The Criterion Collection

[llj]

Originally Posted by 20th Century Boy

I completely disagree.

I've no strong attachment to either side of this argument, but John Hughes movies have flaws which have been well elucidated by many critics (and posters here) over the years. His use of well worn character stereotypes, pat messages, racial caricatures, etc,.

I do like his movies. But I don't consider him a particularly special filmmaker.

In general, my teenaged years were perfectly average. I had a few friends, some kids I didn't like...but I never really was part of the social politics in high school. I wasn't a geek or jock or slick willy or overachiever. So a lot of teen movies just don't resonate with me too much on most levels. I do like Better Off Dead though because it sees everything as completely absurd.

[llj]

Originally Posted by GentleGiant

One of my random Criterion wishes would be to see them release at least some Eric Rohmer on Bluray (Six Moral Tales would be great).

Just rewatched Le Rayon Vert, and wow, what a beautiful film! It would make a perfect Criterion release - not sure if that's possible, though.

There are a few very good Rohmers on North American blu-ray. Pauline at the Beach and Full Moon in Paris.

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by 20th Century Boy

I completely disagree.

Thanks for such a well thought out and elucidated response.

Originally Posted by llj

I've no strong attachment to either side of this argument, but John Hughes movies have flaws which have been well elucidated by many critics (and posters here) over the years. His use of well worn character stereotypes, pat messages, racial caricatures, etc,.

I do like his movies. But I don't consider him a particularly special filmmaker.

In general, my teenaged years were perfectly average. I had a few friends, some kids I didn't like...but I never really was part of the social politics in high school. I wasn't a geek or jock or slick willy or overachiever. So a lot of teen movies just don't resonate with me too much on most levels. I do like Better Off Dead though because it sees everything as completely absurd.

I don't dislike John Hughes movies, they're entertaining enough, but the subplot involving Jennifer Jason Leigh's character in Fast Times is far more honest than anything in Hughes's entire filmography of 80s teen comedies.

[Hoke Moseley]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

I don't dislike John Hughes movies, they're entertaining enough, but the subplot involving Jennifer Jason Leigh's character in Fast Times is far more honest than anything in Hughes's entire filmography of 80s teen comedies.

I agree, and I'm not sure how anyone can disagree with that. Also, Spicoli kicks the crap out of every John Hughes character.

[thatguamguy]

If Criterion included a reprint of the book, or episodes from the TV show, that would be cool, but I don't know what they could add to what's already released for "Fast Times". But of all the Heckerling movies, I agree that seems the most likely.

[MassiveMovieBuff]

Originally Posted by Hoke Moseley

I agree, and I'm not sure how anyone can disagree with that. Also, Spicoli kicks the crap out of every John Hughes character.

Also agreed. The only other John Hughes directed film I like besides Planes and Trains and Uncle Buck is Breakfast Club.

[bwdowiak]

don't forget.. It wasn't just Turner Field.

The Falcons are getting a new home, too, and the Georgia Dome was less than 25 years old. I don't get that.

[SammyJankis]

I was ready to write a good deal about L'Eclisse, but the only thing that comes to mind right now is that it probably contains the greatest ending ever. Hmph.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I was ready to write a good deal about L'Eclisse, but the only thing that comes to mind right now is that it probably contains the greatest ending ever. Hmph.

That's all the needs to be said.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by iScottie

That's all the needs to be said.

But the compositions a-and.. Monica Vitti's unrivaled beauty.

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I was ready to write a good deal about L'Eclisse, but the only thing that comes to mind right now is that it probably contains the greatest ending ever. Hmph.

The ending is indeed great, but the movie itself is a chore to get through for me because of the endless scenes in the stock exchange. I understand their purpose in the film but did there have to be so many of them, at unreasonable lengths?

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by MassiveMovieBuff

I wouldn't say it was because of that. It might have a little to do with that but honestly I thought Rogue One was a complete drag to sit through and frankly one of the worst films I've ever seen. It's like the film had no pulse whatsoever. I for one have never seen a movie where I was so disinterested in what was going on that my mind drifted throughout the entire film. There wasn't one character that interested me. I also found the samurai as some type of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles character or something but it was awkward. I was very welcoming for something different in a Star Wars film but this wasn't it. I thought Rogue One sucked royally.

Completely agree, woeful movie.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

don't forget.. It wasn't just Turner Field.

The Falcons are getting a new home, too, and the Georgia Dome was less than 25 years old. I don't get that.

I can give a pass to the retirement of the Georgia Dome, simply because it's such a fugly building.

[Show spoiler]

I do, however, have fond memories of attending the first concert ever performed at the Georgia Dome, back in 1992. U2's Zoo TV Tour.

[javi92]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

The ending is indeed great, but the movie itself is a chore to get through for me because of the endless scenes in the stock exchange. I understand their purpose in the film but did there have to be so many of them, at unreasonable lengths?

Weird, I don't really remember them being that long or a chore to sit through. Different strokes I guess. +1 on the ending.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by Hoke Moseley

Also, Spicoli kicks the crap out of every John Hughes character.

Uh...no.



There is one 80s film above all other John Hughes efforts (or FTARH) that deserves the Criterion treatment.....


The only FTARH character that can dispute this is:

[Show spoiler]Phoebe Cates.....the greatest single scene in all of cinema.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I was ready to write a good deal about L'Eclisse, but the only thing that comes to mind right now is that it probably contains the greatest ending ever. Hmph.

Watch the 1964 Vincent Price movie, The Last Man on Earth, immediately after watching L'Eclisse.

I'm dead serious. L'Eclisse flows seamlessly into the Vincent Price film. It's really quite amazing to see.

[castor]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Watch the 1964 Vincent Price movie, The Last Man on Earth, immediately after watching L'Eclisse.

I'm dead serious. L'Eclisse flows seamlessly into the Vincent Price film. It's really quite amazing to see.

Damn, you're right! I just watched the first 2 minutes of it on YouTube. Now I want to see the whole film.

[jw007]

Damn, we need some more DANNY BOYLE in the Criterion Collection. Bloody hell, what a fantastic director. Just got back from seeing the new T2: Trainspotting in the local theater. A fine sequel. No bollocks.

[willieconway]

Originally Posted by jw007

Damn, we need some more DANNY BOYLE in the Criterion Collection. Bloody hell, what a fantastic director. Just got back from seeing the new T2: Trainspotting in the local theater. A fine sequel. No bollocks.

Shallow Grave is one of my all time favorites. I actually left the cinema maybe 20 minutes into it the first time I watched it, in '94 I think. Not because of the movie but I was pretty drunk and wanted to find a bar instead. I didn't attempt to watch it again until I got the Criterion BD. Now I love it.

[oildude]

For anyone who appreciates high quality art prints based on films, a series of Charlie Chaplin prints was released today featuring the works of artists Tom Whalen, Jonathan Burton, Justin Erickson, and David Merveille. I bought all four. Criterion is well represented.














Released by Nautilus Art Prints in Europe and available directly from them or through their US partner Bottleneck Gallery in New York.


There will be a fifth released soon for Modern Times. These will hang on my walls alongside two other fantastic series released by Nautilus in the past couple of years featuring Jacques Tati and Francois Truffaut.

I am hoping they commission a print for City Lights one of these days, my favorite Chaplin movie.