The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

It's about flipping time.

I don't recall...what did you think of it?

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I don't recall...what did you think of it?

I probably never told you what I thought of it.

I thought it was pretty good and sits nicely in the franchise with the first two. I thought James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender (especially), and Jennifer Lawrence all did pretty good in it as well.

[jhiggy23]

Fish Tank (Criterion)

Film: 3 1/2 (out of 4)

PQ and AQ: 4 1/2 (out of 5)


The directing and Katie Jarvis' performance are absolutely exceptional, which bump the film up half a star. I really liked its gritty realism, but ultimately I thought it wasn't particular deep thematically, especially when put next to two vastly superior similar films, 400 Blows and Kes. Both of those films, while not having as good of direction or lead performance, are much better films because they are very deep thematically.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Fish Tank (Criterion)

Film: 3 1/2 (out of 4)

PQ and AQ: 4 1/2 (out of 5)


The directing and Katie Jarvis' performance are absolutely exceptional, which bump the film up half a star. I really liked its gritty realism, but ultimately I thought it wasn't particular deep thematically, especially when put next to two vastly superior similar films, 400 Blows and Kes. Both of those films, while not have as good direction or lead performance, are much better films because they are very deep thematically.

I blind bought this during the last Criterion sale and loved it.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Fish Tank (Criterion)

Film: 3 1/2 (out of 4)

PQ and AQ: 4 1/2 (out of 5)


The directing and Katie Jarvis' performance are absolutely exceptional, which bump the film up half a star. I really liked its gritty realism, but ultimately I thought it wasn't particular deep thematically, especially when put next to two vastly superior similar films, 400 Blows and Kes. Both of those films, while not having as good of direction or lead performance, are much better films because they are very deep thematically.

glad you liked it. There is one scene in Fish Tank that is eerily similar to 400 Blows:

[Show spoiler]when the Mom's boyfriend carries Mia into her room. As he is taking her shoes off, she opens her eyes to watch him do it. When he looks up in her direction to put covers on her, she closes her eyes again. This was very similar to the sequence when Antoine in 400 Blows hears his parents in next room arguing, is lying in bed with eyes open, and his Dad comes into his room, which causes him to close his eyes right away and play asleep. When the Dad walks through the room and gets whatever he was looking for and closes Antoine's door, Antoine opens his eyes again.

Look forward to seeing Kes. I agree that 400 Blows was better and had more themes, but there was some similarity between Antoine and Mia:

[Show spoiler]bad parenting caused them to make poor choices and embrace a runaway lifestyle through no fault of their own

. Also: there was some eerily similarity between Fish Tank and Revanche:

[Show spoiler]boy and girl in secret pact to BOTH KEEP SECRET of their sexual encounter. In Fish Tank, Mia and the Mom's boyfriend don't make the secret pact official like in Revanche, but you can tell they both aren't going to rat the other out any time soon. Mia doesn't want her Mom to know, because she probably thinks she'll beat her up EVEN MORE than before THe mom's boyfriend doesn't want the encounter to be told to anyone for obvious reasons (family).

The movie title of "Fish Tank" implies

[Show spoiler]some sort of social confinement of Mia within the flat, compounded with the addition of more fish (mom's boyfriend), which made her feel more confined and forced to ultimately escape after getting "bit" by the other fish

. Question: myself and Squid were debating on whether she

[Show spoiler] peed on his rug voluntarily (Squid) or involuntarily (me).

. What's your thoughts? Hint: I'm right, Squid's wrong.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

glad you liked it. There is one scene in Fish Tank that is eerily similar to 400 Blows:

[Show spoiler]when the Mom's boyfriend carries Mia into her room. As he is taking her shoes off, she opens her eyes to watch him do it. When he looks up in her direction to put covers on her, she closes her eyes again. This was very similar to the sequence when Antoine in 400 Blows hears his parents in next room arguing, is lying in bed with eyes open, and his Dad comes into his room, which causes him to close his eyes right away and play asleep. When the Dad walks through the room and gets whatever he was looking for and closes Antoine's door, Antoine opens his eyes again.

Look forward to seeing Kes. I agree that 400 Blows was better and had more themes, but there was some similarity between Antoine and Mia:

[Show spoiler]bad parenting caused them to make poor choices and embrace a runaway lifestyle through no fault of their own

. The movie title of "Fish Tank" implies

[Show spoiler]some sort of social confinement of Mia within the flat, compounded with the addition of more fish (mom's boyfriend), which made her feel more confined and forced to ultimately escape after getting "bit" by the other fish

. Question: myself and Squid were debating on whether she

[Show spoiler] peed on his rug voluntarily (Squid) or involuntarily (me).

. What's your thoughts? Hint: I'm right, Squid's wrong.

This was a good read, particularly regarding the meaning of the title! In regards to your question, I believe

[Show spoiler]it was intentional. The set-up and execution of it seems to support this, as well as Mia's crudeness exhibited in the film, although I certainly cannot give a definitive answer. The oddness of it could imply it was involuntary though.

What did you and Squid think, and why?

[jhiggy23]

Surf (and others):

what films, if any, do you intend to get during the Barnes and Noble Criterion sale, starting in two weeks?


I'll be getting the following:


Carlos
Phantom Carriage
Orpheus
Three Colors Trilogy

and maybe the Jean Vigo box set.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

This was a good read, particularly regarding the meaning of the title! In regards to your question, I believe

[Show spoiler]it was intentional. The set-up and execution of it seems to support this, as well as Mia's crudeness exhibited in the film, although I certainly cannot give a definitive answer. The oddness of it could imply it was involuntary though.

What did you and Squid think, and why?

Squid argued (I think, he'll correct me if I'm wrong) that

[Show spoiler]she peed intentionally, for retaliation, which she then followed up with the kidnapping

. I argued that

[Show spoiler]like those war soldiers we see in films who pee down their leg when they're nervous or experiencing trauma, right before she pees we see (a) her watching video of his daughter, (b) she realizes he's getting his daughter to sing, like he got Mia to dance = YUCK! , (c) then the camera scans the room, showing photos of the family, the daughter, etc, after which the camera almost seems to spin and spin, like as if Mia is disoriented.

what does (a), (b) and (c) tell me? when she was watching the video in (a), she had no idea it was his daughter, just some girl, and it made her sick in (b) when he was treating her like he did Mia. Then in (c), it hit her HARD that he is a Dad with a daughter and wife. And perhaps the cumulative effect of (a)-(c) on Mia caused her an enormous level of emotional trauma which caused her to involuntarily pee. I could be wrong, but I thought the camera in (c) began to spin around the room, which seemed to convey a disorienting feeling of Mia. It was already coming out. No time to run to the girl's room. Only enough time to pull her pants down and squat.

I'm no physician but that's just how the scene struck me when I watched it, so I was a little surprised when i read people saying she might have done it intentionally. However, after reading squid's discussion about how she was retaliating, its definitely possible. That was just how I took it each time I've watched it (3-4 times). Also, if you look at her facial expression when she pees, its "OMG I'm peeing!!?!" face, not "haha take that and Call Stanley Steemer b&$ch" face. Yes, I am familiar with both faces! Also, let's assume she peed intentionally for retaliation. Then why run when he gets home? If retaliation is your mission, stay and tell the wife! She's about to come home! Peeing on a rug is nothing compared to ratting him out to the wife, but what does Mia do? RUNS! Consistent with innocent, involuntary peeing, not retaliatory, voluntary peeing

Which brings me to another point of (friendly) contention:
Regarding the

[Show spoiler]kidnapping, I wasn't sure if
(a) she took her out of retaliation (continuation of voluntarily pee for retaliation theory), or
(b) she took her out of self-less concern (i.e., save this girl from this man, since he's already videotaping her like he did me, and thus will soon hurt her like he did me) - continuation of involuntarily pee theory (here, Mia isn't necessarily on a retaliation mission)

squid made a great point here: Mia is 15!! she's not a 30 year old PhD. She doesn't have the intellect to act like a Dept CHildren Families worker. SHe's more likely to act like an angry 15 year old = pee on his rug and take his daughter, as a big old "F*@$ YOU!!"

here i go again: i actually LOVE how this sequence is open to interpretation (even if Squid says I'm looney ). Let's me pick a different interpretation on each viewing

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Surf (and others):

what films, if any, do you intend to get during the Barnes and Noble Criterion sale, starting in two weeks?


I'll be getting the following:


Carlos
Phantom Carriage
Orpheus
Three Colors Trilogy

and maybe the Jean Vigo box set.

wow, its already in 2 weeks???

I haven't rented a Criterion in forever. That whole Netflix fiasco caused me to put my account on hold. Are you guys still using NF? No issues? What you guys think going forward?

I'll look at those you listed, thanks man. I did watch Everlasting Moments again last night. My third-fourth viewing. I told you I loved it on my second viewing right? For some reason, I didn't like it on the first viewing.

Everlasting Moments

Film: 5/5
-fantastic film about early 20th century woman in Sweden trying to survive with an alcoholic husband and raising kids
-uses a lovely brown-yellowish hue which is intentionally done to have the film resemble those photos our parents would show us of our grandparents. it's like you're watching a moving photo of your grandparents
-lovely themes about marriage and what are the limits of love and the vows of marriage? must they be taken literally until death do us part, regardless of the circumstances?
-the art in this film is absolutely breathtaking. not just the art of the film itself but the art within the film (photos). one of them is so gorgeous its hard to not well up.
-you also get a great 101 on early 20th century photography. one thing is obvious: you had to be VERY SKILLED to take great photos back then. you couldnt just snap an Iphone 100 times and pick the 9 photos you like

PQ: 4.5/5

AQ: 4/5

[surfdude12]

Christmas Tale

Film: 4.5/5
-wow, this held up VERY WELL to repeated viewing!
-lovely story about family get-together for Christmas in France
-like most families, you have some siblings who don't get along, others who do = anyone can relate to this!
-I loved the setting in France as the European nature of it reminds me of Ireland somewhat (streets, size of cars, buildings, etc) since there is some commonality across Europe
-the family dynamics have a depth that could be analyzed for days. one sibling

[Show spoiler]died, and neither of the 2nd or 3rd siblings were a "match" for saving him, so its those 2nd/3rd siblings who are now in conflict to be a "match" for their dying mother. they're trying to avenge their inability to save their dead brother. a horrific emotional state to be put in for both of them growing up, and now they hate each other, and are at each other's throats trying to prove they are more worth than the other to their parents, who they see as unhappy with them for not saving their brother

PQ and AQ: 4.5/5

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

This was a good read, particularly regarding the meaning of the title! In regards to your question, I believe

[Show spoiler]it was intentional. The set-up and execution of it seems to support this, as well as Mia's crudeness exhibited in the film, although I certainly cannot give a definitive answer. The oddness of it could imply it was involuntary though.

What did you and Squid think, and why?

yeah, I kind of cheated on the meaning of the title. the trailer actually provided some clues on that:

FISH TANK - Official Trailer - YouTube

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Surf (and others):

what films, if any, do you intend to get during the Barnes and Noble Criterion sale, starting in two weeks?

I've been wondering when the next Criterion sale was going to happen.

I definitely want "High and Low." I swear I ordered it before, but it never showed up. I think they cancelled my order.

If "Battle for Algiers" drops below the $25 mark, then hell yeah, I'll be getting it!

Anything else would be a blind-buy.

Originally Posted by surfdude12

That whole Netflix fiasco caused me to put my account on hold. Are you guys still using NF? No issues? What you guys think going forward?

Haven't used Netflix in a couple of years now. It just takes too darn long for it to reach me overseas. Also because of that, they don't allow streaming.

If I was back in the States, I might have enjoyed it more.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Time for me to lose a lot of sleep

Alien Marathon!

Stance on the Alien franchise is that I've seen Alien and Aliens, never Alien 3 or Resurrection, and I won't bother getting into Alien vs Predator

Alien

[Show spoiler]


It's rare to really find a film that comes across as timeless, you really can't tell until many many many years later and it still holds that core effect it had with audience back in the day for today's audiences...

Alien for the most part is that film, I think I consider it one of the most timeless films of all time, excluding some very dated effects like Ash's decapitated head and the finale. Most of this comes down the set designs and the xenomorph itself, although like most horror films, most the scares and brilliance doesn't come from the creature itself, it's truly a creature many will find scary for years to come.

Horror and Sci-fi, are two things I see as a hybrid made in heaven. People talk about the fear of the unknown, it's scarier to not know whats attacking you than what it is. Yet when it comes to sci-fi, it's not the fear of the unknown, it's the fear of what we don't know yet that gets to us. Think about it, we've paved it two ways, if aliens come, they're either going to hug us, or obliterate us

And, although I like The Thing better (btw, not looking forward to the Prequel when it hits over here) Alien was here first, and it's the better film. Pacing is top notch, with a slow build, each step leading to an unpredictable shock and the atmosphere consistantly head butting you because it's just moody, you're never really certain what's going to happen each time you watch it, even though you might of watched it a thousand times, there is that gut feeling that the film will get you somehow.

And as a final note, Ridley Scott sucks at giving opening speeches to directors cuts of his films, in this he just says he gets a lot of praise for the film and that he's added some footage in (not that he seemed all that happy about the added stuff). But it's better than the Gladiator one, where he just says "Yeah, my Directors cut, it's quite good", or the Robin Hood "I don't like this version as much as the one in theatres, so sucks for you watching it"

10/10

PQ - You know when I say that this film is timeless, well, blu-ray proves this. I love when I stuck a film from the 70/80's and it looks this good, you just look in awe as you struggle to comprehend the fact it was made 32 years ago I have serious worries about Aliens, considering how dated some of the effects in that film look - 9.5/10

AQ - Put it this way, had to have the TV on low volume because of the folks in bed, and they still complained it was too loud - 10/10

Aliens and (maybe) Alien3 tomorrow

Sweet!

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

The American - 4.5/5

what is this?! a SLOW film?! ALMOST NO explosions or wicked car chases?! no loud obnoxious club music and weirdo villains that do stupid things?! no robots? no Michael Bayisms?! WHY AM I WATCHING THIS?! i am just a dumb American who can't sit still for two hours and pay attention to dialogue and visuals without a million items being thrown at my f*cking face! how dare you make a movie without all my favorite things!

what am i supposed to text my friends during the movie if nothing interesting happens???!!!!!



sadly, that is likely the response a lot of people will have / have had to The American.

[Show spoiler]
it is slow, methodical, and deliberately paced.

it teases action, but is built as a suspenseful thriller. and it succeeds greatly at that. not because there are two people running around a city chasing each other down spraying bullets left and right, but because of the lack of music (or greatly used score at time), the terrific facial expressions and acting by Clooney, and the thick as syrup that that mosquito from Jurassic Park was stuck in atmosphere. "edge of your seat" might not be exactly what The American gives, but it delivers a strong, constantly thought inspiring, smart thriller that some will simply loathe. and others, like me, will absolutely love.

i love the beautiful setting, the pacing and the lack of characterization for Jack (Clooney).

the story, basically, is that Jack is a specialized weapon maker. he makes weapons for certain people to take out other people in very special, specific ways. and we're following him on his last quest. but, for as great as he is with building weapons (and using them) he doesn't seem to like his job, or at least, no longer likes it, and wants out.

so we follow him on his emotional journey to end his last mission and get out alive while he believes he is being followed.

the story itself isn't the most original or daring. he strikes up a relationship with a hooker (seen before) and of course is most comfortable around her than anyone else (seen before) and seems detached from the world as an "outsider" because of his job which he's likely has for far too long (seen before). but none of that matters because this is a damn good film that is vastly underrated

will definitely be adding The American to my collection some day. hopefully it drops on amazon a little bit more so i can pick it up for under $15. i would highly recommend it to anyone as a rental if you enjoy slow moving films such as Revanche, Michael Clayton, There Will Be Blood, and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

this is NOT like the Bourne films or any other "actioneer", even though the previews kind of made it seem that way (for American audiences so us dumbies can follow a long ) so you've been warned.

That was my response too!

I do remember quite a few scenes with gratuitous nudity though.

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest movie borrowed from a library: “Death Becomes Her.”

One of many films I remember as a kid (as my folks had it on Laserdisc). Naturally, the most memorable parts are toward the end, with scenes that provide a suitable workout for special effects and camera tricks that seemed innovative at the time. It is pretty darn wicked, funny, and imaginative to watch a pair of immortal women b**ch-fighting and never really dying. Shovel to the head, shot in the gut, fell down the stairs a few times and twisted the limbs and heads around, but they’re still alive and kicking! The film overall is quite a zany experience, with a slight macabre twist.

The story for this is quite modest. It does offer plenty of conflict between the different characters, making the ultimate grudge match believable and invoking. In fact, I believe that the characters receive decent treatment throughout. Even though the story seems a little dry at first, it reaches an excellent conclusion. In the end, the film offers a definite warning about the dangers of defying nature, and the true meaning of human immortality (that is, immortality is best achieved through leaving a legacy, rather than preserving the mortal body). You could probably also extrapolate some themes concerning vanity and beauty that tie into this main message.

The film looks slick, with decent (and often times wild) photography and editing. Acting is a bit over-the-top, but Bruce Willis is the man (even outside of an action-movie role), and Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn provide perfect depictions of their respective characters. Writing is pretty good. This production has good sets, props, costumes, and some rather inventive special effects. Alan Silvestri’s score is pretty good.

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

Recommendation: Sure, why not?

The DVD looks kinda crappy. If they Blu-Ray it, they could preserve it for the ages, and it will live forever!!!!! And then I’d buy it.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Surf (and others):

what films, if any, do you intend to get during the Barnes and Noble Criterion sale, starting in two weeks?

Wow, that came up quick. I was expecting towards the middle of Nov.

I haven't seen a Criterion film in a while, but these are on my list to rent:

3 Women
Army of Shadows
Carlos
Cronos
Dazed and Confused
Fish Tank
Kes
The Double Life of Veronique
Three Colors Trilogy
Videodrome

[jvince]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

That's a helluva opening montage shot. You're helping build the anticipation, definitely looking forward to this.

The opening is filled with gorgeous shots. I don't wanna spoil it any further. I hope I'm not overhyping the film and that you'll enjoy it.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

The American - 4.5/5

[Show spoiler]what is this?! a SLOW film?! ALMOST NO explosions or wicked car chases?! no loud obnoxious club music and weirdo villains that do stupid things?! no robots? no Michael Bayisms?! WHY AM I WATCHING THIS?! i am just a dumb American who can't sit still for two hours and pay attention to dialogue and visuals without a million items being thrown at my f*cking face! how dare you make a movie without all my favorite things!

what am i supposed to text my friends during the movie if nothing interesting happens???!!!!!



sadly, that is likely the response a lot of people will have / have had to The American.

it is slow, methodical, and deliberately paced.

it teases action, but is built as a suspenseful thriller. and it succeeds greatly at that. not because there are two people running around a city chasing each other down spraying bullets left and right, but because of the lack of music (or greatly used score at time), the terrific facial expressions and acting by Clooney, and the thick as syrup that that mosquito from Jurassic Park was stuck in atmosphere. "edge of your seat" might not be exactly what The American gives, but it delivers a strong, constantly thought inspiring, smart thriller that some will simply loathe. and others, like me, will absolutely love.

i love the beautiful setting, the pacing and the lack of characterization for Jack (Clooney).

the story, basically, is that Jack is a specialized weapon maker. he makes weapons for certain people to take out other people in very special, specific ways. and we're following him on his last quest. but, for as great as he is with building weapons (and using them) he doesn't seem to like his job, or at least, no longer likes it, and wants out.

so we follow him on his emotional journey to end his last mission and get out alive while he believes he is being followed.

the story itself isn't the most original or daring. he strikes up a relationship with a hooker (seen before) and of course is most comfortable around her than anyone else (seen before) and seems detached from the world as an "outsider" because of his job which he's likely has for far too long (seen before). but none of that matters because this is a damn good film that is vastly underrated

will definitely be adding The American to my collection some day. hopefully it drops on amazon a little bit more so i can pick it up for under $15. i would highly recommend it to anyone as a rental if you enjoy slow moving films such as Revanche, Michael Clayton, There Will Be Blood, and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

this is NOT like the Bourne films or any other "actioneer", even though the previews kind of made it seem that way (for American audiences so us dumbies can follow a long ) so you've been warned.

I guess this was kinda like last year's Drive then? I do like slow movies and I got this on DVR. I'll try to check it out sometime. Corbijn's first film Control was good, but the guy definitely has potential and a great eye for cinematography.


As for the B&N Criterion sale, I'm planning to pick up:
Diabolique
Still Walking
Wings of Desire
Dazed and Confused
And maybe I'll blind buy Three Colors.

It sucks that 12 Angry Men and Rushmore will miss the sale by a day.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

This was a good read, particularly regarding the meaning of the title! In regards to your question, I believe

[Show spoiler]it was intentional. The set-up and execution of it seems to support this, as well as Mia's crudeness exhibited in the film, although I certainly cannot give a definitive answer. The oddness of it could imply it was involuntary though.

What did you and Squid think, and why?

It was deliberate! PERIOD!!!!! Everything builds to, and supports it! She has a reason to do it.

[Show spoiler]Here comes Surf with the ridiculous theory of "She drank a large beer and couldnt hold it.

When in fact we see her hold her liquor throughout the film.

She was damn angry, reverted to base instincts, marked her spot and and punished him the best she knew how. He had a secret life, with better things, and she wanted to "soil" those things (his secret life).

Further, I think it more likely that an overload of negative emotion would cause nausea and INvoluntary vomiting.

Get a clue boys.

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest movie borrowed from the library: "The Place Promised in Our Early Days."

Another artsy anime of sorts. Its has a fine animation style and quality, with a story that seems quite bizarre and promising.

Weeeellll...the film didn't really keep my interest, so I wandered around different websites, checked my e-mail, and the movie creeped by and I have absolutely no idea what that s**t was all about. Something about an alternate reality, government conspiracy, music, love, blah blah blah...whatever.

Frakk this, I'm going back to movies with actual plots, dammit!

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

Recommendation: ...probably.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Squid argued (I think, he'll correct me if I'm wrong) that

[Show spoiler]she peed intentionally, for retaliation, which she then followed up with the kidnapping

. I argued that

[Show spoiler]like those war soldiers we see in films who pee down their leg when they're nervous or experiencing trauma, right before she pees we see (a) her watching video of his daughter, (b) she realizes he's getting his daughter to sing, like he got Mia to dance = YUCK! , (c) then the camera scans the room, showing photos of the family, the daughter, etc, after which the camera almost seems to spin and spin, like as if Mia is disoriented.

what does (a), (b) and (c) tell me? when she was watching the video in (a), she had no idea it was his daughter, just some girl, and it made her sick in (b) when he was treating her like he did Mia. Then in (c), it hit her HARD that he is a Dad with a daughter and wife. And perhaps the cumulative effect of (a)-(c) on Mia caused her an enormous level of emotional trauma which caused her to involuntarily pee. I could be wrong, but I thought the camera in (c) began to spin around the room, which seemed to convey a disorienting feeling of Mia. It was already coming out. No time to run to the girl's room. Only enough time to pull her pants down and squat.

I'm no physician but that's just how the scene struck me when I watched it, so I was a little surprised when i read people saying she might have done it intentionally. However, after reading squid's discussion about how she was retaliating, its definitely possible. That was just how I took it each time I've watched it (3-4 times). Also, if you look at her facial expression when she pees, its "OMG I'm peeing!!?!" face, not "haha take that and Call Stanley Steemer b&$ch" face. Yes, I am familiar with both faces! Also, let's assume she peed intentionally for retaliation. Then why run when he gets home? If retaliation is your mission, stay and tell the wife! She's about to come home! Peeing on a rug is nothing compared to ratting him out to the wife, but what does Mia do? RUNS! Consistent with innocent, involuntary peeing, not retaliatory, voluntary peeing

Which brings me to another point of (friendly) contention:
Regarding the

[Show spoiler]kidnapping, I wasn't sure if
(a) she took her out of retaliation (continuation of voluntarily pee for retaliation theory), or
(b) she took her out of self-less concern (i.e., save this girl from this man, since he's already videotaping her like he did me, and thus will soon hurt her like he did me) - continuation of involuntarily pee theory (here, Mia isn't necessarily on a retaliation mission)

squid made a great point here: Mia is 15!! she's not a 30 year old PhD. She doesn't have the intellect to act like a Dept CHildren Families worker. SHe's more likely to act like an angry 15 year old = pee on his rug and take his daughter, as a big old "F*@$ YOU!!"

here i go again: i actually LOVE how this sequence is open to interpretation (even if Squid says I'm looney ). Let's me pick a different interpretation on each viewing

I have NO problem with the fact that people can

[Show spoiler]pee accidentally

due to shock, fear, grief etc. I dont believe however, that this occured in the film.

1. Female homosapiens do not

[Show spoiler]squat when they INvoluntarily pee.

2.

[Show spoiler]There was no evidence that the father was goint to hurt the daughter in the future. He expressed regret and guilt for having sex with a 15 year old and there was NO indication that he leaned toward incestuous behavior. Mia swipes the kid in the heat of the moment, while angry. She treats the kid poorly (because she is angry). When she calms down and realizes the kid is innocent, she returned the child. If she was worried about the kids wellfare, she wouldnt have brought her home.

[Foggy]

Alien Marathon Continues!

Aliens

The bigger dumber brother is here!

Aliens is usually met with conscience that if you love it or hate it, and I think that the more you love the original, the more you'll dislike the sequel. After all this is the ultimate original fan-fic film. James Cameron takes his love of Alien, and just Cameronises it, and I love it.

It's a heavily flawed film, but its one of those few times when, if you embrace it, it adds to lunacy and charm of the film

After all, Mr. Cameron is the king of subtlety, and Aliens is the crowning masterpiece of it. The uber-macho-ism of the colonial marines is all over confidence and really they're just unprepared gun wielders who cry at the sight of danger, yet Ripley manages to out shine them all. Oh Cameron, you know how to display that over confidence is wrong. What, the corporations are evil and are trying to use the get one of the aliens back, and will screw anyone over for a good pay share, jeez, that's a true gut busting shocker

But all that is in good nature, and although you can roll your eyes at it all you want, you do get some good laughs at the over exaggeration of it all, and I prefer over exaggeration over nothing to exaggerate

Besides that, Aliens is a tense piece of brilliance. The change of setting and storyline is risky, but also really exciting, and it feels like it ups the stakes dramatically over the original, which is great, when most sequels are same old same old. Say what you will about Cameron, the guy knows how to do sequels.

The action is superb, the scares are still fantastic and are still held in there, the effects are miles above the original (although that's expected) but there were parts where I was actually confused how they did certain things, most of all the part with Bishop near the end, when half his body is being dragged along the floor into outer space.

A few genuine flaws are minor, but How does the Alien Queen know how to use a lift and the colonial marine tank is really all that functional at taking corners

Other than that, I love Aliens, it's a well executed riot, and sometimes that's all you really need.

10/10

I would be watching Alien3 around now, but I just finished the Season three penultimate episode of Breaking Bad Half Measures...Holy Shit!

I've just got to finish it off tonight!