicRunaway ► Léon: The Professional (1994)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
DalekbusterScreen5 ► ?????

[Clazor]

Also, which one? I'm guessing you mean the 1996 one, but there are others made for tv etc. Allways include year of release for simplicity.

[DalekbusterScreen5]

Never seen any Doctor Who period. That gonna be a problem?
I wouldn't say so. The only thing you need to know is that Sylvester McCoy is the Seventh Doctor - and he's only in the first fifteen minutes of the film.

Also, which one? I'm guessing you mean the 1996 one, but there are others made for tv etc. Allways include year of release for simplicity.
The 1996 movie. Sorry, I should have included the year of release.

[Clazor]

I wouldn't say so. The only thing you need to know is that Sylvester McCoy is the Seventh Doctor - and he's only in the first fifteen minutes of the film.


The 1996 movie. Sorry, I should have included the year of release.

No worries. So, who you gonna pick?

[DalekbusterScreen5]

No worries. So, who you gonna pick?

I've only asked Optimus so far but will ask more later.

[TONGO]

I've only asked Optimus so far but will ask more later.

I do like getting new people in the mix :up: It spreads the activity, keeps the regulars like us from getting burnt out on the process, and hopefully increase the Chain longevity.

[Omnizoa]

Watched The Great Dictator (1940) (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1583215#post1583215).


Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Movie Max ► Downfall (2004) / Oldboy (2003)
CosmicRunaway ► Léon: The Professional (1994)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
DalekbusterScreen5 ► ?????

[TONGO]

Just gave Dali a Post Comment nudge, hopefully he'll pick someone online.

[TONGO]

Dalek if you could choose someone else it would probably be a good idea.

[TONGO]

Well I sent Post Comments and PMs to both Dalek & Optimus and no answer, so I dont know what is going on :shrug:

[CosmicRunaway]

http://www.moviepostersusa.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x600/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/p/1/p1408_1.jpg

Léon: The Professional (1994)

I thought I had never seen this movie, but not long after putting it on, I realized I had seen at least some of it. I didn't remember much, so I'd might as well have been watching the film for the first time anyway.

Léon: The Professional is a decent thriller that unfortunately outstays its welcome. I only had access to the extended edition, so I'm wondering now if the theatrical cut would've been a better fit for me (if it's even still available). I liked the first and final acts, but the whole middle section of the movie was unfortunately rather boring. It was occasionally witty, but I didn't care for Mathilda, and thus the sections of the film dedicated to developing her character and her relationship with Léon was wholly uninteresting to me.

What this movie needed was less Natalie Portman, and a lot more Gary Oldman. He was incredibly entertaining, so if he had more screen time I probably would've really enjoyed this. As it stands it's just okay, and I can totally understand why I'd completely forgotten about having seen this before.

[Movie Max]

... and a lot more Gary Oldman. He was incredibly entertaining, so if he had more screen time I probably would've really enjoyed this.

Have you seen Romeo is Bleeding (1993)?

[Omnizoa]

Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Movie Max ► Downfall (2004) / Oldboy (2003)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
DalekbusterScreen5 ► ?????

[Omnizoa]

We'll give Dalek a little bit longer then someone can volunteer to take his place.

[Optimus]

Don't know if i'm late, but Dalek would you like to try Gravity?.

[DalekbusterScreen5]

Don't know if i'm late, but Dalek would you like to try Gravity?.

Yeah, I'll try that one.

[Omnizoa]

Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Movie Max ► Downfall (2004) / Oldboy (2003)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
DalekbusterScreen5 ► Gravity (2013)
Optimus ► ?????

[CosmicRunaway]

Have you seen Romeo is Bleeding (1993)?
I don't think so. I'll look into it though. I'm always up for more Gary Oldman. :up:

[TONGO]

We need a Chain Blacklist and Greenlist. :yup:
Blacklist for anyone thats unable or unwilling to perform in this simple process, and the Greenlist for those that are legit.

[Omnizoa]

We need a Chain Blacklist and Greenlist. :yup:
Blacklist for anyone thats unable or unwilling to perform in this simple process, and the Greenlist for those that are legit.
Not everyone's online every day. Dalek could just be uncertain whether his chance has passed.

[Movie Max]

We need a Chain Blacklist and Greenlist. :yup:

Are you making fun of me?;):p

[TONGO]

Are you making fun of me?;):p

No. Nor anyone, just not wanting to hit the same speedbump over and over again.

[CosmicRunaway]

I think the problem is that not enough new people want to join in, so that when the other reliable participants haven't watched their movies yet, things sort of grind to a halt. When it was my choice the other day, I asked 6 people (4 of whom had never taken part before) with no luck. Though maybe people just don't like me, haha. :suspicious:

[re93animator]

Have you seen Romeo is Bleeding (1993)?

Really underrated movie.:) The awesome Michael Wincott is in it too (unfortunately not for long though), and Peter Medak is an overlooked director IMO.

[Movie Max]

No. Nor anyone, just not wanting to hit the same speedbump over and over again.

Alright, but, be careful. My suggestions for a list were described as ruining the thread and bitching. I support your idea.:D

[Omnizoa]

Alright, but, be careful. My suggestions for a list were described as ruining the thread and bitching. I support your idea.:D
Again, you guys can do that if you want, but I'm not messin' with it.

[TONGO]

Again, you guys can do that if you want, but I'm not messin' with it.

No youre probably right.

Sigh!

[Movie Max]

I asked 6 people (4 of whom had never taken part before) with no luck.

I got one new response from three PMs sent. The rest of the turns I just picked quickly from the green list.

[Movie Max]

Léon: The Professional (1994)

... unfortunately outstays its welcome. ... the whole middle section of the movie was unfortunately rather boring. ... I didn't care for Mathilda

... less Natalie Portman, and a lot more Gary Oldman.

Ouch, described with a lack of sensitivity I'd expect from a praying mantis.:#

One of my favorite films, where in my opinion, even the plant deserved an Oscar.:D

http://favim.com/orig/201103/06/Favim.com-5361.jpg

[TONGO]

Though maybe people just don't like me, haha. :suspicious:
Everybody likes you Cos' that aint it. ;)

It just gets bogged up cause.... it just does, Idk :shrug:

[Omnizoa]

Ouch, described with a lack of sensitivity I'd expect from a praying mantis.:#
I didn't like her either. Totally forced romance.

[CosmicRunaway]

Ouch, described with a lack of sensitivity I'd expect from a praying mantis.
I've been called heartless plenty of times before, but that's one of the nicer ways to put it. :D

One of my favorite films, where in my opinion, even the plant deserved an Oscar.
I liked the plant an awful lot more than I liked Natalie Portman. :cool:

[Movie Max]

Done...

http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1584153#post1584153

http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1582623#post1582623

[Omnizoa]

Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
DalekbusterScreen5 ► Gravity (2013)
Optimus ► ?????

[TONGO]

So are you suggesting that Dalek just pick someone else to recommend him a movie, or let the rec stand, and just have someone take Optimus' place (and then have to find someone else to recommend them a movie)?

You guys do what you want :up: Ill post in here one day if/when I ever see Bigger Than Life. ciao

[CosmicRunaway]

I removed that question because I didn't think it made sense without your previous two posts (that have since been deleted). Hopefully no one reading this after the fact is confused.

[TONGO]

I removed that question because I didn't think it made sense without your previous two posts (that have since been deleted). Hopefully no one reading this after the fact is confused.

Im trying to keep the process going forward, and Im being fair. If all thats gained from it is me looking like a "meanie" then the hell with it. ;)

[CosmicRunaway]

Is that why you deleted the posts? You thought they came across as mean? I didn't think the first one did, but admittedly I was uncertain about the tone of the second, especially since it came after the post comment I left asking if you were sure he just didn't have time to respond this morning haha.

[Omnizoa]

asking if you were sure he just didn't have time to respond this morning
My thoughts.

[TONGO]

Is that why you deleted the posts? You thought they came across as mean? I didn't think the first one did, but admittedly I was uncertain about the second haha.

^ This. I cant even say "I sent repeated Post Comments and PMs" or Ill be taken as mean :rolleyes: I wish I didnt delete it now, there was nothing I said or did that was unfair or over any line.

[TONGO]

My thoughts.


Yeah, a day and a half with more than one Post Comment or PM sent to him, hmmmmmmm, I think thats ample time. Its your call though, which is why I deleted my posts.

[CosmicRunaway]

^ This. I cant even say "I sent repeated Post Comments and PMs" or Ill be taken as mean :rolleyes: I wish I didnt delete it now, there was nothing I said or did that was unfair or over any line.
That's why I was surprised when they disappeared. Did someone say something to you about it in private? Did you think me asking if you were sure Optimus wasn't just busy was implying that I disagreed with what you said? It was a reasonable suggestion, I just wanted to be sure Optimus 100% wasn't going to participate before bypassing his link in the chain.

[Camo]

For the record i saw one of your deleted posts and it wasn't mean. You just said Optimus was on today and i have left him multiple PMs and post comments we should kick him out now (you didn't say it so blunt but i can't remember what words you used) and move on. Didn't see your other one.

[CosmicRunaway]

Didn't see your other one.
He just said that he wanted to emphasis that it was multiple post comments, and that there has been ample time. The only thing that threw me off about it (and the reason why I said I was uncertain about the tone of the second comment) was that he used the :rolleyes: emoticon.

I was also unsure if that was a response to my post comment or not. But it was nothing rude or mean.

[Camo]

Yoda should undelete all deleted posts on April Fools Day next year.

[DalekbusterScreen5]

Gravity

As part of this forum's 'Movie Chain' I was challenged to watch the 2013 sci-fi thriller Gravity, directed by legendary Harry Potter director Alfonso Cuaron. The film received glowering reviews from the critics and was the winner of numerous awards, including seven Oscars and a Golden Globe for Best Director. It is generally considered the Avatar of 2013; a film that combined effective 3D with strong storytelling. The version I watched was in 2D; a free copy I received through Google Play. Whilst I don't think it's as good as its reputation suggests, I still found it a hugely enjoyable movie - especially in comparison to many terrible modern movies such as Alvin & The Chipmunks and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Gravity sees biomedical engineer Doctor Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and her commander Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) performing a routine spacewalk to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Houston Mission Control warn them that a Russian missile strike on an abandoned satellite has created a chain reaction that has created a cloud of debri. They are advised to abandon the mission and return to Earth. The debri hits their space shuttle The Explorer and the Hubble Space Telescope, sending the pair tumbling into space. Will they survive? And most importantly, will they manage to return home?

http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/gravity-2013/homepage_Gravity-2013-1.jpg

One thing that I found surprising about this film was the horror element to the plot. There are two jump scares in the film involving dead astronauts, neither of which I ever expected. The make-up department have done a great job with the astronaut with a hole through his head; it looks extremely realistic - so realistic, in fact, that it is a wonder that the film managed to achieve a 12a rating instead of a 15.

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/gravitymovie/images/4/47/Shariffcorpse.png/revision/latest?cb=20131226220808

Gravity is a film that many times reminded me of The Blair Witch Project; it may seem like an odd comparison to make - one's a found-footage horror, the other a thriller set in space - but to me the similarities are obvious. Both focus on the fear and paranoia of their respective female leads - in Gravity Ryan's terror of being lost in space, in The Blair Witch Project Helen's fear of finding herself lost in the woods - and are more about playing with that emotion than utilising a central antagonist as with most movies. In fact, in both films it can be argued the antagonist is the environment. It's the environment our protagonists have to conquer - that's their key to success.

Gravity is at its best when it uses sound to convey the horror and loneliness of space. Random cuts between music inside a space shuttle (for example) and the lack of sound outside (bar radio communications) help to create a convincing atmosphere that sells just how traumatic the experience of being trapped in space would be. This means when Ryan is later able to contact an Eskimo, we feel her joy at finally being able to hear something different. As with any film the music also plays a big part in telling us how to feel but often with Gravity it's the lack of sound followed by sudden music or new voices that convey a bigger sense of emotion.

http://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/gravity-sandra-bullock.jpg?w=680

The use of sound is nothing compared to the stunning cinematography however. Gravity is one of those movies that probably needs to be seen on a cinema screen to be fully appreciated; its CGI shots in space are absolutely breath-taking, creating an expansive vista that helps compliment some stunning cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki.

https://reelfreak.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/gravity-movie-review-space-2.jpg

In my opinion this is the best cinematography in any film I have ever seen and I am baffled that the university lecturers aren't showing it as part of the Advanced Cinematography module. It seems exactly like the kind of film the lecturers would not only admire for the storytelling techniques but also have a deep appreciation for for the sheer beauty of the shots that it is composed of. Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo (a film that is being screened as part of the module) has great cinematography but nothing that can rival Gravity.

Many films would spend ages of exposition before they get to the jaw-dropping scenes in space - but no, not this movie. Gravity throws you straight in at the deep end, with the crew already in space. There's no messing about here. Gravity is the kind of film that gets straight to the point, allowing for a strong pace that eliminates many of the unnecessary padding some films can be the victim of. In no time at all, Ryan and Matt are at the Russian Space Station - in any other movie it would have probably taken them forty-five minutes to get there. It helps that this film is kept to a wise running time of an hour and a half, as opposed to the two hour standard of most recent movies. Sometimes ninety minutes is all that's needed to tell a good cinematic story - this is certainly the case with Gravity.

As with any film, it is helped largely by its cast. Both Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are amazing in their roles; it's worth noting that this movie is largely a one hander with Sandra Bullock, although like Peter Capaldi in Heaven Sent she is so good that you barely notice that she doesn't interact with anybody else on-screen for 90% of the movie. She has a certain amount of screen presence that an actor in a one-hander needs in order for it to work. Peter Capaldi and Sandra Bullock both have that presence - in fact, wouldn't it be great to see them in a film together? Whilst I would have liked to have seen more George Clooney, this is really Sandra Bullock's movie - her chance to shine.

https://drnorth.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/sandra_bullock__george_clooney_gravity.jpg

So how come I don't think it's as good as the critics made out?

Well, for two reasons.

The first is that the film feels too much like it was made to be viewed in 3D rather than a movie in its own right. Many of the shots come across as though they were made with the 3D effects made in mind and it hinders the viewing for anyone such as myself watching in 2D. One shot sees Ryan swinging around on the detached arm of The Explorer: a shot that would have looked amazing in 3D with Ryan coming out of the screen but in 2D comes across as gimmicky without the gimmick being present.

http://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/gravity-trailer-boom02.jpg

From watching it in 2D, it seems as though I'm missing something - as though I'm watching a theme park ride without actually being on the ride. It's a shame because this movie would have the potential to be a five-star film had it been made so it could be experienced the same watching it in 2D as the impact would have been with the 3D visuals.

Another issue I have with the film is that the characterisation of Ryan appears somewhat sexist in its portrayal of a female astronaut. I get that she's supposed to be inexperienced and getting lost in space would be a terrifying ordeal but half of the time Ryan comes across as useless - especially when the other character is male and is a space veteran, thereby making the more experienced of the pair. Why couldn't Ryan have been the veteran and Matt the inexperienced one (although the casting would have to have been different)? Or why couldn't they have both been the same gender? In fact, there's a much simpler solution to this: have Ryan do something other than panic and flap her arms about in Matt's presence. The only time Ryan does anything remotely intelligent is towards the end of the film when she's trying to return home and uses a fire extinguisher to propel her to the Chinese Space Station.

Overall, Gravity is a wonderful film with great use of sound and possibly the best cinematography I have ever seen. It is impressive how the screenplay by Jonas Cuaron rather than opting for exposition to introduce the characters dives straight into the space setting. I also like how the plot takes inspiration from The Blair Witch Project in the way that it explores the fear and paranoia of being lost in space and utilises the setting as the central antagonist rather than introducing a moustache-twirling villain. The film is mainly a one-hander with Sandra Bullock, who has a great amount of screen presence meaning that you forget that she's the only character in 90% of the film. Unfortunately the film suffers from many of the shots being geared too much towards creating a compelling 3D experience, meaning many of the shots lose their intended impact in 2D. I'm a big fan of 3D so watching a film that was clearly made for it in 2D is frustrating when you can tell the shots were made with the medium in mind. The characterisation of Ryan also suffers, coming across like a callback to the sexism of the 60s rather than a modern female character. Overall, I would definitely recommend Gravity, even if certain factors let it down.

4

[Omnizoa]

Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
Optimus ► ?????

[CosmicRunaway]

So has anyone heard from Optimus? Is he still trying to find someone to recommend him a movie?

[TONGO]

:laugh:

[Omnizoa]

Someone wanna take over for him?

[TONGO]

You and Cosmic gotta draw straws. :)

[CosmicRunaway]

Dibs, not it.

And no I couldn't think of a more juvenile way to say that haha.

[TONGO]

Ha, it dont matter cause he'll probably pick you next anyway ;)

[CosmicRunaway]

My last recommendations didn't go over too well, so I don't think anyone's going to pick me again for awhile haha.

[Omnizoa]

I still gotta do a lotta Photoshop for the Action Countdown so gonna be a bit busy for the next couple days.

[CosmicRunaway]

I'm totally up for watching someone's recommendation, I just don't want to have to find someone else to participate so soon since I had problems getting someone last time. If someone wants to just tell me a movie to watch and then go find someone else themselves, I'd be game to take Optimus' place. :lol:

[Omnizoa]

I don't mind your taste in movies, Cosmic, just a forewarning about the Photoshop an' all.

[DalekbusterScreen5]

I'm really not sure what's happened to Optimus. His last review on here was four days' ago.

[CosmicRunaway]

I think FromBeyond posted in the wrong thread. He just sent me a PM (in response to a Chain Game message I sent him last time I went looking for someone) saying he chose a film for me. He posted As Above, So Below (2014) in the Action Movie Countdown. Both threads are hosted by Omni, so I say that's close enough haha.

I just sent him another PM to make sure he wants to participate in the game. If so, I'll take Optimus' place, watch FromBeyond's rec, and just pretend I was the one who had Dalek watch Gravity. :cool:

[DalekbusterScreen5]

I think FromBeyond posted in the wrong thread. He just sent me a PM (in response to a Chain Game message I sent him last time I went looking for someone) saying he chose a film for me. He posted As Above, So Below (2014) in the Action Movie Countdown. Both threads are hosted by Omni, so I say that's close enough haha.

I just sent him another PM to make sure he wants to participate in the game. If so, I'll take Optimus' place, watch FromBeyond's rec, and just pretend I was the one who had Dalek watch Gravity. :cool:
I wonder if he thinks he just had to pick a film for me to watch and not actually find someone himself to choose a film for him?

[FromBeyond]

Yeah it was a long day, not sure how I got it so wrong, I'm sure I followed the link you sent me man, anyway "As Above, So Below" ... enjoy (or not)

@TONGO I guess, hit me up ?

[CosmicRunaway]

I wonder if he thinks he just had to pick a film for me to watch and not actually find someone himself to choose a film for him?
TONGO said he sent Optimus a few reminders about it, and while I don't know the wording of what he wrote, I assume he was clear that Optimus needed to find someone to choose a movie for him.
@TONGO I guess, hit me up ?
He still hasn't watched his last movie yet, so unfortunately you'll have to choose someone else.

[CosmicRunaway]

Anyone whose name is on this list can't be chosen again until they finish their movie.

Swan ► Close Up (1990)
Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
Optimus CosmicRunaway ► As Above, So Below (2014)
FromBeyond ► ???

[FromBeyond]

@Yoda?

[TONGO]

@Yoda?

Why not?! If hes willing to watch whatever someone chooses for him, then its a go. He picks who picks for him though, please tell him FBeyond :)

[TONGO]

What did Yoda say? Dang, Im gonna have to crack the whip :yup:

Post comment nudged Beyond.

[Omnizoa]

What did Yoda say? Dang, Im gonna have to crack the whip :yup:

Post comment nudged Beyond.
Let's not be too afraid to refer back to people who've already participated. Expanding is nice, but there's a limit.

[CosmicRunaway]

Maybe we should remind some of the people who haven't completed their movies yet that they agreed to this. A lot of them are from early in the previous thread, and they may have since forgotten all about it.

[Omnizoa]

Maybe we should remind some of the people who haven't completed their movies yet that they agreed to this. A lot of them are from early in the previous thread, and they may have since forgotten all about it.
Everytime someone posts in this topic, the thread is bumped into New Posts. If they're active, they have little excuse.

[Camo]

Swan watched Close Up btw. He posted about it in his Movie Log.

[CosmicRunaway]

Here's a link to Swan's review for the first post.

Swan ► Close Up (1990) (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1586886#post1586886)

[Omnizoa]

Thanks, guys.


Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
CosmicRunaway ► As Above, So Below (2014)
FromBeyond ► ?????

[CosmicRunaway]

Looking back to see if any more were missed, the only things I found were 2 weeks ago mistique mentioning Seven Samurai in the "Movie You're Watching Tonight" thread, and 3 weeks ago MonnoM mentioned that he was dropping out future chain links but would still watch Heaven.

[Camo]

Whats with the question mark after AboveTheClouds?

[CosmicRunaway]

The question mark is usually put after a movie that the person hasn't yet agreed to watch. Once they've confirmed that they've never seen it and will be watching it, the question mark usually goes away.

[TONGO]

I got 9 1/2 episodes of The Sopranos left, then Ill watch Bigger Than Life. I gotta write a longassed Sopranos thing, I dont know in what capacity its gonna be, but definitely want to top of this Sopranos binge with something.

[Omnizoa]

The question mark is usually put after a movie that the person hasn't yet agreed to watch. Once they've confirmed that they've never seen it and will be watching it, the question mark usually goes away.
http://38.media.tumblr.com/fc10754c292865dbef34568960ec4a35/tumblr_ngqct5ki7l1t0yh0vo1_500.gif

[mistique]

Looking back to see if any more were missed, the only things I found were 2 weeks ago mistique mentioning Seven Samurai in the "Movie You're Watching Tonight" thread, and 3 weeks ago MonnoM mentioned that he was dropping out future chain links but would still watch Heaven.

I haven't forgotten about this - I will watch it this week.

[CosmicRunaway]

At least you have a good movie to watch haha.

[FromBeyond]

What did Yoda say? Dang, Im gonna have to crack the whip :yup:

Post comment nudged Beyond.

Yoda said...

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/wjxd5velb2f0o9oop247.jpg

"That's my son, that is. I'll tell ya: ever since he was an itty bitty boy, sometimes he talks to the lord and sometimes he yells at the lord. Tonight, he just happens to be yellin' at him."

Enjoyable experience (thanks Yoda) 3/5

[Omnizoa]

Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
CosmicRunaway ► As Above, So Below (2014)
Yoda ► ?????

[CosmicRunaway]

http://www.prime.jo/CDN/Image/Entity/Movies/h-HO00000108?width=48&height=48

As Above, So Below (2014)

I usually stay away from anything in the "found footage" genre. I'm not a fan of shaky cam, and most of these films tend to be full of characters making really bad decisions, and if cameras are lost or all the characters die, then I always wonder who edited all the segments together, and how did they find the videos? As Above, So Below luckily doesn't really have any of those problems.

Despite my apprehensions going in, I really enjoyed this movie. The story was far more engaging than I expected it to be, and I really liked the atmosphere and supernatural elements of it (minus the burning car part, I thought that was dumb). In most places the camera movement is not distracting, and I actually found the movie to be pretty tense, especially in the latter parts. To quote what my room mate said before I started to watch it, this movie is way better than it has any right to be. ;)

[Omnizoa]

Daniel M ► Closet Land (1991)
TheUsualSuspect ► Vagabond (1986)
Redwell ► Postman Blues (1997)
Topsy ► Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962)
Mistique ► Seven Samurai (1954)
Nope ► Martyrs (2008)
Above The Clouds ► Dark Waters (1993) ?
MonnoM ► Heaven (2002)
TONGO ► Bigger than Life (1956)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 ► Night on Earth (1991)
MovieMeditation ► Eraserhead (1977)
rauldc14 ► We Are Still Here (2015)
The Sci-Fi Slob ► The Iron Giant (1999)
Clazor ► Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
Yoda ► ?????

[TONGO]

I gotta nudge Yoda. sheesh! :nope: ;)

[Yoda]

Quick clarification: FromBeyond asked me to pick a movie for him, but he must have assumed I was already familiar with this, because he didn't mention anything about me having to watch another after. I didn't realize I was volunteering for anything beyond choosing his movie. Sorry guys. Please find someone else; things are a bit crazy right now. :)

[TONGO]

Well, a ding dong dang! :laugh:

Anyone want to volunteer?

[Omnizoa]

Figured on that.

[MovieMeditation]

Completed my task and watched Eraserhead! Here's what I have to say about it...




























The end.

[Omnizoa]

The end.
Best review ever.

[NextScorsese]

I'm always willing to participate if need be.

[Omnizoa]

I'm always willing to participate if need be.
Go for it, we need somebody. Pick someone to give you a movie.

[Clazor]

Done. Got through Doctor Who: the movie. Sorry to say, not my cup of tea. I think I'll just stick to videos riffing on the bad episodes.