The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Shutter Island

Movie 5/5 10/10 Perfect

Wow i wasnt ready for this, the direction acting, everything was INSANE. The story line is so f'in crazy, this flick keeps you confused the entire time, and just when the end arrives you get the taste of bitter success. MUST OWN. Goodbye Sixth Sense hello Shutter Island.

If you want a thriller like no other, then this movie not only deserves a viewing but a spot on you movie collection shelf. Martin can do more than gangster flicks, and Dicaprio is ELITE!!!!!!!!!!!

Told you so

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Shutter Island

Movie 5/5 10/10 Perfect

Wow i wasnt ready for this, the direction acting, everything was INSANE. The story line is so f'in crazy, this flick keeps you confused the entire time, and just when the end arrives you get the taste of bitter success. MUST OWN. Goodbye Sixth Sense hello Shutter Island.

If you want a thriller like no other, then this movie not only deserves a viewing but a spot on you movie collection shelf. Martin can do more than gangster flicks, and Dicaprio is ELITE!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes! Great movie
Glad to see you loved it

[Foggy]

Just started watching Full Metal Jacket...Holy crap loudest opening scene to a movie ever, I got a bit of a headache.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Let's see, 3 out of 4 works out to be 75/100.
And me with 4 out of 5 works out to be 80/100.

...I'd say that we are both in agreement (by only a 5% margin difference).

* And I amost gave it 3.75 stars out of 5, that would have been exatly 75/100.

hahaha

[ajvdbg]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Shutter Island

Movie 5/5 10/10 Perfect

Wow i wasnt ready for this, the direction acting, everything was INSANE. The story line is so f'in crazy, this flick keeps you confused the entire time, and just when the end arrives you get the taste of bitter success. MUST OWN. Goodbye Sixth Sense hello Shutter Island.

If you want a thriller like no other, then this movie not only deserves a viewing but a spot on you movie collection shelf. Martin can do more than gangster flicks, and Dicaprio is ELITE!!!!!!!!!!!

Shutter Island 5/5 - I just watched this first time as well, and I have to agree with most of your review. It does cause you to scratch your head but you must be patient: the eloquence with which the truth is gradually revealed is so incredibly crafted and timed, it really is amazing direction and acting. Be sure you watch the extra feature on how the actors had to

[Show spoiler]show that they were "acting" within the script such that when you watch it again you can see how they were reacting to Leo's insanity...very cool!!

[Foggy]

Full Metal Jacket...(well yeah, duh)

My first Stanley Kubrick movie!

This is such a strange film to write about after what I watched yesterday (Platoon 8/10), for I do not know what to say. I liked this more, I thought it worked better as a movie to me than Platoon did, yet Platoon was way more powerful. I felt more interested within this film, it's way better directed and the acting is pretty darn good saying these are people I've never heard of before. There's just something more 'Foggy-friendly' to it.

It wasn't perfect though, the training half of the movie consisted of 90% shouting, which made my head hurt after a while, and the Vietnam half seemed to lose steam, and while I thought the film was funny in the right place, I didn't really think Stanley Kubrick was taking the war seriously, I got the purpose that it was to show the absurdity of war, but in some places it felt oddly placed.

This really just makes me see what Platoon's biggest problem is, character, there wasn't much to it, when ever I saw Willem Dafoe in Platoon, I didn't know his character, I said that's Willem Dafoe. I guess that comes from the fact that these actors are more unknown in this film so I can listen out more and learn more, but I cared a lot more for these characters than in Platoon.

9.5/10

I also wanna settle out, I don't think Platoon is a bad movie, I agree it's a great one, and as I said, it message is more powerful than the one in this one. I just like this more, if you don't agree, then I haven't got a problem with that, I'm not gonna say Platoon is over-rated, because it's not, I just didn't feel for that movie.

[ts0323]

POTC: Dead Man's Chest
Movie: 4/5
PQ: 5/5
AQ: 5/5

[J.Cornelius]

Counterfeiters

Let me start off by saying that I found this movie fascinating. The superb acting by Mr. Karl Markovics as Salomon Sorowitsch in the lead role blew me away. That is acting at is finest, very subtle body language, simple gestures, I was just enthralled by his acting ability. The juxtaposition the “counterfeiters” find themselves in is at the heart of the story, produce perfect replications of the Pound and the Dollar and enhance the war machine which is killing off your fellow man, woman and children or die. The themes of survival presented are thought provoking and can be easily debated from both sides. I felt the ending of the film was brilliant.

One note would be the picture quality, the movie is definitely on the softer side with some daylight scenes to have an inconsistent amount of grain. That being said this did not bother me in the slightest if one had to guess more than likely exemplifies what the movie looked like in theaters.



Movie 5/5

PQ 3.5/5

AQ 4.5/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by J.Cornelius

Counterfeiters

Let me start off by saying that I found this movie fascinating. The superb acting by Mr. Karl Markovics as Salomon Sorowitsch in the lead role blew me away. That is acting at is finest, very subtle body language, simple gestures, I was just enthralled by his acting ability. The juxtaposition the “counterfeiters” find themselves in is at the heart of the story, produce perfect replications of the Pound and the Dollar and enhance the war machine which is killing off your fellow man, woman and children or die. The themes of survival presented are thought provoking and can be easily debated from both sides. I felt the ending of the film was brilliant.

One note would be the picture quality, the movie is definitely on the softer side with some daylight scenes to have an inconsistent amount of grain. That being said this did not bother me in the slightest if one had to guess more than likely exemplifies what the movie looked like in theaters.



Movie 5/5

PQ 3.5/5

AQ 4.5/5

I thought this was a solid 3 star (out of 4) film, but nothing more. It doesn't help that I saw greatly superior topical foreign films such as The Lives of Others, Downfall, and Sophie Scholl around the time of this one. I had an issue with some of the themes, I think--I'd have to look at my old review, which you can prob find on either this thread or the Ultimate Classic, Foreign, and Indie thread.

I do agree though that the topic is very interesting and it just goes to show that there are so many stories that haven't been told yet. I don't agree on the lead actor though. I thought he was good but not great in his role.

[Freekman]

Green Zone
Film - 7.5/10
PQ - 9/10
AQ - 10/10

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I thought this was a solid 3 star (out of 4) film, but nothing more. It doesn't help that I saw greatly superior topical foreign films such as The Lives of Others, Downfall, and Sophie Scholl around the time of this one. I had an issue with some of the themes, I think--I'd have to look at my old review, which you can prob find on either this thread or the Ultimate Classic, Foreign, and Indie thread.

I do agree though that the topic is very interesting and it just goes to show that there are so many stories that haven't been told yet. I don't agree on the lead actor though. I thought he was good but not great in his role.

I agree. I went into this with insanely high expectations, and for that reason, probably came out a little dissappointed, even though it was a good film, but not great.

[AKORIS]

Originally Posted by ajvdbg

Shutter Island 5/5 - I just watched this first time as well, and I have to agree with most of your review. It does cause you to scratch your head but you must be patient: the eloquence with which the truth is gradually revealed is so incredibly crafted and timed, it really is amazing direction and acting. Be sure you watch the extra feature on how the actors had to

[Show spoiler]show that they were "acting" within the script such that when you watch it again you can see how they were reacting to Leo's insanity...very cool!!

I have tons of movies that I need to watch (many that I've never seen) and yet this movie is on top of the list to watch again! It almost demands a second viewing to analyze all the things you may have missed! Great film!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I remember an old roommate of mine left this movie behind a few years back--I had (and have not) ever seen it. Looking at the goofy cover and cast I threw it out. Then I find out it's supposed to be really funny! I lose....

Its funny. Especially for film buffs. Lots of Easter eggs in plain sight.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Note: I actually thought Chronicles of Riddick was a halfway decent film (it's not Pitch Black though). So, my critique is nothing more than that--something I just didn't like--because without it I think the film would've been better.

How is Pitch Black on blu btw? I want to pick it up at some point.

The PQ and AQ are stunning. Just remember that the picture was harsh as hell in the theater. The BD captures that look really well. The AQ when they are crash-landing is fantastic. You can feel the craft coming apart as the enter the atmosphere. Good stuff.

[iam1bearcat]

Magnolia

watched this wopping 181 minute P.T. Anderson classic again last night. moves slowly, but not as slow as say, some of his other films (Punch Drunk Love and There Will Be Blood), but that's probably because of the HUGE cast in this movie that keeps things constantly ticking and you always have a new story to watch.

it's an odd film. there are a lot of connections between characters, stories, and environments. after watching this at least 10 times, i'm still puzzled by a few choices PTA has made, but it doesn't ruin the awe i have of the film. i can understand why some people will hate the film. it's slow, no action, features a very bizarre

[Show spoiler]raining frog scene

and an out of nowhere

[Show spoiler]full cas song intermission (but not like, having the cast stand on a stage and sing together, they sing in their own individual worlds / stories so it's not as bad as it may sound)

, and is a very character / dialogue driven movie.

the movie is a deep thinker, and covers a lot of personal beliefs, thoughts, feelings and ideas. i believe it's PTA's magnum opus because of the large, massive stature of the film compared to his other films - that while terrific, feature a "smaller" message, story - but not his best film.

the acting - amazing. by everyone. most films, it seems difficult to get one or two good acting performances, but Magnolia? holy man. i don't know what PTA did to get such outstanding jobs by so many actors / actresses, but he did.

of course, the stand out is Tom Cruise's character: Frank T.J. Mackey. Cruise is always best when he plays a slightly psychotic role and here he masterfully excels at being a "self-help" guru for men about women. CLASSIC.

Julianne Moore - absolutely heartbreaking performance as a woman who feels guilty for what she's done while her husband is on his death bed.

i could go on and on, especially concerning John C. Reilly and his brilliant performance as Jim Kurring, a want-to-be-perfect cop. all the performances here are haunting. and the film contains a certain amount of "magic" in it that few films that replicate or carry themselves.

David Fincher may be my favorite director, but Paul Thomas Anderson is clearly #2 on my list.

5/5

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

:
I never bought Pitch Black on blu

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by rkolinski

Solomon Kane BD (UK Region B)

I will post more thoughts on this film later but my initial impression is this is a thinking mans (or persons) sword and sorcerer film; much better than Conan the Barbarian and Van Helsing stole a lot from this story, without giving the original author proper acknowledgment. Basically, you have a really bad and violent man who is redeemed and then becomes violent for the sake of the Puritan Religion. However, there are some really complex religious themes and messages in this film. I guess that is why I think this is one of the best blind purchases I have made this year. Highly recommended.

Movie: 4/5 PQ: 4/5 AQ: 4/5 SUPPLEMENTS: 4/5 OVERALL: 4/5

Mark Antony of ROME.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The Return (Vozvrashcheniye--Russian title) (netflix instant) (2003 film)


Film: 3 1/2 stars (out of 4)


Rottentomatoes: 96%

Ebert: This is puzzling. His review shows as fresh on RT, and his review clearly indicates a very high rating, yet it shows up at 2 1/2 stars on his website. To me, it seems to be an obvious error and that he instead gave the film 3 1/2 stars. 2 1/2 stars would not show up as a fresh review on RT. Definitely an error, so heed his review, not his star rating.



This Russian film was nominated for a Golden Globe for best foreign film, and won the Golden Lion (best picture) at the Venice Film Festival. It's plot is simple: the father of two boys returns home after 12 years and tells them he's taking them fishing. Why has he returned home after so long? Is he really taking them fishing? There are many questions in the film, and the ending does not answer these questions. DO NOT READ EBERT'S REVIEW--it contains a major spoiler, and it baffles me that he included it in his review.

The directing and cinematography are excellent in this film. The actor who played the father was fantastic, turning in one of the most interesting but aloof characters in recent memory; this is a character we know nothing about, but he has such an aura on screen that you have no idea what to think about him.

This is a film FULL of themes; everything from religious references, to what it's like to be a child, to what it means to obey (this could lead to great discussion, especially as it relates to childhood and the opening scene). You never see the end coming, the way it does, and it's haunting. I really implore you to see this film because the ending and the themes are incredibly interesting and I think it could breed some amazing discussion. Please see this film so I can discuss it!

Here's my take on the major unanswered question:

[Show spoiler]I think the father escaped from prison and that's why he returns home. Reasons: the mother is clearly on edge when he returns home, which is immediately apparent; the father has numerous survival skills, from using tar, to cooking, to creating fire, to pitching a tent, to creating a boat, to building a cup out of birch; the father says that he had too much fish once, in the past (my take is that when he escaped from prison, he had to go through the wilderness and he probably lived on fish); the box he takes out of the chest is most likely his stash from before he was arrested. What is not clear is why he took his sons with him--is it because the stash will lead to a better life for them? He obviously doesn't need them. Who is he talking to on the phone? Who provided him with the motor? Are these the ppl he used to work for?

Well, I just wrote a very long alternate take, but for some reason it got deleted. I won't retype the whole thing, unless someone else actually sees the film:

[Show spoiler]The other potential explanation, and I admit it's more likely than the previous one, is that he was marooned on this island (thus, the ship we see)

On a side note, the older son died soon after filming. He drowned on an escursion much like seen in the film.

My queue has over 200 movies.

I put this at the top based on your recommendation and desire to discuss.

See how that works? I am a courteous fellow film buff.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by QuasidodoJr

Please Give (8.5 out of 10)

Very good independent, character-driven drama, starring Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt and Amanda Peet.

The basis of the story involves a group of neighbors and their struggle to put up with one another. Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt play a married couple, who run their own business and live next door to a cranky, 91-year-old woman, named Andra, whose apartment they want to purchase when she dies, so they can expand their current living space. Andra's grandadughter, Rebecca (played by Rebecca Hall) looks after her grandmother and resents the neighbors that just want her grandmother's apartment. The other granddaughter, Mary (played by Amanda Peet), despises her grandmother and just wants the old witch to die.

This leads to plenty of awkwardly comical situations between everyone involved.

Andra really can be a cranky old hag, but Kate (Catherine Keener) is guilted by her feelings towards Andra, and the nature of her own profession (taking antique furniture from dead people's relatives and selling them for a much higher price), so much so, that she feels compelled to generously give to anyone in need around her.

I really enjoyed the cast in this film. Great performances all around. The movie also delivers a very heartfelt message. There were a few tissues handed around the audience during my screening. These moments are not heavy-handed, nor do they hit you in the face with sappy melodrama. What makes the film so great is that you'll probably be driven to tears, but everything feels genuine.

Go see it if you don't mind quirky drama!

Thanks. I love Platt and Keener. It probably wont get to my area so I added it to my queue.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

3:10 to Yuma

I first saw this movie in either late 2008 or early 2009.

A friend of mine is a huge Christian Bale fan and up until about September or so of 2008 I hadn't seen him in anything besides Batman Begins and The Dark Knight (which I really liked him in both). So when she found that out she started letting me borrow a bunch of his movies

Diesel, you should check out Empire of the Sun (1987). Bale is 12-13 years old. Spielberg directed it. Its a really strong movie...

A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation during World War II........