I Need a Quick Review

[uconjack]

I think an interesting thread would be one in which people could ask advice on whether to watch a particular movie on TV or not. If they take people's advice and watch the movie they can then comment on whether they thought it was good advice or not.

[uconjack]

I'll start. Should I wake up and watch Warlock(1959) tommorrow at 7:30 a.m. (ET) on AMC? Cowboy movie with Richard Widmark and Henry Fonda.

[Holden Pike]

Eh.

Warlock is just OK. Not great, not terrible. It wouldn't be a complete waste of time, but it's no lost classic or anything.

[Garrett]

How about Five Easy Pieces? I'm thinking about renting it. I've also been thinking about seeing The Royal Tenenbaums.

[Terminator734]

i guess The Royal Tenenbaums isn't a complete waste of time so u should definitly check it out if u get a chance

[Holden Pike]

The Royal Tenenbaums is great. Kind of an emotional tone poem fused with a screwball comedy, a stylized ensemble charater piece with surprising depth and humor with the trappings of a modern Salinger-like fable, and Hackman is perfect as the wayward patriarch. See it ASAP.

Five Easy Pieces is also a great movie, a terrific character study. Jack Nicholson, in his first starring role, is magnificent. The diner scene where he tries to get his order the way he wants it without breaking any of the waitress' no substitutions rules, is the most celebrated and well-known bit in the movie, but there's much more to it than that. My single favorite moment is toward the beginning, when in a traffic jam he hops on the back of a truck. From the opening I'll wager you'll have no idea where the narrative is headed. But the narrative is secondary to the emotional and intellectual life of that man, which is examined so very well by Nicholson and Bob Rafelson.

So yeah, you should see it.

[Ezikiel]

I've been really wanting to see Rushmore for quite a while now. Also, do you think it's worth it to buy both Criterion DVD's of Peeping Tom and Man Bites Dog? How are the films? I've been looking foward to seeing them, especially Peeping Tom.

[Holden Pike]

I've been really wanting to see Rushmore for quite a while now. Also, do you think it's worth it to buy both Criterion DVD's of Peeping Tom and Man Bites Dog? How are the films? I've been looking foward to seeing them, especially Peeping Tom.

Rushmore and Peeping Tom are both worth blind buys, yes. Especially the Criterion editions. Peeping Tom is a good and odd thriller, covering some of the same basic ground as Psycho (which came out later that same year), only with the actual psychology examined a bit more and a completely different milieu. Plus there's some fun movie industry stuff there.

Man Bites Dog is good, I like it, but I don't think it's quite as good as its rep. It wouldn't be a bad blind buy, but you might want to rent it first, see how much you groove on it personally. Between Peeping Tom and Man Bites Dog, it's no contest: get Michael Powell's film.

And Rushmore is simply one of my all-time favorite movies.

[uconjack]

How about a movie called Ordet (1955)?

[Holden Pike]

Never seen Ordet. But you can't go very wrong with Carl Theo Dreyer.

[uconjack]

Its on Sunday 10PM (ET) on TCM. Looks interesting.

[Ezikiel]

Its on Sunday 10PM (ET) on TCM. Looks interesting.
Yeah, I noticed that too. I'm definately going to check it out.

[yeshli2nuts]

how about Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind? by what it seems to be about, i will give you movies in the same genre i like and dislike:

like - Memento, Fight Club, Usual Suspects
dislike - Pulp Fiction, Requiem For A Dream

i've never seen it but it looks interesting. any thoughts?

[Holden Pike]

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind isn't anything like any of those movies you mentioned, really. A bit Memento-ish I suppose, in a way. But not really.

It's Charlie Kaufman. What more needs to be said? Eternal Sunshine is a great, great movie. See it soon, see it often.

[yeshli2nuts]

It's Charlie Kaufman. What more needs to be said?

a lot since i've seen parts of Being John Malkovich and nothing else from him.

[Garrett]

Thanks, Holden.

Have you seen any Jacques Tati movies? What do you think, if you have?

[Holden Pike]

Yeah, the Tati movies are all very good. I don't think one of the Monsieur Hulot flicks is any better or worse than the others, they're all incredibly warm and charming. But you may as well do 'em in order, starting with Monsieur Hulot's Holiday, then Mon Oncle, Playtime and finally Traffic (1971).

[Sinny McGuffins]

Still haven't seen these films...

Wonderland
21 Grams
Monster
Mystic River

I'm going to rent one this weekend, which is the best choice?

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Monster is the only one I've seen. I'd recommend it heartily. The acting is incredibly detailed and convincing, and the story is fascinating and based on true events.

I've avoided Mystic River because Penn's over-the-top emotionalism makes my teeth itch. 21 Grams looks cool.

[uconjack]

Anyone see Ulzana's Raid (1972). Looks good and I have never seen it.

[John McClane]

I believe I've seen this film before and I think I liked it but, do you think I should watch Dog Day Afternoon (d. Sidney Lumet, 1975)?

[uconjack]

Dog day Afternoon is awesome. You have to see it. I think Pacino tends to overact in most movies but in this one his overacting is perfect. Great performance. Based on a true incident.

[Prospero]

Still haven't seen these films...

Wonderland
21 Grams
Monster
Mystic River

I'm going to rent one this weekend, which is the best choice?I haven't seen Wonderland, but I've seen the other three. Of those, I'd say 21 Grams is the best.

Monster features a tour de force performance by Charlize Theron, and some great supporting work from Christina Ricci. The movie itself is okay, but just okay. You should see it sometime for the performances, though.

Mystic River was good, but not anything great. Tim Robbins is fantastic, but Sean Penn goes a bit over the top (well, more than a bit). The movie itself doesn't really break any new ground. I was about to say it's pedestrian, but that's a little harsh, I think.

21 Grams is great. This is the movie that Penn should have been nominated for. The movie is simply gut-wrenching. There are great performances by everyone, and the directing and editing are both outstanding. It is not a fun time by any stretch, but it is an emotionally powerful film, and gives you a lot to think about. Naomi Watts puts in a good turn, and Benicio Del Toro is excellent as usual. I swear, the guy is so consistantly good it get a little boring, ya know? :D

Have you seen House Of Sand And Fog? That's another good one.

[Holden Pike]

Anyone see Ulzana's Raid (1972). Looks good and I have never seen it.


Ulzana's Raid is good. Not great, but a decent oater. Aldrich's earlier two Westerns with Lancaster are both a little better (Vera Cruz and Apache), but it's good and the politics of it are really odd and distinctive. Compared to other Westerns released in '72, it's a bit down the list in terms of quality: Jeremiah Johnson, High Plains Drifter, The Life & Times of Judge Roy Bean, Bad Company, Santee and even Junior Bonner are all better films. But Ulzana is worth seeing, and it and The Longest Yard represent the last two good movies Bob Aldrich made.

[Holden Pike]

I believe I've seen this film before and I think I liked it but, do you think I should watch Dog Day Afternoon (d. Sidney Lumet, 1975)?


And everybody should watch Dog Day Afternoon.

[Sinny McGuffins]

Can anyone give me a quick review of Tom Savini's Night of the Living Dead remake?

[Holden Pike]

Can anyone give me a quick review of Tom Savini's Night of the Living Dead remake?

Yeah...

Only ever watch Romero's original, and never bother with this pointless exercise.

[uconjack]

Trio of movies on tommorrow that look interesting

Run of the Arrow
Garden of Evil
Hannie Caulder

Which one should I watch?

[Garrett]

How about The Color of Money?

[Golgot]

How about The Color of Money?

Smooth in its own way, but not a patch on the far classier 'original' The Hustler.

[Garrett]

Smooth in its own way, but not a patch on the far classier 'original' The Hustler.

Haven't seen The Hustler either, I'll put it on my list too.

Speaking of Paul Newman, is The Hudsucker Proxy worth watching?

[Ezikiel]

Speaking of Paul Newman, is The Hudsucker Proxy worth watching?
http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/movie/coverv/45/138045.jpg

The Hudsucker Proxy is an fun o.k. film. Is it worth watching? Sure, but its by no means great. I wouldn't say its a film you need to go and watch right now or anything, sure it's entertaining and funny, but the Coen's have done better (Fargo).

[Holden Pike]

Speaking of Paul Newman, is The Hudsucker Proxy worth watching?

Sure, sure. And it is great.

[Prospero]

Sure, sure. And it is great.But Raising Arizona is better.

Although it's fun to see Tim Robbins doing Jimmy Stewart and Jennifer Jason Leigh doing Katherine Hepburn (or is it Rosalind Russell?). Anyway, Newman is a stitch, too.

(And The Hustler is awesome.)

[Garrett]

Just watched The Color of Money. It wasn't bad, but it obviously isn't anywhere near Scorsese's best.

Who do you think won?

[Sinny McGuffins]

Double Indemnity (1944)


It's suppose to be great. Is it?

[Holden Pike]

Double Indemnity (1944)
It's supposed to be great. Is it?

Yes.

[Sinny McGuffins]

Could you give me a quick review of it, please?

[Holden Pike]

What do you want me to do, give away key plot points just before you watch it?

It's a well plotted faithful adaptation of James M. Cain's novel, features some dazzlingly fun double-entendre dialogue, an iconic Femme Fatale in Barbara Stanwyk, MacMurray plays convincingly against type, there's great supporting work by the wonderful Edward G. Robinson, a terrific score by Miklós Rózsa and is all under the sure-handed guidance of Billy Wilder. What else do you need to know? You asked if it is as great as it's supposed to be. I told you it is. Now just go watch it already.

http://www.filmsite.org/posters/doub2.gif http://www.filmsite.org/posters/doub3.gif
PHYLLIS: I wonder if I know what you mean.
NEFF: I wonder if you wonder.

[Sinny McGuffins]

What do you want me to do, give away key plot points just before you watch it?Just curious as to what the film's about is all, I'll be sure to watch it. Thanks.

[Ezikiel]

The Quiet Man (John Ford - 1952)


TCM will be showing it tonight, is it worth the watch?

[Holden Pike]

Just curious as to what the film's about is all.

Check the TV Guide or the back of the video box.

I can give you that kind of summation, if you really want: An insurance salseman (Fred MacMurray) is seduced by female client (Barbara Stanwyk), and they hatch a murder plot for her husband. But the saleman's boss (Edward G. Robinson) is busy figuring it out, and the new lovers may not be able to trust each other. Nominated for seven Oscars. Diredted by Billy Wilder. Black & White. 107 minutes.


I'm sure that'll make the prospect of watching Double Indemnity oh so much more appealing.

[Holden Pike]

The Quiet Man (John Ford - 1952). TCM will be showing it tonight, is it worth the watch?

I'm not big into John Ford or John Wayne. But The Quiet Man is OK, much more gentle, warmer and kinder than their celebrated and iconic Western pairings. It's a corny little romantic drama when all is said and done. The Duck (I says) and Maureen O'Hara have a nice chemistry together, and some of Ford's stock company are along in good support (Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, Victor McLaglen). Nice lush Technicolor cinematography.

It's not my thing, but you can do a lot worse.

[Sinny McGuffins]

I'm sure that'll make the prospect of watching Double Indemnity oh so much more appealing.No, I don't think so. But like I said, I'll be sure to watch it. Thanks anyway for the synopsis.

[Golgot]

I can give you that kind of summation, if you really want:

You know you want to ;)

The 'Holden holds forth on the best TV sauce' guide is only a step away ;)

Nah, seriously, keep up the good work, you mass film appreciator you (no smiling face here, as film is a serious issue. Until some screen heat melts the frame-forming glue)

[Um, right, ok, no more wine for me....;)]

[Prospero]

Double Indemnity (1944)


It's suppose to be great. Is it?I second Holden's recommendation of this classic. Although it's not my favorite film noir title (The Big Sleep, Out Of The Past, and Sweet Smell Of Success are all better, IMO), it is still a great movie, and Stanwyck is the archetypal femme fatale.

By the way, if you see Billy Wilder listed as the director, you should never need to ask if the film is worth watching. (There are only two other directors I can say that about: Hitchcock and Kurosawa).

[Prospero]

The Quiet Man (John Ford - 1952)


TCM will be showing it tonight, is it worth the watch?Did you watch it? What did you think?

I differ from Holden on this one. This is a terrific movie, and great fun. Maureen O'Hara is beautiful, and John Wayne puts in one of his best performances. Although very different from most of his other movies, John Ford still does a great job directing.

As Holden says, this may not appeal to everyone, but it certainly does to me.

[uconjack]

http://www.pilarwayne.com/graphics/8162The%20Quiet%20Man5x7.jpg

Love The Quiet Man

I wonder what Tactitus thinks of it?

[uconjack]

The scene in the picture above where Maureen O'Hara talks to Ward Bond while he is fishing is a classic.

[Aniko]

I differ from Holden on this one. This is a terrific movie, and great fun. Maureen O'Hara is beautiful, and John Wayne puts in one of his best performances. Although very different from most of his other movies, John Ford still does a great job directing.

As Holden says, this may not appeal to everyone, but it certainly does to me.

I've always liked The Quiet Man also. I like O'Hara and Wayne's chemistry as well as the rest of the casts'. And I agree with you Prospero, it's one of Wayne's best. And, Barry Fitzgerald puts a smile on my face.


Ezikiel...did you watch it? Did you like it?

[Ezikiel]

Ezikiel...did you watch it?
I'm sorry to say I missed it... :(

[Aniko]

It will be on again at some point. Keep your eye open for it. It's worth watching. :)

[uconjack]

Django (1966) looks interesting. Any good?

[Golgot]

Django (1966) looks interesting. Any good?

Bah, just started watching it the other night and was bored senseless after half an hour.

There seem to be a load of sequels, and i picked up the DVD thinking this original was one i'd seen involving a very silly gun with playing-card symbols on the barrel (which i remember enjoying one lazy student night).

It opens intriguingly enough, in a this-is-going-to-be-****-silly-and-amusing way, but the silliness can't sustain the tension-free slowness, sloppy dubbing (apparently the original italian is sharper/more creative), and dubious plot.

If you're very very stoned it might be an amusing view ;) :rolleyes:

[Holden Pike]

Django (1966) looks interesting. Any good?

It's not especially good, no. None of the zillion Spaghetti Westerns that came in Leone's wake are anywhere near the level of his films. Many are watchable fun, and a handful are good. Django has some good stuff in it, and it's watchable, but it's not particularly good. If you're in the mood for dumb Spaghetti Western carnage and over-the-top dramatics, Django is OK. But just OK.

[Ezikiel]

Last Tango in Paris? Been wanting to see more Brando films.

[Garrett]

Anyone seen the 1972 film Silent Running? Is it any good?

[Holden Pike]

The concepts of Silent Running are interesting, but effects-wise and sensibility-wise it hasn't dated particularly well. Probably still worth a look, but don't go in expecting much.

[uconjack]

Someone gave me Crimes of Passion (1984). Is it worth seeing?

[Holden Pike]

Not really.

Crimes of Passion is a very forgettable B-movie, only notable at the time for Kathleen Turner before she became a whale and totally uninteresting on screen and Tony Perkins still trying to break free of Norman Bates. Ken Russell has made some good movies in his career, but this isn't one of them. It's not horrible or unwatchable, it's just no big deal. You can do worse, but you can do much, much better too. I'd grade it only a flat C.

Eh.

If you want to see a still fun Kathleen Turner movie from 1984, rent yourself Romancing the Stone and be done with it.

[uconjack]

What should I watch tonight. They Won't Forget, a movie starring Claude Rains from 1937 or The Man Who Knew Too Little, a movie starring Bill Murray from 1997.

[Holden Pike]

They Won't Forget.

Not a great movie, but entertaining for what it is. And while I love The Man Who Knew Too Little, very funny little movie, it's one you can see just about any time, while the Claude Rains/Lana Turner flick is harder to get your hands on.

[uconjack]

That was a good tip Holden. I really enjoyed They Won't Forget. Lana Turner was striking in her first role and she was only 15! Claude Rains was great as usual in a role that could be seen as a prequel to his role a few years later in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

[iluv2viddyfilms]

Anyone seen the 1972 film Silent Running? Is it any good?


Yes I really like Silent Running quite a bit. Like Holden says, it has dated pretty poorly. The hippie-like environmental message, while still applies today with all this save the Earth crap, is a bit forced and comes off as dated. The songs on the soundtrack are MST3K type material, but other than that there's not much wrong with it.

Bruce Dern is a great in it and the movie completely belongs to him as well as the special effects. Bruce Dern has gone on record saying it was one of his most rewarding and relaxing experiences in making a film. The director Douglas Trumbull, was the special effects supervisor on 2001: ASO and it shows in the film that the man has had experience and does quality work. Today the special effects might not impress greatly, but for the time they were great and even look good now, as long as you're not expecting Matrix type stuff.

Like I said Bruce Dern carries the entire weight of the film, acting wise. There's only two of three other actors in it and they are done away with after the first half hour or so. One interesting thing about the movie is the three worker robots that accompanying Bruce Dern as his only contact in the lonely vastness of space. Clearly they were George Lucas' basis for R2-D2 in Star Wars and the way Mark Hamill interacts with the droid is the exact same fashion in which Dern interacts with the robots.

Not a great movie but a true cult classic and underseen gem. It has good moments and bad moments, but well worth anyone's time for a completely unique film experience. Plus Bruce Dern.

[iluv2viddyfilms]

Last Tango in Paris? Been wanting to see more Brando films.


Yes yes yes and yes. If I start typing about it, I won't be able to stop. So I won't start. But do see it, just be careful who you watch it with. While it's no pornographic with the exception of some very minor nudity, the dialogue is a bit pornographic in nature.

[Garrett]

How about someone giving me a quick review of Kinji Fukasaku's Blackmail Is My Life?

[Ezikiel]

I was wondering if anyone here has seen Salo, or The 120 Days of Sodom (d. Pier Paolo Pasolini - 1976)


And if so, would you recommend it?

[Holden Pike]

Yes, I've seen it. And no, I wouldn't recommend it. Other than as a curio and for the sake of being able to say that you've seen it.

But no, don't.

[Sinny McGuffins]

Which film should I watch tonight, The Great White Hype (1996) or Secretary (2002)?

[Holden Pike]

Secretary. It's not a favorite of mine, but The Great White Hype is just dreadfully unfunny and dull.

[Aniko]

Holden...I need your advice!

My husband recently bought a Steve Reeves movie, The White Warrior, and we were reminising about Steve Reeves and his fasination of him when he was a teenager. I want to get him another of his movies...but I can't decide between The Thief of Bagdad (1961) or Hercules (1959). I know they're cheezy....but that's the fun. Have you seen either...and/or which one would your recommend getting? :)

[Holden Pike]

I can't tell one Steve Reeves movie from another. Aren't they all the same?

[Aniko]

Personally, the only difference I see is the loin clothes he wears, but sometimes you guys see different things in movies than us women. I just thought I'd ask. Thanks. :)

[Sinny McGuffins]

Is The Two Jakes any good? How does it compare to Chinatown? Is it a worthy sequel? Is it worth a blind buy?

[Holden Pike]

I love The Two Jakes.

Is it as good as Chinatown? No, of course not. Nothing really is. The first time you watch it, you find yourself consciously and subconsciously comparing it to the Polanski masterpiece. It isn't at that level. BUT, when you can finally look at it for what it is rather than what it isn't, The Two Jakes is a very good movie, and ultimately a terrific sequel. The only real shame of it all is that Nicholson and Robert Towne had such a falling out over it, and that combined with the horrid reviews and extremely small boxoffice Jakes brought in means we will never, ever see the final installment of the Gittes trilogy Towne had envisioned. And that is too fu*king bad indeed.

But yes, The Two Jakes is quite good and very much worth seeing/owning.

[Sinny McGuffins]

But yes, The Two Jakes is quite good and very much worth seeing/owning.Thanks, Holden. The Two Jakes is really cheap over here so I'll probably buy it soon.

[Nitzer]

Need review White Noise fast thanks.

[Holden Pike]

Need review White Noise fast thanks.

It just came out today. None of us plan to waste our time with it when there are actually good movies in the theaters right now. You tell us tomorrow after you see it. Fast.

[Nitzer]

It just came out today. None of us plan to waste our time with it when there are actually good movies in the theaters right now. You tell us tomorrow after you see it. Fast.

You forgot "thanks".

[Holden Pike]

You forgot "thanks".
You're welcome!

[Nitzer]

Owned.

[Sinny McGuffins]

I have the opputunity to buy one of these on DVD: The Men Who Tread On the Tiger's Tail (1945), One Wonderful Sunday (1947) and Scandal (1950).

I've not seen any of them, so can anyone please tell which one would be the better buy? I'd love to buy all three, but I've already ordered a few other DVDs so I can only afford one. Any help will be appreciated.

[linespalsy]

Bad Education, anyone? I haven't seen anything by Almodovar and this one's playing at the local cinema.

I have the opputunity to buy one of these on DVD: The Men Who Tread On the Tiger's Tail (1945), One Wonderful Sunday (1947) and Scandal [size=1](1950).

Scandal is the only one I've seen and to my mind it is lesser Kurosawa. It's about a contemporary (then) attourney who has to decide between making a dirty living defending scoundrels or risking his career on the ethical choice. A bit heavy on the sentimental side as I recall; worth seeing but I don't recommend buying it unless you really must own everything Kurosawa made.

a disclaimer: my memory is a bit hazy on the cinematic value of the film or I'd comment there too. It's been about 8 years.

[Sinny McGuffins]

I've already ordered Scandal. I ended up having to choose the film off IMDb's user ratings. :indifferent:

[Garrett]

Should I see Birth, A Very Long Engagement, or Sideways? Bare in mind that I didn't think Election or About Schmidt were anything special.

[Holden Pike]

A Very Long Engagement. No contest.

[Garrett]

A Very Long Engagement. No contest.
That's what I'm leaning toward.
Have you seen Birth?

[Fletch F Fletch]

Should I watch Hero (Jet Li)? I've had it lingering in my Netflix queue for quite a while now, and just can't build up the excitement to get it shipped.
-Irwin Fletcher

[Holden Pike]

Have you seen Birth?

Yeah Birth is good and interesting, with another very fine performance from Nicole Kidman, but it's not a great movie. A Very Long Engagement is a great movie. Sideways would be disappointing even without all the hype.

See A Very Long Engagement. Really.


Should I watch Hero (Jet Li)? I've had it lingering in my Netflix queue for quite a while now, and just can't build up the excitement to get it shipped.

As I said in another thread, if you liked Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon a lot, you'll like Hero too. If you couldn't get into Crouching Tiger, don't even bother with Hero (or The House of Flying Daggers) as it's more of the same.

[Garrett]

See A Very Long Engagement. Really.

Okay, you got me. I'll see A Very Long Engagement, and see Birth and Sideways at the next opportunity.

[Holden Pike]

Okay, you got me. I'll see A Very Long Engagement, and see Birth and Sideways at the next opportunity.

You can put Birth and Sideways further down the list if you haven't seen Hotel Rwanda yet.

[uconjack]

A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia (1990)

Any Good?

[Garrett]

You can put Birth and Sideways further down the list if you haven't seen Hotel Rwanda yet.

Looks like I won't be seeing most of these until they're out on DVD. On the very day I was going to see A Very Long Engagement, they took it out of the theater I was going to. I tried to find it somewhere else with no luck. :( (I might be able to catch Birth and Hotel Rwanda, I'm getting ready to check)

[Holden Pike]

A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia (1990)

Any Good?

I've only seen a piece of it on TV. It was OK from what I saw, but it ignited no burning desire to track it down any time soon.

[Uncle Rico]

Going to see Aviator in a few. Any good?

[Holden Pike]

Yeah, The Aviator is good and definitely worth seeing on the big screen.

[Garrett]

Has anyone seen Charles Burnett's Killer of Sheep?

[Sinny McGuffins]

Which film should I watch tonight, The Quiet American (2002) or The Killers (1964)?

[Holden Pike]

The Quiet American, but both are good. The first version of The Killers starring Burt Lancaster is a better flick than Don Siegel's pass at the material, but it is fun to see Ronnie Regan in his last role playing a bad guy.

But The Quiet American, of those two.

[Garrett]

Anyone seen Hitchcock's Number Seventeen and/or The Human Stain?

[Ezikiel]

What about Jim Jarmusch's Down by Law (1986), anyone seen it?

[Holden Pike]

http://www.sorvarangerfilmklubb.com/graphics/movies/1994/down_by_law.jpg

I LOVE Down by Law, but Jarmusch is definitely a specialized taste. You'll either groove to it almost right away or you'll be eternally cursing the day you wasted a couple hours watching it. There ain't much middle ground.

[LordSlaytan]

His work fits my buds quite well. Enjoy and rent more of his work, you won't be disappointed.

[uconjack]

I loved Dead Man (1995), Ghost Dog : The Way of the Samurai (1999) and Coffe and Cigarettes (2003). I haven't seen Down by Law. I am adding it to my list too.

[Garrett]

Not to mention it has Tom Waits. I have it on VHS. I definitely need to update to the Criterion edition, if only for the special features.

[Garrett]

Can anyone tell me if Shane (1953) is any good?

[Mose]

I haven't seen it in years and didn't like it the first time, but I attribute that to it being a school assignment. It's regarded as a classic though so I'd at least check it out. I know it's queued up on my Netflix account.

[LordSlaytan]

Shane is a very good movie. But if you are an action nut, it will probably bore you. It's more of a human behaviour study than a regular shoot-em-up western. It's part of my top 100.

[Garrett]

But if you are an action nut
I was under the impression that you knew me at least a little better than that. ;)
Then again, maybe your comment wasn't directed at me, in particular. Anyway, for the record, I'm not an action nut.

[uconjack]

Shane is a tremendous movie. Shane is one of the greatest heros ever portrayed on the silver screen. Take the good parts of Ethan Edwards from The Searchers and the best of Will Kane from High Noon and you get Shane. In my opinion, not one boring second.

[LordSlaytan]

I was under the impression that you knew me at least a little better than that.I've been gone for almost a half a year, bro. I'm so sorry. :)

[Garrett]

I've been gone for almost a half a year, bro. I'm so sorry. :)

I figured that's what did it. I wasn't trying to make you feel bad or anything. Welcome back, by the way. ;)

Thanks to all of you, I've added Shane to my list.

[Nitzer]

For anyone planning to see Hide and Seek, it's an alright movie, creepy and suspensful, but not very good. Invite a girl to it ;). Your average suspense thriller, but don't expect much. It's like a blend of Psycho and The Shining. Dakota's good, as always.

[Garrett]

Black Rain (1989)?

[Mike Krueger]

It's not going to be on T.V. but I was wondering if any has seen The Machinist I would like to know if it is worth tracking down to a far away movie theater to go see it?

[Holden Pike]

Black Rain (1989)?

There are two movies called Black Rain that were released in 1989. The more commercial was Ridley Scott's NYCop vs. Japanese Yakuza flick starring Michael Douglas. If that's the one you're asking about, no there isn't any rush to catch up with it. It's incredibly average, except of course for Ridley's visuals. Andy Garcia has some nice moments in his supporting role, but this a very ordinary movie. Very. You want to see a better working of these same basic elements, track down The Yakuza (1975 - Sydney Pollack) starring Robert Mitchum. Ken Takakura co-stars in both.

The "other" 1989 Black Rain (a.k.a. Kuroi Ame) is a Japanese film shot in black & white by Shohei Imamura that deals with the horrible after effects of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. It's a great movie and should definitely be seen.

[Garrett]

I was talking about the Ridley Scott flick. And, yes, I am trying to track down a copy of The Yakuza, but as it has no DVD release, it's proving to be harder than I expected. Finding a VHS shouldn't be too hard though.
Thanks, for the recommendation on the other Black Rain... I'll keep my eyes peeled.

What do you think of Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985)?

[Holden Pike]

What do you think of Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985)?

Beautiful. Probably Paul Schrader's most complete film as director.

[linespalsy]

I was talking about the Ridley Scott flick. And, yes, I am trying to track down a copy of The Yakuza, but as it has no DVD release, it's proving to be harder than I expected. Finding a VHS shouldn't be too hard though.
Thanks, for the recommendation on the other Black Rain... I'll keep my eyes peeled.

What do you think of Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985)?

For what it's worth, I'd like to second Holden's sentiments on both Black Rains and the Mishima bio.

Black Rain, the Ridley Scott movie is a dumb genre pic. Cops from different cultures team-up, butt heads, and in the end learn to appreciate each others' respective differences. Blech. If you can't get enough of this stupid formula, I guess this one's probably better than most but otherwise is not worth seeing.

The Imamura Black Rain, based on the excellent Masuji Ibuse novel of the same title (Kuroi Ame) is a personal favorite of mine. It's a pessimistic but highly poetic take on the different types of lasting damage a community sustains from the war. It's generally a pretty quiet, subdued movie but has a kind of epic sweep more specifically personal films of this sort often lack. If you're unfamiliar with Imamura's style, both this and The Eel would be excellent places to start.

When I saw Mishima, I watched it more as a Mishima fan than a Schrader fan, but yes, it's worth seeing. The Temple of the Golden Pavilion sequences alone are almost enough to recommend the movie on.

[nebbit]

Can anyone tell me if Shane (1953) is any good?

Have you seen it yet? if so what did you think? :D

[Garrett]

No, I haven't seen it yet. :nope:
Meanwhile; has anyone seen Detour (1945)?

[Holden Pike]

Ulmer's Detour is a great little no-budget, pulpy, sleazy Noir. It's great.

[Ezikiel]

Meanwhile; has anyone seen Detour (1945)?
I wasn't expecting much, but I found it to be surprisingly great. Do see it, it's a fantastic noir.

[Aniko]

Holden...have you seen (or anyone seen) William Wyler's The Letter (1940) with Bette Davis? If you have, what did you think of it?

[Holden Pike]

The Letter is a good'un. Not on the level of Hitchcock, but a good thriller with a teriffic turn by Bette Davis.

[nebbit]

Holden...have you seen (or anyone seen) William Wyler's The Letter (1940) with Bette Davis? If you have, what did you think of it?

I am a big Bette Davis fan, I think you will like this one, I just saw it recently on pay TV. :D

[Strummer521]

three movies: Lost in translation, Office Space and Mulholland Dr.

[Strummer521]

Oh and how about Garden State and The Motorcycle Diaries

[Holden Pike]

three movies: Lost in translation, Office Space and Mulholland Dr.....Oh and how about Garden State and The Motorcycle Diaries


They're all good and worth seeing, so you should watch all five of them...then come back and discuss them in one single post and not four or five in a row.

[MovieMaker5087]

Four Rooms and a Hotel

[LordSlaytan]

You won't be missing much unless you're a big Robert Rodriguez or Quentin Tarantino fan, and even then...

[OG-]

I personally think Four Rooms is a great little movie. I think the DVD is worth a buy for the third room alone. The first two are a notch above mediocre and the third is typical of Tarantino....but Rodriguez knocks it out of the park with the third room.

[Holden Pike]

Four Rooms is average, at best, and just plain dull at its worst.

[Pyro Tramp]

Slay and Holden are right about Four Rooms...
Anyone care to review Meet the Feebles (Peter Jackson)?
Looks awesome, though not sure if it will be worth the trouble im having getting hold of a copy.

[Holden Pike]

Slay and Holden are right about Four Rooms...
Anyone care to review Meet the Feebles (Peter Jackson)?
Looks awesome, though not sure if it will be worth the trouble im having getting hold of a copy.

Meet the Feebles is kinda interesting as a curio for Peter Jackson fans especially, but it plays better as an idea than in execution. It also might have been a scream if it were a fifteen-minute short, but at feature length I just don't think there's enough inspiration there to fill the hour and a half. His TV project "Forgotten Silver" is much, much more fun and well realized.

I'd say if you come across Meet the Feebles sometime, great, give it a look. But this isn't one I'd overturn mountains looking for a copy. Not even close.

[casa]

i was wondering if anyone knew if chain of fools was worth a watch?

[Garrett]

Has anyone seen The Horse's Mouth (1958)?

[Holden Pike]

The Horse's Mouth is great, and it's one of Alec Guinness' very best performances (which is saying an awful lot).

[linespalsy]

Horse's Mouth is worth seeing, not sure if I'd call it great. But yeah, I'll agree that's a standout performance for Guinness.
At least one part of it also seems like it was borrowed for Imamura's '66 film, The Pornographers, which is probably a bit of a stretch.

[Strummer521]

a lot since i've seen parts of Being John Malkovich and nothing else from him.

see Adaptation as well.

[Strummer521]

Has anyone seen How To Draw a Bunny?

[Garrett]

Ragtime (1981)?

[Holden Pike]

Ragtime (1981)?

I love Ragtime, and it is underrated among the epics from that decade. Howard Rollins, Brad Dourif and Jimmy Cagney all give superb performances. It's a great film, too often dismissed. Once you see it you'll wonder why nobody ever talks about it.

[LordSlaytan]

I love Ragtime, and it is underrated among the epics from that decade. Howard Rollins, Brad Dourif and Jimmy Cagney all give superb performances. It's a great film, too often dismissed. Once you see it you'll wonder why nobody ever talks about it.Ditto, ditto, and more ditto.

Awesome flick....awesome...awesome...awesome!

[Lance McCool]

Is Constantine worth shelling out $20 to see with my girlfriend?

[Holden Pike]

Is Constantine worth shelling out $20 to see with my girlfrind?

I haven't seen Constantine, but no, it isn't.

[Aniko]

The Letter is a good'un. Not on the level of Hitchcock, but a good thriller with a teriffic turn by Bette Davis.

I just saw this The Letter a couple of days ago and it was just as you described it. Thanks. :)



I am a big Bette Davis fan, I think you will like this one, I just saw it recently on pay TV. :D

Thanks Nebbs. I'm a big fan of Ms. Davis too. :)

[Mose]

I was just reading another thread and thought to myself, "They should make King Rat into a movie"... Not wanting to look like a moron I thought I'd see if they ever did actually make it... Turns out they did, in 1965 starring George Segal.

My question for ya'll.... is it worth seeing and where does it rate in the pantheon of POW movies?

[Holden Pike]

I was just reading another thread and thought to myself, "They should make King Rat into a movie"... Not wanting to look like a moron I thought I'd see if they ever did actually make it... Turns out they did, in 1965 starring George Segal.

My question for ya'll.... is it worth seeing and where does it rate in the pantheon of POW movies?

It's pretty good, but not on the same level as The Bridge on the River Kwai, Stalag 17 or The Great Escape. I'd put it on the second tier with Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and The Hanoi Hilton. Certainly better than overblown forgettable silliness like Hart's War.

[Escape]

My brother was telling me today how he just watched "Equilibrium" with Christian Bale and was surprised how good it was. I've heard the name thrown around here once in awhile but never really investigated what was said about it.
So what are the opinions about this movie.

Oh, and is Donnie Darko worth seeing? Is it slow with an ending that doesn't make sense. All i know is that is involves a giant rabbit or something.

[Mose]

Donnie Darko - Yes

Equilibrium - No

[Holden Pike]

Equilibrium and Donnie Darko both should be passes. There are literally thousands of better movies out there. Darko has a cult following, but it is a perfect example of style over substance and much ado about nothing by its embarassingly rabid fanbase.

[Mose]

I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of Donnie Darko, but would recommend it as being worth watching considering the crap alternatives. Also, if you enjoy discussing movies with other people it's one that frequently comes up.

[LordSlaytan]

Equilibrium and Donnie Darko both should be passes.Should you really be saying that? Both of these films have a huge audience of adoring fans...maybe it would reach him in the same way. It would be a shame that he missed out on something that would blow his mind.

I know your tastes are pretty refined, but not everyone can follow your example...at least, not always.

I would suggest seeing them both.

Don't burn me at the stake. PLEASE!

[Escape]

Get him holden. Just kidding. :D

Ok, can anyone give me a review of the 1983 movie liquid sky? Somebody told me it was popular back in the day.

[Strummer521]

did anyone see The Life Aquatic? I missed it in theaters.

[Holden Pike]

did anyone see The Life Aquatic? I missed it in theaters.


Maybe check out the thread Has anyone seen THE LIFE AQUATIC yet? (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=9548).

[Strummer521]

Maybe check out the thread Has anyone seen THE LIFE AQUATIC yet? (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=9548).

Will do, thanks.

[Ezikiel]

The Assassination of Richard Nixon is finally playing over here, is it worth the see?

[Holden Pike]

The Assassination of Richard Nixon is finally playing over here, is it worth the see?

Yeah. It's a good flick, and Penn is terrific (as usual). It's kind of like Taxi Driver from a different angle, and this time based on a true story. Naomi Watts and Don Cheadle are good in supporting roles, and the period is brought to life well. Penn's Sam Bicke is a pretty indellible character, and first-time director Niels Mueller does a good job of bringing the audience along on an empathetic journey with a very troubled man at his wit's end. You won't likely agree with the character's actions by the end of the film, but you'll certainly understand them.

So yes, it's worth seeing.

http://www.wamd.be/images/films/nixon.jpg http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:Nd-a8_nBcd4J:sorenz.dk/The%2520assassination%2520of%2520Richard%2520Nixon%2520poster.JPG

[Escape]

How about:

Made staring Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau
and
Spartan with Val Kilmer

[Kong: The Sequel]

Kong enjoyed Spartan. It's a fun, and mostly intelligent actioner with an enjoyably cynical political viewpoint.

[Holden Pike]

Spartan is by no means one of David Mamet's better films, but it is still more than watchable and has some good stuff in it.

Made I like a lot. Peter Falk, though only in a couple scenes, is brilliant, and ultimately the movie has a pretty strong heart to it. But the highlight of course is the on-screen chemistry between Favreau and Vaughn. Vince plays one of the most annoying people in recent cinema, and for me it's a laugh riot to watch him go...and see Favreau's character have to put up with him. Others find no amusement in Vaughn's annoyance and think it too over-the-top. You should see it for yourself and decide.

[Escape]

Ok, thanks Kong and holden. I appreciate it. :)

[7thson]

Electric Dreams, I hear about it now and then, but is it worth a watch?

[LordSlaytan]

It's a crappy movie by any standard, but if you're a Mystery Science Theater 3000 type of guy, or really dig Plan 9 from Outer Space, 976-Evil, or Brain Candy; you might just find it a keeper.

[7thson]

It's a crappy movie by any standard, but if you're a Mystery Science Theater 3000 type of guy, or really dig Plan 9 from Outer Space, 976-Evil, or Brain Candy; you might just find it a keeper.
Cool, on my netflix list it goes, I loved all those other movies;)

[OG-]

I have a request, Demonlover (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0284034/). I'm thinking about catching it on campus tonight and am wondering if it's worth my time or if I should just watch something else instead.

Edit: You've all failed me!

[Garrett]

Das Experiment (2001)?

[Holden Pike]

Das Experiment (2001)?

Das Experiment is a pretty effective little movie. Moritz Bleibtreu (Manni from Run Lola Run) is particularly good in the lead, and though the stakes are raised fictionally in the film, knowing the germ of the idea is based on a true story is an extra pull. That it is transplanted to present-day Germany with the roots of Nazi extremism even more obviously examined works in its favor too.

I'd give it a B+.

[Garrett]

Thanks, Holden. I'll rent it.

How about Fishing With John (1992)?

[Holden Pike]

I LOVE "Fishing with John". Brilliant deadpan humor. And the Criterion disc is excellent.

I can no longer think of fishing without visualizing Tom Waits putting the first catch of the day down his pants. And too bad John and Willem Dafoe froze to death while ice fishing after running out of peanutbutter crackers. Ooogely-Boogely, the Otoman Sea...

http://savvytraveler.publicradio.org/show/features/1998/19980801/images/tom-waits.jpg http://savvytraveler.publicradio.org/show/features/1998/19980801/images/willem-dafoe.jpg http://ai.pricegrabber.com/muze_images/Video/DVD/19/136719_118x160.jpg

[Escape]

Edit: You've all failed me! :p

[Ezikiel]

I'm really hoping to see some Fassbinder films. I was thinking of buying the BRD Trilogy, with Veronika Voss, Lola, and The Marriage of Maria Braun to start off with Fassbinder. Are these films a good selection to start off with?

[Garrett]

I started off with Fear Eats the Soul followed by Chinese Roulette. Fear Eats the Soul remains my favorite Fassbinder film and would easily take a place in my top 100.

[nebbit]

Could people tell me what they thought of:

http://www.sorenz.dk/The%20Upside%20of%20Anger%20poster.JPG


It has just started here :rolleyes:

[Golgot]

Get him holden. Just kidding. :D

Ok, can anyone give me a review of the 1983 movie liquid sky? Somebody told me it was popular back in the day.

Probably too late on this one - but if you can still see it might be worth your while - if you like pretentious-yet-camp low-budget insane films with warbly-weird music, humourously bad SFX and drug users being interfered with by barely-seen aliens - and really poe-faced acting. And the 80s. I quite liked it :)

[uconjack]

F is for Fake(1974) by Orson Welles on TCM tonight 12:45am EST. Have never seen it. Any good?

[Holden Pike]

F is for Fake(1974) by Orson Welles on TCM tonight 12:45am EST. Have never seen it. Any good?

Yes, F for FAKE is great. See it tonight, then go out tomorrow and buy the excellent Criterion DVD just released, which has some terrific supplemental features. Very fun movie, Welles' last great finished work, and as much as anything really showcases his wit and sense of humor.

http://www.sensesofcinema.com/images/directors/03/24/fakecap.jpg

[nebbit]

F is for Fake(1974) by Orson Welles on TCM tonight 12:45am EST. Have never seen it. Any good?

I haven't seen it, I would just watch it, you will know soon if you should turn it off :yup:

edit oh I see Pikey got in before me, is there nothing he hasn't seen :D

[Pyro Tramp]

Shaolin Master Killer?

Thanks, found some pricey imports, not sure yet if it's worth buying

[Garrett]

Falling Down (1993)?

[Sinny McGuffins]

It ain't that well made, but it is a fun movie. Give it a go, you might like it.

The scene in the fast-food resturant is hilarious. :laugh:

http://i.tvspielfilm.de/img/gen/1/8/431829_Pxgen_r_360x240.jpg

[Ezikiel]

Bernardo Bertolucci's The Conformist (1970)?


They are going to be giving it tonight on TCM as their weekly foreign import. For those who've seen it, how is it?

[Holden Pike]

Bernardo Bertolucci's The Conformist (1970)?


They are going to be giving it tonight on TCM as their weekly foreign import. For those who've seen it, how is it?


It's a masterpiece, I recommend it unreservedly.

Hopefully they have both a letterboxed print and a subtitled one. The only versions that have existed in the U.S. are pan&scan and dubbed. Even if it is that (and I hope to Hell not), it's still a must-see. That's how great a film it is.

http://www.bfi.org.uk/gallery/cinemaitalia/images/bfi-00m-ma9.jpg

I'm going to have my VCR ready, just in case this is the great transfer I'm praying it is.

[Ezikiel]

Hopefully they have both a letterboxed print and a subtitled one.
Well, it was letterbox, which was nice, but was unfortunately dubbed.


But eithter way it was a damn fine film.


http://www.cinema.bg/sff/2001/images/conformist.jpg
"I want to see how a dictatorship falls."

[Holden Pike]

Well, it was letterboxed, which was nice, but was unfortunately dubbed.

Yeah, I saw that. Too bad. TCM really let me down, which doesn't happen often.

[Ezikiel]

How about films from Nicolas Roeg?


Walkabout (1971)?
The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)?
Bad Timing (1980)?

[nebbit]

Walkabout

An emotional, spiritual journey of a brother and sister lost in the Australian outback, they team up with a young aboriginal on his walkabout, his tribal initiation into manhood. It is about innocence as the children are thrust from civilization into the natural world of instincts. It stars one of my favourite Aussie actors David Gulpilil. I love and own it. :yup:

[Holden Pike]

How about films from Nicolas Roeg?


Walkabout (1971)?
The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)?
Bad Timing (1980)?

I'm a big Nic Roeg fan.

http://www.dvdplanet.com/productimages/thumbnail/9006.jpg http://www.celebvideoclips.com/members/j/jenny_agutter/jenny_agutter01~walkabout_lg_tn.jpg

I think Walkabout (1971) is probably his most accessible and enjoyable film. I would recommend that flick to anyone...and not just because Jenny Agutter gets naked (wasn't she always naked in the '70s?). The Criterion DVD has a nice audio commentary track with Roeg and Agutter


http://www.criteriondvd.com/images/s304.jpg (http://www.criteriondvd.com/images/front/s304.jpg) http://www.criteriondvd.com/images/s303.jpg (http://www.criteriondvd.com/images/front/s303.jpg)

The Man Who Fell to Earth and Bad Timing are two movies I like a Hell of a lot, but they won't have as much mainstream appeal as Walkabout. Both are coming in new DVDs from Criterion this fall. Neither film is "easy", but they're both worth exploring. Man Who Fell is probably the "weirder" of the two and not like any Sci-Fi film you've seen before, but Bad Timing is sometimes difficult to watch because of the tough subject matter. If you do watch Bad Timing, stick with it. On first viewing it may seem to be getting repetative in the middle, but the ending is a great kicker and you realize what the fractutred narrative has been building to so artfully.

The Man Who Fell to Earth is already on the R1 market from Anchor Bay, a two-disc edition that has only a new 24-minute featurette and the trailer as its main special features. The Criterion package will offer an audio commentary with Roeg, David Bowie and Buck Henry, and new on-camera interviews with co-stars Rip Torn & Candy Clark and screenwriter Paul Mayersberg.

Bad Timing has never been on DVD before, and the Criterion extras will include deleted scenes and on-camera interviews with Roeg and Theresa Russell.


I'd rank Nicolas Roeg's best stuff as....

1. Don't Look Now, A
2. Walkabout, A-
3. Bad Timing, A-
4. The Man Who Fell to Earth, B+
5. Performance, B+
6. Track 29, B

[Pyro Tramp]

Sweet Sweetbacks Baadassss Song

and

Baadassss: How to Get The Man's Foot Outta Your Ass


And Holden, where does The Witches come?

[7thson]

Caberet 1972....I know I know, why havent I seen this yet? Not sure, but I wanted to know what you fellow Mofos think, is it worth a watch?

[Golgot]

For sure (even tho Liza Minelli seems to have been 'living' that role ever since ;)).

It's a classy and brassy music-filed drama that also gives off the nasty, Nazi-encroaching feel of pre-WW2 Germany. Give it a go. :yup:

[nebbit]

Watch it :yup:

[Strummer521]

How is A Tale of Two Sisters?

[Holden Pike]

Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song will always hold a special place in '70s American filmmaking history, but I don't think it's one that holds up as any kind of masterpiece. Melvin uses some pretty New-Wavish arty techniques that may turn off some viewers expecting some kind of gritty hardboiled genre flick. But at the same time, it's not like it will be mistaken for Godard.

http://www.controluce.it/giornali/a08n09/blac4.jpg http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/movie/baadasssss/14.jpg

Melvin's son Mario's movie Baadasssss! is really quite good, recreating the time period, telling the all-important story-behind-the-story that made Swett Sweetback so important, and it's also a good depiction of seat-of-your-pants low budget completely independent moviemaking. You need not have seen Sweetback to enjoy Mario's movie.


And everybody should see Cabaret at least once. Everybody.

http://ffmedia.ign.com/filmforce/image/cabaret-minelli-fosse_sm.jpg

[Pyro Tramp]

How is A Tale of Two Sisters?


It's a decent enough entry into the Asian horror cannon. It's more intelligent then most others but only has a couple of real poop your pants moments. It spends more time on a study of character and the i need to watch it again so i can understand the twisty ending. Korean cinema is where it's at atm imo.

[Garrett]

John Sayles' The Brother from Another Planet?

(I think I might have seen parts of it, but it's been a while anyway)

[Golgot]

I remember enjoying it and finding it both fun and thoughtful, but it's been a long while since i saw it too.

[Holden Pike]

The Brother from Another Planet is good. Not the best Sayles movie, it's not as deep, ambitious or emotionally resonant as his best stuff. But it's a damn good little movie.

[LordSlaytan]

I liked it, but it's near the bottom on my Sayles list.

[linespalsy]

Probably around the middle of my Sayles list. Which is to say, certainly worth seeing. One of his simpler presentations, and one of his more morally straightforward stories (a bad thing in my opinion), but it's a wonderfully cooky idea and has the great attention to detail typical of a Sayles film. If you haven't already, you might try the superior City of Hope first.

[adidasss]

ok, the island, be quick now, i was thinking of seeing it tomorow, is it worth it?

[Misirlou]

It was good as far as Michael Bay movies ;)

[Strummer521]

Through my Blockbuster.com subscription, I can get one previously viewed movie for free from a group of "select titles" The good or decent looking ones on the list are: Triggermen, De Lovely, Intermission, Mystic River, The Terminal, The Cooler and Spartan. Which one should I get?

[Misirlou]

Wow, touch choice. I'd go with The Cooler, though, despite how much I loved Intermission and Mystic River. But after The Cooler you have to watch Mystic River, Eastwood can do no wrong!

[Strummer521]

I have seen Mystic River actually, and it is definitely a strong candidate for my final choice. What do you like about The Cooler?

[Misirlou]

William H. Macy's performance in it is one of the best I've seen and Alec Baldwin proved he is not just another Baldwin brother. I also found the whole cooler superstition very interesting. The main reason I suggest it, though is the awkward chemistry that brews between William H. Macy and Maria Bello. Maybe I'm just a sucker for romance.

Sorry if this doesn't help I'm not much good at movie reviews

[Holden Pike]

Through my Blockbuster.com subscription, I can get one previously viewed movie for free from a group of "select titles" The good or decent looking ones on the list are: Triggermen, De Lovely, Intermission, Mystic River, The Terminal, The Cooler and Spartan. Which one should I get?

http://www.memorabletv.com/dvdreviews042/images/cooler-bello-baldwin-macy.jpg
The COOLER

[Tacitus]

Through my Blockbuster.com subscription, I can get one previously viewed movie for free from a group of "select titles" The good or decent looking ones on the list are: Triggermen, De Lovely, Intermission, Mystic River, The Terminal, The Cooler and Spartan. Which one should I get?

Personally I'd pick Spartan but, knowing your feelings towards Mamet, I'd be boring and tell you to go for The Cooler. Macey and Baldwin are excellent but, for me, Maria Bello steals it.

Kilmer sounds like he's had one too many Jazz cigarettes in the Spartan commentary though... ;)

[7thson]

If... Dog... Rabbit... 1999

[Strummer521]

Personally I'd pick Spartan but, knowing your feelings towards Mamet, I'd be boring and tell you to go for The Cooler.

I don't have anything against Mamet yet, I've only seen one of his films, and I liked it. I just had difficulty listening to some of the dialogue without a cringe or two. ;) . However, since the consensus appears to be The Cooler I may well go with that. Assuming they have it at the local Blockbuster

[Holden Pike]

If... Dog... Rabbit... 1999

Very average and forgettable, though not completely awful. I love Modine and Hurt so I gave it a look, but it's nothing at all special in any way. There are about four thousand movies I would recommend before getting down to the bottom of the video store rack and If..Dog..Rabbit (a.k.a. One Last Score).

[7thson]

Very average and forgettable, though not completely awful. I love Modine and Hurt so I gave it a look, but it's nothing at all special in any way. There are about four thousand movies I would recommend before getting down to the bottom of the video store rack and If..Dog..Rabbit (a.k.a. One Last Score).
Thanks, I am going to watch it but I wanted a heads up. Modine is a fav of mine and I missed this one.

[Holden Pike]

Thanks, I am going to watch it but I wanted a heads up. Modine is a fav of mine and I missed this one.

If you were going to watch it anyway, why ask?

[Ezikiel]

Lars Von Trier's Europa (1991)

[7thson]

If you were going to watch it anyway, why ask?
I was curious if I should ask others to watch with me is all, think I will go it alone. Thanks for review though.

[Misirlou]

Has anyone seen Ordinary People? I've never seen it before and I just noticed it in the living room and am not sure whether I should watch that or take a nap. :yawn:

[Strummer521]

Well I dunno how good it is but it won best picture over Raging Bull.

[Misirlou]

Well I dunno how good it is but it won best picture over Raging Bull.
That is why I've never seen it before :mad: but now since I've seen Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid I no longer hate Robert Redford's guts :D

[LordSlaytan]

Mary Tyler Moore at her bitter best…and Timothy Hutton acting finely. Add a little subdued Donaldson, and you’ve got one helluva fine flick. It’s definitely worth a watch…but bring a hankie with you. :yup:

[Misirlou]

Mary Tyler Moore at her bitter best…and Timothy Hutton acting finely. Add a little subdued Donaldson, and you’ve got one helluva fine flick. It’s definitely worth a watch…but bring a hankie with you. :yup:
Alright I trust you. I guess I'll skip the nap and go watch the movie that beat Raging Bull :)

[LordSlaytan]

It's no Raging Bull, but it's still a pretty good movie.

I hope you like it.

[Sedai]

Quick reviews for:

Zachiriah (Englund, 1971)

The Last Wave (Weir, 1977)

[linespalsy]

I saw 'Last Wave' when I was like, 16 and hardly remember it. I remember it being slow, weird, and enjoyable (but then, I enjoy everything). The image that sticks out the strongest in my mind is how cool looking I thought one of the aboriginees in it was, and the neat aesthetic clash between the aboriginees and the grimy urban setting. If I were in your shoes, I'd like to watch it again.

I doubt that qualifies as a 'review', but there you go. Words I seem fond of using in describing it are "cool" and "neat".

[Holden Pike]

Zachiriah (Englund, 1971)
It's mildly interesting, watchable for its trippiness, but nothing one needs to spend a lot of time tracking down.


The Last Wave (Weir, 1977)

I think it's the least interesting and inspired of Weir's early works. Picnic at Hanging Rock is a minor masterpiece, The Cars That Ate Paris is quite good, but The Last Wave doesn't amount to much for me, kind of like Weir doing Tarkovsky...and not especially well. I'd place it above Peter's later mainstream dreck like Green Card of course, but unless this is the last flick you need to complete seeing Weir's filmography I'd recommend Hanging Rock, Cars That Ate Paris, Fearless, The Mosquito Coast, Gallipoli and The Year of Living Dangerously all be seen long before The Last Wave. I love some of the cinematography and a few of the ideas presented, but nothing about it blew me away. Put against the rest of his films, I think it's rather a disappointing effort.

[7thson]

Marooned ~1969

I have been going through a lot of my fathers old VCR tapes and came across this. I have a big stack of must watch movies now after searching through all of his old stuff so should it go to the top or bottom of the stack or should it go in it at all?

[Holden Pike]

Marooned ~1969

Marooned is very average. Especially when you realize it came out after Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Effects-wise and story-wise, it's all very routine.

But it's not unwatchable.

[Misirlou]

Did anyone like The Pride of the Yankees? A friend wants me to go over and watch it with him, but I don't know anything about it. Maybe I should just take a nap :sleep: A little help within the next hour would be nice :)

[Holden Pike]

Did anyone like The Pride of the Yankees? A friend wants me to go over and watch it with him, but I don't know anything about it. Maybe I should just take a nap :sleep: A little help within the next hour would be nice :)

I'm a lifelong Yankee fan and I love baseball. Lou Gehrig's story is an incredible and touching one. BUT I don't think much of Pride of the Yankees. Cooper looks right as far as body type and their faces were similar enough, but the man couldn't play baseball to save his life. That shows on screen. Not just with reversing the film so he can bat from the correct side of the plate, but he doesn't move like a ballplayer for even two seconds. That's very distracting, if you're a baseball fan.

Apart from all that, the love story aspect and the stuff with his mother is just too damn sacchrine sweet and soap opera contrived. That's pretty standard for a biopic of that era, but it doesn't make it any more palateble. For me anyway.

So I LOVE Gehrig, LOVE the Yanks, LOVE baseball, and I wouldn't recommend Pride of the Yankees. Read a book about the man or get a hold of a documentary, but skip the whitewash of a movie.

http://www.davidson.edu/academic/psychology/ramirezsite/neuroscience/psy324/moyasrebi/Lou_Gehrig.jpg

[Misirlou]

Thanks for the heads up, I'll call my friend and tell him to watch it by himself. After I do that its naptime :sleep:

[7thson]

Flight of the Intruder ~ 1991

[7thson]

Thumbsucker ~ 2005

[Holden Pike]

Thumbsucker ~ 2005

Unless somebody here was in attendance at the Berlin or Sundance Film Festivals earlier this year or is going to be at the second-to-last night of the Toronto International Film Festival next month, it won't start getting limited release in N.Y. and L.A. until the very end of September, and then it won't start widening until October.

[7thson]

Unless somebody here was in attendance at the Berlin or Sundance Film Festivals earlier this year or is going to be at the second-to-last night of the Toronto International Film Festival next month, it won't start getting limited release in N.Y. and L.A. until the very end of September, and then it won't start widening until October.
Does that make it good or bad?

[Holden Pike]

Does that make it good or bad?

It makes your question premature. Nobody here is going to have much of an opportunity to see it for at least five or six weeks.

Now wanna ask me how that new Narnia movie is? How about Peter Jackson's King Kong?

[7thson]

It makes your question premature. Nobody here is going to have much of an opportunity to see it for at least five or six weeks.

Now wanna ask me how that new Narnia movie is? How about Peter Jackson's King Kong?
Dude I was kidding sorry, I realize I was a bit premature now. If I could only fix my premature problems in the bedroom now.:p

[Holden Pike]

Dude I was kidding sorry, I realize I was a bit premature now. If I could only fix my premature problems in the bedroom now.

Try thinking about baseball or long division.

[Aniko]

Holden, have you seen Preston Sturges' Unfaithfully Yours (1948)?

I've seen it for sale, but not for rent anywhere. My birthday's coming up and was thinking of asking for it. Is it worth the ticket price?

[Holden Pike]

Holden, have you seen Preston Sturges' Unfaithfully Yours (1948)?

I've seen it for sale, but not for rent anywhere. My birthday's coming up and was thinking of asking for it. Is it worth the ticket price?

Brilliant, one of Preston's very best. I love that movie to pieces. I suspect you will too.

[Sedai]

Before Night Falls (Schnabel, 2000)

[uconjack]

Sunday Night, 9/11, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) is on TCM at 10:15 PM Eastern time. It may be the first time it has been on TV. I have waited a long time to see it.

Has anyone seen it?

[Holden Pike]

Sunday Night, 9/11, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) is on TCM at 10:15 PM Eastern time. It may be the first time it has been on TV. I have waited a long time to see it.

Has anyone seen it?
Yeah, I own the Criterion DVD. I think it's the best of all the Powell/Pressburger flicks, though most of their others are very high quality as well. I definitely recommend Colonel Blimp.

[Pyro Tramp]

The Fisher King?

(Thanks Holden ;))

[Holden Pike]

The Fisher King

You can check out THIS (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=10700) thread for all things Gilliam, including The Fisher King. I love it, and think even people who don't generally connect with Terry's stuff will enjoy it very much and even find it emotionally moving.

[7thson]

Try thinking about baseball or long division.Well baseball didnt work cause I already had made it past 3rd base, and long division reminds me of my math teach' in my freshmen year of college and let me tell you she was hot....Maybe Opera hmmmm.:)

[Pyro Tramp]

Aguirre: The Wrath of God

[Golgot]

Some of the others liked it more than me, but it is truly classy by the end. Definitely worth a watch. It's a kind of 'heart of darkness' journey through the Amazon where greed and power-struggles ravage a group of gold-seeking Conquistadors. It's definitely atmospheric, menacing and evocative, and the ending reverberates back through the whole pic and takes it to another level.

Yeah, watch it ;).

[Holden Pike]

Aguirre: The Wrath of God

A masterpiece. Everybody should see it at least once.

[Lance McCool]

Gosford Park?