The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Coincidentally his cd is in the cd player of my car right now.

Oh nice man. He is my favorite artist and to me the best rap artist of all time. I dont think anyone can spit with him. Got Em!!

Originally Posted by tbizzle

What album?

I've been meaning to rent 8 Mile since the blu was released, just bumped it up in my queue. Right now it looks like this: Amores Perros, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Elite Squad, The Pursuit of Happyness, The Lives of Others, Ocean's Thirteen, Sophie's Choice, Changeling, 8 Mile, The Ice Storm.

Rent???? Dude u need to buy 8 Mile on blu! Its a must own man. U have seen it before right? Also u need to buy that Pursuit of Happyness also. Those have to be in any collection as far as Im concerned. Got Em!!

[CZAR]

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) - So most of yall know I am not a big Freddy fan and dont care for the series as a whole. I figured maybe I would like this one since I hear this version of Freddy is different and such. Well after viewing the film I did enjoy it but it was nuthin special. I just dont think the character of Freddy is to appealing to me. I would prefer this one to the original though but that isnt necessarily a good thing. I didnt care for the makeup of the new Freddy and have to say the older look of Freddy was much better. Also even though I am not a Freddy fan I think Robert Englund was the better Freddy also. The only reason I would prefer this one to the original is because it kept my attention more as the original seemed dated a bit when I recently watched it. All in all it was a decent remake but thats about it. Got Em!!

Film Rating - 3 stars (out of 5)

PQ - 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

AQ - 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

[surfdude12]

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Film: 3.5/5
-great popcorn flick
-entertaining, but won't ever wooo me.
-Rickman (Sheriff of Nottingham) is awesome! One of the greatest lines is when he's with 2 "lady friends" in his chambers. Some dude walks and starts talking to RIckman about Robin. One of the girls pulls her sheets over her shoulder. RIckman: "Who told you to cover up?" (he's such a convincing dirtball).
-Oh and at least this Robin HOod didn't suffer from the problem of Robin Hood (2010): the ladies stayed at the sidelines cheering on their men in battle, as it should be
-overall, I enjoyed it probably equally to Robin Hood (2010), but here is the difference:

Direction/Cinematography of RH 2010 > RH 1991
Set/Costumes of RH 2010 > RH 1991
Script of RH 2010 < RH 1991
Acting of RH 2010 > RH 1991

So overall I enjoyed RH 2010 more, but not by much, since the script carries a lot of weight

PQ: 2/5 (yuck)

AQ: 3/5 (meh)

[iam1bearcat]

Everlasting Moments (netflix instant)

year: 2008
director: Jan Troell
starring: Maria Heiskanen (Maria), Mikael Persbrandt (Sigfrid)

one of the most beautiful, encouraging and moving pictures of any generation.

you know your life is pretty good when one of your biggest problems is having to add yet another movie to the long list of films you one day would like to own on blu-ray, but such is the case with the latest film i've viewed: the wonderful Everlasting Moments.

the plot, via netflix synopsis: "After marrying charming but coarse Sigfrid (Persbrandt), Maria (Heiskanen) finds that her life isn't the fairy tale she expected, as her husband gradually becomes more brutal. But when she becomes involved in photography, Maria gains a new lease on life."

the story of a woman who gains courage and confident through a talent and love of photography is a beautiful tale that may not be the 100 million dollar summer blockbuster in terms of sounding interesting or special, but it is. i'm continuously amazed by how great foreign films are by telling simple stories in such profound, artistic and wonderful ways. i had heard some hub-bub about the film so i added it to the queue, but when i read the description i wasn't too keen on how much i would enjoy it. i figured it would be well made: directing, acting, story and whatnot all would be good. but would i really get sucked into the film? the answer is a resounding "yes!" and this was a great film to wind down with for the night (even though i may watch something else soon )

the stand out of the film is easily the cinematography. easily one of the best films in that category, by far. i don't have any lists for "Best Cinematography" (surprising, eh? ) but if i would ever make a list, Everlasting Moments would be very near the top, if not at #1. absolutely superb three scenes that i really loved and could watch forever were:

[Show spoiler]1. early in the film when Sigfrid looks up and the snow (or is it ash since we don't see snow anywhere else?) falling behind him. gorgeous as the white snow / ash just shoots out of the background.

,

[Show spoiler]2. when Maria and the kids are on the traintracks and then suddenly the train light shines on over their silhouettes

, and then

[Show spoiler]3. near the end when Maria watched Sigfrid (wait... it was someone else because then Maria and Sigfrid dance...) walk down the trail and all the thick, bright green brush on the side and the sun shines through on the path... gorgeous!

the performances and directing are also top notch, not surprised at all by this

watching Maria gain confidence, courage, strength throughout the film was very inspiring and uplifting. the gf loved it, especially being a female and all, but i also loved it as well. much like how when you're good / great at something it effects the rest of your life and you see things differently (things aren't as bad as they used to seem / you can accomplish, overcome something because you have the confidence you were lacking before) that's exactly what we see here. and then there is the ending. even though Sigfrid is a vile, disgusting pig (even though i'm glad he

[Show spoiler]saved the horse from that guy whipping it (more animal violence?! dammit!)

which showed he had something that could be admired (and his work ethic)) when we see

[Show spoiler]Maria and Sigfrid dance and laugh, i smiled, even though their history is extremely rocky. and just like her daughter says in the voice over, she didn't know why she stayed with Sigfrid, it was just such a beautiful moment

. a great story, a great film and one that will be purchased one day and added to my collection.

highly recommended
another film that will probably become a 5/5 over time and repeated viewings, and cannot wait to see how this looks on blu-ray. just watching it online i was already in anticipation of seeing this in hi-def.

4.5/5

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Diesel

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

Actually, now I'm beginning to think I might only have a 1 and a 2. #2 is Out of Sight. I was going to say #3 is Avatar, but now I'm not sure. I'll get back to you on that after I have watched the Collector's Edition.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Everlasting Moments (netflix instant)



4.5/5

The train scene is one of the top 3 best scenes I've seen in terms of PQ on blu yet. Extraordinary.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Probably so

Have you seen Into the Blue with him? I've probably asked this before.

yep, i have (yes i'm responding to a post that's from like 2 days ago now and 117820383 pages back ) and i loved it. no doubt about it

paul walker? awesome.
jessica alba? uh, duh, of course i'm game. and in a bikini? is there any reason already not to watch this film?
scott caan? awesome. he's been a favorite since Varsity Blues.
ashley scott? also gorgeous

super cheesy, ridiculous dumb plot? CHECK! everything i need to love a film i bought it day 1 on dvd. and will eventually pick this up on blu. i can't even imagine how great some of the scenes look

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

What album?

I've been meaning to rent 8 Mile since the blu was released, just bumped it up in my queue. Right now it looks like this: Amores Perros, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Elite Squad, The Pursuit of Happyness, The Lives of Others, Ocean's Thirteen, Sophie's Choice, Changeling, 8 Mile, The Ice Storm.

Relapse.



As for your queue, The Lives of Others has to be first considering it's far and away the best film on the list. Your next film should be either Sophie's Choice (best female performance ever) or Dragon Tattoo (one of the best crime thrillers ever). After that, I'd go with Changeling.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The train scene is one of the top 3 best scenes I've seen in terms of PQ on blu yet. Extraordinary.

the one i mentioned, correct? i'm sure once i see the blu i'll agree 100%. chances are i'd but the blu of this even if i didn't like the film just for the cinematography / directing. and i'm not a huge proponent of buying something on blu just because one aspect really stands out, but if i ever did, this would be one (if i didn't like the story, which i did though).

btw jhiggy, do you subscribe to this thread? you just seem to pop out of nowhere every once and awhile and comment on posts and since you have your settings to show you as always off-line, i have no idea when you're lurking around, waiting for something worthy to comment on...

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

What album?

I've been meaning to rent 8 Mile since the blu was released, just bumped it up in my queue. Right now it looks like this: Amores Perros, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Elite Squad, The Pursuit of Happyness, The Lives of Others, Ocean's Thirteen, Sophie's Choice, Changeling, 8 Mile, The Ice Storm.

for the 3 in bold, those alone make this a great list you have for upcoming films. you're gonna be in heaven my friend

[supaflyz]

This movie got me jumping off my seat during that scene where that lady face changes. I was lmao when my mom jump up as well lol. The story is good. Audio 4 Video 4 Movie 4/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by supaflyz

This movie got me jumping off my seat during that scene where that lady face changes. I was lmao when my mom jump up as well lol. The story is good. Audio 4 Video 4 Movie 4/5

The finest modern horror film.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

the one i mentioned, correct? i'm sure once i see the blu i'll agree 100%. chances are i'd but the blu of this even if i didn't like the film just for the cinematography / directing. and i'm not a huge proponent of buying something on blu just because one aspect really stands out, but if i ever did, this would be one (if i didn't like the story, which i did though).

btw jhiggy, do you subscribe to this thread? you just seem to pop out of nowhere every once and awhile and comment on posts and since you have your settings to show you as always off-line, i have no idea when you're lurking around, waiting for something worthy to comment on...

Do I subscribe to this thread? If memory serves me correctly, I have the second or third most posts in this thread!

My lack of activity lately is mainly due to not being able to see more than one film a week. That'll change in about three weeks though, when I'll be able to get back to my old routine. But yes, I read every post on here and am pleased with how it's developed with both old and new faces!

[jhiggy23]

Dr. Strangelove (blu)

PQ: 4 (out of 5)

AQ: 4 (out of 5)

Film: 3 stars (out of 4)


A pretty good film that I think I'll come to appreciate much more with repeated viewings. I think there's much more there then I gathered during this viewing, so I look forward to more viewings in the future. Sellers and Scott alone warrant the price of admission.

[jhiggy23]

Btw squidmarionette, I have Before Sunrise coming on Saturday and will be watching it with the lady friend. I think waiting until now, when I'm in a good relationship that is in its infancy, will be an even better time to watch it then when you had recommended it to me in the past.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Rent???? Dude u need to buy 8 Mile on blu! Its a must own man. U have seen it before right? Also u need to buy that Pursuit of Happyness also. Those have to be in any collection as far as Im concerned. Got Em!!

I liked the film, but I haven't seen it since 2002 when it came out. Hopefully I'll like both of these enough to buy them.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Everlasting Moments (netflix instant)


4.5/5

great review bro! Another jhiggy recommendation for me and I'm glad I watched it and snagged it at B&N this week.

the only thing that about this film in my first viewing that was less than perfect -- and its more of a personal gripe -- is that the characters were almost too polarizing.

[Show spoiler]male alcoholic villain + female heroine victim

. not saying its bad, but obviously very conventional and hence, i felt like the director was the puppeteer of my emotions (i.e., no room for interpretation, etc). again, i only watched it once so I could see this changing on a second viewing, plus

[Show spoiler]the script did show her as no angel either -- like the abortion attempt, which admittedly left a sour taste in my gut. personally, that bothers me more than animal cruelty

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

great review bro! Another jhiggy recommendation for me and I'm glad I watched it and snagged it at B&N this week.

the only thing that about this film in my first viewing that was less than perfect -- and its more of a personal gripe -- is that the characters were almost too polarizing.

[Show spoiler]male alcoholic villain + female heroine victim

. not saying its bad, but obviously very conventional and hence, i felt like the director was the puppeteer of my emotions (i.e., no room for interpretation, etc). again, i only watched it once so I could see this changing on a second viewing, plus

[Show spoiler]the script did show her as no angel either -- like the abortion attempt, which admittedly left a sour taste in my gut. personally, that bothers me more than animal cruelty

I would agree with your last sentence except I was dragged to the Cole Brothers Circus last weekend and NOTHING can be worse than that

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

I liked the film, but I haven't seen it since 2002 when it came out. Hopefully I'll like both of these enough to buy them.

Awe yea man Im sure u will. Pursuit of Happyness is one of the greatest films of all time in my eyes and 8 Mile is one of my favorite films of all time as well. I have Pursuit of Happyness very high though. Will shouldve won best actor that year! Got Em!!

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I would agree with your last sentence except I was dragged to the Cole Brothers Circus last weekend and NOTHING can be worse than that

dude, sorry I'm a little slow. I just googled it. Its in Deland. Are you being sarcastic and it was just annoying to sit through or are they truly mistreating of animals? Sorry, I'm NSE