The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

For All Mankind (Criterion)

Wow is first thing i have to say about this film. Very remarkable and a rare experience. You cant get more authentic than the actual thing. This documentary should be implemented and every schooling system's agenda. The mark for mankind leaving earth to explore the moon for the very first time. This film also offers rare clear moon shoots, and i cant explain how i was so involved when they actually landed. I was also stunned on the transfer and on the powerful DTS-MA soundtrack. Bottom line this is a treat non the less and should be Owned by anyone that considers themselves human MUST OWN

5/5

You stole the bolded quote from an earlier review of mine of the film

Glad you liked it.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by CZAR

The Lovely Bones - This film had some beautiful scenes and settings. Looked absolutely stunning on my tv. Wanted to get that out first and foremost. The movie was very good. It was a long film and at times it was a bit slow but when it got goin I was really into it and was wondering what would happen next. I kinda wished the ending wouldve been a bit different but I understand why they did it how they did it. Very good acting in the film and I always love Wahlberg's work. Not sure about the replay value but still a very good movie.

Film Rating - 4 stars (out of 5)

PQ - 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

AQ - 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Got Em!!

Nice review but how on earth did you give the PQ less than a perfect rating????

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Nice review but how on earth did you give the PQ less than a perfect rating????

Maybe it wasn't perfect

[Piollo]

Watched:
Yojimbo
Sanjuro
For movies that was made in 1961, 62, respectively, the PQ/AQ is excellent and i'll rate the transfer 5/5, the movies itself are classic and did enjoy it for what it is, but not too sure about replayability.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

M (Criterion)

What a flim, What a film. This movie was insanely good, and filled with amazing acting. From the very beginning to the very argumentative ending my eyes didnt blink not once. Is crazy how a film made in 1931 could have such a big impact in 2010! Not only is this film PERFECT in every aspect it also set the path for many films after it. A true CLASSIC and worth Multiple viewings. You get everything thing is this film related to human emotions, and i cant stress anymore how amazing and flawless the actors/actresses performed. This was a complete blind buy for me and im extremely happy with my purchase. This Crime/Thriller/Drama is a MUST OWN without a shadow of a doubt. This movie is so good i really can care less about the technicalities of the disc itself.

5/5

Glad you liked it. This is probably my second-favorite film-noir picture (next to "The Third Man").

[SquidPuppet]

Surveillance
2007 R 97 minutes

Director:Jennifer Chambers Lynch (Davids daughter )

Fun enough psycho/thriller/murder spree/mystery

FBI agents investigate a murder spree in a small town and the local Police Department isnt all it seems. It certainly has a small touch of "Dads" influence. It has a few twists and was worth a rental.

Film 3.5/5
AQ 3/5
PQ 3.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Watched:

“Die Hard 2,” aka “Die Harder.”

The story’s basically a carbon-copy of the first “Die Hard,” swapping the Nakatomi skyscraper with an airport. This sequel has many of the same elements: covert terrorists, events that keep getting worse and worse, conflict among security forces, nosy journalists, and a myriad of other dumb people. And of course John McClaine has to fight upstream against all this, just like in the first film.

But this film is still quite thrilling and entertaining, with a fair share of interesting action set-pieces. Photography is interesting enough. Some parts are pretty absurd, but all things considering they’re not as outlandish as some of the stuff in the other films.

This is probably my least-favorite of the series, but it’s still enjoyable.

3.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 2.5/5, film: 3.5/5)

This Blu-Ray looked better than I remember. Sharpness and level of detail is adequate. The color scheme is a little hazy, but I think that’s the way it’s supposed to look. Film grain is fine and hardly noticeable; the image is otherwise clean. Sound quality seemed okay; music and some sound effects were good, but nothing else really stood out.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 3/5



“Die Hard With a Vengeance.”

Oh boy, John McTiernan’s back! And oh boy, they finally changed the plot formula!

I’ve always found this film highly enjoyable; the story is sufficiently broader in scope and scale, and has a huge number of excellent scenes with action and suspense. And instead of relying on the same conflicts and elements used in the previous films, this one introduces a new series of complications and events that really ramp up the stakes and the level of violence. It’s maybe not the greatest story, but I think it’s pretty darn awesome.

As a film, it’s generally okay. I like the photography and production value. Some parts are quite absurd though.

4/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 4/5)

This Blu-Ray is very good. The picture quality has excellent sharpness and detail. Colors are a bit dull, but I think that’s the way it was filmed; most of it still looked great. Sound quality seemed good.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4/5



“Live Free or Die Hard.”

Currently the latest film in the series, made over a decade after the last, is surprisingly enjoyable. The plot’s pretty similar to the third film, but delves deeper into the issues of technology, and presents a frightening scenario (wouldn’t call it plausible though). The film adheres very well with the cannon and the characters. And above all, it has some of the best action scenes of the franchise.

I love the look and style of this film; it’s very slick, with a very cool color scheme. Photography is solid, and the production value is decent.

This is my first time seeing the PG-13 cut. I still believe that the unrated cut adheres better to the franchise with all the cursing and added violence and it’s a crying shame that it was not included on the Blu-Ray. But, as the movie went on I found myself sufficiently immersed in the film and I didn’t really think about it much. It stands well on its own without the R-rated content. And there are still a few good curse words in there anyway.

4.5/5 (entertainment: 4.5/5, story: 4/5, film: 4.5/5)

This Blu-Ray looks and sounds darn near like reference quality!

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5






Yippie ki yay mother f***er!!!

[SquidPuppet]

The Vanishing (Spoorloos / L'homme qui voulait savoir)
1988 R 106 minutes

DVD

Dutch and french

Director:George Sluizer

Odd, odd, odd psycho/thriller/kidnap film. A boyfriend searches obbsessively for his missing girlfriend for 3 years. Finally he meets he abductor and attempts to learn the truth about her disappearance. Meh directing and acting. Too silly with over-the-top metaphors. A French David Lynch ripoff that took itself too seriously and failed to be serious enough.

2.5/5

[Mahatma]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Watched:

“Die Hard 2,” aka “Die Harder.”

The story’s basically a carbon-copy of the first “Die Hard,” swapping the Nakatomi skyscraper with an airport. This sequel has many of the same elements: covert terrorists, events that keep getting worse and worse, conflict among security forces, nosy journalists, and a myriad of other dumb people. And of course John McClaine has to fight upstream against all this, just like in the first film.

But this film is still quite thrilling and entertaining, with a fair share of interesting action set-pieces. Photography is interesting enough. Some parts are pretty absurd, but all things considering they’re not as outlandish as some of the stuff in the other films.

This is probably my least-favorite of the series, but it’s still enjoyable.

3.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 2.5/5, film: 3.5/5)

This Blu-Ray looked better than I remember. Sharpness and level of detail is adequate. The color scheme is a little hazy, but I think that’s the way it’s supposed to look. Film grain is fine and hardly noticeable; the image is otherwise clean. Sound quality seemed okay; music and some sound effects were good, but nothing else really stood out.

PQ: 4/5, AQ: 3/5



“Die Hard With a Vengeance.”

Oh boy, John McTiernan’s back! And oh boy, they finally changed the plot formula!

I’ve always found this film highly enjoyable; the story is sufficiently broader in scope and scale, and has a huge number of excellent scenes with action and suspense. And instead of relying on the same conflicts and elements used in the previous films, this one introduces a new series of complications and events that really ramp up the stakes and the level of violence. It’s maybe not the greatest story, but I think it’s pretty darn awesome.

As a film, it’s generally okay. I like the photography and production value. Some parts are quite absurd though.

4/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 4/5)

This Blu-Ray is very good. The picture quality has excellent sharpness and detail. Colors are a bit dull, but I think that’s the way it was filmed; most of it still looked great. Sound quality seemed good.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4/5



“Live Free or Die Hard.”

Currently the latest film in the series, made over a decade after the last, is surprisingly enjoyable. The plot’s pretty similar to the third film, but delves deeper into the issues of technology, and presents a frightening scenario (wouldn’t call it plausible though). The film adheres very well with the cannon and the characters. And above all, it has some of the best action scenes of the franchise.

I love the look and style of this film; it’s very slick, with a very cool color scheme. Photography is solid, and the production value is decent.

This is my first time seeing the PG-13 cut. I still believe that the unrated cut adheres better to the franchise with all the cursing and added violence and it’s a crying shame that it was not included on the Blu-Ray. But, as the movie went on I found myself sufficiently immersed in the film and I didn’t really think about it much. It stands well on its own without the R-rated content. And there are still a few good curse words in there anyway.

4.5/5 (entertainment: 4.5/5, story: 4/5, film: 4.5/5)

This Blu-Ray looks and sounds darn near like reference quality!

PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5






Yippie ki yay mother f***er!!!

I'm not gonna argue with you too much,but do you really think the fourth is better than the third?And I guess you would rate the first 5/5....

I would rate 1,2,3,4 like this: 4/5,1/5,3.5/5,2.5/5

[Foggy]

I also hate Die Hard 2, it's just boring, everything that's fresh about number 1, is stale in number 2

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

You stole the bolded quote from an earlier review of mine of the film

Glad you liked it.

I swear thats just a coincidence because i havent seen your review man. Maybe we just think alike

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Nice review but how on earth did you give the PQ less than a perfect rating????

Originally Posted by Foggy

Maybe it wasn't perfect

No seriously the PQ is a 5/5 without a doubt.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Glad you liked it. This is probably my second-favorite film-noir picture (next to "The Third Man").

Yeah man this film was awesome. I really want to see the 3rd man but i need to find a Criterion copy.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Watched:
Yippie ki yay mother f***er!!!

My favorite are the last 2.

[lDlisturb3d]

so im watching Gangs of New York and Diaz licks DiCaprio's nipple my response is . I would of stepped out of character for that take lol.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Vanishing (Spoorloos / L'homme qui voulait savoir)
1988 R 106 minutes

DVD

Dutch and french

Director:George Sluizer

Odd, odd, odd psycho/thriller/kidnap film. A boyfriend searches obbsessively for his missing girlfriend for 3 years. Finally he meets he abductor and attempts to learn the truth about her disappearance. Meh directing and acting. Too silly with over-the-top metaphors. A French David Lynch ripoff that took itself too seriously and failed to be derious enough.

2.5/5

We have similar opinions on it. I either gave it 2 1/2 or 3 stars. If I gave it 3, it would've only been because of the conclusion which is farrrr from original but a little chilling simply because of the following quote:

[Show spoiler]in less than an hour you will experience what she experienced.

Very overrated film though.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Mahatma

I'm not gonna argue with you too much,but do you really think the fourth is better than the third?And I guess you would rate the first 5/5....

I would rate 1,2,3,4 like this: 4/5,1/5,3.5/5,2.5/5

Yes, there's something about the third one that I found a little less appealing than the fourth. I think it's because the style is a little rougher and grittier. I also believe that the fourth one handled the main character pretty well (I see you didn't like it much though; ah well).

I rated the first film 4.5/5. Between #1 and #4, I really don't know which one I like better.

Originally Posted by Foggy

I also hate Die Hard 2, it's just boring, everything that's fresh about number 1, is stale in number 2

I know what you mean.

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

My favorite are the last 2.

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Yeah man this film was awesome. I really want to see the 3rd man but i need to find a Criterion copy.

Right on!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

We have similar opinions on it. I either gave it 2 1/2 or 3 stars. If I gave it 3, it would've only been because of the conclusion which is farrrr from original but a little chilling simply because of the following quote:

[Show spoiler]in less than an hour you will experience what she experienced.

Very overrated film though.

They ruined the ending by showing the

[Show spoiler]guy shoveling dirt onto the box first. Lame. They should have begun that scene black, and then slowly introduce us to Rex in the box, show Rex panicing and then embracing his fate, and THEN show wackboy tossing a couple shovels of dirt on top.

[Show spoiler]So yeah, drug me, I'm OK with that....I trust you.

How did you like the closeup on the

[Show spoiler]Preying Mantis to inform us that the bad guy was very very bad. LMAO

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Mother (Madeo)---foreign


2 stars (out of 4).


How this is one of the best reviewed films of the year is beyond me. What a waste of time. The only reason it got 2 stars from me is because the directing is good, with a good eye for artistically created and interesting shots. The story and themes, however, are cliche and have been seen and presented far better in other films. Even the performance of the lead actress is overrated, because although she's good she's certainly not exceptional. What brings down the film though is its strangeness. While quirkiness is appreciated by me, there are times it works (like in In Bruges) and times it doesn't work. This is the latter. The strangeness and attempt at humor is misplaced and makes it seem like the director is trying too hard; it adds absolutely nothing to the film.

Don't waste your time or money with this one.

I guess it's not your cup of tea. I think the movie is incredible and was surprised it didn't receive an Oscar nom.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I guess it's not your cup of tea. I think the movie is incredible and was surprised it didn't receive an Oscar nom.

Damnit. Now I have to see it. Higgy hates and you love. Its these love/hate flicks that I always want to see. Netflix keeps popping it up as a suggested title as well.

[tbizzle]

The Expendables - 2.75/5

Meh. Story was bad, terrible script, bad acting due to terrible script, no chemistry between characters due to terrible script, and the thing that matters most in this movie.... the action.... was kinda lame. There were some pretty cool action parts, but for most part, they should have been a lot better. I really don't like the up close, shaky cam fight scenes where you can't quite see what's going on all the time, and this film was heavily laden with that technique, especially in the tunnel fight scene. The story was all over the place, from Statham's love interest... (and the forced basketball guys fight scene) to Dolph

[Show spoiler]leaving their crew to become a bad guy and try to kill them... then bein buddy buddy at the end.

I don't know... this film wasn't very well made and felt pretty rushed to me. Mickey Rourke was easily the best part of this film, and he hardly had any screen time

There were also a lot of "WTF, who wrote this?!" moments for me. Like Randy Couture's explanation of his cauliflower ear... that was pretty random. There were a lot of lines like that in this movie. And at the end of the

[Show spoiler]Sly/Stone Cold fight scene, Sly gets up and yells "come on!". It seemed like Sly was about to do something badass, but then he gets speared into the wall by the huge guy.... lol, what the hell?

And when Randy Couture

[Show spoiler]fought Stone Cold... I was expecting him to kill him by breaking his neck or somethin... nope, he pushed him into some fire. Then Stone Cold stood up as ridiculous cgi fire man... and then in slow mo, Randy jumped up and punched him in the face.

Seriously?

There a few badass parts that were lmao moments, like when Statham

[Show spoiler]gunned down the guys in the plane.

That was pretty funny, but Sly's plane left like 5 minutes before that... why was like half the army still chillin on the dock? They had like 6 trucks there! Another badass part was when

[Show spoiler]Terry was gunnin em down with the AA-12 in the tunnel

, that was hilarious! Also, I laughed my ass off at Dolph's cockroach lines

Arnold's cameo was pretty ridiculous. Going into this movie... I was thinkin that seeing Arnold on the big screen again would be a treat... but it was terrible lol. The dialogue in that entire scene was ridiculous, and Arnold's acting suffered because of it. This scene didn't feel like 2 old school cats with a history, it was just... odd. The

[Show spoiler]president joke

was kinda funny though.

Overall, being a Sly film this was a big letdown for me and I hope that the sequel is better.