The Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame II

[cricket]

I don't remember Black Orpheus well as I only watched it once for the 50's countdown. My records tell me I saw it as a good, lively film that wasn't really my type. It appears that it was a very good recommendation.

[gbgoodies]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/70/88/9a/70889a18f1c94baa5523843c205ea573.jpg


Strangers on a Train

Senator Morton: Be guided by my experience. Never lose any sleep over accusations. Unless they can be proved, of course.

Considering how much I enjoy Alfred Hitchcock it is kinda funny the number of his films I have NOT seen when it comes to his top films, such as this little gem. Though "Raymond Chandler is credited as the main author of the script, it was almost completely written by Czenzi Ormonde, who was credited as the second author". Still, the wit of the dialogue adds to both the well-orchestrated pace along with the entertainment value of this "attempt at a perfect murder".
Speaking of perfect murders, the man who finds himself caught up in this, Guy Haines, is played by Farley Granger who was another unwilling participant in Hitchcock's Rope (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040746/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_26). While the man proposing the exchanging of possible murder victims is played by Robert Walker, who, sadly, died the summer this film was released. It is said his role as the charming psychotic had sealed his place in future leading roles. Watching him I fully agree.

Hitchcock does some excellent camera shots, as is his norm, in this film. Playing with the tension and suspense with, at this point, true Hitchcockian style. Such as the dark bedroom scene as Guy confronts Bruno, tossing the german luger (pistol) down. Hitchcock's camera placement is ideal as Bruno picks it up and follows Guy out to the stairs, the pistol trained on Guy as he slowly walks down the stairs. Almost daring Bruno to shoot him.
I also loved Bruno's stalking of Guy's wife, Miriam, at the carnival.

This was a great watch and definitely one I really should have checked out a long time ago. So thanks to whoever nominated it for me.


I've always felt that Strangers on a Train is one of Hitchcock's best, and most underseen and underrated movies.

[cricket]

Across the Universe

https://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2ahe4mDb21ql0m85o1_500.gif

This movie is on the female directors list.

Wiki describes it as a jukebox musical romantic drama film. That's not a genre description I recall ever hearing so I was intrigued, but truth be told it's not a movie I would have ever picked on my own. I read the synopsis to my wife a couple weeks back to see if it was one she'd watch with me. After about every 3 words she would emphatically say no, and by the time I finished 2 sentences she said it sounded like something that would make her want to slit her wrists. She said that whoever picked it for me probably didn't like me very much. I figured it was the odds on favorite to finish last on my ballot.

Minutes 0-5: This is weird

Minutes 5-10: This might be ok

Minutes 10-15: There might be some great things in this

Minutes 15-20: I'm hooked

It's a fairly loose narrative. A young man from Liverpool heads to America, he finds a friend, and meets a girl. It's set during the crazy time of the Vietnam War, the protests, and everything that goes with it. There's a lot of things that happen in the movie that another movie would explore. For example, a character re-enters the movie with a bruised face after being beaten by her boyfriend, but it's never brought up again. This movie is not about exactly what happens in our lives, but more about what we go through in life and how we feel. And I mean it when I say we. I don't think it's as much about the characters as it is about everybody.

https://24.media.tumblr.com/9163022ee12a1765792e6d519ae93a2c/tumblr_mmr7f0k67u1sp870wo1_500.gif

The hook of the movie is that the characters sing Beatles songs. As first my thought was, I'd rather hear The Beatles sing the songs themselves. It works out brilliantly though, and it's hard to explain why. Personally, many of my favorite songs are favorites because I associate them with experiences I've had and people I love. I thought of my own life while watching the characters relate the music to their experiences. We feel the joy and hardships that they go through and that we've been through. All of the characters are named after Beatles songs and there's a lot of, not sure what it's called, but sort of like inside jokes. Except they're not jokes and I can't even explain it right now.

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/PracticalUncomfortableGoldenretriever-small.gif

The cast is very likable and I had no issues with anybody. There's a certain fantastical element, but it's more about how we think than what actually happens. It's a very creative and original film. It made me happy and it made me cry. I don't know if it's a great movie but if not it's a special one. Who the hell picked this for me and why? I feel like nobody could have predicted my reaction. I have watched many incredible movies that were recommended to me by other members over the years. This time I felt like I was given a gift so thank you.

5

[Takoma11]

[CENTER]Across the Universe

The hook of the movie is that the characters sing Beatles songs. As first my thought was, I'd rather hear The Beatles sing the songs themselves. It works out brilliantly though, and it's hard to explain why. Personally, many of my favorite songs are favorites because I associate them with experiences I've had and people I love. I thought of my own life while watching the characters relate the music to their experiences. We feel the joy and hardships that they go through and that we've been through. All of the characters are named after Beatles songs and there's a lot of, not sure what it's called, but sort of like inside jokes. Except they're not jokes and I can't even explain it right now.

Glad you liked it. While I was maybe more mixed on the reimaginings of the songs, some of them are pretty great (like turning "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" into a fraught lesbian plea, or "I Want You" into a dark army recruitment sequence).

Have you seen Taymor's Titus or Frida? Both also really show off her amazing visual sensibilities. Titus is kind of a nasty piece of work (because, well, the play is a pretty nasty piece of work). Frida has a pretty great lead performance from Salma Hayek.

[Citizen Rules]

Across the Universe

This movie is on the female directors list.

Wiki describes it as a jukebox musical romantic drama film. That's not a genre description I recall ever hearing so I was intrigued, but truth be told it's not a movie I would have ever picked on my own. I read the synopsis to my wife a couple weeks back to see if it was one she'd watch with me. After about every 3 words she would emphatically say no, and by the time I finished 2 sentences she said it sounded like something that would make her want to slit her wrists. She said that whoever picked it for me probably didn't like me very much. I figured it was the odds on favorite to finish last on my ballot.

Minutes 0-5: This is weird

Minutes 5-10: This might be ok

Minutes 10-15: There might be some great things in this

Minutes 15-20: I'm hooked

rating_5
Gosh, that seems like something I'd love. It sounds like very unique and fresh film making. See someone knew what they were doing when they picked that for you;)

[Siddon]

That was my pick for Cricket...everyone else got something specific but Cricket's list was a little to tricky


That was my second biggest risk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZC-qQ6qA20

[Miss Vicky]

Across the Universe sounds like something I’d absolutely despise.

[Citizen Rules]

That was my pick for Cricket...everyone else got something specific but Cricket's list was a little to tricky

That was my second biggest riskNice choice! I have to say Siddon I'm impressed with your diverse taste in films. I'm not sure what you picked for me, but I'd bet it would figure high on my voting list.

[Siddon]

Across the Universe sounds like something I’d absolutely despise.



That was my second biggest risk



https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DapperAgileHowlermonkey-small.gif


and here's number #1


Frankly it's better than the trash y'all picked for me

[Miss Vicky]

Frankly it's better than the trash y'all picked for me

You haven’t even started this HOF so are in no position to call anything “trash.” You also have four movies left for the 23rd and less than a week to get them done.

[Siddon]

Nice choice! I have to say Siddon I'm impressed with your diverse taste in films. I'm not sure what you picked for me, but I'd bet it would figure high on my voting list.


Yeah it'll do better than Blimp did..I don't think I've gotten a bad review from any of my picks yet

[Citizen Rules]

Yeah it'll do better than Blimp did..I don't think I've gotten a bad review from any of my picks yetI don't know what you picked for me of course, but I'm guessing it's something I haven't watched...and all the films I have left have a good chance of me liking them, especially one of them.

[Siddon]

You haven’t even started this HOF so are in no position to call anything “trash.” You also have four movies left for the 23rd and less than a week to get them done.


I've finished every Hall of Fame I've ever done Miss Vicky don't worry you're persnickety little head.



Who knows maybe I'll finish both Halls this week

[cricket]

Have you seen Taymor's Titus or Frida? Both also really show off her amazing visual sensibilities. Titus is kind of a nasty piece of work (because, well, the play is a pretty nasty piece of work). Frida has a pretty great lead performance from Salma Hayek.

Seen both, but long enough ago that I don't remember them well and even if I could, it would probably have very little to do with how I liked them now.

[cricket]

Across the Universe sounds like something I’d absolutely despise.

I thought about what your reaction would be while I was watching it. You're probably right, although it's the type of movie that I would normally hate as well. It helps that I'm a sucker for movies set during that time period. I tried to imagine a connection to Hedwig but that has a whole different attitude about it.

[Wyldesyde19]

[QUOTE=Siddon;2141324
Frankly it's better than the trash y'all picked for me[/QUOTE]

This quote bothers me quite a bit. I put a lot of thought into my pick for you, and if you’re disappointed in it, that’s one thing, but needing to refer to everything as trash is, frankly, uncalled for.

[edarsenal]

I've always felt that Strangers on a Train is one of Hitchcock's best, and most underseen and underrated movies.
Having watched it I would agree.

I remember watching something a few decades back about Hitchcock regarding his camera style and technical prowess as a Director and the image I used was one of the ones that I remember from it and always stuck with me.

[edarsenal]

I've had Across the Universe on my watchlist ever since hearing a few folks raving about it a couple of years back and the fact that you got hooked in the first 20 min, cricket REALLY raises it's position to a "Truly Need To See". Loved the review and the gifs used.
As well as the youtube link, Siddon -- THANKS
Also, had no idea it was the same person who did Titus -- which I love and Frida -- which I'm dying to see, so thank you Takoma11 for sharing that.

[cricket]

I've got the DVDs for The Help and Good Night and Good Luck. Just waiting for the chance when my wife and I can watch them together. I could watch something else in the meantime.

[Citizen Rules]

I've got the DVDs for The Help and Good Night and Good Luck. Just waiting for the chance when my wife and I can watch them together. I could watch something else in the meantime. I liked The Help sort of, it looked good. Though the poo-pie was all kinds of wrong...though you might get a laugh out of it.

I really liked Good Night and Good Luck but oddly enough I can't remember why I liked it? I can't even remember what it's about. I think it's a biopic about a famous 1950s journalist? I guess that means I should see it again.

[Miss Vicky]

the poo-pie was all kinds of wrong

Wrong in all the right ways.

[Citizen Rules]

Wrong in all the right ways.So you're saying you like poo pie;)

[Miss Vicky]

So you're saying you like poo pie;)

I like seeing Hilly eat it.

[Citizen Rules]

I like seeing Hilly eat it.I don't remember who Hilly was, must have been one of the white women I'm guessing. I wonder if one would know if they'd been served poo pie? Me? I'm safe I don't eat pie. Do you like pie?

[Miss Vicky]

Depends on the pie.

[Hey Fredrick]

Depends on the pie.

I can see this going off the rails pretty quick, but that's just me. I'll take pie over cake every day as a dessert. Pecan, strawberry-rhubarb and cherry pies are the BEST!

[Thursday Next]

3:10 to Yuma

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2007/09/06/arts/07yuma-600.jpg

Westerns have never been my favourite genre, but I have been watching more recently, mostly for the mofo Western Top 100. 3:10 to Yuma was on my list of Westerns to watch but I didn’t get round to it in time for the countdown. I think if I had, it might well have figured on my ballot.

This is a decent movie; what I liked most about it were the slight shifts and ambiguities in character – right up until the end you couldn’t tell whether bravery or cowardice, decency or self-interest would win out in these men. It was quite tense at times as well, especially toward the end when they are holed up in the hotel. Russell Crowe was good as Ben Wade. I liked the ending.

At times towards the start I thought it was a little too clean and modern looking, but by the end everyone is looking sufficiently sweaty and beaten up. There is also still a limit to my tolerance for shoot outs, so I wouldn’t have complained had it been fifteen minutes shorter.

I would guess that Miss Vicky picked this for me, as I know she likes it.

[Miss Vicky]

I would guess that Miss Vicky picked this for me, as I know she likes it.

Yeah, this was one of the more obviously "me" picks. It's a former top ten (and may well end up on my All-Time ballot). Of course I wasn't expecting that level of love from anyone else, but I didn't know what to pick for you and I'm glad you seem to like it.

[cricket]

A good pick for Thursday, not only for the sake of variety, but because it's a pretty good flick.

[Citizen Rules]

I prefer the original 3:10 to Yuma (1957).

[Miss Vicky]

I prefer the original 3:10 to Yuma (1957).

I hated the ending to the original and it ruined the whole movie for me.

[Citizen Rules]

I hated the ending to the original and it ruined the whole movie for me.I liked the newer version of 3:10 to Yuma, but only to a point. What hurts the films believability is the fakey scene where Russell Crowe is strung up & hanging from a platform and can't get free as his feet don't touch the ground...But then amazingly when the scene calls for it, a deus ex machina moment happens and he's as free as a jaybird so he can join the fight...That's where the film lost credibility.

[Miss Vicky]

I liked the newer version of 3:10 to Yuma, but only to a point. What hurts the films believability is the fakey scene where Russell Crowe is strung up & hanging from a platform and can't get free as his feet don't touch the ground...But then amazingly when the scene calls for it, a deus ex machina moment happens and he's as free as a jaybird so he can join the fight...That's where the film lost credibility.

I'm not sure where you're getting that his feet don't touch the ground? His feet aren't shown at all and he's at eye level with the guy torturing him so there's nothing that I see to imply he's hanging. Sure, his cuffs are hooked to something over his head and he somehow manages to get them unhooked, but I see nothing to indicate that he can't stand up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2w6cby5ZSg

[Citizen Rules]

It's been awhile since I seen it, but the jest of the scene defied logic. It was poorly done and if Crowe could so easily have gotten away from being tied up like that, why didn't he? Anyway it's a decent movie, though I still prefer the original.

[edarsenal]

3:10 to Yuma

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2007/09/06/arts/07yuma-600.jpg

Westerns have never been my favourite genre, but I have been watching more recently, mostly for the mofo Western Top 100. 3:10 to Yuma was on my list of Westerns to watch but I didn’t get round to it in time for the countdown. I think if I had, it might well have figured on my ballot.

This is a decent movie; what I liked most about it were the slight shifts and ambiguities in character – right up until the end you couldn’t tell whether bravery or cowardice, decency or self-interest would win out in these men. It was quite tense at times as well, especially toward the end when they are holed up in the hotel. Russell Crowe was good as Ben Wade. I liked the ending.

At times towards the start I thought it was a little too clean and modern looking, but by the end everyone is looking sufficiently sweaty and beaten up. There is also still a limit to my tolerance for shoot outs, so I wouldn’t have complained had it been fifteen minutes shorter.

I would guess that Miss Vicky picked this for me, as I know she likes it.

Yeah, this was one of the more obviously "me" picks. It's a former top ten (and may well end up on my All-Time ballot). Of course I wasn't expecting that level of love from anyone else, but I didn't know what to pick for you and I'm glad you seem to like it.

A good pick for Thursday, not only for the sake of variety, but because it's a pretty good flick.

I prefer the original 3:10 to Yuma (1957).

It took me till the most recent Top 100 Westerns to finally see the original, which I thoroughly enjoyed and cannot put one above the other except that the remake has a little more detail into Evans's family life and brings a little more flash. Including a scene-stealing Ben Foster as Wade's #2 man, Charlie Prince.
While the original has a more grounded rendition. I did notice in watching the original I saw a lot of nuances in Glenn Ford's performance that caused me to picture Russell Crowe studying it as well as adapting it to his own portrayal of Wade.

So, love them both and would watch them on their separate and equally enjoyable merits.

[edarsenal]

It's been awhile since I seen it, but the jest of the scene defied logic. It was poorly done and if Crowe could so easily have gotten away from being tied up like that, why didn't he? Anyway it's a decent movie, though I still prefer the original.
Could be that there were a few guys with guns watching him before the rescue occurred and Wade is, after all, a patient, calculating individual. Knowing better to wait for the right moment and act then.

[Miss Vicky]

It's been awhile since I seen it, but the jest of the scene defied logic. It was poorly done and if Crowe could so easily have gotten away from being tied up like that, why didn't he? Anyway it's a decent movie, though I still prefer the original.

Well, we didn't see what exactly happened before the others got there and rescued him, but dude was being electrocuted. I imagine it's a little hard to fight back when that's happening, especially if you're in cuffs. So he waited until his torturer was distracted and, you know, not electrocuting him anymore.

Also, the word you're looking for is gist. Jest means to joke.

[Citizen Rules]

Well, we didn't see what exactly happened before the others got there and rescued him, but dude was being electrocuted. I imagine it's a little hard to fight back when that's happening, especially if you're in cuffs. So he waited until his torturer was distracted and, you know, not electrocuting him anymore.

Also, the word you're looking for is gist. Jest means to joke.Ah, thank you kindly for pointing out my spelling error, I guess that invalidates my opinion now:lol:

[Citizen Rules]

Well, we didn't see what exactly happened before the others got there and rescued him, but dude was being electrocuted. I imagine it's a little hard to fight back when that's happening, especially if you're in cuffs. So he waited until his torturer was distracted and, you know, not electrocuting him anymore.
You're stating that like it's a fact, when it's pure conjecture. That's something Zotis use to do too, he couldn't accept that people had different opinions of his favorite movies...dude would argue until the cows came home, silly really to waste time like that. Anyway I'm not wasting any more time on this. I found the scene silly and I (believe) I mentioned that somewhere on the board before. Gotta get back to real life and work.

[Miss Vicky]

You're stating that like it's a fact, when it's pure conjecture.

Except I am not stating it as fact. In the sentence immediately before the one you bolded, I said I imagine it’s a little hard to fight back while being electrocuted. I didn’t think I needed to use a qualifier in every single sentence of my post, especially when one sentence is a continuation on the subject of the other. In any case, if you watch the scene, you can clearly see that he doesn’t fight back until Doc Potter takes that first swing with the shovel. Sure I’m making assumptions about why he waited, but it’s a much safer conclusion to make than saying his feet don’t reach the ground and again I never stated it as fact. You are free and welcome to not like the scene, but when you post that opinion in public on a movie forum, you open yourself up to argument.

Also, I pointed out your misuse of the word jest because it genuinely confused me at first and I had to reread the sentence to get what you actually meant. Pointing out an error does not automatically mean someone is trying to invalidate your statement. Not everything is an attack.

[Citizen Rules]

...Also, I pointed out your misuse of the word jest because it genuinely confused me at first and I had to reread the sentence to get what you actually meant. Pointing out an error does not automatically mean someone is trying to invalidate your statement. Not everything is an attack.'Attack'?...Who said anything about attack? I'm not sure why you would even think that?

[Thursday Next]

Paper Moon

https://d2e111jq13me73.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/share_link_image_large/public/screenshots/csm-movie/paper-moon-ss1.jpg?itok=JNibnUiP

Not sure why I haven’t watched this before. I guess I don’t always like the idea of kid movies. Even though in reality there are some pretty good ones. I had some reservations when it started in black and white with the director’s name Peter Bogdanovich as I thought it was going to be ‘The Last Picture Show’ all over again, but it had more charm than TLPS and I warmed to it. I liked the double act of the main two characters, I liked the back and forth dialogue, I liked that the girl was basically better at cons and looking after the money than the con-artist. I thought it was witty and charming without being too sentimental. That said, I do think they dragged the ending out a bit long. Tatum O’Neal was great as Addie though.

Good movie, I can tell already I’m going to have trouble ordering my list.

I don’t know who picked this – maybe Cricket?

[Citizen Rules]

Paper Moon

https://d2e111jq13me73.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/share_link_image_large/public/screenshots/csm-movie/paper-moon-ss1.jpg?itok=JNibnUiP

Not sure why I haven’t watched this before. I guess I don’t always like the idea of kid movies. Even though in reality there are some pretty good ones. I had some reservations when it started in black and white with the director’s name Peter Bogdanovich as I thought it was going to be ‘The Last Picture Show’ all over again, but it had more charm than TLPS and I warmed to it. I liked the double act of the main two characters, I liked the back and forth dialogue, I liked that the girl was basically better at cons and looking after the money than the con-artist. I thought it was witty and charming without being too sentimental. That said, I do think they dragged the ending out a bit long. Tatum O’Neal was great as Addie though.

Good movie, I can tell already I’m going to have trouble ordering my list.

I don’t know who picked this – maybe Cricket?Paper Moon was picked for me last time, I loved it and I believe I ranked it as my #1 film. For me it's one of those films I could watch again, though I haven't done so.

[Wyldesyde19]

Paper Moon was also picked for me, so I’m looking forward to it. I think someone else had it nominated for them as well?

[Miss Vicky]

I thought Paper Moon was pretty good and I voted for it for the 70s list.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

Paper Moon

https://d2e111jq13me73.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/share_link_image_large/public/screenshots/csm-movie/paper-moon-ss1.jpg?itok=JNibnUiP

Not sure why I haven’t watched this before. I guess I don’t always like the idea of kid movies. Even though in reality there are some pretty good ones. I had some reservations when it started in black and white with the director’s name Peter Bogdanovich as I thought it was going to be ‘The Last Picture Show’ all over again, but it had more charm than TLPS and I warmed to it. I liked the double act of the main two characters, I liked the back and forth dialogue, I liked that the girl was basically better at cons and looking after the money than the con-artist. I thought it was witty and charming without being too sentimental. That said, I do think they dragged the ending out a bit long. Tatum O’Neal was great as Addie though.

Good movie, I can tell already I’m going to have trouble ordering my list.

I don’t know who picked this – maybe Cricket?

i believe this was my pick for you. glad you liked it!

[cricket]

Paper Moon is a movie that'd be a good pick for just about anybody.

[edarsenal]

Used to watch Paper Moon as a kid when it came on regular TV's Night at the Movies quite often and had rewatched it a year or two ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. And, yeah, cricket, it would be a good nom for just about anybody.

[Citizen Rules]

69042
Good Will Hunting (1997)

This is going to go middle of the pack for me, 3 like most of the movie choices I've watched so far. It was an OK watch, it made me appreciate Matt Damon more. Previously I'd liked him as an actor but thought he was kinda blasé.

I've said before that I don't care for Robin Williams in movies...though he was a dynamic guest on late night talk shows. As I kinda expected he was able to play a more troubled, straight role with much veracity. Most talented comedians are able to give a damn fine dramatic accounting of themselves when given half a chance to shed the comedy stuff. When Robin went into his free form improv, his character belief faded momentarily for me. Luckily he didn't do that much and overall he was solid.

As much as I don't like Ben Affleck, I think he's limited in his characterizations...I did like Casey Affleck here. Casey was by far the finest actor in the film.

I'm impressed that a young Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won a Best Writing Oscar for the script. That's a big feather in their hats. But truth be told it wasn't a well written script as far as I'm concerned. The scenes were packed with too much repetitive dialogue that was suppose to be deep and or clever. This caused the scenes to loose their punch and end up more as a writing exercise than deeply reflective.

What redeemed the movie were the moments when the truth of the subject matter rang out hard with a harsh truth. Especially the scenes were Minnie Driver is being dumped by Will (Matt Damon) who'd too afraid to live and risk.

Good choice for me thought, I'd have chosen it myself.

[Wyldesyde19]

69042
Good Will Hunting (1997)

This is going to go middle of the pack for me, 3 like most of the movie choices I've watched so far. It was an OK watch, it made me appreciate Matt Damon more. Previously I'd liked him as an actor but thought he was kinda blasé.

I've said before that I don't care for Robin Williams in movies...though he was a dynamic guest on late night talk shows. As I kinda expected he was able to play a more troubled, straight role with much veracity. Most talented comedians are able to give a damn fine dramatic accounting of themselves when given half a chance to shed the comedy stuff. When Robin went into his free form improv, his character belief faded momentarily for me. Luckily he didn't do that much and overall he was solid.

As much as I don't like Ben Affleck, I think he's limited in his characterizations...I did like Casey Affleck here. Casey was by far the finest actor in the film.

I'm impressed that a young Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won a Best Writing Oscar for the script. That's a big feather in their hats. But truth be told it wasn't a well written script as far as I'm concerned. The scenes were packed with too much repetitive dialogue that was suppose to be deep and or clever. This caused the scenes to loose their punch and end up more as a writing exercise than deeply reflective.

What redeemed the movie were the moments when the truth of the subject matter rang out hard with a harsh truth. Especially the scenes were Minnie Driver is being dumped by Will (Matt Damon) who'd too afraid to live and risk.

Good choice for me thought, I'd have chosen it myself.


I love this film, and chose it for you. I can accept a middle of the pack placement, as long as I avoid many low end placements and have more top four placements to improve my spot from the first HOF.
Shame you didn’t enjoy it more, but I still feel it was a good pick for you this time

[Miss Vicky]

I didn’t care at all for Good Will Hunting.

[Citizen Rules]

I love this film, and chose it for you. I can accept a middle of the pack placement, as long as I avoid many low end placements and have more top four placements to improve my spot from the first HOF.
Shame you didn’t enjoy it more, but I still feel it was a good pick for you this timeIt was a wise choice for me, and like I said it's a 3/5 with moments of greatness. So glad to have watched it and thanks! (there's for sure some movies I didn't like here and one I really liked).

[gbgoodies]

69042
Good Will Hunting (1997)

This is going to go middle of the pack for me, 3 like most of the movie choices I've watched so far. It was an OK watch, it made me appreciate Matt Damon more. Previously I'd liked him as an actor but thought he was kinda blasé.

I've said before that I don't care for Robin Williams in movies...though he was a dynamic guest on late night talk shows. As I kinda expected he was able to play a more troubled, straight role with much veracity. Most talented comedians are able to give a damn fine dramatic accounting of themselves when given half a chance to shed the comedy stuff. When Robin went into his free form improv, his character belief faded momentarily for me. Luckily he didn't do that much and overall he was solid.

As much as I don't like Ben Affleck, I think he's limited in his characterizations...I did like Casey Affleck here. Casey was by far the finest actor in the film.

I'm impressed that a young Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won a Best Writing Oscar for the script. That's a big feather in their hats. But truth be told it wasn't a well written script as far as I'm concerned. The scenes were packed with too much repetitive dialogue that was suppose to be deep and or clever. This caused the scenes to loose their punch and end up more as a writing exercise than deeply reflective.

What redeemed the movie were the moments when the truth of the subject matter rang out hard with a harsh truth. Especially the scenes were Minnie Driver is being dumped by Will (Matt Damon) who'd too afraid to live and risk.

Good choice for me thought, I'd have chosen it myself.




I thought you would have liked Good Will Hunting more than this. It's my second favorite Robin Williams movie, (behind Dead Poets Society).

[cricket]

I thought about picking Good Will Hunting for you CR, and I think it's awesome. Great use of Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street and Kelly's Roast Beef is all that.

[MovieGal]

As much as I don't like Ben Affleck


I feel the same way.. I cant stand him.. its actually his voice that drives me to dislike him...

Thats why the only two movies I like him in is "To The Wonder" and "The Accountant".. he barely talks.

[Miss Vicky]

I used to hate Ben Affleck, but with State of Play and Gone Girl he's grown on me and now I don't mind him. I still don't like Matt Damon or Casey Affleck though.

[Citizen Rules]

I thought about picking Good Will Hunting for you CR, and I think it's awesome. Great use of Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street and Kelly's Roast Beef is all that.I thought about you while watching Good Will Hunting, (that sounds creepy! ha) But really, the reason why is the movie was set in Boston and aren't you in Boston? So I could see that being one reason why you would have considered this as a choice for me.

[cricket]

I thought about you while watching Good Will Hunting, (that sounds creepy! ha) But really, the reason why is the movie was set in Boston and aren't you in Boston? So I could see that being one reason why you would have considered this as a choice for me.

And I always seem to have an extra affinity for Boston set movies like Good Will Hunting, The Town, The Departed, Patriot's Day, etc., etc.

[Siddon]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9b/82/ce/9b82cec43c79884a3265b35e910729e9.jpg

Beverly Hills Cop(1984) is a fairly dated film it's very strange to watch something that feels like a TV pilot today and realize this was a major motion picture. So many times I was watching this film I kept thinking was this meant to be a movie because it feels like three episodes of Brooklyn 99 strung together. This is Eddie Murphys' weakest acting performance of his career it's really shocking to see this was made after 48 hours and Trading Places because it seemed like he took a step back.


With that said...I did enjoy the film I found the humor worked really well even though not really PC and pretty dated. Brest does a great job bringing in straight men of different variety (Jonathan Banks, Ronny Cox, and John Ashton) and they do a good job selling Murphy's act. Eddie's bits are pretty great even if they don't really make a whole lot of sense when you give the film a degree of scrutiny but in the end I would tepidly recommend this film.



3

[edarsenal]

I feel the same way.. I cant stand him.. its actually his voice that drives me to dislike him...

Thats why the only two movies I like him in is "To The Wonder" and "The Accountant".. he barely talks.

I was surprised to see how much I did enjoy him in The Accountant. Very good film.

[cricket]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9b/82/ce/9b82cec43c79884a3265b35e910729e9.jpg

Beverly Hills Cop(1984) is a fairly dated film it's very strange to watch something that feels like a TV pilot today and realize this was a major motion picture. So many times I was watching this film I kept thinking was this meant to be a movie because it feels like three episodes of Brooklyn 99 strung together. This is Eddie Murphys' weakest acting performance of his career it's really shocking to see this was made after 48 hours and Trading Places because it seemed like he took a step back.


With that said...I did enjoy the film I found the humor worked really well even though not really PC and pretty dated. Brest does a great job bringing in straight men of different variety (Jonathan Banks, Ronny Cox, and John Ashton) and they do a good job selling Murphy's act. Eddie's bits are pretty great even if they don't really make a whole lot of sense when you give the film a degree of scrutiny but in the end I would tepidly recommend this film.



rating_3

There no other kind of humor I'd want.


Sly Stallone was set to play the lead but he was trying to steer the movie more into action territory.

[Citizen Rules]

I've not seen Beverly Hills Cop, not planning on it either. It doesn't sound like anything I'd love, though I doubt I'd hate it.

[Miss Vicky]

I liked Beverly Hills Cop a lot when I was a kid, but I kind of doubt that I'd like it now.

[cricket]

I've not seen Beverly Hills Cop, not planning on it either. It doesn't sound like anything I'd love, though I doubt I'd hate it.

It depends how much you like prime Eddie Murphy. I love prime Eddie Murphy and think that was one of the best things about the 80s.

[Citizen Rules]

It depends how much you like prime Eddie Murphy. I love prime Eddie Murphy and think that was one of the best things about the 80s. I'm neutral on Eddie Murphy movies, but I think I've only seen one? He was great on SNL though.

[cricket]

I'm neutral on Eddie Murphy movies, but I think I've only seen one? He was great on SNL though.

48 Hours, Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop are the best. After that he started to lose his edge. Still some good movies but not the same. I think Trading Places is practically a masterpiece.

[Wyldesyde19]

Beverly Hills Cop still holds up. Decent comedy.

[Citizen Rules]

I seen Trading Places, and it was OK, but not my thing.

[rauldc14]

I liked Beverly Hills Cop, but Life is my favorite for Murphy comedies.

[cricket]

I liked Beverly Hills Cop, but Life is my favorite for Murphy comedies.

I just saw Life about a year ago. It was good.

[Hey Fredrick]

Saw Beverly Hills Cop in the theater when it was released and the crowd loved it. I can only think of 2 or 3 other movies that I saw in a theater that got as many big laughs as BHC. As far as his other films Trading Places does nothing for me, 48 hours is very good and The Golden Child is a guilty pleasure. I've heard good things about Life but haven't seen it yet.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Ghost World

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

3

I could see myself loving this film had I seen it ten years ago. It has that indie feel that you just don't get anymore and the creative team behind the film seems to have a deep love for the source material. Ghost World is an odd film that pairs two unlikable leads and tries to get you to like them by the end. Mission failed. That's not to say I didn't like the film, on the contrary, I liked it very much, but I was never on board with these two girls as decent people.

Finding yourself in this world is a tough task and one that we ask of young people a lot. The moment in the film when the girls are looking around at the other classmates during the dance and talking about how they will never see these people again got to me a little. It made me think about the people I used to see every day of my life and now...I don't even check up on them on facebook. Whoever you are when you're a kid is different when you're a teenager and is different when you're an adult and is different when you're considered 'elderly'. People come and go in our lives, we have to figure out who the important ones are if we want to keep them. Enid and Rebecca are cynical outcasts, but they seemed to be perfect for each other, yet their friendship seems to end as well. People move on.

I felt bad for Buscemi's character. He's a depressed and socially awkward guy who is pranked on early in the film, but Enid for some reason feels a connection with him and they become friends. Cue awkward sex later on and the film takes on multiple depressing tones. I was shocked to read people's take on the end being that she committed suicide. Despite all the hard and terrible things that happen in her life, she always seemed like a strong-willed person defying the system. This character is brought to life wonderfully by Thora Birch. Steve Buscemi nails the pathetic lonely and desperate vibe that makes Seymore likeable...to a degree.

Ghost World was fun, it was smart with a memorable soundtrack. At almost 2 hrs, I felt like the film could use a bit a trimming here and there, but I'm pleased to have finally seen it.

[neiba]

Question to cricket and whoever nominated Allegro non Troppo for me:

Am I supposed to watch the whole film or only the segment that is on the Animation List. The whole film is not in any of the Lists.

Eitherway is fine by me cause I've already watched the first part (including that segment)

[Miss Vicky]

neiba The whole thing, if you don't mind.

[neiba]

Allegro non Troppo (1977)

An italian, grow-up, and in my opinion, better version of Disney's Fantasia.
I liked this so much more than I thought I would! The live action scenes are funny and surprisingly gritty, and the animation segments are really well done. The musical selection and perfomance is miles away from the one in Fantasia and the animation, even if not as detailed as Disney's, works in so many more levels!

Bolero's is obviously a big highlight, with a famous piece of music and some beautiful animation that grows into a social critique, but my favourite was the one after, Sibelius' Sad Waltz. Then there's a cute Vivaldi and a funny take on Stravinsky's Bird of Fire.
The last segment, with all the endings was really funny too, as dozens of final cadences from famous pieces of orchestral music were played.

A really good pick and a nice way to start this HoF! Thanks Miss Vicky!

3.5

[Miss Vicky]

Really glad to see you enjoyed it, neiba !

I wasn't sure what to pick for you at first, but then I remembered you're an opera singer and figured you'd at least appreciate the music. Happy to see I was right!

TheUsualSuspect

I'm a little disappointed that you didn't like Ghost World more, but I'm happy to see you liked it overall. I'm not sure that we're supposed to see Enid and Rebecca as particularly decent people, just ones that are believable. It's a big favorite for me. I really relate to Enid's feelings of alienation.

Citizen Rules

I don't think I ever said, but Ghost was my pick for you. I thought you might appreciate the romance aspect, but oh well. I had no idea you dislike Demi Moore.

[Citizen Rules]

@Citizen Rules (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=84637)

I don't think I ever said, but Ghost was my pick for you. I thought you might appreciate the romance aspect, but oh well. I had no idea you dislike Demi Moore. It was a good guess for me and I'm still glad to have watched it...I don't know why, but I've never liked Demi Moore much.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Really glad to see you enjoyed it, neiba !

I wasn't sure what to pick for you at first, but then I remembered you're an opera singer and figured you'd at least appreciate the music. Happy to see I was right!

TheUsualSuspect

I'm a little disappointed that you didn't like Ghost World more, but I'm happy to see you liked it overall. I'm not sure that we're supposed to see Enid and Rebecca as particularly decent people, just ones that are believable. It's a big favorite for me. I really relate to Enid's feelings of alienation.

Citizen Rules

I don't think I ever said, but Ghost was my pick for you. I thought you might appreciate the romance aspect, but oh well. I had no idea you dislike Demi Moore.

Ghost World can easily be a 4 on repeat viewings.

[cricket]

I watched Ghost World a couple of years back on Miss Vicky's rec and I absolutely loved it.

I also liked Allegro Non Troppo, and may have even contributed to its placement on the animation list.

Good job guys!

https://media1.tenor.com/images/746d71d15241381544ae8dc2ebebed16/tenor.gif?itemid=15314738

[Siddon]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Django_scena_iniziale.png

Django (1966)



So I guess this was like another Yojimbo/Man with no Name type ripoff. It's tough for me to really dissect what I saw with this film as it is both incredibly violent (which I like) and also incredibly silly and unoriginal(which I don't). Django is the story of a Union officer carrying a coffin around the dessert in the west because...dehydration doesn't exist in Spaghetti westerns. We then go from action set piece to action set piece where the characters exist for the sole purpose of moving the plot along. Nothing really makes sense for the player involved in the story and it ends on a bittersweet note.


I liked it, it was fine, the production design and score were exceptional the performances where fairly terrible. Franco Nero does a bad Clint Eastwood impersonation throughout the film and that pretty much knocks the film down from a possible 4 stars to 2 stars for me.


2

[neiba]

Django (1966)



So I guess this was like another Yojimbo/Man with no Name type ripoff. It's tough for me to really dissect what I saw with this film as it is both incredibly violent (which I like) and also incredibly silly and unoriginal(which I don't). Django is the story of a Union officer carrying a coffin around the dessert in the west because...dehydration doesn't exist in Spaghetti westerns. We then go from action set piece to action set piece where the characters exist for the sole purpose of moving the plot along. Nothing really makes sense for the player involved in the story and it ends on a bittersweet note.


I liked it, it was fine, the production design and score were exceptional the performances where fairly terrible. Franco Nero does a bad Clint Eastwood impersonation throughout the film and that pretty much knocks the film down from a possible 4 stars to 2 stars for me.


2

You remember when I said I changed your nom? This was my original pick... Dodget a bullet there xD

[Miss Vicky]

I've been curious about Django for awhile now, but never curious enough to actually watch it.

[neiba]

Charade (1963)

A nice little movie, quite entertaining and with two of the most carismatic leads of the classical era.

This was made in the early 60s when the noir genre was pretty much way too explored already and directors were trying to find ways to recreate it. This tries to go down a risky path in that regard, but with a few missteps.
My main problem with this is that it couldn't decide if it wanted to be a serious mystery thriller with some comic relief or a heavy slapstick comedy. The Bond franchise would solve this lack of balance a few years later, but here everything seems too experimental yet. The amount of twists and turns would be great if half of them weren't received with such lightness by Hepburn's character, ultimately taking the weight of all of them. And then when the climax comes, there's simply no gravitas because not enough tension was created before.

Also a result from this mixed energy is that Hepburn's character comes out as being incredibly stupid or way too naive to be believable. A guy lies to you about his own name 3 times in a row and you still enjoy a romantic dinner with him as if nothing happened and everything was quite natural?

The acting itself was as good as expected, showing a good range of emotions in both Grant and Hepburn, but their characters are hurt by the director's lack of competence.

i'm still glad I watched it, I was needing a light film today.

3

[HashtagBrownies]

69245

Whoever picked this for me understands my taste to a fine level. I love these types of 80's films, I mean I think I saw The Lost Boys a few dozen times when I was younger.

I had a good time with this film. At first I thought I was gonna get annoyed by our main character constantly bothering people in his crusade against his neighbors, but when it's made completely explicit that they are a threat, it didn't bother me. There's a really surprising number of enjoyable performances here: Chris Sarandon as the charismatic head vampire, Roddy McDowall as both a scared, old man and a Doctor Who-esque vampire hunter, Stephen Geoffreys as the insane friend. I guess a standout of the film is the special effects and makeup; it's all so good, that type of silly but extremely detailed body gore that you just don't see nowadays. The soundtrack was also good, even if the rock music didn't quite work for me in some of the scary scenes.

My thoughts are kinda disjointed since I just finished watching it and I can't think of any particular negatives, but thanks to whoever picked this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also apologies for my long absence, had lotsa stuff going on irl.

[Wyldesyde19]

69245

Whoever picked this for me understands my taste to a fine level. I love these types of 80's films, I mean I think I saw The Lost Boys a few dozen times when I was younger.

I had a good time with this film. At first I thought I was gonna get annoyed by our main character constantly bothering people in his crusade against his neighbors, but when it's made completely explicit that they are a threat, it didn't bother me. There's a really surprising number of enjoyable performances here: Chris Sarandon as the charismatic head vampire, Roddy McDowall as both a scared, old man and a Doctor Who-esque vampire hunter, Stephen Geoffreys as the insane friend. I guess a standout of the film is the special effects and makeup; it's all so good, that type of silly but extremely detailed body gore that you just don't see nowadays. The soundtrack was also good, even if the rock music didn't quite work for me in some of the scary scenes.

My thoughts are kinda disjointed since I just finished watching it and I can't think of any particular negatives, but thanks to whoever picked this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also apologies for my long absence, had lotsa stuff going on irl.
That’s me 😎
Glad you enjoyed it

[Siddon]

Also a result from this mixed energy is that Hepburn's character comes out as being incredibly stupid or way too naive to be believable. A guy lies to you about his own name 3 times in a row and you still enjoy a romantic dinner with him as if nothing happened and everything was quite natural?


rating_2_5 +


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgsst15iI2k


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziVJd7Fwzvc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS3SuvHDSB0


I don't find her stupid or naive I think in a number of ways she's fatalistic. Also that dinner was an interrogation, someplace public where he's trapped and has to answer her questions.

[neiba]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS3SuvHDSB0


I don't find her stupid or naive I think in a number of ways she's fatalistic. Also that dinner was an interrogation, someplace public where he's trapped and has to answer her questions.

Yes, it was an interrogation, but her rection when she finds out the truth is everything but believable, IMO. Besides, she was in advantage so many times, knowing stuff about him without him being aware of that, and she blew it every time!

[neiba]

Eitherway, I woke up liking the film a bit more and bumped it half a bucket :p

[TheUsualSuspect]

Dial M for Murder

Margot Mary Wendice: Do you really believe in the perfect murder?
Mark Halliday: Mmm, yes, absolutely. On paper, that is. And I think I could, uh, plan one better than most people; but I doubt if I could carry it out.
Tony Wendice: Oh? Why not?
Mark Halliday: Well, because in stories things usually turn out the way the author wants them to; and in real life they don't... always.

Murder plots never work out the way one plans it. We’ve seen enough movies to know that.
Yet Tony (played superbly by Ray Milland) comes damn close.
He wants to hire an acquaintance to murder his wife for a an affair from a year ago. The murder doesn’t go right. Now he has to manipulate the investigation into his favor, while covering up his involvement
But that’s all dressing. It’s the script and dialogue that crackles here. The conversations that take place between Tony and his accomplice, the final reveal and discussion between Mark and the Chief Investigator (Robert Cummings and John Williams respectively, both giving great performances with what little screen time they have) on how it was accomplished. Grace Kelly looks marvelous here, as the wife caught between the two men, and who of course is great in what little there is written for her role. And of course all things Ray Milland.
Milland delivers his lines with a sadistic glee, secretly enjoying his wife’s torment and subsequent arrest and conviction. This is his movie, and he owns every minute he is on screen.
Especially the end, where he’s cornered, and rather then trying to make a run of it, or some final shootout to escape, he just calmly makes a drink for himself before offering one for everyone else before uttering “As you said, Mark, it might work on paper, but......”

This is such a great film. I want to see it again as soon as I finished it! It’s only one watch, but I would certainly rank it amongst Hitch’s top films!
Thank you....Cricket? Perhaps?

I believe this was me!!!

They did a remake with Michael Douglas called A Perfect Murder. Obviously...not as good.

[Wyldesyde19]

I believe this was me!!!

They did a remake with Michael Douglas called A Perfect Murder. Obviously...not as good.
Great choice. So far it’s my leading #1.
I’ve heard of the remake, A Perfect Murder, but haven’t seen it as yet.

[cricket]

I liked Django but I liked a couple of other Franco Nero westerns more.

I was underwhelmed by Charade but I do feel the need to watch it again.


First saw Fright Night at the movies when I was 14 and it became an instant favorite. It's slipped a bit since then but I believe it made the tail end of my ballot for the horror countdown.

[Wyldesyde19]

Fright Night holds up on each subsequent viewing for me. 😎
I haven’t seen Charade, but I have it saved on Amazon to watch eventually.
Nor have I seen Django, but I’ve watched a lot of spaghetti westerns lately (westerns were my genre choice for the 2020 challenge) and went through the first 4 Sartana films.
Those were....interesting.

[neiba]

Predestination (2014)

Can someone show this film to Nolan so he can see how a good time travel film should be made?

I don't really know what to say. This movie had me glued the whole time. It is complex, its twists and turns are extremely well prepared and come always by surprise but it never sounds presumptuos, and that's a huge advantage to almost all films of the type.
The perfomances are fine, though they are not what makes the film, the dialogue is kept simple and straight forward, the soundtrack is neutral in the sense that it doesn't distract from what's happening, and there are not a lot of special effects. The focus is directed only to the unravelling of the key concept as everything gets more and more complex and interesting.

The only part I am still struggling to undersand is why would John still have sex with Jane knowing all the pain that that will cause. He knew from the moment he saw her he was the bad guy, he could have just walked away. But that's a small leap of faith to give compared with the dimension of it all. Apart from that the film is very tight and I couldn't find any plothole which is a big accomplishment in itself.

I don't have a clue who picked this, but well done! Probably the best time travel film I've ever seen.

4

[edarsenal]

Predestination (2014)

Can someone show this film to Nolan so he can see how a good time travel film should be made?

I don't really know what to say. This movie had me glued the whole time. It is complex, its twists and turns are extremely well prepared and come always by surprise but it never sounds presumptuos, and that's a huge advantage to almost all films of the type.
The perfomances are fine, though they are not what makes the film, the dialogue is kept simple and straight forward, the soundtrack is neutral in the sense that it doesn't distract from what's happening, and there are not a lot of special effects. The focus is directed only to the unravelling of the key concept as everything gets more and more complex and interesting.

The only part I am still struggling to undersand is why would John still have sex with Jane knowing all the pain that that will cause. He knew from the moment he saw her he was the bad guy, he could have just walked away. But that's a small leap of faith to give compared with the dimension of it all. Apart from that the film is very tight and I couldn't find any plothole which is a big accomplishment in itself.

I don't have a clue who picked this, but well done! Probably the best time travel film I've ever seen.

4
I had a strong feeling this was going to be a film for you when I picked it. Glad to hear it was. The first time I saw it I had to rewatch it the next day and see the full puzzle from a distance and grew even more impressed by it.

Can't answer your question about the sex between John and Jane, sadly, since it's been a couple of years though I do remember the perception of "everyone" being caught in an inescapable spiraling loop.

[edarsenal]

When I finally got around to watching Charade a year or so ago it was due to someone posting the Funeral scene. It sealed the deal and gave me the exact expectation of what kind of film this was going be.
Quite enjoyed it.

Django is a spaghetti film I've wanted to see even more so after seeing one other of Corbucci films in the last few years. Same with Franco Nero beyond his recent cameos I've only seen him as Lancelot in the musical Camelot (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061439/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_8). So I'd like to rectify that by seeing this film at some point.

While cricket was 14, I was 21 when Fright Night came out and it's been a couple decades since I've watched it. I do remember enjoying it for the most part, especially Roddy McDowall's character.

[Wyldesyde19]

During the 2020 challenge, I was looking at Australia before deciding on South Korea as my country for its respective category and Predestination would have been one of the films I’d had watched if I had gone with it.
I’ve been curious about it for some time now

[Citizen Rules]

Some quick thoughts on the last movies:

Charade, it's not noir, not even close. It's a romantic-comedy-caper film, thus its tone is non-serious. Audrey Hepburn is a dear in all of her films.. and was there ever anyone cooler than Cary Grant? I've only seen Charade once and that was 15 years ago. I didn't like it then, but I was expecting a Hitch type film, which it ain't.

Predestination, one of the best sci fi films made! A really intelligent story and an interesting one too.

Django, Haven't seen it and I don't like Spaghetti Westerns, they remind me of a hokey Tarantino movie.

[edarsenal]

https://bamlive.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/program_slide/s3/Wilder_Apartment_001_1200.jpg?itok=wvAx7IJa


The Apartment

C.C. Baxter: The mirror... it's broken.
Fran Kubelik: Yes, I know. I like it that way. Makes me look the way I feel.

First-wise; THANK YOU to whomever caught the hint in the first Personal Recommendation about hoping someone would pick this film for me.
I have been a fan of Jack Lemon since I was a wee pup of around 6 or so when I became enamored with The Great Race (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059243/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0). And I'm not sure, but it was scarcely a couple years after that I saw my very first Billy Wilder film, Some Like it Hot (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053291/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_11) BECAUSE Jack Lemon, along with Tony Curtis were in it. Or perhaps it was Stalag 17 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046359/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_17), both of which were pretty close to when I first saw them.
Regardless, as this pup became the old wolf that I am, I've enjoyed, not only Wilder as a Director but even more so as a Writer. Even more so after joining this forum and having the opportunity to visit some of his truly best that I had wanted to and never seemed to. So I was downright f@ckin tickled to add two more in this HoF. The first being Ace in the Hole (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043338/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_33) and now, this.

CC Baxter is an aspiring numbers cruncher at a very large Insurance firm who works late. Not out of dedication to his work. It's because several executives from the upper floors use his apartment to cheat on their wives.
Now, what could be, with such a premise, a simple madcap comedy, Wilder is a genius at finding comedy within some rather tragic circumstances, and is brilliant at mixing them together, time and time again. While the comedy is in a larger dose here, it's target is something far more in depth. With Baxter falling in love with Shirley McLain's Fran Kubelik. The Elevator Operator with amazing wisdom and horrible luck when it comes choosing men.
Again, what would be a By The Numbers story of New York boy meets a New York girl, Wilder delves deeper into the flaws of his characters while still retaining the clever wit that is the lifeblood of a Billy Wilder film.


This film has been awarded the F@ckin YAY! Seal Of Approval.

[edarsenal]

During the 2020 challenge, I was looking at Australia before deciding on South Korea as my country for its respective category and Predestination would have been one of the films I’d had watched if I had gone with it.
I’ve been curious about it for some time now
::quickly scribbles a Note to Self for the next Personal Rec HoF and what to nominate for Wylde::
Some quick thoughts on the last movies:

Charade, it's not noir, not even close. It's a romantic-comedy-caper film, thus its tone is non-serious. Audrey Hepburn is a dear in all of her films.. and was there ever anyone cooler than Cary Grant? I've only seen Charade once and that was 15 years ago. I didn't like it then, but I was expecting a Hitch type film, which it ain't.
And that made all the difference in my mindset when I watched this and thereby, my overall enjoyment of it.
Predestination, one of the best sci fi films made! A really intelligent story and an interesting one too.
Amen brother! Amen!

[Citizen Rules]

The Apartment
I've enjoyed, not only Wilder as a Director but even more so as a Writer. Even more so after joining this forum and having the opportunity to visit some of his truly best that I had wanted to and never seemed to. I'd say Billy Wilder is one of my top 10 directors AND writers. I haven't seen all of his filmography yet but what I've seen I've loved or at least liked pretty well. The Apartment was one of the films I first watched when I got into 'old' films:p I thought it was great...I'm past due for another watch.

[TheUsualSuspect]

I was thinking of nominating Predestination for neiba, but I nominated it for Cricket last round and didn't want a repeat.

I think Sarah Snook is REALLY good in this movie. The scene where she is trying to perfect her voice while keeping the tears back really grabbed my attention when I first watched it and it does on rewatches.

Isn't the saying you can't escape the past, you can't change the future? For him to exist, he has to make sure that the events leading up to his current life happen.

[edarsenal]

I'd say Billy Wilder is one of my top 10 directors AND writers. I haven't seen all of his filmography yet but what I've seen I've loved or at least liked pretty well. The Apartment was one of the films I first watched when I got into 'old' films:p I thought it was great...I'm past due for another watch.
My viewing of Wilder films was extremely lacking before coming to the forum except knowing the few I had saw were very high in my list of favorites. A list that continues to grow as my viewing expands to where he's joined the ranks of where I see his name in something it instantly goes to my Watchlist.

[edarsenal]

I was thinking of nominating Predestination for neiba, but I nominated it for Cricket last round and didn't want a repeat.

I think Sarah Snook is REALLY good in this movie. The scene where she is trying to perfect her voice while keeping the tears back really grabbed my attention when I first watched it and it does on rewatches.

Isn't the saying you can't escape the past, you can't change the future? For him to exist, he has to make sure that the events leading up to his current life happen.
Snook WAS amazing in this. Quite the captivating performance.

[Wyldesyde19]

https://bamlive.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/program_slide/s3/Wilder_Apartment_001_1200.jpg?itok=wvAx7IJa


The Apartment

C.C. Baxter: The mirror... it's broken.
Fran Kubelik: Yes, I know. I like it that way. Makes me look the way I feel.

First-wise; THANK YOU to whomever caught the hint in the first Personal Recommendation about hoping someone would pick this film for me.
I have been a fan of Jack Lemon since I was a wee pup of around 6 or so when I became enamored with The Great Race (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059243/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0). And I'm not sure, but it was scarcely a couple years after that I saw my very first Billy Wilder film, Some Like it Hot (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053291/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_11) BECAUSE Jack Lemon, along with Tony Curtis were in it. Or perhaps it was Stalag 17 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046359/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_17), both of which were pretty close to when I first saw them.
Regardless, as this pup became the old wolf that I am, I've enjoyed, not only Wilder as a Director but even more so as a Writer. Even more so after joining this forum and having the opportunity to visit some of his truly best that I had wanted to and never seemed to. So I was downright f@ckin tickled to add two more in this HoF. The first being Ace in the Hole (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043338/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_33) and now, this.

CC Baxter is an aspiring numbers cruncher at a very large Insurance firm who works late. Not out of dedication to his work. It's because several executives from the upper floors use his apartment to cheat on their wives.
Now, what could be, with such a premise, a simple madcap comedy, Wilder is a genius at finding comedy within some rather tragic circumstances, and is brilliant at mixing them together, time and time again. While the comedy is in a larger dose here, it's target is something far more in depth. With Baxter falling in love with Shirley McLain's Fran Kubelik. The Elevator Operator with amazing wisdom and horrible luck when it comes choosing men.
Again, what would be a By The Numbers story of New York boy meets a New York girl, Wilder delves deeper into the flaws of his characters while still retaining the clever wit that is the lifeblood of a Billy Wilder film.


This film has been awarded the F@ckin YAY! Seal Of Approval.

That also would be me. Just to echo CR here, Wilder is also one of my favorite Directors as well.
Also, outside of Working Girl for Thursday, I’m doing pretty well here. 😎

[gbgoodies]

Charade (1963)

A nice little movie, quite entertaining and with two of the most carismatic leads of the classical era.

This was made in the early 60s when the noir genre was pretty much way too explored already and directors were trying to find ways to recreate it. This tries to go down a risky path in that regard, but with a few missteps.
My main problem with this is that it couldn't decide if it wanted to be a serious mystery thriller with some comic relief or a heavy slapstick comedy. The Bond franchise would solve this lack of balance a few years later, but here everything seems too experimental yet. The amount of twists and turns would be great if half of them weren't received with such lightness by Hepburn's character, ultimately taking the weight of all of them. And then when the climax comes, there's simply no gravitas because not enough tension was created before.

Also a result from this mixed energy is that Hepburn's character comes out as being incredibly stupid or way too naive to be believable. A guy lies to you about his own name 3 times in a row and you still enjoy a romantic dinner with him as if nothing happened and everything was quite natural?

The acting itself was as good as expected, showing a good range of emotions in both Grant and Hepburn, but their characters are hurt by the director's lack of competence.

i'm still glad I watched it, I was needing a light film today.

3


But the guy was Cary Grant. How could she pass up a romantic dinner with him regardless of how many times he lied about his name? :love:

[gbgoodies]

I believe this was me!!!

They did a remake with Michael Douglas called A Perfect Murder. Obviously...not as good.


I saw A Perfect Murder when it was originally in the theaters, but at the time, I didn't know that it was a remake of Dial M for Murder. I watched the movie thinking that I had seen it already, but I couldn't figure out how, (because it was a new movie at the time), until about 3/4 through the movie when I finally realized that it was a remake. :facepalm:

[gbgoodies]

First saw Fright Night at the movies when I was 14 and it became an instant favorite. It's slipped a bit since then but I believe it made the tail end of my ballot for the horror countdown.


Fright Night made my top 25 horror movies list at #19.

[neiba]

Some quick thoughts on the last movies:

Charade, it's not noir, not even close. It's a romantic-comedy-caper film, thus its tone is non-serious. Audrey Hepburn is a dear in all of her films.. and was there ever anyone cooler than Cary Grant? I've only seen Charade once and that was 15 years ago. I didn't like it then, but I was expecting a Hitch type film, which it ain't.
[I][B]


Yeah, but the thing is that it gets too serious sometimes for a rom com. That was what I disliked about it. It never seemed to decide if it wanted to be a 007/Hitchcock kind of film or a pure romantic comedy. But maybe I started with the wrong expectations.

[neiba]

The Cook, the Thief, his Wife and her Lover (1989)

So, this is... something.

I don't really know what to think of it. There are things I really really liked while others not so much.

Starting with the good: the setting and costumes are astonishing. The way the colours of the costumes change everytime the character changes room, and how every room has its own personality and atmosphere is brilliant.
I also loved the theatrical style of this. It's basically a brechtian theatre piece whose limits were destroyed due to the change of medium. The acting, the camera work and the dialogues are blatantly theatrical and make no excuses for that. Speaking of acting, Hellen Mirren and her lover are quite good, but the true force of this film is Gambon. What a despicable character so wonderfully portrayed. I wanted to kill him before the 10 minute mark and it only went worse from there.
Also the soundtrack is very very good, with the exception with the kid singing that song, which I didn't enjoy at all. But that's probably my singer self speaking.
Ahhh, and the final scene is amazing! The procession leaving the kitchen with that music is such a powerful moment!

On the other hand, the story itself didn't grab my interest enough and I think this would do well with 30 minutes less... There are also some choices made by the characters that don't seem very rational, but I can let that go because this film is more about symbolisms and grandiosity than character study.

A very very interesting pick. I haven't the slightest idea who picked it. Maybe cricket? He's twisted enough to do so... :p

3 -

[Miss Vicky]

I had The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover picked for me as well. I tried watching it a week or two ago and couldn't get more than a few minutes in. Obviously I'll try again and force myself to finish before the deadline. Not looking forward to it, though.

I'm off work for the next four days. Tomorrow's Thanksgiving and I probably won't watch anything then, but I'll try to get one or two watched over the weekend.

[cricket]

Like Suspect said, I watched it the last time thanks to him, and I also loved it. Not something I ever would have watched on my own.

The Apartment is so great, and Ed, there was no way you were getting through this HoF without seeing it.

When I was 18, me and a couple friends went to see Cook/Thief/Wife/Lover. We certainly were not expecting what we saw. One of a few movies nominated more than once in this HoF.

[Hey Fredrick]

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover is one of my favorite movies of the 80's and I considered nominating it for a couple of people but I just couldn't pull the trigger. I love real good, bad characters and Albert (Michael Gambon) is about as nasty as they come. What a great performance. Helen Mirren was outstanding as well as Georgina and delivers one of my favorite lines of all time.

Fright Night is a fun one. Vampire movies usually bore the hell out of me but this was one I really enjoyed.

The Apartment and Predestination I've seen, went to the movie database and had them both at 8/10 so I liked them but remember very little about them.

Django made my western top 25. I don't think it's a great movie but I sure had a good time watching it.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=69322
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)


'Citizen liked this. Citizen impressed with the film'...OK, I know enough of all that;) Besides if you haven't seen the film you don't know what the hell Citizen is talking about.

Strange title for a very minimalist film (and I mean that in a good way). I heard of this movie plenty in the past, and thought it was some weird sh**. It's not at all weird or sh**. Though I could have done without the male nudity. Why is it that when there's male nudity, there's no female nudity to speak of? Well I didn't want to see the old lady nude anyway and even the waitress wasn't really hot, so no big loss. Though I did get a kick out of her changing her styles. Like in every scene she had a different hair-do, or is that a hair-don't.

Seriously, I was very impressed with this film and by the style of film making the director took. It felt very up close and personal and in a way it reminded me of Three Monkeys (Nuri Bilge Ceylan, 2008).

At first I cringed at the idea that this film was going to be all preachy, but then it did a 180 and ended up not taking any kind of stance at all. Except I guess that to say, 'find love where you can'.

I loved the filming choices in Munich, and was that corner restaurant where Hitler really use to eat? Strange things that you see in a movie. Fassbinder likes to shoot from afar with a wide angle lens through doors, that adds to the intimacy of the film and I liked that.

Right now Ali: Fear Eats the Soul & Black Orpheus are tied for 1st place on my ballot...BUT...I still got three films to go.

[neiba]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=69322
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)


'Citizen liked this. Citizen impressed with the film'...OK, I know enough of all that;) Besides if you haven't seen the film you don't know what the hell Citizen is talking about.

Strange title for a very minimalist film (and I mean that in a good way). I heard of this movie plenty in the past, and thought it was some weird sh**. It's not at all weird or sh**. Though I could have done without the male nudity. Why is it that when there's male nudity, there's no female nudity to speak of? Well I didn't want to see the old lady nude anyway and even the waitress wasn't really hot, so no big loss. Though I did get a kick out of her changing her styles. Like in every scene she had a different hair-do, or is that a hair-don't.

Seriously, I was very impressed with this film and by the style of film making the director took. It felt very up close and personal and in a way it reminded me of Three Monkeys (Nuri Bilge Ceylan, 2008).

At first I cringed at the idea that this film was going to be all preachy, but then it did a 180 and ended up not taking any kind of stance at all. Except I guess that to say, 'find love where you can'.

I loved the filming choices in Munich, and was that corner restaurant where Hitler really use to eat? Strange things that you see in a movie. Fassbinder likes to shoot from afar with a wide angle lens through doors, that adds to the intimacy of the film and I liked that.

Right now Ali: Fear Eats the Soul & Black Orpheus are tied for 1st place on my ballot...BUT...I still got three films to go.





I seriously considered nominating this for you but went with a classic instead. Glad you liked it :)

[Thursday Next]

The Cook, the Thief, his Wife and her Lover (1989)

So, this is... something.

I don't really know what to think of it. There are things I really really liked while others not so much.

Starting with the good: the setting and costumes are astonishing. The way the colours of the costumes change everytime the character changes room, and how every room has its own personality and atmosphere is brilliant.
I also loved the theatrical style of this. It's basically a brechtian theatre piece whose limits were destroyed due to the change of medium. The acting, the camera work and the dialogues are blatantly theatrical and make no excuses for that. Speaking of acting, Hellen Mirren and her lover are quite good, but the true force of this film is Gambon. What a despicable character so wonderfully portrayed. I wanted to kill him before the 10 minute mark and it only went worse from there.
Also the soundtrack is very very good, with the exception with the kid singing that song, which I didn't enjoy at all. But that's probably my singer self speaking.
Ahhh, and the final scene is amazing! The procession leaving the kitchen with that music is such a powerful moment!

On the other hand, the story itself didn't grab my interest enough and I think this would do well with 30 minutes less... There are also some choices made by the characters that don't seem very rational, but I can let that go because this film is more about symbolisms and grandiosity than character study.

A very very interesting pick. I haven't the slightest idea who picked it. Maybe cricket? He's twisted enough to do so... :p

3 -

This was my pick for you! I know it was a bit of a risky pick, but I saw you had a few films you liked that made me think you wouldn't mind the twistedness of it.

I agree with everything you said about it, the colours and the costumes and the way it's very theatre like but at the same time not at all like a filmed play because it utilises the visual medium so well. And the performances. It is an absolutely bonkers film. I think I just probably rate it slightly higher.

[Thursday Next]

Random Harvest

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.0cnv2Z48Bw9CNoYQb0WeiAHaJP?pid=Api&rs=1

Yeah, I'll come back and review this when I've stopped crying maybe? :lol:

In all seriousness, I really liked this. I was absolutely gripped by their romance and the whole flight from the asylum, even though when they get their happy ending forty minutes into the film you know it can only go downhill from there. I don't know what to say because of spoilers. I just felt so sorry for everybody with the whole Kitty situation.

I did think some of what happened over the twelve years was a little implausible...surely there were other things she could have tried to bring back his memory? It was a bit frustrating to watch her being a bit too patient and self-sacrificing when it wasn't doing him any good either. Especially considering how things happened in the end.

Ronald Coleman is far too old for the lead character, yet I was absolutely charmed by his performance as Smithy. Greer Garson is great too, despite her terrible Scottish accent in her music hall performance.

I don't know why this film isn't better known, really. Or maybe it is and I just overlooked it. Glad to have seen it now, perfect melodrama for curling up on the sofa with.

I'd guess at CR having nominated this but don't know for sure.

[cricket]

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul and Random Harvest are both good movies that I've wanted to watch again. I liked both but thought there was much more I could get out of them.

[rauldc14]

That Cook movie is probably bottom 25 all time for me.

[cricket]

That Cook movie is probably bottom 25 all time for me.

It's yet another that I've wanted to try again.

[rauldc14]

Yeah I have only tortured myself once. I'm sure through a Hall or something I may see it again.

[Thursday Next]

That Cook movie is probably bottom 25 all time for me.

I definitely wouldn't have nominated it for you!

[Thursday Next]

[CENTER][ Though I could have done without the male nudity. Why is it that when there's male nudity, there's no female nudity to speak of?


Because the director preferred male nudity to female nudity. ;) Pretty sure that I read somewhere that the guy who plays 'Ali' was Fassbinder's boyfriend at the time.

[Thursday Next]

Also, Fear Eats the Soul is a fantastic film and I keep thinking I must: a. watch it again and b. watch more Fassbinder films.

[Miss Vicky]

"Why is it that when there's male nudity, there's no female nudity to speak of?" :laugh:

I ask the reverse of this question all the time - except rather than being for one specific movie, it's for like 90% of the films I see that contain nudity.

[cricket]

There's usually a need for female nudity, and in the rare instances it isn't, it should be in there anyway. Male nudity is never needed. Some things just shouldn't be seen.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F5plitreel.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fkingofcomedy1.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
The King of Comedy
"Why not me? Why not? A guy can get anything he wants as long as he pays the price. What's wrong with that? Stranger things have happened."

While I don't necessarily agree with that quote it certainly worked out well for Rupert. This is a tough movie to review because I didn't LIKE it yet there isn't much to complain about either. It just kind of...is.

Robert De Niro is Rupert Pumpkin, er Pupkin, the self proclaimed King of Comedy. He's a little loose upstairs and begins stalking late night host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), after a late night encounter, to secure a spot on his night time talk show. After being rebuffed several times by Langford's assistant (and SECURITY!) he enlists his equally nutty "friend" Masha (Sandra Bernhard), who is also infatuated with Langford, to kidnap and hold Langford for ransom. The ransom: a spot on Langfords late night show.

My biggest issue with the movie is there isn't anyone to root for. I didn't like Rupert, he's the kind of person I find insanely annoying, but were not supposed to like him so... mission accomplished. I never got the sense that he felt entitled to anything but he definitely wasn't interested in putting in the work to get to where he wanted to go. He wanted a shortcut to success and in the end, maybe he got what he wanted. The rest of the characters just kind of do their thing. The only standout for me was Sandra Bernhard who I thought provided some dark comedy. I really liked her take on a crazed fan.

This being a Scorsese movie there really isn't much to complain about from a filmmaking point of view. It doesn't have any of the flash of later Scorsese pics but a film like this doesn't really lend itself to too much flash and the performances are all good.

As for what it has to say about fame and celebrity, I think the themes of this movie were a little ahead of its time. It feels more relevant in the past 20 years than it did in the 80's. Probably why a recent blockbuster chose to go down a similar, albeit darker, path. The King of Comedy isn't a bad movie by any stretch but it's not my type of movie. I need someone or something to pull for a little bit or for someone to be so incredibly awful that I want something to happen to them. This felt cold. If I were to create a 1,000 movies to see before you die this would be on it because it does have something to say and I can see why people love it, I just didn't care.

[rauldc14]

I can't fully grasp why the King of Comedy is so great. Lots of Scorsese I like more than that too.

[Miss Vicky]

I thought King of Comedy was pretty good. Not a favorite though.

[cricket]

I've always liked The King of Comedy but it's been at least 15 years now since I last watched it.

[Thursday Next]

Why is it that when there's male nudity, there's no female nudity to speak of?

I realise that I sort of answered the wrong question before, I missed the 'when'. Although my answer was true for this film.

I guess that it's a question of audience - the audiences who want to see male nudity probably don't want want to see female nudity and vice versa. Although most films are seen by a whole mixture of people so that doesn't really hold up to scrutiny. It's probably more about what film studios assume audiences want to see.

I watched Game of Thrones recently and there's a definite imbalance in the nudity in that.

[Citizen Rules]

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul and Random Harvest are both good movies that I've wanted to watch again. I liked both but thought there was much more I could get out of them.Ali: Fear Eats the Soul didn't do anything for me emotionally, but I don't think it was ever intended to be a film that sweeps the viewer away in its characters and narrative. To me it seems Fassbinder is showing us the reality of immigrant workers in Germany, warts and all. It's neither a plea or a commentary, it's done in a more of a documentary style.

Random Harvest is another of those golden oldies that I first watched when I got into film almost 20 years ago. I've seen several of Greer Garson's films and she's always good. Funny thing is I just seen her on TV last week. Well it was on an old, What's My Line from 1958. Orson Welles was one of the panelist and Greer was the mystery celebrity that they had to guess. Funny show! And that's what Citizen watches when he's not watching movies, old 50s TV shows.

https://surprise.ly/v/?bZL2cNR9ovM:1045:1542:0:100

[cricket]

All About My Mother

https://www.moma.org/d/assets/W1siZiIsIjIwMTYvMTAvMjYvNnNncnR5YmYwX0FsbF9BYm91dF9NeV9Nb3RoZXJfMV9jcm9wcGVkLmpwZyJdLFsicCIsImNvbnZl cnQiLCItcXVhbGl0eSA5MCAtcmVzaXplIDIwMDB4MjAwMFx1MDAzZSJdXQ/All%20About%20My%20Mother_1_cropped.jpg?sha=f46b56461ca7050e

When I saw this was nominated for me I didn't know anything about it. I quickly saw that it was directed by Pedro Almodóvar, and even though I've only see his The Skin I Live In, that gave me hope. While I love The Skin I Live In, I hadn't really given Almodóvar a second thought. Now, I want to see much more from this brilliant director.

Based on The Skin I Live In, I was expecting a sick and twisted movie. Early on as it seemed like it wouldn't be that way, I figured I probably wouldn't be crazy about it. The beautiful style was certainly there and I appreciated that, but I had my doubts about the narrative. It turned out to be another great film. The characters are wonderful, so flawed but yet I cared about them anyway. They've all been through so much and I just hoped for them to find some peace and happiness. It is very moving and the acting is superb. There are strong connections to classic films which helps make it a movie lover's delight.

You guys are incredible at picking for me.

4.5-

[neiba]

All About My Mother

https://www.moma.org/d/assets/W1siZiIsIjIwMTYvMTAvMjYvNnNncnR5YmYwX0FsbF9BYm91dF9NeV9Nb3RoZXJfMV9jcm9wcGVkLmpwZyJdLFsicCIsImNvbnZl cnQiLCItcXVhbGl0eSA5MCAtcmVzaXplIDIwMDB4MjAwMFx1MDAzZSJdXQ/All%20About%20My%20Mother_1_cropped.jpg?sha=f46b56461ca7050e

When I saw this was nominated for me I didn't know anything about it. I quickly saw that it was directed by Pedro Almodóvar, and even though I've only see his The Skin I Live In, that gave me hope. While I love The Skin I Live In, I hadn't really given Almodóvar a second thought. Now, I want to see much more from this brilliant director.

Based on The Skin I Live In, I was expecting a sick and twisted movie. Early on as it seemed like it wouldn't be that way, I figured I probably wouldn't be crazy about it. The beautiful style was certainly there and I appreciated that, but I had my doubts about the narrative. It turned out to be another great film. The characters are wonderful, so flawed but yet I cared about them anyway. They've all been through so much and I just hoped for them to find some peace and happiness. It is very moving and the acting is superb. There are strong connections to classic films which helps make it a movie lover's delight.

You guys are incredible at picking for me.

4.5-


He shoots, he scoooooores!!! :D


Glad you liked it :)

[Citizen Rules]

I hadn't heard of All About My Mother before, but that would seem to be a solid choice for you Cricket. What list category was it in? I don't recall ever seeing it.

[cricket]

I hadn't heard of All About My Mother before, but that would seem to be a solid choice for you Cricket. What list category was it in? I don't recall ever seeing it.

Without looking, I would guess either 90's, Cannes', or Ebert.

[cricket]

He shoots, he scoooooores!!! :D


Glad you liked it :)

That's a big 2 for 2 for you after picking Babel for me last time.

[Citizen Rules]

Without looking, I would guess either 90's, Cannes', or Ebert.Lazy:p



I mean me!

[Wyldesyde19]

I hadn't heard of All About My Mother before, but that would seem to be a solid choice for you Cricket. What list category was it in? I don't recall ever seeing it.
Probably 1990’s.
I’ve seen a few of his films, such as Volver, and have enjoyed them. He just released Pain and Glory last year with Antonio Banderas, who he had collaborated with in The Skin I Live In.
I need to watch more of his films, yet.

[Citizen Rules]

Yup 1990s, I just looked.

[CosmicRunaway]

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul didn't do anything for me emotionally, but I don't think it was ever intended to be a film that sweeps the viewer away in its characters and narrative. To me it seems Fassbinder is showing us the reality of immigrant workers in Germany, warts and all. It's neither a plea or a commentary, it's done in a more of a documentary style.
While I think I agree with the first half, I definitely disagree with the last part. I haven't seen the film in quite awhile, but the thing I remember most is that it is rife with social commentary and specifically about addressing prejudice. I recall Fassbender's framing and overall use of mise-en-scène being very purposeful, and it was nearly as important as the dialogue itself to understanding the film, which wouldn't really support a documentary-like approach to the subject matter.

But like I said, I don't remember very much about the film itself. I have always liked that the German title, Angst essen Seele auf, is grammatically incorrect, mirroring Ali's imperfect speech.

[Miss Vicky]

I haven’t seen All About My Mother, I may have to check it out.

I’ve seen 3 other Almodóvar films - Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, The Skin I Live In, and Pain and Glory. I don’t like Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! but of course love The Skin I Live In and really liked Pain and Glory.

[Citizen Rules]

While I think I agree with the first half, I definitely disagree with the last part. I haven't seen the film in quite awhile, but the thing I remember most is that it is rife with social commentary and specifically about addressing prejudice. I recall Fassbender's framing and overall use of mise-en-scène being very purposeful, and it was nearly as important as the dialogue itself to understanding the film, which wouldn't really support a documentary-like approach to the subject matter.

But like I said, I don't remember very much about the film itself. I have always liked that the German title, Angst essen Seele auf, is grammatically incorrect, mirroring Ali's imperfect speech.I agree with what you're saying...maybe I'm not explaining my thoughts well? It's been known to happen!

I agree the film looks at prejudice but in a more balanced way than the typical, socially correct modern American film would've done.

Fassbinder has German citizens believing falsehoods about the immigrant Arab workers, but he balances that by showing that the Arab workers also have their own falsehoods about the Germans. We're told how horrible the working conditions are for the Arab immigrant workers, but we see Ali at his mechanic's job with Germans, and it doesn't look all that horrible, in fact they look like they all get along (from what we can tell).

If anything I'd say Fassbinder is saying both the Germans and the immigrant workers are both just people...and people of all types can have prejudices and believe in falsehoods and are never perfect. I think that's evident when we see Ali isn't a saint but cheats on his wife, and the Germans aren't all evil as at the end they seem to accept Ali and his wife. I guess that's what I'm trying to say...that the film was more reflective and balanced than preachy. Which I liked.

[neiba]

Almodovar is one of the greatest directors of today's non-american cinema. I'd say even the greatest. I should pick more films by him in later HoFs.

cricket, check "Talk to Her" by him. It's insanely beautiful, and probably his best film. I also love Bad Education. And there's also a lovely short film called La consejala antropofoga that is on youtube.

[cricket]

Almodovar is one of the greatest directors of today's non-american cinema. I'd say even the greatest. I should pick more films by him in later HoFs.

cricket, check "Talk to Her" by him. It's insanely beautiful, and probably his best film. I also love Bad Education. And there's also a lovely short film called La consejala antropofoga that is on youtube.

After looking over his filmography there's like 10 I'd like to see.

[Siddon]

After looking over his filmography there's like 10 I'd like to see.

He's got a solid top ten

All About My mother
Broken Embraces
Live Flesh
The Matador
Pain and Glory
The Skin I live In
Talk to Her
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Volver

What I really like about him is unlike other directors he doesn't have one particular phase that is vastly greater than another one.

[rauldc14]

The Skin I Live In is the only of his I've seen

[Citizen Rules]

The Skin I Live In is the only of his I've seenSame here, only The Skin I Live In.

[gbgoodies]

Random Harvest

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.0cnv2Z48Bw9CNoYQb0WeiAHaJP?pid=Api&rs=1

Yeah, I'll come back and review this when I've stopped crying maybe? :lol:

In all seriousness, I really liked this. I was absolutely gripped by their romance and the whole flight from the asylum, even though when they get their happy ending forty minutes into the film you know it can only go downhill from there. I don't know what to say because of spoilers. I just felt so sorry for everybody with the whole Kitty situation.

I did think some of what happened over the twelve years was a little implausible...surely there were other things she could have tried to bring back his memory? It was a bit frustrating to watch her being a bit too patient and self-sacrificing when it wasn't doing him any good either. Especially considering how things happened in the end.

Ronald Coleman is far too old for the lead character, yet I was absolutely charmed by his performance as Smithy. Greer Garson is great too, despite her terrible Scottish accent in her music hall performance.

I don't know why this film isn't better known, really. Or maybe it is and I just overlooked it. Glad to have seen it now, perfect melodrama for curling up on the sofa with.

I'd guess at CR having nominated this but don't know for sure.


I love Random Harvest so much that it is currently on my list of movies that might make my top 25 for the countdown.

I felt sorry for Kitty too, but I thought he was too old for her, and I think, she was kind of related to him, (his sister's stepdaughter, if I remember correctly), so they probably shouldn't have been engaged anyway.

In regards to what else Greer Garson's character could have done to try to spark his memory, she had a conversation with the doctor about pushing him too hard to remember, and how that could have made him resent her. I think she was afraid to lose him, so she just had to hope that he would remember on his own somehow.

[gbgoodies]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F5plitreel.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fkingofcomedy1.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
The King of Comedy
"Why not me? Why not? A guy can get anything he wants as long as he pays the price. What's wrong with that? Stranger things have happened."

While I don't necessarily agree with that quote it certainly worked out well for Rupert. This is a tough movie to review because I didn't LIKE it yet there isn't much to complain about either. It just kind of...is.

Robert De Niro is Rupert Pumpkin, er Pupkin, the self proclaimed King of Comedy. He's a little loose upstairs and begins stalking late night host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), after a late night encounter, to secure a spot on his night time talk show. After being rebuffed several times by Langford's assistant (and SECURITY!) he enlists his equally nutty "friend" Masha (Sandra Bernhard), who is also infatuated with Langford, to kidnap and hold Langford for ransom. The ransom: a spot on Langfords late night show.

My biggest issue with the movie is there isn't anyone to root for. I didn't like Rupert, he's the kind of person I find insanely annoying, but were not supposed to like him so... mission accomplished. I never got the sense that he felt entitled to anything but he definitely wasn't interested in putting in the work to get to where he wanted to go. He wanted a shortcut to success and in the end, maybe he got what he wanted. The rest of the characters just kind of do their thing. The only standout for me was Sandra Bernhard who I thought provided some dark comedy. I really liked her take on a crazed fan.

This being a Scorsese movie there really isn't much to complain about from a filmmaking point of view. It doesn't have any of the flash of later Scorsese pics but a film like this doesn't really lend itself to too much flash and the performances are all good.

As for what it has to say about fame and celebrity, I think the themes of this movie were a little ahead of its time. It feels more relevant in the past 20 years than it did in the 80's. Probably why a recent blockbuster chose to go down a similar, albeit darker, path. The King of Comedy isn't a bad movie by any stretch but it's not my type of movie. I need someone or something to pull for a little bit or for someone to be so incredibly awful that I want something to happen to them. This felt cold. If I were to create a 1,000 movies to see before you die this would be on it because it does have something to say and I can see why people love it, I just didn't care.


I saw The King of Comedy back when it was originally in the theaters, and I didn't like it. I've read a lot of good reviews of the movie, but I've never really understood what people see in it because I felt pretty much the same way you did. (It probably didn't help that I don't really like Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis or Sandra Bernhard.)

[Thursday Next]

In contrast to just about everybody else, I've seen a whole bunch of Almodovar movies but not The Skin I Live In. I should get onto that, since it seems popular.

I would second the recommendation of Talk to Her for Cricket, it's not a nice film but it's a clever one in all sorts of ways.

My personal favourite of his films that I've seen is definitely Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.

[Chypmunk]

After looking over his filmography there's like 10 I'd like to see.
If his Dark Habits isn't already one of those ten then you really ought to make that 11. I found it really amusing at times but then perhaps that's just my sense of humour.

[Hey Fredrick]

It probably didn't help that I don't really like Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis or Sandra Bernhard.

Not a Jerry Lewis fan either, especially his comedy, but I thought he very good in The King of Comedy. Same with Bernhard. She always used to annoy me but I liked her character and performance here.

[Citizen Rules]

The King of Comedy


My biggest issue with the movie is there isn't anyone to root for...I need someone or something to pull for a little bit or for someone to be so incredibly awful that I want something to happen to them...I call that the Disney/Star Wars effect. Those type of populist movies have made it so that people feel that if there's not someone to root for in a movie then there's nothing for them to like. I hear that all the time on MoFo. And of course if that's how a person feels, then that's how they feel....But me, I think The King of Comedy is Scorsese at his best. It's clever, bold, original and ground breaking. It was nominated in the 18th HoF and came in 2nd. People were really split on it, either hating it or loving it.

[Miss Vicky]

In contrast to just about everybody else, I've seen a whole bunch of Almodovar movies but not The Skin I Live In. I should get onto that, since it seems popular.

It's an incredible film. You really need to see it.

I nominated it in the 23rd HOF, which just ended a few days ago. It didn't win (Schindler's List did, unsurprisingly), but it came in second.

[neiba]

In contrast to just about everybody else, I've seen a whole bunch of Almodovar movies but not The Skin I Live In. I should get onto that, since it seems popular.

I would second the recommendation of Talk to Her for Cricket, it's not a nice film but it's a clever one in all sorts of ways.

My personal favourite of his films that I've seen is definitely Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.

And I second recommend that!!! Terrific film!

[TheUsualSuspect]

The Conversation

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e0/Theconversation.jpg/220px-Theconversation.jpg

3

Is the person who recommended this to me, the same one who recommended The French Connection? Are they a die-hard Hackman fan and they want me to see more of his movies?

I think I expected a little bit more paranoia and a little bit more wiretapping. The film opens with a great sequence in which we see "the master" at work trying to record a conversation of two people as they walk about a busy union square. Then we move on to scenes of him trying his best to clear the audio up for the client and things start to get a little fishy when the client isn't around to accept the recordings, but his eager assistant is.

I think we spent a little too much time at the convention and at the party afterwards, I wanted more of his deep dive into the possibilities of what these people were saying. Coppola does a pretty good job of delivering us information as he sees fit. Showing us one way to listen/view things and then revealing the same scene but from a different perspective. Too many times in real life do people emphasize different words, which give off different meanings.

A decent performance from Hackman, although I could tell he was having trouble with the character. It's pretty amazing that this and The Godfather Part II came out in the same year. Also...dude...when someone who is known for bugging people casually slips a pen in your pocket...how the hell do you not suspect it to be a bug? I knew from the moment he slipped it in, you should have too.

[cricket]

The Conversation is yet another movie that I want to see again. I watched it for the 70's countdown and was a little disappointed but so many people love it and I'm a big Hackman fan.

[neiba]

The Sting (1973)

A very good film that I've been meaning to watch for quite some time.

It's exactly what I was expecting. The acting is as great as you'd expect with such a stellar cast, the writing is very tongue in cheek and straight to the point and the plot balances well its turns and twists with a steady pacing. I really liked the literary aspect to it too, with that beggining and all the chapter cards.

Of course, with a genre that is so popular the final twist kind of comes unsurprisingly but that's not exactly the movie's fault.

Nice choice!

3.5

[edarsenal]

That also would be me. Just to echo CR here, Wilder is also one of my favorite Directors as well.
Also, outside of Working Girl for Thursday, I’m doing pretty well here. 😎
Just realized I didn't thank you directly -- THANKS Wylde!! This has been burning a SERIOUS hole in my Must See! Films and will be moving over to my Rewatchable Films.

[edarsenal]

I realise that I sort of answered the wrong question before, I missed the 'when'. Although my answer was true for this film.

I guess that it's a question of audience - the audiences who want to see male nudity probably don't want want to see female nudity and vice versa. Although most films are seen by a whole mixture of people so that doesn't really hold up to scrutiny. It's probably more about what film studios assume audiences want to see.

I watched Game of Thrones recently and there's a definite imbalance in the nudity in that.
You mean Game of Boobs?
Yeah, just a little bit :D

[edarsenal]

Probably 1990’s.
I’ve seen a few of his films, such as Volver, and have enjoyed them. He just released Pain and Glory last year with Antonio Banderas, who he had collaborated with in The Skin I Live In.
I need to watch more of his films, yet.
I've been very curious about checking out Volver for some time now. One of those times when the Movie Poster calls out to me. Each time being something I thoroughly enjoy.

[edarsenal]

The Sting (1973)

A very good film that I've been meaning to watch for quite some time.

It's exactly what I was expecting. The acting is as great as you'd expect with such a stellar cast, the writing is very tongue in cheek and straight to the point and the plot balances well its turns and twists with a steady pacing. I really liked the literary aspect to it too, with that beggining and all the chapter cards.

Of course, with a genre that is so popular the final twist kind of comes unsurprisingly but that's not exactly the movie's fault.

Nice choice!

3.5
Been a fan of this film since childhood. Very glad to hear you enjoy it.

[cricket]

I liked The Sting a whole lot the last time I watched it after previously having a strange sour feeling that was probably coming from some imperfection in my brain. I especially love Robert Shaw in it and completely torment my wife with one of his sayings. At least once a day when I say something to her, I folllow it up by saying "you follow?". It drives her absolutely crazy, and now, if she tries talking to me but I'm half asleep, she yells in my face, you follow!?!?! you follow!?!?

[Wyldesyde19]

Neiba, I chose The Sting for you glad you enjoyed it.
The Sting is such a fun ride and it’s helped by the performances.
*shoots, scores again*

[rauldc14]

The Sting was good. I watched it for our 70s HOF

[neiba]

Moon (2009)

A quite interesting Sci-Fi drama that explores the ethics of cloning.
Sam Rockwell does an amazing job as basically the only actor we see and ultimately carries the whole film. The concept is quite simple, even too simple maybe, but there are some powerful messages coming out of it. Seeing the older clone just give up on life and see the new guy flying towards Earth was heartbraking.
I also found the robot interesting, as a polar opposite of HAL-9000. He was there to serve the clones more than to serve the company which is a fresh take on the way AI connects with humans in these kind of films. Kevin Spacey's voice was perfect for it too.
I kinda wished for an extra 30 minutes to see what happened when he returned home but I understand the film was not focusing on that.

There's not much else I could say about it, I'm glad I watched this as it has been on my watchlist for some time.

3 +

[cricket]

Moon is quite popular but it was just ok for me. For once, I don't see it as a movie I need to see again. I just think it's too sci-fi for my taste.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beasty-press.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FWhat_Ever_Happened_to_Baby_Jane_3.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

When I was a kid I wasn't afraid of Freddy or Jason or Michael but I remember seeing parts of this on tv and seeing Bette Davis as Jane scared the hell out of me.

This is a movie where the performances, I think, are stronger than the story. Which is fine with me as interesting characters are what usually make or break a movie. All the performances are good but let's be real, it's Bette Davis' movie and she's great. Whether it's a maniacal cackle or just a look, she's insanely creepy. Is there anything more terrifying than Jane appearing in the background while Blanche explains the torment she's been going through to her Dr.? Bette looks like she was having a blast torturing her good friend Joan. As for Crawford, she does good portraying the tortured, paralyzed, younger sister. It's not as juicy a role as Jane but Crawford does a very good job. Shout out to the make up department as well. From what I've always heard, Bette did her own makeup for Jane but whoever did Crawfords did a wonderful job. As the movie progressed she looked appropriately worse.

There were parts that I felt dragged a little, not bad but a little and they usually involved Victor Bueno as Edwin Flagg, the aspiring musician who responds to a classified ad put out by Jane in an attempt to resurrect her career. It was an important role as a lot of the sisters backstory is told third person (especially a very juicy tidbit from Flaggs mother) and he does play a crucial role as the film begins to wind down down but... He just didn't work for me. Apparently I'm in the minority with that opinion since he was nominated for almost every award out there for his work, so what do I know?

I have to admit I didn't see that ending coming and I'm not sure what to make of it. I don't really feel THAT much different for either character after it's all said and done but it got me. Solid nomination.

[Hey Fredrick]

The Sting is one of my favorite movies. Might have even made it onto my top 25 list. I love everything about it: the look, the music, the characters, the slang and "The Sting." The poker playing scene with Newman ragging on Shaw makes me smile every time I see it. The off the charts obnoxiousness of Newman is irresistable - "Sorry I'm late...I was taking a crap."

[Citizen Rules]

It's been way too long since I seen What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?...Glad to hear you like it.

If interested you might read at Wiki about the behind the scenes dirty tricks that arch rivals Bette Davis and Joan Crawford inflicted on each other. Its crazy stuff!

It had been hoped that Davis and Crawford would be reunited in another similar movie project Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte, but after working with Bette, Joan refused to do the movie.

[Miss Vicky]

69471


Strangers On a Train (Alfred Hitchcock, 1951)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044079/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 11/29/2020
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: The Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame II, no idea who picked it
Rewatch: No.

Alfred Hitchcock is known as the master of suspense, and to that end Strangers On a Train has a lot going for it. Robert Walker was quite effective as Bruno, the psychopath who feels he is owed something and the premise was an intriguing one. It also had a good amount of tension throughout most of the film - though the tennis match only served to kill the film's momentum for me.

I also found myself too distracted by Farley Granger's wooden performance, by the annoyingly hypocritical secondary characters (Miriam is a tramp for cheating, but somehow Guy's cheating is perfectly okay and Anne is at no fault for being with a married man... :rolleyes: ), and by the dangerous ineptitude of the police (Cop fires his gun at an unarmed suspect at a crowded amusement park and shoots an innocent bystander, but let's just gloss over that fact. WTF?) to ever get fully engaged with the film.

I suppose a rewatch could potentially improve my impression of it, but I think it's equally likely that the things that bugged me this time would only bug me more a second time.

3-

[rauldc14]

I really like Strangers so I expected this sort of review.

[neiba]

The Long Goodbye (1973)

Another interesting nomination.

What impressed me more about this film was the use of soundtrack. I think there's just one song used through out the whole movie: "The Long Goodbye" but in many different versions depending on the place or the characters that are on screen. This contributes to create a very solid atmosphere. And on top of that, the song is really really good.

The acting was solid from most actors, especially Elliot Gould as the main character (took me a while to overcome that bumbling of his but after that I enjoyed his perfomance very much) and Sterling Hayden who stole every scene he was in. I found Jim Bouton acting very poor though, and it's a good thing he only has a short screen time. The femme fatale, Nina van Pallandt, is convincingly enough though I was expecting a little bit more menace coming from her.

The twist, though kind of expectable seems fresh enough though I was expecting the revelation to have a little more gravitas to it.

Crime films from the 70s appear to be what people think I like, by looking at all my noms! I'm not complaining! :p

3 +

[cricket]

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane is a pretty nutty movie. I have it on my list of nominations for Miss Vicky. I'm only saying that because I've decided I won't pick it for her.

I'm up and down with Hitchcock. I've seen Strangers on a Train at least 3 times and I'd put that somewhere in the middle of his filmography.


I liked The Long Goodbye a lot and want to see it again. It was probably the hottest movie that people were watching for the 70's countdown, and I think it's ultimate placement on that list reflects that.

[Citizen Rules]

Last time we did this, I said I wouldn't mind seeing The Long Goodbye, but no one took my hint:(

[neiba]

Last time we did this, I said I wouldn't mind seeing The Long Goodbye, but no one took my hint:(

It's your type of film, I think :)

[cricket]

Last time we did this, I said I wouldn't mind seeing The Long Goodbye, but no one took my hint:(

I've never thought of you as a crime film fan but you do like those noirs.

[Miss Vicky]

I really enjoyed The Long Goodbye

[Citizen Rules]

I really enjoyed The Long GoodbyeAny guess if I'd like it?

[Miss Vicky]

Any guess if I'd like it?

Maybe? It's neo noir.

In any case, it's under 2 hours so not a huge time commitment. I watched it for the 70s countdown and thought it was a lot of fun.

[Citizen Rules]

Maybe? It's neo noir.

In any case, it's under 2 hours so not a huge time commitment. I watched it for the 70s countdown and thought it was a lot of fun.Thanks...So that's three votes that I might like it, one of these days I'll get around to it. It looks kinda fun.

[Siddon]

Last time we did this, I said I wouldn't mind seeing The Long Goodbye, but no one took my hint:(


Yeah I was a little let down nobody nomed it for the proper hall. also wouldn't mind a neo-noir hall.

[Citizen Rules]

Yeah I was a little let down nobody nomed it for the proper hallThere's always next time.

[Siddon]

And as I edited it...based on what has been very strong showing neo-noirs in recent halls it might be time.

[Citizen Rules]

A Neo Noir HoF would be cool. I enjoyed the last Noir HoF, some good stuff there.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ME3jeHtONPo%2FWvqTmtmbxWI%2FAAAAAAAAB78%2FT-fGgVMWG5UPqaddYNeV597DFI4AzPCvQCLcBGAs%2Fs1600%2Faceinthehole_1130_430_90_s_c1.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
Ace in the Hole

Charles Tatum: Bad news sells best. Cause good news is no news.

Who doesn't love the press? Apparently, in 1951, Billy Wilder didn't have the greatest opinion of them as he doesn't just fire a shot over their bow with Ace in the Hole but lands a direct hit.

Kirk Douglas is Charles Tatum, disgraced reporter that has seemingly burned every big time bridge he has ever crossed, who lands a job at an Albuquerque newspaper where the biggest story this year is a rattlesnake hunt. Makes sense as this is a movie filled with snakes. On his way to reporting the hunt he comes across a tiny town where a local grave robber has just been buried alive in an Indian burial tomb. Smelling a good story he then begins manipulating the situation to his own benefit and rather than just reporting the story, he becomes the story.

I really like the fact that there isn't anyone to root for here as every main character is a pretty awful person. Tatum is selfish and arrogant to the point of being dangerous. The wife of the trapped miner, Lorraine (Jan Sterling), is actually happy her husband is trapped as she sees his predicament, as well as the recent cash boom in her restaurant, as a way to get out of nowhere New Mexico and the Sheriff is envisioning a political future. He'll give Tatum the story Tatum wants. Tatum, in turn, will write glowing pieces about the Sheriff.

While I think the story is another that's just as relevant now as it was in 1951 there are a few aspects that would probably be a little different were it to happen today. I don't think people would come from far and away to be a part of the story/circus the way the movie depicts anymore. We're too lazy. We would probably just sit glued to 24 hour news as it unfolds and tweet out our expertise and tell our fb friends what idiots they are. The new circus in this case would be the press themselves, gathering at the pit and hissing and spitting with each other to find the juicy angle and maybe even *gasp* embellishing or straight up making shtuff up to get clicks (do they sell papers anymore?).

Billy Wilder isn't a director I seek out (this is my 6th film from him) but I do like more of his films than I don't. Asking Ace in the Hole to be as good as something as Sunset Blvd. is a tall order and it doesn't quite reach those heights. Not many films do but it is a worthwhile picture and would highly recommend it if you haven't seen it.

[Citizen Rules]

The King of Comedy

...My biggest issue with the movie is there isn't anyone to root for...


Ace in the Hole
...I really like the fact that there isn't anyone to root for here....
I'm curious as to why people will say that they don't like a movie because, there's no one to root for? I hear that a lot on MoFo...But in the case of Ace in the Hole you seem to have the opposite opinion (which is fine!) I'm just curious as to why this is?

[Hey Fredrick]

I figured you'd catch that. I don't need to root for someone. I get equal enjoyment in rooting against characters as well, which I mentioned in the review of King. Some of my favorite movies are nothing more than bad people doing horrible things. I get the same enjoyment rooting against someone as I do rooting for someone, as long as they're interesting.

[Citizen Rules]

I figured you'd catch that. I don't need to root for someone. I get equal enjoyment in rooting against characters as well, which I mentioned in the review of King. Some of my favorite movies are nothing more than bad people doing horrible things. I get the same enjoyment rooting against someone as I do rooting for someone, as long as they're interesting.Ah, thanks... I see🙂

[cricket]

Ace in the Hole seems like it's becoming a regular here, and for good reason!

[Miss Vicky]

I started Cat On a Hot Tin Roof on my break today. Will try to finish it tonight.

[edarsenal]

I started Cat On a Hot Tin Roof on my break today. Will try to finish it tonight.
That was one I considered for you so I'm curious to see what you think of it.

I finished Midnight Cowboy last night and gonna try to get a review up tonight or tomorrow.

[edarsenal]

https://images.static-bluray.com/reviews/4366_4.jpg


Midnight Cowboy

Ratso Rizzo: The two basic items necessary to sustain life, are sunshine and coconut milk. Didya know that? That's a fact! In Florida, they got a terrific amount of coconut trees there. In fact, I think they even got 'em in the, eh, gas stations over there.

For such a very well known film I actually knew nearly nothing of it except the famous improv: "I'm WALKIN here!" so I spent a lot of my viewing time a little surprised at all that was going on via disturbing flashbacks and Joe Buck's (Jon Voight) daydreaming of how things were and what they could be presently. A rather tricky technique to pull off, the Director, John Schlesinger does a very commendable job of sliding in and out without confusing us as to what is what.
I did find myself thinking: I'm surprised cricket never nominated this film since it seemed right up his alley. And, that I'm glad to have seen this now, having grown to appreciate the craft beneath the "shock" due to the films he has nominated previously.

What, on the surface appears as nothing more than a kind of porn of an uncomfortable nature; every sex scene is committed with some form of degradation or the like, Midnight Cowboy has something more going on beyond the filthy existence of 42nd Street. That something lies in the incredible talent of its two leading men. Especially Dustin Hoffman who holds nothing back in his performance of a greasy cripple, and the friendship that develops between the two of them.
Though, much like the remainder of the film, it is not something definitive but, like everything else, it just sorta hits you and slips away before you can truly react or fully comprehend how you feel and why.
So much so that when I finished the film, intent on writing my review, I couldn't.
Unlike other similar films that insisted on an unadulterated, instantaneous reaction, even now, I still seem a little. . . off.
Kind of like how Joe's flashbacks shift from his perceptions of what occurred to what truly did, I am in a state of acclimation of what I have viewed and a more fully, complete reaction to it all.
And that is very much a compliment.
So, thank you to whomever nominated this for me.

[edarsenal]

Moon (2009)

A quite interesting Sci-Fi drama that explores the ethics of cloning.
Sam Rockwell does an amazing job as basically the only actor we see and ultimately carries the whole film. The concept is quite simple, even too simple maybe, but there are some powerful messages coming out of it. Seeing the older clone just give up on life and see the new guy flying towards Earth was heartbraking.
I also found the robot interesting, as a polar opposite of HAL-9000. He was there to serve the clones more than to serve the company which is a fresh take on the way AI connects with humans in these kind of films. Kevin Spacey's voice was perfect for it too.
I kinda wished for an extra 30 minutes to see what happened when he returned home but I understand the film was not focusing on that.

There's not much else I could say about it, I'm glad I watched this as it has been on my watchlist for some time.

3 +
I've only seen this once and thankfully went in without any prior knowledge and do remember enjoying it. I've become a huge fan of Sam Rockwell and the nuance he brings to his roles. And yes, Kevin Spacey's voice WAS perfect for the AI.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beasty-press.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FWhat_Ever_Happened_to_Baby_Jane_3.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

When I was a kid I wasn't afraid of Freddy or Jason or Michael but I remember seeing parts of this on tv and seeing Bette Davis as Jane scared the hell out of me.

This is a movie where the performances, I think, are stronger than the story. Which is fine with me as interesting characters are what usually make or break a movie. All the performances are good but let's be real, it's Bette Davis' movie and she's great. Whether it's a maniacal cackle or just a look, she's insanely creepy. Is there anything more terrifying than Jane appearing in the background while Blanche explains the torment she's been going through to her Dr.? Bette looks like she was having a blast torturing her good friend Joan. As for Crawford, she does good portraying the tortured, paralyzed, younger sister. It's not as juicy a role as Jane but Crawford does a very good job. Shout out to the make up department as well. From what I've always heard, Bette did her own makeup for Jane but whoever did Crawfords did a wonderful job. As the movie progressed she looked appropriately worse.

There were parts that I felt dragged a little, not bad but a little and they usually involved Victor Bueno as Edwin Flagg, the aspiring musician who responds to a classified ad put out by Jane in an attempt to resurrect her career. It was an important role as a lot of the sisters backstory is told third person (especially a very juicy tidbit from Flaggs mother) and he does play a crucial role as the film begins to wind down down but... He just didn't work for me. Apparently I'm in the minority with that opinion since he was nominated for almost every award out there for his work, so what do I know?

I have to admit I didn't see that ending coming and I'm not sure what to make of it. I don't really feel THAT much different for either character after it's all said and done but it got me. Solid nomination.
It's been a couple of decades since I've seen this and like you, Davis unnerved the sh#t out of me as a kid lol
69471


Strangers On a Train (Alfred Hitchcock, 1951)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044079/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 11/29/2020
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: The Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame II, no idea who picked it
Rewatch: No.

Alfred Hitchcock is known as the master of suspense, and to that end Strangers On a Train has a lot going for it. Robert Walker was quite effective as Bruno, the psychopath who feels he is owed something and the premise was an intriguing one. It also had a good amount of tension throughout most of the film - though the tennis match only served to kill the film's momentum for me.

I also found myself too distracted by Farley Granger's wooden performance, by the annoyingly hypocritical secondary characters (Miriam is a tramp for cheating, but somehow Guy's cheating is perfectly okay and Anne is at no fault for being with a married man... :rolleyes: ), and by the dangerous ineptitude of the police (Cop fires his gun at an unarmed suspect at a crowded amusement park and shoots an innocent bystander, but let's just gloss over that fact. WTF?) to ever get fully engaged with the film.

I suppose a rewatch could potentially improve my impression of it, but I think it's equally likely that the things that bugged me this time would only bug me more a second time.

3-
shooting a bystander caught me a little by surprise as well when I saw it for this HoF and that nothing seemed to come of it.
The tension WAS done very well and Walker did a great job as the psychopath.
The Long Goodbye (1973)

Another interesting nomination.

What impressed me more about this film was the use of soundtrack. I think there's just one song used through out the whole movie: "The Long Goodbye" but in many different versions depending on the place or the characters that are on screen. This contributes to create a very solid atmosphere. And on top of that, the song is really really good.

The acting was solid from most actors, especially Elliot Gould as the main character (took me a while to overcome that bumbling of his but after that I enjoyed his perfomance very much) and Sterling Hayden who stole every scene he was in. I found Jim Bouton acting very poor though, and it's a good thing he only has a short screen time. The femme fatale, Nina van Pallandt, is convincingly enough though I was expecting a little bit more menace coming from her.

The twist, though kind of expectable seems fresh enough though I was expecting the revelation to have a little more gravitas to it.

Crime films from the 70s appear to be what people think I like, by looking at all my noms! I'm not complaining! :p

3 +
I actually saw this for the first time at the Drive In in 3rd Grade and a number of times throughout my life. Gould did a great job as Marlowe.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ME3jeHtONPo%2FWvqTmtmbxWI%2FAAAAAAAAB78%2FT-fGgVMWG5UPqaddYNeV597DFI4AzPCvQCLcBGAs%2Fs1600%2Faceinthehole_1130_430_90_s_c1.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
Ace in the Hole

Charles Tatum: Bad news sells best. Cause good news is no news.

Who doesn't love the press? Apparently, in 1951, Billy Wilder didn't have the greatest opinion of them as he doesn't just fire a shot over their bow with Ace in the Hole but lands a direct hit.

Kirk Douglas is Charles Tatum, disgraced reporter that has seemingly burned every big time bridge he has ever crossed, who lands a job at an Albuquerque newspaper where the biggest story this year is a rattlesnake hunt. Makes sense as this is a movie filled with snakes. On his way to reporting the hunt he comes across a tiny town where a local grave robber has just been buried alive in an Indian burial tomb. Smelling a good story he then begins manipulating the situation to his own benefit and rather than just reporting the story, he becomes the story.

I really like the fact that there isn't anyone to root for here as every main character is a pretty awful person. Tatum is selfish and arrogant to the point of being dangerous. The wife of the trapped miner, Lorraine (Jan Sterling), is actually happy her husband is trapped as she sees his predicament, as well as the recent cash boom in her restaurant, as a way to get out of nowhere New Mexico and the Sheriff is envisioning a political future. He'll give Tatum the story Tatum wants. Tatum, in turn, will write glowing pieces about the Sheriff.

While I think the story is another that's just as relevant now as it was in 1951 there are a few aspects that would probably be a little different were it to happen today. I don't think people would come from far and away to be a part of the story/circus the way the movie depicts anymore. We're too lazy. We would probably just sit glued to 24 hour news as it unfolds and tweet out our expertise and tell our fb friends what idiots they are. The new circus in this case would be the press themselves, gathering at the pit and hissing and spitting with each other to find the juicy angle and maybe even *gasp* embellishing or straight up making shtuff up to get clicks (do they sell papers anymore?).

Billy Wilder isn't a director I seek out (this is my 6th film from him) but I do like more of his films than I don't. Asking Ace in the Hole to be as good as something as Sunset Blvd. is a tall order and it doesn't quite reach those heights. Not many films do but it is a worthwhile picture and would highly recommend it if you haven't seen it.
Like you, I got to see this for the first time in this HoF and rather enjoyed, not only the harsh light Wilder put on the press but on those involved in the situation that became a "circus".

[Miss Vicky]

69589


Cat On a Hot Tin Roof (Richard Brooks, 1958)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051459/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 12/02/2020
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: The Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame II, no idea who picked it
Rewatch: No.

Holy s*** I hated absolutely every character in this movie. I wanted to punch every single one of them in the face over and over again. This was nearly two hours worth of a**holes with stupid names (Who the f*** calls their sons "Gooper" and "Brick"?) screaming at each other, lying to each other, and saying the word "mendacity" ad nauseum while the f***ing obnoxious kids screech and sing and generally make nuisances of themselves. And what was up with the "sister woman" crap? Is that a common southern phrase? Whatever it is, it was annoying too. Which about sums up my opinion of the movie as a whole.

I'll grant it a slightly higher rating than my experience really justifies, because the cast were certainly convincing in their a**holery but that's the highest praise I can give it.

2-

[cricket]

Midnight Cowboy is definitely my type of movie and I've seen it several times. For whatever reason it's still not a favorite, but that wouldn't stop me from choosing it for someone.

I thought Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was a good try for Miss Vicky, although she wouldn't care about what I liked the most (a super smoking Liz Taylor).

[neiba]

Glad you liked Midnight Cowboy edarsenal, that was my pick for you!

[edarsenal]

Glad you liked Midnight Cowboy edarsenal, that was my pick for you!

thanks neiba for checking off another iconic Must See! Film. VERY much appreciated!!

[edarsenal]

69589


Cat On a Hot Tin Roof (Richard Brooks, 1958)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051459/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 12/02/2020
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: The Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame II, no idea who picked it
Rewatch: No.

Holy s*** I hated absolutely every character in this movie. I wanted to punch every single one of them in the face over and over again. This was nearly two hours worth of a**holes with stupid names (Who the f*** calls their sons "Gooper" and "Brick"?) screaming at each other, lying to each other, and saying the word "mendacity" ad nauseum while the f***ing obnoxious kids screech and sing and generally make nuisances of themselves. And what was up with the "sister woman" crap? Is that a common southern phrase? Whatever it is, it was annoying too. Which about sums up my opinion of the movie as a whole.

I'll grant it a slightly higher rating than my experience really justifies, because the cast were certainly convincing in their a**holery but that's the highest praise I can give it.

2-
So, basically, nominating this for ya would've kept my high running record securely in tact, huh?
Sorry to hear it didn't work for ya, my dear

[Wyldesyde19]

Midnight Cowboy is definitely my type of movie and I've seen it several times. For whatever reason it's still not a favorite, but that wouldn't stop me from choosing it for someone.

I thought Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was a good try for Miss Vicky, although she wouldn't care about what I liked the most (a super smoking Liz Taylor).
La Liz was beautiful in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof!
😍😍😍

[edarsenal]

Well you're pretty consistent in picking movies that I don't like. :laugh:
If it's any consolation, it'll probably rank higher than Blue Velvet. Maybe there will be others that I dislike even more?

hmmm, looks like Maltese Falcon just got another step up

https://media1.tenor.com/images/2d7df72b568551605943631988722703/tenor.gif?itemid=4905592

[Citizen Rules]

La Liz was beautiful in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof!
😍😍😍Liz in a movie choice for me will get extras points! Hint, hint:p...and I haven't seen all of her films, not yet.

[Citizen Rules]

69687
Midnight Cowboy (1969)

I like being wrong. I do. It's self renovating to allow one's self the ability to be flexible and to reverse a held belief. And I believed that Midnight Cowboy would be something I'd loathed to watch. That's why I avoided it until now. It was originally rated X and I'm not a big fan of guy on guy scenes, especially in X rated films!

But as it turns out Midnight Cowboy was tame as an old farm horse. I've seen more provocative stuff in modern R films. And more importantly the film won me over with a heartfelt and original story backed up by two stand out actors who bring these colorfully interesting characters to life. So yes, I liked the movie and was impressed by it.

Most people will mention the story, characters and the actors who played them as being the reason they like the film. And those are good reasons!

But I have two other reasons to admire this film:


The cityscapes as seen through a time machine back to 1960. I love history, I love time, I think about time, all the time. There's no time machine that will lets us travel back in time, but movies allow us to do just that. I'm not talking about a film that's a period piece, say like Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, that's just a facsimile of what was. With Midnight Cowboy we see actual events, actual people and we see events as they occurred in time and captured on film. I loved the look at 1969 NYC. My eyes gobbled up the fashions and the store fronts and the way the world looked back then. All that is priceless to me.



Then there's the cinematic history of Midnight Cowboy. It's not just an Oscar Best Picture winner, it's the one and only X rated film to win an Oscar. It's also the only X rated film to be screened at the White House, and by Richard Nixon no less. It's ground breaking too in it's frank look at New York City's colorful 42nd street. Midnight Cowboy is probably the first American mainstream film to show gay people so up close and personal. The film captures a microcosmic on events and historical attitudes of a rapidly changing world.

Midnight Cowboy, along with Black Orpheus & Ali: Fear Eats the Soul are all tied for my 1st place...BUT, I still have two more films to go!

[edarsenal]

That is a HELLUVA good surprise that you enjoyed Midnight Cowboy THAT MUCH!!
I kinda figured you'd thoroughly enjoy the Time Machine to 1969 New York but wasn't sure how the rest of it would faire with you.

[Citizen Rules]

That is a HELLUVA good surprise that you enjoyed Midnight Cowboy THAT MUCH!!
I kinda figured you'd thoroughly enjoy the Time Machine to 1969 New York but wasn't sure how the rest of it would faire with you.The characters Joe Buck and Ratso were so well played by Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight that they felt like real people to me. There story was a very personal tale and I liked the friendship that grew between them. That friendship was intelligently written, directed and performed and for me that's a big part of my appreciating the movie. The scenes in the grubby, abandoned tenement room were some of the best humanity scenes I've encountered. Great set too!

Joe Buck was very likeable, as Voight played the cowboy with so much unbridled enthusiasm and yet dumb as a door knob, that I couldn't help but root for him. And Dustin Hoffman really became a different character with Ratso, not at all the type of performance we're use to seeing out of Hoffman. I was impressed with Hoffman and previously hadn't noticed him much as an actor.

I read that the director was on the fence about the scene where Joe Buck assaults the older man in his room. Some say Voight's character wouldn't have been violent and I agree...I didn't like that scene because of the obvious violence, I wish it had been done differently. And I didn't enjoy watching some of the flashback scenes that showed the girl being attacked and raped. I think that was Jennifer Salt? I know her from Soap.

[edarsenal]

The characters Joe Buck and Ratso were so well played by Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight that they felt like real people to me, more so that many other movies I've seen. There's was a very personal story and I liked the friendship that grew between them. And that friendship was so intelligently written, directed and performed...for me that's the big part of my appreciating of the movie. The scenes in the grubby, abandoned tenement room were some of the best humanity scenes I've encountered.

Joe Buck was very likeable as Voight played the cowboy with so much unbridled enthusiasm and yet dumb as a door knob, that I couldn't help but root for him. And Dustin Hoffman really became a different characer with Ratso, not at all the type of performance we're use to seeing out of Hoffman. I was impressed with Hoffman and previously hadn't noticed him much as an actor.

I read that the director was on the fence about the scene where Joe Buck assaults the older man in his room. Some say Voight's character wouldn't have been violent and I agree...I didn't like the scene because of the obvious violence and wish it had been done differently. And I didn't enjoy watching some of the flashback scenes that showed the girl being attacked and raped. I think that was Jennifer Salt? I know her from Soap.
I'm very much the same regarding Joe and Ratso. Their friendship really seals the film for greatness and those tenement scenes did hold some truly well done "humanity".

I've seen a few of Hoffman's performances throughout the years, most recently seeing The Graduate, which, from what I read, there were several folks that thought he was throwing his new found career by doing this "seedy" film. Causing me to wonder if that fueled him even more to work so intensely at this role. I think the role that really impressed me about him for the first time was Rain Man. Having not seen a lot of his much earlier roles before that one.

Regarding the violence with the old man I thought it was fitting and had it's own sense of intensity BECAUSE Joe was in no way a violent person as is shown on numerous times when he duped by so many others. It really nails home the desperation he feels and the intensity of the friendship that he does something so very much out of character on behalf of Ratso.

Also, I had NO IDEA that Annie from Texas was the same actress that played Eunice in Soap :eek:

[Citizen Rules]

...Also, I had NO IDEA that Annie from Texas was the same actress that played Eunice in Soap :eek:The screenplay was written by Waldo Salt, Jennifer Salt's father. That probably helped her get into the film!

[edarsenal]

The screenplay was written by Waldo Salt, Jennifer Salt's father. That probably helped her get into the film!
what a nice dad :rolleyes:
"Is there a part for me, daddy?"
"Actually. . . yes there is."

[Thursday Next]

Parasite

https://assets3.thrillist.com/v1/image/2824749/size/gn-gift_guide_variable_c.jpg

Ever wondered what if Shoplifters but South Korean? Parasite is the answer.

I think this was a very well-made film, it looks good and I liked that you never quite knew where it was going to go next. I think my favourite part of the film was when the basement apartment was flooded and they were running through the streets, just for the look of it.

I’ve always felt Bong Joon-Ho films suffer from being a bit silly and over the top, with wild tonal shifts and misplaced humour. Parasite is comparatively restrained, with appropriate dark humour in the first half of the film. I was almost braced for it to go really wacky and possibly even supernatural, but despite possibly the craziest climactic birthday party since Toni Erdmann, it never quite went there. I definitely think it is his best film I’ve seen to date.

I’ve seen some people online questioning why none of the actors were nominated at the Oscars, but it’s very much an ensemble film and while the acting was good, nobody particularly stood out, except maybe Song Kang-ho (the Weird from The Good the Bad and the Weird).

Good film, good nomination, glad to have finally seen it.

[Thursday Next]

...also watched Parasite with Mr Next who liked it too, probably even more than I did.

[HashtagBrownies]

Blood Simple:

Has only five characters, but still manages to pack a suspenseful punch. It's only the Coen Brothers' first film, but it still manages to have many of the same quirks and motifs that have been apart of their style over the years: Set in rural America, a dark comedy of errors, memorable characters. It's incredibly impressive that they were able to establish such a distinct style so early in their careers. While it is quite a quaint story, I still love it due to it being a black-comedy of errors; there's just something so entertaining about seeing fictional bad guys getting totally screwed over due to something minor. The suspense is also very well done; that long stretch of no dialogue and the ending were both very effective scenes. Cinematography wise it's really good, love the use of night-time, shadows and fog.

Big thanks to whoever picked this.

[Wyldesyde19]

Blood simple was chosen for me in the first one and I loved it. Rated it very highly.

[edarsenal]

Parasite

https://assets3.thrillist.com/v1/image/2824749/size/gn-gift_guide_variable_c.jpg

Ever wondered what if Shoplifters but South Korean? Parasite is the answer.

I think this was a very well-made film, it looks good and I liked that you never quite knew where it was going to go next. I think my favourite part of the film was when the basement apartment was flooded and they were running through the streets, just for the look of it.

I’ve always felt Bong Joon-Ho films suffer from being a bit silly and over the top, with wild tonal shifts and misplaced humour. Parasite is comparatively restrained, with appropriate dark humour in the first half of the film. I was almost braced for it to go really wacky and possibly even supernatural, but despite possibly the craziest climactic birthday party since Toni Erdmann, it never quite went there. I definitely think it is his best film I’ve seen to date.

I’ve seen some people online questioning why none of the actors were nominated at the Oscars, but it’s very much an ensemble film and while the acting was good, nobody particularly stood out, except maybe Song Kang-ho (the Weird from The Good the Bad and the Weird).

Good film, good nomination, glad to have finally seen it.
I had a strong, hopeful belief you'd enjoy this film when I picked it for ya.
I was very much the same way when it got nominated for me in the previous HoF.
Also, glad to hear it struck the right balance for ya as well. I was completely blind when I watched it; only knowing that I enjoy both Bong Joon-Ho and the father (Song Kang-ho) since -- well, see I saw him in Good/Bad&Weird and ever since.

The flooding scene was an exceptional bit visually.
And DID NOT see it going where it did. I was :eek::eek:😲:yup::yup:

[cricket]

As I've said before, Blood Simple is 1 of the 4 Coen movies I love, to go along with Fargo, No Country for Old Men, and The Big Lebowski.

Parasite was nominated for me last time which was cool since I had just gotten the DVD from Netflix, and I loved it. There were movies that year I loved more, but I thought 2019 was a great year for movies and I have no problem with Parasite winning the big Oscar.

[Hey Fredrick]

Blood Simple is one of three Coen Bros. movies that rotates as my favorite from them. All depends on which one I've seen most recently.

[cricket]

Blood Simple is one of three Coen Bros. movies that rotates as my favorite from them. All depends on which one I've seen most recently.

That's pretty much how I am

[cricket]

The Right Stuff

https://scrapsfromtheloft.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The.Right_.Stuff_.jpg

I was 12 when this came out and I can remember how big of a movie it was. It must have been based on critical acclaim though because I was just shocked to read that it was a box office flop. It must've had something to do with the over 3 hour running time, which is probably why it took until now for me to see it. The movie I just watched looked to me like an enormous crowd pleaser. As far as true stories go, think Titanic except better.

https://cache.moviestillsdb.com/i/500x/fejvkrsj/the-right-stuff-lg.jpg

For anyone who doesn't know, it's about the early days of the space program, and in case Miss Vicky doesn't know, it's from the same director as Quills. The deep cast is really good with the standouts being Ed Harris as John Glenn and Scott Glenn as Alan Shepard. It also stars Sam Shepard, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward, Barbara Hershey, Jeff Goldblum, Lance Henriksen, and more. This movie really succeeded at showing the danger to the test pilots/astronauts as well as the wonderment of it all. I thought it was involving and entertaining from start to finish and it was another home run nomination for me.

4.5

[edarsenal]

Never got around to seeing The Right Stuff. Sorta fell by the wayside. I have been curious to and I do like quite a few of the people involved and high praise from cricket says a lot as well.

[cricket]

Never got around to seeing The Right Stuff. Sorta fell by the wayside. I have been curious to and I do like quite a few of the people involved and high praise from cricket says a lot as well.

I think you'd love it

[Citizen Rules]

Very cool that you liked the The Right Stuff cricket When I seen it was chose for you I wasn't sure if you would really like it, but I suspected you'd respect it. I've only seen it once and like 20 years ago. I do remember liking it quite a bit AND I'm very interested in the early space efforts. I need to watch The Right Stuff again one of these days.

[cricket]

Very cool that you liked the The Right Stuff cricket When I seen it was chose for you I wasn't sure if you would really like it, but I suspected you'd respect it. I've only seen it once and like 20 years ago. I do remember liking it quite a bit AND I'm very interested in the early space efforts. I need to watch The Right Stuff again one of these days.

It's over 3 hours but it's an easy watch. Everything was so cool like how the guys were picked to the training to how they presented themselves and got along. Everything really.

[Citizen Rules]

It's over 3 hours but it's an easy watch. Everything was so cool like how the guys were picked to the training to how they presented themselves and got along. Everything really.I've seen a couple of documentaries & dramas about the Mercury and Apollo missions, most of those were 4/5 really good stuff.
From the Earth to the Moon (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120570/) is a 12 part mini series that told the Apollo mission from different perspectives AND different directors did the different segments. Worth watching if you liked The Right Stuff.

[gbgoodies]

The Right Stuff

I was 12 when this came out and I can remember how big of a movie it was. It must have been based on critical acclaim though because I was just shocked to read that it was a box office flop. It must've had something to do with the over 3 hour running time, which is probably why it took until now for me to see it. The movie I just watched looked to me like an enormous crowd pleaser. As far as true stories go, think Titanic except better.

4.5


I haven't seen The Right Stuff in years, but I remember it being a very good movie. I had no idea that it was a flop at the box office.


The deep cast is really good with the standouts being Ed Harris as John Glenn and Scott Glenn as Alan Shepard. It also stars Sam Shepard, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward, Barbara Hershey, Jeff Goldblum, Lance Henriksen, and more.

Does anyone else think it's strange that some of the actors' last names match the last names of some of the characters? I know it's just a coincidence, but it just kind of jumped out at me when I read that paragraph.

[cricket]

Does anyone else think it's strange that some of the actors' last names match the last names of some of the characters? I know it's just a coincidence, but it just kind of jumped out at me when I read that paragraph.

Oh yea it threw me off, not that it takes much.

[Hey Fredrick]

The Right Stuff

https://scrapsfromtheloft.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The.Right_.Stuff_.jpg

I was 12 when this came out and I can remember how big of a movie it was. It must have been based on critical acclaim though because I was just shocked to read that it was a box office flop. It must've had something to do with the over 3 hour running time, which is probably why it took until now for me to see it. The movie I just watched looked to me like an enormous crowd pleaser. As far as true stories go, think Titanic except better.

https://cache.moviestillsdb.com/i/500x/fejvkrsj/the-right-stuff-lg.jpg

For anyone who doesn't know, it's about the early days of the space program, and in case Miss Vicky doesn't know, it's from the same director as Quills. The deep cast is really good with the standouts being Ed Harris as John Glenn and Scott Glenn as Alan Shepard. It also stars Sam Shepard, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward, Barbara Hershey, Jeff Goldblum, Lance Henriksen, and more. This movie really succeeded at showing the danger to the test pilots/astronauts as well as the wonderment of it all. I thought it was involving and entertaining from start to finish and it was another home run nomination for me.

4.5

Glad you liked it because if you didn't, 3 hours of a bad movie can seem like an eternity. I promise to find you a short(er) one next time.

[cricket]

Glad you liked it because if you didn't, 3 hours of a bad movie can seem like an eternity. I promise to find you a short(er) one next time.

I don't mind at all for these because I'm interested in everything on the lists. Doing on my own is a different story, I need a kick in the ass.

[edarsenal]

watched Spartacus tonight. Pretty impressive film. I should be getting a review up in the next day or so

[Miss Vicky]

For anyone who doesn't know, it's about the early days of the space program, and in case Miss Vicky doesn't know, it's from the same director as Quills.

I’ve had very mixed experiences with Kaufman movies so his involvement in a film isn’t a selling point for me. I love Quills and enjoyed Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but absolutely hated The Unbearable Lightness of Being.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FM%2FMV5BMWQ1NjFjNDItNmVhZS00OTRkLThjYmUtMDgwZDBmMjc2NzI1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjc2OT M5MTU%40._V1_SY1000_CR0%2C0%2C1321%2C1000_AL_.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
The Awful Truth

Never considered myself a fan of old comedies but having now seen two for this HoF I'm beginning to come around on them a little. There isn't much to The Awful Truth in terms of story, a couple, going through a divorce, try to sabotage the others newest romantic interests. Pretty simple and the movie is clearly broke down into 4 acts: The divorce, her romance, his romance and the end.

The third act was my favorite and I wish it had more screen time. Irene Dunne invading a dinner party pretending to be Cary Grant's floozy sister Lola in an attempt to ruin his relationship with a rich socialite, was the highlight of the movie. That scene was fantastic and is where I thought both Dunne and Grant were at their best - her performance and his reactions to her performance.

While it was a small role the Aunt had some really good one liners and how could I not mention Mr. Smith, that little S.O.B was fabulous as well.

As the movie progressed I kept thinking the same thing: These two are perfect for each other. The awful truth... Recommending comedies is always a risky affair. If they don't grab you early it's easy to lose interest. I'm happy to say the The Awful Truth had me chuckling from the first scene on.

[Miss Vicky]

I started Ordinary People yesterday, but had an emergency with my cat and couldn't concentrate enough to finish it afterwards. I'll try to finish it tonight.

[Hey Fredrick]

I started Ordinary People yesterday, but had an emergency with my cat and couldn't concentrate enough to finish it afterwards. I'll try to finish it tonight.

Hope all is well with the kitty. Ours has been more or less back to normal since his last incident.

[Miss Vicky]

Hope all is well with the kitty. Ours has been more or less back to normal since his last incident.

He seems to be okay this morning. He's diabetic and I think his blood sugar got too low. He fell off of his cat tree and seemed really dazed. I gave him Karo syrup and some food and he perked up. I'm taking him in to the office with me today.

Glad to hear your kitty is doing better.

[Miss Vicky]

69966


Ordinary People (Robert Redford, 1980)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081283/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 12/10/2020
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: The Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame II, nominated by Siddon? (I'm guessing)
Rewatch: No.

I don't have a whole lot to say about this one. I thought the film was pretty solid overall, but sometimes it started to feel like an overly long and not especially effective advertisement for therapy. Although I related on some level to Conrad's struggles, something about his attitude for much of the film prevented me from truly connecting with him and the movie.

Another huge obstacle to my enjoyment of the film was Mary Tyler Moore's "Beth." Kudos to Moore for turning in a very convincing performance of that superficial, ice cold c*** that is the character, but damn I wanted to punch her so bad.

The one strong point of the film that did affect me though was Donald Sutherland's turn as "Calvin" - the husband and father who struggles to keep his crumbling family together while also struggling with the realization that his love for his wife isn't what it used to be. I felt very strongly for his character and it was the one thing that really kept me from getting bored and gave some balance to how much I despised Beth.

I do have to acknowledge though that this film was not watched under optimal conditions. Due to circumstances in my own life, I had to watch it in pieces and that probably contributed some to my struggle to engage. I do think it's probably a better movie than I'm giving it credit for. It's unlikely that I will revisit it before I vote, but I will try to keep factor that in when I consider my rankings.

3+

[Thursday Next]

Night Moves


https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.amgJpJP1qZMQpdDSQuc29wHaEo?pid=Api&rs=1

I’ve watched one Kelly Reichardt film before, Meek’s Cutoff, which I wasn’t that keen on. Still, I was interested to see this film and to see more from the women directors list in general, so in that respect it was a good nomination for me.

Even after finishing this I’m not sure what to think of it. There were parts of it that were very good and worked well and other parts that didn’t so much. Its deliberately a very quiet sort of film with long takes of long silences, some of which worked well, like the lingering view of the faces of the three of them as they drive away in the truck after leaving the dam. Others not so much like the way the camera pans all the way round Jesse Eisenberg’s room before reaching him sat on his bed the next day. Parts of it were quite tense, especially when they are actually carrying out their explosive plan. I also liked the scene of Dena trying to get the fertilizer.

I didn’t like the dialogue. It felt definitely unscripted, as if they were making it up as they went along but also not quite effortlessly naturalistic and it made me cringe a little. I wasn’t completely convinced by Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of the main character. I get that he’s a closed off sort of a guy, but despite some of his actions later on there wasn’t that much development or insight – I don’t know whether that’s an acting issue or a writing issue though to be honest.

I felt that it went downhill in the last third or so of the film. It lost any tension, even when it should have been even more, and I don’t quite understand the significance of the ending. I guess the mirror representing some kind of surveillance and him thinking people are watching him, but I don’t think it was particularly well conveyed. I don’t generally think there has to be a ‘point’ to movies, sometimes the atmosphere or even the visual aesthetic can be the point, but I wasn’t really sure what this film was trying to say in the end.

[Citizen Rules]

Night Moves



I’ve watched one Kelly Reichardt film before, Meek’s Cutoff, which I wasn’t that keen on. Still, I was interested to see this film and to see more from the women directors list in general, so in that respect it was a good nomination for me. I'm a big fan of Kelly Reicnhardt's. I've seen all of her films except her latest, First Cow (2019). I'm not sure why I haven't caught that one yet,? I'm probably to busy watching movies for this and HoFs:p...I can definitely agree with a lot of what you said about Night Moves. It's a quiet, non formulaic film. Even though I thought it to be very effective and unique, I can agree that the 1st and 2nd parts were the most effective. Especially in the aftermath of blowing up the damn. In that moment the film transcends the typically movie and makes one feel what could've been in one's life if they made such a stupid mistake as these people did. I like then how the film shows the people involved unraveling in their psyche as the weight of their consequences come clear.

I wrote a short review that sums up what I'm trying to say here, Night Moves (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1818352#post1818352)

[cricket]

I finally watched Ordinary People about a year ago after always being interested and I thought it was pretty good. I liked The Awful Truth and just thought Night Moves was ok. Good job folks!

[edarsenal]

Every time I see The Awful Truth mentioned I have to pause a moment on whether or not I've seen it. I often get the premise mixed up with Grant's The Philadelphia Story and realize: nope, I haven't but would love to. Having enjoyed quite a number of Grant films, especially his comedic endeavors as well as a fan of Irene Dunne.

Have not seen Ordinary People as of yet nor Night Moves.

[edarsenal]

https://emerdelac.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/8531442650_7448acc7af_b-1.jpg


Spartacus

Gracchus: This republic of ours is something like a rich widow. Most Romans love her as their mother but Crassus dreams of marrying the old girl to put it politely.

Directed by Stanley Kubrick (who, after the completion of this film, made sure he always kept full control over all aspects of his movies) and the screenplay written by Dalton Trumbo (who was still blacklisted at the time, Kirk Douglas spoke up so that Trumbo got actual credit for his writing), and with a run time of just over 3 hours, Spartacus is quite the epic film.

For many this is a Kirk Douglas film. Being the lead, Spartacus; for me, it is the impressive list of those that share screen time and the characters that they portray. Starting with Peter Ustinov as the slave trader that buys Spartacus to be trained as Gladiator. I've been endeared to Ustinov since I was a little kid when he voiced Prince John in Disney's Robin Hood (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070608/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_8). Followed very quickly by Charles Laughton playing the crafty Senator, Gracchus. Some of my favorite dialogue comes from these two gentlemen.
Along with them is Laurence Olivier (Crassus) who unknowingly sets Spartacus forward in his revolt against Rome itself. Playing Spartacus' wife, Varinia is a very noble and enchanting Jean Simmons. And lastly, Tony Curtis as Antoninus, a poet that joins Spartacus' revolt.

For such a lengthy film time I had originally expected to have to break my viewing into at least two sections but found myself shooting through the entire film in one sitting. Growing more and more impressed as the story progressed. Even more so by the ending, which I was completely ignorant of.

Once more I am truly thankful for whomever made it possible to see another Must See! Film of such a grandiose proportions.
THANK YOU

[Miss Vicky]

I hated Spartacus.

[cricket]

I loved Spartacus.

[Chypmunk]

I am Spartacus.

[Hey Fredrick]

Spartacus was good but it wasn't as good as I had hoped for. I think my expectations were way too high. Anytime you go into a movie expecting a top ten all time movie your expectations may be a bit too high.

Ordinary People was my rec for Miss Vicky. No idea why I picked that one because I haven't seen it in years but I remember it being a pretty good family drama with solid performances. One of the scenes that always sticks out to me was Animal Mother/ My Bodyguard (Adam Baldwin) getting his ass kicked by a scrawny Timothy Hutton. No reason why I remember that more than anything else but I do. Thought both Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland were excellent.

[Miss Vicky]

Ordinary People was my rec for Miss Vicky. No idea why I picked that one because I haven't seen it in years but I remember it being a pretty good family drama with solid performances. One of the scenes that always sticks out to me was Animal Mother/ My Bodyguard (Adam Baldwin) getting his ass kicked by a scrawny Timothy Hutton. No reason why I remember that more than anything else but I do. Thought both Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland were excellent.

It's not a bad choice, by any means. I think it's a victim of unrelated circumstances and of how much I hated Moore's character (though her performance was very good). In any case, at this point I don't need to like movies for them to rank high, I just need to dislike them less than the others. :laugh:

[neiba]

Spartacus is a hell of a movie, even if Kubrick didn't have full control over it.

[Citizen Rules]

Spartacus

Directed by Stanley Kubrick (who, after the completion of this film, made sure he always kept full control over all aspects of his movies) and the screenplay written by Dalton Trumbo (who was still blacklisted at the time, Kirk Douglas spoke up so that Trumbo got actual credit for his writing), and with a run time of just over 3 hours, Spartacus is quite the epic film... Glad you liked it!

Spartacus was good but it wasn't as good as I had hoped for. I think my expectations were way too high. Anytime you go into a movie expecting a top ten all time movie your expectations may be a bit too high...That was my reaction to Spartacus too. I seen it only once and way back when I was first starting to venture into watching older films. I'd heard it was really great and that then set the bar too high for me...especially as I thought old films were like old food, stale.

Now I know old films are like old wine, vingery! :p of course I love old films these days, so I really need to go back and revisit Spartacus.

[edarsenal]

Spartacus was good but it wasn't as good as I had hoped for. I think my expectations were way too high. Anytime you go into a movie expecting a top ten all time movie your expectations may be a bit too high.

That was my reaction to Spartacus too. I seen it only once and way back when I was first starting to venture into watching older films. I'd heard it was really great and that then set the bar too high for me...especially as I thought old films were like old food, stale.

Now I know old films are like old wine, vingery! :p of course I love old films these days, so I really need to go back and revisit Spartacus.
I try REALLY hard NOT to get TOO excited about any particular film for that reason.

I know specifically, with Spartacus I kept my expectations to mid range because I sort of run hot and cold with Kirk Douglas. Not sure why, but I just do. Like with Ace in the Hole he was ideal for it and I really enjoyed him in it. In Spartacus, that Douglas cocky/arrogance/tough guy seemed off when it came to someone who had known naught else but slavery. Which was my only critique and not one I bothered with since I so very much enjoyed everyone else and the film itself.
I even kept my expectations in check with The Apartment which wasn't easy. Thankful the payoff was very early in the film as Jack Lemon's character began his monologue and the expectation ran loose, knowing full well it was going to be something I was going to fully enjoy.

[cricket]

Underworld

https://immortalephemera.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/37-george-bancroft.jpg

I think this was the first silent film I've seen since preparing for the pre-30's countdown so I was glad it was chosen for me. Another thing that made me excited to see it was that it was directed by Josef Von Sternberg whose films I have very much enjoyed. Given that it's a crime film, I'm surprised I didn't catch it before.

It's an easy watch at just over 80 minutes and there's a perfect copy on YouTube. Given how old it is, I was surprised at how much of what I'd call a regular crime film it was. It must have had some influence on films to come. Yet, you could almost say that the crime part is just the background for the story of a potential love triangle. We end up getting a fairly balanced film for the short runtime and it all works. Good performances and I liked the three main characters-Bull Weed, Feathers, and Rolls Royce. It looks and sounds right. While not a new favorite, it's damn good and I wouldn't have wanted anything else nominated in its place.

3.5

[edarsenal]

SWEET!
As I've said before I was waiting to see what you thought of it because when it caught my eye I was very intrigued to check it out -- now I definitely will.

[cricket]

SWEET!
As I've said before I was waiting to see what you thought of it because when it caught my eye I was very intrigued to check it out -- now I definitely will.

Maybe it's not a new favorite like the last one you picked for me, but there was no way I wasn't going to like it.

[edarsenal]

True.
Still, I was dying to hear your reaction before checking it out