Movie Tab II

[Lucas]

Dogville-
Lars Von Trier's experimental film Dogville is a careful,precise examination of the duality of man and the evil every human-being possesses. At least that's my take on it, cause this movie is batsh*t insane and I love it. This film is about a fragile,beautiful young woman who while trying to evade the Mob stumbles upon a nice little town called Dogville. This "town" is studio set with with everything drawn out in chalk, or half-built. Its literally made like a play. When beginning to view this movie, I thought that this would be a hindrance but its surprisingly not. Its such a daring and bold move to make a film look like this the entire time:

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/dogville4_4432.jpg

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdreview/dogville/9.JPG

When viewing this film, I felt a sense of unease. This is a very creepy film, and when it begins to steer into dark territory, it becomes almost nightmarish'. This is one of those films where it either works or it doesn't work. For me it works brilliantly. A daring,bold risk at avant-garde cinema that pays off in spades. I have literally never seen a film in my life thats similar to Dogville.It possesses a share of flaws,blemishes and the material might downright offend many viewers due to it's nihilistic,cynical nature.I rate it 4.5, I just dont see a film such as this ever being made again. Sometimes it takes a crazy man to try to make something like this.A 177-minute dive into the mind of one of the craziest filmmakers ever.


http://media.giphy.com/media/Mi0W5nMDaW3TO/giphy.gif

http://coincidences.typepad.com/still_images_and_moving_o/images/dogville_still.jpg

Midnight Cowboy-
Fantastic film about a male prostitute and his slimy friend trying to survive on the harsh streets of N.Y. It's a very good character-study film, and features mesmerizing performances by it's two leads. While the plot may meander sometimes, it doesn't matter because this is very well-made,personal and powerful cinema. 4

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EyY7oo-E4L4/TlwmRx2cucI/AAAAAAAACf4/cRogtEJbuU8/s640/midnight_cowboy_247autoholic%2Bblog%2B%25282%2529.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1r3LxC_EWg/UrKlFsJesJI/AAAAAAAAKUM/VtA7QEOZ0-E/s1600/tumblr_m5vnaqt11d1qbvk7po1_500.gif

Sideways-
This is a mellow,mature,intelligent and often hilarious films about two friends going on a roadtrip before one of them gets married. This film is sweet,nuanced and a perfect examination of middle-age unease and unhappiness. I thought the performances were brilliant, especially by Paul Giamatti who gives a career best performance. This film goes down like fine wine, it's a very enjoyable viewing.4

http://cache.trustedpartner.com/images/library/PalmBeachIllustrated2010/News%20%26%20Blogs/GlobalGourmet/1512_sideways_wideweb__430x267.jpg

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/2809408/paul-giamatti-sideways-o.gif

[seanc]

I love Sideways. Has been a long time since I watched Midnight Cowboy but I want to see it again before the 70's list. I plan on watching some Von Trier at some point, but I think I'm scared.;)

[jiraffejustin]

I love Sideways. Has been a long time since I watched Midnight Cowboy but I want to see it again before the 70's list. I plan on watching some Von Trier at some point, but I think I'm scared.;)

Start with Antichrist. ;)

[rauldc14]

I loved Paynes directing for The Descendants and to a lesser extent Nebraska, so I would like to see Sideways at some point.

[Mr Minio]

The Man Who Lies (1968) - 3.5

http://25.media.tumblr.com/4438d26da62b27b0ffb338da3ace3488/tumblr_mvglrbEOGg1qb5tu1o1_500.gif

Astonishing visuals! As always Alain Robbe-Grillet delivers a non-conventional non-linear 'plot'. This time it's of a liar played by Trintignant, who tells a story that is different every time. Eventually, nobody knows what's the truth and what is not and that pretty much applies to film's oniric atmosphere as well. It begins with a scene of two men being chased in a forest, which brings to mind Czechoslovak New Wave masterpiece Diamonds of the Night. The Man Who Lies is a French-Czechoslovak co-production and I think it's quite possible it's an inspiration or direct reference. Later on, the film pace changes and the main protagonist finds himself in a house with three ladies. Really confusing mind-tuggling piece of cinema. The worst Robbe-Grillet film I have seen, yet still a good exercise in surreal filmmaking.

The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (1970) - 4

http://31.media.tumblr.com/8e281dddf03772c98515988dae7ca918/tumblr_myrn97yWIl1rkhykvo1_500.gif

Giallo slowly becomes one of my favourite 'entertainment genres' taking its position next to Spaghetti Westerns. Being Argento's directorial debut, The Bird With the Crystal Plumage, incorporates the black gloves killer, which later will become director's trademark. However, in spite of his later films (namely Tenebre and Deep Red), there's no gore and very little blood in here. Still, the portrayal of murders remains stylish and, of course, kitschy. The visual and musical (Ennio Morricone instead of crazy Goblin!) side is as always magnificent, while plot twists and suspense scenes make it a movie worth watching. Hitchcock (Psycho) inspiration present.

[Sane]

Start with Antichrist. ;)
That's what I did - I'm still in therapy ...

But seriously, Dancer in the Dark :)

[Sexy Celebrity]

Mask is not talked up much anymore (I was guilty of not suggesting it earlier for this list), but it is easily worthy of the '80s list (whatever one), and it's one of Bogdanovich's best. Eric Stoltz, Cher, Sam Elliott and Laura Dern are all excellent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4snGt8OzUV0

I think Mask is a great movie.

[Sane]

Mr Deeds (2002) - Steven Brill
Adam Sandler isn't funny. Having said that, some of his movies are OK because they have a nice feel to them. That was true of this one to begin with but eventually the being not funny became too much. 2

The Incredible Hulk (2008) - Louis Leterrier
Not too bad. The action is good and Norton was decent. Not really sure about the story or other characters though - all seemed a bit hastily written. 3

Pacific Rim (2013) - Guillermo del Toro
Giant aliens fighting giant robots = awesome! Everything else = awful! The length is the tie-breaker that makes this a poor movie. Over 2 hours of this crap. WTF? I actually turned it off with 5 minutes to go. I just no longer cared ... 2+

Lone Survivor (2013) - Peter Berg
As a fan of Friday Night Lights I found this hard to get into because it's style was so similar - I didn't think it really worked for a war movie. But, after I got past that I found it pretty enjoyable. Has been criticised for being overly jingoistic or patriotic - I'm usually the first to complain about that nonsense but I felt this was OK in that respect. Only thing that let it down a bit was the script and the shallow characters on both sides. 3.5

[meatwadsprite]

http://i61.tinypic.com/21l6543.jpg

Raging Bull 4

My first time seeing this that I actually understood what was going on.


http://i62.tinypic.com/33n9oc0.jpg

Monsters University 3

One of the movies I watched on the long, long, flight back from France. It was on the little monitor in the seat cushion, and only the left side of my headphones worked, and the picture was all blurry, but it did take my mind off the terribleness of the plane.

http://i60.tinypic.com/vfdxqv.jpg

Llewyn Davis 3.5

http://i58.tinypic.com/1zg5keb.jpg

The Princess Bride 3

http://i58.tinypic.com/2j5z501.png

The Thing 3.5

[linespalsy]

Our Idiot Brother (Jesse Peretz, 2011) 3
Say Anything... (Cameron Crowe, 1989) 3
Jeff, Who Lives at Home (Jay & Mark Duplass, 2011) 3 (first half much better than the second)
Lair of the White Worm (Ken Russell, 1988) [re-watch] 3

[seanc]

I loved Paynes directing for The Descendants and to a lesser extent Nebraska, so I would like to see Sideways at some point.
I just watched it for the second time a couple months ago. It is fantastic. I think you will love it.

[donniedarko]

+rep for Jeff, who lives at home

[rauldc14]

Stranger than Paradise 7/10
Young Frankenstein 8/10
Hitch (rewatch) 8/10
Blood Diamond (rewatch) 7/10

[Miss Vicky]

The Savages (Tamara Jenkins, 2007) 3.5+

American Hustle (David O. Russell, 2013) (Rewatch) 3-

Dallas Buyers Club (Jean-Marc Vallée, 2013) (Rewatch) 4+

Adaptation (Spike Jonze, 2002) (Rewatch) 3.5+

Blood Diamond (Edward Zwick, 2006) (Rewatch) 4.5-

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/adapation.gif

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/blooddiamond.gif

[Mmmm Donuts]

Hitch (rewatch) 8/10


Did you watch it when it came on tv or something? I feel like I watch this movie at least once a year lol.

[Sexy Celebrity]

+rep for Jeff, who lives at home

I like that movie.

[mark f]

The Brothers Grimm (Terry Gilliam, 2005) 2.5+
A Place for Annie (John Gray, 1994) 2.5+
Monte Carlo (Thomas Bezucha, 2011) 2+
Everybody Street (Cheryl Dunn, 2013) 3.5-
http://media.tumblr.com/74e79e51105fb3abac1bfe4d0f776414/tumblr_inline_mqso02LKX31rc7h6w.jpg
NYC Street Photography
Crossfire (Edward Dmytryk, 1947) 3
Once Upon a Time in Mexico (Robert Rodriguez, 2003) 2.5
Of Time and the City (Terence Davies, 2008) 3
http://www.moviequa.com/movie-poster/of-time-and-the-city-2008_xvx_104300.jpg
Autobiographical Poetic Realism
Lorenzo’s Oil (George Miller, 1992) 2.5
Esther and the King (Raoul Walsh, 1960) 2
Jarhead (Sam Mendes, 2005) 3
http://montages.no/files/2011/06/2005_jarhead3-497x215.jpg
Desert Storm
A Deeper Shade of Blue (Jack McCoy, 2011) 2.5
The Sleeping Beauty (Catherine Breillat, 2010) 2.5
Mister Roberts (John Ford, Mervyn LeRoy [& Joshua Logan], 1955) 3.5
http://www.filmsondisc.com/images/mrroberts.jpg
Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon
Wrong Way Butch (David Barclay, 1950) 2.5
Auntie Mame (Morton DaCosta, 1958) 3.5
Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant, 1997) 3.5
http://www.parokia.hu/data/gallery/3034/pic_goodwillhunting2.jpg
Robin Williams, Matt Damon
Dementia 13 (Francis Coppola, 1963) 2+
Kid Auto Races at Venice (Henry Lehrman, 1914) 2+
The Werewolf (Fred F. Sears, 1956) 2-
The Heiress (William Wyler, 1949) 4-
http://classiq.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/the-heiress-1949-e1340384063501.jpg
Montgomery Clift, Olivia de Havilland, Ralph Richardson

[Skepsis93]

Everybody Street (Cheryl Dunn, 2013) 3.5-
http://media.tumblr.com/74e79e51105fb3abac1bfe4d0f776414/tumblr_inline_mqso02LKX31rc7h6w.jpg
NYC Street Photography


This looks really interesting. Looking forward to it.

[mark f]

Yes, it's fascinating and deeply moving. I love still photography, and there are probably 500 great photos of people in this film. The photographers are an eccentric bunch, but their finished work is incomparable. It puts mine to shame. The film was so good to me that I'd put it in my Top Films of 2013, which right now looks like this:

Gravity
The Act of Killing
Her
Captain Phillips
The World’s End
Everybody Street
Frozen
Star Trek into Darkness


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vqCd2K1-KY

[rauldc14]

I wasn't a big fan of The Heiress. But to each his own.

[mark f]

You're not a big fan of lots of great movies. Oops, some people say that about me too. :)

[Mr Minio]

Summer with Monika (1953) - 4.5

http://24.media.tumblr.com/d0357f154b9260a791c163384e6e817d/tumblr_mq3nfjO8871qmvy8zo1_500.gif

After seeing 20 Bergman films one and half a year ago I decided it's time for other directors and gave up watching more Bergman. Now that I saw Summer with Monika after such a long hiatus I started to remember how genius of a director Ingmar was. Starting rather conventionally the film has then the part when protagonists are happy and just when I thought this early Bergman film is going to be a feel-good type of a movie it all of sudden struck me with its heaviness. Ostensible happiness quickly burns out being replaced with despair, sadness and disappointment (protagonists are disappointed with each other, not me with the movie). Bergman once again shows he is a master of hopelessness, psychology and obviously filmmaking.

Blow Out (1981) - 3.5

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/ma541349sy/travolta_allen_de_palma_blow_out.gif

The film starts with a travesty mix of Halloween's eyes-of-the-murderer view, Psycho's shower kill and Suspiria's windy scream sound effects and then turns out to be a movie-ception. After such a nice blend of films we've got some Coppolla's The Conversation and a lot of other cinema quotations. I even saw a sign saying 'Potemkin' in the street scene in the rain when the protagonist was driving a car. The story is rather simple and Hitchcock-esque. Nothing new or too fancy, but still fairly entertaining. Can't really say I didn't enjoy it, but if it wasn't for the ultimately over-the-top yet strangely powerful ending, I'd rate it lower.

[Miss Vicky]

Tootsie (Sydney Pollack, 1982) 4-

Gremlins (Joe Dante, 1984) (Rewatch) 4

Dead Snow (Tommy Wirkola, 2009) 3+

The Gold Rush (Charlie Chaplin, 1925) 3-

How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days (Donald Petrie, 2003) (Rewatch) 4-

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/gremlins.gif

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/goldrush.gif

[Brother Blue]

Some recent watches:

Love in the Afternoon (Rohmer, 1972) 4
State of Siege (Garvas, 1972) 4+
The Big Gundown (Sollima, 1966) 3.5
The Cranes are Flying (Kalatozov, 1957) 4+
Brooklyn's Finest (Fuqua, 2009) 2.5
The Expendables (Stallone, 2010) 2*
Bully (Hirsch, 2001) 3*
The Counsellor (Scott, 2013) 4*
Weekend (Haigh, 2011) 3
The Square (Noujaim, 2013) 4
Mitt (Whiteley, 2014) 2
Heat (Mann, 1995) 4.5*
Outbreak (Petersen, 1995) 3*
Air Force One (Petersen, 1997) 1.5-*
13 Assassins (Miike, 2010) 2.5*
Seven Samurai (Kurosawa, 1954) 4.5*
Winter of Discontent (El Batout, 2012) 2-
Inside Llewyn Davis (Coens, 2013) 4
Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (Kijak, 2006) 4
The Wolf of Wall Street (Scorsese, 2013) 4+

*-rewatch

[bluedeed]

Have you seen much from Eric Rohmer, Brother Blue? Unfortunately, there's a lack of discussion on and viewing of Rohmer on these forums.

[Brother Blue]

Have you seen much from Eric Rohmer, Brother Blue? Unfortunately, there's a lack of discussion on and viewing of Rohmer on these forums.

I've only seen, My Night at Maud's (one of my favourite films), The Collector and Love in the Afternoon. I'm hoping to check out The Green Ray and Claire's Knee soon.

[bluedeed]

I've only seen, My Night at Maud's (one of my favourite films), The Collector and Love in the Afternoon. I'm hoping to check out The Green Ray and Claire's Knee soon.

You really should. Those two are actually my favorite from Rohmer!

[mark f]

All the King’s Men (Robert Rossen, 1949) 3.5
The Chess Players (Satyajit Ray, 1977) 2.5-
Water Trix (Charles T. Trego, 1949) 2.5
Twelve O’Clock High (Henry King, 1949) 3.5
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8kwYfHBB4M/Tz2rP9k-CaI/AAAAAAAAEK4/B4JJdlYYVps/s1600/twelveoclockhigh03.jpg
Paul Stewart, Dean Jagger, Gary Merrill, Gregory Peck
Under the Blossoming Cherry Trees (Masahiro Shinoda, 1975) 3
Now You See It (Richard L. Cassell, 1947) 3
Cherry Falls (Geoffrey Wright, 2000) 2
A Letter to Three Wives (Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1949) 4-
http://hollywoodclassic.hautetfort.com/media/00/01/1344397248.jpg
Ann Sothern, Linda Darnell, Jeanne Crain
Misterio (Chema García Ibarra, 2013) 2
Doctor Zhivago (David Lean, 1965) 3.5
See No Evil aka Blind Terror (Richard Fleischer, 1971) 2.5+
The Remains of the Day (James Ivory, 1993) 3.5
http://s.mcstatic.com/thumb/7818044/21151186/4/flash_player/0/1/the_remains_of_the_day_film_a_racy_book.jpg?v=2
Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins
The Horror of It All (Terence Fisher, 1964) 1.5+
Tootsie (Sydney Pollack, 1982) 4-
The Sun’s Burial (Nagisa Ôshima, 1960) 2.5-
A Passage to India (David Lean, 1984) 3
http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2010/12/A9985802/A9985802-vote3.jpg
Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee
Snow Trail (Senkichi Taniguchi, 1947) 3 (written by Akira Kurosawa)
Stakeout (John Badham, 1987) 3.5-
Drugstore Cowboy (Gus Van Sant, 1989) 3
Six Degrees of Separation (Fred Schepisi, 1993) 3+
http://platobernburg.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/sixdegrees01.jpg
Donald Sutherland, Stockard Channing, Will Smith

[Mr Minio]

Haha, once again I'm having a hard time rating films. Should I rate them both 4.5, or both 4? Maybe I should be a snob and give 4.5 only to the little known Hungarian gem? Or grant Bergman another maximal note? Which one would it be now? 14? 15? What I actually felt when I watched them is what counts, not the popcorns, cupcakes, stars, or whatever you use to gauge films. Honestly, I find a great pleasure in both watching and rating films, but why do I rate them? Probably to know if I loved them. To fill my films-seen list. To show other people what films I fancy and therefore let them more or less know what's my taste and if it's any similar to theirs. Okay, end of this. Let me tell you what I thought about the two films I saw today. No, let me talk about anything, but the movies I saw.

From the Life of the Marionettes (1980)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OCc6dHUnxEI/TFLPqfhCHHI/AAAAAAAAAus/aH1i60QhOSw/s640/m0.gif
Beauty.

The problem I have with Bergman is that his films are paradoxically too good. Haha! Every time I watch them I feel like they were made especially for me. That's the kind of cinema, the kind of director I love and relate to. When watching a great film such as top notch Spaghetti Western I have fun and like it very much, but when I watch films of personas (pun intended) such as Bergman, Tarkovsky, Tarr or Angelopoulos, I actually have this feeling. And it feels good man, although it's not a feeling of being entertained. I don't know what should I say about the movie. That it is great? Awesome? I loved it? These are only words. Talking about words, they speak German in this film and because I told myself I'm going to write about anything only not about the very films I saw I won't say anything else.

Hungarian Rhapsody (1979)

http://i58.tinypic.com/2ujikcz.png
The last supper of the Commies, that is your usual Jancsó.

Not only has cinema world lost Hoffman, but also a master director Miklós Jancsó recently. Being a great inspiration for both Angelopoulos and Tarr, Jancsó uses long take, vivid colors, perfect choreography and tons of symbolism in most of his films. Thanks to these, he manages to hypnotize me every time, even though I don't really understand much of the plot, but I mean, I don't have to understand music to like it. I have to feel it and when it comes to Jancsó I always feel his films.

No ratings then. I have to give it more thought. It will oscillate around 4 and 4.5, anyway, so the most important thing is I loved both of these and wow, isn't it a weird post.

[Sane]

The Conjuring (2013) - James Wan
Decent enough horror movie. 3

The Good The Bad The Weird (2008) - Kim Ji Woon
Kim's tribute to spaghetti westerns ... and lots of other movies by the look of it. Lots of fun. 3.5+

Breathless (2008) - Yang Ik Joon
A well named debut from Yang - certainly left me breathless. A very violent movie about violence and the effect that it has on families. Great movie. 4.5+

Taken (2008) - Pierre Morel
Starts off well but gets pretty repetitive after that. Didn't find it particularly enjoyable. 2.5-

Good (2008) - Vicente Amorim
A movie about "good" people not standing up to the rise of National Socialism in Germany. The first 20 minutes is good and overall Viggo Mortensen put in a decent performance but it really loses its way and has a pretty poor ending. 2.5

The Wind Will Carry Us (1999) - Abbas Kiarostami
I love Kiarostami :) 5

High Fidelity (2000) - Stephen Frears
I find the romantic part of this a bit tedious but really enjoy the comedy. 3.5

Philomena (2013) - Stephen Frears
This won't be in my top 10 for the year but it's a very enjoyable movie. Steve Coogan and Judi Dench put in great performances. 4-

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) - Stephen Herek
Very dumb movie with a few laughs. 2.5

Once Upon A Time in the West (1968) - Sergio Leone
I have a confession to make - I don't like Leone's films. In fact, I really dislike most of them. Not completely sure why but this was a bit different. I didn't love it as much as many do but it was enjoyable - perhaps thanks largely to Henry Fonda. 4-

The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991) - David Zucker
Not as good as the first but if you like Leslie Nielsen it's funny ... and I like Leslie Nielsen. 3

[mark f]

Carmen Jones (Otto Preminger, 1954) 3+
Give Me Liberty (B. Reeves Eason, 1936) 2.5
Three Smart Girls (Henry Koster, 1936) 2.5-
San Francisco (W.S. Van Dyke, 1936) 3
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vaHEGN-wgMc/TTi5PlP0Z1I/AAAAAAAAAjs/pNWBlBhHffI/s400/100-PERE%2BPI%2BI%2BGABLE%2B%2526%2BTRACY.jpg
Clark Gable, Jack Holt, Spencer Tracy, Jeanette MacDonald
Audioscopiks (J.F. Leventha & J.A. Norling, 1935) 2.5
Libeled Lady (Jack Conway, 1936) 3+
One Wonderful Sunday (Akira Kurosawa, 1947) 2.5+
The Verdict (Sidney Lumet, 1982) 3.5
http://img.rp.vhd.me/3795500_l4.jpg
James Mason, Paul Newman, Milo O'Shea
Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony (Lee Hirsch, 2002) 3
Boiling Point (James B. Harris, 1993) 2
Brave (Mark Andrews & Brenda Chapman, 2012) 3.5
The Wildcat (Ernst Lubitsch, 1921) 3
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow4eGKUWPBs/Un3eeCfY2jI/AAAAAAAAI_0/wIA5oqgebYI/s1600/Paul%2BHeidemann%2B%252B%2BPola%2BNegri%2B-%2BThe%2BWild%2BCat%2B%25281921%2529%2Bstairs%2B1.png
Pola Negri, Paul Heidemann
McBride: The Chameleon Murder (Kevin Connor, 2005) 2.5+
The Great McGinty (Preston Sturges, 1940) 3.5
Marco Polo: Return to Xanadu (Ron Merk, 2001) 2
Foreign Correspondent (Alfred Hitchcock, 1940) 3.5
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAO0gY7gIwk/ULTNXwILc_I/AAAAAAAASUs/3KygV5N8HfM/s640/tumblr_lpw6xel4rJ1qh81ljo1_r2_500.gif
Albert Bassermann shot on the rainy steps, but why?
Zero Dark Thirty (Kathryn Bigelow, 2012) 3
Girl 6 (Spike Lee, 1996) 2.5
Double or Nothing (Roy Mack, 1940) 3
Scandal (Akira Kurosawa, 1950) 2.5+
http://www.filmsquish.com/guts/files/images/scandal2.jpg
Shirley Yamaguchi, Takashi Shimura, Toshiro Mifune

[Lucas]

Sherlock Jr.-
I'll get straight to the point with this one. Spectacular setpieces,action, and very impressive stuntwork. The story however is very thin,it feels like you're watching a sketch rather than a film. It is only 45 minutes long, so it isn't a big deal. It's still a classic of silent cinema. It just lacks the charm of the Chaplin films I've seen.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6xdz4M0kV1qiz3j8o3_500.gif

3.5

Almost Famous-
Fantastic soundtrack,story thats genuinely sweet and heartwarming at times. Yet it just feels very routine and safe. It's a above average coming-of age film, but it's not going to blow you away. A worthwhile viewing, but it's nothing that won't be forgotten in a few weeks time.

http://blogs.colum.edu/wp-content/blogs.dir/18/2012/04/boys11.jpg
3+

City Lights-
Charlie Chaplin's City Lights bring a ample dose of pathos,humor and genuine human emotion. This film is short and sweet, and I love it.

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4wwu9Y4951rrimozo1_500.gif
4

The Purple Rose of Cairo-
Woody Allen's love letter to cinema. I found the film amusing and some parts were great, but I was never really invested into it. Good film, but it's not nearly as good as something like Midnight in Paris which is my favorite Woody film by far.

http://selectiveappeal.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/purple_rose_of_cairo1.jpg
3+

[Holden Pike]

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=12964&stc=1&d=1392153257
The LEGO Movie
2014, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Holy moly, this is one fitfully amusing ride of a movie! An amazing voice cast lead by Chris Pratt ("Parks & Recreation", Zero Dark Thirty), Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Liam Neeson, Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman and seemingly joined by everybody else, including Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day, Jake Johnson, Will Forte, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Daniels and Billy Dee Williams, all lending their talents to a whole wonderful mishmash-up of DC Superheroes, the Star Wars universe, Harry Potter, Tolkien, and a dozen other pop cultural refernces in an adventure wrapped in a conspiracy thriller mixed with a Musical, with as many if not more gags and asides for those far over the ages recommended on the box of LEGOs.

I feel like I've already given too much away, and I've barely said anything. Cinematic joy awaits. Go see it. Right now. Quit your job, ditch school, do whatever you have to do.



.
.

[seanc]

I went to Leggo Movie this weekend with my boys and agree wholeheartedly. I love it when an animation surprises me and just engages me from start to finish.

[cricket]

Almost Famous-
Fantastic soundtrack,story thats genuinely sweet and heartwarming at times. Yet it just feels very routine and safe. It's a above average coming-of age film, but it's not going to blow you away. A worthwhile viewing, but it's nothing that won't be forgotten in a few weeks time.

http://blogs.colum.edu/wp-content/blogs.dir/18/2012/04/boys11.jpg
3+


I liked Almost Famous a little more than you but I think you're right on Lucas. This had the potential to be a great film. I think maybe it could've been a little edgier. It is about a rock band and a groupie after all.

[donniedarko]

Foreign Correspondent (Alfred Hitchcock, 1940) 3.5
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAO0gY7gIwk/ULTNXwILc_I/AAAAAAAASUs/3KygV5N8HfM/s640/tumblr_lpw6xel4rJ1qh81ljo1_r2_500.gif
Albert Bassermann shot on the rainy steps, but why?

[/SIZE]

Odessa Steps?

I haven't seen this one yet, so just a guess.

[mark f]

Someplace in Amsterdam. After that famous scene, there's another one at a windmill.

[honeykid]

The Limey 2.5 - I've ummed and ahhed over this and it's good, but it just doesn't grab me. It's a very straightforward, stripped down revenge thriller. It's well acted, written, ect, but unlike something like Get Carter, which is truly great and had me almost from the first shot, I kept waiting to get caught up in this and it just didn't happen. I also found the delinear editing annoying.

I know there's a few Terrence Stamp fans here, so if you're one of them and you haven't seen this, I'd certainly recommend it to you.

[cricket]

The Limey 2.5 - I've ummed and ahhed over this and it's good, but it just doesn't grab me. It's a very straightforward, stripped down revenge thriller. It's well acted, written, ect, but unlike something like Get Carter, which is truly great and had me almost from the first shot, I kept waiting to get caught up in this and it just didn't happen. I also found the delinear editing annoying.

I know there's a few Terrence Stamp fans here, so if you're one of them and you haven't seen this, I'd certainly recommend it to you.

I was just thinking of watching this again because I felt the exact same way. I thought maybe I was just missing something; maybe I wasn't.

[honeykid]

That was actually the third attempt at watching it. I tried when it was released on dvd and once when it was on tv and both times I just couldn't get into it and turned it off after about 15 minutes.

[mark f]

The Battle of Gettysburg (Herman Hoffman, 1955) 3
Rx (Ariel Vromen, 2005) 2
Anne B. Real (Lisa France, 2003) 2-
Around the World in Eighty Days (Michael Anderson, 1956) 3.5
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8beplz17N1r8lbrh.jpg
Shirley MacLaine, Robert Newton, David Niven, Cantinflas
Designing Woman (Vincente Minnelli, 1957) 3
Nailbiter (Patrick Rea, 2013) 2-
Deception (Marcel Langenegger, 2008) 2+
Doubt (John Patrick Shanley, 2008) 3.5
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/3119343603_e056c6ab96.jpg
Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet (William Dieterle, 1940) 3
Conquest of Cochise (William Castle, 1953) 2
The Unloved (Samantha Morton, 2009) 2
Friendly Persuasion (William Wyler, 1956) 4
http://img.www3.hp-ez.com/img/2616/Friendly_Persuasion_[3]_avi_002651234[1](1).jpg
James Dobson, Gary Cooper, Anthony Perkins
Loch Ness (John Henderson, 1996) 2+
She's Gotta Have It (Spike Lee, 1986) 2.5
Drunken Angel (Akira Kurosawa, 1948) 2.5
The Lego Movie (Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, 2014) 3.5
http://24.media.tumblr.com/a97bd1ea7ab26db7c984c52582dde554/tumblr_msm523Jllf1rkag3to1_500.gif
Bad Cop and Minions Blast Away
I Spy (Betty Thomas, 2002) 2+
The Little Princess (Walter Lang, 1939) 2.5
A Love Song for Bobby Long (Shainee Gabel, 2004) 2.5-
Baby Doll (Elia Kazan, 1956) 3.5
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhgy8xGHIE1qz51dto1_r1_500.gif
Carroll Baker, Eli Wallach

[Mingusings]

A Touch of Sin (2013): 2_5+
I guess I just didn't "get" this movie. Well directed, but it just seemed like a cycle of half an hour of boring dialogue, and then an ultra-violent sequence.

Short Term 12 (2013): 3_5-
Cliched, but still manages to be emotional.

24 Exposures (2014): 2_5+
Erotic!

The Lego Movie (2014): 3_5
I loved how Batman was portrayed as an a**hole and Green Lantern was just annoying. Hated the ending though.

RoboCop (1987): 3_5
First time watching this. I enjoyed it a decent amount, but I usually never love 80s "classics" and this I felt had problems with atrocious acting and inconsistencies in its tone.

[Mr Minio]

Jackie Brown - 3

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1rvtrGY8s1qbe8v4o1_500.gif
,,I ain't ridin' in no trunk for no minute, man. "

A lot of people seem to dislike this film. Tarantino fans included. I didn't find it bad, but probably the least enjoyable of the bunch I have seen. I liked the way it ended and the chemistry between Jackie and Max. I knew something's wrong with De Niro character from the very beginning. Haha. And Melanie was such a stuck up hoe. Samuel L. Jackson is a beast, man. Looks hilarious with these long hair, though. And Tarantino is kinky as he once again included a shot of feet. The first take reminded me the intro of The Graduate.

Serpent's Egg - 4.5

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReview2/serpentsegg/5.JPG
,,I wake up from a nightmare and find that real life is worse than the dream. "

Bergman film in English? That couldn't work! Well, I bet your choochoo it did. The action takes place in 1920's Berlin just before Hitler's unsuccessful Munich putsch in 1923. Fear, apathy, hatred, birth of Nazism and how did it happen, the crisis of Weimar republic. Sounds familiar? Maybe, but Bergman puts two characters in this world and makes them live there. Of course, as somebody on these forums said, Bergman's protagonists always plunge in depression and hopelessness and this film is no exception. The scene with Ullmann and a priest - one of the best Bergman moments. Ever. The only thing I really disliked were those clownish cabaret players. I hoped the protagonist would get on the scene and punch one of them! That's a good idea for a scene in a movie, actually.

Under the Cherry Blossoms - 3.5

http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss10/seandiddy006/4-1.jpg
,,You killed my husband, but you hesitate to kill your wife?"

As recommended by wintertriangles. It's a Japanese low fantasy jidaigeki film, which brings to mind classics such as Ugetsu and Kaidan. It starts like a Rashomon rip-off, but quickly becomes something else. A weird 'something' shall I add. It's got a beautiful cinematography and astonishing yet gruesome Shima Iwashita, who eventually decides to play around with heads. She even wants one of the heads to suck her nipple! Dayum, wintertriangles, you know some kinky stuff, bro. The ending is simply breath-taking with all these cherry petals and ghost-story touches. Definitely, a film worth seeing, if only for visuals and music.

[mark f]

Bergman himself called The Serpent's Egg an "embarrassing failure".
Under the Blossoming Cherry Trees (Masahiro Shinoda, 1975) 3
I saw that movie too recently.

[Mr Minio]

I don't care what Bergman said as long as I loved the film myself.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Nurse 3D 2

A poor attempt at an Ilsa: she wolf of the SS exploitation grindhouse flick. It has the nudity and the blood, but no dirt, humour or self awareness. If Paz de la Huerta didn't get naked for everything she does, this might have been titillating. :p

[meatwadsprite]

http://i57.tinypic.com/4jm42c.jpg

Lego Movie

Really amazing animation. Not as funny as it was trying to be, but the ending was brilliant.

3

[Tyler1]

It's got a beautiful cinematography and astonishing yet gruesome Shima Iwashita, who eventually decides to play around with heads. She even wants one of the heads to suck her nipple!
She's the sweet little bride in Ozu's An Autumn Afternoon. Just think about that....

[Mr Minio]

Summer Interlude (1951) - 4

http://mmimageslarge.moviemail-online.co.uk/5865_Summer-Interlude-marie-swea.JPG

The earliest Bergman film I have seen. It feels like a Hollywood melodrama (but a damn good melodrama!) with only some hints of pessimism, which will bloom in director's later efforts. Maj-Britt Nilsson gives a pretty good performance and is a joy to look at. I found out she was in two other early Bergman films. I can't wait to check them out!

Phenomena (1985) - 2.5

http://24.media.tumblr.com/375db1c51c7ee0c2e3302464307e4844/tumblr_motsctcvSO1qkw9npo1_r1_500.gif

Wow, that was stupid! Throughout the movie I kept asking myself if it's the same Argento. The man, who directed Suspiria and The Bird with the Crystal Plumage. It was a letdown. I couldn't find Suspiria's mood, nor his giallo kitsch in here. A lot of absurd scenes. The creepy lady freaks out and gives you a pill. You lock yourself in the bathroom. Of course, you DON'T want to take this pill... Wait, what? WTF?! That chimpanzee is a badass, though! I predicted the ending in the very moment of the ape taking off a razor from the bin. By the end I lost hope it's gonna end that way, but it did! Best thing in the movie. Made me increase the rating by half a star.
I'm not sure about the version I saw. Is the movie supposed to have a swimming pool scene? My version didn't have one.

[mark f]

Possession (Neil LaBute, 2002) 2.5
Rio (Carlos Saldanha, 2011) 2.5+
Diplomatic Siege (Gustavo Graef Marino, 1999) 2
Antonio das Mortes (Glauber Rocha, 1969) 2
http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/images/issue/420/antonio-das-mortes_420.jpg
Maurício do Valle , Lorival Pariz
Despicable Me 2 (Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud, 2013) 3+ (rewatch)
Philomena (Stephen Frears, 2013) 3+ (rewatch)
Sons of Liberty (Michael Curtiz, 1939) 2.5
Their Own Desire (E. Mason Hopper, 1929) 2.5
http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0u2fwmLFm1qdyjsko1_500.gif
Robert Montgomery, Norma Shearer
Children of the Corn (Fritz Kiersch, 1984) 2.5
Forst (Ulu Braun, 2013) 3
Pharaoh's Army (Robby Henson, 1995) 2+
Maniac Cop 2 (William Lustig, 1990) 2.5
http://s3.amazonaws.com/auteurs_production/images/film/maniac-cop-2/w448/maniac-cop-2.jpg
Robert Z'Dar
Forbidden Passage (Fred Zinnemann, 1941) 2
Dynasty (Max Bervas, 2009) 3-
Dawn at Socorro (George Sherman, 1954) 2.5
Sanshiro Sugata (Akira Kurosawa, 1943) 2.5+
http://nonamemovieblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/ss-fight.jpg
Ryûnosuke Tsukigata, Susumu Fujita
The Yearling (Rod Hardy, 1994) 2.5
Simple Things aka Country Remedy (Andrew C. Erin, 2007) 2+
Zoku Sugata Sanshirô aka Sanshiro Sugata Part Two (Akira Kurosawa, 1945) 2.5-
La Cucaracha (Lloyd Corrigan, 1934) 2.5
http://www.widescreenmuseum.com/oldcolor/lacucaracha.jpg
Oh so close to being the first 3-strip Technicolor live-action film

[donniedarko]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyfFUVavwRY/UXWOKQP739I/AAAAAAAAGLQ/ZbiNu2vfwnE/s400/City-3.jpg
Dark City

Recent Watches:
Crimes and Misdemeanors (Woody Allen, 1989)- 4
Prisoners (Villeneuve, 2013)- 3.5
Dark City (Proyas, 1998)- 3
Majorité opprimée (Pourriat, 2010) [11 minutes]- 2
The Square (Noujaim, 2013) [Documentary]- 3
Blue Jasmine (Woody Allen, 2013)- 3+
Tommy Boy (Peter Segal, 1995)- 3+
The Great Gatsby (Luhrmann, 2013)- 3-

[Tyler1]

Stuff I've seen in 2014:

http://image.eiga.k-img.com/images/movie/77845/398x265.jpg

Apache Drums (Fregonese, 1951) - 1.5
Bad Day at Black Rock (Sturges, 1955) - 3+
Missile (Wiseman, 1987) - 3.5
Primate (Wiseman, 1974) - 4-
How to Die in Oregon (Richardson, 2011) - 3.5
The Gunfighter (King, 1950) - 4.5
Cannibal Tours (O'Rourke, 1988) - 2
Young Aphrodites (Koundouros, 1963) - 3.5
Let the Wind Carry Me (Chiang, 2009) - 3
Grain in Ear (Zhang, 2005) - 4
Cockfighter (Hellman, 1973) - 5
Gravity (Cuarón, 2013) - 3+
Body Snatchers (Ferrara, 1993) - 4
Landscape Suicide (Benning, 1986) - 1
Blue (Jarman, 1993) - 2
An Autumn's Tale (Cheung, 1987) - 3.5
Dear Pyongyang (Yang, 2005) - 3+
Wake in Fright (Kotcheff, 1971) - 3

[Lucas]

The Deer Hunter
The Deer Hunter is a film that I have wanted to view for a very long time. I knew about the infamous Russian roulette scenes,and heard that there was a wedding scene that goes on for a very,very long time(It does indeed). After finally viewing it,I can say that this is a great piece of American cinema.It is powerful,emotional and extremely well-acted. It is a genuinely great picture, but it's extensive runtime and glacial pacing take it down from a potential masterpiece to a film that is simply great. A good 20-30 minutes could be trimmed and the film would still retain it's power.

Criticisms aside I think this is one of the best character-study films ever. It is less about the war itself, but more of the effects of war on regular people. By the time the final hour comes about, you definitely see how the characters have changed for better or worse. From the achingly emotional theme to the breathtaking performances, The Deer Hunter is a film very much worth a viewing. 4

http://media.giphy.com/media/j2QqA4o41kPKw/giphy.gif

The French Connection-
Look what we have here, another classic film from the good ol' 70's. The French Connection is great, but in different ways than The Deer Hunter. This movie isn't about characters, or emotional storytelling.Instead it's a slick,fast-paced and gritty crime thriller. Some of the film's sequences are some of the best in cinema history. A certain scene involving a car tracking a train holding a dangerous criminal is truly a landmark scene, and one can only imagine the amount of effort needed to bring the scene to life. I thought the film's protagonist Popeye Doyle was damn cool as well. It's a very well-crafted thriller, and it is a great film even if it doesn't quite give you much story-wise. I give it a 3.5+

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/7/14/1310637856032/The-French-Connection-007.jpg

Naked
Travis Bickle. Michael Corleone. Alex DeLarge. These are some of the great antiheroes of cinema. This film is about a man simply by the name of Johnny. Johnny is a rapist,narcissist,and quite simply one of the worst human-beings you will ever come across. This is a film that narrows in on Johnny and shows his everyday actions, where he usually just roams the streets talking to bystanders. He has no place to go, and he doesn't appear to have a "home". Here's the thing though, I couldn't care less about Johnny because he is an irredeemable pretentious cu*t .

It's hard to latch onto a film where the main character possesses no redeemable qualities whatsoever. Maybe that is the point, but when your entire movie for the most part is centered on such an awful individual it's hard to care. This is a good film nonetheless. Well acted,well written, and it's certainly realistic in it's depiction of flawed individuals. But I don't think I'll ever consider it great. 3.5

http://ishootthepictures.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/vlcsnap-2010-08-20-14h33m01s219.png

[Upton]

Johnny's not even the worst human being in that movie. Avatar bias, though.

[seanc]

Notorious:3 The last of my couple of months with Hitchcock. Pretty good bookends. Grant and Bergman are very good together. I needed more from their relationship for it all to matter.

The Lego Movie:4Seems like every couple of years an animated movie reminds me that movies can just be pure fun sometimes. Really well written and chaotic in the best possible ways.

Nebraska:3 I had much higher hopes for Payne's latest, it was good though. Great central character, some memorable scenes. The B&W didn't work for me. Usually I don't care but I think it made this movie too drab. The material could have taken care of that for him.

Close Encounters Of The Third Kind:3 My first time watching this classic. I really enjoyed the first two thirds. The characters and the chaos surrounding them was extremely engaging. The last third did not do it for me.

Sunset Blvd:4 I swear I watched this previously but I am treating it as a first time view. There was a lot that was not familiar and I really liked it this time. I remember not caring for it previously. That central relationship is just awesome. Perfectly written.

The Wind Will Carry Us:4 Kiarostami being Kiarostami. Either you love it or you don't. I do.

The Talented Mr. Ripley4.5Rewatch I wanted to see this again after Hoffman passed away, I remember loving his character so much. He is great in it but not in it much so of course it is not about him. I have always felt this movie is underrated. It is really two distinct parts, both being equally great. This movie will probably be on my next 100 list.

[Mr Minio]

Gravity (2013) - 3.5

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UU9xaIK6Oro/UuKKeHdl5gI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/6qL5no4nxsU/s1600/gravity-trailer-3-635.jpg

Shamelessly pompous Hollywoodish blockbuster. Doesn't really feel like a 3.5 star movie, but special effects & cinematography and the whole presentation of space made it a lot better.

Inherit the Wind (1960) - 4.5

http://www.celluloidheroreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2005/10/inherit-the-wind.jpg

A tremendous masterpiece uncovering religious fanaticism in a thrilling duel between Tracy and March. Kramer did not impress me with The Defiant Ones. Judgment at Nuremberg was amazing and Inherit the Wind is even better! Can't wait to see more of his.

[Sane]

The Wind Will Carry Us:4 Kiarostami being Kiarostami. Either you love it or you don't. I do.


:up:

[linespalsy]

Tabloid (Errol Morris, 2010) 2.5+
A Prairie Home Companion (Robert Altman, 2006) 3
The Lego Movie (Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, 2014) 2.5+
Pet Sematary (Mary Lambert, 1989) 2

[mack]

World War Z - 3/5
Watched this one with the only other adult who can actually appreciate my zombie movie fandom, and is thus my zombie film viewing buddy. This person travels all over the world, and there are aspects of their life that they "cannot" reveal to us, so I always tease that they work for a three-letter agency (always denied, of course, but arent they required to deny that?). And once again, Im convinced that if the world goes to pot, they are the first person on my survivalist team. Ive been "off" of Brad Pitt for years, and I havent seen a Pitt movie in years because of this - however, I made a concession because ....well....ZOMBIES, of course. But, I was poised to see this film in a bad light. That said - the movie was actually a good view, so long as you can get past the obvious message-mongering that is apparently now the Pitt-Jolie Franchise (or Jolie-Pitt Franchise, because she so obviously wears the pants in that relationship. But I digress.). So it was: movie, movie, movie, Israel-is-a-great-nation, movie, movie, movie.

I dont proffer any opinion about Israel, but I was taken aback by the obvious pause in the forward pace of the action of the film to "message" on Israel, and I thought to myself (while viewing it), "REALLY? Are we really going to do this now? How lacking in subtlety!" With these two (Pitt and Jolie), its like a religion - they cant just have a fun movie - its gotta preach to us. I felt proselytized. I did. For real. And I proselytize so I know what it means to proselytize, and to be proselytized to ([bad grammar, but I dont care]). So that annoyed me.

Other than that, a nice concept to the story, and they kept it moving so there was never a boring moment, save the trite family love story at the beginning. (Pitt Strikes Again- with the at-home daddy/house-husband, "we-are-the-world-so-lets-all-hug," fallacy.) I come from a large family, with a two-parent home, and we all love each other, so I know what that's like. I think they needed to show a close family unit to set the tone for the story, but whatever that was in the beginning of this movie, was....something other.

So it was good, but not great. 3 out of 5.

[bluedeed]

Two noteworthy movies I saw this week:

Mekong Hotel by Apichatpong Weerasethakul
http://media.tiff.net/contents/stills/mekonghotel_04.jpg
Thai master Apichatpong Weerasethakul's latest feature may be his first non-masterpiece in quite some time. The aural aesthetic pleasures are there, as well as the elliptical, whimsical, and sometimes nonsensical dialogue that makes his films so dryly funny. The film has Joe's typical whites and greens as well as new splashes of shocking blood red and the peaceful blue of the Mekong River. Perhaps I'm faulting the film for being too elliptical and improvisational, which is a bit unfair since I'd certainly say that this is also Joe's most difficult work in some time. The plot of the film distinctly involves both the (somewhat) narrative (the ghosts and pobs that inhabit Jen, reprising her Uncle Boonmee role) actions and the frequent diegetic and non-diegetic sounds that inhabit the Hotel. Joe implies the constant presence of ghosts by using calming, everyday music and static, clean framings while watching the ghosts consume human flesh. It's a clear evocation of how Joe feels about his native Thailand and the spirits that inhabit it. I will probably watch this again soon but I wanted to get my initial feelings out there.

By the Bluest of Seas by Boris Barnet
http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/2-15-2014/bCT7iI.gif
Hopefully my attempt to make a gif came out okay
This 30s Soviet film is splendid in not letting its inherently propagandic components overshadow the entire film. It begins and ends with some breathtaking shots of the Caspian in the style of silent film, with intertitles narrating the onscreen events. The film transitions into sound, but throughout uses a fluid dynamic between common sound film and a more silent film soundtrack. This allows it to reach the poetic beauty during the above image, where diegetic sound cuts, and bells sound as the beads from a necklace hit the ground. It reminded me a bit of L'Atalante, though I think any influence is doubtful. The film's narrative surrounds a love triangle between two shipwrecked sailors and the beautiful girl they meet when they reach the shore. The film becomes a tale of resurrection, as both of the sailors are miraculously resurrected from near death at sea, and the girl they love is hopelessly waiting for another's resurrection with a heart-sinking smile. A very evocative and gorgeously shot film.

[Pussy Galore]

Inherit the Wind (1960) - 4.5

http://www.celluloidheroreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2005/10/inherit-the-wind.jpg

A tremendous masterpiece uncovering religious fanaticism in a thrilling duel between Trancy and March. Kramer did not impress me with The Defiant Ones. Judgment at Nuremberg was amazing and Inherit the Wind is even better! Can't wait to see more of his.

I really want to see this one, it looks fantastic.

[mark f]

Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence (William Lustig, 1993) 2+
My Sister Eileen (Alexander Hall, 1942) 2.5-
Seeing Hands (Gunther V. Fritsch, 1943) 2.5
Sanjuro (Akira Kurosawa, 1962) 3
http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/201108/24/81/a0085581_1992566.gif
"Movie Magic": Toshirô Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai
Mrs. Miniver (William Wyler, 1942) 3
Everything Goes Wrong (Seijun Suzuki, 1960) 2+
Wonderland (Michael Winterbottom, 1999) 2
Velvet Goldmine (Todd Haynes, 1998) 2.5
http://encoremag.com/images/2008/glam_velvet_goldmine_mccarren_aug2008.jpg
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ewan McGregor
Liberty Stands Still (Kari Skogland, 2002) 2.5-
City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold (Paul Weiland, 1994) 2.5+
Berkeley Square (Frank Lloyd, 1933) 2.5
The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (Luis Buñuel, 1954) 3.5
http://www.threedonia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/crusoe.jpg
Jaime Fernandez, Dan O'Herlihy
The Hasty Heart (Vincent Sherman, 1949) 3
The Great Heart (David Miller, 1938) 2.5
East of Eden (Elia Kazan, 1955) 3.5
Throne of Blood (Akira Kurosawa, 1957) 3
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GERTBLDbc84/T8f8WlB8CWI/AAAAAAAAALk/rtQJxzKwOEc/s320/throne%2Bof%2Bblood.jpg
Toshirô Mifune
Lady Chatterley (Pascale Ferran, 2006) 3-
So You Want to Be in Pictures (Richard Bare, 1947) 3-
Marty (Delbert Mann, 1955) 3
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (Robert Ellis Miller, 1968) 3.5-
http://www.filmmisery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Film-Lists-Silent-Performances-The-Heart-is-a-Lonely-Hunter.jpeg
Alan Arkin, Sondra Locke

[Mr Minio]

By the Bluest of Seas by Boris Barnet Since you liked it and it's on the list you linked to in another thread I'm adding it to my watchlist! Moreover, it's Soviet! Is it a musical, though? I wasn't that hot on Vesyolyye rebyata being probably the only Soviet film I didn't enjoy as far as I remember. BTW: I have to see more Weerasethakul too!

_______________________________

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)- REWATCH - 4.5

http://24.media.tumblr.com/6c9b597348e4d864840b0041a7e11999/tumblr_ml0851Smik1qmvy8zo1_500.gif

One of the greatest pieces of art of twentieth century. The best female performance ever seen on the screen. At least to me. After seeing such a film everything else seems inferior.

Stoker (2013) - 3.5

http://25.media.tumblr.com/54a5b4c0f703119dda8420bfd20e7591/tumblr_n03facazUH1qaee4ho1_500.gif
http://24.media.tumblr.com/daadbb8631152c35bc29fe207e96e83b/tumblr_n03facazUH1qaee4ho3_500.gif

I can't really understand why so many people dislike this film. It's not as brilliant as Oldboy, nor as stylish as Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, but it's still damn good with outstanding cinematography. Some visuals blown me away and made me say 'wow!'. I didn't happen with Gravity even once, although its visuals are pretty good in its category too. I enjoyed Stoker a lot more than Gravity, though. I can't give Stoker a four star rating, so I decrease Gravity's to 3 stars.

Psy (1992) - 2.5

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view4/1513456/linda-wypierdalac-o.gif

I've never seen it until now, but I heard some catchphrases from it that flood Polish Internet since its very beginning and make Polish movie fans quote them just as Americans quote Pulp Fiction. It's got cult status in my country, so I just had to finally see it. It's pretty decent, though. A lot of swearing, which strangely enough bothers me more when spoken in Polish than if it were in English. Some quotations are kvlt and really nice, but besides the film didn't do anything to me. If for kvlt films, I'd rather rewatch Pulp Fiction than this. 'Godda*n, Jimmie! This is some serious gourmet sheet!'

[Sane]

Top Gun (1986) - Tony Scott
It's good that there are two examples of the cast cheering and clapping in this movie - just so I know something good happened. Thanks Hollywood! ;) But seriously, this is decent enough and is quite funny when viewed through the eyes of Quentin Tarantino in Sleep With Me. 3

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddies Revenge (1985) - Jack Sholder
Better acted than most of it's peers but is seriously let down by the male lead. 2.5

Better Than Sex (2000) - Jonathan Teplitzky
Most of the movie is set in one room with David Wenham and Susie Porter going through various stages of a relationship in three days. Everyone involved does a good job. 3.5

The Great Dictator (1940) - Charles Chaplin
Not as good as The Circus or The Kid but yet another very good Chaplin movie. 4

The Blues Brothers (1980) - John Landis
Everytime someone sets out to make a "dumb fun" movie they should be forced to watch this - so they remove the "dumb". It's a very funny movie with great action and, more importantly, a great, mostly intelligent, script. 4.5-

Easy Virtue (2009) - Stephan Elliott
Fairly amusing movie with Colin Firth & Jessica Biel - a light but enjoyable watch. 3

[Thursday Next]

Cosmopolis 1 Utterly excruciating.

[donniedarko]

Cosmopolis 1 Utterly excruciating.

100% agree, I had some hopes for Cosmopolis but it ended up being one of the stupidest movies I've ever seen.

[mark f]

Primate Cinema: Apes as Family (Rachel Mayeri, 2012) 2.5
San Antonio (David Butler, 1945) 3-
Batman Forever (Joel Schumacher, 1995) 2.5
Jurassic Park (Steven Spielberg, 1993) 4
http://youmightlikethis.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/35.jpg
T. rex, Jeff Goldblum
The Shape of Things (Neil LaBute, 2003) 2.5
Date with an Angel (Tom McLoughlin, 1987) 2
Calgary Stampede (Saul Elkins, 1948) 2.5
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (George Roy Hill, 1969) 4.5
http://whatculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/600full-butch-cassidy-and-the-sundance-kid-screenshot.jpg
"Fuego" Paul Newman, Robert Redford
Deadgirl (Marcel Sarmiento & Gadi Harel, 2008) 2+
Fled (Kevin Hooks, 1996) 2.5
Batman & Robin (Joel Schumacher, 1997) 2.5
7 Boxes (Juan Carlos Maneglia & Tana Schembori, 2012) 2.5+
http://www.clevelandfilm.org/files/films/detail/7-boxes2.jpg
Asunción, Paraguay
All Quiet on the Western Front (Lewis Milestone, 1930) 3.5
The Big House (George Hill, 1930) 2+
The Divorcee (Robert Z. Leonard, 1930) 2.5
Sleepy Hollow (Tim Burton, 1999) 4-
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9pFJ5SDA8Aw/UTuGh0PMorI/AAAAAAAACSI/ffJxH5dGIuY/w506-h750/photo.jpg
Christopher Walken, Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Marc Pickering
Conan the Destroyer (Richard Fleischer, 1984) 2.5+
I Spit on Your Grave aka Day of the Woman (Meir Zarchi, 1978) 2+
The Runaway aka La fugue (Jean-Bernard Marlin, 2013) 2
Oldboy (Spike Lee, 2013) 2.5
http://media.tumblr.com/e20175795bd3c7be649d53d306be62ae/tumblr_inline_mxahqtAP3z1qzozj1.jpg
Josh Brolin

[Mr Minio]

How do you rate original Oldboy, mark? :D

[bluedeed]

Since you liked it and it's on the list you linked to in another thread I'm adding it to my watchlist! Moreover, it's Soviet! Is it a musical, though? I wasn't that hot on Vesyolyye rebyata being probably the only Soviet film I didn't enjoy as far as I remember. BTW: I have to see more Weerasethakul too!

I've found some real gems from that list that I would've skipped over otherwise but absolutely love them now! Particularly The Young Girls of Rochefort and Pakeezah are my favorite finds so far. My tastes don't align as well with him as with some other critics I know, but he has such a repertoire of films listed that its a great resource to explore.

He also has a favorites by year that's great to look into (How many has Mark F seen?) here (http://tenbestfilms.blogspot.com/2010/04/ten-best-films-1930-2012.html), as well as a silent era collection here (http://tenbestfilms.blogspot.com/2008/08/silent-era.html).

[Mr Minio]

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia higher than The Turin Horse? Blasphemous! Haha. Great lists to look into and fetch some unknown gems from. I have By the Bluest of Seas ready to be seen, but will put it off and watch some other films that are first in queue.

[bluedeed]

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia higher than The Turin Horse? Blasphemous! Haha. Great lists to look into and fetch some unknown gems from. I have By the Bluest of Seas ready to be seen, but will put it off and watch some other films that are first in queue.

He's got Satantango in his top 20, calm down!

[Sane]

Violent Cop (1989) - Takeshi Kitano
Kitano's directorial debut has a similar feel to Sonatine & Fireworks but isn't quite as polished. 4-

Distant (2002) - Nuri Bilge Ceylan
I think I need to watch more Turkish films! This is great - beautifully shot and very thoughtful. 4.5

Syndromes and a Century (2006) - Apichatpong Weerasathakul
A won't pretend that I fully "get" his films just yet but I've been quite mesmerised by both that I've seen. 4

Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) - Adam Marcus
The most misleading title in the history of movies. Jason doesn't go to hell (well, he kind of does, but not until the last 5 minutes) and it's not the final Friday. I'm kind of beyond caring at this point but it actually has a very good standard horror movie beginning. 1.5

Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994) - Peter Segal
Has some funny parts but they probably took the joke one movie too far. 2.5

[mark f]

How do you rate original Oldboy, mark? :D
That one I rate 3.5.
He also has a favorites by year that's great to look into (How many has Mark F seen?) here (http://tenbestfilms.blogspot.com/2010/04/ten-best-films-1930-2012.html), as well as a silent era collection here (http://tenbestfilms.blogspot.com/2008/08/silent-era.html).

I went through those lists and as you might expect, I've not seen quite a lot (mostly Asian). Availabity is the biggest problem. He may have seen most of the ones he's omitted, but considering what he has on them, there are some offbeat (to put it mildly) choices. Of course, that's what lists are for. I counted what I've seen by decades.
10s 14
20s 53
30s 79/100
40s 84/100
50s 86/100
60s 72/100
70s 54/100
80s 49/100
90s 53/100
2000s 38/100
2010s 16/30

[bluedeed]

I went through those lists and as you might expect, I've not seen quite a lot (mostly Asian). Availabity is the biggest problem. He may have seen most of the ones he's omitted, but considering what he has on them, there are some offbeat (to put it mildly) choices. Of course, that's what lists are for. I counted what I've seen by decades.
10s 14
20s 53
30s 79/100
40s 84/100
50s 86/100
60s 72/100
70s 54/100
80s 49/100
90s 53/100
2000s 38/100
2010s 11/20

Interesting. I saw somewhere that you'd seen something like 950 of TSPDT's 1001 films, so I was expecting it to be a little higher. He does have some tastes that I find strange (his pretty strong championing of Clint Eastwood, Limelight as the best Chaplin) against others of his, but the sheer amount of films ensures I have plenty of great to choose from. I was having trouble finding a lot of the 90s films there for a while, but now I think I can find pretty much anything on there.

[Mr Minio]

Still impressive, mark!

[Lucas]

Singin in the Rain
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVc1eMmRuM8/T9f0U-j7sRI/AAAAAAAAF48/pf0Ul225kC0/s1600/Singin%25E2%2580%2599%2Bin%2Bthe%2BRain%2B-%2BStanley%2BDonen%252C%2BGene%2BKellymkju.gif

Singin' in the Rain is a fantastic musical, an incredible film, and a delight all the way through. From the gorgeous technicolor photography, to the incredible dance segments all the way to the sweet,intimate story. This is a classic that truly lives up to it's name. This film is about Hollywood's transition from silent era and one actor's struggle to adjust to the times. And the dance sequence in the rain? I couldn't help but smile.4+

Modern Times
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR3G_WgE5TVELLGPrRmiPTC6FF_lZCdmWGxc7EeX9EEPr8zUqn3
http://25.media.tumblr.com/933f1cc2442be31aaa8021c6dba201c4/tumblr_mf7bejuLTz1s0tfrqo1_500.gif
3.5+



Sweet Smell of Success
This film features some of the slimiest weasels I've ever seen in cinema. The film's main character is a man who will do just about anything to get ahead, and his boss might be even worse. The cinematography is rich, the performances impeccable and with dialogue of the highest caliber. I was glued to the screen viewing this film, wondering when the horrible behavior will end. This is a Great piece of cinema, a rich film-noir I wouldn't mind viewing again a few years down the line. It smells of success. 4++

https://d2nh4f9cbhlobh.cloudfront.net/_uploads/galleries/34566/sweet-smell-of-success.jpg



Battleship Potemkin
I am very interested in expanding my film tastes and checking out films from all decades and genres. Battleship Potemkin I think is incredible for the time, and I have nothing but respect for it. It is rather dull now, and even though its only an hour long it feels much longer than it should. The Odessa shootout scene is beyond impressive showever, a setpiece that is way ahead of it's time. I can see it inspired the shootout scene in that turd The Untouchables. I rate it 3.5. Give it a viewing if you are interested in the history of cinema, if not I'd steer clear.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvAg0ZdCq_bET4hvtwBC9W0iDY1qNnlTxcjk2Xd8vHZl5j64Q9

[Mr Minio]

Something Like Happiness (2005) - 4.5

http://static1.stopklatka.pl/library/32/4B/g-11.jpg/1.0/g-11.jpg

The opening scene looks like Tarr in colour. Later on, the movie does not resemble the films of Hungarian master. Or maybe only in its austerity and sadness. From time to time, single comedy touches manage to transcend the depressing atmosphere, but finally none of the protagonists is granted title happiness. Or are they?

Before the Rain (1994) - 4

http://www.sine-goz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Before-the-Rain-1994.jpg

I wouldn't be surprised if one beautiful day I shoot myself in the head due to the amount of depressing films I watch. Of course, I couldn't! I mean, who would watch all these obscure films if not me?! LOL. Film's outstanding and some scenes were genuinely sad. The first act was probably the best, though.

By the Bluest of Seas (1936) - 3.5

http://m5.paperblog.com/i/49/492485/favorite-film-discoveries-march-2013-L-x45sYv.jpeg

A cool laid back Soviet film. The lady was charming, no wonder the guys wanted her so badly. And the dark-haired one was almost raped by enthusiastic crowd of sailor-rapists, who just wanted to make him wear a suit. Yeah... A great way to solve the love triangle too!

[Sedai]

The Godfather (Coppola, 1972) 5

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Archive/Search/2011/4/21/1303376172454/The-Godfather-007.jpg

Lisa hadn't seen this (!!!), so it was time to fire it up! After recovering from the shock of my GF of 5 years not having seen The friggin Godfather, We had a couple glasses of wine, some gabagool, and sat in front of this masterpiece. Needless to say, Lisa was blown away, and claimed she just had no excuse for not watching one of the best films ever made until now. It just gets better every time I see it!


Ender's Game (Hood, 2013) 1

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/outthere/files/2013/11/endersgame_trailerscreencap_large_verge_medium_landscape.jpg

Wow. What a turd. I thought that perhaps I mighty run into a cool concept of two, or perhaps some nice space effects. Nope. Everything was terrible. All of it. I can't think of anything redeeming about this film. I must first admit that I am not an O. Scott Card fan. I dislike his writing, his vocabulary, and the silly terms he comes up with in his stories (Launchees? Is that what you do after eating at Hardees?). The kid in the lead was not a terrible actor per se, but he lacked any sort of charm or charisma, so I just kept thinking he was a petulant little **** that needed a shot in the teeth.

The whole thing seemed thrown together, lacking any real world building, character arcs, or really, any characters with any sort of dimension at all. I would like to list a pleasant surprise - some up-and-coming actor that stole the show, or perhaps a return to form for Harrison Ford; alas, Ford sleepwalks through the role with the rest of the cast. The final act borders on the absurd, if only because it was so painfully obvious from the start. I know these are Young Adult novels, but that is no excuse, as there is a ton of good stuff in the YA genre that both challenges and surprises readers, especially in the science fiction genre.

I recall putting the book down about halfway through, something I should have repeated with the film, as it is almost completely bereft of anything even remotely entertaining or thought provoking.

[jiraffejustin]

I think I need to watch more Turkish films!


You should watch Turkish Star Wars, Turkish Spiderman, Turkish Batman, Turkish Wizard of Oz, etc.

[Mr Minio]

Turkish Star Wars is a classic. Haven't seen it yet, though.

[TheGirlWhoHadAllTheLuck_]

The Draughtsman's Contract 4

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQhvVoRWuP7eIJC4AS_8XDLTqLFQQx37aLJAzxQ6wsNHZgngRxvpQ (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LxdREyWGoAH6gM&tbnid=AIFc4Lv8iQJvnM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scaruffi.com%2Fdirector%2Fgreenway%2F&ei=3EMCU-LtAujS0QWE14CYBg&bvm=bv.61535280,d.ZG4&psig=AFQjCNEKPVa4htC8bXJ9dfUG60C5eng72w&ust=1392743735435081)

"When your speech is as coarse as your face, Louis, then you sound as impotent by day as you perform by night."

Now, I don't particularly care for art films. Maybe it's me being anti-intellectual but I think that art films can be intellectual, even a bit pretentious, but not very fun. Like art galleries- you can admire the skill, maybe even be moved by it, but it's not 'fun'.

Whilst Peter Greenaway's writing/directing debut is very much within the 'art film' genre, it is actually quite fun. Luckily someone convinced him not to use the four-hour running time he had in mind, as an hour and three quarters is adequate.

The film is done in the style of a Restoration comedy, with a faint murder mystery thrown in in the style of Blow Up. Mr Neville (Anthony Higgins), the draughtsman of the title, is commissioned by Mrs Herbert (Janet Suzman) to produce twelve drawings of her country house and estate. Neville's condition is that he will do so on the understanding that Mrs Herbert is to attend to his...pleasures.

Greenaway trained as a painter so obviously the film looks lovely and his portrayal of Neville's drawing methods is pretty interesting as well. But the surprise is that it is genuinely quite funny at times, as it apes the Restoration genre quite splendidly. There's a scene where Neville talks about appreciating the maturing of Mrs Herbert's 'country gardens' that calls to mind the 'china scene' in The Country Wife. The actors all nail that Restoration style of double entendre, scams and philandering (ooh, nail. I think I might have mastered it too!). It's also not completely incomprehensible, apart from a naked man running around pretending to be a statue. Well, this is art...

As a companion film, I recommend Derek Jarman's Caravaggio (and not for the sight of a young shirtless Sean Bean. Not entirely anyway). As a companion read, Tom Stoppard's play Arcadia has a similar sort of feel, though more Stoppardian than Restoration.

[mark f]

The Love Parade (Ernst Lubitsch, 1929) 2.5
Disraeli (Alfred E. Green, 1929) 2.5
Cavalcade of the Academy Awards (Frank Capra [supervisor], 1940) 3+
Picnic (Joshua Logan, 1955) 3
http://25.media.tumblr.com/77b37c7f62a8e3c72aebe016dfd9ecad/tumblr_mtgn06MqqP1qzgwh4o1_500.gif
William Holden, Kim Novak
The Declaration of Independence (Crane Wilbur, 1938) 2.5
State Fair (Henry King, 1933) 2.5
Cannibal Girls (Ivan Reitman, 1973) 1.5+
The Lion in Winter (Anthony Harvey, 1968) 4
http://constructiveconsumption.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/the-lion-in-winter-2.jpg
Nigel Terry, John Castle, Anthony Hopkins, Jane Merrow, Katharine Hepburn, Peter O'Toole, Timotry Dalton
Looper (Rian Johnson, 2012) 3
Prowl (Patrik Syversen, 2010) 2
A City of Sadness (Hsiao-hsien Hou, 1989) 2
A Place in the Sun (George Stevens, 1951) 3
http://mojtv.hr//images/0297f5fc-ed9d-42d6-94b1-755655eb5324.jpg
Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor
An American in Paris (Vincente Minnelli) 3.5
Decision Before Dawn (Anatole Litvak, 1951) 3+
Quo Vadis (Mervyn LeRoy, 1951) 3.5
A Streetcar Named Desire (Elia Kazan, 1951) 4-
http://24.media.tumblr.com/cac546885f97180bb42eb1d9841a688d/tumblr_mukb1crGVL1qgleipo1_500.gif
Marlon Brando suckin' on suds.
Only Lovers Left Alive (Jim Jarmusch, 2013) 2
Banished (Marco Williams, 2006) 3
The Young Lions (Edward Dmytryk, 1958) 3
The Doll (Ernst Lubitsch, 1919) 3
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l50ig92Rxc1qaphz7o1_500.gif
The Baron imagines his relatives arguing over his inheritance.

[donniedarko]

The Doll (Ernst Lubitsch, 1919) 3
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l50ig92Rxc1qaphz7o1_500.gif
The Baron imagines his relatives arguing over his inheritance.


I was looking for an old movie to watch, I think I'll go with this

[Mr Minio]

Short Term 12 (2013) - 3.5

http://24.media.tumblr.com/1d89ea07849232c632f5f8c12d1e4832/tumblr_mzgf7gbXbu1qazkdco2_500.gif

This is a film that seems to divide people into hate and love camps just as The Tree of Life. Some find it a genuinely touching masterpiece, some cliche indie mediocrity at best. And they're both partially right. It's got its good moments, but humour doesn't work all the time (poo joke, really?) and it really is cliche.

La ville des pirates [City of Pirates] (1983) - 4.5

http://www.ljplus.ru/img4/t/i/timur0/Raoul.Ruiz._1984_.La.Ville.Des.Pirates__006882_21-41-06_.JPG

My first Ruiz film. But not the last. Visual masterpiece. Surrealism at its best. It's like Fassbinder impregnated Sokurov in the kinkiest slave domination sex possible and then gave birth to Angelopoulos who then directed a film while being stoned.

Prawo i pięść [The Law and the Fist] (1964) - 3

http://img.interia.pl/rozrywka/nimg/6/a/trakcie_przegladu_bedzie_6158811.jpg

Classic film regarded as the best Polish Ostern. Can't really agree with that popular statement as firstly, it hasn't got that much western elements in it and secondly, Wilcze Echa is much better. Still, for some reason I feel like I'm underrating it.

[mark f]

If you go to MUBI (https://mubi.com/films/showing), you can get a month free with no credit card. They have 30 movies available today, and they'll add and drop one every day. So after 30 days you will have had access to 60 films. Right now, they had three good pre-1922 Lubitsch films. :)

[donniedarko]

If you go to MUBI (https://mubi.com/films/showing), you can get a month free with no credit card. They have 30 movies available today, and they'll add and drop one every day. So after 30 days you will have had access to 60 films. Right now, they had three good pre-1920 Lubitsch films. :)


Thanks for the tip! I'll sign up, can't get better than free The Doll is on Netflix instant though, so I started watching through that. Netflix also has, I don't want to be a man (which looks decent) alongside some of Lubitsch works from the early 20s.

[Cobpyth]

Only Lovers Left Alive (Jim Jarmusch, 2013) 2


Awtch. I will still see it, but is it really that bad? :s

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

mark hates all jim jarmusch films. that's a ringing endorsement from him.

[bluedeed]

mark hates all jim jarmusch films. that's a ringing endorsement from him.

An endorsement of it's more conventional style

[Cobpyth]

mark hates all jim jarmusch films. that's a ringing endorsement from him.

Nah, I think he liked Ghost Dog and Night On Earth and I don't think he 'hates' all of his other films either. I can't see him "hating" Mystery Train, for instance.

[Swan]

Monsters University (Dan Scanlon, 2013) – 2.5
The Crow (Alex Proyas, 1994) – 2.5
The Truman Show (Peter Weir, 1998) – 3.5+*
Black Hawk Down (Ridley Scott, 2001) – 2.5+
The Girl Next Door (Luke Greenfield, 2004) – 1.5*
Zabriskie Point (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1970) – 3+
The Lego Movie (Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, 2014) – 3.5
Robocop (Paul Verhoeven, 1987) – 3
Robocop (José Padilha, 2014) – 3+
I, Robot (Alex Proyas, 2004) – 3+*

* = Rewatch

[mark f]

I'll let others continue to answer for me since I'm apparently just a cliché. Too bad they don't get it right. :)

[Mmmm Donuts]

Robocop (Paul Verhoeven, 1987) – 3
Robocop (José Padilha, 2014) – 3+
I, Robot (Alex Proyas, 2004) – 3+*

* = Rewatch

Wow, you liked the new Robocop a bit more than the original? I've actually seen some very solid reviews of it thus far, definitely need to give it a watch some time. (right after watching the original so I can compare, of course)

Totally digging that I Robot rating. That's probably exactly what I would give it as well.

[bluedeed]

My first Ruiz film. But not the last. Visual masterpiece. Surrealism at its best. It's like Fassbinder impregnated Sokurov in the kinkiest slave domination sex possible and then gave birth to Angelopoulos who then directed a film while being stoned.

A much more strange and crazy description of Ruiz than mine, but who cares, he's awesome!

[Daniel M]

Mark likes Dead Man, he gives it 3 and a cult rating of 4, that's what matters :D

[The Gunslinger45]

The 6 movies I watched today.

An American Werewolf in London 4

Latalante 3.5

Rome Open City 4

Umberto D 3.5

Wings of Desire 2

Road House 3.5

[Mr Minio]

Wings of Desire [rating]2[/rating

<no gif suitable>

That's a rough rating, man!

[Skepsis93]

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (F.W. Murnau, 1927) 4+
Nosferatu (F.W. Murnau, 1922) 3.5-
Dog Day Afternoon (Sidney Lumet, 1975) 3.5-
The Gold Rush (Charlie Chaplin, 1925) 3.5
Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013) 4
Everybody Street (Cheryl Dunn, 2013) 4+
The Sweet Hereafter (Atom Eyogan, 1997) 4-
Marty (Delbert Mann, 1955) 3
Captain Phillips (Paul Greengrass, 2013) 3.5
Philomena (Stephen Frears, 2013) 3.5

http://cdn.funcheap.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/sunrise3.jpg

http://www.dvdizzy.com/images/n/nebraska-film-02.jpg

[TheGirlWhoHadAllTheLuck_]

<no gif suitable>

That's a rough rating, man!

I rated it quite low on IMdb. It's a bit like A Matter of Life and Death but not as good.

[Mr Minio]

I, on the other hand, heard A Matter of Life and Death is a bad movie and nothing compared to the masterpiece Wings of Desire is. Can't really say if that's true unless I watch A Matter of Life and Death, though.

[linespalsy]

neither one is great.

[bluedeed]

A Matter of Life and Death is good, not great. I'd probably say the same about Wings of Desire

[mark f]

I won't take the bait.

[christine]

http://www.dvdizzy.com/images/n/nebraska-film-02.jpg

Loved that film!

[MovieMan8877445]

A Room with a View (James Ivory, 1985) - 2.5
Blood Simple (The Coen Brothers, 1984) - 3.5+
Lawrence of Arabia (David Lean, 1962) - 5
Zulu (Cy Endfield, 1964) - 3.5+
Ratatouille (Brad Bird, 2007) - 3
Zodiac (David Fincher, 2007) - 4.5
The Yards (James Gray, 2000) - 3
We Own the Night (James Gray, 2007) - 3.5+
This is the End (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, 2013) - 3.5+
Mud (Jeff Nichols, 2013) - 4+
Fight Club (David Fincher, 1999) - 4.5
American History X (Tony Kaye, 1999) - 3.5

[jiraffejustin]

A Matter of Life and Death is great. I've never seen Wings of Desire though.

[Mr Minio]

Yi Yi: A One and a Two (2000) - 3.5

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m67jn2rs4B1ro2c2ro1_400.gif

Even though I loved Terrorizers a lot more I still liked this film. The ending was very touching. Some thought-provoking scenes all throughout the movie as well. Not to mention the moment Yang Yang gets back home all wet. Will have to see other films of the director.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - REWATCH - 4.5

http://7dni.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/2001-1.gif

The movie blown me away during the second watch! I already liked it very much the first time, but I feel like it's just now that I fully understood its greatness. The final act feels like a metaphysical experience. Also, I was paying attention to details I missed the first time I was watching it. Like, for example, the complete silence of space. It makes it a lot more scary than space filled with aliens and laser beam shooting spaceships.

Ostatni dzień lata [The Last Day of Summer] (1958) - 4.5

http://static1.stopklatka.pl/library/98/F9/g-9.jpg/1.0/g-9.jpg

A man wants a woman to stay, but she thinks she is unable to love again. Second Konwicki masterpiece. :cool: I'm curious about the rest of his films. Dolina Issy was good, Salto is one of my favourite films ever. This film is outstanding as well. Extremely low budget and only two actors yet it manages to transcend so many emotions and create an incredible atmosphere.

Pasażerka [Passenger] (1963) - 4.5

http://ocdn.eu/images/pulscms/ZGI7MDMsMjZjLDAsMCwx/1a44046f5881b9962aeb08989faac664.jpg

My first Munk film. His last. He died and didn't finish it, so other people finished it for him, not changing anything, leaving space for interpretation. It's about a camp wardress and her psychological duel with one of she-prisoners. Really horrific portrayal of camp life. Interesting as it's the guard narrating the story, so she wants to justify her deeds.

Oh boy, what a day! Now I have to watch some trashy comedies to balance my ratings. xD

[wintertriangles]

You should make polish to english subs for all these so everyone else can play too

[Mr Minio]

There are English subs for both of them already.

I found out I saw other Munk film before. Eroica. :D

[The Gunslinger45]

<no gif suitable>

That's a rough rating, man!

It was a pretty boring though pretty to look at film.

[mark f]

Peter Falk is the best part.

[JayDee]

Sanjuro (Akira Kurosawa, 1962) 3

Throne of Blood (Akira Kurosawa, 1957) 3


Noticed you've watched quite a bit of Kurosawa of late Mark (I'm guessing a channel has been having a season of his films). Just curious what your favourite films of his are. I know from your top 100 list you love Seven Samurai but what do you think are his other best efforts?

[mark f]

I'm watching them on Hulu Plus. Besides Seven Samurai, I'd start with (or choose first from) Rashomon, Ikiru, Throne of Blood, The Hidden Fortress, The Bad Sleep Well, Yojimbo, High and Low, Red Beard and Ran. All of them (plus others) except Ran are on Hulu Plus which you can try free for 30 days, at least in the U.S.

[mark f]

This Above All (Anatole Litvak, 1940) 2+
Antitrust (Peter Howitt, 2001) 2.5
The Craft (Andrew Fleming, 1996) 2.5+
Gigot (Gene Kelly, 1962) 3
http://blog.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/wp-content/jackie-gleason-mit-katzen.jpg
Cat, Jackie Gleason, Diane Gardner
Virus (John Bruno, 1999) 2
Le Week-End (Roger Michell, 2013) 2.5+
Enough (Michael Apted, 2002) 2+
The Music Man (Morton DaCosta, 1962) 4
http://wedelmom.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/musical.jpg
Shirley Jones, Robert Preston, 76 trombones, 110 coronets, etc.
Saving Grace (Nigel Cole, 2000) 2.5
Excision (Richard Bates Jr., 2012) 2
Dead Punkz (Herb Freed, 1999) 2
The Robber (Benjamin Heisenberg, 2010) 3-
http://images.tvdirekt.de/images/stories//gallery/3SAT/219891273/660480953.jpg
Andreas Lust
Orchestra Wives (Archie Mayo, 1942) 2.5
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (Tobe Hooper, 1986) 2.5
Stagecoach (Ted Post, 1986) 2
Shine (Scott Hicks, 1996) 3-
http://moviemusereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/article-1199539-05B35877000005DC-602_468x286.jpg
Geoffrey Rush
Bride Wars (Gary Wynick, 2009) 2
All Is Lost (J.C. Chandor, 2013) 2.5+ (rewatch)
Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak (Lance Bangs & Spike Jonze, 2009) 3-
The Conspirator (Robert Redford, 2010) 3
http://chrisfilm.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/conspirator.jpg
Robin Wright, James McAvoy

[jiraffejustin]

I can't remember the rating exactly, but you have the original TCM rated lower than TCM2 right, mark? While I like those movies more than you, I think I prefer the second to the first as well. :up:

[mark f]

Yes, I'm one of the heathens who finds the original almost worthless, aside from at most five minutes of primal terror. The rest is amateurish boredom. The sequel has plenty of problems, but at least it has a semblance of professionalism and Dennis Hopper. OK, I'm ready for all the Leatherface gifs to kill me now.

http://www.notcoming.com/images/reviews/l/texaschainsaw2.gif

[Mr Minio]

OK, I'm ready for all the Leatherface gifs to kill me now. You leave me no choice.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/a2d7fb7f3efc290400173b39c30a14a3/tumblr_muso700s0q1rf4v2no1_500.gif

[honeykid]

+ rep for The Craft, mark. I've not seen that in forever and I used to really like it. I think I saw TCM2 when I was in my teens (is it the one with a boy in the wheelchair is hacked up?) but I can't stand the original, so I'm sure the sequel has to be better. Just not having that girl screaming for an hour would be a huge improvement.

[mark f]

The wheelchair freak got offed (way too late) in the first one.

[Sedai]

The very annoying wheelchair guy....yes, way too late. Still love the flick, though...

[linespalsy]

I won't take the bait.

I don't know why you think I was baiting you specifically. Clearly I have a scorched earth agenda against everyone who loves A Matter of Life and Death.

re: TCM, maybe I'll re-watch it some day, though just saying those words seems to act as an irrational de-motivator. It was a favorite of mine in high school and made its way onto my top 100 due partly to nostalgia, but I haven't seen it since. I mainly remember the first kill and Grandpa C.M.

[honeykid]

The wheelchair freak got offed (way too late) in the first one.
Oh, that was the first one was it? Well, maybe I haven't seen the sequel then.

[mark f]

^^ Dear fisherman, you weren't the only one who commented about it before I posted that. I'm over what you think about it. :)

[Mr Minio]

Reminiscences of a Journey to Lithuania (1972) - 4

https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/ArticleMedia/Images/WhatsOn%20images/December%202012/Jonas%20Mekas/reminiscences_of_a_journey_to_lithuamia_01.jpg

This is my second Mekas film and although it's not such a masterpiece as As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (yes, I did copy it, not that I don't know it by heart, just too lazy to type it myself) is, it still works well with me. It's basically a movie journal of director's return to his motherland. He recalls his past and at the same time shows present. As simple as it could be, but it's thanks to this simplicity the movie is so powerful.

The Innocents (1961) - 4

http://24.media.tumblr.com/1b9c51b2b41afec98ecf902b5836e69a/tumblr_mpg7wp0EuW1r31mkdo1_500.gif

Finally, mark f recommended a truly good film. :) Plot-wise it's just OK, but it's the atmosphere that's the most important. Didn't know children can be so creepy yet so.. normal. Like Miles' declamation suggests he is adolescent devil worshipper yet he never really changes into some creature or demonstrate paranormal abilities, which adds to film's mood. Miss "We have to SAVE THE CHILDREN" Giddens is pretty good, but it's the children, who are the best here.

Człowiek na torze [Man on the Tracks] (1956) - 4

http://salonliteracki.pl/blog/slawek/files/2012/07/Schowek02-e1342168656291.jpg

My discovering of films of Polish director Andrzej Munk continues with this outstanding railwayman story, which brings to mind films like 12 Angry Men, Rashomon and Sunset Blvd and at the same time is a movie of its own great quality. Just like in Citizen Kane, the protagonist dies at the beginning, and later on people try to solve mysteries concerning his person and therefore there's a psychological portrait of him being presented. A truly amazing gem I'd love to rewatch in the future and increase the rating to 4.5.

They Live (1988) - 3

http://31.media.tumblr.com/4e1ffc71e5d09bec317f67ceb2cd4669/tumblr_mlmluncnJE1r3bojdo2_500.gif

Hilarious. Stupid. Entertaining. Features one of the greatest catchphrases ever, which surprisingly does not actually originate from Duke Nukem 3D computer game. Features an overlong fight sequence induced by a guy reluctant to wear shades and other guy who wants him to wear these sunglasses. From simple punches to hilarious wrestling moves it becomes one of the finest fight scenes of the 80's. Would love to rewatch the movie in the future and increase the rating. :)

[mark f]

Mr. Sardonicus (William Castle, 1961) 2
Adventures of Johnny Tao: Rock Around the Dragon (Kenn Scott, 2007) 2
On the Beach (Stanley Kramer, 1959) 3.5-
Full Metal Jacket (Stanley Kubrick, 1987) 4
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lg0i6wjXnO1qzzh6g.png
November (Greg Harrison, 2004) 2
Quicker'n a Wink (George Sidney, 1940) 3-
The Strawberry Roan (John English, 1948) 2
The Gunfighter (Henry King, 1950) 3-
http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/67/6719/EFVA100Z/posters/the-gunfighter-gregory-peck-karl-malden-skip-homeier-1950.jpg
Gregory Peck, Karl Malden, Skip Homeier
Thor (Kenneth Branagh, 2011) 3
Blood Tide (Richard Jefferies, 1982) 1
RoboCop 2 (Irvin Kershner, 1990) 3+
The Monuments Men (George Clooney, 2014) 2.5 (Watch The Train instead)
http://www.trulymovingpictures.org/wp-content/uploads/monuments-men-2014-photo4_thumb.jpg
John Goodman, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray
Camp Takota (Riedell Bros., 2014) 2
Mr. Popper's Penguins (Mark Waters, 2011) 2.5+
The Brain Machine (Joy N. Houck Jr., 1977) 1
The Paper Chase (James Bridges, 1973) 4-
http://www.davidmullenasc.com/paperchase6s.jpg
Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner
Lost Horizon (Frank Capra, 1937) 3.5
And You Thought Your Parents Were Weird (Tony Cookson, 1991) 1.5
Movie Pests (Will Jason, 1944) 2.5
Lone Survivor (Peter Berg, 2013) 3-
http://12angrycinephiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Lone-Survivor-ss-18b-1050x7001-600x250.jpg
Taylor Kitsch, Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch

[jiraffejustin]

Emile Hirsch looks like a skinny Jack Black there.

[Mr Minio]

用心棒 [Yojimbo] (1961) - 4

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3kqbe2Adh1qaiz7oo2_r1_500.gif
Not a single f*ck was given this day!

I have heard about Sergio Leone being sued for plagiarism, but it's been until now I entirely understand why. For a Fistfull of Dollars is basically a rip-off of this film. I had a lot of fun remembering and pointing out the similarities. Since I'm a big fan of Dollar Trilogy I wasn't sure if I will like Yojimbo, but I did! Toshiro Mifune is disturbingly calm in here and does not resemble a madman from Throne of Blood. He is such a badass, though! Comparable to Eastwood! There's also my favourite Japanese actor Tatsuya Nakadai playing a bad character this time! I expected an epic duel in the end between my two favourite Japanese actors and was kind of disappointed. Yes, I know there's more Kurosawa with this duo. I have to see more Kurosawa films! Seen 8 so far.

Adams æbler [Adam's Apples] (2005) - 3.5

http://24.media.tumblr.com/22a68598150e40e064a11344d54569af/tumblr_mnu1mmTzmm1qcxymno8_250.gifhttp://25.media.tumblr.com/6264c8e254db62e014c9f286c2faebd1/tumblr_mnu1mmTzmm1qcxymno6_250.gif
http://25.media.tumblr.com/ae275fd233404ef100e401186782f463/tumblr_mnu1mmTzmm1qcxymno3_250.gifhttp://31.media.tumblr.com/d892396b44e11cfbb80569d5940c85d1/tumblr_mnu1mmTzmm1qcxymno4_250.gif
That's just plain rude!

A crazy mix of a serious drama and black comedy. This time I knew it's a dark comedy before watching it, so I knew I'm supposed to laugh. Seriously, I laughed a bit, but some themes in this film are really heavy. Not sure if it's just the style, or funny moments are to kind of balance this heaviness, but it works! Not sure why I didn't rate it higher, maybe because of the ending, which is too idyllic.

[jiraffejustin]

I love Yojimbo. Glad you seem to as well! :up:

[Sane]

Blissfully Yours (2002) - Apichatpong Weerasethakul
The third film of his I've seen and I'm starting to get what he is going for - although this was probably simpler than Uncle Boonmee or Syndromes. Good thoughtful movie. 4

Patient X (2009) - Yam Laranas
Laranas is a pretty good horror director. His strength is creepiness which is a good thing - but unfortunately this really sucked. 1

The Skin I Live In (2011) - Pedro Almodovar
Almodovar does it again :) This time it is a completely crazy story about a plastic surgeon who creates a form of synthetic skin. I have to say, Spanish films are filled with ridiculously attractive people who can usually act really well ... gives their movies something extra to enjoy ;) 4.5

Thor: The Dark World (2013) - Alan Taylor
Apparently I enjoyed this more than most people. I really liked the first one and this continued the formula - lots of action with a bit of a heart. 3.5

Enemy Mine (1985) - Wolfgang Petersen
This first half hour of this was awful - Dennis Quaid has never been so bad. So, I turned it off and read a bit about it - I thought maybe it was a comedy and I had missed the point. It's not. Anyway, it had some good reviews so I gave it a second chance - and wasted an hour of my life that I'll never get back. It did improve a bit but it's a poor movie overall. 2

The Page Turner (2006) - Denis Dercourt
Solid little French thriller - not a wasted scene in its 80 minutes. Only negative is it doesn't really go anywhere and the ending is completely expected but it's definitely an enjoyable movie. 3.5-

Earth and Ashes (2004) - Atiq Rahimi
Rahimi is an author and director originally from Afghanistan - he seems to move between there and France now. This is about an old man and his grandson trying to get to a mine where his son works after the rest of their family is killed during the war. Quite touching and very nicely shot. 4

[Lucas]

The Passion of Joan of Arc

This is one of the great cinema performances, easily one of the finest we'll ever see. Maria Falconetti's acting is universally lauded, and for good season. Her face literally says it all. You can see the anguish,the fear, and the torment she must have felt during her final hours on Earth before being put to a fiery death. A bleak,unflinching film. A monument of the silent era, and a testament of the strength of faith . 4+

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lopq28WWbt1qlswfuo1_500.gif

The Conversation

The Godfather Part 1 & 2. Apocalypse Now. The Conversation. 4 of the greatest films of the 70's, and they were all done by one man:Francis Ford Coppola. The Conversation is every bit as good as the other three films listed...let that sink in for a bit. Gene Hackman is a marvelous actor,he truly is. His performance in this film as the loner Harry Caul is one of the best acting performances ever. He brings this character to life, a flawed,tragic character who you can't help but feel pity for. From the very first frame of this film you know that this film is made by a master filmmaker. Harry Caul is a surveillance expert, he is a master of his trade. Yet he fears that because of his latest recording an innocent couple will be murdered. Coppola weaves Hitchcockian suspense, brilliant cinematography and intimate storytelling and helps make the film soar.

They don't make thrillers like The Conversation anymore. Occasionally we might get a film like Prisoners, but for the most part Hollywood doesn't dare attempt such films. I highly recommend The Conversation to every Mofo. Sit down on your couch one night and lay back. You're in good hands. 4.5

http://digboston.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Conversation_600.jpg


Some Like it Hot
This is a fantastic comedy film. The premise of guys dressing up as females has been done to death, and that does slightly decrease the film's freshness I admit. But that doesn't matter because this film excels because of the great performances of the two leads, the clever dialogue and that bodacious Marilyn Monroe. This is a great romantic-comedy. I never thought I'd be calling a romantic comedy great, but this really is.Plus I have to give major props to the final scene, I haven't laughed this hard at a film in a very,very long time.Thats gotta count for something.4

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ1QuU8fkx_TEgRmG9eNeWhG2RMqjPL9FzxPYVbJeDhu6qw8CDH

[BlueLion]

They don't make thrillers like The Conversation anymore. Occasionally we might get a film like Prisoners, but for the most part Hollywood doesn't dare attempt such films. I highly recommend The Conversation to every Mofo. Sit down on your couch one night and lay back. You're in good hands. 4.5

Have you seen The Lives of Others? It's quite similar to The Conversation. Prisoners is more like Se7en.

If only there were no twists and things weren't really explained at the end of The Conversation. I probably would have loved it.

[Pussy Galore]

Repulsion (1965)
Roman Polanski
http://tacomafilmclubannex.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/repulsion-movie-poster11.jpg
4 Really bizarre and sensual horror movie. Catherine Deneuve is absolutely magnificient. It's the kind of film that is pleasant to rewatch on multiple occasion because there isn't a very big plot it's more based on atmosphere, photography and acting.

The Celebration (Festen) (1998)
Thomas Vintenberg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga6DoJm2zpw/URgO86nOuiI/AAAAAAAACOc/4sSNZsXBnCw/s640/Festen.jpg
4 ++ A surprise, I loved that film. It's turn in a very realistic way which serves the story very well. I loved how the movie criticize hypocrisy and I think we can make the analogy of that familly on the whole society

[Miss Vicky]

Winter's Tale (Akiva Goldsman, 2014) 2-

Willow (Ron Howard, 1988) (Rewatch) 3+

Philomena (Stephen Frears, 2013) 3.5+

Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013) 4

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (Robert Zemeckis, 1988) (Rewatch) 4.5

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/willowpig.gif

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/doomeyes.gif

[Mr Minio]

I once again want to be a crude rater, but I fail miserably, so once again high ratings! Wanted to decreases 12 Years to 3 and Temptation to 3.5, but couldn't. Don't know if it's because I love movies in general so much, or am just an excited child. Wait, isn't it the same in this case?

天国と地獄 [High and Low] (1963) - 4.5

http://25.media.tumblr.com/8dff34f2f85901d4d7b8343dea773b67/tumblr_mnmpydHVRN1snmmclo1_500.gif
,,Why should you and I hate each other?"

I feel like it's the best Kurosawa after Rashomon and really want to rate it 4.5, but something is stopping me. Until a rewatch, I guess. :) Incredible acting of both Mifune and Nakadai. A lot of twists and surprises, tones of suspense and interestingly presented investigation. Last scenes are simply masterful, but I still felt like it's missing something. Something that would make it a true masterpiece. That pink smoke, though. Amazing! Oooh, I rate it 4.5. Does the rating even matter? If you haven't seen it, GO FOR IT!

12 Years a Slave (2013) - 3.5

http://25.media.tumblr.com/e0c74158b22301ea300d6e9a8b1a2557/tumblr_mt2f827L6Y1qm26qzo1_500.gif
,,I don't want to survive. I want to live. "

Worst McQueen film so far. It's brilliantly shot and acted, but I still feel like there's something missing. A big plus it's not pompous, but rather modest, sophisticated and brutally realistic, which really adds to the experience. Lovely silent score, not as present as for example in the beginning of Shame, but hidden and underlining the significant moments. The most impressive and touching scene? This long one. Don't want to spoil anything, but it's the one with not much movement except for people in the background and desperate jerks for life of the protagonist.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) - 4

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m76d4z5kMZ1qzmdtmo1_500.gif
,,If I was a woodcutter, I'd cut. If I was a fire, I'd burn. But I'm a heart and I love. That's the only thing I can do."

Wow, the Church must have been really pissed off! This is even better than Pasolini's take on Christ! I'm practising Catholic, but I really loved this film and I bet many men of faith do the same, because why not? The depiction of Jesus as a person, who doubts, fears, is tempted and has more human desires isn't far from the biblical one. However, the movie was based upon a book of some Greek (pardon my ignorance). Due to the title I predicted the ending, but it didn't change the watching experience that much. When seeing the scene with toast I thought 'there better be a gif of it' and there is so I hereby post it! I read the flickering colors at the end were not intended. I doubt there's anything that could portray metaphysical power of Absolute better than abstract Brakhage-like eccentricity. Be it in 2001: A Space Odyssey, or in here. Intended, or not I really like such ending. Now I have to rewatch Taxi Driver. :(

[The Gunslinger45]

I once again want to be a crude rater, but I fail miserably, so once again high ratings! Wanted to decreases 12 Years to 3 and Temptation to 3.5, but couldn't. Don't know if it's because I love movies in general so much, or am just an excited child. Wait, isn't it the same in this case?

天国と地獄 [High and Low] (1963) - 4.5

http://25.media.tumblr.com/8dff34f2f85901d4d7b8343dea773b67/tumblr_mnmpydHVRN1snmmclo1_500.gif
,,Why should you and I hate each other?"

I feel like it's the best Kurosawa after Rashomon and really want to rate it 4.5, but something is stopping me. Until a rewatch, I guess. :) Incredible acting of both Mifune and Nakadai. A lot of twists and surprises, tones of suspense and interestingly presented investigation. Last scenes are simply masterful, but I still felt like it's missing something. Something that would make it a true masterpiece. That pink smoke, though. Amazing! Oooh, I rate it 4.5. Does the rating even matter? If you haven't seen it, GO FOR IT!

12 Years a Slave (2013) - 3.5

http://25.media.tumblr.com/e0c74158b22301ea300d6e9a8b1a2557/tumblr_mt2f827L6Y1qm26qzo1_500.gif
,,I don't want to survive. I want to live. "

Worst McQueen film so far. It's brilliantly shot and acted, but I still feel like there's something missing. A big plus it's not pompous, but rather modest, sophisticated and brutally realistic, which really adds to the experience. Lovely silent score, not as present as for example in the beginning of Shame, but hidden and underlining the significant moments. The most impressive and touching scene? This long one. Don't want to spoil anything, but it's the one with not much movement except for people in the background and desperate jerks for life of the protagonist.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) - 4

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m76d4z5kMZ1qzmdtmo1_500.gif
,,If I was a woodcutter, I'd cut. If I was a fire, I'd burn. But I'm a heart and I love. That's the only thing I can do."

Wow, the Church must have been really pissed off! This is even better than Pasolini's take on Christ! I'm practising Catholic, but I really loved this film and I bet many men of faith do the same, because why not? The depiction of Jesus as a person, who doubts, fears, is tempted and has more human desires isn't far from the biblical one. However, the movie was based upon a book of some Greek (pardon my ignorance). Due to the title I predicted the ending, but it didn't change the watching experience that much. When seeing the scene with toast I thought 'there better be a gif of it' and there is so I hereby post it! I read the flickering colors at the end were not intended. I doubt there's anything that could portray metaphysical power of Absolute better than abstract Brakhage-like eccentricity. Be it in 2001: A Space Odyssey, or in here. Intended, or not I really like such ending. Now I have to rewatch Taxi Driver. :(

Hope you like Taxi Driver :D

Love High and Low. A great Kurosawa movie.

As for The Last Temptation, I get where Scorsese was coming from and his technical prowess was superb. But I admit I thought it was a 2.5 movie.

But yeah I read people were more then a little pissed about that movie.

[Mr Minio]

As for The Last Temptation, I get where Scorsese was coming from and his technical prowess was superb. But I admit I thought it was a 2.5 movie. Well, to me Taxi Driver was a 3 film, so that's why I'd like to rewatch it.

[mark f]

The Meeksville Ghost (David Lister, 2001) 2
Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (Dick Lowry, 1983) 1.5
Cross My Heart (Armyan Bernstein, 1987) 2.5
The Mark (Guy Green, 1961) 3
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-phfLmfIp6EQ/TYPdd3xrqeI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/GR0l3b1pPMk/Stuart%2BWhitman%2BThe%2BMark.PNG
Stuart Whitman, Oscar nom - Best Actor
Uptown Girls (Boaz Yakin, 2003) 2.5
Torture Money (Harold S. Buquet, 1937) 2
Mesa of Lost Women (Herbert Tevos & Ron Ormond, 1953) 1+
Of Human Bondage (John Cromwell, 1934) 2.5+
http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/2/6/7/2/7/0/7/of-human-bondage-131668699976.jpeg
Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, the latter the only write-in Oscar Best Actress nom
The Lost Jungle (David Howard & Armand Schaefer, 1934) 2
The Barretts of Wimpole Street (Sidney Franklin, 1934) 2.5+
Unfaithful (Adrian Lyne, 2002) 2.5+
Mysteries of Lisbon (Raúl Ruiz, 2010) 3+
http://pic.pimg.tw/monedith/87782546a1167df60b5637e06e6c5cc6.jpg
José Afonso Pimentel in one of his worlds
Blackjack Ketchum, Desperado (Earl Bellamy, 1956) 2
The Cabinet of Caligari (Roger Kay, 1962) 2.5
Wild Country (Craig Strachan, 2005) 1.5+
My Favorite Year (Richard Benjamin, 1982) 3.5
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2j6dm8lBi1qfppcf.jpg
Peter O'Toole, Mark Linn-Baker, Jessica Harper
The Luckiest Guy in the World (Joseph Newman, 1947) 2
Bad Ass (Craig Moss, 2012) 2
They're Always Caught (Harold S. Buquet, 1938) 2.5
The Wayward Cloud (Ming-liang Tsai, 2005) 1.5
(extra ½ box for the opening sex scene ↓↓ and a couple of the musical numbers)
http://www.80grados.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/TheWaywardCloud.jpg
Hey, the city's short on water, so they both need it.

[Mmmm Donuts]

Sex scenes should always get a bonus half popcorn box. :up:

[The Gunslinger45]

Well, to me Taxi Driver was a 3 film, so that's why I'd like to rewatch it.

Hence why I say I hope ya like it!

[jiraffejustin]

The Wayward Cloud (Ming-liang Tsai, 2005) 1.5
(extra ½ box for the opening sex scene ↓↓ and a couple of the musical numbers)
http://www.80grados.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/TheWaywardCloud.jpg
Hey, the city's short on water, so they both need it.


Note to self: watch The Wayward Cloud.

[jiraffejustin]

I just watched Le orme a.k.a. Footprints on the Moon. It's a giallo sort of. It has the typical giallo flare, but it's quite unlike most other giallos in that it's not very violent and it has a comprehensible plot. The main character has recurring nightmares about a program she saw when she was younger about a man exiled to the moon for the sake of a study. She begins to think that the people from the movie are after her. The cinematography is the reason you should watch it though. Vittorio Storaro is the sh*t.

http://markmalazarte.com/waxandmilk/stills/leorme/leorme1.png

http://markmalazarte.com/waxandmilk/stills/leorme/leorme4.png

http://markmalazarte.com/waxandmilk/stills/leorme/leorme12.png
yes, that is Klaus Kinski

http://markmalazarte.com/waxandmilk/stills/leorme/leorme13.png

http://markmalazarte.com/waxandmilk/stills/leorme/leorme15.png

http://markmalazarte.com/waxandmilk/stills/leorme/leorme18.png

http://markmalazarte.com/waxandmilk/stills/leorme/leorme20.png

[BlueLion]

http://i.imgur.com/PP2jhRh.png
Rate Last Movie You Saw? F*ck that sh*t. MOVIE TAB II!

---

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwfxldYaEj1qjd7zho1_500.gif
Blood Simple (1984) - 4
Coen bros. Enough said.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/be5e24bf7fa5e2a4501f4d8640d50282/tumblr_mykrbrhEYI1t90bu9o1_500.gif
Mary and Max (2009) - 3.5
It's not Miss Vicky this time!

It's good. I had no idea it would deal with serious and dark themes such as loneliness, depression, anxiety etc. but there was something about the execution that I just didn't love. It gets a bit repetitive and maybe a little too dark.

http://i.imgur.com/l1pewFZ.png
Airplane! (1980) - 2
Someone please tell me I'm not the only one who finds this to be extremely dated and overrated. I didn't laugh at any of the jokes or one-liners. It's just downright silly. The scene with the woman that sleeps next to a horse in her bed (wtf?) summed up the entire movie for me.

[Mr Minio]

Wayward Cloud only 1.5? Its quirky kinkiness deserves more!

Interesting film, Le Orme. Added to watchlist!

And I didn't like Airplane neither, so you're not alone, BlueLion

[The Gunslinger45]

Note to self: watch The Wayward Cloud.

I get the feeling you should stick to porn.

[bluedeed]

http://i.imgur.com/PP2jhRh.png
Rate Last Movie You Saw? F*ck that sh*t. MOVIE TAB II!


You need to go for the Lucas Super Rep Method. Post the movies individually in RtLMYS and then together in Movie Tab II

[meatwadsprite]

I can't wait for Movie Tab III.

[jiraffejustin]

Movie Tab II is one of those rare instances where the sequel is better than the original.

[jiraffejustin]

I get the feeling you should stick to porn.

I never planned on making the two mutually exclusive viewing options. ;)

[donniedarko]

The other movie tab was getting so large that many dial-up members were complaining

Movie Tab is so vintage

[jiraffejustin]

Last Movie Tab got 8,000 replies...

That is a lot of replies.

If they were alive to see Movie Tab II they would stop using such hyperbolic statements about such a primitive thread.

[donniedarko]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q58rXTrSgec/Urhfre1LMOI/AAAAAAAAD2c/pPFoIW_Wi9c/s400/Hawthorne-street.jpg
June Squibb, Bruce Dern, and Will Forte (Nebraska)

Recent Watches:
Evocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie (Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, 2012) [Documentary]- 2.5-
The Cook, The Thief, The Wife, & Her Lover (Greenaway, 1989)- 4
Don't Torture A Duckling (Fulci, 1972)- 1
Commando (Lester, 1984)- 2
The Doll (Lubitsch, 1919)- 3
Nebraska (Payne, 2013)- 3.5+
Citizen Ruth (Payne, 1996)- 2.5
Raising Arizona (Coen Brothers, 1987) [REWATCH]- 2.5
Midnight Express (Alan Parker, 1978)- 3
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From Mofo 80s Countdown:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4d6yUDWskdo/UHb4BTIc9gI/AAAAAAAAAjU/T1gQ_VE-ne8/s640/SVOD-L-The-Cook-The-Thief-His-Wife-And-Her-Lover.jpg
The Lover, the Cook, The Wife, The Thief

As seen immediately, in the film, The Cook, The Theif, The Wife & Her Lover takes great advantage of the use of color. The last film I can think of that uses color so overwhelmingly is Bergmans Cries and Whispers, where he drowns the audience with red. What I found stunning in this film was that the scenes were so beautiful while all taking place in-doors, in fact the only ugly scenes were the outdoor ones, which took barely any screen time.

This film features on of the greatest pricks in cinema history, Albert. Played by Michael Gambon, who absolutely blew me away. Albert surrounds himself with his arrogant sidekicks, but compared to him they're a set of nuns.
Peter Greenaway creates a true villain with Albert, one that no one can like or desire to imitate. Albert is a bully, rapist, and a misogynist, whose traits are greed & arrogance. Albert isn't just a smug rich man though, he definently has his deficiencies, which can be seen with his envy. There's a scene where Albert ruins one of his wives dishes as a practical joke, when he's done pouring wine on the expensive meal the camera cuts to showing the hard work of the chef and kitchen, which represents the destructive path Albert has.

The greatest scene of the film is when the affair begins in the restroom, and Albert comes in. Standing outside the stall the intensity reaches an all time high. It's interesting that Albert behaves at his worst in restrooms after this.

Greenaway has no taboos in this film, whether it's what's being discussed at the dinner table, which most people would never speak about... or what Albert does to others, which most people wouldn't even think about. Despite how disturbing this film is, there's solid black comedy, and even some light British humor. A moment that incoorporates the taboo and comedy elements is the gynecologist dinner table conversation.

The films idol is the chef. He makes Albert wait, while giving a beaten poor man immediate attention. He's also the only character to bring smart philosophy to the table, unlike Albert who just spits gibberish. Before cooking his shock of a dish, the chef speaks about the most expensive food: "black food". He's a hard worker yet speaks as if he's been still as Rodins "The Thinker".

I fell in love with the cast: Bohringer, Hellen Miren, Tim Roth, Alan Howard, and Gambon all bring something unique to this movie. The whole cast comes together at the conclusion to bring the single greatest revenge scene, that even Tarantino (Kill Bill, Django Unchained) & Chan-Wook Park (Oldboy, Lady Vegenence) couldn't think of. Fascinating cinematic masterpiece.


There are two Alexander Payne movies in this set, the first is his Black & White best picture nominated Nebraska. The movie gets truly touching by the end, and depending on the kind of person you are prior to this movie can be either a tragedy or a comedy. While there's definitely some pity thrown out at once, I did consider this a funny movie. The crude dialogue was right up my style, and Alexander Payne capitalizes on his wit through the no bull sh*t June Squibb. I fell in love with the whole cast, Bruce Dern (who really deserves the best actor), Will Forte (in a plain but clear role), Bob Odenkirk (better call Saul), but most importantly June Squibb. Nebraska succeeds in painting the small town life, in which most never get out of. With themes of alcoholism and delusion coming from Bruce Dern, it's hard not to feel any empathy for the character, but at the same time I laughed out loud several times.

Secondly Citizen Ruth:

There aren't to many comedies about abortion out there today, but Alexander Payne attempts on in Citizen Ruth. The movie has guts, but the humor itself doesn't have the shock value I was expecting. The witty Payne could've pulled a few jaw droppers, but didn't even attempt them. The movie still has funny moments, as Ruth is pulled between a poster child of pro-life and pro-choice, when she as a drug addict gets pregnant with her forth child. The espionage reveal was funny, but there aren't to many other laugh out loud moments.

The film has some explorative cinematography, when put in the first person perspective of Ruth. It's nothing ground breaking, but is intriguing.

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"Oh sh*t, I hate that picture!"

I felt that Ruth switched from mellow disinterest to extreme passion to often. Perhaps it was to show the ever changing moves of an inhaler addict, but it didn't always make sense. Luara Dern has gotten acclaim for this role, but I didn't see anything special. Little true emotion, and far to much swaying.

Alexander Payne Ranked


The Descendants
About Schmidt
Nebraska
Citizen Ruth

The next film I most want to see is Sideways, and then eventually Election

Raising Arizona I liked a little more this time around, than I did when I first saw it, my rating went up from a 2. I forgot how funny and great, the quick moving, first 25 minutes of this movie are. It's the kind of dry and bizarre humor I love from the Coen Brothers. But then despite the fast pace the movie begins to drag. There's still some quirk to go around, but there's nothing grasping. Raising Arizona remains one of my least favorite Coen Brother movies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLEabGpRPkI
789 Mississippi, 790 Mississippi, 791 Mississippi...

Midnight Express, follows the true story of Billy Hays, an American who was caught smuggling in Turkey. I believe that I should've felt more emotion during this movie, because it truly gives a brutal picture of the chaotic Turkish Prison, and unjust judicial system. But really all I felt was anger towards Rifki, and pride when he gets what's coming to him. Well I guess that is an understatement, since there are a few powerful scenes not involving Rifki at all, when Billy Hays' girlfriend comes to visit him, and all he can think about is her cleavage, that was a truly pitiful site. The screenplay is adapted by Oliver Stone, from the real Billy Hays' book. What was truly impressive though was the director and crew on production, since the Turkish Prison felt genuinely real. It's a tragic case, and a solid movie.

[Mr Minio]

Don't Torture A Duckling (Fulci, 1972)- 1

http://i54.tinypic.com/2ex6kx4.jpg

The movie is brilliant! :p

[donniedarko]

Half my problem was the sh*t dub, which was the only way I could watch it on my DVD

[Mr Minio]

I see. I saw it in Italian with English subtitles.

[Pussy Galore]

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4.5 The Third Man is definitly a new personnal favorite of mine. The story is good, but it's really the atmosphere, the ligthing, the acting and especially the music that makes this film so good. The scene with Lime and the cat is pure genius, so his the final chase scene. A masterpiece.

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4 The Battle of Algiers is a really good documentary style war movie. It's really as realistic as it gets and is impartial in it's delivery of history. They didn't show Algeria as the poor victimes, they showed the atrocity that the algerians made in order to achieve revolution. It's not a movie like Schindler's List that shows the atrocities the nazi made and just that.

[Harry Lime]

Two of my all-time favourites.

[Sane]

Wayward Cloud only 1.5? Its quirky kinkiness deserves more!


I liked The Wayward Cloud quite a lot but I'm a fan of Tsai - I could definitely see others hating it.

It was certainly an interesting movie - being a bit of a negative comment on pornography and being so explicit itself. What I loved most though was that it developed themes that run through almost all of Tsai's movies. It was kind of a sequel to What Time is It There - and there was also a short called The Skywalk is Gone in between the two films that developed the characters a bit further.

The main theme being the inability of people to make real connections in the modern world. In regards to this most of Tsai's films feel like episodes in a series rather than individual movies. When Lee Kang Sheng and Chen Shiang Chyi do finally make a connection it's in perhaps the most strange way I've ever seen - a bizarre, confronting and strangely touching scene.

The sex scenes mostly involved a Japanese porn actress (who Mark showed). They were the least arousing reasonably explicit sex scenes I've ever seen - which was Tsai's point. The way the watermelon played a role in this movie is kind of a Tsai trademark. There is often a Sci-fi or Fantasy element in his movies - which is depicted in a completely non Sci-fi or Fantasy way.

For example, The Hole was actually an almost post apocalyptic movie but you needed to be paying attention to pick up on it. It was just an element of the story rather than it being the story. In The Wayward Cloud the watermelon was there because the island had run out of water (from memory).

Tsai is different to the other two most famous Taiwanese directors - Hou and Yang. They have developed what I think of as a Taiwanese style whilst Tsai's movies are always about Taiwan but are told in an, at times, European way - sometimes very obviously (as was the case with What Time is it There). I think the difference might be because he is originally Malaysian so his influences are different. I actually think of him as being more like Wong Kar Wai than like Hou or Yang.

Anyway, The Wayward Cloud was definitely flawed - it should have been a great movie but wasn't. I think Tsai got caught up in trying to shock. But, as I said, I liked it and gave it 3.5+.

[Mr Minio]

When Lee Kang Sheng and Chen Shiang Chyi do finally make a connection it's in perhaps the most strange way I've ever seen - a bizarre, confronting and strangely touching scene. Yeah, that's one deep(throat) scene.

I also rate it 3.5

[Sane]

Stoker (2013) - Park Chan Wook
Park managed to succeed where many before him have failed - he managed to go to America and make a film that is largely his own. This is a pretty average story and script that is elevated by Park's style. In the hands of a lesser director this would have been only OK but it turned out to be very good. 4

Hellboy (2004) - Guillermo Del Toro
OK, Del Toro needs to stop thinking he is telling epic stories when he is really just making big action movies. Over two hours for this is ridiculous. Would probably have been very good if it was an hour and a half but I just lost interest for much of the last hour. Looks great though. 3

The Roaring Twenties (1939) - Raoul Walsh
Did Scorsese watch this before he made Goodfellas? Pretty similar story. Anyway, it's a good gangster movie with Cagney & Bogart. Never realised this before but James Cagney was a tiny man. Detracts from his tough guy act a little bit ;) 4

Lola Montes (1955) - Max Ophuls
A visually brilliant movie. Strikes me as being extremely influential considering when it was made. Probably wasn't quite as engaging a story as it could have been but I really enjoyed it. 4+

[mark f]

Let me ask you guys then. Why did he make The Wayward Cloud? This specific movie. It doesn't illuminate the characters or environment. It's different and a bit outlandish but it seems to have no purpose. I'm sure he's already filled plenty of his other films with what amount to five-minute establishing shots which establish nothing. :)

[Harry Lime]

Let me ask you guys then. Why did he make The Wayward Cloud? This specific movie. It doesn't illuminate the characters or environment. It's different and a bit outlandish but it seems to have no purpose. I'm sure he's already filled plenty of his other films with what amount to five-minute establishing shots which establish nothing. :)
Haters gonna hate!

[Sane]

Let me ask you guys then. Why did he make The Wayward Cloud? This specific movie. It doesn't illuminate the characters or environment. It's different and a bit outlandish but it seems to have no purpose. I'm sure he's already filled plenty of his other films with what amount to five-minute establishing shots which establish nothing. :)
To me it does illuminate the characters. They had a couple of brief meetings, talking about watches, and then Chen went to France. It was a love story like In The Mood For Love but even less romantic stuff happened ;)

In The Skywalk is Gone Chen comes back and is looking for Lee but can't find him. Nothing much happens in that short but it is a continuation ... she still thinks she might be able to make a connection, and so do we, but she can't find him.

In The Wayward Cloud they do meet again and they have something but it doesn't work, neither of them really know how to connect. This is a very common Asian theme and I've noticed it IRL in both Singapore and Malaysia. Millions of people walking past each other every day, all staring at their phones. Friends sitting in restaurants having the odd laugh ... and then everyone looks at their phones ...

Tsai is also making a comment about pornography (internet porn I guess) which is unrealistic, so lacking in chemistry, is just about sex - without a "connection". Lee's character goes into it because it is soulless. It means nothing, no different to any other relationship in his life.

This culminates in them finally having a connection when Chen finds out he makes porn movies ... and Lee is finally actually getting something out of it as he looks at her ... and then they finally connect ... in a completely bizarre and pornographic way - because that's all he knows.

I actually thought it was one of his more "illuminating" movies - much more than The Hole for example - just wasn't actually as good a movie.

It had something of value to say - Tsai just didn't deliver it as well as he should have.

[bluedeed]

Let me ask you guys then. Why did he make The Wayward Cloud? This specific movie. It doesn't illuminate the characters or environment. It's different and a bit outlandish but it seems to have no purpose. I'm sure he's already filled plenty of his other films with what amount to five-minute establishing shots which establish nothing. :)

Sounds like you enjoyed it slightly more than Flight of the Red Balloon

[mark f]

Slightly, yes. At least Sane came up with an answer.

[Mr Minio]

And why did Beethoven made ninth symphony? He already made 8 so he could give up!

[Nostromo87]

Let the Right One In (2008), Tomas Alfredson
4+

Lina Leandersson's movie (Eli), the star of the show. i can't picture a different girl playing this part better. Let the Right One In is like a modern horror fairy tale. Kare Hedebrant (Oskar) is pretty good too, although i figure he's just like the older guy from earlier in the movie, Eli's protector. basically i imagine that Eli is like 200+ years old, she's just immortalized in a 12 year old's body. so she's been cycling through this process for hundreds of years, as far as finding a kid she likes and grooming him to be her loyal protector. good vampire flick

you have to invite me in

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Rosemary's Baby (1968), Roman Polanski
3.5

well made & very good performances, deserves its classic status i suppose. a sort of slow build-up develops towards a strong final act.. although to be honest, found it to be too bleak to really enjoy as much as some of my favorites... gloomy & disheartening horror show

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[Guaporense]

Nausicaa (1984)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bc/Nausicaaposter.jpg/220px-Nausicaaposter.jpg

13th time. I have watched this movie 13 times over the past 30 months. Now it has began to bore me a little, given that I have clearly memorized the entire movie. I still was moved enough to cry a couple of times though still achieving the highest emotional density of any movie I ever watched. Though it lacks the formal beauty of PMMM it has a much more natural flow and is better directed. 5 +++

One thing I noticed is the completely over the top dialogue as well. Every line is mythical and makes The Road Warrior's dialogue look something out of an Ozu film.

Sumi Shimamoto's voice acting is indeed one of the exceptional things about this, her performance as Nausicaa is the best voice acting I ever heard (and I heard quite a bit).

Also, Nausicaa's poster above, is the best film poster I ever saw. Miyazaki drew all the posters for Nausicaa and the one he likes the more is just the one right above.

Eve no Jinkan (2010)

http://www.criticker.com/img/films/posters/Time_of_Eve.jpg

It's like Her in dealing with the possibility of A.I. in the near but more focused on social issues instead of personal ones. It's originally an internet animation, but since it lasts for 105 minutes, it can be understood as a film. 3_5

[honeykid]

Drive 2 - It started off OK, it reminded me of American Gigolo meets Bullit and it had that swagger of cool, but that's all it seemed to be by the end. An homage to cool, which, naturally, means that it can't be cool itself and, as I didn't feel it had another card to play, it just fell flat.

[Lucas]

Tokyo Story
I find that sometimes the simplest films end up being the greatest. Tokyo Story is sweet,gentle,emotional and at times extremely sad. This film is about an old couple who go and visit their children in the city. The children don't exactly want the parents around. This film is so emotionally wrenching, I actually was starting to tear up a bit. It's human and I feel everyone can relate.

I constantly see this film brought up in the greatest film of all-time conversations and the praise is rightly reserved. This is cinema that will stand the test of time.4.5+ Note to self:See more Ozu films.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/stills/132199-b069e4720c35ba46b653946afbbc1fda/Film_217_TokyoStory_original.jpg


Melancholia
Lars Von Trier has the reputation of being one of the most divisive filmmakers out there. It's either you love his films or you loathe them, a middle-ground usually isn't an option. My stance on Melancholia is that it is a good film,but not quite great.

This is first and foremost a Von Trier film. It is dark,pessimistic and very artsy. I give massive praise to the acting performances which are just incredible. I am not a fan of Kirsten Dunst, but damn she is really good in this film. The film's opening and closing scenes are beautiful,they are expertly composed and I doubt I'll be forgetting them anytime soon. This is a movie about the end of the world, but it isn't a disaster film. It is about the relationship between two sisters, and how they cope knowing the world is about to end. It's a rather straight-forward film , its still avant-garde but it's not nearly as artsy as say Antichrist.
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My feelings towards this film are positive, but It's not without flaws. It's a bit dull in areas, and it feels Lars could have done a little more with the premise. Still worth checking out if you are into avant-garde cinema or just want to see something unique. 3.5

North By Northwest
4

This is a fantastic adventure film, and an excellent showcase of Hitchcock's talents as a filmmaker. Nothing else really needs be said.

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/dvd/warner/northbynorthwest/Warner_NXNW19-800.jpg

[Mmmm Donuts]

Drive 2 - It started off OK, it reminded me of American Gigolo meets Bullit and it had that swagger of cool, but that's all it seemed to be by the end. An homage to cool, which, naturally, means that it can't be cool itself and, as I didn't feel it had another card to play, it just fell flat.

http://themidnightalliance.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/i-hate-you.gif

God, how I detest your opinion so...

[Lucas]

The 400 Blows

The 400 Blows is considered one of the greatest films to come from the French New Wave. Does it live up to it's reputation? Yes, and in spades.

This is a study of an adolescent kid who has a tendency to get into trouble. First it's skipping school, but then it evolves into petty crime such as stealing. I found the film to be quite realistic, and it never became melodramatic or heavy-handed. It's refreshing to see a depiction of childhood that isn't nostalgic or idealistic. The director doesn't make the film one-sided either. The kid is portrayed like a human-being rather than a caricature of what a juvenile delinquent would potentially be like.

I applaud the child actors in this film as well, they were great. Goes to show that not all child actors are bad.I adore this film's final scene as well, a remarkable ending to a remarkable film. In sum, The 400 Blows is a great film. An essential classic. 4

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Apocalypse Now Redux

How do I even begin to tackle this behemoth of a film? Apocalypse Now is one of the quintessential masterworks of cinema. Coppola's film epic is about men who have journeyed past the brink of sanity into complete and utter darkness. The darkness of the human-soul. To simply call it a "war" film would be doing it a great injustice.

I saw this film for the first time when i was around 14. I wasn't a big fan of it during my initial viewing. I suppose you can say the film flew over my head. I had to give this film a rewatch and I sure am glad I did. This film does almost everything perfectly. The cinematography is mesmerizing, the acting is fantastic, and the script is full of depth and complexity. Apocalypse Now is atmospheric, at times surreal, and at all times hypnotizing. It's an absorbing,enthralling film which I see myself reviewing many more times over my lifetime.

The sheer scope of this film is almost unrivaled. This film is not just a journey,but an experience. You don't see films like this anymore,rather an onslaught of derivative superhero films or just sh*t studio cash-ins. Coppola was the best filmmaker of the 70's, there's no disputing it. 4.5. I was a stupid 14-year old.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/linkableblob/5057752/data/camouflage-apocalypse-now-gif-data.gif

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[BlueLion]

http://i.imgur.com/wmLQ1L0.png
Three Colors: Blue (1993) - 4
I love the way Kieslowski makes "love" to Juliette Binoche via his camera (does that make sense? or does it sound kinky, perhaps?). I certainly wouldn't complain even if the close-ups lasted twice as long. It reminded me of Godard when he utilized his camera in a similar fashion in Vivre Sa Vie whenever he focused on Anna Karina.

It is inevitable that my rating would increase if I saw this for a second time. And I will watch it again this year, for sure. It's one of those movies I could watch literally anytime. I can't wait to see the rest of the trilogy, and I have this feeling that Red will end up being my favorite, but we'll see.

http://i.imgur.com/bDxjlN0.png
Once (2007) - 3.5
This is a very honest, natural and charming film. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would, although musicals really aren't my thing. The music is really nice and there is a heartfelt chemistry between the leads. I don't think I've seen such a convincing relationship since the Before trilogy.


+ a documentary
For All Mankind (1989) - 4
I was an astronomy aficionado before I became a film buff (and I kinda still am), so this documentary comprising 80 minutes of real NASA footage of the Apollo missions was a must-see for me.

Some of the scenes were breathtaking. Also, I love how the astronauts referenced 2001: A Space Odyssey twice. Firstly, they played the 2001 theme en route, which was really cool to see, and as they were approaching the lunar orbit, one of them is heard saying "It's 2001 type stuff", while describing the view. I wonder how Kubrick must have felt.

[Miss Vicky]

God, how I detest your opinion so...

Why, because he's honest?

At least he finished it. I got about ten minutes in and shut it off.

[BlueLion]

Drive 2 - It started off OK, it reminded me of American Gigolo meets Bullit and it had that swagger of cool, but that's all it seemed to be by the end. An homage to cool, which, naturally, means that it can't be cool itself and, as I didn't feel it had another card to play, it just fell flat.

http://img.pandawhale.com/post-28334-Ryan-Gosling-shut-your-mouth-g-sjCA.gif

[honeykid]

http://themidnightalliance.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/i-hate-you.gif

God, how I detest your opinion so...
Attack by all means, but don't use gif's of that talentless loser. :D

[jiraffejustin]

How dare you call the guy who played Norman Bates a talentless loser! :D

[Miss Vicky]

I like Vince Vaughn. :(

[honeykid]

I know you do, honey. But nobody's perfect. :)

[jiraffejustin]

I watched Blue is the Warmest Color. It was beautiful and painful. Adèle Exarchopoulos deserves as many acting awards as can be. She bares her soul and the continuous close-up shots highlight her emotional ride. I haven't felt so much for a movie character in a long time. Sure the sex scenes were graphic, and indeed very arousing, but I don't think they were put there for that purpose. They showed just how intense a first love can be. Both actresses were very brave to even do those things on camera, but I think it really payed off. And oh yeah, the cinematography is great too.

http://i.imgur.com/Awqp2GY.gif

[mark f]

Margin Call (J.C. Chandor, 2011) 2.5
Anna Boleyn (Ernst Lubitsch, 1920) 2.5
None But the Lonely Heart (Clifford Odets, 1944) 2
The Color Wheel (Alex Ross Perry, 2011) 2.5+
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Brother Alex Ross Perry and Sister Carlen Altman
xXx (Rob L. Cohen, 2002) 2.5+
Death Race (Paul W.S. Anderson, 2008) 2.5
12 Rounds (Renny Harlin, 2009) 2.5
Ghoulies (Luca Bercovici, 1985) 2
http://www.slasherstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Ghoulies-500x275.jpg
One of the title characters
Jet Lag (Danièle Thompson, 2002) 2
Desert Flower (Sherry Hormann, 2009) 2.5
Army Champions (Paul Vogel, 1941) 2.5
One Foot in Heaven (Irving Rapper, 1941) 3
http://www.lassothemovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/One-Foot-in-Heaven-1941.jpg
Fredric March, Martha Scott
Hell Comes to Frogtown (R.J. Kizer & Donald G. Jackson, 1988) 2+
Removal (Nick Simon, 2010) 2
Night of the Living Dead 3D (Jeff Broadstreet, 2006) 1.5
The Frisco Kid (Robert Aldrich, 1979) 3+
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Gene Wilder, Harrison Ford
S.O.B. (Blake Edwards, 1981) 3
Vive L’Amour (Ming-liang Tsai, 1994) 2
Hamlet (Laurence Olivier, 1948) 3.5
The Red Shoes (Powell & Pressburger, 1948) 4
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Moira Shearer

[Mr Minio]

Drive 2

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[Mr Minio]

麥秋 [Early Summer] (1951) - 4

http://25.media.tumblr.com/50ece2d399908957b683606895ad677c/tumblr_mpvkfvL8BE1qhhpdho1_500.gif
I'm wondering if it's because Ozu died that she gave up acting.

All Ozu non-silent films I have seen so far are 4 star films to me and this one does not change it. It's simply amazing how such simple films concerning such simple matters can be so good. Some light comedy elements show up in the first part of the film. Masterful! I fell in love with Setsuko Hara even more after seeing Early Summer.

Escape From New York (1981) - 2

http://media.giphy.com/media/cXOF0Tz2wwVgY/giphy.gif
Boobs. The best thing about this movie?

A big letdown. I didn't expect a movie as good as The Thing, but at least something like They Live. Nope. The thing (pun intended) is the movie is decent, but I found it extremely forgettable. Not even one scene worth remembering and I'm sure in a year I'm not going to remember anything from it. Even western legend Lee Van Cleef didn't save it.

+

Two shorts:

Harpya (1979) - 3 - bizzare and well-thought at times, but I didn't find it creepy or scary as many people

Межпланетная революция [Interplanetary Revolution] (1924) - 2.5 - Soviet propaganda animation short. Commies conquer the space! And they are to accomplish it in 1929!

[The Gunslinger45]

Plus rep for Ozu but come on, Escape from New York is awesome!

[Mmmm Donuts]

Why, because he's honest?

At least he finished it. I got about ten minutes in and shut it off.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6s47WsOEzqI/US2X2oTF0rI/AAAAAAAAHGg/7Be3Tm9LEQo/w800-h800/photo.jpg

Ah, you people are the worst.

[Sane]

麥秋 [Early Summer] (1951) - 4

http://25.media.tumblr.com/50ece2d399908957b683606895ad677c/tumblr_mpvkfvL8BE1qhhpdho1_500.gif
I'm wondering if it's because Ozu died that she gave up acting.

All Ozu non-silent films I have seen so far are 4 star films to me and this one does not change it. It's simply amazing how such simple films concerning such simple matters can be so good. Some light comedy elements show up in the first part of the film. Masterful! I fell in love with Setsuko Hara even more after seeing Early Summer.

I'm the same - the lowest rating I've given is 4- and that includes two silent films.

In regards to Hara, have you seen Kurosawa's The Idiot? Wasted opportunity of a movie but she was great in a different kind of role. For me it confirmed that she was much more than a beautiful smile - she was also a very fine actress.

[Mr Minio]

I haven't seen The Idiot yet, but I keep an eye on it.

[jiraffejustin]

Patton

http://grouchoreviews.com/content/films/3093/1.jpg

I don't know much about history, but if General Patton was the type of guy that George C. Scott depicted, he was a mean and hard-nosed sonofabitch. But damn if he wasn't an interesting mean and hard-nosed sonofabitch. I thought the description of him by the Nazi assigned to research him was a pretty good one. He was an anachronistic man of war, cut of the same cloth as famous commanders of the 16th century. The interest shown in Patton by the general public, the Russians, the British, and the Nazis makes sense. He was a captivating individual. Now it's probably time to do some research on the actual man and see if he lives up to George C. Scott's depiction.

4


If anybody has a gif of the kiss scene, please send it my way. :up:

[honeykid]

The Fall Of Ako Castle 2.5 - This is another telling of the 47 Ronin story and it's a good film from a genre I quite like (Feudal Japan/Samurai) however, I had two problems with this. Firstly, it's 157 minutes long and it feels like most of them. I was quite tired, so that wouldn't have helped, however, sometimes a film can energise you in those circumstances, but this didn't. It's interesting, but plodding and the first couple of hours have very little action. Had 20-30 minutes been cut from that first two hours and then the big action hit, I feel it would've worked a lot better. My second problem came from having difficulty knowing where I was in the story, but that's much more likely to be down to being tired and, therefore, my fault. Wide awake, it might be another half to a full popcorn, but it'll still be far too long. If you want epic Samurai drama, it's here for you.

[Brother Blue]

Samurai Rebellion (Kobayashi, 1967) 3.5
Bus 174 (Padilha & Lacerda, 2002) 4
You, the Living (Andersson, 2007) 4.5
My Friend Ivan Lapshin (German, 1986) 4.5
Planet of the Apes (Schaffner, 1968) 4*
Synecdoche, New York (Kaufman, 2008) 5+*
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (Lin, 2006) 0.5
Last Night (McKellar, 1998) 3.5*
Brazil (Gilliam, 1985) 3.5*
Cocaine Cowboys (Corben, 2004) 4
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About his Father (Kuenne, 2008) 3
Robocop (Padiha, 2014) 1

*-rewatch

[Mr Minio]

Samurai Rebellion (Kobayashi, 1967) 3.5
My Friend Ivan Lapshin (German, 1986) 4.5

http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/2013/07/stare-and-wink.gif

[mark f]

Johnny Belinda (Jean Negulesco, 1948) 3.5
Alexander's Ragtime Band (Henry King, 1938) 2.5+
King Solomon’s Mines (Compton Bennett & Andrew Marton, 1950) 3
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (John Huston, 1948) 4
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_na_dLyayuYI/SpUPd5vjbNI/AAAAAAAABTQ/EfVd5t3flq4/s400/Treasure_Sierra_Madre.jpg
Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston
The Hole aka Dong (Ming-liang Tsai, 1998) 1.5 +
Play It to the Bone (Ron Shelton, 1999) 2.5+
District 9 (Neill Blomkamp, 2009) 3+
Dillinger Is Dead (Marco Ferreri, 1969) 2.5+
http://occludedcelluloid.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/dillinger4.jpg
Michel Piccoli watches home movies with "Dillinger"'s gun
Main Street on the March! (Edward Cahn, 1941) 2.5
Christine (John Carpenter, 1983) 3
The Newcomers (James Allen Bradley, 2000) 2
Fallen Angels (Kar Wai Wong, 1995) 2.5+
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwuze42DXZ1qb8zyf.jpg
Charlie Yeung, Takeshi Kaneshiro
Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis (Ellory Elkayem, 2005) 2
Boys Town (Norman Taurog, 1938) 3
The City of Little Men (Harry Loud, 1938) 2.5
Ivanhoe (Richard Thorpe, 1952) 3.5
http://iloapp.manuslabbet.se/blog/dagensfilm?ShowFile&image=1223580517.jpg
Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Taylor
Catch a Fire (Phillip Noyce, 2006) 2.5
Wanted -- A Master (Gunther von Fritsch & Arthur Ornitz, 1936) 2.5
The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Lachman, 1942) 2
The Stunt Man (Richard Rush, 1980) 4-
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/hktsunagetemiru/imgs/6/6/66e1c3b0-s.jpg
Peter O’Toole, Steve Railsback

[donniedarko]

I didn't really get The Stuntman, but I fully agree with your ratings for Dong and Fallen Angels.

[Miss Vicky]

The Hole aka Dong (Ming-liang Tsai, 1998) 1.5 +





Yep, that looks about right.

[Mr Minio]

The Hole aka Dong (Ming-liang Tsai, 1998) 1.5 + http://evelyn.smyck.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/a-Ming-liang-Tsai-The-Hole-Dong-DVD-Review-PDVD_012.jpg

[Holden Pike]

The Hole Dong

I prefer the prequel, Just the Tip.

[Mr Minio]

Late Autumn (1960) - 3.5

http://25.media.tumblr.com/480095dc103352bf97e0bd3db0227231/tumblr_ms4mejgHqO1qzjzyyo1_400.gif

I really liked it. Just not as much as other Ozu non-silents. Beautiful cinematography and Setsuko Hara aging with grace. The saddest moment has to be the one, in which a man says something along: "You at least got your pipes". :( I genuinely felt sympathy for him. By the way it's not a spoiler, because people who didn't see the movie don't know what does it mean. This sheer fact reminded me how much do I like films that cannot be spoiled easily. Like Werckmeister Harmonies. Even knowing what's going to happen you still would have a great seance! With crime or whodunit films such spoiler would destroy half a fun, but not in most of arthouse. :)

[seanc]

The Monuments Men: 2 As drab as advertised. Some of the duos that break off are entertaining enough. My biggest issue is that almost every scene ends up ringing false in some way. That's not good.

Mean Streets: 3.5 Shouldn't have taken me so long to see this Scorsese film. I love Keitel and DiNero's characters. Really strong movie.

Silver Linings Playbook: Rewatch 4 One of my top ten from last year. I think it is even better the second time around. It still has third act problems but they were not as glaring this time around.

Rushmore: Rewatch 5 One of my favorite 100 but I think it may be in my top 20 next go round. I have ranked it about 1/2 point higher each time I have watched it, this is my third time. One of the funniest movies I have seen with one of the greatest characters.

Enough Said: 2.5 I was hoping for more. Has some funny moments and the leads are good. Not much going on beyond that.

House: 0 A watch for the MoFo HOF. Obviously not for me.

The Apartment: Rewatch 5 My choice for MoFo HOf #2 and the winner! Wanted to rewatch before I wrote about it. Absolutely magnificent in every way. Great story with even better characters.

The 400 Blows: 3 Compelling story and main character. A little something missing.

Porco Rosso: 3.5 Hold onto your hats, I felt like an anime film after listening to Filmspotting talk about The Wind Rises over the weekend. This was available on You Tube so I fired it up. Turned out to be my favorite anime thus far. Really liked the two main characters. Good visuals and some laughs. I think a better understanding of the politics involved would be in order before viewing it again. That didn't keep me from enjoying it though. I will certainly be watching some more Miyazaki.

[jiraffejustin]

I love Porco Rosso, it's definitely going on my comic book lists. And I am obviously on the other side of the House fence. :P

[mark f]

I suppose I am the fence.

[jiraffejustin]

Escape from Tomorrow



Even though it felt a bit amateurish at times, I really enjoyed Escape from Tomorrow. The guerrilla filmmaking tactics are admirable, at least in my eyes.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/2ffc416d216580c5d583d4e7f94d9e3d/tumblr_n00uuq6PwX1qhghqbo1_500.gif

It is a nice combination of surreal psychological horror elements and dark humor. The tagline "Bad things happen everywhere." goes great with the film, as it's about pretty much a worse-case scenario taking place at what is supposed to be the happiest place on Earth. I don't think the filmmaker cares too much for Disney.

[bluedeed]

Mark is rarely not the fence

[Tyler1]

House (Obayashi, 1977) - 2-
The Wind Will Carry Us (Kiarostami, 1999) - 4
Ivan & Abraham (Zauberman, 1993) - 3+
The Phantom Carriage (Sjostrom, 1921) - 2
Gertrud (Dreyer, 1964) - 2+
Legend of Drunken Master (Liu, 1994) - 3
Nebraska (Payne, 2013) -3
Philomena (Frears, 2013) - 2

[Pussy Galore]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/88/The_Piano_Teacher_film.jpg/220px-The_Piano_Teacher_film.jpg
3.5 Really good, and fantastically acted movie about a non sympathetic main character that has weird sexual tendencies to fill the emptiness of her life.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/76/We_Own_The_Night_poster.jpg/220px-We_Own_The_Night_poster.jpg
3 An ok, entertaining movie not bad, but not particularly good

[Miss Vicky]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/76/We_Own_The_Night_poster.jpg/220px-We_Own_The_Night_poster.jpg
3 An ok, entertaining movie not bad, but not particularly good

Yeah that pretty much sums up everything I've seen from James Gray.

[TylerDurden99]

Born On The Fourth Of July (1989) 5
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) 4.5
Wolf Creek 2 (2014) 3
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004) 4
Saw: The Final Chapter (2010) 2
Rush (2013) 4.5
Rushmore (1998) 4
Tommy Boy (1995) 4
2 Guns (2013) 3
About Time (2013) 5
The Boat That Rocked (2009) 4 (Rest in peace, Phillip Seymour Hoffman)
Wayne's World (1992) 4.5
Wayne's World 2 (1993) 4

[Guaporense]

[B]Gertrud (Dreyer, 1964) - 2+

:sick::sick::sick::sick::sick::sick:

[bluedeed]

The image on the poster fro Gertrud looks a lot like the image that opens my copy of Amor de Perdicao be Oliveira:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_s1OBARPk4/UVnD2bPUe-I/AAAAAAAAFUw/EuUzUtZhHbk/s400/Gertrud-1964-Dreyer-Mirror.jpg
13107

[Guaporense]

Porco Rosso: 3.5 Hold onto your hats, I felt like an anime film after listening to Filmspotting talk about The Wind Rises over the weekend. This was available on You Tube so I fired it up. Turned out to be my favorite anime thus far. Really liked the two main characters. Good visuals and some laughs. I think a better understanding of the politics involved would be in order before viewing it again. That didn't keep me from enjoying it though. I will certainly be watching some more Miyazaki.

See? Anime is a medium with all genres. Though I don't know many anime titles that feel like Porco Rosso (which is a movie that feels a bit like mid 20th century Hollywood films like Casablanca but with 1992 anime aesthetics). Wind Rises is supposed to be similar in feel though I haven't watched it.

[Nostromo87]

monday viewings
--
the Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), David Lean
4

be happy in your work

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m52fv7XgeB1qdx4k4o1_500.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSB27WZFYXs
---

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), James Cameron
4.5+

i cannot self-terminate. you must lower me into the steel

http://media.giphy.com/media/o1OlS57eJhzfa/giphy.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AYbqyVNVpY

[Mr Minio]

House (Obayashi, 1977) - 2-

http://i62.tinypic.com/1zj8fq.gif

What's wrong with people not enjoying Hausu. It's awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg-WT8Wg5kI

Well, at least Guap liked it.

[honeykid]

http://media3.giphy.com/media/oJeiwbgApnDHy/giphy.gif
Good work, Mr. Mino, that pretty much sums up how I felt about Drive. Trying to be cool, failing, and having nothing else to say. :p
Rushmore: Rewatch 5 One of my favorite 100 but I think it may be in my top 20 next go round. I have ranked it about 1/2 point higher each time I have watched it, this is my third time. One of the funniest movies I have seen with one of the greatest characters
I read this like this :eek: then realised I was thinking of Rashomon. :D:facepalm: Sadly, I was right the first time because Rushmore is absolute guff. :p

Mark is rarely not the fence
Really? I wouldn't say that at all. If you're talking about ratings, then I think most films are average, therefore, if you watch a lot of films with little 'filtering' then most of the ratings you'd give would be average. Of course, if you mean something else, then I really am drawing a blank.

[BlueLion]

http://i.imgur.com/vQlpFng.png
Bringing Out the Dead (1999) - 3.5
Holy sh*t, Scorsese. Forget his After Hours, forget even Fargo, this is one of the darkest comedies out there. In a way it doesn't feel like a Scorsese film at all. Cage actually delivers a good performance (and, unsurprisingly, almost goes totally nuts several times). Probably the best I've seen from him since Leaving Las Vegas. Ving Rhames and Tom Sizemore both deliver hilarious performances. And it has Patricia Arquette.

http://i.imgur.com/clheccb.png
Three Colors: White (1994) - 3
Blue was great but this was only above-average, sadly.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzLpqAjn6h8/UWRTng7CSGI/AAAAAAAAMU8/nTjo1UtGbI8/s1600/Primer.jpg
Primer (2004) - 2.5
Wut.

http://i.imgur.com/ciDLZKH.png
The Princess Bride (1987) - 2
The newest entry in my list of overrated classics. I knew it wasn't my cup of tea but I decided to give it a go since it made the MoFo 80s list. I didn't really dislike it. It just does nothing for me.

[Tyler1]

What's wrong with people not enjoying Hausu. It's awesome!

Gertrud is the insufferable woman who doesn't care about the lives of the men she has impacted. She still wallows in endless self-pity, reciting dull poetry in a pathetic attempt to heal her bruised ego. By 1964, the film feels too outdated, especially when filmmakers round the world were innovating, Dreyer was still languishing in the past. A strange case of too late, don't bother... House is a film that will appeal to those who enjoy schoolgirl fetishism, or to those who still get off on childish jokes. The director resorts to using cheap gimmicks, trying desperately to provoke some sort of response from the viewer. I was not amused.

Thanks to bluedeed's championing of Kiarostami, I've decided to watch the film nominated for HoF. This is one of his very best films infusing naturalism with the director's philosophy. What goes on outside the frame is deliberately kept hidden from us. I was wondering to myself how many times do we have to see the main character drive up to higher ground for his phone call? Does Farrokzad's poem relate to the film, and if so in what way?

In my small night, ah
the wind has a date with the leaves of the trees
in my small night there is agony of destruction
listen
do you hear the darkness blowing?
I look upon this bliss as a stranger
I am addicted to my despair.

listen do you hear the darkness blowing?
something is passing in the night
the moon is restless and red
and over this rooftop
where crumbling is a constant fear
clouds, like a procession of mourners
seem to be waiting for the moment of rain.
a moment
and then nothing
night shudders beyond this window
and the earth winds to a halt
beyond this window
something unknown is watching you and me.

O green from head to foot
place your hands like a burning memory
in my loving hands
give your lips to the caresses
of my loving lips
like the warm perception of being
the wind will take us
the wind will take us.

[Nostromo87]

Moon (2009), Duncan Jones
4

gerty, i'm not programmed

http://media.giphy.com/media/FlLILZDaYu1K8/giphy.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIIA3NKqebg

the Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Clint Eastwood
3.5+

dyin ain't much of a livin, boy

http://media.giphy.com/media/sVBQxU3gpBVks/giphy.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwrOTR5dsBU

Jurassic Park (1993), Steven Spielberg
4.5+

ah, now eventually you do plan to have dinosaurs on your dinosaur tour, right? hello?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-zq_mgIlyE/UW9vuM6I_DI/AAAAAAAADug/uYz1PNy7kxE/s1600/Jurassic+Park+%2811%29.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP_QJkw7S0E

[Mr Minio]

House is a film that will appeal to those who enjoy schoolgirl fetishism

You don't?

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/009/855/35xyux.jpg

:p

[mack]

So I just went on a monster marathon of Alien, and AVP, in this order.

1. Prometheus (2012)
2. Alien (1979)
3. Aliens (1986)
4. Alien 3 (1992)
5. Alien Resurrection (1997)
6. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
7. Alien vs. Predator Requiem (2007)

And I have to say that I have found inconsistencies so minor I thought - did the film team and director actually WATCH the previous versions to ensure the story arc was seamless? I think not. That, or the editing crew was sloppy. I get that some of the stuff was "supposed" to be stand alone, but I still think that there should been some attempt to create unification in the alien universe. For example - and spoilers abound.

Prometheus:
The prequel - which would speak to what happened BEFORE Alien. Here are a few inconsistencies in story:
(1) Weyland Corp only. No mention of Yutani. In Alien (1979), the corporation was "Weyland-Yutani Corp." So far, no real problem as we can assume the companies merge later.

(2) Engineer Spaceship Mount Flaw - Was or was not the Engineering mounted in the pilots chair when he died? In Alien, when Kane & crew enter the ship's bridge, we are treated with the initial picture of the Engineer mounted in the pilots seat - calcified, with broken bones showing it/he had been a host for an Alien embryo. Thus, this seat is where he died. Why then, in Prometheus, did we see the last remaining LIVING engineer mount the seat, fly the ship, crash with the ship, clearly EXIT the ship and attack Elizabeth Shaw in the lifeboat - and there die by Alien? The only way to get around this misplacement of the engineer's dead body is to assume that the mining team in Alien found a different ship, with a different dead engineer. OR - we can speculate that the engineer on the lifeboat was implanted, and lived long enough to run back to the crashed ship, get back into the chair, and die there - that, or he ran to another ship, flew and crashed the other ship, and died there. But I'm not done yet.

(3) Eggs or Vases Flaw - was the cargo hold filled with eggs or vases? In Alien, the cargo hold of the crashed engineer ship was filled with organic eggs that carried living crawlers - row upon row. However in Prometheus, instead of sloppy, messy eggs carrying an actual formed being we are treated to symmetrically carved vases carrying 4 pods, which can be broken off, opened and carry a large number of something I can only assume is a microorganism living in water, which can be used to infect a host and effectively turn the host into the crawler. Charlie implants Shaw in this way. What is the deal with that? Are we to believe the vases morphed into organic eggs carrying only one crawler each over the course of the years? OR again - perhaps another ship. Even if its another ship, it would not explain the different delivery mechanisms for the same bioweapon.

(4) Weyland Lineage Issue. We know that Peter Weyland, apparently the owner/major shareholder of Weyland Corp, dies in this film. Also, we know his daughter (and presumably, heir), dies as well once the ship crushes her. We are never told that there are other Weylands alive to carry the lineage and family name, but there is most certainly a Charles Bishop Weyland who makes an appearance on the prison planet in Alien 3. It could work assuming the family is large, and Vickers (the daughter) mentions that she didnt stay behind to spend years embroiled in bickering about company ownership.

Alien:
The first film, and the film upon which original canon is based.
(1) Corporation is never mentioned. Clearly there are corporate or government interests controlling the mining ship, in the form of "Mother," but who is actually pulling these strings is never mentioned.

Aliens:
2nd film in canon
(1) Corporation flaw. Weyland-Yutani is now the controlling corporate interest, and have a colony on LV-426. Here's the deal tho -in AVPR, when the government agents take the Predator's gun from Dallas at the end, they deliver it to a woman who is clearly the head of the Yutani Corporation. AVPR happens after this film, and the two corporations are not merged. The only way this can have happened is for AVPR to have happened prior to Aliens, but been covered up, which can be imagined given the storyline. Maybe this puts Yutani on the same page as Weyland, and merge to find another specimen - tho, they should already have alien specimens from the attack.

(3) Crawler flaw. Are we really to believe, as is shown in Alien 3, that crawlers escaped, climbed up the shaft with the queen, and made it onto the lifeboat with Ripley, Newt and Hicks? Even if we make that jump, which one of them sacrificed themselves to make the acid holes in the cryotubes? Because obviously there was not a fullgrown Alien on the ship with them - just two crawlers - one who implanted Ripley, and one who lived to escape and implant the bull.

Alien 3:
3rd film in canon
(1) Planet Designation Flaw. In this film the planet is named Fury 161 (clearly shown on the prison computer). However, in Alien Resurrection, they describe the planet as Fiori 16. They should have gotten this right.

(2) Ripley Clone Issue. In Alien, they clearly clone Ripley - but from what? We know she incinerated herself, and I dont think you can clone from ash. However - I just remembered that she shaved her head, so if they found her hair, perhaps that did it.

Alien Resurrection:
4th film in canon. Side note - this film is beyond belief.
(1) Corporation Issue. Weyland-Yutani corporation is dead/disolved or whatever, and now if Call is to be believed, the government is the controlling interest in alien research. So, we know that neither AVP movie can exist beyond this point, because the Weyland, and/or the Weyland-Yutani Corp does not exist beyond this point. Make note.

Alien vs. Predator:
Good film. Whack canon.
(1) Charles Bishop Weyland issue. FOR REAL? Dude. We know for A FACT that CB Weyland kicks the bucket in this movie. We also know that in this film he appears to be a "searcher" and have no idea that Predators or Aliens actually exist. Belief? Maybe. Knowledge? None. We also know for A FACT that a younger, healthier, clearly knowledgeable CB Weyland appears in Alien 3 and talks to Ripley about bringing the queen home to Earth. So this film has to happen both BEFORE and AFTER Alien 3. Unless he was cloned himself, or passed the space-time continuum, this film is flawed.

(2) Corporation Issue. Weyland Corp is not merged with Yutani.

Alien vs. Predator Requiem (AVPR):
Whack film. Ok canon.
(1) Ms. Yutani. There is no mention of Weyland in this film - only a one-off appearance at the end with the predator's gun being brought to a woman name Yutani, who states, "the world isnt ready for this..." Indeed. So this film clearly takes place before a Weyland-Yutani merger, and before Alien Resurrection when Weyland-Yutani was confirmed dissolved. This doesnt explain why they would need to clone Ripley - dead for 200 years - when the availability of alien dna was already so rife, unless you accept that only she provided the queen.

I havent even gotten started on the storylines, but even after it all, Im still interested in the upcoming Prometheus: Paradise film, as I expect it will focus on Shaw's journey further into the stars to find the origin of the Engineers. Fingers crossed, anyway.

[Mr Minio]

Today I had a movie marathon. A rather short one. Only 4 films. 3 of them are comedies and I liked them all! What's wrong with me? I used to dislike comedies. LOL

Inferno (1980) - 3

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrot0ziUpp1qdg9cho1_500.gif
I still don't know who this lady was, but it was a nice touch.

As usually with Argento plot is only an excuse to show some kitschy scenes and absolutely enthralling visuals. Good music as well. Maybe I will like it better after a rewatch just as happened with Suspiria. Cool trivia: Bava made special visual effects in this film. It was entirely shot in the studio!

椿三十郎 [Sanjuro] (1962) - 4

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzi4ahNqRj1qmkjw5o1_500.gif
You simply cannot say 'You shalt not pass' to Mifune.

Well, it's supposed to be a comedy, but I only laughed once. Anyway, it's a great film no matter the genre. Mifune is just as badass as in Yojimbo and I liked Nakadai's character in here more than the guy he played in Yojimbo. And I finally got my Mifune vs. Nakadai duel I anticipated but didn't get in Yojimbo. That suspension when they just stare at each other is irresistible!

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - 3.5

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lubtgh2pug1ql141xo1_500.gif
Where the hell did Ferris find such a babe?

Just a fun ride and I can understand why it was so high on the 80s list. Not a top 25 material to me, though. I guess I have to watch The Breakfast Club now.

Zezowate szczęście [Bad Luck] (1960) - 4

http://www.kinopodbaranami.pl/images_lib/doc_3356_0.jpg
The film features nice girls. :)

I finish my Munk retrospective with his only comedy film. It's got some drama in it too, so I guess a bittersweet comedy would be the best way to describe it. I wasn't really impressed by anything in particular, but if you take the movie as a whole it's a damn good movie.

[mark f]

The Slender Thread (Sydney Pollack, 1965) 2.5
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (Lewis Milestone, 1946) 2.5
The Disappearance of Alice Creed (J Blakeson, 2009) 2.5+
Bye Bye Monkey (Marco Ferreri, 1978) 2+
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/2335/byebyemonkey3.jpg
King Kong, Avon Long, Marcello Mastroianni (hidden), Enrico Blasi, Gérard Depardieu, Kong’s "orphan", Geraldine Fitzgerald, Twin Towers
Killer Movie (Jeff Fisher, 2008) 2
A Boy and His Dog (LeRoy Prinz, 1946) 2+
Ship of Fools (Stanley Kramer, 1965) 3.5
King Rat (Bryan Forbes, 1965) 3.5-
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James Fox, George Segal
Cement (DJ Paul [Adrian Pasdar], 2000) 2
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (Martin Ritt, 1965) 3
La Grande Bouffe (Marco Ferreri, 1973) 2
Dersu Uzala (Akira Kurosawa, 1975) 3
http://img15.nnm.me/5/c/1/4/d/ebb68c02914eb7386c7e3d60187.jpg
Yuriy Solomin, Maksim Munzuk
The Heavy (Marcus Warren, 2010) 2
The Sorrow and the Pity (Marcel Ophüls, 1969) 3+
A Patch of Blue (Guy Green, 1965) 3+
In Cold Blood (Richard Brooks, 1967) 3.5+
http://img.www3.hp-ez.com/img/2616/incold03[1].jpg
Scott Wilson, Robert Blake
The Water Is Wide (John Kent Harrison, 2006) 3-
The Guilty (Anthony Waller, 2000) 2+
The Order (Brian Helgeland, 2003) 2
In the Line of Fire (Wolfgang Petersen, 1993) 3.5
http://mindreels.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/eastwoodlineoffire.jpg
John Malkovich, Clint Eastwood

[bluedeed]

Thanks to bluedeed's championing of Kiarostami, I've decided to watch the film nominated for HoF. This is one of his very best films infusing naturalism with the director's philosophy. What goes on outside the frame is deliberately kept hidden from us. I was wondering to myself how many times do we have to see the main character drive up to higher ground for his phone call? Does Farrokzad's poem relate to the film, and if so in what way?

In my small night, ah
the wind has a date with the leaves of the trees
in my small night there is agony of destruction
listen
do you hear the darkness blowing?
I look upon this bliss as a stranger
I am addicted to my despair.

listen do you hear the darkness blowing?
something is passing in the night
the moon is restless and red
and over this rooftop
where crumbling is a constant fear
clouds, like a procession of mourners
seem to be waiting for the moment of rain.
a moment
and then nothing
night shudders beyond this window
and the earth winds to a halt
beyond this window
something unknown is watching you and me.

O green from head to foot
place your hands like a burning memory
in my loving hands
give your lips to the caresses
of my loving lips
like the warm perception of being
the wind will take us
the wind will take us.

I think the phone calls are very important in forming the relationship between Behzad and the digger, one of the most important characters in the film. A number of significant things happen while Behzad is on the hill he uses for cell reception, such as his discovery of the human thighbone, Behzad's interactions with the turtle and Behzad seeing the fiancee of the digger from far. His interactions with the fiancee are then what brings up this titular poem and a very mysterious scene in the film. I have several ideas on the meaning of Farrokhzad's poem. Mainly, the scene seems to focus on Behzad's flirtation and attempted seduction of the digger's fiancee. He asserts his authority over her with the unintended help of her mother, talks condescendingly to her about poetry, and then recites this poem, which seems to imply Behzad's sexual intentions, calling upon a beloved Iranian poet whose poem seems filled with mysterious sensual imagery. The girl's refusal to show her face is a brave act of defiance, quite possibly a social statement on women's rights (an issue Kiarostami will elaborate on in Ten). Along with this, it marks a significant event in that for the first time in the film, the intruders are recognized and refused as intruders into the village. The other thing about the use of the poem that struck me was that although there is a great deal of poetry recited, most of it is written by much older poets than Farrokhzad. The use of a modern revolutionary poet pronounces a difference in the lives of the city dweller and the villagers. Behzad uses a modern feminist poet to enforce traditional gender roles, exposing his own hipocrisy and indicating how potential social change can be discharged easily in Iran by those willing to misinterpret. These are my thoughts at least, I think with something like the poem, the more context, the more readable the scene is.

Glad I convinced you to watch the film, and that you liked it!

[Miss Vicky]

Captain Phillips (Paul Greengrass, 2013) 4

Knights of Badassdom (Joe Lynch, 2013) 4-

Gremlins 2: The New Batch (Joe Dante, 1990) (Rewatch) 3.5

Man Bites Dog (C'est arrivé près de chez vous) (Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, Benoît Poelvoorde, 1992) 3.5+

The Quick and the Dead (Sam Raimi, 1995) (Rewatch) 4.5

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/manbitesdog.gif

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/cortandherrod.gif

[Sane]

Last Vegas (2013) - Jon Turteltaub
Going into it I thought this might suck, and parts of it really did, but it's hard not to like De Niro, Freeman and Kline in form. It actually could have been a really good film if it explored the De Niro/Douglas story with more depth but overall it was entertaining. 3.5+

Europa (1991) - Lars Von Trier
Interesting story set in post WWII Germany. It's Von Trier so it looks really good but is let down by some of the performances. Jean Marc Barr is a Von Trier favourite but is just not a good enough actor to play a lead role. 3.5

Blue is the Warmest Color (2013) - Abdel Kechiche
Great movie with fantastic performances by both girls - particular Adele Exarchopoulos in what may be the acting highlight of the year, male or female. The only thing that stopped it getting full marks is it was too long (not that it particularly dragged at any point) and the last half hour was perhaps not as great as the preceding two and a half. 4.5+

Being John Malkovich (1999) - Spike Jonze
Very interesting story with mostly good performances. Only problem is that I lost a bit of interest towards the end. Felt the same during Adaptation. Still good though. 3.5

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) - George P Cosmatos
Painfully bad. 1-

A Bronx Tale (1993) - Robert De Niro
I'd seen this before but it never registered that De Niro directed it. How awesome is it that with all of the gangster and intelligent "tough" guy roles that De Niro has played, when he directs his own movie he's ... a bus driver. Made me love him even more than I already do :) It's a heavily flawed movie that still works thanks to De Niro and Chazz Palminteri (who wrote it). 4-

Pale Rider (1985) - Clint Eastwood
Really enjoyed the first hour and thought it would end up being a great film but fell away a bit in the second half. 3.5

[Lucas]

Chungking Express
3.5+
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxu25oFz8u1r8upkio1_500.gif
Inventive,extremely stylish and with a fantastic soundtrack. I thought the narrative or lack thereof kind of kept me from connecting emotionally with the story. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.Worth a look if you liked Won Kar Wai's other films like In the Mood for Love.

Rushmore-2.5
Not a bad film by any means, but its just not my thing. Its too quirky for it's own good. Its only 90 minutes long but it feels like 4-hours. This is only my 2nd Wes Anderson film so maybe I simply haven't adapted to his style. Again,worth checking out if you happen to like quirky,offbeat films.
http://brianwelk.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/rushmore.jpg

Heart of Darkness:A Filmmaker's Apocalypse - 4

Extremely compelling and detailed documentary of how the legendary film Apocalypse Now was created. I recently rewatched said film and now It's one of my favorites, so I simply Had to watch the documentary to see how this ambitious,sprawling epic came to be. I was awe-struck by the difficulty of making this film and the devotion Coppola had to his craft. Coppola spent years of his life bringing this film to life, and his work truly did pay off. This is an essential viewing if you are a fan of Apocalypse Now, a riveting viewing.
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Sunrise-4
Truly a classic film. The story it is telling is universal, and very human. This film possesses a certain flair and magic, which wouldn't translate to films with sound. The cinematography is dazzling, it truly holds up today due to it's almost dreamlike,surreal nature. The story centers on a man who has been wooed by a city gal, she insists that he murder his wife so they can run off to the city together. This is a great film, which I see heavily influenced modern cinema as we know today. It's up on YouTube in full,in case any of my homies here want to check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnLVMREVA6Mout.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y32nBaee2kw/TL33iR9F3sI/AAAAAAAABKo/LjnYoUGEQKM/s400/sunrise_double_exposure.jpg

[Mr Minio]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-NGzMM45A8

<3

Now it is the time for SATANTANGO! :)

[TheGirlWhoHadAllTheLuck_]

I, on the other hand, heard A Matter of Life and Death is a bad movie and nothing compared to the masterpiece Wings of Desire is. Can't really say if that's true unless I watch A Matter of Life and Death, though.

I suppose it's about taste. Wings of Desire is a rather dull arty rip-off of AMoLaD. It's a good premise but it's far too concerned with the aesthetics to make the most of the premise. Certainly it's far from a masterpiece, particularly as it's so overtly derivative (the look of the angels is similar to Orphee as well).

A Matter of Life and Death, whilst not my favourite Powell and Pressburger, has gentle British humour. It's sweet and doesn't take itself too seriously.

[TheGirlWhoHadAllTheLuck_]

Apartment Zero (1988) 4

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"If that is a mask please take it off now, or keep it on forever."

Watching this, you almost wish that Colin Firth hadn't done Pride and Prejudice. Not that he isn't the perfect Darcy but it stuck him in rom-coms for years. Whilst some were great (Bridget Jones' Diary) others were dire (What A Girl Wants)- though even then, he manages to rise above it. It was only with A Single Man that he started to get himself back on track as a serious actor.

Hello Buenos Aires. Adrian LeDuc (Colin Firth) runs a cinema club showing old movies from the fifties. His apartment is filled with photos of film stars like James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift. He detests his neighbours and indeed most people, apart from his mentally fragile mother. Partly to gain some extra money due to the unpopularity of his club and partly to have at least some sort of friend, he takes in a lodger: Jack Carney, who looks like the sort of James Dean/Marlon Brando type (Hart Bochner). To Adrian's dismay, Jack is very popular with the neighbours. How far will he go to keep his only friend?

For a small-scale thriller, the film's quite long (a smidge over two hours). However what drives the film is the friendship between Adrian and Jack. Bochner just drips with James Dean-esque charm; literally sometimes as we see him bare-chested and glistening. He also has a smoulder that can burn through walls. It almost burns through the protective wall Adrian puts around himself. Though there's something dark lurking in the shadows, you kind of want the friendship to work, as both men are emotionally crippled.

This is one of Firth's best performances. He does a lot of what he does best: nice guy, emotionally and sexually repressed. However Adrian is psychopathic, hurtling towards a breakdown and hoping that the friendship of Jack can save him. This repression is not stuffiness but a deep loneliness. As those who've seen A Month in The Country or A Single Man, Firth can do this brilliantly, and yet this talent is often neglected for the more obvious comedy of 'typical uppity Brit'.

The line I've quoted at the top of the review is pretty much a summary of the whole film; a message taken quite literally for one of the neighbours, who unbeknown to her neighbours is actually a man. The script is actually pretty good, even comic in places. It took a lot of willpower to not quote: "Mice work in mysterious ways". "No dear, that's God". But the mask line is delivered so beautifully by Firth, desperate in his loneliness even to accept a complete lie, even if it goes against his principles.

It is a profoundly odd film in some respects and at times the plot is confusing. A lot of what is said is unsaid, if you see what I mean. However ultimately this is a tale of how the lonely will accept anything, even a lie, in order to preserve the rarity of complete acceptance. And my, don't we get some lovely looking men.

[mark f]

Romance of Radium (Jacques Tourneur, 1937) 2.5
The Desperadoes (Charles Vidor, 1943) 2.5
Masques (Claude Chabrol, 1987) 2.5
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1947) 3.5-
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Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison
Green Dolphin Street (Victor Saville, 1947) 2+
Four Rooms (Anders, Rockwell, Rodriguez, Tarantino, 1995) 2
The Virgin Queen (Henry Koster, 1955) 3
Shampoo (Hal Ashby, 1975) 3.5
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Goldie Hawn, Julie Christie, Tony Bill, Tricky Dick, Warren Beatty
Curly Sue (John Hughes, 1991) 2.5
Shadows in Paradise (J. Stephen Maunder, 2010) 1
Soft Fruit (Christina Andreef, 1999) 2.5
Midnight Cowboy (John Schlesinger, 1969) 5
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Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight
Vampires: The Turning (Marty Weiss, 2005) 1.5+
Great Expectations (David Lean, 1946) 3.5
Fires Within (Gillian Armstrong, 1991) 2
Butterflies Are Free (Milton Katselas, 1972) 3.5
http://img2-3.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/090824/Butterflies-Goldie-Hawn_l.jpg
Goldie Hawn, Edward Albert
Le Beau Serge (Claude Chabrol, 1958) 2.5-
The Little Foxes (William Wyler, 1941) 3.5+
Kings of the Turf (Del Frazier, 1941) 2
National Velvet (Clarence Brown, 1944) 4-
(the dead tweenage/teenage girl who stays alive, loves horses, poses as a boy and races in the Grand National genre)
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Mickey Rooney, Jacob, Elizabeth Taylor
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Elizabeth Taylor, Angela Lansbury (2014 Honorary Oscar Recipient), Juanita Quigley

[honeykid]

Casting By 3.5 - I thought this would be about the mystic and underappreciated art of Casting and, almost in passing, it was. However, what this is really about is Casting extraordinaire Marion Dougherty. I knew nothing about this woman, and yet, it appears she discovered about half of Hollywood in 60's and 70's, as well as casting more classics than you can shake a stick at. There's not a huge amount of insight into the process here, but as an enjoyable and entertaining tribute to Marion Dougherty, it's well worth it's rating.

All That Jazz 1.5 - I really don't like musical theatre. Had I known how much there was in this, I wouldn't have bothered. I knew the storyline and knew there'd be some, but I had no idea just how much. It's an OK film and, when it wasn't all singing, all dancing, I quite liked it.

Escape Plan 2 - It is what it is and, for what it is, it's OK. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sly Stallone star together (again) in another of the new "Remember when we did this in our 30's in the 80's?" genre of retro-action movie. Thankfully, this one doesn't do too much of that "we're too old for this ****" schtick, however, the main reason that those old 80's action movies were good is because they were serious. The 80's was so ridiculous that they meant it. This tongue-in-cheek, knowingly made versions just aren't fun enough. A bit like the neo-grindhouse films, not taking it seriously takes the fun out of it.

Rush 3 - This film has everything needed to make a good film and uses them all well. I don't know if my familiarity with the story and the subject took away from any sense of excitement or awe I might've had otherwise. The acting, script and direction were all good, however, the exciting thing is the racing and I just didn't find it exciting. It all looked like cut scenes from a computer game and, with the exception of the actual game, that's what it was. If I'd bought F1 2014 for the PS4 and it looked like that, I'd be happy, but if I'm watching racing, I want to see racing. I know this works for everyone else, but I'd have rather had the footage rather than the computer graphics.

Throne Of Blood 3.5 - I like the Macbeth storyline and this is a good retelling of it. It seems slightly strange to me to have some of the touchstones of the play (the witches, Lady Macbeth's madness, the plotting) without the language I associate with it, but obviously it'd look very out of place here and isn't needed. Still, I was still hearing various versions of "Out, damned spot! out, I say!" when Asaji was washing her hands.

[mark f]

Sadie Thompson (Raoul Walsh, 1928) 2.5
Coquette (Sam Taylor, 1929) 2-
Sergeant York (Howard Hawks, 1941) 3+
How Green Was My Valley (John Ford, 1941) 3.5
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/altreel/Worst%20Best%20Pictures/howgreenwasmyvalley.jpg
Sara Allgood, Roddy McDowell, Donald Crisp
King Ralph (David S, Ward, 1991) 2.5
Morning Glory (Lowell Sherman, 1933) 2.5
The X Files: I Want to Believe (Chris Carter, 2008) 2
Hairspray (John Waters, 1988) 3+
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTaRGWkIoPc/TrnaWnloLtI/AAAAAAAAIPA/jXiT2O9bqrs/s640/Hairspray_Waters.jpg
Colleen Fitzpatrick, Deborah Harry, Divine, Ricki Lake
Children on Their Birthdays (Mark Medoff, 2002) 2
Analyze This (Harold Ramis, 1999) 3-
Analyze That (Harold Ramis, 2002) 2.5
The Music Box (James Parrott, 1932) 3.5
http://www.theasc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/3-Laurel-and-Hardy.jpg
Oliver Hardy, Stan Laurel
The Southerner (Jean Renoir, 1945) 3-
The Sin of Madelon Claudet (Edgar Selwyn, 1931) 2.5
Menu (Nick Grinde, 1933) 2.5
Le Bonheur (Agnès Varda, 1965) 2.5
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2oS_ACbXA0/T5cGeLkXygI/AAAAAAABSt4/QT_jni4P2x8/s1600/Agnes-Varda-Le-bonheur.jpg
Jean-Claude Drouot, Olivier Drouot, Sandrine Drouot, Claire Drouot
The Guardsman (Sidney Franklin, 1931) 2.5+
The Champ (King Vidor, 1931) 2.5
A Free Soul (Clarence Brown, 1931) 3-
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Rouben Mamoulian, 1931) 3
http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsj50vwOi11r294o5o1_500.gif
Fredric March

[BlueLion]

I was meant to watch some old classics, but instead I decided to watch some movies that I already should have seen, probably a long time ago (first two in particular).

Oldboy (2003) 3.5

Now how about that for a revenge! To be honest, I wasn't really impressed by the twists. I normally don't mind implausibility in films, especially crazy films like this, but the first hour of the film is so brilliant and intense, that the second felt like some sort of a letdown in comparison.

RoboCop (1987) 3

"Bitches, leave!". I actually remembered that scene so I must have seen some parts of the movie before. Some if it is pretty funny, like for example when the robot malfunctions at the start of the movie, and nobody actually gives a damn about the dead person. Not as cool as Dredd, though, which was more badass than badassity itself.

Contact (1997) 3

Pretty good sci-fi. Again, I didn't quite buy the ending, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Gave it a go mainly because Ebert has it in his Great Movies collection, so I was curious to see why.

The Croods (2013) 3

In order for an animated film to receive a positive score for me, it shouldn't be boring and it should, at the very least, have good animation. I thought this was pretty entertaining in parts, and the animation was also good.

Heathers (1989) 3

Lately I have been checking out some of the movies that have made the MoFo 80s list. I'm not sure this one belongs there. It's not as good as other teen movies from the 80s, like, for instance, Breakfast Club or Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but I liked some of the dark humor.

Band of Outsiders (Bande à part) (1964) 2.5

Don't be mad, JeanLuc Cinema Godard. I'll return to you in a few months. Now if you'll excuse me.

[Pussy Galore]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/54/The-Philadelphia-Story-%281940%29.jpg/220px-The-Philadelphia-Story-%281940%29.jpg
4 Really good movie, I really liked the dialogue between Stewart and Hepburn when they were drunk. It's sure that you have to take in cosideration the year it was made with concepts like ''being a good wife'', but still a really good film with one of the best cast ever.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d8/Movie_poster_for_%22The_Professionals%22.jpg/220px-Movie_poster_for_%22The_Professionals%22.jpg
3.5 +++ I love western and that's a great one. The concept of the loyal gunmen always fascinated me. There's also fantastic dialogu between Burt lancaster and Jack Palance at the end of the film when they did a metaphore between women and the revolution and, if I might add, Claudia Cardinale :love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[The Major]

The Call (2013)


A gripping thriller, with a decent performance from Halle Berry, but the ending is a bit of a whimper.


Halle Berry
1. Things We Lost In The Fire (2007)
2. Monsters Ball (2001)
3. The Rich Man's Wife (1996)
4. Face Of An Angel (1999)
5. The Call (2013)
6. Perfect Stranger (2007)
7. Executive Decision (1996)
-----
8. Die Another Day (2002)
9. Movie 43 (2013)

[Swan]

That Obscure Object of Desire (Luis Buñuel, 1977) – 4.5
The Phantom of Liberty (Luis Buñuel, 1974) – 3.5+
Philomena (Stephen Frears, 2013) – 2.5+
Man Bites Dog (Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel & Benoît Poelvoorde, 1992) – 3.5+
On the Waterfront (Elia Kazan, 1954) – 4+*
The Milky Way (Luis Buñuel, 1969) – 4.5
Cries and Whispers (Ingmar Bergman, 1972) – 4.5+
The Vanishing (George Sluizer, 1988) – 3.5*
Persona (Ingmar Bergman, 1966) – 5*
The Wind Rises (Hayao Miyazaki, 2013) – 4

* = Rewatch

[Daniel M]

Before Sunrise (Richard Linklater, 1995) 4.5

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Film/Pix/pictures/2010/1/20/1263986075545/Before-Sunrise-001.jpg

One of the greatest romantic films that I have ever seen. If this was made as simply a stand alone film it would still be just as great and effective as it is. The relationship feels real, honest and human from the very first words they say to each other. Two strangers with nothing to lose are able to share their lives with complete honesty and without consequence, and this freedom allows or delightful chemistry. There are so many brilliant, heartwarming scenes, such as the music booth and when we look back at the locations they have visited.

Before Sunset (Richard Linklater, 2004) 4

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2011/11/23/1322041238561/-Julie-Delpy-and-Ethan-Ha-007.jpg

When viewed as the middle film of a trilogy, this film feels as more of a 'bridge' between the two films, allowing a logical explanation of how they eventually got back together. The conversations and dialogue are delightful, but there is something about it, a more mature reality to the whole thing that prevents the film from reaching the overall heartwarming impact of the first. However, the ending is absolutely brilliantly done, the final reverse shot and last line of dialogue left a smile on my face all the way through the credits.

Before Midnight (Richard Linklater, 2013) 4

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/audio/video/2013/1/14/1358178166450/Ethan-Hawke-and-Julie-Del-008.jpg

Much more serious and at times difficult to watch than the first to films, this is an at times much more cynical though realistic in its look at relationships, life, ambitions, family etc. Some of the camerawork and dialogue - particularly at the beginning of the film - is wonderful, as are the performances, which goes without saying if you have seen the first or second films. I have heard Delpy's character being criticised for her character in this film, and although I don't completely agree and do sympathise with her character, I always felt after watching the second film that her character would eventually become a problem with Hawke's character, who always seemed much more 'committed' to the idea that this dream relationship could be maintained, and felt sorry for him at times when Delpy's character appears to mock and undermine his hopes

[Lucas]

okay, here goes my first Movie Tab Post with this kickass new format.

Paris,Texas
Now this is a fantastic film, magnificent even. It has automatically catapulted to being one of the greatest films I've ever seen. The film starts out with a random man wandering a desert, eventually his brother reaches out to him. Turns out this man has abandoned his life and has been randomly wandering from place to place for around 4-years or so. That's the basic premise of this intricate,beautiful story. A thing that automatically piqued my connection with the film is it's amazing cinematography. You can practically "feel" the places you see, whether it's a grandiose desert or a small house. I don't know how to describe it, the film just has this physicality to it that really immerses the viewer.

The acting performances in this film are spectacular,especially by the film's lead played Harry Dean Stanton. His performance is sweet,heartfelt and so damn honest I felt like I was watching an actual person rather than a character. The film's script is a wonder, it isn't heavy-handed or sappy. It's emotional and heart-wrenching without being manipulative. The film has an ethereal beauty that very few films possess. I am going to purchase this film, and view it many,many times. 4.5+

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Taxi Driver (rewatch) Note:This review is Spoiler-Heavy
I first viewed Scorsese's classic Taxi Driver when I was 13-years old I'd say. I was extremely immersed when viewing it, it had such a thick atmosphere and mood to it that I simply couldn't look away. It has always been a favorite of mine, so I had to give this a rewatch to see if it holds up. Most of it does,although some of it doesn't. From a directorial standpoint this is masterfully filmed and executed. The city is seedy,grimy, and paired alongside that heavenly Bernard Hermann theme the viewer is placed in cinematic heaven. It really is one of the best realized films ever.

Now I'll get into what I don't like as much. I'm not quite sure what to think about Travis. I definitely feel empathy for him, as I think most of us do.I think everyone has a bit of Travis Bickle in them. I just have two gripes with his character. I'm getting the feeling that Scorsese is trying to portray him like some hero, when he's really not. Him receiving a rather "happy" Hollywood ending also just feels completely out of place. I mean he obviously has some great intentions(such as helping Iris), but he's constantly teetering on the brink of insanity. He wants to assassinate a Senator for practically no reason! It just feels as if Scorsese is portraying Bickle as this wonderful diamond in the rough, and it feels out of place.

It may seem like I'm tearing the film apart, but believe me I still really do like it. It's one of the best 70's flicks, and I'll always find myself revisiting the film. Just wish it had that same charm and greatness of when i first viewed it. 4

Betsy is as gorgeous as ever though. Definition of a QT 3.14

http://th02.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/091/d/f/Taxi_Driver_by_Famo23.jpg

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[BlueLion]

Now I'll get into what I don't like as much. I'm not quite sure what to think about Travis. I definitely feel empathy for him, as I think most of us do.I think everyone has a bit of Travis Bickle in them. I just have two gripes with his character. I'm getting the feeling that Scorsese is trying to portray him like some hero, when he's really not. Him receiving a rather "happy" Hollywood ending also just feels completely out of place. I mean he obviously has some great intentions(such as helping Iris), but he's constantly teetering on the brink of insanity. He wants to assassinate a Senator for practically no reason! It just feels as if Scorsese is portraying Bickle as this wonderful diamond in the rough, and it feels out of place.


Scorsese doesn't try to portray Travis Bickle like a hero, nor a villain. And he is neither. He's simply Travis.

Also, he doesn't try to assassinate the senator for no reason at all, although (you can call me crazy for saying this) to me it would be understandable even if he did.

What's happy about the ending?

[Lucas]

Scorsese doesn't try to portray Travis Bickle like a hero, nor a villain. And he is neither. He's simply Travis.

Also, he doesn't try to assassinate the senator for no reason at all, although (you can call me crazy for saying this) to me it would be understandable even if he did.

What's happy about the ending?

It feels out of place to me. Travis murders all those men and now he's considered a hero by all. Betsy seems interested in him again.Iris is back home with her family. It feels as if everything is tied up with a neat ribbon, when I feel Travis should face some comeuppance for his behavior.

[BlueLion]

It feels out of place to me. Travis murders all those men and now he's considered a hero by all. Betsy seems interested in him again.Iris is back home with her family. It feels as if everything is tied up with a neat ribbon, when I feel Travis should face some comeuppance for his behavior.

The ending is definitely not as straightforward as you describe it, but it's good to see you still like the film.

[Matteo]

Travis murders all those men and now he's considered a hero by all.

Interesting observation. I, however, see it differently. Like The King of Comedy, the almost superficial heroism surrounding the protagonists is moreso a lampoonist jab at American media and culture, not necessarily Scorsese, himself, condoning it.

[Cobpyth]

Interesting observation. I, however, see it differently. Like The King of Comedy, the almost superficial heroism surrounding the protagonists is moreso a lampoonist jab at American media and culture, not necessarily Scorsese, himself, condoning it.

Jep. The Wolf of Wall Street's Jordan Belfort also gets a similar treatment from Scorsese.

[Nostromo87]

Amadeus (1984), Milos Forman
4

On the page it looked nothing. the beginning simple, almost comic. just a pulse - bassoons and basset horns - like a rusty squeezebox. then suddenly - high above it - an oboe, a single note, hanging there unwavering, 'til a clarinet took over and sweetened it into a phrase of such delight! this was no composition by a performing monkey. this was a music i'd never heard

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lle4jgv4f61qh61jao1_500.gif

i've read, briefley, that in actuality Salieri & Mozart were friends.. and respectful of one another. so i'm quite sure i'm far from the first to notice this isn't a historically accurate movie. still, it's a good dramatic narrative for a film. i liked it. some of my favorite Mozart music was absent, yet still, it was a delightful movie. love good classical music, so this movie was up my alley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M2TKnWpm_s
http://s3.favim.com/orig/44/mozart-Favim.com-367364.gif

[honeykid]

Like The King of Comedy, the almost superficial heroism surrounding the protagonists is moreso a lampoonist jab at American media and culture, not necessarily Scorsese, himself, condoning it.
^^This^^

[Pussy Galore]

Interesting observation. I, however, see it differently. Like The King of Comedy, the almost superficial heroism surrounding the protagonists is moreso a lampoonist jab at American media and culture, not necessarily Scorsese, himself, condoning it.


What does lampoonist means?

[The Major]

The Comedy Of Terrors (1963)

Best exchange of dialogue in the film:

Waldo: "Your mouth, madam."
Amaryllis: "What?"
Waldo: "SHUT IT."

Vincent Price
1. Theatre Of Blood (1973)
2. The Oblong Box (1969)
3. The Last Man On Earth (1964)
4. The Pit And The Pendulum (1961)
5. The Abominable Dr Phibes (1971)
6. The Masque Of The Red Death (1964)
***7. The Comedy Of Terrors (1963)***
8. Dr Phibes Rises Again (1972)
9. Shock (1946)
10. The House On Haunted Hill (1959)
11. The Bat (1959)

[The Gunslinger45]

What does lampoonist means?

Parodying. Making fun of. Mocking.

[Iroquois]

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Peter Jackson, 2013) - 3

The continuation of An Unexpected Journey that's about on the same level in terms of spectacle but also a bit hamstrung by some padding (but we all know by now that this whole trilogy is an exercise in padding) that doesn't work out for the best. Did this franchise need a hollow love triangle? No, it didn't. Anyway, at least that bit with the barrels was pretty funny.

The Dead Pool (Buddy Van Horn, 1988) - 2

The fifth and final Dirty Harry movie focuses on Clint Eastwood's way-too-old-for-this-sh*t detective trying to solve a case involving bizarre celebrity deaths. It's got some camp enjoyment (Jim Carrey doing his best Axl Rose impression, a car chase involving a toy car rigged with explosives, Callahan's Asian-American partner knowing kung fu, etc.) but it's definitely bad for the most part.

Inside Llewyn Davis (Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, 2013) - 4

The Coens deliver again with their intimate portrait of the titular folk singer as he navigates a variety of problems in early-1960s New York. Some great performances on offer (John Goodman steals every scene he's in), the songs in question are well-done and the Coens' usual balance of black humour and tension works well in this particular character study.

Her (Spike Jonze, 2013) - 4

Well, it does play into the whole "manic pixie dream girl" stereotype a bit as Joaquin Phoenix's emotionally sensitive introvert falls in love with his brand-new computer operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson, but I'm willing to let it slide in this instance. Alternately funny (that one videogame character in particular) and kind of sad (but not as much as I'd expected), plus it was well-made with great attention to detail and never overstayed its welcome.

The Wolf of Wall Street (Martin Scorsese, 2013) - 2.5

For some reason, whenever I watch late-period Scorsese the result doesn't impress me. This movie is no exception with its true-story tale of Leonardo diCaprio as an amoral stockbroker building a ridiculously hedonistic lifestyle by scamming countless people. I guess I'm not alone in thinking it's a bit derivative of earlier Scorsese films but also it's a little too long for its own good and the performances on offer aren't particularly great. Also, for a supposed comedy I wasn't particularly amused by it (and yes, I'm aware it's quite black). Out of all the Best Picture nominees I've seen so far this is definitely my least favourite. Still, at least Matthew McConaughey's scenes were funny.

A Perfect World (Clint Eastwood, 1993) - 4

A pretty good story of Kevin Costner's escaped criminal kidnapping a small boy and eventually bonding with him while trying to evade Clint Eastwood's detective. I guess it's not all that original but Costner's rather effective as are the various other players in the piece (even the small boy in question).

12 Years A Slave (Steve McQueen, 2013) - 4

This is my Oscar pick for Best Picture, and not without good reason. I haven't seen any of McQueen's other films but this one in particular was rather well-made. Good use of talented character actors even in relatively minor roles, strong performances in particular by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o and it's well-shot (just look at all those long takes).

Three Kings (David O. Russell, 1999) - 3.5

I'm giving this the edge over Russell's most recent films because...actually, I'm not sure. The tale of a bunch of American soldiers striking out on their own to find a hidden stash of gold bars in the last days of Gulf War I isn't all that great, but there are decent performances on offer and the gritty style of the film works fine enough, though for a film that's supposedly a comedy it's not exactly laugh-out-loud funny. Might just be my favourite of Russell's films, but not by that much.

White House Down (Roland Emmerich, 2013) - 2.5

Yeah, so it's basically "Die Hard in the White House" and it hits all the usual PG-13 action movie beats but that doesn't mean it's not completely horrible. You just have to know what you're getting yourself into, and in this case that means a competently directed but ultimately unremarkable action movie.

Pain and Gain (Michael Bay, 2013) - 2

Heh, well, at least this was interesting. Supposedly Michael Bay's been trying to get this film made for years and it's a low-budget passion project compared to his usual gaudy blockbusters, but even so...it's not that great. The based-on-a-true-story tale of a trio of bodybuilders (Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Antohny Mackie) abducting a wealthy gym member (Tony Shalhoub) in order to extort all his riches does seem awfully familiar and not even Bay's flashy directorial choices make it all that great a way to spend two hours. The black comedy's occasionally worth watching but a fair bit of the time it just doesn't work and it's ultimately kind of hard to care about this movie.

Gravity (Alfonso Cuaròn, 2013) - 3.5

Fortunately, in response to this movie's wave of Oscar nominations it started appearing in 3D theatres and again. I don't much go in for 3D movies (I think I can count all the movies I've seen in 3D on one hand) but this was definitely one of the ones that makes it worthwhile. Anyway, as for the film itself and its bare-bones story of a pair of astronauts stuck in space trying to make their way home definitely isn't written that well. The visuals, on the other hand, are sufficiently amazing, even though I do kind of wonder if the entire film could have been accomplished in a single take (or at least appeared to). Also, apparently the score was a late addition, and while it's good on its own terms, it's hard not to think about how this film would've played out without the dramatic music playing at key moments. I think the fact that I'm dwelling on all the "could've/should've/would've" aspects of the film's production indicates that I did like the film, but I can't help but feel like I could've liked it more.

The Inbetweeners Movie (Ben Palmer, 2011) - 2

I have a bit of a problem with The Inbetweeners because it's a derivative British sitcom based on putting its main cast of four socially inept high school boys through the wringer for three whole seasons and not generating that many laughs or even that much entertainment in the process. The movie at least offers the punks some character development as they finally escape the drudgery of British high school and head to Greece for some fairly predictable party-hearty hijinks. I remember reading the plot summary on Wikipedia but I still watched this out of some sort of grim curiosity. To my surprise, I actually kind of enjoyed it. I wouldn't say I liked it, though, but I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would.

Blood Diamond (Edward Zwick, 2006) - 3.5

Good but not great story about the extremely illegal aspects of trading diamonds in Africa, centring around Leonardo diCaprio and Djimon Hounsou both searching for an improbably large diamond for their own personal reasons. While I generally don't think diCaprio is as great an actor as others would make him out to be, here he managed to convince me I might be wrong. Hounsou also carries the film as a sort of good counterpart to diCaprio's mostly amoral yet troubled smuggler. Some well-shot sequences make this very worthwhile.

Dallas Buyers Club (Jean-March Vallée, 2013) - 3.5

Reading up on the inaccuracies of this particular film have coloured my perception of this film a little bit, but otherwise I rather liked this film. Matthew McConaughey playing a HIV-positive electrician who decides to smuggle life-saving drugs from Mexico into America makes for an interesting (if morally questionable) tale and he puts in a surprisingly strong performance given his track record. I could pick apart Jared Leto's casting or history outside his acting career but here he finally manages to seem like an Oscar contender. It does kind of falter a bit at times but the docudrama vibe and choppiness add to the experience.

Don Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 2013) - 3

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the writer, director and star of this movie about a somewhat dislikeable New Jersey native who tries to ditch his superficial lifestyle in pursuit of something more real, ostensibly by hitting up attractive perfectionist Scarlett Johansson. The film kind of drags a bit for something that runs under 90 minutes (including credits) but it's a solid enough debut by Gordon-Levitt that makes for an interesting insight into an outwardly unsympathetic young man, though it does eventually feel like it's going through the motions and just ends because it can.

Snitch (Ric Roman Waugh, 2013) - 1.5

Extremely underwhelming story of Dwayne Johnson's construction worker trying to get his son out of prison by going undercover to bust drug dealers. I guess it works because it's not trying to make a dumb action movie because it happens to star Dwayne Johnson but otherwise it's just extremely dull for the most part. Just enough moral ambiguity and conflict to keep it from being legitimately awful.

Horrible Bosses (Seth Gordon, 2011) - 2

Another black comedy, this time about a trio of friends who all happen to have, well, "horrible" bosses. Not exactly laugh-out-loud funny at the best of times but written in such a way that I couldn't help but wonder what happened next. So there's that, I guess.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1993) - 3.5

This had been on my to-do list for a long time for fairly obvious reasons - in the end, it was definitely worthwhile. The story of the "Pumpkin King" of Halloweentown deciding to take over Christmas makes for a dark yet amusing fairytale and it's all acted out with some excellent stop-motion. The songs on offer are also good for the most part. Even so, it still drags a bit despite being only an hour-and-a-bit in length.

Silent Hill (Christophe Gans, 2006) - 2.5

I've never played a Silent Hill videogame, so I didn't have any fanboy expectations to be crushed by actually seeing the movie. The story of a woman and her adopted child heading to the titular haunted town makes for a fairly basic mixture of psychological dread and unsettling body horror, to say nothing of some fairly silly plot-holes. Still, it was at least sort of entertaining.

Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013) - 4

Fine story about Bruce Dern's elderly alcoholic trying to win a million dollars off a fraudulent piece of junk mail and Will Forte as his son trying to alternately dissuade and encourage him, to say nothing of the various other characters that pop up during the film. Good stuff, though it feels a bit long at times. Good performances and the humour's good when it's there, though it's also appropriately bittersweet in plenty of other places as well. Hard to remember the last time I saw a movie where I was so genuinely invested in wondering how it would end despite having a good idea (though maybe 12 Years A Slave might qualify in that regard). It's kind of a shame this probably won't win Best Picture.

[Miss Vicky]

Her (Spike Jonze, 2013) - 4

A Perfect World (Clint Eastwood, 1993) - 4

12 Years A Slave (Steve McQueen, 2013) - 4

Blood Diamond (Edward Zwick, 2006) - 3.5

Dallas Buyers Club (Jean-March Vallée, 2013) - 3.5

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1993) - 3.5

Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013) - 4


:up: for enjoying these.

Sad you didn't like The Wolf of Wall Street, though.

[Iroquois]

:up: for enjoying these.

Sad you didn't like The Wolf of Wall Street, though.

Well, I originally had it at a 3/5 but I decided that it didn't quite make it that far so yeah. According to my records I ranked The Departed even lower so I guess I'm just not a fan of Scorsese's recent films (those I've seen, anyway).

[wintertriangles]

Well, I originally had it at a 3/5 but I decided that it didn't quite make it that far so yeah. According to my records I ranked The Departed even lower so I guess I'm just not a fan of Scorsese's recent films (those I've seen, anyway).
Nor am I. Everything up through The Last Temptation is enjoyable at least

[honeykid]

Dallas Buyers Club (Jean-March Vallée, 2013) - 3.5

Reading up on the inaccuracies of this particular film have coloured my perception of this film a little bit, but otherwise I rather liked this film. Matthew McConaughey playing a HIV-positive electrician who decides to smuggle life-saving drugs from Mexico into America makes for an interesting (if morally questionable) tale and he puts in a surprisingly strong performance given his track record.
Take a look at his work from The Lincoln Lawyer. It's as if it's a different actor.

[jiraffejustin]

I really like the term for his recent rise: "McConaissance." Whoever coined it deserves a high-five.