The 12th Hall of Fame

[Miss Vicky]

Damn, Citizen. :laugh:

[cricket]

U Turn

http://res.cloudinary.com/dyfxt8ggh/image/upload/v1393262954/Billy_Bob_Thornton_as_Darrell_the_dumb_white_trash_mechanic_from_U_Turn_1997_Movie_lxcutn.jpg

This was my third time watching this movie. I was very high on Oliver Stone after Platoon came out, one of my favorite movies of the 80's. After Natural Born Killers turned out to be the most disappointing movie I had ever seen, I didn't know what to expect from U Turn. I liked it more than NBK, but I was still slightly disappointed. It seemed to me that Oliver Stone took a cue from Tony Scott with his directorial style, and I thought his career was going in the wrong direction. A second viewing of U Turn didn't do much to change my mind.

I was still happy enough to give the movie another try, and fortunately, I finally felt like I enjoyed it properly. I don't think it's a great movie, but it would seem to suit my taste well. I actually thought of The Grand Budapest Hotel while watching it, with it's deep cast, quirky characters, and thin plot that's just an excuse for all the absurdity. Of course, that's where the similarities of the two movies end.

Sean Penn is one of my favorite actors, and he does not disappoint. My favorite out of the other characters would definitely be the greasy hick played by Billy Bob Thornton. I also enjoyed watching Nolte, Boothe, Voight, and even J Lo. I remembered the Phoenix character being one of my favorites, but he didn't do it for me this time. I wasn't fond of Danes' character before, and I wasn't fond of her this time either. I didn't care for the music score, except when it used popular music. I like the movie as a twisted black comedy, and I'll probably watch it again some time.

3.5

[RoyaleWitCheese]

Hey guys, haven't forgotten about the tournament, I just found myself on here way too much and it was taking over my life! And now I'm just going from one extreme to the other, but I'll be watching at least two this weekend. Talk to y'all soon

[jiraffejustin]

Sanshiro Sugata

I love Akira Kurosawa. He made two of my all-time favorite films. But this film is his Magnificent Ambersons. It could have been so much better if it wasn't chopped into pieces. What we do get is pretty good, and I won't complain about that. We see some moments of his genius shine through, and that those times you can tell you are watching somebody on the verge of something great. The fight scene in the field is a great example of that. It's tremendously shot. I am grateful for the opportunity to see this film. It's impossible to ignore context, and for that alone, this film has been the most interesting first-time watch for me.

[cricket]

I believe The Idiot is Kurosawa's Magnificent Ambersons, although I get what you're saying.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/cityoflostchildren.gif

The City of Lost Children (La cité des enfants perdus) (Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 1995)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112682/?ref_=nm_knf_i3)

Date Watched: 02/02/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 12th Hall of Fame, Clazor's Nomination
Rewatch: No

Well that was f*cking weird.

I knew as soon as I pressed play that this had to be from the same people who made Delicatessen and Mic Macs. I also knew that my experience with this movie would be much like my experiences with those other films: I would find the bizarre collection of characters (played by some really strange looking people) and bizarre situations novel and interesting enough to keep my attention but ultimately I would come away with no real desire to ever see it again.

In a lot of ways, these sorts of films remind me of the works of Wes Anderson - they look great - but the odd and awkward characters are a little off-putting and I struggle to connect. Unlike Anderson's films, though, I don't find the characters in City of Lost Children or those other films to be annoying (I can't say the same for my experience with Jeunet's Amélie, though it's been a very long time since I saw that) and there were some moments where despite their strangeness, they felt real. This was especially true of the interactions between One and Miette, but I still never developed much of an emotional connection with either of them.

Ultimately, my prediction was correct: It was entertaining, but I probably won't ever watch it again.

3+

[Camo]

What do you have left, MV?

[Miss Vicky]

What do you have left, MV?

A lot. :laugh:

I'm having a hard time getting motivated this time around for some reason. I still have Hiroshima Mon Amour, Joe, Midnight Run, Never Let Me Go, Sanshiro Sugata and a rewatch of Casablanca left to go.

[Camo]

That's not bad. 5 left of 14 with over a month left.

I think i finished this in like 12 days :laugh: I never do anything like that.

[CosmicRunaway]

I don't find the characters in City of Lost Children or those other films to be annoying (I can't say the same for my experience with Jeunet's Amélie, though it's been a very long time since I saw that)
Who did you find annoying in Amélie? I really did not like that film at all, but it seems like everyone else loves it. I don't recall any of the characters being irritating, just unengaging for me personally.

Literally, as soon as I finished typing the above, the power went out here. It was only out for less than a minute though. It's like the universe was chastising me for saying that I didn't like Amélie haha.

[Miss Vicky]

Who did you find annoying in Amélie?

Amélie herself. It's been too long to remember the specifics of why, but I remember finding her both irritating and creepy.

[Camo]

Hopefully i don't get a power outage but yeah i really don't like Amelie either. There's plenty of films i don't like that i still understand why they are acclaimed and popular; really don't get it with Amelie though :shrug:

[Citizen Rules]

I've never seen Amelie, but I would guess that some of it's appeal comes from the cover art. Even without Googling it, I remembered the cover and that it looks interesting to me.

But I wonder if I would like it?

http://assets.audiomack.com/stephankane2/ff3ab7a04e341d2769178e17fcd05469.jpeg

[Camo]

I've never seen Amelie, but I would guess that some of it's appeal comes from the cover art. Even without Googling it, I remembered the cover and that it looks interesting to me.

But I wonder if I would like it?

http://assets.audiomack.com/stephankane2/ff3ab7a04e341d2769178e17fcd05469.jpeg

I think you would like it, could be wrong though. I wasn't really talking about why any individual likes it; i mean it's not a bad film. I'm more confused at how it's so acclaimed and seems to be broadly popular. Alot of critics have it as one of the best of the 2000's and i don't know if it's just my experience but along with Oldboy, City of God and Pan's Labyrinth it seems to be one of a few foreign language 2000's films that a large amount of people have seen and liked. Would have thought it would be more obscure than it is basically, and don't really understand why it's not.

[cricket]

I didn't care for Amelie either

[Camo]

hahahaha. This Hall of Fame is the one place on the internet that doesn't like Amelie.

[Swan]

hahahaha. This Hall of Fame is the one place on the internet that doesn't like Amelie.

Daniel M hated it, too. I haven't seen it since I was 16 but I loved it at the time, it's the only movie to give me genuine shivers of happiness. So my first inclination is to deem you all soulless bastards.

http://i.imgur.com/m8x1rHW.gif

[Miss Vicky]

Daniel M hated it, too.

There's a reason he keeps getting nominated as Smartest MoFo.

I loved it at the time... So my first inclination is to deem you all soulless bastards.

Fool.

[Citizen Rules]

Sean, Usual Suspect, Holden Pike and Sedai gave high ratings to Amelie in the Reviews...Like 5/5 to 4/5

Sedai liked it so much he reviewed it twice:p....ahh the perks of being a mod;)

[Camo]

Sean, Usual Suspect, Holden Pike and Sedai gave high ratings to Amelie in the Reviews...Like 5/5 to 4/5

Sedai liked it so much he reviewed it twice:p....ahh the perks of being a mod;)

Holden had it in his top ten of the 2000's list. I remember because i've read that list alot for recs. Those fools aren't in this cool Anti-Amelie HOF tho :cool:

[Citizen Rules]

:D Ha



I've really got to see that movie now!

[seanc]

I think it will be too quirky for you Citizen. Give it a go though, it's pretty great.

[Citizen Rules]

Ya never know:p I do like the cover art.

I picked up Swiss Army Man yesterday at the library. I've heard that one is pretty far out there too. I'll review it when I watch it, maybe I'll like it.

[Clazor]

Must have been close to 15 years since I saw Amelié, but I remember being somewhere between indifferent and somewhat amused. I was 10 at the time, so I might not have picked up everything. Might actually be time for a rewatch...but after the sci-fi 100, this hof and the uni/hammer hof.

Also, Miss Vicky, fun that you found something you liked with City of lost children. Too bad you don't think it worth a rewatch :(. Might not be neccesary for you, but for the rest of you, have it in mind for the Sci-fi top 100 (if you haven't sent in a list allready). :up:

[edarsenal]

haven't seen Amelia and continually remain on the fence about seeing it and after reading how everyone felt. . . here I sit, still. . . lol


and with City of Lost Children, it would have been a serious contender for my list for Sci-Fi, but, sadly, I was disgustingly early with submitting my list.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm looking forward to watching City of Lost Children, I heard someone say it's like a Terry Gilliam film. I have 4 more to watch.

[CosmicRunaway]

and with City of Lost Children, it would have been a serious contender for my list for Sci-Fi, but, sadly, I was disgustingly early with submitting my list.
You should've waited until the last minute, like some of us. :cool:

Well, I'm only close to the deadline because I've been rewatching a lot of old favourites to determine an order I know I'll be happy with. A couple of rewatches even knocked films off my list altogether, and I've watched a couple of films for the first time for it as well...though none of them ultimately ended up making the cut.

[Pussy Galore]

[CENTER]Withnail & I (Robinson, 1987)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fe/Withnail_and_i_poster.jpg

This was a rewatch, I first watched this film 2,3 years ago, it was a suggestion from a friend. I remember hating this film, not finding it funny nor meaningful. After the rewatch I'd say that my appreciation of the film didn't change, but I can see its merits, only, it's probably the movie that is the most opposite from my taste, I don't care for the characters, they actually annoy a lot, I still didn't laugh once, it was actually quite painful to watch. I rarely like movies about drug or alcool addiction simply because it's a subject that doesn't interest me, maybe because I just always disliked them, the effect they have on people and that I find that philosophy, introspection, meditation are better ways to cope with life's problem then to drink it up or to use any sort of drugs, this might affect the empathy I felt for the characters.

However, I can separate my personal appreciation of a film and it's general quality, I know that my personal vision of drugs or alcool is not pertinent to judge a films quality. I think it's a very good film, meaningful for a lot of people probably. I liked some of the editing, I liked the narration, it's a quality film. However, one I just can't enjoy because I hate the characters, the universe, the subject matter.

[edarsenal]

You should've waited until the last minute, like some of us. :cool:

Normally, that's EXACTLY what I do, I think this is the first time I sent one in within the first week or two lol

[Citizen Rules]

I was going to wait for the last minute to send in my Sci Fi list, then I chickened out! I thought for sure I could forget. I had to cut a lot of good films from my list, hopefully other people have them on theirs.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/joe.jpg

Joe (John G. Avildsen, 1970)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065916/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3)

Date Watched: 02/04/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 12th Hall of Fame, Cricket's Nomination
Rewatch: No

I had some very mixed feelings about this one. I really struggled to get through the first half of the film. Peter Boyle and Dennis Patrick were both very good in their roles, but pretty much everybody else ranged from passable but forgettable to downright awful. Susan Sarandon and Patrick McDermott were the worst offenders, but most of the cast was just not good. Once the film really got going I did enjoy the story - though I wasn't totally surprised by the ending - but I really didn't like the dark, kind of gritty look of the film. I don't know if that's owing to the film's age and budget more than to an artistic choice, but it bothered me. Just a very uneven film in terms of quality.

3

[cricket]

Usually when I choose a nomination, there's 4 or 5 people that I'm confident will really take to it. This time there was just 1, and that person hasn't watched it yet.

[edarsenal]

https://filmfork-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/content/midnightrun3.jpg

Midnight Run


While this was a rewatch it has been quite a very long time since seeing it and I was pretty happy to see it show up on this HOF.

Enjoyed it back in the day and rather enjoyed it now. Grodin and Deniro play excellently together and pretty much everyone else did a really good job throughout. Ashton (Taggert from Beverly Hills Cops) got to go more obnoxious and still remained likable, which is tricky. I had forgotten that Kotto played Agent Mosley and was glad to see both Farina and Pantoliano doing their usual characters to a "T".

The pacing, the dialogue and the cinematic technique IS very 80's but it all works without being too dated - which is something special.

While this is a very short review it does not compare to the enjoyment of revisiting this film.
THANKS for nominating this, Silent Vamp!

[Citizen Rules]

http://www.thefilmyap.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/CityofLostChildrenInside.jpg
The City of Lost Children

I watched the English dubbed version and it was done very well. I'm pretty sure Ron Pearlman did his own voice in English with a strong Russian accent, and it fit him. The little girl's vocal track matched up perfectly as far as I can tell, it sounded like her voice. Usually dubbed movies seem distracting, but either the actual actors dubbed this in English, or whoever did the voice acting and sound mixing deserves awards.

I liked this pretty well. I'm not big on fantasy movies and it seemed targeted at pre teens, but that's not a bad thing as I enjoyed it anyway.

Ron Pearlman and the little girl had the best chemistry and I was rooting for them all the way. The little blonde boy who liked to eat sausage cracked me up. All around I thought this was really well done. I liked the twin evil ladies, the talking brain and the Captain Nemo guy who lived under the harbor.

At times some of the characters were overly zany, especially the clones... now I know why the French love Jerry Lewis movies, he would have been right at home here.

The sets were totally cool and the movie did something I love, world building. I believed that this alternative place could exist with all the outstanding characters. I still don't know if I understood all of the story, but that doesn't matter because it was a fun watch.
Good nom Clazor.

[CosmicRunaway]

Were you unable to watch City of Lost Children with the original audio track, or did you want to watch it in English? I usually try to stay as far away from dubs as possible. It's good that this one was apparently well done though, and didn't ruin the movie for you.

[Citizen Rules]

Were you unable to watch City of Lost Children with the original audio track, or did you want to watch it in English? I usually try to stay as far away from dubs as possible. It's good that this one was apparently well done though, and didn't ruin the movie for you. I choose English dubbed on purpose, sometimes dubs are bad and distracting, but for me I often get more out of the movie with dubs as I can follow the movie more readily. It just depends. I tried looking up who did the dubs but I couldn't find anything. I did read this:

In the DVD commentary, Ron Perlman said out of everything he'd done in his acting career, the scene where his character attacks Miette under the influence of the Octopus sisters was what he hated most. I liked the scene itself as it was menacing and tense...and at a critical moment in the story. But it was hard watching him slap the little girl. I wish they hadn't done that.

[CosmicRunaway]

Yeah, that scene was a little uncomfortable to sit through for me as well. Maybe the French think it's more appropriate to hit children than we do? haha

[Citizen Rules]

I think it was you who said the movie was R rated in America but seemed aimed at youth. I agree, to me most of the film seemed PG or even G. Sure there was one brief topless scene from a long shot and the slap scene, but mostly it was pretty much benign. I liked it.

I only have yours, Barbara, Casablanca & The Man From Nowhere left.

Is JJ and Royalwit still in this?

[edarsenal]

ahh, the french

https://youtu.be/Tc78yPv_ztM


I had a feeling you'd enjoy that one, CR

[Citizen Rules]

In the first 15 minutes, I was so lost as to what was happening, I wasn't sure I would like it, but then it grew on me and I got into it. It kind of worked as a mystery too as we don't really get who created all the clones until the end.

[jiraffejustin]

Yes

[edarsenal]

the beginning WAS very chaotic and in its self drew me in to all of it. Great movie

[jiraffejustin]

I have Never Let Me Go, The City of Lost Children, Barbara, The Man from Nowhere, Joe, Midnight Run, and U-Turned left

[edarsenal]

I have a decent size chunk meself: Barbara, Budapest, hiroshima, sanshiro, U Turn and Joe

[cricket]

I'm watching The Man From Nowhere Saturday, and then I have Withnail and I, and rewatches of Romper Stomper and Hiroshima Mon Amour.

[Citizen Rules]

I was going to watch The Man From Nowhere, next that's why I asked about Royalwitcheese. Has anybody heard from him lattely?

[Clazor]

http://www.thefilmyap.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/CityofLostChildrenInside.jpg
The City of Lost Children

I watched the English dubbed version and it was done very well. I'm pretty sure Ron Pearlman did his own voice in English with a strong Russian accent, and it fit him. The little girl's vocal track matched up perfectly as far as I can tell, it sounded like her voice. Usually dubbed movies seem distracting, but either the actual actors dubbed this in English, or whoever did the voice acting and sound mixing deserves awards.

I liked this pretty well. I'm not big on fantasy movies and it seemed targeted at pre teens, but that's not a bad thing as I enjoyed it anyway.

Ron Pearlman and the little girl had the best chemistry and I was rooting for them all the way. The little blonde boy who liked to eat sausage cracked me up. All around I thought this was really well done. I liked the twin evil ladies, the talking brain and the Captain Nemo guy who lived under the harbor.

At times some of the characters were overly zany, especially the clones... now I know why the French love Jerry Lewis movies, he would have been right at home here.

The sets were totally cool and the movie did something I love, world building. I believed that this alternative place could exist with all the outstanding characters. I still don't know if I understood all of the story, but that doesn't matter because it was a fun watch.
Good nom Clazor.




I'm psyched you liked it so much :D :up:. The evil ladies were awesome, I agree. Next to Perlman and Miette they're my favourite character, and the scene where they cook was awesome, they were so synced. I don't even want to know how much planning and rehearsing must've went into that one short scene. Oncle Irving was another one I liked, mostly because he's continuously undermining and messing with Krank. When I first saw this I was also wierded out by the opening. It took me a few seconds to realize that the kid was dreaming, but then everything just went haywire and I loved it.

I'm actually blown away that this movie's got the mostly positive response it has. I thought it might be too wierd for most people, or perhaps that the style wouldn't put you off. As is, I'm stoked to see how this finishes in the end.

[CosmicRunaway]

I was going to watch The Man From Nowhere, next that's why I asked about Royalwitcheese. Has anybody heard from him lattely?
His profile says that his last activity was one week ago. I feel like I haven't seen him around in longer than that though.

Maybe he's just been busy?

[jiraffejustin]

Midnight Run

I'll echo the sentiment of this movie being a lot of fun. The banter between the two leads was usually great, and while I never really laughed, it would be improper if I said it wasn't funny. I find "fun" to be a more accurate description than "funny" however. Unlike Camo, for some reason the scene with the daughter broke my heart. I don't know what it was, but I felt terrible for the girl. Maybe it's because in my life I have dealt with the issues, directly and sort of indirectly, of parents not being there for children or parents alienating another parent. Any situation where a parent isn't involved with a child really gets under my skin. It's just that that scene was way more emotional for me than any other scene, so it was somewhat out of place. Still, everything else was bunches of fun. This was like Blues Brothers with way worse music. I could see myself having this on as a movie to end the day off with, and I think that's a neat thing to have in a hall of fame. Not every film has to be an arthouse masterpiece. Good nom.

[edarsenal]

"This was like Blues Brothers with way worse music."
I LOVE THAT!!

and I agree Clazor about the twins and the cooking scene. VERY AMAZING stuff.

I do remember seeing a post from royale saying was very busy but would be returning.

[edarsenal]

http://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/willem-dafoe-and-adrien-brody-in-the-grand-budapest-hotel.jpg?w=639

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Not really sure HOW to proceed with this review.
Most of which is kinda common knowledge: Had never been a fan of Anderson. I had struggled through many of his movies from the very first: Bottle Rocket, until I had simply given up on him, somewhere around Darjing. His humor seemed a little too off kilter and awkward for my tastes and things always seemed to drag to near standstill for me. Finally accepting the fact that, apparently, Anderson was not for me.

Then, on an impulse, having read a couple of favorable reviews here, I took a chance on Budapest and for me, EVERY thing worked this time around. I laughed, I got caught up in the characters, the pacing was ideal and the imagery was fantastic to behold.
With every rewatch I fell more and more in love with this movie. At one point posting "It's official, this is a 5 out of 5 popcorn for me."

Which is why, for my first HOF I chose a movie that truly surprised me and caused me a complete 180 instead of an old time favorite or some hidden gem.

**** Of course, I wish to, once again, apologize to Miss Vicky for putting her through YET ANOTHER ANDERSON and bless her for subjecting herself to watching it. You truly have my respect for all the films that are out of your comfort zone that you have watched in the past. (It was one of the things that truly stuck with me reading your review thread) It is not an easy thing and I rarely do such myself, having reached a point in my life (over 50 yrs old) where, if I don't enjoy a film I won't sit through it.
So, while I know it means little to you, I still want to applaud you for it, all the same. :) *****

Well, enough of the @ss kissing -- and in closing, I thank myself for nominating this and, as with every viewing, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you, and good night ;):D

[Dani8]

I loved this movie. I found it utterly charming. Nice change from my usual shoot em up violence packed movies.

[Miss Vicky]

**** Of course, I wish to, once again, apologize to Miss Vicky for putting her through YET ANOTHER ANDERSON and bless her for subjecting herself to watching it.

Well at least you picked the least sucky one I've seen. So I guess there's that. :laugh:

[edarsenal]

:rotfl:
there is that

[Citizen Rules]

I'm psyched you liked it so much :D :up:. The evil ladies were awesome, I agree. Next to Perlman and Miette they're my favourite character, and the scene where they cook was awesome, they were so synced...:up: The cooking scene was awesome. If I was to watch one of the Hof movies over, it would be yours, The City of Lost Children.

[edarsenal]

:up: The cooking scene was awesome. If I was to watch one of the Hof movies over, it would be yours, The City of Lost Children.

I intend to, myself

[Citizen Rules]

Just a suggestion Ed, try the English dub and see what you think...It worked on the spaghetti westerns.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/neverletmego.gif

Never Let Me Go (Mark Romanek, 2010)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1334260/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 02/09/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 12th Hall of Fame, Citizen Rules's nomination
Rewatch: No

I struggled a little with this one. There were some parts of it that I really liked and some parts that bugged me. I thought the basic idea of it and its attempt to examine what it means to live, to love, and to be human were very good. The performances were also solid and I did find myself shedding a tear or two by the end.

However, the sort of incongruity between the setting of the film and level of advancement in medical technology bugged. There were also times when I felt like the story was a little too heavy on the drama. I get that the characters find themselves in a pretty shtty situation but I also found it odd that a film that focuses so much on the soul is so devoid of humor. It also bothered me that they so willingly accepted their fates. I know that they were conditioned to do so by their upbringing and their isolation but they just seemed to have no fight in them, even Tommy's pitiful rage at the end - when he can no longer continue to foster any hope for his situation - just seemed weak. Impotent.

And in some ways that's kind of how I felt about the film overall. It had promise, but didn't quite meet the potential that I think is there. Still, I can't deny that I did enjoy it for the most part.

3.5-

[edarsenal]

Just a suggestion Ed, try the English dub and see what you think...It worked on the spaghetti westerns.

at our house we always use subs so I'm pretty good at catching both words and what's going on. Also enjoy hearing different languages spoken with a few exceptions when dubbed works better - I may just try your suggestion just to see.. . thanks


@ Vicky: I know what you mean about just how very submissive they were. I had a little trouble with that as well and I like your point about there being no laughter.
I kinda wondered if the gentleman who wrote the initial story was going for something a little more grander, in regards to mortality. I did post a very short interview with him in this thread, back on page 34, here it is:


https://youtu.be/-SmuYqKeTTs

[cricket]

You liked it more than I thought you would Miss Vicky, nice to see it.

[Citizen Rules]

I know what you mean about just how very submissive they were. @Vicky & Ed...I might have said this before but, I believe their submissiveness is indicative of Japaneses culture and was the author's way of exploring his own feelings on that subject. He's Japanese.

I had a little trouble with that as well and I like your point about there being no laughter.I disagree, any light humor or laughter would take the somber tone down a notch. I think the lack of any lightness is meant to put an emotional burden on the viewer, so that you feel as bleak as the characters do.

[edarsenal]

@Vicky & Ed...I might have said this before but, I believe their submissiveness is indicative of Japaneses culture and was the author's way of exploring his own feelings on that subject. He's Japanese.

I disagree, any light humor or laughter would take the somber tone down a notch. I think the lack of any lightness is meant to put an emotional burden on the viewer, so that you feel as bleak as the characters do.

I definitely see the reasoning behind setting an emotional burden on the viewer and I'd be the equivalent of a backseat driver to suggest how a moment's lightness could even more establish and secure that we, the viewers, empathize that bleakness. So that would simply be a circular discussion :)

And i do remember you talking about the author, which is why i dug up the short snippet from previously, thanks for re-mentioning it.

[Miss Vicky]

To me, a little bit of light humor would've made them feel more real to me - more human. I think I would've felt more for their plight had they been more rounded and realized characters. Like I said, I get that they're in a crap situation, but they're just so damned mopey that it makes me want them to live a little less.

[neiba]

Sorry if there's an answer to this already but did anybody find the original versions of Man from Nowhere and The City of Lost Children? I refuse to watch dubbed movies.

[edarsenal]

Man From Nowhere is on Netflix's DVD section if that's helpful

[Camo]

If someone hasn't already i'll send you links later Neiba. Unless you don't want to watch them online let me know.

[jiraffejustin]

U-Turn

I got pretty frustrated with this film. For every great thing about it, there was something grating to counteract it. It's very offbeat, and that's usually a good quality for me, but at times it goes too far with it. With a film like this there is a fine line between effective quirkiness and annoying. J-Lo was annoying, Mr. Pheonix was great. I could see others having the reverse opinion. Somebody in the thread was asking if this was supposed to be a comedy, and I think it definitely is supposed to be a black comedy. It seems to be trying to follow in the Tarantino and Coen footsteps of weird/quirky/black-comedy crime films. It never hits those highs, sadly. It's just too uneven. I wanted to like it at several points, but it never sustains itself.

[cricket]

You're killing it jj!

[cricket]

Man From Nowhere is on Netflix's DVD section if that's helpful

It's at my house right now

[Miss Vicky]

Shame you didn't like U Turn more, JJ. But at least you liked the most important part of it. :D

[jiraffejustin]

I definitely like parts of it. It was a little too inconsistent and drug on a little long. I am happy to have seen it.

[Miss Vicky]

I definitely like parts of it. It was a little too inconsistent and drug on a little long. I am happy to have seen it.

No biggie, it's not my nom anyway. I just love it for Phoenix's performance.
Have you seen Romper Stomper yet?

[jiraffejustin]

No biggie, it's not my nom anyway. I just love it for Phoenix's performance.
Have you seen Romper Stomper yet?

Yep.

Sad you didn't get more out of it than that, Citizen.

Personally, I think spending much time on their backstories would've killed the film's momentum and wouldn't have had any effect, positive or negative, on my feelings towards the characters and understanding of their motivations. It's a story that is very much in the moment and it works well for me.

I agree with this. I don't think we need to know their motivation, because no matter what their motivation was it wouldn't be sound in any way. They are impressionable individuals who fell into the hands of the wrong people that molded them the wrong way. It seems as though Hando and Davey were first, and I am guessing they were friends before the whole skinhead thing. I assume Hando got hold of Mein Kampf, and shared this with Davey. Knowing that they have a German background and were a rebellious lot, they held onto what they were reading because it was against everything that decent human beings would be for. While I do think AHX is a good film, I think the approach of never rehabilitating these characters is more realistic. I don't know how a person would ever come back from that type of thing. Especially when considering the performance that Crowe gives; I believe he is this person the whole time. He's deep in it. I think the director had a delicate handle on this too, because he never punished his characters for their actions or beliefs, regardless of how messed up they are. Everything that happened was cause and effect, and most of it was ugly. But that's what you get when you have these types of people. I also don't think of the Koreans as being shown as barbarians like these skinheads, because they are only retaliating. I understand the feeling of really wanting to take matters into your own hands, because you know that the process of getting this fixed the "right way" would take too long and might not fix anything at all. Whether that's right or wrong can be debated by other people.


Anyway, I watched this last night after I watched Y Tu Mama Tambien . Two very different movies.

[Miss Vicky]

Yep.

Ah, yes. My memory's for ***** today. Been a little sleep deprived lately.
Also I don't think that post is linked in the write-ups on the first page.

[cricket]

I must not have caught that because it's in disguise. I don't know if I can find the original, so I'll link the quoted version above.

[jiraffejustin]

That's fine, I didn't format it at all, because I am a lazy scumsucker.

[neiba]

Never Let me Go (Mark Romanek, 2010)

http://www.full-stop.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/never-let-me-go-16.jpg


I like this kind of Sci-Fi. The fact that is based on events that could perfectly happen in the future, gives it a strong morale and makes the viewer think, which to me is a major part of quality cinema.
It's a very homogenous film, always looking sad, though never looking depressing, and that is mostly due to the cinematography and the sountrack. I liked the acting from everyone envolved, even if I'm not the biggest fan of A. Garfield.
However, I think it lacked a bit power now and then and that the premise deserved a lot more depth. It ends up being a nice movie that had much to tell but that I felt that didn't go to the full of its potential.

rating_3 +

[neiba]

Sugata Sanshirô (A. Kurosawa, 1943)

https://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/stills/43943-5c4b23bb5d217cf284f212aadfe04d7d/AK_Sanshiro1_Film_original.jpg



A pleasant surprise! It's an early Kurosawa (second after 1941 Uma, I think) so I was curious to see how it would hold. I love the story, it's one of my favourites from what I've seen from Kurosawa, and there were already some signs of the japanese master's talent.
I think those cutted scenes hurted the final result a lot but the fact that it was so short made story a lot more condensed which had its advantages.
I loved the tension in the fight between Sanshiro and the hold man near the end, I just wished the final fight had that tension aswell.

rating_3

[neiba]

La cité des enfants perdus (Jean Pierre Jeunet, Marc Caro, 1995)

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/villains/images/e/e1/La-cite-des-enfants-perdus-originalh.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121004185002


Fantasy is not exaclty my type and I always find difficult to let myself be involved by movies of this kind. That being said, I found this extremely original and creative.
I liked the cinematography and its dark and somber tone, and the over-the-top acting suited the whole movie just fine!
I liked the little girl (though her relationship with One seemed quite weird at times) and the twin sisters!
There's not much I can say about this. I recognize its value though I can't say I enjoyed it too much!

rating_3 -

[cricket]

Awesome job Neiba!!

[Pussy Galore]

The man from Nowhere

This was a rewatch, I saw the film 3,4 years ago and I remember loving the film, after the rewatch I'd say that I still like the film very much, but that it isn't anything that special. The flaw of the film, I think is that the story isn't that interesting, the quality of the film solely rests on the action which is fine because the action is great, the film is very entertaining, but to be at an other level of greatness I need something from the story, the visuals, the music to make it more special. I see this film as a very solid action film with cool characters and well filmed action, but not as one of the best action films I've seen, like I thought it was from my memory.

Also, I think most will disagree, but I didn't find the relationship between the pawnshop guy and the little girl to be that compelling, I felt like the director was aiming at touching us emotionally, but I thought the characters didn't really feel like humans to me, they were caricatures that serve the purpose of the story, but not believable character in this sort of drama, maybe it's just me.

[edarsenal]

solid reviews, neiba and PG!!

I got a copy of Sugata from my library, looking forward to watching that in the coming week

[cricket]

The Man From Nowhere

http://www.silenzio-in-sala.com/immagine_the-man-from-nowhere_39397.jpg

I was so happy when this was nominated since it was already on my watchlist. At first, I thought oh no another Leon, but it was a lot different than that movie. I'm usually turned off by a child having a lead role in an action movie, but it worked out well here. Like most action movies, this one is full of cliches. That's ok though, because originality is not the most important aspect of these movies. It delivers what it needs to and that's what's important. The movie is actually much less dark and morbid than most of the other Korean films I've seen, but it's much more dark and morbid than the average Hollywood action film. I thought it struck a good balance. It's not a special movie, but it's an excellent action film and that is a wonderful thing.

4

[Citizen Rules]

https://moviesenseblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/736_o.jpg?w=663
The Man From Nowhere

As I type this I have not read the other reviews, though I see PG and Cricket also just watched it. It's a small world;)

So...I pop in the DVD and low and behold I see it has English dubs, and so I try them. I hated them.

With English dubs, the opening action scene, seemed comical. It reminded me of the early Spaghetti Westerns, with their flat and odd way of talking. It's very hard for a voice actor to capture the intensity of the real actor in the movie. The dubs felt like a bad pantomime. To make the effect worse, there were no accents at all! Ugh...

So after 8 minutes of this, I switched over to the original Korean language with English sub titles. I did that during the scene with the little girl and the pawnshop keeper as they eat at a table.

As soon as I switched it over to Korean, I warmed up to the characters, especially the little girl who was sympathetic. Anyway that was a good experiment between dubs vs subs.

If you love, non-stop action with an ultra-cool, mysterious Chinese James Bond type, you'll be in heaven. Especially if you like twist and turns at every corner with lots of fighting and martial arts!....Unfortunately that's everything I hate in a movie.

It was well made and looked great, but nothing that I liked personally. I did enjoy the first 30 minutes with the pawn keeper and the little girl.

[edarsenal]

yes, subs>dubs. I can actually count on one hand when dubs work better and have several left over. Two that come to mind is the anime Cowboy Bebop and the action/comedy Kung Fu Hustle.

Korea has really become my go to for action movies in the last five years or so (oh, and period pieces as well) and Man From Nowhere is a good example of both that genre and how to bring something more that a lot of hollywood movies sort of fail at. Not always, but sufficiently so.

Glad to hear you guys enjoyed it and, CR, I was hoping you'd enjoy the storyline between pawn keeper and the little girl - yay!
What did you think of the very final ending between the two characters?

[Citizen Rules]

...Glad to hear you guys enjoyed it..Did you read my review;)

What did you think of the very final ending between the two characters? You know after the Chinese special agent/pawnkeeper cuts his hair, he lost some intensity. Still I think he was a good actor, but after the dance club scenes and endless twist and turns, I got burnt out. Sure I liked the revenge on the brother of the organ harvesting guy. The nail gun bit was actually good. But when he finally walks into confront the head guy and he's standing in a room with like 15 hench men and takes them all out, I think whatever. I know people love martial arts films, but I don't, I just couldn't go with the odds of 15 to 1 and still winning.

SPOILERS
I knew the eye balls in the jar was most likely a red hearing, still creepy. And I knew when he was about to shot himself the little girl would appear, which I'm glad of!

I liked the bad guy who looked like Zulu from the original Star Trek (George Takei). He was the crazy one.

[SilentVamp]

OK. I finally got my computer back!!! :D

My plans to finish this HoF:
1. I want to read/re-read all the reviews first (I just want to be completely caught up with what everyone else has had to say about the movies)
2. I will try to get at least 2 of the 3 movies watched this week (the ones that I have to watch online - all others have been watched).
3. I will get to as many of my reviews as possible this weekend.

For now, I will say that there were 2 films that I wasn't thrilled with and there was one that I really liked. Which ones were they? Well, you will have to wait and see. :)

[Clazor]

Am half-way through City of lost children, will write something tomorrow. Will hopefully get through another movie tomorrow as well. Think I've done 4/14 so far.

EDIT: 5/14 actually...soon to be 6.

[edarsenal]

Did you read my review;)


lol I did, I was referring the the one aspect you DID like :)


and congrats getting your computer fixed, silent. That is ALWAYS a headache

[Clazor]

The City of Lost Children

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/34/1e/4a/341e4a29ea1b4912258af18f32245412.png

A surreal tale of a mad scientist, unable to dream, who steals children in order to hijack their dream and stop his highly exellerated ageing.

This movie sits smack dab in the cross-section of sci-fi and fantasy, though I'd push it firmly into sci-fi for two/three different reasons:

1a: The occurence of semi hi-tech, steam-punk like technology, ranging from an consious transformer capable of introducing a mind into anothers dream, to sufficient scientific know-how to both grow clones as well as crafting original beings from scratch.

1b/2: The ability to create a resepticle for a dissembodied brain, as well as keeping it alive and being able to comunicate verbally without any sign of a vocal chord stand-in.

3: There's an alien in the movie.

Oh, yes, you heard me. There's an alien skullking about, hiding in plain site. It is none other than our secondary antagonist: The Octopuss. This is no mere siameese twin, but a extra terrestrial, come to Earth and hid in the group of a traveling side-show. They then set up an orphanage in order to train a group of young thief to do their dirty work, keeping them in a somewhat comfortable lifestyle. The proof of this are numerous; some obvious, some less so.

Take for starters the fact that despite being linked at the feet, it presents as two individuals, but everyone around it refers to it as a single entity, almost as if they know on an subconsious level that it is a single thing. Also, it gives itself away by being far too closely linked with itself, closer than even a set of siameese twins would be. It seems to share a central nervous system, as when one half feels an itch, the other half scratches at it, and when one head takes a bite of something, the other head can taste it. Syncronous movement on a high level isn't deffinetive proof, but it supports the more sturdyarguments.

(Can you tell I found this character the most interesting of the movie as a concept?)

This time around I tried the dub, but I didn't last more that 20 minutes before going back to the french audio track. It wasn't that the lipsync didn't work (mostly), but mainly that I didn't think the voices were right. Pearlman's voice was his own, so that was fine (the russian accent even helped clarify to some extent why his language skills weren't the best) but the others, especially Miette, sounded wierd to me after I'd heard the movie with it's original voicetrack. I'm sure this is a common phenomenon; the first version of a character's voice (be it original or dubbed), is often the voice you associate with the character. For me, that was the french voices, simple as that.

The interractions between One and Miette has been called into question in some of the reviews previously posted. While I still think that Miette fell for One, but that One sees her more as a little sister (and someone he has affections for), I must agree that the comment he made about being in no hurry to pick a woman to be his wife came off as more than a little sugestive. And I'm sure that it isn't a coincident on the director's part that the woman trying to get him drunk and comfort him in the pub is dressed in the same shade of red as Miette is and has the same shade of dark hair.

The acting in the movie might have been a little so so in some instances, but I still found most of the cast very entertaning. Judith Vittet did a great job as Miette, acting far beyond her years, and Emilfork's expressive and unique face could really portray why the kids would be scared out of their mind by him (I know I'll never look at a santa the same again). Ron Pearlman did a great job as the somewhat dim-witted strongman (I've heard comparisons to Gump, which I would take as a compliment) and of course the two ladies playing the Octopuss were amazing. Still can't get over how fluently they moved in that kitchen. Someone I did have a problem with was Grub, the little brother. He annoyed the crap out of me, mostly because he seemed as dumb as a rock. All credit to the kid that played him, but this kid only had one thought throughout the movie: FOOOOD!!! I've seen zombies played with less single-mindedness in tracking down something to eat.

It's a wierd, dark, somewhat comical tale that I really enjoyed the first time I saw it and still enjoyed on the re-watch.

[edarsenal]

did not know about the octopus being an alien --- I rather like that

and yes, this can easily be considered a sci-fi and WOULD have been on my sci-fi list as we've spoke of before.

GREAT review, Clazor

[Clazor]

To be fair, that's just my own rambling theory. To my knowledge, there's nothing to support it in the actual film, other than the things I brought up. But thank you.

[edarsenal]

ah, f@ckit, run with it! I say. Good enough argument lol

[Clazor]

Withnail & I

https://robingott.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/withnail03.jpg?w=840

SOME SPOILERS

You've got to work at a movie where a would-be rapist is the most likable character.

Seriously though, Withnail's a complete waste of a human being. He takes advantage of his friend, his parents, his uncle, anyone and everyone he comes across. At the same time he refuses work he deems beneath him and seems to expect that the world should just give him stuff. He's got the people skills of Sherlock Holmes, but without any of the abilities that makes him useful and thus gives you a reason to look beyond his flaws. In short, I spent 100 minutes out of a 107 minute movie waiting for someone to bash him over the head with something.

His friend, the titular "I" (named Marwood, though not in the movie), makes a better impression, but I can't for the life of me understand why he stays with Withnail for so long. They're friends, I get that, but they never give a reason for why he tolerates him. I guess he's loyal to an absurd length (or it could be that they can't afford to live in London if they split), but he finally draws the line at attempted rape. Which brings us to Richard Griffiths character, Monty. Withnail's uncle, an eccentric man with an interest in produce (and Withnail's friend). Dubbed "a rampant homosexual" by Marwood, he's the most likable character in the movie, and that's taking into account that he tries to molest Marwood after more or less getting permition from Withnail, whom he thinks is Marwood's lover. That Marwood seemingly just forgets about this the following day was something that jerked me straight out of the movie. I'd expected that long awaited beating at the very least. Instead it's a quiet grumble and Withnail complaning over not getting enough time to eat.

This wasn't my kind of movie, as you might've gathered, but it is by no means a badly made movie. It takes acting chops to portray a character as such an *******, so I freely give props to both Grant and McGann, as well as to Griffith, whom I really liked in this role. They all did a fine acting job, and I did enjoy parts of their banter, both when Withnail & Marwood were alone, as well as when the uncle was there.

Sorry Neiba, but this just wasn't for me.

[Clazor]

Casablanca

http://www.bestmoviesbyfarr.com/static-assets/images/articles/2016/02/casablanca2.jpeg

This was a very good movie. I can't find anything to complain about. The actors did a good job, the setting was great and atmospheric. A great job from everyone involved.

I wonder though, if I'd never heard of this movie, would I've been surprised at the ending? Would I've believed that Rick was going to sell Lazlo out to the Germans and flee with Ilsa to the US? I wonder...I wonder if they didn't shot themselves in the foot by giving us such a thorough backstory on Rick? We learn that he fights for the underdog when he can, we see him help a couple get their exit visas by letting them win at the roulette wheel. Yes, they also show him turning in a man he knows (but doesn't like), but it's alomst the only thing he does where he actually does nothing and let nature take its course. Then again, they make no secret (I think) of what he actually plans to do, so maybe they didn't have the switch at the ends for us, the audience, but simply as a way to make possible the actual escape and fool the chief of police. Speaking of, that was quite the speedy realinement of loyalties for the chief, going from opportunistic pessimist to fighting for what's right in a matter of seconds. But then again, he never really liked the Germans, so maybe it wasn't such a hard decision.

A special notice also goes to Dooley Wilson for his portrayal of Sam and his singing voice, which I liked very much.

Don't got much more to say, this will make top 3 without a doubt, it probably will take first place. A great movie, glad to have seen it, finally.

Nice choice, Justin :up:

[Citizen Rules]

http://www.kunstinargentinien.com/images/2013/06/barbara.jpg

Barbara (2012)


I haven't really liked a lot of the nominations in this Hof, but I had high hopes for this movie. When the noms were announced, I had not heard of Barbara...but it was the one film that I was most interested in watching. I thought I might like this, so I saved it until last. That way I would have something to look forward to.

Last night I watched this and...I really enjoyed the movie. I was engrossed in the story and captivate by the realistic view it gave me into this woman's life in communist East Germany 1980. The movie felt real to me, in fact it didn't seem like a movie at all, which is a good thing. It felt as if I was watching real people, in a real place and time going about their daily lives.

Barbara felt like a real person and not an actress playing a character, and that's high praise. I liked the actress too, she was excellent. The movie itself was shot subdued style, with naturalistic cinematography.

I liked the way all the elements of the film fit together to give us an emotionally subdued film, that gave a feeling of cold repression, where hope is bleak...but not all together forgotten.


Cosmic:up:...you did it again, another nomination of yours that I love!

[SilentVamp]

I'm having trouble with the link for Joe. I was going to watch that one now but I am completely blocked from the site. Is there any other possible link for the film that any of you know of?

If not, maybe I will just have to see if I can watch it at the library. I am not sure if it will work there, but I may have to give it a try (I first checked the links there and I think it worked, but now I am not 100% positive about that).

I will re-watch "U-Turn" instead today, though.

[CosmicRunaway]

I'm glad you ended up liking Barbara, CR! I had a feeling that you might, but I didn't want to say anything just in case it ended up being a disappointment haha.

[Citizen Rules]

I just now looked for a link for you and got some weird blocked message myself. I think the link was infected with malware. This is a screenshot of what I seen. Did you see this?

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=28887&stc=1&d=1487186857


Needless to say, I did not click on any of that, nor did I call that number as I'm sure it's fake. I believe it was malware. I just closed my browser.

[Camo]

That pics not coming up for me Citizen, possibly because of adblock? I've had that notification with pictures on this site before too.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm glad you ended up liking Barbara, CR! I had a feeling that you might, but I didn't want to say anything just in case it ended up being a disappointment haha. Not disappointed at all! Barbara was my type of movie:)

[Camo]

Someone send me a post comment telling me what site the Joe link was on and i'll try and find it somewhere else.

[Citizen Rules]

That pics not coming up for me Citizen, possibly because of adblock? I've had that notification with pictures on this site before too. I don't know if I went to the same site as Vamp, I just started looking for Joe and that's what I got at one place. I've seen warnings like that before and just close my browser and get away from it as fast as possible.

[SilentVamp]

I just now looked for a link for you and got some weird blocked message myself. I think the link was infected with malware. This is a screenshot of what I seen. Did you see this?

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=28887&stc=1&d=1487186857
The picture you've posted isn't showing up for me but it was a picture of malware warning. There were no other links or anything else. Just a big warning and I was just completely blocked from everything on there.

[Citizen Rules]

You and Camo can't see my pic in my other post? Can anyone see it? I'll try to post it again once here. Can you guys see it now?

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=28888&stc=1&d=1487188605

[Camo]

Damn, can see it now. I've never came across anything like that.

[SilentVamp]

I can see that one now, but it wasn't like that. Mine was just a big Malwarebytes warning that wouldn't let me go any further.

[Citizen Rules]

My mistake, in my first post, I somehow didn't do the attachment correctly.


I'm sure that's malware in the pic I posted. And you know what my computer was acting wonky this morning. I'm going to clean it.

[Camo]

I can see that one now, but it wasn't like that. Mine was just a big Malwarebytes warning that wouldn't let me go any further.

Yah, this is what happens with me i use Malwarebytes too.

[Citizen Rules]

I can see that one now, but it wasn't like that. Mine was just a big Malwarebytes warning that wouldn't let me go any further. Thanks, So I'm guessing your Malwarebytes was protecting you from that site, which is a good thing:p

[Swan]

Careful Citizen, you're going to give the forum a virus!

[Citizen Rules]

Yah, this is what happens with me i use Malwarebytes too. I have Malwarebytes, but only the free version that scans my computer but doesn't offer real time web protection. It does work well for cleaning out infected computers.

[mark f]

I haven't seen that one either, but when they give you a phone number to call, that's usually just a phony phishing scam for your money.

[Clazor]

Romper Stomper

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/siochembio/Movies%201990s/romperstomperhandoyelling_zpse8d8404e.png

Another movie filled with a bunch of people better of dissapeared. In this case, though, I can't really be funny about this, cause it strikes a blow that lands far too close to home for me.

We've had problems back home with a nationalistic party that's been growing in numbers over the last couple of years. We even had an incident about five years ago with a high level party member (we're talking a couple of steps down from the party foreman) roaming the streets with a bunch of likeminded people, brandishing pipes and yelling about immigrants getting out of "their" country.

As such, the introductory scene where Russell Crowe and his crownies beat up a couple of asian teenagers was a bit much for me. The following brawls didn't bother me as much, but that first one just made me feel so depressed and horrified because these neo-nazi ****wits still exist out there. But enough of this ****, didn't mean to drag in politics in this, setting it aside.

Crowe does do a deep dive into the character of Hondo. To see him go from joking and josteling with Davey to being all fury and spouting rasist slogans is a work of a milli-second. This is a sociopath of a truly dangerous level, surrounded by his boys and other likeminded people. Into this mix comes Gabrielle, a drug addled girl fleeing her incestious-minded father. All three of them; Crowe, Pollock (Davey) and McKenzie (Gabrielle) are doing a very good job here. Davey's the only one who seems to have any decency left, probably stemming from the fact that he has a connection outside the gang, something the other members of the gang seems to lack.

Whlie the performances are good and it undoubtedly is a very well made movie, this is another one I can't say I enjoyed watching. To see the very worst in people laid bare isn't really something I strive to watch.

Sorry MV, but this one was just unpleasant for me (which I guess is the point with the movie, so bravo film makers, you've succeeded).

[Clazor]

Sorry guys, this one didn't become very funny either to read or write. Didn't mean to bring politic into this, but it was what came to me when I watched it, so that's how I wrote it. Thinking about just pulling it down tbh.

[Camo]

Sorry guys, this one didn't become very funny either to read or write. Didn't mean to bring politic into this, but it was what came to me when I watched it, so that's how I wrote it. Thinking about just pulling it down tbh.

Don't pull it down, i said pretty much the exact same thing except i didnt't mention any personal politics but nothings wrong with that, that's just giving some of your own experience.

And it was Miss Vicky nom by the way not Cosmic's.

[Miss Vicky]

Is there a way to not bring politics into a discussion about a film centered around skinheads?

I certainly wasn't expecting everyone to enjoy the film, but you did seem to at least appreciate what its strengths and what it was trying to do. There's nothing to apologize for, Clazor.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/casablanca.gif

Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 02/15/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 12th Hall of Fame, jiraffejustin's nomination
Rewatch: Yes

I saw this movie once before, back in 2014, and I remember being impressed with it - the story was excellent, the performances were all strong, the music was good, the cinematography was great, and I appreciated the themes of love, duty, honor, and forgiveness - yet not actually loving it because I just wasn't that invested in the characters.

History repeated itself tonight. I'm still impressed with it for all the same reasons. I understand why it's considered such a great film, but - aside from Rick and possibly Sam - I was mostly indifferent to its characters, Ilsa and Laszlo especially. These characters just felt underdeveloped and, aside from Bergman's beauty, I failed to understand why men would risk so much for Ilsa.

Still this is a relatively minor complaint and my respect for the film remains. I just don't think it'll ever quite be a favorite.

4-

[jiraffejustin]

Never Let Me Go

For all of the emotion there could have been, most of this film simply falls flat. We get a lot of closeups that start meaning less and less each time, especially considering that none of it is subtle. It's screaming look at this face, now over at this face, back to this face... isn't it sad? Well, I guess it could have been. At least a good majority of the film is visually very pretty. The whole "death is inevitable" stuff isn't as profound or powerful as it could have been. I really want to read the book to see if this was a poor adaptation (maybe I should just call it a flat adaptation) or if the source material isn't that grand. Maybe I am being a bit too harsh, but I disliked much more of this film than I liked, and I found myself wanting to do anything but what I was doing. Sorry, CR.

[Citizen Rules]

Maybe I am being a bit too harsh, but I disliked much more of this film than I liked, and I found myself wanting to do anything but what I was doing. Sorry, CR. It's cool JJ. Thanks for giving it a shot and posting an honest opinion. People seem to really love the book, so yeah it might be a good read.

I have one more movie, Casablanca, to watch.

[Miss Vicky]

I still have Hiroshima Mon Amour, Sanshiro Sugata and Midnight Run left. With any luck I'll finish this weekend.

[edarsenal]

http://fullmoviescenter.com/wp-content/uploads/U-Turn/U-Turn-1997-Movie-Details.jpg

U Turn


Poor, poor, pitiful Sean. . .

It's always a bad sign when someone is telling themselves that they're still lucky. Cue the cosmos to take an utterly and completely major dump on them.
And such is the sordid tale of Sean Penn's character, where lousy circumstance grows more dismal, more cruel and then adds insult to the injury with sadistic glee.
Following a Noir recipe that has been cranked up and then taken to volatile extremes with sex, intrigue, double-crossings that slingshot faster and faster as the third act spins into its darkest nether regions, Director Oliver Stone runs this movie till the tires come off and refuses to slow down.

I think my one and only complaint was the acid-induced directing that, while at times gave the pacing a jazzy tempo, it does cause a troubling hiccup at times.

Other than that the dark comedic current, slightly off characters and the unforgiving swirling spiral of sh!tty luck getting only sh!tter is one helluva ride.

[jiraffejustin]

I have, I think, three left not counting The Man from Nowhere, which I am going to wait to watch until we hear back from Royalewitcheese.

[cricket]

Hiroshima Mon Amour

https://strfkd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/hiroshima-mon-amour-1959-00hh50mm57ss.jpeg

I think I'd have to see this movie several times to know how I really feel about it. I first watched it for the 50's countdown and thought highly enough of it to at least put it on my list of contenders. This viewing was a small step down, although I still have very positive feelings about it. I'm very tired so this will be a little rambling.

I didn't feel the same power that I felt on my first watch. The scenes showing the nuclear effects upset me in that they made me wonder why such a horrible thing had to happen, but that's an inherently awful thing. I'm not so sure the movie should get any credit for causing this reaction. These are powerful scenes on their own, and they could be shown in many different formats. As far as the characters go, I had more difficulty connecting with them this time. They seemed unnatural to me, and I believe it's because of the unnatural and redundant dialogue. How many times did someone say Hiroshima? I don't think people talk like that. That being said, I thought they made a strong couple and they seemed to fit together. I don't know if I've seen an interracial couple on film like that before, and I thought that was pretty cool. I think it's a very unique and original movie, and I did feel some power in the backstories. How the movie looks and the way it's filmed are major strengths.

3.5

[Camo]

I've watched certain parts of this movie (Hiroshima Mon Amour in case someone posts before me) more than once now and i think i want to post a part 2 to my first post focusing on the dialogue/interactions which you guys seem to hate explaining why i don't at least. Not guaranteeing i'll do this coz i'm lazy and i've already watched everything but i got alot out of this film and would like to back PG up with his nom coz it should finish very high in my opinion.

[jiraffejustin]

I give it 5 popped corns, so the dialogue isn't a problem with me.

[Camo]

I think the problem is the realtionship and the way it's presented which is crucially linked to the dialogue.

[cricket]

I think there's a reason the dialogue is the way it is, but either way that's going to affect how you view the characters.

[Camo]

Pussy Galore

Think i'm going to make a part two post about your nom but yeah you should respond to these guys about your nom.

[cricket]

He should be pleased to see how highly I think of it.

[Camo]

He should be pleased to see how highly I think of it.

I'm just happy when someone explains what they thought about my nom like you did there. You've been in just about every HOF i have with me so you know that mine are usually not liked to say the least.

[cricket]

You'll finish ahead of me this time for sure

[Camo]

Joe was a great choice. One that i really love as well; think it was you that got me to watch it in the first place.

[Pussy Galore]

Yeah, I think that's a fair review. Also, the fact that I'm a french speaker in my everyday life, so that I can experience the film without any subtitles and really ''feel'' it.

It's among those films that you can really ''feel'' (for a lack of a better word) it's highly cinematic, it flows like poetry, it's beautiful, the accent of the japanese actor is just also poetic. I personally find Emmanuel Rivas in this film to be one of the most attractive woman of all time.

Furthermore, non only is it this kind of film that you can feel, but it's an highly intelligent one. One of the most beautiful piece of fiction about memory, the one of Emmanuel Rivas about his childhood at Nevers, the one about Hiroshima. Non only si the content of the dialogue about memory, but the narrative structure also is.

It really is one of those films that I can both intellectually and artisticly enjoy, one of my favorites. At least I'm happy you kind of enjoyed it!

[jiraffejustin]

The City of Lost Children

I was going to start my write-up with a line similar to "What a weird f*cking movie." then I saw Miss Vicky's write-up. Welp, so much for my ideas being original.

I've seen this film compared to the works of many different directors in this thread, and the only one that resonates with me is the Gilliam comparison. This is Brazil with some Dark City thrown in for me. The city looks a lot like the city in Brazil, and the odd, repressive, paranoid, quasi-claustrophobic feelings I got from the film reminded me of Dark City. I think the bald guy made me think of Dark City too.

The story may or may not have been very good, I had a hard time really paying a lot of attention to that aspect. I got the gist of it, but I probably missed some of the stuff regarding the Octopus and the others not involved with the mad scientist stuff. I was frequently distracted by the art decoration/set design. It is steampunk grunge all the way. I was also distracted by the oddball cast of characters. Most hit, some missed. The stuff with the guy with the flea, I wasn't really digging. The octopus, the clones, One, and Miette were all great. The bald dude was sort of in between. The kids weren't bad, weren't great, weren't in between, they were just kind of there.

I got into it the further it went on; I wanted to see what new sets they would be filming on. It's not an easy film for me to "grade" with confidence, as I think a rewatch would be needed for that. I just didn't like it enough to want to go right back at it. As of right now, I think I'd go with a 3.5

[jiraffejustin]

It's among those films that you can really ''feel'' (for a lack of a better word) it's highly cinematic, it flows like poetry, it's beautiful, the accent of the japanese actor is just also poetic. I personally find Emmanuel Rivas in this film to be one of the most attractive woman of all time.

Furthermore, non only is it this kind of film that you can feel, but it's an highly intelligent one. One of the most beautiful piece of fiction about memory, the one of Emmanuel Rivas about his childhood at Nevers, the one about Hiroshima. Non only si the content of the dialogue about memory, but the narrative structure also is.

It really is one of those films that I can both intellectually and artisticly enjoy, one of my favorites. At least I'm happy you kind of enjoyed it!

Poetic is a great way to describe it. I was thinking of responding to the subject of the dialogue and using the same word, but I wanted to wait for your response. I don't think that film dialogue has to be realistic to be effective, and poetry is often much more impressive than the rambling and stumbling dialogue you get from unprepared humans.

And yes, Riva is tormentingly gorgeous.

[Pussy Galore]

For those for of you who have seen it, how would you say Hiroshima mon Amour compares to Last Year at MArienbad?

[cricket]

For those for of you who have seen it, how would you say Hiroshima mon Amour compares to Last Year at MArienbad?

I thought Last Year was a very difficult watch compared to Hiroshima, but I watched it before I started being able to get into the slower artistic type movies. I remember it being gorgeously filmed.

[jiraffejustin]

Barbara

http://i66.tinypic.com/2vm653r.jpg

I'd say the attribute of this film that I noticed most and appreciated most is the steady-handed, quiet reservation that appears all through-out the film. The film is very pretty, but there is nothing showy about it. It's not as loud in its beauty as, say something like The Conformist. That would have been too much for a film like this, a film all about the subtleties. It's present in the acting, the scenes of conversation, and even the scenes of the inspections, which could have been made into loud TENSIONfests. Instead the natural tension of the situation makes us more uncomfortable than artificial feeling inducing music could. The shots of the actors faces are not typically that close-up and we don't see them doing any silly shifty-eye acting. Nina Hoss' performance is stellar, she uses her emoting abilities and body language to go beyond verbal communication to relay everything we need to know. And while I think the ending was a bit predictable, its nonetheless the type of ending that can still work if you build a character the proper way.

Good film, good nom. :up:

[edarsenal]

the more reviews I read about this film, the more curious i get about seeing it.

[Citizen Rules]

the more reviews I read about this film, the more curious i get about seeing it. It's been my favorite so far of the movie noms.

Barbara
...even the scenes of the inspections, which could have been made into loud TENSIONfests. Instead the natural tension of the situation makes us more uncomfortable than artificial feeling inducing music could. ... I like what you said there, it's true too.

When they go to the strip search, inspection scene, I expected to see the usual hysterics and punching up of the camera work and musci score...so to make the scene highly emotional. But like you said, it didn't do that, and that made the scene all the more physiologically terse.

Sometimes less is more, and Barbara does much more by being subtly less. Good review JJ.

[CosmicRunaway]

Good review JJ, and I'm glad you appreciated the film. :up:

I was worried that it might be too subtle, but it's nice to see other people appreciate that aspect of the film as well. Like Citizen, I like what you said about the inspection scenes. I think the lack of music in Barbara really helps convey the tension more than any choice of score would be able to.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/midnightrun.gif

Midnight Run (Martin Brest, 1988)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095631/)

Date Watched: 02/18/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 12th Hall of Fame, SilentVamp's Nomination
Rewatch: No

I usually avoid live action comedies because... well... they just aren't funny. Most of them anyway. But other than feeling a little wary of it being a comedy,I really had no idea what to expect from this movie going in. With its strong cast I was hopeful I'd enjoy it, though.

I didn't enjoy it.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't quite hate it. Close, but not quite. The cast was capable enough and I suppose if I had let myself not think about what was happening I might have liked it. Maybe. But as the movie dragged on (and it did drag, they should've shaved off 30 minutes or so) I found myself becoming more and more irritated with the writing and with the character of Jack.

Now I'll admit that I don't know the laws pertaining to bounty hunting, but a lot of the things in this movie just sounded like a load of crap that was made up by the writers as a lame excuse for some of the stupid ***** that happens. "I can't keep you cuffed on a commercial flight." Huh? "You know you can't take a prisoner on a plane if he doesn't want to fly." What?! Who gives a ***** what the prisoner wants?

And then there's Jack. We're supposed to like Jack. Jack used to be a cop. A good cop who wouldn't take money from a mobster. So he lost his job and everything he loved and we're supposed to sympathize with him. Right. Okay so this "good cop" wouldn't take money from the mobster, but he thinks nothing of stealing several civilian owned cars and robbing a bar - because theft and robbery are TOTALLY A-OKAY when you're a bounty hunter trying to get a fugitive back to L.A. so you can collect money from the bondsman. No. No, it f***ing isn't. And to that end, Jon wasn't any better. Yeah he's supposedly this "Robin Hood" figure who gave stolen money to charity, but the robbery was his idea.

Oh and let's not forget what a winner of a father Jack is. He says he hasn't seen his daughter in nine years. Nine f*cking years. When we meet her, she says she's in eighth grade. That would put her at about twelve or thirteen years of age, so she was three or four when he last saw her and he couldn't go see his only child or be part of her life because... reasons. Why exactly am I supposed to like this guy again?

So all this just made the ending feel empty, since my irritation towards Jack and apathy towards Jon meant I wasn't rooting for anyone. Oh and as I feared would happen, I never laughed nor even once broke a smile during this whole "comedy."

Sorry Vamp, but this just really wasn't for me.

2.5-

[Miss Vicky]

Well, I don't know about you guys, but... I don't know why I'm supposed to like someone who doesn't think live-action comedy movies can ever be funny (but animated comedies are HILARIOUS) because.... reasons.

I don't give a damn whether you like me or not.

And I do like some live action comedies. There are even some that I love. But this just really wasn't funny.

[cricket]

Ok folks great job so far, and we are less than 3 weeks away from the set deadline of March 10th. However, I set that deadline before 1 or 2 members joined, so if anyone needs a little more time, it can be done:)

[cricket]

Royalwitcheese hasn't been on the site in 16 days. I just sent him a pm so we'll see what happens.

[CosmicRunaway]

I hope Royal is still in. I really enjoyed Man from Nowhere.

[rauldc14]

I'm in for HOF 13

[cricket]

I'm in for HOF 13

You hosting?

[rauldc14]

I'm OK with that if nobody objects

[neiba]

I think I can finish it in time! I have 4 left (3 if Royal doesn't return, I'll let his nom to last).

[Citizen Rules]

I'm OK with that if nobody objects👍 Sounds good to me.

I have one more left, Casablanca.

[SilentVamp]

Withnail & I

I think I have complained about this petty thing before, but oh, Criterion and their lack of providing subtitles!! :mad: I definitely need them when I am watching quieter films.

Anyway, this is one of those movies that I have heard about for years but have never actually watched. My reason for never having watched it is probably because I never really had any interest to do so. And it is always kind of funny to me how joining in on these HoF’s, I am “forced” to finally getting around to having to view so many films out there.

There was nothing in particular that really stood out for me with this film. The humor was there, the acting was good and I enjoyed it, but there was nothing in this film that was particularly memorable. Withnail got a bit annoying at times. I still didn’t mind watching him, but I kind of liked the character of “I” much better. Withnail was the bigger deal character, but maybe the more subtle the character, the better it was for me in this film, and that is why I preferred the other guy.

I got a kick out of them getting a little bit of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in a film produced by George Harrison. :up:

I watched a couple of movies in this HoF during a time when I was pretty sick with the flu. And I would hate to think that my judgement of them was affected by how I felt. Yet, I can’t really ignore the fact that I wasn’t feeling my best. I think I would like to give this one another try at some point because, quite honestly, this is the kind of movie that I really like. So I would like to see how I feel about it on a second viewing when I am feeling better.

2.5

[SilentVamp]

Y Tu Mama Tambien

Sex, sex, sex, sex, sex.

I saw this movie years ago. I forgot that it is (and really isn’t) based around that. Otherwise, I remembered quite a bit about this, actually. Silly things. The main thing being that I couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to get sexually involved with either Diego Luna or Gael García Bernal. The two of them in this film make me as sick now as they did when I first watched it. Just the thought of being touched by either one of them…..:sick:

But with my nonsensical comments done with, I will say that they are good in the film. I think they fit their roles well. The standout is Maribel Verdu. I think she does an excellent job of portraying someone who has a lot going on in her life – things that will affect her tremendously – but manages to cover it all so well that nobody will know there is anything wrong.

I found myself watching this, though, and thinking “Oh, I know what happens”. And I did indeed know what happened. I remembered quite a bit about it. It was just a case of anticipating when these situations would occur in the film. The only thing I didn’t remember was the ending. Amazingly, the part that you would think might stay with a person the most was the part that I remembered the least. Maybe I chose not to remember it. It is a bit of depressing storytelling. Maybe at the time that I watched this film before I was going through something that helped me to just block it from my mind. Who knows? The ending brought me down a little, though.

I am very indifferent towards the narration. Part of me doesn’t mind it but the other part didn’t really feel it added anything to the film. Put it this way, if I would watch this film again but with the narration magically cut from the film, I wouldn’t miss it. When I look at it that way, I wonder why it is even in there.

Anyway, this is a very good nomination and it was good to watch it again.

3.5

[SilentVamp]

Romper Stomper

I don’t know what I really think about this film. On one hand it is this brutal portrayal of a deplorable part of society. But on the other hand, I wish the characters had been given a little more depth. Truth be told, I do like to know about the person inside a “bad” character, too. I would’ve liked more of a “fuller” story, for lack of another way to describe it. It isn’t, of course, a “light” film in any way. I just wish we would’ve been given the chance to see more into the characters to know what made them (or at least what made Hando and Davey) want to be this way.

I say that and then I also think that maybe I like the idea that there isn’t too much detail to these characters. Maybe that would also have taken away from the film because sometimes I think if you get too detailed about the character’s character it takes away from the straightforward attempt of trying to tell a story. And sometimes I do likes characters just being what they are and leaving us to guessing as to why they became that way.

So, mentioning that, I thought it was interesting how Hando and Davey were, in their way, opposite to each other. Russell Crowe did a very good job, I thought, of portraying an unapologetic neo-Nazi. And Daniel Pollock was good as the quieter half of the duo. It was interesting seeing how his character actually had a touch of being human in him. There were moments (particularly with the girl – her name is gone from my mind right now) where he didn’t seem so bad.

It was a good movie. Not one that I knew about, and not necessarily one that I would’ve watched on my own. So I appreciate its nomination.

2.5

I was telling my mother about this film and I knew it would lead to her saying the words “Do you remember when there was that truck full of them outside the store when you were little?”. The “them” being a bunch of neo-Nazis. For some reason there was exactly what my mother said when we came out of the store. I asked her if she ever found out why they were there and she didn’t. It was just a neighborhood grocery store. Why was it singled out? Unless these guys made the rounds to all of the neighborhoods. I don’t know! I just remember there was a lot of screaming going on between the wannabe Nazis and the people in the neighborhood who were coming out of the store. I can remember my mother trying to ignore it until one of them said something to her. So naturally she had to say something back. But I was little enough to where I don’t really remember what was said and when I asked her how much she remembered all she said was “I don’t even remember anymore. I just remember how disgusting they were”.

[SilentVamp]

Barbara

This, unfortunately, was another one that I watched when I wasn’t feeling well. I maybe should’ve held off on watching them until I was better, but that would’ve meant that I would’ve had to have waited again for them to arrive at the library (only this time the wait would’ve been longer because I would’ve had to have waited for them to go back to the library that they came from only to be brought back a second time to the one where I wanted to pick them up).

Anyway, I don’t really have anything bad to say about the film. It is nicely shot. The acting is good. The story is fine. But I think it was kind of slow. Even a little draggy at times. I know that is the point of it. Especially if it is to add a touch of realism to the film (after all, nobody’s life is an action film all the time – if ever!). There was just something about it that I would’ve appreciated it moving along a little faster. I wanted a tiny bit more “noise” in the film, too. It was a little too quiet for my taste. At times the quietness did work, but at other times it just seemed to make the film a little dull for me.

While she was good in the role, I wasn’t fond of the character of Barbara. I didn’t have all that much interest in her and I didn’t care what happened to her. I liked Andre, though. I wish we would’ve gotten a little bit more in the story from him.

It is a decent film. It just isn’t one that I liked the most in this HoF.

2

[SilentVamp]

The Grand Budapest Hotel

I saw this once before. So one of the few re-watches in this particular HoF for me.

Wes Anderson is really hit-or-miss for me. For example, I didn’t care for “Moonrise Kingdom” at all, but I enjoyed “The Darjeeling Limited”. But as I had seen this film before, I knew how I felt about it. And I liked it. Just how much, I couldn’t really remember and I didn’t really know if I would like it at all a second time.

But I did like it. While not necessarily laugh-out-loud comedy for me, I appreciated, and quite often smiled, at the humor. I love Ralph Fiennes in the film. In a way, he almost seems like an odd choice to play such a quirky character but I am quite impressed with how well he does it. And I really like Tony Revolori as Zero (there is no way he was F. Murray Abraham as a younger man, though – I think I remembered thinking that the first time that I saw it). I love his somewhat monotone way that he delivers his lines. And I love the character’s loyalty to Fiennes’ M. Gustave.

I do wish Edward Norton would've been taken advantage of in here. I kind of feel like we were a little cheated with his character and his acting. I wish we would’ve had more from him.

The film is beautifully filmed. I love the sets. The colors are very nice and vibrant.

I forgot that I found the ending to be a bit sad and depressing. I wish it would’ve been a little different for such a “silly” film. No matter what, though, I do like this movie and I was happy to see it nominated as it gave me another excuse to watch the film.

3.5

[SilentVamp]

Hiroshima Mon Amour

I've known about this film and heard good things about it for years. This was the opportunity to finally see it.

I didn’t like it.

For one thing, while I understand why a filmmaker would want to show the effects of what happened in Hiroshima, I don’t think it was necessary to show that much of it. I don’t want to come across cold-hearted, but I don’t want to see that kind of stuff. And seeing just a little bit of it goes a long way. It didn’t have to go on and on. I feel like this with anything where there is footage of something so terrible that happened to people (i.e. concentration camps). I’ve seen footage. I know what it looks like. I never have to see it again, nor do I want to. And it isn’t because I am trying to “ignore” what happened. It is because I know very well what did, I know what the aftermath looks like, and it is stored into my brain. I just don’t care to see it ever again. It isn’t a pleasant thing to see and I don’t want to see it again. And especially not that much of it.

The beginning dragged on until they got to the characters and I was happy that they finally did. And then I wasn’t. I had NO interest in either one. I just found her to be crazy and I found him to be weird for being so into this crazy woman that he just wouldn’t leave alone. The semi-stalking was ridiculous. She wasn’t that intriguing to keep following her. And then when she went on and on about the German soldier, it felt a little like torture. I kind of wanted to scream at the TV “Just SHUT UP!!!”.

I will give them credit and say that the actors were good. It was just the film itself. No, maybe I shouldn’t say the film itself. It was the story, which plays a big part in whether a movie itself is good or not, but I did like the look of the film. So I won’t say that the entire film wasn’t for me.

I just thought it was a boring movie. I appreciate the fact that it is a film that others will love. I respect that. Everyone likes what they like and they have their reasons for liking them. Just the same, though, everyone dislikes what they dislike and they have their reasons for it. Unfortunately, this was one that I disliked.

1.5

[Camo]

Really glad you liked my nom. The join most of the ones you've posted about :D. Good write-ups.

[SilentVamp]

Sorry Vamp, but this just really wasn't for me.
That's fine. I didn't think this was going to be a movie for everyone, anyway.

Ok folks great job so far, and we are less than 3 weeks away from the set deadline of March 10th. However, I set that deadline before 1 or 2 members joined, so if anyone needs a little more time, it can be done:)
I will be done. I just need to watch "Joe". :) And I will get it watched somehow!

I have other reviews that I can post but I will save the rest for another day.

[CosmicRunaway]

Nice write-ups. :up:

I'm sure it wasn't easy keeping up without easy access to a computer for so long. I've become so dependant on mine, I'm not sure what I would do without it haha.

[Citizen Rules]

Wow, Vamp knocks them out of the ballpark! I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your reviews. Well written, well said and very interesting too!

Withnail & I

I think I have complained about this petty thing before, but oh, Criterion and their lack of providing subtitles!! :mad: I definitely need them when I am watching quieter films.... I had subtitles on my DVD and I needed them. The British accents are so strong that I could only pick up half of what was being said, so I needed to go to subtitles. Still I didn't care for this movie, it reminded me of a more annoying and less funny version of Absolutely Fabulous.

Y Tu Mama Tambien

Sex, sex, sex, sex, sex.

I saw this movie years ago. I forgot that it is (and really isn’t) based around that.... The main thing being that I couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to get sexually involved with either Diego Luna or Gael García Bernal. The two of them in this film make me as sick now as they did when I first watched it. Just the thought of being touched by either one of them…..:sick: Ha:p, that made me laugh! If I was giving out awards for Best Review of a Hof movie, you'd win for that one! Hey Cricket, that's an idea for you....

Romper Stomper
I was telling my mother about this film and I knew it would lead to her saying the words “Do you remember when there was that truck full of them outside the store when you were little?”. The “them” being a bunch of neo-Nazis. For some reason there was exactly what my mother said when we came out of the store. I asked her if she ever found out why they were there and she didn’t. It was just a neighborhood grocery store. Why was it singled out? Unless these guys made the rounds to all of the neighborhoods. I don’t know! I just remember there was a lot of screaming going on between the wannabe Nazis and the people in the neighborhood who were coming out of the store. I can remember my mother trying to ignore it until one of them said something to her. So naturally she had to say something back. But I was little enough to where I don’t really remember what was said and when I asked her how much she remembered all she said was “I don’t even remember anymore. I just remember how disgusting they were”. That's what I like about your reviews, you make them personal. Damn, that's a potentially dangerous situation you were in. I've never encountered anything like that. The only neo Nazis Ive seen were on TV, luckily.


Hiroshima Mon Amour
Agreed with everything you said about it! I bet if the opening atomic horrors weren't in the film, it would be so highly rated. I think it was very ineffective.

[SilentVamp]

That's what I like about your reviews, you make them personal. Damn, that's a potentially dangerous situation you were in. I've never encountered anything like that. The only neo Nazis Ive seen were on TV, luckily.
That was my one and only time, thank God! I really don't know what that was all about. I don't know if they had a reason for being there, or they were just starting trouble (which is most likely - but you'd think there was still a reason that they wanted to start the trouble). But to this day, I don't know why they would've chosen that store to hang out in front of. Unless, like I said, they were making the rounds to every neighborhood.

[Clazor]

Ok folks great job so far, and we are less than 3 weeks away from the set deadline of March 10th. However, I set that deadline before 1 or 2 members joined, so if anyone needs a little more time, it can be done:)

Think I got 5 movies left (Joe, Midnight Run, U-turn, Sugata Sanshiro and Man from nowhere) and I think I'll leave Man from nowhere for last, just because it looks cool and it'd be nice to end on something a bit more action-y. Will have no problems finishing and I think I'm the one with the most movies left.

[Camo]

What's his name who nominated Man From Nowhere has the most left i think. Not seen him in weeks.

[Miss Vicky]

I've just got Sanshiro Sugata and Hiroshima Mon Amour left.

[edarsenal]

Damn impressive reviews, Silent!!
Unable to get more elaborate presently, but will be--

And thanks for extra time. Don't think I'll need it - hopefully! lol

Oh, and if Royale doesn't finish, will you be hiding out during any investigation regarding his disappearance? ;)


And Raul, you hosting the next BV HOF sounds grand!!

[Thursday Next]

I missed this Hall of Fame but I've just read through the entire thread and thought I'd chime in with a few of my thoughts on the ones I've seen...

Withnail & I

This is an old favourite of mine. I remember being disappointed that it didn't make the 80s list but it apparently isn't either as well known or well-liked as I'd always thought. Perhaps there's a certain amount of British humour that doesn't always translate well. I also think it's a film that improves on repeated viewings, it's the cult quotability (and potential for drinking along) that make it a favourite of some people. The main characters are awful people, of course they are, but that's all part of the charm as it is for many sitcoms - I think of the similarity with the guys in Peep Show, more sober but no less idiotic. I just wanted to address Miss Vicky's dislike of the character of Uncle Monty - I've seen that said before (iirc adidasss had the same problem with the film), and while I respect your view, I don't agree that there shouldn't ever be gay characters who are unpleasant/villainous/predatory. It's the lecherousness not the homosexuality that's the repulsive thing. Or that's how I saw it anyway. Anyway, I find this film amusing. That's the thing about comedies, though, you either find them funny or you don't.

Y Tu Mama Tambien

I have seen this but quite a long time ago so I can't remember the finer details of the plot, but I do remember the general themes of sex and death and coming of age and the scenery and symbolism. Two guys embark on a road trip with an older woman which isn't quite the erotic odyssey they hoped for, until it is, and then that isn't quite what they expected. I remember liking it quite a bit.

Casablanca

This is the one film which I really owe a rewatch. I saw it once, years ago, fell asleep, woke up and watched the end. It really wasn't that the film was boring, I was just tired. I remember it being a perfectly good film, but it didn't engage me emotionally as much as I'd hoped and I left with the feeling that it was just OK, and that the bit when they all sing the French national anthem was cheesy. However this was back in the early days of me watching films seriously and there's probably stuff in it I would appreciate more now.


The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson: you love him, or hate him, or find him wildly hit and miss. I'm in the third camp. Royal Tenenbaums I adored, but I could barely make it through Moonrise Kingdom. The Grand Budapest Hotel is one of the hits though. It looks great. Really great. And there's a story you can follow. And it's not about kids, which helps. But I do agree with somebody (sorry I forget who!) who said it would be good to see Anderson direct a film that somebody else had written (although that will never happen) as the screenplay is possibly the weakest link.

U Turn

I remember having high hopes of this but not enjoying it all that much. There were a lot of unpleasant things heaped on top of each other filmed in a fairly frenetic way and while that doesn't sound dissimilar to films I have enjoyed, I just found it all fairly exhausting and unpleasant.


Hiroshima Mon Amour

This was on my 50s list. I don't feel like I completely understood it on a first watch, but I thought it was fascinating, an almost dreamlike film at times, but at others eye-opening realism. It really did have an effect of lulling me into an almost dream-like state as I watched it. It's beguiling and mysterious. I liked the section of backstory about the woman's experiences back home in France.


Never Let Me Go

I read the book before seeing the film. I think if I had watched the film first, it would have had more of an emotional impact. The book I loved, it had a real impact on me. The film was good, but it was hard to view it in the same way, I found myself watching it critically as more as an adaptation of the book rather than experiencing it in its own right. I think the brilliant thing about the story is that it works as a metaphor for existence. It's not about clones, it's about humanity. We can fall in love, we can produce art, we can do everything we're supposed to do, but none of it will prolong our lives in the end. Life is shorter than you think. There are things others have that you will never have. It's depressing, but in a beautifully filmed, reflective sort of way.


:)

[Miss Vicky]

I don't agree that there shouldn't ever be gay characters who are unpleasant/villainous/predatory.

I never said that there shouldn't ever be bad gay characters. Obviously gay people can be just as messed up and cruel as anyone else. But it does seem to me that gay characters are too often written as caricatures rather than as believable people - they're depicted as either perverts or mere comic relief. Give me a gay bad guy that I actually believe and I won't have a problem, but that's not what happened here.

[Thursday Next]

I can totally see why you feel that way, I've thought that about other films, I just didn't see this one that way. I think all the characters are such crazy caricatures that he doesn't stand out particularly.

[Citizen Rules]

Impressive post Thursday!...You've been gone for a long time and yet still managed to read the entire thread and write your thoughts about the movies. That's why you're a good Hof member! And I do hope to see you in the 13th Hof and in the Twin Musical Hofs too. You've been missed as a member in these Hofs, glad to see you back:)...Now a few comments on what you wrote:p

Withnail & I...I didn't like the movie,...I don't think the producers/director were trying to deliberately make a negative stereo type out of the gay uncle. As all the characters were written as over the top self absorbed, indulgent types, with unlikable personalities. It was like Absolutely Fabulous on Quaaludes and cheap booze!

Casablanca...The singing of the French anthem louder than the Nazis singing the Nazi anthem might seem cheesy today, but it was very important for a world where France and other countries were occupied by Fascist. At that time the outcome of WWII was not clear so the message of hope would have resonated with the audience. Today that scene does seem a bit forced, but I still liked it.

Never Let Me Go...not about clones, it's about humanity. We can fall in love, we can produce art, we can do everything we're supposed to do, but none of it will prolong our lives in the end. Life is shorter than you think. There are things others have that you will never have. It's depressing, but in a beautifully filmed, reflective sort of way.
I like what you wrote. That's exactly how I viewed it. The sci fi clone stuff held no importance to me.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/hiroshimamonamour.gif

Hiroshima Mon Amour (Alain Resnais, 1959)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052893/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 02/21/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 12th HOF, Pussy Galore's nomination
Rewatch: No

There are a lot of things to praise about Hiroshima Mon Amour. The performances and writing are solid. It's a really beautiful film. The cinematography is gorgeous and many of the images, particularly of Hiroshima's survivors, are quite haunting. I really respect the artistry that went into its creation.

The trouble is, even with all its strengths, I didn't enjoy it at all and I really struggled to finish it. The problem is that I simply did not care about either of its central characters. I found her emotional instability annoying and his bizarre fascination with her equally so. I was not at all engaged in the story of her German lover in Nevers and her time in the cellar. And, while I found the sound of the main actress's voice soothing, the excruciating pace and endless and repetitive talking made it hard for me to maintain my focus and I was quite bored throughout.

3-

[Citizen Rules]

Sounds like me and you and Vamp had the same reaction to Hiroshima Mon Amour. Though it has it's fans too.

[edarsenal]

some serious power hitting of reviews by both Thursday and Silent!! VERY IMPRESSIVE
thoroughly enjoyed all of them and both your thoughts on all of them

Kinda makes me feel a bit guilty for limping along as I've been lol

And with Miss Vicky's, who's reviews I always enjoy, it definitely seems to be a strong pattern with this movie. It's one of the ones I still need to watch and I'm curious to see if I follow suit or discover something more. We shall see. . .

EDIT: ya beat me to the punch, CR lol
along with you I seem to remember one or two others mentioning similar reactions

[Citizen Rules]

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=29004&stc=1&d=1487734237
Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1942)

I went with that photo of Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Sam Dooley Wilson) as to me, it encapsulates the movie's emotions. This is a film about bitterness and what it can do to a man. Rick is jaded, he's turned his back on humanity...as he puts it, "I stick my neck out for nobody!" And he means it. People come to this nowhere place in the North African desert, seeking escape from the Nazis...but Rick and the movers and shakers of Casablanca don't care who lives or dies, to them it's all about profit.

But we know Rick wasn't always this way. He had previously risked his neck to help supply guns to Ethiopia and to keep if from slipping into the hands of Fascist. And he did the same thing in Spain, fighting on the Loyalist side. But the loss of a woman's love who jilted him in Paris, turned a teary eyed man, bitter cold.

That's why I love this movie so much it deals with deep emotions, and it deals with redemption. Rick needs redemption and that's why his old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman)shows up at his gin joint.

Casablanca is not only a classic, it's a fine movie, that does world building, multi story layering and complex characters extremely well. I'm glad it was nominated...after all this is a Hall of Fame and certainly Casablanca is a worthy candidate for induction.


.

[edarsenal]

Casablanca is not only a classic, it's a fine movie, that does world building, multi story layering and complex characters extremely well. I'm glad it was nominated...after all this is a Hall of Fame and certainly Casablanca is a worthy candidate for induction.

I could not agree more!!

So many times with so many subplots and secondary characters things easily get muddled up but here it is does with such skillful ease it truly is a pleasure to behold.

BRAVO CR

[Citizen Rules]

Thanks Ed, I could have wrote a ton more! I didn't even mention how great all the actors were! Or how memorable the dialogue was. Who can forget.... 'play it again, Sam';)

[neiba]

Withnail & I

This is an old favourite of mine. I remember being disappointed that it didn't make the 80s list but it apparently isn't either as well known or well-liked as I'd always thought. Perhaps there's a certain amount of British humour that doesn't always translate well. I also think it's a film that improves on repeated viewings, it's the cult quotability (and potential for drinking along) that make it a favourite of some people. The main characters are awful people, of course they are, but that's all part of the charm as it is for many sitcoms - I think of the similarity with the guys in Peep Show, more sober but no less idiotic. I just wanted to address Miss Vicky's dislike of the character of Uncle Monty - I've seen that said before (iirc adidasss had the same problem with the film), and while I respect your view, I don't agree that there shouldn't ever be gay characters who are unpleasant/villainous/predatory. It's the lecherousness not the homosexuality that's the repulsive thing. Or that's how I saw it anyway. Anyway, I find this film amusing. That's the thing about comedies, though, you either find them funny or you don't.



https://media.giphy.com/media/5xtDarmwsuR9sDRObyU/giphy.gif

[Pussy Galore]

Hiroshima Mon Amour

I've known about this film and heard good things about it for years. This was the opportunity to finally see it.

I didn’t like it.

For one thing, while I understand why a filmmaker would want to show the effects of what happened in Hiroshima, I don’t think it was necessary to show that much of it. I don’t want to come across cold-hearted, but I don’t want to see that kind of stuff. And seeing just a little bit of it goes a long way. It didn’t have to go on and on. I feel like this with anything where there is footage of something so terrible that happened to people (i.e. concentration camps). I’ve seen footage. I know what it looks like. I never have to see it again, nor do I want to. And it isn’t because I am trying to “ignore” what happened. It is because I know very well what did, I know what the aftermath looks like, and it is stored into my brain. I just don’t care to see it ever again. It isn’t a pleasant thing to see and I don’t want to see it again. And especially not that much of it.

The beginning dragged on until they got to the characters and I was happy that they finally did. And then I wasn’t. I had NO interest in either one. I just found her to be crazy and I found him to be weird for being so into this crazy woman that he just wouldn’t leave alone. The semi-stalking was ridiculous. She wasn’t that intriguing to keep following her. And then when she went on and on about the German soldier, it felt a little like torture. I kind of wanted to scream at the TV “Just SHUT UP!!!”.

I will give them credit and say that the actors were good. It was just the film itself. No, maybe I shouldn’t say the film itself. It was the story, which plays a big part in whether a movie itself is good or not, but I did like the look of the film. So I won’t say that the entire film wasn’t for me.

I just thought it was a boring movie. I appreciate the fact that it is a film that others will love. I respect that. Everyone likes what they like and they have their reasons for liking them. Just the same, though, everyone dislikes what they dislike and they have their reasons for it. Unfortunately, this was one that I disliked.

1.5

I feel like I should answer since it's my nom, I know that taste differs from people to people, but I'll still try modestly to defend one of my favorite films.

The images of brutality, Resnais was known for making the great documentary Night and Fog which was a 30 minutes about the brutality of war un 1955, it was a very important film because he was the first (or at least one of the first) to show it in a time where it was still taboo. In Hiroshima mon Amour I think he wanted to incorporate the horror with people who live around it, by showing the horror the spectator is in a place where we get the state of mind of the 2 protagonists, they lived that, that's why the japanese guy says to her that she doesn't know anything about Hiroshima.

Also, I find that it blended together beautifully with the story that is about memory, nostalgia, how the past affects the present and there is clearly a parallel between how what happened at Nevers in the youth of Emmanuel Rivas affected her personally and how Hiroshima affected the entire japanese nation, how in different ways the past makes the present, either if it's on a more personnal level (Nevers) or sociological level (Hiroshima).

Also, I find the editing, the music, the way the film is being put together so beautiful, it's dream like (I agree with Tuesday about that) and I found the story to be intelligent and well put together, as you say to each his own.

[Pussy Galore]

I have rented from the library: Joe and Mignight Run

I own Y tu mama Tambien and The Grand Budapest Hotel, I'll give them a rewatch.

As for U-Turn and Romper Stomper someone sent me links a couple weeks ago.

I'll watch them all this week, I am on a well deserved school break :P

[edarsenal]

https://pxhst.co/avaxhome/8a/3e/001c3e8a.jpeg

Sugata Sanshiro

I had always wondered what a condensed Kurosawa movie would be like, and pleasantly, now I know.

For me, along with the mastery of a shot and the depth of characters' psyche, Akira Kurosawa had this way of elongating a shot's time. An excellent example is the opening of Throne of Blood where the entrance of them riding through fog appears to gon almost endlessly.
Making me wonder, at times, what if he just got to it. My answer is here in Sugata Sanshiro.
The budding director still delves within his characters and pauses to soak in the beauty within the shot but he does not dwell forever and a day bringing forth a solid movie.
It's inner conflict may not resonate as, say, Stray Dogs, but the potential and the testing of the water is undeniably there.

Having gone back and re-read all the reviews of this I saw that someone had mentioned that Nope believed this to be an underrated film and I can definitely see how that could be.

Regardless, this was quite enjoyable and engaging. Thanks Nope!

[Camo]

Counted everyone's reviews in Cricket's first post at least. This isn't counting your own nom (unless you've written it up then it is) or any you've decide not to rewach, also may have missed a few so correct me if i'm wrong:

Camo - Finished
Cosmic - Finished
JJ - 11/14
Ed - 11/14 (includes Sanshiro Sugata which he just posted)
Citizen - (has seen them all but hasn't sent his list yet unless Cricket hasn't updated it)
Miss Vicky - 13/14
Nope - 3/14
PussyGalore - 5/14 (Counted his response to me about his own nom which isn't in the review index)
Clazor - 9/14
SilentVamp - 6/14
Topsy - 9/14
Neiba - 6/14
RoyaleWitCheese - 7/14
Cricket - 12/14

[SilentVamp]

SilentVamp - 6/14
I thought I wrote more than that. I guess I wasn't counting. :)

I will get the rest posted next week. I also plan on watching Joe then. So I will just post the rest of the lot at the same time, I suppose, as when I review that one.

Although that would be 8 reviews at one time. Maybe I will divide them up somehow so I don't flood this thread with all of those at once. :yup:

[Camo]

I thought I wrote more than that. I guess I wasn't counting. :)

I will get the rest posted next week. I also plan on watching Joe then. So I will just post the rest of the lot at the same time, I suppose, as when I review that one.

Although that would be 8 reviews at one time. Maybe I will divide them up somehow so I don't flood this thread with all of those at once. :yup:

You might have written more. there's only 6 in this post though so if any are missing tell Cricket and he'll add them - http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=1621630#post1621630

I like all of your reviews at once personally, it's like a big avalanche of your personality since they are all at once and you usually deliver a few personal touches. Really refreshing.

[Miss Vicky]

Yeah, I just have Sanshiro left. I started it yesterday but still have a ways to go. I was just too sleepy to finish it last night and decided to watch something else today. I'll finish it this weekend.

[Camo]

Yeah, I just have Sanshiro left. I started it yesterday but still have a ways to go. I was just too sleepy to finish it last night and decided to watch something else today. I'll finish it this weekend.

What did you watch instead? Perfect Blue?

[Miss Vicky]

What did you watch instead? Perfect Blue?

Yes.

[Camo]

Yes.

Let me guess, you don't like it anymore?

[Miss Vicky]

Why would you guess that?

[Camo]

Did you or did you not? Answering a question with a question is the worst, you should be ashamed of yourself Madame President.

[Miss Vicky]

Well this thread isn't really the place to answer that question, now is it?

[Clazor]

Sugata Sanshirô

http://ferdyonfilms.com/Kurosawa%207.bmp

I liked this one. It had a narrower focus than most Kurosawa movies, giving it a shorter runtime and a more simplistic story arc (which is postive in this case). Having our leading man running afoul on his search for a master is something I've never seen as far as I can remember. You'd think it'd be a common problem for a protagonist to have, but I can't say I've experienced that part of the story. We often see our hero search for a mentor, but we only ever see him set out, and then, after an undetermined amount of time, he's ready to give up and presto! The master he's ment to find appears beside him. To actually see him make a wrong choice tells us more about him and about his problem, which the new master deduces: He's unexperienced, reckless and unmature. He lacks wisdom and discepline, something made appearant when he starts a streetbrawl when someone delivers a slight. He's also stubborn, something that actually helps him as he gets booted out of his school, which he refuses to accept. From his stubborness comes a lesson in humility, something his master nurtures and builds on, creating a better man and a smarter, fiercer fighter.

Also, for some reason, he appears to have super-human strength, as he kills a man by throwing him into a wall that, at the very most, stands 2,5-3 meters away.

I was a bit confused as to the (some might say one-sided) emnity that arose between Sugata and Mr. Higaki. I never really quite understood where the rivalry stemed from, other than Higaki being denied access to Sugata for a fight. There might have been something about the ju-jitsu master's daughter, but if that was the case, I found it to be underdeveloped. In any case, their final showdown on the windy hillside was very nicely choregraphed and atmospheric. Kurosawa appearently was very lucky with the weather, as he was only allowed three additional days for on location shooting and the storm only arrived on the third day.

Finally, a word on the costuming. The influence western culture had on the japaneese seems to have taken hold during the time of the story, evident by the western style clothing worn by some of the cast. The mixing and matching of old and new was something I hadn't seen before though, and was skillfully done by, for example, Sugata's master. The combination of traditional japaneese attire with, as far as I'm able to destinguish, a Trilby/Fedora actually looks very good. I hereby dub him "best dressed" of the movie :p

A nice glimps into a prominent directors beginnings. Good nom, Nope! :up:

[edarsenal]

Well this thread isn't really the place to answer that question, now is it?

now THAT is a perfect presidential response lol

[Clazor]

Joe

https://www.furiouscinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/joe1970.jpg

A dark, depressing story of how utterly screwed up a situation can become when it involves family and drugs.

A pleasant surprise seeing Susan Sarandon in an early role, but apart from reminding me of the young girl from Tokyo Godfathers the first time we see her during the opening credits, this is the only enjoyable part of the movie. Her interactions with Frank seem to hint at some happy moments (before he shoots up), but in the end she's been down this road too many times, pleading with him to lay off the heavier stuff as it apparently brings out the worst in him. After this it's only downhill.

Not to say that it's bad, far from it. I wouldn't know how to film a sunny version of this, but as it isn't ment to be, let's focus on what they actually did. Boyle delivers one of the best roles I've ever seen him do as the hateful, angry, guntoting loudmouth Joe. Quick to blame all that is wrong with his life and America in general on either the younger generation, the african-american population or the hippies. You feel like the only thing he craves is justification (even only to himself) to bring his fury to bare on someone. As a WWII soldier, he seems to have gotten a taste for killing and now simply seeks an outlet to do so again.

As for the only other major part in this movie, Patrick felt lifeless but for a few moments where he actually seemed to give enough of a **** to act the part of a distressed father and human being. Both in his encounter with Frank and in the final scene he acted and did it well, but in the rest of the film he seemed to run on only half-speed. Overall, it's Boyle's movie, and he's the only thing I think I'll remember from this.

Not my kind of movie, but for Boyle's role I'm glad to have seen it.

Good choice, Cricket :up:

[Citizen Rules]

Counted everyone's reviews in Cricket's first post at least. This isn't counting your own nom (unless you've written it up then it is) or any you've decide not to rewach, also may have missed a few so correct me if i'm wrong:

Camo - Finished
Cosmic - Finished
JJ - 11/14
Ed - 11/14 (includes Sanshiro Sugata which he just posted)
Citizen - (has seen them all but hasn't sent his list yet unless Cricket hasn't updated it)
Miss Vicky - 13/14
Nope - 3/14
PussyGalore - 5/14 (Counted his response to me about his own nom which isn't in the review index)
Clazor - 9/14
SilentVamp - 6/14
Topsy - 9/14
Neiba - 6/14
RoyaleWitCheese - 7/14
Cricket - 12/14

I've said this before, but I like the movie count idea, hint-hint Raul;)...what I like is, it easily lets us know who's keeping up and who's falling behind. It also helps to encourage movie watching which can prevent dropouts.

The deadline is in 2 weeks on March 10th. Nope are you still in?

[Citizen Rules]

Two more good reviews Clazor! I agree with you on Joe:)

[neiba]

Counted everyone's reviews in Cricket's first post at least. This isn't counting your own nom (unless you've written it up then it is) or any you've decide not to rewach, also may have missed a few so correct me if i'm wrong:

Camo - Finished
Cosmic - Finished
JJ - 11/14
Ed - 11/14 (includes Sanshiro Sugata which he just posted)
Citizen - (has seen them all but hasn't sent his list yet unless Cricket hasn't updated it)
Miss Vicky - 13/14
Nope - 3/14
PussyGalore - 5/14 (Counted his response to me about his own nom which isn't in the review index)
Clazor - 9/14
SilentVamp - 6/14
Topsy - 9/14
Neiba - 6/14
RoyaleWitCheese - 7/14
Cricket - 12/14

I'm 11/14!

Soon, I'll post my thoughts on Joe that I watched yesterday and on the movies I've already seen and don't need rewatch!

[cricket]

Romper Stomper

http://91.207.61.14/m/uploads/v_p_images/1992/09/6819_2_screenshot.png

I've seen this movie many times, including shortly after it first came out. It made my top 200 that I did a few years ago, but it had been about 10 years since my last watch and I wasn't sure if it was going to hold up. It was every bit as good as I remembered, and probably better.

I don't really have much to stay about the story. I've seen some folks compare this movie to American History X, but it actually made me think more of A Clockwork Orange for whatever reason. Crowe is obviously fantastic in the movie that launched him to stardom, and I was also impressed with the performance of the lead actress. Despite a fairly low budget, I think the movie is very well made, especially with how the action is filmed in being able to capture the brutality and excitement. With all the disturbing movies I watch, I thought this may feel a little more tame now. That wasn't the case at all and that suits my taste very well.

4.5-




Just Withnail and I left for me.

[Camo]

I'm 11/14!

Soon, I'll post my thoughts on Joe that I watched yesterday and on the movies I've already seen and don't need rewatch!

Which ones are missing? These are the six in the first post; Y Tu Mama Tambien, Romper Stomper, Sanshiro Sugata, City of Lost Children, Never Let Me Go and U Turn.

[Miss Vicky]

Thrilled to see that you still loved it, Cricket!

[edarsenal]

thanks camo for posting the numbered list of everyone!!

[neiba]

Just finished Midnight Run too so I am 12/14.

I have Man from Nowhere and Barbara left!

[Citizen Rules]

Way to go Neiba!

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/sanshirosugata.jpg

Sanshiro Sugata (Akira Kurosawa, 1943)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036400/)

Date Watched: 02/25/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 12th HOF, Nope1172's nomination
Rewatch: No

This is my fourth Kurosawa film. I generally find him to be a skilled director and quite enjoyed the other films I've seen - Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, and Rashomon - but I wasn't too enamored with this one. Some of the scenes were quite beautiful and I do have to wonder what was lost to the censors of the time, but other scenes bothered me - particularly some of the fight scenes were wrestlers are thrown. Don't get me wrong, I realize this was from the 40s and effects and stuntwork weren't what they are now, but some of these scenes felt jarringly unrealistic. I also wasn't really that invested in the story or in Sanshiro himself.

Still, the performances and cinematography were mostly strong and its brevity meant that I never really got bored.

3.5-

[Miss Vicky]

Ballot sent.

[cricket]

Ballot sent.

Ballot received-very presidential!

[cricket]

For anyone who hasn't seen The Man From Nowhere or Sanshiro Sugata, hold off because they will most likely be ineligible.

If anyone could send a group pm to all the HoF members, it would be greatly appreciated!

[SilentVamp]

For anyone who hasn't seen The Man From Nowhere or Sanshiro Sugata, hold off because they will most likely be ineligible.
I was wondering if I should even bother with posting my thoughts about The Man From Nowhere. I guess I will hold off on that then.

What about Topsy's nomination? I know she's had problems with her computer and that could affect this HoF, too. Maybe I will hold off sending in my list until we are certain on everyone.

[CosmicRunaway]

Why Sanshiro Sugata, is Nope too busy now with the Sci-Fi Countdown? Speaking of people being busy, has anyone seen Topsy around lately?

If no one else is doing it already, I can send a mass PM. What did you want it to say? Just a reminder about the deadline and that those films may be disqualified?

[cricket]

I was just assuming Topsy was still in because she watches them very quickly.

Yea Cosmic it would be great if you could do that to let people know to hold off on those two movies. I'd do it myself if I knew how.

[Camo]

Why Sanshiro Sugata, is Nope too busy now with the Sci-Fi Countdown? Speaking of people being busy, has anyone seen Topsy around lately?

If no one else is doing it already, I can send a mass PM. What did you want it to say? Just a reminder about the deadline and that those films may be disqualified?

Nope has only watched three films with two weeks left. Well according to my post anyway, he'd need to watch a movie a day practically. Topsy's last post was 10 days ago.

[Camo]

Topsy has five left i could see her finishing if she is back soon.

[cricket]

Topsy has five left i could see her finishing if she is back soon.

Yea and that includes her own I believe.

[cricket]

Nope is very busy anyway and the Sci-Fi countdown has only made it more difficult for him. He will be killed.

[CosmicRunaway]

I'll send her a message on Facebook. Hopefully she hasn't gotten into another accident or something.

Yea Cosmic it would be great if you could do that to let people know to hold off on those two movies. I'd do it myself if I knew how.
It's done. :up:

If you need to send a mass PM in the future, you just separate everyone's usernames with a ";", without the quotation marks. So if I wanted to send a message to you and Camo, I would write it to:

Camo; cricket

[cricket]

Thank you Cosmic:)

[Camo]

I never knew how to mass PM, i didn't bother to find out either. I was helping Harry get lists in for the Docs Countdown and i honestly believe the fact that i sent individual ones instead of a cold impersonal mass one got him more lists haha.

[CosmicRunaway]

I learned how to send PMs to multiple people in the first Survivor game I played. I probably wouldn't have learned otherwise haha. And yes, I sent that PM to literally everyone, including people who had already finished. It was easier.

I sent Topsy a message on Facebook, but I don't think she's been on there in a long time either. She was only using it to talk to me and CiCi for the Mofies. But if she has email notifications left on, maybe she'll still see it.

[Camo]

Could be PC problems like she has mentioned before. She might see it on her phone or whatever though, as i know some don't like to come on here on their phone.

[jiraffejustin]

I don't think I'll be able to finish.



jk, I'm half way through Joe and would only have The Man from Nowhere left, and I probably won't have to watch it.

[CosmicRunaway]

That's a shame. Don't you only have a couple of films left?

[Camo]

That's a shame. Don't you only have a couple of films left?

A post with that much space under the one sentence always has white text. Always ;)

[CosmicRunaway]

I legitimately didn't even notice the extra space in the text box. :lol:

[CosmicRunaway]

Not sure if that's better or worse than falling for the username code. Probably worse because if I had bothered to quote the post I would've seen it haha.

[Citizen Rules]

Good I'm glad Casablanca is still in.






.

[CosmicRunaway]

Me too.

[Camo]

Not sure if that's better or worse than falling for the username code. Probably worse because if I had bothered to quote the post I would've seen it haha.

The username code should be eliminated, worst thing on the site. White text is pretty funny though if used in moderation.








There's no white text there if you check you're an idiot.

[Clazor]

Right, that's all the red carpet fashion I can take. Time to be more creative in using my time. Therefore, I'll watch Midnight run until the ceremony starts.

[Clazor]

U-Turn

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ke09lZcPSZA/UBHFKBY4KJI/AAAAAAAABs0/rpUynd-kfBA/s1600/u-turn.jpg
Still Lucky!

How much bad luck can one man accumelate, and how does he manage to unload all of it in one point of time?

In this whole movie, there isn't one single good character, talking in terms of morality rather than quality. The tricky thing is determening who's the least bad, and I think that honor goes to the blind beggarman played by Jon Voight, acting the part of backstory provider for the audience as well as a soundboard for our so called protagonist, played by Sean Penn. The beggarman is also my favourite character in the movie, spouting harsh words and pseudo-spiritual, native american-esque mumbo jumbo. And dragging around a dog he can seemingly bring back from the dead on a whim...so that's cool...I think?:confused:

As far as quality goes though, this has it in spades in the form off a very heavy-laden cast, including Billy-Bob redneck, Lawman Booth, sceeming Lopez, pederast Nolte and the esplodin' Phoenix. All of them are entertaining, if somewhat underused at times. Pheonix character is little more than a cameo, having two scenes and seemingly only to be in the movie to eat a ticket and stop Penn from enjoying a drink. While not Commodus levels of entertaining, he's enough of a fun element to justify being there and giving Penn someone to feel superior to.

Also, is this Liv Tyler's movie debue or something? She pops up for all of maybe 20 seconds, standing behind Penn in the line to buy a bus ticket and is then never seen again. It's such a wierd blink-and-miss-it thing that it must either be a cameo, or it's just her before Armageddon and Lord of the Rings.

Overall, it's an entertaining watch with more backstabbing and cross-scheming than any movie has a right to. It keeps you guessing throughout the movie, but my feeling is that if you'd come back to this movie, it won't be for the story itself, rather, you'd come back for the characters and to sit laughing at Penn for two hours. It's a hard, brutal, funny movie which I enjoyed, but I think it will be a while before I'll come back to it again.

A good and funny nom, Topsy! :up:

[Camo]

Pheonix character is little more than a cameo, having two scenes

Three actually. The diner scene, the time he's interrupted outside by the cop and told his momma is looking for him and the ticket scene.

Good review.

[Clazor]

I stand corrected. :p

[Clazor]

Midnight Run

https://diversfilms.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/midnightrun26.jpg

I realized I'd seen this movie before, when the frequent calls between Di Nero and Pantoliano started showing up. I must've watched it on tv and turned it on halfway through, but I remembered Pantoliano's bad combover and the shtick with "five days or I pay the 1/2 million bond." Couldn't remember anything else, but the combover still haunted me...:p

Less brutal violence, more focus on the comedy in this one as opposed to my most emidiate previous watch/review, and it is a better movie for it. Scenes of clipping fingers wouldn't rhyme well with the more imbecillic, funny version wise guys that are portrayed here. Btw, what was the situation with the two goons working for Serrano? The one in charge seemed you usual feckless, somewhat incompetent thug, but what about the other one? He acted like he was eight or something, mock-punching his partner and jumping about. Working for Serrano, a guy that seems to have little patience and a short temper, he'd look once at the guy, watch him jump about for a few seconds and promptly shot him, fit him for cement shoes and put him in the river.

People who did a good job, on the other hand, were Di Nero and Grodin. These two had chemistry between them almost from the get go. Great banter, fun jokes and surprisingly earnest conversation in the quieter scenes. The rival bounty hunter was...okay, but nothing special, and the goons are just an ineffective pair of numbnuts who should be taken care of and the you call in Jean Reno or something. A professional, if you will, that can take care of buisness.

Overall, I liked this. Di Nero and comedies have been hit and miss for me. I like Analyze this, but I can't stand Meet the Parents and it's sequels. In his defence, most of the thing I dislike about those movies has nothing to do with him (mostly).

Good choice, SV! :up:

[Camo]

Yeah, the mafia were a bit three stooges, Serrano was even ridiculous. They were basically just supposed to be silly caricatures. Personally i like that about it, it shows that the film wasn't really taking itself too serious which i think could have been its downfall. The scene with Deniro's daughter doesn't work for me because it does attempt to create genuine drama.

I also love Meet The Parents actually, hate the sequels though.

[Clazor]

The scene does take a more emotional tone, something at odds with the rest of the movie. I can see what they'd be going for, but for that to work they'd have to bring the family deeper into the story and not just do a drive-by emotional drop. Have them hide out there, forcing them to interact and be in the same room, confronting the fact that he's been gone for nearly a decade. Or just have him going towards them after the movie is over. The last line could be that he's heading home, trying to start a relationship with his daughter again.

Either bring them in, or have them on the fringe. Don't go half and half. That doesn't work.

[Clazor]

The Man from Nowhere

http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/the-man-from-nowhere-remake.jpg

So...Taken, only more badass.

Seriously, this was a better version of Taken, delivered two years after Taken had come out, which makes sense. Take the concept, polish out the flaws and give it a Oldboy flavour to create a better version of the original.

Korean films have something special about them. Setting aside the more graphic violence stemming from very harch firearm restriction laws, resulting in a increase in useage of knives, bats and other close range weapons, the look of a Korean action movie is at once recognizable and hard to pin down. A color palet going for more washed out and faded tones, or maybe a lack of much besides grays, browns and blues (excluding clubs and similar locations) could be one component, but that isn't exclusive to Korean or even Asian thrillers/action movies. Maybe it is then the lack of firearms and the more up close and personal ways the fight scenes are executed, along with the high level of skill going into them, that sets them apart.

Whatever the underlying causes, they come together hereto form a very tight, somber and dark story following drugsmuggling and organ trafficing through an unnamed city in Korea. Here, we find a man running a pawnshop, frequently visited by the neighbours daughter seeking a haven away from her mother's drugsessions. When the mother steals from a local drug ring, she and the daughter gets abducted, all the while goons break into the pawnshop owner's home, looking for the drugs. Learning that they've been taken, he sets off in pursuite, resulting in one fight after another until the final showdown, where the established rules gets turned on their head a bit, resulting in a style change that made it stand out from the rest, something far to many film makers forget to adress when creating a action heavy movie.

The result's a movie that never feels dull or repetetive and I enjoyed very much.

A very good choice, Royal! :up:

[Clazor]

And that's me done. Will send a list shortly.

[Camo]

Too bad Royale is most likely not going to finish. The Man From Nowhere was great.

[Clazor]

yes it was.

[Miss Vicky]

Also, is this Liv Tyler's movie debue or something? She pops up for all of maybe 20 seconds, standing behind Penn in the line to buy a bus ticket and is then never seen again. It's such a wierd blink-and-miss-it thing that it must either be a cameo, or it's just her before Armageddon and Lord of the Rings.

Liv Tyler was dating Joaquin Phoenix at the time, after starring with him in Inventing the Abbotts (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119381/). She came to visit him on the set and ended up being used in the movie.

[Clazor]

Cool :up:

[edarsenal]

great lil wrap up of movies, Clazor! NICELY DONE!!

I'm the same way with Korean movies. There is a poetic beauty to even the most darkest subject matter that I have become utterly frickin bias. Which I have done as a young man with Japaneses and then Mandarin/Cantonese films.

thanks for the movie trivia about liv tyler having a cameo, Vicky. Always wondered about that.

Okay, since the clock is ticking and I've crap luck renting and then actually watching movies from my library, any online assistance for:

Hiroshima Mon Amour (already sent over by Clazor)
Barbara
and
Joe (both from Cricket -- THANK YOU)

It is truly appreciated! THANKS

[Camo]

If someone hasn't already done so i'll send them to you tomorrow Ed. Don't really have the time to do so right now.

[edarsenal]

clazor sent me Hiroshima, an again, THANKS clazor, so at your leisure, camo
and thank YOU

[cricket]

I'll send Ed those links after a short time.

[edarsenal]

THANKS cricket!!

[neiba]

Withnail & I (Bruce Robinson, 1987)

http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/withnail-and-i-1987/hero_EB20090325REVIEWS08903259987AR.jpg


The script of Withnail & I alone is an outstanding piece of literature. When I see people praising a movie like Shakespeare in Love by its script (which is ridiculous, IMO) while this film keeps so unknown to the general public is simply unfair. It's not only the references to british dramatic literature (although the Hamlet monologue at the end of the movie stands as one of my favourite scenes of all time), but the way every dialogue is written! It's like watching a really really good play!

The acting is very good from everyone involved especially by Richard E. Grant who has the most interesting character on the whole film. The entire psychology between Withnail's character is amazing! We spend the whole movie believing he's just a bad actor who claims being unlucky but then there's that last scene. Someone who delivers Hamlet like that can't be a bad actor... He somehow fell into a self destructing vortex that doesn't allow him to show his potential and that destroys everything around him, especially I.

Also, gay Uncle Vernon ruined my childhood... :p

The atmosphere of this movie is fantastic, even the weather plays its part, and the personality of all the characters just fit perfectly into it.

I have been thinking about updating my Top 100, when I do, this movie will be in my Top 10, or really really close to it.

4.5

[neiba]

Joe (Avildsen, 1970)

http://68.media.tumblr.com/47b666284c32a5ec2c7caf3dc7f98083/tumblr_n691xsl1l91qegacgo3_500.jpg


When I started watching this, the thought on my mind was: "So, this is a movie about a Trump supporter, very appropriate cricket".
The movie eventually proved me wrong, at least in part. It's a deeply ironic and sarcastic film! The last 30 minutes, especially are really really good! The father going through everything he criticizes about his daughter's life (and liking it) to then going in a mad run eventually killing his own daughter by accident, is a evolution that gives a strong purpose to the whole film, and it's the only bit of the film I really liked!

It was nice to see Surandon so young (and naked :D) and the rest of the cast does a pretty good job too! It's a movie that, for its atmosphere and themes, is obviously conected to a very specific period. A period that sadly never interested me, so that could explain my lack of interest by such a big part of the film. The father's motivations, however, are enought for me to give it a nice rating.

rating_3_5 -

[neiba]

Midnight Run (Brest, 1988)

http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/midnight-run-image1-600x323.jpg


I haven't much to say about this!
It's a very light comedy, though the beginning suggested a very different film. DeNiro does a very good perfomance, trying to give some depth to a character that hardly had some.
The Mobsters were treated like stupid caricatures which took away some of the dramatic tension. I was never afraid that someone would die, or get arrested,because all the villains were just there for comical effect.
I imagine this should be interesting and fresh when it came out, but I don't think it's a great movie.

rating_2_5 +

[cricket]

Glad you got something out of Joe, Neiba. I'm actually not a Trump supporter; I'm more against the over the top theatrics of his opposition.

[Pussy Galore]

Joe (Avildsen, 1970)

http://68.media.tumblr.com/47b666284c32a5ec2c7caf3dc7f98083/tumblr_n691xsl1l91qegacgo3_500.jpg


I also just finished watching Joe. It's a very original movie, I can sure give it props for that. I would give the movie merit, but I don't know if I liked it, I mean there were lots of very unpleasant moments, I don't see an overall message out of the film and I didn't find it to be that entertaining. I'd give it props for it's originality, for the relationship between Joe and Compton, I liked the way they interacted, they were from different social classes and it showed well, but the movie started going downhill when they went to the party at the end, it didn't really make sens to me. And also, kudoes for Susan Sarandon's **** haha.

So overall original film, but don't think it's quite my cup of tea

(spoiler talk below)

I don't see why would Joe who from the beggining of the movie hates the hippies, can't stand them, even wants to kill them, etc. Would go to a party, take some drugs (which he basically said he hated), **** the girls, etc. He actually did what he despised and the moment later he goes and kill them, I don't see it. He's an idiot I get it, but why would he do the actual things he despises? I don't know. Also, the way I see the character of Compton, he isn't particularly violent in himself, he's a businessman loving his money, he doesn't care that much for te hippies, so why the hell would he go on a killing rampage also? How could Joe convince him of that? I don't see it. I'd say that my favorite part is the interaction between Joe and Compton which basically are from 2 different world's (it particularly shows in the scene where Compton and his wife goes to dinner at Joe's house). It was a nice subtle and well written way to show class difference and how workers who make much less have a different culture, etc. But it wasn't really the point of the film. Also, I have to say the ending was shocking, I didn't see it coming (that Compton would kill his daughter).