The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I don't think we should criticize him though. I agree that his comment is short-sighted, but when it comes down to it he likes what he likes and that's all that matters. That being said, he's obviously wrong when it comes to his comment about "if it was good, it would get released here or presented." That's just flat out wrong. There's a longgggggg list of great films that haven't been released here.

agreed.

he could love all the films i listed, and that's fine. but if he thinks that they're better than films that weren't released in theaters simply because they were, then that's where the mistake lies.

i hope my previous comment displayed that and not a "he likes bad movies" vibe, because that's not what i was going for at all

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

agreed.

he could love all the films i listed, and that's fine. but if he thinks that they're better than films that weren't released in theaters simply because they were, then that's where the mistake lies.

i hope my previous comment displayed that and not a "he likes bad movies" vibe, because that's not what i was going for at all

I read you loud and clear

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Steve46

My Neighbor Totoro 5/5

I'm working my way through Hayao Miyazaki's films and I am pretty much done.

Although these films have children as the main protagonists, everyone can enjoy them. I'm 48 and they touch me deeply.

It's aggravating how static the prices are for those films. I only own two of them because of it (Princess Mononoke & Nausicaa).

My friend is making me wait to see his copy of My Neighbor Totoro because he has the discontinued DVD with the original US dubbing (although I normally listen to Japanese with subs). It's the only Miyazaki film besides Castle in the Sky I haven't seen yet.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

It's aggravating how static the prices are for those films. I only own two of them because of it (Princess Mononoke & Nausicaa).

My friend is making me wait to see his copy of My Neighbor Totoro because he has the discontinued DVD with the original US dubbing (although I normally listen to Japanese with subs). It's the only Miyazaki film besides Castle in the Sky I haven't seen yet.

Yeah, the Disney connection keeps the prices high. I own Ponyo on blu-ray and Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke on DVD. Rare for prices to drop below $18.99 though.

I also own a Malaysian import, but the quality isn't the best and some don't have English audio so it's subtitles only.

I would like the Japanese import of Nausicaa, but $80 is a bit much.

You will love Totoro and Castle in the Sky

[iam1bearcat]

Ratatouille

PQ: 5/5 again, shocking, i know for Pixar.
AQ: 4.5/5 great sounds and effects, film really comes alive

FIRST TIME VIEWING.

i was a little hesitant to see Ratatouille. previews did not interest me, and i really have no interest in Paris, France or anything resembling the Eiffel Tower. or rats. or cooking. so the film definitely had me worried.

of course, Pixar being Pixar, i really enjoyed the film. i can even say i loved it, even though it won't be one i revisit as much as some others in the Pixar catalog, it's still an absolutely wonderful film. as most of you know, Pixar has not made a bad film, or even just a good film yet, so me saying i don't like Ratatouille as much as their other films really is saying, "i love them all, but these ones i just happen to love a little more and the others are better than 98% of the animated films that are ever released by other studios".

Remy, a rat, has a special talent in having super developed senses for taste and smell. so, while rats usually eat whatever they can get their dirty little hands on, Remy likes GOOD food. real food. and refuses to accept his place in "society" that he is just a rat. and he likes to cook. so when he meets a young trash boy as the best restaurant in Paris and accidentally helps make him look like a great new chef, a bizarre, quirky friendship is born.

i loved the first half hour. many great laughs, exciting action packed moments and meeting all the characters was a real joy. the atmosphere and energy Pixar put into the city made it feel real, alive and with warm, perfect colors, the film really popped out and breathed life into my screen / soundbar. it is a unique adventure for sure and one that kids and parents will surely love.

at 103 minutes it was longer than expected, but i had no real issues with Ratatouille. a very solid, well put together film. but like i said, not a 'personal favorite' of the Pixar clan, but extremely enjoyable and obviously i will be keeping it.

4/5

[Q?]

District 9

This movie is so fantastically made, the world is believable, special effects are are great and convincing. Sharlto's acting is pretty impressive when you take into account that this was his first major role and his previous effort was only a role in a short movie that was later remade as this movie! I was horrified of how they treated the prawns, the humanitarian in me was awaken by CGI aliens, that's pretty impressive huh? I really hope they make a sequel, I'd love to see even a much bigger production the next time, build the alien world!

8/10 or 7.5/10
Though I thought it was great I'm having trouble rating it properly, even after my second viewing. I think it had something to do with that it felt like a small movie made big.

PQ 5/5
Shot with Red One cameras, which looks inansely good, one time I even got closer to the TV when a close up of Wikus appeared, highly detailed!

[J.Cornelius]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Side note: I mentioned a day or two ago that I was wondering when Elizabeth Kostova's megahit "The Historian" would be brought to screen, considering the fact that its rights were bought for seven figures a couple years back. Here's an update:


http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...n+kane+kostova


This novel could make an EXCELLENT film, despite its length and density.

Would you recommend the Historian I have been on the fence about whether to give it a read. Regarding your previous post about S.King could not agree more about his latest works but The Stand and It are fantastic. Mr. King is certainly no Hemingway when it comes to the written word but his earliest works are just far superior to some of his current drivel.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Ratatouille

PQ: 5/5 again, shocking, i know for Pixar.
AQ: 4.5/5 great sounds and effects, film really comes alive

FIRST TIME VIEWING.

i was a little hesitant to see Ratatouille. previews did not interest me, and i really have no interest in Paris, France or anything resembling the Eiffel Tower. or rats. or cooking. so the film definitely had me worried.

of course, Pixar being Pixar, i really enjoyed the film. i can even say i loved it, even though it won't be one i revisit as much as some others in the Pixar catalog, it's still an absolutely wonderful film. as most of you know, Pixar has not made a bad film, or even just a good film yet, so me saying i don't like Ratatouille as much as their other films really is saying, "i love them all, but these ones i just happen to love a little more and the others are better than 98% of the animated films that are ever released by other studios".

Remy, a rat, has a special talent in having super developed senses for taste and smell. so, while rats usually eat whatever they can get their dirty little hands on, Remy likes GOOD food. real food. and refuses to accept his place in "society" that he is just a rat. and he likes to cook. so when he meets a young trash boy as the best restaurant in Paris and accidentally helps make him look like a great new chef, a bizarre, quirky friendship is born.

i loved the first half hour. many great laughs, exciting action packed moments and meeting all the characters was a real joy. the atmosphere and energy Pixar put into the city made it feel real, alive and with warm, perfect colors, the film really popped out and breathed life into my screen / soundbar. it is a unique adventure for sure and one that kids and parents will surely love.

at 103 minutes it was longer than expected, but i had no real issues with Ratatouille. a very solid, well put together film. but like i said, not a 'personal favorite' of the Pixar clan, but extremely enjoyable and obviously i will be keeping it.

4/5

My personal favorite Pixar. Maybe it's because I love cooking and Paris. Maybe it's because I love the concluding monologue. I just think it's the best overall film (i.e. story and themes).

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Q!

District 9

This movie is so fantastically made, the world is believable, special effects are are great and convincing. Sharlto's acting is pretty impressive when you take into account that this was his first major role and his previous effort was only a role in a short movie that was later remade as this movie! I was horrified of how they treated the prawns, the humanitarian in me was awaken by CGI aliens, that's pretty impressive huh? I really hope they make a sequel, I'd love to see even a much bigger production the next time, build the alien world!

8/10 or 7.5/10
Though I thought it was great I'm having trouble rating it properly, even after my second viewing. I think it had something to do with that it felt like a small movie made big.

PQ 5/5
Shot with Red One cameras, which looks inansely good, one time I even got closer to the TV when a close up of Wikus appeared, highly detailed!

I've criticized this movie enough, so I won't do so again

[surfdude12]

Revanche (2nd viewing in 12 hours )
-forgot to post this review
-watched it 7am-9am Friday, then again from 7pm-9pm Friday! That hasn't happened since 2001, and Triangle (although I watched Triangle twice in about 36 hours)
-you guys already know: 5/5 Film, 5/5 PQ, 4/5 AQ

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by J.Cornelius

Would you recommend the Historian I have been on the fence about whether to give it a read. Regarding your previous post about S.King could not agree more about his latest works but The Stand and It are fantastic. Mr. King is certainly no Hemingway when it comes to the written word but his earliest works are just far superior to some of his current drivel.

You've been on the fence for five years

I will def read some of King's older books and I don't look down upon him because Under the Dome was trash. I think he's a good story teller but a poor writer. Will still check out the earlier books at some point, although I prefer reading the books he raves about, such as The Passage and previously Carrion Comfort (when will this be a movie?????????)


It's impossible to give you an answer about the Historian. I read a book a week, everything from James Rollins to Dostoevsky to Saramago. It's been five years since I read The Historian and it still sticks with me. Like some movies, I didn't love the book when I was finished reading it. But then it grew on me and I couldn't get it off my mind.

I love it for a few reasons: 1) the writing is extremely good, which is no surprise considering Kostova's education; 2) it's unbelievably original; 3) it feels incredibly authentic; 4) I've always loved research and intellectual pursuits, and the main character is very involved in that; 5) the historical facts are very interesting.

Quite literally, the Historian is unlike any book I've read and I doubt I'll ever read any book like it. Some consider it boring because of all the historical detail. Some consider the ending anti-climatic because it's not what they expect. These are valid claims for some ppl but they didn't bother me at all. If you want something original that can possibly be very rewarding, read it. I got to meet and speak with her in April of this year at Fort Lauderdale's Literary Feast, and she was great. She read the opening chapter of her latest book (see below) and I was spellbound.

Btw, I'm 100 pages into her newest novel, The Swan Thieves, and it's among the best written hundred pages of a popular literary novel I've read in some time. The opening chapter immediately places itself among my very favorite of all-time.

[surfdude12]

Sopranos: Season 6, part 1

Film: 5/5
-love this show, can't wait for seasons 2-5
-the only weakpoint (and I'm stretching to find one) is perhaps AJ is a weak actor. He overacts the role at times and in certain sequences my jaw can drop at how out of place it is, with the quality of this show. In any other film/show, I wouldn't notice it.
PQ: 4/5

AQ: 4/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Revanche (2nd viewing in 12 hours )
-forgot to post this review
-watched it 7am-9am Friday, then again from 7pm-9pm Friday! That hasn't happened since 2001, and Triangle (although I watched Triangle twice in about 36 hours)
-you guys already know: 5/5 Film, 5/5 PQ, 4/5 AQ

You do realize I'm watching this film RIGHT NOW.

[Buddy Christ]

Inception 5th time. I'm done til Blu

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

You do realize I'm watching this film RIGHT NOW.

EVERYONE TAKE NOTE:

the force is strong with this one.

[Q?]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I've criticized this movie enough, so I won't do so again

Hmm... got me curious.

Well, the thing I appreciate is that they made the world believable however crazy it was. But at the same time I find it a bit odd it has such serious themes going on and then it turns into an action movie, before that it's somewhat a comedy with Sharlto's acting and his seeming incompetence. I think it tries too much?

You're welcome with your thoughts though.

[J.Cornelius]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

You've been on the fence for five years

I will def read some of King's older books and I don't look down upon him because Under the Dome was trash. I think he's a good story teller but a poor writer. Will still check out the earlier books at some point, although I prefer reading the books he raves about, such as The Passage and previously Carrion Comfort (when will this be a movie?????????)


It's impossible to give you an answer about the Historian. I read a book a week, everything from James Rollins to Dostoevsky to Saramago. It's been five years since I read The Historian and it still sticks with me. Like some movies, I didn't love the book when I was finished reading it. But then it grew on me and I couldn't get it off my mind.

I love it for a few reasons: 1) the writing is extremely good, which is no surprise considering Kostova's education; 2) it's unbelievably original; 3) it feels incredibly authentic; 4) I've always loved research and intellectual pursuits, and the main character is very involved in that; 5) the historical facts are very interesting.

Quite literally, the Historian is unlike any book I've read and I doubt I'll ever read any book like it. Some consider it boring because of all the historical detail. Some consider the ending anti-climatic because it's not what they expect. These are valid claims for some ppl but they didn't bother me at all. If you want something original that can possibly be very rewarding, read it. I got to meet and speak with her in April of this year at Fort Lauderdale's Literary Feast, and she was great. She read the opening chapter of her latest book (see below) and I was spellbound.

Btw, I'm 100 pages into her newest novel, The Swan Thieves, and it's among the best written hundred pages of a popular literary novel I've read in some time. The opening chapter immediately places itself among my very favorite of all-time.

That is correct, I have heard mixed things from friends and some other book would always seem to peek my interest more. I do like books that have a historical element, the Alienist being one of my all time favorites. Thanks for your input.

[J.Cornelius]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Revanche (2nd viewing in 12 hours )
-forgot to post this review
-watched it 7am-9am Friday, then again from 7pm-9pm Friday! That hasn't happened since 2001, and Triangle (although I watched Triangle twice in about 36 hours)
-you guys already know: 5/5 Film, 5/5 PQ, 4/5 AQ

I need to give this a second viewing upon the first I could not get it out of my head for days.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Revanche (2nd viewing in 12 hours )
-forgot to post this review
-watched it 7am-9am Friday, then again from 7pm-9pm Friday! That hasn't happened since 2001, and Triangle (although I watched Triangle twice in about 36 hours)
-you guys already know: 5/5 Film, 5/5 PQ, 4/5 AQ

well this is certainly getting bumped up to the top of the queue...
although i could watch it on netflix streaming too... hmm...

[Good Intentions]

Just finished watching The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and I highly recommend it. The PQ was very good, although not reference quality mainly due to the setting. A Swedish winter is very cold and dreary. Great story, this is a must see!