The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Trogdor2010]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Summer Hours (netflix instant)

[Show spoiler]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

Wouldn't you be creeped out about what will happen to your things? You don't know what will happen when you are dead.

[Show spoiler](like the party that someone wreck the place) :O

You also know these are people that are richer than you and I?

The death thematic is what intrigued me, Oliver Assayas made the film just when his mother died and it was quite different, more restrained than his previous films.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Trogdor2010

Wouldn't you be creeped out about what will happen to your things? You don't know what will happen when you are dead.

[Show spoiler](like the party that someone wreck the place) :O

You also know these are people that are richer than you and I?

The death thematic is what intrigued me, Oliver Assayas made the film just when his mother died and it was quite different, more restrained than his previous films.

of course, especially if i had a bunch of expensive items. i would almost think of writing in my will where they go if the kids didn't want / know what to do with some of it rather than have it

[Show spoiler]end where some of it went

. but otherwise, if you're on your deathbed, i would think i might have more on my mind than where my belongings are going, but if i was rich, maybe not. especially depending on what i had and how much i liked it.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

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

Yes ! great insight there -

[Show spoiler]their parents probably did grow up there in a similar manner

, but one "generation" aspect that was obviously distinct here:

[Show spoiler]the "globalization" effect. you had 1 or 2 of the kids who said they could NEVER come back to the house b/c they live in asia,etc. this is a huge deviation from prior generations, where everyone was born and died within an area of 5-10 square miles older generations (i'm talking generally now, not just the film) seemed closer-warmer and less distant (physically and emotionally). you can't change it -- it is what it is (this new globalization economy), but let's face it: its not as easy to stay close to family when you're hundreds or thousands of miles away

[Trogdor2010]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

of course, especially if i had a bunch of expensive items. i would almost think of writing in my will where they go if the kids didn't want / know what to do with some of it rather than have it

[Show spoiler]end where some of it went

. but otherwise, if you're on your deathbed, i would think i might have more on my mind than where my belongings are going, but if i was rich, maybe not. especially depending on what i had and how much i liked it.

Thats true. People are more important than things .

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

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

.

I'm sorry, but a person suffering from narcissistic personality disorder has a false sense of self importance. My importance is certainly not false.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Yes ! great insight there -

[Show spoiler]their parents probably did grow up there in a similar manner

, but one "generation" aspect that was obviously distinct here:

[Show spoiler]the "globalization" effect. you had 1 or 2 of the kids who said they could NEVER come back to the house b/c they live in asia,etc. this is a huge deviation from prior generations, where everyone was born and died within an area of 5-10 square miles older generations (i'm talking generally now, not just the film) seemed closer-warmer and less distant (physically and emotionally). you can't change it -- it is what it is (this new globalization economy), but let's face it: its not as easy to stay close to family when you're hundreds or thousands of miles away

true great points!

[Show spoiler]back then usually people worked in the family or all together doing one job but as time and developments continue to happen, people separate from the family and do their own thing. also i think (and the film probably didn't show it) people seem to think in this day and age that you NEED to separate from the family in order to make something of yourself or be respected. like, staying near your family or having a job nearby isn't as flashy and exciting as moving across the country.

also the skateboarding, smoking, and music were of course all much different from when the parents would have been kids. i also think (and know from previous jobs) that kids these days are more disrespectful to their elders and where they are than previous generations.

Originally Posted by Trogdor2010

Thats true. People are more important than things .

agreed. although, let's say

[Show spoiler]her husband built the house or the property has been with the family for hundreds of years

then i would be worried about it.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I'm sorry, but a person suffering from narcissistic personality disorder has a false sense of self importance. My importance is certainly not false.

he's on a roll today, folks!

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Summer Hours (netflix instant)

year: 2008
director: Olivier Assayas
starring: Juliette Binoche, Charles Berling, Jeremie Renier
4.5/5

Excellent film and one of my favorite Criterions.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I'm sorry, but a person suffering from narcissistic personality disorder has a false sense of self importance. My importance is certainly not false.

Perhaps, but such a determination cannot be arrived at via. self-assessment. NPD's seem to have an insistency to self-assess. Diesel: we have another positive indicator. Recommend 3 judge panel investigation immediately. Jhiggy to lead the investigation (I want to stay neutral here).

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Excellent film and one of my favorite Criterions.

yeah I think you recommended it to me! Thanks again!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Excellent film and one of my favorite Criterions.

Originally Posted by surfdude12

yeah I think you recommended it to me! Thanks again!

it's certainly one of mine as well. not that i've seen a whole lot, but i rarely hear anyone talk about this, and everyone's list of what they're buying from B&N didn't have Summer Hours on it. maybe like, 1 out of every 20. maybe everyone already has it? no idea, but it feels to me like it's an underrated film. but i may be wrong in that regard.

[two40]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Into the Wild (dvd)

[Show spoiler]year: 2007
director: Sean Penn
starring: Emile Hirsch, William Hurt, Catherine Keener, Kristen Stewart, Jena Malone, Vince Vaughn

the true life adventures of Christopher McCandless (A KA: Alexander Supertramp).

when i heard they were making a movie of the adventures of Christopher McCandless i was immediately excited. i've read the book about 15 times, and the film is a great adaptation of the book, and also just a great film in general about the real life story of a man who wanted nothing to do with society, most people and technology. he just wanted to live, to experience, to be free. and that's exactly what he did.

there's always a sort of ominous tone over most scenes, which is at times haunting and saddening and also liberating. i guess it depends on what side of the fence you fall. i personally admire the hell out of the guy for what he did and wanted to do, and when i was younger, before i even heard of Christopher McCandless, i thought how cool it would be to get rid of everything you have and just live out in nature and do whatever you wanted whenever you wanted to.

but, i'm a big fan of technology and being lazy, so i could never do what he does. especially since the man was incredibly smart and easily had a ride to a major college institution and parents who would have bought him anything (although they certainly weren't perfect and helped lead to his leaving).

the film is told through a voice over by Jena Malone. her somber, almost exhausted voice here is what adds to the growing feeling (for me anyway) of despair, frustration and the great unknown that Chris will find as he ventures around the United States / Mexico.

it's in my top 50 for good reason, and i will always hold it in my allure. Emile Hirsch does a terrific job here, and it doesn't hurt that he strikes an eerie resemblance to McCandless himself. i'm surprised we don't see Hirsch in more bigger roles, the man has a terrific future in front of him if he chooses that route.

love it. highly recommended.

5/5

I was deeply moved both times I've seen this. They captured something special with this film and I was really impressed with the way they

[Show spoiler]managed to leave the viewer feeling optimistic amid such a sad ending.

I'm not ashamed to admit I cried both times.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by two40

I was deeply moved both times I've seen this. They captured something special with this film and I was really impressed with the way they

[Show spoiler]managed to leave the viewer feeling optimistic amid such a sad ending.

I'm not ashamed to admit I cried both times.

Agree completely. The film moves me in a way no other film does. I can't really describe it. It just feels so intensely personal, deep, haunting and inspiring. All rolled into one. I need to buy this soon, I'm sure it looks gorgeous on blu-ray. Especially some scenes from the mountains

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Perhaps, but such a determination cannot be arrived at via. self-assessment. NPD's seem to have an insistency to self-assess. Diesel: we have another positive indicator. Recommend 3 judge panel investigation immediately. Jhiggy to lead the investigation (I want to stay neutral here).

Good one.

May I be the other two judges? I'm so valuable that I can cover for the other guy.

Self-assessment is a symptom? I'll have to analyze my abilities further. You know, to get to the bottom of all your confusion.

[Diesel]

I stood in front of my movies a little while ago to decide what was on the schedule for tonight.

I grabbed The Fast and the Furious after 10 seconds of looking at them. Then I put it back.

I then grabbed my Rocky box set to get part 3. Then I put it back.

Next I grabbed State of Play. Then I put it back.

Finally, I grabbed Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - Extended Edition. And I didn't put it back

Now, because of my strangeness, I have to find time for the other two EEs in the next week. Because I can't watch just one of them.

This is the 5th time I will have watched them this year (1 TE DVD, 2 TE Blu, 1 EE DVD) as opposed to the normal 2.


Edit: I thought about it, and won't have time to watch the other two in the next week or so, so I decided against Fellowship tonight after all. I'll have to push it back

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i owe you $1

I accept all major credit cards.

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I'm sorry, but a person suffering from narcissistic personality disorder has a false sense of self importance. My importance is certainly not false.

Let me get you a soap box

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Perhaps, but such a determination cannot be arrived at via. self-assessment. NPD's seem to have an insistency to self-assess. Diesel: we have another positive indicator. Recommend 3 judge panel investigation immediately. Jhiggy to lead the investigation (I want to stay neutral here).

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Good one.

May I be the other two judges? I'm so valuable that I can cover for the other guy.

Self-assessment is a symptom? I'll have to analyze my abilities further. You know, to get to the bottom of all your confusion.

[Al_The_Strange]

“Apocalypse Now!” Theatrical Cut

An absolute trip of a film. If I had never read the original book (Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”), taken a class that compared the book with the movie (pointing out all the unique motifs, references, themes, etc), and seen all the Hell they went through to make the movie, I probably would have never “gotten it.” The first viewing was just…

But now, I consider the film essential. It is a brilliant execution of a classy story (one that could apply practically anywhere, for its basic theme about primal human nature is effectively universal). The movie is filled with an eccentric cast of characters, made to fit the roles from the book, but also unique on their own. The movie has its share of action, but for the most part it’s the hypnotic imagery and the mesmerizing ambience that seethes of raw primal instinct. Combined with an awesome sound design, some freaky music (including The Doors), and some brilliant performances, the movie is truly one of a kind.

Complaints? I know a few people who still don’t “get it,” and I’m not sure if they ever will. One argument I heard is that the story is totally unlikely and unrealistic;

[Show spoiler]Col. Kurtz should have been arrested rather than assassinated

. I don’t know enough about military procedure to know, but in my mind it hardly matters. As a war movie it’s highly unusual and quite fantastic. As a quest into the figurative heart of darkness, it is darn near perfect.

I watched the Theatrical Cut to keep it short. I gotta admit though, the redux version feels a little more complete with the story, themes, and characters. The TC seemed short and simple by comparison. Which is weird, since I didn't think I liked the redux that much...

5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 5/5, film: 5/5, intellectual/emotional impact: 4.5/5)

Recommendation: Everybody should see this at least once in their lifetime.

This Blu-Ray is a smashing deal. The picture is easily the sharpest and cleanest I’ve seen for this film. It does show a bit of grain, noise, one or two soft scenes, and one or two specks (I swear I saw a static line in one scene), but all things considering it’s still gorgeous! Most of it is very detailed; color and contrast are perfect (with artistic consideration). And the sound quality is reference. It’s almost hard to believe that a film this old could have such rumbling bass, such dynamic effects, clear-sounding music, and realistic-sounding voices.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 5/5

[tbizzle]

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)

LMAO

Gandalf, I don't know if you realize that you do this, but you'll quote someone's post about something (ie. airplanes) and then post a review for some film that has absolutely nothing to do with that topic.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Finally went on my Criterion spree yesterday which included what will probably be my #1 blu-ray: Seven Samurai, and two blind-buys: The Magician, Revanche.

It was between Everlasting Moments and Revanche but EM does not look like it has much replay value. I will try to watch both before I open Revanche though.

I also got A Prophet and The White Ribbon at BB for about $4 total (30% off each + RZ certs).

Good call on Revanche over Everlasting Moments. EM is a great film and I agree with Jhiggy in describing it as "an absolute gem", but I'm not sure it's a film I'd want to watch again. Not much replay value for me, whereas I liked Revanche enough to buy it at the beginning of the sale.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

so your ultimate conclusion is the kids' actions were realistic? you definitely fooled me! great, then we agree. however, it seems that there is about 95% of your post then that requires deleting

Regarding their behaviors, which I barely mentioned in my above post, you can argue that a lot of it was legit. But that's not what I'm concerned about. I was pointing out the film was riddled with inaccuracies and stupid "movie" situations. Can you agree on that based on the facts that I provided?

[CZAR]

8 Mile - Finally watched my blu copy of this film. I have always loved this film and it was very cool to see it on blu. Eminem did an excellent job and I dont know why he doesnt do more films. His acting came off very natural and I think he has real acting skills. The film has massive replay value in my eyes. Very nice cast including Kim Basinger, Michael Shannon, Mikhi Pfifer, & Brittany Murphy. The freestyle battle at the end was epic and something I have rewinded many of times and watched over and over again. This was one of the better musical urban drama films and it comes highly recommended in my book. For Eminem fans its a must and even non Eminem fans. People shouldnt prejudge this film as it is very good.

Film Rating - 5 stars (out of 5)

PQ - 4 stars (out of 5)

AQ - 5 stars (out of 5)

Got Em!!

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest rental: "Dumbland."

Okay, maybe not a movie per se, but a little short for an animated series too. I'm mentioning it here for all the David Lynch fans; this is one odd trippy doodle he made.

These animated shorts have the quality of an elementary school drawing, with the perversity befitting a typical adult's cartoon ("South Park" comes to mind). A lot of parts are irreverent, and will probably come off as overly dumb for most people. But I think the shorts have some funny punchlines here and there. At the very least, it was amusing and weird. What more could anybody ask for from Mr. Lynch?

3.5/5 (entertainment: 4/5, stories: 3/5, film: 3/5)

Reccomendation: Only to David Lynch fans, fans of perverse animation (like "South Park," "Drawn Together," "Beavis and Butthead," etc), or fans of unusual animation (like "The Animation Show" collection).



"I am a one-armed duck f***er."

"I like to kill things..."