The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

thanks steve!
i will definitely be checking out The Green Mile eventually (sooner than later). wow. Darabont directs that too? and it's a King novel? jeez, that's at least 3 now. what are they best friends?

Yeah, King jokes about it. He sold Darabont the rights to one of them for $1 if memory serves.

The Green Mile has the best acting performance by a mouse in a motion picture (sorry Mickey).

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

thanks steve!
i will definitely be checking out The Green Mile eventually (sooner than later). wow. Darabont directs that too? and it's a King novel? jeez, that's at least 3 now. what are they best friends?



i should have known you'd have some witty response!



to the bolded part: that's a great point Czar! i didn't even really think of it like that. but yes, Freeman at this age

[Show spoiler]didn't commit the murder

that happened much, much earlier and he could have been a different person completely, and thus, it wouldn't be "Freeman". great, great point. i'll remember that for my next viewing. not that it wrecked anything, just found it odd they chose him for that, but the character he portrays NOW - not then - fits him perfectly.

Loved Red's

[Show spoiler]final parole speech

too.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Steve46

If only some of these were true...

some of those are so awesome

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Yeah. He asks if his long reviews are OK, we say yes, and he proceeds to deliver his "War and Peace".

Gotta love 'em though. Plenty of effort and well thought out.

i didn't even realize how long the review was till i looked at it on my phone and i had to scroll for about an hour to get to the end of it

thanks by the way for the compliment

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I wish.

saaaaaame.

Originally Posted by Deadset

No doubt! They are quite long, but informative. They dwarf my small paragraph ones in this thread.

thank you i figure if they're long, hopefully they're interesting

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Yeah, King jokes about it. He sold Darabont the rights to one of them for $1 if memory serves.

so they are best friends!

The Green Mile has the best acting performance by a mouse in a motion picture (sorry Mickey).

interesting... a mouse? hmm...

Originally Posted by Steve46

Loved Red's

[Show spoiler]final parole speech

too.

yep. a great speech. does it count as a monologue? those were his thoughts right? so i think that's a monologue if i remember correctly if so, it's a great one.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

to the bolded part: that's a great point Czar! i didn't even really think of it like that. but yes, Freeman at this age

[Show spoiler]didn't commit the murder

that happened much, much earlier and he could have been a different person completely, and thus, it wouldn't be "Freeman". great, great point. i'll remember that for my next viewing. not that it wrecked anything, just found it odd they chose him for that, but the character he portrays NOW - not then - fits him perfectly.

No doubt man just wanted to help out any that I could of this film. I am gonna watch it again soon also as I havnt watch my blu copy of it yet. That should be great for me. Morgan was great though and I believe nominated for best actor but to me he shouldve won best supporting actor as he wasnt the lead. Got Em!!

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by CZAR

No doubt man just wanted to help out any that I could of this film. I am gonna watch it again soon also as I havnt watch my blu copy of it yet. That should be great for me. Morgan was great though and I believe nominated for best actor but to me he shouldve won best supporting actor as he wasnt the lead. Got Em!!

The year of Pulp Fiction, Shawshank and Gump. Tough year to be nominated, let alone win.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Steve46

The Green Mile has the best acting performance by a mouse in a motion picture (sorry Mickey).

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

interesting... a mouse? hmm...



.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Steve46

The year of Pulp Fiction, Shawshank and Gump. Tough year to be nominated, let alone win.

Awe man that is probably the best year for films period! Got Em!!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Robin Hood (2010)

Film: 3.5/5

Let me get the bad part out of the way:
-I had it rated at 4/5 until Marion

[Show spoiler]suited up in 50lb armour, with a heavy sword, charges on a horse -- with a pre-K class charging behind her, and knocks the head villain off his horse in the middle of a crowded battle

...I mean really???? Forget the "squid test", that doesn't even pass a 100 IQ test. Ridley Scott said he was aiming for a most-realistic Robin HOod tale with everything being as historically accurate as possible. The realism was a 9/10 until that moment
-Other than that, I loved the film! I don't know what all the griping was about. Yes, there was less action than Gladiator/etc, but it felt very "Kingdom of Heaven'y" (i.e., more emphasis on plot/characters, and less on action).
-Great theme of tyranny v. liberty, one that never dies and is even more relevant in today's world
-GORGEOUS COUNTRYSIDE FOOTAGE!!! I could watch this film on mute and be enthrailled!! Plus, I love the Ridley-Scott use of bluish hue he always has, almost like you're watching the film through a bluish filter. Looks gorgeous!
-Crowe and SCott made a great point: these type of epics with real sets and real extras are a dying breed with the CGI (Avatar, INception, etc) and Pixar/Cartoon movies that are hot now. Do you guys see these type of epics with real sets/real extras dying off?? It makes me sad if so

PQ: 5/5 (reference!)

AQ: 4.5/5 (great)

I haven't been thrilled about renting this yet, but these aspects might just make it worthwhile for me...

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

LOL at how different we all are. I liked it enough to rate it 4/5.

yeah, that's crazy and makes little sense, but at the same time is very cool. it's one of those instances where we could agree on 400+ films, but there will always be a few that we're on opposite sides of the scale for.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Steve46

The Green Mile has the best acting performance by a mouse in a motion picture (sorry Mickey).

Dang I forgot about the mouse. He rocked!

Imma have to rewatch this and "Shawshank" sometime. A prison movie marathon should be in order...

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I haven't been thrilled about renting this yet, but these aspects might just make it worthwhile for me...

the #1 complaint is: Its not what you expect from a Robin Hood script.

So it all depends on how open-minded the viewer can be to a different perspective/take on Robin HOod.

Robin Hood just isn't a story/character that I'm rigid on. Some stories/characters I am.

[Al_The_Strange]

Now this is something with low taste.

Next greatest rental: “The Haunted World of El Superbeasto.”

It’s like the style and raunchiness of the “Drawn Together” show all done Rob Zombie style. It’s got sex and nudity galore! It’s got crazy bloody death and mayhem! It’s got zombie Nazis, exotic dancers in distress, randy robots, and so much more!

Get the idea yet? It’s a very wild low-brow concoction of rampant sex, violence, lewd jokes, and horror elements. Rob Zombie’s influence is pretty clear in this film, but with all the comedy and frivolous graphicness it becomes a slappy upbeat adventure of sorts. Now that I think about it, it could almost go together with the Grindhouse films Tarantino and Rodriguez made.

I think the film is adequately well-made for a cartoon of this nature, and the voice acting is mostly good (I think Sheri Moon Zombie’s voice is a little hard to understand though. Murderface from “Metalocalypse” was easier to make out. Jeez ). The movie has a lot of amusing references to all kinds of horror and sci-fi films (“Halloween,” “The Fly,” “Carrie,” “The Shining,” “Werewolf Women of the SS,” and so many others). And at times, the film’s humor and dialogue is rather amusing.

Unfortunately, I think the plot/story is dumber than dog crud; a paper-thin construct of frivolous nonsense and graphic overindulgence. To say nothing of the characters; all the women are excessively skanky and the dudes are excessively dumb. It’s all way too irreverent to fully enjoy. In truth, even with all the raunchiness, references, jokes, etc, I hardly laughed at all. I couldn’t help but to think about all the other cartoons that are way better.

On the plus side, the soundtrack is awesome. I think the songs they used are funnier than the movie itself.

2/5 (entertainment: 3/5, story: 0.5/5, film: 3/5)

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

So it all depends on how open-minded the viewer can be to a different perspective/take on Robin HOod.

Robin Hood just isn't a story/character that I'm rigid on. Some stories/characters I am.

I suppose it's the same for me. I've seen the three main film adaptations (the 30s version, the Disney cartoon, the Kevin Costner version (which I wound up liking)), but the Robin Hood lore never really grabs me nearly as much as other historical figures (like Siegfried; aside from the Fritz Lang film, why can't we get a movie based on him? ).

Still, I think I'd be willing to give it a chance. Someday.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I suppose it's the same for me. I've seen the three main film adaptations (the 30s version, the Disney cartoon, the Kevin Costner version (which I wound up liking)), but the Robin Hood lore never really grabs me nearly as much as other historical figures (like Siegfried; aside from the Fritz Lang film, why can't we get a movie based on him? ).

Still, I think I'd be willing to give it a chance. Someday. How would it compare to Ridley Scott's other epics ("Gladiator" and "Kingdom of Heaven")?

on the Gladiator-testostorone 10-scale? a solid 2.5 . Closer to a Kingdom of Heaven type film (more dialogue, less action, but even further from Gladiator than KOH = about 80% dialogue, 20% action. KOH = 60/40. Gladiator = 40/60). Just my blind estimates.

the screenwriter's exact words in the extras were "Gladiator was about death in the same way that Robin HOod is about life". I agree somewhat: Gladiator was about winding-down and moving on

[Show spoiler]to be reunited with the fam.

RObin Hood is about trying to overcome a tyranny, and seek liberty -- thereby an opposite character arc as Gladiator.

However, there is another side plot I won't discuss which does get off track from this main plot theme, for better or worse.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

on the Gladiator-testostorone 10-scale? a solid 2.5 . Closer to a Kingdom of Heaven type film (more dialogue, less action, but even further from Gladiator than KOH = about 80% dialogue, 20% action. KOH = 60/40. Gladiator = 40/60). Just my blind estimates.

the screenwriter's exact words in the extras were "Gladiator was about death in the same way that Robin HOod is about life". I agree somewhat: Gladiator was about winding-down and moving on

[Show spoiler]to be reunited with the fam.

RObin Hood is about trying to overcome a tyranny, and seek liberty -- thereby an opposite character arc as Gladiator.

However, there is another side plot I won't discuss which does get off track from this main plot theme, for better or worse.

Ooooohhh, fascinating...

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest rental: “Ravenous.”

I thought I heard somewhere that this was one wicked, brutal, disturbing movie (I think it was my coworker, who watches all manner of sick stuff ).

But for a movie about cannibalism, I expected a lot more blood and gore. Yeah, there’s some in there, but nowhere near the same level as a “Saw” film or anything. “Ravenous” reminded me much more of “Cold Mountain” with added blood.

But that is not to say that “Ravenous is totally uninteresting. I was actually surprised to see some amusing comic scenes, and to see it handle the material in such a light-hearted manner. Especially with the banjo music…WTF? It is still fairly disturbing, but more because of its ideas rather than the actual imagery. It’s a dark comedy somewhat reminiscent of a Coen Bros film.

The film is solidly-shot and has a decent production value (featuring a good-looking period reproduction). Acting is strong; Guy Pearce and Jeffrey Jones stand out the most to me (the latter being a surprisingly wicked character). Writing is good, and seems to have some interesting philosophy behind it. Music is rather interesting, and in some cases helps to create tension and suspense, even when nothing is happening.

My only complaint is that the story dragged a little in the middle. In fact, the story didn't really grab me that much, save for some interesting scenes, and the characters didn't stand out much either.

3.5/5 (entertainment: 3.5/5, story: 3/5, film: 4/5, intellectual impact: 1/5)

[two40]

Originally Posted by Steve46

A Very Long Engagement

-snip-

I love Amélie and it's now in my Top 20, so I decided it was time to see something by the same director with the same leading actress.

-snip-

Big fan of the movie and director as well. Have you seen Micmacs? Here's my review with a snip at the top so excuse the little sense the first sentence makes.

Micmacs (2009)

At the top of my list sits Amélie so it should come as no surprise to hear that I’m a fan of Jean-Pierre Jeunet. It excused him for his inexcusable involvement with Alien Resurrection, the deviating failed fourth in the Alien franchise. With Amélie, which Jeunet co-wrote and directed, he gave us a unique and colourful world that made it difficult for audiences to look away. Micmacs is his attempt to return to that quirky and cute way of storytelling but this time he falls short of the mark.

Micmacs is a revenge story involving an eccentric group of characters who try to take down two evil weapons manufacturers. Shot with a yellow filter and stylised in an almost cartoon like world, it features lots of extravagant scenes. Therein lies the problem. Jeunet throws so much at us that it makes you dizzy. There is no time to digest one scene before another grabs your attention and tries to amaze you with some weird, wonderful and quirky hook. It’s simply too clever for its own good. A bit of restraint would have gone a long way in making this a more pleasant experience.

Each of the characters are larger than life, bringing their unique set of skills for Jeunet to draw upon in his quest to amaze and astound you. They’re almost like a gang of autistic superheroes. Although likable, they were forced on us all too quickly and their dynamic was charming but a bit twisted, just like the screen shot below. Taped on is a romance that falls short and didn’t need to happen. All it achieved was to add another layer in the already too busy 105 minutes.

Despite my disappointment, I’m still a big fan of Jeunet and I’m eagerly awaiting his next quirky outing.

2/5

[iam1bearcat]

Elite Squad (dvd)

year: 2007
director: Jose Padilha

ladies and gentlemen! a new addition to my Top 15 Favorite Films "of All Time"

"i come here to fix what you f**k up"

words cannot express how effin amazing this film is. this is the type of film that makes you love film to begin with and want to find everything like one of these great gems, just to remind you how great another great film is. this is one of those films.

Elite Squad is one of the Top 5 best films i've ever seen on a directing, writing, acting, story, atmosphere and cinematography standpoint. and while there are some films i surely like more, Elite Squad is a truly elite movie. i know that sounds cheesy and cheap, but honestly i can't put it any other way.

i encourage anyone and everyone to put this in their queue and put it instantly in the top 10. do not put this movie on hold, do not say "eh, i'll get to it. move it up. maybe even to #1 and enjoy a masterful film."

looking back, the structure of the story is genius and i loved how it came together, and i loved how it ended. some may be able to see how the story "unfolds" (not that it's a big mystery, but i don't really think i got it until i was shown it) but the ride was magnificent! so many twists and turns, the film feels like 5 different films all rolled into one. but not 5 at once, they all come and are shown their own screen time and every single one of them is amazing. the film, somehow, got better and better as it went on. but it started perfect and ended perfectly

i'm shaking with excitement just typing this! just so people can know how awesome and terrific this film is!

the story, which i should probably cover takes on a wild ride through the police department and a special group of higher up's called BOPE, in the slums of Brazil. a unique, tough, no non-sense, brutal group of almost mercenary type officers who work relentlessly to take out criminals - mainly of the drug dealer variety. the captain of BOPE Nascimento (Wagner Moura) is about to be a father, and thus, wants to retire. but because BOPE is a close knit family, he's not just going to leave and let someone else choose his replacement. he has to choose the person, and he has to make sure it's the right person. for himself, for the safety of his group and so he can let go and be a family man. the road to finding his replacement is absolutely jaw dropping and wonderful.

huge, deliciously brutal and tense action scenes that make the best scenes of the Bourne series look like child's play. and this is coming from a HUGE Bourne fan! so many tense moments, so many great shoot outs. but the film i wouldn't classify as action. i'd classify it as drama, but it has some very brutally honest moments.

the writer of the film used to be an elite squad member for 19 years! and knowing that while watching the movie made it all the more real and frightening.

i could ramble off for hours about the genius of this film (the intensity, the grimy, edge of your seat action in a dangerous, vicious hostile world for one), but seriously, just add it to the queue and enjoy when it arrives i want, demand, this on blu-ray NOW because it would look and sound spectacular i'm sure. i guess if i had one minor issue, it would be that the film is so hectic and frenetic at times, that i sometimes can't read the subtitles fast enough but THAT'S IT. much like how i feel The Lives of Others is one of the best films of all time - on every level - and is in my Top 5, Elite Squad may also make it's way up the list. it certainly won't be dropping from my top 25 i'm sure.

the film is no nonsense. it's tough, cerebral, real and genuine fear fills every scene. there's one absolutely great moment that shows just how tough and no nonsense the BOPE are: one of the students falls asleep during a lesson and the Captain's way of keeping him awake for the remainder of the lesson is having him hold on to a live grenade!

incredible on every level. a masterpiece of elite proportions. (okay, that was kind of cheesy i'll admit it )

5/5

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by two40

Big fan of the movie and director as well. Have you seen Micmacs?

No, but it's on my list. I want to see Priceless as well because of Tautou.