The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by vegeta88

I just watched it again recently and have to agree with you that there was a little bit missing. Certain aspects should have been laid out a little better or explored more. I do think it was an absolutely beautiful movie and all the scenes with the little girl were very endearing. I did get the emotional connection that you seemed to not have. The scene toward the end

[Show spoiler]when Roy is killing the characters in the story and Alexandria is crying gets me every time

. I agree that the movie is quite unique. I think the director, Tarsem, almost cares more about the visuals than the story and characters .

And I think that's what makes it worth seeing--the spectacular visuals. The lack of depth and thematic impact, however, drags the film to a mere "good" level when it could've been so much more.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Prestige

Film: 4.5/5
-Bale is an incredible actor. Far superior than most of the supposed "great" actors today
-I'm now convinced this film has endless replay value -- a friend hadn't seen it so I popped it in -- I was glued to the screen from start to finish despite it being about my 10th viewing
-Whatever happened to the Prestige thread? I watch this film like "Doubt", with different interpretations being possible on each viewing. Last time, I definitely saw the Gremal theory (

[Show spoiler]machine is fake

). This time, I saw the standard theory (

[Show spoiler]machine is real

)

PQ: 4.5/5

AQ: 4/5

Love this film too.

...

[Show spoiler]the machine might have been fake?!!!

[Foggy]

Watchmen

Had nothing else to do so poped this in, I really can't be bothered going really in depth but it has it's lines which are very and some acting that is really and a Richard Nixon nose which is quite . But when it does stuff good, it does stuff great!

9/10

PQ 9/10
AQ 10/10

Overall 9.25/10

And I could only watch the theatrical cut!

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Bale is def a very solid actor but I absolutely would not say he's far superior than most of the supposed greats today, such as Penn, Hanks, Crowe, etc. He's not in the same league as them at this point of his career. That being said, while he's had an array of roles he hasn't had enough films that truly showcase the talent I believe he has. Will be interested to see if he challenges himself even more going forward.

I agree with what you wrote. He's not better than those actors. My intention with the "great" in quotes was a sarcastic reference to actors held out as great, but in-fact good, like Depp, Dicapro, etc.

As for the Gremal theory, please never mention that again

your posts in that thread were hilarious. i've seen you so fired up. you were almost too fired up in fact...hmm...could jhiggy's over-certainty be manifesting an uncertainty within?

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The Fall (blu)

PQ: 4.5 (out of 5)

Tough not to give it a 5, but the last film I gave a perfect PQ rating to was Atonement, which was more consistently top-notch than this film.

AQ: 4 stars (out of 5)

A bit disappointing, to be honest.

Film: 3 stars (out of 4)


There's no doubt this is a film that demands to be seen for its originality and incredible set design, directing, costume design, and cinematography. I enjoyed the story within a story approach. That being said, something was missing to me. I wasn't too emotionally vested in the story and I think it could've been far more poignant than it ended up being. I think there was too much emphasis placed on the storytelling approach and visuals and not enough thought put into the themes that were meant to be conveyed. I highly recommend seeing the film for its originality though and I'd consider picking it up.

Nice review -- glad you liked it. I agree that the themes here aren't explicitly stated and more implicit/inherent and/or perhaps depend on each viewer and their perspective, but here is what I gathered.

[Show spoiler]
The storytelling seemed to be in 2 main phases which corresponded with 2 main themes and parts of Roy's real life story.
(1) Build-up: Roy tells about the 5 guys on the island, going on an adventure to Governor Odeous, and how each has a revenge motive. This draws Alexendria in and gets her engaged, so he can get her to get him drugs later. Obviously, this plan doesn't work. His suicide fails. His problem is he is self-centered to the core -- its all about him -- his breakup, his depression, his pills. What's that? the girl might get in trouble? the girl might fall and hurt herself? Who cares? Its all about him. A lot of people are like this without attempting suicide - they'll make decisions without considering how they impact others or look at each person from the "how can he/she help me get what I want?". as we see in the film, its never a good approach for living.
(2) Wind-down: the story starts getting depressing at the end. Roy is clearly not trying to manipulate Alexandria anymore. She knows it too. He feels somewhat bad about hurting her -- a dent in his armor of self-centeredness but is still trudging along the road to self-destruction. She keeps hacking away at his armor until by the end, he gives in, and makes a clean emotional break from his ex. I like this part because it shows that for many people to change, it requires huge emotional pain or a traumatic event. For Roy, it was Alexandria's head getting split open by his selfishness. I think many people will say they want to change -- but don't do the action necessary until something devastating happens like they gain 50 lbs, or lose a job, or put someone in the hospital from their reckless conduct, etc. I think that's why the bible quote says "blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted"...mourn=people who've gone through emotional hell. comforted=feel better than they've ever felt. Roy seemed to be better after having gone through all that hell than he was before he did, when he was in an emotionally dependent relationship.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Love this film too.

...

[Show spoiler]the machine might have been fake?!!!

here is the pandora's box post that started it all:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/movies/117...ml#post2968988

followed by 26 thread pages of non-stop debate, pie-throwing, hugging and more pie-throwing take some time and read it...EPIC! I read somewhere that Nolan gave it 2 thumbs up!

[Show spoiler]kidding!

[jawsfan1975]

BURN AFTER READING

An OK movie, not as funny as I hoped it would be, but it looked and sounded good.

Movie: 2/5
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

[Denoku]

Originally Posted by jawsfan1975

BURN AFTER READING

An OK movie, not as funny as I hoped it would be, but it looked and sounded good.

Movie: 2/5
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

I find that movie to be hilarious, but that's just me.

[Monkey_Boy]

"The Lovely Bones"

"My name is Salmon, like the fish. First name: Susie. I was 14 years old, when I was murdered on December 6th 1973."

All I can say is , "Whoa." From the above opening line, up to her death, there was a tension in the air so thick you could feel it on your skin! The movie is narrated by Susie and is seen pretty-much through her eyes, giving us a look into her thoughts as the movie progresses. She's a very smart 14-year-old, but not so smart that you can tell an adult wrote all of her lines. Her part was very emotional and she played it well. Very well. Woulda pro'lly had me cryin' if the wife wasn't sittin' next to me. (I'm just too macho. )

For those fearing to see a child brutally raped & murdered (as I was), we don't see the deed. We see the aftermath. So don't let the thought keep you away. This is a very heartfelt film about death, the afterlife and what happens with those the victim left behind and how her thoughts and feelings are affecting them as well. The special effects in the movie are quite beautiful and added to the surreal look of the world "inbetween". I must type, Stanley Tucci was unrecognizable as the murderous George Harvey. I was actually shocked to see his name attached to the character! (I mean, he looked kinda familiar, but not like Stanley Tucci!)

5/5

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Watchmen

Had nothing else to do so poped this in, I really can't be bothered going really in depth but it has it's lines which are very and some acting that is really and a Richard Nixon nose which is quite . But when it does stuff good, it does stuff great!

9/10

PQ 9/10
AQ 10/10

Overall 9.25/10

And I could only watch the theatrical cut!

If i wanna watch a entertaining superhero movie i was TDK (Sorry Squid and Surf ) If i wanna watch amaziness i watch The Watchmen. I thought this movie was f'in amazing!!!!

Originally Posted by jawsfan1975

BURN AFTER READING

An OK movie, not as funny as I hoped it would be, but it looked and sounded good.

Movie: 2/5
PQ: 4/5
AQ: 4/5

Originally Posted by Dark Moses

I find that movie to be hilarious, but that's just me.

I agree with you! My favorite part is when

[Show spoiler]brad gets caught in the closest and get's his brains blown out

[Denoku]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

If i wanna watch a entertaining superhero movie i was TDK (Sorry Squid and Surf ) If i wanna watch amaziness i watch The Watchmen. I thought this movie was f'in amazing!!!!






I agree with you! My favorite part is when

[Show spoiler]brad gets caught in the closest and get's his brains blown out

My favorite part is

[Show spoiler] the whole scene when Brad Pitt's character(?) calls Cox.

"Is this Osbourne Cox?"
"Are you worried about the security of your shit?"

So did you find if you can ship APO?

[Batman1980]

When a Stranger Calls 3/5
Won't rate the PQ or the AQ since I watched it on F/X but wow Camilla Belle looked good in this one.

[lDlisturb3d]

So last night i kinda had a movie marathon with my boy and here are the films as follows with my mini review.

Donnie Brasco

Director: Mike Newell
Writers: Joseph D. Pistone, Richard Woodley
Mains: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, and Michael Madsen
I honestly think that this is Johnny Depp's Best role ever, Granted i havent seen Who's Eating Gilberts Grape yet. But this movie really shows off his range. Everyone is use to see him playing around with Tim Burton (Which he's great at). But in this paticular film he was a bad ass minus the "Corkiness".

About the story very good, it wasnt "The Goodfellas" but i thought the overall movie was pretty good, id say this movie had more dark humor than "The Goodfellas" and i wanna add what a great performance by Al Pacino. He had me cracking up the whole movie! A story about a undercover FBI agent in too deep and the battle between work and your relationship. I can honeslty say that this is the best undercover cop movie i've seen and really deserve's its place among good mafia movies! Not to add there's some pretty intense parts about him being being a undercover agent!!!!

Recommended

4/5

Role Models

A story about 2 guys that have to put some community service hours in with needy kids or they will go to jail for 30 days. OMG this flick is worth watcing for sure! I havent laughed this hard in a while. If you like to laugh at nerds and bad ass kids this is right up your alley. I really enjoyed it and im going to purchase this movie asap.

Recommended

4/5

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Dark Moses

My favorite part is

[Show spoiler] the whole scene when Brad Pitt's character(?) calls Cox.

"Is this Osbourne Cox?"
"Are you worried about the security of your shit?"

So did you find if you can ship APO?

lol, this is

[Show spoiler]the real shit!!! hahahahahaha

Yeah its international and its 10 bucks just for shipping! Its up to you bro.

[Denoku]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

lol, this is

[Show spoiler]the real shit!!! hahahahahaha

Yeah its international and its 10 bucks just for shipping! Its up to you bro.

Brad Pitt was hilarious in that movie.

[Show spoiler]I love when he goes to mee Cox to give him the "stuff" and he shows up to the meeting on his bike then he acts all hurt when he gets punched.

There was a lot of good humor in that movie, I'm suprised how many people don't like it.

[Batman1980]

Sin City 5/5
PQ 5/5
AQ 5/5
One of the best action movies ever with an excellent cast and a slew of gorgeous women wearing little to nothing at all.

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Sin City 5/5
PQ 5/5
AQ 5/5
One of the best action movies ever with an excellent cast and a slew of gorgeous women wearing little to nothing at all.

Was this your first time viewing it? (hope not)

As kick ass was telling, "I cant beleive I will die without having seen Sin City or Amreican Beauty"

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

Was this your first time viewing it? (hope not)

As kick ass was telling, "I cant beleive I will die without having seen Sin City or Amreican Beauty"

The only thing that would've made American Beauty better is if after Mena Suvari took off her clothes, Kevin Spacey tied her to the bed and made her moan like she wanted him to.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

So last night i kinda had a movie marathon with my boy and here are the films as follows with my mini review.

Donnie Brasco

Director: Mike Newell
Writers: Joseph D. Pistone, Richard Woodley
Mains: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, and Michael Madsen
I honestly think that this is Johnny Depp's Best role ever, Granted i havent seen Who's Eating Gilberts Grape yet. But this movie really shows off his range. Everyone is use to see him playing around with Tim Burton (Which he's great at). But in this paticular film he was a bad ass minus the "Corkiness".

4/5

I actually prefer this to Goodfellas, and its way better than Departed (a more similar film: undercover mafia).

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

I actually prefer this to Goodfellas, and its way better than Departed (a more similar film: undercover mafia).

I also think it's better than Goodfellas but it's pretty close between it and Departed. Hard to believe Jessica Alba is only 27, dang.