The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Al_The_Strange]

When I put this next movie in, my PlayStation had a s**t-fit, made a weird whirring noise, and came up with a message that said “cannot play video.” I think it’s trying to tell me something…

Well, I put “Seed” in the other player anyway!

Yes, I know, Uwe Boll is the worst filmmaker in the world and sucks forever. Even I would say that some of his work is worthy of being deemed the worst movies ever made. But I do believe that he’s getting better as he goes on, and “Seed” is one of his better efforts.

Not that that means anything; the film still has its weaknesses. Dialogue is pretty simplistic, almost laughable in some scenes. Low-quality acting doesn’t help much either. This film could also be dismissed as purely style-over-substance, containing violence without any true context. Looking at it from that perspective, this could be classified as another weak trashy film.

Personally though, I believe it’s successful as being downright wicked and disturbing. The opening shots, showing actual PETA footage of animals being tortured, really got to me . The rest of the film has enough wicked bloody violence to be entertaining, even on a trashy level. This violence could be considered frivolous – another extension of the director’s nihilistic sensibilities – but I do believe that it gives this film an edge. The film overall is dark, with a very bleak atmosphere, and (believe it or not) it has quality production value and photography (even if it is a little shakey).

As for the story itself…it’s simple and straightforward, with one or two stupid moments that could either be dismissed or distracting. Characters are okay, but nothing to really scream about.

For anybody looking for a truly wicked trashy serial-killer film, “Seed” delivers, and will continue to occupy a space on my shelf next to all the “Saw” films. Those with high standards should probably stay far away!

3/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 2.5/5, film: 3/5)

DVD looks sharp and slick…too bad it’s not a Blu-Ray!

Extras included a decent short film (entitled “Criticized”), some mundane behind-the-scenes footage (is it me, or does Uwe actually look like he knows what he’s doing? ), and some deleted scenes (one of which shows the serial killer doing a workout…hilarious! ).

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

When I put this next movie in, my PlayStation had a s**t-fit, made a weird whirring noise, and came up with a message that said “cannot play video.” I think it’s trying to tell me something…

[Show spoiler]Well, I put “Seed” in the other player anyway!

Yes, I know, Uwe Boll is the worst filmmaker in the world and sucks forever. Even I would say that some of his work is worthy of being deemed the worst movies ever made. But I do believe that he’s getting better as he goes on, and “Seed” is one of his better efforts.

Not that that means anything; the film still has its weaknesses. Dialogue is pretty simplistic, almost laughable in some scenes. Low-quality acting doesn’t help much either. This film could also be dismissed as purely style-over-substance, containing violence without any true context. Looking at it from that perspective, this could be classified as another weak trashy film.

Personally though, I believe it’s successful as being downright wicked and disturbing. The opening shots, showing actual PETA footage of animals being tortured, really got to me . The rest of the film has enough wicked bloody violence to be entertaining, even on a trashy level. This violence could be considered frivolous – another extension of the director’s nihilistic sensibilities – but I do believe that it gives this film an edge. The film overall is dark, with a very bleak atmosphere, and (believe it or not) it has quality production value and photography (even if it is a little shakey).

As for the story itself…it’s simple and straightforward, with one or two stupid moments that could either be dismissed or distracting. Characters are okay, but nothing to really scream about.

For anybody looking for a truly wicked trashy serial-killer film, “Seed” delivers, and will continue to occupy a space on my shelf next to all the “Saw” films. Those with high standards should probably stay far away!

3/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 2.5/5, film: 3/5)

DVD looks sharp and slick…too bad it’s not a Blu-Ray!

Extras included a decent short film (entitled “Criticized”), some mundane behind-the-scenes footage (is it me, or does Uwe actually look like he knows what he’s doing? ), and some deleted scenes (one of which shows the serial killer doing a workout…hilarious! )

.

That happened to me when I tried to put in The Blair Witch Project DVD last week. It was working extra hard to read the disc, so I ended up watching it on my computer. I'd rather break my DVD drive in my computer than my PS3

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Since you really enjoyed the respectful take on that profession, I'd like to toss out a recommendation.

Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman(2005)

From Netflix...

Following in his father's footsteps, Albert Pierrepoint (Timothy Spall) becomes one of Britain's most prolific executioners, hiding his identity by working as a grocery deliveryman. But his ambition to be the best inadvertently exposes his gruesome secret. When he becomes a minor celebrity, Pierrepoint faces a public outcry against the practice of hanging. Juliet Stevenson plays Pierrepoint's oblivious wife in this biopic based on real events.

It's a fascinating story about the high level of respect and dignity that Pierrepoint demonstrates when dealing with his assigned subjects, before, during AND after the actual "task". Its a strange blend of humanity and professionalism during harsh and seemingly inhumane acts. Poignant is the best word that comes to mind.

Thanks for the rec, that sounds pretty good.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Great review. I think it is one of those rare movies that is truly rewarding to the viewer. I hope it gets a US release too.

Thanks. I think this one can be a different experience for each viewer... as you said, "The important thing is what it will mean to you."

[Show spoiler]I lost my father when I was 19 and it was very loosely similar circumstances to Daigo's situation in the film, so this one hit home with me, especially the last scene.

I still have to see this one. I almost blind-bought it when it dropped to $11.

I stay away from most horror films because they're usually junk (imo), but this is one of the exceptions that pop up every once in a while

[surfdude12]

Dangerous Liaisons (DVD)

Film: 4/5
-great film overall
-lust, deceit, power...this film has it all, and although its a 19th century period piece, it puts 21st century pieces to shame. I was taking notes throughout
-great cast with Uma, Malkovich, Glenn Close, and Keanu (I honestly dont mind him in these "posh" roles, like Dracula...his acting weakness becomes a strength IMO)
-only negative was there was perhaps too much lust/deceit/etc. It felt like every second of the film was trying to keep track of who is lying to who, etc etc, and there wasn't much dynamics/range to have sane moments in between the lust and deceit during which the audience can catch its breath (and the film can develop the characters in a more sane setting). For some this may be a strength. For me, a light weakness, but I still loved the film!
-anyone know if the blu is planned on this? I'll definitely grab it!

[surfdude12]

Apocalypse Now (Theatrical Cut)

Film: 5/5
-still prefer Redux
-it was like watching it for the first time with this new transfer!! absolutely mesmerizing!
-I was so blown away with the transfer on this viewing that I found myself just gazing at the scenery, the vegetation, and the detail, and wasn't analyzing the themes that much - the transfer was too good

PQ and AQ: 5/5 (awesome!)

[iam1bearcat]

i thought Paranormal Activity was scary as fudge but yes, the acting was crap. as was the

[Show spoiler]ending, kinda.

i didn't like the

[Show spoiler]whole "demon" face thing the girl had.

it should be noted that 'noises' and such are much more effective to me than some lumbering idiot with a knife / chainsaw / hammer / club / gun / whatever.

still not a very good movie, but definitely had me on the edge of my seat.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Apocalypse Now (Theatrical Cut)

Film: 5/5
-still prefer Redux
-it was like watching it for the first time with this new transfer!! absolutely mesmerizing!
-I was so blown away with the transfer on this viewing that I found myself just gazing at the scenery, the vegetation, and the detail, and wasn't analyzing the themes that much - the transfer was too good

PQ and AQ: 5/5 (awesome!)

since you said this is your 3rd favorite movie, this doesn't surprise me, but i still love to see this
i had a friend come over today and we watched this.
they found it "okay" so i told them we couldn't be friends anymore

[Trogdor2010]

Never Let Me Go: 2.5 out of 4

If Logan's Run was an attempt at grabbing awards, based on a novel (By Kazuo Ishiguro) and having an all classy British cast (with Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightly) love story instead of a cheesy sci fi pre Star Wars B movie. What makes this different from this high class? Well it is also a dystopian science fiction film (not the Buck Rodgers kind) that serves as a commentary on the medical industry and human repossession. The science fiction elements serves more as an afterthought, and is more interested in the pretentious love interests that in a way feels as faux as the film was intended to be, for better of worse.

The story revolves in the lifetime of three young people in a love triangle of a boarding school (you know the Victorian style that runs amok in so many of it's ilk) Hailsham, Kathy (Carey Mulligan; as teen and adult), Tony (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightly). Kathy, innocent and passive, who is the focus of the tale, loves Tony, a troubled boy popular with the girls but bullied by the boys and so does her slutty friend Ruth, even resenting that Kathy and Tony developed a “true” love while Ruth victimizes Tony. The twist is that they are actually experiments cloned, to be in an organ donation transplant program and about during when they are “complete” (say 25 years old) they are dissected of their precious organs; they however have a very good life otherwise, like a pampered cow. During their lives they have been curious of who they come from.

It's hard to tell whether they were going for the dystopian film as a criticism on human exploitation as science or an epic love story, which is given too much effort to make the themes compete with it, almost becoming an afterthought. The film is high class, with gorgeous cinematography worthy of a theater viewing and a great effort done by Mulligan (Keira and Garfield are less competent however, going occasionally overboard). The film ends in a brutal, cynical and nihilistic, but it's satisfying in the Kubrick fashion, and more of a redemption from the happy cop out ending of “Atonement”. It beats glorifying a little monster.

[Dreemworx]

City of the Living Dead
2.5/5

Laura Croft; Tomb Raider
4/5

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Thanks. I think this one can be a different experience for each viewer... as you said, "The important thing is what it will mean to you."

[Show spoiler]I lost my father when I was 19 and it was very loosely similar circumstances to Daigo's situation in the film, so this one hit home with me, especially the last scene.

Very true. I'm sorry about your loss.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Apocalypse Now (Theatrical Cut)

Film: 5/5
-still prefer Redux
-it was like watching it for the first time with this new transfer!! absolutely mesmerizing!
-I was so blown away with the transfer on this viewing that I found myself just gazing at the scenery, the vegetation, and the detail, and wasn't analyzing the themes that much - the transfer was too good

PQ and AQ: 5/5 (awesome!)

Incredible transfer. I just watched mine tonight. 5's across the board! Such a grand film.

[lDlisturb3d]

Playtime (Criterion)

Director: Jacques Tati
Writer: Jacques Tati
Mains: Jacques Tati, Barbara Dennek, and Georges Montnant

What a remarkable brilliant comedy!

Synopsis: Playtime is about Paris trying to adapt to a new age of technology while hosting is country with American Tourist that add fire to the mass confusion! During the film Monsieur Hulot is just trying to meet this business man but he has allot of trials and tribulations to get through before meeting this mystery man. In addition there are also side stories of many men and women that are completely lost in this new world.

My Take: Even though im not screaming this is the best movie ever made i completely think that this movie is marvelous. The attention to detail and every shot and the amazing cinematography is Grand! This is truly eye candy! What strikes me the most is the era this film was made. How do you think of things like this!?!? This in fact was a very important thing having great sets and amazing cinematography because the lack of talking within the movie. I thought some of the shot was down right hilarious while others made me giggle. But most of all i respect and enjoyed the overall feel of the movie. It truly felt like a Stanley Kurbrick movie with the amazing shots and advance sets.

Conclusion: Playtime is a great movie that one could love and enjoy the attention that was put into the movie. Even though its rather slow and require allot of your attention its still vary rewarding. The musical score is also very noticeable and very addicting. You have all types of comedies out there, dark, stupid, indirect, direct. Playtime offers what is rarely hard to accomplish and that's being Brilliant. Amazing movie that i think will get better through the ages.

Highly Recommended

4.5/5

[CZAR]

Feast - Man I was sleepy lastnight from the whole week but had to put on Feast anyway. Love the atmosphere of the film and the overall setting. Some very hot chicks, plenty of gore and some nice jump moments. This movie was a blast and just a cool roller coaster ride. Navi Rawat was sexy as ever even though she was a lil bloody haha. Definite recommend to true horror fans who love blood and gore.

Film Rating - 4 stars (out of 5)

PQ - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

AQ - 4 stars (out of 5)

Got Em!!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

How to Train Your Dragon.



Great story. Good dialog. Good wholesome message. GREAT voice work. Killer action sequences. Beautiful emotional flight sequences. Loveable quirky characters. Emotional moments that rival the best of Disney/Pixar films. (Yeah, I said that). Jaw, and I mean JAWDROPPING animation.

Toy Story 3 needs to be perfect, or there will be a close battle for the Oscar.

Very very close to perfect.

4.75/5

After months of deliberation, I have decided to change my score. I now rate How to Train Your Dragon a 5/5.

Thanks to Killowertz for finding my misquote in another thread.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

After months of deliberation, I have decided to change my score. I now rate How to Train Your Dragon a 5/5.

Thanks to Killowertz for finding my misquote in another thread.

It was always a 5/5 for me old boy, I would actually say there's a good chance that eventually I will like it as much as Beauty and the Beast. Watching Death Proof, bit slow so far but at least the chicks in it are hot.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

since you said this is your 3rd favorite movie, this doesn't surprise me, but i still love to see this
i had a friend come over today and we watched this.
they found it "okay" so i told them we couldn't be friends anymore

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Trogdor2010

Never Let Me Go: 2.5 out of 4

[Show spoiler]If Logan's Run was an attempt at grabbing awards, based on a novel (By Kazuo Ishiguro) and having an all classy British cast (with Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightly) love story instead of a cheesy sci fi pre Star Wars B movie. What makes this different from this high class? Well it is also a dystopian science fiction film (not the Buck Rodgers kind) that serves as a commentary on the medical industry and human repossession. The science fiction elements serves more as an afterthought, and is more interested in the pretentious love interests that in a way feels as faux as the film was intended to be, for better of worse.

The story revolves in the lifetime of three young people in a love triangle of a boarding school (you know the Victorian style that runs amok in so many of it's ilk) Hailsham, Kathy (Carey Mulligan; as teen and adult), Tony (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightly). Kathy, innocent and passive, who is the focus of the tale, loves Tony, a troubled boy popular with the girls but bullied by the boys and so does her slutty friend Ruth, even resenting that Kathy and Tony developed a “true” love while Ruth victimizes Tony. The twist is that they are actually experiments cloned, to be in an organ donation transplant program and about during when they are “complete” (say 25 years old) they are dissected of their precious organs; they however have a very good life otherwise, like a pampered cow. During their lives they have been curious of who they come from.

It's hard to tell whether they were going for the dystopian film as a criticism on human exploitation as science or an epic love story, which is given too much effort to make the themes compete with it, almost becoming an afterthought. The film is high class, with gorgeous cinematography worthy of a theater viewing and a great effort done by Mulligan (Keira and Garfield are less competent however, going occasionally overboard).

The film ends in a brutal, cynical and nihilistic, but it's satisfying in the Kubrick fashion, and more of a redemption from the happy cop out ending of “Atonement”. It beats glorifying a little monster.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Feast - Man I was sleepy lastnight from the whole week but had to put on Feast anyway. Love the atmosphere of the film and the overall setting. Some very hot chicks, plenty of gore and some nice jump moments. This movie was a blast and just a cool roller coaster ride. Navi Rawat was sexy as ever even though she was a lil bloody haha. Definite recommend to true horror fans who love blood and gore.

Film Rating - 4 stars (out of 5)

PQ - 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

AQ - 4 stars (out of 5)

Got Em!!

Are you keeping track of how many horror flicks you are watching this month? I'd like to know the total, if you are. Crazy consumption Czar.

[Batman1980]

Death Proof 4/5
PQ 4/5
AQ 4/5
So that's what old B movies were like, hoping for a lot from Piranha now. Firing up International Man of Mystery.