The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Yeah he did. Very creative, especially at the end.

[Show spoiler]When the loud dead beat dad was cornered, the angles he took where amazing. It really felt like he was cornered.

Off topic, but you should upload some pics of those Paradigm speakers. I demo'd some of there sig series and i was BLOWN away. You get what you pay for...

Sweeney's old man character was perfect.

My camera broke. The little Paradigm's really pack a punch though. Best money I ever spent on HT.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Sweeney's old man character was perfect.

My camera broke. The little Paradigm's really pack a punch though. Best money I ever spent on HT.

Yeah i've been saving up, im about to upgrade my whole HT to the Monitor 9 set. Probably will get kicked out of my townhouse but o well hahahahahaha

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Howcome you lost your enthusiasm in discussing Solaris?

And what happened to Squid, Two40, tbizzle and steve's reviews?

I have it now, and will be watching tonight.

Wasnt Two40 the one pushing the whole club plan to begin with? LOL.

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/End-o...-Blu-ray/8964/
I might have to get this myself.

Is it just a re-release or a new transfer?
If its a new transfer, I mught hold buying it.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

The Thin Red Line.

I have viewed just one hour and stopped there as I am waiting for my winter break to start so that I can see that movie in complete open and relaxed mind. I want to enjoy it fully as this is once in a lifetime ride, I really mean it.

I am just gonna add one thing that not many people might have noticed. This movie is made for 3D. Even if its upconverted to 3D, I dare saying that it could challenge Avatar for the 3D crown.
As for the PQ, its the best PQ I have ever seen on a live action movie. Its out of this world. Virtually every scene in that movie is breathtaking.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

...what?

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Please unthink this thought right now. Just smack yourself and get it out of your head, then go sit in the corner and think about what you said...

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

The Thin Red Line, I havent watched it yet but based off what you are saying it seems to have very good cinematography, and the visuals must be nice. Im not a 3-D basher but im not into 3-D. It makes my head hurt....

You know, I thought the cinematography in "TTRL" was fantastic. But 3-D worthy? Really? I don't remember much jumping out at me or anything...

Is "Baraka" 3-D worthy too?

[Marcus Wright]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

You know, I thought the cinematography in "TTRL" was fantastic. But 3-D worthy? Really? I don't remember much jumping out at me or anything...

Is "Baraka" 3-D worthy too?

I read that the director positioned soldiers so that it gave as an incerdible feeling of depth. As a result, if upconverted to 3D, this could be a prime example of what 3D can do to immerse people in movies.

[Batman1980]

Just for Marcus Wright
Twilight Saga - Eclipse 4.5/5
PQ 4/5
AQ 4/5
Best movie to date in the series, definitely looking forward to 4 and 5 now. Most action so far, also loved all the backstory of the wolves and the vampires, not to mention finally seeing the gorgeous Ashley Greene kick some butt. Recommended to all Twilight fans.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

I read that the director positioned soldiers so that it gave as an incerdible feeling of depth. As a result, if upconverted to 3D, this could be a prime example of what 3D can do to immerse people in movies.

I see now.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

You know, I thought the cinematography in "TTRL" was fantastic. But 3-D worthy? Really? I don't remember much jumping out at me or anything...

Is "Baraka" 3-D worthy too?

I dont think its the whole fact of something jumping out at you but more or less feeling like you're right there with the actors and actresses.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Just for Marcus Wright
Twilight Saga - Eclipse 4.5/5
PQ 4/5
AQ 4/5
Best movie to date in the series, definitely looking forward to 4 and 5 now. Most action so far, also loved all the backstory of the wolves and the vampires, not to mention finally seeing the gorgeous Ashley Greene kick some butt. Recommended to all Twilight fans.

My wife is dying to see this. I thought the first 2 were ok. They gave them a very dark feel.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Howcome you lost your enthusiasm in discussing Solaris?

And what happened to Squid, Two40, tbizzle and steve's reviews?

i just recently posted my thoughts
i was busy with tv shows and the holidays so i was taking notes as thoughts popped up until i was ready to give it thought and type it all out. thoughts have been posted today

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

I read that the director positioned soldiers so that it gave as an incerdible feeling of depth. As a result, if upconverted to 3D, this could be a prime example of what 3D can do to immerse people in movies.

okay, that's logical. i thought you were gonna say "have bullets flying at the screen" or something then we would have an issue

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I have it now, and will be watching tonight.

Wasnt Two40 the one pushing the whole club plan to begin with? LOL.

good point! very indeed!

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

I read that the director positioned soldiers so that it gave as an incerdible feeling of depth. As a result, if upconverted to 3D, this could be a prime example of what 3D can do to immerse people in movies.

Exactly, i didnt even see this and i new EXACTLY what you meant. If my eyes could bare 3-D i'd be all for it but its just too much for my head

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

I dont think its the whole fact of something jumping out at you but more or less feeling like you're right there with the actors and actresses.

Still wouldn't get that effect with a movie that purposefully distances itself from the characters.

Ah, it might be okay in terms of depth and immersion.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Still wouldn't get that effect with a movie that purposefully distances itself from the characters.

Ah, it might be okay in terms of depth and immersion.

lol. ok ok ok... we've compromised for each other!

[Riff Magnum]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

I dont think its the whole fact of something jumping out at you but more or less feeling like you're right there with the actors and actresses.

I know exactly what you're talking about. It's most noticeable when the soldiers are approaching the fortified position up in all that tall grass. My thinking is that Malick would probably throw up at the idea of his movie being in 3-D. I think the techniques and positioning he uses already gives us a huge sense of immersion and depth of field. Pretty cool when you can do that the old fashioned way without resorting to gimmicks.


BTW, i'm gonna try and stream Solaris tonight so i can join that awesome discussion going on in the other thread.

[Al_The_Strange]

“Forbidden Planet.”

This is some real old-school sci-fi here. It comes complete with shiny flying saucers, ray guns, gadgets and gizmos, technical jargon, elaborate far-out set-pieces, and one classy robot. Gee whiz, that’s just swell!

The story plays out a little like a classic “Star Trek” episode (you know, a bunch of dudes go to some exotic planet to solve some problem). The problem and conflict in “Forbidden Planet” remains elusive, but the danger and mystery remain ever-present, the tension rises, until the big reveal in the last act that really puts the entire movie into a clever perspective. It’s not as big of a twist as certain other films we’re all familiar with (like “Solaris” or “Triangle” or anything), but I think it puts the story into above-average fare.

As an older sci-fi film, the movie features some antiquated special effects and a rather outdated production value. It all looks really good and polished for its time, but it also shows its age tremendously, for better or for worse. The film is pretty well-filmed, if not wholly static and still. Acting is okay; it is especially fascinating to see a very young Leslie Nielsen (rest in peace… ) and a rather attractive Anne Francis. Walter Pidgeon stands out the most. Music and sound design is really groovy.

They just don’t make them like this anymore. Not sure if they ever will. It’s pretty refreshing to see something fairly original and intelligent for a change.

4/5 (entertainment: 3.5/5, story: 4/5, film: 4/5)

Recommendation: Yep!

The Blu-Ray for this is the bee’s knees! Video quality looks very sharp and detailed. A few specks and scratches can be seen, but the majority of the picture is clean and pristine. Colors are very vibrant and contrast levels look good. Sound quality is awesome; didn’t notice much noise at all, as it seems quite clean and clear, and the music/effects sounded very impressive.

PQ: 4.5/5, AQ: 4.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest rental: “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Animated films from Dreamworks have often been a hit-and-a-miss for me, despite their technical qualities or their universal appeal. I showed little interest in this title, especially given the goofy-looking characters and the weird-looking dragons. But in the end, it turned out to be a fun film; the CGI is gorgeous, the action is splendid, the comedy is amusing, and the story is swell. It’s about as effective as “Kung Fu Panda.”

The story is a little predictable, given that it revolves around a misfit kid trying desperately to impress his friends and family. Do you think he’ll succeed? Hmm… This theme seems common to me, but as the movie goes on it takes on an originality of its own and the characters become rather interesting in their own ways. It is especially cute seeing the boy bonding with his new pet dragon; the relationships he develops between his father and Astrid are rather touching. In the end, it is rather heartwarming seeing the story unfold, even if it does feel a little too familiar.

I’d also give the movie props for incorporating Viking culture and myth. Obviously it’s not all-inclusive (and likely not realistic either; they’re still wearing those stereotypical horned helmets, dammit! ). Vikings haven’t really made it to the big screen much outside of “Beowulf,” “Outlander,” “The Pathfinder,” or “The 13th Warrior,” none of which are really exceptional. So “HTTYD” is a rather refreshing take on the subject matter, especially for such a light-hearted comedy. But it’s the dragons that take precedence here, and they don’t disappoint.

The movie is very solidly-made with top-notch animation quality. It’s cool as it is gorgeous. Production design for settings, props, costumes, creatures, and everything else is really cool. Voice acting is good. Sound design and music are good too.

4/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 4.5/5)

Recommendation: Yep!

I will own it!

[Riff Magnum]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Next greatest rental: “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Animated films from Dreamworks have often been a hit-and-a-miss for me, despite their technical qualities or their universal appeal. I showed little interest in this title, especially given the goofy-looking characters and the weird-looking dragons. But in the end, it turned out to be a fun film; the CGI is gorgeous, the action is splendid, the comedy is amusing, and the story is swell. It’s about as effective as “Kung Fu Panda.”

The story is a little predictable, given that it revolves around a misfit kid trying desperately to impress his friends and family. Do you think he’ll succeed? Hmm… This theme seems common to me, but as the movie goes on it takes on an originality of its own and the characters become rather interesting in their own ways. It is especially cute seeing the boy bonding with his new pet dragon; the relationships he develops between his father and Astrid are rather touching. In the end, it is rather heartwarming seeing the story unfold, even if it does feel a little too familiar.

I’d also give the movie props for incorporating Viking culture and myth. Obviously it’s not all-inclusive (and likely not realistic either; they’re still wearing those stereotypical horned helmets, dammit! ). Vikings haven’t really made it to the big screen much outside of “Beowulf,” “Outlander,” “The Pathfinder,” or “The 13th Warrior,” none of which are really exceptional. So “HTTYD” is a rather refreshing take on the subject matter, especially for such a light-hearted comedy. But it’s the dragons that take precedence here, and they don’t disappoint.

The movie is very solidly-made with top-notch animation quality. It’s cool as it is gorgeous. Production design for settings, props, costumes, creatures, and everything else is really cool. Voice acting is good. Sound design and music are good too.

4/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 4.5/5)

Recommendation: Yep!

I will own it!

Great review!! My wife and kids saw this in the theaters, but i didn't really have any interest. I picked it up on a whim so my kids would have something to watch over Thanksgiving weekend. I've seen it three times now!!

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I have it now, and will be watching tonight.

Wasnt Two40 the one pushing the whole club plan to begin with? LOL.

Is that my hiney being whipped? The thread is supposed to be a concerted effort!

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

i just recently posted my thoughts
i was busy with tv shows and the holidays so i was taking notes as thoughts popped up until i was ready to give it thought and type it all out. thoughts have been posted today

Okie dokie.

Hopefully tbizzle has begun brainstorming for our next pick.

Originally Posted by Riff Magnum

BTW, i'm gonna try and stream Solaris tonight so i can join that awesome discussion going on in the other thread.