The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

Watched:

"Flushed Away," first time ever.

Entertainment: 4/5. Pretty fun adventure with some witty slappy comedy. Pacing is fast.

Story: 3.5/5. Seems like it's been done before (the plot kinda resembles a caper, while the characters take on the semblance of certain stereotypes, and develops a pretty predictable romance), but the story is still well-constructed and the characters are pretty fun.

Film: 4.5/5. Maybe not the best animation quality, but it looks good most of the time. Character animations are excellent. The production design is very detailed and imaginative. Voice acting is great (couldn't even tell that it was Hugh Jackman doing the main character). Music is well-selected.

Intellect/emotional: 0/5.

Total: 4/5. Jolly good fun.



"The Passion of the Christ," essential Easter viewing.

Entertainment: NA. Any entertainment value to be ascertained from this movie is best achieved from the below ratings; I can't really say that I enjoy watching two hours of so much torment and sorrow. I'm more entertained by the film's imagery, powerful emotions, intellect, etc.

Story: 4/5. The story is straightforward, actually rather dragged-out. But I believe the film excels with the characters.

Film: 5/5. Photography and imagery is superb. Acting and writing are darn near perfect (maybe a little extreme, but I don't fault the film for that). Production value has very gritty and real-looking sets, props, and costumes (though I'm not sure if it's 100% historically accurate). Music is good.

Intellect/emotional: 5/5. My mind and heart are continuously stimulated by this film's portrayal; I believe that it captures the pure malice of humanity and exposes it very convincingly. It helped me understand Jesus' sacrifice initially, and it made me feel for it by the movie's end.

Total: 5/5 (rounded up from 4.67)

[ajvdbg]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Watched:

"Flushed Away," first time ever.

Entertainment: 4/5. Pretty fun adventure with some witty slappy comedy. Pacing is fast.

Story: 3.5/5. Seems like it's been done before (the plot kinda resembles a caper, while the characters take on the semblance of certain stereotypes, and develops a pretty predictable romance), but the story is still well-constructed and the characters are pretty fun.

Film: 4.5/5. Maybe not the best animation quality, but it looks good most of the time. Character animations are excellent. The production design is very detailed and imaginative. Voice acting is great (couldn't even tell that it was Hugh Jackman doing the main character). Music is well-selected.

Intellect/emotional: 0/5.

Total: 4/5. Jolly good fun.



"The Passion of the Christ," essential Easter viewing.

Entertainment: NA. Any entertainment value to be ascertained from this movie is best achieved from the below ratings; I can't really say that I enjoy watching two hours of so much torment and sorrow. I'm more entertained by the film's imagery, powerful emotions, intellect, etc.

Story: 4/5. The story is straightforward, actually rather dragged-out. But I believe the film excels with the characters.

Film: 5/5. Photography and imagery is superb. Acting and writing are darn near perfect (maybe a little extreme, but I don't fault the film for that). Production value has very gritty and real-looking sets, props, and costumes (though I'm not sure if it's 100% historically accurate). Music is good.

Intellect/emotional: 5/5. My mind and heart are continuously stimulated by this film's portrayal; I believe that it captures the pure malice of humanity and exposes it very convincingly. It helped me understand Jesus' sacrifice initially, and it made me feel for it by the movie's end.

Total: 5/5 (rounded up from 4.67)

Have been waiting for Flushed Away to come out on Blu; guess you saw in SD? BTW the most under-rated DreamWorks title!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by ajvdbg

Have been waiting for Flushed Away to come out on Blu; guess you saw in SD? BTW the most under-rated DreamWorks title!

Yep, it was just a DVD (which looked okay, but BD would be better). I've been meaning to look it up to see if a BD is available, but I take it that it isn't. Between this one and "Over the Hedge" (and of course "Shrek"), Dreamworks is really holding back on us!

[Al_The_Strange]

Watched next:

"Saló." Second time ever. Following "The Passion," I wanted to watch something else that would help me reflect upon the themes of human violence and evil.

Entertainment: NA. It really is the most disturbing movie I know of; very graphic and sick. There's not much pleasure in watching it, other than the intellectual value (though some may disagree that there even is any). Had to flinch and close my eyes at a couple of parts; got a little queasy too.

Story: 3/5. Nothing much going on story-wise, aside from the fact that things get worse and worse until it progresses toward a state of total There's not much characterization; not even any protagonists. The film's greatest story strengths are more in the themes.

Film: 4.5/5. Photography is interesting. Acting is spot-on. Writing is kinda weird. Sets, props, and costumes are excellent. Music is interesting.

Intellectual/emotional: 5/5. On one level, it's a descent into Hell. On another level (and probably more prominently), it's a figurative reflection on the brutality of tyrrany, fully exposing the pain, terror, sorrow, and evil that these kinds of societies inflict on people. It even goes so far as to portray people not as people but as things (perhaps even commodities). Much of the film makes me think, while being repulsive and depressing. I give it huge credit for these ideas.

Total: 4/5 (rounded up from 4.167). Wouldn't reccomend it to anybody, but I find its social themes very fascinating (if not as disturbing as the film's content).



"The Greatest Story Ever Told."

Entertainment: 3/5. It's long, slowly-paced, especially by today's standards. The film manages to maintain some interest with its epic imagery and the overall story.

Story: 4/5. A decent adaptation of the Bible (though they took one or two liberties). Characters are adequate.

Film: 4/5. Lots of sweeping landscapes and beautiful imagery. Lots of big set pieces. Lots of lavish sets, props, and costumes. Its production value could easily stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the original "Ten Commandments" or "Ben Hur." But I do feel that the acting is a little dull, and writing is standard.

Intellectual/emotional: 3/5. Does well to tell the basic story of Jesus' life and death.

Total: 3.5/5 (rounded down from 3.67). I'm not particuarly thrilled by it (I think the lively acting and production value of "The Passion" must have spoiled me), but it is well-made and worth watching.



Watched "The Passion" again, this time with the theological commentary on. Pretty interesting.

[lDlisturb3d]

Just watched New Moon
Still keeping its originality, New Moon was pretty good, My first impress of Twilight was "NO, HELL NO" but after watching it with my wife i came to terms that the movie was ok, and deserved a solid 4 out of 5. Now Speaking on behalf of New Moon, this was actually pretty good! I love the action and graphic effects in the feature. Both pack mean PQ and amazing DTS-MA AQ. So as far as DEMO material, this gets my vote. Go and watch this film you wont be disappointed. I must warn you though, there are many parts of the movie with bad acting, but the movie itself is 4.5 out of 5.0. Bottom line HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Blu Ian]

Danielle Harris is hot as fu**.

The movie not so much.

[lDlisturb3d]

Just watched Kung Fu Panda 10/10 amazing pic, DEMO Material. Very Colorful Movie.

[TokyoLee]

How To Train Your Dragon (3D)

Movie:5/5 Amazing Film

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

In the Line of Fire


PQ: 4 stars (out of 5)

AQ: 4 stars (out of 5)

Film: 3 stars (out of 4)


Entertaining despite a common plot. Malkovich is the real highlight here, and Eastwood is solid in his role. The pacing was a bit off to me and Rene Russo's character was a complete waste. That being said, a good film and a good transfer.

I found this to be one of those movies where the lead performance was so good that it actually elevated the movie to excellent-- Eastwood should have been nominated (and won) an Oscar for this film!

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by James Hetfield

Danielle Harris is hot as fu**.

The movie not so much.

can't argue either one of these points!

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by AKORIS

I found this to be one of those movies where the lead performance was so good that it actually elevated the movie to excellent-- Eastwood should have been nominated (and won) an Oscar for this film!

I've been a critic of Eastwood for awhile, but I found this to be one of his better roles. Great performance.

[CZAR]

Any Given Sunday - 2nd time ever seeing this film. I didnt care for it the first time around. This time it was decent. I think the movie is to long and drags though. There are definitely a few football movies better than this one. Overall its a decent film at best and I would rate it 2.5/5 Got Em!!

[LordoftheRings]

'Helboy II: The Golden Army', on Blu-ray. 10/10 all the way baby! What did you expect?

[lDlisturb3d]

just watched Sherlock Holmes
Pretty Good 4.5 out of 5.0 Great acting by Jr.

[lDlisturb3d]

Just watch Mission Impossible I
It was ok, got good a the end overall 4 out of 5

[Q?]

Gangs of New York "Digitally Remastered" BD

PQ excellent/5
AQ uhm... not much of a audophile but sounded good to me/5
Movie 8.5/10


I just love the production of this movie, real sets, so extensive and feels very much real. The PQ is simply excellent, it ain't perfect, or I don't know if it supposed to look "perfect" whatever that means, but I had no problems with it.
I just love that this movie can be seen as a historic prequel to Goodfellas or Mean Streets, a very interesting look at a time in history that pretty much hasn't been widely discussed before. What I didn't like about the movie would be the music at times, just wasn't my taste and I don't know if the music is authentic to the time. Some of the characters seem caricatured to me, it put me off a couple of times.
But this is definitely a fantastic movie, love Daniel Day-Lewis perfomance! And Liam Neeson & DDL should make more movies together!

[lDlisturb3d]

Finally Finshed the Mission Impossible Trilogy, it was pretty good, i prefer the Bourne Trilogy though.

[CZAR]

Major League: Back to the Minors - First time watching the 3 part of the Major League trilogy. I didnt expect much as I hadnt heard much about it but it wasnt to bad. I actually liked it better than the 2nd one. I thought it was hilarious when ever

[Show spoiler]Taka Tanaka would speak (english) they would still put up english subtitles!

Haha! Again nowhere near the classic part 1 but still not bad. I would rate it 2.5/5 Got Em!!

[Al_The_Strange]

Finally got to watch the rest of "Red Cliff," International version.

Entertainment: 4.5/5. Despite being 5 hours total, this film hardly has a dull moment. Battle and action scenes are really spectacular, and everything in-between presents an excellent array of imagery, ideas, characterizations, and plot elements.

Story: 4.5/5. The story is straightforward and easy to get, but filled with various complications, nuances, and motifs that develop into larger themes and paint and interesting portrayal. Characters are decent; maybe not the deepest, but they are definitely distinctive and pleasing to watch.

Film: 4.5/5. Can't say how historically accurate anything is, but the production value is phenomenal. Sets, props, costumes, weapons, ships, etc are highly detailed and distinctive. The film is very well-photographed, filled with colorful and lavish imagery without being extravagant (even during the action scenes). Acting and writing seem excellent. Music is decent too (and in some parts, help accentuate the story).

Intellectual/emotional: 2/5. The movie has its share of recurring themes, motifs, and even individual scenes that reinforce various ideas in the story and characters. Some of the tactics the film portrays are really brilliant. And ultimately, the film sparks some interest in the actual history of the battle, so I might have to read up on it someday.

Total: 4.5/5 (rounded up from 4.67). I was very impressed by the film. Despite its long runtime, it is loaded with strong characters, ideas, and battles. The imagery is very strong, the story is enticing, and the battles did not dissapoint. I think this film can easily stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other epics like "Braveheart," or "Kingdom of Heaven." It was awesome.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by James Hetfield

Danielle Harris is hot as fu**.

The movie not so much.

U aint never lied! Got Em!!