View Full Version : Film views from Sarge
Thought I would get involved in this.
Will log my thoughts, feelings and insights on the films that I watch.
Feel free to take a peek an share your own thoughts.
Will get some of the afore mentioned thoughts up soon.
Cheers
Few thoughts from a few of films that I have watched so far this year.
Will usually tell you my thoughts on the films rather than a lot of plot insights or reviews. This in order to stay away from spoilers.
Hacksaw Ridge
I loved this film. Went straight into my top 10. A superb story, brilliantly directed by Gibson. Game a glimpse into the horrors of war as well as the strength of human spirit and the power of faith and personal conviction. It was one those that is made so much more because it is a true story. The kind where you have to google the story afterwards. I have never clapped at the end of a film but this almost had me doing just that.
It was inspirational, moving and simply a masterpiece. 5
La la land
I don't like musicals, I don't really like many 'romantic' films unless it makes me think like 'Serendipity' or 'Sliding doors', I loved this film.
I have no idea why I liked it so much. I am still not convinced that it wasn't witchcraft. For 2 hours I was just submerged and invested into the story, the place and the music. I smiled and my head bobbed for the duration. I don't get why I liked it but I totally embrace it. 4
A monster calls
This was brutal. The true quality of this film lies in how much it moved me. I was emotionally drained by the end of it. I felt every ounce of pain that the lead character went through, and that is down to excellent, writing, directing and acting. It was a tough watch but I feel that was the point 3
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
This film is delightful. Delightful is not normally a word I would use to sum up my thoughts about a film but watching it was simply a delight. Funny, endearing, tense, relatable and it it felt real. It took me on the journey and what else should films do if not that?
Do yourself a favour if you haven't already and watch it.
4
Lion
Another true story that I enjoyed. The thing I enjoyed most about this film is the acting from Sunny Pawar, The eight year old was simply outstanding in his role. Another gripping story that takes you on a journey and begs you to put yourself in the main characters shoes every step of the way. It had me just wanting to intervene and help the young fella out :D
4
Sing street
Charming film about a young boy in Ireland that wants to set up a band to get a girl. It has a great soundtrack.I really enjoyed this film too. The music was great, the famous songs were top notch but so also were the songs that were written for the film. Some good characters that carry the film well. 4
Split
Really enjoyed this film until the last 20 minutes. Was gripped and fully engaged but there was Shyamalan would cross the line and spoil it. He didn't let me down. Some people will love it and many will highlight the last 20 minutes or so as a key plus point. I just struggled with it. Like so many films from this director - It was full of promise and did so much right, but they he went and messed it up. McAvoy was excellent. Really good acting 3]
Let me know your thoughts
Cheers
cricket
02-02-17, 08:40 PM
I haven't seen any of those yet but I will be watching Hacksaw, La La, Wilderpeople, and probably Split.
Whiplash
A friend had been telling me for a while that he thought that I would like this film but I just didn't think I would.
Finally watched it today and turns out he was right.
Firstly the two leads JK Simmons and Miles Teller are really good in this film.
The music in the film is also a big plus and has led me to deduce that I need more Jazz in my life.
It is a film about loss, drive, sacrifice, learning what is important, overcoming and not giving in to 'bullies' as well as drumming and Jazz.
JK Simmons character evoked feelings of anger and affection and caused me to laugh at the very same time.
A good good film
4
It's kind of a funny story (2010)
I remember seeing the trailer for this film a few years ago and thinking that it might be worth a watch.
That was the last time that I thought about it until I saw that it was on Amazon prime.
In a nutshell, This is a film about a young boy that considers himself to be depressed and he has been having suicidal thoughts.
He wants to seek help for this and it ultimately leads to him being admitted for a 5 day assessment in an adult psychiatric hospital.
I am not sure that this is possible or plausible but for the benefit of the film I just overlooked that detail.
'It's kind of a funny story' is a weird mix of a 'coming of age story' crossed with a weird tribute to 'One flew over the cuckoos nest'.
The film documents his 5 day assessment and introduces the viewer to the other patients and their relationships with one another, the staff and the world around them. It also looks at the struggles they have as well as showcasing the need for friendship.
The main character goes on a journey of self discovery and realisation of who he wants to be through the film.
There are some funny lines and scenes withing the film that raised a smile without it ever going looking for cheap laughs.
Zak Galifianakis plays a good part in my opinion, although the character is not too different to others that he has played.
Overall I enjoyed the film, and in particular the central characters and the dynamic that they have with one another.
With that said the film did seem to be lacking something but I am not really sure what it was.
I would suggest that this is a good watch for a rainy weekend afternoon.
3
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Trainspotting 2 (2017)
I was reluctant to watch this film as the original 'Trainspotting' (1996) was released smack back in the middle of my adolescence and was one of the stand out films from that time in my life. I remember at the time thinking that it was a hard watch in terms of heroin addiction but also struck a chord in me as a young man about friendship, coming of age and all that went with it.
It was a film that affected me, and as I said a lot of it resonated with me, but i have never been able to say that I enjoyed it. The soundtrack, the acting, the subject matter and as I have mentioned the things that spoke to me as a young man from a working class background, elevated it to cult status for me and many others.
I was therefore hesitant about the sequel and had initially planned not to see it through the fear of it tainting the original. After a few friends had watched it and all spoke of it positively, I finally went to see it today.
The best thing about this film for me is that it did not taint or tarnish my memories of the original as poor sequels so often do.
The film is set 20 years after the original and most of the main characters cross paths again.
A lot of the film is just a nostalgia trip and a tribute to the original, and that is not a bad thing. It was like 'Trainspotting' had sent us a postcard to let us know what it is up to.
The acting was good and the characters came back to life, especially from Robert Carlyle (Begbie).
The film served as a pleasant trip down memory lane, but all it really achieved is helping me realise that it is too long since I watched the original. I will be doing that this weekend.
The best parts of the film are the flashbacks and references to the original and the story line in this film is actually quite weak.
It was nice to see what the characters were up to 20 years later, although part of me wishes that they hadn't bothered and just left it to me to draw my own conclusions.
As a stand alone film it really isn't anything as the majority of the content is looking back.
There was some relief that in making this, they hadn't messed it up and ruined the legacy, However I think that in another 20 years time, people will still be talking about the original film rather than this one.
3
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Hidden figures
I do like a good biopic and feel that there is something special about true stories.
The best thing about this film is that it had me feeling a range of emotions which is one of the key things that I look for in any film.
The main feeling that it brought up in me is anger. Discrimination is a key theme in this film set in 1961 Virginia with both race and gender are sources of the discrimination for the lead characters.
I felt myself shaking my head and being so frustrated with how unfair society was and seemed to do so with little awareness. This is depicted in general and specific ways within the film and had me struggling to understand how things were ever this way.
The backdrop for the film is the 'space race' with the main characters involved and contributing to the Americans part in the race.
The three lead characters all have their own individual struggles intertwined within the general challenges of racism and sexism. The film showcases how each of them goes about seeking to overcome these challenges. I was rooting for each one of them and found myself audibly willing on each lady in their own personal challenge.
I found that I was emotionally hooked early into the film and was therefore fully engaged throughout. This was further helped by the quality of the acting, which came across as believable and sincere.
For me, it is one of those films that is more powerful as it is 'based on true events' and is a snapshot into history and in many ways this makes it more powerful and emotive.
This is a good film that although engaging, and largely enjoyable, it also gives a glimpse of how far society has come and maybe a pointer to parallels today.
The space race stuff is cool too, and the film gave me a greater insight into how intense it actually was and maybe even continues to be.
3.5
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The nice guys (2016)
I really enjoyed this film for so many reasons. It was superbly shot with an excellent soundtrack. The film was fast moving with plenty of action, yet there were laughs a plenty, due to excellent dialogue, plenty of witty banter and some funny predicaments that the characters faced.
As I have said, I think that the film did funny and action well but it is almost like it couldn't really decide which it wanted to do best. It could have been an exceptional action film or an exceptional dark comedy and instead become a very good 'crime, action dark comedy'.
I really enjoyed it and was glad that I finally got around to watching it.
4
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Fury (2014)
It had took me until today to watch this film, simply because I hadn't really fancied it. That is surprising as I tend to watch a lot of war films, I like Pitt and Laboeuf and thought that the cast looked good. I had also heard some positive things from others about it.
Overall I thought that the film lacked depth and any real direction for the plot, but I did like plenty about it. The main thing that I liked is the honesty of the film. Many war films can't help but show the allies as upstanding men of moral fibre and are portrayed as 'the good guys' and the Germans are shown as sneaky and arrogant, and are shown as 'the bad guys'. I disliked a few of the main characters and although I applaud it for being honest, it also affected my emotional investment into the characters except for one.
The film showed some of the horrors of war and how it can affect those that experience it, especially over a sustained period.
3
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Lego Batman (2017)
This was great fun as you would expect. the jokes were funny and absolutely relentless. The animated action was good and the action flowed.
I am not sure what else to say apart from that it was just under two hours of superb, childish fun.
3.5
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Fundamentals of caring (2016)
Enjoyed this. It was a coming of age film with a difference. The film raises awareness of a horrible disease that I have personal experience of. The film does it in a humorous manner through the well written script and some good acting. The themes of taking risks, stepping out of your comfort zone and facing your fears are all looked at, with some sad and brutal undertones haunting each of the two main characters. Some genuinely funny moments, but a real heartwarming film that had me feeling something throughout and mostly smiling.
4
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Seven Psychopaths (2012)
I loved this film and it frustrated me in equal measure.
The things I liked were - The acting, the plot, the cast, the cast, the cast, the director, the cinematography, the jokes, the dialogue, the characters, and everything else.
The things I didn't like were... I don't know. Something irritated me about the film and it stopped me from raving about the film but I just don't know what it was.
It could possibly be that the structure of the film wasn't all neat and tidy, but I think that was the point. After all it was the story of a screenplay within a screenplay.
I may well edit this when I realise what it is that irritated me.
Superb acting from an excellent cast and a lot of funny dialogue.
3.5
"The Nice Guys" is #4 of 2016 so far, for me.
"The Nice Guys" is #4 of 2016 so far, for me.
I really enjoyed it. 👍
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John Wick: Chapter 2
I have been really looking forward to this film ever since I heard that it was happening.
After stumbling across the original one night on Netflix having never heard of It I was gushing about it to everyone who would listen. The action, the cars, the wide shots, the stunts, the character. All were superb and it was just great viewing.
So I was hoping for more of the same and although I had heard good things you can never be sure.
Also the worry about not getting that 'first time' again. When something is new there is a certain wow factor and it is harder for sequels to follow this up as your expectations are already set.
I needn't have worried. I loved this film. Reeves was superb again. I don't think the film is perfect - far from it but it's like with a loved one - The things that you like and love about them are the things that you focus on. My wife can overlook the fact that I roll my socks up before putting them in the washing basket because of all my awesome qualities.
I feel the same about this film. I simply don't see a lot of the 'imperfections' because I am too busy focusing on the positives.
Action, stunts, humour, good guys, bad guys, 'gun fu' and not a shaky cam in sight.
I think if you liked the first film then you will like this.
A great action film, with superb fight scenes, excellent gun play that simply doesn't let up.
It is relentless.
As with the first one this film doesn't take itself too seriously and at points that can be seen.
The directors stayed faithful to all of the things that made the original work without simply creating the same film.
In this film there is a greater look at the secret world that John Wick and his 'colleagues' live and work in. There is a greater focus on the workings and structures of the Continental hotel.
If it's serious and realistic drama you are looking for then this will not be the film for you. Allow me to recommend 'Moonlight' or 'Manchester by the sea', both of which I will be posting reviews of in the near future.
If it is pure adrenaline fuelled action that you are after, with more headshots than a COD convention then this is the film for you.
4
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Patriots day (2016)
I remember where I was when the bombs went off at the Boston Marathon in April 2013. I was watching a film :D . I was at a friends house watching 'Cockneys v Zombies' (2012) and checked Twitter during a lull in the complex plot. ;)
After the film I followed the story on the news and watched on with countless others around the world as the events unfolded. I continued to watch over the next few days.
This is a film about those days. It is meant as a tribute to those days and to the people whose lives were forever changed.
I was looking forward to the film as much as you can when you know that the depiction of suffering that you are about to witness was much more real for some actual people 4 years ago.
A lot of the story seems to remain consistent to the actual facts of the event there are some bits that are purely to benefit the story as a film. Whether it needs it or not is already a source of debate.
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One such fictional element is Tommy Saunders, the character played by Mark Wahlberg as pictured above.
He is a central character and does help the story move along as a film as he is used to link different aspects of the story together.
There was plenty that I enjoyed about this film.
I thought that the acting was strong. Good performances from Wahlberg, Monaghan, Bacon, Goodman, and J.K Simmons who is always a joy to behold.
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The film celebrated the city of Boston with some great shots of the city, especially the aerial shots of Fenway park, the suburbs and downtown. It really showcased it, which I liked as it is one of my favourite cities.
Overall I found it to be a powerful film. The film caused me to feel tense and like with 'Sully' previously I felt that I was there. I felt that I was peering into pieced together memories of those days, and the emotions that came with it. Some of that is of course down to my own emotional memory of watching the events unfold on TV, but it is also down in part to good film making.
As I have already said, I didn't find it an easy watch as it is ultimately a film that details events that caused so much pain and so much heartache for many people
Throughout this film I felt anger, sadness, injustice, sorrow and pride in the strength of others.
The first thing I want from any film is for it to cause me to feel something.
This certainly did that, a powerful film, that is a fitting tribute.
3.5
cricket
02-25-17, 08:42 PM
I am a Bostonian and I cannot wait to see Patriot's Day. Just watching the trailer brings tears to my eyes.
I am a Bostonian and I cannot wait to see Patriot's Day. Just watching the trailer brings tears to my eyes.
I found it to be powerful. Am sure it will be more so for you.
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Mean creek (2004)
I bought this DVD a few years ago but eventually got around to watching it this week.
My feelings on this film are mixed but overall they are very good.
As with all my 'reviews' I tell you what I thought of the film without giving spoilers or revealing too much of the plot.
The film is a bit of a 'coming of age' film that is encapsulated within a tense drama with all kinds of morality issues.
The things that I wish were better in this film are:
* Length I wish it was longer. The film used the time that it has well in terms of getting to know the characters, and their personalities. It did however feel a little bit rushed and I wish it was another 30-40 minutes longer to give it a chance to extend the actual 'action and drama' of the film.
* A character One of the characters bordered on cliche for me, and I am not sure whether it was the writing or the acting that caused it. Either way, I think that they just about got away with it.
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The things that I enjoyed about this film are:
* The feels Anyone who has read of these from me before, will know that the first thing that I look for in any film, is for it to cause a reaction within me. This film did that in spades. It caused me to feel various emotions and to question what I would do in certain situations. I felt tension when I was supposed to and frustration and even anger at times within the film.
* Characters All of the characters were good and the writing enabled me to get an understanding of each one in such a short time. One was bit over cooked for me but as I mention above, that may be more down to the acting than the writing.
Overall, this was one of those films that keeps coming to mind days and even weeks later. It wasn't an 'enjoyable' watch but it was immersive and caused me to empathise with each and every character at one time or another. One of those films that seems to become better the more you spend time reflecting on it. The film brings up moral issues that are not straight forward and are made even more complex when you place yourself in the shoes of each character.
Good film making.
3.5
cricket
02-28-17, 08:43 AM
I liked that movie, but I much prefer Bully (2001), which is a very similar story. It's very trashy so I'd be hesitant to recommend it.
I liked that movie, but I much prefer Bully (2001), which is a very similar story. It's very trashy so I'd be hesitant to recommend it.
Will check it out. What do you mean by trashy?
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Logan (2017)
I was excited by this film. Not because I particularly rate 'Marvel' films, I have always found them ok, but always felt that they were lacking somewhat. They have always seemed too 'childish'. I know that it is to appeal to the wider audience, and whereas I always thought that they weren't bad, I kind of filed them all alongside each other as 'watchable but nothing special'.
'Deadpool' and 'Civil war' were a step up in terms of quality, and then came 'Logan'.
Wolverine is one of those characters that most people like, as he pushes the boundaries and appeals to the inner rebel.
I have been largely disappointed with the Wolverine films previously. They weren't bad films, but there was always something that frustrated me about each one.
Then came the reviews for 'Logan'. It was received so well by critics and rated so highly that my interest was piqued and I was cautiously optimistic.
I also knew that it was 'R rated' in the states and probably a 15 certificate in the UK, (it is) so thought that would give more scope to how far they can push the boundaries in terms of violence and ultimately realism.
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Jackman as 'Logan' with the trademark snarl
I was not disappointed in the film and my optimism needn't have been cautious.
This is in my opinion, the best 'Marvel' film ever.
I know that some people will argue that this is not a 'Marvel' film as Fox are the distribution company but he is a 'Marvel' character and they are listed as the production company.
Semantics aside, the film is raw, it is entertaining and it seemed more real. There was humour, there was emotion and there was some superb performances and in in many respects the film and the writing was very clever.
Some of my favourite things to mention would be spoilers and I don't want to do that, even with the spoiler tags. So let's discuss it when we have all watched it.
The film is set a few years in the future and starts with Logan struggling in so many areas of his life, and this gives us a glimpse into a different aspect of the character. A vulnerability which was unnerving and refreshing in equal measure.
It is refreshing from the point of view that its shows how the years have taken their toll and it's not just a one man slash fest. It is a bit unnerving as it is it's like watching someone you love grow old and you notice some frailties for the first time.
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Dafne Keen (above as Laura) is superb in this film and she could have a big future in this business either exploring this character or simply in other films. For me she stole the show and was tremendous in all aspects of the film. Some of her best acting were down without words, and not simply the action scenes, but the facial expressions and body language. Really good casting.
The film is violent and bloody, but if mutants including people with 'adamantium' claws were going at it then there would be some blood shed. I think it also gives credibility to the film and to the genre. In other films you see Wolverine attack people without necessarily seeing the results of a wolverine attack unfold.
I have never read any of the comic books so am not sure whether the purists will like it, but as a film it was splendidly done, and has raised the bar for all other 'Marvel' no, all other super hero films. There is even some reference to this within the dialogue of the film.
I have been out of the cinema for less than an hour and I cannot wait to watch this film again.
With Jackman saying that this will be his last outing as Logan,It is a fitting end to the Wolverine series, but it is also sad that there won't be any others made to this standard.
I really rated this film and would love to know what you think.
4
cricket
03-02-17, 04:52 PM
Will check it out. What do you mean by trashy?
It's a very hard R rating and the characters are all white trash.
FromBeyond
03-02-17, 06:11 PM
Was the character you had emotional investment in "fury" LaBeouf ?
Was the character you had emotional investment in "fury" LaBeouf ?
Yes. I thought he was superb. Logan Lerman's character was harmless but there was little depth to him..
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Platoon (1986)
I first watched 'Platoon' as a young kid. Think my Dad rented it on VHS and left it out, and whilst he was out I watched it.
I watched it again this week for the first time in maybe 25 years,
What a film!!!
As a kid I had seen the shooting and the war bits, and at that time that was all I was really interested in. Just like so many other films about the Vietnam war in the late 80s and the 90s.
This time I was gripped from start to finish, and asked myself why I had not re-watched this before now.
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The cast is incredible, with some superb performances, notably from Berenger. (above)
The film was marketed with the tag line: 'The first real casualty of war is innocence', and the film captures that statement superbly.
Stone draws on his personal experiences to tell a story that shows that it isn't simply good guys versus bad guys, but rather that it's about individuals being changed through being placed into a horrendous environment that takes it's toll mentally and physically.
As the title suggests it is about a platoon of American soldiers in Vietnam.
The story is told through the words of Charlie Taylor (Sheen) who has dropped out of college and volunteered for combat over in Vietnam.
It shows the attitude of the others in the platoon to new recruits coming in.
They are seen as insignificant and expendable. Nobody wants to get to know them as they have not yet earned the right to recognition or even acknowledgement.
The film introduces the individuals within the group, each with their own story and personality, and documents their journey or combat, friendship, conflict and morality.
The way the different characters are presented so well is a real gift in this film.
Some films I watch, I struggle to differentiate between the personalities of the characters throughout the whole film. With this I felt as though I had the measure of each within minutes. That is down to the excellent writing, directing and acting that are so evident throughout.
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Another thing that this really impressive about this film is the way that it shows the blurred lines of war, Many such films fail to do this by maintaining the moral integrity of the American solidiers whilst portraying the VC as savages. Platoon refuses to go down that route and shows that each man is individual and that their moral compasses are different and that causes struggles even for those fighting on the same side.
Platoon gives the viewer a glimpse into the physical and psychological impact that war has and shows that through the individuals.
I am so glad that I watched this again and it has instantly become a favourite of mine.
4.5
cricket
03-04-17, 08:55 AM
I was 15 when Platoon came out. Some old dude bought me and my buddy our tickets so we could get in. One of the best war films ever made.
I was 15 when Platoon came out. Some old dude bought me and my buddy our tickets so we could get in. One of the best war films ever made.
Agreed. Liked it as a kid but I didn't appreciate how good it was until yesterday.
Superb film making.
Guess that's why it won the Oscar :D
Citizen Rules
03-04-17, 02:49 PM
Platoon is one of the better war films out there. I gave it a similar rating.
I do know of another Vietnam war film you should see, The Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989). I reviewed it some months back if you're interested in reading about it.
I really enjoyed it. 👍
I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Crowe and Gosling bounced really well off each other.
I also like your commentary of Fury.
Platoon is one of the better war films out there. I gave it a similar rating.
I do know of another Vietnam war film you should see, The Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989). I reviewed it some months back if you're interested in reading about it.
Will check out the review and the film. Thanks 👍
I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Crowe and Gosling bounced really well off each other.
I also like your commentary of Fury.
The relationship between the two really was good. Thanks :D
I never realised how funny Gosling was.
I never realised how funny Gosling was.
Yeah, he did well in this. The more I see of him the more I like him as an actor. Watched so much stuff with him in lately that Mrs Sarge thinks I have a thing for him :D
I think you do as well. Nothing wrong with that unless he gives you norty dreams...although nothing wrong with that as long as you describe them to me.
I think you do as well. Nothing wrong with that unless he gives you norty dreams...although nothing wrong with that as long as you describe them to me.
:D Am a fan of him as an actor but that this the limit of my affections for Mr Gosling.
LOL. I think you doth protest too much.
Not a huge fan of romcoms but I really liked that one he did with Emma.
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The Kite Runner (2007)
This was one of those films that you intend to watch but it just stays on your 'to watch' list for a while, Almost 10 years in this case.
I watched it last night and I am so happy that I did.
At the heart of my love of films is my love of stories. I can often overlook technical issues in film making, the odd continuity error, wooden acting etc, if the story is good enough.
The best stories are the ones that affect us, the ones that inspire us, the ones that bring us hope, the stories of redemption, the ones that have us seething with the injustice, the ones that make us sad, the ones that make us feel, This film made me feel.
This is a film about friendship, loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice, war, love, culture, morality, redemption and so much more.
The film starts with two young boys (Amir and Hassan) who are separated by class and social standing but brought together through friendship, their fathers and their own.
The film captures the relationship between these two boys superbly. The affection, the respect and also highlights the difference in character of the two boys.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuVm8va2Eb8/T2e3Beu_vaI/AAAAAAAAEEk/xHyXOTNOjBc/s1600/the-kite-runner.jpg
Hassan (Blue and black) and Amir (with book) reading stories together
An 'incident' occurs that starts a series of events and decisions that effect both of the boys in different ways, but indirectly proves a challenge to their friendship and also to them as individuals.
Hassan is a character that I felt drawn to like few other characters in any film that I have ever watched. He is played by 'Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada' who is outstanding in a superbly acted film.
The film had me raging for most of the middle section, at various different characters. It brought a sense of helplessness as I just wanted to intervene. It is a credit to the writing, acting and the story that I got so wound up. I was thoroughly invested in the characters and in the story for the duration.
The second half of the film largely takes place with the boys now as adults and their lives have taken somewhat different paths.
I don't want to write any more things linked to the plot as I think that I benefited from going into this film largely blind. I had forgotten the trailer and any insight into the plot over the last 10 years and I would suggest that if you haven't seen it then just watch it.
What I liked
As I mentioned above, the key thing is that it made me feel. It stirred up emotions inside of me and fully immersed me in the story.
It is a film that is superbly acted, well shot, excellently written and all that combined it just comes together to make a powerful and emotive film.
What could be better
There is little that I didn't like about this film. I would say that the conclusion did seem a bit rushed, but I think that they were probably aware of the running time and that it is already over 2 hours.
Overall this is an excellent film that I considered a joy to watch.
4.5
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12 Angry men (1957)
I had never watched this film before today.
I realised lately that I have mainly watched films from the year I was born on and onwards.
Since I started watching films, I had just watched what is current give or take a few years. I rarely watched films from man than a few years previous.
The exception was when I used to watch some films with my Dad if he said that I would like them, such as 'Zulu' 'The Italian job' ' Spartacus' and a lot of Westerns, but largely films out before I was born were missed.
Lately I have been looking at changing that as there are some highly rated films that I have never seen. I recently watched properly and enjoyed 'The great escape' for the first time.
12 angry men had been recommended by some people on here and I knew that it was rated highly on most film related sites. So I looked it up and was intrigued but wondered how a whole film set in one room would hold my attention. I needn't have worried.
This is a film about 12 men that are the jury on a murder case which seems fairly open and shut at the outset. The film documents and displays the deliberation of the jury in their journey to reach a unanimous verdict.
I really enjoyed this film. It felt a bit like being at the theatre and I loved it. It was originally written as a Teleplay and this showed in the set up.
The film was so simple yet the story was complex in a subtle way. So many themes were thrown up through the film and there are so many great life lessons and illustrations to take from it.
The acting is excellent and the writing is quite special. Each character is unique in appearance and attitude but representative of society in so many ways. I was drawn to each character at different times and that is a credit to the film.
I found it engaging, charming, political, humorous, challenging and it made me think about jurys and the role they play and the responsibility that they have.
A classic that is well shot, well directed, brilliantly acted and overall an excellent film.
4
FromBeyond
03-08-17, 08:15 AM
I watched and reviewed platoon about a month ago... definitely Tom Berenger owns that film.
Enjoyed The Kite Runner
http://www.impawards.com/1980/posters/raging_bull_ver2_xxlg.jpg
Raging Bull (1981)
Finished this film about 10 minutes ago and I am still trying to digest it.
It has been in my collection a long while, but like many others I just hadn't ever watched it. At the moment I am trying to watch as many films that are considered classics that I haven't yet seen as I can
The film documents the life of Jake LaMotta a professional boxer living in the Bronx.
It shows his life inside and outside of the ring and the pressures and challenges that he faced.
Things that I liked
The acting was excellent, and it's easy to see why De Niro won the Oscar for this performance. I thought Pesci was excellent to as Joey (Jakes brother)
The screen play and the directing were superb as I expected.
I think that the film really captured the story of LaMotta as well as his personality and character as well of those around him. It captures and showcases his mental state and mood in a very realistic way
What I didn't like
I don't have any criticism with the film but more with the main character. I just struggled to feel any warmth towards him. That is a credit to the quality of the film but as a viewer I found him to be a paranoid bully.
I understand that was the point but it just frustrated me. So, the thing that I didn't like about the film is down to how well the film was made :D
Overall, I can see why this film is rated so highly. As a film I rate it highly too but as a story I prefer 'Rocky' because there is a boxer that I can cheer for
4
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Kong Skull Island (2017)
My expectations of this film were fairly low and I only really booked to see it through lack of options. It was the only film at the cinema that I hadn't seen.
My expectations were so low due to the track record of this type of film. I was facsinated with King Kong, Godzilla etc as a kid but that fascination has not been maintained in later life due to the over complication of the films or the lack of direction.
Secondly, the reception for the film was mixed but many of the critics and reviewers that I respect gave it a hammering.
That said, I try to keep an open mind so I gave it a go...
Plot
The film is about a group of people with various roles, reasons and agendas going to an island that they believe to be undiscovered and uninhabited.
When they arrive at they island they discover more than they bargained for. Peoples official agendas and their personal agendas begin to conflict with each other and those of the other members of the group, whilst facing the various challenges that the island presents.
Kong presents himself and carnage pretty much ensues for the duration of the film with a full on battle for food chain supremacy occurring throughout.
https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8116103/kongkong.jpg
One of Kong's calmer moments
What I liked about it
Firstly, I liked that the film is what it should be. A film about giant monsters getting all tetchy. The focus was not on layered dialogue and depth of backstories, it was about a giant ape smashing stuff up. It was much more than that in truth but that was the starting point.
The film was a tad cliched but I honestly think that it worked in it's favour. Like with Jurassic park and other such films, it is somebodies stupidity or selfishness that triggers the giant 'kick off' and chaos.
There was just enough depth given to the main characters to know who is worth rooting for but not so much that the screen time is taken up by character development rather than huge monsters going all postal.
In my opinion 'Skull island' was well thought out and really well presented. The various different forms of life displayed fit in well and were not just add ons.
The casting for the film was decent too, for what was required. Jackson and Reilly were prominent as I expected but I thought all of the cast did well. 'Shea Whigham' probably displayed the best acting in the film in my opinion, but the I didn't think that anyone particularly let the cast down. There were a lot of fine actors in this film, but I assume none would feel that it was their most challenging role to date.
Kong himself is magnificent and really well done. I also feel that the film keeps in touch with the sentiments of the other films in terms of Kong and his character.
The fight scenes were done well in my opinion. Wide shots and not too much of this jerky close up nonsense.
http://skullislandtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Kong-Skull-Island-cropped.jpg
The group looking for a giant skull
What I didn't like
The major thing that annoyed me was some of the music. Not the music per se but the way it was used. Helicopters flying against a backdrop of a sunset, soldiers looking moody and then some rock music blaring out. It could have been lifted straight from 'Apocalypse now' with the rock music rather than 'Ride of the Valkyries'. IT was bad enough once but it happens about 3 times.
Apart from that I think that I enjoyed the film for what it was. It wasn't a moving piece of cinema that challenges me with it's emotionally charged dialogue and makes me want to be a better person, but it's not meant to be. It was a decent start to the latest portrayal of Kong. It also leads the way well into the future films in the 'MonsterVerse'
film series.
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Who stole my sandwich?
Rating
3
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Rewatched this again today as I always thought that I didn't really like it.
On this viewing I appreciate so much about it but still feel that it goes from the sublime to the ridiculous.
I would have to see that it's not the film it's me.
I know that it is meant to be quirky and meant to break some of the rules and in someway it is meant to be ironic.
I know that it's the Coens style to throw some weirdness around but with this those bit's irritate me.
I love the characters, I mean really think they are superb, especially Walter. :D
There are plenty of genuinely funny moments and some are so subtle.
The acting is excellent from so many talented actors that appear in this film.
So much is great about it but some bits just irritate me. Namely the two dream sequences - Just nonsense.
As I said, I know it's me and I also know that this film has a cult following but I know that I would enjoy this film even more if the 'weird bits' weren't in it.
3
cricket
03-11-17, 07:54 PM
I wasn't a huge fan of Lebowski at first but I like it more and more with each subsequent watch.
I wasn't a huge fan of Lebowski at first but I like it more and more with each subsequent watch.
I think I appreciated it more this time but still, some bits have me all :skeptical:
http://www.impawards.com/2013/posters/broken_city_ver2.jpg
Broken City (2013)
This film sounded promising, and although I expected it to be a bit predictable, I thought I would give it a go.
I like Wahlberg in this kind of role and the synopsis sounded good.
This film had a lot of potential and in there somewhere is a good story. The problem was in the telling of that story. Somewhere along the way it disappeared up it's own backside.
It's a film about government corruption, betrayal, and greed. It had so much potential but it seemed like when a kid starts to write a story for homework and then realises it's getting late so rushes the ending and loses the attention to detail.
It is a decent enough watch on a rainy day when you just want to lie on the sofa.
What I liked
As I said, I generally like Wahlberg in these kind of roles and he did what he does.
The first half of the film was good, in setting the scene, building tension and mystery.
The idea of the film is a good one. It's been done before but it still had potential
What could be better
The second half od the film: It's like they put all of their effort into the first half that they couldn't be bothered with the second half. It just got cheesy and cliched.
Russel Crowes appearance. An orange politician with stupid hair - So unrealistic ;)
Overall, it wasn't bad but it failed to full deliver on it's early promise
3
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Spy Game (2001)
This was a re-watch, but like so many that I am currently re-watching, I can't remember much about them from the first time.
It is a film about the CIA and their operatives and the politics that occur within that environment.
It stars Robert Redford and Brad Pitt as CIA operatives.
It looks at the issues of 'the greater good' and what needs to be sacrificed to ensure that it is attained and the moral challenges that brings.
The film is a bit of a cat and mouse caper or rather Cats and Mice caper which at time seems like a highs stakes game of poker between the characters,
There is not a lot here that I haven't seen before but for the most part it is done well.
It is a film that you need to focus on and follow the dialogue, as there are often little nudges to things that have caught the characters eye, or some extra significance to glances, or words that they say.
At times, I feel as though it may have tried to be too smart for it's own good an almost ran the risk of tying itself in knots.
It does however stay the right side of that line and overall I enjoyed it.
What I liked
I though Redford and Pitt were quality, as I expected.
It was a good mix of political and tactical scenes and 'action'.
I found it to be largely believable and there was not many things that had me thinking "No way, would that happen'.
What could be better
By nature, it was at times quite slow and laboured and I was willing something to happen.
In a couple of the flashback scenes Redford seems to look older than he does in the present :D
It wasn't a bad film at all, and I am convinced that I will remember much more about it this time.
3.5
http://www.impawards.com/2015/posters/challenger_ver2.jpg
The Challenger (2015)
:D
Where to start with this.
It is like a weird Rocky tribute.
Seriously, there are lines lifted straight from Rocky and used in this film.
It was like a bad reboot. So many blatant copies of the Rocky films, there was even a picture of the great Mr Balboa in one of the scenes.
Kent Moran has watched Rocky and 'wrote' directed and starred in his own version of it.
The acting was woeful and overall it just wasn't very good.
Things that I liked
Michael Clarke Duncan was ok
Things that could be better
Everything else
1.5
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c0/Black_Mass_(film)_poster.jpg
Black Mass (2015)
This is a biographical crime film that focuses on the criminal career of James 'Whitey' Bulger (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitey_Bulger) and the 'Winter hill gang' in Boston.
I really enjoyed this film. It was done really well, developed the characters well and gave an insight into most of them.
It could however have been a great film. The film is based on a book entitled 'The unholy alliance between the FBI and Bulger'. Therefore that is where the majority of the film is focused.
https://blogs-images.forbes.com/scottmendelson/files/2015/09/black-mass-johnny-depp1.jpg
Depp as James 'Whitey' Bulger
The film is well shot and I was engaged from start to finish. It is always a bit easier for me to become engrossed when i know that these things actually happened. When I know that it takes away the temptation to say "that could never happen"
http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2014/05/29/1226935/800202-144ae0e2-e6da-11e3-aae6-8a781d1cd673.jpg
Joel Edgerton as FBI agent John Connolly
What I liked
The cast - This film does boast a superb cast with the likes of Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Joel Edgerton, Dakota Johnson, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Plemons, Peter Sarsgaard, Corey Stoll to name some of them.
Depp's performance - Johnny Depp is a highly talented and versatile actor and this is probably my favourite performance of his. From the first scene he is in, he is chilling and unsettling. He exudes evil and violence without saying or doing anything. It reminded me of Hopkins' Lecter in the way that I fully believed that the character was sinister with an evil lurking inside, before they had done anything to lead me to that conclusion. It really is a stunning performance from Depp.
I also like the fact that the film backed it's story. It almost seemed understated at times and it didn't go in for any gimics. It reminded me of an episode of the Sopranos in the way that it was shot and in the pace of it.
What could be better
It was a bit choppy. The story has so many strands, with so many players but it fails to fully pull the strands together to create one incredible story. There are plots strands involving Bulger's relationship with his gang, his enemies, his brother, The FBI, other agencies and others, going on throughout the film but it doesn't always take enough time with each and it doesn't seem to flow as well as it could.
Other films. The film is a true story and has that advantage over other films that are similar but some of the other films that are 'fictional' or semi fictional seem to do it slightly better. Films like 'The Departed', 'Goodfellas' etc flow better and seem just a little bit better.
I think that in part is that they seem to focus more on the violence of the protagonists. This film does show that violence without question but doesn't seem to want to highlight it.
As I said in the 'Things I liked' section, the films seemed a bit like an episode of 'The Sopranos' that was also a bit of a problem. Part of me wishes that it was an episode, as there was so much of the story that was untold that I wanted to be told. The relationships between many of the main characters was fundamental to the film but it was kind of mentioned but I felt there was some context lacking. I would have liked it to have focused on this a bit more. That is one of the areas where I think Scorsese get's it right in 'The Departed.
Overall
I really enjoyed this, and it feels like one of those films that you seem to be more impressed with the more that you think about it.
Depp was incredible and like all good biopics it has me opening 'Google' as soon as it has finished.
It is a good film but with a bit more it could have been great.
3.5
cricket
03-17-17, 08:38 PM
I liked Broken City more than most, although I acknowledge it's not very good and was a huge flop. It reminded me of a cheesy 80's movie.
I liked Broken City more than most, although I acknowledge it's not very good and was a huge flop. It reminded me of a cheesy 80's movie.
Aspects of it were really good. Was just let down by some ridiculousness.
https://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/154/MPW-77401
Serpico 1973
Another one that I hadn't seen before, due to it being made a number of years before I was born.
The film is the true story of Frank Serpico, a New York city cop that shows great integrity by standing up for his principles in the face of overwhelming opposition from his superiors an colleagues, alienating himself in the process.
The performance from Al Pacino in this film is superb. I expected it because he is such a talented actor. I had not heard much about this film before watching it though, and therefore not heard anything about his performance in this. In all honesty, I think it is one of my favourite Pacino performances.
The rest of the cast was quite mixed in their performances, with some being really believable, and others quite wooden.
Overall, it was a well made film that made it easy to feel the tension of the situation and the conflict, both internal and external of the main characters.
Well worth a watch but the standout factor is the performance of Pacino.
3
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RoboCop 1987
This is one of my favourite films ever that narrowly misses out on my top 10.
I watch it every year on my Birthday and it is probably in my most watched films ever, and most likely the one I quote more than any other.
https://mindreels.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/robocop_1987_61.jpg
Dead or Alive you are going with him
It is a superb action film with so much excellent stuff within it, and an absolute showcase of how to used blood squibs in a film.
I like the vision of the future that it had, and unlike some other films it has not been made to look stupid by the reality as time has gone on.
Clarence Boddicker is right up there with Hans Gruber in the bad guy 'Hall of fame' for me.
So nasty, so many quotable lines and a character that is easy to dislike.
http://cultspark.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/clarence-boddicker.jpg
Kurtwood Smith as Clarence Boddicker
Will have to do a proper review for this film sometime, but for now I will just tell you to go an watch it.
If you haven't seen it, then watch it, If you have seen it, then watch it again and if you have seen it but don't like it then we can't be friends.
4
http://www.impawards.com/2017/posters/get_out_xlg.jpg
Get out (2017)
I did not know an awful lot about this film before I watched it today.
I had seen the trailer approximately 3454271781 times on TV and on previous cinema visits.
From the trailer, I wasn't really that interested, as I made my assumptions about the plot and wasn't sure If I wanted to watch it.
I had heard some positive reviews about it without hearing any more of the actual plot and thought that I would give it a whirl.
The film has a lot of themes woven into it but ultimately is a story of a young couple that are in an inter racial relationship and the young man is going to meet his girlfriends family for the first time. He is cautious about how he will be received.
The situation develops over the weekend and things get a bit weird, even more so than you would expect when meeting your girlfriends parents for the first time.
http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/get-out-catherine-keener.jpg
Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) getting to know his potential Mother in law over a nice cup of tea
What I liked about it
There was a lot of creativity in the film. I had worked out a lot of the plot from the trailer before I went to see the film, in that I figured out what would happen, but the hows and whys of it were very cleverly done in my opinion. There were some aspects that kept me guessing throughout.
I thought that there was a nice build up of tension through the film and at times it seemed quite sinister. This was offset by some comedic dialogue, from one character in particular. This was a bit of a risk as it could have potentially undermined the tension of the film, but I think it served to make it more real. People in life aren't always serious, and we all have that friend who is a bit of a joker.
I thought the casting was very good and the characters were all well acted with some potentially difficult aspects of characters acted really well.
There was decent pace to the film and I never felt bored or that they were 'filling time' in order to stall the conclusions. I was always engaged with what was happening on the screen.
http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/get-out-allison-williams-daniel-kaluuya.jpg
Off to meet the girlfriends parents. How bad can it be?
What could have been better
I am smarter than the average bear, but I wouldn't suggest that I am a genius, yet I figured out most of the plot from the trailer, so would think that many others do too.
I am not sure if it was a predictable plot or that the trailer just showed too much.
That was the main thing that could be better. I can't think of many other things right now.
Overall
Overall, it was a decent, different style kind of thriller/psychological thriller type thing, with some lighthearted moments. I am glad that I watched it and it I left feeling content.
Good acting, good story, decent characters and all with a welcome quirkiness, yet an underlying unease at the potential reality of it all. It's one of those films that I feel I may appreciate more as time goes on. I am even now doubting if my rating is too low. I have given other films the same rating that I have enjoyed less. I think expectation has a lot to do with it. My rating of this film might well change over the coming days and weeks, but I will leave it as it is right now
http://kennymadisoniscool.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Chris-from-get-out-film-screaming-and-sweating-in-terror.jpg
This is how shocked I was at how much I enjoyed it
3.5
My kind of review. Nicely done, champ.
My kind of review. Nicely done, champ.
Thank you :D
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b1/Robocop_poster.jpg
RoboCop 2014
After watching the original on Tuesday I watched this again to see if my original disdain for the film was justified.
It was :mad:
This is dreadful.
I even tried to watch it as a stand alone film. That was difficult because some of the names and aspects of the story are the same.
Everything that makes the original so good is lacking from this film.
I can find few endearing qualities about it. He looks ok. Some of the CGI is good and Michael Kenneth Williams is a decent addition.
Should never have been made and then when they did, it should have been better.
1.5
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Reasonable doubt 2014
Superb idea for a film. The concept and the twists in the plot could have made an excellent film but it just seemed to miss what seemed like a slam dunk.
The film could have been so much more. The acting was ok and the cinematography wasn't too bad but it was nowhere near the film that it could or should have been.
The film was a bit cheesy. It crossed the line of what is believable a few times and there were too many cliches in there. With a bit more courage it could have been a tremendous thriller.
Overall it was forgettable.
2.5
cricket
03-25-17, 07:35 PM
I think Dominic Cooper as co-headliner would be enough to keep me uninterested anyway, and as much as I like Sam Jackson, he's in a lot of crap movies.
Spy Game (2001)
This was a re-watch, but like so many that I am currently re-watching, I can't remember much about them from the first time.
I rewatched this semi-recently too. Maybe the admittedly unique flashback conceit sounded ok on paper, but it made it one of the most weirdly unpleasant watches for me. Something like that could've worked with a tv mini-series or something but for a film it felt laborious. Also I agree with you, the ages of both actors made it an extra stretch
I rewatched this semi-recently too. Maybe the admittedly unique flashback conceit sounded ok on paper, but it made it one of the most weirdly unpleasant watches for me. Something like that could've worked with a tv mini-series or something but for a film it felt laborious. Also I agree with you, the ages of both actors made it an extra stretch
It was sad really. It could have been great. Hindsight is a wonderful thing :D
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Ghostbusters (2016)
I haven't watched this until now as like with RoboCop previously, I just wanted to deny it's existence.
I knew the day would come where I would have to watch it, if only to know that my disdain was justified.
Again, as with RoboCop this film should not have been made. Some films could do with a 'reboot' or remake or alternative expression. Some have been justified in my opinion. Total Recall, Dredd, Casino Royale, I have watched without wanting to throw my TV out of the window.
There are others but I don't really want to get into the whole 'What is a remake' and what is a 'different story' argument.
The point is Ghostbusters (1984) was successful enough, has a huge fan base, and despite ageing effects, has largely stood the test of time. It couldn't have really been improved upon.
Anyway, I watched it expecting to hate it...
I didn't hate it.
Don't get me wrong, I strongly dislike almost everything about this film. I resented it soiling the memory of one of my favourite films and one that is so iconic.
but...
It wasn't the worst film I have ever seen.
It was bad, oh it was bad.
If the original had never been made then I may feel differently, but it was and I don't.
What I liked
Some of the dialogue raised a smile maybe even a stifled chuckle in on place.
The cameos from Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Stay Puft, Zuul, Slimer and a tribute to Harold Ramis
It made me want to watch the original
What could be better
Everything else
Summary
Pointless
2
http://www.theshiznit.co.uk/media/2014/September/GG2.jpg
Gone girl 2014
Fantastic film making and rubbish film making mixed together.
A film about a chap (B.Affleck) who's wife goes missing and all evidence points to him.
It is a very clever and tense thriller up to a point, but ends up disappearing up it's own backside and never really reaches a destination.
Pike was absolutely superb in this film. Her Character was properly twisted and sinister but in a stylish and sexy way.
I thought that the acting was good and the idea for the film incredible, but it seems like the writer got drunk during patches of writing the script.
Not a bad film, but the over riding feeling is one of disappointment.
2.5
http://www.impawards.com/2017/posters/life.jpg
LIFE (2017)
Another film where having watched the trailer, I felt as though I had gotten most of the plot.
This is a film about a multi national research crew in space that are tasked with obtaining some samples from Mars and analysing it for life forms.
I, as I am sure you may well have too, have seen more than 5 films with a similar theme.
I was wondering what it is that would be different about this film from the others.
I am still wondering...
Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to love about this film. A lot of it is very very well done.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/waOeIcdfMFo/maxresdefault.jpg
Jake has that horrible feeling that he has forgotten something. "Did I leave the iron on?"
What I liked
I liked most things about this film. The acting was really really good. There are some quality actors in this and they all did well. I was uncertain of the mix before I watched it but they did work well together and I found them really good.
I thought that the characters were good due to good writing and good acting as mentioned. The characters were all quite distinct in personality and really quite believable.
It's hard to single anyone out but each actor played to their strengths to give the characters integrity.
The effects were really good. As with 'Passengers' I really felt that I was observing people on board a space station. Nothing seemed fake or out of place, although maybe others that make it their mission to find such faults will raise something. I found it entirely believable and the CGI throughout was good without being over bearing.
The pace of the film was good too. The rise and fall in tension levels was good without it ever really letting me relax fully.
The film was well shot, I always knew what was going on without some crazy shaky cam shots that you often get in space films when things are less than calm. Some good shots of space and earth, that we have recently became accustomed to in space based films.
As I said plenty of good things about this film.
http://statcdn.fandango.com/MPX/image/NBCU_Fandango/882/863/Life_Trailer2.jpg
Ryan now trying to remember if Jake left the iron on
What could be better
For all that was good about this film, there is almost nothing about it that is original. It is a space based cliche. This film has been done a few times before and has more or less been previously perfected.
People could argue one point for originality in this film, but even with that point, I saw it coming.
I really wish that they had added something different because everything else was in place.
http://www.this-is-cool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/life-2017-movie-trailer-images-1.jpg
Where the action happens
Overall
Overall, I enjoyed this film, it had me hooked, I felt the tension, I felt like I was there, but ultimately I felt like I had been there many times before. A solid effort and well worth a watch but just don't expect to come out saying "That was really unique".
3
http://kingofwallpapers.com/disturbia/disturbia-001.jpg
Disturbia (2007)
I re-watched this film last night and enjoyed it as much as I did the first time.
The film is about a troubled young man called Kale (LaBeouf) who is placed under house arrest.
The film centres around what he does whilst he is confined to his property and the observations he makes of his neighbours.
The film is a great example of how a film should raise the tension as well as maintain a sense of intrigue throughout.
LaBeouf is excellent in his role and I find him utterly convincing.
Overall it is a slick, quirky and edgy thriller.
3.5
http://static.metacritic.com/images/products/movies/0/4c7cc805433c6b1a551d3725fdd0fc35.jpg
I don't feel at home in this world anymore (2017)
This film was a bit weird. It was ok, and good in parts but for me it was guilty of trying to do to much.
It was a funny and lighthearted indy film in parts and then switched to a gangster shoot em up, with plenty in between.
I liked the 2 main characters and the actors that played them but at times I was thinking what am I watching.
It was like a mash up of 'Napoleon Dynamite' and 'Snatch'
It wasn't bad, but I still can't decide if I enjoyed it or not.
2.5
http://www.impawards.com/1998/posters/buffalo_sixty_six_ver1.jpg
Buffalo 66
Release date: 2 October 1998
Director: Vincent Gallo
Cinematography: Lance Acord
Screenplay: Vincent Gallo, Alison Bagnall
I had never heard of this film before the nomination to this HoF.
I knew that Vincent Gallo is a controversial figure, but wasn't fully sure why, and chose not to research this until after I had viewed the film, so that I could judge the film on it's own merits.
From the opening scene of this film I loved the cinematography and that continued for the full length of the film.
As I knew so little about this film, I was also really intrigued to see what story would unfold.
The film starts with Billy Brown leaving prison and making his way home. He is also looking for a toilet/bathroom. The search for a toilet leads to Billy seeing an opportunity to make a lie seem true, and sets the story into motion.
http://cineplex.media.baselineresearch.com/images/76203/76203_full.jpg
What I liked
Cinematography - As I have said, I loved the way the film was shot. It was very classy and somehow gave a greater sense of realism to the film for me.
The colour palette and composition are an outstanding feature of this film. It was Lance Acords feature debut and it was breathtaking.
Acting - As I said, I had never heard of this film before the nomination and had chosen not to read anything about it before viewing. Therefore I didn't realise that Gallo was the lead until after I had watched it. In my opinion he was superb. He portrayed a deeply complex and affected young man superbly. I disliked the character and cared deeply for him in equal measure, and that is a credit to the acting. I didn't realise Ricci was in this until she appeared on screen and was pleasantly surprised, as I am a fan of her work and consider her to be a seriously under rated actress. She was once again excellent.
The quality of acting from the two leads, gave the film a greater authority and sense of realism.
Characters- The two lead characters were multi layered and beautifully complex. That was true of the supporting characters too. They were all so weird and eccentric that it made them feel more real and sincere.
Screenplay - This was a really well written story the character of Billy Brown was initially easy to dislike but a glimpse into his past and to his family gave an understanding of that, which then led my to sympathy and pity.
http://sensanostra.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/large_buffalo_66_blu-ray_x01.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e9/dd/f9/e9ddf916242635746922011b07ff0544.jpg
What could have been better
I am not sure a lot could have been done better. The flashback sequences were a bit weird as they blocked in.
There was little background to Ricci's character, but I would assume that was intentional as the focus was on Billy.
I fluctuated between thinking that the story was really believable and utterly ridiculous and still don't know where I ultimately landed.
Summary
I really enjoyed this film. I wasn't sure that I would and neither was Camo.
Well, I say enjoyed, but I mean I appreciated it's quality throughout and then the last 5 minutes led to it being a film that i 'enjoyed'.
It is a very raw and sincere film that has a sensitivity to it.
Overall, I think it is a great piece of work with a genuine undercurrent of complexity to the characters.
3.5
I fluctuated between thinking that the story was really believable and utterly ridiculous and still don't know where I ultimately landed.
Yeah, it was utterly ridiculous. But there are worse things in movies than utter ridiculousness. As for me, I thought cinematography was the worst, because acting and characters were bonkers in a good way.
Yeah, it was utterly ridiculous. But there are worse things in movies than utter ridiculousness. As for me, I thought cinematography was the worst, because acting and characters were bonkers in a good way.
Opinions eh? :D
I loved the cinematography. Would be up there with some of my favourites.
https://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/122/MPW-61476
Catch me if you can (2003)
I last watched this 10 or more years ago.
I remember that I liked it and have wanted to rewatch it for a while now.
Finally got around to doing so and am so glad that I did.
I realise that I had never fully appreciated it the first time, but that is more to do with me than the film.
The way I watch films and my appreciation of them has changed so much over the last 5-7 years.
This is an excellent film.
https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/b/e/b/h/8/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1beacq.png/1462403683493.jpg
Frank living the dream
The story is one that I would find absolutely ridiculous and so far fetched if it wasn't actually based on true events.
The cast and acting was superb and I never realised until the rewatch that so many talented actors were in it including a young Amy Adams.
Hanks and Di Caprio :cool:
I previously enjoyed it, but now it is a firm favourite.
4
cricket
04-15-17, 08:43 PM
I still haven't seen that^^:facepalm:
Omnizoa
04-16-17, 08:42 AM
I still haven't seen that^^:facepalm:
'Tis good.
I still haven't seen that^^:facepalm:
You need to rectify that Cricket.
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring
Before watching this film, I had no idea what it was about. The only thing that I had heard was when reading on here that there was some dialogue about the director and his tendency to use animal cruelty in his work.
The film starts with a Buddhist monk and his young apprentice. It shows the relationship between the two.
Everything seems to be going well and then...Cupid strikes.
The film goes on to document the lives of the Monk and the apprentice through the various seasons over the years.
https://img.yescdn.ru/2016/07/15/cover/0ba63651bcc6fb205d03d8304ca39cb6-spring-summer-fall-winter-and-spring-1468572005.jpg
What did I like?
Some of the cinematography was really good, with some beautiful scenic shots of what I believe to be South Korea.
I liked the set of the film. I would like to visit and maybe have a week in the tranquillity of the house. So quiet and peaceful.
There was a good use of symbolism throughout the film. There may well have been more than I noticed, but I did notice the 'Four noble truths' woven in there, and also Samsara (Birth, Life, Death and Rebirth) that were represented by the seasons and also by different animals for each season.
My recognising of the symbolism helped me to understand the film more than I would have otherwise.
http://www.tasteofcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2.c10c2ef2.jpg
What didn't I like so much?
Overall, I just found the film boring. Everything was so slow, and with such dreary music. It felt like I was watching in real time and the years were actually passing as I watched.
I understand that it was meant to be that way but I just became more and more frustrated with it.
Apart from the Monk (Yeong-su Oh) who was great, I thought the acting was weak. The kids were unconvincing and as for the detectives :D
Again, apart from the Old Monk, I didn't really find myself liking or caring about any of the characters.
Summary
I think that I can understand why some people really appreciate this film and why it is highly rated by many.
As I said however, I found myself looking at the clock, and just wanting the film to finish.
This may be more to do with me than the film, but it is never a good thing to be bored when watching a film.
It wasn't awful, there were some good elements about the film, and plenty to be appreciated.
I look forward to reading what others make of this film.
2.5
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The quiet earth (1985)
Another on the list that I knew nothing about. As with the others I kept it that way before viewing.
As the film started, I didn't know what to expect but was drawn in by the score and the opening scene of the sun rising...
The films starts with a man called Zac Hobson waking up to find the place eerily quiet and things become more and more strange as there seems to be no people anywhere.
The film follows Zac as he searches for answers, whilst facing challenges to his own mental well-being, from his forced solitude and the lack of answers.
https://trailersfromhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/5277b.jpg
What I liked
It is a great idea for a film, I love the way that I was immediately led to placing myself in that situation. What would I do? Where would I look for answers? How would I cope mentally?
The opening scenes were really good. From the sunrise scene as the film started with some music that really created an anticipation. The film did well at setting the scene and showing the uncertainty and eeriness of what was going all around Zac.
It showed how such an event may have an effect on the characters mentality.
What could be better
Some of the acting was so bad that it was comical.
Bruno Lawrence was largely good as Zac, but there was some really bad acting elsewhere in the film.
The dynamic between the characters was at times weird and confusing. I will refrain from giving specific details as I don't want to influence the opinions of others.
I said that I liked that the film addressed the effect of the events on the characters mental well being, but I thought that the way this played out in this film was a bit strange.
Summary
The film started well, and I was intrigued. It set the scene really well, and I was convinced by the world that was created on the screen.
After such a strong start, it just faded away as the film went on. I felt that it just lacked direction and descended into obscurity.
It didn't really answer the questions that I wanted it to in a comprehensive enough way.
Ultimately I think that it was a great idea for a film that largely failed to deliver after showing early promise.
2.5
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/24/Carlito%27s_Way.jpg
Carlito's way (1993)
I have been intending to watch this film for some time. It seemed like the sort of film that I would like and had a couple of strong actors headlining in Pacino and Penn.
I quite enjoyed the film but it didn't grip me in the way that I hoped it would or that other similarly themed and styled films have.
It was stylish and slick and Pacino carried it well as you would expect and utterly convinced in his role.
It is a film about Carlito, who upon his earlier than anticipated release from prison, claims to have changed and states his intention to stay on the right side of the law.
As you would expect, and as we have seen in many other films, this is easier said than done.
http://4.darkroom.shortlist.com/980/b1432d089440c0c8692b611d8897d433:b28d6342b89620b2b75d5b91ea99aa91/spoi.jpg
There were some excellent scenes in it, with my favourite being where Carlito (Pacino) addresses Benny Blanco (John Leguizamo) whilst eating his dinner. :cool:
Another superb scene is the 'pool hall' scene, which was great fun, and yet more realistic looking than many similar scenes in other films.
https://s3.drafthouse.com/images/made/carlitosway_3_758_426_81_s_c1.jpg
As you would expect, there is a love interest, friendship, double crossing, Feds, offers of deals, betrayal, revenge etc woven into the story, as well as a lot of trash talk and violence.
As I said though, I felt that for all of the good things that this film has to offer there was just something missing.
I am not sure what it was but I think that some of it was that it all felt a bit familiar, and although I felt some sympathy for Carlito, I didn't find myself ever fully caring about how things worked out for him.
With that said, this is better than most 'mob' or 'gangster' stories, but for me it just doesn't reach the top table.
3.5
Nestorio_Miklos
04-18-17, 12:42 PM
what a nice thread you got here Sarge! 👍
Nestorio_Miklos
04-18-17, 12:45 PM
yeah you're right there saying Carlito's Way is a good film but there's better mob films than that.
Nestorio_Miklos
04-18-17, 12:47 PM
i watch Catch me if you can twice a year. it's also one of my favourite that i can watch forever.
what a nice thread you got here Sarge! 👍
Thank you
yeah you're right there saying Carlito's Way is a good film but there's better mob films than that.
Yeah. It was good enough but didn't have me eating spaghetti, shouting "Fugedda bout it"
i watch Catch me if you can twice a year. it's also one of my favourite that i can watch forever.
Great film.
http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/661046/13821076/1314155110270/209467.1020.A.jpg?token=2hYKEnlry1DFZ9k6wHIbOVLgzM4%3D
The Marriage of Maria Braun (1979)
The only thing I knew about this film before watching, was that it was in German, and I assumed that it featured a lady called Maria Braun and that somewhere she gets married.
The opening scene is indeed the wedding of Maria Braun, who is marrying Hermann (a German soldier) before who goes off to war. They have one afternoon and evening together before he leaves.
When the war ends Maria is waiting for her husband to come home, before hearing from a source that he may be dead.
The film documents the journey of Maria through that time and beyond. I will leave it there, as I don't want to be the revealing spoilers.
https://assets.mubi.com/images/film/592/image-w1280.jpg?1445915137
What I liked
Maria - The character of Maria is wonderfully complex, strong, focused, calculated and a little bit dangerous. She was acted superbly by Hanna Schygulla. It really was a great performance. I found her captivating in terms of her on screen presence but also the character.
The story - The story kept me engaged. The end game was revealed early on and although the journey twisted and changed throughout the film, I was always conscious of what Maria was striving for and was willing her to succeed in that.
Acting- I felt that the acting was largely strong over all. There were some performances that were more wooden than Pinocchio, but overall the acting was believable. It helped transmit the personalities and emotions of each character, which always helps when you are reading subtitles to obtain the dialogue.
https://alchetron.com/cdn/The-Marriage-of-Maria-Braun-images-7bd0e1e3-a576-4422-8d52-890c4df6be3.jpg
What could have been better
The film was maybe slightly too long for what was happening on screen.
There were a few things that had me scratching my head, in the case of character behaviour, but I assume that is the case for most films that I watch.
A couple of times some characters were doing something and having a good old chat, but there was little context as to why the characters were where they were, and why they were indded there together. Maybe some things were just lost in translation.
https://www.berlinale.de/media/filmstills/2016_2/hommage_13/201603863_3_IMG_FIX_700x700.jpg
Summary
I enjoyed this film for what it was. A story of love, yet a story of so much more. With that said, the title sums it up perfectly. It is indeed a film about Maria's marriage.
The main character and the actress that played her, commanded the screen from the start to the end. By the end of the film, I felt that I really knew Maria.
As I watched the film, it almost felt like reading a book. That was helped by the subtitles but also by the fact that you are watching a persons life, rather than it focusing on a snapshot or a single event within that life. You are viewing her Marriage to her husband and everything that happens within that and because of that.
And at the end it did feel like I had finished a good book.
So glad that it was nominated.
3.5
http://s3.amazonaws.com/hiphopdx-production/2015/09/Straight-Outta-Compton_09-07-2015.jpg
Straight outta Compton 2015
This film has been on my Sky planner for almost a year now.
I knew I wanted to watch it, but never found myself choosing it when sitting down to watch a film.
Today I chose to watch it, and this was mainly due to the fact that I was sick of seeing it taking up space on my planner :D
I am so glad that I watched it today.
It is a biopic film about a group of young men that live in Compton, in southern L.A. and they have a talent and a passion for Hip-Hop.
This focuses on their journey from Compton to making a record label and a band and ultimately becoming household names, and influencing and inspiring millions in the process.
I used to listen to a lot of hip hop when I was younger and still appreciate the talent involved. I didn't used to like the stuff that went to heavy on the guns, drugs and hoes but this film helped me gain a greater understanding, that it was in fact a reality for these young men and millions of others.
http://www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Straight-Outta-Compton-Guns-Screengrab.jpg
What I liked
Powerful - This film was more powerful and impacted me more than I anticipated. It highlighted my ignorance in a way that 'Hidden figures' did earlier in the year.
I have never been the victim of racial discrimination and therefore can't really understand what it feels like. We learn about things in history and of course I identify the injustice of it, but seeing it played out is more powerful, As with hidden figures, seeing the discrimination acted out contextually is a powerful thing. This film highlights the discrimination towards young black males from the police. It also shows the footage of Rodney King being beaten by police which led to the LA riots in 1992 and the verdict that was returned of 'not guilty'.
It also brought home in a powerful way, what life was like on these streets, with gangs, crime, violence, drugs etc.
Music -- As I said, I don't always like the lyrics that are included in a lot of these songs, but I really appreciate the talent it takes to write these 'rhymes'.
The story - These young men were far from perfect but were a product of their environment. It is about these young men, using their talent, passion and message to find a way out of their situations and circumstances. It really documents the struggle that they faced because of their environments and also within themselves and between one another.
Acting - The acting was top drawer, and there were strong resemblances to the people that they were playing. Small gestures and mannerisms that made me believe that I was watching a young Dre, Snoop, Ice Cube etc
http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2015/08/14/14-straight-outta-compton.w750.h560.2x.jpg
What I didn't like
There was not a lot that I didn't like about this film.
It was a really well made film, and it gave me a greater insight into the lives of the people featured in the film.
Some of the lyrics in the songs are just too much for me, but that is the case with the genre of music in general. I knew that some songs that I didn't like would be in the film so it wasn't a surprise.
http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/55d1ff27371d22a40e8c0251-6791-3396/straight%20outta%20compton%20jaimie%20trueblood%20oscar%20final.jpg
Summary
With all the positive things that I have said about this film, I do think it important that I do state that I realise that it was not an impartial take on events.
I know that there are stories and incidents involving the people the film is about that are not in the film. Incidents of violence, crime and drug offences that were not included.
There is some controversy that this film is glorifying young criminals that spouted hateful lyrics.
I do understand that point of view and in some ways I agree with it, however at the same time, these men that were reflective of their upbringing and surroundings, gave a voice to millions of others who could relate to the anger and pain that they had inside.
All in all it was a well made film, that made me feel and I was invested in the characters.
I have no idea how accurate this film was or how different these characters were in reality to how they were portrayed on the screen, but fI was engaged throughout and felt like I was journeying with them.
4
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4y0yI9SfoE/UakNilvRQ0I/AAAAAAAAIfA/ZAeArAHzfZw/s1600/nightmare+alley-1.jpg
Nightmare Alley (1947)
Another of the nominations that I had never heard of. I didn't know what on earth it was about and couldn't really obtain a lot from the title.
So I kept an open mind and jumped right in.
The film starts with a group of people that work on a travelling carnival, and there is one young ambitious employee Stanton Carlisle (Tyrone Power). Who is fairly new to the job but has desires to make it to the top.
I struggled to really engage with the film, whilst appreciating it's quality. I did find my thoughts wandering throughout and at times it took real effort to focus on the film.
http://www.midnightonly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/nightmare-alley-12.jpg
What I liked
Acting - For the most part the acting was good with me only having a few issues throughout. Power commanded the screen and gave a good performance and really led from the front in terms of performance.
Set - I think the set for the film was great. This was especially true of the scenes at the carnival. What I could see and hear, had me convinced that I was indeed looking in at a group of show people that worked at a travelling show.
Intrigue -- I felt that I was continually trying to guess what was going to happen next, and what certain characters agendas were etc. I didn't find it overly predictable and it maintained a level of uncertainty throughout.
Lessons- There are plenty of lessons to be learned from the story that is told in the film. There is a life lesson or two for all of us within it.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeoFYPokDEA/USRieJjUUuI/AAAAAAAAGcw/8yL0a6I20gI/s1600/geek+show_opt.jpg
What I didn't like
There were parts of the film that had me shaking my head, One scene in particular involves 'Stan' and a Police officer/Marshall, and it had me laughing at how ridiculous I felt that it was.
I felt at times the pace was a bit slow and these were the times that I found my attention drifting.
Maybe, I wasn't in the right frame of mind (I feel ok) or something but it just seemed to lack any excitement.
http://crimsonkimono.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3-nightmare-alley.jpgw500h177.jpeg
Summary
I just don't think that this film was my bag. It was ok and it did a lot of things well, but I can't think of anything that I would say that it did more than well. The acting was largely good, the film looked ok, the plot was good, if a bit far fetched. There was only one character that I felt any kind of warmth for.
It was good, but not great for me.
2.5
http://wrongreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ForbiddenGames.jpg
Forbidden Games (1952)
Yet another that I had never heard of or knew anything about before I watched it. I suspected it would be in French due to the poster being in French, but that was about it.
I have just finished watching this film and I have all kinds of thoughts and feelings about it.
It was simple,complex, enchanting, weird, dark, funny, moving, happy, sad and so much more, in less than 90 minutes.
I am struggling to find what my over riding opinion is. The film has a real purity to it.
Whatever words I eventually get to, in order to sum up my thoughts on this film, they will be positive.
The film starts with a girl and her family trying to get out of Paris as it is under attack from the German bombers.
http://www.frontrowreviews.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/games_8.jpg
The two main characters in the film are children, Michel and Paulette.
What I particularly liked
The Characters - The characters were an absolute joy. The film is carried by the two main characters of Michel and Paulette. They are an absolute joy to behold. I found the relationship and dynamic between these two kids to be utterly charming. They are naive and don't fully realise how inappropriate some of their actions are, but they share a special friendship. Brigitte Fossey and Georges Poujouly who play the roles are excellent.
The story - Any good film rises and falls on the strength of it's story. This is a simple story with a great deal of complexity running through it. It is superbly told and from the first scene, I was transported into the story and it was almost tangible.
http://filmforum.org/do-not-enter-or-modify-or-erase/client-uploads/large/FORBID_UNDER-TEXT2050.jpg
What I didn't like
There is not a lot that I didn't like about this film at all. There were a couple of bits where I thought "That is not realistic", but unusually for me, I really didn't care about it. It was like they didn't matter as they were a side point anyway, that only existed to highlight the heart of the story.
http://i.imgur.com/NqBYRln.png
Summary
I have found myself surprised at how much I enjoyed and was affected by this film.
It has left me with many feelings and that is key for me, as I want films to make me feel.
I was genuinely sad when this film ended, as I had to leave the world that I had been enjoying for the previous 85 minutes or so.
I loved the experience of watching this film.
Great nomination by Jeff Costello
4
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The great dictator (1940)
I know that this film was one of my Grandfathers favourites and that my own Father also was also a fan.
I have never seen it before (apart from the speech) but realise that Charlie Chaplin is held in such high esteem by so many people. I cannot recall seeing much of his work before, whilst always being aware of it's status.
http://theredlist.com/media/database/films/cinema/1940/the-great-dictator/028-the-great-dictator-theredlist.jpg
I am so glad that this film was nominated and that I have now watched it.
What I appreciated
The Comedy - This film was funny in so many ways. It is however important to say at this point that I don't find anything about Hitler or the Nazi party funny at all, but this is more about the way that Chaplin set's about trying to undermine Hitler. The film was released in 1940 and Chaplin later said that if he had realised the full horrors of Hitler and the Nazis, he wouldn't have considered it funny, and that he wouldn't have made the film The slapstick, the dialogue and the situational comedy,was all very funny. It was subtle and times and blatant at others, sometimes it was simple and other times it was really quite intelligent. I really appreciated the humour within this film, it was really well done and was present throughout.
The message - This is a really ballsy film and had a huge impact in many ways upon it's release. Chaplin is openly mocking Hitler in this film, but it is worth acknowledging that when the film started filming in 1938, Hitler wasn't yet viewed by many as the ruthless, evil person that we now know him to be. Chaplin was onto him though and plenty of the things that the film focuses on indicate that Chaplin could already see what many more would come to know. The film was progressive and seems meant as a personal insult to Hitler himself. Chaplin didn't hold back and without giving too much away, the Character that Chaplin plays in this, is yet another act of insult and defiance towards Hitler.
In some countries the film was banned and even caused Chaplin issues within the United states, resulting in problems for him and many believe it contributed to his long exile.
I admire the blatant open, honest stand that Chaplin made with this film. And then there is THE speech... :up:
http://secure.traversecityfilmfest.org/images/user/tcff_2113/TCFF15%20Features/the_great_dictator_7.jpg
Summary
This is a powerful, funny film with great messages at it's core. Messages that run throughout the film, but also the sheer defiance in the making of the film and the courage of Chaplin to use his influence to openly insult the man and the regime that spread a message of hate and fear. I would recommend everyone to watch this film.
4
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/31/53/ed/3153ede0313ecd6c86435aac00eeb347.jpg
Wings of desire (1987)
The last of the nominations that I knew nothing about before watching.
First 5 minutes I had no idea what was going on.
About 10 minutes in, I thought 'This is very similar to City of Angels'. I notice that plenty of others got that too.
I am afraid to say that I didn't like City of Angels and I didn't like this much more either.
I like the idea, but as with City of Angels, I was left really underwhelmed, but for different reasons.
http://www.bfi.org.uk/sites/bfi.org.uk/files/styles/full/public/image/wings-of-desire-1987-004-bruno-ganz-angel-statue-head.jpg?itok=Wwz8CJjc
What I liked
I did like some things about this film. The concept is a great one. The untouchable and unreachable, becoming touchable and reachable. The mystery of the spiritual realm and the exploration of an unseen world.
I love Berlin :D It is one of my favourite cities, and it is always good to see it in film.
https://68.media.tumblr.com/2fe73d1bef1889753143d671ce56566c/tumblr_mvf2puPwTg1qaezrlo1_500.png
What I didn't like
So slow - I know that it is probably intentional and reflective of the existence of Damiel and Cassiel but everything was so drawn out. I just found it easy to get bored and wanted to reach for my phone on more than one occasion.
The language - I was reading subtitles and some things may have been lost in translation but I found the language a bit pretentious. It was like everyone's thoughts were like a chanel advert. It was all like: "I am a fish or am I a duck? I don't know because I cannot see the colour. I am drowning in cream, or is it butter? I don't know, I feel him, she surrounds me, I exist because I see love". I just didn't find it reflective of the thought life of most people,.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/54/68/fc/5468fca25b6a7aa6aa3f044c3c0cc4b1.jpg
Summary
It just wasn't for me. Maybe I am just not cultured or intelligent enough but at no point did the film grip me, never mind capture my imagination.
Sorry @cosmic it's not personal, it's simply a preference thing.
2
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hiNjfI_DR1w/maxresdefault.jpg
The broken circle breakdown (2013)
Had heard of this film, and it had been recommended to me previously, but didn't know much of the plot before watching, and assumed that it was about a breakdown recovery company.
The film grabbed me from the opening scenes and it grabbed hold of me by the emotions and simply didn't let go.
What impressed me?
The film was a work of quality, and that quality flowed through the acting, the writing, the music and the cinematography.
The acting was strong and believable. It was one of those rare films where I actually forgot that I was watching a film at all, and it rather seemed like I was recalling memories, or that I was indeed a player in this story.
The music was superb throughout, although it was incorporated into the film, it was the subtlety of the background music too. I will certainly be looking to get this soundtrack.
The biggest thing that impressed me, was the ability of the film to make me feel. It was a whirlwind of emotions that has continued beyond the end of the running time. It really was an emotive story, that was superbly brought to life on the screen.
http://thescienceandentertainmentlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/broken-circle-breakdown06.jpg
Room for improvement
It's hard to find anything really. At times I had to concentrate a little on working out where each scene fit into the order of the story. It jumps backwards and forwards quite a bit, but overall I think it helped the film, more than hindered it.
https://tedhicksfilmetc.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/broken-circle-breakdown-still.jpg
Summary
This film was pure, beautiful, touching, brutal and relentless. It felt so real, which is an absolute credit to all that were involved in the making of it. The emotions of the characters are tangible, every single feeling was transmitted powerfully from the screen.
If I had known what it was about beforehand, I think that I would not have enjoyed it as much as I would have made my mind up before watching it.
A really good nomination
4
Whiplash
The music in the film is also a big plus and has led me to deduce that I need more Jazz in my life.
A good good film
rating_4
:yup: One of my favourite. Music is amazing.
The great dictator (1940)
http://theredlist.com/media/database/films/cinema/1940/the-great-dictator/028-the-great-dictator-theredlist.jpg
rating_4
When I see a globe I always think about this movie:D:D:D
:yup: One of my favourite. Music is amazing.
Superb film
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/31/53/ed/3153ede0313ecd6c86435aac00eeb347.jpg
Wings of desire (1987)
rating_2
😲 It is such a charming movie. Only 2? Even Cave's music doesn't help?
German title of this movie is Der Himmel über Berlin and I think it better convey the story.
BTW great views, Sarge. Bravo.
😲 It is such a charming movie. Only 2? Even Cave's music doesn't help?
German title of this movie is Der Himmel über Berlin and I think it better convey the story.
It was just such a struggle for me. I tried, I really tried :)
BTW great views, Sarge. Bravo.
Thank you :D
Omnizoa
04-28-17, 10:05 AM
I found the language a bit pretentious. It was like everyone's thoughts were like a chanel advert. It was all like: "I am a fish or am I a duck? I don't know because I cannot see the colour. I am drowning in cream, or is it butter? I don't know, I feel him, she surrounds me, I exist because I see love".
Agreed. A whole lotta NOPE from me.
https://i.jeded.com/i/flesh-and-blood-fleshblood.27288.jpg
Flesh and Blood (1985)
Hmmmm
I don't really know what I just watched.
There was a decent story of love, betrayal, revenge, corruption and power, that has been buried beneath some of the worst acting I have ever seen.
It was almost like it was purposefully bad acting.
It looked like something from 'Monty python and the Holy Grail' or 'The Princess Bride' without the comedy dialogue.
What I mean by that is that as with Python the actions and voices are exaggerated and you can tell that it is 'tongue in cheek' acting.
The characters and acting was comedic, but there was little funny about the dialogue.
As I said there was a decent story in there, and if it was done with a bit more conviction and a bigger budget then I think it could be a good film.
This film as it is just seemed to struggle with it's identity. There is no way that it was a serious film but I can't remember much funny about it, and therefore it was just plain confusing. I am still not sure if it is satire :shrug:
I can't really say much more without trying to understand the plot and risking spoilers for those that have not watched it. I have nothing further to add :D
https://www.blackgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2206Se_ores_del_Acero.jpg
2
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-08-19-1471603322-9745686-CaptainFantasticjpg.jpg
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Had heard all of the hype around this film but had never got around to taking it in.
Saw that it was on 'Amazon Prime instant' this afternoon so got involved.
I quickly got on to what I thought some of the messages of the film were.
That didn't stop me from feeling a lack of warmth to 'Ben' (Mortensen) from the start. I felt that he was doing more harm than good to his family, but I guess that was the anticipated response.
There are so many themes running through this film, and it raises a lot of big questions about society, religion, ideologies and beliefs. As well as such things, it also deals with family, coming of age, loss and parenthood.
It was a bit like 'Lord of the flies' meets 'The sound of music'.
http://www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/files/events/2626/captain-fantastic.jpg
What I liked
I liked the film without really loving it.
The things that I did appreciate were that overall it was a well made film, that I expect was close to how the writer wanted it to play out on the big screen.
I believe that the film did exactly what it set out to do.
It raises questions about a consumerist and corporation driven society and boldly calls them out.
It challenges organised religion in a messy but deliberate way.
The acting was solid enough, well that is if Ben is meant to come across as an egotistical control freak, who has lost his way and is disillusioned with the world.
'Sweet child of mine', was cool.
The film looked great, with it's use of colour and great aerial shots.
http://lwlcdn.lwlies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/captain-fantastic-review.jpg
What could have been better
There were too many kids. There were 6 in total and two pairs had 2 people in each that looked quite similar, so I was getting confused at times with which blonde haired kid had said what, and which red haired girl had done what.
Some of it was a bit ridiculous, such as the scene with the rescuing Mum and the subsequent actions.
I didn't really like Ben for most of the film. I know that there is a story behind his reasoning and behaviour and although it was alluded to throughout the film, there is no real explanation of it.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a9U7mAXcC2Q/maxresdefault.jpg
Summary
It was a decent film, with a lot of interesting facets but overall, I am not sure what the overall point of the story was.
It was good and I largely enjoyed it, but for me it didn't live up to the hype.
3
https://i.blogs.es/da42a5/cartel-kickboxer-vengeance/original.jpg
Kickboxer vengeance (2016)
The nostalgic in me wanted to watch this even though I thought it would be really poor.
Kickboxer and Bloodsport were two of my favourite films growing up and although when I watch them now, I notice the wooden acting and holes in the plot but it still doesn't matter. I'ts like I watch them through the eyes of my 12 year old self.
This was a bad film and I didn't have the nostalgia to fall back on as it was a reboot/sequel/fresh interpretation kind of thing.
The story was as with the others, all about revenge and the good guy sticking it to the big nasty man, but there was not enough that was different to the original for it to be unique, and the parts where they tried to modernise it were weak.
I didn't hate it, but it doesn't come close to the originals. There again, few 'reboots' ever do.
2.5
The three Musketeers (1973)
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTM0MTcxNTg5NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMzYyNTQ5._V1_.jpg
Sigh
I love the story of 'The three Musketeers'. I used to read the book a lot when I was a child. I loved the history, the suspense, the revenge, the swordplay the notion of 'One for all and all for one'.
As a child I saw films that had been made of the story of the Musketeers and I remember that I was always left feeling underwhelmed.
When this was nominated in this HoF, I thought "Maybe I was wrong, I am older now, maybe I will see things differently now".
I didn't.
https://timeentertainment.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/m8dthmu_ec007_h-e1319084406237.jpg?w=720&h=480&crop=1
What I liked
I love the story. Alexandre Dumas told a tale of a young man who has aspirations and dreams of being a musketeer and making his fortune in Paris. I loved the story as a kid and still do now. The themes of love, rebellion and justice is something that I have always found it easy to immerse myself in.
As for the film, I found the costumes good and the set believable.
It did also stick close to the original story in many parts where other versions have chosen not to.
The film was shot well and I also liked most of the music.
http://mitteleuropa.x10.mx/files/film/Three_Musketeers_20090508205929.jpg
What I didn't like
Most of it.
My biggest issue is that it is more comedy than drama.
When I read the story as a kid it was always tense and dramatic, but this film (and most other musketeer films) are not.
Tapping people on the backside with swords and slapping them on the head etc just totally undermines the story in my opinion.
The playing of chess with monkeys on dogs backs :rolleyes:
A lot of the characters were comedic too and not in a 'people are eccentric' believable way but a comedy exaggerated way.
I appreciate that this was made in the 70s and that really violent films were not the norm. I also appreciate that the story of the musketeers does lend itself to being accessible for all ages, but it really should be a drama rather than a comedy.
I also concede that some situations in the original story are almost farcical in nature, such as the way D'artagnan manages to arrange successive duels with Athos, Porthos and Aramis not long after arriving in the city, but plenty of the film should be represented in a serious manner in my opinion. This criticism is not limited to this version. I would have the same issues with many of the adaptations of the story, which is probably why 'Dogtantian and the Muskehounds' is still my favourite, as I can appreciate a cartoon with dogs bringing comedy to the story.
http://tansyrr.com/tansywp/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/5137_5.jpg
Summary
In summary, I just can't get over myself and get beyond the same issues I have had with every screen adaptation of the story of 'The three Musketeers' that I have ever seen.
I love the story but get angry at the way it is portrayed on the screen. As I say, it is the same with every version that I have seen so maybe it is me that it is interpreting it all wrong. With that said, this is all about my opinion, and that is an opinion that I respect :D
2.5
http://cdn3-www.comingsoon.net/assets/uploads/gallery/alien-covenant/alien-covenant-1280.jpg
Alien Covenant (2017)
I was really looking forward to this. 'Aliens' is one of my favourite films and 'Alien' is not far behind it. I enjoyed 'Prometheus', not as much but I did enjoy it, even though I found the pace a little slow.
The less said about 'Alien 3' and 'Resurrection' the better.
I figured that this was where Scott and Scott, Logan and Harper would learn from mistakes in previous films and create another blockbuster.
I was looking forward to a fresh story with the 'face huggers' and 'Xenomorphs'
This film starts 10 years after 'Prometheus' with the 'Covenant' which is a ship transporting a couple of thousand people and some embryos to relocate and start a civilisation on a distant planet.
As they are en route some things happen that presents the ship with a choice to take a slight detour.
I will leave it there at the risk of entering 'Spoilersville'.
https://i0.wp.com/media2.slashfilm.com/slashfilm/wp/wp-content/images/alien-covenant-trailer-breakdown14.jpg
What I liked
There were some aspects of the film that I liked but simply not as much as I had hoped.
The film included some nice touches in terms of linking the story to 'Prometheus'.
Some of the CGI was good and there were one or two scenes that I really liked, one of which was in part shown in the trailer.
I thought Fassbender was superb in the film. I wasn't particularly a fan of who he was playing but the acting was excellent.
http://cdn.empireonline.com/jpg/80/0/0/1200/675/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/c/articles/58ac59adf1e6231b0573adc0/alien-covenant-crew.jpg
What could have been better
So much.
My biggest criticism of the film is that we have seen it all before.
It is like they have put 'Alien', 'Aliens' and 'Prometheus' into a blended and then stuck the film back together and came out with this.
I wanted a new 'Alien' story not just a rehash of the others. I actually preferred the film 'Life' to this. It was again stuff that we have seen before but it was done better.
We have seen this plot and these characters before. They have just changed the names.
Whilst we are on characters, most of them just irritated me, the rest were simply forgettable.
It seems to me like the things that needed changing weren't changed and the things that didn't need changing were.
I get the feeling that the writers felt that they needed 'more' but weren't sure what they needed more of,so they just included more of everything.
https://i0.wp.com/media2.slashfilm.com/slashfilm/wp/wp-content/images/Alien-Covenant-Trailer-Breakdown-59.jpg
Summary
At the end of the day it just felt like a poor tribute act.
It wasn't awful, some of the effects were good, and there was some continuity, but ultimately it fell way short of my expectations.
Back I go to pretending that only 'Alien' and 'Aliens' actually exist and occasionally 'Prometheus'. :D
I would be really interested to know what other people think about it.
2.5
I'll see it for Fassbender but my expectations over all just from seeing Mofos react to it re not high.
Nestorio_Miklos
05-12-17, 04:41 PM
i still have high hopes for Alien prequel. Is it really that horrible?
Stirchley
05-12-17, 05:11 PM
Whiplash A good good film
Brilliant movie. Miles Teller (also terrific in Rabbit Hole) was phenomenal.
i still have high hopes for Alien prequel. Is it really that horrible?
To me yes, but my hopes and expectations were high.
Stirchley
05-12-17, 05:28 PM
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjA4MDU0NTUyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzQxMzY4MjE@._V1_UY1200_CR90,0,630,1200_AL_.jpg
Many war films can't help but show the allies as upstanding men of moral fibre and are portrayed as 'the good guys' and the Germans are shown as sneaky and arrogant, and are shown as 'the bad guys'.
LOL. That's because they were. Not a bad movie though one's disbelief had to be suspended in many scenes.
https://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/122/MPW-61476
Brilliant movie. Seen it a million times.
Wings of desire (1987)
Tried to watch this movie, but just can't make it through.
Love this movie thread. :cool:
doubledenim
05-12-17, 09:40 PM
Back I go to pretending that only 'Alien' and 'Aliens' actually exist and occasionally 'Prometheus'.
I wish there were more than 3 Star Wars movies.
I wish there were more than 3 Star Wars movies.
I feel the fourth :D
They should make episodes 1, 2 and 3 sometime however.
Iroquois
05-15-17, 10:56 AM
I was really looking forward to this. 'Aliens' is one of my favourite films and 'Alien' is not far behind it. I enjoyed 'Prometheus', not as much but I did enjoy it, even though I found the pace a little slow.
The less said about 'Alien 3' and 'Resurrection' the better.
I figured that this was where Scott and Scott, Logan and Harper would learn from mistakes in previous films and create another blockbuster.
I was looking forward to a fresh story with the 'face huggers' and 'Xenomorphs'
Do only good movies get to be called blockbusters?
My biggest criticism of the film is that we have seen it all before.
It is like they have put 'Alien', 'Aliens' and 'Prometheus' into a blended and then stuck the film back together and came out with this.
I wanted a new 'Alien' story not just a rehash of the others. I actually preferred the film 'Life' to this. It was again stuff that we have seen before but it was done better.
I brought this up in the Kong: Skull Island thread, but I figure that it's better to pay attention to what a series continuation does differently than what it does the same, of which I thought Covenant did enough. You seem aware of this since you also acknowledge that Life is a "been there, done that" kind of movie that has its own strengths.
We have seen this plot and these characters before. They have just changed the names.
Whilst we are on characters, most of them just irritated me, the rest were simply forgettable.
It seems to me like the things that needed changing weren't changed and the things that didn't need changing were.
I get the feeling that the writers felt that they needed 'more' but weren't sure what they needed more of,so they just included more of everything.
I feel like this segment could use more specifics. I can only guess what things you're talking about when you talk about what did or didn't need to be changed. The same goes for which characters you considered irritating and why, or how best to articulate the idea of "more".
Do only good movies get to be called blockbusters?
I brought this up in the Kong: Skull Island thread, but I figure that it's better to pay attention to what a series continuation does differently than what it does the same, of which I thought Covenant did enough. You seem aware of this since you also acknowledge that Life is a "been there, done that" kind of movie that has its own strengths.
I feel like this segment could use more specifics. I can only guess what things you're talking about when you talk about what did or didn't need to be changed. The same goes for which characters you considered irritating and why, or how best to articulate the idea of "more".
Fair points, well made.
I guess that bad movies can be Blockbusters too.
I didn't see a lot different about it to be honest. We have seen Aliens on a spaceship attacking humans and People landing on a planet and being attacked by aliens and now we got a bit of both.
We have seen 'synthetics' causing issues and having agendas.
I was staying away from 'specifics' initially as I didn't want to risk spoilers when a film is brand new. Even the tags don't always stop people from responding to them.
The things that I don't think need changing are the Xenomorph but they want to keep playing around with it to make it badder. It is bad enough. They don't need to keep bringing up these hybrids.
Ultimately it felt like they have ran out of ideas. I get that because I was thinking "I want it to be different" but I couldn't think of how I would do that. Maybe if the Xenomorph makes it to earth (that however would be a bit silly and going away from the things that make me love Alien/s.
I don't know if I thought it was bad, or I was just disappointed. I felt similar about Prometheus on first viewing.
http://cdn2-www.comingsoon.net/assets/uploads/gallery/guardians-of-the-galaxy-2-1406427000/guardian2poster.jpg
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
I enjoyed the first 'Guardians' film. It was well made and I found it refreshing and it immediately became one of my favourite films that are connected to Marvel in one way or another.
I knew nothing about who the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' were before watching the first film and found the whole thing refreshing in it's approach. Great effects, superb characters and enough of an emotional undercurrent to keep me gripped. It was one of those films that is a pleasant surprise in the same way that 'The Lego Movie' and 'Deadpool' were.
After seeing, and really enjoying the first 'Guardians' film, I was hoping for more of the same. I was not disappointed...
https://i0.wp.com/media2.slashfilm.com/slashfilm/wp/wp-content/images/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy-Vol-2-trailer-breakdown-69.jpg
The film continues pretty much soon after the last one ends, and we catch up with the 'Guardians' as they continue to guard the galaxy.
What I liked
The film is pretty much just a continuation of the first one, and everything that I really enjoyed about the first one, continues seamlessly in this. The film looks great with a really imaginative look at the galaxy and different planets and the civilisations that inhabit it.
The blend of humour and action is almost perfect again for this film and it was really well done. The key to this film and the story is the dynamic between the key characters and this is utilised to it's full potential yet again, with the relationship between each character and the other being shown, and the depth and complexity of each.
This was just pure fun and with most 'franchises' like this I hope they stop before they run out of ideas. With this, I totally trust them to keep making these films and that there is a whole galaxy of places and characters to keep it from going stale.
The soundtrack which is a key part of the story, is also tremendous once more.
https://www.maxim.com/.image/t_share/MTQ1NDA5NjgxMjg2NzY4NDAx/baby-groot-guardians.jpg
What I didn't like
There was little about this film that I didn't like.
Maybe the 'sibling rivalry' story was at the risk of going on a little too long, but I think they just got away with it.
http://static.srcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/guardians-galaxy-2-star-lord.jpg
Summary
Overall, this film just picked up where the last one left in terms of quality and story. It was a great use of two hours. It was fun, aesthetically impressive and the soundtrack was superb. It was pure fun from start to finish.
3.5
Stirchley
05-19-17, 01:45 PM
https://www.maxim.com/.image/t_share/MTQ1NDA5NjgxMjg2NzY4NDAx/baby-groot-guardians.jpg
Please, I want one of these.
http://www.impawards.com/1990/posters/dances_with_wolves_ver4_xlg.jpg
Dances with wolves (1990)
I remember as a kid that was a lot of fuss about this film and that it did well.
I also remember that I had watched it because my Dad had it on VHS.
There is a vague memory that I found it boring. I was 11 at the time of it's release and so will have been 12 when I watched it. I was always going to struggle with a 3 hour film at that age and never mind one that is so dialogue heavy.
I was delighted when it was nominated on the HoF tournament, as I hadn't watched it since that first time and was almost certain that I would understand it more this time and almost certainly appreciate it more.
https://images.newrepublic.com/70da9ed6adefa220a389150d92073e10e9f3e313.jpeg?w=1000&q=65&dpi=1&fm=pjpg&fit=crop&crop=faces&h=667
The film stars Kevin Costner (above) playin Lt. John Dunbar who after being named as a hero requests to be posted to the Western frontier. He gets his wish but find the post deserted. He remains faithful to his posting and keeps a journal, which also serves as the narrative to the film.
He comes into contact with various animals and people whilst there, and eventually he finds himself face to face with a tribe of Sioux.
http://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kr50vu8AYs1qzexpio1_500.jpg
What I liked
I loved so much about this film. The key thing for me is that I found it totally believable from start to finish. I was invested and immersed throughout.
The writing, acting and directing were superb and woven together created a special piece of film. I felt empathy with many of the characters throughout and the film took me on an emotional journey as well as a visual one.
I thought the cinematography to be spellbinding. The way it was shot simply captured the time and place that it was meant to portray. I was utterly convinced that these shots were taken at the Western frontier in the late 1860s.
The costumes seemed authentic and convincing, as did all of the characters.
One of the things that I appreciated most was the subtle, yet powerful story of the film with key messages of humanity throughout.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aNNw3S4YDVI/U4M170RbYoI/AAAAAAAAIbI/uJHn5s8LP58/s1600/DancesWithWolves05.jpg
What I didn't like
I am seriously struggling to find anything that I didn't like about this film.
The one thing that comes to mind is questions about how easy it seemed for 'Stands with fist' to recall vocabulary in order to communicate. It was more of a question than a problem though.
Apart from that nothing comes readily to mind.
https://abagond.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/bison-hunt.png
Overall
I loved this film. It really was a joy to watch. 3 hours long and I was disappointed that it ended. It has immediately gone into my top 20 films.
Such a well made film and it is easy to see why it won so many awards.
The characters, cinematography, costumes, directing, acting etc were, as I have already said, of a really high quality and they all combine to tell a wonderful story of hope, integrity, friendship, greed, prejudice and so much more. This is a film that has, action, romance, tension and drama, as well as offering so much more.
I am so pleased that it was nominated.
4.5
Stirchley
05-31-17, 06:31 PM
I thought Dances was okay. Nothing would make me watch it again though.
I thought Dances was okay. Nothing would make me watch it again though.
Each to their own. Second time I have seen it (First as an adult) and I loved it. A firm favourite now.
http://www.whudat.de/images/notorious_nodreamistoobig_cover.jpg
Notorious (2009)
I knew most of the story, but thought that this film was poorly acted.
Put alongside other similar films it simply falls short.
'Straight outta compton' '8 mile' and others are better made films that tell the story of the rise from the street more articulately and gained greater emotional investment from myself.
http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/notorious-2009/hero_EB20090114REVIEWS901149984AR.jpg
It didn't focus enough on the beginnings of 'Biggie smalls' for me, and was less about the journey and more about the destination.
It didn't offer me a greater insight into 'Biggie' as I expected that it would.
It wasn't awful, but it was slightly disappointing.
2.5
Jeff Costello
06-01-17, 02:15 PM
I remember seeing "Notorious" couple of years ago. Only thing that stuck with me from it is "Who Shot Ya" scene, which I thought was great. Overall I don't recall being particularly impressed with the film.
The Hunt (2012)
http://sites.psu.edu/kaylaspassion/wp-content/uploads/sites/34515/2015/10/91DBCbrQPCL._SL1500_.jpg
I didn't know anything about this film when it was nominated in this HoF.
I quickly saw that it was highly thought of, without being made aware of any of the plot.
I had glanced something about it being a somewhat difficult watch, but I didn't know in what way.
http://www.magpictures.com/thehunt/images/photos/photo_03.jpg
The film starts with Lucas (Mikkelsen) who is a teacher that has been working with some younger children than he is used to due to his previous job ending due to a school closure.
A situation arises which sets the whole story into motion and with it a whole host of emotions, both for the characters and the viewer.
http://screenpicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/The_Hunt_Jagten_5.png
What I liked
This movie made me feel, and that is an effective ability of well made films, and well told stories.
It made me feel a lot of things. I felt anger, sorrow, frustration, empathy, injustice and at times absolute rage.
I was fully invested in the story and the majority of the characters and part of that was down to the topics raised in the film, and also in the quality of the film making.
The film was well written, directed and shot. I loved the seasonal reflection in the cinematography, particularly the autumnal scenes in the forests.
I felt that it was a powerful piece of film making for many reasons.
http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Hunt-02.jpg
What I didn't like
It was a tough watch, due to some of the subject matter and whereas it was powerful and intentional, I didn't 'enjoy' it as such.
I also found that some of the characters and their actions were utterly nonsensical and unbelievable.
On more than one occasion I found myself saying "That simply wouldn't happen'.
It was ok to a point but after a while I found myself getting frustrated as the story wouldn't have been affected too much if the characters had performed my believably.
The last scene (intentionally so) was a bit ambiguous.
http://www.bfi.org.uk/sites/bfi.org.uk/files/styles/full/public/image/hunt-the-2012-003-quartet-men-in-swimming-trunks.jpg?itok=YjCjAwhM
Summary
Overall I thought that the film was really well made. It was solid in all areas, but for me it was slightly unbelievable in some places.
With that said, I was physically tense throughout due to the story, the topic and the acting. I was invested and I was taken on a journey. A key aim of any film, should be to make the viewer feel things. In that area this film truly did deliver.
4
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Baby driver 2017
I knew nothing about this film, before watching it in the cinema this morning. I went in totally blind.
I only learnt that it was Edgar Wright as the opening credits rolled.
Brief plot
The film is about a young man who is the baby faced (hence the name) getaway driver, for some criminals that carry out heists within the city.
If I tell you anything else here, then I risk revealing too much, and seems as though my enjoyment of this film was increased by the lack of exposure to trailers or reviews, I want to afford you that same opportunity too.
https://cdn1-www.comingsoon.net/assets/uploads/2019/07/Baby-Driver-e1564495760776.jpg
What I liked
This film was primarily fun. The soundtrack and the way it complimented the cinematography created a funky environment and I found myself smiling and even throwing out some small shapes in my seat.
The soundtrack was a key part of the film and I thought that it worked superbly well. Baby listens to a lot of music and it is the topic of much discussion and it almost becomes like another character.
Baby is cool. Ansel Elgort does a great job in creating a very likeable character that has an almost apologetic coolness to him. Upon leaving the cinema I was reaching for my ear buds and sunglasses and I live in England, where there is little need for the latter.
The driving scenes were great fun and although pushed the boundaries of believability it was just about enough to not ruin the film. The Fast and the Furious franchise could have learned a lot from this film. Lot's of screeching, drifting, power slides and wheel spins, but it also had the driving scenes to back it up.
There was a slight darkness to the story and to the film. Overall the film didn't go where I expected it to go, and when I had it figured out, it pulled the handbrake and changed direction.
The film stayed true to itself. It knows what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. It doesn't take itself too seriously but doesn't just descend into utter drivel either. I also liked that it was less than two hours long, which is unusual in films today.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/films/2017/03/12/babydriver-xlarge_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqeo_i_u9APj8RuoebjoAHt0k9u7HhRJvuo-ZLenGRumA.jpg
What could be better
I found some of the characters just plain irritating and not in the way that you are supposed to be irritated by a character. Some of them were just a bit cliche.
Jon Bernthal plays the same character that he always plays and it was a slight bit tiresome.
The same could be said of the 'Bats' played by Jamie Foxx. I just thought that there really wasn't that much too him.
The last third of the film was slightly messy and didn't seem to flow as naturally as the previous two thirds, but it wasn't so much that I hated it. The last act seemed a bit rushed and I think that it could have been better, but again, I didn't hate it.
https://cdn.traileraddict.com/content/screencap/117399.jpg
In summary
In summary, it was a fun film, that had enough edge to it to make it different.
There was action and some surprisingly dark scenes that stood out from the bouncy feel of the rest of the film. There were also a few scenes and quips that raised a smile.
The soundtrack was excellent and overall it was a pleasant surprise.
I liked it
3
http://starwarsblog.starwars.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2017/10/the-last-jedi-theatrical-blog.jpg
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Not spoilers as such but some opinions below.
I love Star Wars and I largely loved this.
The last 45 minutes was outstanding cinema.
Downsides were - Too many jokes and forced attempts at comedy. It felt like it was trying to be Guardians of the Galaxy. There were also too many new cute characters. I guess both of them tie in with the Disney ideology, but it was just too much.
Good points - Everything that makes Star Wars great was in there. A couple of goosebump moments. The effects just get better and better.
Will probably keep adding to this review as I process more.
4
Hi Sarge. Makes me feel opti9mistic. I look forward to your updates.
http://www.blackfilm.com/read/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Darkest-Hour-Poster-2.jpg
Darkest hour (2017)
I was looking forward to this film as I have always been interested in and inspired by Winston Churchill.
It is obviously also a key part of my countries history and some of the first things that we learnt about in school history lessons.
I like reviewing such films as the risks of spoilers are lower as most people know the general story.
My concerns were that it was going to be more of the same of previous films that we have seen about the subject and the man.
I went in with an open mind and the only expectations that I had was a strong performance from Oldman as there have been plenty of plaudits.
http://www.hardwoodandhollywood.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Darkest-Hour-.jpg
What I liked
Simply put, Everything! I absolutely loved this film. I have seen many films, TV series and documentaries about Winston Churchill and his defiance of Hitler. I have also read some biographies about it.
Oldman was superb and deserves all of the praise that he gets from this performance.
The cinematography was excellent, some really good shots. That is not normally a priority for me in films but I was consistently appreciating the quality throughout the film.
I wasn't fully prepared for how emotive the film would be. I am patriotic, but not really in a flag waving, chest beating kind of way, but this film had me wanting to applaud the speeches that I have read and heard so many times previously.
As stated, I have read and watched so much on the subject and yet before today, i don't think I fully appreciated how precarious the situation was and how different things could have been.
This should be used as a resource for schools wanting to learn about the subject.
I also felt that I understood more about the urgency of the situation in Dunkirk from this film, without a single shot of a soldier or a French beach than I did from the whole of Nolan's film.
One of the stand out things for me about this film was the sense of realism I got from it. It felt real and Oldman portrayed the strength and vulnerability of Winston Churchill simultaneously. The conflicts that existed with Churchill are mirrored by those that surround him and also by those within Europe at the time.
https://www.cinemaclock.com/images/580x326/73/darkest-hour-20172240.jpg
What I didn't like
Nothing. I loved it.
Overall
12 days into the year and I am not sure that I will see a better film this year. A superb piece of film making that may well slide straight into my top 10.
Excellent work from Anthony McCarten and Joe Wright.
5
Good review Sarge. I loved it as well, I am slightly scaled back from your excitement but I was surprised at how excellent it was. I don't finish my top ten till around Oscar time so I can catch up, but right now I have it at #4.
rauldc14
01-12-18, 11:59 AM
I just sat down for Molly's Game, but yeah I should probably see Darkest Hour next week.
I just sat down for Molly's Game, but yeah I should probably see Darkest Hour next week.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Shazam (2019)
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nr2g8zRwX4Q/maxresdefault.jpg
This was not a film that initally appealed to me.I am fairly sure that it would have bypassed me had friends that I respect not spoken so highly of it.
There are only a few Superhero films that I have fully enjoyed. I watch most of them, but more often than not I am left disappointed. I find that most Superhero films don't really do what they set out to do. The majority seem to either take themselves too seriously or not seriously enough. I prefer the ones that seem to operate within a more obvious genre, or at least try to be distinctive.
The ones that I rate highly include: The Dark Knight Trilogy, Deadpool and Logan. The majority of the rest seem to blend into one another.
I didn't hold out much hope for Shazam, as it even sounded silly and I thought that it would consist of farce and poor jokes.
I haven't read a lot of comics and I have not seen any of David F. Sandbergs previous work either, so I had no real frame of reference.
https://thefeaturepresentation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Shazam.jpg
This was one of those film experiences that I love, the ones where you are simply caught by surprise.
The general premise of the film is that powerful forces for good and evil are looking for heirs or Champions to take their cause forward. One of these is activley pursued and the other falls to a reluctant participant. This transpires into the expected Superhero v Supervillain contest. It is the other ingredients that spoke more loudly to me. The themes of pain, rejection that are directly opposed by hope and family were great at creating a genuine empathy for the characters.
It also captured brilliantly the excitment and juvenile thinking that I am sure I would experience if placed in the title characters shoes.
This film was just pure fun, that was well written, brilliantly acted and knew exactly what it was.It was a perfect blend of a fun Superhero film combined with Big.
Despite it being pure, unadulterated fun it did leave me thinking that Shazam would probably be one of my favourite Superheros to be. The fact that he isn't a proffessional Superhero and that he has a brilliant selection of powers makes him a firm favourite with me.
Overall the film was fun and funny with relatable characters and positive themes.
4
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1917 (2020)
After seeing a trailer for this film, I deliberately avoided any further trailers, reviews or discussion, as I wanted to experience it with as much of it as unknown as possible.
Brief outline plot
Set in WW1, a young British soldier is commissioned with delivering a message to advancing allied forces that they are heading into a trap set by the Germans. The message is time sensitve, as the allied forces are set to advance in a matter of hours. It also happens that the regiment that he needs to deliver the message to, is the one where his brother is serving. He is asked to choose another soldier to go with him and deliver the letter in order to avoid a massacre of thousands of allied troops.
https://media.vanityfair.com/photos/5d914ded6942f00008b534e0/1:1/w_1065,h_1065,c_limit/1917-one-shot-reveal.jpg
What I liked
This film is a visual masterpiece! The cinematography is outstanding, with so much attention to detail. The camera is alongside the main protagonists of the story throughout and it places you right there alongside them on their mission.
In a seeming contrast, the stunning colour and definition captures the horror of war and the scarred landscape and people that are affected by it.
An absolute materpiece by Deakins.
There seemed to be an authenticity to the film. It had obviously been well researched, but the quality of the sets took me directly to the battlefields and I could almost smell the death and decay.
There was a tension that was almost tangible that ran throughout the film. As well as the tension created by what we know of the horrors of this conflict, the time pressure on the mission creates a futher sense of urgency for the viewer.
What could be better
Maybe it was intentional, maybe it was the acting (although that may be a tad unfair), but I felt that the character development was lacking. I did feel a sense of warmth towards them but I didn't feel that I got to know them. As I said this could be intentional, as the enormity of the war dwarfed the story of any individual although it was made up of thousands of individual stories.
The characters lacked the depth of those of such films as Saving Private Ryan and Hacksaw Ridge.
I thought the ending was a little rushed after the build up of the first two thirds of the film, but that may have been influenced by the 2 hr run time.
https://img.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2019/12/20/1917-4-1200x510.jpg
In summary
This is a visually stunning spectacle that takes the viewer on a journey of tension and courage. I think it captures some of the emotion of the characters driving the story and also the young men that experineced the horrors of WW1.
It is a film that I will seek to own and is righfully receiving many plaudits.
4
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When I first saw the trailer for this film a couple of years ago, I was really excited. The story of Robin Hood is one of my favourites from childhood, but I have always been somewhat underwhelmed by each film retelling, although I haven't watched 'Prince of thieves' as a fully grown adult.
After my initial excitement, I heard little else, good or bad and therefore didn't rush to see it.
As it was on Netflix now, I figured I would finally sit down and watch it, in the hope that it would be one of those pleasant surprises.
It wasn't!
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What I liked
This film flattered to deceive in so many ways. There were promising bits and horrible bits in each aspect of the film. Some of the casting was good, some was awful. There were good acting performances and there were some shockers. There were parts of the film that looked outstanding, only to be undermined by dodgy CGI.
The story could have been great, but it was let down by the hit and miss nature of all of the things that I have mentioned.
What could be better
See above - Everything!
What this film is and what it could have been are miles apart. It is just a missed opportunity.
One thing that irked me a great deal was the costumes. Robin hood is set in 11th/12th century England and the people are wearing clobber that can only be described as a mix between something from Paris fashion week and 'The Hunger games'.
Summary
It just could and should have been so much more. It is halfway to a really good film. It's like someone has made a film and was drunk for half of the time. It is a real shame.
2.5
chawhee
01-24-20, 10:10 AM
I don't think I've seen any raving reviews of Robin Hood, though I'm a little surprised your rating isn't lower given the criticism you gave it haha
I don't think I've seen any raving reviews of Robin Hood, though I'm a little surprised your rating isn't lower given the criticism you gave it haha
:D I was torn because I said it was a mix of good and bad, so I went straight down the middle.
Arlington road (1999)
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzg4NTYwMWItZmQzMC00MTM2LWFjN2ItOGM2YWNlMDRjMDQ5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTAyODkwOQ@@._V1_.jpg
I have seen this before, but not for 20 years and I could not remember anything about it.
https://images.ctfassets.net/7h71s48744nc/6ImKqAq7qoy226i6cMiEGq/8704de3848d001bcbe1bafcb9e749dd1/arlington-road.jpg
What I liked
This is a classy psycholigical thriller and it is carried superbly by Robbins and Bridges with superb support from Cusack.
The film creates a real sense of tension and panic and one of the best things is that it keeps you guessing throughout.
The simplicity of it is also to be admired. There is not many complex shots or juming locations, but it has all of the ingredients to keep you invested mentally and emotionally.
https://i2.netflixmovies.com/dibsl9ebc/image/upload/w_1920,h_800,c_fill,g_faces,q_62/cttwoozlc7ezzuiavpmf.jpg
What could be better?
Some of the child actors and/or characters were a bit dull.
I also felt that some of the reactions of the characters were:
A) Unbelievable
B) Cliche
C) Both
A few times I found myself (either out loud or in my head) saying 'You just wouldn't do that'
That said, I can think of very few films where I wouldn't be able to pick at least one example of this.
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p01jyklq.jpg
Overall
A really clever and superbly crafted psychological thriller.
4
Rambo:Last Blood (2019)
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This film was full of cliche, the acting was average, the story familiar, the production was decent, but nothing that we haven't seen before. Yet...I loved this film!!!!
It was pure Rambo. Absolute carnage driven by a pain that the viewer can't fail to buy into,
In brief without spoilers, Rambo finds himself in a kerfuffle with a load of bad men and mayhem ensues.
https://cdn.onebauer.media/one/media/5d83/a143/502d/fb3e/5a77/9f5c/rambo-last-blood.jpg?quality=50&width=1800&ratio=16-9&resizeStyle=aspectfill&format=jpg
Whatever you think of Sly, he takes a simple idea, tells an emotive story and presents us with a tortured hero that we can't fail to root for. Here he does it again. It hasn't got the rawness of First Blood part 1 or 2, but it makes up with it with pure emotion and violence.
https://i1.wp.com/vulturehound.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/rambo-last-blood-yvette-monreal.jpg?resize=658%2C400&ssl=1
What did I like?
Pretty much everything. Granted, I am invested in Rambo before the film starts, as I have been a fan since I was a kid, but as this film went on, the more I wanted to audibly cheer him on.
It looks better than previous offerings, with some nice shots and it looks clean and slick. One sequence in particular reminded me of something out of John Wick or The Raid.
I know others don't rate him, but I like Stallone as an actor. He does what he does well, and he does it again in this film. with a character that he is obviously familiar with.
The last 30 minutes is tremendous, it's like 'Home alone' for grown ups.
https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/rambo-last-blood-R_05928_R_rgb.jpg
What could be better?
The answer to this question is: so much, yet not much at all.
To make a film that would be more critically aclaimed, you would be looking at more creativity, a more believable plot, deeper dialogue etc, but then it just wouldn't be Rambo.
The film is exactly as it was intended to be and doesn't try to be anything else than a adrenaline fuelled festival of violence.
https://bookandfilmglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Rambo_Last_Blood_2-800x445.jpg
Overall
I just loved it!
It is one of those films that does what it means to, and I was thoroughly entertained.
Realistic? No, but I still want to be friends with John Rambo.
It brought back the same feelings when I discovered First Blood 1&2 in my youth.
4
Bad times at the El Royale (2018)
https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/2/Open/20th_Century_Fox_39/Program/33280940/_derived_jpg_q90_500x500_m0/BadTimesatheElRoyale_Poster_2x3.jpg
A group of strangers meet up at a quirky hotel and their intentions and stories soon start to unfold.
I enjoyed it quite a lot, but I do feel that it was a bit like a Tarantino tribute act, that was very similar but just not the real thing.
I know that many think that isn't the case, but from the opening scenes I felt it and it didn't abate.
There is lots to like about the film. All of the things that I like about QT's films are in here and done well, but it didn't grip me fully, and seemed to be lacking something, although I can't really pinpoint what.
I can see why many rate it so highly though.
3.5
As good as it gets (1997)
https://www.goldenglobes.com/sites/default/files/films/as_good_as_it_gets.jpg
Not sure how this film had bypassed me up until this point.
What a beautiful film. So tender, humourous, romantic and utterly engaging, underpinned by superb acting. Nicholson is tremendous once more as the highly offensive and frustrating, yet endearing Melvin Udall.
Great film
4
Varsity Blues (1999)
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This is one of those films that at least twice now I have convinced myself that I have not seen until it dawns on me half way through that I have,
Yet, I enjoyed it. Full of high school football cliches, yet I seem to enjoy them all.
It was entertaining in a shallow kind of way. There wa sno real depth of character plot or emotion but I enjoyed it on a very low investment level.
2.5
TheUsualSuspect
01-28-20, 05:48 PM
There are TWO things I remember from this movie...
Ali Larter in her whipped cream underwear and Van Der Beek yelling " I DON'T WANT...YOUR LIFE...NO MORE...."
There are TWO things I remember from this movie...
Ali Larter in her whipped cream underwear and Van Der Beek yelling " I DON'T WANT...YOUR LIFE...NO MORE...."
:D
The young lad stealing the police car and driving around naked with 3 girls reminded me that I had indeed seen the movie previously.
Dragged across concrete (2018)
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjE1MTk5NDQ5Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODUxNzg0NzM@._V1_.jpg
I had never heard of this film before I saw it appear on Amazon prime, which is surprising given Zahler and the high profile cast that are connected to it.
Overview
The basic premise is that a couple of effective yet not by the book cops get caught up in the criminal underworld as the lines get more and more blurred for them.
https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/960x0/https%3A%2F%2Fblogs-images.forbes.com%2Flukethompson%2Ffiles%2F2019%2F04%2Fdragged1.jpg
What I liked
There is so much that I appreciated about this film. Firstly, I love the pace of the film, there is not much change in pace throughout, which is a risky strategy if you don't get it right, but I think Zahler does in perfectly. The pace is contstant throughout which somehow makes the film feel far more realistic that other films of a similar ilk.
It is shot beautifully too, with some great use of colour, light and shade and some excellent camera work, especially during some seemingly mundane scenes that are heavy with dialogue. There is one scene where Vaughn's character is eating a sandwich, and I found the scene briliant and there was so much feeling coming from the it, which is hard to do, when it is simply a man eating a sandwich.
I was also impressed by the acting, Vaughn and Gibson were excellent, but I was really impressed with Tory Kittles.
The story telling was also high quality, as rather than just focusing on the main players, it gives us a glimpse into the lives of those that are bit part players. It isn't needed, but I think that again it added a sense of realism to the whole experience.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmU0ZGZlODMtMjVlNy00M2MwLWI1ZjgtNjEzOGUwZWYxMmMzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXRyYW5zY29kZS13b3JrZmxvdw@@._V1_UX4 77_CR0,0,477,268_AL_.jpg
What could be better
For me, there was little that I could fault about this film, but as it is a review I will try and address some points that may be issues for others.
I was worried about the run time, which at 2h 39m is quite long, but for me it wasn't a huge issue for me as I was engaged throughout the film, and barely noticed the time. In fact, I didn't really want it to end.
There aren't many endearing characters in the film, which although I liked, others may have a problem with, There isn't really a clear good people v bad people situation.
There are flashes of violence and gore that you would associate with Zahler, but I didn't find it indulgent or out of place.
As I say, it is dialogue heavy and a one paced film and although I liked it, others that prefer more thrills and shifts in pace may not appreciate it.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smvt_gC1Vo8/XUlfbJVBoHI/AAAAAAABTIA/aN_6KvDj3mYKVZj7NIBNCk52qfSkLxD5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Dragged-Across-Concrete-giveaway.jpg
Overall
I loved this film and there was little that I could find that I didn't like. I think I liked it all the more as I knew nothing about it and I love it when a film that you don't know about surprises you.
It is one of those films that makes you ask yourself how you feel about each of the stories that are intertwined and about the situations that unfold. There are subtle yet strong emotional drivers throughout the story. Loved it!
4
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Uncut gems (2019)
What was good
I can see the appeal for many with this film. The story was ok and there was a good degree of tension in the film, particularly towards the end.
What I didn't like
The noise! Every scene was people screaming or a shocking sound track blaring out.
I was a bit bored.
I can't get away with Sandler playing a serious role.
The character was annoying
It was all just a bit meh.
Overall
It was ok, but no more than that for me. The last 30 minutes raised a good level of tension even if it was all a bit predicatable. I can see why others rate it, but it didn't do a lot for me.
2.5
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Aladdin (2018)
Probably my favourite of the Disney live action conversions, but that may be at least partly due to the fact that I wasn't a huge fan of the animated version.
The film looks great and Smith was superb. A lot of fun.
3.5
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Fishermans friends (2019)
Charming little feel good film based on a true story.
Was nothing new, but it was enchanting and perfect for a lazy afternoon.
3
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True Romance (1993)
Loved this film the first time I watched it 27 (TWENTY SEVEN)!!!! years ago, but can't remember watching it since. I was excited at the prospect of watching it again.
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What was good?
What a cast It reads like a hall of fame of tremendous actors, I had no idea that some of these people were in it. Everywhere you look there was quality. Slater and Arquette are the headliners, but a supporting cast including Hopper, Kilmer, Oldman,Pitt, Walken, Jackson, Gandolfini, Rapaport, Rubinek, Sizemore, Penn (Chris), Adonis and plenty more well known faces. Wall to wall acting royalty and it told.
The feeling of the film. One thing Tarantino does so well is weaving emotional hooks for the viewer amongst all of the twists, tension and violence. At the heart of this film is a simple story of love and devotion.
The whole film just oozes quality, from the car, to the characters, to Elvis, comic books and so much more.
What could have been even better?
Not much is the honest answer, but one thing is that there were some characters and indeed actors that were underused in the film. A big part of that is due to the sheer quality fo the writing and actors involved that it would have had at least a 17 hour run time to utilise them all fully.
Overall
Superb. A classic!
4
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American beauty (1999)
I had never previously watched this film, as despite the fuss surrounding it at the time it went in to that very small category of films that I just didn't fancy watching and each time I thought about it, I put it off again. I have done it with a few films and realised that I had missed out by not watching them earlier.
I also knew very little about it. I knew the basic premise of an older man fantasizing about a younger girl but that was it really.
So what did I think...?
I loved the feel of the film and the narration in the opening sequence, it really eased me in to to film and set the tone.
I liked the delving into the psyche of the characters and their interaction with one another as well as the personal turmoil that each was dealing with.
I am finding it difficult to sum up my reaction to this film if I am honest. I was engaged and drawn in and it is lingering in my thoughts afterwards, but I am not sure fully how I feel about it.
I was really engaged due to the fact that the outcome of the story is revealed at the beginning of the film but then there are multiple ways in which that outcome could be reached and it kept an air of mystery.
There is however still part of me left thinking, 'is that it?' I wanted more story,
The bit that I had, I enjoyed, but I wanted more, that maybe is indicative of the quality of the film that it left me wanting more.
I am sorry for the messiness of these thoughts, but I can't articulate how I feel.
I can see however, that it is a quality piece of film making with superb acting and an excellent sound track.
3.5
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Gandhi (1982)
To my shame I didn't/don't know much about Gandhi. I knew a few bits, enough to answer a couple of exam questions at school but not so much about the history or context of his cause, aside from the fact that he was instrumental in an independent India.
The film started with Gandhi already as an adult, which is unusual for a biopic.
This was preceded in the opening scene with a quote that explained the point that not everything could be included.
The film was beautifully shot and Kingsley was outstanding, but as impressed as I was with the film, I was more so with it's subject. The more I watched the film, the more inspired I was with the man and the more I wanted to learn about him. Alongside side that cam yet another reminder just how oppressive the Birtish Empire was in many cases. Obviously there is always dispute and disagreement on the accuracy of the account, especially as many people in the west only had a cursory knowledge of Gandhi. Also the portrayal of Jinnah has come in for a lot of criticism. With all of this going on, it is easy to see why it took Attenborough 20 years to make it. It is largely agreed though that the significant events are depicted accurately by those that were there.
I was impressed with the film, the story and the man, and am a little bit ashamed at how ignorant I was/am about what was happening in India at the time, and also a to a lesser degree about not previously having seen this film.
A superb film that I found inspiring and compelling in every aspect.
4
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Kings Speech (2010)
I had seen this film before and remembering enjoying it at the time without any particular details sticking in the memory. I remember the King seeking help to overcome a stammering issue.
The film looks outstanding, with some great camera work and a beautiful use of colours that make it aesthetically pleasing. The score also jumped out to me this time. I think that is largely due to the fact that I am more aware of film scores nowadays and that is largely due to this site.
This is a stellar cast. There are so many great actors involved and in such a line up and as well as Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush stand out particularly.
The story is about the relationship rather than the speech issue. The relationship between the two men was as fundemental if not more so than the techniques that Logue introduces.
It is also a story of perseverance that leads the viewer easily into empathy for the Monarch.
On the downside, there is not an awful lot of rise and fall in the pace or content of the film despite the fact that so much is actually happening in the backdrop of the film
Overall it is a simple film that is brought to life by superb cinematography, great acting and wonderful music, that brings in a feel good factor in a period of crisis for the British isles.
I enjoyed it more this time than the first time.
3.5
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Platoon (1986)
I have watched this recently, but not recently enough to write about my thoughts and feelings without watching it again.
I played the computer game (on the Commodore 64) before I ever watched this film, but I remember when I did watch the film as a teenager that I didn't really enjoy it, as back then I watched films through very different eyes.
This is another film with an All star cast and it was only on a recent viewing that I noticed Johnny Depp. There are so many good acting performances in this film and each one is utterly convincing. Berenger stands out for me as Sgt. Barnes. He produces a full and visceral perfromance.
There are so many strengths to this film and one of the biggest is the emotive nature of it that is a culmination of the acting, directing, score and subject matter.
The real highlight for me is in the raw and brutal insight into war and conflict.
Many similar films seem keen to nudge a viewer towards seeing the 'good guys; and the 'bad guys' but Platoon doesn't do that. It focuses more on the internal war that is raging within each of the American soldiers featured and how that spills out into them as a group. It drves home a little bit of the horror that occurs internally for those that find themselves in such situations and the psychological and moral toll that takes.
The scene in the village is a microcosm of the whole film and a pivitol moment for the characters and the viewer.
Oliver Stone plays a blinder as director and the score is eerily brilliant.
A film that is still as important now as it was when it was made.
Beautiful, Compelling and Brutal.
4
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Unforgiven (1992)
This is the third time that I have watched this film. The previous two times that I have watched it, I found myself enjoying it, but feeling that it was just slightly lacking in something.
It was the same story on the third viewing.
It's a great story of an old gunslinger with a questionable past, that has found himself somewhere near rock bottom, and he is presented with an opportunity to change that by a mouthy young kid. He sets out in pursuit of that opportunity, but that will mean that he has to return to the life that he had previously turned his back on.
The film is beautifully shot and well cast, but I feel that too much time is focused on areas that don't matter. For me there is too much dialogue on horseback or around a camp fire etc that leads to any action scenes feeling a bit rushed, particularly the culmination of the film. I also think that something is lost in the fact that there is two main story lines. I thinkit would be better if the focus was on catching those that Eastwood and his squad are pursuing or the scoundrel of a sheriff. Having both just seems to dlute it for me.
What I do like a lot is the step away from cliche. Munny is a complex character that hasn't been a pleasant character. The film doesn't seek to justify this or even to redeem him, so much as you can't fully buy into his noble aim. He isn't trying to earn redemption for the wrong that he has done, he just wants money. We don't see a likeable man under a tough, troubled exterior. He simply isn't that nice, which is refreshing, but it does make rooting for him fully a bit more of a leap, although Little Bill (Hackman) makes that a bit easier for the viewer. As I say, I found it refreshing to have a western that doesn't simply present us with the good guys to cheer for against the nasty bad guys, more so, it presents us with a choice of who is the least bad.
Overall, I found it complex and raw, yet it could be so much more. (unintentional rhyming)
4
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The Departed (2006)
There are only three films that I have seen that I rate more highly than Scorcese's offering of 'The Departed, and given that it is my nomination, this is a fairly straight forward review for me.
Beautifully directed, superb performances from an outstanding cast and a story that is full of twists and turns and a rising tension from the first scene to the very last.
I know that it is essentially a remake of 'Internal affairs' and although I enjoyed the original, I find this to be the far superior film.
That in large part is due to the acting. Di Caprio and Damon are superb (especially Di Caprio) but Nicholson as Castello is the headliner in this movie. Whitaker won the Oscar for his portrayal of Idi Amin, and I have no qualms about that as he was superb, but the fact that Nicholson wasn't nominated is frankly ridiculous or an indication of the high standard of performances in that year.
Wahlberg deserves a mention too, for his performance that did get a nomination.
The greatests thing about this film for me is the way that the tension builds throughout, There is a sense of imminent danger that flows through the duration of the film, due to the cat and mouse plot and the dangerous nature of some of the characters.
I remember actually holding my breath during certain parts of the film when I first watched it at the cinema.
A stunning film that I never tire of watching.
4.5
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Braveheart (1995)
A film about the Scottish people and their fight for FREEEEDOM, led by an initially unlikely hero in William Wallace.
When I first watched this film I was 16 years old and I loved it. The fight scenes, the revenge drivene plot, the noble pursuit of freedom. Beautifully made and well acted, I loved it.
Every subsequent viewing since has involved me noticing a new flaw that reduces my enjoyment of the film.
Upon the second viewing a few years later after 2 years of studying British History, I came to a relaisation of just how much any story had been butchered to lose almost any semblance of truth an accuracy.
I know many don't care about that and it's fine, but I couldn't unlearn what I had learned in my studies and it provided me with a fresh lens to view the film through, whether I wanted to or not.
My biggest issue with this aspect was,if you were going to move so far away from any truth, why not just change the name? Scot Mcscotsman or Walliam Willis would have eradicated half of the issues that I have with the film. Gladaitor did this, although based in real events and taken from real stories, maximus was largely fictional and an amalgamation of many characters.
An ancestors of William Wallace come out of this pretty well, but those of Robert the Bruce, Longshanks etc not so much.
I won't go into the other innaccuracies, if you are interested, just google it.
I am quite confident that I would have similar issues with Gandhi, The Kings Speech etc should the contested accuracy of those be so comprehensive.
As I had mentioned this before and I know some of people felt differently, I endeavoured to watch the film for the purposes of entertainment, and as much as I could, remove the issue of accuracy to real life.
I did that and although it helped a lot, I still had issues with the film.
Gibsons accent. A trivial issue, but irritating none the less.
I was invested in Gibson after Murrons death, then he just became a savage, and I went back to sympathy during the death scene. Again in contrast to Maxiums in Gladiator, where I backed him throughout.
There are a few scenes that I find nonsensical.
These include:
The lifting of the kilt scene - I find that it just trivialises the tension and fear in that moment.
The romance with the Princess - Not needed and ridiculous,
There were also things that I appreciate more on each viewing:
There are some tremendous cinematographic techniques used in the film. Subtle shots an imagery that really help the film. The sword being thrown at the end with the soft bagpipe music playing, the shots of the horses hooves in slo mo in some battle scenes etc.
Murron walking through the crowd at the end was equally as powerful.
Overall, I think life has soiled my enjoyment of the film. From being English to studying teh subject matter in some depth and using the film to do that in class.
This frustrates me because as I said I loved it on first viewing.
Many people love it though and in many ways it is easy to see why.
We all have opinions though and can voice them. That's the beneft of FREEDOM!
3.5
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Blinded by the light (2019)
A charming film about a young muslim boy whose family moved from Pakistan to Luton in England before he was born. It shows how he (Javed) is torn between cultures and although he has a passion for writing is struggling to release his inner voice.
Javed discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen which acts as a conduit for his own voice.
It's a great coming of age story with a stunning soundtrack, set against the backdrop of racism, music and self discovery.
3.5
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Spenser Confidential (2020)
We have seen it all before. Wahlbergin Boston playing an angry man that has to set something straight.
It is all familiar, but it works. Witty one liners, some decent fight scenes, dirty cops, and you get exactly what you would expect.
Not groundbreaking but decent enough to pass a couple of afternoon hours.
3
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Film: E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
Watched: 14th May 2021
Year of release: 1982
Format: Bly-ray
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Running time: 1hr 55mins
Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton
Rating: 4.5
An Alien is left behind on Earth and is discovered by a young boy called Elliot.
I loved this film as a child and I love it now.
Yes, film making techniques have moved on but this is timeless.
From the opening scene in the dark forest I am immersed. The use of light cutting through the darkness, the use of silhouettes, the majestic score from John Williams, the constant mist, the lack of dialogue, all combines perfectly to captivate the viewer and drag them right into the forest.
The direction of Spielberg is wonderful. This is clearly personal for him and as a viewer I could feel that.
The camera being at child eyeline height for the first half of the film is brilliant and with the exception of Mary, every other adult is only seen up to the waist. It changes later, but it is such a clever aspect of the film.
The story absolutely magical and brings all the feels. This is a film ultimately about friendship, and the ability that it has to transcend difference, language and everything else.
The mix of Spielberg, Williams and the cast, all at the top of their game works brilliantly to create this classic piece of cinema.
A timeless classic and a masterpiece of film making. Simply superb!
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A troubled young woman from Glasgow pursues her dream to become a country star in Nashville.
.
This is one of those films that I knew little about and I was pleasantly surprised. I love it when that happens.
It is raw, gritty and real.
The writing is strong, the direction is really good but the real strength lies in the characters, particularly the central character Rose-Lynn. I had little sympathy with her in the beginning and actually felt dislike for her, but that changed all of a sudden at a particular point in the story. I then went on to wonder of my feelings were misplaced as the story unfolds.
A story about how tough life can be, especially when your dreams seem to be a million miles away. It’s a story of life, that is made with quality throughout.
An emotive journey that had me hooked.
I really enjoyed it!
A quality sound track too.
4
Optimus
05-20-21, 08:30 AM
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Unforgiven (1992)
This is the third time that I have watched this film. The previous two times that I have watched it, I found myself enjoying it, but feeling that it was just slightly lacking in something.
It was the same story on the third viewing.
It's a great story of an old gunslinger with a questionable past, that has found himself somewhere near rock bottom, and he is presented with an opportunity to change that by a mouthy young kid. He sets out in pursuit of that opportunity, but that will mean that he has to return to the life that he had previously turned his back on.
The film is beautifully shot and well cast, but I feel that too much time is focused on areas that don't matter. For me there is too much dialogue on horseback or around a camp fire etc that leads to any action scenes feeling a bit rushed, particularly the culmination of the film. I also think that something is lost in the fact that there is two main story lines. I thinkit would be better if the focus was on catching those that Eastwood and his squad are pursuing or the scoundrel of a sheriff. Having both just seems to dlute it for me.
What I do like a lot is the step away from cliche. Munny is a complex character that hasn't been a pleasant character. The film doesn't seek to justify this or even to redeem him, so much as you can't fully buy into his noble aim. He isn't trying to earn redemption for the wrong that he has done, he just wants money. We don't see a likeable man under a tough, troubled exterior. He simply isn't that nice, which is refreshing, but it does make rooting for him fully a bit more of a leap, although Little Bill (Hackman) makes that a bit easier for the viewer. As I say, I found it refreshing to have a western that doesn't simply present us with the good guys to cheer for against the nasty bad guys, more so, it presents us with a choice of who is the least bad.
Overall, I found it complex and raw, yet it could be so much more. (unintentional rhyming)
4
I absolutely loved this film. I haven’t seen it in a while, but I remember really enjoying it.
Wyldesyde19
05-20-21, 02:13 PM
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Film: E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
Watched: 14th May 2021
Year of release: 1982
Format: Bly-ray
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Running time: 1hr 55mins
Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton
Rating: 4.5
An Alien is left behind on Earth and is discovered by a young boy called Elliot.
I loved this film as a child and I love it now.
Yes, film making techniques have moved on but this is timeless.
From the opening scene in the dark forest I am immersed. The use of light cutting through the darkness, the use of silhouettes, the majestic score from John Williams, the constant mist, the lack of dialogue, all combines perfectly to captivate the viewer and drag them right into the forest.
The direction of Spielberg is wonderful. This is clearly personal for him and as a viewer I could feel that.
The camera being at child eyeline height for the first half of the film is brilliant and with the exception of Mary, every other adult is only scene up to the waist. It changes later, but it is such a clever aspect of the film.
The story absolutely magical and brings all the feels. This is a film ultimately about friendship, and the ability that it has to transcend difference, language and everything else.
The mix of Spielberg, Williams and the cast, all at the top of their game works brilliantly to create this classic piece of cinema.
A timeless classic and a masterpiece of film making. Simply superb!
ET is a such an amazing film. I agree with everything you’ve said.
Bravo
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