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Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 12:48 PM

The Resident Bitch Prepares For
The MoFo 2010s Countdown

https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/JoaqGifs/eyes.gif

Here I have documented all of the movies I've watched in preparation for the Top 100 of the 2010s Countdown. I submitted my ballot on December 4, 2022. If any movies appear on the countdown that I have not seen but that interest me, I may watch them and write them up in this thread.

* * *

INDEX:
(135 movies watched)

#
12 Years a Slave (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341905#post2341905)
A
Acts of Vengeance (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2333919#post2333919)
Aferim! (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2335571#post2335571)
Andhadhun (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2338603#post2338603)
Anomalisa (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348037#post2348037)
Argo (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350274#post2350274)
Arrival (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2335318#post2335318)
B
Belle (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2337054#post2337054)
Big Hero 6 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2342077#post2342077)
The Breadwinner (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2347610#post2347610)
Bridesmaids (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2334503#post2334503)
The Broken Circle Breakdown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341012#post2341012)
The Burden (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348816#post2348816)
C
Call Me By Your Name (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346231#post2346231)
Calvary (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2342972#post2342972)
Cameraperson (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346532#post2346532)
Capernaum (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2333770#post2333770)
Captain Phillips (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348435#post2348435)
Clash (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2335807#post2335807)
Coco (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343077#post2343077)
Cold Fish (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2337862#post2337862)
D
Dallas Buyers Club (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2345906#post2345906)
Dark Shadows (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343244#post2343244)
Despicable Me (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346923#post2346923)
Django Unchained (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2345030#post2345030)
Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350117#post2350117)
Drive (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2338945#post2338945)
E
The Eagle (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2344707#post2344707)
Enemy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2337362#post2337362)
Ernest & Celestine (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2339692#post2339692)
Ethel & Ernest (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332349#post2332349)
F
Far From the Madding Crowd (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346701#post2346701)
The Favourite (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332345#post2332345)
The Florida Project (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2347853#post2347853)
Frankenweenie (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343605#post2343605)
The Frozen Ground (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341227#post2341227)
G
A Ghost Story (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2333675#post2333675)
Gifted (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2344530#post2344530)
God's Own Country (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2336568#post2336568)
Gone Girl (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2347462#post2347462)
The Great Gatsby (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343364#post2343364)
H
Happy Death Day (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2333906#post2333906)
The Hateful Eight (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2349259#post2349259)
The Help (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348857#post2348857)
Her (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350698#post2350698)
How to Train Your Dragon (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2338120#post2338120)
The Hunt (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2347133#post2347133)
I
I, Daniel Blake (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2345692#post2345692)
I Lost My Body (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2335500#post2335500)
The Illusionist (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2339402#post2339402)
I'm Still Here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350128#post2350128)
The Immigrant (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348928#post2348928)
Incendies (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348579#post2348579)
Inception (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2349492#post2349492)
Inherent Vice (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2347803#post2347803)
Inside Out (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2340201#post2340201)
Irrational Man (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2342775#post2342775)
Isle of Dogs (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343859#post2343859)
J
Jojo Rabbit (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2342326#post2342326)
Joker (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346114#post2346114)
Jurassic World (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2337145#post2337145)
K
Killer Joe (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2345549#post2345549)
Kitbull (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2352503#post2352503)
Klaus (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348335#post2348335)
Knives Out (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2338765#post2338765)
L
Lady Macbeth (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332351#post2332351)
Legend (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2342552#post2342552)
Lilting (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332350#post2332350)
The Lobster (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341704#post2341704)
Locke (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341024#post2341024)
Love & Mercy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348464#post2348464)
Love is Strange (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2334334#post2334334)
The Lure (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341762#post2341762)
M
Mad Max: Fury Road (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2347343#post2347343)
The Man From Nowhere (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343407#post2343407)
Manchester By the Sea (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350321#post2350321)
Marshland (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2344855#post2344855)
Midsommar (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2337005#post2337005)
Moana (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2334766#post2334766)
My Life As A Zucchini (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332589#post2332589)
N
The Nice Guys (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2333961#post2333961)
Nightcrawler (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346126#post2346126)
The Nightingale (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348686#post2348686)
O
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341850#post2341850)
P
Pain and Glory (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346269#post2346269)
Parasite (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348625#post2348625)
Pawn Shop Chronicles (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2336870#post2336870)
Poetry (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2340795#post2340795)
Prisoners (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2344460#post2344460)
Q
Quality Time (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2336013#post2336013)
R
Rango (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348299#post2348299)
The Raven (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2333562#post2333562)
Real Steel (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343421#post2343421)
The Red Turtle (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2336020#post2336020)
The Revenant (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350505#post2350505)
Robin Hood (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350466#post2350466)
Room (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348521#post2348521)
Rush (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2348908#post2348908)
S
Safety Not Guaranteed (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2335219#post2335219)
Sausage Party (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2335416#post2335416)
Searching (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2339169#post2339169)
The Secret Life of Pets (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346546#post2346546)
A Separation (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2344616#post2344616)
Shame (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2340558#post2340558)
Shutter Island (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343178#post2343178)
Sing (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2335832#post2335832)
The Sisters Brothers (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350330#post2350330)
Skin (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2334984#post2334984)
The Skin I Live In (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346281#post2346281)
Song of the Sea (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332904#post2332904)
Sorry We Missed You (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2345911#post2345911)
Source Code (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2337635#post2337635)
Spring Breakers (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2344271#post2344271)
Still Life (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2335150#post2335150)
The Strange Thing About the Johnsons (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2349264#post2349264)
T
Thirst Street (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2347445#post2347445)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2347581#post2347581)
Tikkun (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346010#post2346010)
The Town (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2345295#post2345295)
Toy Story 3 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341236#post2341236)
Tyrannosaur (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2349825#post2349825)
U
Under the Skin (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341687#post2341687)
V
Venom (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2339833#post2339833)
W
The Way He Looks (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2333425#post2333425)
Weathering With You (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2343303#post2343303)
What We Do In The Shadows (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332348#post2332348)
Whiplash (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2344387#post2344387)
Who Killed Captain Alex? (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2336806#post2336806)
The Wolf of Wall Street (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2350663#post2350663)
Wreck-It Ralph (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2334006#post2334006)
Wrinkles (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2336291#post2336291)
X
Xingu (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2338684#post2338684)
Y
You Were Never Really Here (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2346061#post2346061)
Your Name. (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2341975#post2341975)
Z
Zootopia (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2338771#post2338771)

Rectification Watches:
The World of Tomorrow (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2354192#post2354192)
The Raid: Redemption (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2354319#post2354319)
Ex Machina (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2366686#post2366686)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2367426#post2367426)
The Social Network (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2370110#post2370110)

Other 2010s Watches:
The Lighthouse (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2360497#post2360497)

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 12:49 PM

https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/2010s/favourite.gif

The Favourite (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2018)

They might as well have called this movie Catty Bitches in Queen Anne's Court. I generally try to avoid movies with such a predominantly female cast but The Favourite looked like it was going to be a good bit of fun and it did not disappoint. I really liked the dark humor and, as a bit of a sucker for costume dramas, I really loved the sets and the clothes. I have to say that I wasn't expecting this to be a love triangle and was a little surprised by the sexual elements, but it wasn't at all graphic and worked well with the story it was telling. All three lead performances were very strong and, while it did drag in a few places and I didn't quite love it, I do think this is a movie I will want revisit. I may even try to get a second viewing in before it's time to vote for the 2010's list, though there is quite stiff competition and it probably won't make the cut for me.

3.5

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 12:50 PM

https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/2010s/shadows.gif

What We Do In the Shadows (Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, 2014)

After seeing the trailer for this, I had my reservations but I really like Jojo Rabbit and since this made the Comedy Countdown I thought I'd give it a shot. I think the concept is good - and certainly mockumentaries can work very well for me - but it relied a little too heavily on silliness and there just wasn't enough substance here for my tastes. I did chuckle a few times, but I mostly felt detached from the whole thing and were it any longer than its 86 minute runtime I don't know that I would've finished it.

Not a bad movie and amusing enough for one watch, but not something I'm likely to revisit and I definitely won't be voting for it in the 2010s countdown.

3

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 12:50 PM

88789

Ethel & Ernest (Roger Mainwood, 2016)

I saw this being suggested in GBG's 2010's Recommendations thread and I thought I'd give it a shot.

There's a lot to like here. The film is really beautifully animated and it details the lives of a very ordinary couple, from the late 1920s to the early 1970s, as they try to cope with the events of the world and the ever evolving technology and politics of their day. It was really neat to get that perspective.

Unfortunately, my ability to enjoy this film was all but destroyed by one thing: Ethel. Holy shit that woman was infuriating - always thinking herself better than the "common" people, while being in denial of her own place in the social hierarchy and remaining willfully ignorant of the realities of politics and world events. I hated her so much and every time I'd start to enjoy myself she'd do or say something else that irritated me and I was left very much detached from the whole thing as a result.

But I do have to give credit where it is due and this is a very well crafted film. It's just not one that I'm likely to ever watch again and it certainly won't be getting my vote for the countdown.

3

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 12:51 PM

88807

Lilting (Hong Khaou, 2014)

This is another movie I saw being suggested in GBG's 2010's Recommendations thread. I hadn't even heard of it before then,

Although it's rather short, this is definitely a movie that requires patience and full engagement. It's a slow meditation on grief, guilt, obligation, and understanding. Ben Whishaw gives a particularly strong performance as a young man trying to connect with his dead boyfriend's Chinese-Cambodian mother - who doesn't like him, speaks no English, and doesn't know that her son was gay. Cheng Pei Pei is also excellent as the dead man's mother and gives a lot of humanity to a character that might otherwise have come off as cold, particularly in the film's earlier scenes.

It's a very moving film and one that I'll probably watch again, but my shortlist for the 2010s countdown is now at 82 films so its chances of making the final cut are pretty slim.

4

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 12:52 PM

https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/2010s/ladymacbeth.gif

Lady Macbeth (William Oldroyd, 2016)
(Rewatch)

Lady Macbeth is gorgeously shot with a palatte of earth tones and black, with just a little pop of color here and there. And it was really the look of this film that seduced me when I first saw its trailer back in 2016.

But that's not what really makes this a memorable experience. For that you must look to its central performance. Florence Pugh is absolutely chilling as Katherine - a woman who, once finding a taste of freedom in her otherwise stifling life, goes to increasingly cruel measures to keep it. She is calculating, remorseless, and will take out anyone who gets in her way.

Yet this is not a movie that is particularly violent. There are a few bursts of action and it clocks in at only about 90 minutes, but it burns at almost a snail's pace. It also almost completely lacks a score. There's virtually no music to instruct or manipulate your emotions. You are simply presented with a set of people and circumstances and are left to judge them for yourself.

As for me, I come away from it not knowing entirely how to feel about Katherine and her crimes, and I love that about it. It still remains to be seen if this will make the final cut for me, but its definitely not out of contention yet.

4

SpelingError

09-13-22, 12:54 PM

Is this a recommendation thread, or do you already have your watchlist assembled?

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 12:57 PM

Is this a recommendation thread, or do you already have your watchlist assembled?

Feel free to post recommendations if you have them, but I can't promise I'll get to them.

SpelingError

09-13-22, 01:03 PM

Feel free to post recommendations if you have them, but I can't promise I'll get to them.

I posted this in the Preliminary Thread, but I might as well send it here as well:

https://www.listchallenges.com/top-25-best-films-of-the-2010s

You've likely already seen most of them though.

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 01:21 PM

I posted this in the Preliminary Thread, but I might as well send it here as well:

https://www.listchallenges.com/top-25-best-films-of-the-2010s

You've likely already seen most of them though.

There are actually quite a few I haven't seen:

Holy Motors
Upstream Color
Snowpiercer
Arrival
Cameraperson
Burning
Under the Skin
Exit Through the Gift Shop
A Ghost Story
Marriage Story (I started this, but quickly got bored and shut it off)
Blackkklannsman
Hereditary
Shame (this is already on my watchlist)
Prisoners
Fruitvale Station
Enemy

Of those I have seen, I hated Tree of Life and disliked Inside Llewyn Davis. A Separation was probably the one I liked best, but I really need to rewatch it because it's been awhile and I've only seen it once.

cricket

09-13-22, 02:00 PM

I would definitely second Prisoners above^^

Tugg

09-13-22, 02:02 PM

I would second Prisoners and Arrival above^^

SpelingError

09-13-22, 02:08 PM

I would also recommend them, but you all already know that :D

rauldc14

09-13-22, 02:15 PM

Arrival is good. I better get to Prisoners sometime.

cricket

09-13-22, 02:23 PM

You're tough to recommend for but I'll do my best. These are all on my list of contenders.

Nightcrawler (2014)
I'm sure you've seen this, a lock for the countdown.

Capernaum (2018)
I'd recommend this to anyone on the forum. A good chance to make the countdown.

Tyrannosaur (2011)
Bleak and gritty British drama with a great lead performance. There's a tough scene with an animal but it's not real. The actor and the film both have a following so it has a chance to make the countdown.

Blue Ruin (2013)
Gritty crime thriller that has a shot to make it.

The rest have no chance to make the countdown-

Cold Fish (2010)
Gory and funny Japanese film.

Kidnapped (2010)
This is a tough one, well made and not trashy. Intense and upsetting.

Hounds of Love (2016)
Another that's a bit disturbing. Australian crime thriller based on a true story.

Pawn Shop Chronicles (2013)
Interconnected stories, quirky and twisted. I think you like some of the cast.

The Nightingale (2018)
Australian historical revenge, I was surprised at how brutal it was.

The Golden Glove (2019)
Pretty messed up but you might get a kick out of it.

Sleep Tight (2011)
Very solid thriller with a creepy premise.

Skin (2018)
Based on a true story-a skinhead attempts to change. I thought it was excellent.

Widows (2018)
Crime thriller with a great cast.

Nothing Bad Can Happen (2013)
Disturbing drama from the female directors list. Based on a true story.

Headhunters (2011)
Fun action thriller.

John Dumbear

09-13-22, 02:31 PM

Avoid "Holy Motors" at all costs. Was thinking of nom'g this for the "Son of Infamy" thread.

Yoda

09-13-22, 02:34 PM

I really have no sense of what commonalities drive your taste or what to recommend, so all I can say is that I think Arrival is a masterpiece.

SpelingError

09-13-22, 02:44 PM

Avoid "Holy Motors" at all costs. Was thinking of nom'g this for the "Son of Infamy" thread.

I always love revisiting favorites, so go for it :D

Citizen Rules

09-13-22, 03:21 PM

Of the movies mentioned here, maybe you would like these?

Blackkklannsman
Blue Ruin

Both were Cosmic's noms in past HoFs. I haven't seen most of the other films mentioned on your thread.

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 03:28 PM

You're tough to recommend for but I'll do my best. These are all on my list of contenders.

I've only seen Blue Ruin of those you mentioned. I know I saw it for a HOF, but it apparently didn't make any impression because that's all I can remember about it. I'll have to find my review of it and see if I think it's worth rewatching. I've also been a little interested in Nightcrawler so I'll add it to my watchlist. I'll have to look into the others.

I really have no sense of what commonalities drive your taste or what to recommend, so all I can say is that I think Arrival is a masterpiece.

I may give it a shot but I rarely like serious Sci-Fi movies.

Miss Vicky

09-13-22, 05:01 PM

I found my review of Blue Ruin:

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

Blue Ruin (Jeremy Saulnier, 2013)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2359024/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 05/15/2020
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: The 22nd MoFo Hall of Fame
Rewatch: No

This is a pretty straight-forward film about a man forced to confront his past in order to exact revenge on the man who he believes murdered his parents. With such a premise it could have been something really great. It could have had a protagonist I could've really gotten behind and those acts of vengeance could've felt a whole lot more satisfying. Unfortunately, however, the protagonist we get is a traumatized shell of a man who is just too empty to garner more than a vague sense of sympathy from me.

I did appreciate though the casting choice. Star Macon Blair lends a sense of authenticity to the lead role as the somewhat dumpy-looking every man, Dwight - a man turned killer without any combat training or past experience. But, again, that emptiness of the character prevented me from ever being truly invested in him.

Overall, Blue Ruin is a solid film and it held my interest for its 90 minute run, but this is not something I'm likely to ever revisit and I've probably been a bit generous with my rating.

3.5

I don’t think I’ll bother with a rewatch.

Little Ash

09-13-22, 06:27 PM

Avoid "Holy Motors" at all costs. Was thinking of nom'g this for the "Son of Infamy" thread.

Contrary to what one might think from the title, it is not part of the Fast & Furious franchise, let alone about any drag racing cult drifting along in Tokyo.

It is from Leos Carax, who directed the recent movie, Annette. I don't know how much one extrapolate from one to guess how much they'd like the other (they seemed like very different movies to me), unless one absolutely, absolutely hated Annette (and not speaking hyperbolically), outside of the music, and one can intuit it's existing in a style of filmmaking they don't care for, then that would probably be an indicator to avoid it.

Little Ash

09-13-22, 06:29 PM

I can't think of any recommendations.
Unless you want documentaries about ethnic and political purges (of the mass murder variety) in Southeast Asia. I can give you three of those.

Takoma11

09-13-22, 07:29 PM

gbgoodies

09-14-22, 01:14 AM

Miss Vicky

09-14-22, 02:04 AM

Miss Vicky, I know that you watch a lot of animated movies, so I was wondering if you've seen any of these movies, and are they worth watching for the 2010s countdown?

Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
Smallfoot (2018)
Abominable (2019)

Also, I liked Hotel Transylvania (2012), so are Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) and Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018) worth watching?

I actually wasn't a fan of Hotel Transylvania, so I didn't watch the sequels. Of the others, I've only seen Abominable. The animation was really gorgeous but I just couldn't get into the story. I know it's an animated movie about a Yeti or whatever, but the heavy fantasy and the involvement of magic just didn't work for me. It might be worth your while, though.

gbgoodies

09-14-22, 02:09 AM

I actually wasn't a fan of Hotel Transylvania, so I didn't watch the sequels. Of the others, I've only seen Abominable. The animation was really gorgeous but I just couldn't get into the story. I know it's an animated movie about a Yeti or whatever, but the heavy fantasy and the involvement of magic just didn't work for me. It might be worth your while, though.

Thank you.

I recently bought Smallfoot and Abominable on DVD (at garage sales, so they were cheap enough to take the risk), and I DVRed the other movies, but I didn't know if I should jump them near the top of my watchlist, or let them wait and possibly not see them before the deadline.

Miss Vicky

09-14-22, 02:53 AM

https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/2010s/zucchini.gif

My Life As A Zucchini (Ma vie de courgette) (Claude Barras, 2014)
(Rewatch)

I first watched this movie last year and, while I enjoyed it overall, I had kind of mixed feelings about it. I liked the story, but really disliked the style of the characters and sets. I also didn't quite connect with it as strongly I would've liked, but I felt it had potential to grow on me... and grow on me it did. Whereas I found the art style crude and off-putting then, tonight I found it whimsical and charming and while still no tears were shed, I must admit I got a little misty-eyed this time.

The story itself isn't original. Courgette and the other children all have devastatingly tragic backstories but, while the movie never lets the audience forget where these kids came from, it also never really dwells on their past. It's still the age old trope of orphan protagonists overcoming their circumstances and finding out that family doesn't have to be blood, but it manages to somehow feel a little more authentic than some of the better known films in the same vein. It also packs everything into a runtime that's barely over an hour, making it a great choice if you're short on time.

4

Thursday Next

09-14-22, 05:31 PM

Miss Vicky

09-14-22, 06:05 PM

Always hard to predict whether you will like something, but here are a few suggestions:

The Way He Looks (2014) - coming of age drama/ gay romance
The Lobster (2015) - weird comedy/drama anti-romance? Hard to describe, but weird, which is probably a plus
Under the Skin (2014) - Alien serial killer strangeness. You might hate this, I'm still not sure whether I liked it or hated it, but also very weird and stays with you in a creepy, lingering sort of a way
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) - vampire musicians confront eternity in different ways
A Ghost Story (2017) - this starts slowly as kind of look at grief but sort of evolves into more existential territory. I thought it was different and interesting.

Ghosts, aliens, vampires, and a dystopian society where single people get turned into animals? :laugh: All of those sound like they require more suspension of disbelief than I usually allow for live action, so I can't promise I'll watch any of them, but maybe? The Lobster sounds weird enough that I might give it a go. I'll definitely check out The Way He Looks.

Takoma11

09-14-22, 07:36 PM

Some that I think you might enjoy. I put a few in each category.

Dramas
Phoenix--more of a drama/thriller
Mustang
The Handmaiden--also a mish mash of drama/thriller/comedy
Room
Shoplifters
Short Term 12
I, Daniel Blake
Gifted (I loved this film about a man trying to do what's best for his niece when he adopts her after her mother's death)
Calvary
I Will Follow

Family/Comedy
Paddington 2
The Farewell
The Guard

Romance
Far From the Madding Crowd (period romance from Hardy's novel)
About Time (romantic comedy)
God's Own Country (drama/gay romance that is great on both fronts)

Thriller
First Reformed
Stoker
The Invitation
Upstream Color
Tikkun (this movie is kind of hard to classify)

John Dumbear

09-14-22, 07:43 PM

I second "Room" & "Shoplifters".

Allaby

09-14-22, 07:56 PM

I third Room and Shoplifters and second Mustang, I, Daniel Blake, Gifted, and First Reformed.

Takoma11

09-14-22, 08:29 PM

I third Room and Shoplifters and second Mustang, I, Daniel Blake, Gifted, and First Reformed.

I haven't heard anyone else talk about Gifted, but it's such a solid and optimistic/sweet film.

Miss Vicky

09-14-22, 08:40 PM

Some that I think you might enjoy. I put a few in each category.

I've seen Short Term 12, I, Daniel Blake, and Room. I recall being fairly indifferent to Short Term 12, so it's not on my shortlist. The other two are possibles but need a rewatch.

I wasn't a fan of the Paddington books as kid so I never bothered with the first movie, so the sequel's pretty much out of the question. I'll add God's Own Country to the watchlist. I'll have to look up the others when I get home to see what sounds good.

Takoma11

09-14-22, 09:08 PM

I wasn't a fan of the Paddington books as kid so I never bothered with the first movie, so the sequel's pretty much out of the question. I'll add God's Own Country to the watchlist. I'll have to look up the others when I get home to see what sounds good.

I never read the Paddington books as a kid, but I thought that both films were really sweet with some good comedy and adorably committed performances from the adult actors. You also don't need to watch the first film to watch the sequel. Not trying to hard sell you, I was realizing that most of what I was recommending was pretty heavy stuff.

Miss Vicky

09-14-22, 10:26 PM

I never read the Paddington books as a kid, but I thought that both films were really sweet with some good comedy and adorably committed performances from the adult actors. You also don't need to watch the first film to watch the sequel. Not trying to hard sell you, I was realizing that most of what I was recommending was pretty heavy stuff.

Nothing wrong with heavy stuff. Movies that make me cry tend to be movies that I love and I often favor movies that don't end happily. That said, happy shit makes me cry too. :laugh:

Takoma11

09-14-22, 10:29 PM

Nothing wrong with heavy stuff. Movies that make me cry tend to be movies that I love and I often favor movies that don't end happily. That said, happy shit makes me cry too. :laugh:

LOL, same!

Miss Vicky

09-15-22, 12:17 AM

Please Read Before Making Any Recommendations:

My list of possible first-time watches is now over 50 movies long (including all of the movies suggested to me here, as well as those I already intended to watch). If you haven't made any suggestions yet, please check out this list of what's already been suggested:

2010s First Time Watch List (https://letterboxd.com/miss_vicky/list/2010s-watchlist-recommended-movies-i-might/)

If you haven't made recommendations already and really want to, you may want to consider limiting your suggestions. If you have already made suggestions, please check the list to make sure I've selected the correct fim(s). I'll try to keep this list updated and have linked it in the first post.

Having said that, there's absolutely no way I'm going to get to all or even most of these before the deadline. If there is one particular 2010s film you really want me to watch, let me know and we can maybe make an arrangement where you watch one movie of my choosing and I watch one of yours.

Edit: Here is a list of 10 movies I most want people to watch: Movie Trades (https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/2010s/MovieTrade.html). If you'd like to arrange a trade, choose one of these (that you haven't yet seen) and let me know what you'd like me to watch, then I'll let you know if I'm down for doing the trade. If you've already seen all ten of these but are still interested in a trade, let me know and we may still be able to work something out.

Things to keep in mind before making recommendations:

-If it's not animated and requires a high level of suspension of disbelief (Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Superhero, Musicals), there's a good chance I'm not going to like it. This is not necessarily a dealbreaker, but keep it in mind.
-I'm not generally a fan of documentaries, so probably don't bother suggesting them though it's not necessarily a dealbreaker.
-If it contains actual animal cruelty, don't suggest it. Period. This is a dealbreaker.
-If its central character is a woman or if it has a majority female cast, I'm probably not going to be too into it. Not a dealbreaker, but something to consider.
-If it was made by Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, David O. Russell, or Darren Arronofsky, don't even bother. There's a decent chance I've already seen it and I probably don't like it. This is not a complete list of directors to avoid.
-I don't like Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Paul Dano, or Robert Pattinson. So probably don't suggest anything with them in it. Wahlberg is a dealbreaker. I may add to this list later.

SpelingError

09-15-22, 12:20 AM

you may want to consider limiting your suggestions.

Okay, here are my final recommendations then:

https://www.listchallenges.com/print-list/228344

:D

Miss Vicky

09-15-22, 04:42 AM

https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/2010s/songofthesea.gif

Song of the Sea (Tomm Moore, 2014)

I’ve been sort of vaguely aware of this movie for several years but hadn’t really seriously considered watching it until it came up when I was searching for animated films from the 2010’s. I debated on adding it to my watchlist for this countdown because, after being introduced to the concept of a selkie earlier this year when I had to watch The Secret of Roan Innish, I wasn’t too keen on watching another movie about seal people. But I was really impressed by the beauty of the images I had seen from it and hoped that my love of animation would cause me to overcome my aversion to fantasy.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. The movie is really gorgeous and my rating of it is owed pretty much entirely to its good looks, but with all its magic, its witches, selkies, faeries, etc., I just found myself rolling my eyes and checking the remaining runtime. It’s a shame really, because this is a well made film and there are other fantasy animations that I do enjoy, but I just couldn’t get into it. Oh well.

2.5

cricket

09-15-22, 07:02 AM

Please Read Before Making Any Recommendations:

My list of possible first-time watches is now over 50 movies long (including all of the movies suggested to me here, as well as those I already intended to watch). If you haven't made any suggestions yet, please check out this list of what's already been suggested:

2010s First Time Watch List (https://letterboxd.com/miss_vicky/list/2010s-watchlist-recommended-movies-i-might/)

If you haven't made recommendations already and really want to, you may want to consider limiting your suggestions. If you have already made suggestions, please check the list to make sure I've selected the correct fim(s). I'll try to keep this list updated and have linked it in the first post.

Having said that, there's absolutely no way I'm going to get to all or even most of these before the deadline. If there is one particular 2010s film you really want me to watch, let me know and we can maybe make an arrangement where you watch one movie of my choosing and I watch one of yours.

Things to keep in mind before making recommendations:

-If it's not animated and requires a high level of suspension of disbelief (Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Superhero, Musicals), there's a good chance I'm not going to like it.
-I'm not generally a fan of documentaries, so probably don't bother suggesting them.
-If it contains actual animal cruelty, don't suggest it. Period.
-If its central character is a woman or if it has a majority female cast, I'm probably not going to be too into it.
-If it was made by Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, David O. Russell, or Darren Arronofsky, don't even bother. There's a decent chance I've already seen it and I probably don't like it. This is not a complete list of directors to avoid.
-I don't like Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Paul Dano, or Robert Pattinson. So probably don't suggest anything with them in it. I may add to this list later.

I think all of my picks for you avoided your dislikes, but I'm going to go with Capernaum because that's probably the one out of all my recommendations for you that would widely be viewed as the best out of those, and it also probably has the best chance of making the countdown. I'm open to watch anything of your choosing.

Miss Vicky

09-15-22, 11:09 AM

I think all of my picks for you avoided your dislikes, but I'm going to go with Capernaum because that's probably the one out of all my recommendations for you that would widely be viewed as the best out of those, and it also probably has the best chance of making the countdown. I'm open to watch anything of your choosing.

It's hard to pick because you've seen so many movies, but I'll give you three options, in order of my preference:

Ernest & Celestine (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1816518/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)
Pain and Glory (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8291806/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)
Aferim! (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4374460/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1)

If you've seen all of these, I'll pick again.

cricket

09-15-22, 12:13 PM

It's hard to pick because you've seen so many movies, but I'll give you three options, in order of my preference:

Ernest & Celestine (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1816518/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)
Pain and Glory (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8291806/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)
Aferim! (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4374460/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1)

If you've seen all of these, I'll pick again.

I think I've seen Ernest & Celestine but I'll have to look it up to confirm. I've definitely not seen the other two.

I can't find a record of Ernest & Celestine so I'll watch that. I'm probably just familiar with the title.

Miss Vicky

09-15-22, 03:50 PM

I think I've seen Ernest & Celestine but I'll have to look it up to confirm. I've definitely not seen the other two.

I can't find a record of Ernest & Celestine so I'll watch that. I'm probably just familiar with the title.

Sweet. It saddens me that it didn't make the animation countdown, so I'd really love to see it place this time.

cricket

09-15-22, 03:54 PM

Sweet. It saddens me that it didn't make the animation countdown, so I'd really love to see it place this time.

I thought it was on that list initially because of how familiar I am with the name. Maybe it's through your posts that I know of it.

Allaby

09-15-22, 04:00 PM

I think I've seen Ernest & Celestine but I'll have to look it up to confirm. I've definitely not seen the other two.

I can't find a record of Ernest & Celestine so I'll watch that. I'm probably just familiar with the title.

Ernest & Celestine is fantastic. I'll second the recommendation.

Mr Minio

09-15-22, 04:41 PM

shit Wait, MoFo no longer censors the word 'shit'? Shit just got real! :cool: Well, it doesn't censor Keisuke Kinoshita either. This is a glorious day for scatophiles and Japanese cinema lovers!

Thursday Next

09-15-22, 05:11 PM

God's Own Country (drama/gay romance that is great on both fronts)

While I think this film is great, I would hesitate recommending it to Miss Vicky due to graphic depictions of farming which include dead animals.

Thursday Next

09-15-22, 05:15 PM

Ghosts, aliens, vampires, and a dystopian society where single people get turned into animals? :laugh: All of those sound like they require more suspension of disbelief than I usually allow for live action, so I can't promise I'll watch any of them, but maybe? The Lobster sounds weird enough that I might give it a go. I'll definitely check out The Way He Looks.

I just kept thinking you like Being John Malkovich so you must have a high tolerance for suspension of disbelief, but I'll bear that in mind for any future recommendations :laugh:

Miss Vicky

09-15-22, 05:37 PM

I just kept thinking you like Being John Malkovich so you must have a high tolerance for suspension of disbelief, but I'll bear that in mind for any future recommendations :laugh:

Yeah, as much as I love BJM, it's definitely not the sort of thing I'd usually be into and it took me several watches to even decide if I liked it at all. I think I only watched it the first time because a friend wanted to see it.

I did run your suggestions by my IRL friend Funny Face and she seemed to think I'll like The Lobster so I probably will get to that at some point. I'm planning on watching The Way He Looks tonight, but if not it'll definitely be sometime this weekend.

Takoma11

09-15-22, 06:01 PM

While I think this film is great, I would hesitate recommending it to Miss Vicky due to graphic depictions of farming which include dead animals.

Ooh, that's a good point.

I'm normally very sensitive to animal stuff and it didn't bother me, but, yes, there are some graphic moments involving animals.

The moments include (MILD SPOILERS)

A calf dies after a breech birth--it is put down by being shot (off-screen, I believe). A character is angry and kicks the calf's body in frustration after it is dead

A lamb dies. A character skins this lamb and puts its skin on another lamb so that the mother will nurse it.

One of the characters is being too rough with a cow when he's angry at one point

cricket

09-15-22, 06:48 PM

I watched Ernest & Celestine and it's about as cute and sweet as any movie can be. The animation wasn't as bold and advanced as some animations are these days but it was perfect for this movie. I'm shocked that it didn't make the animations countdown and I can only surmise that not enough people saw it by that time. It would've ranked high on my ballot. At the very least it has earned a spot on my list of contenders for my 2010's ballot and I do hope it makes that countdown. Hard to picture anyone not enjoying it.

Miss Vicky

09-15-22, 07:08 PM

cricket

09-15-22, 07:11 PM

Awesome. I'll try to get Capernaum watched this weekend. I'll probably also watch Cold Fish sometime soon, since Camo really wants to know what I think of it.

Take your time. Maybe once you get caught up with others we can do another swap.

Miss Vicky

09-15-22, 08:20 PM

Take your time. Maybe once you get caught up with others we can do another swap.

Oh, I will. I'm aiming to watch or rewatch at least one movie a day for as long as I can keep up that momentum. I'm also only working Monday-Thurday for at least the next month, so I have plenty of time on the weekends for movie watching.

Regardless, there's no way I'm going to watch everything that was recommended, but I am going to try to watch at least one or two recs from each person. I'm kind of counting Cold Fish as a Camo rec right now which is why I said it'll probably be soon.

cricket

09-15-22, 08:41 PM

Oh, I will. I'm aiming to watch or rewatch at least one movie a day for as long as I can keep up that momentum. I'm also only working Monday-Thurday for at least the next month, so I have plenty of time on the weekends for movie watching.

Regardless, there's no way I'm going to watch everything that was recommended, but I am going to try to watch at least one or two recs from each person. I'm kind of counting Cold Fish as a Camo rec right now which is why I said it'll probably be soon.

Cold Fish was a big favorite of GoDogGo, which I think is why I watched it.

MovieFan1988

09-15-22, 08:51 PM

Not sure if you saw my recommendations on the preliminary thread,

I wonder if you would be interested in seeing these movies from 2010

Happy Death Day - Groundhog day if it were a Horror movie, don't know anyone in this cast but they were fine in it.
Peppermint - Female lead/ seeking revenge type movie. Jennifer Gardner in this.
Ted - Mark Wahlberg is in this so this is probably a no, still a funny movie if you looking for a good laugh.
Easy A - High School teen movie, Emma Stone is in this.

I'll add in 3 more movies to recommend

Scream 4 - If you like the scream movies, you'll probably like the 4th one.
Guardians of the Galaxy - If you like Marvel Movies, you might like this
The Purge - Horror/thriller, it's like a survival type movie. The 2nd one is better than the first one imo. 3rd one was decent

Miss Vicky

09-15-22, 10:55 PM

Happy Death Day - Groundhog day if it were a Horror movie, don't know anyone in this cast but they were fine in it.
Peppermint - Female lead/ seeking revenge type movie. Jennifer Gardner in this.
Ted - Mark Wahlberg is in this so this is probably a no, still a funny movie if you looking for a good laugh.
Easy A - High School teen movie, Emma Stone is in this.

I'll add in 3 more movies to recommend

Scream 4 - If you like the scream movies, you'll probably like the 4th one.
Guardians of the Galaxy - If you like Marvel Movies, you might like this
The Purge - Horror/thriller, it's like a survival type movie. The 2nd one is better than the first one imo. 3rd one was decent

I'm assuming you didn't read the guidelines I posted for recommendations (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332881#post2332881). :laugh:

I typically don't like horror movies (and I don't like Scream), movies with female leads/mainly female casts, or superhero movies, and I despise Mark Wahlberg. He's probably my least favorite actor ever. If he's in a movie and the movie doesn't also star either Joaquin Phoenix or Leonardo DiCaprio, I'm not watching it.

I've actually seen both Guardians of the Galaxy movies and I've seen Easy A. They were okay, but not something I have any desire to see again. If I were to pick one of these to try it would maybe be Happy Death Day? No promises, though, unless you want to do a trade.

Wooley

09-16-22, 12:14 AM

You're tough to recommend for but I'll do my best. These are all on my list of contenders.

Sleep Tight (2011)
Very solid thriller with a creepy premise.

I've had this in my queue for a decade and have never pulled the trigger. I'll bump it up.

Wooley

09-16-22, 12:16 AM

I really have no sense of what commonalities drive your taste or what to recommend, so all I can say is that I think Arrival is a masterpiece.

I should rewatch that. I liked it a lot and thought it punched way above its weight but I didn't necessarily get "masterpiece" from it. Though that doesn't mean I'm not wrong and will discover that on second viewing.

SpelingError

09-16-22, 12:17 AM

I should rewatch that. I liked it a lot and thought it punched way above its weight but I didn't necessarily get "masterpiece" from it. Though that doesn't mean I'm not wrong and will discover that on second viewing.

I think it's the kind of film where certain scenes hit much harder once you understand how the film's plot structure works.

MovieFan1988

09-16-22, 06:25 AM

I'm assuming you didn't read the guidelines I posted for recommendations (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332881#post2332881). :laugh:

I typically don't like horror movies (and I don't like Scream), movies with female leads/mainly female casts, or superhero movies, and I despise Mark Wahlberg. He's probably my least favorite actor ever. If he's in a movie and the movie doesn't also star either Joaquin Phoenix or Leonardo DiCaprio, I'm not watching it.

I've actually seen both Guardians of the Galaxy movies and I've seen Easy A. They were okay, but not something I have any desire to see again. If I were to pick one of these to try it would maybe be Happy Death Day? No promises, though, unless you want to do a trade.

To be honest I read the guidelines but it was worth a shot just incase you were interested. :laugh:

If you liked the premise of what groundhog day was, I think you might like Happy Death Day and if you don't like horror movies because of blood and gore or any other silly shenanigans that go on in those movies, it's not top notch like you see in Scream, Halloween, Friday the 13th.

What I love about the movie that It doesn't drag on and on instead it has fun and it gets to the point. Also it has good ending, not that dumb bs where you waste like an hour in a half or almost two hours watching a horror movie and suddenly you get a bad or disappointing ending, I hate when horror movies do that.

What do you mean by a trade, like I watch a movie from the movies that you recommended and you do the same for the movies that I listed?

Sorry for the long right up, since you might give Happy Death Day a shot, just thought to explain to you about the movie.

Miss Vicky

09-16-22, 09:45 AM

What do you mean by a trade, like I watch a movie from the movies that you recommended and you do the same for the movies that I listed?
.

Basically, yes. You choose one movie that you really want me to watch and in exchange you watch something I pick. Cricket and I have done trades for several previous lists and I thought I would offer the arrangement to other MoFos as well.

I put together a list of 10 choices for trades last night, in order of preference. If there is a movie listed here (https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/2010s/MovieTrade.html) that you haven’t seen and would be willing to watch, you can pick one for me to watch and I promise I will watch it. Just don’t pick Ted for me. I am not watching Marky Mark.

MovieFan1988

09-16-22, 12:55 PM

Basically, yes. You choose one movie that you really want me to watch and in exchange you watch something I pick. Cricket and I have done trades for several previous lists and I thought I would offer the arrangement to other MoFos as well.

I put together a list of 10 choices for trades last night, in order of preference. If there is a movie listed here (https://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/2010s/MovieTrade.html) that you haven’t seen and would be willing to watch, you can pick one for me to watch and I promise I will watch it. Just don’t pick Ted for me. I am not watching Marky Mark.

ok sounds good, you watch Happy Death Day from my list, I'll watch that movie You Were Never Really Here from your list.

Miss Vicky

09-16-22, 01:25 PM

ok sounds good, you watch Happy Death Day from my list, I'll watch that movie You Were Never Really Here from your list.

Okay. I will watch it. I can’t promise how soon that will be, but it will be watched and reviewed.

Miss Vicky

09-16-22, 02:30 PM

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The Way He Looks (Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho) (Daniel Ribeiro, 2014)
(Recommended by Thursday Next)

This is a really sweet coming of age story that gives the unique perspective of the struggles of a blind young man named Leo trying to discover himself and get out from the stifling but well-meaning restrictions of his over-protective parents. I decided to give it a shot because I’ve got a soft spot for gay movies but what I appreciated most about it is just how real everyone felt.

This is a quiet and gentle movie about a kid who is equally quiet and gentle. There’s nothing flashy or showy. It never feels cliché or like it’s trying too hard and none of its characters ever feel like caricatures or stereotypes. And while its protagonist may have a fairly niche set of characteristics, a lot of his experiences are universal. I also appreciated its hopeful conclusion. I often favor unhappy or sort of neutral endings in most movies, but it was kind of refreshing to watch a gay movie that is so optimistic.

I will say though that I didn’t quite love it and I debated on giving it a slightly lower rating. Ultimately I settled on a 4 out of 5 because I am also optimistic that a rewatch down the road could nudge it past the line into “I love it” territory, though it probably won't make my ballot.

4

Miss Vicky

09-17-22, 12:58 AM

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The Raven (James McTeigue, 2012)
(Rewatch)

1800's Baltimore. Edgar Allen Poe is washed up, broke, and madly in love with a gorgeous young woman whose father hates him. A series of murders resembling his writings finds him wrapped up in an investigation that becomes much more personal when his fiancée falls into the hands of the killer.

I find this movie to be a visual treat. The costumes and sets are gorgeous and I love its use of color. And, of course, I'm a sucker for John Cusack. He's quite handsome in black and his portrayal of Poe as a condescending jackass is fun to watch. And all that is really what I love about it. I'm not going to pretend that this is some amazing cinematic accomplishment. It isn't. I don't watch this movie to stimulate my intellect or to be moved and swept away with emotion. It's just something I like to throw on for pure entertainment and my only gripe about it is that the Pit and the Pendulum scene is too short. It's been a favorite of mine for a decade now and that's not likely to change.

4

Thursday Next

09-17-22, 06:39 AM

Takoma11

09-17-22, 10:32 AM

I think I will have to put The Raven on my watchlist, it looks like the sort of thing I might enjoy, even though I'm not too familiar with Poe or his works.

Same.

It came out at a time where I was (even for me) really out of touch with new releases. I'd forgotten it existed until it started getting mentioned in the countdown thread.

Miss Vicky

09-17-22, 11:37 AM

Glad you watched The Way He Looks and enjoyed it, MV.

I think I will have to put The Raven on my watchlist, it looks like the sort of thing I might enjoy, even though I'm not too familiar with Poe or his works.

Same.

It came out at a time where I was (even for me) really out of touch with new releases. I'd forgotten it existed until it started getting mentioned in the countdown thread.

I’m not familiar with Poe’s work either, aside from vague recollections of the stuff I was made to read in school. But Poe is just a character in the story. You need to be familiar with his works to understand this movie about as much as you need to be familiar with de Sade’s work to understand Quills. Basically you just need to know he often wrote about dark subjects and murder.

I watched A Ghost Story last night but was too tired to write it up. I will get that done soon.

rauldc14

09-17-22, 11:38 AM

No way you liked Ghost Story

cricket

09-17-22, 11:44 AM

No way you liked Ghost Story

I'd be surprised if she did as well

SpelingError

09-17-22, 11:51 AM

I love A Ghost Story, though yeah, it's definitely love-it-or-hate-it.

Miss Vicky

09-17-22, 12:35 PM

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A Ghost Story (David Lowery, 2017)
(Recommended by SpelingError and Thursday Next)

While I wouldn't quite say I hated this, absolutely nothing about it worked for me and I felt absolutely nothing while watching this. The first issue I encountered is that I really don't like Casey Affleck and his whiny, mumbling, grating voice - though I suppose I should've been able to tolerate him in this more considering the majority of his screen time is spent silently covered in a sheet, staring at things through his eye holes (and occasionally silently communicating with the random sheet person next door). But he still managed to irritate the shit out of me with the few lines of dialogue he had.

As for that stupid sheet? Brilliant idea. Let's cover an actor in cloth that so completely obscures his face that he can't even really, you know, act. And then let's spend far too much time watching Rooney Mara stuff her face with pie until she pukes, while Sheet Affleck stands there, and then spend almost no time on her actual grieving process. After that we'll fast forward to Sheet Affleck terrorizing a single mom and her kids that move into the house after Mara has moved out, then to him staring while some bald dude rambles about the pointlessness of art, and then through the rest of the home's existence and eventual destruction and replacement. At one point we even get two Sheet Afflecks.

Fortunately it's a pretty short movie. I will say that I do respect that Lowery was trying something different - and A Ghost Story certainly is different - and I can kind of see why other people do love it, but I definitely won't be watching this again.

2

Miss Vicky

09-17-22, 07:24 PM

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Capernaum (Capharnaüm) (Nadine Labaki, 2018)
(Recommended by cricket)

This movie was incredible, but also incredibly devastating to watch. It's always tough to watch films where children suffer from abuse and neglect, but this one hit me harder than most I've seen. Zain Al Rafeea gives a potent performance as Zain, an impoverished Lebanese boy who flees home after his 11 year old sister is sold into marriage. It's really amazing that Zain had not acted before and was discovered on the streets by the film's director.

It's a lot to ask of an adolescent boy to carry an entire film, but - owing much to his real life of poverty - he does it incredibly well. The movie and his performance feel absolutely authentic. This is a young man who has been failed by his parents and by society, who is forced to become an adult at an age when he should still be very much a child. Even when he leaves home and finds the help of a sympathetic adult, he must take on responsibilities that no 12 year old should ever have.

The movie does end on a hopeful note, but if you haven't seen it before, I'd advise keeping a box of tissues close at hand. I'm always very hesitant to give any first-time watch a rating higher than 4, but I think this one deserves it and it is definitely a contender for my ballot.

4.5

Takoma11

09-17-22, 08:24 PM

Capernaum (Capharnaüm) (Nadine Labaki, 2018)

This is one that I'm considering a must-see for myself before I make my ballot.

seanc

09-17-22, 08:52 PM

I may watch that one tonight. Sounds fantastic

cricket

09-17-22, 11:12 PM

Glad you enjoyed Capernaum, and I think it'd be a solid pick for anyone. I'd say it's one of the better movies of the decade that isn't widely known, and maybe those last 4 words aren't unnecessary.

Thursday Next

09-18-22, 09:41 AM

A Ghost Story is a weird one. Either it works for you or it doesn't. I wouldn't say I loved it, but it was definitely interesting and I thought of it for a long time afterwards. I think Casey Affleck was improved by being under a sheet (if it was really him under there...) I liked how it was something a bit different.

I now un-recommend Under the Skin and Only Lovers Left Alive because I think you will find them annoying. If I think of anything more in the realm of realism I'll let you know.

Now I will have to add Caperaum to my to-watch list as well.

Miss Vicky

09-18-22, 11:47 AM

I think Casey Affleck was improved by being under a sheet (if it was really him under there...) .

Yes, I think from now on he should be neither seen nor heard in all his movies. :laugh:

I was curious about whether it was really him under there, but according to Wikipedia, it’s him in most scenes. They used the art director in reshoots because he has a similar build.

Miss Vicky

09-18-22, 03:17 PM

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Happy Death Day (Christopher Landon, 2017)
(Recommended by MovieFan1988)

I fully expected to hate this Groundhog Day meets slasher movie about a vapid sorority chick who must relive the day of her murder over and over until she figures out who killed her. As expected, it's not at all original. Our protagonist Tree (WTF kind of name is that, anyway?) is a narcissist who eventually sees the error of her ways and finds romance. And, like the killer in Scream, her attacker is a mysterious person in a black hoodie, with a creepy mask and a knife.

But I would be lying if I said I didn't have fun with it. It's funny in parts too and makes for a good bit of mindless entertainment. It has virtually no chance of making my ballot, but I wouldn't rule out a future rewatch and I'm happy to have seen it.

3.5

Takoma11

09-18-22, 04:07 PM

MovieFan1988

09-18-22, 04:08 PM

Miss Vicky

09-18-22, 05:31 PM

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Acts of Vengeance (Isaac Florentine, 2017)

This did not have to clear a high hurdle to make me happy. I wanted and expected a dumbass movie in which Antonio Banderas looks hot and kicks ass. The movie could (and did) have plot holes, clichés, and dei ex machina galore and I wouldn't have cared as long as Antonio was hot and kicking ass. Well... Antonio certainly was looking hot and kicking ass, but here's the problem: Some dumbass decided that it would be a good idea for his character to take a vow of silence. Who the **** wants silent Antonio?! Nobody wants silent Antonio! His voice is one of the hottest things about him! Yeah, we still got it in voiceover narration but damn it, that's not the same and I hate narration anyway!

Stupid, stupid, crap. But he does still look really hot, so there's that.

2

Miss Vicky

09-18-22, 09:17 PM

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The Nice Guys (Shane Black, 2016)
(Rewatch)

This is a really fun movie, though it is perhaps a bit overly long and a little convoluted. It's got a great retro vibe to it, lots of atmosphere, and memorable characters. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of Inherent Vice - though that movie is considerably more convoluted than this one. But the main attraction here is the great comedic chemistry between Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling - the former a straight-forward, no bullshit strong-arm guy and the other a bumbling private detective. They are a blast to watch.

I will say that didn't vote for this in the comedy countdown because it'd been too long since I'd last seen it and it's definitely not a lock for this, but it stands a pretty decent chance of making the cut because I do love me some Russell Crowe.

4

Takoma11

09-18-22, 09:20 PM

I give a slight edge to Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, but The Nice Guys is also really solid.

Miss Vicky

09-18-22, 09:34 PM

I give a slight edge to Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, but The Nice Guys is also really solid.

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is fun but I'm not crazy about it. I definitely prefer The Nice Guys, but I might be just slightly biased by how much I like Russell Crowe.

Takoma11

09-18-22, 09:44 PM

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is fun but I'm not crazy about it. I definitely prefer The Nice Guys, but I might be just slightly biased by how much I like Russell Crowe.

That's fair.

I saw Kiss Kiss Bang Bang first, and while I love The Nice Guys it does repeat some things from that earlier film so it doesn't feel quite as fresh to me. Crowe and Gosling are really excellent in the lead roles.

I find both films hilarious. I guess I just quote Kiss Kiss Bang Bang more often ("Who taught you math?!" or "He looked sad!") and I have a lot of fond feelings toward it.

Miss Vicky

09-18-22, 09:52 PM

I saw Kiss Kiss Bang Bang first, and while I love The Nice Guys it does repeat some things from that earlier film so it doesn't feel quite as fresh to me. Crowe and Gosling are really excellent in the lead roles.

Chronology could have something to do with my preference as well. I first saw The Nice Guys in the theater in May of 2016, then watched Kiss Kiss Bang Bang about 4 months later for the 11th HOF.

Miss Vicky

09-19-22, 12:59 AM

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Wreck-It Ralph (Rich Moore, 2012)
(Rewatch)

This was not a rewatch that I needed to do. When it became clear that the 2010s were next in line for a countdown, I had absolutely no doubt that Wreck-It Ralph would be on my ballot at a very high rank. I rewatched it because I wanted to. Because I love everything about it.

And I mean everything. Even as someone who isn't really a gamer, the nostalgia factor and all the little references to classic arcade games is incredibly effective and wonderful to see. It also features incredible world building in the fictional games of its central characters. Sugar Rush especially has an incredible amount of tiny details and is filled with little sight gags, plays on words, and puns.

But of course the thing that is most effective is the touching relationship between its two outcast central characters and the way in which bad guy Ralph finds redemption and purpose. It's a movie that makes me laugh, makes me smile, and makes me sob - both tears of joy and tears of great sadness. I've probably watched this movie more times than I can count in the decade since its release, but I don't think I'll ever grow tired of it and I'll be incredibly unhappy if it doesn't make it onto the countdown.

5

cricket

09-19-22, 09:03 AM

I've dismissed Happy Death Day in the past because it's PG-13 but maybe I should give it a go.

I probably won't watch it again but I loved Wreck-It Ralph.

Miss Vicky

09-20-22, 11:05 AM

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Love is Strange (Ira Sachs, 2014)

When I first heard about this movie, I thought for sure I would love it. Touching on themes of love, loss, and learning to deal with change, as presented by a very capable cast, should have been a slam dunk. But somehow it wasn’t. Somehow this just seemed to drag, I couldn’t connect, and I found Lithgow’s character’s constant need for human interaction irritating. But all of these are really my problems and not the fault of the movie. It is well acted and tells a very human and authentic story, it’s just not a story that worked for me.

3

Takoma11

09-20-22, 08:29 PM

Funny, I just got Love is Strange in the mail from Netflix.

Miss Vicky

09-21-22, 03:32 AM

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Bridesmaids (Paul Feig, 2011)
(Rewatch)

An estrogen-soaked comedy about a couple of self-centered catty bitches vying for the favor of a bride that stars a bunch of people that I don't give a shit about should not be something I enjoy. I generally dislike live-action comedies, I hate weddings, and I'm a shallow bitch who prefers to watch movies with lots of men. Hot men, in particular, and Bridesmaids lacks hot men.

And the first time I saw it, during its theatrical release, I fully expected to hate it. I thought watching this would be a chore. But it wasn't a chore. I laughed, multiple times even, and I was rooting for Kristen Wiig's Annie to get the guy. Walking out of that theater, I thought surely it must've been a fluke. I must've been in just the right mood for it to work and that the situation certainly wouldn't be repeated. But I watched it again awhile later and somehow got the same result. Tonight's experience was no different.

I still cannot for the life of me explain what the hell about this movie appeals to me, because everything about it says it shouldn't appeal to me, but damn it, I like it. I probably won't end up voting for it, but I like it.

4

cricket

09-21-22, 09:40 AM

I didn't expect to like Bridesmaids either but it's probably one of the best comedies of the 2010's.

Miss Vicky

09-22-22, 04:12 AM

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Moana (Ron Clements, Don Hall, John Musker and Chris Williams, 2016)
(Rewatch)

A young not-actually-a-princess-but-is-a-princess voyages across the ocean (which is a living, sentient thing on its own somehow) with a stupid chicken sidekick (the pig was really cute, why TF did we get stuck with the damn chicken?) to find a shapeshifting demigod, so they can battle a giant lava demon and return the stolen "heart" (a glowing green rock) to a giant island goddess and save the not-princess's dying home island. Along the way they will fight a giant coconut crab - who lives in the realm of monsters and likes shiny things (and singing about them) - so that the demigod can get back his magic fishhook that allows him to shapeshift. They will also sing A LOT of songs and the not-princess will get encouragement and support from her dead grandma's manta ray spirit while the demigod will find the same in the little man that lives in his tattoos.

The plot of this movie just sounds stupider and stupider the more I write about it, yet somehow I actually managed to enjoy myself the first time I watched it. Well, I enjoyed myself when they weren't singing anyway - and I will say that the voice acting is solid and the animation is absolutely gorgeous. But every time I watch this movie I like it a little less and at this point I just don't like it anymore.

2.5

rauldc14

09-22-22, 06:38 AM

Moana is great actually IMO. One of the better classic Disney films in general I'd say.

seanc

09-22-22, 08:13 AM

Love the not a princess but is a princess line. I think it’s very insightful into what’s going on with Disney. At the end if the day Moana is the same formula, for better and worse.

Miss Vicky

09-22-22, 11:23 AM

Love the not a princess but is a princess line. I think it’s very insightful into what’s going on with Disney. At the end if the day Moana is the same formula, for better and worse.

Yeah, the only real difference is that there's no prince. Romance is completely removed from the story. Otherwise it's the same old stuff.

cricket

09-22-22, 01:17 PM

I've not seen Moana

Takoma11

09-22-22, 07:15 PM

I've seen Moana twice and really enjoyed it both times. I happen to think that the music is really good.

The first time I saw it was in the theater. I'd reported to duty for massage school, but because of some snow they'd delayed classes until 1pm. At that point driving home would have been dangerous, so instead I went to a nearby theater and caught a 10am showing of Moana knowing basically nothing about it. I was very charmed by it, and liked it on a second viewing as well.

I like that it plays out as a buddy comedy between the two main characters, with strong themes of belonging and responsibility. I like the look of it and the voice acting. And while the quirky animal sidekick trope is basically obligatory at this point, heaven help me I thought that the chicken was really funny. Maybe because I have a "not the sharpest knife in the drawer" rooster of my own.

Allaby

09-22-22, 08:31 PM

I unashamedly love Moana.

Miss Vicky

09-22-22, 09:41 PM

I happen to think that the music is really good.

I despise musicals. I think the about the only animated exceptions to that are Charlotte's Web and The Nightmare Before Christmas, and obviously Hedwig is a live-action exception.

Takoma11

09-22-22, 09:53 PM

I despise musicals. I think the about the only animated exceptions to that are Charlotte's Web and The Nightmare Before Christmas, and obviously Hedwig is a live-action exception.

I personally am very hit-or-miss when it comes to musicals. But I thought that "How Far I'll Go" was good, as was "You're Welcome." And "Shiney" is just an odd little beast. It probably helps to have seen it on the big screen, it gave the musical numbers a very epic scope that was definitely diminished on my second viewing. (Though I continue to like the songs).

That said, if you're not a musical fan, yeah, I don't think that they get more fun on repeated viewings.

Miss Vicky

09-22-22, 10:51 PM

"You're Welcome"

This f***ing song has been stuck in my head all damn day, so ATM I am liking the movie even less than I was last night. :furiousdevil:

It probably helps to have seen it on the big screen, it gave the musical numbers a very epic scope that was definitely diminished on my second viewing.

I saw it on the big screen the first time and didn't like the songs then, either.

Miss Vicky

09-23-22, 03:12 AM

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Skin (Guy Nattiv, 2018)
(Recommended by cricket)

I remember seeing the trailer for this back in 2018 and thinking "That looks good, I should watch it," but then I promptly forgot about it pretty much until it showed up in cricket's list of recommendations in this thread.

I did have some reservations, though, going into this. I'm a sucker for good redemption stories, but this sort of subject is not exactly groundbreaking and I was afraid it could end up coming off as tidy and contrived (a la American History X, which might as well have been an after-school special for the way it handled things). I was also mildly concerned about its lead actor, whose only role I can remember seeing was as a rather reserved Roman slave in The Eagle.

Fortunately, these concerns were unfounded. There is nothing tidy about this story. It's messy, it's dirty, and it feels real and a big part of that realness is owed to Jamie Bell, who gives a performance that is in turns both terrifying and heartbreaking.

But the bad news is that this is up against some incredibly tough competition and in the end it probably will not make the final cut when it's time for me to vote. Still, this was an excellent way to kill a couple of hours and I will likely watch it again.

4

cricket

09-23-22, 01:55 PM

I am a big American History X fan, but the first thing I thought after watching Skin was that it was just as good, plus it's based on a true story so we can actually look the people up. I'm not sure why it hasn't gained more fans. It won't make my top 25 either I don't think but I have considered nominating it for a future HoF.

Miss Vicky

09-23-22, 08:09 PM

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Still Life (Uberto Pasolini, 2013)

Still Life is the tale of a meticulous man whose job it is to find the family and friends of those who have died alone, while he himself is lacking in loved ones. When he loses his job due to budget cuts and downsizing, he throws himself into one last case and, while endeavoring to understand the man who has died, he discovers more about himself.

I'd never even heard of this movie until it showed up in the 2010s Group Watch thread and, except for a single sentence describing it on IMDb, I had no idea what to expect. What I got was a very quiet meditation on loss, forgiveness, and the importance of actually living your life. It's never showy or bombastic in any way and it never feels preachy or like it takes its sentimentality to any extreme. It features a great central performance from Eddie Marsan (an impressive actor who I don't think I've seen before), excellent use of color and light, and a beautiful and effective soundtrack. A very good movie that unfortunately probably won't get my vote.

4

SpelingError

09-23-22, 08:18 PM

I'll check that out tomorrow.

cricket

09-23-22, 08:19 PM

Eddie Marsan has a supporting role in one of the movies I recommended to you in this thread, Tyrannosaur.

Miss Vicky

09-24-22, 03:52 AM

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Safety Not Guaranteed (Colin Trevorrow, 2012)
(Rewatch)

This is technically a rewatch, but to be honest I didn't remember a whole lot about it, other than a vague sense that I liked it, so it might as well have been a first time watch tonight.

One of the things I'd completely forgotten about it was that it was directed by the same man who brought us Jurassic World, which although I enjoy it, is not exactly a shining example of originality. But Safety Not Guaranteed is quite a different beast altogether and is pretty unlike anything else I've ever seen.

The premise of a trio of magazine staffers sent to investigate a man who placed an ad seeking a time-travelling companion is fertile soil for laughs and bizarre situations. But the real story here and the thing that makes this such a compelling film is the bond that forms between Kenneth, the would-be time traveler, and Darius, the cynical magazine intern who's gone undercover to get the inside scoop on his activities. Aubrey Plaza is great as Darius, who soon lets go of her cynicism and embraces her inner weirdo, but Mark Duplass really shines as Kenneth. He expertly balances the character's paranoia and sincerity, making you question all along if he's crazy or if he really does know what he's talking about.

Overall it's a really fun and sweet movie that feels like a breath of fresh air, but I have to dock its rating a little because it doesn't quite pack the emotional punch that would make me truly love it.

3.5

Mr Minio

09-24-22, 12:46 PM

Still Life (Uberto Pasolini, 2013)
Great film. Basically shows what awaits me in the future

Miss Vicky

09-24-22, 05:24 PM

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Arrival (Denis Villeneuve, 2016)
(Recommended by SpelingError Tugg Yoda and PumaMan)

Arrival has some really interesting ideas on our existence, the significance of time, and the importance of true communication and cooperation. And it presents its ideas using beautiful cinematography and effects and strong performances from a solid cast.

Here's the problem I have with it: Despite all its ideas, the movie is boring. I never cared anything for its characters or for their story and I was left completely detached from the whole thing. About the closest thing I felt to emotion was mild amusement at how the barrier and the aliens resembled something I might see at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's "Tentacles" exhibit, how Squidward and Zoidberg would've been more apt names for them than Abbott and Costello, and how closely the ship resembled a giant bar of stainless steel soap.

Like some of the other films I've seen labelled as "masterpiece," I can see why other people hold them in high regard, but this just isn't for me.

2.5

cricket

09-24-22, 06:12 PM

I liked Arrival although I'd probably never watch it again on my own.

seanc

09-24-22, 06:23 PM

Miss Vicky

09-24-22, 06:31 PM

I did think I like the craft of Arrival much more than any kind of emotional or thematic attachment I get from. Still like it much more than MV and will give it a third watch eventually. Anything Villenueve does is probably going to get multiple looks from me. He’s great. Arrival won’t make my list though.

This is only my second Villenueve film. The first was Incendies which I watched for the HOF and intend to rewatch before the deadline, though it probably won't get my vote.

seanc

09-24-22, 06:35 PM

This is only my second Villenueve film. The first was Incendies which I watched for the HOF and intend to rewatch before the deadline, though it probably won't get my vote.

I think you could like Prisoners. Don’t think you would probably like Blade Runner 2049

Miss Vicky

09-24-22, 06:41 PM

I think you could like Prisoners. Don’t think you would probably like Blade Runner 2049

Prisoners is already on my watchlist. I've actually never seen the original Blade Runner so I had no intention of watching the new one.

SpelingError

09-24-22, 07:09 PM

Curiously enough, I actually found Arrival to be highly emotionally involving, even more so once I rewatched it.

Takoma11

09-24-22, 08:17 PM

Curiously enough, I actually found Arrival to be highly emotionally involving, even more so once I rewatched it.

Same.

The way that it slowly unfolds the central question of whether or not you'd repeat your life a certain way, even knowing it would end in tragedy was really neat.

SpelingError

09-24-22, 08:44 PM

Same.

The way that it slowly unfolds the central question of whether or not you'd repeat your life a certain way, even knowing it would end in tragedy was really neat.

The reveal also makes the early parts of the film far more impactful once you realize the context for them.

Takoma11

09-24-22, 08:58 PM

The reveal also makes the early parts of the film far more impactful once you realize the context for them.

Yes.

I've actually only seen the movie once, but I would be curious to know how long it takes the average viewer to figure out the time plays that are happening. I feel like it took me way too long to realize how everything fit together

SpelingError

09-24-22, 09:15 PM

Yes.

I've actually only seen the movie once, but I would be curious to know how long it takes the average viewer to figure out the time plays that are happening. I feel like it took me way too long to realize how everything fit together

I don't think you really figure it out until the final act once Adams' character says she's unaware of who Hannah is. Up to that point, I was under the impression her daughter died before the events of the film. This makes the first couple acts more impactful once you realize the film is somewhat in non-linear chronological order. When I rewatched it a few years ago or so, I was struck by how the opening scene instantly got me into the wavelength of the final act when I first watched the film in the theaters.

I think the only issue I vaguely remember with the final act was that the romantic connection between Adams' and Renner's character seemed to come out of nowhere, or at least, I didn't get the impression that either of them felt any feelings for each other up until the final scene where they suddenly pledged themselves to each other. However, it's been some time since I've seen the film, so I may be misremembering.

Miss Vicky

09-25-22, 02:10 AM

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Sausage Party (Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon, 2016)
(Rewatch)

Sausage Party answers that age-old question that only Seth Rogan and company would ever ask: What happens when you take the tried and true Pixar formula ("What if _____ had feelings?") and pack it full of F bombs, graphic sex, drug use, and gory violence?

And that answer is that you get an incredibly crude and offensive and yet surprisingly amusing and well done spoof that examines the ridiculousness of racial divide, while poking fun at religion and conformity. It does overstay its welcome a bit and the crudeness gets tiresome by the end of its runtime, but I have to say that I genuinely like it. I don't love it and I won't vote for it, but I like it.

3.5

Miss Vicky

09-25-22, 02:36 PM

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I Lost My Body (J'ai perdu mon corps) (Jérémy Clapin, 2019)

This is quite unlike anything I have seen.

A large portion of the film is seen from the perspective of a severed hand, trying to overcome trauma, find its body, and become whole again. Along the way, it encounters great danger and obstacles that seem insurmountable.

Of course this journey is really a metaphorical one, and the film examines emotional and physical trauma, the resulting sense of guilt, grief, and helplessness, and the importance of moving on. It presents its ideas with gorgeous animation and an effective soundtrack.

It’s overall a very effective piece and one that I will probably watch again, but on this first watch, I didn’t quite love it as I found it a little difficult to like its two leads, Naoufel (who is careless and a little creepy) and Gabrielle (who is a little cold). Unlikely to get my vote but I’m happy it was put on my radar.

3.5

Miss Vicky

09-26-22, 01:30 AM

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Aferim! (Radu Jude, 2015)
(Rewatch)

I first watched this when I was preparing for the Westerns Countdown. Set in 19th century Romania, a constable and his son set out to find and retrieve a runaway gypsy slave accused of having an affair with his master's wife. This is an uncomfortable film, but not just for the ways you might expect. Sure there are scenes of horrible brutality and quieter scenes where the cruelty comes more in the form of flippancy and outright denial of the plight of the slave, but what makes this movie most uncomfortable to watch is the amount of humor it injects into its situations. It is just as much a comedy as it is a drama, perhaps even more so. It examines the cruelty of men and yet never overtly condemns that cruelty. Instead it leaves you to decide for yourself whether you should be laughing, crying, or raging at the situations presented, or perhaps just doing all three.

3.5

seanc

09-26-22, 08:06 AM

MV is putting in the work. Making us all look like slackers.

Miss Vicky

09-26-22, 12:18 PM

MV is putting in the work. Making us all look like slackers.

Well the list of movies I'm planning to watch/rewatch before the deadline is down to 84, so if I slack even a little I probably won't get to them all.

Takoma11

09-26-22, 05:13 PM

Man, the ending to Aferim! is so brutal. Like, stomach-turning.

Miss Vicky

09-26-22, 05:46 PM

Man, the ending to Aferim! is so brutal. Like, stomach-turning.

It absolutely is, but I must admit, I totally laughed at the balls to the face part both times I've seen it. I think I might be a bad person. :laugh:

cricket

09-26-22, 06:31 PM

Sausage Party is definitely my kind of humor but I didn't like it. I'm not familiar with the other 2.

Miss Vicky

09-26-22, 06:36 PM

Sausage Party is definitely my kind of humor but I didn't like it. I'm not familiar with the other 2.

I originally watched Aferim! on mark F's recommendation for the westerns countdown. Not sure if you'd like it, but it might be worth checking out.

Takoma11

09-26-22, 08:14 PM

It absolutely is, but I must admit, I totally laughed at the balls to the face part both times I've seen it. I think I might be a bad person. :laugh:

You're a sick puppy, Miss Vicky!

(I could have maybe laughed if it weren't so close on the heels of something that made me feel physically ill.)

Miss Vicky

09-27-22, 01:53 AM

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Clash (Eshtebak) (Mohamed Diab, 2016)

I'm not really sure how to feel about this film. It focuses on a group of people arrested during the protests and violence that erupted after the ousting of President Morsi in Egypt. It takes place entirely inside of a police truck where people from both sides of the conflict, as well as people from neither side, are trapped together. It is packed with tension, chaos, and claustrophobia. It shows how easily people let go of their humanity and see only an enemy in another person and how much they allow themselves to be blinded by their political and religious ideals. But it also shows some moments where the subjects put aside those conflicts and treat each other as equals.

But those more peaceful moments are all too fleeting and the tension and violence are relentless and all too real. It's an important story and its lessons can be applied to conflicts here in our own lives, but as a film it's just... a lot to take in. That said, I have no regrets about watching it but it is not something I ever wish to see again.

3.5

Miss Vicky

09-27-22, 04:23 AM

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Sing (Garth Jennings and Christophe Lourdelet, 2016)
(Rewatch)

Sing is not a movie that stands out as being anything special. It doesn’t strike a big emotional chord for me. It’s amusing but not memorably so. The animation and character designs are good but not great. But it’s fun for what it is and it’s completely innocuous. And sometimes that’s just what I want. Sometimes I don’t want greatness. Sometimes, like tonight, I just want pleasant amusement and this certainly fits the bill.

3

beelzebubble

09-27-22, 03:37 PM

MV is putting in the work. Making us all look like slackers.
She really is. I am just using these threads to jog my memory. Thanks MoFos.

Miss Vicky

09-28-22, 01:56 AM

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Quality Time (Daan Bakker, 2017)

I'm not really sure how I stumbled across this film or what the hell possessed me to give it a try and now that I've seen it, I'm not entirely sure what the hell I just watched or how to go about reviewing it.

Quality Time isn't so much a movie as it is a collection of five shorts about men in their 30s struggling to cope with familial relationships and just... being grown-ups, I guess? Its stories never intersect and are loosely held together by the overarching theme of "masculinity in crisis” (to quote its trailer).

The first part is about a guy and his parents (I think?) on their way to a family gathering that he doesn't really want to attend because he always feels obligated to do a certain uncomfortable thing for the amusement of his uncle. He whines about this feeling of obligation and his mother (I think?) urges him not to do the thing. He, of course, does it anyway once they arrive. What makes this segment truly bizarre, besides the uncomfortable thing he does, is that we never see the characters, because they are represented as dots on the screen with robotic voices. I'd rate this part maybe a 2.5 out of 5 purely for the WTF factor.

The second part nearly made me stop watching. It focuses on a guy who has moved back in with his parents and has taken up a project of photographing meaningful places from his life, relying on his father to drive him around. On the surface, that sounds like it could be interesting, right? It isn't - unless you consider frustrating to be synonymous with interesting. I don't. Nearly every shot of this segment is taken from a far distance, sometimes such a distance that we don't see the character at all because he's inside a building or vehicle and the camera is not. What we also don't get is spoken dialogue. Instead we get words on the screen. And yet, despite the silence and the lack of being able to see him, this character somehow manages to be weirdly obnoxious and unlikeable. I would rate this a very generous 1 out of 5.

The third part is fantastic. Here we see a man with crippling social anxiety travel back in time to his childhood in an attempt to prevent the traumatic event that he believes is responsible for his anxiety. After getting initially positive results, he attempts to take the idea to an extreme, with hilarious and disastrous results. I'd rate this a 4 out of 5.

The fourth part is also really good and really weird. In this, we get tiny snippets of the life of man who lives with his parents and goes along with their mundane existence until a certain medical condition causes things to get weird. Really weird. Like, it sort of reminded me of Eraserhead kind of weird. I'd also rate this a 4 out of 5.

Then comes the fifth part, which is a big letdown from the previous two parts and unfortunately takes up about a third of the film. Here a man spends time with his girlfriend's family for the first time ever and tries to make a good impression while struggling with the awkwardness of dealing with people who are very different from him. Which might be relatable, but this section drags terribly and the guy is kind of a dick. A dick who inexplicably pisses in indoor trash cans. I would rate this a 2 out of 5.

As for the film as a whole? Well, if I calculate the mean average of the five segments, I get a 2.7. So I guess I'll round up?

3

Miss Vicky

09-28-22, 03:50 AM

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The Red Turtle (La tortue rouge) (Michael Dudok de Wit, 2016)

I don't know if I just wasn't in the right mood for this, but it did not resonate with me at all. It's really pretty to look at but, even at only 80 minutes, it dragged horribly and by about a third of the way through I had mentally checked out. Of course part of that had to do with an abhorrent act by the film's main character that left me wishing him to die a horrible death. But mainly, I was bored.

I'll give it a 2 for the beautiful artwork and cute crabs, but I didn't like anything else about it.

2

Miss Vicky

09-29-22, 03:00 AM

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Wrinkles (Arrugas) (Ignacia Ferraras, 2011)
(Rewatch)

Wrinkles is ostensibly the story of Emilio - a former bank manager in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's whose son and daughter-in-law can no longer cope with the burden of caring for him and so bring him to an elderly care facility. But really this is the story of Miguel, Emilio's new roommate, who has already been living there for two years and who shows him the ropes. When we first meet Miguel, he's kind of an ass who takes advantage of his fellow residents and preys on their weaknesses for the sake of money or personal amusement. But as he and Emilio forge a strong bond, Miguel learns to love for the first time and begins to change his ways to better the lives of the others around him.

It's a really poignant film that injects a lot of humor into a story that could all too easily have relied on clichés and pity. But don't take that the wrong way. It never shies away or tries to dismiss the sad reality of the abandonment of the elderly by their families and society, or from the deterioration of their minds, but it also never really dwells on those things. Instead it focuses on the humanity and dignity of its subjects and views like a loveletter to our elders.

4

cricket

09-29-22, 04:28 PM

I liked Wrinkles, it made my animation ballot. Never heard of the other 2.

Miss Vicky

09-30-22, 03:31 AM

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God's Own Country (Francis Lee, 2017)
(Recommended by Takoma11)

God's Own Country is carried by a pair of very powerful performances in its leads Josh O'Connor (Johnny) and Alec Secareanu (Gheorghe), neither of which I've seen before. The two men have very strong chemistry and every bit of their roles feel real (probably owing a lot to the two weeks spent working on a farm in preparation). The film also makes very good use of color and light to convey Johnny's transformation from a sort of lost soul drowning his frustrations in drink and casual hook-ups to a man ready for real connection and love.

Unfortunately - despite its strengths, it took me a good long while to get fully engaged with the film. Part of this was due to my inability to understand a not insignificant amount of the dialogue in the earlier scenes, especially the lines spoken by Johnny's father. But much of it just had to do with an initial dislike of Johnny. As things stand, these issues did affect my enjoyment of the movie and it's unlikely to get my vote, but I think there is a lot of potential for a rewatch to improve my experience.

3.5

Takoma11

09-30-22, 05:43 PM

God's Own Country is carried by a pair of very powerful performances in its leads Josh O'Connor (Johnny) and Alec Secareanu (Gheorghe), neither of which I've seen before. The two men have very strong chemistry and every bit of their roles feel real (probably owing a lot to the two weeks spent working on a farm in preparation). The film also makes very good use of color and light to convey Johnny's transformation from a sort of lost soul drowning his frustrations in drink and casual hook-ups to a man ready for real connection and love.

I'm glad you liked it (and sorry I forgot to mention the animal content when I originally recommended it). I agree that it takes a while to warm up to Johnny as a character, but I also don't think he's meant to be very likable in the beginning because he's living such a negative, self-destructive life. I thought Secareanu's performance was really interesting, the way that the character was kind of gentle and almost passive, but also unwilling to let Johnny treat him a certain way.

Miss Vicky

09-30-22, 08:00 PM

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Who Killed Captain Alex? (Nabwana I.G.G., 2010)

If they gave awards to movies with the most useless and irritating narration, Who Killed Captain Alex? would be a big contender. If this thing had a plot, I missed it because of the distracting exclamations from the narrator - some of which were not even translated in the subtitles so it amounted to nothing but noise. Not that the parts that could be understood contributed anything positive to the experience. The constant barrage of bullshit like "What?" and "Huh huh hey hey!" left me wondering if they took inspiration from rapper Lil Jon and also left me just wishing for it to end. It felt like a bizarre hybrid of the song "Yeah" and a terrible rip-off of Mystery Science Theater with the net result of making the film's one hour runtime feel like five.

I fully understand that this movie was made on a not-even shoe string budget. I could probably have forgiven the shitty acting, terrible effects, terrible cinematography, and terrible writing and enjoyed this on a cheese level, but not with that irritating running commentary.

1

Miss Vicky

10-01-22, 03:41 AM

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Pawn Shop Chronicles (Wayne Kramer, 2013)
(Recommended by cricket)

I’m not entirely sure what the hell I just watched, but I liked it.

This weird ass movie is a collection of different stories that loosely intertwine via their connection to a small town pawnshop. It’s full of familiar faces and crazy ass situations, with each story trying to out-bizarre the others and damned if I know which one to crown the victor. This thing is absolutely nuts and I really loved parts of it, but it was a little too uneven to love it as a whole. Still, it’s quite a memorable experience and I do think it’s got potential to grow on me down the line.

3.5

Mr Minio

10-01-22, 07:02 AM

It's been officially confirmed that Miss Vicky is a member of Tiger Mafia!

cricket

10-01-22, 09:42 AM

Glad you enjoyed Pawn Shop Chronicles. It won't quite make my ballot but it's crazy fun for the right viewer.

Miss Vicky

10-01-22, 04:03 PM

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Midsommar (Ari Aster, 2019)
(Recommended by Funny Face)

I'm not entirely sure how to respond to this film.

Do I say I liked it because it was creepy and disturbing, which is what horror should be? Or do I say I didn't like it because I never want to watch this crazy shit again? I don't know.

What I do know is that this was my second experience with Ari Aster (the first being The Strange Thing About the Johnsons, which I also don't ever want to watch again) and, if these two are any indication, he seems to have a knack for making really uncomfortable films - but also films that you can't really look away from. Its images and concepts are deeply unsettling, but also really intriguing and almost alluring.

It's an incredibly well constructed film that makes great use its colors and location to give the village an initially idyllic feel. The performances are also strong and, for a two and a half hour movie, it is very well paced.

But I don't ever want to see it again. Still, I have to give credit where it is due and rate it positively, but it will not be getting my vote.

3.5

cricket

10-01-22, 05:01 PM

I know it's popular but I didn't care for Midsommar. I thought it started out ok.

Miss Vicky

10-01-22, 08:24 PM

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Belle (Amma Asante, 2013)

I used to read a lot of romance novels when I was a teenager and my favorites were always the period novels with the young debutante on the hunt for a good match. So when I saw the trailer for this movie almost ten years ago, I felt a little nostalgic and wanted to see it, but it got put on the back burner because, while teenage me was big on romance, adult me has other interests. After awhile, I kind of forgot about it.

But I put it on my watchlist for the countdown and, after watching several strange movies in a row, I was wanting something a little more normal and decided to give this a go today. And I have to say I felt that nostalgia all over again, though I do appreciate the way that the movie paints a more accurate picture of the position of ladies in society than those old novels did. I also appreciate that it presents a story of greater substance than the garbage I was reading back then. Of course, I also enjoyed the look of the film with its gorgeous sets and costumes.

However, the overall feel of the movie is just as corny as those books and I was rolling my eyes by the time Dido announced her wish to marry Mr. Davinier, even if my rolling eyes were laced with happy tears. Ultimately, this was an entertaining watch but not something that will get my vote.

3.5

Miss Vicky

10-02-22, 02:07 AM

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Jurassic World (Colin Trevorrow, 2015)
(Rewatch)

Jurassic World is an unoriginal cashgrab. Its writing is not exactly impressive. Its characters are hollow and two dimensional. There are continuity errors and things that just don't make a whole lot of sense. The sort of underlying message of "nature = good, messing with it = bad" is clunky. The CGI is a bit too obvious at times and lends the whole thing a sort of sheen of artificiality that wasn't present with the practical effects driven original.

But I really couldn't care less about any of that. As stupid as it may be, this movie is fun. It's exciting. It was really cool to see some different dinos - and their different ways of killing people - and it was satisfying to see the two scariest baddies of the original movie become this one's heroes. It's just a solid piece of mindless entertainment and I can think of far worse ways to spend a couple of hours.

4

Miss Vicky

10-03-22, 04:46 AM

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Enemy (Denis Villeneuve, 2013)
(Recommended by SpelingError)

I really didn't know anything about this movie going in and I'm not sure why I decided to put it on my watchlist, but here we are.

This is a really well constructed and fast paced film that is carried well by by its central performance (performances?). Gyllenhaal does a very fine job of making Adam and Anthony different enough in their posture and actions to recognize them as different people, but also similar enough to make you question if they really are.

And that's really what this whole movie is: A 100 minute long question that never gets a concrete answer. But that back and forth guessing and second guessing makes for an intriguing experience and I never got bored with it. That said though, I don't know how well it would hold up to repeated viewings and there definitely wasn't anything here that I loved, but I do like it well enough on initial impression to give it a positive rating for now.

3.5

Iroquois

10-03-22, 06:47 AM

Who Killed Captain Alex? (Nabwana I.G.G., 2010)

1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZRbjJNH6Jg

cricket

10-03-22, 10:28 AM

Enemy is one I'd probably like but I've never been compelled to watch. At some point I'm sure.

I can't remember how I felt about Jurassic World. Some of those I like and some not.

Miss Vicky

10-04-22, 02:18 AM

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Source Code (Duncan Jones, 2011)
(Rewatch)

This movie probably shouldn't be as good as it is. It takes a lot of bits and pieces from other sources - basic ideas that have been before. A man has to live a certain period of time over and over again until he figures things out? I've seen that. A man is inserted into a simulation that he believes can be used to alter reality? I've seen that. Someone entering another's memories and subconscious? I've seen that a few times over. Experimentation for the greater good that raises questions of ethics? That's not original. And yet, it somehow assembles these into something that is exciting and doesn't really have a been there, done that feel to it.

I also really appreciate that, despite the fact that it is very much Sci Fi, it maintains its focus firmly on the human element, aided greatly by strong performances from both Jake Gyllenhaal and Vera Farmiga. It also snaps along a fast pace and never allows itself to drag, even though as a viewer you feel Captain Stevens's frustration right along with him.

If I have one complaint, it's with the ending, which feels over-long and panders far too much to the "happily ever after" crowd. But that's a minor annoyance in an otherwise very fine piece of entertainment. I don't know if this will make my ballot, but it's not out of the running yet.

4

Miss Vicky

10-05-22, 02:45 AM

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Cold Fish (Tsumetai nettaigyo) (Sion Sono, 2010)
(Recommended by cricket)

I went into this movie having no real idea of what it would be like and having seen it now, I have to say that almost nothing worked for me. It's just too much. It's too much of everything. It's too dark. It's too bloody. The sex is too weird. The characters are all horrible people. And it's way too damn long.

If all of those things were turned down just a notch or two, I might've been able to enjoy it - and I can absolutely see why some people do really dig it - but for me the highlight of it was seeing all those cool fish and that's just not enough. I'm not sorry I watched it, but this is definitely not something I'm likely to ever revisit.

2.5

cricket

10-05-22, 08:49 AM

Sounds fishy

Miss Vicky

10-06-22, 03:16 AM

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How to Train Your Dragon (Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, 2010)
(Rewatch)

This movie has long been a favorite of mine. I'm not typically into heavy fantasy like this, but the potent combination of adventure, laughs, and a touching story about a boy who defies expectations and changes his world for the better is irresistible. It helps a lot that Toothless is super cute and full of personality.

I will say though that I probably loved it a little less tonight than I have in the past, but it's still all but guaranteed spot on my ballot.

4

Miss Vicky

10-08-22, 02:44 AM

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Andhadhun (Sriram Raghavan, 2018)

I think this is the only Indian movie I've ever actually watched. To be completely honest, I've always been a little prejudiced against them because the bits and pieces of Indian films I have seen were so heavily musical that I just never had any desire to look any further.

I was very happy to find that Andhadhun was nothing like that, though music and singing is featured heavily in it, and I mostly enjoyed myself with this. Like others, it did take me a little while to settle in and really engage with the movie. The first half of the film felt a bit uneven and a little bloated - in particular the scenes involving music felt like they went on for too long, but the crazier the movie got the more interested I became. That said, at 139 minutes the movie probably could've done with fewer twists and turns and benefited from some streamlining, but it was a fun ride and I'm glad to have watched it even if it doesn't really stand any chance of getting my vote.

3.5

Miss Vicky

10-08-22, 03:32 PM

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Xingu (Cao Hamburger, 2011)

Based on true events, this movie tells the story of a trio of white Brazilian brothers in the 1940s who embark on a journey to open new paths and create outposts and airfields in the previously untouched lands of the Amazon. They would eventually become instrumental in the creation of Xingu National Park.

From a visual standpoint, this is a wonderful film, much of which was shot on location in the park. It also features some pretty solid performances, particularly from João Miguel. However, in all other respects this movie is kind of a mess. Nobody gets enough character development, very little time is spent with the indigenous people these men supposedly care about, and although we are occasionally told that the film is fast forwarding 2 or 3 or however many years ahead, the actual passage of time is very poorly represented. It does do a decent job though of showing the destruction that happens when white men and native people make contact and, despite its flaws, I was never bored with it. Overall an okay movie and not a waste of time, but not something I can really recommend.

3

Miss Vicky

10-09-22, 02:13 AM

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Knives Out (Rian Johnson, 2019)

I don't know what exactly I was expecting with this, but given its reputation and popularity, it didn't meet whatever those expectations were. I think I gave a light chuckle like twice the whole movie, but mainly I was bored. Even with all its twists and turns, the movie dragged terribly for me and Daniel Craig's stupid fake drawl just irritated the shit out of me - and probably accounts for a large part of why I was so disengaged with it. I wasn't impressed with anybody else's performance either or anything else about the movie for that matter.

About the only positive I can say for it is that it's always nice to see Don Johnson in a popular movie. I've had a soft spot for him since his days on Nash Bridges. Otherwise this was just a very mediocre to borderline bad experience for me.

2.5

Miss Vicky

10-09-22, 04:49 AM

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Zootopia (Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush, 2016)
(Rewatch)

Zootopia is a breeze to watch. It's really funny, has a fair amount of action, and features adorable characters, strong voice performances, and some fun pop culture references. And it uses these strengths to present its messages of following your dreams and the importance of refusing to allow prejudice to cloud your judgement in a way that never really feels preachy or too overt.

But the main thing I enjoy about it is the camaraderie between its leads Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, with the latter's sarcasm and wit being particularly amusing. Unfortunately, I'm not the only one who really likes this pair so tread carefully if you're ever online looking up images related to this movie.

4

cricket

10-09-22, 10:32 AM

I'm trying to watch as much as possible that could make the countdown. Do you think Zootopia is likely to make it?

Too bad you didn't care for Knives Out, it is a solid contender for my ballot.

SpelingError

10-09-22, 10:53 AM

I might rewatch Zootopia before the deadline if I'm able to. I've seen it mentioned at least 3-4 times on this forum recently.

Miss Vicky

10-09-22, 11:43 AM

I'm trying to watch as much as possible that could make the countdown. Do you think Zootopia is likely to make it? .

Tough to say. I feel like too many people on here don’t like animation or at least don’t consider it to be anywhere on the same level as other movies. I know I will be voting for it and I’m pretty certain gbg will as well but no idea beyond that.

Mr Minio

10-09-22, 03:08 PM

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Jurassic World (Colin Trevorrow, 2015)
(Rewatch)
I watched it solely based on this post. It's bloody awful, and not in a so-bad-it's-good way. Not in a guilty pleasure way either. Bryce Dallas Howard is h0t, tho.

https://i.imgur.com/JF75phA.png
https://i.imgur.com/Mv6sIIc.png

I think Swan should start crushing on Bryce instead of Jessica Chastain!

https://i.imgur.com/p4X9kPG.png

Jessica, I didn't mean it that way! Stop being so rude! Don't worry, Swan will always love you!

seanc

10-09-22, 07:32 PM

My favorite part of this page was reading a review that states how mediocre a movie is and then sings the praises of Nash Bridges. That gave me a chuckle.

Miss Vicky

10-09-22, 09:24 PM

My favorite part of this page was reading a review that states how mediocre a movie is and then sings the praises of Nash Bridges. That gave me a chuckle.

Whatever, man. Nash Bridges is fun. I'm actually in the process of rewatching all of it and I still love it.

Knives Out just annoyed me.

Takoma11

10-09-22, 10:20 PM

I've seen Knives Out two or three times and quite like it. There are lots of fun details in the house, and I'm a sucker for an ensemble mystery.

I also have fond feelings for it because it's the rare film that my whole family enjoyed. We have pretty different tastes and strong opinions (yes, it's a family trait!) and so a movie that we can all have a blast watching always gets a bump in my affection.

That said, it's very stylized, so I can imagine that if it doesn't work for you, it really doesn't work for you.

gbgoodies

10-10-22, 12:24 AM

I'm trying to watch as much as possible that could make the countdown. Do you think Zootopia is likely to make it?

I hope so. Zootopia is very likely to be on my list.

Too bad you didn't care for Knives Out, it is a solid contender for my ballot.

Knives Out has a chance to make my list, but it might just miss it.

Miss Vicky

10-10-22, 01:18 AM

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Drive (Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011)
(Rewatch)

I first watched this movie back in 2020 when it was chosen for me in a Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame after I'd intentionally avoided it for 9 years. I've never had much of an opinion of Ryan Gosling, the movie just looked so slick, and I often find highly stylized movies to be a big turn off.

But I was treated to a pleasant surprise. Whereas stylish movies often come across as cold, Drive does well to balance the cool elements with a little bit of warmth and humanity. Ryan Gosling does a great job of carrying this movie with his performance - ever cool and collected, with just that little smirk to betray any kind of emotion. He's a badass with a heart of gold: One moment we see the driver gently putting a young child to bed or tenderly kissing his girl and another moment we see him kicking a guy's head in. He's complicated. He exists in a gray area between good and bad. And I love that.

One thing I didn't love on the first watch though was that I felt we didn't get to see enough of his tender side, or at least not enough for me to buy his motivations for the risks he takes and the sacrifices he makes. But this time around I wasn't bothered at all by that and was fully immersed in the experience of the film.

Ultimately I don't know if it'll get my vote - I'm just too spoiled for choices here - but I do very much hope it places high on the countdown.

4

cricket

10-10-22, 03:51 PM

Drive is in the running for my ballot.

seanc

10-10-22, 04:40 PM

I just rewatched Drive as well. I still love it, but not as much as the first time. I gave it a 4, and it won’t be on my ballot. I would like to see it in the bottom half of the list though.

Miss Vicky

10-10-22, 05:54 PM

I just rewatched Drive as well. I still love it, but not as much as the first time. I gave it a 4, and it won’t be on my ballot. I would like to see it in the bottom half of the list though.

I gave it a 3.5 last time, so this was an improvement for me.

cricket

10-10-22, 06:21 PM

I wasn't crazy about it the 1st time

Miss Vicky

10-11-22, 02:15 AM

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Searching (Aneesh Chaganty, 2018)

I don't think I'd ever heard of this movie prior to its appearance in the Group Watch thread and I didn't read anything about it before going in. Now that I've seen it, I have kind of mixed feelings.

On the one hand, the performances were all really strong, I was really engaged with the story, and I definitely didn't see that final twist coming. On the other hand, I found the "screens" concept kind of gimmicky. It's certainly novel and I appreciate the effort to do something different, but ultimately it just felt limiting and a little frustrating.

Still a good movie and I'm glad to have seen it, but it's not likely to get my vote.

3.5

Miss Vicky

10-12-22, 02:13 AM

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The Illusionist (L'illusionniste) (Sylvain Chomet, 2010)
(Rewatch)

Watching this movie is truly an experience. Dialogue in the film is very sparse and when it does occur, the actual words spoken are unimportant. Everything is conveyed through actions as this melancholy story of disillusionment and the pointlessness of trying to flee obsolescence unfolds. But it's also speckled with touches of humor here and there and at only 80 minutes it never drags or feels like it's too much.

And all of this is done in gorgeous traditional hand drawn animation with muted colors and whimsical character designs that are a joy to see, even if the story carries much sadness. It's a big contender for my ballot and I'll be quite sad if it doesn't make it onto the countdown.

4

Miss Vicky

10-13-22, 04:35 AM

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Ernest & Celestine (Ernest et Célestine) (Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, and Benjamin Renner, 2012)
(Rewatch)

This movie positively oozes charm and warmth with its gorgeous hand painted watercolors that look like they leapt from the pages of a beloved children's book (indeed it is based on a series of children's books), full of humor and whimsey. We are presented with a pair of oddball outcasts - one a starving street performer and musician and the other a plucky orphan who refuses to buy into the prejudices she's been taught. Both face incredible hardship from a classist, racist society that aims to punish them for being who they are and each finds a kindred spirit in the other.

But neither the movie nor its characters dwell on the negatives, instead focusing on the sweet and heartwarming bond between Ernest and Celestine and on the joy they find in the little things. It also spatters its setting and other characters with tiny little details that aren't important in the story but are delightful just the same - the bear family that owns a candy store and a shop that sells replacement teeth for the ones that rot away from all the sugar, the bears telling the story of the tooth fairy mouse right before panicking at the sight of a real mouse and the mice telling the orphan children stories of the big bad bear just before sending them out into the homes of real bears to collect their teeth.

It's all just so wonderful and I love it a little more every time I watch it. I think it's just about perfect and it absolutely baffles me that it failed to make the Animation Countdown. It is downright tragic that mine was one of only two votes it received back then - and the other voter gave it only one point. I will be absolutely ecstatic if it makes it onto this countdown and I urge everybody to give it a chance.

5

Yoda

10-13-22, 11:22 AM

I'm definitely making a point to see that one, thank you!

SpelingError

10-13-22, 11:23 AM

I'm definitely making a point to see that one, thank you!

Join us in the Group Watch thread ;)

Mr Minio

10-13-22, 11:50 AM

I'm definitely making a point to see that one, thank you! It's an absolute masterpiece. This is one of these rare occasions when I wholeheartedly agree with Miss Vicky, so she must be right with that one.

Miss Vicky

10-13-22, 07:36 PM

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Venom (Ruben Fleischer, 2018)

I stayed home sick from work today and wanted to watch a movie. I wasn't feeling up to watching anything of substance, so I was looking for some stupid crap to distract me for a couple of hours. Venom looked like it would fit the bill and had the added bonus of featuring that sexy motherf***er Tom Hardy, so I gave it a shot.

Well, it's definitely stupid and Hardy's talent is wasted in this garbage, but he looked damn hot and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't entertained. I probably won't ever watch it again, but I was entertained.

3

beelzebubble

10-13-22, 07:48 PM

Miss Vicky

10-15-22, 04:26 AM

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Inside Out (Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen, 2015)
(Rewatch)

This movie is a lock for my ballot and I really didn't need to watch it tonight, but I was looking for an easy rewatch for tonight and decided on this - the last Pixar movie to truly impress me.

While the basic premise has been done before, this movie gives a delightful spin on things and presents its ideas in a way that is both highly entertaining and, well, really emotional. I really loved the way that abstract thought, dreams, and the subconscious were represented as well as the literal "train" of thought. It's at once incredibly witty and really heartbreaking with some great messaging about allowing yourself to feel things and valuing the input of others.

But mostly it just makes me smile a whole lot and I really hope that someday the studio will recapture this kind of magic again.

4

cricket

10-15-22, 03:13 PM

I should probably watch that, it seems popular.

seanc

10-15-22, 03:29 PM

My favorite animation of the last ten years or so. Won’t make my list but if I was forcing sn animated movie on, it would be my pick.

Miss Vicky

10-17-22, 02:35 AM

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Shame (Steve McQueen, 2011)
(Recommended by SpelingError)

This felt a lot like watching a Paul Thomas Anderson movie and, unfortunately, coming from me that is not a compliment.

I don't like movies about shitty people doing shitty things to each other. They just leave me cold and disengaged and that is exactly what happened here. Now don't get me wrong, Shame is beautifully shot, features strong performances, and puts forth a portrayal of sex addiction that feels authentic. By just about any metric, this is a good movie. It's just not my kind of movie and I won't be voting for it or watching it again.

3

Thursday Next

10-17-22, 03:37 PM

Miss Vicky

10-17-22, 03:46 PM

I didn't like Shame that much when I first watched it, but I found myself thinking about it a lot afterwards and watching it again and appreciating it a lot more. Oddly, I had a similar experience with 12 Years a Slave. I think both films are just a lot to take in the first time, and you are hit with this visceral sense of horribleness that can make them hard to warm to, although the technical brilliance is immediately obvious. (Not that I'm suggesting you rewatch it, that was just my experience).

This was actually my third McQueen movie, behind 12 Years a Slave and Hunger. Both of those also featured a lot of horribleness, but I still liked them okay on first watch. Not sure what it was about this one that was such a big turnoff.

cricket

10-17-22, 08:48 PM

I liked Shame a little more than you, mostly because I loved the performances.

SpelingError

10-17-22, 08:49 PM

I liked Shame quite a bit more than you did (it may make my ballot), but thanks for checking it out.

Miss Vicky

10-18-22, 03:41 AM

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Poetry (Shi) (Lee Chang-dong, 2010)

I'm just going to come right out and say it: I didn't like this.

This is another film that is a good movie by just about any metric. The cinematography is good. The performances are strong. It's contemplative and it should really make you think... but it just bored the hell out of me. It's too long, it moves at a crawl, and it left me feeling far too restless to engage with the story or to feel anything for its characters. I can totally see why other people would regard it so highly. I have nothing but respect for what it was doing, but it's just not my kind of movie.

3

Miss Vicky

10-19-22, 02:12 AM

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The Broken Circle Breakdown (Felix van Groeningen, 2012)
(Rewatch)

I first watched this movie in 2017 and had no idea what to expect going in. I came away from it thoroughly impressed with its authenticity and emotional power, but I didn't fully love it. I did, however, have the feeling that if I gave it another watch - if I put myself through that experience again - my opinion would certainly improve.

After seeing it again tonight, that prediction could hardly have been truer. But this is not an easy watch by any means. As I type this, my face is red and raw from sobbing so much and so hard. Told in a non-linear way, The Broken Circle Breakdown shows us the sweet beginning and horrible end of a relationship as two people fall in love and are then torn apart as they endure unimaginable psychological pain and struggle to process their immense grief and their misdirected feelings of rage, blame, and guilt. Veerle Baetens and Johan Heldenbergh give devastating performances as Elise and Didier, and they make you believe every amazing high and terrible low of their lives, all while making gorgeous music that fits the film's themes perfectly.

I knew when I started the process of preparing for this countdown that this movie would end up on my ballot somewhere, but I think this is going to land much higher than I had initially expected. That said, it may be another five years before I can bring myself to watch it again. I will, however, be purchasing the soundtrack as soon as I finish posting this review.

5

Miss Vicky

10-19-22, 04:29 AM

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Locke (Steven Knight, 2013)
(Rewatch)

Filmed in real time with nearly every minute of it taking place inside one car, Locke serves as a fine showcase for Tom Hardy's acting talent. Hardy is truly put through his paces as a man juggling several personal and professional crises as he's on the road trying to do the right thing and fix the one monumental f***-up he's made in life and save himself from becoming the man his father was. His emotions run the gamut - anger, frustration, guilt, defeat, desperation, hope, and perhaps a tiny bit of joy - and he is mesmerizing to watch.

If I were to rate the film on his performance alone, I'd give it a 5 out of 5, and it is absolutely solid filmmaking. But as good as it is and as much as I respect it, it's not something I will ever love. It's also not something that I would vote for, but I'll raise no objections if it makes onto the countdown.

3.5

cricket

10-19-22, 08:42 AM

I liked Locke but I'll probably never think of it on my own again.

Miss Vicky

10-19-22, 12:52 PM

I liked Locke but I'll probably never think of it on my own again.

Yeah, it's very good but if this countdown wasn't happening I don't think I'd ever have watched it again.

Miss Vicky

10-20-22, 02:54 AM

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The Frozen Ground (Scott Walker, 2013)
(Rewatch)

In terms of story, cinematography, etc, this is pretty standard based-on-true-story serial killer fare. It's solid overall, but not outstanding. With perhaps one exception: John Cusack. Of course, my opinion isn't exactly unbiased but this is a really interesting and unusual performance from him. One of the reasons why I really enjoy watching Cusack is that he normally comes off as being a really likable guy. That is not true here. Although he's not given nearly as much screen time as he should have been, he makes the most of it and I find him both mesmerizing and completely unsettling. He easily makes what would otherwise probably be a rather forgettable movie one that sticks with me.

3.5

Miss Vicky

10-20-22, 05:04 AM

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Toy Story 3 (Lee Unkrich, 2010)
(Rewatch)

Despite my deep appreciation of animation and being something of a Pixar fangirl, I've never loved the Toy Story series. Don't get me wrong, they're charming and funny but I've always just come away feeling like they were only pretty good. Except for this one. Most of it is pretty much on par with the other three films, but that incinerator scene and the scene when Andy meets Bonnie have just enough emotional punch to elevate it for me to an almost love-it level.

Probably more like a 3.75 than a 4, but I'll round up.

4.0

Takoma11

10-20-22, 06:07 PM

Miss Vicky

10-22-22, 01:21 AM

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Under the Skin (Jonathon Glazer, 2013)
(Recommended by SpelingError)

Aside from some mildly interesting visuals, I didn’t like anything about this. It was infuriatingly repetitive, dragged terribly, and was a chore to get through.

1.5

SpelingError

10-22-22, 01:39 AM

Aw :(

I think the ending kind of falls apart, but I still love the film and it's a lock for my ballot.

Miss Vicky

10-22-22, 04:29 AM

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The Lobster (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2015)
(Recommended by Thursday Next)

I'm not really sure how to go about reviewing this one. I definitely didn't love it and I'm not sure if I even liked it, but it was definitely strange and fascinating. I also can say with absolute certainty that I've never seen a movie quite like it and I definitely do think there is some potential for it to grow on me. It certainly won't be the next Being John Malkovich for me, but maybe the next Dead Man?

I don't know. This movie is weird AF and awkward AF, but it was interesting. It's going to require a rewatch or three at some point down the line for me to decide if I like it or not, so this rating doesn't mean a whole lot.

3.0

seanc

10-22-22, 07:25 AM

Your first Lanthimos?

cricket

10-22-22, 09:22 AM

I had a similar reaction to Under the Skin and The Lobster, would like to see both again.

Miss Vicky

10-22-22, 10:44 AM

Your first Lanthimos?

No, The Favourite (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332345#post2332345) was first. I watched it last month.

seanc

10-22-22, 11:43 AM

No, The Favourite (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2332345#post2332345) was first. I watched it last month.

Cool, sorry didn’t remember that. I do think The Favorite is his least bizarre although it still is plenty weird.

SpelingError

10-22-22, 12:48 PM

The Lobster is a lock for my ballot.

Miss Vicky

10-22-22, 02:40 PM

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The Lure (Córki dancingu) (Agnieszka Smoczynska, 2015)

I fully expected to hate everything about this fantasy-horror-musical. To say that those three genres are not my favorite is a bit of an understatement. As it turned out, I didn’t hate everything about it but my prediction wasn’t too far off from the truth. It had some cool visuals and it kept me at least mildly entertained for a little while. However, the musical and fantasy elements quickly began to wear on my nerves and by the time the sisters started growling at each other I had mentally checked out.

Not terrible by any means but definitely not my kind of movie.

2.5

Miss Vicky

10-22-22, 10:05 PM

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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Quentin Tarantino, 2019)
(Rewatch)

I've seen a lot of reviews that accuse this movie of being slow, overly long, self-indulgent, and self-congratulatory and I don't disagree with any of that. But I also don't see those things as being faults. As its title suggests, this movie is a fairy tale. A sweet, blissful fairy tale - albeit one with a lot of profanity and drinking - that meanders through an atmospheric and mostly rose colored depiction of 1960s Hollywood while keeping its focus on a fictional washed up actor and his stunt double buddy. The majority of the film is far more soft and sedate than you expect from its director, but then it rewrites history in a big bloody, fiery, gruesome, and very Tarantino way.

I think this was my third or fourth time watching it and I wouldn't quite say I love it, but it is a lot of fun and I like it a lot. Not a lock for my ballot - though another Tarantino is - but it is a contender.

4

cricket

10-22-22, 10:19 PM

It's a lock for my ballot, loved how Tarantino captured the era.

SpelingError

10-22-22, 11:21 PM

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood will likely make my ballot. It's the kind of film which gets better the more you watch it.

Miss Vicky

10-23-22, 02:09 AM

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12 Years a Slave (Steve McQueen, 2013)
(Rewatch)

I've seen this movie several times and my feelings about it have pretty much remained the same with each viewing, so I'll just sort of echo what I wrote about it the last time I watched it, in 2018 for the Best Picture Hall of Fame.

I've seen a fair number of movies and programs on the subject of black slavery in the America, but none of them have quite succeeded in addressing it without sliding into exploitation, over-sentimentality, or preachiness. Nor have any given more than a two-dimensional view of both victim and perpetrator. McQueen makes a solid attempt at a more rounded view of things, but it's still not quite there.

It is the closest I've seen though and the combination of strong direction and mostly fantastic performances (Paul Dano and Brad Pitt, as much as I like him, not withstanding) make for a very moving and powerful film. That said though, I don't think it deserved the win for Best Picture that year and, as good as it is, its chances of making my ballot are pretty slim.

4

Miss Vicky

10-23-22, 03:15 PM

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Your Name. (Kimi no na wa.) (Makoto Shinkai, 2016)
(Rewatch)

When I think of visually impressive animation, Makoto Shinkai's work leaps to mind. He consistently delivers absolutely stunning artistry, with vibrant colors and incredible detail that leave me in awe. Unfortunately, I've never found his storytelling to be at that same level, though Your Name. is pretty solid in that department. Granted, its time and body swapping premise isn't really my cup of tea but the sweet teenage romance works quite well and it's funny and engaging throughout. That said though, even if the romance didn't work for me I don't know that it would hinder my enjoyment that much. I don't watch Shinkai for the stories anyway. And on that note, I probably ought to check out Weathering With You before the deadline.

4

seanc

10-23-22, 05:59 PM

I watched Weathering With You recently and liked it pretty well. I should definitely check out Your Name.

Miss Vicky

10-24-22, 01:51 AM

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Big Hero 6 (Don Hall and Chris Williams, 2014)
(Rewatch)

Every time I watch this movie, I come away feeling frustrated with it. It has a fair amount going for it - gorgeous animation, an interesting enough plot, and some genuinely funny scenes - but it always just feels to me like it's trying too damn hard to deliver an emotional punch that never really comes. Because, you know, it's not enough that the protagonist is an orphan, let's kill his brother too because that doesn't come off as a cheap tactic or anything, right? And let's make the villain's backstory one of grief and revenge. How original! Ultimately the only main character I felt anything for was the one that isn't human and that emotional punch it strives for feels more like a poke. A poke from a soft, inflatable, marshmallow-y robot.

3

Miss Vicky

10-25-22, 03:04 AM

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Jojo Rabbit (Taika Waititi, 2019)
(Rewatch)

I know some people are probably put off by the idea of making a Holocaust comedy. Some people find it in bad taste to laugh at a situation that led to the murder of millions, but I don't think Jojo Rabbit is in any way disrespectful to the memory of those people. The butt of its jokes are always the Nazis and I actually find that all those laughs and silly moments work to make the more emotional scenes impactful. The scene where Jojo follows the butterfly hit me like a ton of bricks because even though it wasn't the first reminder of the danger its protagonists find themselves, I still found myself momentarily forgetting that danger until I was so suddenly confronted with it. I also think the film does a very good job of balancing the comedy and the tragedy and, even through all the silliness, it tells a story that doesn't feel artificial.

I think a lot of that is owed to some really outstanding performances. Newcomer Roman Griffin Davis is incredible as naive little Nazi boy Jojo and Thomasin McKenzie is also wonderful as Elsa. I'm not usually all that fond of Scarlett Johansson, but her turn as Rosie was really sweet. Also a standout was the always-solid Sam Rockwell who lends a lot of humanity to his Captain Klenzendorf.

But the movie is just wonderfully made overall. Great writing, color and light that pops, and a strong soundtrack also work to make for a very memorable and unique experience. Tonight was my third time watching this and I think it only improves with rewatches. I've not yet decided where on my ballot this will land, but it will absolutely get my vote.

4

Miss Vicky

10-26-22, 02:24 AM

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Legend (Brian Helgeland, 2015)
(Rewatch)

This was my second time watching this movie and, like the previous time, I'm going to preface this by saying I don't know anything about the Kray twins and I don't really care.

As before, I watched this solely for the sake of getting a double dose of Tom Hardy. And what a pair of performances it is. As Ronnie Kray, he's a mesmerizing combination of comical, sad, and terrifying. As Reggie, he's suave, sexy, sophisticated, and equally frightening in his own way. Like Locke, this movie serves as an excellent showcase for Hardy's talent, but also like Locke I find the movie as a whole to be solid but not spectacular. I don't have any real complaints about it, but nor do I have much to praise beyond the central performances.

I initially rated it a 4 out of 5, but with this viewing I'm going to downgrade it just a bit. Still a worthwhile watch, but not one that will ever be a favorite nor one that stands any chance of getting my vote.

3.5

Miss Vicky

10-27-22, 03:27 AM

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Irrational Man (Woody Allen, 2015)
(Rewatch)

I had a look at my previous write up for this movie before posting this and apparently Irrational Man was the third Woody Allen movie I've seen all the way through. I know one was Blue Jasmine, which I vaguely remember liking okay but remember absolutely nothing else and I have no clue whatsoever what the other one was. Manhattan maybe? I feel like maybe that was a Hall of Fame movie? I don't know. I know I've attempted a couple of others but shut them off. Point is: Woody Allen isn't my cup of tea.

Except for this movie. Yeah, I know people are gonna be like "Well that's just because you like Joaquin Phoenix" and I know that this movie is not generally well liked among critics or Allen fans, but I find it genuinely funny. Like laugh out loud funny and if another actor had played this role as strongly as Phoenix did, I think I would still like it.

And it's not just Phoenix that delivers the laughs for me. Emma Stone and Parker Posey are also really good in this and Stone's expression in the scene with the flashlight and the elevator is one of the highlights of the movie for me. But strangely for me, what I love most about this movie is the narration. I typically hate narration but I found the voiceover of Abe's excited thoughts while his world spirals out of control hilarious.

And despite that fact that I seriously doubt this stands any chance at all of making the countdown, it's pretty much a lock for my ballot.

4

Miss Vicky

10-28-22, 01:14 PM

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Calvary (John Michael McDonagh, 2014)
(Recommended by Takoma11)

This film did not work for me.

Which isn't to say that there weren't things about it that I liked. Brendan Gleeson gives a solid performance, as is usual for him, and the others did fine too with their characters. The film also has excellent cinematography. But that's about where my appreciation of it ends. I'm an atheist and have been most of my life, so movies that address matters of faith are a hard sell for me. I also really don't like the way the one atheist character was depicted, nor do I think that some of the "sins" of the parishioners are particularly immoral. The movie also felt rather uneven and like it didn't quite know what it wanted to be, especially in regards to its weird-ass humor that felt completely out of place.

The end result was that I was completely detached from the proceedings and utterly unmoved by it all.

ETA: One thing I neglected to mention in my review is that I was also bothered by how much time was spent on his reconciliation with his daughter after he abandoned her for the church only to have him do it again at the end.

2.5

Miss Vicky

10-29-22, 02:19 AM

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Coco (Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, 2017)
(Rewatch)

This movie has a whole lot going for it. It's creative, it's original, it's funny, it's charming, and it's absolutely gorgeous to look at. From a purely objective perspective, this is definitely upper-tier Pixar. But I don't love it. I've seen it many times and each time I respect it. I even shed tears at certain scenes each time. But I don't love it. I don't know if it's the overabundance of music, the overabundance of fantasy elements, the overabundance of silliness, or a combination thereof, but I don't love it and I'm not going to vote for it.

Good movie, though.

3.5

Miss Vicky

10-29-22, 08:29 PM

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Shutter Island (Martin Scorsese, 2010)
(Rewatch)

It's been quite a long time since I last watched this movie and I'm really not sure why. It's packed with a great cast and very strong performances and is absolutely dripping with atmosphere and dread. I'll admit that the movie is over long and drags a bit and the major plot twist is neither especially original nor all that subtle, but even having seen this before, I was still gripped throughout.

Not a big favorite nor a lock for my ballot, but also not out of the running.

4.0

Takoma11

10-29-22, 08:32 PM

I really owe Shutter Island another viewing. I don't know what I was expecting going into it, but I know that the gap between expectations and what it actually was really threw me while watching.

seanc

10-29-22, 08:38 PM

Miss Vicky

10-29-22, 08:58 PM

I haven’t seen Shutter Island since its release. I liked it a lot but I owe it a rewatch and it’s really not in any danger of making my list. Scorsese has two big hitters from the 10’s in my opinion.

What are the two big hitters for you?

I've only seen Shutter Island and Wolf of Wall Street from his 2010 movies. Actually I haven't seen a whole lot of his work in general. Besides those two, I've seen The Departed, The Aviator, Gangs of New York, Bringing Out the Dead, The Age of Innocence, Goodfellas, The King of Comedy, Raging Bull, and Taxi Driver. Wolf of Wall Street is a lock for me.

seanc

10-29-22, 09:13 PM

What are the two big hitters for you?

I've only seen Shutter Island and Wolf of Wall Street from his 2010 movies. Actually I haven't seen a whole lot of his work in general. Besides those two, I've seen The Departed, The Aviator, Gangs of New York, Bringing Out the Dead, The Age of Innocence, Goodfellas, The King of Comedy, Raging Bull, and Taxi Driver. Wolf of Wall Street is a lock for me.

Silence will be on my ballot. Wolf could be. I haven’t decided if I am holding myself to one per director yet.

StuSmallz

10-29-22, 09:18 PM

I really owe Shutter Island another viewing. I don't know what I was expecting going into it, but I know that the gap between expectations and what it actually was really threw me while watching.Is it alright if I ask why that was the case?

Takoma11

10-29-22, 09:35 PM

Is it alright if I ask why that was the case?

I think that I was expecting an honest to goodness thriller/mystery, and obviously the film is playing with some of those conventions but isn't just a typical thriller/mystery.

It's honestly been a long time since I watched it, as I saw it right after it came out. I really don't remember specifics, just being aware that what I'd expected/wanted wasn't what I got.

Miss Vicky

10-30-22, 04:05 AM

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Dark Shadows (Tim Burton, 2012)
(Rewatch)

I was not feeling well this afternoon but with the list of films I intend to watch or rewatch for this countdown still numbering almost 50, I decided to cross another one off the list. But it had to be something kind of stupid and ridiculous, one that required no real thought and little focus. This seemed a perfect fit.

And it was. This is by no means a great movie, but it's silly and it's fun and it's pretty to look at and, as a piece of pure entertainment, I think it does a pretty good job of what it's trying to do.

3.5

Miss Vicky

10-30-22, 04:29 PM

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Weathering With You (Tenki no ko) (Makoto Shinkai, 2019)

Weathering With You is by far the most fantastical of Makoto Shinkai's work that I've seen and requires a whole lot of suspension of disbelief, which kept me from fully engaging with the story. I was, of course, expecting that to be true but it nevertheless hindered my enjoyment a bit. That said, this might just be his most visually stunning work yet and is well worth the watch even if just for that reason alone.

3.5

rauldc14

10-30-22, 06:54 PM

Visuals look great. Got to see it someday

Miss Vicky

10-30-22, 09:05 PM

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The Great Gatsby (Baz Luhrmann, 2013)
(Rewatch)

When this movie first came out, I was... not excited. As much as I love DiCaprio, I hated Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet (and couldn't even make it past more than a few minutes of Moulin Rouge), and I'd remembered not being fond of the novel or the 1974 film adaptation (which just looked like a toothpaste commercial to me) when we studied them in high school. I'd also been hearing a lot of the controversy about its soundtrack. While I didn't particularly care one way or the other about anachronism, I've never been a fan of that type of music.

But when I finally saw it, and with every watch since then, I really enjoyed it and I actually think that the soundtrack fits the theme and style of the film quite well even if it doesn't fit the setting. Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby is flashy, extravagant, excessive, colorful, dazzling, and most of all fun, but it's also heartbreaking and infuriating. While it's unlikely to get my vote, I think its a worthwhile watch and is undeserving of the hate it gets.

4

seanc

10-30-22, 09:46 PM

I agree on Gatsby. I haven’t rewatched yet but gave it the same rating

Miss Vicky

10-31-22, 02:22 AM

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The Man From Nowhere (Ajeossi) (Jeong-beom Lee, 2010)
(Rewatch)

While this is not exactly a masterpiece of cinema, The Man From Nowhere is an excellent action film nevertheless. And it really has everything I want in the genre: a badass hero who is hot, mysterious, and relentless; bad guys that I love to hate; a whole lot of violence; a dash of humor; and just enough emotional impact to elevate it just a tad above mindless entertainment. I believe this was my third time watching it and it is a hell of a ride and a lock for my ballot.

4

Miss Vicky

10-31-22, 05:53 AM

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Real Steel (Shawn Levy, 2011)

To say that I went into this with low expectations is a bit of an understatement. When I first saw the trailer in 2011, I thought it looked terrible and kept expecting the robots’ heads to pop up a la Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and immediately dismissed this movie as something not worth watching.

So I very nearly skipped it when it I saw it had been nominated for Group Watch, but I decided to keep an open mind and give it a shot. Unfortunately, it met my expectations - well, not the head-popping expectation, but you know what I mean. I am sitting here racking my brain trying to come up with something that I liked about it but I am at a loss.

I hated or was completely indifferent to every single character in the movie. And I especially hated Charlie. He’s a crappy father (which he doesn’t really ever redeem himself for, if anything he makes it worse through literal child endangerment and making his kid an accomplice to crime) and kind of a crappy person in general. As for Max? He gets pissed at Charlie for taking stupid risks and basically throwing Noisy Boy away, then he insists on keeping Atom because Atom saved him (which, that whole scene is some bullshit. No way in hell did some little kid dig this 1,000 pound hunk of crap out of the mud in the pouring rain, load it on to the cart, and then drag it to the truck by himself. Give me a break), only to take stupid risks with him in the ring.

As to the robots themselves, I never once forgot that I was watching CGI. For a movie called Real Steel, they sure looked and felt fake to me. The story itself never felt original or interesting and it relied heavily on cheap shortcuts to try to win sympathy points for its characters. Ultimately the whole thing just reeked of cliché and artifice.

1.5

Takoma11

10-31-22, 05:46 PM

Miss Vicky

10-31-22, 06:05 PM

It'll probably make my ballot as well. It's maybe top 5 in terms of films from the decade that I rewatch (in part or in whole) all the time.

I've seen it three times now. Borrowed it from the library the first time. Rented it from Amazon the second time. This time I decided I probably ought to just own it so I bought the bluray. No doubt I'll be watching it many more times in the future.

Miss Vicky

11-01-22, 12:44 AM

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Frankenweenie (Tim Burton, 2012)
(Rewatch)

Although it's never been a particular favorite of mine, Frankenweenie is an undeniably original, charming, and funny boy and his reanimated dog story. I love the character designs and the story, plus it boasts an excellent voice cast and makes for a very easy and enjoyable watch.

But damn, Tim Burton, did you really have to do Mr. Whiskers so dirty like that? You hate cats or something?

3.5

Miss Vicky

11-02-22, 02:16 AM

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Isle of Dogs (Wes Anderson, 2018)
(Rewatch)

I decided to follow a rewatch of a stop-motion animated movie about a boy and his dog with a rewatch of a stop-motion animated movie about a boy and his dog. The difference, though, is that I really shouldn't like this one. Whereas I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Tim Burton, the same very much cannot be said for Wes Anderson. While I admire the colorful look of Anderson's films, I hate his brand of quirk, I hate the way he writes characters, and, until this movie, I've hated every film of his I've seen.

So what is it about Isle of Dogs that is different? If I'm being completely honest, I'm not sure. I mean it certainly helps that it's animated, but Fantastic Mr. Fox is animated and I hated that movie so animation can't be the only reason. It's got a great cast, but Anderson has always worked with great talent, so it's not that either. The movie is absolutely gorgeous, but the look of Wes Anderson's movies has always been the one thing I've liked about them. Whatever it is, I like it. And actually I liked it more tonight than I have in previous viewings - and I'm going to go ahead and bump its rating from the previous 3.5 to a 4. Even with that upgrade in rating it probably won't end up on my ballot, but it's a pretty damn good movie.

Wes Anderson still sucks, though.

4

Miss Vicky

11-04-22, 03:17 AM

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Spring Breakers (Harmony Korine, 2012)
(Rewatch)

Look, I'm not going to sit here and try to claim that this is any kind of quality movie making. It's not. It's a messy trainwreck of a Girls-Gone-Wild-meets-Gangsta-rap-music-video 94 minute fever dream in which James Franco in cornrows and a grill says "spring break" and "look at my shit" over and over amidst a sea of neon bikinis and boobs.

It's kind of fun, though.

3.5

seanc

11-04-22, 07:44 AM

Spring Breakers was my favorite of his but I have felt no urge to revisit at all. I don’t think me and Korine are on the same wavelength.

Miss Vicky

11-04-22, 01:34 PM

Spring Breakers was my favorite of his but I have felt no urge to revisit at all. I don’t think me and Korine are on the same wavelength.

I haven't seen anything else from Korine. I definitely don't share your lack of desire to revisit this though. I actually own Spring Breakers on bluray. :laugh:

Miss Vicky

11-04-22, 06:45 PM

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Whiplash (Damien Chazelle, 2014)
(Rewatch)

This is not a movie that I thought I'd ever watch again. I don't like jazz music, I don't give a crap about the drums, and I generally don't like movies about shitty people doing shitty things to each other. But I thought I'd give it another shot since I fully expect it to make the countdown.

As expected, my experience with it is much the same as it was last time and I come away with mixed feelings. On one hand, Andrew Neiman, the film's protagonist, is deeply unlikable. I don't know, maybe I'm meant to admire his drive and dedication, but mostly I just think he's a prick so it's hard to care when bad things happen to him and I find that rather off-putting. But on the other hand, what more than balances that out and totally makes the movie is J.K. Simmons as Fletcher - an even bigger prick who is so unlikable that he's almost likable. He is absolutely mesmerizing to watch and he completely chews up the screen. If I were to rate the movie on Simmons alone, it'd be a 5/5 but like some of the other performance showcases I've watched for this, the rest of the film just feels okay to me.

3.5

seanc

11-04-22, 07:48 PM

I believe you are meant to think he’s a prick…and admire his drive and determination

Miss Vicky

11-05-22, 04:19 AM

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Prisoners (Denis Villeneuve, 2013)
(Recommended by SpelingError, cricket, Tugg)

This was a taut thriller with some fine performances and some unexpected twists. Also I rather enjoyed watching Paul Dano get tortured. I was engaged throughout its considerable runtime, but ultimately this didn't stand out as being anything particularly special. Glad I watched it, but no chance of it getting my vote.

3.5

SpelingError

11-05-22, 11:10 AM

It would've made my ballot a few years ago, but it might get booted off my ballot this time. Still a solid thriller though.

cricket

11-05-22, 11:18 AM

I think I'd have to watch it again to put it on my ballot. I'm just focused on watching the unseen right now.

Miss Vicky

11-05-22, 03:55 PM

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Gifted (Marc Webb, 2017)
(Recommended by Takoma11 and Allaby)

I don't know why I'm such a sucker for movies like this. The only kids I like are my own nephew and niece and even then I can only take them in small doses and am glad they live like 800 miles away. But a sucker for this shit I am.

Of course it helps that the kid's got a really cute cat - which also makes it really easy to hate her grandmother. The performances are all really strong as well and it's well crafted to manipulate the emotions and make me cry a lot. I will say though that it took a bit of adjustment to get used to seeing Jenny Slate. Her, uh, unique voice works wonderfully when she's voicing Bellwether from Zootopia or Gidget from The Secret Life of Pets, but as a potential love interest it's a little jarring.

In any case it was only a mild annoyance and this is a really solid movie that unfortunately is unlikely to make my ballot.

4.0

Takoma11

11-05-22, 04:34 PM

Glad you liked it!

It's not a "big hitter" kind of movie, but I loved it top to bottom. I think it might have an outside chance at my ballot, if only because I enjoyed it so much and could easily see rewatching it.

I mean: math, cute kids, cute cats, more math, Jenny Slate, math. This movie caters to all of my interests.

cricket

11-05-22, 05:39 PM

I'm not familiar with Gifted

Miss Vicky

11-06-22, 01:06 AM

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A Separation (Jodaeiye Nader az Simin) (Asghar Farhadi, 2011)
(Rewatch)

I first watched this in 2014 and was really impressed by just how human and real the story felt and watching it again tonight I am just as impressed. Everyone and everything falls into gray areas. Everyone here is a little bit to blame for the events that unfold and yet nobody is really at fault. Everyone is deceiving everyone else and yet their actions are completely understandable.

It's a really riveting and well crafted film that is worthy of all the praise it has received and I fully expect this to take a well-deserved place on the countdown. That said though, I'm not yet sure if I'll be one of its voters. As good as it is, it would be a stretch to call this a favorite and with only 25 slots to fill, it's going to be tough call.

4.0