The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

My gf met the costume designer for that film. Just thought I'd give my random input.

That is random.

[Show spoiler]But the cool kind of random

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

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.

Gotta love this place. Once again, the vast difference in opinion intrigues me. Just bumped this up in my instant queue.

[Diesel]

Watched State of Play earlier today.

Previously reviewed several times.

Rating - 4.5/5

Originally Posted by surfdude12

I think you'll like it. PQ = + set/costume/scenery = amazing, so even if you're not impressed by the acting (me), the film is just flat out gorgeous (did u notice the implicit reference, squid? )

I'm renting it off of the Playstation Network, so the quality won't exactly be fantastic

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Really?

[Show spoiler]Or. Are. You. Just. Bustin. My. Balls?

Yessir. My usual Saturday night group of friends are busy (had to go to a wedding), so I have the whole night for kicking back and doing whatever I want. Didn't have the urge to watch any of my movies in my collection so I decided to rent it.

I found $2.02 in my Playstation Network 'wallet', and the movie was $2.99 to rent. Minimum you can add is $5 though. So I had $4.03 left over. I decided to check and see if How to Train Your Dragon was up now, and it was, for $3.99. So just before I watch Troy I'll set HtTYD to download and watch it after.


I also DVR'd American Gangster today. Never saw it. Anyone like it?

[Lepidopterous]

"You see what you want to see."

Everlasting Moments is a film about a Swedish woman's hardships in a working class family in the early 1900's. The main character, Maria Larsson, has an abusive and alcoholic husband, who finds work to support the family but continually uses his charm on other women. Never once before thinking about herself, she stumbles upon a discovery of self-interest when she learns to use an old camera of hers. In one particular scene involving the silhouette of a butterfly, she regards photography as miraculous. Her talent is certainly noticed by others, most notably by a photography shop owner. Throughout the film, she never acknowledges her unique vision of beauty.

[Show spoiler]Her resolution involved finally thinking of herself (finally giving herself some credit) when she takes a picture of herself for the first time.

Instead of utilizing her talent to financially help her family, she keeps it reserved as an escape from her struggles (as each photo captures an everlasting moment to imagine).

Maria is strong but unhappy. Although she is repeatedly punished when standing up for herself, it is made clear that she does not fear her husband. Instead, she looks at him as if seeing through his soul.

[Show spoiler]Her daughter said that in the end, her persistence to remain married was a mystery. When she came to her father with strong doubts, he reminded her of their vows, that only death shall part them. With her unique perspective, she understood from that point on why she must stay with him.

Maria understands the world like nobody else does. Only she can see the good in her husband which is why it is such a mystery to everyone else. His good intentions are subtle, but they are there.

[Show spoiler]A striking scene involves her husband raging mad at her when she startles him with a photo of their children. Although her husband is seemingly uncontrollable, she finds a path to his heart. In another scene, a mother tells Maria she wishes she aborted her child with Down's Syndrome. Maria responds with a request to take her daughter's picture. Almost immediately, the woman realizes in tears that the beauty was always there but only Maria could see.

A theme of guilt is prevalent in the film. The weight of consequences for individual actions bears down heavily on the family, and the characters seem to evolve from it. The cinematography is gorgeous. Inky, gritty, old-fashioned, and real at the same time. I love the color palette used for the film. The main actress gives a phenomenal performance as well. Her poignant expressions throughout the film add tremendous depth to the narrative and her mysterious character.

Overall, this is a masterpiece and must-see period piece.

5/5

[tbizzle]

^ Great review. Diggin the new avatar as well

[Show spoiler]I really hope it's playing in Sac

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Right, that makes sense. I think that's what I was getting at was it's bound to bother/disturb some people.

Growing up, I would never hunt with my dad because I hated hurting animals. I've owned 2 pomeranians, 4 cats, 2 chickens, and countless rabbits throughout my life. I even have my own horse in my uncle's farm. So I certainly see where you're coming from. However, with my current research on owls and having taken several zoology classes over the years including vertebrate organology, I have become desensitized enough to not be overwhelmed by certain depictions in movies or documentaries (if done well).

As a lover of all living things, I hate watching animals being harmed but that will never stop me from seeing a film that's supposed to be great. Plus, there isn't much that I can't stomach.

Speaking of owls, have you heard of the owl box webcam feed that's become really popular recently? (It's a guy in so-cal). My mom got really into it and watched both fledges.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Watched State of Play earlier today.

Previously reviewed several times.

Rating - 4.5/5


I also DVR'd American Gangster today. Never saw it. Anyone like it?

I thought State of Play was nice but its really out classed by The Ghost Writer. But my favorite Political Thriller now is JFK.

About American Gangster i thought it was good. I wouldn't buy it but i thought it was worth the view.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

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

[Show spoiler]

Please....

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by Diesel

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

I'm surprised some people haven't given how deep the cast is. It is a lot of viewings for me, but unlike some people, it's only around 8.

And about American Gangster. I liked it. I woudn't buy it either, but I thought it was good.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I also DVR'd American Gangster today. Never saw it. Anyone like it?

i liked it. i think i'd give it a 4/5, maybe even a 4.5/5. it's an incredibly slow burning type movie, but Crowe and Denzel are excellent in it - as usual. it probably wouldn't be one i'd watch again though, and if i did, it'd be like, once every 3 years or something.

it's not a "gangster" movie by any means really. more of the story between the cop (Crowe) figuring out who's behind something (Denzel).

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Nope

[Show spoiler]

He was bigger in Begins than he was in TDK. Around 230 ish before he had to lose a little because he was too big for what they wanted.

This is insane! This dude is dedicated for sure. Now i love TDK even more Seriously thats crazy.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Gotta love this place. Once again, the vast difference in opinion intrigues me. Just bumped this up in my instant queue.

agreed always something to agree on and differentiate on

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

No haven't seen it yet -- I thikn I was turned off by the

[Show spoiler]abortion stuff I read

. Is it bad? That's defnitely my achillies, while others it may be animal abuse, etc.

it doesn't

[Show spoiler]"show" anything.

it's more of the emotional toll such an act takes on a person before / during and after for her and her friend. if that helps? i hope so.

Originally Posted by DjMethod

This has been on my to watch list for a while. Will check it out soon, thanks.

no problem

Originally Posted by DjMethod

I thought it was pretty funny and a great family movie with very likable leads. Not a great movie really, but has a lot of replay value imo. It's upbeat and cheerful, kind of like Yes Man.

haven't seen Yes Man yet, have it in the queue though. i'm not a huge Bullock fan, but she was great here. and reynolds is always great.

Originally Posted by DjMethod

My gf met the costume designer for that film. Just thought I'd give my random input.

but very interesting random input

Originally Posted by tbizzle

If I Recall Correctly

ah, gotcha. thanks

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

"You see what you want to see."

[Show spoiler]
Everlasting Moments is a film about a Swedish woman's hardships in a working class family in the early 1900's. The main character, Maria Larsson, has an abusive and alcoholic husband, who finds work to support the family but continually uses his charm on other women. Never once before thinking about herself, she stumbles upon a discovery of self-interest when she learns to use an old camera of hers. In one particular scene involving the silhouette of a butterfly, she regards photography as miraculous. Her talent is certainly noticed by others, most notably by a photography shop owner. Throughout the film, she never acknowledges her unique vision of beauty.

[Show spoiler]Her resolution involved finally thinking of herself (finally giving herself some credit) when she takes a picture of herself for the first time.

Instead of utilizing her talent to financially help her family, she keeps it reserved as an escape from her struggles (as each photo captures an everlasting moment to imagine).

Maria is strong but unhappy. Although she is repeatedly punished when standing up for herself, it is made clear that she does not fear her husband. Instead, she looks at him as if seeing through his soul.

[Show spoiler]Her daughter said that in the end, her persistence to remain married was a mystery. When she came to her father with strong doubts, he reminded her of their vows, that only death shall part them. With her unique perspective, she understood from that point on why she must stay with him.

Maria understands the world like nobody else does. Only she can see the good in her husband which is why it is such a mystery to everyone else. His good intentions are subtle, but they are there.

[Show spoiler]A striking scene involves her husband raging mad at her when she startles him with a photo of their children. Although her husband is seemingly uncontrollable, she finds a path to his heart. In another scene, a mother tells Maria she wishes she aborted her child with Down's Syndrome. Maria responds with a request to take her daughter's picture. Almost immediately, the woman realizes in tears that the beauty was always there but only Maria could see.

A theme of guilt is prevalent in the film. The weight of consequences for individual actions bears down heavily on the family, and the characters seem to evolve from it. The cinematography is gorgeous. Inky, gritty, old-fashioned, and real at the same time. I love the color palette used for the film. The main actress gives a phenomenal performance as well. Her poignant expressions throughout the film add tremendous depth to the narrative and her mysterious character.

Overall, this is a masterpiece and must-see period piece.

5/5

great review Method!
just watched this the other day for the first time myself, i think i gave it a 4.5/5, not that it matters, i agree with your review entirely. i would love to see this blu for the excellent cinematography

[iam1bearcat]

Well color me a whole new shade of pissed off. I was all ready to go and watch Oldboy and freaking netflix only has the audio option for "english dubbing" which is absolutely horrendous! ugh. How can anyone enjoy english dubs?! This was awful. Couldn't make it past 5 minutes listening to this.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Well color me a whole new shade of pissed off. I was all ready to go and watch Oldboy and freaking netflix only has the audio option for "english dubbing" which is absolutely horrendous! ugh. How can anyone enjoy english dubs?! This was awful. Couldn't make it past 5 minutes listening to this.

Wow, that's pretty weak. I rented the blu early last year and I thought the film was all right. The "shocking" twist wasn't too effective on me. I might give it another shot someday, but I wasn't too impressed with it. I'm baffled by the review on this site, because the PQ is pretty weak. This score is more accurate.

[tbizzle]

I just had a big DUH! moment and I laughed my ass off! I was talking with a friend about some upcoming films and we got on the topic of Transformers. He said that he just watched the first one for the first time recently and that it's one of the best movies he'd ever seen. So I jokingly used the Ebert quote on him, and just as I was saying the words "not sufficiently...." I was like OMG, that's where NSE came from!!!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

I just had a DUH! moment and I laughed my ass off! I was talking with a friend about some upcoming films and we got on the topic of Transformers. He said that he just the first one for the first time recently and that it's one of the best movies he'd ever seen. So I jokingly used the Ebert quote on him and just as I was saying the words "not sufficiently...." I was like OMG, that's where those guys got NSE from!!!

looks like Club NSE has a new member

[Marcus Wright]

Some of you guys do 2 movie reviews per hour.

Wow is that possible? Isnt a movies average run 1 hour 30 minutes.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

looks like Club NSE has a new member

I knew what it meant, but it just never clicked... until I said it out loud and then it hit me big time!

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

Some of you guys do 2 movie reviews per hour.

Wow is that possible? Isnt a movies average run 1 hour 30 minutes.

who does that?

i know some of us tend to watch a few movies in a row and THEN write up our reviews. i personally don't. i need to write the review right away or i might forget some things (or at least if i'm gonna wait and think about a movie i don't start another one) but i haven't really looked at the time of posts.