The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

gah, no matter how many times i see that picture of Bale from The Machinist it creeps me out. i think it's how he's standing, with his arms all awkward and whatnot but i don't even think that scene is in the film. i think that's just a promotional pic, but still we see him like that in other scenes and is creepy none the less.

and agree about Bale. he had a specialist with him for months before, during and after the film to monitor his weight loss so he wouldn't be risking his life. he had to eat like special meals or something like that so he still got his nutrition but didn't actually gain the weight. so, if i remember from what i read, it was like paste stuff ick. all that for a role in a film that barely made any money (imdb lists it at under 1.5 mil with a budget of 5 mil but that's a number from 2005, one year after release) i almost feel bad for the guy. i mean, i'm sure he didn't do it for the film to make big bucks, but if i went through that i would hope it would make a bunch of money, which would mean a lot of people saw it so they recognize and appreciate what he went through.

but sadly all people remember from him is his Terminator Salvation rant. cruel irony that is.

IIRC, he did most of it alone. I think he met with a physician at the beginning of his weight loss and then continued his journey by himself, only continuing to lose weight if he felt all right. I think his program consisted of the necessary supplements, very little food and a lot of calorie burning exorcise. He was originally asked to get down to the 140's, but as his weight loss progressed, he felt fine so he wanted to push himself beyond what was considered to be safe. And yeah, the film didn't make too much money but it got a lot of attention after it was released on home video. Now his role in that film is universally recognized as being one of, if not the most impressive weight loss for a film to date. As Diesel said, dude is dedicated.

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

The Swashank Redmption.

Best movie ever made overall. No wonder its on top of IMDB rating.
Brilliant cinematography, acting and everythink. This movie is all around perfect.

Its message is very good.
Mind > force


5/5

Smart man! Got Em!!

[Marcus Wright]

The Godfather - Part 3

All I will say is that I think that it gets unfair critisism.
It was very consistent with the last 2 godfathers all around. I dont see how its inferiour to them.

If I had to rank them, this would be my list.

1) Godfather 10/10
2)3) Godfather part 2,3

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

The Godfather - Part 3

All I will say is that I think that it gets unfair critisism.
It was very consistent with the last 2 godfathers all around. I dont see how its inferiour to them.

If I had to rank them, this would be my list.

1) Godfather 10/10
2)3) Godfather part 2,3

What do you rate 2 and 3?

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

The Godfather - Part 3

All I will say is that I think that it gets unfair critisism.
It was very consistent with the last 2 godfathers all around. I dont see how its inferiour to them.

If I had to rank them, this would be my list.

1) Godfather 10/10
2)3) Godfather part 2,3

agree that part 3 is unfairly criticized -- i'd give it 4/5 stars.

disagree that its consistent with the first 2:
(1) cast: alone is a huge difference, most notably Duval not in part 3
(2) plot: the vatican-corleone business venture, while not a bad plot that I personally liked, is vastly different than the parts 1-2 family operation. different atmosphere, mood, etc of the whole film since everyones motivations are on a different level.

[surfdude12]

City of God (DVD)

Film: 5/5
-a film that puts you in the setting unlike any other: I can smell the streets of Rio watching this
-one of the best cut-back shots of any film I've seen at about 3-4 minutes in. Not 2001 great, but in that league.
-based on a true story , which always makes a film more fun to watch -- the emotions are more heavily felt.
-huge emotional roller coaster: huge emotional low at some of the horrific violence, etc involving kids, while then huge emotional high while seeing the beacon of hope that can prevail in this huge darkness
-a film that is 2 hours but feels like 2 days (in a good way): you won't believe you've seen as much as you've seen in 2 short hours! a sign of great screenwriting and editing!
-BRING OUT THE BLU!!!

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

agree that part 3 is unfairly criticized -- i'd give it 4/5 stars.

disagree that its consistent with the first 2:
(1) cast: alone is a huge difference, most notably Duval not in part 3
(2) plot: the vatican-corleone business venture, while not a bad plot that I personally liked, is vastly different than the parts 1-2 family operation. different atmosphere, mood, etc of the whole film since everyones motivations are on a different level.

Maybe, but I dont think too much of movies when I see them.
Godfather is more feeling rather than thinking IMO.

As for the emotional part, I felt very connected to the characters and this movie gave the the same emotions as the first 2.
Another plus is that I think Al Pacino was much better in this movie. Also, his prodesessor (Sunnies son) did a really good job IMO.

Although my personal favorite is #1 due to The Godfather actor.

[iam1bearcat]

In the Bedroom (dvd)

year: 2001
director: todd field
starring: tom wilkinson, sissy spacek, william mapother, marisa tomei

for as much as i enjoyed In the Bedroom, when the credits rolled i was very about the whole thing.

is it a great movie? well, yeah, but i just didn't think it was as great as others i guess. the cover of the dvd says "5 academy award nominations including Best Picture" which i found kind of surprising. i could see for the performances, there were some great ones here, but Best Picture nomination? eh, i guess we're all different in that aspect.

i'm a big fan of tom wilkinson and he was great here, no doubt about it. playing a father dealing with a tragic situation can never be easy i'm sure and he plays the role to great depths and shows great range within the character. it's a sobering look at a family is absolutely wrecked by tragedy.

sissy spacek is no slouch either as the mother of the film dealing with the tragedy at hand. and goes scene for scene with wilkinson. tomei was also great (and gorgeous, that doesn't hurt) but i had one issue with her and that was the

[Show spoiler]scene where frank gets shot.

she just didn't seem to be "there" and it felt really cheesy and out of place in such a greatly executed film. but that may just be me, but it felt like it stood out like a sore thumb.

i really have no complaints with the film, but aside from the performances, it just didn't "wow" me over, and will likely be added to my 'one and done' collection (1.25 now Diesel ) but then again, you never know.

4/5

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

agree that part 3 is unfairly criticized -- i'd give it 4/5 stars.

disagree that its consistent with the first 2:
(1) cast: alone is a huge difference, most notably Duval not in part 3
(2) plot: the vatican-corleone business venture, while not a bad plot that I personally liked, is vastly different than the parts 1-2 family operation. different atmosphere, mood, etc of the whole film since everyones motivations are on a different level.

i completely agree. Godfather 3 is a good good film. It just had to meet the standards of 2 and 3 and thats not easily pulled off. In addition the time frame was pretty off. Maybe if Coppolla did the 3rd one right after the 2nd one it would of been great like the first 2.

[CZAR]

Menace II Society - This at one time was my favorite film period. Of course its still very high on my list. This beats out Boyz N the Hood for best urban/hood drama of all time in my book but only by a slim margin. The realism of this film is excellent and perfectly executed. This is about as close to real hood life portrayed on film as u can get. Larenz Tate "O-Dog" was absolutely a treat to watch and played a young crazy hood kid extremely well. This was Jada Pinkett-Smith's first feature film and she did a great job. I have seen this film many of times and it never gets old. Just a great film and this comes highly recommended! Got Em!!

Film Rating - 5 stars (out of 5)

PQ - 4 stars (out of 5)

AQ - 4 stars (out of 5)

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

Maybe, but I dont think too much of movies when I see them.
Godfather is more feeling rather than thinking IMO.

As for the emotional part, I felt very connected to the characters and this movie gave the the same emotions as the first 2.
Another plus is that I think Al Pacino was much better in this movie. Also, his prodesessor (Sunnies son) did a really good job IMO.

Although my personal favorite is #1 due to The Godfather actor.

You mean Marlon Brando?

[Steve46]

Absolute Power

1997 - 121 minutes
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris and Laura Linney

Eastwood plays a talented thief who witnesses a murder when a sexual encounter turns rough and gets out of control. Hackman plays the US president. His security team tries to cover up the murder, but Eastwood escapes the scene with a key piece of evidence.

The story shows what happens to the evidence, the president and the thief.

It's a decent thriller. The cast is strong and does a good job. It amazes me how little acclaim Ed Harris gets. The man can act.

I find that I like almost all of Eastwood's work as a director and this is no exception.

PQ 3.5/4
AQ 3.5/5
Story 4/5

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by killowertz

I'm not afraid of Squid. I can take him.

.

Oh yeah? Put 'em up then. Put 'em up I say.

[Show spoiler]

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (netflix instant)

[Show spoiler]year: 2007
director: Cristian Mungiu
starring: Anamaria Marinca (Otilia), Laura Vasiliu (Gabita)

"how far would you go for a friend?"

that is the tagline for this masterful film. however, a warning to all those who may be looking into the film for future viewing, i personally would stay away from any and all plot summaries. they all give away what the focus of the film is. and while we learn what exactly is up at about the 45 minute mark (the film is 2 hours) so it's not like a last second "wtf?!" moment that is ruined, but still, during the first 45 minutes as we're learning about the characters and what their plan is, i should be thinking, "why are they doing this? what are they so nervous about?" but instead, because i already knew what they were planning, it kind of ruined the whole, "whoa. wait a minute" intrigue and shock that would have come from the surprise had i not known.

without giving too much away, i'll simply say that the film centers around two friends who are about to do engage in something that will change both of their lives for the remainder of their days. it's one of those instance, i believe, where you will have good days and bad. some days where you may not think of what you've done and helped with, and other days where it crushes you.

the film, as expected with foreign films, is excellent in all individual categories: directing, writing, story and acting. the performances are notably masterful and feel frighteningly real while not being a "loud in your face" type of performance. it's more subdued, it's more complex and more of a "burning under the surface" performance than anything else. more, "held back" if that explains it better.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is one of the most psychologically and emotionally impactful films i have ever seen. the emotional and mental toll of the story far outweighs what's happening on screen. the term "less is more" visually, takes into account. in the wrong hands, this could have been an awful, gross, distasteful film. but it was made with care and we know exactly what's happening, without actually seeing what's happening.

some will hate the subject matter. some will probably refuse to watch because of what the film is centered around, and because of that, maybe that's why it's included in a plot synopsis. i could easily see some people watching the film for 45 minutes and then turning it off in disgust because they don't believe in or understand what the characters are doing. again, not visually in disgust, but just personally in terms of the story being told.

but even if you dislike the story, you cannot look past how excellent the film is on every level. and it does raise the question, "would you do this for a friend?", would you become mentally, physically and emotionally invested in something that you could easily turn your back to and leave for your friend to figure out for herself?

the film also expresses very vividly how living with this decision will be a burden on both main characters in very different ways. almost in the same way, but to varying degrees very different. and whether or not their friendship remains as strong as it was before, stronger after this incident, or if it crumbles under the possible guilt, pain and exhaustive toll remains to be seen. the film covers one day's time, and honestly, there is no way to envision what would happen, because everyone is different.

for those who may want to know what the big incident is, what the friends are doing, it will be in the spoiler here, otherwise, again, it can easily be found in plot summary on imdb, and i believe netflix:

[Show spoiler]the film is about a friend who helps her friend have an abortion in 1980's Romania

.

now i guess my only issue / question with the film, is one that is a lot like i had with The Road. in The Road, my question was

[Show spoiler]what made the world the way it is for our characters? why does it look like it is and why are there cannibals and death everywhere? was it necessary to know for the film? no.

and with that, it's the same here. my question here is

[Show spoiler]why does she want the abortion? was she raped? are they not allowed to have kids unless married? no kids at all? a new law? does she just not want to have it?

again, it's probably not necessary to know, but that was my only issue (even though it isn't an issue) with the film.

a film that will make you think and will make you question what it means to be a friend.
absolutely amazing.

5/5

Curiosity piqued.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Thanks. I agree that it's a great film and I really have no critiques for it, but I didn't like it that much. As for Fassbender, all of his weight loss was real and quite impressive too, however I think Bale's weight loss is on another level. Bale's a bigger guy than Fassbender (who's naturally very lean), so he had to lose a lot more weight as well as a lot of muscle. He went from around 185 to 121! And then in a total of 5 months, he gained over 100 pounds, getting back to 225-ish and lookin pretty beefy for Batman Begins. That's pretty insane if you ask me. Fassbender went from looking like a slim, fit guy at 170 to around 130 and looking like an extremely skinny person. Bale went from a regular fit guy to looking like a Holocaust victim

Thats just make-up in both pics. And a special lense on the camera.

How tall is Bale?

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

The Proposal (netflix instant)

[Show spoiler]year: 2009
director: anne fletcher
starring: ryan reynolds, sandra bullock

the gf's pick after the super serious 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and before we watch what is likely the super serious In the Bedroom (finally! )

i'm a big ryan reynolds fan. pretty muc everything he's been in that i've seen i've really enjoyed. actually, i can't even think of a film he's in that i haven't enjoyed. and even though i enjoyed The Proposal, it's probably the ryan reynolds film i like least. it's not bad. but it's the typical rom-com. some cute antics. a cliche, over obvious ending to the story, and a crazy-fun grandma. nothing original here but the set up.

and the set up is that Margaret Tate (Bullock) is a wealthy, super serious publisher at a book company, but her work Visa has expired and she's about to be deported, for at least a year, so she loses her job. to save it, she panics and says she is engaged to her assistance Andrew Paxton (Reynolds). the problem is Paxton (and the whole office) cannot stand Margaret. of course, once they are together in Alaska visiting Andrew's family (as part of a ploy to show the Deportation officer that they aren't just lying to keep her in the country) they learn about each other, begin to bond, and then... well, you know how it goes.

the ending was actually pretty mushy and touching, and even though what happens is exactly what i figured would happen, it still got me to go a little soft in the heart and of course the gf loved it. although i'm pretty sure i have more of a crush / fan on reynolds than she does, which is weird we both enjoyed the film, but it isn't anything any of us have seen before.

and honestly, this isn't nearly as good and reynolds other rom-com, Just Friends which was absolutely hysterical and exciting. this? eh, it had it's moments, but overall worth a rental but nothing more. probably wouldn't buy this, but the gf might.

3/5

On a comedy scale I gave it a 4/5.

Betty White =

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i'm almost afraid to watch this but will later tonight. i can't start blubbering at 4 in the afternoon. i'll be a wreck all day

sometimes special features give you neat facts



i was a little skeptical at first, but it got better and better as it went on imo.
can't wait to own these on blu

I thought it went uphill once Tyrese and Walker got back to the Customs building or wherever they were.

"I'll take the convertible, it might loosen your mousse"

Originally Posted by killowertz

As for Out of Sight, it's the movie I've seen the most out of any movies. Yes, I've watched it more times than even Underworld. I'll let IMDb educate you on it: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120780/

Interesting, surprised I've never heard of it. And that's a lot of viewings

I'm not afraid of Squid. I can take him.

Exactly. My score still stands at 5/5 and it is still my favorite film from last year. It definitely doesn't put me to sleep. I want to watch it again before I throw it up there over movies I've watched more times, but it's definitely up fairly high either way.

I need to watch it all the way through again one day and finalize my 4/5 or move it again. I don't think I've watched it all the way through since May or April.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Czar just found his new best friend

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

The Proposal (netflix instant)

year: 2009
director: anne fletcher
starring: ryan reynolds, sandra bullock

the gf's pick after the super serious 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and before we watch what is likely the super serious In the Bedroom (finally! )

i'm a big ryan reynolds fan. pretty muc everything he's been in that i've seen i've really enjoyed. actually, i can't even think of a film he's in that i haven't enjoyed. and even though i enjoyed The Proposal, it's probably the ryan reynolds film i like least. it's not bad. but it's the typical rom-com. some cute antics. a cliche, over obvious ending to the story, and a crazy-fun grandma. nothing original here but the set up.

[Show spoiler]and the set up is that Margaret Tate (Bullock) is a wealthy, super serious publisher at a book company, but her work Visa has expired and she's about to be deported, for at least a year, so she loses her job. to save it, she panics and says she is engaged to her assistance Andrew Paxton (Reynolds). the problem is Paxton (and the whole office) cannot stand Margaret. of course, once they are together in Alaska visiting Andrew's family (as part of a ploy to show the Deportation officer that they aren't just lying to keep her in the country) they learn about each other, begin to bond, and then... well, you know how it goes.

the ending was actually pretty mushy and touching, and even though what happens is exactly what i figured would happen, it still got me to go a little soft in the heart and of course the gf loved it. although i'm pretty sure i have more of a crush / fan on reynolds than she does, which is weird we both enjoyed the film, but it isn't anything any of us have seen before.

and honestly, this isn't nearly as good and reynolds other rom-com, Just Friends which was absolutely hysterical and exciting. this? eh, it had it's moments, but overall worth a rental but nothing more. probably wouldn't buy this, but the gf might.

3/5

Completely agreed. That said, in the case of this movie it works for me whereas I'm not the biggest romantic-comedy fan, in fact I'm more likely to not like one or not even see it then find one I enjoy. But in this case, the combination of Bullock and Reynolds makes the movie pretty stinking funny and enjoyable for me

I gave it a 4.25/5

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

In the Bedroom (dvd)

year: 2001
director: todd field
starring: tom wilkinson, sissy spacek, william mapother, marisa tomei

for as much as i enjoyed In the Bedroom, when the credits rolled i was very about the whole thing.

is it a great movie? well, yeah, but i just didn't think it was as great as others i guess. the cover of the dvd says "5 academy award nominations including Best Picture" which i found kind of surprising. i could see for the performances, there were some great ones here, but Best Picture nomination? eh, i guess we're all different in that aspect.

i'm a big fan of tom wilkinson and he was great here, no doubt about it. playing a father dealing with a tragic situation can never be easy i'm sure and he plays the role to great depths and shows great range within the character. it's a sobering look at a family is absolutely wrecked by tragedy.

sissy spacek is no slouch either as the mother of the film dealing with the tragedy at hand. and goes scene for scene with wilkinson. tomei was also great (and gorgeous, that doesn't hurt) but i had one issue with her and that was the

[Show spoiler]scene where frank gets shot.

she just didn't seem to be "there" and it felt really cheesy and out of place in such a greatly executed film. but that may just be me, but it felt like it stood out like a sore thumb.

i really have no complaints with the film, but aside from the performances, it just didn't "wow" me over, and will likely be added to my 'one and done' collection (1.25 now Diesel ) but then again, you never know.

4/5

That film very easily could've won best picture that year, especially due to its trio of wonderful performances (Spacek was robbed). Can't wait for it on blu.

I disagree about that scene with Tomei, btw.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

City of God (DVD)

Film: 5/5
-a film that puts you in the setting unlike any other: I can smell the streets of Rio watching this
-one of the best cut-back shots of any film I've seen at about 3-4 minutes in. Not 2001 great, but in that league.
-based on a true story , which always makes a film more fun to watch -- the emotions are more heavily felt.
-huge emotional roller coaster: huge emotional low at some of the horrific violence, etc involving kids, while then huge emotional high while seeing the beacon of hope that can prevail in this huge darkness
-a film that is 2 hours but feels like 2 days (in a good way): you won't believe you've seen as much as you've seen in 2 short hours! a sign of great screenwriting and editing!
-BRING OUT THE BLU!!!

One of the best films of the 2000s but very difficult to watch. Waiting for the domestic blu...I'm thinking this, Amelie, and The Constant Gardener will be released next since they have Canuck releases.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (netflix instant)

5/5

I despise this film and I think I gave it 1 1/2 or 2 stars (out of 4). It tries to be important but fails on almost every level. One of, if not the, most overrated film of the 2000s.