View Full Version : Raul's Film Thoughts
rauldc14
11-21-16, 03:02 PM
Alright, it's time for me to give a little log thread for my movie watches. Don't expect long reviews, rather thoughts and impressions or critiques on my watches.
I'll have one today for sure, maybe two if I have time to watch another film.
rauldc14
11-21-16, 03:28 PM
Nanook of the North
http://filmcatalog.nmai.si.edu/sites/1/dynamic/medias/sb_sys_medias_image_1701.jpg
This felt like a very important piece of film history and I'm glad that I was finally able to watch it. To me it felt like the birth of a documentary, which is a genre that I really don't care for but I feel like I can appreciate the time put into some of these after watching this film.
I read that when Flaherty first attempted to make his documentary, his film tape burned. I give the guy a lot of credit for re-doing his work and staying after it. He had to be so exhausted about the whole process.
The film itself was shot splendidly. I felt like I learned a lot about the culture of the Eskimo. They faced harsh conditions which I can appreciate even more. My two favorite parts of the film were the catch of the walrus and then the making of the igloos.
This film is paramount to film history and it is something that needs to be seen by everybody. The overall enjoyment of the film isnt truly extraordinary, but it's importance may be unparalleled for films from the 1920s. Very well made.
3.5
Daniel M
11-21-16, 03:56 PM
Nice, I think that's a great film and I would agree with your two favourite parts, those are two fantastic scenes that stood out to me too.
rauldc14
11-21-16, 03:59 PM
Their culture really amazes me now, I'm looking into the history of it as we speak.
rauldc14
11-21-16, 07:54 PM
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
https://media.giphy.com/media/Vj5dYzspP6vle/giphy.gif
A quick and simple watch but potentially one of my favorite cartoons of all time. My favorite thing about this film is the Dr. Sides dialogue but I really like the Grinch character and of course his dog Max. This is something that is definitely watched every year in my household and it definitely never gets old. The animation of Dr. Suess' worlds have always been pretty cool to me too.
3.5
Their culture really amazes me now, I'm looking into the history of it as we speak.
You know most of the doc is fake, right?
Grinch is awesome :cool:
rauldc14
11-21-16, 08:07 PM
You know most of the doc is fake, right?
Grinch is awesome :cool:
Feels real :cool:
In all seriousness, most of the fiction is probably because so much of his captured film was literally burned like I said.
Feels real :cool:
In all seriousness, most of the fiction is probably because so much of his captured film was literally burned like I said.
I've not seen it so can't really say. All i know is that during a scene the director told them to hunt with spears when they would usually use guns, and there's a scene where he shows one of the Inuits a record and he is amazed with it as if he had never seen something like it before. The Inuit knew what records were it was because the director told him it was a comedy scene and he had to pretend like it was astonishing. He also told a story about one of them starving to death the next year when he really died of illness years later.
Basically he tried to paint a picture that these people were alot more primitive than they actually were to wow the public. It's a very important film though and i imagine it's pretty great, looking forward to it.
TheUsualSuspect
11-24-16, 11:20 PM
Yeah, it was staged, but whatever.
rauldc14
11-28-16, 04:23 PM
https://static01.nyt.com/images/2016/11/11/arts/11ARRIVALJP1/11ARRIVALJP1-master675.jpg
Arrival
There is a lot to digest with a movie like this. I'll start off by saying that the visuals were amazing and perfect. This alone was enough to make it a very interesting movie but it doesn't stop there. The sound is flawless and should be a shoo in for some academy awards. I know it seems strange to call visuals and sounds the strengths of a film, but it helps to set up the story and the atmosphere of this film for me.
Amy Adams gives a great performance as well. Not necessarily her personal best, but I hope she is in the running for some awards with this movie. She is always interesting to watch and always give it her best. She has certainly become one of my favorites.
I like how Villeneuve slowly reveals to his audience key components to his story. Nothing is cut and dry and there is a lot to be interpreted. It reminds me of the way Nolan is used to directing. This was the first of his films I've seen and I'm intrigued to see more.
I definitely enjoyed the first half of this film. It lost a bit of luster in the second half, but then roared back with perhaps one of the best endings I've seen to a film in a long time. It's really hard to rate this film right now. I feel like it has a chance to go down in history as a film very much like 2001 or Gravity. It's definitely thought provoking and it is certainly something that needs to be seen again. As original a concept as I've seen in a very long time.
4+
Glad you liked it Rauldc. Surprised you haven't seen his others. I think there is a good chance you will like Sicario and Prisoners. Enemy not so much. I haven't seen anything before that. So far I like his stuff, but have yet to love anything. Arrival is good. 3.5 for me and hanging on to the number ten spot for the year on my ranked list.
rauldc14
11-28-16, 04:32 PM
Hopefully it's eligible for the Sci Fi list. Would easily make it for me. Arrival is my number one this year but of course I have seen, like, nothing.
I want to see Allied soon as well.
Hopefully it's eligible for the Sci Fi list. Would easily make it for me. Arrival is my number one this year but of course I have seen, like, nothing.
I want to see Allied soon as well.
I saw Allied Saturday. It's pretty good. First half drags but it really picks up from a certain scene on. I won't give it away but if you have seen the trailer you know.
Citizen Rules
11-28-16, 04:42 PM
I really want to see Arrival, especially after reading Raul's review, it sounds like something I would like. What do you guys think? You know my taste.
MovieMeditation
11-28-16, 05:03 PM
Yet to see Arrival. My collegue grabbed the press screening. Really wanna see it when it hits theaters here.
I really want to see Arrival, especially after reading Raul's review, it sounds like something I would like. What do you guys think? You know my taste.
I think you will like it. Allied as well.
Citizen Rules
11-28-16, 11:04 PM
I think you will like it. Allied as well. Thanks Sean, I think you know my movie taste pretty well, so I added Arrival and Allied to my Netflix Queue. I do have to wait a long time until they are released on DVD.
Okay Raul, consider me sold. Hope it comes out in theatres over here.
rauldc14
11-29-16, 08:50 PM
https://media.giphy.com/media/l2SqfOlOaJsEkzEQw/giphy.gif
Moana
Really liked it. The animation was some of the best that I've ever seen from a Disney movie. The islands and the oceans looked absolutely gorgeous and the design of the characters (especially the villainous ones) were very well drawn out. I really liked the main character of Moana and that was a plus because often times Disney can draw up female characters who become rather annoying (ones like Elsa for example). The best scenes were certainly drawn up on the ocean, especially the ones in the dark and particularly the Sting Ray scene.
The story was pretty good and i really liked the story connection with Moana's grandma. It felt very sincere to me. The character of Maui was pretty good and he made me chuckle a few times. And I found the chicken to also be pretty funny. I enjoyed all of the voice acting as well.
The songs were just ok for me, the thing that probably held me back from loving it the most. The crabs song was rather horrendous but not enough to ruin the film. It's visual appearance like I said is its biggest positive and I've always been a fan of Hawaiian culture so it's a film that appeals to me. One of the better Disney non Pixar films in awhile.
4-
AchillesAlexander
12-07-16, 03:34 PM
Don't know anything about Arrival. I'm in Sweden so it hasn't "arrived" here yet.(sorry) It's not based on the Arrival Charlie Sheen was in, is it? That was actually a pretty good film.
AchillesAlexander
12-07-16, 03:39 PM
Their culture really amazes me now, I'm looking into the history of it as we speak.
It was a good film. Although I have to tell this.. I lived in Alaska off and on in the 80's and there were lots of drunk natives in Fairbanks on the street. The local Fairbanksens, always referred to them as "Nanook of the North". I don't think any of them ever saw the film. I hope it is better now.
So, oddly, in Alaska in the 80s it was very much a derogatory term. Go figure..
NextScorsese
12-07-16, 03:41 PM
Don't know anything about Arrival. I'm in Sweden so it hasn't "arrived" here yet.(sorry)
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/45/21/70/45217055d8ed5bbe6d43384c1f55934c.gif
rauldc14
12-13-16, 06:48 PM
Allied
http://media.vanityfair.com/photos/57adfeb6f114d3ca724a0ddd/16:9/w_1200,h_630,c_limit/brad-pitt-allied-trailer.jpg
Pretty Good. When I first heard of the movie, it seemed like something that would be great. Zemeckis is a talented director. There are times where I felt the story lulled, and that is my biggest criticism. Pitt was decent and I really liked Cotillard. I did not see the ending coming, yet I had certainly wished for something a little better than that. Almost as if it took the easy way out, so to say. The dialogue sometimes felt a bit twisted in that maybe their was too many subtitles but I suppose it laid the groundworks for the story. In conclusion, somewhere in the middle is where I would place this.
3+
Thought that looked interesting from the poster. Might check it out myself at some point.
Cole416
12-13-16, 06:55 PM
I enjoyed Allied. I didn't expect it to be amazing because Zemeckis and Pitt have been lackluster lately but I was genuinely impressed. It was a good popcorn flick and the ending was really well done.
We are pretty much on the same page with Allied.It will be quickly forgotten I think
rauldc14
12-14-16, 02:42 PM
Inside Man
http://www.asset1.net/tv/pictures/movie/inside-man-2006/Inside-Man-05.jpg
Considering how many Denzel Washington movies I like, this one is pretty far up there for me. The storytelling is very tense, the acting is great throughout. I thought Washington was the best but Clive Owen and Jodie Foster were excellent as well. Also the supporting roles from Christopher Plummer and Ejiofor were really good too. This is an easy movie to put in in the background at my house but I always get suckered in and watch it like a hawk. I got to recommend this to those who haven't seen it. It's easily Spikes best movie for me.
4.5+
Haven't seen Inside Man since the theater. Haven't seen any Lee in quite a few years. I need to get to his stuff again. Malcolm X is the only one I really care for out of the half a dozen I have seen.
rauldc14
12-14-16, 03:30 PM
Did you like Inside Man Sean?
Did you like Inside Man Sean?
I remember thinking it was decent. That ending is real good. Like you I always love Denzel. That doesn't always translate to loving his movies though.
cricket
12-14-16, 06:38 PM
Inside Man was just ok for me, but I think I watched it under bad circumstances. I should watch it again.
rauldc14
12-17-16, 04:01 PM
Palm Beach Story
http://www.gablescinema.com/media/filmassets/slides/PalmbeachStory3_W2e9acn.jpg
I'm pretty sure this was my first Sturges film, and I blind bought it after looking into other Claudette Colbert films. She was excellent in It Happened One Night. I thought she was really good in this and I liked McCrea's performance as well. However, the character who played Hackensacker really really bugged me. To the point that he is solely responsible for losing a few stars for this film. When I read into the film, it seems as if many think he is the highlight, but I felt his acting to be rather bland and he wasn't that funny at all. I also didn't care for Toto but luckily he was not in the film very much. This is a screwball comedy as well and it had me chuckle at a few parts. The premise of the film I was OK with and it was executed pretty decent but the aforementioned issues with acting leave this as average for me based off of a first watch.
3
rauldc14
12-20-16, 04:36 PM
Manchester by the Sea SPOILERS!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-11-12-1478968694-5201741-manchesterbythesea.jpg
An extremely heavy film. I had very high expectations going in and it managed to even surpass those expectations. I am absolutely grateful that I got to see this and experience it in the cinema. I meant to see it yesterday but I was suffering from a miniature anxiety attack, which because of what happens in this film, seemed to make it even more relatable to me. I think I connected very well with these characters. Casey Affleck gives a performance of a lifetime. I've heard negative things of what is going on in his real personal life but I have strayed away in reading it because I didn't want it to effect how I felt about this film. I say we give him the Oscar now. Michelle Williams, although not on the screen for long, was absolute brilliant in her scenes. There really isn't one scene of hers that didn't seem to move me. Lucas Hedges gave a performance comparable to the male version of Shailene Woodley in The Descendants. His acting felt so real to the situation to me, trying to divert his life catastrophes as much as possible by surrounding himself with his friends, his hands, and his girlfriends. I absolutely liked the rest of the supporting cast as well. It was especially good to see Kara Hayward in a movie again, I think she's real talented. Or she was in Moonrise Kingdom anyways.
There's a certain something about films centered around tragic deaths that I can relate to. I love how Lonnergan doesn't hold anything back. He shows us the brutal reality of the tragedy that life can be. I give him a lot of credit for that. Some of these scenes are so heartbreaking. When Lee sees his brother after he arrives there and equally as heartbreaking is when Patrick sees him. But the most heartbreaking scene is without a doubt the flashback fire scene. Perhaps one of the most tear-jerking scenes I've ever seen. It got me. It also got me at the end when Lee said he can't beat it. He really wants to be there and be Patrick's caretaker, but he can't bring himself to do it. Also heartbreaking, the scene where Lee runs into Randi in Manchester and she asks him to go for lunch. He is so haunted by his past that he is afraid to have anything to do with things which were a part of it.
In the end, a lot is left on the table and up for interpretation. I like that. This is probably my favorite film of this decade, and if it isnt, it sure comes close. It gets the perfect rating from me. I feel like I'm doing the film injustice by not talking about it enough, but it was a lot to take in at one time but I will surely revisit it again. It's impact has it on the precipice of being one my top 10 after only one watch.
5
Awesome flick Raul. That Williams scene where she asks him to lunch will probably be my scene of the year. Really tremendous film.
Gideon58
12-20-16, 08:17 PM
Allied
http://media.vanityfair.com/photos/57adfeb6f114d3ca724a0ddd/16:9/w_1200,h_630,c_limit/brad-pitt-allied-trailer.jpg
OMG, when I first glanced at that photo, I thought that was Drew Barrymore.
Gideon58
12-20-16, 08:19 PM
Inside Man
4.5+
Hated this movie...for my money, Denzel's worst performance...to me, this was a hostage drama where no one seemed to care about the hostages, everyone involved just seemed knee deep in their own issues and it was never really made clear who Jodie Foster's character was working for.
rauldc14
12-20-16, 08:32 PM
Awesome flick Raul. That Williams scene where she asks him to lunch will probably be my scene of the year. Really tremendous film.
Yeah I keep thinking about so many scenes. That one may very well end up being my favorite as well. But that flashback scene and then I can't break it scene are two other contenders.
Typo_Bot
12-20-16, 08:56 PM
Yeah I keep thinking about so many scenes. That one may very well end up being my favorite as well. But that flashback scene and then I can't break it scene are two other contenders.
Beginning a sentence with a conjunction.
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Yeah I keep thinking about so many scenes. That one may very well end up being my favorite as well. Flashback scene was yes indeed very good and the I cant break it scene was also very good yes.
Your Welcome,
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Yeah I keep thinking about so many scenes. That one may very well end up being my favorite as well. Flashback scene was yes indeed very good and the I cant break it scene was also very good yes.
This guy is going to love my posts. Here's hoping he sticks around.
Typo_Bot
12-20-16, 09:08 PM
This guy is going to love my posts. Here's hoping he sticks around.
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Miss Vicky
12-20-16, 09:10 PM
Your Welcome
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12-20-16, 09:12 PM
Wohoo! I'm liking Typo Bot.;)
Typo_Bot
12-20-16, 09:13 PM
*You're not your.
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You are welcome.
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Flashback scene was yes indeed very good and the I cant break it scene was also very good yes.
I'm pretty sure your suggested alternative sentence, itself, would prompt another correction.
rauldc14
12-20-16, 11:22 PM
Going back to Manchester by the Sea, I feel like I need a more proper review to illustrate how much I connected to it.
rauldc14
01-02-17, 09:09 PM
Hush
https://zuts.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/hush-stalker-and-maddie.gif
I thought this film had a great concept, but the villain felt far too fragile for me. I almost got the sense that Maddie could kick his ass on a one on one fight. Also it didn't seem very scary since he was tapping on the windows when Maddie was deaf. It didn't add any scariness to the setting for her, so it didn't for me. I just feel like it could have been much much better.
2
cricket
01-02-17, 09:12 PM
I liked it more than you but I agree the villain was lame.
rauldc14
01-02-17, 09:34 PM
Crack is whack, folks.
If I remember right you liked it. So, sorry Swanny boy.
If I remember right you liked it. So, sorry Swanny boy.
?No need to apologize. :)
rauldc14
01-03-17, 10:38 PM
Fences
http://68.media.tumblr.com/c0a2ee2cd9bce9b771fb390d6b84a2af/tumblr_oe62zxPlI71qa3emao3_540.gif
This is a film that I should have over but in the end was only one I liked. The two core performances are the big positive of the film. Denzel was very into character as Troy. Viola Davis put on a very powerful performance and her big scene certainly is one of the most well acted of 2016. She actually outshined Denzel in my opinion but they were both very good. I think Antwone Fisher (another film directed by Denzel Washington) had a bit more heart to it, this one could certainly lead people to feeling cold to it. I also liked the supporting role of Stephen Henderson. What I didn't like was the films pacing at times and the mere fact that it felt like a rather stationary film, which could have definitely been what it was aiming for (it's called Fences, after all). But it almost felt too simple a film for me. I would have liked to have seen an actual heartwarming connection between the son and Troy as well as it would have made the ending more genuine.
3.5-
MovieMeditation
01-04-17, 04:50 AM
That the villain was "fragile" was only refreshing to me, since your typical horror/thrillers usually got the smart psychological killer or whatever. This was a "normal dude", who could make mistakes, who was also probably a more realistic version of a man with mentally twisted issues. The movie also made that point clear when they decided to have the killer remove his mask. Then it was clear this movie wasn't going to be what it seems like you wanted it to be.
I thought the tapping on the windows was interesting and disturbing enough, since the effectiveness comes from the fact that we know something is there while she doesn't. That's a classic horror tool, weird you seem to write it off like that. But if you didn't think it was scary, well that's you opinion and that's fine of course. And I do understand why someone wouldn't like it, but I'm not too fond of your arguments though. :)
rauldc14
01-04-17, 04:22 PM
Interstellar
https://media.tenor.co/images/d5e45b26d34b51fca465ae9c4056f1da/raw
I think I would put this one up there in Nolan's filmography, but probably not quite top 3 material. I will say it does certainly feel lengthy, but perhaps it was a lot of film to digest. The cinematography was sensational as it is with all of Nolan's films. He seems to bring a lot of layers and concepts to the forefront of this film. I almost felt overwhelmed at times much like how I did with Inception on a first watch. I really thought the performances were good all round. Nobody really stood above anyone else but they are all solid. McConnaughey certainly has talent when he's given the right role and Chastain is growing as a favorite of mine. I was really touched my the father daughter scene before he left to pilot. And there were other scenes that were just beautiful to see when they visited the other planets. The water planet looked epic. The one where McConnaughey and Damon were on was a thing of beauty as well. The score was great. I'm still wishy washy on how I feel about some of the end scenes and also about how I feel about the overall story in general, but I absolutely admire this film from a filmmaking standpoint. This won't be my last watch.
4
:up: I agree with everything you said about Interstellar.
I understand your criticisms of Fences as well but I think I put them out of my mind as the film progressed. I think the stationary part comes from being a play. That aspect would be hard to change without adding to the material. I can understand feeling that way though. I tend to teally respond to one location movies so it didn't bother me. I should have taken more advantage of Broadway when I lived on Long Island. I think I am a play person despite only ever having been to three or four.
rauldc14
01-04-17, 04:47 PM
I think its because I wanted to really love Fences, being a Denzel guy and all but I didn't necessarily love it. I think it stung more because of the fact that the performances were so good. It's hard when you feel you are stuck in the middle between how you feel about a movie.
I'm really glad I got to Interstellar, but I also wonder if I was in the right mood to fully watch it. May have been a better night movie perhaps.
rauldc14
01-09-17, 02:45 PM
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
http://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380232289i/681314.jpg
I must say that this was a very captivating movie. The movie did have certain lulls and at one point felt like it would fall flat head the end, but the ending was especially beautiful. I won't go to into detail with it now since Sean hasn't seen it yet but there are certainly some very heartwarming scenes near that ending. The acting is what drives this movie. Peggy Ann Garner gave an amazing childhood performance and the other performances were very good as well. I liked Dorothy McGuires performance the second most probably. James Dunn's performance really grew on me. At the beginning of the film I wasn't so sure, but he had a special charm to him when all was said and done. For an early film, there's certainly some heavy scenes in here. The camera work is beautiful and it seems like that is a constant standout feature of Kazans. I see this film being a contender for my 40s list.
3.5+
rauldc14
01-10-17, 08:41 PM
http://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/rs-248320-emma-stone-ryan-goseling-la-la-land-sing-dance-trailer1.jpg
La La Land SPOILERS POTENTIALLY
Just when I thought I saw the best movie of 2016 already (Manchester by the Sea), this movie comes and absolutely blows me away. I'll just start off by saying this is by far and away the best musical I have ever seen, and for those who haven't seen it, yes it IS. The only knack I can actually think of is the opening scene only in the sense that it had me worried about whether I would actually like the movie or not. The song was catchy but it started off to be a fear of the unknown.
After that, I loved getting to know the two main characters. I loved the chemistry that Mia and Sebastian had together. In particular, I say give Emma Stone an Oscar now. Her performance as Mia was simply outstanding. She had a lot of range with her character, I enjoyed her songs, and she was a very interesting person. I really like Gosling as well. Seeing the two characters come together and find common interests was really entertaining for me.
The best thing about the film may be the look of it. So many skyline scenes with beautiful colors, and the backgrounds and settings used in the film were just simply stunning. I love the scenery when they are dancing in the planetarium and when they are looking for her car. I also like the setting of where Sebastian and Mia meet for the second time when he is playing piano. Just seems like it would be a really cool place to hang out. I also like the catchy theme that became their song. Almost reminds me of the song Sam plays in Casablanca, which it may have been aiming for. The film exudes other coolness, like for example, the poster of The Killers in their apartment :cool:. The musical numbers in general are something that will really stick with you. They were all pretty brilliant.
The movie makes relationships and bonds feel like they are the most important thing in life because they are. And the characters start to realize this even when caught up in their own ways.
How about that ending? That one really got me by surprise. I've heard people don't like that ending but I really think it was perfect. At first I thought it was her thinking about her potential future and thinking she may regret it, so it really got me when it wasn't that way.
In all, this is the first year I remember seeing two films I would consider absolute favorites in the same year. I assume this one would continue to grow on me as well. A top 10 potential movie for the future.
5
Glad you loved it Raul. Funny, I felt the exact same way during the opening number but forgot aboit that till you wrote that. Good stuff. :up:
cricket
01-10-17, 08:44 PM
I have A Tree Grows in Brooklyn on my 40's watchlist; it sounds promising.
I can't say I'm interested in the other movie yet.
rauldc14
01-10-17, 08:46 PM
Glad you loved it Raul. Funny, I felt the exact same way during the opening number but forgot aboit that till you wrote that. Good stuff. :up:
I'm not going to lie it's a musical that puts Umbrellas of Cherbourg to shame :)
I'm not going to lie it's a musical that puts Umbrellas of Cherbourg to shame :)
Besides the color palette I don't even get the connection. Oh well, I'm a moron, what do I know.
rauldc14
01-10-17, 08:49 PM
The connection is they are both musicals, with one better than the other ��
I know Chazelle loves Umbrellas, so I'm sure I am missing something. Night and day for me when it comes to characters and script though.
I'm not ignoring this thread btw, Raul. Just haven't seen any of the films on the last page, repped them anyway though.
La La Land is probably the most overrated movie of the year, but I wanted to love it, and I'm glad you did.
Besides the color palette I don't even get the connection. Oh well, I'm a moron, what do I know.
The connection I think is that
Both films end with two lovers that ultimately did not fulfill their dream of living together
The connection I think is that
Both films end with two lovers that ultimately did not fulfill their dream of living together
Yeah, makes sense. I really had a hard time with the singing of every lyric. That's very rough sledding for me. Distracting really.
Yeah, makes sense. I really had a hard time with the singing of every lyric. That's very rough sledding for me. Distracting really.
Just read your post as if it were a lyric. Added a lot of flats to emphaize your disturbance. :p
rauldc14
01-10-17, 10:28 PM
Did you like La La Gatsby?
Citizen Rules
01-10-17, 10:29 PM
Very cool Raul that you seen a 5/5 movie and loved it. That doesn't happen to me too much. I'm looking forward to La La Land, it looks exciting, but I have to wait for Netflix to get it. Is it a period piece movie BTW?
rauldc14
01-10-17, 10:33 PM
Pretty sure it's modern day CR.
I never thought I would see movies that would contend for my next top 10, but La La and Manchester both are up there.
I have to say though it bewilders me when people say this was a terrible year for movies, I thought it was a rather good year overall.
I have to say though it bewilders me when people say this was a terrible year for movies, I thought it was a rather good year overall.
As usual the last three months are redeeming it for me. Think I'm seeing Silence Friday. Have a feeling that will be the icing on the cake.
rauldc14
01-10-17, 10:43 PM
I love Scorsese but idk about Silence.
Sexy Celebrity
01-10-17, 10:48 PM
http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=28415&stc=1&d=1484102863
RAUL, GET THE F**K OUT OF HERE
AND INTO SURVIVOR IX. (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=47728)
NOW.
I love Scorsese but idk about Silence.
Oh man, can't wait. I think the themes will really appeal to me.
rauldc14
01-10-17, 10:49 PM
Oh man, can't wait. I think the themes will really appeal to me.
I'm only going off the trailer, which was mediocre to me.
Did you like La La Gatsby?
Yep, gave it 4.5/5, but I don't think it's a masterpiece and Chazelle can definitely do something better.
rauldc14
01-12-17, 04:00 PM
A Streetcar Named Desire
http://www.asset1.net/tv/pictures/movie/a-streetcar-named-desire-1951/A-Streetcar-Named-Desire-1951-LB2-1.jpg
I got a lot out of this on my third viewing. This is why I like doing these director things. You can clearly see that Kazan is fantastic at getting the best out of his actors and actresses. It's just amazing to me this movies core 4 were all nominated for their performances. Vivien Leigh's performance as Blanche is an all-timer. Every time she is on the screen she commands presence. She feels like she has become her character, you can't even tell that it is acting. Brando is equally as good and he was robbed of an Oscar in my opinion. Hunter and Malden were also great. Kazan takes a very famous screenplay and makes it come alive on the big screen. It's quite a treat to watch. I can certainly see why this is Sean's favorite Kazan and it undoubtedly deserved the praise that it has gotten. They just don't act like this anymore.
4-
rauldc14
01-16-17, 11:50 AM
Wild River
https://lassothemovies.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/wild-river-1960-7.jpg
This was a really big surprise for me. I hadn't even heard of the film until it was recommended by Citizen here. I really liked the authentic story telling by Elia Kazan. He takes a true story (or at least loosely based true story) that is a fairly simple tale but he packed it full of emotion and great acting. I must admit I wasn't so sure whether or not Montgomery Clift would completely win me over with his performance, but by the time the movie was half over I knew the right casting decision was made. I was initially worried about him in a lead role as it seems he plays a "sidekick" role much better. Van Fleet as the grandma was a very genuine performance. It was rather heartbreaking to see her by her husband's and her future grave, talking about how she needed to hang onto her place. And Lee Relock is an actress that continues to be of interest for me. Her best scene was when she was telling Chuck that he would make a good husband and that her kids wanted him to stay around. I felt she definitely got lost in her role and became her character. She was probably my favorite of the three. Thank you for picking this one Citizen, certainly a rather powerful film with a powerful ending too. It would be this or A Tree in Brooklyn that would get my 4TH spot from Kazan right now.
3.5
MovieMeditation
01-16-17, 02:20 PM
I really should have seen Streetcar by now... shame on me.
rauldc14
01-16-17, 04:19 PM
Braveheart
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/32100000/Wallpaper-braveheart-32189752-1920-1080.jpg
An all-timer for me. The film hour of the film is legitimately perfect for me. The ending is tear jerking. The directing by Mel Gibson is superb. The costume design is excellent and the scenery and cinematography is as well. There are just so many scenes here that can fill you with sadness, but it's the mark of a truly great film when you feel invested in the characters. William Wallace is made on the screen to be a true film hero. This is obviously a must see film for anybody.
4.5+
MovieMeditation
01-16-17, 04:20 PM
FREEEEEEDOOOOOOOM!!!!!
Braveheart is awesome!
cricket
01-16-17, 07:45 PM
There seems to be a lot of hate here for Braveheart, but not from me, I love it.
Braveheart bandwagon. Swan is a bravefart face.
rauldc14
01-17-17, 09:29 AM
Silver Linings Playbook
https://typeset-beta.imgix.net/rehost%2F2016%2F9%2F13%2F6b0e2758-b3af-4714-b2d9-1a09d7a84ad0.jpg
A fun performance piece here. It is one of only 15 films ever to be nominated for an Oscar in all 4 acting categories, with Jennifer Lawrence actually taking home the Oscar. I really like her performance here, her range of emotion is fantastic and she is believable as a disdrought young widow. I also really like Bradley Cooper in this as well as a more lighthearted performance from Robert De Niro. I'm not sure I totally like it as much as I used to but it's a film that I can watch over and over again with no problem.
4-
Man i hate Braveheart #TeamBravefart!. I deserve a pass though since i'm actually Scottish, i mean Irn Bru isn't flowing through my veins like Mel Gibson but close enough.
Silver Linings Playbook is a good film, i liked it less the second time but it is good.
MovieMeditation
01-17-17, 01:03 PM
I call it Bravefart.
And I call that comment a Brainfart. :shrug:
Anyways, really liked Silver Linings myself too, raul, glad you do as well. :up: Not seen it more than once though.
rauldc14
01-17-17, 02:54 PM
The Martian
http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5602c4c1dd08952b148b46aa-1895-734/the-martian-plant-life.png
Really liked this, which I figured that I would. I've noticed with newer movies that an excellent cinematography can glue me into a movie by being mesmerized by the images. It was a really beautiful film visually. Matt Damon was great in the lead role, but certainly overall this is a very powerful ensemble cast with the likes of Michael Pena, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Mara, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, and the awesome Jessica Chastain. Particularly was intrigued by the ending of this film. I wouldn't call it a masterpiece by any sense for a space film (I would prefer Gravity and Arrival over this) but it was still an extremely well made film and it is up there in my 2015 rankings though I still haven't seen all that much.
4
Why does everyone think Bravefart is a diss towards the movie? It's only natural you guys.
The Martian was good, it's not a favourite or anything but i enjoyed it. Was surprised at how funny it is.
cricket
01-17-17, 08:52 PM
I enjoyed The Martian as well, although I thought it ended up dragging out. I liked Silver Linings even more.
I wasn't crazy about that one but anything with Jessica Chastain gets a pass from me.
rauldc14
01-17-17, 09:11 PM
Other than Shelter what Chastain do you like Swan?
Crimson Peak would be my #2 Chastain flick.
rauldc14
01-17-17, 09:22 PM
Did you ever see Miss Sloane Swan?
No I didn't. I'd watch it, but only for her.
rauldc14
01-17-17, 09:26 PM
I didn't see it either.
rauldc14
01-18-17, 09:55 PM
Nocturnal Animals
https://themoviemylife.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/nocturnal-animals-2016-michael-shannon-aaron-taylor-johnson-jake-gyllenhaal2.png?w=672&h=372&crop=1
Didn't dig it. For whatever reason, the story didn't appeal to me and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. On the surface a cast of Gyllenhaal, Adams, and Michael Shannon is something that should really appeal to me, but the characters seemed a bit too superficial to me and their emotions were conveyed the greatest in my opinion. Most of the reasons why it didn't I would point to the script, which I just wasn't a big fan of. Hopefully they don't nominate Aaron Taylor-Johnson for an Oscar either because in all honesty I don't get the acclaim. I don't have a lot to say other than I was disappointed because initially I thought this could have been a great film.
1.5
cricket
01-18-17, 09:56 PM
That's disappointing
The more I hear people talk about Nocturnal Animals, even those that love it, the more I think it probably won't appeal to me. I will see it on Blu-ray though.
Citizen Rules
01-19-17, 11:52 AM
I read about Nocturnal Animals, I can't see myself liking it.
rauldc14
01-19-17, 11:55 AM
That's disappointing
Did you see it?
cricket
01-19-17, 05:34 PM
Did you see it?
No but it's on my watchlist. The preview looked so good and I love the cast.
rauldc14
01-23-17, 08:45 PM
Some quick hitters:
The Jungle Book
http://www.mediastinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/The-Jungle-Book-2016-after-credits-hq.jpg
It wasn't bad. The CGI was very well done in my opinion. Some of the characters just weren't as lovable as in the animated one, so that was a downgrade for me. And hardly any Kaa in the film disappointed me. Sher Khan was an excellent villain though.
3
Paprika
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/36/7b/db/367bdb56bf59f588695b606933517a60.jpg
Really stunning animation and I think the story was good. It was the lack of characters that interested me that held me back. Still a pretty decent watch, but nothing close to how I would enjoy something like say a Miyazaki film. I still need to see Millennium Actress and perfect Blue. I could enjoy those more.
3
Lilo and Stitch
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gx0LA2tPXvU/maxresdefault.jpg
A big surprise for me. I really like the Stitch character and there were a lot of heartfelt moments that made the movie really great. It was pretty funny too. Love seeing the bond grow between Stitch and Lilo.
3.5+
CosmicRunaway
01-23-17, 08:51 PM
I still need to see Millennium Actress and perfect Blue. I could enjoy those more.
I'm definitely planning to watch Perfect Blue for the Animated Film Tournament. I've seen parts of it, but not the entire thing. Given how much more I liked Paprika when I rewatched it, and how much I thoroughly enjoyed Tokyo Godfathers when I watched it for the HoF, I feel like I should give Millennium Actress a second chance, especially if I also end up liking Perfect Blue.
CosmicRunaway
01-23-17, 08:56 PM
I've only now just seen your post on The Martian (if you couldn't tell from the rep haha).
Particularly was intrigued by the ending of this film.
What was it that intrigued you about the ending? After I saw The Martian in theatres, I went out and bought a copy of the book. The biggest difference between the novel and the film is the ending, and I still haven't figured out which version I prefer.
rauldc14
01-23-17, 09:04 PM
Just the whole way they got Watney back. It was tense and exciting sequences for me,
CosmicRunaway
01-23-17, 09:42 PM
I liked that (as well as the entire rest of the movie haha) too. :up: The film actually follows the book really closely, just cutting a few subplots and roadblocks for time. It does the opposite with the very end though.
In the book, once they get Watney back on the ship, there's nothing else - that's where the story ends. So we don't really know if the ship makes it back to Earth or what happens to any of them.
rauldc14
01-24-17, 05:05 PM
Jackie
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2OERtfbWqdc/maxresdefault.jpg
An absolute excellent performance from Natalie Portman. She played Jackie Kennedy beautifully. She also saved the film in a lot of parts. Kind of reminds me of the similarity to how I feel about Monster with Charlize Theron, in that the performance drives an otherwise normal film. But it's a performance so good that it nearly elevates it to something great. I would say this is good rather than great. The flashback scenes are haunting but they are well done. Sometimes I grew tiresome of the back and forth but that's the agenda this sort of film had. The score I often thought was rather good. And the costume design, including that brilliant pink suit was definitely a strength to the film. I would be happy with Portman bringing home the Oscar, if that's what happens. And lastly, I particularly liked the scenes that led up to Jack's funeral march. Those were some bold acting scenes from Portman.
3.5
Rauldc wearing those theater seats out lately. :up:
rauldc14
01-24-17, 05:12 PM
Got this one just in the nick of time. One theater playing it and this was about the last day.
Citizen Rules
01-24-17, 05:24 PM
It's probably no surprise to those who know my film taste, but I really want to see Jackie. Glad to here you liked it Raul. I can see Natalie Portman doing a great acting job as Jackie Kennedy.
rauldc14
01-24-17, 05:31 PM
Think you would really like it Citizen!
Citizen Rules
01-24-17, 05:33 PM
It's on my Netflix Queue, so I'm hot to see it, but I have to wait a while for it to be released:(
cricket
01-24-17, 05:41 PM
I was going to put that on my watchlist after seeing Sean's great review, figuring my wife would want to see it. She ended up having no interest so I'll probably never watch it.
rauldc14
01-24-17, 05:42 PM
I don't think Sean has seen it. I think you mean Swan?
cricket
01-24-17, 05:44 PM
Yea Swan!
Citizen Rules
01-24-17, 06:22 PM
Raul have you seen Parkland (2013)?, I think you might really like it seeing how you just seen and liked Jackie. I reviewed it if you want to look it up.
Glad you liked it, raul. :up:
rauldc14
01-30-17, 09:25 PM
Amadeus
https://assets.mubi.com/images/film/1700/image-w1280.jpg?1445915434
Every year around this time I try to catch up on some old Oscar stuff I've never seen. I don't know how this movie fares around this site, but I didn't care for it. Mozart seemed to be portrayed as rather annoying. I don't know if he had that laugh in real life but it was downright awful. Also Mozart seemed like he was crazier than Salieri, whose character I liked a little more but still not all too much. The set designs and costumes were well done, but I didn't like the story structure either. I thought it was a pretty well regarded film but it was a let down for me.
2.5
I love Amadeus but i can see how it could be annoying. No from most accounts Mozart wasn't like that in real life, all the Salieri stuff is made up too; it's more like an Alternate History film than a Biography the vast majority is fictional. Mozart was supposed to be annoying and fowl to make it that much harder for Salieri to take that god gave this immature goof these immense talents and he gave the refined god fearing Salieri practically nothing in comparison.
cricket
01-30-17, 09:31 PM
I didn't like it either, not for me.
rauldc14
01-30-17, 09:33 PM
I thought it would have a more gripping story for me. Well what can I say, best picture winners of the 80s are relatively crap from what I've seen (except 1)
I watched Amadeus last year and loved it, 4/5. I'm with Camo though, I can see how it would grate on you. Bummer.
rauldc14
02-01-17, 01:37 PM
Captain America: Civil War
http://i.onionstatic.com/avclub/5804/53/16x9/960.jpg
Undoubtedly the action is there but I feel like the story lacks in comparison to other Marvel. I'm a huge Marvel guy but I will readily admit this is the first time I've worried about the comic movies growing tiresome. Now hopefully, that is just a movie one feeling. It seems like they almost have too many characters in these movies now, a la a Spiderman 3 feeling when they had too many villains. I do worry about the future of the MCU, but like I said hopefully this was a one time thing, especially with Guardians 2 and the Spiderman reboot being next. Admittedly the last two marvel (this and Dr. Strange) are kind of far down on my Marvel list.
3
rauldc14
02-06-17, 10:50 PM
Hacksaw Ridge
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9BqgHYLvHIE/maxresdefault.jpg
Quite a pleasant surprise here. Gibson's directing was the driving force behind a very powerful and emotional film. The film has a lot of gut wrenching and surprise popping scenes, making it stand out ahead of what a normal war film is like. I really liked Garfield in the role of Desmond Does. I also like how the film built up how he got into the war. The first half of the film was really well done. I was worried that the war scenes would disappoint but they didn't. The war scenes were real tense. The only negative from me is that there were a few scenes where if it played out like it showed the results certainly would have been different. But it didn't effect my overall enjoyment of the film too much. A real sleeper pick type of movie this year as I didn't expect to enjoy it to that extent.
4
ShopkeeperTriumph
02-06-17, 10:56 PM
You liked Hacksaw Ridge a bit more than me, but I did enjoy it. Civil War, in my opinion, is the best in the trilogy, and in my top five when talking about the cinematic universe, but I do agree with you on the story being thin in comparison to the action.
Amadeus is that low? How dare you! :p
ShopkeeperTriumph
02-06-17, 10:59 PM
Well what can I say, best picture winners of the 80s are relatively crap from what I've seen (except 1)
Ok, now I'm curious!
rauldc14
02-06-17, 11:04 PM
Ok, now I'm curious!
Rain Man is the only one from the 80s that I really love
cricket
02-06-17, 11:28 PM
I'm really looking forward to Hacksaw Ridge.
rauldc14
02-13-17, 06:09 PM
Lion
https://www.alfamovie21.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Lion.jpg
A nice surprise with a really well told story here. I like how the film is segmented. There are a lot of heartbreaking scenes. I thought the child actor did a really good job. Some of the scenery in the film is breathtaking. I personally thought Patel deserved his supporting actor nomination, but I will scratch my head on the Kidman one. I think I'm also becoming a pretty decent fan of Rooney Mara. I thought she did real well with what little she was given. The ending was rather heartbreaking and the film post ending was very informational and interesting. This is a loaded year for Oscar films folks. I noticed many are skipping seeing this one, but I would recommend it. It's just a tad bit better than Fences on a first watch for me, and below the other nominees, but still definitely worth the watch.
3.5
cricket
02-13-17, 06:11 PM
What the heck, you convinced me. Added to watchlist.
Interesting. Think that's the nominee i've heard the least about.
ShopkeeperTriumph
02-13-17, 06:51 PM
You liked Lion more than me. It's my least favorite nominee this year that I've watched, but not enough to sour the entire list, it's completely watchable. They nominated a lot of good ones this year. I entirely agree with your statement of Kidman, she didn't really leave an impression on me whatsoever.
rauldc14
02-14-17, 04:20 PM
Eyes Wide Shut
http://vigilantcitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/leadeyes1.jpg
I believe this was my third viewing. Just a messed up film that in the end does nothing for me. Number 15 on the 90s list? Come on people! I watched it again to see if my thoughts would change but they didn't. I am however curious as to what people fully see in this movie, so let me know. It's not a bad movie (though not good either), just way overrated.
2.5
I went back to see what I wrote about Eyes Wide Shut, and it wasn't much. These dream like movies are hit and miss for me but this one hit just right. It's like you are experiencing everything the main character is for better or worse, it's so immersive. We feel aprehensive when he does, we give ourselves over to the experience when he does. A movie like this is,what I imagine, drugs to be like. Kind of this out of body experience. The themes of temptation and voyeurism ring very true. Every step he knows he should say stop but gives in just a bit more. A movie like this has to be crafted extremely well to enjoy it and I think Kubrick nails it. I gave it a 4/5 and will revisit it someday.
rauldc14
02-14-17, 04:45 PM
Did you always rate it that highly? I thought at one point you didn't.
Did you always rate it that highly? I thought at one point you didn't.
Yeah, last year was my first watch.
rauldc14
02-14-17, 04:47 PM
Must be someone else I was thinking of.
I just like how "messed up" it is. ;)
I think Lolita is mine still with Eyes Wide Shut second. Weird, I don't think I will ever be a Kubrick fan boy, but I like everything but 2001 well enough.
I honestly need to revisit them, it's been forever since I've seen any. Most of them have been my favorite Kubrick at one time or another.
I honestly need to revisit them, it's been forever since I've seen any. Most of them have been my favorite Kubrick at one time or another.
Sounds like me with PTA.
rauldc14
02-14-17, 04:59 PM
My Kubrick rankings for people to scoff at:
1. Lolita
2. Full Metal Jacket
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey
4. Paths of Glory
5. Dr. Strangelove
6. Eyes Wide Shut
7. The Killing
8. Killers Kiss
Only like the first three. The others I can certainly do without.
Yeah, we are pretty different on Kubrick. You haven't seen The Shining? I need to see Barry Lyndon still as well.
rauldc14
02-14-17, 05:03 PM
Shining, Lyndon, and Clockwork still haven't seen. 3 big hitters.
Shining, Lyndon, and Clockwork still haven't seen. 3 big hitters.
If you watch Clockwork hold tight. Exact opposite of Full Metal for me. I can do without the first half but the second half is amazing.
Wasn't crazy about Eyes Wide Shut either, i'd like to see it again though since it's been about 6 years or something. Not sure how i'd rank Kubrick, Clockwork would be #1 anyway for now. Still have to see Paths of Glory and Barry Lyndon.
rauldc14
02-14-17, 08:56 PM
State of Play
http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/state-of-play-2009/hero_EB20090415REVIEWS904159989AR.jpg
A personal favorite of mine that never grows old and I have seen countless times. It's a shame you don't hear many people liking this film because it is intriguing storytelling. It is great to see how the story all wraps itself together. The acting is great from the top to the bottom. Even people with minor roles like Jeff Daniels and Viola Davis were great. But obviously, it all starts with two excellent performances from Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams. The two had great chemistry in the film. I also think the film is particularly intriguing because we get to see the world of journalism and how places will fight to get the first report. Which is definitely true. Also good was Kitten, Affleck, and Wright. To me it's the perfect case of perfect acting going along with a great screenplay and the dialogue is excellent. If you haven't seen it, you gotta.
4.5+
MovieMeditation
02-14-17, 08:58 PM
I have still to see Eyes Wide Shut.
Don't know what I'm doing with my life.
Even our hidden gems match up often. I love State Of Play but definitely need to see it again. My theater viewing has been my one and only.
Damn, don't think i've even heard of that. Will give it a shot if i get the chance.
rauldc14
02-14-17, 09:00 PM
Damn, don't think i've even heard of that. Will give it a shot if i get the chance.
Think you would like it actually. Miss Vicky is also a fan.
I saw it in the theater and have seen it at least ten times since then :p
Think you would like it actually. Miss Vicky is also a fan.
I saw it in the theater and have seen it at least ten times since then :p
Me and Miss Vicky rarely agree on films haha. It looks good though so i'll look out for it. I've actually heard of the BBC Show it was adapted from.
cricket
02-14-17, 10:20 PM
I watched State of Play with wifey on your rec and we both enjoyed it.
Miss Vicky
02-14-17, 10:25 PM
Damn, don't think i've even heard of that. Will give it a shot if i get the chance.
It was in my top 100 (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1630426#post1630426), fool.
Oh right your #64 between Fight Club and Paprika, damn how could i forget, i thought i had it memorized. :coleman:
Miss Vicky
02-14-17, 10:50 PM
Oh right your #64 between Fight Club and Paprika, damn how could i forget, i thought i had it memorized. :coleman:
You should.
rauldc14
02-20-17, 09:14 PM
Brooklyn
http://www.outtothemovies.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Brooklyn-2015-Stills-Wallpapers.jpg
One of my favorites from 2015. I really thought Saorise Ronan gave the best female performance this year and I was rooting for her to win the Oscar, but that obviously didn't happen. The film has a great story to it. In particular the ending is really heartwarming. I like how the film tugs at the heartstrings of its viewers and how we see her and Tony grow closer to one another. One of those distance makes the heart grow fonder scenarios was played out very realistically to me too. I see this being one of 2015s more underrated films.
4
Citizen Rules
02-21-17, 12:00 AM
I loved Brooklyn, I gave it 5/5...I wish I could find more new movies of that caliber.
Didn't like Brooklyn much. I'd be up for trying it again though.
rauldc14
03-24-17, 03:45 PM
The Revenant
http://www.xfdrmag.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/leo.png
Can't believe I hadn't gotten to this film until today. It's a great piece of filmmaking. I don't know why but I seem to take a lot of stock in cinematography and scores these days and they both were excellent. They help set the mood and the atmosphere for the film. The images of nature blew me away, with the streams and the woods looking so fascinating. Inarritu is a very talented filmmaker. His favorite of mine is still probably 21 Grams but this is no slouch. Give him a lot of credit for making a great film that is much less dependent upon dialogue than most other films. I liked Di Caprio , but I'll say the real acting gem was Tom Hardy. The guy was a real badass. That bear scene was amazing. It felt like we were right there watching the vicious scene. I loved the sentimentality of the film and DiCaprio's quest for revenge. The film was graphic in parts but that didn't affect my enjoyment. The only part I didn't care for was when DiCaprios character fell off the cliff and then he slept inside the horse. That didn't feel all that real to me. But that's a small complaint. The fight at the end was a very tense ending. It's not necessarily an enjoyable film, but a really well made and respected film. That's what Inarritu is all about it seems.
4+
cricket
03-24-17, 06:34 PM
Glad you enjoyed those last two, two of the best from the last couple years imo.
I don't love The Revenant but agree with your appreciation of its nature images. The opening shot in particular was amazing to me because it's just tracking over a tiny stream in a forest but it plays like another movie's majestic helicopter shot over a giant river
Citizen Rules
03-26-17, 03:16 PM
The Revenant
....I liked Di Caprio , but I'll say the real acting gem was Tom Hardy.
The only part I didn't care for was when DiCaprios character fell off the cliff and then he slept inside the horse. That didn't feel all that real to me. But that's a small complaint....
We agree! I had the same reaction to The Revenant. I loved the on location winter shooting and cinematography. Totally agree about Hardy be the best actor in the film (DiCaprio was good too). And agree on the horse scene, I mentioned that in my review. Glad you liked this one.
MovieMeditation
03-26-17, 04:51 PM
I liked Brooklyn quite a bit, though I did not love it. It was different though and I enjoyed that.
The Revenant did not reach the immense hype on first watch, but by about three watches I feel confident in saying this one I love quite a bit. Amazing, technically, and with an interesting spiritual touch, but above all it's just a great adrenaline-fueled revenge movie.
Captain Spaulding
03-27-17, 07:48 AM
Raul, I've always enjoyed reading your thoughts on films in the HOFs and Director Dissection and I've often wished that you would share your opinions more often, so it's great to see this thread. Great stuff. Love the succinct, spoiler-free write-ups. You've watched a lot of very recent stuff that I haven't seen yet so I can't weigh in with my own thoughts, but we're on the same page when it comes to The Revenant, Streetcar, Arrival, Hush, Brooklyn and Captain America: Civil War. Manchester by the Sea resonated with you much stronger than it did with me, but I love reading when someone falls in love with a new film. I consider Kazan one of my favorite directors but have yet to see A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or Wild River. Somehow I've never heard of Nanook of the North, but it sounds fascinating and I need to make a point to watch more documentaries so I've added it to my watchlist.
I'll make sure to visit this thread more often going forward. :)
rauldc14
03-27-17, 11:40 AM
Thanks Spaulding! I appreciate you reading through my thoughts. I'll be sure to post more in the future. I haven't posted thoughts for a lot of films I've seen lately so I will try to stay on top of it.
rauldc14
04-06-17, 12:24 AM
Power Rangers
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/powerrangers/images/8/81/Cover-powerrangersmovie.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/660?cb=20161201090346
I was a fanboy back in the day so I wanted to see this for nostalgia purposes. I thought it was a pretty fun ride. I loved seeing the group form and bond as well as the early scenes where they find their tokens. I didn't really like the ending fighting scenes as they kind of dragged on and weren't all that entertaining. I found the yellow ranger to be the best. Funny that her name wasn't Sabrina, that's what I always thought it was, but I was wrong. I also liked Billy and he had some funny segments. I also did like how evil Rita was and thought Elizabeth Banks was a good casting choice. Overall it was fun although nothing spectacular.
3-
rauldc14
04-26-17, 12:24 AM
Nightmare on Elm Street
http://www.dreadcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/A-Nightmare-on-Elm-Street.jpg
Finally got around to it after all these years never seeing it. It's a pretty interesting premise and I would suppose it would be a film easy to go back to. I liked a lot of the characters so that definitely helped. The nightmare scenes were not necessarily obvious that they were going to happen to me at the beginning, so that added a pretty decent twist to it for me as well. The creation of Krueger was real well done, he's one creepy dude looks wise. He kind of seemed like a klutz though and I feel he should have been more dangerous. I still think I liked the first Friday the 13th better than this one, but this wasn't too bad.
3.5
Quite a few people think Nightmare On Elm Street 3 is better than the original, so that would be worth seeing if you liked this enough to see more, don't think you'd have to watch the second one but i really can't remember. Personally the first is my favourite tho and i like it better than the Jason films i've seen. I actually liked Friday The 13th Part II and probably Freddy vs Jason more than the first Friday The 13th.
Quite a few people think Nightmare On Elm Street 3 is better than the original, so that would be worth seeing if you liked this enough to see more, don't think you'd have to watch the second one but i really can't remember. Personally the first is my favourite tho and i like it better than the Jason films i've seen. I actually liked Friday The 13th Part II and probably Freddy vs Jason more than the first Friday The 13th.
I'm on that boat. Dream Warriors is the go-to Elm Street movie for me, it has a great cast and the perfect mix of horror and comedy. Actually, Freddy's Dead is pretty up there as well.
TheUsualSuspect
04-26-17, 08:33 AM
I wouldn't put Friday the 13th ahead of Nightmare. Nightmare is more original in every sense of the word, more creative kills and to me is better put together. I would rank Friday the 13th on the lower end of the classic slasher flicks.
rauldc14
05-11-17, 08:24 AM
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--EkkV5I8S--/c_fill,fl_progressive,g_center,h_450,q_80,w_800/olkuan4od0flmq49x46j.png
One of the better sequels for Marvel. I chuckled a lot and the second half of the film was very strong. Dave Bautista had perfect comedic timing. The looks of the film were even better than Dr. Strange. May win an Oscar for visual effects. I laughed a lot and nearly teared up near the end. I liked the opening credits scene with baby Groot too. Good fun film. Yes, Marvel has done better but they kept it fresh here.
3.5
I feel like the only one who didn't think the humor in Volume 2 was good. Oh well, I am going to have to see it again with my boys. Maybe my cold heart will turn.
Cosmic didn't like it either. Can't remember if she didn't like the humour but i guess she did since she disliked it.
I feel like the only one who didn't think the humor in Volume 2 was good. Oh well, I am going to have to see it again with my boys. Maybe my cold heart will turn.
I didn't like it either. Oh hey, we put in really shallow sex jokes and slow motion action sequences with pop songs in the background, now give us your money. Which is sad considering that the first film did a better job with it.
MovieMeditation
05-12-17, 11:02 AM
Yeah, I wasn't big on it either. The more I think about it, the less I like it ...
rauldc14
11-27-17, 08:43 PM
Lady Bird
http://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/screen-shot-2017-09-05-at-7-57-03-am.png?w=780
An interesting little film here from Greta Gerwig. The movie doesn't work without a really strong performance from Saorise Ronan. She is the catalyst of the entire movie being really good for me. I loved the relationship between Lady Bird and her mother. It felt rather genuine and it seemed like these were people that could be in someone's lives. The human emotion that the film sparks is at the forefront of the film in that Gerwig wants us to know how life can give everyone many twists and turns the writing was great and had a good balance of humor in it. Ronan was great but I liked the support cast too certainly. Glad to see Hedges again and Laurie Metcalf was pretty great too. I think the ending is what moves the movie up a notch. It just feels so real. It's a coming of age film that really hits all the right spots and makes you think about how life choices can spark who a person shapes up to be. My favorite film so far in 2017.
4
Agree with all that. Now watch Dunkirk already!
rauldc14
11-27-17, 10:10 PM
Agree with all that. Now watch Dunkirk already!
When that DVD comes out I will be. Still saddened I never saw it in theaters.
There's a good chance I'll be watching Shape of Water in the theater when it's out.
When that DVD comes out I will be. Still saddened I never saw it in theaters.
There's a good chance I'll be watching Shape of Water in the theater when it's out.
:up: This weekend for me I hope. Believe Dunkirk is sometime in December on DVD. I think u are going to love it.
rauldc14
12-05-17, 04:08 PM
Whale Rider
https://psy317wongchanfai.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/72266_029_01a.jpg
I was actually a bit disappointed by this one as I have heard great things about it. For me it was a bit mediocre. I thought Keshia Castle Hughes performance would wow me and not to be mean or disrespectful to her it didn't for me. The end of the film was rather moving and it was great to see her character overcome the odds but the story just didn't captivate me the way I wanted it to. I feel like I felt similar to this movie how I also felt about Beasts of the Southern Wild, ironically the film that Castle Hughes lost out to being the youngest Oscar actress nominee. In a stacked 2003 Oscar year, I prefer the performances of Watts and Theron among others.
2
:up: This weekend for me I hope. Believe Dunkirk is sometime in December on DVD. I think u are going to love it.
It's the 19th for the record.
Can't wait to see Lady Bird, all i know about Whale Rider is one of the actresses was nominated for an Oscar very young, possibly the youngest? Or was that the Beasts of the Southern Wild kid?
rauldc14
12-05-17, 04:13 PM
It's the 19th for the record.
Can't wait to see Lady Bird, all i know about Whale Rider is one of the actresses was nominated for an Oscar very young, possibly the youngest? Or was that the Beasts of the Southern Wild kid?
Castle Hughes was the youngest, then Wallis overtook her in Beasts of the Southern Wild.
Whale Rider was also directed by female so may be worth a shot for some of you partaking in that countdown.
Castle Hughes was the youngest, then Wallis overtook her in Beasts of the Southern Wild.
Whale Rider was also directed by female so may be worth a shot for some of you partaking in that countdown.
Why don't you? There's loads of great films directed by women, you've probably seen a fair amount you like already and there's still four months.
rauldc14
01-02-18, 10:53 PM
My first two watches of the year:
Jaws REWATCH
https://d2e111jq13me73.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/share_link_image_large/public/screenshots/csm-movie/jaws-ss4.jpg?itok=Qh9dDBw-
I do really like this. I however refrain from thinking it is a masterpiece and people will think I'm nuts but it's probably sitting somewhere in the middle of the Spielberg films that I have seen. I think part of it is that it needs more tense scenes at the beginning while the ending sort of seems to drag on a bit. Of course these are minor complaints and it's still a classic in it's own right.
3.5
Shape of Water
http://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/screen-shot-2017-09-14-at-9-49-54-am1.png?w=780
A really beautiful film that took risks but certainly worked for me. I was mesmerized by Sally Hawkins performance as a mute. Crazy how she can go the whole film (well almost) without saying a word yet evoke so much emotion for her character. It's a tough call but this is another one of those best performances of the decade. The settings that Del Toro uses for his laboratory scenes are just pure beauty. There are just so many fantastic scenes like the theater scene and the bathroom scene that feel more or less like film poetry. The music by Desplat is on point. And the story is beautifully told. Actually Del Toro shows his story more than he tells, and that is something that he should be given a lot of props for. My second favorite this far this year. I won't be sad to see this as an awards stealers, especially on a technical scale.
4
rauldc14
01-03-18, 04:03 PM
Just wrote something up on my phone about Frances Ha and Dunkirk. And then of course it erased.
Well here's another try
Frances Ha
http://images.amcnetworks.com/ifcfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/18314-ART-34B-NH.jpg
A movie that exceeded my expectations. I'm really starting to like the talent of Greta Gerwig. To know the potential that she has at age 34 is just fascinating. It's a great coming of age story. I really like the use of the black and white too. The supporting talent is there, but Gerwig is the one that makes the film a great one. This could be a new favorite.
4.5
Dunkirk
https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/dunkirk-review.jpg?w=1000&h=563&crop=1
Well, Sean I hate to say it but I'm mildly disappointed with this film. Of course, I certainly knew that the look of the film would be the topper of the film cake and the film certainly was gorgeous. It's hard to give any crap to the sound department but I will admittedly say that the score did get a little testy and repetitive at times but I'll hope that was just my mood. Like any Nolan the film had a lot of layers to its story. I'm not sure with multiple rewatches how I will go about feeling about it to be honest. I feel like this was Nolan's big chance to tell his audience rather to show. He wanted his showing to do the telling, but it didn't tell me enough if that makes any sense. With rewatches I hope it's a film that can grow on me, but I'll be honest and say I'm not sure that will happen. It's nothing like anything he has made before, but give me The Prestige Inception and Dark Knight over this for the foreseeable future. It's kind of near Interstellar for me right now, but I may have liked Interstellar more.
3.5-
That's a bummer about Dunkirk but I get it. I think a lot of people would like it better if it was more focused on just a couple characters but that it's not is kind of what I love about it.
I think I watch Frances Ha every year now. I need to just call it a favorite already, maybe this year. Gerwig is great, and Baumbach is the man to me these days.
I liked Dunkirk a lot more the second time I saw it.
Oh, but Frances Ha is glorious!
rauldc14
01-11-18, 06:21 PM
A couple of non-Hall of Fame entries here....
Wall E
https://i0.wp.com/media2.slashfilm.com/slashfilm/wp/wp-content/images/walle-ground-laserdot.jpg
Seen it a million times obviously but I still love it. Love how the film can do so much with so few words. Just look at the world building in the photo above. Truly magnificent. It shows us a story instead of telling it and it works magnificently. The visuals and the sound are up there for being the greatest of this generation certainly.
4.5
The Greatest Showman
https://cdn.movieweb.com/img.news.tops/NEb8625jiYNudk_1_a/Greatest-Showman-Movie-Video-Footage-Hugh-Jackman.jpg
Not the greatest film made but it was still an interesting story even with it's supposed inaccuracies. Maybe a bit too much song and dance for me took away the joy in the true circus world. I never felt that world was all that rooted in stuff like that anyways. Zendaya was amazing and I've always enjoyed Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams. Zac Efron did his best to not ruin the film although he certainly made it go down a notch. Still an enjoyable film.
3
Porco Rosso
https://static01.nyt.com/images/2011/12/23/arts/23RDP_PORCO/FILM-ROUNDUP-PORCO-jumbo.jpg
Man, I have so much appreciation for Miyazaki. I know he's not that liked here, but the man has a hell of an imagination and can tell a story better than most can. His animation is also a step above . I love how personal this film is and the story just really blew me away this time around. I love the character Porco. He doesn't try to make him a true hero but you find yourself growing to root for him as the movie goes on. Miyazaki had a huge love for planes and that truly comes out in this film. If it wasn't for Spirited Away, this would be his masterpiece.
4.5
Shape of Water
http://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/screen-shot-2017-09-14-at-9-49-54-am1.png?w=780
A really beautiful film that took risks but certainly worked for me. I was mesmerized by Sally Hawkins performance as a mute. Crazy how she can go the whole film (well almost) without saying a word yet evoke so much emotion for her character. It's a tough call but this is another one of those best performances of the decade. The settings that Del Toro uses for his laboratory scenes are just pure beauty. There are just so many fantastic scenes like the theater scene and the bathroom scene that feel more or less like film poetry. The music by Desplat is on point. And the story is beautifully told. Actually Del Toro shows his story more than he tells, and that is something that he should be given a lot of props for. My second favorite this far this year. I won't be sad to see this as an awards stealers, especially on a technical scale.
4
I love your review of SoW. It has inspired me to see it. Thank you.
rauldc14
01-11-18, 09:56 PM
Hope you like it Dani8 !
Hope you like it Dani8 !
I'll certainly let you know, Raul. You have a beautiful way with words.:up:
rauldc14
01-11-18, 10:20 PM
I'll certainly let you know, Raul. You have a beautiful way with words.:up:
Sweet thanks Dani. I've been trying to get better at these mini reviews. I'm certainly not the type for the big ones. Short and sweet is what I go for.
Sweet thanks Dani. I've been trying to get better at these mini reviews. I'm certainly not the type for the big ones. Short and sweet is what I go for.
That's great, Raul. I'll follow you. SoW really grabbed my attention.
rauldc14
01-12-18, 04:01 PM
Sword in the Stone
https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/2015/07/sword_in_the_stone_still.jpg
Technically this is far from a great animation but it is one that I enjoy and go back to often. With my favorite character being Archimedes. I love that birds sarcasm. My favorite part would also go to the Wizards duel at the end, where Merlin outsmart Mad Mad Mad Madame Mim!
3+
Molly's Game
http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/jessica-chastain-mollys-game.jpg
I really wanted this to be better than it was. Jessica Chastain was really great. It's hard when you like someone's performance so much but it can't equate to holding up the rest of the film to make it a great movie. In a way I think Sorkin gets kind of obsessed with angles of his story, to the point where he centralizes his focus to much on things that don't need a lot of attention. I didn't know Bloom was a skier before this film but he played that angle pretty big here so much that it started off the film in a confusing way. The way he would bounce back between present time and the past was also done in strange fashion for me. Even the narration wouldn't have been a good idea but luckily it was Chastain doing the narrating so how could you really go wrong. If you take Chastain out and don't have Edris Elba in the film, you are left with pretty minimal gains. Luckily they are in it to save it a bit. I also did like how he didn't let the poker stuff become to complex, focusing in on Molly's story rather than the game of poker itself. For now I'll settle with a score that goes down the middle. Would probably be awhile before I saw it again but with Chastain anything is possible.
2.5+
Sword in the Stone
https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/2015/07/sword_in_the_stone_still.jpg
Technically this is far from a great animation but it is one that I enjoy and go back to often. With my favorite character being Archimedes. I love that birds sarcasm. My favorite part would also go to the Wizards duel at the end, where Merlin outsmart Mad Mad Mad Madame Mim!
3+
It's one of the best Disney films. So fun and it holds up a lot better than most of my other favourites as a kid.
Really looking forward to Molly's Game, I found your review very interesting, very curious to see how I will feel.
rauldc14
01-15-18, 08:32 PM
Really looking forward to Molly's Game, I found your review very interesting, very curious to see how I will feel.
Maybe I was a bit harsh on it, but like I said I feel no Chastain the movie wouldn't be good.
rauldc14
01-16-18, 09:26 PM
Darkest Hour
http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/churchill-darkest-hour.jpg
What a powerful performance by Gary Oldman. I honestly never followed Winston Churchill much in the history scheme of things but his performance was fantastic and it looks like many other agree with that. It's cool to see vantage points of issues from other countries points of view rather than the American view, so I really dug that concept (almost makes me wonder if I were too harsh on a film like Letters from Iwo Jima). I like the comedic undertones that Oldman gives his character. Like I said I'm not sure if Churchill was a joker but he certainly cracked me up a few times. I especially enjoyed his temper tantrum at the beginning of the film as Layton made errors and forgot to double space. I also liked the part with him giving the V for Victory sign and it being in the paper showed to him by Layton. The movie is on a technical scale superb as well. I love the look of the film, the locations that were used and built and the dark shadows within the rooms that give the film a nice look. The music used in the film is great as well. Its a movie that has great scenes which equal out to be a great overall movie. Ive already named some but my two absolute favorites are Churchill on the phone with Roosevelt and then the ending scene scene with the papers flying and Churchill walking out was very well made. My third favorite of 2017 so far.
4
Glad you enjoyed it so much Rauldc. Love that Roosevelt scene as well. Good stuff. :up:
I like the comedic undertones that Oldman gives his character. Like I said I'm not sure if Churchill was a joker but he certainly cracked me up a few times.
Same for me. I found him really likable whereas in The Crown he's an ass hat control freak that makes me want to smack him in the teeth.
And yes to the look of it. Absolutely!
Citizen Rules
01-16-18, 10:51 PM
I've got to see The Darkest Hour, that's my type of movie...and it has to be better than the Churchill movie I just seen.
rauldc14
01-22-18, 09:37 PM
The Post
https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/the-post-2.jpg?w=1000
The trailer of the year certainly for me. But also the biggest film disappointment of the year. Maybe it's because so many big names were attached that I expected the world. I loved Spielberg's camera shots, but I was hoping the film could have a few shock and awe moments however those were not to be had. I'm not the biggest Streep fan. She was good but not as extraordinary as I had expected that this would translate too. Hanks was pretty decent but he's had tons of better performances. I always wanted to get into journalism so with that aspect I was hoping for an intriguing storyline but I just felt it to be ok. The best part was the camera angles and shots. Very sharp and I especially enjoyed the look of the films last take. Other than that, I legitimately think the trailer is better than the movie.
2.5+
Detroit
https://cdn.flickeringmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/detroit-film-600x299.png
I think this was actually my first Bigelow film. It's another film that is shot splendidly. It felt like it was taking place in it's time so it was very effective with that. The scenes at the Algiers were intense and that was certainly the best part of the film. The acting was ok but it was helped by a very good screenplay. It's a top 10 film in a year that's been shaky for me so far.
3.5
cricket
01-22-18, 09:46 PM
I'm going to watch The Post but I'm not expecting much. It looks bland to me.
I've got Detroit coming for next weekend. I've seen and liked/loved everything Bigelow has done. Strange Days and Near Dark are big favorites of mine.
I'm going to watch The Post but I'm not expecting much. It looks bland to me.
I've got Detroit coming for next weekend. I've seen and liked/loved everything Bigelow has done. Strange Days and Near Dark are big favorites of mine.
Same for me. I already feel disappointed.
Detroit I hadnt heard of until a day or two ago.
The Post keeps being panned by people's opinion who I respect. Not a good sign.
Pleased you enjoyed Detroit. I think I like it more than most for some reason.
The Post keeps being panned by people's opinion who I respect. Not a good sign.
Pleased you enjoyed Detroit. I think I like it more than most for some reason.
The Post just seems really divisive. People either really love it or not at all. I havent seen any in between views. I actually really want to see movies that do that to see why more than anything else, but this time I'm just feeling ho hum about it, like Meryl suddenly just ran out of steam. And the headlines of 'feminist movie of the year' in the current climate just turn me off a bit. Not really sure why.
Detroit looks like a really good movie. I dont know anything about that race riot so going in blind which is good.
The Post just seems really divisive. People either really love it or not at all. I havent seen any in between views. I actually really want to see movies that do that to see why more than anything else, but this time I'm just feeling ho hum about it, like Meryl suddenly just ran out of steam. And the headlines of 'feminist movie of the year' in the current climate just turn me off a bit. Not really sure why.
Detroit looks like a really good movie. I dont know anything about that race riot so going in blind which is good.
Yeah, it's Spielberg, Streep, and Hanks so no chance I skip it entirely but my enthusiasm is way down.
Hope you enjoy Detroit. I was unfamiliar as well. Bigelow is a great director. Check out my review after you see it.
Citizen Rules
01-22-18, 10:59 PM
I hadn't heard of The Post until just now...but it sounds good enough to watch so I added it to my Netflix DVD.com queue...availability unknown. It figures.
[B]
I really wanted this to be better than it was. Jessica Chastain was really great. It's hard when you like someone's performance so much but it can't equate to holding up the rest of the film to make it a great movie. In a way I think Sorkin gets kind of obsessed with angles of his story, to the point where he centralizes his focus to much on things that don't need a lot of attention. I didn't know Bloom was a skier before this film but he played that angle pretty big here so much that it started off the film in a confusing way. The way he would bounce back between present time and the past was also done in strange fashion for me. Even the narration wouldn't have been a good idea but luckily it was Chastain doing the narrating so how could you really go wrong. If you take Chastain out and don't have Edris Elba in the film, you are left with pretty minimal gains. Luckily they are in it to save it a bit. I also did like how he didn't let the poker stuff become to complex, focusing in on Molly's story rather than the game of poker itself. For now I'll settle with a score that goes down the middle. Would probably be awhile before I saw it again but with Chastain anything is possible.
2.5+
I felt the same about it so I dont think you were too harsh. I could have done without the narration the way it was because she seemed quite bored with it all. Mybe she was trying to portray someone who was just so burnt out on life, in which case it was well done but it distracted me as it was. I love Chastain but I'd like to see her in a lighter, more likable role for once.
I also liked the fact it didnt focus in on the game itself. I havent got a clue about poker so that would have lost me right there, and I loved the intro with the skiing which I didnt know about.
Yeah, it's Spielberg, Streep, and Hanks so no chance I skip it entirely but my enthusiasm is way down.
Hope you enjoy Detroit. I was unfamiliar as well. Bigelow is a great director. Check out my review after you see it.
I dont know why I had never heard of the riot. I'm surprised it hasnt come up lately with the way race relations are.
Hope you enjoy Detroit. I was unfamiliar as well. Bigelow is a great director. Check out my review after you see it.
Sorry, I forgot to commen - about to crash badly. I will, Sean. Thnks.
rauldc14
01-23-18, 09:33 PM
The Florida Project SPOILERS
https://a468ba3fc2be117c5560-f9a6225d634730495a59b91d1543c5a4.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/_still/TFP-cover.jpg
This is a case of a film showing us that happiness can mean different things to different people. Most would think this would be living the low life, but for Brooklyn Princes character, she feels like she's on top of the world. And her mother is just as comfortable with her life in this weekly rent hotel. Moonee gets to go about the area and basically do whatever she wants unsupervised, while her mother can just veg out and do whatever comforts her so. As time went on I began to feel sorry for Moonees character despite all the trouble that she has been up to. It's really a realistic and staggering performance from Prince and yes a supporting actress nomination would have been quite neat. The hotel they stayed at was nothing special but for some reason the trashy world just draws you in watching it. Despite what they've gone through Moonee and Halley have a great mother daughter bond as evidenced by those ending scenes.
Dafoe is great too as the hotel manager. The scene with him running the pedo off the property was a memorable scene, as was him talking to Moonee at the end. The only thing I wish is that he became her caretaker, I really thought that maybe it would have gotten to that point and I think it would have been fitting, although maybe too obvious. I do wonder what happens next certainly, so that's the sign of a pretty decent film in my opinion. This one is sitting in my top 5 of the year and I will certainly look forward to watching it yet again.
4
So freaking jealous. You see it at the theater?
rauldc14
01-23-18, 09:37 PM
No comment :shifty:
rauldc14
01-24-18, 04:17 PM
Phantom Thread SPOILERS
https://www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PhantomThread.jpg
We all know just how leery I am of PTA. The first films of his I saw were The Master and Punch Drunk Love and I absolutely despised both of them. I saw Magnolia and thought it was ok. Then I saw There Will Be Blood and I thought it was an outlier of his work, as I actually thought it was really well done.
Sean told me last night to see Phantom Thread, and that he wouldn't hold it against me if I didn't like it. Swan also warned on his page if you don't like his other films, chances are you won't like this one. And here I am to buck that trend.
It gets off to a slow start certainly but it's interesting to meet Woodcock, Alma, and Cyril. We see how obsessed Woodcock is with his work and it begins to translate with how he feels about Alma, whom he met as she waited on him and he then asks her out on a date that would forever change his life. His obsessiveness of life became even stronger, roping her into his world without really changing anything else about it.
I was a pretty big fan of the score, the camerawork, and the cinematography. I especially like the very small scenes where we saw Woodcock and Alma driving in the car, those were excellently executed albeit short scenes. The atmosphere created in the film gave the film a setup for a lot of tension in the second half of the film.
The acting was just as good as advertised. Daniel Day Lewis was magnificent. If this was indeed his last role he is surely going out with a bang. But I was stunned that an actress I've never heard of, Vicky Krieps, went scene by scene with Day Lewis and was equally as impressive. The relationship and the bond that the two have creates a very interesting bond between the two. I couldn't help but compare parts of the film to the obsession theme that Hitchcock used in Vertigo. People may think I'm strange but it felt sort of like the James Stewart/Kim Novak type of relationship. Then throw in Manville who I wasn't a big fan of in the first half but came on strong in the second half and you have quite the trio.
That second half was insane, honestly some of the best filmmaking of this decade. Yup, I can't believe I said it. I was completely shocked when Alma was looking at the poisonous mushroom papers. I was even more shocked near the end that he was so obsessed with her that he was willing to let her beat him down so she could take care of him.
If it weren't for a slow moving first half, it might be even more of a big hit for me. But crazy to think about 40 minutes in I was thinking to myself here we go again and then as the end credits roll being wowed, it's one of those cinematic experiences that is tough to explain. I've never felt that way in a theater before. Not to mention I was the only one in there, so that made it even more awesome.
It's a 4 but it honestly could grow. It's in my top 5 for the year for sure.
I am glad you proved me wrong. :up:
doubledenim
01-24-18, 05:54 PM
There was plenty to rave about, but the car scene at night was my favorite image. The way everything behind them was lit up was an impressive sight.
p.e.
Now that I think about it, that would be a great still to have framed on the wall.
That's awesome Rauldc. So PTA great director, or the greatest director of all time?
Seriously glad you enjoyed it though. I had a feeling the accessibility of the narrative would be a difference maker for you with Thread.
Very cool you saw the Hitchcock link. I did not despite already knowing Rebecca was a pretty big influence on this one. I have heard Vertigo mentioned a couple times since as well. My favorite critic even mentioned Psycho because of the peep hole scene. That's what we call reaching.
rauldc14
01-25-18, 11:04 AM
seanc Yeah I made the Vertigo connection on here but I did legitimately think about Rebecca as well. At one point I wondered if Cyril was going to go all Mrs. danvers on us.
It's a heavy film and one that I look forward to rewatching, surprising as it is to say that.
rauldc14
01-25-18, 11:05 AM
I am having a hard time mentally sorting through my top 5. This year isn't as bad as I thought it would be, 2015 is easily the worst of the past 4 years now.
Cobpyth
01-25-18, 11:43 AM
Raul! :love:
I'll read your review after I've seen it myself, but the fact that you like a PTA film, must mean that it's a really good one. ;)
Interested in seeing The Florida Project as well.
I am having a hard time mentally sorting through my top 5. This year isn't as bad as I thought it would be, 2015 is easily the worst of the past 4 years now.
Tough for me. Seems like I always have 5 I really love. The Revenant is probably still my favorite of the last 4 years too, and that was 2015. I don't know. Definitely need to get a 100 of the decade list going for the end of 2019.
rauldc14
01-25-18, 12:38 PM
Tough for me. Seems like I always have 5 I really love. The Revenant is probably still my favorite of the last 4 years too, and that was 2015. I don't know. Definitely need to get a 100 of the decade list going for the end of 2019.
I really like The Revenant too. But I think that and Brooklyn are the only 2 from 2015 that I truly really like. Force Awakens probably in the third spot.
rauldc14
01-26-18, 10:14 PM
The Private Life of Henry VIII
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zwZMU4rtkV8/hqdefault.jpg
Nothing special, but it had a decent start and then it sputtered away for me. I watched it to get another best actor Oscar winner film watched. I usually like Laughton's films but this one was less than satisfactory for me.
Arrival
https://www.solidangle.com/dynamic_resources/article_editable_content_blocks/464/image_four_column.jpg
Just as great on Blu Ray as on the big screen. The sound of the film gives it a great film watching experience in itself. The cinematography and the performance of Amy Adams just add to the experience of the film. I thought maybe the film would lose traction over time but it's still my number 3 from last year and I don't see it losing that spot.
rauldc14
01-30-18, 09:48 PM
Curve
https://www.pophorror.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Cb3dxpfUUAA4TOf-660x330.jpg
This was awful. Aside from the bad performances I think the worst thing was the dialogue and also the fact that this "thriller" really had no thrilling moments at all. It was about as unrealistic as can be as well, which wasn't the end of the world, but made it worse with everything else that had gone wrong with the film.
0.5
I, Tonya
https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/i-tonya.jpg?w=700&h=393&crop=1
Really enjoyed Margot Robbie's performance and I thought Janney was pretty good although I would rather Metcalf get the award. The story is quite interesting to me as well as there's a lot of controversy surrounding it. But I absolutely didn't like Sebastian Stan as Jeff so that's the main reason why this won't be a true favorite. Another thing is that it strangely tried to act like Goodfellas at times and it just wasn't a film that should be comparable to it thematically. There were some direction issues as well. But overall, it wasn't a bad film but it certainly could have been made much better.
3.5
Sleeping Beauty
https://ohmy.disney.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sleepingbeauty.jpg
The second time in the past couple years I've seen this. I love the color palette of the film. I love the dark turns the film takes as it's probably Disney's darkest film. The character of Maleficent is pure evil probably why I was afraid of her as a kid. This one has certainly gotten stronger for me lately.
3.5
rauldc14
01-31-18, 08:04 AM
No ratings?
Not sure how I forgot that.
Not sure how I forgot that.
Your subconscious is telling you something.
rauldc14
02-06-18, 05:25 PM
Are You Here
http://www.filmaluation.com/uploads/5/5/8/4/5584262/9346930_orig.jpg
Not a good film, which was a little disappointing since I thought it had a chance to be funny with Owen Wilson and Zach Galifinakis. The coolest thing though is that one of the actresses who played a prominent role in the film named Laura Ramsey is actually from the county I live in! It's crazy! I liked her in this film, probably outplayed all the other big names! She is the one on the left of Galifinakis.
0.5
honeykid
02-11-18, 11:44 AM
... I thought it had a chance to be funny with Owen Wilson and Zach Galifinakis.
Really? See, I feel the complete opposite. :D
rauldc14
02-13-18, 03:13 PM
Mother
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9213567/mother2.jpg
Aronofsky how I hate you. I've now seen 3 of your films and I've hated them all. And it says a lot that this is my favorite of those I've seen, because this wasn't good either. I did like J Law in it and I thought Pfeiffer was good, but the rest of the film didn't do anything for me, from the screenplay to the performance of Bardem. Now I know why he was nominated for a Razzie, his character was weak in my opinion. Ed Harris is always solidly spectacular but Aronofsky ruined that too. The screenplay was dismal for me. Really? Eating baby flesh? How does one even come up with such a putrid idea as that. Sadly, this is my least favorite of the year so far, which is shocking since a lot of mofos have seemingly liked the film. The first fourty minutes it seemed like it could be a fun and interesting ride but that second half was a complete shamblefest for me.
2-
rauldc14
02-13-18, 05:34 PM
Get Out
https://resizing.flixster.com/E648Ig2eADFUlY2Rirn8sPQq8kQ=/2667x1500/v1.bjsxNTQzNjIxO2o7MTc2MTI7MTIwMDsyNjY3OzE1MDA
Really liked this one. I loved how the eerieness of the film grew as time went on. I loved the two leads chemistry in the film, almost so much that it was pretty devasting when you found out exactly who Williams character was. Daniel Kaluuya was good too and it's nice to see him get an Oscar nomination. I also liked Keener in the creepy mom role and it was a great scene with Kaluuya sitting in the chair in front of her crying. The film was very original so it gets a lot of credit for that. It's great to see the film have a nice ending that wraps it all up. Probably my seventh favorite of the year currently, but I'll definitely revisit it again and who knows what I'll feel from there.
3.5+
Re: Mother - Eating baby flesh, as most of the movie, is metaphorical - the eating of Christ's flesh and drinking of his blood during communion. But it's effective as a horror motif also. Phantom Thread isn't weird to you? Or is it OK because it's lush and "tasteful"?
The human imagination is incredibly expansive. And what are we going to do, start limiting ideas? Especially in art, where they're used for exploring humanity in whatever way they go about that (whether it's shallow or meaningful exploration is an entirely worthwhile discussion, but you didn't seem to touch on that). I don't personally think any ideas are truly putrid unless they are brought into reality in a harmful way. In other words, the actual act of child cannibalism (which has happened in history and is not just a unique figment of Aronofsky's mind) is wrong and indeed putrid, but using it fictionally for art is not.
PS Raul I don't mean this as an attack or even criticism of your writing abilities (which constantly impress me), just a personal disagreement. :)
rauldc14
02-13-18, 06:17 PM
Re: Mother - Eating baby flesh, as most of the movie, is metaphorical - the eating of Christ's flesh and drinking of his blood during communion. But it's effective as a horror motif also. Phantom Thread isn't weird to you? Or is it OK because it's lush and "tasteful"?
Mother was effective to me, obviously it was metaphorical but still a bit too out there for my film tastes. Aronofsky doesn't strike a chord with me yet.
rauldc14
02-13-18, 06:19 PM
The human imagination is incredibly expansive. And what are we going to do, start limiting ideas? Especially in art, where they're used for exploring humanity in whatever way they go about that (whether it's shallow or meaningful exploration is an entirely worthwhile discussion, but you didn't seem to touch on that). I don't personally think any ideas are truly putrid unless they are brought into reality in a harmful way. In other words, the actual act of child cannibalism (which has happened in history and is not just a unique figment of Aronofsky's mind) is wrong and indeed putrid, but using it fictionally for art is not.
PS Raul I don't mean this as an attack or even criticism of your writing abilities (which constantly impress me), just a personal disagreement. :)
It's all good, I know I'm in the minority here, just hated it which was frustrating because Lawrence, Bardem, and Harris are all top notch talent and, well the movie didn't have an effect on me.
No problem, I don't even think you're really in the minority. It's one of the most polarizing films I've seen come out recently, certainly the most polarizing film of last year.
Cricket didn't think much of it either. I understand why it's polarizing but i loved it. No doubt the allegories and metaphors were heavy handed but that doesn't bother me as i think everything else was so effective, no film has made me that angry while enjoying what i was watching so much i think. Plus Pfeiffer was so good. Agreed on Bardem but there wasn't much he could do with that role i don't think.
I seem to appreciate mother! more than the average person, but I know there's a good amount of people in the forum that genuinely like it, so I'm glad I'm not alone. I'm so glad you liked Get Out, it's such a special film. Looking forward to see what else you've seen!
I seem to appreciate mother! more than the average person, you liked Get Out, it's such a special film. Looking forward to see what else you've seen!
How so. Luis?
rauldc14
02-19-18, 03:17 PM
Rust and Bone
http://cdn.wegotthiscovered.com/wp-content/uploads/Rust-And-Bone-1-De-Rouille-et-dOs-marioncotillard.jpg
Forgot to post about this one from last week. I thought it was a really solid film. I particularly loved the performance of Marion Cotillard who is usually good in everything she does. It may be my favorite performance of hers to date. It was a pretty heartbreaking ending that helped bridge the film together. I haven't heard of many mofos seeing this so I would recommend it.
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