The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Of course, it's Studio Ghibli

From my Top 20 animation article:

17. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondô
Starring the voices of Brittany Snow, David Gallagher, James Sikking and Cary Elwes

If you read all 20 recommendations, you’ll see Hayao Miyazaki’s name mentioned several times. Although he didn’t direct Whisper of the Heart, he wrote the screenplay, and his imprint is all over the movie. Shizuku is a girl of about 13 who doesn’t really know what she wants to do with her life. She’s clever and creative, but lacks direction. She's intrigued when she discovers that almost every library book she checks out has previously been borrowed by the same person. When she meets the boy, the story starts to take off. It’s a charming story filled with people who are generally good. Children respect their elders and the elders have time to encourage the children. Friendships are strong and meaningful and it’s a nice world to spend some time in. It’s a coming-of-age story in which Shizuku discovers her calling in life. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s a teen romance; there’s so much more going on than that. Miyazaki creates characters that you’ll quickly like and often come to love.

Added right on top of The Cat Returns. I'll watch them back-to-back. Thanks dudes.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Steve46

It contains The Baron from Whisper of the Heart.

Cool, I didn't know the Baron appeared in any of the other ones.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Cool, I didn't know the Baron appeared in any of the other ones.

Yeah, I really like Whisper of the Heart. Good to have a link between the two.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Vertigo

I only have a few problems with the film, the scene following the opening features a lot of seemingly sloppy exposition dumps to force the film up into gear, and although a bit more acceptable now after the films played out, I was still wondering why that woman couldn't see that she was being followed, it was so clearly obvious at time. Doesn't really make for great detective work.

I watched this a few months ago for the second time. MUCH better on a second viewing. I think its the caliber of film which demands repeated viewings to appreciate.

Hmm, I can't recall the expositions at the beginning that you're referring to. I thought it started out pretty good, and the score is EXCELLENT...so haunting Hitch may have the best scores in his films, of any director I've seen.

NOt sure what you mean about the woman not noticing she was being followed. You do know that

[Show spoiler]it was all staged, right? she was intentionally allowing herself to be followed?

.

The problem I had with the film was Stewart's constant visit's to Midge, which seemed redundant and unnecssary to the main plot. Sure, there was the one scene where Midge sees

[Show spoiler]Carlotta leaving SCottie's place after he rescued her

, but overall I didn't see the big deal with Midge.

Not the greatest film I've ever seen either. Probably around #50. I'd put Rear Window around #10-12, Psycho at #20, and Vertigo around #50.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Not the greatest film I've ever seen either. Probably around #50. I'd put Rear Window around #10-12, Psycho at #20, and Vertigo around #50.

Vertigo wouldn't even crack my top 100 favorites or all-time lists. The only Hitchcock film I'd call one of the greatest ever is Rear Window. Now that movie is a truly brilliant work then and now.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

I watched this a few months ago for the second time. MUCH better on a second viewing. I think its the caliber of film which demands repeated viewings to appreciate.

Hmm, I can't recall the expositions at the beginning that you're referring to. I thought it started out pretty good, and the score is EXCELLENT...so haunting Hitch may have the best scores in his films, of any director I've seen.

NOt sure what you mean about the woman not noticing she was being followed. You do know that

[Show spoiler]it was all staged, right? she was intentionally allowing herself to be followed?

.

The problem I had with the film was Stewart's constant visit's to Midge, which seemed redundant and unnecssary to the main plot. Sure, there was the one scene where Midge sees

[Show spoiler]Carlotta leaving SCottie's place after he rescued her

, but overall I didn't see the big deal with Midge.

Not the greatest film I've ever seen either. Probably around #50. I'd put Rear Window around #10-12, Psycho at #20, and Vertigo around #50.

Yeah, I got that it was

[Show spoiler]staged

but you'd still think Stewart's character would of had more sense to hold a bit further back, it bugs me less knowing where the film went, but still annoyed me. I have Rear Window at the ready, I attempted to watch Psycho a few weeks back, but the recording had a sign language guy in it wearing the most fluorescent pink shirt he could find

Speaking of greatest ranked films I've never got around to seeing...

The Shawshank Redemption

Might as well get two benchmarks out in one day

Right, I'll allow some ander to be directed at me for this one. I really should of got around to this one sooner, been in my house on DVD for 10 years if not more. The DVD is so old that the special features are on the flip side of the DVD, and yeah, it really really looked bad, my PS3 was so startled at such ancient technology that it physical chocked for a minute after I put the disk in.

So, as an egotistical film lover who's loved films since I could look at stuff with my eyes, and taking into account that this is the number one thing I've gained grief over the years over not seeing (along with 2) "How can you not like Gladiator/Heat?" and 3) "How can you like Nic Cage?" along with the seemingly popular "what do you mean that film was just good/ok? It was amazing!"). How did it fair up?

Well let me put it like this, it's a film that spawns over several decades, featuring a bunch of loveable rouges who are trying to outsmart the evil authority, some nasty stuff happens like suicide and rape to keep it edgy and grounded in reality, some tragedy but at the end, there's a twist which uplifts the audience and fills them with themes placed within the film already like hope, freedom and, yep, of course, redemption.

It's pretty cookie cutter compared to a lot of films left off the list, and it's the reason why many give it a bad rep, for the greatest film voted by many people over the world, it just so happens to appeal to a lot of people. Colour me shocked

I won't dare insult the film any more though, because, it really worked

The thing that rings so fresh in the film is how it completely strips itself away from all the bullshit and remains completely focused throughout. It just plainly shows how easy it is to make a great film and yet you see at least one film a week released that fails these fundamental guidelines. The Shawshank Redemption is the art film for the working man really, it's not big and smart, it's more pseudo-intellectual but it works for it's audience. And it's audience seems to spawn out to everyone.

And it really baffles me how a film can branch out to many different target audiences, women love it, men love it, the elderly love it, and as I found out first and foremost, the teems love it. Anyone 12 and up can probably get behind this film, and I know you're saying, 12's a bit young for a film like this. Well I've had this film in my reach since I was 8, and I believe I would of got rallied up behind it then as I did now.

I know I haven't really talked about the actual quality of the film here in great depth, nor did I in my Vertigo review, but the truth is they're both high regarded film now, although both by different audiences. Vertigo is for the film analyser in me, the film maker and the cinematic historian. Shawshank is the good ol' emotion brawler, the one to make feel up lifted in the and to shut up those voices I hear on a daily bases "OMG you haven't even seen Shawshank Redemption, I thought you were a film buff"

Yeah, well I've got you now *****es!

9/10

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Vertigo

[Show spoiler]Might as well watch this newly promoted greatest film of all time (for the past day).

This is where I come clean and admit that this is my first Hitchcock movie, don't attack me yet please though.

I'm familiar with him as a practitioner, so coming into the film I already know a lot of his trademarks and craftsmanship. With that in mind, I think this is one that keeps very much in the mind set of what you'd expect when you hear the term 'Hitchcockian thriller' very low key and confined, filled with many layers and twists. Vertigo, at it's core, is a psychological study of guilt and fear, along with obsession, that I can only presume, can take a few views to really wrap your head around. The ending leaves you with a lot to chew on, as to why stuff happens, how it can be interpreted, and what happens after the credits roll, as an ending, it has to be up there with some of the best.

Everything around the films construction is stellar, camerawork and editing is slick, the now trademark Dolly Zoom included. Acting is, of course, first class for a film like this. I only have a few problems with the film, the scene following the opening features a lot of seemingly sloppy exposition dumps to force the film up into gear, and although a bit more acceptable now after the films played out, I was still wondering why that woman couldn't see that she was being followed, it was so clearly obvious at time. Doesn't really make for great detective work.

So, is it the greatest film I've ever seen?

Well it's certainly not my new favourite film, and if someone asked me what's the greatest film I've ever seen, I would struggle to give an answer, as all films have different pros and cons, plus, while I've seen a lot of films, I've barely scratched the surface of what the general consence of great films are, nevermind all films. But, I guess if I had to answer the question now, the best thing I could do is compare it to the previous title holder, Citizen Kane. If you look at Citizen Kane in a certain way, a technical standpoint, and consider when the era it was made, you can easily see why it would be hailed as the greatest. Looking at Vertigo, I'm struggling to find a viewpoint that would signal it the greatest film of all time. Vertigo feels very norm from a technical standpoint with the era it was made in considered, I guess it's a key look at the work of an auteur, and film as a psycho-study of characters, but I don't think Vertigo is the first film to do this.

But, it's truly unfair to judge a film from such dizzying hight (oh, see what I did there). Vertigo is one hell of a great film, and while not the greatest, it certainly doesn't mean it's worth knocking on.

9/10

Don't feel too bad. Up until I blind bought To Catch a Thief in early March, I hadn't seen any Hitchcock films yet either. Now I own four of them and plan on getting the Alfred Hitchcock collection that is coming out in late September.

You have to start somewhere, and you started with one of his most beloved from what I gather.

[Romulus]

Originally Posted by jvince

Vertigo wouldn't even crack my top 100 favorites or all-time lists. The only Hitchcock film I'd call one of the greatest ever is Rear Window. Now that movie is a truly brilliant work then and now.

I was actually kind of shocked to see Vertigo at number 1 of Sight and Sound's Greatest Film's of All Time list. I'd definitely agree with you that it wouldn't crack my Top 100 favorite or best list. For me Rear Window and Psycho are his two standout films. Granted, I haven't seen Rope or a couple of his other films.

[jvince]

Total Recall (2012)
Bad. The world and the sets look good, but that's it. The action sequences lack that umph and have zero thrills. It shows some promise at the start, but it just keeps going on and on and on, further descending into a cliche-ridden, CGI blow-up-a-thon. Colin Farrell does his best, but even he couldn't save this. Almost put me to sleep.

[Al_The_Strange]

I liked "Vertigo," gave it a 4.5/5 (equivelant to Foggy's score). But yeah, it still wouldn't crack my top 100 (might not even penetrate the top 250 ).

Then again, "Citizen Kane" never made my top 100-250 either.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jvince

Total Recall (2012)
Bad. The world and the sets look good, but that's it. The action sequences lack that umph and have zero thrills. It shows some promise at the start, but it just keeps going on and on and on, further descending into a cliche-ridden, CGI blow-up-a-thon. Colin Farrell does his best, but even he couldn't save this. Almost put me to sleep.

Ahhhhhh nuts. I had high hopes that this could be a worthy remake.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by Romulus

I was actually kind of shocked to see Vertigo at number 1 of Sight and Sound's Greatest Film's of All Time list. I'd definitely agree with you that it wouldn't crack my Top 100 favorite or best list. For me Rear Window and Psycho are his two standout films. Granted, I haven't seen Rope or a couple of his other films.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I liked "Vertigo," gave it a 4.5/5 (equivelant to Foggy's score). But yeah, it still wouldn't crack my top 100 (might not even penetrate the top 250 ).

Then again, "Citizen Kane" never made my top 100-250 either.

Vertigo and Citizen Kane are overrated. I feel they're regarded so highly because of what they started, but there's a difference between an all-time best list and a most influential list. Those two belong in the latter, imo. I'd rank the timeless and far superior Tokyo Story over them any day.

Still, I think Sight & Sound's top 50 is a solid list. I'm just glad Casablanca wasn't in it. That film bored the heck out of me, and I love romantic films. If it was released today, I'm pretty sure critics would rip it apart for being repetitive and not really knowing what type of movie it wants to be.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by jvince

Total Recall (2012)
Bad. The world and the sets look good, but that's it. The action sequences lack that umph and have zero thrills. It shows some promise at the start, but it just keeps going on and on and on, further descending into a cliche-ridden, CGI blow-up-a-thon. Colin Farrell does his best, but even he couldn't save this. Almost put me to sleep.

Called that this would be crap

[Foggy]

Ninja Empire

So some of you might remember the classy Ninja Terminator film I watched a few months back. Well turns out there are a ton of Ninja films similar to it. So here's Ninja Empire...

YouTube

"But wait, is it worth watching?" I hear Al ask.

Well here's the highlights of the film...

• Lame imploding ninjas
• A general with extreme mood swings
• Chinese Three Stooges fighting off an drunk wife beater
• Ninja Roley poly down a hill
• The Godfather breaking down and throwing tea into his own face
• Slapsticky music for one of the main characters dying

And some examples of the dialogue...

• "How's the komodo plan going?" "Perfectly fine" "No it isn't you liar" "Then why did you ask?"
• "Don't feel bad, everyone makes mistakes and it's important to learn from them, and you saved my life" "If it wasn't for you I would be up for the firing squad, so thank you" "DON'T TALK CRAP, YOU DON'T OWE ME NOTHING"
• "Can you give me your johnson?"
• "Now that we've exposed ourselves, we must be extra careful"
• "What's the matter, my dear little wong?"

And yes, some one does say something "Please go on without me, save yourself". And yes, the awful dubbing makes it far more hilarious.

The climactic battle, however doesn't disappoint (and by that I mean it disappoints in every conceivable way possible), seriously, speed up to the final 2 minutes and prepare to have your mind blown.

There is no plot in anyway possible...

I've painted this up to be one of the most stunningly bad films I've ever seen. But to be honest, before you decide to give it a watch, this film is pretty boring for the most part. Unlike Ninja Terminator, which had triple the amount of ninja battle, and crazier Bruce Lee rip-off side film along with robots, nasty looking softcore porn sex scenes and Garfield. This is just dull with the occasional splash of horrendous.

Watch Ninja Terminator if you want a bad ninja film, and don't worry, I've got a few more lousy Ninja films to get through before I go to university to clue you guys in on.

4/10

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Romulus

I was actually kind of shocked to see Vertigo at number 1 of Sight and Sound's Greatest Film's of All Time list.

I wasn't shocked at all to see Vertigo at #1. Heck, its #2 in They Shoot Picture's Top 1000 list (a much better list, IMO).

http://www.theyshootpictures.com/gf1000_top100films.htm

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jvince

Total Recall (2012)
Bad. The world and the sets look good, but that's it. The action sequences lack that umph and have zero thrills. It shows some promise at the start, but it just keeps going on and on and on, further descending into a cliche-ridden, CGI blow-up-a-thon. Colin Farrell does his best, but even he couldn't save this. Almost put me to sleep.

did you like the original? I'm curious if the remake maintained the

[Show spoiler] "is it all real or all imagined"

atmosphere. that is key for me.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

did you like the original? I'm curious if the remake maintained the

[Show spoiler] "is it all real or all imagined"

atmosphere. that is key for me.

From what I've read, it's pretty straight forward

[Show spoiler]definatly real

but that's from what I've read on the film.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Foggy

From what I've read, it's pretty straight forward

[Show spoiler]definatly real

but that's from what I've read on the film.

that sucks! I love how the original maintains

[Show spoiler]a real v. imaginary ambiguity

. Its never 100%. Each reviewing could result in a different conclusion.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Yeah, I got that it was

[Show spoiler]staged

but you'd still think Stewart's character would of had more sense to hold a bit further back, it bugs me less knowing where the film went, but still annoyed me. I have Rear Window at the ready, I attempted to watch Psycho a few weeks back, but the recording had a sign language guy in it wearing the most fluorescent pink shirt he could find

Ah I see. You were referring to Stewart's behavior, not Madeline's behavior. I can see that then. For all he knew, it

[Show spoiler]was all legit and not staged

.

You are in for a treat with Rear Window!!! As you can see, we all prefer it to Vertigo and even Psycho!

Well let me put it like this, it's a film that spawns over several decades, featuring a bunch of loveable rouges who are trying to outsmart the evil authority, some nasty stuff happens like suicide and rape to keep it edgy and grounded in reality, some tragedy but at the end, there's a twist which uplifts the audience and fills them with themes placed within the film already like hope, freedom and, yep, of course, redemption.

Yeah, I never felt this film was theme-rich, either. LIke you said, the hope theme is discussed (in reference to how hard it is to have hope of getting out of prison, when its so hard to live on the outside), and then suddenly the film ends with hope just tossed in there, like garlic salt in a dish. It felt a bit fake and never felt like a naturally-developed theme. Something always felt missing in that ending , but I suppose its okay. Just more of a plot-driven film, than a theme-rich film, I suppose.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jvince

Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)
How in the hell did such a brilliant film as this become forgotten? A psychic/con artist/crazy lady convinces her pushover husband to kidnap a rich little girl in order to gain money and publicity. Kim Stanley delivers an absolute tour de force performance. She may have lost to Julie Andrews' iconic Mary Poppins that year, but her work here is, without a doubt, one of the most flawless by any actress. Richard Attenborough is just as great, playing his role in a more subtle and understated manner. The direction, the cinematography , the writing, the score... It's just an all-around outstanding effort. One of the finest crime thrillers ever put on film. I see Criterion owns this title... Criterion, please release this work of art on blu-ray soon. A new favorite.

Watched this last night on DVD based on you enthusiastic review.

I disagree with everything you wrote.

I wont go into all the ridiclous flaws surrounding the crime itself, but there were planty. I strongly disliked the writing and pacing. I found the score to be not in harmony with what was on screen and quite distracting. Kim Stanleys performance struck me as over the top melodramatic. The final seance scene was cringeworthy. For a Crime film, I found the ending to be a deflated anticlimax.

2/5