What Movie Did You Just Watch? - Shh! It's Starting!
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PeterPanfan
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Dear John - Pretty bad, which I expected. I can't judge all the Sparks films, since I've only seen A Walk to Remember (which I really liked, by the way.) Just from the hype I guess, I wasn't expecting much. I usually love Amanda Seyfried, but not in this. She was pretty much a major bitch, and really selfish, I though. Channing Tatum added nothing, as per usual, and Richard Jenkins played the only character I liked.
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PeterPanfan
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blackcauldron85
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UmbrellaFish
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Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?- I've been wanting to see this movie forever, and TCM finally aired it yesterday, so I DVR'd it and watched it this morning. Best acting job out of Liz Taylor I think I've ever seen, and as I've only watched Burton in Becket, bits of Faust, Cleopatra, and some Camelot clips, this was a whole different side of him I've never seen on film before. I'm a little embarrased to admit I didn't realize the young man in the picture was Jack Gallo himself until halfway through. Overall, a great drama, I'll have to check out again.
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DaveWadding
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jpanimation
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slave2moonlight
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Ha, I find I watch this one a lot.DaveWadding wrote:Zombieland - 8.75/10 - Loved it.
Last night, I saw a couple of new horror films: Amusement and Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
Considering we got these off Netflix at my friends' house, these were pretty good. Behind the Mask was surprisingly good. Most of it was a very entertaining horror/comedy with a pretty silly premise (a documentary team invited into the life of a Michael Myers-type slasher), and then in the end it kicks into the horror more. It's all pretty ridiculous and nonsensical, but it was very entertaining.
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BelleGirl
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The movies I watched this weekend:
Marley & Me Cute movie about a family and their untrainable, ucontrollable labrador retriever Marley. Tears in the end when Marley gets old and sick and has to be put to sleep. Any one who ever lost a beloved family pet knows how that feels.
7/10.
Hable con ella It was night and I already was very tired but yet I watched this bizarre movie till the end. About two guys each watching over another woman lying in a coma (one a ballerina, the other a torero). To my surprise the movie starred Geraldine Chaplin in a supporting role. Also with a highly erotic 'silent movie' within the movie, with a man that drinks a potion and shrinks to such a proportion that he can crawl into his lover's vagina n.r.
Horton (hears a who) 'From the creators of Ice Age' it says on the box. I actually liked this movie more than "Ice Age". This adaptation of Dr Seus' book has a philosophical depth not many family entertainment movies have. (Horton the elephant discovers there are tiny poeple living on a little speckle and makes it his mission to protect them) For how can we claim that something doesn't exist just because we cannot see it? Why shouldn't there be life on a little speckle? After all, isn't our planet just a little speckle in the universe? 8/10
Marley & Me Cute movie about a family and their untrainable, ucontrollable labrador retriever Marley. Tears in the end when Marley gets old and sick and has to be put to sleep. Any one who ever lost a beloved family pet knows how that feels.
7/10.Hable con ella It was night and I already was very tired but yet I watched this bizarre movie till the end. About two guys each watching over another woman lying in a coma (one a ballerina, the other a torero). To my surprise the movie starred Geraldine Chaplin in a supporting role. Also with a highly erotic 'silent movie' within the movie, with a man that drinks a potion and shrinks to such a proportion that he can crawl into his lover's vagina n.r.
Horton (hears a who) 'From the creators of Ice Age' it says on the box. I actually liked this movie more than "Ice Age". This adaptation of Dr Seus' book has a philosophical depth not many family entertainment movies have. (Horton the elephant discovers there are tiny poeple living on a little speckle and makes it his mission to protect them) For how can we claim that something doesn't exist just because we cannot see it? Why shouldn't there be life on a little speckle? After all, isn't our planet just a little speckle in the universe? 8/10
See my growing collection of Disney movie-banners at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78256383@N ... 651337290/
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blackcauldron85
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PeterPanfan
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An Education - I didn't like it, or rather, it was very overrated. Carey Mulligan does not deserve an Oscar. While her performance wasn't bad at all, it certainly wasn't great or indicative of any major award. My favorite character was the teacher, played by the delightful Olivia Williams. It's hard to choose whether or not to recommend it, but I guess I'll have to say no. 
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jpanimation
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HDNet Movies had it going on this week with the classics. They looked fantastic in HD, tons of detail I never noticed before. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Gigi were the Blu-ray transfers, but the other two need a little more cleaning.
The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) 7.5/10 - basically a mixed up version of All About Eve (1950) that takes place in the motion picture business instead of the theater. Some great performances given by most of the cast and a pretty entertaining movie (although not nearly as good as All About Eve). It was well directed by Vincente Minnelli but could've ended a little stronger.
The Big Country (1958) 7.5/10 - I remember when I first saw this movie I was expecting a western. Instead, I got a drama in a western setting (like Giant [1956]). Boy does William Wyler direct well. Sure the whole last hour of the movie just drags (unfortunately I couldn't find a single thing to cut) but the first two are really fun. Gregory Peck is an interesting character here and his choices are fun to explore. Its really interesting to watch him break down an unruly horse but when its finally broken, its such a satisfying thing to watch. I really like the scene where Gregory Peck and Charlton Heston fight, with a giant backdrop of the big country surrounding them, just showing how insignificant their little fight really is. Lots of great imagery and interesting characters that are unfortunately dragged down by the poor third act (while appropriate, just not that interesting). Jerome Moross makes the best score of his life. Chances are you've heard it before and its really memorable.
Gigi (1958) 7.5/10 - the great alternative to My Fair Lady. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, I like this movie just as much as My Fair Lady, and find it interesting that this was just Arthur Freed's plane B because he couldn't make My Fair Lady at the time. There is just something naive about all the characters that I find fascinating and fun. It just paints this fantasy version of what life was like in Paris but you don't care because you're enjoying it. Some of the songs are also pretty catchy. Can't say it's the best but it's definitely a fun little musical.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) 8.5/10 - Sergio Leone's masterpiece. My favorite of his work (my dad likes For a Few Dollars More more) and possibly the greatest western ever made (definitely the greatest spaghetti-western ever made). The new transfer looked amazing but the extended scenes were pointless. It adds about 20mins of unimportant information that explains some story bits that we never really needed to know. The scenes stand out because the voices are different (just recently recorded) and they actually slow down the pace. Usually I'm in favor of director's cuts but here it just distracts. They're not bad scenes and they don't hurt the overall quality of the film, they're just unnecessary (for once, the cuts were non-intrusive). As much as I like Eastwood, Eli Wallace's character (Tuco) steals the show hear and is the centric character. Morricone makes his most memorable score to date (I prefer his score for For a Few Dollars More as its not as exaggerated).
I just now found out that all of Leone's films were recorded without dialogue and it was added in later (like an animated film). I always wondered why they all looked like they were dubbed; they were. I always felt that Leone's work could've been a silent picture with so many scenes orchestrated that way. Maybe filming it without sound helped him concentrate on the "pure cinema" (as Hitchcock referred to it) aspect of the film.
The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) 7.5/10 - basically a mixed up version of All About Eve (1950) that takes place in the motion picture business instead of the theater. Some great performances given by most of the cast and a pretty entertaining movie (although not nearly as good as All About Eve). It was well directed by Vincente Minnelli but could've ended a little stronger.
The Big Country (1958) 7.5/10 - I remember when I first saw this movie I was expecting a western. Instead, I got a drama in a western setting (like Giant [1956]). Boy does William Wyler direct well. Sure the whole last hour of the movie just drags (unfortunately I couldn't find a single thing to cut) but the first two are really fun. Gregory Peck is an interesting character here and his choices are fun to explore. Its really interesting to watch him break down an unruly horse but when its finally broken, its such a satisfying thing to watch. I really like the scene where Gregory Peck and Charlton Heston fight, with a giant backdrop of the big country surrounding them, just showing how insignificant their little fight really is. Lots of great imagery and interesting characters that are unfortunately dragged down by the poor third act (while appropriate, just not that interesting). Jerome Moross makes the best score of his life. Chances are you've heard it before and its really memorable.
Gigi (1958) 7.5/10 - the great alternative to My Fair Lady. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, I like this movie just as much as My Fair Lady, and find it interesting that this was just Arthur Freed's plane B because he couldn't make My Fair Lady at the time. There is just something naive about all the characters that I find fascinating and fun. It just paints this fantasy version of what life was like in Paris but you don't care because you're enjoying it. Some of the songs are also pretty catchy. Can't say it's the best but it's definitely a fun little musical.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) 8.5/10 - Sergio Leone's masterpiece. My favorite of his work (my dad likes For a Few Dollars More more) and possibly the greatest western ever made (definitely the greatest spaghetti-western ever made). The new transfer looked amazing but the extended scenes were pointless. It adds about 20mins of unimportant information that explains some story bits that we never really needed to know. The scenes stand out because the voices are different (just recently recorded) and they actually slow down the pace. Usually I'm in favor of director's cuts but here it just distracts. They're not bad scenes and they don't hurt the overall quality of the film, they're just unnecessary (for once, the cuts were non-intrusive). As much as I like Eastwood, Eli Wallace's character (Tuco) steals the show hear and is the centric character. Morricone makes his most memorable score to date (I prefer his score for For a Few Dollars More as its not as exaggerated).
I just now found out that all of Leone's films were recorded without dialogue and it was added in later (like an animated film). I always wondered why they all looked like they were dubbed; they were. I always felt that Leone's work could've been a silent picture with so many scenes orchestrated that way. Maybe filming it without sound helped him concentrate on the "pure cinema" (as Hitchcock referred to it) aspect of the film.
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ajmrowland
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Sleepy Hollow
My first time watching this re-imagining from the very beginning. It's one of those films that just doesn't fit comfortably into any genre. It's scary, but not horror, and gothic too, but never really gets rid of the sense of fun that comes from the original story. it's a Mystery, but also something of a fairy tale. That said, it is a fun movie to watch, and has some disturbing parts.
EDIT: Hidden Mickey!
My first time watching this re-imagining from the very beginning. It's one of those films that just doesn't fit comfortably into any genre. It's scary, but not horror, and gothic too, but never really gets rid of the sense of fun that comes from the original story. it's a Mystery, but also something of a fairy tale. That said, it is a fun movie to watch, and has some disturbing parts.
EDIT: Hidden Mickey!
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blackcauldron85
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DisneyFreak5282
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carolinakid
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PeterPanfan
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Overnight Delivery - This little flick (as in, no one I know has heard of it), starred Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon, and also had the lovely Christine Taylor. It was about a false break-up between the characters played by Rudd and Taylor, and then the introduction of the stripper Ivy played by Witherspoon, who road-tripped with Rudd's character to meet Taylor's character. Obviously a ton more happened, often humorous, and you need to watch it or else I'll spoil it for you. Recommended.
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jpanimation
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OK, well in anticipation of Sylvain Chomet's new movie The Illusionist, I thought I'd get myself aquatinted with his award winning work. I also though I'd check out some of Alex Proyas' films (I love I, Robot but hated The Knowing) as heard good things about his earlier stuff:
The Old Lady And The Pigeons (1998) 7/10 - Sylvain Chomet's quirky short film that introduced him to the world. The first thing you realize is this guy has a quirky sense of humor and style, much like Chris Sanders with the goofy situations, but executes it in an entirely different way. This is a silent film and an entertaining one at that. The character designs are well done but a little awkward at times.
The Triplets of Belleville (2003) 6/10 - Chomet's feature length animated film that was nominated for the academy award. The whole movie is a silent film and is well directed in that regard. The story was fairly interesting, if very thin and the character development was virtually none existent. All entertainment can be accredited to the wonderful silent film direction Chomet gave the film that just keeps you watching (although, not something I'll re-watch any time soon, if ever). There are some interesting themes explored( like the cyclist being the equivalent to race horses, shooting the injured and everything). Once again the character designs are ridiculous and sometimes a little annoying (the huge cyclist legs were awkward). Unfortunately, I'm not sure I shared the same sense of humor as him as the fat people in America and frog eating triplets was just weird, not funny. It's an obsession with fat people and little short ladies that I guess I don't share. Also, the hidden Mickey in the film (turd in a toilet) just gave me the impression that he lacks class.
I really hope Chomet's new film is better then these two were, as I just don't understand the fuss about him.
The Crow (1994) 7/10 - yeah, the movie famous for Brandon Lee's accidental death. I found this movie interesting enough, plenty of action and a decent story, but it really lacked on character development. The plot is a basic revenge story, our hero has no other motive and it makes him kind of shallow. Lee's acting is WAY over the top and doesn't really develop the character past the nut we see. The character was cool, the movie was stylized and the action was good but it could've been soo much more. Their was a lot of the character that I wanted them to explore but they never touch on. The movie was entertaining enough for Proyas' first outing but I think Brandon Lee's death has contributed to the hype of this film.
Dark City (1998) 7/10 - this movie is extremely overhyped. Alex Proyas' baby as it was his concept. The problem is the movie presents some really deep, tough provoking concepts on memories and life but the film its in isn't very good. I remember seeing this movie as a kid when it first came out, didn't understand it, and there for didn't like it. I understood it this time around but just found the movie kind of dumb in parts for such an intelligent concept. The antagonists look like a cross between Darth Vader from Star Wars and the Borg from Star Trek and they're just really lame. The lameness is amplified by the really dumb telekinetic powers they possess. It's hard enough for me to get into a movie with aliens but then when add in telekinetic powers, I completely loose interest (sure, thats the same concept as Star Wars but very different execution, also note that Star Wars didn't take it's self SOO seriously by trying to ground in reality). The telekinetic battle at the end of the movie just proves my point.
I know a lot of people were upset that I, Robot didn't much resemble the source material but it's the only work by Proyas' worth owning as far as I'm concerned (yes, much of that has to do with Will Smith).
Face/Off (1997) 7.5/10 - quite possibly the only good movie of John Woo's career. This was one of the great action movies of the 90's and really concentrates on the characters. The situations these characters were placed in really lets you see a side of them you normally wouldn't have seen. While some of the acting is a little over done and the dialogue is pretty bad, that action is great and the direction is good. I have a feeling that, like Speed, this will be known as one of the classics of the action genre to come out of the 90's.
The Old Lady And The Pigeons (1998) 7/10 - Sylvain Chomet's quirky short film that introduced him to the world. The first thing you realize is this guy has a quirky sense of humor and style, much like Chris Sanders with the goofy situations, but executes it in an entirely different way. This is a silent film and an entertaining one at that. The character designs are well done but a little awkward at times.
The Triplets of Belleville (2003) 6/10 - Chomet's feature length animated film that was nominated for the academy award. The whole movie is a silent film and is well directed in that regard. The story was fairly interesting, if very thin and the character development was virtually none existent. All entertainment can be accredited to the wonderful silent film direction Chomet gave the film that just keeps you watching (although, not something I'll re-watch any time soon, if ever). There are some interesting themes explored( like the cyclist being the equivalent to race horses, shooting the injured and everything). Once again the character designs are ridiculous and sometimes a little annoying (the huge cyclist legs were awkward). Unfortunately, I'm not sure I shared the same sense of humor as him as the fat people in America and frog eating triplets was just weird, not funny. It's an obsession with fat people and little short ladies that I guess I don't share. Also, the hidden Mickey in the film (turd in a toilet) just gave me the impression that he lacks class.
I really hope Chomet's new film is better then these two were, as I just don't understand the fuss about him.
The Crow (1994) 7/10 - yeah, the movie famous for Brandon Lee's accidental death. I found this movie interesting enough, plenty of action and a decent story, but it really lacked on character development. The plot is a basic revenge story, our hero has no other motive and it makes him kind of shallow. Lee's acting is WAY over the top and doesn't really develop the character past the nut we see. The character was cool, the movie was stylized and the action was good but it could've been soo much more. Their was a lot of the character that I wanted them to explore but they never touch on. The movie was entertaining enough for Proyas' first outing but I think Brandon Lee's death has contributed to the hype of this film.
Dark City (1998) 7/10 - this movie is extremely overhyped. Alex Proyas' baby as it was his concept. The problem is the movie presents some really deep, tough provoking concepts on memories and life but the film its in isn't very good. I remember seeing this movie as a kid when it first came out, didn't understand it, and there for didn't like it. I understood it this time around but just found the movie kind of dumb in parts for such an intelligent concept. The antagonists look like a cross between Darth Vader from Star Wars and the Borg from Star Trek and they're just really lame. The lameness is amplified by the really dumb telekinetic powers they possess. It's hard enough for me to get into a movie with aliens but then when add in telekinetic powers, I completely loose interest (sure, thats the same concept as Star Wars but very different execution, also note that Star Wars didn't take it's self SOO seriously by trying to ground in reality). The telekinetic battle at the end of the movie just proves my point.
I know a lot of people were upset that I, Robot didn't much resemble the source material but it's the only work by Proyas' worth owning as far as I'm concerned (yes, much of that has to do with Will Smith).
Face/Off (1997) 7.5/10 - quite possibly the only good movie of John Woo's career. This was one of the great action movies of the 90's and really concentrates on the characters. The situations these characters were placed in really lets you see a side of them you normally wouldn't have seen. While some of the acting is a little over done and the dialogue is pretty bad, that action is great and the direction is good. I have a feeling that, like Speed, this will be known as one of the classics of the action genre to come out of the 90's.
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ajmrowland
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I watched a bit of Sleepy Hollow again last night, and even with the commentary on, it still took a bit of courage for me to get into bed.yamiiguy wrote:Watched Aliens for the first time before I went to bed last night (was that wise?) it was great!
Nothing says nighty-night like a movie about people being beheaded.
