The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

American Graffiti 2

In the first American Graffiti, we got to see a bunch of kids living it up one last time before going off on their separate ways; some of them escaped their small town life, some didn’t, and there was just a brief pre-credits write-up that vaguely explained what happened to everybody. Well, this film fills in the gaps a little more, showing these characters at a later stage in their lives, with the 1960s as the new nostalgic backdrop.

Thanks to the 60s and all its crazy socio-political baggage, the film has way more crazy and interesting things that happen. You can bet that the Vietnam War, stoned hippies, protestors and civil unrest, all play into this sequel. Nothing much really happened in the first American Graffiti, because it was the 50s and people were just cruisin’ and chillin’. In this sequel, there’s a ton more conflict involved, huge amounts of explosive drama, and some situations that prove to be way funnier than the adolescent shenanigans of the first film (especially in watching Toad in Vietnam, trying so hard to find a free ticket home).

In spite of the issues and conflicts involved, the stories this film follows feel more complete and relevant. There is an actual sense of closure to this film that its predecessor lacks. If there’s any problem, it’s just that the different episodes feel way more disconnected than before, since all the characters are geographically separated and remain so by the film’s end. It’s also missing that certain personal touch that Lucas had going in the first movie; people with nostalgia for the 60s might still dig this movie, but it just doesn’t carry the same feeling or sense of reality.

Cinematically, the film is pretty weird. Most of it is filmed with liberal amounts of split-screen effects; hardly a moment goes by without multiple shots of the same thing appearing side-by-side. Many other scenes appear gaudy with dark, murky, or plain photography. Acting is generally not bad; many of the original cast members return with the same zeal they had before, and new people prove to be equally fun. Writing is okay. This production has some fine-looking sets, props, and costumes. Plenty of classic 60s songs are used on the soundtrack, and is really groovy.

This film really isn’t as bad as I expected; even though it’s not quite as special as the first film and gets a little gaudy with its style, it has parts that I think are even more fun than its predecessor. If you enjoyed the first film, or have a real deep fascination with all things from the 60s, give this film a try.

3.5/5 (Entertainment: Pretty Good | Story: Average | Film: Pretty Good)

Recommendation: For fans of the first film and fans of the 1960s.

[Al_The_Strange]

Oblivion

I was initially drawn into this film for its post-apocalyptic landscapes and the promise of plenty of eye candy. Overall, the film delivers tremendously; the whole film is really slick-looking, with a modest array of high-tech vehicles, weapons, and gadgets on display, as the main character explores a ruined Earth and confronts aliens, robots, bad guys, and more. There are some really cool chases, fights, and shootouts throughout the film, which are satisfying without getting overblown. Pacing is not terribly fast, but not really that slow either; it finds an ample comfort zone somewhere between being action-packed and letting the story breathe.

Even though there is a lot of style and spectacle involved, most of Oblivion is driven by a certain mystery revolving around the characters and events, which keep you glued to the story to see where the character goes and what he discovers. The twists that pop up are somewhat predictable (especially since some things may have been spoiled in the trailer already), and the story overall takes on a familiar formula seen in plenty of other films. However, the big twists and all their subtle nuances make good sense and stimulate enough brain cells to make it a satisfying storytelling venture. Characters are developed just enough to make them stand out, and the film overall has just enough of an emotional touch to make it feel important. If there’s anything to complain about, it would be a few minor nitpicks (chief among them, the ending looks so much like the ending for Independence Day).

This film has very solid photography and editing. Acting is pretty decent; I’m not that much of a Tom Cruise fan, but I felt he did this role good justice, while the leading ladies offered the best performances. Writing is pretty good. This production has some excellent sets, props, and costumes. A few special effects seems weak, but most are great. Music is quite impressive and appropriate as well (bears much in common with the Tron: Legacy score).

The most critical of audiences might just write this one off as more style over substance, but it is a darn good style. It’s not high-brow sci-fi, but the story is clever enough to rise above most other gloopy Hollywood blockbusters. And for a sci-fi fan like myself, I felt it was perfectly entertaining and interesting.

4.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good)

Recommendation: Sure.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

War Horse

Formulaic, too long and overly sentimental. I didnt care though. Had a Disney feel to it. Lots of great scenery and shots. Big music and sounds. Satisfying ending.



Film 4/5
PQ 4.5/5
AQ 5/5

Agreed. Formulaic but still good.

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

During the plowing scenes, I almost felt like walking out. I could picture Spielberg telling John Williams, "just a little more, I want the audience to really feel it."

(adds strings, amps up the volume)

Williams: "okay, how about now?"

Speilberg: "just a little more."

So on and do forth.

This reminds me of the first time a friend and I watched Jackie Brown. We go way back so we're goofballs when we sit through a film together. At some point during the film, I lean over to him and say, "I can just see Tarantino behind the camera yell-whispering at the DP: 'Darker!'"

Then, during one of the final scenes that already happened to be dark, my friend yells DARKER! and Samuel L. Jackson walks over and turns the rest of the lights off.

[jvince]

On the Waterfront (1954)
dir. Elia Kazan

The Good: Marlon freaking Brando: the greatest ever. Wonderful chemistry between Brando and Eva Marie Saint, who also delivers an amazing performance. The iconic cab scene. The improvised glove scene. Nice cinematography.

The Bad: Falls into a slight lull about halfway through. Overpowering musical score.

The Bottom Line: Essential viewing, especially for Brando's unparalleled performance.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Sneakin' up on a year man.

Haha, wow... I can't believe I've been doing this for almost a year now...

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

The Imposter.

This is a cool documentary.

The storytelling is really well done, but that doesnt hold a candle to the story itself.



It just keeps revealing more and more creepy stuff. I dont want to say anything more about the story. If you have an interest in seeing a documentary about missing people, identity theft, impersonation, family trauma/drama and international crime investigation, then see this film.

A UK-based film magazine, Total Film, had this to say, "Creepier than Catfish and as cinematic as Man On Wire, this is an unnerving story immaculately told." I'd say that was spot on.

Warning: Read nothing about the film before seeing it.

4.5/5

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

Thanks, pal . I really like the style of your reviews, hence why I took a little "inspiration" from them

[Diesel]

We had to abandon our Man This Movie Sucks Monday several weeks ago for several reasons...but we've started a new thing this past Sunday.

We are screening all 6 Star Wars movies

Hearing that opening theme in the blasting speakers and seeing it on the giant screen


Revenge of the Sith was the only one I saw at the theatre (midnight) as I wasn't into the movies when the other two prequels were released, so I can't wait to continue tonight with Attack of the Clones

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Diesel

We had to abandon our Man This Movie Sucks Monday several weeks ago for several reasons...but we've started a new thing this past Sunday.

We are screening all 6 Star Wars movies

Hearing that opening theme in the blasting speakers and seeing it on the giant screen


Revenge of the Sith was the only one I saw at the theatre (midnight) as I wasn't into the movies when the other two prequels were released, so I can't wait to continue tonight with Attack of the Clones

I saw all the prequels in the cinema, I was way too young to really get them when Episode 1 was out but my sister dragged me to go see it.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I saw all the prequels in the cinema, I was way too young to really get them when Episode 1 was out but my sister dragged me to go see it.

Did you enjoy Jar Jar?

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Did you enjoy Jar Jar?

Considering it came out in May and my birthday was in June. There was a lot of Jar Jar tat lingering in my attic since my 5th Birthday

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Oblivion

[Show spoiler]I was initially drawn into this film for its post-apocalyptic landscapes and the promise of plenty of eye candy. Overall, the film delivers tremendously; the whole film is really slick-looking, with a modest array of high-tech vehicles, weapons, and gadgets on display, as the main character explores a ruined Earth and confronts aliens, robots, bad guys, and more. There are some really cool chases, fights, and shootouts throughout the film, which are satisfying without getting overblown. Pacing is not terribly fast, but not really that slow either; it finds an ample comfort zone somewhere between being action-packed and letting the story breathe.

Even though there is a lot of style and spectacle involved, most of Oblivion is driven by a certain mystery revolving around the characters and events, which keep you glued to the story to see where the character goes and what he discovers. The twists that pop up are somewhat predictable (especially since some things may have been spoiled in the trailer already), and the story overall takes on a familiar formula seen in plenty of other films. However, the big twists and all their subtle nuances make good sense and stimulate enough brain cells to make it a satisfying storytelling venture. Characters are developed just enough to make them stand out, and the film overall has just enough of an emotional touch to make it feel important. If there’s anything to complain about, it would be a few minor nitpicks (chief among them, the ending looks so much like the ending for Independence Day).

This film has very solid photography and editing. Acting is pretty decent; I’m not that much of a Tom Cruise fan, but I felt he did this role good justice, while the leading ladies offered the best performances. Writing is pretty good. This production has some excellent sets, props, and costumes. A few special effects seems weak, but most are great. Music is quite impressive and appropriate as well (bears much in common with the Tron: Legacy score).

The most critical of audiences might just write this one off as more style over substance, but it is a darn good style. It’s not high-brow sci-fi, but the story is clever enough to rise above most other gloopy Hollywood blockbusters. And for a sci-fi fan like myself, I felt it was perfectly entertaining and interesting.

4.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good)

Recommendation: Sure.

Glad you enjoyed it; it highly favours style over substance but, as you say, it's a helluva style. The visuals are just sumptuous at times, but, unfortunately, that plot is trying way too hard to convince people it's much more intelligent than it actually is

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Oblivion

[Show spoiler] I was initially drawn into this film for its post-apocalyptic landscapes and the promise of plenty of eye candy. Overall, the film delivers tremendously; the whole film is really slick-looking, with a modest array of high-tech vehicles, weapons, and gadgets on display, as the main character explores a ruined Earth and confronts aliens, robots, bad guys, and more. There are some really cool chases, fights, and shootouts throughout the film, which are satisfying without getting overblown. Pacing is not terribly fast, but not really that slow either; it finds an ample comfort zone somewhere between being action-packed and letting the story breathe.

Even though there is a lot of style and spectacle involved, most of Oblivion is driven by a certain mystery revolving around the characters and events, which keep you glued to the story to see where the character goes and what he discovers. The twists that pop up are somewhat predictable (especially since some things may have been spoiled in the trailer already), and the story overall takes on a familiar formula seen in plenty of other films. However, the big twists and all their subtle nuances make good sense and stimulate enough brain cells to make it a satisfying storytelling venture. Characters are developed just enough to make them stand out, and the film overall has just enough of an emotional touch to make it feel important. If there’s anything to complain about, it would be a few minor nitpicks (chief among them, the ending looks so much like the ending for Independence Day).

This film has very solid photography and editing. Acting is pretty decent; I’m not that much of a Tom Cruise fan, but I felt he did this role good justice, while the leading ladies offered the best performances. Writing is pretty good. This production has some excellent sets, props, and costumes. A few special effects seems weak, but most are great. Music is quite impressive and appropriate as well (bears much in common with the Tron: Legacy score).

The most critical of audiences might just write this one off as more style over substance, but it is a darn good style. It’s not high-brow sci-fi, but the story is clever enough to rise above most other gloopy Hollywood blockbusters. And for a sci-fi fa

n like myself, I felt it was perfectly entertaining and interesting.

4.5/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good)

Recommendation: Sure.

Might just have to squeeze in a trip to the theater for this. I don't see much in the theater, but this is getting a good amount of love here.

I might be blind buying Frighteners when Best Buy's Upgrade & Save promotion starts next week, and it has movie money on there for Oblivion, so that would work out perfectly.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Might just have to squeeze in a trip to the theater for this. I don't see much in the theater, but this is getting a good amount of love here.

I might be blind buying Frighteners when Best Buy's Upgrade & Save promotion starts next week, and it has movie money on there for Oblivion, so that would work out perfectly.

THat Would be a sweet deal!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

Glad you enjoyed it; it highly favours style over substance but, as you say, it's a helluva style. The visuals are just sumptuous at times, but, unfortunately, that plot is trying way too hard to convince people it's much more intelligent than it actually is

Eh, it had me fooled.

As I watched the thing, I was thinking I'd rank it beside other sci-fi favorites like Outland or Logan's Run or Book of Eli or something. Especially something like Logan's Run, which

[Show spoiler]also reveals that the main character is a big sucker being played into some larger scheme, and everything he thought he knew was wrong.

If nothing else, I enjoyed seeing the lone guy trekking across the wasteland, taking care of business. It's a pretty common theme in sci-fi to see lone characters tending to machines or performing some important task, but I liked the setup in Oblivion.

One of these days, I'll get around to making a top-favorites list of sci-fi movies, and Oblivion would probably rank somewhere in the middle or upper half.

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Might just have to squeeze in a trip to the theater for this. I don't see much in the theater, but this is getting a good amount of love here.

I might be blind buying Frighteners when Best Buy's Upgrade & Save promotion starts next week, and it has movie money on there for Oblivion, so that would work out perfectly.

I liked Frighteners.

[jvince]

The Way, Way Back (2013)
dir. Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

The Good: Breakthrough performance from Liam James (that kid from The Killing) as the world's most awkward teenager. Water Wizz and its employees, played by Maya Rudolph, co-writer/directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, and the scene-stealing (and always awesome) Sam Rockwell. Honorable mentions to Allison Janney and her lazy-eyed son. Very charming with some solid laughs (but nothing laugh out loud).

The Bad: Steve Carell as the world's biggest a-hole (okay, this really counts as a positive, but man, did I want to punch his face so badly). Uneven pacing. Formulaic. Lots of missed opportunities and underdeveloped subplots. Rob Corddry is useless and Amanda Peet is nothing but a banal plot device. Great chemistry between James and AnnaSophia Robb; Too bad it isn't fleshed out.

The Bottom Line: I can't remember the last movie that had such endearing characters you just wish you could hang out with. You'll want to work at Water Wizz. You'll want to mess around with Rockwell and Co.. So, the plot has been done to death and yeah, the characters are all too familiar. But despite playing it safe, The Way, Way Back manages to be emotionally resonant and crowd-pleasing enough, and in the end, that's what matters most.

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

As I watched the thing, I was thinking I'd rank it beside other sci-fi favorites like Outland or Logan's Run or Book of Eli or something. Especially something like Logan's Run, which

[Show spoiler]also reveals that the main character is a big sucker being played into some larger scheme, and everything he thought he knew was wrong.

One of these days, I'll get around to making a top-favorites list of sci-fi movies, and Oblivion would probably rank somewhere in the middle or upper half.

I didn't even notice the similarities there but, now you've pointed it out, it seems so obvious

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I liked Frighteners.

Well, there goes blind buying The Frighteners then...

[Show spoiler]

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by jvince

The Way, Way Back (2013)
dir. Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

[Show spoiler]

The Good: Breakthrough performance from Liam James (that kid from The Killing) as the world's most awkward teenager. Water Wizz and its employees, played by Maya Rudolph, co-writer/directors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, and the scene-stealing (and always awesome) Sam Rockwell. Honorable mentions to Allison Janney and her lazy-eyed son. Very charming with some solid laughs (but nothing laugh out loud).

The Bad: Steve Carell as the world's biggest a-hole (okay, this really counts as a positive, but man, did I want to punch his face so badly). Uneven pacing. Formulaic. Lots of missed opportunities and underdeveloped subplots. Rob Corddry is useless and Amanda Peet is nothing but a banal plot device. Great chemistry between James and AnnaSophia Robb; Too bad it isn't fleshed out.

The Bottom Line: I can't remember the last movie that had such endearing characters you just wish you could hang out with. You'll want to work at Water Wizz. You'll want to mess around with Rockwell and Co.. So, the plot has been done to death and yeah, the characters are all too familiar. But despite playing it safe, The Way, Way Back manages to be emotionally resonant and crowd-pleasing enough, and in the end, that's what matters most.

Looking forward to this one. The trailer was great.

I plan on attending Sundance next year. Maybe Al can join since it's now his hometown.

[jvince]

CARGO - Tropfest Australia 2013 Finalist (TSI "Balloon") - YouTube

Cargo (2013)
dir. Yolanda Ramke, Ben Howling

The Good: Refreshing take on the zombie genre. Dads will shed man tears.

The Bad: Would've been more effective if it was longer.

The Bottom Line: The Road of zombie flicks. Has potential to be an even better feature-length film.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I might be blind buying Frighteners when Best Buy's Upgrade & Save promotion starts next week, and it has movie money on there for Oblivion, so that would work out perfectly.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I liked Frighteners.

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

Well, there goes blind buying The Frighteners then...

[Show spoiler]

I liked The Frighteners when I was a kid. It was one of the horror films I used to rewatch a lot. Haven't seen it since then.

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Looking forward to this one. The trailer was great.

I plan on attending Sundance next year. Maybe Al can join since it's now his hometown.

It's not as good as their previous work, The Descendants, but it's still a pretty solid coming-of-age dramedy. Speaking of coming-of-age movies, The Kings of Summer is pretty good as well. I had a hard time deciding which of the two was better. I'm also looking forward to The Spectacular Now. That one's been generating a lot of buzz and I was impressed with Ponsoldt's last film, Smashed.

Attending Sundance must be pretty awesome. I'd love to go to one of those one day.

[legendarymatt92]

Because Nagisa was such a revolutionary and boundary-pushing director, the background to both his native country and his work is important; in the 1930s, Japan had become much more militaristic at the behest of Emperor Hirohito, who supported the idea of expansionism. Due to this, changes within Japanese society were obvious: it went from being a free and open society to discouraging sexual and political acts without question. Nagisa's films worked to question the validity and reasoning behind this societal change.

The Good Points:

An important and unflinching exploration of sexual repression and the affects this has on the people within the society; utilises the background of a prostitute to highlight this well, as even the well-respected, high-class "pillars of society" (such as a politician and headmaster) use her "services". It's an incredible portrayal of love, lust and passion that, for most of the film, feels real and unforced; it's sensual and erotic without being vulgar or exploitative -- you can really believe that these two characters are in love, and that pays high praise to the two leads and their great performances.

The political undertones are well-done and subtle; even though Nagisa is making a political statement through the actions of his two characters, it really meshes and its message is always present but never obvious. It's undeniably way ahead of its time too, and it's uncompromising depiction of controversial subjects has no doubt influenced both Western society and its cinema in some way since its release. Finally, the direction is nuanced and soft, never impeding on the story and only showing Nagisa's skill through the impeccably framed shots he often uses.

The Bad Points:

There is no real narrative; it doesn't feel as if there is ever any subtance in the story on which to hang the frequent and inconsequential sex scenes beyond the first ten minutes. At times, the characters feel false and contrived, manipulated artificially into actions that help the plot along but that just feel so unnatural as to how that character has been established. Towards the final act, the controversial subject just becomes an element which Nagisa's artistic iconoclastic techniques can be attributed to, and it feels much more distant and false than it did at first.

The film is also bland for prolonged periods of time; beyond the sex and political statements, the majority of scenes are of dialogue that repeats previous sexual acts and feels extremely stilted. The ending is presented as unavoidable and certain, yet it just argues against the filmmakers' intended statement (which had been successfully utilised in the whole film until that point).


It's hard to deny that Realm of the Senses has incredible artistic merit, and benefits from an experienced and intellectual director, but it's also extremely flawed and bland for periods. Without a main narrative, it all just feels like an exercise in futility -- if not a solid and impressive one.

6/10