The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I'll have to pass on it then. Thanks for the scoop.

Humans promoting/teaching violence to animals is way beyond my tolerance level. They can kill as many humans as they want in a film, but dont mess with helpless animals.

I feel the same way. I can't watch animals being abused/killed in a movie

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

[Show spoiler]seriously Diesel...can we do something about this "Baron" title? Squid is letting it get to his head. He's already been condescending to you (like thats new), now he's telling people he's the king of "Facts". what a bunch of codswallop. Please can you just reduce his post count, just go in there and smudge the numbers and take him down to "Samurai" or something? Its for his own good...just look at the guy! I think he subconciously wants you to. On a deep level, he doesn't think he deserves this new title, so is engaging in self-sabotage. He doesn't know how to handle this new title!!!

[Show spoiler](Read with a low arrogant tone and smirk)

I can understand how an uneducated person, such as yourself, could arrive at those (false) conclusions. However, I can assure you that self sabotage is not my motive. I am seeking higher office as the lowley Baron title is well beneath me. Even King would be a poor title for one as enlightened as myself. Perhaps.... I should be deemed The "OOO".

Omniscient Omnipotent One.

Meh.... even though its acurate, it lacks that zing. It doesnt flow.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Bale was by no means "big" at that time. He wasn't big until Batman, which was after this.


What adds to the impressiveness of his weight loss for that role is his rapid gain after it for Batman Begins, he bulked up over 100 pounds of muscle in 6 months, going from 120 ish to about 230

Then he lost a good bit of weight for Rescue Dawn right after that one.



He got pretty scrawny for the upcoming Fighter.


Dude is dedicated.

It wasnt ALL muscle. He was sporting a little padding.

[Show spoiler]

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Be careful where you put Toy Story if you do place it....t

[Show spoiler]hose toys see eeeeeeverything

As for the bold, that's generally my approach after 1) Return of the King and 2) The Dark Knight, but I forced myself to make a Top 5. I'm done after that, I have no official rankings below #5.

I've got you beat. I can only do a Top 3 and then it's not worth it. I'm never going to bother to make even a Top 10 ever.

Originally Posted by Foggy

Die Hard 4.0

I was with it all the way intill he was

[Show spoiler]riding the jet plane

It's a fun action film, but it was lacking something, I don't know what it is, it just wasn't there

7/10

I agree with you on your spoiler in regards to it being ridiculous. That whole scene was ridiculous actually, but that's pretty much the only negative thing I have to say about the movie. I loved it enough that even that couldn't keep me from owning it. You didn't give it a horrible rating though, so I won't give you a hard time.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I'll have to pass on it then. Thanks for the scoop.

Humans promoting/teaching violence to animals is way beyond my tolerance level. They can kill as many humans as they want in a film, but dont mess with helpless animals.

Come to think of it, every main character in the film has an attachment to their dog. Inarritu has a fascination with the relationship between man and dog similar to his extreme interest in that of mother and child. He explores it brilliantly imo. I do feel though that the gut-wrenching violence is appropriate for this movie but I completely understand where you're coming from 100% that animal cruelty of any kind is intolerable. Even simply agitating dogs is animal cruelty but in a movie both directly and indirectly about dogs, I'm sure the filmmakers took extra precautions to minimize any kind of abuse (especially given the director's intentions). If you won't see the film, at least read some interpretations of the open-ended title:

Among the few Spanish language lines found on the official Amores perros website are these:
Si tu historia acabó bien, explícalo en el canal de "amores". Si acabó mal, explícalo en "perros"[4] (loosely, "If your life turned out well, thank your lucky stars, if not, tell it to the dogs." To the author of these lines, amores is life's "goodness" or "sweetness", as in the Spanish aphorism, Hechos son amores, que no buenas razones ("Achievement is sweeter than the best excuse"). "Perro" is dog, and many English phrases use the word similarly, as in the above translation of the film title as "Love's a *****" (***** being a female dog). Another Spanish aphorism is ¡Esta perra vida! which could be rendered, "My life is going to the dogs," or more famously, "It's a dog's life." Accordingly, if amores translates as "all that's good in life," and perros is misery and bad luck, the title of the movie could connote, "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose."
Posters for the movie often posed the question, ¿Qué es el amor?[5] (What is love?), followed by the film title, "amores perros", in which case the answer could be either "amores perros," or "wretched affairs" (and surely "wretched" can describe the human-to-human love-lives of the film's three protagonists!) or, more idiomatically, "bad luck in love." But all three characters have strong bonds of love with their dogs—and dogs are "man's best friend." In this sense one interpretation of amores perros is the pun "amor es perros," or "love is man's best friend."

-Wikipedia

Edit: Interesting article that popped up on google.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Winters Bone is definitely worth seeing. The gut punch was just a bit weaker than I anticipated. I was hoping to be wrecked.

I looked at your Recently Added, but I cant tell which ones were the most recent.

The top are the most recent when you click on Recently Added.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

The top are the most recent when you click on Recently Added.

Saving Private Ryan - 5/5 all around.
Watching it because of Veteran's Day, this is Spielberg's opus, really should be in a lot more top movie of all-time conversations. Truly one of the most perfectly crafted films I've ever seen with phenomenal performances, gorgeous cinematography, a few necessary laughs and a story that everyone should hear/see at least once about the tragedy that was World War II.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Come to think of it, every main character in the film has an attachment to their dog. Inarritu has a fascination with the relationship between man and dog similar to his extreme interest in that of mother and child. He explores it brilliantly imo. I do feel though that the gut-wrenching violence is appropriate for this movie but I completely understand where you're coming from 100% that animal cruelty of any kind is intolerable. Even simply agitating dogs is animal cruelty but in a movie both directly and indirectly about dogs, I'm sure the filmmakers took extra precautions to minimize any kind of abuse (especially given the director's intentions). If you won't see the film, at least read some interpretations of the open-ended title:



-Wikipedia

Edit: Interesting article that popped up on google.

Thanks. It's good to know they werent abused in reality.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

The top are the most recent when you click on Recently Added.

White Ribbon

Diesel has coined the phrase "one and done" for films he liked, but sees no replay value. I'll have to coin a phrase like "Once was too many".

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Saving Private Ryan - 5/5 all around.
Watching it because of Veteran's Day, this is Spielberg's opus, really should be in a lot more top movie of all-time conversations. Truly one of the most perfectly crafted films I've ever seen with phenomenal performances, gorgeous cinematography, a few necessary laughs and a story that everyone should hear/see at least once about the tragedy that was World War II.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

White Ribbon

Diesel has coined the phrase "one and done" for films he liked, but sees no replay value. I'll have to coin a phrase like "Once was too many".

How about "too much man, too much too much."

If Diesel really coined that phrase then it must have creeped into my subconscious because I just used it a few posts ago

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I don't get what a picture of Chewbacca throwing a pitch has to do with my post? American soldiers shooting Germans who have given up...nice.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

I don't get what a picture of Chewbacca throwing a pitch has to do with my post? American soldiers shooting Germans who have given up...nice.

Similarly I don't see how SPR's phenomenal performances and gorgeous cinematography have anything to do with my post.

(I do agree with your all around 5/5 though)

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

How about "too much man, too much too much."

If Diesel really coined that phrase then it must have creeped into my subconscious because I just used it a few posts ago

Yep. He's had copyright protection for months now.

[iam1bearcat]

Summer Hours (netflix instant)

year: 2008
director: Olivier Assayas
starring: Juliette Binoche, Charles Berling, Jeremie Renier

i'll be honest, the only that that struck me as interesting before watching Summer Hours was the cover art. it seemed peaceful and warm, and so i added it to my queue and finally watched it today. the story, as it states on netflix is that a 75 year old gathers her three grown children to her home in the French countryside to decide what to do with her massive art collection once she passes.

to be honest, that doesn't sound all that interesting to me. but i watched it anyway and i'm very glad i did

the film walks a thin line i believe, where it would be very easy to this film as boring and shows us nothing and nothing happens, while others will see it as a great, fresh, warm look at a family dynamic that you rarely see in films. there is no villain, no action, no real issue at hand. the story is simply 3 siblings who have to decide what to do with their mother's belongings, including the wonderful house they grew up in.

most of the dialogue is either based on discussions with what to do with the items. who wants what. who keeps what. and what to sell and how to sell it and the difference of opinions between the siblings. and the other half of the dialogue is reminiscing about their childhood and great memories of growing up and their mother.

for someone who enjoys dark, bleak films as much as i do, i was surprised how much i enjoyed Summer Hours. because it's the complete opposite. aside from dealing with the loss of a family member, which really isn't touched upon, it's more "can i part with these items that meant so much to her and me?" the film is very real, very warm and very down to earth. no over-exaggerated psychotic family members or anything. just very normal, real people with ordinary problems.

the warmth of the film comes from the performances, the script, the set design and the wonderful colors and cinematography. if i had more money to spend on movies i would easily pick this up while B&N have their Criterion 50% off sale, but alas i will have to wait.

but if you want something slower paced, very real and honest, but not in a gritty, brutal sense, but just a very quiet, slow, family oriented film, definitely check out Summer Hours. i have no siblings so i'm sure for those who do or who are close with their families they will be able to enjoy and connect more to the story / siblings discussions than i could because i don't have any siblings.

but again, some may find the film boring and have no message, but i found plenty to enjoy and found it a great, somewhat feel good treat. there are no overly gushy scenes or anything. no family gatherings by the pond with puppies and baby chicklings or anything just a very close-knit family dynamic with siblings who act like siblings: they fight, they bicker, they're close and they love each other. simple as that.

highly recommended, and will be purchasing this when money allows

4.5/5

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Summer Hours (netflix instant)
4.5/5

great review!!! dang bro you are packing in some serious flicks this month!!

this film was great because while it had a classic-feel it also somehow had a simultaneous modern-edge to it. the parallel between older generations and younger generations was geniusly done by having

[Show spoiler]them occupy the same house at different times. the contrast was nuclear. quietness and hot tea with the older generation. skateboards and booming techno with the younger generation. and yet both in the same place, at different times! the film's power is shown here: drawing an arrow indicating the direction from one generation to the next

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Yea try my approach. I really think it's much easier to make a top list of movies then a bottom end list of movies (where only the most awful movies make the cut). I don't think average movies are meant to be ranked. That's why they're called average. Just so meh.

i think what i'm gonna do is look at my total list of films and then cross ones i didn't enjoy, sucked, never want to see again (even if decent), and would have no interest in owning. and whatever is left, then probably makes the cut, and then go from there

Good man.

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Yes, pretty mercilessly. Come to think of it, bearcat stay away from this one. Very far away. Too raw for you buddy.

thanks for the advice Method! definitely gonna take it. kind of a shame i'm gonna miss one of his "death trilogy" films, but even though it is fake (like you posted many posts below) i still can't tolerate that stuff on any levels. especially dogs. i mean, all animals would be difficult to watch and i'd hate it. but i guess if i had to choose one that would be MOST difficult, dogs would be really high up there (instead of like, penguins? because i can't imagine anything terrible with cute little penguins )

Originally Posted by DjMethod

+1. And how we can share our appreciation of film in so many different ways

+1,000,000 that's one of the many reasons this is my favorite thread / site

Originally Posted by DjMethod

what happened to trying my method?

[Show spoiler]jk great list

Your and bearcat's lists tend to agree with me too. Amelie already cracked my top 10.

[Show spoiler]In both my favorite and best lists

trying again i have Amelie on my netflix queue at like, #22 and it's on instant. probably gonna try and watch it sometime soon. the gf actually watched it this morning without telling me so i missed it! she's such a fool. really think she needs to be replaced soon

You are the most ridiculous and intriguing person on this thread.

Originally Posted by Diesel

I think I've ruined several people's keyboards/monitors in my time here

good, then you should already have a bank account with money good to go for writing my check if you've ruined other keyboards

All I can think for that is

at the IM2 part.

You should be a statistician or something with your love of numbers and lists and such

i was a junior accountant for awhile. it was super boring but i pretended the numbers were my money and assigned the numbers to odd things like films, albums, and cereals no joke, it made it much easier and fun

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Vedders tunes are the frosting on the (mood) cake. Perfect!

YES! i can't believe i forgot to mention the score! added greatly to the mood and tone of the film.

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

I love the cast of this movie and the guy who made it but I hated the movie itself. Gorgeous cinematography, powerful performances, just fell flat for me story-wise the 3 times I tried to watch it.

Originally Posted by surfdude12

agree 100%, this is near the top of my shopping list.

same. i have no idea why i didn't already buy this. and yet i bought other trash instead of this masterpiece

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I'll have to pass on it then. Thanks for the scoop.

Humans promoting/teaching violence to animals is way beyond my tolerance level. They can kill as many humans as they want in a film, but dont mess with helpless animals.

agreed. i will have to pass as well.
and agreed again. when i see those Humane Society commercials i have to change the channel. i can't watch a second of them. but the commercials for "sponsor a kid for 10 cents a day" those don't bother me nearly as much. i know it's not the same as what i bolded here Squid, but that's just how much animals effect me more than humans.

i never understand how one of the steps of realizing a serial killer or a menace to society is is that when he's younger he abuses animals. that makes very little sense to me. i can't stand people, but i'm not taking my aggression and anger out on animals. i'd take it out on people. or in the form of a list

Originally Posted by DjMethod

If you won't see the film, at least read some interpretations of the open-ended title:



-Wikipedia

Edit: Interesting article that popped up on google.

thanks for that info Method. i understand completely that some films stories need that to either be realistic or something, and i don't downgrade a film really for that, i just cannot and will not watch those types of things. i don't hate the director for having it in the film if it's part of the story / setting, but that doesn't make it any easier to think of or watch it

EDIT: this may be the longest post in the history of posts!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

[Show spoiler]seriously Diesel...can we do something about this "Baron" title? Squid is letting it get to his head. He's already been condescending to you (like thats new), now he's telling people he's the king of "Facts". what a bunch of codswallop. Please can you just reduce his post count, just go in there and smudge the numbers and take him down to "Samurai" or something? Its for his own good...just look at the guy! I think he subconciously wants you to. On a deep level, he doesn't think he deserves this new title, so is engaging in self-sabotage. He doesn't know how to handle this new title!!!

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

[Show spoiler](Read with a low arrogant tone and smirk)

I can understand how an uneducated person, such as yourself, could arrive at those (false) conclusions. However, I can assure you that self sabotage is not my motive. I am seeking higher office as the lowley Baron title is well beneath me. Even King would be a poor title for one as enlightened as myself. Perhaps.... I should be deemed The "OOO".

Omniscient Omnipotent One.

Meh.... even though its acurate, it lacks that zing. It doesnt flow.

I'll have to inquire about getting his title changed to Blu-ray Narcissist

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

It wasnt ALL muscle. He was sporting a little padding.

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by killowertz

I've got you beat. I can only do a Top 3 and then it's not worth it. I'm never going to bother to make even a Top 10 ever.

I know #1, what's #2 and #3?

Originally Posted by DjMethod

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Similarly I don't see how SPR's phenomenal performances and gorgeous cinematography have anything to do with my post.

(I do agree with your all around 5/5 though)

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Yep. He's had copyright protection for months now.

Indeed. Anyone who uses it has to pay me a quarter every time.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

great review!!! dang bro you are packing in some serious flicks this month!!

this film was great because while it had a classic-feel it also somehow had a simultaneous modern-edge to it. the parallel between older generations and younger generations was geniusly done by having

[Show spoiler]them occupy the same house at different times. the contrast was nuclear. quietness and hot tea with the older generation. skateboards and booming techno with the younger generation. and yet both in the same place, at different times! the film's power is shown here: drawing an arrow indicating the direction from one generation to the next

yeah i've been trying to catch up on what i feel is essential viewing / films i'm really interested in

EXACTLY! when i was watching the last few minutes i didn't know if i should be happy or sad because

[Show spoiler]on one hand the house wasn't left empty, people were enjoying it, but in a much different manner than their parents were. but at the same time, when the kids grow up (if they'd keep the house let's say) they'd probably enjoy it the same way as the parents did at an older age. and the parents probably treated the house in the same manner as the kids when they were kids. i loved that "clashing" of ages.

definitely a film i will like more and more as time goes on and i view it more. loved it

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Indeed. Anyone who uses it has to pay me a quarter every time.

i owe you $1