2007 Screening Log

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castleinthesky
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2007 Screening Log

Post by castleinthesky »

Another year has came to an end, and a new screening log should be started. The previous thread-starter has since left this board, and I guess I should keep this going. Like the previous starter, I will ask a question? Will anyone use this? Does anyone find this insightful? I don't want to keep this going if it is just going to take up space. I would like feedback on this. If so, I will write my first two reviews of 2007, if not I will not, and this thread will fall into UD oblivion. :)
Best Movies of 2009:
1. Moon
2. Inglorious Basterds
3. The Hurt Locker
4. Coraline
5. Ponyo
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Loomis
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Post by Loomis »

Yes! Found this invaluable last year when I wanted to articulate my thoughts on what movies I had seen at the cinema.

I got a little lax towards the end of the year, but that was more to do with getting lax with going to the cinema towards the end of the year.

To my shame, I am yet to visit the films in 2007!
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dvdjunkie
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Post by dvdjunkie »

I totally will support this thread since I do go to the cinema quite a bit. I would ask that we refrain from reviewing movies that are not released in 2007 though, or you need to rename the thread.

I don't think a valid review is one that is watched on video at home or at a friend's house or from a review disc. I think all reviews should be from films that have been watched in the theater. My basis for a truly good review is to see the movie at least twice in a theater to make sure that my review is unbiased and gives an honest review of what the film was about without giving 'spoilers' away.

I know we have some contributors who live outside the US, and the releases of some films come later than here, and sometimes earlier. Those I can tolerate. It is the reviews of movies that someone gives - "I watched this video a few days ago and I thought this movie was better than apple pie" - armchair reviews.

A true movie critic, and those who aspire to be a critic, will watch the movie in a theater on the big screen with big sound, watch it at least twice to make sure he truly thinks it is that good, or that bad, before writing his review.

And if you aren't old enough to see R-rated movies, you shouldn't be old enough to review them. That would elminate the viewing of a video at home when no one is around.

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Just Myself
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Post by Just Myself »

So far I've seen 2 movies this year, but both were released in 2006 (Dreamgirls, A, Deja Vu, B+). The first official movies of 2007 I plan to see are Zodiac with Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo and Wild Hogs with Tim Allen and William H. Macy, both on March 2.

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JM :thumb:
Cheers,
JM :thumb:
castleinthesky
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Post by castleinthesky »

I'm starting 2007 with a bang (even though all of my viewed films are actually late 2006 films). Since most films are Oscar caliber, may have great grades. This is where the good films equal out the bad films of spring and summer.

Blood Diamond
A film about the vicious diamond buisness in Africa is aptly shown by director Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai). The twisting plot is complemented by the enthralling backdrops. Leonardo Di'Caprio gives his second Oscar potential performance of the year. Jennifer Connely is also surprisingly good in her role as an American journalist. Djimon Honsou is the weakest of the three major actors in this film, but still gives a memorable performance. The only terrible part of this film is the characterization, which will cause all three actors not to be nominated for the Oscar. Their performances are top notch, but the flat, static characterization stunts the full potential of the film.
Grade B+

Children of Men
Alfonso Cuaron once agains delivers a terrific film. Who says this guy shouldn't direct the next Harry Potter? He'd take the series out of it's pathetic-ness. As women no longer can have babies, the future is in peril. The film and plot is centered around this premise. Clive Owen, gives another great performance, as his career is quickly skyrocketing. Julianne Moore gives a small but memorable performance, and Michael Caine gives his best acting since Batman Begins. The cinematography is most notable in this film, as legendary (may I say that?) cinematographer, Emanuel Lubezki shows this film is a way no other film has been shown. This film is a must see for all sci-fi fans, moviegoers, and the average public. This is the film that V for Vendetta wanted to be.
Grade A-

Dreamgirls
Bill Condon (director) might have just resurected the movie musical. His work is the best musical, based off a Broadway musical, since Chicago. The film is highly momental. The plot is a poignant view on how the music world works, and how singers get backstabbed, and the such. The acting is top notch, only by some of the actors. Eddie Murphy may have given his best career performance, while Beyonce gives a heartfelt try as an actress. On the other side of the spectrum, Jennifer Hudson gives a forced performance and Jamie Foxx adds another movie to his list, in which he has acted terribly. I still can't fathom how Foxx won Best Actor for Ray, or was even thought about being nominated for that dreadfull performance. The soundtrack to the film is the most memorable, as songs can easily become stuck in your head after watching the film. Dreamgirls may not be the best film of the year, but it deserves most of the hype it is receivng.
Grade A-

Curse of the Golden Flower
This film was passed over by many viewers for films such as Stomp the Yard and Night at the Museum, unfortunately. This film is by the director of The House of Flying Daggers and Hero. Gong Li gives an unforgettable performance as the queen of hte Tang Dynasty, and all the other performances are strong. The plot itself is the best part of this film, as deception and betrayal ruin the royal family. The film is beautiful in every which way, joining Marie Antoinette as the "candy" films of 2006. This film may have been overlooked for Best Foreign Film but I hope everyone gives this film a chance.
Grade: A

The Last King of Scotland
The film, about Ugandan dictator Idi Amin was a refreshing film to see. Instead of giving us the point of view of Amin, we get the view of his doctor. James McAvoy, the lead actor, the doctor, gives a career changing performance. His is certainly the best performance in the film. Forest Whitaker, Idi, is receivng all the attention for Best Actor, and will most likely win the award, as his performance is the second best of the year (after McAvoy, who is getting no acclaim). The film itself is wrapped around the changing character of Amin, and the plot culminates in the end.
Grade: A

Letters from Iwo Jima
Clint Eastwood's two part portrayal of the Battle of Iwo Jima, is a near perfect on film adaptation. While Flags of Our Fathers was lacking in certain aspects, Letters from Iwo Jima gives us a near perfect show. Ken Watanabe gives a great and humbling performance as the general of the island during the war. The characterization is much more in depth than the companion film, Flags of Our Fathers, and the plot is not wandering, like Flags. It is great to finally see another film portray the Japanese during World War Two (the only other I know that does that is Grave of the Fireflies). While this film is not the best of the year in any Oscar category, it is a runner up in most of the eligible categories. Go see this film.

Grade: A (I would love to give it an A+, but it is just missing something)

Coming Soon: The Queen, The Painted Veil, Pan's Labyrinth
Best Movies of 2009:
1. Moon
2. Inglorious Basterds
3. The Hurt Locker
4. Coraline
5. Ponyo
castleinthesky
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Post by castleinthesky »

The Queen
Helen Mirren has had tons of acclaim with her role as Queen Elizabeth II. While Mirren gives a definite, strong, and near perfect portrayal of the queen (supposedly), Mirren is nothing special. Mirren has won nearly every precursor award (2 of about 50 she hasn't, those going to Cruz and Dench), however this acclaim should not be that easy to get. Mirren acted greatly, but it is not an Oscar worthy role. I digress. The plot was intricate, and heart warming. The characterization, especially of Elizabeth II was near perfect, and Michael Sheen gives an Oscar (nominee) worthy portrayal of Tony Blair. Too bad, he didn't get nominated. Overall the film was a joy, but probably just another one to eventually forget, and not worthy of that Best Picture nomination.
Grade B

Notes on a Scandal
Judi Dench gives one of the best performances of her career, acting as a spinster. Her acting alone is better than Helen Mirren's, and Blanchett, who is also lead, gives a strong, memorable, Oscar winning performance (she is better than fellow nominee Hudson). The plot itself is filled with dramatic irony, suspense, and most of all near perfect characterization of Barbara (Judi Dench). Judi Dench completes the character.
Grade A-

The Painted Veil
Set in China, The Painted Veil was one of the best films of 2006. The cinematography, art dirction, landscapes, score, and technical aspects of the film are some of the best of the year. The score, specifically, was the best of 2006, and was robbed it's Oscar nomination. The plot weaves aroudn Naomi Watts and Edward's Norton's love relationship, and how people actually love one another. The characterization is vital to the plot, and is aptly done to near perfection. Naomi Watts brings an otherwise lifeless character to become a round character, while Edward Norton gives one of his best performances in years. Both deserved Academy Award nominations. The film was overlooked at many award programs, but will be remembered by anyone who appreciates film.
Grade: A

Pan's Labyrinth
Gulliermo del Toro has bulled his career out of the dumpster, surely, with this fantasy set in Civil War Spain. Like The Painted Veil, Pan's Labyrinth is near perfect on all the technical parts of the film. The plot itself is gripping, pure, and one of the best of the year. The acting, but relatively unkown actors is excellent. Pan's Labyrinth should be seen by everyone 14 and older. This film will go down in history as being one of the best films of 2006 and one of the best films of all time.
Grade: A
Best Movies of 2009:
1. Moon
2. Inglorious Basterds
3. The Hurt Locker
4. Coraline
5. Ponyo
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