The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Freekman]

District B13: 3/5 or 5/10
The parkour was stunning, but the movie itself was lacking substance.

[jhiggy23]

I've Loved You So Long (blu) (90% rating on rotten tomatoes)


Film: 4 stars (out of 4)

PQ: 4 stars (out of 5)

AQ: 4 stars (out of 5)



This is an extraordinary French film. It's about a woman (Kristin Scott Thomas, acting in French yet again) who's released from prison after 15 years for murder. I won't spoil who she killed and what happened, since it's the major mystery in the film. Thomas' performance was the best acting performance by a female I've seen in at least a decade, if not ever. It's that good. Yes, it's very subtle. However, she absolutely nails the role. Her non-verbal acting in this film is the best I've ever seen by an actress and the few times she's required to show intense emotion are unbelievable.

I am quite honestly embarassed that she didn't get an Oscar nomination for this role (she won and was nominated for innumerable other awards for the role, just not he Oscar).

Peter Travers of Rolling Stone called her performance a master class of acting, one of the the best performances in many years, and one of the best ever.

The San Francisco Chronicle called her performance one of the things people will remember most about the 2008 year of movies.

New Republic called her performance one of the marvels of 2008 and of any year of movies ever.

Ebert called her performance inspired.

Believe the hype. I feel privileged to have seen this film and will add it to my collection as soon as possible.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I don't pretend to know all the answers. You can easily argue that some scenes are dreams within dreams.

But my best guess is

[Show spoiler]The Watts character is a bad actress. She continually fails to get roles. She's in love with the Harring character who is a better actress and gets the Watts character minor roles. The Watts character has a self image of herself being a great actress and the perfect friend. She concludes that the mafia told Kesher not to give her roles so that she can justify her failure. When Harring breaks off the relationship, Watts hires a killer. Then she regrets it so makes him incompetent in her mind. He is all too competent and kills Harring and leaves the blue key as proof. She imagines Kesher as a loser and invents all the bad stuff that happens to him because he stole Harring away and she was jealous that she lost her lover.

And that's my simple version

There's so much going on. I just enjoy it as an experience and don't worry about the meaning too much.

wow, dude, that actually made somewhat sense
thanks! i think i'm more motivated to watch it again now. great film!
you're right: just enjoy the experience, rather than "figure out" the plot. reminded me a lot of Marienbad in that regard. i'll have to watch some of Lynch's other films.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I've Loved You So Long (blu) (90% rating on rotten tomatoes)


Film: 4 stars (out of 4)

PQ: 4 stars (out of 5)

AQ: 4 stars (out of 5)

wow dude, i'll add this to my queue! sounds like a great film and loved her in T.N.O.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

wow dude, i'll add this to my queue! sounds like a great film and loved her in T.N.O.

[recS-12]

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Very disappointed in this movie. Even my 3 year old got bored and walked off. I wasn't expecting much but what I viewed was even beneath my already lowered expectations. 2 out of 5.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by recS-12

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Very disappointed in this movie. Even my 3 year old got bored and walked off. I wasn't expecting much but what I viewed was even beneath my already lowered expectations. 2 out of 5.

Yeah the pilot movie's kinda weak. The series is better.

[Al_The_Strange]

Watched "Ong Bak 2" for the first time ever last night. I'd say it was incredibly enjoyable; I love the fight scenes, the photography, and the detail that went into the sets, costumes, props, weapons, etc. As a story though it seemed to lack exposition, and all of the scenes felt like they were slapped together to form a rough (and rather typical) good vs evil story of some kind. I can admire the fact that most of the story is told visually, but it still feels very disjointed. I'd give it a 4/5 for its entertainment value and quality production, but I would grade it higher if the story continuity was stronger.

Although now I'm wondering if the alternate cut makes things better. I'll have to watch that version next time.

[tbizzle]

Just watched Universal Soldier, haven't seen this movie since I was a kid. Wasn't as cool as it was back then of course, heh, but I enjoyed it. Was surprised at the transfer though, looked and sounded great!

7/10

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

wow, dude, that actually made somewhat sense
thanks! i think i'm more motivated to watch it again now. great film!
you're right: just enjoy the experience, rather than "figure out" the plot. reminded me a lot of Marienbad in that regard. i'll have to watch some of Lynch's other films.

Mulholland Dr. changed the way I view movies. I notice what is going on a lot more now. Lynch has become my favorite director. Lost Highway is the closest in feel to Mulholland Dr. and then Blue Velvet. I'm currently working my way through Twin Peaks for about the tenth time. Save Eraserhead and INLAND EMPIRE for last as they are much harder to watch.

I'm very interested in seeing Marienbad.

[CZAR]

The Funhouse - Didnt hold up as well as I thought it would. I was pretty bored at times actually. Not all the classic horror films aged well and this was one of them. 2/5 Got Em!!

[jhiggy23]

Temple Grandin (HBO films)


Film: 3 1/2 stars (out of 4)


What an extraordinary story and film about Temple Grandin, the autistic woman who is a prolific author, professor at Colorado State, and oh yeah, revolutionized the cattle industry with her designs to the point that half of cattle businesses use her designs.

This is a very poignant story, especially to me since my mother has worked with autistic kids for 25 years. Autism is one of the most misunderstood diseases out there and it's a miracle what many of them can do.

Claire Danes portrayal of Temple is absolutely incredible. Anyone who had doubts about her acting ability need only see this film. Make sure you watch an interview with the real Temple after seeing the film--you'll realize just how incredible Danes did.

[CZAR]

Law Abiding Citizen - What an adrenaline rush! Butler was a beast in this film. Loved it! 4/5 Got Em!!

Pandorum - Didnt care for this movie to much. This seemed like a Descent wannabe but in space or wherever the heck they were at. I wasnt diggin it to much. 2/5 Got Em!!

[recS-12]

Just finished watching "The Express". Great movie. I normally stay clear of football movies as I am not a fan. However, this came so highly recommended and only $7.49 from Amazon I could not pass up. It was a very heart warming, family friendly film that I can recommend highly. 4.5 out of 5. The P.Q. was flawless. I only watched in 2channel stereo but was without any complaints. If you haven't seen this movie you are missing out.

[ajvdbg]

The Godfather, Part II easily 5/5
Although Part I is also a 5/5 I do think Part II is slightly better than I...these two movies are probably the best American cinema has ever produced; just incredible!!

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by recS-12

Just finished watching "The Express". Great movie. I normally stay clear of football movies as I am not a fan. However, this came so highly recommended and only $7.49 from Amazon I could not pass up. It was a very heart warming, family friendly film that I can recommend highly. 4.5 out of 5. The P.Q. was flawless. I only watched in 2channel stereo but was without any complaints. If you haven't seen this movie you are missing out.

Yes sir a very underrated film. A lot of people slept on this film. Got Em!!

[jeffrow]

Law Abiding Citizen 2.5/5

[Beta Man]

Che BD Film was excellently done, it was the first time I had seen it, and found it really good, but Che was portrayed a little too positively for my liking. 4/5

Gomorrah BD I loved this film, and if you like "Mafia" style movies, then this one is a must-see. The character development and cinematography are what sets this apart from the usual Hollywood fare.... 4.5/5

Beer Wars Streamed this from netflix.... I enjoy good craft beers, so this was a documentary that I really enjoyed. Your level of enjoyment would be dependent on your interest in the subject matter I guess.....

Also streamed some documentary about Macintosh (while mine lay there dead ) and found it pretty good..... same as above.... if you like documentaries about computer companies, this one is good

Wise Guys DVD

Pulled on oldie from my collection.... haven't seen it in awhile, and it wasn't as "fun" as I remembered it being..... but still good for a laugh here and there 2.5/5

Indiana Jones ...Crystal Skull BD

ZERO POINT ZERO

When you have to crowbar in "age" jokes, and awkward references to prequels (the ones that were GOOD!) to keep the audience's interest (unsuccessfully in this case) then you know you've made a movie you shouldn't have attempted.......

Reminds me of Rocky Balboa..... Show two large turtles, and they're "Cuff and Link" we get it.... time passed..... we remember them from the first movie..... throw in a clip of Burgess Meredith from the first movie, but add some soft-focus.... and you've got gold..... right?????

Back on topic.... Indy the Crystal dumpage..... I will give it a 1/5


Howard the Duck DVD

I know... I know... I trash Indy, and then watch Howard the Duck.... here's my take.... Tim Robbins was actually pretty good in this (his character was funny/eccentric ) and I thought I would introduce my son to this (he's only 2, but it's only a PG rating... so it gives me an excuse to watch it again )

so I enjoy it for what it is..... for a movie where everyone either loves, or hates, I give it a 2.5/5

Film Geek Streamed/Netflix

Almost forgot this one!!! Streamed this, and thought it was HYSTERICAL.... it's a mockumentary about a 'Film Geek' and I for one (not a self proclaimed film-geek, or even that knowledgeable) found the references very spot on...... it's a funny film, and if you enjoy and defend Cassevettes, Lynch, Goddard, etc.... this one will hit pretty close to home!

3.5/5


9 BD

Tim Burton doesn't do it for me..... yet I continually see films he puts out, and say "Oh it's Tim Burton.... I need to see that" 9 was no exception. I guess I just couldn't get into the story of it at all..... I sometimes wonder who Burton's target audience is, because my kids can't watch this one, and my wife and I wondered who it was geared to the whole time..... VERY DARK, but watered down violence/language/action at the same time....

either way, 2/5 for being an original idea I guess..... it just didn't keep my interest.

[Sussudio]

^^
Someone watched a lot of movies


I saw Last Emperor the other night for the first time....deserved every Oscar it was awarded....great story to watch unfold in one of the most beautifully shot films I've ever seen.

[SquidPuppet]

Shutter Island.

Some great performances and some cool camera work. Lots of Boo/gotcha moments. The story was just OK.

3.5/5